The
online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen
&
Brooksyne Weber
A
daily, Bible-based perspective of hope,
encouragement and exhortation.
Mobile users:
Visit Daily Encouragement on your mobile browser, hit "Add to
home screen" or "Add page shortcut." This creates an instant
Daily Encouragement App!
Search Daily Encouragement
A new message is updated most
weekdays usually by Noon Eastern Time (USA).
(Click refresh or reload for current message)
(Click refresh or reload for current message)
Monday,
August 7, 2023
The
Howard Tunnel
on the
Heritage Rail
Trail was
built in 1838,
the 2nd oldest
railroad
tunnel in the
USA and the
oldest
continually
operating.
(Click on photo to enlarge)
(Click on photo to enlarge)
"Faithful
Then, Faithful Now,
Faithful Forever"
Message
summary:
A.W.
Tozer states,
"Upon God’s
faithfulness
rests our
whole hope of
future
blessedness.
Only as He is
faithful will
His covenants
stand and His
promises be
honored. Only
as we have
complete
assurance that
He is faithful
may we live in
peace and look
forward with
assurance to
the life to
come."
Listen to our message on your audio player.
"Blessed
is he whose
help is the
God of Jacob,
whose hope is
in the Lord
His God, the
Maker of
heaven and
earth, the
sea, and
everything in
them - the
Lord, who
remains
faithful
forever"
(Psalm
146:5,6).
Brooksyne
and I
periodically
shop at BB's,
a country
grocery store
run by the
Amish. They
have several
stores in our
area and it's
really quite a
shopping
experience. We
often hear the
workers
singing hymns
as they stock
the shelves
and the
atmosphere is
such a
contrast to
the modern
supermarkets.
Occasionally
Brooksyne will
start singing
along with
them and they
may look at
her in
surprise. I
think they
enjoy that a
customer will
join in.They
sell
overstocked
and damaged
type items at
a deep
discount.
In fact the
motto on their
paper bags
state "bents,
bumps and
bunch of
bargains" (the
exact phrase
on the bag).
However many
of these items
are also past
the bb (best
by)
date, some way
past, so
you've got to
take extra
time to read
the dates to
decide if it
will make a
significant
difference in
the finished
product.
It has a large
walk-in
freezer, and
some of the
cheese may be
over a year
past the
expiration
date but we
are told that
it should
still be safe
to eat because
it has been
frozen the
entire time.
Brooksyne is
careful of
some items!
When
you think
about it
everything we
see has an
expiration
date of some
sort.
Certainly we,
as part of the
human race,
have one as
well.
Scripture
plainly states
that "outwardly
we are wasting
away" (2
Corinthians
4:16) and "it
is appointed
unto men once
to die"
(Hebrews
9:27). The
apostle Peter
declared, "The
present
heavens and
earth are
reserved for
fire, being
kept for the
Day of
Judgment and
destruction of
ungodly men"
(2 Peter 3:7).
Today
let's meditate
on one of the
most assuring
truths of
God's Word,
the explicit
declaration
found in
Scripture that
His glorious
attributes
have no
expiration
date.
Notice the
phrase the
daily passage
ends with,
"…the
LORD, who
remains
faithful
forever".
In our lives
we are
confronted
with
expiration
dates, limited
time offers,
partial
warranties,
etc. but in
God we find
One who has
declared, "I
the LORD do
not change"
(Malachi 3:6).
We hear and
sing a song
that really
blesses us
titled
"Faithful
Now".
You
make mountains
move, You make
giants fall
You use songs of praise to shake prison walls
I will speak to my fear, I will preach to my doubt
You were faithful then, you’ll be faithful now
You use songs of praise to shake prison walls
I will speak to my fear, I will preach to my doubt
You were faithful then, you’ll be faithful now
One
of the great
sources of
encouragement
for the
believer,
especially
when going
through a
trial, is the
assurance of
God's
faithfulness.
Today
we consider
two verses
from the
ancient
Israelite
hymnal, the
Psalms,
specifically
Psalm 146:5,6.
"Blessed
is he whose
help is the
God of Jacob,
whose hope is
in the Lord
His God, the
Maker of
heaven and
earth, the
sea, and
everything in
them - the
Lord, who
remains
faithful
forever".
Let us
consider this
powerful text
phrase by
phrase.
1) "Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob". Amongst all the problems and worries you may be facing today where is your ultimate help? The Psalmist declares a blessing on the one whose help is the God of Jacob. In Psalm 121 we read these familiar words, "I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth" (vv 1,2).
2)
"Whose hope is
in the Lord
his God".
Here we have a
Hebrew
parallelism,
which is a
repetition
with slightly
different
wording to
make an
emphasis.
Where is your
hope today?
May we declare
with the
hymnist, "My
hope is built
on nothing
less than
Jesus blood
and
righteousness"!
3)
"The
Maker of
heaven and
earth, the
sea, and
everything in
them".
All through
the Bible the
foundational
doctrine of
God as our
Creator is
emphasized and
reinforced.
That's why the
attack on
origins is at
the heart of
Satan's
strategy.
4)
"The Lord, who
remains
faithful
forever".
What a vital
truth to
remember
during trying
times when
God's ways
just may not
make sense to
us.
These verses point to the source of our help and the scope of our hope; the Maker of all who is the Lord and who remains faithful forever. When we, as believers, faithfully read the Word it becomes much more than just a record of history or teachings to be read once and then stored on a shelf. No, the Scripture dwells within our hearts and is expressed through us in our day to day activities, in our thought life, in our outlook on earth and in preparation for our life after death. We establish our confidence in the God of Hope and we find help in our hour of need; we learn to have victory in trust instead of cowering in fear.
A.W. Tozer states, "Upon God’s faithfulness rests our whole hope of future blessedness. Only as He is faithful will His covenants stand and His promises be honored. Only as we have complete assurance that He is faithful may we live in peace and look forward with assurance to the life to come."
Keep this perspective before you today and hide it deep in your heart! Regardless of what earthbound obstacle seems to be blocking your spiritual view, remember this biblical truth today, "Forever God is faithful!" It will renew your hope, brighten your countenance, and steady your Christian walk as the promises from Scripture help to diffuse the temporal obstacles associated with our mortal life.
These verses point to the source of our help and the scope of our hope; the Maker of all who is the Lord and who remains faithful forever. When we, as believers, faithfully read the Word it becomes much more than just a record of history or teachings to be read once and then stored on a shelf. No, the Scripture dwells within our hearts and is expressed through us in our day to day activities, in our thought life, in our outlook on earth and in preparation for our life after death. We establish our confidence in the God of Hope and we find help in our hour of need; we learn to have victory in trust instead of cowering in fear.
A.W. Tozer states, "Upon God’s faithfulness rests our whole hope of future blessedness. Only as He is faithful will His covenants stand and His promises be honored. Only as we have complete assurance that He is faithful may we live in peace and look forward with assurance to the life to come."
Keep this perspective before you today and hide it deep in your heart! Regardless of what earthbound obstacle seems to be blocking your spiritual view, remember this biblical truth today, "Forever God is faithful!" It will renew your hope, brighten your countenance, and steady your Christian walk as the promises from Scripture help to diffuse the temporal obstacles associated with our mortal life.
Daily
prayer:
Eternal
Father,
everything we
see or touch
with our hands
has a shelf
life and
eventually
wears out or
is destroyed.
Our family
members and
the people we
hold dear to
our hearts in
time also
depart from
our lives. But
when we
contemplate
thoughts of
eternity we
are filled
with
inexhaustible
praise as we
consider that
You, O Lord,
reign forever.
Of your
kingdom there
will be no
end. We'll
gather with
our dear
brothers and
sisters from
all over the
world, from
every tribe,
tongue and
nation to
exalt the Name
of our Lord
Jesus Christ
forever. There
will no longer
be the
separation due
to distance,
combat,
culture, or
language but
we will be one
mighty chorus
singing
heavenly
praises to our
faithful
Father whose
divine kingdom
has no end. At
that appointed
hour, upon
seeing You
face to face,
we will
declare
together with
all the saints
and heavenly
hosts,
"Forever You
are faithful!"
Praise God!
Amen.Additional
study note:
I am also
enriched by
this
Scripture: "In
the beginning,
O Lord, you
laid the
foundations of
the earth, and
the heavens
are the work
of your hands.
They will
perish, but
You remain;
they will all
wear out like
a garment. You
will roll them
up like a
robe; like a
garment they
will be
changed. But
you remain the
same, and your
years will
never end"
(Hebrews
1:10-12).
Indeed
God's nature,
expressed in
His divine
attributes,
does not
change and
neither can it
do so. Here's
another heavy
thought from
Theologian
A.W. Tozer,
"If God is
self-existent,
He must also
be
self-sufficient;
and if He has
power, He,
being
infinite, must
have all
power. If He
possesses
knowledge, His
infinitude
assures us
that He
possesses all
knowledge.
Similarly, His
immutability
presupposes
His
faithfulness.
If He is
unchanging, it
follows that
He could not
be unfaithful,
since that
would require
Him to change.
Any failure
within the
divine
character
would argue
imperfection
and, since God
is perfect, it
could not
occur. Thus
the attributes
explain each
other and
prove that
they are but
glimpses the
mind enjoys of
the absolutely
perfect
Godhead."
The Word declares that His love, righteousness and Name endures forever. (Psalm 106:1, 2 Corinthians 9:9, Psalm 135:13.) Today as you face the inevitable frustrations of life, remember, the unchangeable God of the universe reigns and will reign forever. His attributes have no expiration date. There is no variableness in His nature, no shadow of turning. Why don't you join me this morning and lift up your heart and voice and sing (or quietly hum depending on your surroundings) this great chorus based on Lamentations 3:22, 23. I am sure many of you have sung it.
The Word declares that His love, righteousness and Name endures forever. (Psalm 106:1, 2 Corinthians 9:9, Psalm 135:13.) Today as you face the inevitable frustrations of life, remember, the unchangeable God of the universe reigns and will reign forever. His attributes have no expiration date. There is no variableness in His nature, no shadow of turning. Why don't you join me this morning and lift up your heart and voice and sing (or quietly hum depending on your surroundings) this great chorus based on Lamentations 3:22, 23. I am sure many of you have sung it.
The
steadfast love
of the Lord
never ceases.
His mercies never come to an end.
They are new every morning, new every morning,
Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord. Great is Thy faithfulness.
His mercies never come to an end.
They are new every morning, new every morning,
Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord. Great is Thy faithfulness.
Today's
Suggested Music and Supplemental
Resources
"Great
Is His
Faithfulness"
Click
to watch on
YouTube
Collingsworth
Family
"This
Is Our God"
Click
to watch on
YouTube
Phil Wickham
Heritage
Rail Trail,
York County,
PA
Saturday
I rode on the
Heritage
Rail Trail
in York,
County, PA. It
begins north
of the city of
York and goes
27 miles all
the way to the
Maryland state
line, although
I didn't ride
the entire
trail.
The
trail shares
the right of
way with
active train
tracks
beginning in
the city of
York all the
way to the
Maryland state
line.
The
trail goes
through the
heart of the
city of York,
which served
for a short
time as our
nation's
capital.
These
rail bikes are
a new feature
on the trail
from when we
last rode it 8
years ago.
The
people riding
said it was
fun but I
think I'll
stick with my
two wheel mode
of
transportation.
If
interested: AMERICAN
RAIL BIKE
ADVENTURES
This
trail
historical
maker is right
on the trail.
Most of these
markers are on
busy highways
and it's
usually not
practical or
safe to stop
and read them!
There
are a lot of
thoughtful and
generous
people in the
world!
To
receive the
"Daily
Encouragement"
each
Monday-Friday
use our
sign-up form
or this
page to
subscribe to
our free email
list. You can
also subscribe
to the Wordpress
rss feed
or through a Wordpress
email
subscription.
(See the email
subscription
on the top
right side
after opening
this page.)
We
want to thank
all who
financially
support our
ministry. We
realize there
are many fine
ministries and
causes
requesting
support at
this time but
if you would
like
information
about making a
donation to
our ministry
see here.
In considering support we are so pleased when we hear from you, our readers, that our messages are a source of teaching and encouragement to you. We also urge you to consider the mission aspect of these daily teachings that are freely available and read by many all over the world.
To
donate
directly
online
click here.
(This will
open to a page
that
designates the
offering
to: STEPHEN
&
BROOKSYNE
WEBER -
700001-237376 SERVING
IN SPECIALIZED
CHAPLAINCY)
If
you desire you
can also
donate
directly
through PayPal
using this link.
This will open
to a page that
states
"Brooksyne
Weber". We
keep this
option
available due
to the
familiarity,
convenience,
for
international
supporters,
and for those
who may not
need an
official
receipt. You
can also set
up for
recurring
donations.
In considering support we are so pleased when we hear from you, our readers, that our messages are a source of teaching and encouragement to you. We also urge you to consider the mission aspect of these daily teachings that are freely available and read by many all over the world.
To
donate
directly
online
click here.
(This will
open to a page
that
designates the
offering
to: STEPHEN
&
BROOKSYNE
WEBER -
700001-237376 SERVING
IN SPECIALIZED
CHAPLAINCY)
If
you desire you
can also
donate
directly
through PayPal
using this link.
This will open
to a page that
states
"Brooksyne
Weber". We
keep this
option
available due
to the
familiarity,
convenience,
for
international
supporters,
and for those
who may not
need an
official
receipt. You
can also set
up for
recurring
donations.
Thank
you,
Stephen
&
Brooksyne
Daily
Encouragement on: 
Wordpress
iHeart
radio
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.
Wordpress
iHeart
radioPermissions: 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.
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 2023 Stephen C. & Brooksyne Weber - All Rights Reserved
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA