EC Week 44-Making Disciples-Mercy

Ever Closer Episode 259: Praise Among Giants

As we embark on our journey of making disciples, we begin by understanding what God truly requires of us: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him as declared in Micah 6:8. Jesus exemplifies the perfect compassionate King who shows us that true freedom and victory come not from independence, but from complete dependence on God’s guidance and provision. Through surrendering our own understanding and trusting in His ways, we discover that mercy flows naturally from a heart that recognizes its need for divine grace, enabling us to serve others with the same compassion Christ has shown us.

Today we have two songs which are lessons from creation that remind us of God’s faithful love and mercy which support us. Thank him for who he is and what he has done to save you. Joyfully draw from the wellspring of your unity with him to extend mercy to others.

Here is the first song:

Praise Among Giants
“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts” (Psalm 105:1-2, New International Version).

(Verse 1)
Beneath these towers reaching high
My troubles seem to fade and die.
These giants standing through the years
Remind me who calms all my fears.

(Chorus)
My soul lifts up thanksgiving
Like branches to the light.
Your greatness sets my heart to singing.
In your time you’ll make things right.
Though storms may shake these mighty trees
They stand in quiet majesty.
So I will trust, forever sing
Of all the joy Your presence brings.

(Verse 2)
Each worry drops like falling leaves.
As morning light streams through these trees
Your peace flows down like golden rays.
My heart can’t help, but sing Your praise.

(Bridge)
These roots run deep through ancient ground
Like Your great love that knows no bounds.
Through every storm and every test
Your strength holds me, I find my rest.

(Verse 3)
Let all creation join my song.
These redwoods standing true and strong
Bear witness to Your mighty deeds.
Your grace and love is all I need.

(Chorus)
My soul lifts up thanksgiving
Like branches to the light.
Your greatness sets my heart to singing.
In your time you’ll make things right.
Though storms may shake these mighty trees
They stand in quiet majesty.
So I will trust, forever sing
Of all the joy Your presence brings.
Your presence is my home.

—
Today’s second song reminds us not to just get by or serve ourselves, but to live a purposeful life for God and others as he directs.

Fly Sure

Fly by faith not by sight. God is the blessed wind beneath your wings.

(Verse 1)
Butterfly, don’t just flutter by
Unfurl your wings and soar.
Bridle wind and ride the sky.
Ascend o’er tempest’s roar.

(Verse 2)
Leave the foul cocoon of folly.
Drink of wisdom’s flower.
Taste of giving; see its glory.
Seek to serve and empow’r.

(Chorus)
Fly by faith, not by sight
God will guide you through the night
His loving wind beneath your wings
Will bring victory in all things.

(Bridge)
Though gale winds blow, still push through
Find strength in rabble flight.
Color your wings in truth.
Kiss each dawn. Abide in light.

(Verse 3)
Pursue the risen Son
Each day he calls anew
Love him as your number One
And he’ll breathe his life in you.

(Chorus)
Fly by faith, not by sight
God will guide you through the night
His loving wind beneath your wings
Will bring victory in all things.

(Outro)
Butterfly, don’t just flutter by
Dance in step to God’s score.
Steadily as he lifts you high
Fly to potential’s shore.

Ever Closer Episode 260: Beyond the Sunset

A parable of a boy with cancer who conquers his fear of an unknown future through faith in a dolphin who rescues and befriends him. Likewise, God seeks you out in your distress and will save you if you trust him.

(Verse 1)
On golden sands, a sick child stands
Gazing at the sapphire sea.
His heart aflutter, like waves that stutter
Afraid of what might be.

(Verse 2)
Shell-studded shore, he longed for more
But dared not touch the foam
Till one day’s tide, swept him inside
The watery, vast unknown.

(Chorus)
Oh, little one, don’t fear the blue
For in its depths, a friend waits true.
The ocean’s song, it calls to you
To sail beyond the sunset hue.

(Verse 3)
From graceful deep, came one who keeps
A faithful friend appeared.
With gentle might, he set him right
And all his fears were cleared.

(Verse 4)
Day after day, they’d swim and play.
Through coral gardens bright
Surfing swells, greeting ships’ bells
His fear turned to delight.

(Chorus)
Oh, little one, don’t fear the blue
For in its depths, a friend waits true.
The ocean’s song, it calls to you
To sail beyond the sunset hue.

(Bridge)
An old song whispered on the breeze
Of lands beyond the shore.
The boy’s heart stirred, adventure spurred
To seek what lay in store.

(Verse 5)
With peace he glanced his last, at home
Then turned toward setting sun.
His dolphin guide at his side
Their true journey had begun.

(Outro)
Oh, little one, you’ve braved the blue
Your dolphin friend will see you through.
The ocean’s song has sung to you
Now sail beyond the sunset hue.

Ever Closer Episode 261: River of Mercy

By faith show mercy to others as God has shown to you. Repay evil with good, trusting God to make things right.

(Verse 1)
God the Father poured mercy out,
A crimson flood to wash you clean.
Now through your veins his love must flow
To thirsty hearts you’ve yet to meet.

