A
daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and
exhortation.
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Monday,
December
7,
2020
A gas street light in Wellsboro, PA, a small hamlet in northern Pennsylvania. In our view Wellsboro is the prettiest small town in northern PA, kind of like Bedford Falls, the fictional town in "It's A Wonderful Life"!
"No
Excuses"
Message summary: Leaning on excuses will lead to failure and ineffectiveness, but leaning on God's power will lead to our strength, for when we are weak, then He is strong!
Listen
to this message on your audio player. “See
what large letters I use as I write to you with my
own hand!” (Galatians 6:11).
Several companies we serve as chaplains hire employees with disabilities. We regularly see two young men with Down Syndrome who are very conscientious about their work. It's great to see them experience the personal satisfaction and fulfillment of doing productive work.
Several companies we serve as chaplains hire employees with disabilities. We regularly see two young men with Down Syndrome who are very conscientious about their work. It's great to see them experience the personal satisfaction and fulfillment of doing productive work.
Some
people have visible disabilities, others not so
visible. Today we want to share about Everett, who
was a part of the church we served in Taunton
Massachusetts in the nineties. He had been active in
that church since the early 70’s.
Everett never finished high school and had a severe case of a reading disorder known as dyslexia. He’s had a lot of overcoming in life, yet he sought to provide for his family as an outstanding "handyman", having a good sense in fixing about anything that’s broken. In 1999 Everett was diagnosed with Cerebral Degeneration, a neurological disorder that further hindered him and forced his retirement.
I recall his burning desire to read through the Bible but reading was very hard since his reading speed is very, very slow and extremely laborious due to his dyslexia, but Everett managed to get through it. The few minutes it takes the average person to read a chapter may have taken several hours for Everett. He has sought to live his life for Christ and use the skills that God has given him to make a difference on the planet, rather than make excuses for the skills or talents he lacks.
Many
Bible students speculate that the apostle Paul had a
chronic eye problem. In his epistle to the Galatians
he refers to an illness which was a major trial when
he visited them. He wrote, “If you could have
done so, you would have torn out your eyes and
given them to me” (Galatians 4:15). In the
daily text he likely refers to this ailment when he
concludes the letter in his own handwriting and
writes, "See what large letters I use as I write
to you with my own hand!"
In the case of the daily text it seems that most of the book was dictated to an associate, technically called an amanuensis. As I examine this passage I consider just how meaningful the esteemed Apostle’s very own handwriting must have been to the initial reader. It was a mark of authenticity but also a very personal expression. (Only the original handwritten document would have conveyed this since, as the document was copied, it would have all been in the same handwriting and no distinction is made in the text type in our printed Bibles.)
In 2 Corinthians Paul speaks
of a “thorn in the flesh”, which may also be
referring to this same physical ailment. He prayed
to have this affliction removed, but instead God
gave him these words of assurance: “My grace is
sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect
in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul had
this and other excuses to hinder his work but he
didn’t let that stop him. His critics
adversely criticized, “His letters are weighty
and forceful, in person he is unimpressive and his
speaking amounts to nothing” (2 Corinthians
10:10). So, Preacher Friend, if you’re being
negatively critiqued, you’re in good company!
The Apostle Paul, the disabled employees we see, our friend Everett, and so many others, including some of you reading this are faithful and determined overcomers. We all have excuses, but God doesn’t want us to lean on them. Leaning on excuses will lead to failure and ineffectiveness, but leaning on God's power will lead to our strength, for when we are weak, then He is strong!
Everett never finished high school and had a severe case of a reading disorder known as dyslexia. He’s had a lot of overcoming in life, yet he sought to provide for his family as an outstanding "handyman", having a good sense in fixing about anything that’s broken. In 1999 Everett was diagnosed with Cerebral Degeneration, a neurological disorder that further hindered him and forced his retirement.
I recall his burning desire to read through the Bible but reading was very hard since his reading speed is very, very slow and extremely laborious due to his dyslexia, but Everett managed to get through it. The few minutes it takes the average person to read a chapter may have taken several hours for Everett. He has sought to live his life for Christ and use the skills that God has given him to make a difference on the planet, rather than make excuses for the skills or talents he lacks.
