EC Week 39-Letting Jesus Live in You-Boldness

Ever Closer Episode 229: Unbreakable Love

Fear, pride, trauma, self-indulgence, and foolish choices hold us back from doing what’s right for us and others. In contrast, taking the bold step of trusting and obeying God changes everything for the better. If you are a believer you have received God’s Spirit rather than the spirit of this world. Move forward in His power to say and to do what will benefit you and others. This divine empowerment enables you to rise above fear and find your refuge in God’s unbreakable love, even when facing the pain and challenges that come with standing for what’s right and true. People are searching for fulfillment. Jesus is their only answer. Break away from worldly influences to act and speak boldly in love, so they can come to know God and be saved and fulfilled through Jesus.

Here is today’s song:

Unbreakable Love
God’s amazing, sacrificial love saves and sustains all who trust him through any difficulty. (Inspired by Romans 8:31-39).

(Verse 1)
When shadows lengthen across your way,
And trials like mountains loom,
When guilt’s dark weight makes you stumble and sway,
Don’t let your hope entomb.

(Verse 2)
If God stands with you, who can oppose?
He gave his Son for your soul.
With Christ, all blessings he freely bestows,
Trust him to make you whole.

(Chorus)
What can separate you from his love?
Can hardship, pain, or sword?
Can hunger, danger, or threats thereof?
No power in this world!
Nothing in all creation can part
His love from your beating heart.
In every struggle, every fight,
You’re victorious by his might.

(Verse 3)
When Jesus hung on that rugged tree,
Abandoned, bearing your shame,
He chose that darkness to set you free—
He’s with you now, that’s why he came.

(Bridge)
God draws you near to reflect his face,
To share his work and his heart.
Trust in his strength and unfailing grace
To carry you through the dark.

(Verse 4)
Christ died and rose, now at God’s right hand,
He pleads your case every hour.
His victory over death where you stand,
Is your triumphant power.

(Chorus)
What can separate you from his love?
Can hardship, pain, or sword?
Can hunger, danger, or threats thereof?
No power in this world!
Nothing in all creation can part
His love from your beating heart.
In every struggle, every fight,
You’re victorious by his might.

Ever Closer Episode 230: Rise Above Fear

Today I included two songs which speak to relying on God to first overcome fear and then to boldly pursue doing what’s good and loving.

Here is the first song:

Rise Above Fear
Rise above fear by faith in God because he loves you, provides for you, and protects you. Nothing can harm you as you walk with God.

(Verse 1)
Shadows of past mistakes darken our days.
Present worries like chains bind our hearts.
Future’s mist shrouds the uncertain path.
In this broken world, fear tears us apart.

(Verse 2)
Hands we trusted let go when we fall.
Our own strength crumbles under life’s weight.
Walking paths of our choosing, not God’s
Reaps destruction as our only fate.

(Verse 3)
But a light breaks through darkness so deep
Jesus reaches where no one can go.
Death and fear lose their grip on our souls.
In those who trust, new life he bestows.

(Chorus)
When storm clouds gather and winds assail.
Lift your eyes to Jesus who won’t fail.
Rise above fear on faith’s steady wings
Safe in his arms where your spirit sings.

(Verse 4)
Like rain on parched ground, his love pours down
His shield before you, his peace within.
More than sufficient, in all things he gives.
Where grace abounds, new journeys begin.

(Bridge)
Outside his will lies a wasteland bare
Nothing to want, many things to fear.
But in his purpose, sheltered and held
Nothing can harm you for God is near.

(Verse 5)
His divine power grants all that you need.
Life and godliness flow from his hand.
Every blessing comes from heaven’s store.
Hope in him alone, and learn to stand.

(Chorus)
When storm clouds gather and winds assail.
Lift your eyes to Jesus who won’t fail.
Rise above fear on faith’s steady wings
Safe in his arms where your spirit sings.
Where your spirit sings.

—
Here is today’s second song:

Brittle Reeds

Pursue what’s good and loving, but do it in God’s strength and not your own. You are self-serving and prone to fail, but God is selfless, loving, faithful, and effective.

(Verse 1)
Your heart beats fast with worry,
When outcome’s dark, unclear.
When voices mock your efforts,
It fosters doubt and fear.

(Verse 2)
You push against life’s mountain,
Your hands raw, muscles tight,
Determined to be worthy,
By strength of will and might.

(Chorus)
Trust in Jesus, not your strength,
His power flows when you are meek,
Surrender all into his hands,
With him you’re strong, when you are weak.

(Verse 3)
You lean on skills and talents,
Your wisdom, craft, and art,
But find them brittle reeds that
Soon snap and fall apart.

(Verse 4)
You wear your good deeds proudly,
A crown upon your head,
But pride becomes your downfall,
Self-righteousness leads to death.

(Bridge)
Let go of every human crutch,
Receive God’s grace like morning dew,
Joy comes when you rely on him,
His perfect plan works through and through.
His river flows through deserts,
His light shines through your cracks,
His mercy grants another chance
His grace completes what you lack.

(Verse 5)
Pursue what’s good and loving,
But depend on God instead of you.
He multiplies your effort
And saves, as only he can do.

(Chorus)
Trust in Jesus, not your strength,
His power flows when you are meek,
Surrender all into his hands,
With him you’re strong, when you are weak.

Ever Closer Episode 231: Numbing Never Heals

Avoid trying to numb emotional pain, because it delays true healing. Instead muster the courage and vulnerability to proactively root out the source of the wound with the help of God and others, and then treat it.

(Verse 1)
You got a bottle off the shelf
Hoping to make the aching stop.
You try to hide from your broken self
Digging holes too deep to top.

(Chorus)
But an open wound won’t heal
If you just cover it each day.
Gotta face the hurt, not conceal.
Walk through fire, not run away.

