Your Nightly Scripture

Evening Scripture Acts 2When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke.The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. David said about him: “‘I saw the Lord always before me.Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay.You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’ “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’ “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Evening Reflection The other day, I arrived at my office to find that the power had gone out. It wasn’t just my office, or my building, but the power had gone out throughout the entire block. I sat at my desk, wondering what to do, given that the electricity we depend on for lights, internet, emails, and printing had suddenly disappeared; it felt as if everything had come to a halt, and I couldn’t really function. As power is necessary for our physical lives, so too is divine power necessary for our spiritual lives. The inward pulse of the Holy Spirit vivifies, energizes, and empowers us so that we might live the Christian life. And without the Holy Spirit moving in our lives, without a connection to that source of power, our Christian life comes to a standstill. It’s like we experience a power outage in our spiritual selves.   Although we often speak of the day of Pentecost, as described in Acts 2, we must remember that being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time event. The Holy Spirit is not a possession that we hold or a skill that we wield for our own benefit. The Holy Spirit is the active and ongoing presence of the Triune God within us. Wouldn’t it be great if we got to participate in that reality? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the Spirit could indwell our lives just as much as the disciples?  The whole message of Pentecost is that we are included in that event today. We have been filled with the Holy Spirit, we are filled with the Holy Spirit, and we can be filled with the Holy Spirit.  New life in the Spirit can be ours because being filled with the Holy Spirit is a function of our connection to Jesus and our participation in the work of God in this world. As you enter rest this evening, there is no more perfect time to open yourself to the Holy Spirit? Put down any reservations you may have and just receive.  Dare to believe that the Holy Spirit is with you and wants to move in your life. When we open ourselves to this reality, we might just find ourselves experiencing something kind of like the early disciples did.   Evening Prayer Gracious Lord,You are enthroned in honor, praise, and power. I thank you for the redemptive love that washes over me. I thank you that this night, I can know that I am loved, I am forgiven, I am empowered, all because you have promised your Holy Spirit to be with me, and upon me.As I rest myself before you, Lord, I extend myself to you. I open my hands as a symbol that I am ready to receive the new life. Come, Holy Spirit, come. Fall on me, I pray. Breathe on me in power, wash over me, and set my soul on fire with a passion for your people.Lord, your word tells me that your spirit, moving in me, can do infinitely more than I can ask or imagine.  May your Holy Spirit be a ceaseless presence and a constant power in my life. I pray this in Jesus’ name.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. 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Evening Scripture Psalm 92It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done.How great are your works, Lord, how profound your thoughts! fools do not understand, that though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever. But you, Lord, are forever exalted. For surely your enemies, Lord, surely your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered.You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; fine oils have been poured on me.My eyes have seen the defeat of my adversaries; my ears have heard the rout of my wicked foes. The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.” Evening Reflection A few years ago, when I was leading worship, I came across this passage in Scripture: “May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2, NIV). As I sang the song Worthy of It, these lyrics stood out to me: “Day and night, night and day let incense arise. Day and night, night and day let incense arise.” In Psalm 92:1-5, we see that it’s good to sing to the Lord. To praise His name with rejoicing and shouts. To make music before our God. But the beauty of this verse is that our praise, our worship, the act of our lives is to glorify and honor His Name. Our prayers are like incense. And day and night, He’s the one we can trust. Day and night, He’s faithful always. If you don’t know much about incense, I’d encourage you to read the Old Testament. Sacrifices were needed because we couldn’t pay the price for our sins. Incense, the smell or aroma, therefore, represents holy worship. Honor God. Obeying His commands. And according to these Scriptures, the prayers of God's people ascending to heaven are a sweet aroma pleasing to God. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we don’t need the blood of bulls or animals to make us right with Him. But we can dedicate our lives to Him through the surrender of our lives. And that, my friends, is a beautiful incense that meets His presence in Heaven. How do you praise the Lord? Do you sing? Do you shout? Do you dance? Get out of your comfort zone and praise God in a way that feels right for you today. Psalm 92 reminds us that our lives are worship to God, and it’s a pleasing aroma to Him. You don’t have to have the perfect voice, the most brilliant speaking notes, or musical talents to praise and worship Him; you can worship Him right where you are, as you are. As you prepare for rest, ask yourself: Do I worship God for His faithfulness in every season? If you don’t, ask the Lord to help you worship Him day and night, in any and every season. Evening Prayer Dear Jesus,As this day comes to a close, I want to praise you with all that I am. Please show me what this should look like in my life, and help me to honor you, bringing glory to your name. We can trust you day and night, Lord. Let our incense arise.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture John 15“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’ “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning. Evening Reflection Are there any sweeter words than the words Jesus speaks to us, calling us to remain, to stay forever connected to Him, and to let His life and love flow through us? Jesus has chosen and appointed us, and through Him, we have the promise of bearing lasting fruit that glorifies God; the kind of fruit that identifies us as being true followers of Christ. He tells us that we can ask the Father for anything, for whatever we wish in His name, and He will give it to us. In our day and age, many of us don’t consider what it means to bear fruit, seeming like an outdated way of thinking, but bearing fruit is vital in our lives and is the goodness of God flowing through us. Jesus’ words carry, encourage, strengthen, and sustain us through every season of our lives, including times of drought, of sorrow, of loss, and persecution. Even when the world hates us, God’s words comfort us. As Jesus assures us of His love, He also urges us to remain in His love, and when we do, it will overflow through us to love one another. As He commands us to do so, we accomplish it by keeping His commandments that lead us to a joy that benefits and completes our lives. Even when Jesus had to physically leave this earth, He was thinking of us and how He could stay close to us after His departure, by sending His Holy Spirit to live within us so that we’re never alone in this world. Evening Prayer God,My heart’s desire is to stay close to You in every season of my life. You have chosen and called me to remain in You: to bear lasting fruit and to be connected to You forever. Fill me with Your joy and let it be complete in me today and every day. Help me to keep Your commandment to love one another. Lead me in asking You anything, so that You may be glorified. Let Your sweet words and promises comfort me when the world hates me, as it hated You. Lead me to walk in Your ways, strengthening me to lean on and follow the lead of Your Holy Spirit in my life.Amen Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Psalm 34I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.The Lord will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned. Evening Reflection Our town erupts in the summertime, and the shoreline lights up with fireworks on the 4th of July. It's a stunning sight to see from the water, as the entire town puts on its own fireworks show. But for my sweet doggo, every pop causes her to shake in anxious fear. Fireworks don't have the same effect on me, but anxious thoughts sure do. I can feel the uneasiness grow as each one pops into my mind, explodes, and spreads like a firework bursting in the sky.  Praising the Lord immediately begins to relieve my anxiety. Verse 1 in the NLT translation reads, “I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.” It’s hard for me to concentrate on things momentarily, let alone at all times or constantly. But when I choose to consciously bring my thoughts back to who God is and repeat his rich truth over my life, my worries begin to fade. Just as soon as I start to drift again, into the worn-out worry tracks of my mind, the anxiety persists. It takes constant effort and prayer for me to wade through days when I feel deeply drenched in worry. This is different from diagnosed anxiety, which requires professional steps to battle. I know. I’ve been down that road, too. But often times, I am simply overwhelmed with everything I have set before me for the day. When what I really need to do is focus on what the Lord has set before me …and no more. It’s a difficult task, but we aren’t left to our own devices to conquer it. We have encouragement from God’s Word, as in this Psalm we are meditating on this evening. Reading through Psalm 34 line by line and meditating on the rich reminders in its verses calms our weary, worried hearts. It takes effort. “Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” (v14b) Whether with our own state or in our relationships, peace takes the partnership of our effort and the Holy Spirit’s strength to accomplish in our lives. The result is refuge. Evening Prayer Father,I praise you! Anything and everything good in my life is all because of you, and meant to bring glory to you. I seek you, and you hear me. I know you are good because your character's words are written all over my story. Help me to seek peace, and pursue it. Adjust my perspective when it’s smudged by the worries of this world. Remind me of your closeness. Bring the truth of your Word to my mind, and cement it into my heart. I know what it feels like to be blindsided and betrayed, hurt and alone. But you have never failed to be the refuge I need to regain the strength required to keep stepping out into this world in faith … I love you, Lord. Help me to love the people you place in my life. Thank you for protecting me.In Jesus’ Name,Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture 1 John, Chapter 4Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood. Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. Evening Reflection If we’re honest for a minute, fear is real…even in those who love and know God in a very intimate and personal way. So, for the sake of our reflection tonight, we won’t pretend that it doesn’t exist or cast one off if they are experiencing it. Tonight, my hope is that we both debunk the power fear can have over our lives and allow love to seep into the deepest of fears. Fear, according to John, “has to do with punishment” and “the one who fears is not made in perfect love.” When we examine why we are experiencing fear, I think it helps to ask, “What am I afraid of?” After experiencing three miscarriages, I am hopeful of having a successful pregnancy. And yet when I imagine going into the doctor's office for another ultrasound, fear washes over me. When I go deeper into the thoughts and feelings behind the fear, I am scared of another ultrasound tech saying, “I’m sorry, we do not detect the heartbeat.” I am scared of the disappointment and deferred hope. I’m nervous about the uncontrollable outcome. And then I am reminded of His love. Perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4:18). John doesn’t say that it’s not there. He says love drives it out. When I go back to the fears I’m experiencing, I have to preach to my soul, and I’m thankful I have this chapter to encourage me. From our reading tonight, this is the message I’m telling my soul. Maybe think of the fear that you have in your life right now and preach this to your soul, too! Dear Soul,You’re precious in God’s eyes. You are dearly loved. If you saw what God sees, you’d never question what He allows. When you start to panic and feel fear creeping in, remember Jesus. The suffering you’ve walked through is known deeply by a Savior who suffered. Remember, He has given you His Spirit. When fear rears its ugly head, allow love to drive it out. God is love, and love cares, comforts, and has only pure intentions. Your test will turn into a testimony. Your pain into purpose. Soul, love Him, and love others. By your love, you will loosen the grip of fear and replace it with trust and peace. Evening Prayer Father,I pray you would sound the alarm when fear tries to take over. Remind me of the authority in Christ I have to drive it out in His name. I plead to you, Jesus, for your perfect love to wash over me tonight. I pray for unexplainable peace. I pray for ultimate trust and a surrendered heart and hands. Tonight, I declare my love for you and my unending commitment to walk forward in your Spirit, staying in step with you and your leading. Fear, you must flee in the name of Jesus.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Proverbs 10A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death. The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. The name of the righteous is used in blessings, but the name of the wicked will rot.The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin. Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.Whoever winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense.The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin. The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.The wages of the righteous is life, but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death. Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool. Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense.The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it. A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.What the wicked dread will overtake them; what the righteous desire will be granted. When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so are sluggards to those who send them. The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing. The way of the Lord is a refuge for the blameless, but it is the ruin of those who do evil.The righteous will never be uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in the land. From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced.The lips of the righteous know what finds favor, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse. Evening Reflection Our entire life is made up of choices. While many seem neutral and not life-altering, they say a lot about who we are at the core. What do we prioritize most? Who gets our best? How do we treat our bodies? The list goes on, and as we start to add up the answers to these questions, I think we begin to realize that all our choices do matter. The big and small, and God’s word makes that clear, too. Proverbs 10 provides a clear view of the importance of walking in the ways of the Lord. It reveals that God cares about all our choices and that He is with us as we make them. There is never a time when we are alone, and He is always available to us to ask for His guidance. Better yet, He desires for us to invite Him in and seek His voice for clarity. As we journey through our days, we can rest in the promise that God does not lift His hands from His people. We are always within His reach and view. Even when we stumble, He provides the grace to draw near to Him. We will not get our life perfect on this side of heaven, and the Lord does not desire for you to live under the weight of perfectionism. He wants you to walk faithfully with Him, as best as you can. He desires for you to live within His parameters and guidelines to keep you from heartache and hardship, because He loves you. Rest in His great love and unending wisdom. Evening Prayer Father,What a gift it is to live under your grace. Thank you for forgiving the choices I made that were not aligned with your desires for me. As I continue to grow in my walk and desire understanding of your word, keep me encouraged on my journey. Holy Spirit, give me a heart that longs to know my Creator more deeply and keep my feet walking faithfully on the path set before me. I pray for a Spirit that endures well as I make choices that glorify and honor you, Father. In Jesus’ name,Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Matthew, Chapter 26 When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, “As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. “But not during the festival,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.” While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.” Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?” Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.” While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd,     and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” “He is worthy of death,” they answered. Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?” Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.” He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!” After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.” Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. Evening Reflection   Sometimes we find ourselves wrestling with God’s will as we prepare for sleep. The next day looms before us, and the question remains unanswered: will we take the next step of obedience? But as we wearily lay our heads on the pillow, we wonder why following the Lord’s will is often hard.   Matthew 26 speaks powerfully to our ponderings because we find Christ kneeling in the garden, asking the Father to take away the cup of suffering. Even as He makes His request, Jesus humbly submits Himself to the Father’s will. Despite the coming pain, separation, and death, Christ prayed: “not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). The situation did not change, for how else would Scripture have been fulfilled, but Jesus was strengthened to face the cross trusting in the perfect will of His Father.   If our Lord could face the worst suffering, bearing the sins of all humankind, in submission to the will of God, then we can be encouraged to walk in obedience. Our God is trustworthy, and His plan is good. Jesus endured because of the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). Following His example, we can look with eyes of faith toward the fulfillment of the Lord’s perfect promises.  So, tonight, as we prepare to rest, we can inwardly kneel before our great God and pray as Christ did: “thy will be done.” It might be hard. It might cause us to wince. But doing the will is worth the effort. As it is, our Lord had just served the disciples the wine and bread, representing His body and blood given for the healing of the world.   Evening Prayer   Father,Your Son taught us to pray by asking for Your will to be done, on earth as it is in heaven. He lived this teaching by kneeling in the garden and submitting Himself to Your will. Yet I often shrink back from challenges that You ask me to face. At night, the obstacles in my way to obedience appear larger than in the daylight.  May the example of my Savior encourage me tonight. He endured the pain of the cross for my sake so I could live in freedom. Replace my worry with trust, and my reluctance with confidence. Your will is good, and I pray for it to be done in my life. In Your Son’s name I pray.