Bethel Music- Draw Near ft. Jeremy Riddle

Waiting

Waiting on the Lord is not a waste of time. God is eternal and He is not limited by time, for He is the one who created it so we could measure our days and reflect on our memories. Don't lose heart during the time of waiting. Get close -ever so close to His chest and listen to His heartbeat. Waiting does come to an end. God finishes what He has purposed to do in our lives. It's we ourselves that struggle with our human impatience. We let our hopes slip away like a balloon floating way up to the sky and disappears. Good things happen to those who wait upon the Lord: Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Psalm 130:5 I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope. Psalm 33:18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love. Hebrews 11:1 [ Faith in Action ] Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Waiting and hoping go together. If you feel you're on the edge of giving up -don't, because most likely you are about to receive what has been promised. Waiting is a part of life. Each season passes. The seeds in the ground wait for the sunlight to cause them to burst up from the earth and emerge as a plant or flower. It may seem dark while waiting for God to answer, but that does not mean God isn't working out the details in your life. Waiting sometimes can feel extremely lonely. It's a time and opportunity to lean close to your Heavenly Father. At these times it may even feel like God isn't hearing our cries, but keep waiting -keep hoping -keep trusting in His unfailing word. When you have too many tears and you feel like you're swirling in negative thoughts and emotions, remember the enemy wants to make you give up so you will forgo the promises that God has given to you. Don't let your temporary feelings cause you to give up on waiting on God. If you were sitting in a lobby or special designated room to meet the president or some other famous person that was your human hero, you would wait. Because you know that at any moment that person would come walking through the door. You would surely be anticipating and reaching out your hand to greet them. Your answer will come through that door. Just wait. Be strong in the Lord and wait patiently for Him to act.

A Woman Can Rebuild

Does it feel like everything around you, your life, your family, has fallen in disarray or totally apart? Emotionally, it's hard holding it together. You put a brave smile on your face, even though you can barely see through the blur of the thousands of tears you have cried, but you are tired of telling everyone out of politeness that you are "fine" or that "everything is alright" because you just don't want to sound like a negative broken record. Going to church or family functions is sometimes difficult, because it's a painful memory of what used to be. Memories of the love you had haunt you like a ghost. Your knees feel worn and sore from the prayers you have prayed in secret. The hinges on your prayer closet door just may even be squeaking because you have used it so much. You wonder if things are ever going to change, if he will change, if you're getting back together, or if this is the end of the dream of a whole family and marriage.  For the sake of love, you question that heart of yours -if it's is going to ever stop caring for the one who hurt you, rejected you, broke you, used you and maybe even abused you. You cry yourself to sleep at night, and the bed seems so lonely you can almost hear your tears -and it's crying too.....puddles on your pillow. It's been so dark for so long. You ask yourself, "How can I hang on any longer?"  Don't lose heart my friend, my sister in Christ, my hero in my eyes -because your pain is not in vain. God promises to make ALL things work together for good to those who are called according to His great purpose. (from Romans 8:28) Notice GREAT PURPOSE. This pain, this disappointment, this hurdle, this mountain, this flood, this fire, this difficult and tiresome season will come to an end for you. It's not permanent. No matter what happens, the tears will cease. God has not forsaken or abandoned you. He is right beside you, and He will take your brokenness, hurts, fears, disappointments and pains, and turn them into REAL STRENGTH, REAL BEAUTY, and MAKE YOU A NEW WOMAN. His word says, "...and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor." Isaiah 61:3. This painful time can be turned into beauty if you let Him. Trust Him in this process. He will help you, and what were your ashes, rubble, and heaps of junk, will become a monument to God's amazing goodness...a living testimony of His faithfulness, His grace, and His glory. Psalm 34:5 says, "Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame." Written By Jenny Williams, Ruby Wives  Copyright 2012

Letter To My Wife

Dear Wife of Mine, I know I should have sent this to you sooner- I sometimes don't know how to tell you how I feel. You're the most beautiful thing my eyes get to see every day; and even when I'm away, you are still in my view. You never fade from my sight. I know I don't always tell you what you need to hear. It's hard for me to come up with the words, because I'm a simple man and I have a hard time admitting what I'm feeling. I just want you to know that your my whole world and I never want or need anything else. The creator knew exactly what I needed when He made you. Your smile washes away the struggles of my day. Your laugh makes me feel alive. Being in your arms is like being at home. I feel accepted, wanted and relaxed. Your presence makes me at ease and you are my safe place to land. You let me be me, and you love me anyway. Your voice, your touch, your smell, are always what I long for when I'm away. You are never not on my mind. When I'm busy working and earning a living, I feel it's an honor and a privilege to provide for you, my wife and the beautiful family we made. Face it, girl, you're my whole world. Don't you ever fret or worry as you grow older with age. You are always beautiful to me. I always see you as my bride -every day. Thanks for putting up with me. For loving me in spite of my foolish notions, the mistakes I make, and my weaknesses. I am always learning something valuable from you. I love your heart. You're so gentle and so kind. I have a good woman by my side. There's nothing more I could ever want. You and the kids and God are all I need. Thank you, Baby for making my life better than it could ever be. I love you, always and forever. ~ Love, Your Husband
Written By Jenny Williams, Ruby Wives Copyright 2012 All Rights Reserved