(Verse 2)
Scrolling screens till morning time
Laughing loud, but crying deep.
Everyone thinks you’re doing fine
While your soul can’t fall asleep.

(Verse 3)
Your dad taught to swallow pain.
Your mom showed you how to smile.
But you’re caught in pouring rain
Building walls that stretch a mile.

(Bridge)
To stand exposed with your wounds
Is hard, but don’t seek escape.
Confess your wrongs, settle your feuds.
Forgive to break hatred’s restraint.

(Verse 4)
Take that broken heart in hand.
Let the tears fall where they may.
Seek a friend who’ll understand.
Enter the light, no more delay.

(Chorus)
‘Cause an open wound won’t heal
If you just cover it each day.
Gotta face the hurt, not conceal.
Walk through fire, not run away.

(Verse 5)
Not run away!
Not run away!
‘Cause an open wound won’t heal
If you just cover it each day.
Gotta face the hurt, not conceal.
Walk through fire, not run away.

(Outro)
Strength grows from your darkest fight
Share with others the burden you bear.
Healing comes at morning light
With God’s help through faith and prayer.

Ever Closer Episode 232: Breaking Away

A teenage girl realizes she needs to choose worthwhile friends who are doing something with their lives, who lift her up, and who help her move forward.

(Verse 1)
She sits in silence, bored and glum,
As shallow friends waste precious hours.
Their laughter rings, but she feels numb,
What’s meant for fun, can quickly sour.

(Verse 2)
They prowl the mall with aimless feet,
Harassing clerks for cheap delight.
Their words sting like winter sleet
Instead of inspire like summer light.

(Chorus)
True friends lift you higher than before,
False ones leave you empty on the floor.
Choose those who help your spirit soar,
Who work toward something worth living for.

(Verse 3)
Their talk is gossip, and belittling,
A poison slowly seeping in.
She feels helpless to intervene,
Yet her patience is wearing thin.

(Verse 4)
Sneaking through the theater’s door,
Guilt weighs heavy on her heart.
She slips away to search for more,
A higher path to embark.

(Bridge)
Wandering the mall, she finds
A boy from school working at a stand.
As they talk, she sees he’s kind.
They share thoughts and hopes, and summer plans.
Her friends arrive and mock his role,
His glasses, uniform, and dreams.
She knows their cruelty takes a toll.
And persuades the group to leave.

(Verse 5)
Later outside, the boy’s bike has a flat.
Again, he’s their target for disdain.
But in her heart, she rejects all that,
And escapes their toxic refrain.

(Verse 6)
She turns away from her hollow friends,
To offer a ride, kind and sincere.
Her choice to break becomes a choice which mends,
As better days draw sweetly near.

(Chorus)
True friends lift you higher than before,
False ones leave you empty on the floor.
Choose those who help your spirit soar,
Who work toward something worth living for.

Ever Closer Episode 233: Stand or Fall

In a world of deception, pursue truth and stand for what’s right. If you don’t, you and those who look up to you will fall for anything, which ends in destruction.

(Verse 1)
Deception’s siren song calls from all sides,
Enticing hearts to trade truth for empty lies.
Yet only light that shines from Heaven’s gates
Can free the soul from falsehood’s fatal weight.

(Verse 2)
Beliefs shape actions, character’s design,
Determining the path your life will climb.
Choose with care, for truth alone can guide
To heights where dreams and destiny reside.

(Chorus)
Embrace the truth, let it set you free.
Stand for what’s right or fall for anything.
Though lies allure, resist their deadly call,
Trust and obey. Follow God above all.

(Verse 3)
False creeds steal joy, relationships, and peace,
Robbing potential that should never cease.
Trapped in delusion, years can disappear,
As lies enslave and cripple what’s most dear.

(Bridge)
God is the source of what’s right and divine-
Cling to his word, his wisdom as your guide.
Many others are looking up to you.
Show them God’s way, so they can know the truth.

(Verse 4)
Reputations crumble, minds become unsound,
As false beliefs pull the rug from under ground.
Yet truth, though difficult, sets spirits free
To build real lives of hope and liberty.

(Verse 5)
Lies kill connection, critical thought too,
They paralyze, corrupt, and poison you.
Relationships fracture, futures start to fray,
As consequences compound day by day.

(Chorus)
Embrace the truth, let it set you free.
Stand for what’s right or fall for anything.
Though lies allure, resist their deadly call,
Trust and obey. Follow God above all.

Ever Closer Episode 234: Reflection for Week 39

Each day ask God for the wisdom and boldness to share his love and truth. Listen and follow through as He guides you regarding when to speak, what to say, and how to act so others might come to know Him.

Our scripture focus this week is from Romans 1:16-17 (New International Version) where the apostle Paul declares the importance of sharing the good news of abundant life in Jesus. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’”

Here are three areas to reflect on:

1. “Rise Above Fear” encourages faith in God’s love, provision, and protection. What specific fear most hinders you from boldly sharing your faith (fear of rejection, looking foolish, not knowing enough, etc.)? How might meditating on God’s care for you help you overcome this fear? What scripture verse could become your declaration of faith when fear rises?

2. There’s a difference between human wisdom and Spirit-taught truth. When you share your faith, do you rely more on clever arguments and human wisdom or on the Spirit’s guidance? What practices help you discern and speak Spirit-taught truth rather than merely repeating what you’ve heard others say? How might you more intentionally invite the Holy Spirit to guide your conversations this week?

3. The song “Numbing Never Heals” encourages facing emotional pain rather than avoiding it, so God can heal you. How might this principle apply to proclaiming God’s truth? Where have you remained silent about your faith due to fear of rejection or discomfort? What specific truth has God freely given you that He might be calling you to boldly share with someone else?