EC Week 32-Letting Jesus Live in You-Thanksgiving

Ever Closer Episode 187: Renewed in Christ

This week focuses on embracing Jesus as our Suffering Servant while cultivating hearts of continuous thanksgiving, recognizing that even in our darkest moments, God is working to transform us into new creations and accomplish His purposes through our trials. As we face difficulties in our faith journey, we can rejoice always and pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), knowing that Christ’s suffering has made victory possible and that our own hardships forge character, strengthen relationships, and prepare us for future challenges. Through faith in Jesus, we learn to thank God in everything—not just for the good times—because He brings beauty from ashes, meets us in our fog of confusion and pain, and uses even our suffering to draw us closer to Himself and to demonstrate His love to others.

Here is today’s song:

Renewed in Christ
Praise God for new life that Jesus makes possible. “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

(Verse 1)
Awaken the dawn with a glorious song
Each heart beating to the rhythm, strong
In celebration of splendor and mercy
Let us sing praise to the King.

(Verse 2)
Almighty God, who loves us so,
He gave his Son, to redeem our souls,
Thank you Lord, for undeserved grace
Jesus dying, to bear wrath in our place.

(Chorus)
Join in jubilant song with all delight.
Submit to his best, rejoice in what’s right.
For the love and mercy God has shown
May our hearts overflow with joy unknown.

(Verse 3)
New hope and peace fill the soul
Of those who trust him to make them whole
No longer bound by chains of sin
In his love, everlasting life begins.

(Bridge)
So open your heart, confess any wrong.
Let him replace discord with his song.
He is risen and reigns over all.
Find true life, by answering his call.

(Chorus)
Join in jubilant song with all delight.
Submit to his best, rejoice in what’s right.
For the love and mercy God has shown
May our hearts overflow with joy unknown.
With joy unknown.
With joy unknown.
With joy unknown.

Ever Closer Episode 188: We Shall Overcome

In your race of faith as you follow Jesus don’t be surprised that you will face difficulty. However, you can rejoice in the victory God grants all believers as he accomplishes his purposes in them and through them for his glory, their development, and the benefit of others.

(Verse 1)
In this journey of faith, we’ll face the unknown.
But with God by our side, we’ll never walk alone.
The world may oppose us, for the truth that we hold.
But we’ll stand tall and fearless, with a faith that’s bold.

(Chorus)
We are the light, shining in the world’s night.
Upholding God’s values, we work for what is right.
Though trials may come, and the path may be tough.
We’ll trust in our God, for his grace is enough.

(Verse 2)
Just as Jesus faced hatred, we may face it too.
But we’ll love like he did, in all that we do.
We’ll rejoice in the hardships, for they help us to grow.
And through every trial, God’s strength we will know.

(Bridge)
Perseverance will shape us, and make us more like Christ.
Our character will blossom, as we sacrifice.
Through the challenges we face, God will work His plan.
To save the lost and broken, and help us understand.

(Chorus)
We are the light, shining in the world’s night.
Upholding God’s values, we work for what is right.
Though trials may come, and the path may be tough.
We’ll trust in our God, for his grace is enough.

(Verse 3)
So we’ll run with endurance, this race set before us.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, who works to restore us.
We’ll take each step with purpose, and let our lives proclaim.
The goodness of our Savior, and the power of his name.

(Chorus)
We are the light, shining in the world’s night.
Upholding God’s values, we work for what is right.
Though trials may come, and the path may be tough.
We’ll trust in our God, for his grace is enough.

(Outro)
In this world, we may have trouble, but we’ll overcome.
For Jesus has triumphed, the battles he’s won.
We’ll march on with conviction, and let our anthems ring.
Of the hope that we have, in our glorious King.

Ever Closer Episode 189: Flower in the Rain

Don’t be afraid to do hard things. It forges your character, strengthens your relationships, and prepares you for future challenges.

(Verse 1)
Staring down the barrel of a daunting task.
Fear can grip your heart, like a relentless vice.
But deep within, let a virgin flame burn.
May it fuel your desire to grow and learn.

(Verse 2)
In the face of adversity, you rise.
Embracing challenges, reaching for the sky.
Through the sweat and tears, you persevere.
Building resilience, conquering your fears.

(Chorus)
Do hard things, push beyond your limits.
Climb the mountains, cross the raging rivers.
Take the leap, venture into the unknown.
By steps of faith, you’ll reap what you’ve sown.

