EC Week 49-Making Disciples-Teaching

Ever Closer Episode 289: Light Your Candle

Jesus is not only a Compassionate King, but also a Conquering King. Through his death and resurrection he triumphed over sin and death. Out of love he not only comes along side people who are hurting, but he also has the answer to heal their brokenness. Jesus brought his victorious life into the lives of others by seeking them out, meeting them where they were at, serving their needs, and proclaiming the truth. He then taught those who listened, and trained those who responded.

As followers of Christ the Conquering King, he calls us to carry on this mission by going to reach others and then teaching them both practical skills and spiritual truth. This involves connecting with them and sharing their burdens, but then teaching them how God has a better life for them as they trust and obey him. Just as a parent passes divine wisdom to his child or a teacher lays academic foundations for students, we must intentionally include “not-yet” believers and younger believers in our work and responsibilities, creating opportunities for them to develop faith in God, spiritual maturity, and a healthy understanding of service to God and others.

Here is today’s song:

Light Your Candle
Engage in life, don’t just pass through. Be willing to do what’s hard, to lead, and to go against the flow in order to benefit others.

 
(Verse 1)
Blank page before you, pen in hand.
Words flow like rivers across the land.
Create, don’t just consume, let your voice ring.
In a world of echoes, be the one to sing.

(Verse 2)
Lace up your boots, step out the door.
Feel the earth beneath you, explore.
Screen’s glow fades as real life blooms.
Nature refreshes, your spirit renews.

(Chorus)
Light your candle in the dark.
Be the flame that guides and sparks.
Against the current, swim upstream.
Wake up from the passive dream.

(Verse 3)
See a neighbor struggle with their load.
Don’t just watch from your warm abode.
Extend your hand, share their weight.
Small acts of kindness can’t wait.

(Bridge)
It’s easy to follow, to drift along
But the world needs those who are brave and strong.
To stand for what’s right, to lift others high,
To be the change under this vast sky.

(Verse 4)
When systems are broken, don’t just complain.
Roll up your sleeves, endure the strain.
Plant seeds of change in rocky soil.
Tomorrow’s garden is worth the toil.

(Verse 5)
In a world that takes, dare to give more.
Open your heart, and unlock closed doors.
Lead with love, serve before self.
True richness isn’t measured in wealth.

(Chorus)
Light your candle in the dark.
Be the flame that guides and sparks.
Against the current, swim upstream.
Wake up from the passive dream.

(Outro)
Against the flow, you’re not alone.
Together we can foster reform.
Light your candle, let it shine bright.
In darkness, be a beacon of light.

Ever Closer Episode 290: Companion of Kings

On life’s journey, gain wisdom at all cost. For with her lies the path of royal life. Let her guide your vision, values, thoughts, and deeds as she points you to God, the King of kings.

(Verse 1)
A young man stood at crossroads wide,
His heart aflame with restless pride,
“What path,” he asked, “leads me to life?”
As shadows lengthened with his strife.

(Verse 2)
Then came a voice like morning light,
“Seek wisdom’s face with all your might,
For I was there when worlds were made,
Before the mountains’ foundations laid.”

(Verse 3)
He journeyed forth through valleys deep,
Where fools and mockers laugh and weep,
Their paths led down to sorrow’s door,
While wisdom’s height called him to more.

(Chorus)
Wisdom, my companion true,
More precious than gold, purer than dew,
In your embrace, I find my way,
Your light turns darkness into day!

(Verse 4)
She taught him first to fear the Lord,
To treasure truth above reward,
To guard his heart with watchful care,
And keep his gaze fixed straight and fair.

(Bridge)
Before all time, she danced with joy,
Delighting in what God employed,
Now at my side, my noble guide,
Her peaceful paths stretch far and wide!

(Verse 5)
Each step he took by her design
Transformed his sight with views divine,
What once seemed loss now gleamed as gain,
As wisdom’s fruit replaced his pain.

(Verse 6)
While others stumbled, lost in night,
He walked in understanding’s light,
For those who hate her, love their death,
But those who seek her, gain life’s breath.

(Chorus)
Wisdom, my companion true,
More precious than gold, purer than dew,
In your embrace, I find my way,
Your light turns darkness into day!

Ever Closer Episode 291: Guiding Light

A father passes on divine wisdom to his son—the way of justice, mercy, loving kindness, and a humble walk with God, which he learned from their heavenly Father, as they backpack together through the wilderness.

(Verse 1)
Through the wilderness, we journey each day,
Father and son, our bond is firm like the earth.
The wind whispers secrets, as we forge our way,
And I impart the insights given me since birth.

(Chorus)
Love God like a river full and free,
Shine justice, as light sparkling on the sea.
Seek God’s wisdom, a star guiding you through.
With his passion like fire, fueling all you do.

(Verse 2)
Serve others with kindness, truth, and grace.
Walk by faith to overcome all you face.
Seize adventure like a bison sure and strong.
Soar on the wings of heaven’s joyful song.

(Bridge)
Your path will harden, your journey may grow long,
But with our loving Father, you’ll never be alone.
He provides for your needs, as you seek him first.
Let his holy fire, refine your priceless worth.

(Verse 3)
As the sun bows to the moon’s glowing domain,
Set your heart to play my counsel’s refrain.
Listen as God speaks through nature all ’round.
Let him lead you, where his salvation abounds.

(Chorus)
Love God like a river full and free,
Shine justice, as light sparkling on the sea.
Seek God’s wisdom, a star guiding you through.
With his passion like fire, fueling all you do.

