EC Week 25-Giving Your Life to Jesus-Self Control

Ever Closer Episode 145: Surrender

Through the lens of 2 Corinthians 4:10-11, this week explores how the Spirit enables believers to exercise self-control by bearing Christ’s death in our bodies so His life can be revealed. The songs emphasize surrendering our will to God’s, fighting the good fight of faith, and developing the discipline to think before acting rather than being driven by impulse. Practice waiting on God in prayer, seeking His counsel before making decisions, and allowing His Spirit to guide your responses instead of reacting according to your natural inclinations.

Here is today’s song:

Surrender
Jesus taught, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever will lose his life for my sake, the same will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits his own self” (Luke 9:23-25).

(Verse 1)
Weary and worn, by sin’s heavy load,
My soul’s been yearning for life’s narrow road.
Like Jesus in the wilderness, I stand,
Surrendering my burdens to God’s hand.

(Verse 2)
In the garden, Jesus’ will aligned,
My stubborn heart, I too must resign.
As He surrendered, faced the cross,
I yield my life, no matter the cost.

(Chorus)
As I let go of self, you fill with Christ,
Your life overflowing, divine love poured out.
Give up to gain, a paradox so true.
Only with less of me, can there be more of you.

(Verse 3)
Dying to self, new life I gain,
Like Christ who rose, victorious King,
His resurrection breaks sin’s chain.
My soul is reborn. In him I sing.

(Chorus)
As I let go of self, you fill with Christ,
Your life overflowing, divine love poured out.
Give up to gain, a paradox so true.
Only with less of me, can there be more of you.

(Bridge)
I will humble myself, let go of pride,
Empty my heart, allow You to guide.
For the lowly soul, You exalt and crown,
But those who boast, You will bring down.

(Outro)
Thank you Lord, by your wounds I’m cured
In my surrender, my victory’s assured
Denying myself, I’ll daily walk with Thee,
For your glory, throughout eternity.

Ever Closer Episode 146: Fight by Faith

Fight the good fight of faith. Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

(Verse 1)
When wicked ways have taken hold,
Goodness fades, the world grows cold.
But in the depths of this despair,
A beacon of hope, an answered prayer.

(Chorus)
When all seems lost, what can be done?
Trust in the finished work of God’s Son.
Ask him to advance. Fight on your knees.
Rely on God, he’s won the victory.

(Verse 2)
Resist the devil and he will flee.
Expose the dark by shining the light.
Proclaim the truth to those bound by lies.
Put on the armor of God, to face the night.
Fight. Fight. Fight!

(Chorus)
When all seems lost, what can be done?
Trust in the finished work of God’s Son.
Ask him to advance. Fight on your knees.
Rely on God, he’s won the victory.

(Verse 3)
Guard what’s entrusted to your care.
Use God’s power and not your might.
Combat temptation with his word.
Stand for what is good and right.
Fight. Fight. Fight!

(Verse 4)
Be content, not a lover of money.
Submit to God to slay your pride.
Take false teaching and every thought,
Captive to the obedience of Christ.
Fight. Fight. Fight!

(Bridge)
In the midst of chaos, a beacon of peace,
The return of Jesus, our souls’ sweet release.
We fight with devotion, our faith burning bright.
For His justice is coming, to set all things right.

(Chorus)
When all seems lost, what can be done?
Trust in the finished work of God’s Son.
Ask him to advance. Fight on your knees.
Rely on God, he’s won the victory.

Ever Closer Episode 147: Keep Running

Run life’s race not by yourself or for yourself. Instead run for God with a persevering faith. In the process God will reward you by saving you, transforming you, and working through you to help others.

(Verse 1)
Each day this year, take your mark, set your soul,
For the race ahead will take its toll.
It’s a marathon of faith, a test of the heart,
Where every step gained is a vital part.

(Verse 2)
Consistency, my friend, is the runner’s creed,
Even when the spirit wanes and the flesh does bleed.
When trials rise and you feel like you’re done
Still trust in God, with each rising sun.

(Chorus)
Be the beacon, the example to heed,
For eyes are upon you, in every deed.
Run well, inspire, light the spark,
For many will follow you out of the dark. 

(Verse 3)
The journey, the process, is where you grow,
Not just the finish, or the end of the show.
In each stride, a lesson, in each breath, a chance,
To draw closer to God, to advance. 

(Verse 4)
Intentional steps, he’s marked out with care,
For the race is his, and he’s always there.
In his footsteps, you’ll find your way,
Strategic and hopeful, come what may. 

(Chorus)
Be the beacon, the example to heed,
For eyes are upon you, in every deed.
Run well, inspire, light the spark,
For many will follow you out of the dark.

(Outro)
This year, run by faith, run with might,
For in Jesus, you’ll find blessed delight.
He is the way, the truth, the life so dear,
Run for his glory, the finish is near.