(Verse 3)
Whispers of doubt, will try to hold you back.
Drive through what’s paved, pursue a rugged track.
Resilience blooms, like a flower in the rain.
Character and growth, your noble gain.

(Bridge)
The path less traveled, it’s where you’ll find.
The greatest rewards, for your heart and mind.
Embrace the hardships, let them mold you.
A life well-lived, with a purpose true.

(Chorus)
Do hard things, push beyond your limits.
Climb the mountains, cross the raging rivers.
Take the leap, venture into the unknown.
By steps of faith, you’ll reap what you’ve sown.

Ever Closer Episode 190: Silver Lining

God brings beauty from ashes, light from darkness, and life from death. Through faith in him you can experience blessing and growth amidst adversity.

(Verse 1)
When the world feels heavy, and the path is unclear,
Remember, dear friend, that hope is still near.
For in the midst of our darkest trials and strife,
Lies renewal in God, the promise of new life.

(Chorus)
Look for what’s right amidst what’s wrong.
In adversity, you can still find a song.
Don’t grumble or scream when life’s unfair.
Sing of what’s good through faith and prayer.

(Verse 2)
The storms may rage, the winds may blow,
But deep within, a light still glows.
For in the depths of great suffering and pain,
Lies the chance with God to heal and to gain.

(Chorus)
Look for what’s right amidst what’s wrong.
In adversity, you can still find a song.
Don’t grumble or scream when life’s unfair.
Sing of what’s good through faith and prayer.

(Bridge)
When the world seems dark, and the future is bleak,
Look for the silver linings, the blessings to seek.
There’s comfort and lessons to receive and bestow,
Character to forge, and friendships to grow.

(Chorus)
Look for what’s right amidst what’s wrong.
In adversity, you can still find a song.
Don’t grumble or scream when life’s unfair.
Sing of what’s good through faith and prayer.

(Outro)
So let us walk life’s path, in God’s power and grace.
Towards a brighter future, hoping in him each day.

Ever Closer Episode 191: Night Fog

God works in mysterious yet loving ways to faithfully seek and save the lost. He meets people where they are and fulfills their needs by drawing them closer to himself.

(Verse 1)
Sleepless night, haunted by the day’s demands.
Anxiety grips me like engulfing sands.
Seeking solace, I walk along the beach,
Longing for comfort, feeling beyond reach.

(Chorus)
Then you appear, oh moon so kind.
A caring friend, to ease my mind.
You listen to my troubles with empathy,
Shining down rays of tranquility.

(Verse 2)
The fog of confusion clouds my way.
Doubts and worries lead me astray.
But your wisdom parts the haze,
Guiding me through this difficult phase.

(Chorus)
I’m so grateful for your presence,
A peaceful, comforting essence.
Showering rays of hope from above.
Surrounding me in understanding love.

(Bridge)
At the edge of life’s imposing cliffs,
Lost and unsure, can’t take another step.
Then you illuminate an unseen route.
A path forward, erasing fear and doubt.

(Verse 3)
In that moment, a realization dawns.
It’s not just the moon to whom I’m drawn.
Beyond the moon, it’s God I see.
His love and light are guiding me.

(Outro)
Oh Creator of moon and sea,
Thank you for meeting my every need.
I’ll trust you during blessing and plight.
For you walk beside me day and night.

Ever Closer Episode 192: Reflection for Week 32

We should give thanks to God even during difficulty. Not because we desire suffering, but because we know that God will ultimately bring good out of it by training us in righteousness, drawing us closer to Himself, and enabling us to empathize with and comfort others. Our scripture focus this week is from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.”

Here are a few thoughts to reflect on:

1. The song “Renewed in Christ” celebrates the new creation we become in Jesus. Reflect on an area of your life where God has transformed your old patterns or attitudes. How does regularly giving thanks for this renewal help you continue living as this new creation? What old thoughts or behaviors are you still struggling to release to God?

2. Jesus modeled suffering while maintaining grateful communion with God the Father. The songs “We Shall Overcome” and “Flower in the Rain” speak to finding strength in difficulty. When have you experienced growth through hardship? How can developing a practice of thanksgiving help you face current or future challenges with greater faith and resilience?

3. The song “Silver Lining” speaks of God bringing beauty from ashes and light from darkness. What situation in your life currently feels dark or broken? List three potential ways God might be working through this difficulty that you could thank Him for, even before seeing the full outcome.