Ever Closer

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-Forgiveness

By 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-Connection

It 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-Intercession

God 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-Petition

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. 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

Chess is a game, but real war costs lives. Fight to serve and defend the needy, not to enrich the wealthy in their quest for land, power, and control. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

By faith show mercy to others as God has shown to you. Repay evil with good, trusting God to make things right. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

A parable of a boy with cancer who conquers his fear of an unknown future through faith in a dolphin who rescues and befriends him. Likewise, God seeks you out in your distress and will save you if you trust him. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Week 44 Introduction: Making Disciples-Mercy

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts” (Psalm 105:1-2, NIV). Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Our scripture focus for this week is Matthew 6:33. Text for this episode, including reflection questions, is available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Local youth gathering to play basketball on summer evenings must choose how to treat outsiders. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

A friendship forms between a young boy and girl who are different, but are brought together in trying to help an injured, stray dog. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Look for what unites us as people made in God's image, rather than focusing on what divides us. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

"He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8). Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Week 43 Introduction: Making Disciples-Justice

By faith move beyond the ordinary and discover an extraordinary God in order to unite with him in saving others. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

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

A tribute to the hospitable and loving people who make outsiders feel welcome. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Two boys in an urban neighborhood grow to choose what their life on the streets will be like. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

By God's grace and power may all who trust in him work together to serve people in need and help them find and follow Jesus. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser