EC Week 35-Letting Jesus Live in You-Patience

Ever Closer Episode 205: Heading Home

God’s patience with humanity, as revealed in 2 Peter 3:9, demonstrates His heart that none should perish but all come to repentance, calling us to mirror this same patient love in our relationships with others. Like the single mother investing in fellow travelers during her commute, we are called to use every moment—whether waiting, growing, or serving—as opportunities to show Christ’s love and point others toward home with Him. Through patient faith and humble service, we participate in God’s harvest of wonder, trusting that He will return to make all things right, He will fulfill all his promises, and that He can produce extraordinary spiritual fruit from our simple acts of love and witness.

Here is today’s song:

Heading Home
For those who trust in Jesus, this world is a temporary place to grow and to help others know God while we wait for his return when we will join him in a new heaven and earth.

(Verse 1)
In this world of pain and strife
We’re just passing through this life.
Our true home is yet to come
Where we’ll reign with God’s own Son.

(Chorus)
We are citizens of heaven
Waiting for our King to come.
Nothing here can separate us
From the love of God’s own Son.
Though the world may rage around us
We stand firm in Jesus’ name.
For we know that He is coming
And forever we will reign.

(Verse 2)
Like our Savior, we engage
Bringing hope to every age
Standing firm for what is right
Shining bright with heaven’s light.

(Chorus)
We are citizens of heaven
Waiting for our King to come.
Nothing here can separate us
From the love of God’s own Son.
Though the world may rage around us
We stand firm in Jesus’ name.
For we know that He is coming
And forever we will reign.

(Bridge)
We proclaim the truth with love
Extend mercy from above
Serve with hearts of grace divine
So it’s Christ that others find.

(Verse 3)
Soon our King will split the sky
Every knee to Him will bow.
New creation will unfold
Where His glory we’ll behold.

(Chorus)
We are citizens of heaven
Waiting for our King to come.
Nothing here can separate us
From the love of God’s own Son.
Though the world may rage around us
We stand firm in Jesus’ name.
For we know that He is coming
And forever we will reign.

(Outro)
Yes, we know that He is coming
And with him we will reign.

Ever Closer Episode 206: Breathing in the Now

With God’s help make the most of now rather than regretting the past, wishing for what could have been, or worrying about the future.

(Verse 1)
Chains of yesterday rattle in the wind
But I’m not bound to where I’ve been.
My scars can teach without defining me
The path of the past is not my destiny.

(Chorus)
I’m standing in this moment, breathing in the now,
Not what could have been or might be somehow.
Every choice I make in the light of today
Shapes who I become as I follow God’s way.

(Verse 2)
Storms may gather strength across my sky
But I’ll face the rain with my head held high.
Each struggle etches wisdom in my soul
Through broken places, I become whole.

(Chorus)
I’m standing in this moment, breathing in the now,
Not what could have been or might be somehow.
Every choice I make in the light of today
Shapes who I become as I follow God’s way.

(Verse 3)
In the present I hold what matters
Not running from shadows or reaching for stars.
The sunlight on my face, friends by my side
Thanking God each day, as he provides.

(Verse 4)
Tomorrow is a canvas yet unpainted.
I’ll sketch my dreams but won’t be tainted
By worries of what I cannot control.
Fear of the future won’t consume my soul.

(Bridge)
I surrender my journey to God who’s higher
Trusting his love amidst the fire.
Even darkness transforms in his hands
As he works for good in ways I can’t understand.

(Chorus)
I’m standing in this moment, breathing in the now,
Not what could have been or might be somehow.
Every choice I make in the light of today
Shapes who I become as I follow God’s way.
As I follow God’s way.

Ever Closer Episode 207: Between Stations

A single mom takes the time to invest in other travelers on the train during her daily commute to work as a housecleaner.

(Verse 1)
In the early morning light, she boards the train
A single mom, her hands worn and strained.
Though tired, she looks with keen eyes
Viewing her journey as a chance to touch lives.

(Verse 2)
An old woman boards, longing to converse
Our hero listens to tales that were.
In sharing her stories, the elder finds peace
The warm company sets her mind at ease.

(Chorus)
On the rails of compassion, she travels each day
A cleaner by trade, but a healer in a way.
In the faces of strangers, she sees a chance to care
Her kindness, like sunshine, brightens the air.

(Verse 3)
The mom spots a boy, struggling with math
Sits beside him, points him down the right path.
She greets a businessman, a familiar face
Asks about his important meeting that day.

(Bridge)
Life’s like this train, rushing past so fast
But in choosing to stop, you make an impact.
Don’t focus on self, but on others instead.
With eyes full of love, find hearts to attend.

(Verse 4)
A teen confides about love’s rocky road
Our hero advises, helps lighten the load.
With wisdom and care, she offers insight
Enabling young hearts to reach new heights.

