EC Week 42-Making Disciples-Justice

Ever Closer Episode 247: Forever Hope

Early on in Jesus’ earthly ministry he gathered a small group of followers to experience abundant, everlasting life. He sought them out. (That’s what a just king does—he makes things right and better.) Jesus met them in their everyday lives marked by self-centeredness and a struggle to find fulfillment. From their lowly brokenness he raised them to divine heights they could never imagine or achieve on their own. He saved them and redirected their purpose, their priorities, their plans, and their path in life to align with his mission of saving others throughout the world who would also trust and obey him.

Jesus is calling you also. He wants to take your ordinary and make it extraordinary by teaching you his mission, his message, and his method of redeeming others. The selected songs illustrate the power of hope and love, welcoming outsiders, intervening, and working together in unity to serve those in need and point them toward Jesus Christ.

Here is today’s song:

Forever Hope
Jesus is the hope of the world. He fulfills what we lack, bringing victory from defeat for all who trust and follow him.

(Verse 1)
When poison seeps through empty hearts,
No roots to hold, no place to start,
Just drifting souls in shadows deep,
Where hopelessness begins to creep.

(Verse 2)
The barren ground yields nothing new,
No purpose found, no work to do,
While battles lost pile mountain high,
And defeated spirits wonder why.

(Verse 3)
But apathy turns hearts to stone,
In isolation, we’re alone,
These chains that bind, this sense of doom,
Can vanish when he fills the room.

(Chorus)
God gives a light through Jesus bright,
Humbly trust him as your sight,
Through darkness deep his love does show,
So you can walk where Jesus goes.

(Verse 4)
For those who trust, he makes complete,
What’s lacking now, he will defeat,
From deep despair to hope he brings,
New life beneath his healing wings.

(Verse 5)
He binds our hearts to God above,
Restores the bond of perfect love,
The longing soul finds home at last,
In him our anchor holding fast.

(Verse 6)
Through him alone true meaning flows,
In love for God, our purpose grows,
To love each other more than self,
Giving all to gain true wealth.

(Chorus)
God gives a light through Jesus bright,
Humbly trust him as your sight,
Through darkness deep his love does show,
So you can walk where Jesus goes.

(Bridge)
Though people fail and plans fall through,
God’s promise stands forever true,
His glorious plan unfolds each day,
He’s coming back to restore his way.
You’ll reign with him in glory bright,
When he’s your love, your soul’s delight.

(Verse 7)
He faced each trial we must face,
Yet sinless stood in perfect grace,
Became our sin upon the tree,
That righteous we might ever be.

(Verse 8)
Since death and sin he overcame,
No fear or loss remains the same,
Depression flees, anxiety breaks,
Fresh victory in morning’s wake.

(Chorus)
God gives a light through Jesus bright,
Humbly trust him as your sight,
Through darkness deep his love does show,
So you can walk where Jesus goes.
Jesus goes. Jesus goes. He loves you so.

Ever Closer Episode 248: Labor of Love

Receive God’s love by faith and let it inspire and empower you to joyfully labor with him to carry out his saving work and divine purposes.

(Verse 1)
Before the world was formed, you were there,
Your love, O God, is beyond compare.
From everlasting, your reign has been,
Your kingdom work, our hearts to win.

(Chorus)
Your love endures, it will not fade,
Let your favor on me be displayed.
May people see your beauty in me.
Love through me, so they’re drawn to thee.

(Verse 2)
Go before me, your light to shine,
Walk beside me, your hand in mine.
Stand behind me, your strength impart.
Teach me to serve with all my heart.

(Chorus)
Your love endures, it will not fade,
Let your favor on me be displayed.
May people see your beauty in me.
Love through me, so they’re drawn to thee.

(Bridge)
Establish the work of my hands,
As you gather many to trust in your Son.
All glory be yours in heaven and earth.
Let your kingdom come, your will be done.

(Chorus)
Your love endures, it will not fade,
Let your favor on me be displayed.
May people see your beauty in me.
Love through me, so they’re drawn to thee.

Ever Closer Episode 249 Join Hands

By God’s grace and power may all who trust in him work together to serve people in need and help them find and follow Jesus.

(Verse 1)
Jesus’ love reaches every heart
The lost, the least, the ones apart.
His mercy finds the broken souls
Where tears fall and pain takes its toll.

(Verse 2)
Even those who turn away
His grace pursues them day by day.
From darkness into light he leads
Plants seeds of change through loving deeds.

(Chorus)
God, break our hearts for what breaks yours
Open our eyes to see as you see.
Unite our hands and humble hearts
To meet needs and set captives free.

