EC Week 2-With God

Ever Closer Episode 7: Boundless Yet Near

This week focuses on being with God by opening our hearts to receive God’s incredible gift of adoption into His family through faith in Jesus Christ. John 17:22-23 reveals Jesus’ prayer for unity—that the same glory the Father gave Him would be shared with us, creating a perfect oneness that demonstrates God’s love to the world. The musical journey takes us from Augustine’s confession that our hearts are restless until they find rest in God, through recognition of His infinite yet personal nature, to experiencing His grace that welcomes even the most wayward children back home with unconditional love.

Here is today’s song:

Boundless Yet Near
God is infinite and grand beyond measure as seen throughout nature, yet he personally cares for each of us and has given his Son, Jesus to save us. (Inspired by Psalm 147).

(Verse 1)
Countless stars light the night sky,
Each named by him who reigns on high.
His wisdom deep as space, yet through his Son,
He shares truth to guide us, every one.

(Verse 2)
Rivers carve through mountain’s pride,
His strength and gentleness side by side.
Valley soil rich with his grace,
Yields abundance in every place.

(Chorus)
Praise to our God, both far and near,
His goodness vast, his love so dear.
In Christ, we’re held, renewed, made whole.
Through simple faith in him we grow.

(Verse 3)
He knows each sparrow’s fall, each hair we shed,
Through Christ, our every need is met.
He seeks to save the lost and displaced
His intimate love, a warm embrace.

(Bridge)
Broken hearts he mends, wounds he binds,
In Jesus is healing for body and mind.
Not by our strength, but by his might,
He lifts the humble, sets all right.

(Chorus)
Praise to our God, both far and near,
His goodness vast, his love so dear.
In Christ, we’re held, renewed, made whole.
Through simple faith in him we grow.

(Verse 4)
From the highest peak to the deepest sea,
His forgiveness flows abundantly.
Through the cross, he saves and empowers all,
Who on his unfailing mercy call.

(Chorus)
Praise to our God, both far and near,
His goodness vast, his love so dear.
In Christ, we’re held, renewed, made whole.
Through simple faith in him we grow.

Ever Closer Episode 8: Rest for the Restless

God loves everyone and created a longing in us that can only be filled through fellowship with him by trusting in Jesus. Inspired by a confession of Augustine of Hippo.

(Verse 1)
In the vastness of creation
Your power and wisdom shine.
Lord, we long to sing your praises
Though we’re mortal and finite.

(Verse 2)
We bear the weight of our transgressions
Yet your love refuses to depart.
You oppose the proud and haughty
But embrace the contrite heart.

(Chorus)
You have made us in your image
Draw us close through grace and truth.
Our hearts are restless, ever searching
‘Til by faith, we rest in you.

(Verse 3)
In our weakness and our wandering
You remain our steady guide.
Every longing in our spirit
Only you can satisfy.

(Bridge)
My heart is listening, Lord, I’m waiting.
Open my eyes that I may see.
Your salvation stands before me
Let me run to You and be free.

(Chorus)
You have made us in your image
Draw us close through grace and truth.
Our hearts are restless, ever searching
‘Til by faith, we rest in you.

(Verse 4)
Great are you, O Lord, our Father
Worthy of unending praise.
In your presence is fulfillment
Joy unbounded all our days.

(Chorus)
You have made us in your image
Draw us close through grace and truth.
Our hearts are restless, ever searching
‘Til by faith, we rest in you.

Ever Closer Episode 9: Prodigal Come Home

Jesus told a parable of a prodigal son to show how gracious and forgiving God is. As a loving Heavenly Father he desires all who are in rebellion to turn to him and he will accept them with open arms.

(Verse 1)
In a world of rebellion, a prodigal chose to stray,
Demanding his inheritance, he sought a different way,
He squandered his fortune, wasted it on wild days,
But as the money dwindled, his fake friends walked away.

(Verse 2)
With nowhere to turn, he embraced a humbling role,
Feeding greedy pigs, a stark reminder of his soul,
In the depths of despair, his heart ached to mend,
He longed for his family, for a love that transcends.

(Chorus)
Oh, the prodigal son, lost in his sin,
Hungry and lonely, he realized the trouble he’s in,
Reconciliation, forgiveness, the hope to return,
To the loving arms of his father he yearned.

