EC Week 45-Making Disciples-Petition

Ever Closer Episode 265: Abide in Love

This week we explore how our compassionate King provides for every need according to His riches in glory, as promised in Philippians 4:19. Just as God tenderly cares for the flowers of the field and overcomes every difficulty that comes in waves, He invites us to seek Him first rather than worry about our circumstances. By learning to ask God directly for our needs and stepping up to face our challenges with faith, we model for others the trust and dependence that characterizes true discipleship.

Here is today’s song:

Abide in Love
Like a gardener and a vine supporting branches, God lovingly nurtures those who trust him. The branches thrive and bear fruit by humbly abiding in the vine.

(Verse 1)
A vineyard green beneath the sun,
Where life and love entwine as one.
A picture painted from above,
Of God’s transforming, patient love.

(Verse 2)
The Father’s hands, both firm and kind,
Cut what is dead, so growth arrives.
His pruning shears with wisdom move,
Each careful cut a sign of love.

(Verse 3)
The Son, the Vine, stands strong and true,
His life flowing fresh as dew,
Through every branch that seeks to thrive.
In Him alone we come alive.

(Bridge)
“As Father loves Me, I love you,”
The Savior’s promise, ever true.
Draw life from him by his Spirit
So his love flows, to those who need it.

(Chorus)
“Abide in me,” the Savior calls.
Let pride and self-reliance fall,
For humble branches that simply cling
Bear fruit that lasts eternally.

(Verse 4)
Apart from him, our strength is naught,
Our efforts wither, come to drought.
But joined to him, our lives will shine,
With fruit that speaks of love divine.

(Verse 5)
The Gardener attends from above,
Each cluster grown through patient love,
Sweet evidence of grace received,
When hearts have trusted and believed.

(Chorus)
“Abide in me,” the Savior calls.
Let pride and self-reliance fall,
For humble branches that simply cling
Bear fruit that lasts eternally.

(Outro)
So rest, dear branch, within the Vine,
Draw deep from mercy’s rich design,
For in this garden, day by day,
God nurtures those who trust and obey.

Ever Closer Episode 266: Flowers of the Field

God’s loving care for you is seen in how he cares for the rest of nature. So don’t worry. Seek him first and you will be taken care of.

(Verse 1)
Look at the sparrow, soaring free
Not a care for what’s to be.
Seeds and shelter, all provided
God’s love for them, never divided.

(Chorus)
Don’t you worry, don’t you fear
The Lord your God is always near.
Seek him first, he’ll light your way.
His care surrounds you every day.

(Verse 2)
See the lilies, dressed so fine
Colors brighter than sunshine.
Never toiling, never spinning
Yet in beauty, always winning.

(Chorus)
Don’t you worry, don’t you fear
The Lord your God is always near.
Seek him first, he’ll light your way.
His care surrounds you every day.

(Verse 3)
Sun rises up to warm the land.
Moon glows soft on ocean sand.
Raindrops fall on soil and tree
Bringing life abundantly.

(Bridge)
From mountain peaks to valley low
His love and care continue to flow.
In rainbow hues and birdsong sweet
His blessings make our joy complete.

(Verse 4)
Paintbrush strokes across the sky
Gentle breezes whisper by.
Fragrant blossoms, crystal streams
All surpass our wildest dreams.

(Outro)
Don’t you worry, don’t you fear
The Lord your God is always near.
Seek him first, he’ll light your way.
His care surrounds you every day.
His love abounds in every way.

Ever Closer Episode 267: Wave by Wave

Difficulty in this fallen world of broken people comes at you in waves. You cannot escape it, block it, or jump over it, but you can overcome through it by faith in God.

(Verse 1)
Far beyond the horizon line
Troubles form where eyes can’t see
Growing stronger with passing time
Rolling on toward you and me.

(Verse 2)
Some run fast along the shore
Fleeing what they can’t outpace.
Some build walls to block the roar,
But waves find every hiding place.

(Chorus)
You cannot prevail on your own
Waves of hardship that befall.
But trust in God, He gives his life
So wave by wave you overcome.

(Verse 3)
Waves that crest with furious might
Crashing down with thunderous sound
Some stand firm with all their might
Only to quickly be thrown down.

(Verse 4)
Brief respites between the sets
Moments when the sea seems calm
But soon another surge begets
A force no one can disarm.

(Verse 5)
Some try leaping over pain
A desperate bound above the spray
But gravity pulls down again
No one escapes the water’s way.

(Bridge)
As shorelines yield to ocean’s power
Transformed by every pounding wave
God redeems the darkest hour
For those who trust his love and grace.
When faith becomes your steady ground
Though trials wash across your life
In broken waters, hope is found—
God brings good from tears and strife.

(Chorus)
You cannot prevail on your own
Waves of hardship that befall.
But trust in God, He gives his life
So wave by wave you overcome.

(Outro)
Through the waves, not over them
Through the pain, not around
God upholds you when overwhelmed
In him, your victory is sound.

Ever Closer Episode 268: Step Up

You are not alone in tackling your problems. Rather than trying to escape them, face them. Learn through them and accept help along the way.

(Verse 1)
You can’t walk away from your problems, no matter how hard you try.
Hiding from difficulty won’t make the troubles pass you by.
Face them head-on, with courage in your heart.
Embrace the challenge, then your healing starts.

(Verse 2)
You can’t escape responsibility, it’s a gift that helps you grow.
Sidestepping suffering won’t enable you to know
The lessons that you’re meant to learn, the strength to accrue
By facing every trial, with faith and hope to guide you through.

(Chorus)
You must face trials, but you are not alone.
I am with you, but even better—God is on the throne.
Together we can overcome, every obstacle you meet.
With faith and discipline, we’ll rise above defeat.

(Verse 3)
You can’t just cancel away conflict, or avoid accountability.
Take ownership of your actions, learn from each opportunity
To grow and to mature, to become the best version of you.
Embrace the journey, let your spirit be renewed.

(Bridge)
You can’t puff away issues or find answers in a drunken haze.
Seeking revenge won’t satisfy, trying to buy comfort betrays.
Turn to the ones who love you, and to the God who knows your name.
With their support and guidance, you’ll rise above the pain.

(Chorus)
You must face trials, but you are not alone.
I am with you, but even better—God is on the throne.
Together we can overcome, every obstacle you meet.
With faith and discipline, we’ll rise above defeat.

(Outro)
People are counting on you, to be a beacon in their night.
You can do this, by pursuing what’s good and right.
Step up to the plate, and rise to the challenge every day.
With God and others by your side, you’ll find the best way.

Ever Closer Episode 269: Keep Believing

Keep believing through grief, because God loves you and he will sustain and transform you by his grace and peace as he works to bring good from evil.

(Verse 1)
In the depths of sorrow, when night seems so long,
Remember, my child, your Savior is strong.
Though the path be weary, and grief abounds,
He walks beside you and will right what’s wrong.

(Chorus)
Keep hoping for what’s not yet seen.
Keep believing for what’s beyond belief.
Take God’s hand. In his will confide.
Receive more than you need, as his love provides.

(Verse 2)
When the world leaves you hurting, and doubts fill your mind,
Look to the cross, where your hope you will find.
For the Savior who suffered, he knows your despair,
And his vict’ry, he longs for you to share.

(Chorus)
Keep hoping for what’s not yet seen.
Keep believing for what’s beyond belief.
Take God’s hand. In his will confide.
Receive more than you need, as his love provides.

(Verse 3)
When the future seems bleak, and your heart is in pain,
Cling to the truth that God’s grace sustains.
For his ways surpass ours, his timing is best,
Cast your cares on him, in his peace find rest.

(Bridge)
When your heart is broken, know that God is near,
His gentle touch will soothe each wound and tear.
Though your soul may struggle, his worth never fades,
Trust in him, dear child, he’ll never forsake.
For to trust is not to be over the pain,
It’s to place your burdens in his hands to reign.
He’ll hold them with love, and restore what was lost,
For his redemption, outweighs every cost.

(Verse 4)
So lift up your eyes, and let your soul take flight,
For in your Redeemer, there shines pure light.
He brings good from evil as he imparts his life
He’ll carry you through, the nights of great strife.

(Chorus)
Keep hoping for what’s not yet seen.
Keep believing for what’s beyond belief.
Take God’s hand. In his will confide.
Receive more than you need, as his love provides.

Ever Closer Episode 270: Reflection for Week 45

Find your completeness in God. Rejoice in him as your loving Father and let him know what concerns you. Our scripture focus is a promise from Philippians 4:19. “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Knowing God takes care of you, should free you and equip you to faithfully serve others.

Here are three questions to consider:

1. “Abide in Love” uses the gardener/vine imagery to illustrate our relationship with God. How does remaining connected to Jesus affect your ability to bear fruit in discipleship? What practices help you maintain this vital connection?

2. The song “Flowers of the Field” reminds us of God’s care for creation and calls us not to worry. What worries or anxieties have been holding you back from asking God to meet your needs? How might releasing these concerns free you to focus on discipling others?

3. Rather than escaping problems, we should step up to face them with help. Who has God placed in your life to support your discipleship journey? With God’s help, who can you support?