Ever Closer

Our scripture focus for this week is Colossians 1:15-20. Text for this episode, including reflection questions, is available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Enjoy God’s loving presence each day like a trusting, carefree child thrilled to be with him and to learn from him. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

A prayer at Christmas for those who are far from God to draw close to him by receiving the unsurpassed gift of Jesus who came to save them. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

“For a child is born to us. A son is given to us; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Immanuel means, "God with us." Out of love, Jesus who is God the Son, gave up everything to save us. He became one of us so by faith we might become one with him. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

A call to join all of heaven, all people groups, and all of creation to praise and worship God for he is majestic and holy and his salvation on our behalf is marvelous. (Inspired by Psalm 96). Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Our scripture focus for this week is John 1:1-4. Text for this episode, including reflection questions, is available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

The rings of the giant sequoias testify to God's faithful care year after year. They point to an even deeper love God has for people. Look to him by faith and experience abundant life. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

The beauty around us is but a glimpse of the glory of God who created it and sustains it. Because of Jesus people can know God. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

People are drawn to the sea by its wonder, mystery, and power. Even greater and more glorious is to know God, the creator of the sea. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Praise God for new life that Jesus makes possible. “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

”Seeing it is God who said, ‘Light will shine out of darkness,’ who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Our scripture focus for this week is 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. Text for this episode, including reflection questions, is available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20, NIV). Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

You are blessed by God to be a blessing. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Engage in worthwhile endeavors and persevere, even though you will fail at times. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

God is inviting you to participate in his work of saving and restoring people. Like many other believers who have gone before you, join him today (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. If you trust in Jesus, follow his lead to continue his salvation work by his love and power today. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Our scripture focus for this week is Colossians 2:6-7. Text for this episode, including reflection questions, is available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

A prayer for God to help me grow more faithful, available, and teachable like Jesus was and like other believers who have gone before me. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

The greatest blessing and power we can experience is love. We are created by God and loved more dearly than we can imagine. Receive his love and let it flow to others. (Inspired by 1 John 4:16-19). Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free…Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:32, 34-36, NIV). Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Faith in Jesus is where our best hope or dreams and his true reality meet. Trust and obey Jesus and he will complete his perfect work in you which surpasses anything you could imagine. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Jesus taught that the glorious joy and blessing of knowing God and living in the realm of his loving reign requires a childlike faith. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Our scripture focus for this week is John 17:22-23. Text for this episode, including reflection questions, is available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

For those who trust in Jesus nothing can separate them from God's amazing love. In him they are more than conquerors (Romans 8:31-39). Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

God's power, wisdom, kindness, and love are beyond our imagination. He graciously loves each and every person and saves all who turn to him. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Jesus told a parable of a prodigal son to show how gracious and forgiving God is. As a loving Heavenly Father he desires all who are in rebellion to turn to him and he will accept them with open arms. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

God loves everyone and created a longing in us that can only be filled through fellowship with him by trusting in Jesus. Inspired by a confession of Augustine of Hippo. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

God is infinite and grand beyond measure as seen throughout nature, yet he personally cares for each of us and has given his Son, Jesus to save us. (Inspired by Psalm 147). Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Our scripture focus for this week is Psalm 86:11-12. Text for this episode, including reflection questions, is available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Invest in what helps you and others draw closer to God in loving, everlasting relationship. Nothing else truly matters. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

All have sinned and have fallen deadly short of the glory of God. Yet by his loving grace God pardons and saves all who turn to him. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Seeking to fulfill myself and rely on myself separates me from God. I need to look beyond myself and run to God. As I rely on him instead of myself, he sustains me and delivers me. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

Be ashamed of evil and turn from it. “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16). Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser

You are God's beloved creation. He is calling you to trust and obey him in order to be saved and to help save others all for his glory. Text and lyrics available at https://lightrunner.org/evercloser