(Verse 3)
People see God’s love through our care
In kindness shown and burdens shared.
Our unity a witness bright
Reflecting his redeeming light.

(Bridge)
Father, fill us with compassion.
Bind our hearts in perfect peace.
Use our unity as healing
For the wounded and in need.

(Verse 4)
When we join hands in his name
His power flows through us like a flame.
Two or more with purpose true
Accomplish what one cannot do.

(Chorus)
God, break our hearts for what breaks yours
Open our eyes to see as you see.
Unite our hands and humble hearts
To meet needs and set captives free.

(Outro)
As Jesus prayed, may we be one.
That’s how the world comes to know
His salvation freely given.
For through our love, his glory shows.

Ever Closer Episode 250: Streetlight

Two boys in an urban neighborhood grow to choose what their life on the streets will be like.

(Verse 1)
In alleys of concrete and brick
Malcolm and Damon as boys would play
Kick the can and hide and seek
Dreaming of a brighter day.

(Verse 2)
Summer days, they’d shoot hoops in the heat.
Winter brought snowball fights and laughter.
Pranks and mischief made their days complete
Not knowing what would come after.

(Chorus)
Oh, the way we walk, the paths we take
Shape the people we become.
Right over wrong, the choice to make
In cities and streets where we’re from.

(Verse 3)
As they grew, their roads split apart
Damon chose the gang life’s lure.
Malcolm cleaned streets in a trash truck
Seeking a better life to secure.

(Chorus)
Oh, the way we walk, the paths we take
Shape the people we become.
Right over wrong, the choice to make
In cities and streets where we’re from.

(Bridge)
One dreadful day in an alley dim
Malcolm found Damon badly beaten.
Into the truck Malcolm lifted him
Unsure of what might now come.

(Verse 4)
Headed for help, Malcolm made his plea.
“Leave the gang, they’re not your fate.”
“If you don’t you’ll die. Can’t you see?”
“Come work with me, get things straight.”

(Verse 5)
The truck stopped short, his gang in sight.
Malcolm could see Damon’s despair.
“Don’t go. Stay and build a better life.”
Damon’s decision hung in the air.

(Chorus)
Oh, the way we walk, the paths we take
Shape the people we become.
Right over wrong, the choice to make
In cities and streets where we’re from.

Ever Closer Episode 251: Then There Was You

A tribute to the hospitable and loving people who make outsiders feel welcome.

(Verse 1)
Moving to a new town, full of doubt,
Wondering if I’ll fit in, or be left out.
Anxious thoughts swirling, a constant refrain,
Will I find understanding, or face disdain?

(Chorus)
But then there was you, a beacon of light,
Who welcomed me warmly, made everything right.
Your hospitality, your open embrace,
Showed me I belonged in this strange new place.

(Verse 2)
Starting a new job, unsure of my role,
Feeling unfit, a square peg in a round hole.
Fears of rejection, a heavy weight to bear,
Will anyone reach out, does anyone care?

(Chorus)
But then there was you, a guiding hand,
Who took the time to help me understand.
Your engagement sincere, you came alongside.
Helping me find my footing, my peace of mind.

(Verse 3)
Navigating halls of a new school space.
Longing for connection, a welcoming face.
People pass, without even a glance.
I eat lunch alone, unseen on the grass.

(Chorus)
But then there was you, who lifted my burden,
You made me feel accepted, like I truly belonged.
Your empathy shining, your kindness so true,
Inspire me to help others, to see them through.

(Bridge)
For people like you, who go above and beyond,
Whose warmth and compassion, we can always count on.
You make this world brighter, one person at a time,
And for that, dear friend, this song of thanks is mine.

(Outro)
So here’s to the hospitable, the loving, the kind,
Who make outsiders feel included, and ease our minds.
May your example inspire us, to bring about ways,
To welcome those we come across each day.

Ever Closer Episode 252: Reflection for Week 42

In our scripture focus this week we get a glimpse of Jesus transforming ordinary fishermen, Simon and his brother Andrew. “Come, follow me and I will send you out to fish for people” (Matthew 4:19, New International Version). Trust and obey Jesus and he will exchange your ordinary for his extraordinary life where you will join him in joyfully saving others.

Here are three thoughts for reflection:

1. How can you allow God’s love to inspire you to “labor” joyfully alongside Him in His saving work, rather than viewing evangelism and justice as burdensome obligations?

2. In your neighborhood, workplace, or community, who are the “outsiders” that God is calling you to welcome and serve—and what concrete action can you take to “join hands” with other believers to help them find and follow Jesus?

3. Reflecting on the story of the two boys choosing their path, how do your everyday choices either draw people toward Christ or push them away?