EC Week 10-Believing in Jesus as Source

Ever Closer Episode 55: Rivers in Wasteland

This week focuses on understanding Jesus as our ultimate source of life and strength, as revealed in John 15:5 where Christ declares himself the vine and us the branches who can do nothing of eternal significance apart from him. Through memorizing this foundational scripture and reflecting on songs that speak of God’s faithfulness in desert seasons, provision as our daily bread, and sufficiency for our deepest needs, we learn to trust completely in his sustaining power. The final song of the week reminds us to be good stewards of the time and resources God provides by strategically using them and not passively consuming them.

Here is today’s song:

Rivers in Wasteland
For anyone suffering or in waiting, know that God is faithful to love, nurture, sustain, deliver, and restore those who seek him even if they have done wrong and been unfaithful.

(Verse 1)
Altars to our idols rise
Success and comfort blind our eyes.
Like others, we’ve gone astray
Traded truth for attractive lies.

(Verse 2)
We silence repeated warning calls.
Build kingdoms destined to fall.
Our hands that should lift others up
Instead hold power’s empty cup.

(Chorus)
Yet God is faithful. he heals our souls.
When we seek him, he makes us whole.
When we repent, he fills our void.
His love restores what sin destroyed.

(Verse 3)
We forge our treaties with the world
Our flags of compromise unfurled.
While whispers of God’s holy way
Fade like sunset at close of day.

(Verse 4)
Now exiled from our dreams of peace
In barren lands of our defeat.
The harvest of our wandering souls—
Broken hearts we can’t make whole.

(Chorus)
Yet God is faithful. he heals our souls.
When we seek him, he makes us whole.
When we repent, he fills our void.
His love restores what sin destroyed.

(Bridge)
In the waiting, in our breaking
In the silence, God is making
Rivers in our wasteland flow
Seeds of blessing within us grow.
Not in comfort, but in remorse
Not defiance, but in changing course
Here redemption is revealed.
Here our broken hearts are healed.

(Chorus)
Oh, how God is faithful. he heals our souls.
When we seek him, he makes us whole.
When we repent, he fills our void.
His love restores what sin destroyed.
His love restores what sin destroyed.

Ever Closer Episode 56: Daily Bread

Just like manna in the desert, Jesus is the true bread from heaven who came down and gives life to the world. All who trust him to save them will never hunger.

(Verse 1)
In the desert of life, full of grueling sand,
The journey is long, and my frailty certain.
Yet when my burden is heavy and fatigue runs deep,
Jesus, you’re my strength. My soul you keep.

(Verse 2)
When trials and pressures scorch like the sun,
And the battle feels like it can’t be won,
Your encouragement lifts my head
Always there, you’re my faithful friend.

(Chorus)
Jesus, you’re my source each day,
Manna in the desert, nourishing my way,
Bread from heaven, true life you offer.
Filled with you, I’ll never hunger.

(Verse 3)
In the canyon of lies and lawless nights,
Your wisdom shines through, sparking insight.
Leading me to truth, showing me what’s right,
Jesus, you’re my guiding light.

(Bridge)
In the parched land of this earthly race,
Your providence is an oasis of grace,
Meeting every need, in every space,
Jesus, you’re my resting place.

(Chorus)
Jesus, you’re my source each day,
Manna in the desert, nourishing my way,
Bread from heaven, true life you offer.
Filled with you, I’ll never hunger.

(Outro)
“Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us today the bread we need,
And forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:9-13, NLT).

Ever Closer Episode 57: Rooted in Certainty

When you face difficulty which causes doubts about what you don’t know or understand, trust God and stand on what you do know.

(Verse 1)
When shadows twist your image like a broken mirror’s face,
And Satan’s whispers cloud the truth with doubt’s embrace,
Shine your light like morning dawn that breaks through darkest night,
Reveal yourself—a lighthouse beam that guides me to what’s right.

(Verse 2)
When accusation’s arrows rain down on my weary soul,
And shame becomes a weight too heavy to control,
Send your Spirit like a shield to guard my battered heart,
Defend me with your perfect love that tears the lies apart.

(Verse 3)
When joy bleeds from my spirit like color from the sky,
And faith feels like a withered branch, too frail and dry,
Be the river flowing through my desert-cracked terrain,
Stand me firm like rooted oak that weathers every rain.

(Chorus)
When I hurt and cannot see beyond my tears,
When doubts rise like mountains through my fears,
Help me stand on what I know is true of you,
Train my heart to walk by faith, not by what I view.

(Verse 4)
Creator of the cosmos, whose breath ignites the stars,
Who spins the earth and holds the seas within their bars,
Eternal King whose promises outshine the fading sun,
Whose goodness flows like endless streams that never cease to run.

