Daily Encouragement (12/7/20) "No Excuses"
Published: Mon, 12/07/20
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A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber.
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Monday, December 7, 2020
 A gas street light in Wellsboro, PA, a small hamlet in northern Pennsylvania. In our view Wellsboro is the prettiest small town in northern PA, kind of like Bedford Falls, the fictional town in "It's A Wonderful Life"! "No Excuses"
Message summary: Leaning on excuses will lead to failure and ineffectiveness, but leaning on God's power will lead to our strength, for when we are weak, then He is strong!  Listen to this message on your audio player.“See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!” (Galatians 6:11).
Several companies we serve as chaplains hire employees with disabilities. We regularly see two young men with Down Syndrome who are very conscientious about their work. It's great to see them experience the personal satisfaction and fulfillment of doing productive work. Some people have visible disabilities, others not so visible. Today we want to share about Everett, who was a part of the church we served in Taunton Massachusetts in the nineties. He had been active in that church since the early 70’s.
Everett never finished high school and had a severe case of a reading disorder known as dyslexia. He’s had a lot of overcoming in life, yet he sought to provide for his family as an outstanding "handyman", having a good sense in fixing about anything that’s broken. In 1999 Everett was diagnosed with Cerebral Degeneration, a neurological disorder that further hindered him and forced his retirement. I recall his burning desire to read through the Bible but reading was very hard since his reading speed is very, very slow and extremely laborious due to his dyslexia, but Everett managed to get through it. The few minutes it takes the average person to read a chapter may have taken several hours for Everett. He has sought to live his life for Christ and use the skills that God has given him to make a difference on the planet, rather than make excuses for the skills or talents he lacks.  Many Bible students speculate that the apostle Paul had a chronic eye problem. In his epistle to the Galatians he refers to an illness which was a major trial when he visited them. He wrote, “If you could have done so, you would
have torn out your eyes and given them to me” (Galatians 4:15). In the daily text he likely refers to this ailment when he concludes the letter in his own handwriting and writes, "See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!"In the case of the daily text it seems that most of the book was dictated to an associate, technically called an amanuensis. As I examine this passage I consider just how meaningful the esteemed Apostle’s very own handwriting must have been to the initial reader. It was a mark of authenticity but also a very personal expression. (Only the original handwritten document would have conveyed this since, as the document was copied, it would have all been in the same handwriting and no distinction is made in the text type in our printed Bibles.)  In 2 Corinthians Paul speaks of a “thorn in the flesh”, which may also be referring to this same physical ailment. He prayed to have this affliction removed, but instead God gave him these words
of assurance: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul had this and other excuses to hinder his work but he didn’t let that stop him. His critics adversely criticized, “His letters are weighty and forceful, in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing” (2 Corinthians 10:10). So, Preacher Friend, if you’re being negatively critiqued, you’re in good
company!The Apostle Paul, the disabled employees we see, our friend Everett, and so many others, including some of you reading this are faithful and determined overcomers. We all have excuses, but God doesn’t want us to lean on them. Leaning on excuses will lead to failure and ineffectiveness, but leaning on God's power will lead to our strength, for when we are weak, then He is strong! Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber  Daily prayer: Father, we
are inspired by those very special people that You have called out from among the ordinary. They look to You for physical strength and extraordinary faith to overcome the obstacles that would otherwise hinder their ability to live a productive life. They’re living examples of the redeemed who have invited Your strength to be perfected in their weakness. When we are powerless, You are all-powerful and You receive the glory due Your name. So help us not to resent our weaknesses or
limitations, for it is in these challenges that we can take no credit but rather give honor to the One who makes all things possible for those who believe. Amen.Note: We have Everett's permission to share his story. 
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 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 "Ordinary People" Video Danniebelle Hall
"Use Me" Video Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
The Last Few Polio Survivors – Last of the Iron Lungs | Video
Here's remarkable video that will touch your heart introducing Paul Alexander as one of the last few remaining polio survivors that depend on iron lungs—half-century-old machines that force inhabitants to breathe. What a remarkable
overcomer!
Brooksyne's Note:
My older brother suffered from polio several years before he was divinely healed. I also grew up with a girl named Janice who walked with braces, otherwise confined to wheelchair, who suffered tremendously from polio, sometimes requiring an iron lung at times as I remember. All these years later she is suffering again from the late effects of
polio.
 We saw this poster in a local church.
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We want to thank all who financially support our ministry. If you would like to make 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".2020 YTD offerings to Daily Encouragement Net : $17,105.00 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
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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." © Copyright 2020 Stephen C. & Brooksyne Weber - All Rights Reserved
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