Ever Closer

Jesus taught, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5, New International Version). Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Week 36 Introduction: Letting Jesus Live in You-Humility In the first century Jesus humbly entered Jerusalem not to overthrow Rome, but to overthrow the rule of deadly sin in people’s lives. He died and rose again to save all who trusted him then, as well as now. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Our scripture focus for this week is 2 Peter 3:9. Text for this episode, including reflection questions, is available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Tiny seeds reflect God's ability to produce extraordinary outcomes from humble beginnings. He multiplies our simple faith to transform us and to spread his love and salvation to others. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

If you love someone, sometimes you have to wait for them. As you do support them and work to become all you can be so you are ready to be together when the time and circumstances are right. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

A single mom takes the time to invest in other travelers on the train during her daily commute to work as a house cleaner. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

With God's help make the most of now rather than regretting the past, wishing for what could have been, or worrying about the future. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Week 35 Introduction: Letting Jesus Live in You-Patience For those who trust in Jesus, this world is a temporary place to grow and to help others know God while we wait for his return when we will join him in a new heaven and earth. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Our scripture focus for this week is 2 Corinthians 5:14-15. Text for this episode, including reflection questions, is available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Our words and actions flow from what's in our hearts, therefore we desperately need a new heart from God in order to see, to speak, and to act with truth and love. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Growth can be painful because it requires change, discomfort, and sacrifice, but it is worth it not only for its impact on you, but also on others. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

True life is found in knowing God and not in life's fleeting pleasures. So invest in what draws you closer to him and not in what drags you away. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

"The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him" (2 Chronicles 16:9, NIV). Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Week 34 Introduction: Letting Jesus Live in You-Vision When your hope is in God instead of this world, his reality becomes your reality which includes what is good, right, loving, and beautiful because he is the source of those. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Our scripture focus for this week is 1 Corinthians 9:22. Text for this episode, including reflection questions, is available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

When you trust God and submit your choices to him, you experience his best. He faithfully provides in ways that exceed your expectations or understanding. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Because of my finite understanding and self-centered focus, I cannot make the best decisions. I need to rely on the input of the all-knowing God who loves me. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new. But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18). Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Although God works in unseen ways at times, he always acts in love at the right moment and in the best way for your salvation. Trust and obey him. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Week 33 Introduction: Letting Jesus Live in You-Vision God displays his glory in nature, but he reveals himself the most to those who place their faith in him. In them he paints a breathtaking portrait as he transforms their lives into the likeness of himself. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Our scripture focus for this week is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Text for this episode, including reflection questions, is available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

God works in mysterious yet loving ways to faithfully seek and save the lost. He meets people where they are and fulfills their needs by drawing them closer to himself. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

God brings beauty from ashes, light from darkness, and life from death. Through faith in him you can experience blessing and growth amidst adversity. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Don't be afraid to do hard things. It forges your character, strengthens your relationships, and prepares you for future challenges. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

In your race of faith as you follow Jesus don't be surprised that you will face difficulty. However, you can rejoice in the victory God grants all believers as he accomplishes his purposes in them and through them for his glory, their development, and the benefit of others. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser