EC Week 24-Giving Your Life to Jesus-Joy

Ever Closer Episode 139: Seasons of Love

When Jesus is Lord of your life, the transformation he is working within you becomes evident to others like a branch bears fruit from the vine that gives it life. Over the next few weeks we will look at various fruit that results from surrendering to God’s Spirit in us. This week focuses on cultivating supernatural joy through the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence, as God exhorts us to “rejoice in the Lord always” regardless of our circumstances. The selected songs remind us that every season and blessing comes from God’s hand, calling us to find delight in serving others and recognizing His love beyond measure in all situations. As you listen and reflect, allow God’s Spirit to transform your perspective so that joyful service becomes your natural response to His goodness, even when facing challenges or mundane tasks.

Here is today’s song:

Seasons of Love
Every good gift, including the seasons, is a present from God meant to enrich our lives and draw us closer to him.

(Verse 1)
Summer’s light, a golden embrace
God’s provision, abundant grace.
In his warmth, we grow and thrive
Connected to him, we come alive.

(Verse 2)
Autumn leaves, they fall and fade.
Broken, we’ve wandered, wrong choices made.
But in our weakness, his strength prevails
Those who trust him, he forgives and heals.

(Chorus)
As the earth revolves around the sun
We were made to orbit the Holy One.
Through every season, every change
Lord, draw us closer, your life to gain.

(Bridge)
Winter’s quiet, a time to rest
God gets us ready for what he has next.
In our stillness, he refines our souls
Purifying like snow, he prepares us to grow.

(Verse 3)
Spring awakens, new life unfurls
Fresh work for us across the world
To follow God’s lead in saving the lost.
All becomes new when Christ is sought.

(Chorus)
As the earth revolves around the sun
We were made to orbit the Holy One.
Through every season, every change
Lord, draw us closer, your life to gain.

(Outro)
Four seasons speak of his design
Calling us daily to love divine.
Joined with him we’re never alone
In God’s embrace, we find our home.

Ever Closer Episode 140: Love Beyond Measure

In Jesus we are loved beyond measure. By faith, may we accept his saving love and let it joyfully overflow to others.

(Verse 1)
In the depths of sin’s dark sea,
Jesus’ love shines brilliantly.
Waves of doubt may crash and roar,
His grace pulls us to the shore.
Greater than our fears and shame,
His tide of love calls us by name.

(Chorus)
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
By faith, make Him your way, your truth, and your life.
His love, a vast and boundless deep,
Those who trust him, he saves and keeps.

(Verse 2)
On the cross, our sin He bore,
His sacrifice forevermore.
Death’s grip could not contain Him,
His victory, our souls reclaim.
Greater than the grave’s dark night,
His love moves us from death to life.

(Verse 3)
Surpassing any suffering here,
Jesus’ love brings healing from tears.
In tender strength he loves eternally.
To those who believe, he promises glory,
“I’ll come again, after I prepare a place,
For you to dwell with me in endless peace.”

(Bridge)
As the Father sent the Son to live,
So Jesus sends all who believe.
Like a river full and robust
May his love overflow from us.

(Chorus)
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
By faith, make Him your way, your truth, and your life.
His love, a vast and boundless deep,
Those who trust him, he saves and keeps.

(Outro)
Greater than our doubt and fear, sin and death,
By his endless love, through faith, we’re blessed.

Ever Closer Episode 141: In Every Season

God loves you. Trust him and thank him in all circumstances, not necessarily for the circumstance itself, but for positive outcomes he will bring about through it.

(Verse 1)
When storm clouds gather overhead
And shadows fill my soul with dread
I lift my eyes to heaven’s throne
Where grace and mercy make their home.

(Chorus)
In every season, through every storm
I’ll praise your name when my heart is torn
Not for the trial, but what you’ll do
As you make all things work for good.
I trust your time and your way
Therefore, I thank you every day.

(Verse 2)
When paths before me disappear
Your whisper calms my anxious fear.
You turn my focus from the night
To see your face in morning light.

(Verse 3)
Your strength perfected in my need.
From worry’s chains my heart is freed.
As prayer and praise replace my sighs.
My character you refine.

(Bridge)
Nothing is impossible for you.
Your love transforms all I go through.
When I rejoice instead of fear
Your perfect peace draws ever near.
The trials that shape this heart of mine
Become the light where your hope shines
Equipping me to comfort those
Who walk the path that I have known.

