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daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and
exhortation.
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
Monday,
December
14,
2020
Today we have our first light coating of snow this season!
"Full
Of Truth"
Message summary: What a blessing to consider this advent season that Jesus is full of grace and truth. In following His example let us also walk in His grace and truth so that we spread His grace and truth to all those in our sphere of influence!
Listen
to this message on your audio player."And
the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we
have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from
the Father, full of grace and truth"
(John 1:14).
Since
early this year our entire world has experienced
what the World Health Organization calls a pandemic.
Few, if any reading this message, have not been
impacted in one way or another. This weekend we
learned that our long-time friend Tommy Carpenter
and his wife, Jane who live in the Little Rock,
Arkansas area have covid. Tommy, being in his
eighties, is much more prone to it being a serious
matter.
However
this morning I spoke to him via telephone and he
reports that he and Jane are doing well. About eight
months ago Tommy's son Thomas was struck with severe
covid -19, driven not just by viral damage to cells
but by a reactive “storm” of inflammation that
harmed his lungs and other organs. He was on a
ventilator for an extended time fighting for his
life with many people from all over the world
upholding him in prayer. Finally he recovered for
which we give God praise and thanksgiving. See below
for link to his testimony.
Earlier
this year we considered another pandemic the entire
human race has been living with since the fall, the
pandemic of sin. (See below for a link to that
message.) But today let's look at one of sin's
manifestations that is surely part of sin's
pandemic, the act of lying.
Have
you noticed lying seems to be increasing? In fact I
hate to admit this but I am on my guard to the
extent that I just assume I am being lied to in
particular settings or with specific people. I could
list recent examples but each of you have your own
experiences so you know of that which I am speaking.
In
recent years we've heard "truth" preceded by a
pronoun such as "his truth" or "her truth" or "my
truth". Tony Evans talked about this yesterday on
his radio program and it piqued our interest as we
have been talking about this for some time. Only
weeks ago Brooksyne read an obituary in our local
newspaper that caught her attention. No longer are
obituaries just stating the facts of one's birth,
family connections, church, work or civic
affiliations but it now usually includes a narrative
the family presents or in some cases the deceased
has written about themselves. In the obituary
mentioned earlier the writer spoke of the deceased
woman as one who "lived her truth". What
does that mean? As believers truth is truth and lies
are lies based on God's standard of truth, not what
we think or would like others to think.
The
first liar was Satan at the Fall, which earned him
the designated title, "father of lies" (John 8:44). The human race has
certainly followed his disastrous example!
But
the Scripture calls God's children to truthfulness.
It's expressed in the Ten Commandments as "You
shall not bear false witness against your
neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). One who is pleasing
to God “speaks truth from his heart” (Psalm
15:2). God desires "truth in the innermost
being" (Psalm 51:6).
The
New Testament forthrightly states "Do not lie to
each other" (Colossians 3:9) and to "speak
the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). Later in
the same chapter Paul admonishes, “Therefore,
putting away falsehood, let everyone speak the
truth with his neighbor” (4:25). And a
sobering verse toward the end of Revelation includes
"all liars" are among those "consigned to
the fiery lake of burning sulfur" (Revelation
21:8).
Today
let us examine the phrase in our daily text, "full
of grace and truth". In previous
considerations of this verse concerning the
incarnate Word of God (Jesus) it seems I have
focused on grace. Today we will consider that
God is full of truth.
Later
in John's Gospel Jesus said, "I am the truth"
(John 14:6). The absolute truthfulness of God is
found throughout the Bible. Numbers 23:19 informs us
"God is not man, that He should lie". 1
Samuel 15:29 states, "the Glory of Israel will
not lie". The little book of Titus has this
gem, that God "never lies" (1:2). Hebrews
6:18 assures us "it is impossible for God to
lie".
Theologian
Wayne Grudem writes, "God’s truthfulness means that
He is the true God, and that all His knowledge and
words are both true and the final standard of
truth."
What a
blessing to consider this advent season that Jesus
is full of grace and truth. In following His example
let us also walk in His grace and truth so that we
spread His grace and truth to all those in our
sphere of influence!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Father, in a world filled with lies
and half-truths, may we stand out as a people who
can be trusted in the words we say and in the
actions we carry out. We thank You for Jesus who
walked in grace, truth, and obedience knowing from
the beginning that it would lead to death on the
cross. Jesus didn't back off His stated plan for
coming to earth when the going got tough nor did He
lie when He was under deadly pressure. Help us to be
an honest people who tells the truth as it is, not
as we or others would like it to be, when pressure
is upon us. We want to honor You with our lives and
with the words we speak, living as people full of
grace and truth. Amen.
