Daily Encouragement (11/29/21) "A Consideration of Paul's Prayer Life"
Published: Mon, 11/29/21
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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, November 29, 2021  The three little piggies on the Old Windmill Farm seemed to be posing for Ester as she snapped this photo. (Click on photo to enlarge, if you like little piggies) "A Consideration of Paul's Prayer Life"
Message summary: Today's very personal part of Paul's letter to the Romans is a great example for all of us.
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"First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you" (Romans 1:8-10).
One of the greatest expressions we can hear from a caring individual are these words, "I'm praying for you". It’s such a blessing to have people praying for us. Do you suppose people in the Roman church were blessed when they heard the words in our daily text? I sure think they were! Let's consider the edifying words phrase by phrase:
"First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you." Consider the blessing that our lives may prompt thankfulness for who we are. Consider today people you are thankful for and let them know it. Paul wrote that he was thankful for "all of you". Now, to be frank, some people are sure harder to be thankful for than others, but Paul expresses thanksgiving for them all. "Because your faith is being reported all over the world." Who was doing this reporting? Well, it was certainly Paul but perhaps others as well. What a great reason for being reported. Are we known as people of genuine faith and faithfulness? In a recent devotional Dick Dresselhaus wrote "Let your observable life always be an accurate reflection of what you hold in your heart" in reference to Ananias and Sapphira who
attempted to present themselves as genuine when in fact they were attempting to deceive.
"Whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son." Paul was all about preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. What would people say we are all about if they were to summarize in one statement who we are? (God) "is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times". He appeals to the highest witness, God. We can all put on a show before others but God sees and knows all things. Notice the redundancy for emphasis "constantly" and "at all times".
"And I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you". At the time this letter was written Paul had not been to Rome but had a deep longing to go there. His perilous journey to Rome is recorded in the final chapters of Acts. It's amazing to read Romans 16 and all the greetings to people referred to by their names and often their contributions to the work of the Lord or to Paul
personally, many whom he had never met. This speaks of his being not only spiritually-minded but also relationally-minded with fellow believers.
This very personal part of Paul's letter to the Romans is a great example for all of us.
Be encouraged today, (Hebrews 3:13)
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
 Daily prayer: Father, we are so grateful for those who, Like Paul, in
faithful obedience, offer our names up to You in prayer. Their prayer covering serves us much like an invisible shield that protects our vulnerable hearts against the brutal fiery darts of Satan. In our growing walk with You move us beyond the singular “Bless me” type prayers to asking for Your blessings on others as we call out their names and present their needs to You in prayer. In doing so we will be following the model Paul speaks of in Philippians 2 where he says we are to be
interested not only in our own needs but also the needs of others. May we be faithful in putting Jesus first, others second and ourselves last in our daily thoughts and in our intercessory prayers. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.Brooksyne's Note: Earlier in my prayer time this morning I was praying for a family who lost a loved one a few days ago due to a somewhat "bizarre" accident. They know of our prayers as we have been in contact, but the Spirit nudged me to let them know once again, "We are praying for you". At times I put this off as it sounds clicheish (if there is such a word), but it may be the very words one who is hurting
needs to hear. So when I am finished here this morning I will make contact and follow through with what the Spirit spoke to me about this morning. I encourage you to do the same when the Spirit prompts you about a matter, as a burden is lifted when we obey and our act of obedience can bring blessing to the one God lays on our heart.
Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
"Somebody's Praying For Me" Video Don Moen
"Can I Pray For You" Video Mark Bishop
 With the Mansfield family at the Old Windmill Farm
In the early 80's Jack and Chris Mansfield (center) and their three young children became a very active part of the church we served at that time in northern Pennsylvania. What a blessing we've stayed connected through the years and Saturday we met them at the Old Windmill Farm. The family was visiting from Boston, New York, and North Carolina.
(Click on photo to enlarge) 
John and Shanyse with Tali
Years ago we met Shanyse when she worked at a company we serve as chaplains. John is from Rwanda. They married a few years ago and serve the Lord together. Our fun surprise was learning they now have an 8 month daughter, Tali. We saw them Saturday at Costco and we value these providential meetings!
Finally today:
 When we came home from church yesterday once again we found the same wren (that's what we assume anyway). Perhaps the bird comes in (sight unseen) through our sliding
door to the deck when we let the dogs out. We also wonder if it has been injured since it was pretty easy to catch and didn't fly to escape our very curious pets.
 Sadie is intrigued, so I picked up the wren to free it, before Sadie's intrigue turned into attack.
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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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