EC Week 7-Believing in Jesus as Savior

Ever Closer Episode 37: Raising My Hands

As we explore more aspects of Jesus, the truth of his amazing nature goes beyond just acknowledging that He is God the Son who became a man. It means allowing that knowledge to affect your core beliefs and actions. It is a faith which involves hope, loyalty, trust, and obedience. This faith doesn’t save us, Jesus does. He is the author and perfecter of our faith. True belief is receiving his saving life and yielding to him as he changes you from the inside out.

God’s incredible love for the world is demonstrated through His gift of Jesus, His only Son, so that all who believe might have eternal life rather than perish. His divine love calls us to respond with hearts and hands raised in worship, finding hope through prayer that connects us to our faithful God who sustains us through every trial and uncertain future. As we adore God in prayer with stillness, thanksgiving, and trust, we discover that He goes before us and works through us, making our hearts’ meditations pleasing to Him and filling us with unshakeable hope.

Here is today’s song:

Raising My Hands
Lift your hands and your heart to God in loving praise, trust, and submission, for he alone is worthy of all glory.

(Verse 1)
Like flowers opening to morning light,
My hands unfold before your sight,
Vulnerable, bare, with nothing to hide,
Trusting you to be my guide.

(Verse 2)
As autumn leaves fall to the ground,
My pride dissolves without a sound.
Empty hands raised, I’m quiet and still
Surrendered fully to your will.

(Chorus)
These hands reveal my heart’s desire
To become like you, I aspire.
Fill me and use me in this world
To share your love and spread your word.

(Verse 3)
Like banners raised in victory,
My hands declare your majesty.
Every finger points to heaven’s King,
In all creation may your anthem ring.

(Verse 4)
As children reach for father’s arms,
My spirit longs to be with you.
Lifting hands to receive your grace,
Forever your child, in your embrace.

(Bridge)
In your presence, Lord, I stand.
My heart joins my lifted hands.
Joyfully with you I dwell.
I give all I am, nothing withheld.

(Chorus)
These hands reveal my heart’s desire
To become like you, I aspire.
Fill me and use me in this world
To share your love and spread your word.

Ever Closer Episode 38: In the Stillness

“Always rejoice. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

(Verse 1)
In the stillness of the dawn.
I lift my voice in grateful song.
For all the ways God’s love reclaims.
You saved my soul and removed my shame.

(Chorus)
I give thanks, amidst joy and pain,
For through them, I draw close by grace.
You bring good from bad, as I obey.
Mold me and make me day by day.

(Verse 2)
When darkness falls and hope seems lost,
To you I cling, you are my rock.
In the depths, your light still shines.
As I trust you, my best I find.

(Bridge)
As I give thanks, my heart expands,
With empathy for those suffering.
I see the world through Jesus’ eyes.
I grow to love, and to learn what’s wise.

(Chorus)
I give thanks, amidst joy and pain,
For through them, I draw close by grace.
You bring good from bad, as I obey.
Teach me to understand your way

(Verse 3)
Each moment holds a chance to grow.
To walk the path that Jesus showed.
In gratitude, I find the key.
To become more like you, and less like me.

(Chorus)
I give thanks, amidst joy and pain,
For through them, I draw close by grace.
You bring good from bad, as I obey.
Prepare me for your work each day.

(Outro)
So let my life, a tribute be.
To you, who walks each step with me.
In thankfulness, I’ll trust your ways.
And give you glory all my days.

Ever Closer Episode 39: Go Before Me

Ask God for help when you face evil people, difficult trials, or an unknown future. He is faithful to sustain and deliver you.

(Verse 1)
In the face of evil, I stand alone.
Trials surround me, future unknown.
But I remember your faithful word
Your promise, Lord, as I have learned.

(Chorus)
You go before me, you stand behind.
Your presence with me, peace I find.
You won’t forsake me, You won’t fail.
With You beside me, I’ll prevail.

(Verse 2)
Like a cloud by day, a fire by night
You led Your people with Your might.
Now You dwell in me, Holy Spirit true
Guiding my steps in all I do.

(Chorus)
You go before me, you stand behind.
Your presence with me, peace I find.
You won’t forsake me, You won’t fail.
With You beside me, I’ll prevail.

(Bridge)
Your eyes roam the earth, seeking hearts true.
I give all I am, fully to You.
Though the path be hard, I’ll follow your lead.
Your glory my purpose, your will my creed.

(Verse 3)
In darkness or light, I won’t cower or fear.
For I know, you God, are always near.
You’ll accomplish your plan, in and through me.
I trust in your love for eternity.

(Chorus)
You go before me, you stand behind.
Your presence with me, peace I find.
You won’t forsake me, You won’t fail.
With You beside me, I’ll prevail.

Ever Closer Episode 40: Work Through Me

A prayerful plea for Jesus to work in me and through me by faith to change me and others for good, in ways I never could on my own. (Inspired by a prayer from Anselm of Canterbury).

(Verse 1)
Jesus, living power within,
Work through me, cleanse me from sin.
Change my heart, transform my ways,
Guide my actions, words, and days.

(Verse 2)
In your anguish, joy was born,
New life dawned on Easter morn.
By your labor, set me free,
Let your goodness shine through me.

(Chorus)
Jesus, mighty God most high,
Hear my humble, earnest cry.
Work in me, work through me too,
All for your glory, born anew.

(Verse 3)
Like you fed the multitude,
Fill my hands with spiritual food.
Let me share your saving grace,
Bringing hope to every place.

(Verse 4)
As you healed the blind to see,
Open eyes of faith through me.
By your touch, the dead arose,
Let your life in me disclose.

(Bridge)
Replace despair with your hope
Dissolve fear help people cope,
Gentle Savior, comfort bring
By your warmth may each soul sing.

(Verse 5)
By compassion, grace impart,
Bring forgiveness to each heart.
Transform me like you above,
So others come to know your love.

(Chorus)
Jesus, almighty God most high,
Hear my humble, earnest cry.
Work in me, work through me too,
All for your glory, born anew.

Ever Closer Episode 41: Meditation of My Heart

God is worthy of all glory for his love and salvation. I joyfully desire to love him back by trusting and obeying him. (Based on Psalm 19).

(Verse 1)
The heavens declare your glory, Lord,
The skies proclaim the work of your hands.
I come to you in humble prayer,
Longing to honor your commands.

(Chorus)
O God, my heart’s desire is you,
Not my will, but yours I’ll pursue.
Your perfect law, your statutes true,
Refresh my soul and make me new.

(Verse 2)
Your precepts, Lord, are right and just,
Bringing joy to the contrite heart.
Your radiant commands, a shining light,
Guiding my steps, giving me sight.

(Bridge)
May my words and deeds, my thoughts within
Be pleasing to you, my Savior and King.
For you are my Rock, my sole Redeemer.
To you alone, my praises I bring.

(Chorus)
O God, my heart’s desire is you,
Not my will, but yours I’ll pursue.
Your perfect law, your statutes true,
Refresh my soul and make me new.

(Outro)
May my words and deeds, my thoughts within
Be pleasing to you, my Savior and King.
For you are my Rock, my sole Redeemer.
To you alone, my praises I bring.

Ever Closer Episode 42: Reflection for Week 7

Our scripture focus for this week is the most well-known Bible passage, John 3:16-17:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him.”

Here are three questions to consider.

1. This scripture emphasizes that God sent Jesus to save the world, not to judge it. How might this understanding of God’s saving intent change the way you approach Him in prayer, especially when you feel unworthy?

2. “In the Stillness” references 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, which calls believers to “give thanks and pray continually.” What practical steps could you take to cultivate a more consistent attitude of gratitude and prayer throughout your daily activities?

3. The song “Meditation of My Heart” suggests bringing our deepest thoughts to God. What worries, fears, or desires have you been hesitant to express to God that need to be brought before Him in adoring trust?