EC Week 27-Giving Your Life to Jesus-Goodness

Ever Closer Episode 157: More Like Jesus

Drawing from Psalm 139:23-24, this week invites deep spiritual examination as the Spirit searches our hearts and reveals areas needing transformation into Christ’s goodness. The songs guide us toward becoming more like Jesus, extending grace during storms of life, forgiving those who hurt us, and choosing good even when it’s difficult. Allow God to examine your motives and attitudes, practice responding with grace instead of retaliation when others disappoint or hurt you, and trust that repaying evil with good will ultimately bring blessing.

Here is today’s song:

More Like Jesus
Jesus humbly came to serve and not be served. He gave his life as a ransom for many. As I follow him I want to become more like him by his grace and power.

(Verse 1)
King of kings, yet you wash feet.
Almighty God in human form, so meek.
Persecuted, yet your love remains.
Innocent lamb, for our sins you were slain.

(Verse 2)
You fed the thousands with fish and bread.
Forgave the woman others would have stoned dead.
Taught on hillsides, calmed the raging sea.
Sought out the lost, set the captives free.

(Chorus)
You came to serve, not to be served.
Laid down your life, to save the world.
I praise you for who you are and what you do.
Lord, teach me to be more like you. 

(Verse 3)
Healing touch for the blind and lame.
Praying for enemies, bearing our shame.
You intervened for the weak and poor.
Your selfless love opens heaven’s door. 

(Bridge)
Raised in glory for your obedience
Your love and power bring deliverance.
Exalted through your humility
None like you in all eternity.
Righteous, good, and forever true
Jesus, there is no one else like you.
There is no one else like you.

(Chorus)
You came to serve, not to be served.
Laid down your life, to save the world.
I praise you for who you are and what you do.
Lord, teach me to be more like you. 

(Outro)
I praise you for who you are and what you do.
Lord, teach me, shape me, make me like you.

Ever Closer Episode 158: Grace in the Storm

As God enables respond to difficult people and circumstances with grace and love even though it would be easier to respond in your own self interest.

(Verse 1)
In sunlit meadows, kindness blooms with ease
But when shadows loom, what seeds do we sow?
In the crucible of hardship, our true colors show.
Will we be the balm or the thorn, I wonder?
Do we stretch out our hands or clench our fists tight?
Do we step forward or fade into the night?
Do we shine like a beacon or dem and the spotlight?
Do we sing in the rain or curse the thunder? 

(Chorus)
Let’s turn the other cheek, offer good for bad.
Be the change we seek, make others glad.
Treat them as we’d wish to be treated.
Loving fully, by the power of God. 

(Verse 2)
When smiles surround us, it’s easy to glow
But when faces turn cold, how do we respond?
In the face of disdain, will our love still show?
Or will we lash out like a blizzard’s blow?
Do we mend the broken or deepen the cracks?
Do we lend a hand or turn our backs?
Do we forgive the debt or keep a scorecard?
Do we open our arms or leave them crossed?

(Bridge)
Let’s seek the welfare of friend and foe
Put others first, let our pride go.
For the humble heart is lifted high
And peace-makers unlock chains that bind. 

(Chorus)
Let’s turn the other cheek, offer good for bad.
Be the change we seek, make others glad.
Treat them as we’d wish to be treated.
Loving fully, by the power of God.

Ever Closer Episode 159: Forgive and Be Free

Although it is hard and it takes God’s help, you need to forgive others who hurt you. Only then can you heal and move forward.

(Verse 1)
Shattered glass upon the floor
Broken trust, an open sore
Darkness creeps into your soul
Pain so deep, it takes its toll 

(Verse 2)
Thorns of anger pierce your heart
Memories tear you apart
Bitterness, a heavy weight
Longing to escape this fate. 

(Chorus)
God’s forgiveness is the key
To unlock the chains and set you free.
Not forgetting, not condoning
Just releasing, and keep growing. 

(Bridge)
It takes time, it’s not easy
But focus on God by faith.
His love poured out endlessly
Helps you forgive with his grace. 

(Verse 3)
Whether they’re sorry or not
You must choose to untie this knot.
No more blame, no more spite
Take the step into healing’s light. 