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
"O
Come, O Come Emmanuel" Video Calvary
Church Christmas special. Calvary
Church Choir Director, Pastor John Frye
along with Cellist Amber Bensing from our
orchestra, beautifully accompany a video
from "The Chosen" that highlights dramatic
events of the Christmas story. This will
touch your hearts and the music will bring
stirring melody to your hearts as you play
this link.
"The Only Cure For the Sin
Pandemic" Daily Encouragement message
from March 30, 2020
"HEALING PRAYERS"
testimony of Thomas Carpenter
“Light”
in Christmas carols
On Friday we shared the following quiz regarding “Light” in Christmas carols. The quiz: Identify the following carols by the specific phrases that refer to light.
1) Son of God, love’s pure light
2) Yonder shines the infant light:
3) And to the earth it gave great light,
4) Light and life to all He brings,
5) But high from God’s heaven a star’s light did fall,
6) The everlasting Light;
7) Guide us to Thy perfect light.
We’ve provided the correct answers below the resources section.
Resources
for Christmas Celebrations
(We
will leave these resources posted
below our daily messages through
Christmas)
Each year
we share several online resources that
we have used over the years and that
may be a blessing to you, your family
or church during this Christmas
season.
"In Remembrance of Me" pdf This is a passion-filled Scripture reading for two adults. Brooksyne and I have used this reading with great receptivity during Christmas Eve services over the years. We suggest, if possible, a musical background as the message is read. It is also a great lead-in to a Communion service. It should be thoroughly practiced and read with great feeling. Here's a great Communion Hymn for Christmas (Video)
"When Christ Was Born" pdf This is an adaptation to the tune of "How Great Thou Art". It's a great song to sing as a congregation since most are familiar with and love the tune.
Responsive Christmas Scripture readings for church or family:
John 1:1-18 pdf
"O Come Let Us Adore Him" pdf
My First Christmas In Heaven This is a blessed reminder for all who lost a loved one this year. This page was first posted in 2005 soon after my Mom passed away.
Christmas Knowledge Test
"In Remembrance of Me" pdf This is a passion-filled Scripture reading for two adults. Brooksyne and I have used this reading with great receptivity during Christmas Eve services over the years. We suggest, if possible, a musical background as the message is read. It is also a great lead-in to a Communion service. It should be thoroughly practiced and read with great feeling. Here's a great Communion Hymn for Christmas (Video)
"When Christ Was Born" pdf This is an adaptation to the tune of "How Great Thou Art". It's a great song to sing as a congregation since most are familiar with and love the tune.
Responsive Christmas Scripture readings for church or family:
John 1:1-18 pdf
"O Come Let Us Adore Him" pdf
My First Christmas In Heaven This is a blessed reminder for all who lost a loved one this year. This page was first posted in 2005 soon after my Mom passed away.
Christmas Knowledge Test
Answers to Christmas carol quiz
with hymn title in parenthesis:
1) “Son of God, love’s pure light” (Silent Night)
2) Yonder shines the infant light: (Angels From the Realms of Glory)
3) And to the earth it gave great light, (The First Noel)
4) Light and life to all He brings, (Hark The Herald Angels Sing)
5) But high from God’s heaven a star’s light did fall, (I Wonder As I Wander)
6) The everlasting Light; (O Little Town of Bethlehem)
7) Guide us to Thy perfect light. (We Three Kings)
1) “Son of God, love’s pure light” (Silent Night)
2) Yonder shines the infant light: (Angels From the Realms of Glory)
3) And to the earth it gave great light, (The First Noel)
4) Light and life to all He brings, (Hark The Herald Angels Sing)
5) But high from God’s heaven a star’s light did fall, (I Wonder As I Wander)
6) The everlasting Light; (O Little Town of Bethlehem)
7) Guide us to Thy perfect light. (We Three Kings)
Send
a message to Stephen
& Brooksyne
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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."
© Copyright 2020 Stephen C. & Brooksyne
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