EC Week 12-Believing in Jesus as Shepherd

Ever Closer Episode 67: He Calls My Name

Jesus calls you by name into abundant life, promising to meet you wherever you are and lead you to something far better than what the enemy offers. As the Good Shepherd who protects and provides, He invites you to trust Him completely, building your life on the solid foundation of His words and promises rather than the shifting sands of worldly security. This week, embrace accountability by honestly examining where you’ve allowed other voices to compete with the Shepherd’s call, and commit to following His guidance as He transforms you from the inside out and uses you to help rescue others.

Here is today’s song:

He Calls My Name
Each day God is calling you into a closer relationship with him and his purposes. Answer his call and be saved. Then help others do the same.

(Verse 1)
In the garden tomb, amidst tears and deep despair,
I searched for Jesus, but found he wasn’t there.
A figure, a gardener, caught my eye,
“Where is Jesus?” I pled, not to be denied.
The man replied, and in his voice peace reigned
He calmed my heart speaking “Mary,” my name.
Desperate to see, my eyes beheld God’s Son,
It was Jesus, my savior, the King now risen.

(Verse 2)
In sickness, I did lay, fading fast with each sun’s ray.
My sisters sent for Jesus, please come they prayed.
I knew his love for me, yet he waited to arrive.
Heartbroken, confused. I closed my eyes, and died.
Days passed, then Jesus came, in glory he proclaimed,
“Lazarus, arise,” in love he called my name.
Death’s chains shattered, no longer held in its claim.
With his power, I rose. Alive from the grave I came.
 
(Verse 3)
All night under moon’s glow, I cast nets in vain,
I returned to the shore having nothing gained.
Jesus while teaching, entered my boat for space
“Go out, let down your nets,” he urged with grace.
At first I protested. But because of him I obeyed.
My nets overflowed with so much fish they frayed.
I pushed Jesus away, overwhelmed by my sin
But in love he called, “Simon, follow me. Fish for men.”

(Chorus)
Like Mary, Lazarus, and Simon, you are called
To an abiding peace, reconciled with God,
To his divine power over sin and death,
To a better purpose seeking others to bless.

(Outro)
He yearns to pull you near, his joy to impart.
His love whispers your name, to renew your heart.
Confess your failings, grasp his hand, receive his all.
Walk with Him, helping others answer his call.

Ever Closer Episode 68: Lost and Found

Jesus meets you where you are, but loves you too much to leave you there. Trust him and he will lead you into a much better life with him as he works in you and through you to save others.

(Verse 1)
At the well, a woman’s shame
Jesus met her, knew her name.
Living water, freely given
Her past remitted, new life risen.

(Verse 2)
Chained and broken, demon-possessed
The Gerasene, in the tombs outcast
Christ’s power freed him from his plight
Sent him to share the Savior’s might.

(Chorus)
The Shepherd seeks the lost and alone
No matter where, how far you’ve roamed.
He leads you to a life made whole
To share his love, to save each soul.

(Verse 3)
Zacchaeus climbed to see the Lord
From the tree, his life restored.
“Today salvation’s come,” Christ said.
The lost sheep home, by mercy led.

(Bridge)
Jesus seeks you now, just as you are
The Way, the Truth, the Morning Star
Life’s answers, in him you’ll find
Trust in his love, leave sin behind.

(Verse 4)
Born in darkness, judged by all
The blind man heard the Savior’s call.
Clay and spit, then washed anew
His eyes now see, his heart made true.

(Chorus)
The Shepherd seeks the lost and alone
No matter where, how far you’ve roamed.
He leads you to a life made whole
To share his love, to save each soul.

(Outro)
From broken paths to righteous ways
He guides our steps through all our days.
The Good Shepherd, our faithful friend
His love and mercy never end.

Ever Closer Episode 69: Cool of the Day

Pray about daily walking in loving relationship with God by faith, enjoying his abundant life and blessings.

(Verse 1)
In Eden’s first light they walked with you
Footsteps through morning dew.
Adam and Eve in perfect peace
In the cool of the day with thee.

(Chorus)
Give me new eyes to truly see
Open my heart to believe
Guide my steps to follow you
My Shepherd, whom my soul longs for.

(Verse 2)
You formed me for this holy dance
Walking by faith, not by sight.
Through valleys deep and mountains high
You’re all that I’ll ever need.

(Verse 3)
When I am lost, restore my soul.
When I am weak, be my strength.
Teach me your ways, help me to grow
In the cool of your grace each day.

(Bridge)
Thank you, Father, for your perfect plan
Working all things for my good.
I want to spend each precious day
Drawing closer, learning your ways.

(Verse 4)
Though feelings fade and doubt creeps in
My faith will stand on your rock.
I’m never alone, you’re by my side
Your truth makes all things new.

(Chorus)
Give me new eyes to truly see
Open my heart to believe
Guide my steps to follow you
My Shepherd, whom my soul longs for.

(Outro)
Your love surrounds like morning mist
Thank you for mercy divine.
Show me how I might love like you
Pouring out what you’ve poured in.

Ever Closer Episode 70: Deliverance

God delivers those who trust him. Sometimes he delivers them from difficulty, sometimes he delivers them through difficulty, but he is ever faithful to save.

