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01-04-2009, 01:55 PM
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Lure Lake in western North Carolina
(click (http://www.dailyencouragement.net/desktop/lure_lake.jpg) to enlarge as desktop background and to see Scripture verse)
http://www.dailyencouragement.net/image_files/listen.jpgListen (http://dailyencouragement.libsyn.com/media/dailyencouragement/DE-01-02-09.mp3) to us share this message on your audio player.
Play podcast instrumental music only (http://www.dailyencouragement.net/audio/Pista%2003.mp3)
"Jesus Will Still Be There"
"The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness'" (Jeremiah 31:3). "God has said, never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:5,8).
As we prepare this first encouragement message for 2009 we want to share a special message of hope and assurance. We consider the various burdens and uncertainties so many of you are dealing with. In many cases Brooksyne and I can visualize who you are and the situations you struggle with. You may be a family member, a friend or a former parishioner. Perhaps you're among the many we meet in our chaplain service or a faithful long-time reader of the Daily Encouragement.
At creation God established the annual unit of time (Genesis 1:14). The passing of years is a great time to do some reflecting as well as looking ahead to the next phase in our life's journey. We each look back to milestones this past year and for some they're more significant than others.
Some of you look ahead to 2009 with a temporal optimism; in your life things are going well and you feel secure. Your health is good, your job seems secure, you have exciting plans for the New Year. But others face the New Year with a great sense of uncertainty. You may be dealing with physical pain, a wayward child, a financial hardship or some other form of distress. Today's message is for both.
Settle deep in your spirit that our one and only certain source of hope is Jesus Christ. He alone is an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. This is expressed so well in the great hymn, "The Solid Rock." Most especially in the line, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness."
I selected verses today that express three unchangeable truths concerning God:
• His Steadfast Love: He loves us with an everlasting love.
• His Abiding Presence: He will never leave us.
• His Eternal Immutablity: He is always the same.
As we ground our faith in these truths we can, regardless of our temporal condition, experience the hope, peace and assurance that is at the very core of living an abundant life.
A song comes to mind that has a very fitting theme for beginning a New Year, "Jesus Will Still Be There." We are reminded of a most certain reality; that Jesus will still be there. His love will never change, no matter what changes around us. As we end one year and move into another He is a never-changing Presence in our lives. We can absolutely rely upon Him!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, as the year unfolds I want to keep my soul's anchor embedded in the Rock of Ages. Help me to be unwavering in my faith and confident as I meditate on Your many promises. You promise never to abandon me; instead You carefully guide me through turbulent waters as I cling tightly to Your hand. Even as I daily experienced Your goodness and faithfulness in 2008 I am absolutely certain I will enjoy Your constant presence and guidance in my life and those I love in the new year of 2009. You are faithful and I am grateful. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Lure Lake in western North Carolina
(click (http://www.dailyencouragement.net/desktop/lure_lake.jpg) to enlarge as desktop background and to see Scripture verse)
http://www.dailyencouragement.net/image_files/listen.jpgListen (http://dailyencouragement.libsyn.com/media/dailyencouragement/DE-01-02-09.mp3) to us share this message on your audio player.
Play podcast instrumental music only (http://www.dailyencouragement.net/audio/Pista%2003.mp3)
"Jesus Will Still Be There"
"The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness'" (Jeremiah 31:3). "God has said, never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:5,8).
As we prepare this first encouragement message for 2009 we want to share a special message of hope and assurance. We consider the various burdens and uncertainties so many of you are dealing with. In many cases Brooksyne and I can visualize who you are and the situations you struggle with. You may be a family member, a friend or a former parishioner. Perhaps you're among the many we meet in our chaplain service or a faithful long-time reader of the Daily Encouragement.
At creation God established the annual unit of time (Genesis 1:14). The passing of years is a great time to do some reflecting as well as looking ahead to the next phase in our life's journey. We each look back to milestones this past year and for some they're more significant than others.
Some of you look ahead to 2009 with a temporal optimism; in your life things are going well and you feel secure. Your health is good, your job seems secure, you have exciting plans for the New Year. But others face the New Year with a great sense of uncertainty. You may be dealing with physical pain, a wayward child, a financial hardship or some other form of distress. Today's message is for both.
Settle deep in your spirit that our one and only certain source of hope is Jesus Christ. He alone is an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. This is expressed so well in the great hymn, "The Solid Rock." Most especially in the line, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness."
I selected verses today that express three unchangeable truths concerning God:
• His Steadfast Love: He loves us with an everlasting love.
• His Abiding Presence: He will never leave us.
• His Eternal Immutablity: He is always the same.
As we ground our faith in these truths we can, regardless of our temporal condition, experience the hope, peace and assurance that is at the very core of living an abundant life.
A song comes to mind that has a very fitting theme for beginning a New Year, "Jesus Will Still Be There." We are reminded of a most certain reality; that Jesus will still be there. His love will never change, no matter what changes around us. As we end one year and move into another He is a never-changing Presence in our lives. We can absolutely rely upon Him!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, as the year unfolds I want to keep my soul's anchor embedded in the Rock of Ages. Help me to be unwavering in my faith and confident as I meditate on Your many promises. You promise never to abandon me; instead You carefully guide me through turbulent waters as I cling tightly to Your hand. Even as I daily experienced Your goodness and faithfulness in 2008 I am absolutely certain I will enjoy Your constant presence and guidance in my life and those I love in the new year of 2009. You are faithful and I am grateful. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.