(Chorus)
In every season, through every storm
I’ll praise your name when my heart is torn
Not for the trial, but what you’ll do
As you make all things work for good.
I trust your time. I trust your way.
Therefore, I thank you every day.

(Verse 4)
I rest in your loving hands.
Though I may never understand
The fullness of your grand design,
You’re turning water into wine.

(Outro)
In Christ alone my hope is found.
Your purpose for my life is sound.
So I will thank you in all things
In your Spirit’s joy, I will sing.

Ever Closer Episode 142: Berry Pie

The songs for today and tomorrow are secular songs which give a glimpse of living a joyful life. From God’s wellspring of joy in you, you are able to give more than you take, seek the best for others, and rejoice in simple blessings God bestows each day, instead of taking them for granted or overlooking them.

Berry Pie
On the walk home from school three brothers decide they will bless their mom by serving her while she relaxes.

(Verse 1)
Down the dusty logging road,
Three young brothers make their way,
Tales of school and laughter flow,
Sunlight dappling through the day.

(Verse 2)
Round the bend, a deer appears,
Mother guarding fawn with care,
Whisking off as boys draw near,
Vanishing like morning air.

(Verse 3)
Fingers stained with berries sweet,
Busy hands load bags till full,
Wildflowers gathered neat,
Hearts with secret plans in store.

(Chorus)
They can’t wait to bless their mom,
Give her back some precious time,
For all the love she’s given freely,
It’s her turn to rest and unwind.

(Bridge)
They lead her gently to her chair,
Handing her a book and tea so cool,
Along with flowers picked with care,
Love has become their golden rule.

(Verse 5)
Focused boys mix flour and fruit,
Broom sweeps softly ‘cross the floor,
As mama’s book slips from her grasp,
A moment’s rest, a welcome reward.

(Verse 6)
Berry pie from humble hands,
House all tidy, sparkling clean,
Their mom wakes to understand
The sweetest gift she’s ever seen.

(Outro)
It didn’t take a fortune,
Just caring boys doing their part,
We all can be a blessing
When we serve with willing hearts.

Ever Closer Episode 143: Summer Delight

Find the joy of summer and any day throughout the year by discovering with others what is good, right, hopeful, and loving.

(Verse 1)
School is out, the sun’s shining bright.
Grab your suit and towel, we’re in for delight.
Laughing with friends, feeling the breeze in our hair.
Paddling the surf, riding each wave with flair.

(Verse 2)
Sunglasses on, our future’s so bright.
Summer crush, feelings take flight.
Snow cones in hand, sweet treats in the sun.
Dancing in freedom, hearts beating as one.

(Chorus)
We treat all year long like a summer which stays.
By making the most of every day.
Finding joy in life’s little things.
Fostering hope which summertime brings.

(Verse 3)
Bonfires on the beach as the sun starts to set.
Gathered ’round, telling stories we’ll never forget.
The sound of waves crashing, a rhythm so sweet.
Together we sing, making the scene complete.

(Chorus)
We treat all year long like a summer which stays.
By making the most of every day.
Finding joy in life’s little things.
Fostering hope which summertime brings.

(Bridge)
The gritty sand of life, the pounding waves,
The crowded shoreline, the burning rays.
If we allowed they could really annoy,
But we’ll glean the good, to discover joy.

(Chorus)
We treat all year long like a summer which stays.
By making the most of every day.
Finding joy in life’s little things.
Fostering hope which summertime brings.

(Outro)
As seasons pass we stay young at heart.
Summer at the beach is where it starts.
Savoring life’s moments, finding delight,
In what’s fun and loving, noble and right.

Ever Closer Episode 144: Reflection for Week 24

Each day let God’s love and joy filter how you view people, tasks, and trials so you can respond as Jesus would. Our scripture focus this week is from Isaiah 61:10. “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness.”

Here are three areas for reflection:

1. Philippians 4:4 commands us to “rejoice in the Lord always.” How might viewing joy as a command rather than just an emotion change your approach to difficult circumstances or service opportunities?

2. The song “Seasons of Love” reminds us that every good gift, including the seasons, is from God. What specific “season” are you in right now, and how might the Holy Spirit be using it to develop joy that transcends circumstances?

3. The “Berry Pie” song depicts children choosing to bless their mother through service. When have you experienced the deep joy that comes from surprising someone with unexpected service, and how might the Holy Spirit be prompting similar actions now?