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Esther 4When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because no one clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter it. In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes. When Esther’s eunuchs and female attendants came and told her about Mordecai, she was in great distress. She sent clothes for him to put on instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. Then Esther summoned Hathak, one of the king’s eunuchs assigned to attend her, and ordered him to find out what was troubling Mordecai and why. So Hathak went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king’s gate. Mordecai told him everything that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews. He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to instruct her to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people. Hathak went back and reported to Esther what Mordecai had said. Then she instructed him to say to Mordecai, “All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.” When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions. Evening Reflection  Who knows? Who knows but that we are here for such a time as this?  As we review our days, we just might have to come to grips with a moment or event where we felt tempted to stretch beyond our personal comfort zone. We may have felt a nudge to share our faith with someone we just met. Or to pray over a stranger - the cashier at the market who was almost in tears, or upon hearing a heartbreaking story from someone we didn’t know well. Or even the temptation to give beyond our norm. Perhaps, we know we should confront someone about a situation – and we resist. Just as we know we should stretch our joints and muscles, so we are called to stretch the courage of our faith beyond our comfort level. We each have faced situations where we could – or should – have said something. Should have spoken up. We promise ourselves next time we will. Then the next time comes…and goes. And our own hearts break – for the other people and for staying silent.  Esther was facing a challenging situation herself. One that was life-threatening. Her uncle, Mordecai, challenged Esther, who resisted. Mordecai then asked Esther if maybe, just maybe – she had come to her royal position in the king’s court for just this purpose. For such a time as this. Indeed, our lives may not be at stake, but we all have resisted the unknown outcome. Courage is not the absence of fear – courage is feeling the fear, the anxiety, and still stepping out in faith. And God has promised us that when we stretch out in faith, we may feel discomfort, but He will be with us. His grace is sufficient for us because His power is made perfect in our weakness. In our discomfort.  When we boldly step out in faith, we may be surprised by how a “good stretch” of our spiritual muscles can strengthen our entire spiritual life. Evening Prayer Father,Thank you for your strength in helping me overcome my anxiety, my fear, in stepping out in faith. Thank you for the courage to be bold. While I may still feel discomfort, I know you will be with me. Guiding me. I know your Holy Spirit will give me the words I should say. I take comfort knowing you will help me overcome my discomfort.Amen Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Psalm 55 Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught because of what my enemy is saying, because of the threats of the wicked; for they bring down suffering on me and assail me in their anger. My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen on me.Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me. I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.” Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words, for I see violence and strife in the city.Day and night they prowl about on its walls; malice and abuse are within it.Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets. If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide.But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers. Let death take my enemies by surprise; let them go down alive to the realm of the dead, for evil finds lodging among them. As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me.Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change—he will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God. My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords. Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.But you, God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of decay; the bloodthirsty and deceitful will not live out half their days. But as for me, I trust in you. Evening Reflection As you end this day and prepare for rest, God invites you through Psalm 55 to lay it all down. This means everything that’s grieving, stressing, or even scaring you. David’s cry for help may sound nothing like yours — or it may feel strangely familiar. Whether or not you are at bitter odds with a former friend, at a loss to trust someone — or anyone — or you just feel deeply burdened by the bad news all around you, you can pray like David for relief. Wherever you are, God is right here with you. And he longs for you to cast off what’s weighing you down.  It might be a relationship, a diagnosis, a loss, or a challenge, and it feels like you want it all figured out tonight. The truth is, you can’t possibly hold all the circumstances, all the possible outcomes, or all the answers to what’s unknown. But you can ask God to fight for you. To hear your prayer, lift your load, and clear your vision. He knows that sleep is what you really need to rise tomorrow with hope. So, be kind to yourself and lean on God’s strength. Believe in a God who’s able to handle even the bloodthirsty, wicked enemies that David was facing. He’s bigger than any betrayal or pain. And he wants you to let him care for you. Soothe you. Protect you. Rescue you. Right now, just rest in your faith. As you pour out your heart into his, let trust be your blanket. Relax ... knowing God will carry you through ... tonight, tomorrow, and always. Evening Prayer Dear God,As I settle myself to sleep this evening, I give you everything that’s weighing me down. I know you are right here with me, and you’re not afraid of how confused and hurt I sometimes feel. I don’t want to keep spinning scenarios in my head or feeling my heart race with worry. I want to know that you have this. That I’m safe with you. That you’re holding me tenderly, so that I can find true rest.Lord, lift these fears and woes away from me and lead me to slumber. I release my grip now and trust in your almighty sovereignty. Thank you for being my strength, my hope, and my savior.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture 2 Peter, Chapter 1Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,To those who, through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ, have received a faith as precious as ours:Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these, he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure, you will always be able to remember these things. For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. Evening Reflection Faith doesn’t usually grow in dramatic leaps. It usually grows quietly—through ordinary days, repeated trust, and small acts of obedience that no one else sees. I want to be a faithful follower of Christ, but often I feel like I miss the mark because I’m expecting to be full of faith for anything that comes my way the moment it does. We live in a culture today where we want quick fixes and can order something to be delivered the same day. Your growth and walk with God doesn’t work that way. That’s what makes 2 Peter 1 so comforting, and it makes me take a step back and give myself grace in my timeline. This chapter reminds us that spiritual growth is not about becoming perfect overnight. It’s about continuing to walk with God, one faithful step at a time. Sometimes I think I’m not fulfilling all that God has called me to because I’m not always walking in perfect trust and perfect faith. Rather, I have days of doubt and worry. 2 Peter 1 is a great reminder that is meant to comfort us in our walk of faith.  Peter describes growth almost like layers being added slowly over time: faith, goodness, self-control, perseverance, godliness, and love. None of these things is formed instantly. They develop gradually as we continue to surrender our hearts to God.  When I was walking through my dark years of uncertainty in my journey to motherhood, experiencing loss after loss, sometimes that faith walk required me to surrender not just day after day, but hour by hour, minute by minute. It was through every small step of surrender each day that my growth happened. And it didn’t happen overnight. I don’t think I realized the growth was happening at the time because growth doesn’t always feel good in the moment. Developing growth and faith through a gradual process can honestly feel frustrating at times.  Maybe tonight you feel discouraged because you thought you would be further along by now. Maybe there are still struggles you wrestle with, prayers you’re waiting on, or areas where you still feel weak. Sometimes growth feels slower than we expected. But slow growth is still holy growth. The woman I was four years ago, when I started my journey to motherhood, is different from the woman I am today. The growth was slow, but it was holy. Even when I couldn’t see progress in my faith walk, God was working within my heart day after day.  One of the most comforting truths in this chapter is that God has already given you everything you need for a godly life through Him. You are not striving alone. God is actively helping shape and strengthen you day by day. Even when you cannot clearly see the progress, He is still working within you. Peter also reminds believers to hold tightly to truth and remember what matters most. In a world filled with distractions, opinions, and noise, God’s Word remains steady and trustworthy. His promises do not shift with emotions or circumstances. Tonight, you do not have to pressure yourself to have everything figured out. You simply need to keep walking with God. One prayer at a time. One tear at a time. One day at a time.  One surrendered thought at a time. One faithful step at a time. And little by little, God will continue growing something beautiful within you. Evening Prayer Dear God,Thank you for being patient with me as I grow. Sometimes I become discouraged by how slow growth seems to happen in my life. I notice the places where I still struggle, the prayers I’m still waiting on, and the ways I still fall short. But thank You for reminding me tonight that You are still working in me. That even if I can’t see change with what my eyes can see, you are working behind the scenes in what I cannot see.Help me not to rush the process of becoming more like You. Teach me to trust that even small steps of faith matter. When growth feels slow or unseen, remind me that You are faithfully shaping my heart day by day.Grow within me the qualities Your Word speaks about—perseverance, self-control, godliness, and love. Strengthen my faith in the quiet places where only You can see.Tonight, help me rest without pressure or striving. Quiet my thoughts and calm my heart. Remind me that I do not have to become perfect overnight because You are patiently leading me step by step. Thank You for never giving up on me.In Jesus’ name,Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Isaiah 54 “Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the Lord. “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame.Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. For your Maker is your husband— the Lord Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. The Lord will call you back as if you were a wife deserted and distressed in spirit—a wife who married young, only to be rejected,” says your God. “For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back.In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord your Redeemer. “To me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth.So now I have sworn not to be angry with you, never to rebuke you again. Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. “Afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted, I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with lapis lazuli.I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones.All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear.Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you.If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing; whoever attacks you will surrender to you. “See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work.And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc; no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. Evening Reflection Isaiah 54 talks about God’s kindness and compassion. It promises to a people who had walked wearily through the exile that the Lord Almighty would be with them, redeeming them, and bringing them back to their home.   With deep compassion, God says, I will bring you back. And with everlasting kindness, I will have compassion on you. Compassion is an important word – because it doesn’t mean pity or empathy or well wishes. Compassion isn’t about looking at someone’s plight from afar and wishing thoughts and prayers. Compassion demands intimacy. The word literally means to “suffer with.” Compassion demands that one journey toward the hurting, the tired, the anxious, and dwell with them. Compassion means walking with them, crying with them, and sitting with them. And this is what God does for us. See, Isaiah 54 doesn’t erase all the struggles that the Israelites had to walk through. They still went through the time of the exile, and it was hard. “In a surge of anger, I hid my face from you,” God says. Isaiah is honest about the trial, the disgrace, and the shame that Israel felt. But then comes the word of promise – that it is directly into that situation that God’s compassion comes. God comes to receive us even if we feel abandoned; God comes to exalt us even if all we can see is our shame, and God comes to lead us home to God’s own heart, even when all we can see is how lost or far away we are. As you rest this evening, dare to believe that you rest in the kindness and compassion of God. More deeply than you may be aware of it, the Lord surrounds you in love, and in God’s compassion, you have life and salvation. Evening Prayer Lord Jesus Christ,I thank you for the deep compassion revealed to me in your cross. In your cross, and with cries, tears, and scars, you truly suffer with the afflicted humanity. And when there are times when I feel overwhelmed by all I face, may your compassion and kindness be for me strength and peace.As I rest this night, may the knowledge of your mercy soothe my heart. May the truth of your love fill my soul, and may the promise of your compassionate presence keep me in eternal safety.  This I pray in your holy name.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Luke 8:22-25One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” Evening Reflection When I was in college, my family decided it would be fun (and slightly adventurous) to go hiking at Hocking Hills. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, it’s a beautiful park full of rugged terrain, waterfalls, and rocks in Logan, Ohio. It’s also the place where many people have died when they’ve chosen to go off the beaten path despite warning signs and labels. That Saturday morning, the sun was shining, and we were ready. Like Energizer Bunnies, we were determined to hike the Grandma Gatewood trail—one of the most challenging in the park. About halfway through the hike, my dad grew tired and said he’d meet Mom and me at the finish. We didn’t mind. Until suddenly, the yellow trail markers disappeared. Looking for directions and growing worried, our anxiety heightened when a storm began to blow through the area. I’ll save you most of the horrific details, but Mom and I ran in all directions searching for a way out of those woods. Dodging tree branches and flooding waters, I felt like the Disciples in this story from Luke 8. In Luke 8:22-25, Jesus and His Disciples are on a boat. And again, all is well. Until a storm wakes them all up and they freak out. They even run up to Jesus and tell Him, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” The day Mom and I ran through the woods, I prayed a similar prayer: “Jesus, I’m going to die in this storm.” As only Jesus could, the Scriptures tell us that He got up and rebuked the wind and waves. But He also rebuked the Disciples, asking, “Where is your faith?” I don’t think it’s wrong to ask God questions or present problems to Him. In fact, I think it’s necessary for a healthy relationship with Him. But I do believe that He asks us to have, keep, and maintain that faith, even in the midst of fear. Fear is common. It’s something all of us will experience in some way, shape, or form in this lifetime here on earth. Yet, we still have a choice to trust Him amidst the fear. I don’t know what storms you’ve faced or will continue to face this side of Heaven, but I know that God is with us through them, no matter the outcome. Have you ever faced a storm, but watched God bring you out on the other side? Talk to Him about that scenario and ask Him to help you remember His past faithfulness in present times of trouble. As you prepare for rest, ask yourself: Do I trust Jesus when fear rises? If not, don’t shame yourself, but bring these honest reflections to His feet. He loves you and wants to help you overcome your greatest fears. Evening Prayer Dear Jesus,Fear is common to all of us, but sometimes it feels incredibly overwhelming. When I’m in the middle of a storm, please direct my vision to you. Remind me to cling to you, and show me how to trust you through the process. I love and thank you, Lord. You are my forever protector.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Nahum 1The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath.The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies.The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.He rebukes the sea and dries it up; he makes all the rivers run dry.Bashan and Carmel wither and the blossoms of Lebanon fade. The mountains quake before him and the hills melt away.The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it.Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger?His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him. The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.He cares for those who trust in him, but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness. Whatever they plot against the Lord he will bring to an end; trouble will not come a second time.They will be entangled among thorns and drunk from their wine; they will be consumed like dry stubble.From you, Nineveh, has one come forth who plots evil against the Lord and devises wicked plans. This is what the Lord says:“Although they have allies and are numerous, they will be destroyed and pass away.Although I have afflicted you, Judah, I will afflict you no more.Now I will break their yoke from your neck and tear your shackles away.” The Lord has given a command concerning you, Nineveh: “You will have no descendants to bear your name.I will destroy the images and idols that are in the temple of your gods.I will prepare your grave, for you are vile.” Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace!Celebrate your festivals, Judah, and fulfill your vows.No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed. Evening Reflection If it seems lately like the world has it out for us, that everywhere we turn, there is trouble, unrest, complications, conflicts, disputes, and more, we can take hope, because we don’t have to try and figure everything out or how to solve it all on our own.  During troubled times, God calls us to find refuge in Him, to come to Him as our stronghold in distressing days. Rather than hide ourselves behind closed blinds and locked doors, He encourages us to turn to Him and trust His care over our lives. But, yet, maybe some of us feel like we’re facing difficulties and stresses because we haven’t been seeking and following God closely, like we could be doing; feeling like, because we aren’t close, He doesn’t want us to ask Him for help, or that we really don’t deserve, or have earned the right to come to Him. Still, He cares for those of us who trust in Him, and thankfully, His love for us isn’t based on our actions, so even if we’ve been distracted or wandered away from Him a bit, we can turn to God, remembering how His love for us has no expiration date. Because God is slow to anger, He’s also more than ready and willing to face our foes on our behalf, because He is great in power and is not intimidated by their threats to us, but is the one who frees us from the enemy’s grip and hold over our hearts and minds. Evening Prayer God,I come to You tonight weary and tired, seeking safety, security, comfort, and refuge in You and You alone, from a world that is wearing me down. Help me daily in facing life’s troubling situations, O Lord, I ask, as I need You to be my defender and to deal with those who deal harshly with me. Let me find shelter and rest in Your care of me. Thank You for being my stronghold in distressing times and for freeing me from affliction’s grip. My heart is deeply grateful to You for loving and caring for me all the days of my life.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Psalm 91 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Evening Reflection If your day has been burdened with stress or you feel overwhelmed with fear, then Psalm 91 invites you into the shelter of the Almighty One. His protective covering is all-inclusive as you desire to dwell with Him. Settle down in the presence of God tonight with these assurances. Your trust in God means you have nothing to fear. Not a single detail of your life is left exposed. You are protected from the visible and the invisible, that which is within and beyond your control. You can overcome all that looms like a ferocious lion and that which is as small and slippery as a snake. God’s safekeeping is around-the-clock—for nightmares in the early hours or criticisms in the working hours. God’s refuge is for dangers you see ahead, and those that attempt to hold you back or sneak up from behind. You are sheltered from that which falls out of nowhere and anything that might trip you up. You are protected from the person out to snare you and from a pandemic that affects us all. Even God’s angels guard you from spiritual enemies and physical dangers that affect your home.  However, when trouble does come your way, be reminded that the God who covers you becomes your companion. He walks with you each step of the way in your suffering. For God is the Almighty who saves you, satisfies you, and stays close to you. These are often the times when God blesses you most. As you go to sleep tonight, let these words be your prayer. Evening Prayer Almighty God,I will choose to believe “You are my refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust.” Thank You for covering every aspect of my life—that which I am aware of, that which I have no notion of—with Your loving protection and care. Thank You that Your safekeeping lasts for this life and the life to come. Thank You that even though I may walk through troubled times, this does not mean You have stopped caring for me. Instead, you walk with me as a friend and a Father. In those times, reveal more of who You are to me so I may praise Your name.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Hebrews, Chapter 10The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason, it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said:“Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,     but a body you prepared for me;with burnt offerings and sin offerings     you were not pleased.Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—     I have come to do your will, my God.’” First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:“This is the covenant I will make with them     after that time, says the Lord.I will put my laws in their hearts,     and I will write them on their minds.” Then he adds:“Their sins and lawless acts     I will remember no more.” And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary. Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For,“In just a little while,     he who is coming will come     and will not delay.” And,“But my righteous one will live by faith.     And I take no pleasure     in the one who shrinks back.” But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. Evening Reflection Some nights, we come to bed with a sense of satisfaction as we reflect on a day gone well. Other times, the pressure and concerns we carried, and perhaps must continue to shoulder in the morning, leave us with weary hearts. In those seasons, it can feel challenging to keep moving forward, let alone hold tight to our faith. Thankfully, there is One with a stronger, steadier hand maintaining a firm grip on us.  This means we’re never bearing the weight of our souls, or lives for that matter, on our own. Jesus, the One who is greater, stronger, always present, and eternally faithful, carries us close to His heart, fortifying our bruised and troubled souls with His grace. His grace promises us that the best is yet to come. Every sunset and sunrise, shimmering star, joyful conversation, and birdsong is but a shadow of what awaits us on the day when our Savior shields us from all sorrow, sickness, and sin.  Therefore, we fix our eyes on the One who died for us and goes before us, knowing we can trust His every promise, His every word.  Evening Prayer Father, I long for a tangible experience of Your presence and a fresh word of Your love, for that is how I receive Your strength. As Jesus so clearly stated, when I remain connected to Him, I can do all things, including persevere through any challenge You have allowed on my path. I know, when You do, You always have a good reason, for You are good and always and only do what is good. I choose to trust that now. You never abandon Your children, and You won’t forsake me now.What a blessing that I can always turn to You in my anxiety, disappointment, fatigue, and sorrow. You are the God of compassion who knows me fully and loves me without hesitation. You recognize that I am formed from dust, human, and prone to weakness. You don’t condemn me for this or shame me when I feel discouraged, frustrated, or defeated. Instead, You invite me closer and surround me with Your loving embrace. That is where I gain the strength to hold tight to the One who is, at this present moment, maintaining His grip upon me.In Jesus’ Name,Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Proverbs 13 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things, but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence. Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked make themselves a stench and bring shame on themselves.Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.A person’s riches may ransom their life, but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes. The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it, but whoever respects a command is rewarded.The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death. Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly. A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored. A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things.A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous. An unplowed field produces food for the poor, but injustice sweeps it away.Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. The righteous eat to their hearts’ content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry. Evening Reflection More than ever, especially these days with the internet and social media outlets, we want to choose wisdom that leads to life because there is an overload of worldly advice being served daily to us online. It’s vitally important in life to gather advice, because most of it doesn't come from the wisdom of God, which means it will carry us away from God rather than towards Him. Millions of individuals, too, are mistakenly taking whatever is written and published for anyone to read as truth, not understanding that we need a truthful foundation and basis for all truth to choose wisdom, which is found in God’s word. In choosing to fill our hearts and minds with His word, we are choosing life that leads us through the clutter, noise, and distraction of the world’s baseless wisdom, teaching us how to recognize what is true and what is false, rather than lapping up words formed by human thoughts and reasoning. Without God’s foundational truth directing our steps in life, we can be misled, and it’s so significant for us to choose His wisdom daily, even moment-by-moment, because we are assured it will lead us to life. As Proverbs 13 assures us, when we walk in the wisdom of God’s word, we will become wise, too. Evening Prayer God,Thank You that Your wise teaching is a fountain of life to me, turning me away from the way of death. Help me daily to choose to follow Your wise way. Let Your wisdom direct my steps and Your righteousness shine through me. Help me to respect Your commands and guard my mouth, O Lord, so that my life is protected. Strengthen and empower me to daily read, study, know, and live Your word, because it is life to me, leading me to choose wisdom in my life, rather than the foolishness of human thought and reasoning.Amen Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture  Matthew 9 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” Then the man got up and went home. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man. As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples. Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment. When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. News of this spread through all that region. As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region. While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.” Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Evening Reflection My weaknesses, both physical and spiritual, are never more prevalent than at night, as my mind attempts to wind down but relentlessly runs through a checklist of the day’s failures. Headaches, backaches, and heavy feet scream that I’m aging and certainly not carving out adequate time to stretch and exercise. Thoughts of how many times I lost my temper with my son, took the easy route with his meals, or chose my wants over his needs make me question why God thought it was a good idea to bless me with a child (and another on the way).  Here, in Matthew 9, we see Jesus healing the physically sick, but we also recognize that those questioning Jesus’ motives are sick in heart and soul. Everyone he encounters in this passage desperately needs His compassion, healing, and grace. But thankfully, in our weaknesses, Christ’s power and goodness are made strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). When our bodies can’t take another step, He carries us (Isaiah 46:4). When our hearts go astray, whether by ignorance or sheer force, His compassion is desperate to forgive and restore us (Luke 15:4-7).  Evening Prayer Lord,As the sun sets and our hearts grow anxious, grant us the freedom and strength to accept your compassion. For those of us who wrestle with self-guilt, may we remember that the gospel has never been about our faults, fears, and failures. The Bible makes it clear that we don’t have the power to change the ordinary, devastating story we crafted for ourselves.Instead, the theme of life and purpose has always been the unmatchable, inconceivable love that you lavish on your imperfect children. Scripture is unabashed in sharing this wild plotline that not only transforms our hearts but will one day heal the world of all its frailties and failures.Whether we are battling weaknesses of the body or soul, remind us that your grace not only sustains but transforms us. You are patient, you are kind, and you are readily available to heal our weary hearts and worn bodies. Please let us rest in this beautiful truth. Thank you for who you are and for the healing in your almighty hands.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Jonah 2“In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever.But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit. “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’” And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. Evening Reflection Jonah found himself in the pit of a fish. Can we pause for a minute to imagine the reality? Was it a shark, whale, or something entirely different? When I heard the story as a child in church, I imagined Jonah sitting inside a whale with plenty of space to think and pray. Now that I imagine it a little more, I’m wondering if things were really, really tight. Definitely wet. Could Jonah breathe? Was he gasping for air as he cried out to His Lord–the only one who could save him? What other misfortunate sea creature surrounded Jonah as he fought for his last breath? Was he completely disoriented as the fish dived deep into the depths of the sea and swam fervently back to dry land? Whew. Jonah cried, “In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry” (Jonah 2:2). For Jonah, his (literal) deep was in the belly of a fish. His prayer was both honest and raw, clinging to the belief that God hears when we call out from our own deep. So tonight I ask you this: “What is your deep?” Are you in a place where things seem tight, uncomfortable–where you’re fighting to keep afloat? Are you in a place where you feel God’s abundance and provision? Where is the deep you cry out from? In our reading tonight, Jonah acknowledges, “You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me” (2:3). God was there, ever present, when He allowed Jonah to experience what he went through. If we could see what God sees, we would never question what He allows. When we apply this to Jonah, God had a specific purpose and will for Jonah to accomplish. The belly was a result of His disobedience, but not all of our deep places are from disobedience. Sometimes God allows us to walk through hell for a purpose. Jonah had to walk through this kind of deep to bring a message he would have never had otherwise. Can I encourage you? Your deep is purposeful. Your deep is meaningful. Your deep has utter significance. Cry out to Him, because in the deep, He is with you.  At the end of our reading, Jonah cried, “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple” (2:7). I think the most powerful phrase Jonah said was “I remembered you.” If I were to list how many Scripture verses tell us to remember the Lord, we would be here all night! Here are a few: “Remember how the Lord your God led you…” (Deuteronomy 8:2) “Be careful that you do not forget the Lord…” (Deuteronomy 6:12) “I will remember the deeds of the Lord…” (Psalm 77:11-12) “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead…” (2 Timothy 2:8) “Remember the wonders he has done…” (1 Chronicles 16:12) Tonight, let us remember all that He has done in our lives. Let us remember He is with us in our deep. Let us be encouraged: His plan is much greater than we can see in our present circumstances. What a joy to be seen and used for His glory! Evening Prayer God,As deep cries out to deep, we know you are with us tonight. Be near and renew our strength and hope. I pray for the dear reader who is struggling in their own deep. Breathe fresh life and peace. Call to their memory your faithfulness and love in each detail of their lives. We surrender to your greater plan, Jesus. Use us. Lead us. For in our testimony, we will give you all the glory.In Jesus’ name,Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Psalm 88:1-5Lord, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you.May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry. I am overwhelmed with troubles and my life draws near to death.I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like one without strength.I am set apart with the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more, who are cut off from your care. Evening Reflection It was a cool evening for May, but the bite I felt inside was worse. I’d prayed, but received no answer. I intellectually knew that God heard and saw me, but if that was true, then why did He feel so far away? Why was His presence absent? Did he hear my pleas in the middle of the night? In Psalm 88:1-5, our Psalmist feels the same way. He’s cried out to God day and night, but is overwhelmed by life’s circumstances. Though he knows God is the one who saves him, that doesn’t diminish the overwhelming feeling he has. The image our Psalmist feels here is dark. He feels he’s been “set apart with the dead” and those who are dead in the grave, “remembered no more.” Yikes. Talk about some dark depression. But the beauty of this Psalm is that the Psalmist knows God is still the God who saves him. Bringing our circumstances to the Lord as they are is important. It’s okay to tell God you’re tired, and worn—especially when the darkness doesn’t lift. He loves you deeply and doesn’t shame you for feeling this way. But even in this place, He’s still your rescue. Your God. Your safe space. And He loves you. When was the last time you felt God wasn’t answering your prayers? Are these “dark nights of the soul” familiar to you? Do you bring them to the Lord honestly? Psalm 88 reminds us that we can bring our whole selves—anxiety, depression, and emotions to the Lord. Because even in the midst of our darkness, He’s there. He sees you. Your deliverance will come, even if it doesn’t come right now. As you prepare for rest, ask yourself: Do I pray honestly when I’m in dark moments? If you don’t, ask the Lord to help you be authentic with Him, even in dark places. Evening Prayer Dear Jesus,As this day comes to a close, I’m honestly worn and weary. Please help me to seek you in the darkness, knowing you bring light to every situation. Even when I can’t see or feel you near, you love me, see me, and will rescue me from these hard places.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." -1 Timothy 6:6-10 Evening Reflection I think when most of us think of contentment, the dictionary definition comes to mind: “feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation” (Webster). But what does this mean in relation to our faith? And more so, contentment with our Creator, Christ? Contentment in a Biblical sense, according to the passage in 1 Timothy 6, is a great gain. It’s not just being satisfied with who we are, who we serve, and where we’re going, but finding that fulfillment in Christ alone. These satisfactions don’t always contradict your desires, but they also don’t always ensure that you get everything you want. To quote Carina Alanson, former professional counselor turned writer and artist, “contentment is all about having the proper attitude and approach to our needs. A content Christian is one who has learned to trust God to meet her needs instead of trying to satisfy her needs through ill-gotten means or fleshly striving. She knows that God—not a job, a bank account, or a relationship—is her ultimate source of provision. Because she trusts that God will provide, her heart is at peace, and she is thankful for and able to enjoy what she already has in the present.” As we see in 1 Timothy 6, this is exactly the imagery Timothy is pointing to. To be content in the Lord, we must remember that we brought nothing into this world. That is, we must have a humble approach to life. Second, we must be content with what the Lord has given us. Yes, we need to have our basic needs met, like food and clothing, but don’t fall into the trap of wanting to be rich for the sake of being rich. For those desires breed temptation and trap many into foolishness. Many believe that money is the root of all evil, but that’s not what the Scriptures say. It’s the love of money, and that makes all the difference. My question for you today is, how much do you want to find contentment in the Lord? Do you want it above wealth or earthly treasures? Do you want it more than being rich, famous, or known for your good deeds? Just something to ponder. Following Timothy’s instructions, finding true and Godly contentment in the Lord is possible, but it’s not free of charge. It will cost you something—time, treasure, talents, and priorities. But as Jesus told His Disciples, in Matthew 19:29: “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” As you prepare for rest, ask yourself: Am I willing to forsake wealth, time, and treasures for the sake of the Kingdom? How can I find true contentment in the Lord alone? Do I need to reorganize my priorities? Answer these questions honestly and openly with the Lord. Evening Prayer Dear Jesus,You see my heart and everything within me. When I struggle to find contentment in you alone, would you remind me that everything else fades away? Allow me to come to you with my burdens, but leave with your grace, mercy, and satisfaction. You alone are enough for me. I love you, Jesus. Thank you for continually pursuing me and providing for each of my needs.Amen.Evening Scripture "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." -1 Timothy 6:6-10 Evening Reflection I think when most of us think of contentment, the dictionary definition comes to mind: “feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation” (Webster). But what does this mean in relation to our faith? And more so, contentment with our Creator, Christ? Contentment in a Biblical sense, according to the passage in 1 Timothy 6, is a great gain. It’s not just being satisfied with who we are, who we serve, and where we’re going, but finding that fulfillment in Christ alone. These satisfactions don’t always contradict your desires, but they also don’t always ensure that you get everything you want. To quote Carina Alanson, former professional counselor turned writer and artist, “contentment is all about having the proper attitude and approach to our needs. A content Christian is one who has learned to trust God to meet her needs instead of trying to satisfy her needs through ill-gotten means or fleshly striving. She knows that God—not a job, a bank account, or a relationship—is her ultimate source of provision. Because she trusts that God will provide, her heart is at peace, and she is thankful for and able to enjoy what she already has in the present.” As we see in 1 Timothy 6, this is exactly the imagery Timothy is pointing to. To be content in the Lord, we must remember that we brought nothing into this world. That is, we must have a humble approach to life. Second, we must be content with what the Lord has given us. Yes, we need to have our basic needs met, like food and clothing, but don’t fall into the trap of wanting to be rich for the sake of being rich. For those desires breed temptation and trap many into foolishness. Many believe that money is the root of all evil, but that’s not what the Scriptures say. It’s the love of money, and that makes all the difference. My question for you today is, how much do you want to find contentment in the Lord? Do you want it above wealth or earthly treasures? Do you want it more than being rich, famous, or known for your good deeds? Just something to ponder. Following Timothy’s instructions, finding true and Godly contentment in the Lord is possible, but it’s not free of charge. It will cost you something—time, treasure, talents, and priorities. But as Jesus told His Disciples, in Matthew 19:29: “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” As you prepare for rest, ask yourself: Am I willing to forsake wealth, time, and treasures for the sake of the Kingdom? How can I find true contentment in the Lord alone? Do I need to reorganize my priorities? Answer these questions honestly and openly with the Lord. Evening Prayer Dear Jesus,You see my heart and everything within me. When I struggle to find contentment in you alone, would you remind me that everything else fades away? Allow me to come to you with my burdens, but leave with your grace, mercy, and satisfaction. You alone are enough for me. I love you, Jesus. Thank you for continually pursuing me and providing for each of my needs.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Isaiah 61 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Strangers will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.And you will be called priests of the Lord, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations,  and in their riches you will boast.Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance.And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. “For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing.In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them.Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples.All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has blessed.” I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God.For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations. Evening Reflection The other day, I arrived home feeling physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted.  It was one of those days when everything seemed taxing to my spirit. Simple tasks seemed harder than normal; conversations felt labored; I even got into an argument with a friend. By the time that I was done for the day, I felt as if the day had bested me.  But instead of being able to leave it all behind, I spent the evening hours thinking about everything that had happened, running through the scenarios over and over, replaying all the problems. Have you ever done anything like that?  Have you ever spent an undue amount of time rehearsing the negative or difficult moments of your day?  Doing so rarely leads us into an evening of rest and comfort. When we find ourselves in those times, Isaiah 61 is a gift to us. This chapter is filled with a multitude of divine promises, all centered on Jesus and the good news he brings into our lives. Although these words were written roughly 500 years before Jesus, and thus almost 2500 years before our time, these are not ancient words long past – they are declarations for what surrounds our lives today.  Jesus binds up the broken-hearted; proclaims freedom to the captives; he announces that we live in the midst of his favor. Instead of ashes, Jesus gives oil of joy; regardless of what swirls around us, we dress ourselves in praise rather than despair; we receive a grace instead of shame, and blessings instead of disgrace.  Jesus makes an everlasting covenant with us, one that clothes us with nothing less than salvation. Promise upon promise is spoken to us. Can we dare to apply these words to our lives today? If you are ending the day feeling burdened and tired, then take a moment to rehearse these promises.  More than anything the world can throw at us, these words define your life, and in these promises you can have comfort and rest. Evening Prayer Precious Jesus,Isaiah reminds me of the many blessings that you bestow upon me. These words declare, not just the salvation that sits at the core of my life, but also your unyielding mercies that come to me. As I approach my time of rest, I pray that you speak the promise that I need to hear this night. Imprint these words within me, and may your promise be the script that runs through my heart all night long.Lord, when I am tempted to listen to other voices, inspire me to delight in your word and to rejoice in your presence. For in you there is good news of constancy and love.  And so, I place the day before you.  I empty myself of the concerns of the day past, and my worries of the day to come, so I might be filled with your comfort. In Jesus name I pray,Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture John 3Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. (This was before John was put in prison.) An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.” To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.” The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them. Evening Reflection  It is one of the great mysteries of the gospel message – that when we receive Christ into our hearts, we are born of the Spirit and we become a new creation. The Holy Spirit of our Savior now dwells within us. We are born again – of the Spirit. Like Nicodemus, we ask ourselves, how is this possible? As Jesus has said, nothing is impossible with God. He loves us – He loves you – enough that He sent his one and only Son so that we who believe in Him will never perish but have eternal life. Given that He loves us that much, He wants to make sure He walks with us, leading us, guiding us, protecting us so that we are never left alone again. Before Christ, we were simply born of the flesh – and now…now…we are born of the Spirit and will be forever changed. This does not mean that we feel the change instantly, although some do. But if we focus on the new life within us – if we pay attention to the feeling that life within us – we will find our lives changed. And all for the better. In Jude 1:30, Paul encourages us to “pray in the Spirit.” It means praying with more than just formalized words; it means turning inside ourselves to pray with the mind of the Spirit. It is about relying on the Spirit to guide us, to empower our prayers, and allowing Him to intercede when we don’t have the words. It means feeling our prayers with our whole heart and not just uttering words asking for personal blessings. Praying in the Spirit, living with the Spirit, requires honesty and openness. We must be willing to be led by the Spirit in everything we do. God has given us a new life. We are a new person. The old is gone. Sure, you’ll catch unwanted glimpses of the old once in a while, but after a while, you’ll look back and embrace what you have become in God’s light. Evening Prayer Father,I choose your Holy Spirit in my life. I surrender everything to you2 Lord, all my faults, all my weaknesses, all my sins. Father, I choose to live by the fruit of your Holy Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, guidance, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is no longer I who live, Father, but Christ who lives in me – through His Spirit.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Malachi 3“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty. But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the Lord, as in days gone by, as in former years. “So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the Lord Almighty. “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. “But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’ “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty. “You have spoken arrogantly against me,” says the Lord. “Yet you ask, ‘What have we said against you?’ “You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty? But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly evildoers prosper, and even when they put God to the test, they get away with it.’” Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name. “On the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not. Evening Reflection Sadly, more and more people have heart conditions. Not the kind that requires physical surgery, medication, or exercise, but the kind of heart condition that needs to be spiritually softened, refined, and made new by the love of God. Most often, we don’t recognize what causes this kind of heart condition, such as jealousy, greed, self-righteousness, partiality, withholding good, slander, and more. Whereas physical heart conditions cause physical limitations, where those afflicted have to be cautious and often are unable to keep up with others; spiritual heart conditions cause spiritual limitations, too, such as our prayers not being heard and answered, blessings unable to be poured out to us, and the devourer robbing us of the fruitfulness God has prepared and waiting for us. Yet,  it doesn’t have to be that way, because we can ask God to refine our hearts with His love, meaning we surrender to His burning away of sinfulness in our lives, and a washing with His word  like soap to cleanse away dirtiness that has built up in our hearts. But isn’t the purging of our hearts worth it, to endure His purifying and cleansing so that we might walk and live in His blessings? It also involves us giving our all to Him, withholding nothing from His hand. Evening Prayer God,Starting tonight, purify and refine my heart, burning away and cleansing all within it that is not of You. Even though I don’t know all that will be involved, of all the changes and challenges that may come through it in my life, or if I even feel strong enough to endure it on my own, I surrender to Your will and ask You to do Your work in and through me; to cleanse, mold, and make my heart softened and attuned to You and Your word. Shape my heart to be generous towards You, withholding nothing from Your hand.Pour Your love into my heart so that it fills and consumes me, overflowing with love for You and for others.Amen Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture  Psalm 86Hear me, Lord, and answer me,     for I am poor and needy.Guard my life, for I am faithful to you;     save your servant who trusts in you.You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord,     for I call to you all day long.Bring joy to your servant, Lord,     for I put my trust in you. You, Lord, are forgiving and good,     abounding in love to all who call to you.Hear my prayer, Lord;     listen to my cry for mercy.When I am in distress, I call to you,     because you answer me. Among the gods there is none like you, Lord;     no deeds can compare with yours.All the nations you have made     will come and worship before you, Lord;     they will bring glory to your name.For you are great and do marvelous deeds;     you alone are God. Teach me your way, Lord,     that I may rely on your faithfulness;give me an undivided heart,     that I may fear your name.I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;     I will glorify your name forever.For great is your love toward me;     you have delivered me from the depths,     from the realm of the dead. Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God;     ruthless people are trying to kill me—     they have no regard for you.But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,     slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.Turn to me and have mercy on me;     show your strength in behalf of your servant;save me, because I serve you     just as my mother did.Give me a sign of your goodness,     that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,     for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me. Evening Reflection  As we approach the end of another day, Psalm 86 reminds us that we can call on our Father in heaven continually—day or night. The cares of this life threaten to take our focus away from our God who sees and cares for us. To shift our focus back where it belongs, all we have to do is call upon his name. He is always near. The psalmist David cries out to God in a time of need, acknowledging several praiseworthy attributes. Let’s review these truths from tonight’s psalm and allow them to settle our hearts at the close of a long day.  God is good. He forgives without condition and abounds in love that never ends. He delivers us from darkness. God answers our prayers. There is no other like him in all creation. He understands our needs and works continually on our behalf. God is gracious and faithful. We may not always feel his nearness, but every day we can count on him. He does not turn away in anger but pursues us with compassionate care. Some days begin and end like any other—with a predictable routine as we tend to our daily tasks. Then there are other days. Those when the trials of life weigh on us and hope seems like a distant dream. Whatever today looked like for you, let tonight’s Scripture passage soothe you and prepare you for sleep. God is near you right now. Evening Prayer Dear God,Thank you for your promise to be near me always. I’m calling on you, knowing you are here right now. Your presence brings me much-needed comfort at the end of a long day. I’ve made some mistakes, but you are compassionate and gracious to your children. As I think back on my words, my actions, and my thoughts from today, I release them all to you. Thank you for your forgiveness, Father. I am undeserving, but you love me unconditionally. Thank you for giving me strength in my time of need. When I feel buried under a weight that is too heavy for me to carry, help me remember that you hear my prayers. You are good and faithful.In Jesus’ name I pray,Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Ephesians 1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Evening Reflection  With another day coming to an end, Ephesians 1 encourages us to consider anew the reality of who we are in Christ. We need this recalibration to what God says about us because there is much in our daily lives that attempts to tell us who we are: that we are defined by what we do, the accounts we follow, or the hobbies we pursue.   Yet the Apostle Paul holds up a tapestry of verses as if to say: “This is who you are, and it changes how you live.” The picture he gives us is that of loving adoption. Just as a family that decided to open their home to welcome a child as their own, the Father has brought us into His family as beloved children. He lovingly chose us, each one of us, to be His own. And He did so out of love by sending His Son to die for us. This was not a whim decision by God, but a preplanned choice made before time. We were predestined to be His sons and daughters. As we consider the past day, what has influenced our understanding of our identity? Does the ongoing dialogue about who we are make us feel like a beloved child or a forgotten orphan?   The passage from Ephesians tells us the truth–that we are chosen by the Lord and deeply loved by Him. Tonight, as we close our eyes, we can meditate on this reality, resting in the identity of who God says we are. For the Voice that really matters is the One that shows us who we are in Christ.   Evening Prayer  Lord, At the end of this day, help me to listen to Your Word. There are far too many things in life telling me who I should be and what I am worth. May I listen to what you say about me? That I was predestined in love to be Your child, redeemed by the precious blood of Your Son. Thank You, O Lord, for blessing me with spiritual riches I do not deserve. Let me rest in this truth tonight, allowing it to grow deep within me as I sleep. I want to awaken to live the new day based on the reality of who I am in Christ. Truly, this knowledge changes everything! In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Proverbs, Chapter 10 The proverbs of Solomon:A wise son brings joy to his father,     but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value,     but righteousness delivers from death.The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry,     but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.Lazy hands make for poverty,     but diligent hands bring wealth.He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son,     but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.Blessings crown the head of the righteous,     but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.The name of the righteous is used in blessings,     but the name of the wicked will rot.The wise in heart accept commands,     but a chattering fool comes to ruin.Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,     but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.Whoever winks maliciously causes grief,     and a chattering fool comes to ruin.The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,     but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.Hatred stirs up conflict,     but love covers over all wrongs.Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,     but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense.The wise store up knowledge,     but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.The wealth of the rich is their fortified city,     but poverty is the ruin of the poor.The wages of the righteous is life,     but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death.Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,     but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips     and spreads slander is a fool.Sin is not ended by multiplying words,     but the prudent hold their tongues.The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,     but the heart of the wicked is of little value.The lips of the righteous nourish many,     but fools die for lack of sense.The blessing of the Lord brings wealth,     without painful toil for it.A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes,     but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.What the wicked dread will overtake them;     what the righteous desire will be granted.When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone,     but the righteous stand firm forever.As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,     so are sluggards to those who send them.The fear of the Lord adds length to life,     but the years of the wicked are cut short.The prospect of the righteous is joy,     but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.The way of the Lord is a refuge for the blameless,     but it is the ruin of those who do evil.The righteous will never be uprooted,     but the wicked will not remain in the land.From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom,     but a perverse tongue will be silenced.The lips of the righteous know what finds favor,     but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse. Evening Reflection It seems that as the day comes to a close, we rack our brains for all the things we got wrong, then stew over how to fix them. However, the Lord has given us something much better than tossing and turning or mulling over all we wish we could redo. He blesses us with conviction, repentance, and forgiveness. Three things that bring us closer to the heart of God and point our gaze back to the wisdom He’s given us. It’s also safe to say that because of our mistakes, we see the need for God’s wisdom. We see how important all our choices are, big and small. And that our choices matter to God. As we walk with Him and set our life standards by His ways, we live in His peace. For a moment, look at all the wisdom Proverbs 10 gives us. It covers almost every topic you can imagine! It addresses our thoughts, words, and deeds. It discusses matters of the flesh and matters in the Spirit. It shows our desperate need for God and His unfathomable love and kindness, which He pours out on His people. We see the call to walk rightly when others are going wayward. We see the promise that the wicked will not enjoy the land of the Lord. He gives us the perfect map, the clearest blueprint; we only have to be willing to use it. Not just for a time, not just for a quick tuneup, but for every moment of our lives. Now, we will not live this out perfectly, but we should desire to do so. Tonight, set your gaze on the goodness of God and the promises of God. Repent over what He’s convicted your heart about, ask for forgiveness, and get back to living fully for Him. It grieves the Father’s heart to see His children living apart from what He wants for them. Turn to wisdom, one step at a time, one choice at a time. Evening Prayer Father,Thank you for the gift of wisdom. I pray to be a believer who lives by your Word, not by my own ways. Please help me as I seek wisdom in all areas of my life. Humble me, convict me, and move my heart to repentance over the ways I’ve not walked rightly with you. I pray that tonight you would bless me with deep rest and a covering of your peace. Keep me close and keep me hungry for your will and ways. In Jesus’ name,Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Luke, Chapter 5One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”Read the rest of the chapter on BibleStudyTools.com. Evening Reflection  Sometimes a desperate need comes upon our lives. These times of overwhelming lack make us feel stuck; we don’t have the resources or ability to overcome such need. In these moments, we often feel far from God. The idea of a good God gets challenged while we encounter such hardship and pain. This proves tragic because God has said and proven time and again how his heart is with the poor and needy. God, by his nature, sees emptiness and tries to fill it with goodness. Looking upon our broken world and the lives within it, God didn’t stay distant. Despite our sin, he entered the story through Jesus, also called Immanuel, God with us. He became a man to reach us where we were.  Here in Luke 5 we see how Jesus’s closeness transformed lives, performed miracles. With the man dropped through the roof, Christ forgave his sin and healed his body, meeting both spiritual and physical. Pointedly, he dealt with the spiritual first, the physical coming after. We also have to let him meet us, invite us into the story. First, we must realize he’s already near us, and then we must cry out to him, pleading with him to do what he wants to do—love us and join us in our lack to fill it with his light and life, redeeming and transforming us and our story with his own.  Evening Prayer  Heavenly Father,I come to you in my need, not hiding my lack or pretending abilities I don’t have. You see my emptiness, and you draw near with love and power. You’re not distant; you’re Immanuel, God with me. Forgive my sin, restore my heart, and speak life into every broken place. I willingly and desperately invite you into my story, into my weakness, fear, doubts, and all. Fill and revive what I can’t. Heal what I can’t. You alone can bring change, and you are more than enough to transform my life and situation. Teach me to trust your goodness and love today.In Jesus’ name,Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Trusting God’s Spirit to Do What I Cannot Evening Scripture Zechariah 4Then the angel who talked with me returned and woke me up, like someone awakened from sleep. He asked me, “What do you see?”I answered, “I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven channels to the lamps. Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.”I asked the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?”He answered, “Do you not know what these are?”“No, my lord,” I replied.So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.“What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’”Then the word of the Lord came to me: “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you.“Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the Lord that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?”Then I asked the angel, “What are these two olive trees on the right and the left of the lampstand?”Again I asked him, “What are these two olive branches beside the two gold pipes that pour out golden oil?”He replied, “Do you not know what these are?”“No, my lord,” I said.So he said, “These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth.” Evening Reflection Life presents us with so many impossible tasks. On our own, we lack the power to do good; our sin nature makes it impossible for us to please God. By God’s amazing grace, the impossible is made possible. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and through the death of Jesus, we can overcome our sin nature and, through the confession of faith, become a child of God. Death no longer has the last word, and our lives can be filled with beauty, grace, and meaning.  God’s Spirit also shows us how to live. It reveals to us parts of the mystery of who God is. Zachariah encounters an angel who gives him a prophetic vision. He doesn’t understand what he is seeing. The angel responds to Zachariah's confusion by saying that the things being revealed to him will not come to pass by man’s might but through the power of God’s Spirit. For things that feel confusing, impossible, or countercultural by human standards, we have to trust God’s Spirit to do what we cannot.  God is an everlasting God. He sees our beginning and our end. He alone holds all Creation together. It is God alone who has the power to change, guide, and save us. He anoints us to do His work. We must trust God’s Spirit to empower us.   Evening Prayer Father,I thank you that it is not by my might but by your Spirit that I can overcome my sin and have access to salvation. Through your Spirit, reveal to me how to live. Anoint me to do your good work. Show me how to navigate life’s challenges. Remind me that the best is yet to come. Grant me your wisdom so I can understand the signs of the times and point others to you. Help me to be a person who lives with peace and confidence, knowing you can do abundantly above and beyond all I could think, ask, or imagine.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Restored by Mercy I Didn’t Earn                                                                                                                                      Evening Scripture Psalm 85You, Lord, showed favor to your land;     you restored the fortunes of Jacob.You forgave the iniquity of your people     and covered all their sins.You set aside all your wrath     and turned from your fierce anger. Restore us again, God our Savior,     and put away your displeasure toward us.Will you be angry with us forever?     Will you prolong your anger through all generations?Will you not revive us again,     that your people may rejoice in you?Show us your unfailing love, Lord,     and grant us your salvation. I will listen to what God the Lord says;     he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—     but let them not turn to folly.Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,     that his glory may dwell in our land. Love and faithfulness meet together;     righteousness and peace kiss each other.Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,     and righteousness looks down from heaven.The Lord will indeed give what is good,     and our land will yield its harvest.Righteousness goes before him     and prepares the way for his steps. Evening Reflection Psalm 85 reminds us of God’s forgiveness and favor. Where he could have destroyed us with a breath of his “hot anger” because of our sin, he gave us life; he revived us. But as we wait for the Lord to return, and life continues to be difficult, it can seem as though God is still angry. “Will you be angry forever?” We feel spent, tired of fighting our sin and the sins of others, even to the point of death. We have no right to experience the mercy of his life-saving breath - and yet the Holy Spirit revives us. The Psalmist describes God as righteous, steadfast, and loving. It pleases him to offer peace instead of chaos to the aching hearts of sinners. We might find it difficult to replicate in our day-to-day response to people who hurt us, but we are called to follow the Lord’s example. His righteousness is the path we pursue. Since we are worthy of God’s wrath but have received salvation instead, we can bring Christ’s peace to those who have hurt us. Transformed, revived hearts actively work towards forgiveness in the humility of knowing that we received the Lord’s mercy when we should have been wiped out by his wrath. There are people drowning in shame over the wrongs they have committed: God’s peace offers a way out. We can bring them the restorative love of the Savior. Whether his love is accepted or not, God IS glorified when we follow his direction and copy his mercy. Rest in that truth. Evening Prayer Lord,With your reviving mercy comes responsibility to move towards others in love and to forgive as we have been forgiven. You restored us - this means we were dead! Let us never forget that being far from you is no trifling inconvenience but death. And you, glorious and loving God, have given us life instead. You are wondrous, and your mercy is so grand a thing that we cannot fathom it, but help us to reflect it as ambassadors to a world that is dying. In Jesus’ precious name,Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture James 4What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud     but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. Evening Reflection As we settle in for the evening and review our day, it is easy to recognize how busy our schedule was – but not so easy to identify where our focus was. In this crazy world of busyness, we often get wrapped up in our earthly desires rather than our heavenly calling. We work toward what we covet – a promotion, a raise, more pay, recognition. Our desires include additional possessions and pleasures - a bigger home, a newer car, or more.  Then, we let our prayers reflect those desires – only to be disappointed when things don’t go the way we asked. We make plans for our future, asking God to bless them – and yet, we don’t know what our future will bring. Our lives can change in a heartbeat, changing what lies ahead. If that were to occur, wouldn’t you want to already be close to God so he can see you through those life-changing moments? We are taught that when we give our lives to Jesus, we become a new creation, and it is the absolute truth. The Holy Spirit comes and dwells within us – but sometimes we are so busy chasing our “dreams” we can’t feel his presence or even know he’s there.  James tells us to submit ourselves to God and to humble ourselves before the Lord, and he will lift us up! A promise made – and God never breaks his promises. But, submitting ourselves and humbling ourselves before the Lord isn’t something that we can snap our fingers and make happen. It is a commitment that requires daily attention and sacrifice. We must open ourselves up to the Holy Spirit and give in to his leading – through daily prayer, God’s Word, and a community of believers. Let the Lord’s spirit work in us and through us – giving in to the change within us. We may not feel change immediately - it may take a bit of time - but one morning you will wake up and feel it. You are drawing near to God – feeling like a new creation in him. Evening Prayer Father,With my whole heart, I desire to come to know you. I want to draw closer and closer. I desire all of you, and I surrender to your will in everything I desire or do. You are my God, and earnestly I seek you. My soul thirsts for you, my flesh longs for you in this dry and weary land where there is no water.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Finding Strength and Stability in God Evening Scripture Isaiah 33Woe to you, destroyer,    you who have not been destroyed!Woe to you, betrayer,    you who have not been betrayed!When you stop destroying,    you will be destroyed;when you stop betraying,    you will be betrayed. Lord, be gracious to us;    we long for you.Be our strength every morning,    our salvation in time of distress.At the uproar of your army, the peoples flee;    when you rise up, the nations scatter.Your plunder, O nations, is harvested as by young locusts;    like a swarm of locusts people pounce on it. The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high;    he will fill Zion with his justice and righteousness.He will be the sure foundation for your times,    a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;    the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure. Look, their brave men cry aloud in the streets;    the envoys of peace weep bitterly.The highways are deserted,    no travelers are on the roads.The treaty is broken,    its witnesses are despised,    no one is respected.The land dries up and wastes away,    Lebanon is ashamed and withers;Sharon is like the Arabah,    and Bashan and Carmel drop their leaves. “Now will I arise,” says the Lord.    “Now will I be exalted;    now will I be lifted up.You conceive chaff,    you give birth to straw;    your breath is a fire that consumes you.The peoples will be burned to ashes;    like cut thornbushes they will be set ablaze.” You who are far away, hear what I have done;    you who are near, acknowledge my power!The sinners in Zion are terrified;    trembling grips the godless:“Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire?    Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?”Those who walk righteously    and speak what is right,who reject gain from extortion    and keep their hands from accepting bribes,who stop their ears against plots of murder    and shut their eyes against contemplating evil—they are the ones who will dwell on the heights,    whose refuge will be the mountain fortress.Their bread will be supplied,    and water will not fail them. Your eyes will see the king in his beauty    and view a land that stretches afar.In your thoughts you will ponder the former terror:    “Where is that chief officer?Where is the one who took the revenue?    Where is the officer in charge of the towers?”You will see those arrogant people no more,    people whose speech is obscure,    whose language is strange and incomprehensible. Look on Zion, the city of our festivals;    your eyes will see Jerusalem,    a peaceful abode, a tent that will not be moved;its stakes will never be pulled up,    nor any of its ropes broken.There the Lord will be our Mighty One.    It will be like a place of broad rivers and streams.No galley with oars will ride them,    no mighty ship will sail them.For the Lord is our judge,    the Lord is our lawgiver,the Lord is our king;    it is he who will save us. Your rigging hangs loose:    The mast is not held secure,    the sail is not spread.Then an abundance of spoils will be divided    and even the lame will carry off plunder.No one living in Zion will say, “I am ill”;    and the sins of those who dwell there will be forgiven. Evening Reflection Sometimes, along with our physical legs feeling shaky and off-balance, so can our faith legs feel wobbly and unsteady, leaving us needing someone to hold onto, or even help prop us up. Yet in life, there may be times when no one is around, or no one is willing or strong enough to help us. So what do we do when we need strength and stability beyond what we can muster or find in our own strength? When feeling like our faith is about to collapse or crumble over all life is dealing us, we can call out to God, asking Him to be our strength and stability, assured and confident, that at times when we need it the most, God is gracious to hear us and respond, to hold us up, and to be our salvation in our lowest and darkest of times, especially when it seems like the world and everyone is too busy or unavailable to help us. He is our sure foundation, the place where we find strength and stability in our most vulnerable moments. God is where our faith can be renewed, where we find peace and even joy, resting safely and securely in His steady and stable arms. Evening Prayer God,I come to you tonight, feeling shaky, unstable in my faith, ready to collapse under the weight of everyday life. Yet, you promise to be my strong foundation. So I look to You to hold me up, to renew my faith, and to be my daily strength and stability each day of my life, when I feel unbalanced and even when I feel like I’m strong enough in myself.I know You, O Lord, are my Mighty One, the one I turn to when life tries to shake my faith and my legs feel unsure and ready to give out underneath me.Thank you, God, for being my strength every morning and my salvation in distress, and for being a rich source of wisdom and knowledge. Help me to walk daily in the fear of the Lord, which is the key to Your treasure.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Matthew, Chapter 7“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Evening Reflection  Each day, we’re inundated with new ways to do tasks and new theories to consider. Culture is shifting at a speed the human heart was never meant to keep up with. We’re asked to process, prepare, and produce regardless of how off-axis we feel. It leaves one tired and weary. It leaves us wondering when will enough be enough, and when will the constant shifts and jolts of this world end? Matthew 7 calls us to consider something outside the fast-paced world. It calls us to consider the one thing that has never changed in all of creation: Who God is and what He said. Jesus lists many things in Matthew 7, but what stands out most and stands up against the pulls of this world is found in verses 24-27. What is your house built upon, meaning: What or who is the foundation of your life? If it is God, then we have the blueprint we need. We don’t need to latch on to new theories every time culture presents them, and we don't need to carry the weight of trying every new thing under the sun. What we need to do is build a firm foundation on the things of God, not on the things of this earth. We see time and time again that the things of earth rust and give way. They fall apart as the fabric of society shifts. The world is not stable, but we know God is. We need to set our eyes and hearts upon what Jesus valued and modeled. Rest tonight in the presence of your Savior, take every “new” thing being presented to you, and hold it up to the living Word of God and trust the Holy Spirit to lead you as you follow after His heart - not the world. Evening Prayer  Father,In a world that is always changing, I’m thankful you never will. When I feel anxious or overwhelmed by our fast-paced culture, remind me that you do not ask me to go at that speed. You call me to a richer way of living. One where stillness and peace are to be a respite found in you. Help me build my life on your solid foundation. Remove anything that would compromise its stability. Please help me live a life that reflects your design. Holy Spirit, help me to live set apart in this world, and help me to be a light where you have me. Give my body rest and cover me with your peace. In Jesus’ name,Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Haggai 2On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: “Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, to Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people. Ask them, ‘Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing? But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’ “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty. ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty.” On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Haggai: “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Ask the priests what the law says: If someone carries consecrated meat in the fold of their garment, and that fold touches some bread or stew, some wine, olive oil or other food, does it become consecrated?’” The priests answered, “No.” Then Haggai said, “If a person defiled by contact with a dead body touches one of these things, does it become defiled?” “Yes,” the priests replied, “it becomes defiled.” Then Haggai said, “‘So it is with this people and this nation in my sight,’ declares the Lord. ‘Whatever they do and whatever they offer there is defiled. “‘Now give careful thought to this from this day on—consider how things were before one stone was laid on another in the Lord’s temple. When anyone came to a heap of twenty measures, there were only ten. When anyone went to a wine vat to draw fifty measures, there were only twenty. I struck all the work of your hands with blight, mildew and hail, yet you did not return to me,’ declares the Lord. ‘From this day on, from this twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, give careful thought to the day when the foundation of the Lord’s temple was laid. Give careful thought: Is there yet any seed left in the barn? Until now, the vine and the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree have not borne fruit. “‘From this day on I will bless you.’” The word of the Lord came to Haggai a second time on the twenty-fourth day of the month: “Tell Zerubbabel governor of Judah that I am going to shake the heavens and the earth. I will overturn royal thrones and shatter the power of the foreign kingdoms. I will overthrow chariots and their drivers; horses and their riders will fall, each by the sword of his brother. “‘On that day,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you,’ declares the Lord Almighty.” Evening Reflection As your day comes to a close, I want to invite you to take a long inhale and exhale, and hand over all that you have been carrying today. It seems that when our feet hit the floor each day, we pick up a load that we may not be asked to carry. We buy into the idea that there is much to do that depends solely on our abilities and that if we dare miss a thing, the whole day, week, or month will crumble. Praise God, through the promises of His Word, we can see that He does not ask us to carry anything but our faithfulness to Him. It does not matter how small you feel in the eyes of God; he looks at you with delight and created you with his plans and purposes in mind. In Haggai 2, we see God encouraging Zerubbabel's heart through the Spirit. Not only does he send encouragement through the prophet, but God stirs his heart, bringing clarity and direction to the plans He wants Zerubbabel to carry out. If you take the time to sit with the Holy Spirit, you, too, can have this sense of direction and peace. Because where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Freedom to rest in the assurance of what God is doing and the freedom to trust in the way you should go. Haggai 2 calls us to look to God rather than scurry around, weighed down, trying to manage everything in our own strength. It reminds us to focus on who we are, God’s chosen, and that we serve a God who has the best things in mind with the perfect way to carry out the details. He will encourage you through his Word and with the words of other believers. Trust in the heart of the Father and rest in the truth that He created you with great things in mind, which He will carry out through your faithfulness. Evening Prayer Father,As I drift off to sleep tonight, remind me that You hold all the plans in Your hands. You know every detail and the way they all need to come together. Help free me from feeling “small” in your eyes and encourage my heart that you desire to use me for your glory.When I wake up in the morning, stir my Spirit to rest in your rather than pick up all the things I think I have to do on my own. Remove the need to do everything “perfectly” and teach me that faithfulness to you is all you desire from me.I pray to see Your encouragement in Your written word and in the body of believers this week. Keep my eyes on you, my feet walking your path, and my Spirit tethered to Yours. In Jesus’ name,Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture: "How lovely is your dwelling place,    Lord Almighty!My soul yearns, even faints,    for the courts of the Lord;my heart and my flesh cry out    for the living God.Even the sparrow has found a home,    and the swallow a nest for herself,    where she may have her young—a place near your altar,    Lord Almighty, my King and my God.Blessed are those who dwell in your house;they are ever praising you." - Psalm 84:1-4 Evening Reflection A few years ago, I decided it would be a fun idea to run 6 miles. I never officially played sports in high school or college, but I was known for running whenever I could. Between 3 and 6 miles, that was my sweet spot of happiness. On average, I ran a pretty steady pace. But sometimes, I’d get so excited or into my music that I would forget to pace. This happened when I was training to run 6 miles. As I rounded what I thought was my last corner, I picked up speed. Sprinting, I was dismayed when I realized I still had a long way to go. Not only had I burned myself out, but now, I was weary, famished, and thirsty. Every step felt like a step in the dry and dusty wilderness. Like sandpaper on my tongue, my soul cried out for a drink. And I can’t help but wonder if this is the imagery our Psalmist presents in Psalm 84. In Psalm 84, we see that dwelling in God’s presence is beautiful. It’s lovely. Everything within us should desire to be in that place. But do we desire to be there as much as a cool drink? Or in present-day lingo, do we desire that as much as a good meal? What about getting on social media? Or anything else important in our lives? Do we desire being in the House of the Lord as much as all of these things? The imagery here reminds us that if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, He dwells within us. We no longer need to go to a Temple or have a priest intercede for us to communicate with our God. Yet, everything within us should hunger and thirst for that presence. As much as I wanted water on that 6-mile run. And as much as we want anything else in our lives. A bit convicting, right? Good. When we long for God’s presence more than anything else this world has to offer, we are sure to find Him. But if you struggle, I want you to know that it’s okay. Let us seek the Lord while there is time. As Isaiah 55:6-7 notes, “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon” (NIV). Do you hunger and thirst for the Lord above all else? If not, confess this to Him and ask Him to help you yearn for Him in a soul-deep way. Psalm 84 reminds us, blessed are those who dwell in the House of the Lord forever. And isn’t it a blessing to know that His Spirit dwells deep within each of us who choose to accept and believe? As you prepare for rest, ask yourself: How can I proactively thirst for the Lord? What’s one step I can take this week to prioritize Him above everything else in my life? Evening Prayer Dear Jesus,I want to thirst for you above all the distractions and busyness of life. Please see my heart and intentions and help me to pursue you. Let me seek and find you while there’s still time. I love you, Jesus!Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Romans 12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Evening Reflection As today’s sun surrendered to the moon, may we hold fast to the challenge in Romans 12 and surrender our hearts to Jesus, confessing both our need for rest and His love as the only true source of unquenchable light. Though the world gives us reason to keep pushing, keep pursuing productivity, late into the night, may we block out the blue light and white noise so our senses are attuned only to Jesus’ voice. After all, it is only then that we can receive His transformative power and good, perfect will for our lives. Let’s consider the state of our hearts. Are they humble in pursuit of God’s plan, softened to receive others into the journey God has designed? As flowers close their blooms in tandem with the moon hanging in the sky, let’s remember that we all have a part to play, and in light of Christ’s grace, not one part is better than the other. No part is higher or lower than another.  May we ask God to grant us hearts to encourage and champion others, looking to Him for our purpose, not to the paths of other believers. May we allow our love for Him to guide our thoughts and actions as we live lives that say, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10, KJV). Evening Prayer Father,As we reflect on the tiny kingdoms we built for ourselves today, may we surrender them to a holy graveyard, where death to self is life in you, Christ. Whether we have chosen sin over righteousness or self over others, may we confess these faults and look to your new mercies and grace that away us each day (Lamentations 3:22-23). Let us be quick to pursue peace, striving for harmony. Let us be slow to seek revenge, allowing your grace that covered us to cover those who have wronged us. In surrendering our hearts to you tonight, may our days be filled with hands that extend to the poor, hungry, thirsty, and broken. May we see past the surface, what man tries to hide, and see with your eyes of wisdom and compassion. Even when we are surrounded by our enemies, may we be your beacons of hope, leaving vengeance and justice in your merciful hands. We love and praise you, Lord, for your light that pierces the night and speaks to our weary hearts. We thank you for the honor of living our lives as living sacrifices for your glory. Forever,Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Proverbs 15A gentle answer turns away wrath,     but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,     but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,     keeping watch on the wicked and the good. The soothing tongue is a tree of life,     but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,     but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. The house of the righteous contains great treasure,     but the income of the wicked brings ruin. The lips of the wise spread knowledge,     but the hearts of fools are not upright. The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked,     but the prayer of the upright pleases him. The Lord detests the way of the wicked,     but he loves those who pursue righteousness. Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path;     the one who hates correction will die. Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord—     how much more do human hearts! Mockers resent correction,     so they avoid the wise. A happy heart makes the face cheerful,     but heartache crushes the spirit. The discerning heart seeks knowledge,     but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. All the days of the oppressed are wretched,     but the cheerful heart has a continual feast. Better a little with the fear of the Lord     than great wealth with turmoil. Better a small serving of vegetables with love     than a fattened calf with hatred. A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,     but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,     but the path of the upright is a highway. A wise son brings joy to his father,     but a foolish man despises his mother. Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,     but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course. Plans fail for lack of counsel,     but with many advisers they succeed. A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—     and how good is a timely word! The path of life leads upward for the prudent     to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead. The Lord tears down the house of the proud,     but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place. The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked,     but gracious words are pure in his sight. The greedy bring ruin to their households,     but the one who hates bribes will live. The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,     but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. The Lord is far from the wicked,     but he hears the prayer of the righteous. Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,     and good news gives health to the bones. Whoever heeds life-giving correction     will be at home among the wise. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,     but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord,     and humility comes before honor. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin. The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright. The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness. Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die. Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord— how much more do human hearts! Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise. A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast. Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred. A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway. A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course. Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word! The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead. The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place. The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight. The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live. The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor. Evening Reflection Proverbs 15 opens with words of wisdom we all know are true, then guides us in shaping our words and attitudes as we walk through life. As we lay our heads down, let us look back on today and reflect on any quarrels that came our way. Consider how it might have been different and whether it was necessary. Often, in hindsight, we realize that our own words contributed to the dispute, maybe even triggered it. We all realize it’s true that gentle wisdom in our words will come across to others so much more easily. Harsh sarcasm or criticism accomplishes little, but gentle, wise words sit well with others. Regardless of our temptations or the attitudes of others, consider that “a soothing tongue is a tree of life.” When your words offer kindness and wisdom, it averts any wicked response. Words can be powerful things – they can build up, torment, and crush. We will never need to apologize for harsh words that go unspoken. Recently, I heard someone say that a Christian can be the worst advertisement for the very thing we believe in and our hearts are set on. Let us remember that we represent our Lord, and what people see in us and hear from us can reflect on their desire to come to Christ Jesus. Let us speak in a way that people see him – and we can then speak to them about Jesus. As we reflect tonight on Solomon’s words in Proverbs 15, let us pray that the Lord will help us set aside our pride, to step out of the way and allow His Holy Spirit to work in us - guarding our hearts and tongues, choosing gentle wisdom in our words.  Evening Prayer Heavenly Father,I know that on my own, I cannot live the way you want me to live. With your help, I know I can. Please help me to step aside and allow your Holy Spirit to work in me and through me. Please help me become the person you created me to be. Help me to live my life full of love, compassion, mercy, grace, forgiveness, and humility. Help me to change the way I think and feel, the way I act, and the way I speak. When I feel tempted to respond with callousness or cruelty, please put a guard over my mouth.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture John 11Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.” After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there. When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. “What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.” Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. So from that day on they plotted to take his life. Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead he withdrew to a region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples. When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, many went up from the country to Jerusalem for their ceremonial cleansing before the Passover. They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the temple courts they asked one another, “What do you think? Isn’t he coming to the festival at all?” But the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that anyone who found out where Jesus was should report it so that they might arrest him. Evening Reflection There’s a verse from 1 Corinthians 15:55 that says, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” As Christ-followers, we know Christ defeated death on the cross and gives us hope for everlasting life with Him for eternity. What good news! Yet, our world and reality of life that we currently know is still very much filled with death. You and I both know, the sting is very, very real. Our passage tonight gives us the shortest verse in the Bible: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). Even though Jesus knew this story wouldn’t end in death (Jesus stated in verse 4, “This sickness will not end in death”), Jesus still wept. I can’t help but assume Jesus not only loved Lazarus, but wept in compassion for Martha and Mary, and perhaps, for you and me–that the sting of death does indeed still sting. Jesus meets us in our grief. If you’re walking through your own grief, take comfort in this: He’s not rushing you through it or dismissing the ache. He’s right there in it with you. Let’s take it a step further: you can be completely honest with Him. You can even ask why. Martha deeply loved and believed in Jesus, but still questioned Jesus. She said, “‘Lord,’ Martha said to Jesus, ‘if you had been here, my brother would not have died’” (John 11:21). Martha shows us we can still believe He can do all things and yet still have heartache over why things didn’t turn out how we expected. Our faith allows a relationship with a real God, where faith and disappointment intertwine.  The darkest part of the story is knowing Lazarus has been dead for four days–completely beyond any human hope. And even when things seemed dark, dead, and done, God was still working. God had a much bigger plan in His perfect timing. Jesus proved His story doesn’t end in death! What an incredible hope!  Holding onto hope, even when grief feels heavy, can feel like a daily fight. The enemy of your soul wants nothing more than to take every ounce of hope you can muster. Don’t give the devil the truth you have: our hope is anchored in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ! He’s in grief with you. You can be completely transparent with him. His story doesn’t end in death.  From one human heart to another (who has had a fair share of deep grief over the past few years herself), you’re not alone, and this isn’t where the story ends. Let’s remember tonight, together, that He is a good, good Savior who won’t leave us in our pain. Now that’s a hope worth holding onto!  Evening Prayer Lord,I lift up my friend who is carrying their own grief. The truth is, it does sting. Tonight, we surrender the lack of control, the ache of what could have been, and the weight of carrying it. I pray for peace and comfort. I pray for an undeniable and unexplainable deep peace.For the ache and questioning, we lay it at your feet. For the disappointment and frustration, we lay it at your feet. For the unknowns and questionable future, we lay it at your feet.Jesus, you are our hope. I pray we wouldn’t confuse hope with expected outcomes. I pray for future testimonies to come from this devotional and for faith to arise. I ask for miracles and agree with and for life. We know your story doesn’t end in death, and we say yes to your power working in and through our lives. In the powerful name of Jesus,Amen.  Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Zephaniah 3JerusalemWoe to the city of oppressors,    rebellious and defiled!She obeys no one,    she accepts no correction.She does not trust in the Lord,    she does not draw near to her God.Her officials within her    are roaring lions;her rulers are evening wolves,    who leave nothing for the morning.Her prophets are unprincipled;    they are treacherous people.Her priests profane the sanctuary    and do violence to the law.The Lord within her is righteous;    he does no wrong.Morning by morning he dispenses his justice,    and every new day he does not fail,    yet the unrighteous know no shame. Jerusalem Remains Unrepentant “I have destroyed nations;    their strongholds are demolished.I have left their streets deserted,    with no one passing through.Their cities are laid waste;    they are deserted and empty.Of Jerusalem I thought,    ‘Surely you will fear me    and accept correction!’Then her place of refuge would not be destroyed,    nor all my punishments come upon her.But they were still eager    to act corruptly in all they did.Therefore wait for me,”    declares the Lord,    “for the day I will stand up to testify.I have decided to assemble the nations,    to gather the kingdomsand to pour out my wrath on them—    all my fierce anger.The whole world will be consumed    by the fire of my jealous anger. “Then I will purify the lips of the peoples,    that all of them may call on the name of the Lord    and serve him shoulder to shoulder.From beyond the rivers of Cush    my worshipers, my scattered people,    will bring me offerings.On that day you, Jerusalem, will not be put to shame    for all the wrongs you have done to me,because I will remove from you    your arrogant boasters.Never again will you be haughty    on my holy hill.But I will leave within you    the meek and humble.The remnant of Israel    will trust in the name of the Lord.They will do no wrong;    they will tell no lies.A deceitful tongue    will not be found in their mouths.They will eat and lie down    and no one will make them afraid.” Sing, Daughter Zion;    shout aloud, Israel!Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,    Daughter Jerusalem!The Lord has taken away your punishment,    he has turned back your enemy.The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you;    never again will you fear any harm.On that day    they will say to Jerusalem,“Do not fear, Zion;    do not let your hands hang limp.The Lord your God is with you,    the Mighty Warrior who saves.He will take great delight in you;    in his love he will no longer rebuke you,    but will rejoice over you with singing.” “I will remove from you    all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals,    which is a burden and reproach for you.At that time I will deal    with all who oppressed you.I will rescue the lame;    I will gather the exiles.I will give them praise and honor    in every land where they have suffered shame.At that time I will gather you;    at that time I will bring you home.I will give you honor and praise    among all the peoples of the earthwhen I restore your fortunes    before your very eyes,”says the Lord. Evening Reflection When our son was born, his mother and I would spend each night reading to him. One of our favorite books was from Canadian Children’s author Robert Munsch. In his popular book “Love You Forever”, Munsch tells the story of a mother who sings over her child throughout the course of his life. The song is always the same. “I love you forever, I like you for always, as long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be.” The sentiment is beautiful and heartwarming.  We don’t read a lot from Zephaniah. Zephaniah is one of the minor prophets – stuck at the back of the Old Testament, often overlooked in favor of the larger books of Isaiah or Jeremiah. But within chapter 3 there is this heartwarming image of God, singing over God’s people. “The Lord God is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory!  He will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love, he will exult over you with singing.”  Just sit with this truth: God doesn’t yell over you; God sings over you. He doesn’t shout at you from afar; he comes to you and rejoices over your presence. We can sometimes fear that if God comes close to us, it means reprisal or judgment. But that’s not what Zephaniah depicts. God’s heart for you is one of loving delight. God surrounds you in gracious kindness. God rejoices in who you are because you are God’s beloved child. And because you are so precious to God, God erupts over you with singing.  Evening Prayer Gracious God,Thank you for your presence that surrounds me. Thank you for your grace, which comes to me this night. As I enter a time of rest, may the song of your love blanket me, may it soothe any worries or anxieties that I feel within me. May your gracious kindness create in me a holy stillness, one in which I can rejoice in you rejoicing over me. Loving Father, help me always to live in the light of your love. Give me the strength to turn to you when I feel afraid. Give me the boldness to rely on you when I feel out of my depth. May each day bring me into deeper fellowship with you, and may that begin this night. I pray all this in the name of Jesus, my Lord, in the power of the Holy Spirit.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Psalm 77I cried out to God for help;    I cried out to God to hear me.When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;    at night I stretched out untiring hands,    and I would not be comforted. I remembered you, God, and I groaned;    I meditated, and my spirit grew faint.You kept my eyes from closing;    I was too troubled to speak.I thought about the former days,    the years of long ago;I remembered my songs in the night.    My heart meditated and my spirit asked: “Will the Lord reject forever?    Will he never show his favor again?Has his unfailing love vanished forever?    Has his promise failed for all time?Has God forgotten to be merciful?    Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” Then I thought, “To this I will appeal:    the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.I will remember the deeds of the Lord;    yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.I will consider all your works    and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” Your ways, God, are holy.    What god is as great as our God?You are the God who performs miracles;    you display your power among the peoples.With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,    the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. The waters saw you, God,    the waters saw you and writhed;    the very depths were convulsed.The clouds poured down water,    the heavens resounded with thunder;    your arrows flashed back and forth.Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,    your lightning lit up the world;    the earth trembled and quaked.Your path led through the sea,    your way through the mighty waters,    though your footprints were not seen. You led your people like a flock    by the hand of Moses and Aaron. Evening Reflection If you are going to bed tonight feeling weighed down, know that Psalm 77 can bring comfort and reassurance. Worrying about work, family, finances, and illnesses can leave us tossing and turning in the night. We can dread the hours of darkness when our minds refuse to rest and offer only the worst-case scenarios. This Psalm gently shows us another way. Maybe, like the Psalmist, you are familiar with turning your worries into cries to God for help. When help doesn’t come quickly, though, our thoughts can be filled with “why?” Doubts about God’s goodness burden us further. Psalm 77 doesn’t dismiss our fears or find us at fault. It acknowledges the reality of our worries and perplexities. The Psalmist asks the same hard questions. He even holds God responsible for his lack of sleep. Yet, he shows us a way to find relief and renew our faith—to fill our minds with hope, not fear, when we wake in the night. And slowly, hope-filled, we drift back off to sleep. The Psalmist resolves to think on what is true, good, and praiseworthy. He will remember God’s power, protection, and mercy shown to him and his people in the past. He will meditate on God’s goodness. Decide tonight, when sleep eludes you and your mind is churning with worry, to pause. Recall what God has done for you, His child. Choose to reflect on His love and goodness shown to you in the past. Be reminded of the miracles He has performed in your life.  Then, settle your heart with this thought: though his footsteps are unseen in your present circumstances, you can be assured He is still leading, still protecting, as a shepherd faithfully cares for His sheep.  Evening Prayer Heavenly Father,As I go to sleep tonight, I turn over my worries to You, knowing that You can bring me comfort and reassurance. When I wake in the night and the burdens of the day consume my mind, I will turn my thoughts to You.Remind me of the truths about Your goodness. Refresh my memory of all that You have done for me—how You have loved me, rescued me, guided me, and protected me. Then I will rest assured knowing the night will bring refreshment and strength for the day ahead.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture 2 Thessalonians 3"As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer. Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all." Evening Reflection In life, it’s easy to get sidetracked, especially from what God has called us to do. Discouragement, inactivity, disappointments, can all lead us at times to wander off from the pathway He has set before us. Often, we may start thinking we must have misunderstood what God wanted us to do because our faith and hope have somewhat waned from when we first set off full of spiritual expectations. But getting sidetracked and preoccupied with other things that absorb our time and attention, caught up in the affairs of the world, is the devil’s way of distracting us, thinking we won’t catch on to his deceptive schemes. Still, we aren’t beyond God’s reach and His ways of drawing us back to His plan, faithful to us even when we seem to get off-track for a time. We can trust Him to carry us through the bumps, distractions, disappointments, and dry periods in life and in our faith, where the enemy of our soul tries to convince us God doesn’t care, hear, or answer the cries of our hearts. Evening Prayer God,Lead and help me to stay on the pathway You have set before me, to let Your unfailing faithfulness carry me at times when I have wandered away from Your call on my life. Fortify and deliver me, as You’ve promised, from the evil one and from the waywardness of sinful men and women who seek to lead me astray and to abandon my faith in You. Teach me to live out my faith and to be steadfast like Paul and all those who have remained faithful to Your word. Convince my heart to count on Your faithfulness to carry me through, as they did before me, modeling it in their own lives.  Keep me from getting off track and becoming idle or disruptive. Strengthen me to never tire of doing good so that others around me will choose to follow Your ways and live in obedience to Your word. Help me to spread Your message rapidly, so that You are honored. Fill me with Your peace at all times and in every way.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Isaiah 49Listen to me, you islands;    hear this, you distant nations:Before I was born the Lord called me;    from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.He made my mouth like a sharpened sword,    in the shadow of his hand he hid me;he made me into a polished arrow    and concealed me in his quiver.He said to me, “You are my servant,    Israel, in whom I will display my splendor.”But I said, “I have labored in vain;    I have spent my strength for nothing at all.Yet what is due me is in the Lord’s hand,    and my reward is with my God.” And now the Lord says—    he who formed me in the womb to be his servantto bring Jacob back to him    and gather Israel to himself,for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord    and my God has been my strength—he says:“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant    to restore the tribes of Jacob    and bring back those of Israel I have kept.I will also make you a light for the Gentiles,    that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” This is what the Lord says—    the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel—to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation,    to the servant of rulers:“Kings will see you and stand up,    princes will see and bow down,because of the Lord, who is faithful,    the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.” This is what the Lord says: “In the time of my favor I will answer you,    and in the day of salvation I will help you;I will keep you and will make you    to be a covenant for the people,to restore the land    and to reassign its desolate inheritances,to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’    and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’ “They will feed beside the roads    and find pasture on every barren hill.They will neither hunger nor thirst,    nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them.He who has compassion on them will guide them    and lead them beside springs of water.I will turn all my mountains into roads,    and my highways will be raised up.See, they will come from afar—    some from the north, some from the west,    some from the region of Aswan.” Shout for joy, you heavens;    rejoice, you earth;    burst into song, you mountains!For the Lord comforts his people    and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me,    the Lord has forgotten me.” “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast    and have no compassion on the child she has borne?Though she may forget,    I will not forget you!See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;    your walls are ever before me.Your children hasten back,    and those who laid you waste depart from you.Lift up your eyes and look around;    all your children gather and come to you.As surely as I live,” declares the Lord,    “you will wear them all as ornaments;    you will put them on, like a bride. “Though you were ruined and made desolate    and your land laid waste,now you will be too small for your people,    and those who devoured you will be far away.The children born during your bereavement    will yet say in your hearing,‘This place is too small for us;    give us more space to live in.’Then you will say in your heart,    ‘Who bore me these?I was bereaved and barren;    I was exiled and rejected.    Who brought these up?I was left all alone,    but these—where have they come from?’” This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I will beckon to the nations,    I will lift up my banner to the peoples;they will bring your sons in their arms    and carry your daughters on their hips.Kings will be your foster fathers,    and their queens your nursing mothers.They will bow down before you with their faces to the ground;    they will lick the dust at your feet.Then you will know that I am the Lord;    those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” Can plunder be taken from warriors,    or captives be rescued from the fierce? But this is what the Lord says: “Yes, captives will be taken from warriors,    and plunder retrieved from the fierce;I will contend with those who contend with you,    and your children I will save.I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh;    they will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine.Then all mankind will know    that I, the Lord, am your Savior,    your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” Evening Reflection There are many reasons why we may feel that God forgets us. We might think that there are more important events to attend to than whatever we seem to be facing. Or we might believe that we are not important enough. We aren’t influential pastors or preachers; we aren’t ministry heads or church leaders. And then there is the topic of sin. Maybe we feel that we have just done too much to warrant God’s attention. And so, we fear that God pays attention to everyone else, but we are forgotten. We are left to ourselves. Isaiah reminds us of one of the most affirming and grace-filled promises of scripture. God does not forget us. To the people of Israel, Isaiah, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, declares, “Can a woman forget her nursing-child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb?”  Of course, the answer is obvious. Sadly, yes. We may be forgotten or pushed off to the side by even those closest to us. But then the Lord says, “But I will not forget you.”  Part of the glory of this passage is that it is spoken to Israel as they reeled from the Exile. They had every reason to believe they were abandoned by God. But the God who is gracious and kind, and everlastingly patient, declares a heart of love. And the sign of this truth would be that God would inscribe them on the palms of his hands. If you ever fear that you are forgotten by God, if you ever wonder whether God remembers you, all you need to do is look to Jesus. His nail-pierced palms display just how strongly God remembers you.  Evening Prayer Gracious Jesus.As I move to the close of this day, I pray that you give me the assurance of your loving presence. Help me to rest my soul in you, as I rest my body. Help me to breathe deeply the promise that there is no place in where I am outside of your loving concern. You never cast me aside. You never forget me.Lord when I am tempted to forget you, gently show yourself to me. When I fear that I am not good enough for you, help me to hear your loving promise of eternal grace. When my sins of my life torment me, give me bold faith to claim your forgiveness and mercy.May this night be a night where I am surrounded by your remembrance. And may tomorrow be a day where I delight in your love and walk in your will.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’” “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said. When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.” Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.” The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about. As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. Luke 18 Evening Reflection  When we feel betrayed and mistreated, we can feel vulnerable and defenseless, particularly if our “offender” wields influence or earthly power, as was likely the case for the woman in Luke 18. In her patriarchal society, most people invalidated female voices. This was doubly true for widows who sat near the lowest rung of society. Without the judge’s help, she’d have to accept whatever injustice she suffered. The disciples understood the struggle of living under Roman rule. They ached for a liberated nation and a kingdom of stability and peace like their ancestors enjoyed under David, ancient Israel’s second king. In Luke 18, Jesus assured them His perfect kingdom would come. But he also prepared them for what must have later felt like a long delay. In their waiting, they might feel tempted to doubt God’s heart and His promises. To trade hopeful anticipation with disillusionment and despair. Speaking less than a month before His crucifixion, He encouraged them to remain steadfast in prayer, trusting in His eventual vindication and relief. Through persistent prayer, their trust would grow by deepening their connection with Christ. Tonight, Jesus speaks that same invitation into the disappointments and uncertainties you carry. Your Judge and all-powerful Savior sees every unjust act you suffer, cares about the things that concern you, and will one day make all things right.  