(Chorus)
God’s forgiveness is the key
To unlock the chains and set you free.
Not forgetting, not condoning
Just releasing, and keep growing 

(Outro)
Growing into who God wants you to be
Forgiving like him sets you free.

Ever Closer Episode 160: See Good Days

It will go well with you if you humbly repay evil with good. Love one another and revere Jesus as Lord. (Inspired by 1 Peter 3:8-15).

(Verse 1)
In this world of trials and strife,
We’re called to live a different life.
With hearts united, by faith we stand,
Guided by God’s loving hand. 

(Chorus)
Do good, be humble, love others too,
Revere Jesus, let his light shine through.
In the face of evil, don’t repay,
Bless instead, by walking his way. 

(Verse 2)
Compassion and sympathy,
Let these be our legacy.
When insults come, don’t retaliate,
Respond with love, don’t hesitate. 

(Chorus)
Do good, be humble, love others too,
Revere Jesus, let his light shine through.
In the face of evil, don’t repay,
Bless instead, by walking his way. 

(Bridge)
The Lord watches over those who seek His face,
Their prayers, He hears with endless grace.
In your hearts, honor Christ as King,
Let his peace and power reign supreme. 

(Verse 3)
Pursue what’s right, seek unity,
A life of goodness, let it be.
Even when you face adversity,
God will sustain you faithfully. 

(Chorus)
Do good, be humble, love others too,
Revere Jesus, let his light shine through.
In the face of evil, don’t repay,
Bless instead, by walking his way. 

(Outro)
Do good, be humble, love others too,
Revere Jesus, let his light shine through.

Ever Closer Episode 161: Choose Good

Don’t grow weary in doing good. Find rest, peace, and renewal by humbly relying on God rather than yourself. Let him guide and empower you.

(Verse 1)
Consider your life like a garden with trees,
Where choices blossom, where destinies plea.
God’s wisdom whispers through the breeze,
A joy that echoes, a truth that frees. 

(Verse 2)
Take heed in your quest to sow and reap,
Sojourn with care, his actions keep.
For mocking God is a treacherous game,
Where rebellious sparks bear eternal flame. 

(Chorus)
In the Eden of your soul,
A choice exists, a test unfolds,
To sow with God’s Spirit, to seek his light,
To accept his will, to obey what’s right. 

(Verse 3)
Selfish desire, a tempting lure,
A siren’s call, demise ensured.
But heed the warning, let wisdom guide,
Lest destruction’s fire shall ever abide. 

(Chorus)
In the Eden of your soul,
A choice exists, a test unfolds,
To sow with God’s Spirit, to seek his light,
To accept his will, to obey what’s right.

(Bridge)
Seize every opportunity, God opens,
To seed good, to serve, to mend,
For in the grace of the master gardener
You find all you need to mature. 

(Verse 4)
Let not weariness cloud your sight,
In doing good, persist and fight,
For at the proper time, a harvest awaits,
God’s gift of glory, that nothing can equate. 

(Outro)
As you tread this earthly sod,
Let love be your compass, your guide be God,
For in his doing, in his giving,
Your soul will blossom in joyful living.
As you tread this earthly sod,
Let love be your compass, your guide be God.
As you tread this earthly sod,
Let love be your compass, your guide be God.

Ever Closer Episode 162: Reflection for Week 27

When people get a glimpse of God’s goodness, many times it draws them to trust in him (Romans 2:4). By God’s grace and power as we respond with his goodness to evil, mistreatment, and injustice it helps others see that life with God surpasses anything this world offers. Our scripture focus this week is Psalm 139:23-24. “Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me. Lead me in the everlasting way.” 

Here are three thoughts for reflection:

1. Psalm 139 is a prayer asking God to search your heart and reveal any wicked way in you. What aspects of your character or actions might the Holy Spirit be highlighting that fall short of God’s standard of goodness?

2. “See Good Days” references 1 Peter 3:8-15, declaring it will go well with you if you humbly repay evil with good. What relationship or situation in your life needs this countercultural response of goodness in the face of mistreatment?

3. “Choose Good” reminds us not to grow weary in doing good. What area of doing good has become wearisome for you, and how might reconnecting with the Holy Spirit’s power renew your commitment to goodness in that area?