Daily Encouragement (Archive Edition)

The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

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Monday, March 30, 2020

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."

(Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV)
Bud of an Ornamental Pear Tree

Photo by Doris High

"The Only Cure For the Sin Pandemic"

Message summary: The greatest message of Scripture and the Gospel is God’s redemptive plan is that there is a cure for sin's pandemic.

Listen to this message on your audio player.

“God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Our country and world continues to deal with the coronavirus pandemic with a constant barrage of "breaking news" reports. The most recent, as of this writing, is a revised date for the continuation of practicing social distancing of 6' through April 30th. On a personal level I received word that a college friend in Connecticut has the virus but is doing well.

Like so many of you we did "church" yesterday at home watching a live-streamed service. It looks like it's going to be this way for awhile. When Pastor Beau Eckert began to preach he referred to those who had asked him, "Aren't you going to change your series to specifically address the matter at hand?" but he felt led to continue with the series and we are sure glad he did. It was a strong presentation of the Gospel which is always a timely message, and essential for every one of us when it comes to dealing with struggles in this life or preparing for our eternal destiny.

We passed a church sign that reads, "SIN IS THE DISEASE FOR WHICH CHRIST IS THE CURE." I memorized that saying years ago and continue to reflect on its simple, yet profound expression of truth. It seems especially appropriate now.

Sin’s disease is pandemic. We are all afflicted with this deadly spiritual disease. It afflicts regardless of race, gender, income, intellect, nationality, or religion. It’s urban, suburban, small town and rural. Its manifestations vary in degree and symptoms. Some show little outward signs of the affliction raging inside, for others it's quite visible. But the ultimate outcome is the same.

The Bible says "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) and "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). In fact the apostle Paul describes our condition before spiritual conversion in Christ as being "dead in transgressions and sins" (Ephesians 2:1).

However most live oblivious to this disease and its horrible consequences. Indeed the human race is diseased and there is no one who can heal all our soul's diseases; no human, that is. But the good news of the Gospel message describes God’s redemptive plan of providing a cure for our diseased soul and our daily verse succinctly expresses this:

"God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus took on our sin, that we might take on His righteousness. Praise His name forevermore!

The Innocent judged guilty
While the guilty one walks free
Death would be His portion
And our portion liberty

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, You made Jesus who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. Nothing within ourselves or our works could elevate us to such a lofty position nor could it open the door to salvation or obtain for us the eternal dwelling Jesus is preparing for all who follow Him. All our soul’s diseases are submerged in the life giving blood of the Lamb who was slain once and for all for our sins. We thank You for breaking the chains that bound us to an evil taskmaster and setting us free to live an abundant life here and now and even more fully in the hereafter. We thank You for Christ who made it all possible. It is in His name that we pray. Amen.

Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

"The Passion" Video Calvary Church worship team sans congregation

(a screenshot from our "stay at home" service yesterday).

"No, Not One!/This World Is Not My Home" Video Guy Penrod

Brooksyne's reflection on this song: The line that stands out to us we also included in our message today, "none else can heal all our soul's diseases, no not one, no not one". We can easily list physical diseases of the body such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and on and on the list goes. If we were to make a list of sin's diseases it might include lying, hatred, stealing, jealousy, and on and on the list goes. But one symptom common to all diseased with sin includes separation from God. But unlike many physical diseases the sin disease can be cured by reconciling ourselves to God through receiving Christ as our personal Savior. I hope and pray that you have done that today. If not, I pray that you do it right now and begin to live as one who has overcome sin, rather than being one who is overcome by sin.

"Peace I Leave With You" Video Truth Songs

Zander and Janine Jones family ministering from home. They sing Scripture set to music, such a wonderful way to memorize Scripture verses.

"Our Woodlot is Budding with Buds" Photos from Doris High to brighten your day.

Finally today:

On Saturday evening we received a "Facetime" call from Marvin and his family in Guatemala (as seen above). Interestingly, Marvin told us that he also is not allowed to go to work nor are they permitted to gather for church services due to the coronavirus. In the photo below is Marvin as a six year old while he was living with us in St. Marys, PA. Several children lived with us, as they were receiving medical care, while we were involved with "Healing the Children", a humanitarian relief program. (Of course, Ester remains with us to this day as she was adoptable.) Marvin was very close to death when he arrived from Guatemala, due to the obstruction of his airway, related to laryngeal papilloma. He underwent laser surgery in Erie, PA to clear his airway in 1989 and once more in 1990. Marvin's parents were believers, and the Lord sought to comfort them, as they sent their only surviving child, to an American family whom they had never met. Very quickly we learned of their Christian faith through our correspondence and eventually met his family when we visited Guatemala. Marvin is now 37 years old, completely healthy, and has two children of his own. He loves the Lord and is involved in ministry. What a wonderful conversation we enjoyed, awkward as it was, with our poor Spanish and his poor English. But the love, joy, and deep faith we enjoy together translated very powerfully.

In this photo Marvin as a six year old while he was living with us in St. Marys, PA.

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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.

Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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