(Verse 1)
In the depths of night, when shadows loom,
A light breaks through, dispelling gloom.
God’s love shines bright, a beacon true,
His Son, the Way, makes all things new.

(Verse 2)
Through stormy seas and raging gale,
Our Refuge stands, He will not fail.
He hears our cries, His care assured,
In Him we trust, our hearts secured.

(Chorus)
He delivers us, our faithful Lord,
Through every trial, He’s our reward.
In Christ we’re saved, from sin set free,
His life abundant, eternally.

(Verse 3)
When trials come, and sorrows press,
He draws us close in tenderness.
Our suffering seen, he understands.
Having walked our path, he takes our hand.

(Bridge)
Though troubles rise like mountains tall,
All who rely on him will not fall.
God’s mighty hand upholds each saint,
Nothing can pull us from his embrace.

(Verse 4)
In danger’s path, where foes surround,
God’s presence keeps us safe and sound.
His outstretched arm defeats our foes,
His saving grace forever flows.

(Chorus)
He delivers us, our faithful Lord,
Through every trial, He’s our reward.
In Christ we’re saved, from sin set free,
His life abundant, eternally.

Ever Closer Episode 71: His Voice Divine

This week includes a bonus song. The first song is about listening to the voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. The second song is a ballad of a young father who desires to follow God’s loving lead to serve and provide for his children so they can grow in God.

Song 1: His Voice Divine
Above all else, listen to the voice of God who is lovingly calling you to himself—an abundant, joyful life full of purpose now and forever.

(Verse 1)
In crowded noise of daily life,
A gentle whisper calls my name.
God’s voice breaks through the endless strife,
His love, a never-fading flame.

(Verse 2)
From death’s dark path he beckons me,
Away from selfish, hollow ways.
In him, true life flows rich and free,
Aligned with love through all my days.

(Chorus)
Speak, Lord, for I am listening,
Less of me and more of you.
Shape my heart, your love glistening,
Work through me, make all things new.

(Verse 3)
These gifts of time and strength and gold
Were never meant for me alone.
He calls me now with courage bold
To make his boundless mercy known.

(Verse 4)
His truth like water, clear and pure,
To share with souls who thirst for light.
His ways to teach with heart secure,
Guiding others through the night.

(Chorus)
Speak, Lord, for I am listening,
Less of me and more of you.
Shape my heart, your love glistening,
Work through me, make all things new.

(Bridge)
By faith I watch the eastern sky,
For Christ’s return in glory bright.
When justice blooms and evil dies,
His kingdom on earth, a radiant light.

(Verse 5)
So let me hear your voice divine,
Above the world’s discordant roar.
Your mission now forever mine,
To love and serve by grace and power.

(Chorus)
Speak, Lord, for I am listening,
Less of me and more of you.
Shape my heart, your love glistening,
Work through me, make all things new.

—
And now for the bonus song:

A Good Father

A young father humbly prays for God’s help to love and raise faithful kids along with his wife.

(Verse 1)
On a park bench, I sit and gaze,
Watching my children’s carefree ways.
Their laughter carries on the breeze,
May they also find joy in difficulty.

(Verse 2)
Evenings dim as our hearth glows bright,
Kids are safe, sheltered from the night.
Give me strength to stand in harm’s way,
A shield to keep life’s wolves at bay.

(Chorus)
God, help me be a father like you,
Loving and kind, full of grace and truth.
Your blessings given I’ll pass along
So my kids may come to sing your song.

(Verse 3)
Alongside my wife we work to provide
What our family needs to grow and thrive.
Yet all that’s good, comes from you.
Thank you, God for all you do.

(Verse 4)
Finishing their chores, a chance to teach.
We read and pray and brush our teeth.
In their questions, learning unfolds,
Insight and skills for maturing roles.

(Bridge)
God, empower me each day anew.
Grant wisdom and grace in all pursuits.
Help me lead our home with love
So we become more like you above.

(Verse 5)
Twilight whispers as the kids dream.
I thank you for our blessed team.
Work through me as I serve to impart
A faith in you that guides their hearts.

(Chorus)
God, help me be a father like you,
Loving and kind, full of grace and truth.
Your blessings given I’ll pass along
So my kids may come to sing your song.

Ever Closer Episode 72: Reflection for Week 12

As you learn to trust and follow Jesus as your Shepherd, engage with other believers for mutual encouragement and support.

Our scripture focus this week is John 10:10 when Jesus declares that in stark contrast to the devil, he is the Good Shepherd:
“The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they [my followers] may have life, and may have it abundantly.”

Here are three questions to consider.

1. “Lost and Found” emphasizes that Jesus meets us where we are but loves us too much to leave us there. What area of growth or transformation is your Good Shepherd currently leading you toward, and who could help hold you accountable in this journey?

2. What “thieves” in your life might be stealing your joy, killing your passion, or destroying your relationships, and how might accountability with trusted believers help you identify and address these?

3. The song “Deliverance” acknowledges that God sometimes delivers us from difficulty and sometimes through difficulty. How might other believers help you discern God’s shepherding purpose in your current challenges?