Ever Closer

Our scripture focus for this final week of the Ever Closer series is Revelation 22:12-13. Text for this episode, including reflection questions, is available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

God is wonderful beyond words and worthy of all praise. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Those who trust and obey Jesus experience his blessings now and enjoy an even more glorious eternity with God after their physical body dies. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

True love—God's love, is an eternal fountain meant for all to enjoy. By faith let him fill you with his love so that it overflows to others. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

True life is not a gift from God, it is the gift of God Himself. Treasure God above all blessings and he will transform you and also work through you to save others. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Week 52 Introduction: Making Disciples-FaithfulnessJoyfully work alongside Jesus by faith as his co-heir to carry out God's will of saving the lost, until Jesus returns to earth to consummate his kingdom. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Our scripture focus for this week is Matthew 5:10. Text for this episode, including reflection questions, is available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Like he did for Elijah, a widow, and ancient Israel, God provides for those who trust and obey him. Yet, incredibly as he does so, he accomplishes other divine purposes like judgment and redemption which we may not realize at the time. (Refer to 1 Kings 17-18). Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Don't let past mistakes or present obstacles hold you back. Invest in yourself and others for a better future. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Don't let fear paralyze or defeat you. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the resolve and strength to work through the fear and move forward. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

God promised salvation. At the cross Jesus delivered. Jesus’ death and resurrection secures victory for all who trust him. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Week 51 Introduction: Making Disciples-FaithfulnessIn love God graciously calls you to something greater than who you can be or what you can do on your own. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Our scripture focus for this week is Matthew 7:21. Text for this episode, including reflection questions, is available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

A prayer of devotion to God, committing all that I am and all that I do, to him because of his gracious love for me. In so doing, hopefully others will come to know him also. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Take responsible risks to try new things. Do hard things. Face fear with faith. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

You are never too old to change and grow. Stay young at heart. Older adults still have much to offer others. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Life is made of relationships, first with God then with others. With God’s help spend time growing in him and then investing in others in ways that bring him glory. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Week 50 Introduction: Making Disciples-FaithfulnessIf you have come to trust Jesus as your savior, joyfully do your best in every endeavor out of love for God and to represent him well so others might come to know him. (Inspired by Colossians 1:24-29). Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Our scripture focus for this week is Galatians 6:2. Text for this episode, including reflection questions, is available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

A father and estranged son bond during difficult teenage years by purposely playing catch together like they used to. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

A nostalgic song about the wonder of childhood and of learning as seen through a retiring teacher who helped lay an academic foundation. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

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. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

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. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Week 49 Introduction: Making Disciples-TeachingEngage 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. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Our scripture focus for this week is Ephesians 4:32. Text for this episode, including reflection questions, is available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Mountains, where heaven meets earth, point us to Jesus our only way to God. Key moments in Jesus' ministry on earth took place on mountains. Reflect on them and place your trust in Jesus to be saved and transformed. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Our souls need rest that cannot be found in this world, but is only found by faith in God. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

What this world system and broken people have meant for your harm, God can turn into good to save you and many others. We see this with Joseph, David, and preeminently with Jesus. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

The scars of Jesus are an eternal witness of the sacrifice, love, and power of God who joyfully paid the ultimate price to save us. In him we gain infinitely more than anything we sacrifice or suffer. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Week 48 Introduction: Making Disciples-ForgivenessBy faith, come to know God's unfailing love for you which is beyond measure. Then by his power and grace extend his love and forgiveness to others. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

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

Like sun-brewed tea, connecting with people on a deeper level takes time, but it's worth it. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Like a ship getting off-course and headed for danger, friendships can start to deteriorate. Both can be saved by addressing difficulties when they arise. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

When your relationships are strained align with God first and let him help you straighten everything else out. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

If you have drifted from spending regular quiet time with God praying and studying his word, you need to adjust your schedule so that you can. It's vital. Make room in your busyness to think. Take time to observe. Quietly reflect on where you've been to see where you are going. Spend time with people rather than just completing tasks. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Week 47 Introduction: Making Disciples-ConnectionIt is important to eliminate any dissonance between knowing something and doing something about it, first in your relationship with God then with others. Ask for God's wisdom to see life and relationships through his eyes. Then follow through with what he shows you to do. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Our scripture focus for this week is Matthew 9:37-38. Text for this episode, including reflection questions, is available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Although caring for elderly parents is a challenge, give yourself to taking care of those who took care of you. You will be blessed to honor your father and mother in this way. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Make the most of the present time you're given. Prioritize relationship-building, which is the most important aspect of life. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Joyfully walk with God in loving trust so that you invest all he does in you and through you for the benefit of others. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

God grieves with you in this fallen world of broken people. But for those who trust him, in time he heals their pain and suffering. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Week 46 Introduction: Making Disciples-IntercessionGod is good, loving, and always at work saving. Those who turn to him in faith experience his abundant life. Believers inherit God's rescuer heart to intercede for others, so they can come to know God as their savior also. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Our scripture focus for this week is Philippians 4:19. Text for this episode, including reflection questions, is available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

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. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

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. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

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. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

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. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Week 45 Introduction: Making Disciples-PetitionLike 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. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Our scripture focus for this week is Micah 6:8. Text for this episode, including reflection questions, is available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

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. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser