Daily Encouragement (Archive Edition)

The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

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Thursday, September 3, 2020

Produce is now at the peak of abundance in the Garden Spot such as this creative mini produce stand on a platform between two mailboxes near New Holland, PA. Notice the little roof to provide shade for the tomatoes!

"Calling On The Name Of The Lord"

Message summary: Romans 10:13 states, "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." We urge you to do so today for today is the day of salvation.

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"At that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord" (Genesis 4:26). "I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies" (Psalm 18:3). "I call on the Lord in my distress, and He answers me" (Psalm 120:1). "The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth" (Psalm 145:18). “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon him while He is near" (Isaiah 55:6). "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:13).

This week in our visit to Audrey's Wholesale Warehouse we met a new employee named Alexis. Just hearing her name immediately brought to mind our own Alexa, the nifty little Amazon internet connected device you speak to for answers such as, "Alexa, what's the weather today?" A pleasant voice answers with the current local weather report. In essence we can call out in the name of Alexa. (Humorous note: While recording the podcast we couldn't keep Alexa from going off when we mentioned her name!)

We use Alexa often and generally speaking find her reliable. (Notice we call a machine "her" due to the female voice.) She does occasionally mess up though such as a request for tissues on a shopping list which Alexa interpreted as "two shoes". We have fun such as Ester's video of Sadie listening as Alexa sings "happy birthday" to her along with Sadie's expression and barking response (link below). When we have our "Amish grandchildren" over they really get a kick out of talking to Alexa. However my most frequent use of Alexa is out in my "man cave" in our barn where I often say, "Alexa, play Shane and Shane on Pandora Radio". Within a few seconds it begins to play a selection of music I enjoy.

The invention of Alexa and other listening devices like Siri and Google, which are known as virtual assistants, are certainly a convenience but also a privacy concern. In fact we know people who refuse to use them for that reason. What are they storing? What do they hear even when you don't say the wake word "Alexa"? Well, we are aware of this but feel that listening to us would be rather boring for some geek in the Silicon Valley or China. They've probably got bigger fish to fry.

What's more, our much greater concern is the One who is invisible to our eyes, but sees and hears everything we do. We're a lot more concerned about what God hears and we can't turn that off like we can a home device! Calling out to Him we don't even need a "wake" word. Already He hears us before we even call out and actually knows our innermost thoughts. These concepts are found in Psalm 139.

The first reference to "call upon the name of the Lord" (or similar phrase) is in Genesis prior to the great flood and continues all through the Bible. Today's selection of Scripture texts are representative and it was a great blessing going through the Bible studying this theme.

Calling on the name of the Lord can be a source of great assurance as expressed in verses like, "I call on the Lord in my distress, and He answers me".

But let us ask each reader a vitally important question. Have you called upon the name of the Lord for salvation? Romans 10:13 states, "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." We urge you to do so today for today is the day of salvation.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, You are near to all who call on You, to all who call on You in truth, so we seek You and learn to walk in Your ways; calling upon You while You are near. In our distress You answer us and make a way when it seems there is no way. You cover us with Your wings and it is there that we find refuge; for Your faithfulness is like a shield and rampart. How kind and gracious is our Lord. Amen.

Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

"I Will Call Upon the Lord" (Psalm 18:3) Video This sure takes us back to the early period in our ministry in the 80's when it was very popular to sing choruses or Scripture verses in rounds. Does anyone else remember this? We wonder how many in our church at that time still remember this Scripture verse due to our singing it often?

"Under His Wings" Video The Sisters (along with their mom) singing a contemporary song with the same name and then concludes with the chorus of the original hymn, "Under His Wings" along with beautiful sign language. We dedicate this song to our friend and long time reader, Sharon, whose husband passed away over the weekend. "He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and a buckler" (Psalm 91:4).

"Psalm 139 - Far Too Wonderful" Video Shane & Shane

"Happy birthday song to Sadie" Video made by Ester

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Ministry Update

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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