A
daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and
exhortation.
Tuesday,
October
12,
2021
Moment the
Red Sox won last night's game!
"We're Blessed, Not
Cursed"
Note:
Podcast not prepared for this message.
"So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith" (Galatians 3:9).
Last night Ester and I went to the Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park so probably not surprisingly I will use a sport's illustration. The Red Sox won the game and the series and advanced to the next level in the post season. I was a very exciting game, tied going into the ninth inning with the Sox scoring in the bottom of the ninth for the thrill of victory.
The Apostle
Paul uses sport's analogies several times in his writings
and since I also enjoy sports I find lessons in them that
can be applied to the spiritual. If you are not a sport's
fan and just aren't interested skip to the last three paragraphs for the
spiritual application!
We spent over 7 years of our life in New England in the nineties. During that time we became avid Red Sox fans and went to several games at Fenway Park. At that time there was a long-standing frustration in the entire region at the failure of the Red Sox to win a World Series. It seems each time they got close there was an inevitable disappointment.
We spent over 7 years of our life in New England in the nineties. During that time we became avid Red Sox fans and went to several games at Fenway Park. At that time there was a long-standing frustration in the entire region at the failure of the Red Sox to win a World Series. It seems each time they got close there was an inevitable disappointment.
Once we
watched a game and Ester (about 8 at
the time) asked me, "Daddy, is one of the Red Sox a
Christian?" I told her that there were probably several
players who served Christ on both teams. She elaborated as
to why she asked the question, "I saw a sign that said,
'Keep the Faith'." I explained to her that the phrase, which
she identified as Christian, probably had another meaning in
this instance! There are a lot of signs held up at
ballgames.
My favorite was a sign that posted, "We're blessed, not cursed". When I saw it I actually wondered for a moment if it could be a form of witness, sort of like the "John 3:16" guy who somehow manages to get the seat right behind home plate or in the end zone at many big televised games.
Well, sports
fans know that the Red Sox finally did win the World Series
in 2004 and have won three more since! So finally, the New
England folks could announce, "The curse is broken!"
"We're
blessed, not cursed" is a great spiritual truth for all who
have placed their faith in Christ! The simple statement in
our daily text is, "So those who
have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of
faith" (Galatians 3:9).
As you read
this you have either placed your faith in Christ or you can.
We that believe in Christ have been blessed in the greatest
way possible. Another common sign you see at sporting events
is, "We Believe" though I don't think the sign expresses
spiritual faith!
But today I do believe and the object of that belief is Christ. I have faith that Jesus Christ came to redeem me from a curse that the entire human race has dealt with since Adam and Eve's sin. As the apostle Paul wrote, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.' He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit" (Galatians 3:13,14). Indeed we are blessed, not cursed!
But today I do believe and the object of that belief is Christ. I have faith that Jesus Christ came to redeem me from a curse that the entire human race has dealt with since Adam and Eve's sin. As the apostle Paul wrote, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.' He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit" (Galatians 3:13,14). Indeed we are blessed, not cursed!
Be encouraged today, (Hebrews 3:13)
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Father, we are so grateful that Christ
redeemed us. The law brought a curse which is all
that it could do. But being a follower of Christ
undoes the result of the law because Jesus delivered
us from the curse. Jew or Gentile, we are all freed
from the curse that we might receive the promise of
the Spirit, that we might receive eternal life and
joy everlasting. Thank You, Father, that we are no
longer cursed but indeed a blessed people. Amen.Today's
Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
"We
Believe" Video Newsboys
"Believe
For It" Video CeCe Winans A great song for
these troubled times!
"Greatly
Blessed, Highly Favored" Video Gaither Vocal Band
We
got in to our hotel last night about 1:00AM and
will be heading home today. We expect to share
more photos tomorrow about our experience at
Fenway Park.
Send
a message to Stephen
& Brooksyne
To receive the
"Daily Encouragement" each Monday-Friday
through email see this
page to subscribe to our email list. You can also
subscribe to the Wordpress rss feed or
through a Wordpress email subscription.
(See the email subscription on the right side
after opening this page)
Permissions:
Please feel free to pass on, reproduce and
distribute any material on Daily Encouragement
Net, in part or in whole, in any format,
provided that you do not alter the wording in
any way or charge a fee beyond the cost of
reproduction. It is our desire to spread this
material, not protect or restrict it. We do
request that you keep the contact, copyright and subscription
information intact.
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".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 2021 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