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| RSS feed Podcast feed  A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. Thursday, November 9, 2006  Produce stand in rural Lancaster County (Click on photo to enlarge or use as desktop) (Click here to listen to this message on your audio player.) "Waiting" "Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him" (Isaiah 64:4). In one way or another it seems we are all waiting for something in life. Yesterday I shared that the wait periods of life are often hard and many connected with this. Realistically so much of what frustrates us in regard to waiting is trivial such as waiting for a traffic light to change or waiting in a long line at the store. But at other times it's waiting for a medical test result or news from a loved one we are anxious to hear from. It may be waiting for a specified change of direction in our life, perhaps in our work or ministry. Certainly for all of us it is waiting for the blessed hope. Obedient waiting is one of the most important tests we have in life. Prior to going up to Mount Sinai, Moses gave a very specific command to the children of Israel. "Wait here for us until we come back to you" (Exodus 24:14). But the wait was long and the people grew impatient and took matters into their own hands. "When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, 'Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him'" (Exodus 32:1). Soon they're worshipping and carousing around a golden calf with Aaron as their leader! They failed the "wait test." The Bible has many examples of waiting tests such as Abraham for the promised son, Jacob for Rachel, Saul for Samuel and others as well. Many of them failed the waiting test which resulted in long-term, sometimes life-long consequences. We also have many waiting tests in our lives. Even as you read this you're likely considering the situation you're praying about and waiting to see how God brings about His will in the matter. Just yesterday in our personal ministry we prayed with a family who has major decisions regarding medical treatment for a loved one and are prayerfully waiting on God for His guidance. I also talked with a friend who is at a crossroads in regard to a career choice and is waiting for God's direction. He earnestly said to me, "Please pray that my wife and I will know the right thing to do." Trusting during the wait can be very challenging, particularly if there's something we can physically do about it, since we're tempted to take it into our own hands. But here's a great truth to hide deep in your heart today: God acts on behalf of those who wait for Him. Our daily verse is a real treasure buried in a portion of the Bible not as familiar to many. "Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him." Today allow this truth to fill your life with peace as you trust in God, "who always acts on behalf of those who wait for Him." Be encouraged today as together we wait on Him, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Father, many times Scripture that speaks of waiting on You is followed by the directive of being courageous. Indeed it does take courage for me to trust You and not take matters into my own hands since that comes so naturally to my way of thinking and doing things. But as a loving, protecting and omnipotent Father You tenderly care for me as I commit my needs to You. My unbelief and impatience leads to fearsome worry and unwise behavior. Getting ahead of Your divine plan and perfect timing only leads to more frustration and difficulty. Help me to remember that waiting coupled with prayer brings about growing courage and dependence on You rather than myself. Amen. "They that wait on the Lord" Audio file Lyrics Today's photo was taken last week on a farm road in eastern Lancaster County. As I studied various Scriptures about waiting and patience in preparing today's message, the combination of the selected Scripture and today's photo seemed appropriate! |
| ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION  Each weekday Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all around the world. Would you please help us continue this encouragement ministry? As an expression of appreciation for your support we are offering our new "Encouragement" screensaver, a selection of photos with accompanying Scriptures, along with our desktop collection with each offering (available either as download or CD.) See here for details.Personal Ministry Update Join: To receive this free "Daily Encouragement" e-mail devotional use our form. New subscribers receive a link to free computer desktop background photos with Scriptures! Here's the welcome letter that comes with new subscriptions. Cancel: To remove your address from this mailing list merely use the link at the very bottom. (To change addresses cancel old address and then join again using new address.) Contact us Please feel free to pass this message on!  The Weber Family Stephen, Brooksyne & Ester "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" (Click on photo to enlarge) Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity." How to become a child of God 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. Used by permission; and the King James Version. © Copyright 2006 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552  "Living securely today anchored in God's solid foundation" |