(Chorus)
So let mercy run like rivers wild,
Through these cracked and earthen hands.
Not your strength, but Christ in you—
His grace poured out on broken land.

(Verse 2)
Rejoice with joy, and weep with tears,
Embrace the weight of others’ pain.
For love was nailed upon a tree
To turn your enemies to saints.

(Chorus)
So let mercy run like rivers wild,
Through these cracked and earthen hands.
Not your strength, but Christ in you—
His grace poured out on broken land.

(Verse 3)
Don’t light the torch of vengeful fire—
Let God’s own justice have its day.
Pray for the ones who curse your name,
That they might find the narrow way.

(Bridge)
It cuts against this flesh and bone,
This call to love beyond your strength.
But you’ve been given heaven’s heart—
Power from the King of kings.

(Verse 4)
So open wide the table’s end,
Share bread with stranger, friend, and foe.
In hope rejoice, in trouble stand,
Where evil strikes, let goodness grow.

(Chorus)
Let mercy run like rivers wild,
Through these cracked and earthen hands.
Not your strength, but Christ in you—
His grace poured out on broken land.
Let mercy run like rivers wild,
Through these cracked and earthen hands.
Not your strength, but Christ in you—
His grace poured out on broken land.

Ever Closer Episode 262: Kings and Pawns

Chess is a game, but real war costs lives. Fight to serve and defend the needy, not to enrich the wealthy in their quest for land, power, and control.

(Verse 1)
What manner of men are these
Whose battle is a mockery?
They scheme and fight as though it matters.
However, they skirmish upon a platter.

(Verse 2)
Foot soldiers march, followed by horses.
Their actions hemmed by eight square courses.
All maneuvers are quite plain to see
But strategies are cloaked in mystery.

(Chorus)
These wooden warriors feel no pain,
Unlike real soldiers slain in vain.
Fight not for glory, land, or throne,
But to serve the needy and defend against foes.

(Verse 3)
The clergy scurry according to shade
The castles defend against arrow and blade.
Now a twist in plot. Watch with me.
A woman has joined the tiny army.

(Verse 4)
She cleverly plots to save her mate
While she attacks their enemy’s gate.
She contends for gain beyond survival
Coveting the wealth and demise of their rival.

(Bridge)
Real kings sit in comfort, far from the fray,
While pawns are sacrificed day after day.
The powerful elite command from behind,
As common folk suffer, their futures maligned.

(Chorus)
Though wooden warriors feel no pain,
Real soldiers often die in vain.
Fight not for glory, land, or throne,
But to serve the needy and defend against foes.

(Outro)
Fight to stop evil. Stand for what’s right.
Restore freedom and dignity denied.
Don’t fight for your gain at others’ cost,
War’s not a game. Precious lives are lost.

Ever Closer Episode 263: Mission Field of Grace

By God’s grace and power those who follow Jesus should view harmful people and difficult circumstances as an opportunity to engage in love and truth as Jesus did, not to shrink back in fear.

(Verse 1)
The cross that bore our Savior’s weight
Still casts a shadow long and wide.
Don’t be surprised when darkness hates
The light you carry deep inside.

(Verse 2)
When voices rise to curse your name
And lies surround you like a flood
Pray mercy on the ones who blame
Pour blessing where they’ve spilled your blood.

(Chorus)
This is not a battlefield
It’s a mission field of grace.
Every stone the world may wield
Becomes a chance to show God’s face.
Love is stronger than the fight
Truth sets free those who hear.
We are warriors of the light
Called to draw the broken near.

(Verse 3)
When hatred plots behind closed doors
And evil schemes against your soul
Return their violence with open arms
Trade judgment for a love that’s whole.

(Verse 4)
Forgive the ones who strike your back
Pardon those who steal and wrong.
The gentle word turns away wrath
Rely on God, your victory song.

(Bridge)
When weariness has worn you thin
When doubt whispers you’re not enough
Remember—it was never you
God’s power rises in the rough.
Stand up with resurrection strength
Move forward with the Lion’s heart
No trial formed can separate
You from his love that sets you apart.

(Verse 5)
God goes before, he walks beside
No weapon fashioned shall prevail.
In Christ, you overcome and thrive
His perfect love will never fail.

(Chorus)
This is not a battlefield
It’s a mission field of grace.
Every stone the world may wield
Becomes a chance to show God’s face.
Love is stronger than the fight
Truth sets free those who hear.
We are warriors of the light
Called to draw the broken near.

Ever Closer Episode 264: Reflection for Week 44

Our scripture focus this week is from Micah 6:8, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Here are three thoughts for reflection:

1. Our scripture this week calls us to “act justly and love mercy.” How are these qualities essential for making disciples? In what ways does showing mercy to others reflect the character of Jesus as the Compassionate King?

2. The song “Kings and Pawns” reminds us that real battles aren’t games but affect lives. How does this perspective relate to discipleship? In what ways might you be treating the spiritual condition of those around you too casually?

3. “Beyond the Sunset” tells of conquering fear through faith. What fears do you face in making disciples? How does trusting Jesus as your Compassionate King help you overcome these fears when reaching out to others?