Ever Closer Episode 148: Think First

We have two songs today related to self-control in thinking and speaking.

Think First
An important life skill is managing your impulsivity. Think before you act. Consider the consequences. Delay gratification. Seek the counsel of others.

(Verse 1)
When temptation comes knocking at your door
And your heart’s racing, wanting more
Take a step back, think it through.
What’s the price you’ll pay, is it worth the due?

(Chorus)
Think before you act, it’s the wisest thing to do.
Consider the consequences, they’ll come back to you.
Delay gratification, advice of elders discover.
What impact will this have on you and others?

(Verse 2)
A hurtful word, a spiteful post
What seems good now, in time can harm most.
What would grandma think, if she could see?
Would you do it in daylight, or in secrecy must it be?

(Chorus)
Think before you act, it’s the wisest thing to do.
Consider the consequences, they’ll come back to you.
Delay gratification, advice of elders discover.
What impact will this have on you and others?

(Verse 3)
That tempting substance, it calls your name,
But addiction’s a prison, it’s not a game.
One more time, you say, but it’s never enough.
The road to recovery is long and tough.

(Chorus)
Think before you act, it’s the wisest thing to do.
Consider the consequences, they’ll come back to you.
Delay gratification, advice of elders discover.
What impact will this have on you and others?

(Outro)
Instant gratification, it’s a fleeting thrill,
But the consequences, they’ll haunt you still.
Choose the path of kindness, humility, and grace.
Let your actions speak wisdom, in every time and place.

—
Here is today’s second song:

Chasm of Regret

Sometimes your words cause harm you didn’t intend. Try to mend any offense especially with family or friends.

(Verse 1)
My words like shattered glass were strewn,
Thoughtless phrases in the afternoon.
If only I could catch them in the air,
And prevent your moments of despair.

(Verse 2)
Remorse rains down like autumn leaves,
My heart, a tree that silently grieves,
I never meant to cause you pain,
For in your hurt, I feel the same.

(Verse 3)
You’re a distant shore, just out of reach,
I’m stranded on this lonely beach,
How can I build a bridge of light,
To cross this chasm of the night?

(Chorus)
I want to really see you, not just look your way,
To pierce the veil of your dismay.
I long to really reach you, not just stand at bay,
I’m sorry for what I said today.

(Bridge)
Though I stumble on life’s winding road,
Your joy is my greatest goal,
I want to lift you to the sky,
So you can spread your wings and fly.

(Verse 4)
Will you forgive my foolish words?
I failed to treat you, as you deserve.
Our friendship is a precious treasure
A bond I hope we can restore.

Ever Closer Episode 149: Be Still

When you have done all you know to do, prayerfully wait on God to move and to direct your next step of faith. He is always working out your best which is to become like Jesus.

(Verse 1)
In the quiet, I stand
Having done all that I can.
I’ll follow your gentle lead.
Your whisper is all I need.

(Chorus)
I rest in you and wait for you,
Exalted One in all the earth.
Lord Almighty, you stand with me.
In stillness, I proclaim your worth.

(Verse 2)
Unseen miracles unfold
Your grace, a story untold.
No need to worry or to fear
Your presence, always near.

(Chorus)
I rest in you and wait for you,
Exalted One in all the earth.
Lord Almighty, you stand with me.
In stillness, I proclaim your worth.

(Verse 3)
In this world of brokenness
You work to heal and bless.
Not for comfort, but for what’s best—
To shape us to be like Jesus.

(Bridge)
My friend, trust and rely, let go.
For God’s glory, he’ll make you whole.
Through trials and joys, he’ll see you through.
Be still, and let God work in you.

(Chorus)
We rest in you and wait for you,
Exalted One in all the earth.
Lord Almighty, you stand with us.
In stillness, we proclaim your worth.

Ever Closer Episode 150: Reflection for Week 25

God’s love, light, knowledge, and glory as shown in Jesus are so incredible that they cannot be contained. They will break through into our world. Surprisingly, God has chosen people who trust in him to represent him, even though we are fragile. Yield control to God at work in you, even amidst difficulty, so his glory shines from you to those in darkness. Not because you are great, but because God is. Our scripture focus this week is from 2 Corinthians 4:10-11. “But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from us. We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always bearing around in the body the putting to death of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be revealed in our body.”

Here are three areas for reflection:

1. Our scripture passage in 2 Corinthians speaks of bearing in our bodies “the dying of the Lord Jesus.” What specific desires or impulses is the Holy Spirit asking you to “put to death” so that the life of Jesus might be revealed in you?

2. The song “Think First” emphasizes managing impulsivity and considering consequences. What recent situation might have had a different outcome if you had paused to listen for God’s guidance before acting?

3. The song “Fight by Faith” refers to putting on the full armor of God. How does spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-18) relate to developing self-control, and which piece of armor do you most need God’s help to strengthen right now?