(Bridge)
In his deepest reflection, he made a heartfelt plea,
To be a servant, for returning as son was beyond reach,
Meanwhile the father he would watch and he would pray,
Hoping to see his son come down the road that way.
Hoping to see his son come down the road that way.

(Verse 3)
When the day came, the father ran to embrace,
The prodigal son, returning from his wayward chase,
When reinstating his son, the father called for celebration,
For in forgiveness and love, a new chapter had begun.

(Chorus)
Oh, the prodigal son, lost in his sin,
Hungry and lonely, he realized the trouble he’s in,
Reconciliation, forgiveness, the hope to return,
To the loving arms of his father he yearned.

(Outro)
Take heed to apply this tale of gold,
Give up your rebellion for grace to behold,
Your Heavenly Father forgives and seeks your best
Embrace him by faith, come home, and find rest.

Ever Closer Episode 10: Beyond Imagination

God’s power, wisdom, kindness, and love are beyond our imagination. He graciously loves each and every person and saves all who turn to him.

(Verse 1)
Your power shakes the mountains high.
Your wisdom spans eternity.
Your kindness reaches to the sky.
Your love, a boundless mystery.

(Chorus)
You’re beyond imagination
Yet you choose to love us all.
In our brokenness, you call
Offering us your salvation.

(Verse 2)
All-knowing, all-good, all-powerful One
Your will and your way prevail.
You govern time and space, all creation.
Your greatness is beyond compare.

(Verse 3)
You sent your Son to walk this earth
To save us from our sinful ways.
Jesus is the way, the truth, the life.
Help me follow him each day.

(Chorus)
You’re beyond imagination
Yet you choose to love us all.
In our brokenness, you call
Offering us your salvation.

(Bridge)
You heal the broken, deliver the bound
Meet needs deeper than the sea.
The great I AM, in you life’s found.
You conquered death to set us free.

(Verse 4)
Sin and death, disease and devil fall
Before your mighty, outstretched hand.
New life abundant, you offer to all
Who trust to take your hand.

(Outro)
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your grace
Revealing yourself, reaching out to save.
Those who turn to you, you lovingly embrace
As your children, both now and always.

Ever Closer Episode 11: Forever Held

For those who trust in Jesus nothing can separate them from God’s amazing love. In him they are more than conquerors as promised in Romans 8:31-39.

(Verse 1)
In the arms of Jesus, we find our rest.
His love surrounds us, we are so blessed.
Though trials may come, our faith stands strong.
In His embrace, where we belong.

(Verse 2)
If God is for us, who can stand against?
His Son was given, the ultimate gift.
All things are ours, through His grace divine.
His love eternal, yours and mine.

(Chorus)
Nothing can separate us from His love.
Not trouble or hardship, He reigns above.
In God’s Son we always overcome.
His love unshakeable, treats us as one.

(Verse 3)
When evil prowls, His Spirit is near.
Guarding and guiding, calming our fears.
Present suffering fades in glory’s light.
His love empowers us in the fight.

(Bridge)
Neither death nor life, nor demons unseen
Not time nor space, nor anything between
Can tear us away from our Savior’s heart.
His love eternal will never part.

(Chorus)
Nothing can separate us from His love.
Not trouble or hardship, He reigns above.
In God’s Son we always overcome.
His love unshakeable, treats us as one.

(Outro)
Safe and secure in the Father’s love
Clothed in Christ’s righteousness from above.
Through every storm, this truth remains
God’s amazing love, forever reigns.

Ever Closer Episode 12: Week 2 Reflection

Our scripture focus for this week is John 17:22-23 when Jesus prayed to God the Father:
“The glory which you have given me, I have given to them, that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me.”

Here are three application questions to meditate on. You may want to write down your answers in a journal.

1. The song “Rest for the Restless” speaks of a longing that can only be filled through fellowship with God. What restlessness in your heart points to your need for deeper connection with your Heavenly Father?

2. “Prodigal Come Home” reminds us of God’s gracious acceptance of those who turn to Him. In what ways have you experienced God’s fatherly embrace when returning to Him after wandering, and how does this affect your openness to receive His grace now?

3. The song “Forever Held” assures us that nothing can separate believers from God’s love. How might living with this confidence transform your willingness to open your heart fully to God and others?