(Verse 5)
When disaster writes its story across a broken land,
And suffering seems the only language I understand,
Be the voice amidst the chaos, “I have overcome,”
The masterpiece still forming in the kingdom yet to come.

(Bridge)
Author of my story, Perfecter of my faith,
Sculptor of my purpose through both glory and through pain,
Transform this fragile vessel into your likeness, Lord,
Complete your work within me—this my humble prayer outpoured.

(Chorus)
When I hurt and cannot see beyond my tears,
When doubts rise like mountains through my fears,
Help me stand on what I know is true of you,
Train my heart to walk by faith, not by what I view.

(Outro)
You who left your throne above to die upon a tree,
Surrendered all divinity to set my spirit free,
I believe. Help my unbelief, when darkness clouds my way.
Heal me, mold me, use me, Lord. I am yours each day.

Ever Closer Episode 58: More Than Enough

Discover by faith that God is more than enough to meet your deepest needs, even though Satan tries to convince you otherwise.

(Verse 1)
At the dawn of time a tale began,
A venomous lie that breeds doubt and sin.
Saying God is not real, just an illusion,
For your needs, he has no solution.

(Chorus)
Oh, the truth is as clear as a sunny day,
God is more than sufficient in every way.
He saves, he heals, he is your source,
Satan destroys, God almighty supports.

He’s kind and good, more than enough,
In his hands, he holds you when times are tough.
He always speaks truth, Satan spews lies.
God is ever faithful, on him rely.

(Verse 2)
When hope departs and suicide calls your name,
Or lies whisper addiction’s your fate.
When divorce seems right or you feel disowned.
When you’re confused, worried, trapped, or alone.

(Verse 3)
Find freedom and peace in God above.
He crafted you to live with him in love.
He mends broken hearts, brings good from the past,
Stands by your side, offering joy that lasts.

(Bridge)
Trust in the Lord and put him to the test,
He’s more than capable to fulfill your best.
He is the remedy, the strength in your strife,
Only with God will you find true life.

(Chorus)
Oh, the truth is as clear as a sunny day,
God is more than sufficient in every way.
He saves, he heals, he is your source,
Satan destroys, God almighty supports.

(Outro)
Oh, the truth is as clear as a sunny day,
God is more than sufficient in every way.”

Ever Closer Episode 59: Dragon’s Wings

Sharpen your brain by employing your God-given gifts of imagining and creating rather than just passively consuming entertainment.

(Verse 1)
Sitting scrolling through your screen,
While adventures go unseen,
Your mind holds untapped delight,
Let imagination take flight!

(Verse 2)
Why wallow in boredom’s springs
When you could soar on dragon’s wings?
Chart the stars and draw your map,
Bridge the void, conquer the gap.

(Chorus)
Watching heroes save the day,
As your stories fade to grey,
Seize your chance and join the quest,
Build your mind through each new test.

(Verse 3)
Others’ treasures fill your feed,
While your dreams lie dormant deep.
Find the gems that glint and peek,
Shape the crowns that kingdoms seek.

(Bridge)
Some just glance at caverns deep,
Through the photos others keep.
Light marvel’s torch and explore
What lies behind daydream’s door!

(Verse 4)
Every mind’s a world untold,
Waiting just to bloom and grow,
Will you watch from far away?
Or engage with wonder each day?

(Chorus)
Watching heroes save the day,
As your stories fade to grey,
Rise up brave and face the test.
Build your mind through each new quest.

(Outro)
Your mind’s creative wing,
Holds more joy than borrowed things,
Close the screen and imagine
Let your journey now begin!

Ever Closer Episode 60: Reflection for Week 10

Our scripture focus this week is John 15:5:
“I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

A practical way to abide in Jesus as a branch abides in the vine is to memorize key scripture passages so you can draw from God’s word as needed. Knowing his word helps you follow him, equip others, and pray. There is no prescription for memorizing scripture, but here are a few suggestions that may help. Read the verse dozens of times out loud. Write down the verse. Learn what the verse means. Break the verse into logical segments. Memorize each segment then connect them. Utilize idle time at home, at work, or when traveling to practice the verse. Create a simple tune to set the words to music. And lastly, review and recite the verse with others.

Here are a few reflection questions regarding Jesus as your source.

1. The song “Rivers in Wasteland” speaks of God’s faithfulness to love, nurture, and restore those who seek Him even after unfaithfulness. What “wasteland” experience in your life needs the living water that comes from abiding in Christ as your source?

2. “More Than Enough” addresses Satan’s attempts to convince us that God is insufficient for our needs. What particular lies about God’s provision or character have you been tempted to believe, and which Scripture might directly counter these deceptions?

3. “Rooted in Certainty” encourages standing on what you do know when facing difficulties that cause doubt. Identify one or two Scripture passages that you could commit to memory that would anchor your trust in times of uncertainty?