Many
Bible students speculate that the apostle Paul had a
chronic eye problem. In his epistle to the Galatians
he refers to an illness which was a major trial when
he visited them. He wrote, “If you could have
done so, you would have torn out your eyes and
given them to me” (Galatians 4:15). In the
daily text he likely refers to this ailment when he
concludes the letter in his own handwriting and
writes, "See what large letters I use as I write
to you with my own hand!"In the case of the daily text it seems that most of the book was dictated to an associate, technically called an amanuensis. As I examine this passage I consider just how meaningful the esteemed Apostle’s very own handwriting must have been to the initial reader. It was a mark of authenticity but also a very personal expression. (Only the original handwritten document would have conveyed this since, as the document was copied, it would have all been in the same handwriting and no distinction is made in the text type in our printed Bibles.)
In 2 Corinthians Paul speaks
of a “thorn in the flesh”, which may also be
referring to this same physical ailment. He prayed
to have this affliction removed, but instead God
gave him these words of assurance: “My grace is
sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect
in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul had
this and other excuses to hinder his work but he
didn’t let that stop him. His critics
adversely criticized, “His letters are weighty
and forceful, in person he is unimpressive and his
speaking amounts to nothing” (2 Corinthians
10:10). So, Preacher Friend, if you’re being
negatively critiqued, you’re in good company! The Apostle Paul, the disabled employees we see, our friend Everett, and so many others, including some of you reading this are faithful and determined overcomers. We all have excuses, but God doesn’t want us to lean on them. Leaning on excuses will lead to failure and ineffectiveness, but leaning on God's power will lead to our strength, for when we are weak, then He is strong!
Be
encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Father, we are inspired by those very special
people that You have called out from among the
ordinary. They look to You for physical strength and
extraordinary faith to overcome the obstacles that
would otherwise hinder their ability to live a
productive life. They’re living examples of the
redeemed who have invited Your strength to be
perfected in their weakness. When we are powerless,
You are all-powerful and You receive the glory due
Your name. So help us not to resent our weaknesses
or limitations, for it is in these challenges that
we can take no credit but rather give honor to the
One who makes all things possible for those who
believe. Amen.Note: We have Everett's permission to share his story.
Special Year-end
Financial Appeal
We want to
thank all who have financially supported our
ministry this past year (and some for many
years!). We realize there are many fine
ministries and causes requesting support at this
time but if the Lord would lead you we surely need
and appreciate the financial support from our
readers and listeners. Like many ministries,
we typically see a spike in giving at the end of
the year for which we are most thankful.
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.
If you would consider making a donation to our ministry see here for more information.
To
donate directly online click here.
This will open to a page that designates the
offering to: WEBER,STEPHEN CHAP, Specialized
Chaplaincy Ministry ID: 700001-237376
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.
If you would consider making a donation to our ministry see here for more information.
To
donate directly online click here.
This will open to a page that designates the
offering to: WEBER,STEPHEN CHAP, Specialized
Chaplaincy Ministry ID: 700001-237376
Please Note: We
also provide this easy option due to the
convenience, for international supporters, and
for those who may not be concerned regarding
receiving an official tax deductible receipt. Click here to
send an offering using PayPal. This
will open to a page that states "Brooksyne
Weber"Thank you,
Stephen & Brooksyne
"Ordinary People" Video
Danniebelle Hall
The
Last Few Polio Survivors – Last of the
Iron Lungs | Video Here's
remarkable video that will touch your heart
introducing Paul Alexander as one of the
last few remaining polio survivors that
depend on iron lungs—half-century-old
machines that force inhabitants to breathe.
What a remarkable overcomer!
Brooksyne's
Note: My older brother suffered
from polio several years before he was
divinely healed. I also grew up with a girl
named Janice who walked with braces,
otherwise confined to wheelchair, who
suffered tremendously from polio, sometimes
requiring an iron lung at times as I
remember. All these years later she is
suffering again from the late effects of
polio.
We
saw this poster in a local church.
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a message to Stephen
& Brooksyne
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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.
If you would consider making a donation to our ministry see here for more information.
To donate directly online here. This will open to a page that designates the offering to: WEBER,STEPHEN CHAP, Specialized Chaplaincy Ministry ID: 700001-237376
If you would consider making a donation to our ministry see here for more information.
To donate directly online here. This will open to a page that designates the offering to: WEBER,STEPHEN CHAP, Specialized Chaplaincy Ministry ID: 700001-237376
Please Note:
We also provide this easy option due to
the convenience, for international
supporters, and for those who may not be
concerned regarding receiving an official
tax deductible receipt.
Click
here to send an offering using
PayPal. This will open to a page that
states "Brooksyne Weber".Permissions:
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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."
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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Weber - All Rights Reserved
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA