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Stephen &
Brooksyne
Weber
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Monday,
October 9, 2023
Yesterday
following our
church service
we headed over
to the Old
Windmill Farm
to join the
Lapp family
for a big
country dinner
in the old
farmhouse. My
grand-nephew
Noah, who is
attending Penn
State and
attends church
with us,
joined us and
drove a
tractor for
the first
time!
"Wars
and Rumors Of
Wars"
Message
summary:
As
we
hear of wars
and rumors of
wars Jesus
said we do not
have to be
alarmed. This
world is not
our permanent
home, so let
us instead
focus on our
heavenly
citizenship
which is our
eternal home.
Listen
to our message
on your audio
player.
"You
will hear of
wars and
rumors of
wars, but see
to it that you
are not
alarmed. Such
things must
happen, but
the end is
still to come"
(Matthew
24:6).
Saturday
afternoon I
was laying on
a table at the
bloodmobile
preparing to
offer a blood
donation when
I checked the
news and first
read of the
horrific
events in
Israel. I was
stunned and
angered at
such vile
savagery. As
the line goes
this is "a
breaking news
story" so we
watch the
situation
carefully in
real time.
Only God know
how this story
may have
changed by the
time you read
this,
especially if
it escalates.
I just read
before posting
this that more
rockets are
being fired
into Israel.
Before
any Bible
teaching I
pause to
consider the
grief and pain
so many in
Israel are
enduring at
this very time
and pray for
them.
Practically
unimaginable
is to consider
captives
taken,
including
children. May
the leadership
have wisdom
for an
appropriate
response.
All
through our
lifetime we
have heard
reports of
wars and
rumors of
wars. In fact
at any given
time wars have
been breaking
out somewhere
on the earth.
The dictionary
describes war
as "a conflict
carried on by
force of arms,
as between
nations or
between
parties within
a nation;
warfare, as by
land, sea, or
air". War
zones may also
include gang
wars and far
too often,
domestic
violence.
Many smaller wars are taking place all the time and don't even make the news, especially if they are in an obscure place, aren't politically useful or don't fit with one's narrative. Any loss of life is grievous. Some wars are essentially ignored such as the horrific war being waged on Christians in Nigeria and many other places, especially in Africa. Actually these kinds of wars are happening all over.
Many smaller wars are taking place all the time and don't even make the news, especially if they are in an obscure place, aren't politically useful or don't fit with one's narrative. Any loss of life is grievous. Some wars are essentially ignored such as the horrific war being waged on Christians in Nigeria and many other places, especially in Africa. Actually these kinds of wars are happening all over.
War
is one of the
awful
consequences
of the Fall.
The human race
has been in
conflict in
one way or
another ever
since Cain
killed his
brother, Abel.
How grievous
that the first
murder
recorded in
Scripture
would be a man
taking the
life of his
own biological
brother. The
first wars are
recorded in
Genesis 14.
Portions of
the Old
Testament are
uncomfortably
war-filled,
including some
of the
deadliest
atrocities,
described in Joshua
and Judges.
The New Testament has less mention of wars. However in Revelation there are reports of horrible end time battles, including the Battle of Armageddon in Revelation 16.
Today's text is found in each of the three synoptic gospels. In our modern time of 24 hour breaking news we have instant knowledge of wars and rumors of wars. Previous generations had far less access to such news and they may not have even been aware of wars taking place in a distant region or the news would travel very slowly.
Here are several Scriptural responses to the news of "wars and rumors of wars":
The New Testament has less mention of wars. However in Revelation there are reports of horrible end time battles, including the Battle of Armageddon in Revelation 16.
Today's text is found in each of the three synoptic gospels. In our modern time of 24 hour breaking news we have instant knowledge of wars and rumors of wars. Previous generations had far less access to such news and they may not have even been aware of wars taking place in a distant region or the news would travel very slowly.
Here are several Scriptural responses to the news of "wars and rumors of wars":
1)
The text
continues, "that
you are not
alarmed".
News of wars
and rumors of
wars can be
very alarming,
much more so,
if we are
directly
affected, such
as those
living in war
torn
countries. But
Jesus wants us
to have peace
no matter the
intensity of
the storm we
face. He is in
charge!
2) "Such things must happen, but the end is still to come". The reign of world peace did not begin at Christ's first mission to earth. His primary mission at that coming was to die for our sins. We still live in a fallen world filled with strife and division.
3) Jesus taught in the Beatitudes that we are to seek to be peacemakers, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9).
4) We are to pray for peace. The apostle Paul wrote, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:1).
5) We are to "make every effort to do what leads to peace" (Romans 14:19) and "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18).
2) "Such things must happen, but the end is still to come". The reign of world peace did not begin at Christ's first mission to earth. His primary mission at that coming was to die for our sins. We still live in a fallen world filled with strife and division.