(Chorus)
On the rails of compassion, she travels each day
A cleaner by trade, but a healer in a way.
In the faces of strangers, she sees a chance to care
Her kindness, like sunshine, brightens the air.

Ever Closer Episode 208: I Will Wait for You

If you love someone, sometimes you have to wait for them. As you do support them and work to become all you can be so you are ready to be together when the time and circumstances are right.

(Verse 1)
Love is patient, love is kind.
It waits for the right place and time.
Though the road ahead may wind.
I’ll hold on, your hand in mine.

(Verse 2)
Whether you’re battling inner wars,
Fighting cancer or trauma from before,
Finishing that degree you’ve been working towards,
Or persuading your folks to accept me more.

(Chorus)
I’ll wait for you, that’s what true love does.
Becoming all I can, to make a better us.
Through storms and shadows, until the daybreak.
You are worth the wait, whatever it takes.

(Verse 3)
If you’re still healing, becoming whole again
Or overseas where you bravely serve and defend
I’ll be your anchor, your lighthouse in the night
A refuge in your tempest, ’til victorious you rise.

(Verse 4)
If you are in my future, I dream of what’s in store
I’ll ready my heart, become my best, and remain pure
I trust you’re doing the same to prepare for me
So when we meet, our bond will be strong, and our love sweet.

(Chorus)
I’ll wait for you, that’s what true love does.
Becoming all I can, to make a better us.
Through storms and shadows, until the daybreak.
You are worth the wait, whatever it takes.

(Bridge)
Actively resting, I make each moment count.
Growing and learning, hardworking and devout.
I support you, and cheer as your biggest fan.
I’m blessed to journey with you, hand-in-hand.

(Chorus)
I’ll wait for you, that’s what true love does.
Becoming all I can, to make a better us.
Through storms and shadows, until the daybreak.
You are worth the wait, whatever it takes.

(Outro)
Love is patient, love is kind.
It hopes, believes, and trusts ’til the right time.
So I will wait for you, that’s what real love does.
You are worth it all, my dearest love.

Ever Closer Episode 209: Harvests of Wonder

Tiny seeds reflect God’s ability to produce extraordinary outcomes from humble beginnings. He multiplies our simple faith to transform us and to spread his love and salvation to others.

(Verse 1)
An orphan girl named Esther rose
From lowly roots to royal throne
Her courage saved her people’s lives
God’s purpose through her story shown.

(Verse 2)
Young David faced the giant tall
With sling and stone, and faith so pure.
God saw his heart, not outward form
A shepherd king, God would mature.

(Chorus)
Like tiny seeds that grow so tall
Into mighty trees and harvests grand
God works wonders through the small
When we place ourselves in his hands.

(Verse 3)
A boy’s small lunch in Jesus’ hands
Became a feast for thousands strong.
God blessed this gift to share his love
Meeting their needs through his Son.

(Bridge)
Offer all you have to God
Your time, your gifts, your very soul.
He’ll multiply your seed of faith
To reach the world and make you whole.

(Verse 4)
Joseph sold, betrayed, and chained
Yet rose to rule in Egypt’s land.
What evil meant, God turned to good
Salvation flowed from His wise hand.

(Chorus)
Like tiny seeds that grow so tall
Into mighty trees and harvests grand
God works wonders through the small
When we place ourselves in his hands.

(Verse 5)
Mary, reverent, young, and meek
Chosen for a holy task
To bear the Savior of the world.
In God’s great plan, she humbly basked.

(Chorus)
Like tiny seeds that grow so tall
Into mighty trees and harvests grand
God works wonders through the small
When we place ourselves in his hands…In his hands.

Ever Closer Episode 210: Reflection for Week 35

Growing with God is a process that takes time. Fortunately knowing Him, is already life-changing right now and continues to get better and better as you become more like Jesus. Actively wait and trust that God will fulfill what is best for you. Also, as God is patient with you, extend His divine patience to others, even those who are difficult. Our scripture focus this week is 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Here are a few reflection questions:

1. God’s patience is driven by His desire that none should perish. Reflect on your own salvation journey—how has God been patient with you? Who has He placed in your life who demonstrated this same patient love toward you? How might remembering God’s patience with you affect how you view and interact with those who haven’t yet embraced Christ?

2. Both 2 Peter 3:9 and the song “I’ll Wait for You” speak of purposeful waiting. As we wait for Christ’s return, how are you actively preparing yourself and others for that day? What area of personal growth would make you more effective in seeking the lost while we wait? How might your attitude toward the “delay” of Christ’s return reveal your heart toward those who don’t yet know Him?

3. “Harvests of Wonder” describes how God produces extraordinary outcomes from humble beginnings. What small acts of faith or simple conversations about Jesus could you initiate this week? How does God’s promise to multiply our efforts encourage you to take those first steps in sharing your faith?