Daily Encouragement (Archive Edition)

The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

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Thursday, April 23, 2020

We like this watering basket planter seen at the Spookynook Greenhouse.

"This Little Light Of Mine"

Message summary: The main thing is keeping our light shining all through life and when we depart to make sure we leave the light on!

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"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16).

Thomas Edward Bodett was born on February 23, 1955 only four months after me and eight months before Brooksyne. He probably graduated from high school the same year we did in 1973. He is an American author, voice actor, and radio personality, primarily as a host, correspondent and panelist for a number of shows that air on National Public Radio (NPR).

But many (in the USA at least) will probably best recognize Tom Bodett as the longtime spokesman for the budget motel chain "Motel 6", ending commercials with the phrase, "I'm Tom Bodett for Motel 6, and we'll leave the light on for you." (Audio) He's done that gig since 1986, although I wonder how often when traveling does he really stay in a Motel 6!

But I've been musing on that phrase "we'll leave the light on for you". Will you indulge me if I seek to get a spiritual lesson out of this?

There have been some 50 generations since Christ lived on this earth based upon the customary 40 year generation span. If you consider a generation to be 25 years that would mean there have been 80. Many have their first child by 25 and some of course much earlier. Whatever figure you use it may still surprise you that there haven't been more generations.

Jesus gave a command to those gathered at the Sermon of the Mount and through Scripture to all of us: "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (We know we are repeating the daily verse but some may not read it above!)

There are many aspects to ministry but fundamentally each generation has a solemn responsibility to leave the light on for the next. A song many of us sang as children says, "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine". We learned it as children and we may tend to see it as just a children's song but really it expresses a great truth for all ages. One of my most memorable times of singing it was several years ago at a "Watchman on the Wall" pastor's conference in Washington, DC equipping us to stand firm against the disastrous slide our country is in. One speaker had us sing the song and for me it had great meaning.

My light is a relatively "little light" which is the case for most of us. Even those that have bigger lights are still relatively small in the grand scale of things. The main thing is keeping that light shining all through life and when you depart to make sure you leave the light on!

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, though many of us have sung “This Little light of Mine” since we were small children we’ve often done the opposite of what we’ve sung. We’ve shined our light when it’s safe to do so where others are accepting of who we are as we walk with You, and we get a big AMEN from those who identify. But we’ve also “hidden it under a basket” in uncomfortable or hostile settings, where we might stand alone. Not only does Your light show the way to salvation but it shows us the way through this troubled land infiltrated with darkness. We choose to walk in the light of Christ which enables us to recognize and overcome the evil tactics of the prince of darkness. Amen.

Today we are blessed by many "little lights" that consistently shine. Now to be sure we are also blessed by some larger, well-known ministries but mostly through relatively little lights.

Richard Dresselhaus, a retired pastor from San Diego, shares a daily blog titled "One For The Road".

Bob Southard for many years sends a sermon out each Saturday night that he prepares for nursing home ministry.

Tommy Carpenter is an Arkansas friend who shares regularly with his family and friends on Facebook live.

Roanna, a friend of Ester has been leading a Zoom Bible Study.

John Keefer, a pastor friend, is reaching out to his congregation through fireside chats with a song and Bible teaching.

Phil Menditto, a friend from college and pastor in Philadelphia, along with many pastors and churches is using the internet (streaming services) in a greater way then ever before including creative music such as this video "The Blessing".

What "little lights" are a blessing to you?
What are you doing to let your light shine?

One way everyone can let their light shine is by pointing people to the Gospel message and Gospel of John. The Pocket Testament League provides a resource. Simply copy and paste this link in your favorite social media app, share via text message or by using any number of digital methods like email. That’s it. It’s that simple. Here's the link: https://www.ptl.org/GOJ/220592

Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

"This Little Light Of Mine" Video Soweto Gospel Choir

"Let your Light Shine" Video The Ball Brothers

"Light of the World" Video Tim Hughes

The sheep along Donegal Creek always watch closely as we approach them.

Then it's scram back to the barn. Now we know why they say "sheepish"

The cherry tree blossoms are stunning but sure don't last long when cut and put in a vase!

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We want to thank all who financially support our ministry. We realize there are many fine ministries and causes requesting support but if the Lord would lead you we surely need and appreciate the financial support from our readers and listeners. Our ministry labor is comprised of approximately half our time to Daily Encouragement and the other half to our chaplaincy ministry to companies for which we receive compensation. Each of these ministries essentially is the same as a part-time job (20+ hours weekly) for each of us. Our goal for many years is that each would provide half of our ministry expenses and income.

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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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