3) Jesus taught in the Beatitudes that we are to seek to be peacemakers, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9).
4) We are to pray for peace. The apostle Paul wrote, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:1).
5) We are to "make every effort to do what leads to peace" (Romans 14:19) and "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18).
The New Testament's greatest emphasis on peace is:
1)
Peace
between us and
God
(reconciliation):
"Therefore,
since we have
been justified
through faith,
we have peace
with God
through our
Lord Jesus
Christ"
(Romans 5:1).
2) Peace within our hearts. "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).
2) Peace within our hearts. "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).
As you hear of wars and rumors of wars Jesus said we do not have to be alarmed. This world is not our permanent home, so let us instead focus on our heavenly citizenship which is our eternal home.
Be
encouraged
today,
(Hebrews
3:13)
Daily prayer:
Father,
I am
challenged by
the prophetic
words Christ
shared with
His disciples
the night
before His
crucifixion.
He warned them
of the future
tribulation
they would
experience all
through life
but He also
encourages
them to be
overcomers
just as He
Himself is an
overcomer.
Neither Jesus'
disciples who
walked and
talked with
Him nor we who
walk and talk
with Him by
faith will
escape trial,
tribulation or
the fallout of
war, but we
can experience
joy in knowing
that Jesus is
the Master
Overcomer who
equips,
enables and
encourages us
to not be
overcome by
evil but to
overcome this
evil world by
doing good.
Amen.
Stephen
&
Brooksyne
Weber
Daily prayer:
Father,
I am
challenged by
the prophetic
words Christ
shared with
His disciples
the night
before His
crucifixion.
He warned them
of the future
tribulation
they would
experience all
through life
but He also
encourages
them to be
overcomers
just as He
Himself is an
overcomer.
Neither Jesus'
disciples who
walked and
talked with
Him nor we who
walk and talk
with Him by
faith will
escape trial,
tribulation or
the fallout of
war, but we
can experience
joy in knowing
that Jesus is
the Master
Overcomer who
equips,
enables and
encourages us
to not be
overcome by
evil but to
overcome this
evil world by
doing good.
Amen.Further
musings:
War in Israel
and the Middle
East is
especially
intriguing in
light of Bible
teaching and
prophecy.
Last
night I
studied this
matter.
Israel
is a
relatively
tiny country
(about the
size of New
Jersey with
much of that
being desert)
It also has a
relatively
small
population.
Yet the impact
of Israel and
the Jewish
people on
world events
far, far
exceeds their
size.
The
Middle East
region
represents an
area of over
5.0 million
square miles.
Vast deserts
are common in
the region. http://www.cotf.edu/earthinfo/meast/megeo.html
Israel has
just 8,630
square miles
or a minuscule
.2% of
land area of
Middle East.
The total land
area on earth
is 57,268,900
square miles
so a math whiz
can determine
what % Israel
has of that.
Regarding
population
according to
the Israel
Central Bureau
of Statistics,
the Israeli
Jewish
population
stood at
7,181,000
people in
2023,
comprising 73%
percent of the
total
population of
Israel (if the
Arab
populations in
East Jerusalem
and the Golan
Heights are
included). The
world's
population is
at 8.1
billion.
The
word
"Palestinian"
derives from
the
Philistines, a
people who
were not
indigenous to
Canaan but who
had gained
control of the
coastal
plains. Thus
this is an
ancient
conflict. Most
Bible students
recall David
and the
Philistine
giant.
Today's
Suggested
Music and
Supplemental
Resources
"Faithful"
Watch
video on
YouTube
Erik Nieder
Saturday
morning I
joined group
of men from
our Crossroads
ABF class
(Sunday
School) for a
breakfast at
the Cracker
Barrel. I've
always enjoyed
getting
together with
men for
breakfast.
Last
Friday
Brooksyne
visited the
Pioneer Woman
ranch area
north of Tulsa
Here she is
along with her
sister and a
friend
pretending to
cook in the
large
ranch-house
kitchen.
Yesterday she
returned from
Tulsa to
Nashville with
her sister and
is coming back
this
afternoon.
Ester and I
will pick her
up at the
Baltimore
airport late
this evening.
Saturday
evening she
attended her
50th high
school class
reunion at
this location
on Rt 66 west
of Tulsa
Oklahoma.
She had a good
time but told
me her
classmates
sure had
gotten older!
She last saw
many of them
over 50 years
ago at her
graduation.
A
windshield of
the view of
the sights of
rural
Lancaster
County.
This
Amish boy is
skating behind
a buggy
holding a rope!
Before
heading home
from the farm
yesterday
afternoon I
played some
catch with
Stephen. His
athletic
skills have
improved
immensely
since we last
played several
weeks ago in
part because
they play at
school during
recess.
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WEBER -
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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
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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."
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