(Outro)
Love God like a river full and free,
Serve others with kindness, truth, and grace.

Ever Closer Episode 292: Room 4

A nostalgic song about the wonder of childhood and of learning as seen through a retiring teacher who helped lay an academic foundation.

(Verse 1)
The classroom door clicks shut, one final time.
Echoes of laughter linger in the air.
A lifetime of memories, frozen in time.
Young faces etched in her heart with care.

(Verse 2)
First day jitters and tearful goodbyes
Soon give way to confident smiles.
Finger paints and ABCs. Time flies
Learning and growing all the while.

(Chorus)
Oh, the marvel of a child’s eyes
As they discover this world anew.
Tiny hands reaching for the skies
Their dreams and hopes forever true.

(Verse 3)
On the playground, squeals of delight
Swings soaring high, touching clouds.
Nature walks, leaves crunching bright
Curious minds reveal wonder aloud.

(Bridge)
From caterpillars to butterflies
They spread their wings and learn to fly.
A teacher’s heart swells with pride
As she watches her little ones thrive.

(Verse 4)
Building blocks and counting games
Stories shared in cozy corners.
Field trips to farms and fire stations
Sparking joy in wide-eyed learners.

(Verse 5)
Though her journey’s end is bittersweet
She knows her legacy will live on
In the lives she’s touched, now complete
A foundation laid, forever strong.

(Chorus)
Oh, the marvel of a child’s eyes
As they discover this world anew.
Tiny hands reaching for the skies
Their dreams and hopes forever true.

Ever Closer Episode 293: Catching Up

We have two songs today focusing on the importance of family relationships to love, support, and teach one another.

Here is the first song:

Catching Up
A father and estranged son bond during difficult teenage years by purposely playing catch together like they used to.

(Verse 1)
Dusty bleachers, summer haze
Father and son, on Saturdays
Cheering crowds and crack of bats
Local heroes in baseball caps

(Verse 2)
Little League dreams in the son’s eyes
Dad’s lessons helpful and wise.
How to throw and catch, hit and slide
Twilight practice, the two abide.

(Chorus)
Just a ball and two old gloves
A sacred time for them to bond.
Stitching hearts with every throw
Priceless moments to behold.

(Verse 3)
Time slipped by, interests changed.
Work and life left them estranged.
Silence grew within their home.
Two ships passing, both alone.

(Bridge)
Then one day, a mother’s plea
“Remember how things used to be?
Take this ball and step outside
Let joy together be your guide.”

(Verse 4)
Hesitant throws, uncertain start
Slowly opening each guarded heart.
But soon they laugh, and share stories
Love rekindled, newfound glory.

(Chorus)
Just a ball and two old gloves
A sacred time for them to bond.
Stitching hearts with every throw
Priceless moments to behold.

(Outro)
Not just catch, but healing too
Father and son, bonding anew.
In their backyard, day by day
Finding words they need to say.

—
Here is today’s second song:

Kite

Although it can be hard, take time to reflect on the blessed people who have helped you grow stronger and fly higher.

(Verse 1)
Walking through the park on a spring day so bright.
Birds singing sweetly, jasmine on the breeze light.
Kids laughing on the swings, dad playing catch with his boy.
Reminds me of building kites with you, a cherished joy.

(Verse 2)
Wood and paper in our hands, crafting with great care.
You taught me precision and balance, skills to prepare.
For a life that would challenge like the winds so wild.
To bend not break. Standing strong, yet gracious and kind.

(Chorus)
Thanks for carrying me through good times and bad.
In so many small ways I still miss you, Dad.
I wish we could launch our kite, let out the line.
Dance in the breeze together, just one more time.

(Verse 3)
We watched the kite soar, you told me to chase my dreams.
No matter how strong the headwinds may seem.
Seek out true friends who help you fly high.
Like a kite’s tail, they steady your flight.

(Bridge)
I’m struggling. No longer a kid, but not yet a man.
Thrown by life’s gusts, I’m unsure where to stand.
Will my line break from mounting responsibility.
Often I feel stuck like a kite in the trees.

(Chorus)
Thanks for carrying me through good times and bad.
In so many small ways I still miss you, Dad.
I wish we could launch our kite, let out the line.
Dance in the breeze together, just one more time.

(Outro)
Oh, Dad, I want to fly our diamond in the sky.
I still need you, I’m not ready to say goodbye.

Ever Closer Episode 294: Reflection for Week 49

Out of love, help people find victory in Jesus by connecting with them, sharing their burdens, serving their needs, and teaching them how to trust and obey God. Our scripture focus this week is from Galatians 6:2 , “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Here are three areas for reflection:

1. Galatians 6:2 calls us to “bear one another’s burdens.” How does this practice of mutual support reflect Jesus as the Conquering King who carried our ultimate burden of sin? What specific burdens are you helping others carry right now, and how might this become a teaching opportunity?

2. What spiritual truths or practices have been most transformative in your own life that you feel called to pass on to others? How can you create meaningful contexts for this kind of deep mentoring? Related to that, what relationships in your life need reconnection before effective discipleship can happen? What simple, regular practice might rebuild trust and open doors for spiritual conversation?

3. “Room 4” celebrates the impact of a teacher who helped lay an academic foundation. Beyond formal teaching, how has someone helped establish your spiritual foundation? How might you create a similar “room” where others feel safe to learn, question, and grow in their faith?