Daily Encouragement (12/13/21) "When The Soul Is Pierced"
Published: Mon, 12/13/21
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 13, 2021
A photo of the Living Nativity scene from the Christmas
Spectacular show at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City. We took this photo about ten years ago when the show included the Christmas story along with Scripture readings and traditional Christmas hymns. Hopefully that is still the case!
"When The Soul Is Pierced"
Message summary: Today's message is for those who are experiencing soul piercings.
Listen to this message on your audio player.
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46,47). "And a sword will pierce your own soul too" (Luke 2:35).
This weekend has again reminded us of the groanings of creation (Romans 8:22). Deadly tornadoes have pierced the souls of so many here in the US making national news, particularly the tornado that stretched over 230 miles leaving death and destruction all along the way. But the groanings of creation are worldwide. Yesterday I spoke with Dennis, a long-time missionary to Nigeria, who bears a heavy burden for the turmoil in that country with
practically daily attacks on Christians by Muslim terrorists.
Some soul-piercing events make the news but most happen with little notice apart from those personally affected. But these are no less heart-breaking for the people and families who experience them. We witness this in the lives of those we minister to and in scores of other heartaches taking place right now that won't make the news:
Musing over this message for the last several days I had on my heart a consideration of how faith works when life just doesn't work out as we had desired or planned. Many years ago I read a book by Philip Yancey with the rather provocative title "Disappointment With God" in which he poses three questions that Christians wonder but seldom ask aloud:
Years later (the book was published in 1988) Yancey explains the title, "At the time, the publisher questioned the title, so different from the cheery titles that predominate the Christian market. But I wanted to speak to people who were truly disappointed." Who among us has not had disappointment in life?
An online article from gotquestions.org (see below) explains that the word disappointment means "a feeling of dissatisfaction when one’s hopes, desires, and expectations fail to come to pass".
It's interesting how the Lord speaks to us and how our present circumstances can impact our receptivity or lack thereof. Yesterday Pastor Beau Eckert preached about Mary and the wonderful assurance she received from God about her unique situation. She expresses it in song, often referred to as Mary's Magnificat meaning "Praise", taken from the first word of the Latin translation magnificat anima mea Domium, literally,
"My soul praises the Lord" (Luke 1:46-55). “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior". Mary's song focuses on God's great works, including His tendency to turn everything upside down.
Pastor Beau ended with a consideration of the future soul piercing that Mary would endure. Simeon's prophecy candidly informed Mary that "a sword will pierce your own soul too" (Luke 2:35). Of course this is a prophetic message specifically for Mary since she would experience intense soul-piercing as she witnessed her Son Jesus being crucified. But Pastor also expanded this
prophetic reality to all who experience a pierced soul, so in one way or another that's all of us.
Here's a quote from the closing of his message that moved both of us as we listened from our pew on Sunday (video cued to this portion below).
![]() Today we consider readers who may have a pierced soul even as they read this. But we've all experienced these soul piercings. As we reflect upon God's greatest gift to all of us let us remember, "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37).
Be encouraged today, (Hebrews 3:13)
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
![]() 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 you would like to make a donation to our ministry see here for more information. 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 from 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. ![]() ![]() Stephen & Brooksyne Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
![]() "Christ be Magnified" Video Calvary Church children What a joy to see the children gathered and hear them singing out, especially on the word, "Oh!". The words in this beautiful song require adult understanding so practices surely included not only excellence in singing, but also understanding the words they were singing.
Here's a video cued to Pastor's conclusion of the message printed above and the beautiful song, "My Soul Rejoices" sung by Johanna Spangenberg who co-wrote the song with two other worship leaders from our church.
"Is it wrong to feel disappointment with God?" A brief perspective from gotquestions.org
Blessings Of Hope, a local food bank ministry in Lancaster sent out two truckloads of food supplies within hours. More are on their way to aid victims in the wake of the tornado devastation. Our support in prayer and giving to a Christian aid ministry like this is an important way we can help those devastated by this deadly storm.
"It Is Well with My Soul" Video Guy Penrod, David Phelps Perhaps we could consider the familiar hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul", as Spafford's Magnificat. It was an expression of praise and acceptance of Horatio Spafford's heartbreaking circumstances in 1873 during a time of major challenge and loss. He lost his extensive real estate
business in 1871 during the Chicago fire, he also mourned the death of his four year old son due to scarlet fever in 1871, and the most famous loss was that of his four daughters who drowned at sea two years later. After learning of their deaths he booked passage to join his wife who survived the shipwreck in Europe. On a cold December night the captain called him aside and showed him the location where the Ville du Havre ship went down resulting in 222 fatalities including that of his
daughters. Upon returning to his cabin Spafford found it difficult to sleep but he settled the grievous matter deep in his soul as he said to himself, "It is well; the will of God be done."
![]() On Friday we joined employees and their spouses at the JK Mechanical Christmas banquet where each year we enjoy a delicious buffet. We have been serving as their chaplains over eleven years now and have had the privilege of reading the Christmas story from Luke and opening in prayer every Christmas.
![]() Friday morning we bought some brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli brought in fresh from the field in New Danville. The tractor had just dropped off this wagon of cauliflower picked moments earlier. But winter's on the way so the stand closed Saturday for the season.
Resources for Christmas
Celebrations
(We will leave these resources posted below our daily messages through
Christmas)
Each year we share several online resources that we have used over the
years. Perhaps they may be a blessing to you, your family or church during this Christmas season.
"In Remembrance of Me" pdf This is a passion-filled Scripture reading for two adults. Brooksyne and I have used this reading with great receptivity during Christmas Eve services over the years. We suggest, if possible, a musical background as the message is read. It is also a great lead-in to a Communion service. It should be thoroughly practiced and read with great feeling. Here's a great Communion Hymn for Christmas (Video) "When Christ Was Born" pdf This is an adaptation to the tune of "How Great Thou Art". It's a great song to sing as a congregation since most are familiar with and love the tune. Responsive Christmas Scripture readings for church or family: John 1:1-18 pdf "O Come Let Us Adore Him" pdf My First Christmas In Heaven This is a blessed reminder for all who lost a loved one this year. Christmas Knowledge Test We have also posted two Christmas carol quizzes here (scroll down). Finally
today:
![]() These two don't fight like cats and
dogs!
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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 2021 Stephen C. & Brooksyne Weber - All Rights Reserved
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