Evening Prayer Father,As I settle into bed, I ask You to quiet my racing thoughts with the peace of Your presence. Remind me of those things I know to be true, such as that I am always, at each moment, encased by Your love, as are those I hold most dear. You’re the God who sees all, knows all, retains control over all, and is, at this moment, working behind the scenes for my good and Your glory. When I’m afraid, discouraged, and struggling with the pain of betrayal or injustice, remind me of this parable and Your heart. Increase my trust in You as I wait for You to fulfill Your promises. As Scripture so clearly proclaims, in Christ, every biblical promise is yes and amen—as good as done.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Habakkuk 3A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet. On shigionoth. Lord, I have heard of your fame;    I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord.Repeat them in our day,    in our time make them known;    in wrath remember mercy. God came from Teman,    the Holy One from Mount Paran.His glory covered the heavens    and his praise filled the earth.His splendor was like the sunrise;    rays flashed from his hand,    where his power was hidden.Plague went before him;    pestilence followed his steps.He stood, and shook the earth;    he looked, and made the nations tremble.The ancient mountains crumbled    and the age-old hills collapsed—    but he marches on forever.I saw the tents of Cushan in distress,    the dwellings of Midian in anguish. Were you angry with the rivers, Lord?    Was your wrath against the streams?Did you rage against the sea    when you rode your horses    and your chariots to victory?You uncovered your bow,    you called for many arrows.You split the earth with rivers;    the mountains saw you and writhed.Torrents of water swept by;    the deep roared    and lifted its waves on high. Sun and moon stood still in the heavens    at the glint of your flying arrows,    at the lightning of your flashing spear.In wrath you strode through the earth    and in anger you threshed the nations.You came out to deliver your people,    to save your anointed one.You crushed the leader of the land of wickedness,    you stripped him from head to foot.With his own spear you pierced his head    when his warriors stormed out to scatter us,gloating as though about to devour    the wretched who were in hiding.You trampled the sea with your horses,    churning the great waters. I heard and my heart pounded,    my lips quivered at the sound;decay crept into my bones,    and my legs trembled.Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity    to come on the nation invading us.Though the fig tree does not bud    and there are no grapes on the vines,though the olive crop fails    and the fields produce no food,though there are no sheep in the pen    and no cattle in the stalls,yet I will rejoice in the Lord,    I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength;    he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,    he enables me to tread on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments. Evening Reflection Sometimes our lives seem to play out smoothly and almost perfectly: we are around wonderful people, we have a good job, and the sun is shining. At those times, it is easy to praise the Lord and find joy. But then there are times when it seems that everything is against us: our friends have turned to enemies, an opportunity slipped through our grasp, the sun is nowhere to be found, and joy is the last thing on our mind. Maybe that is how your day went today. Maybe that seems to be your life right now. That was the season of life that the prophet Habakkuk was in, too, in Habakkuk 3.  In his prayer to God, Habakkuk admitted that nothing around him was going right: the trees were not blossoming, the fields were not producing food, there were no animals in the stalls, and his enemies were coming after him. But then, even in the midst of disappointment and difficult circumstances, when he wasn't seeing change, he still rejoiced in the Lord. How did he do that? First, Habakkuk put his situation into the right perspective. He "heard the report" of God and began listing how amazing and powerful his God was. That perspective helped him see that his current problems were nothing in comparison to how big his God was. Secondly, Habakkuk chose joy. He could have chosen to dwell on any feeling in that moment, but he chose to find joy in God, who was his salvation and strength. And because of that, God lifted him up to "high places." Our life is not about what happens to us, but about how we respond. What needs to be put back into perspective in your life? What areas do you need to choose joy instead of disappointment or sadness? Evening Prayer Lord,Thank you for all of the countless blessings that you have given me. Help me dwell on all the good in my life, especially my salvation, instead of the bad. Give me grace to accept all that I cannot change and strength to change what I can, which is my attitude. In the same way that Jesus even chose joy on the way to the cross, help me to choose joy in living my life for your glory. Thank you for wanting me to lay my burdens on you, and that you are going to lift me up! In Jesus's name,Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Psalm 73Surely God is good to Israel,     to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;     I had nearly lost my foothold.For I envied the arrogant     when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles;     their bodies are healthy and strong.They are free from common human burdens;     they are not plagued by human ills.Therefore pride is their necklace;     they clothe themselves with violence.From their callous hearts comes iniquity;     their evil imaginations have no limits.They scoff, and speak with malice;     with arrogance they threaten oppression.Their mouths lay claim to heaven,     and their tongues take possession of the earth.Therefore their people turn to them     and drink up waters in abundance.They say, “How would God know?     Does the Most High know anything?” This is what the wicked are like—     always free of care, they go on amassing wealth. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure     and have washed my hands in innocence.All day long I have been afflicted,     and every morning brings new punishments. If I had spoken out like that,     I would have betrayed your children.When I tried to understand all this,     it troubled me deeplytill I entered the sanctuary of God;     then I understood their final destiny. Surely you place them on slippery ground;     you cast them down to ruin.How suddenly are they destroyed,     completely swept away by terrors!They are like a dream when one awakes;     when you arise, Lord,     you will despise them as fantasies. When my heart was grieved     and my spirit embittered,I was senseless and ignorant;     I was a brute beast before you. Yet I am always with you;     you hold me by my right hand.You guide me with your counsel,     and afterward you will take me into glory.Whom have I in heaven but you?     And earth has nothing I desire besides you.My flesh and my heart may fail,     but God is the strength of my heart     and my portion forever. Those who are far from you will perish;     you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.But as for me, it is good to be near God.     I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;     I will tell of all your deeds. Evening Reflection There’s something about the end of the day that makes everything feel a little more real and honest. All the things on and in the back of your mind seem to creep their way to the front of the mind when night falls. The distractions fade. The noise quiets. And what’s really been sitting on your heart starts to rise to the surface. Maybe today you felt the tension of Psalm 73 in real time—watching others thrive while you quietly wrestle. Wondering why things seem easier for them. Questioning timelines. Carrying thoughts you didn’t expect to have. Comparing their life to yours and maybe even comparing God’s love for you versus theirs. And if we are honest with ourselves, we can say it’s just not fair. What’s so comforting about this psalm is that it doesn’t shame that feeling—it reveals it. The writer admits his feet almost slipped. Not because he stopped loving God, but because he couldn’t make sense of what he was seeing. Maybe that’s where you are tonight.  But the shift in tonight’s Scripture happens in one sacred moment: “till I entered the sanctuary of God…” Everything began to change when he returned to God’s presence. Because when you step out of comparison and back into connection with God in His presence, your perspective shifts. What once felt unfair and confusing begins to settle and no longer carries the same weight. God’s presence doesn’t always give you the answer, but it gives you peace and clarity that you are in God’s hands and He is in control. It reminds you that your story is not behind, not forgotten, and no less meaningful. Tonight, you don’t need to figure everything out. You don’t need to measure your life against someone else’s highlight reel or timeline. You don’t need to carry the weight of what feels unfair into tomorrow. You simply get to return to the presence of God. And here, in this quiet space, you can remember: He is holding you right there in His presence. Even if today felt off… You are not off track. You are still being led, still being held, and still deeply cared for. Evening Prayer Dear God,Tonight, I come to You with an honest heart. You saw every moment today—the thoughts I wrestled with, the comparisons that crept in, the quiet questions I didn’t even say out loud. The comparisons, the tears, feeling like others are ahead of me, questioning if I’m doing something wrong. But Lord, thank You for meeting me in it, not with judgment, but with gentleness. Thank you for being here tonight. Please remind me, when I’m feeling like life feels unfair, to remember that You are still good. When I feel like I’m falling behind, remind me that You are still leading me and You have a perfect plan for me on my own perfect timeline. And when my heart starts to compare, draw me back into Your presence—where peace replaces my doubts. Like the psalmist wrote, when my feet feel like they’re slipping, hold me by my right hand. Guide me with Your wisdom, even when I don’t understand the path. Help me trust that what You’re doing in my life is intentional, even if it looks different than what I expected. Tonight, I release what I can’t control.I release the timelines, the comparisons, and the need to have all the answers. And I choose to rest in this truth: that You are enough and You are working behind the scenes. You have not forgotten me. Calm my thoughts as I lie down. Quiet my mind from overthinking. Fill this space with Your peace so that I can truly rest. Thank you for being the strength I need. In Your name we pray,Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials." -1 Peter 1:3-6 Evening Reflection When I was sixteen, I decided it would be fun to start and plant a garden. I’d watched my grandparents do it year after year, and it didn’t look that hard. Surely, I could do it, too, right? At first, I started off strong. It was fun planting the seeds and watering them. Morning and evening, I’d prune, water, and give them extra nutrients. And all was well. Until my family left for vacation, and I forgot to ask anyone to tend to the plants. When we arrived back, two weeks later, I was dismayed. The garden was a mess. Overgrown, with weeds abounding. My parents told me to let it go, but I was determined. My grandparents and I spent two weeks bringing the dead plants back to life. And that story is always what I think of when I read 1 Peter 1. Though 1 Peter 1 talks about Jesus giving us new birth and life through His death and the shedding of His blood, it’s through mercy and grace that we receive this gift. And unlike my tending to the garden, He tends our gardens for us when we enter into a personal relationship with Him. Yes, we still have work to do. Yes, we must actively fight sin and the decay of the flesh. But we’re given a living hope through an imperishable inheritance. The image here is beautiful and a bit abstract to comprehend. The TPT version, which I try to use sparingly and only for supplemental information, describes it this way: “We are reborn into a perfect inheritance that can never perish, never be defiled, and never diminish. It is promised and preserved forever in the heavenly realm for you! Through our faith, the mighty power of God constantly guards us until our full salvation is ready to be revealed in the last time. May the thought of this cause you to jump for joy, even though lately you’ve had to put up with the grief of many trials. But these only reveal the sterling core of your faith, which is far more valuable than gold that perishes, for even gold is refined by fire. Your authentic faith will result in even more praise, glory, and honor when Jesus the Anointed One is revealed. You love him passionately although you have not seen him, but through believing in him you are saturated with an ecstatic joy, indescribably sublime and immersed in glory. For you are reaping the harvest of your faith—the full salvation promised you—your souls’ victory” (1 Peter 4:9, TPT). Today, no matter what you’re facing, it’s my hope and prayer that you remember to cling to this living hope. Through Jesus, the hope we possess isn’t wishful thinking or positive vibes; it’s real, raw, and fierce. It’s a hope that can never be taken from us, no matter how dark the night rises or how weary our souls grow. How can you cling to this living hope today? 1 Peter 1 reminds us we’ve been brought from death to life, so there’s nothing left to fear. Even in the face of death itself, with Christ, we receive eternal life and hope that can never be taken away from us. As you prepare for rest, ask yourself: Do I believe in and act like this living hope is real? If you don’t, ask the Lord for confidence to live in this way, even amidst the trials you may suffer here on earth. Evening Prayer Dear Jesus,Holding onto a living hope when times are hard can be a challenge. In these moments, fix my eyes on Heaven and that which cannot ever be taken away from me. Help me live with eternal hope and love every day of my life. I love, praise, and thank you, Lord.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Proverbs 20Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;    whoever is led astray by them is not wise. A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion;    those who anger him forfeit their lives. It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,    but every fool is quick to quarrel. Sluggards do not plow in season;    so at harvest time they look but find nothing. The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,    but one who has insight draws them out. Many claim to have unfailing love,    but a faithful person who can find? The righteous lead blameless lives;    blessed are their children after them. When a king sits on his throne to judge,    he winnows out all evil with his eyes. Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;    I am clean and without sin”? Differing weights and differing measures—    the Lord detests them both. Even small children are known by their actions,    so is their conduct really pure and upright? Ears that hear and eyes that see—    the Lord has made them both. Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;    stay awake and you will have food to spare. “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer—    then goes off and boasts about the purchase. Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,    but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;    hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider. Food gained by fraud tastes sweet,    but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel. Plans are established by seeking advice;    so if you wage war, obtain guidance. A gossip betrays a confidence;    so avoid anyone who talks too much. If someone curses their father or mother,    their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness. An inheritance claimed too soon    will not be blessed at the end. Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”    Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you. The Lord detests differing weights,    and dishonest scales do not please him. A person’s steps are directed by the Lord.    How then can anyone understand their own way? It is a trap to dedicate something rashly    and only later to consider one’s vows. A wise king winnows out the wicked;    he drives the threshing wheel over them. The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord    that sheds light on one’s inmost being. Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;    through love his throne is made secure. The glory of young men is their strength,    gray hair the splendor of the old. Blows and wounds scrub away evil,    and beatings purge the inmost being. Evening Reflection What do we do when no one is around? How do we act and behave when no one is looking? Are we as trustworthy when we think no one sees us, as we are when we know we’re being watched? Do we choose integrity over doing what seems easier? Because God always sees us, at all times, we know, as believers in Jesus Christ, that there is no hiding from His sight. But sometimes, we may think He isn’t really paying attention, and we can get away with things, stuff we believe is small and doesn’t really matter to Him, because we think it’s really no big deal, and besides, He understands our weaknesses. Although it’s true that God does understand our faults and shortcomings, of how we are tempted and sometimes fail, it doesn’t mean He is okay with them. It just means He knows the flesh is weak, and at times, we easily give into it.  Still, He also knows that He sent the Holy Spirit to help us, to lead and encourage us to choose integrity over temptation, whether anyone is watching us or not, knowing He is with us wherever we go, to help us resist choosing sinfulness over righteousness. Evening Prayer God,I ask You today to direct my steps, to teach me to choose integrity when no one sees me. Help me to be faithful to You in all I do, following Your just ways, weighing decisions and choices in life according to Your word and measures, rather than adapting to the world’s unjust methods of measuring and dishonest scales.Help me avoid creating strife with others and keep me from starting or entering quarrels with those around me. When I experience injury, disappointments, and rejection from others, strengthen me to let go of my hurt and pain and trust You to avenge me.Put a guard over my lips, so that when I’m tempted to gossip, my mouth does not give in. Empower me to live a blameless life before you and before those around me. Cleanse my heart so that I might live a pure and clean life.Amen Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Mark 8During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.” His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?”“How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked.“Seven,” they replied. He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people, and they did so. They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. About four thousand were present. After he had sent them away, he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha. The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.” Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side. The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.” Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” “Twelve,” they replied.“And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”They answered, “Seven.”He said to them, “Do you still not understand?” They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t even go into the village.”Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him. He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” Evening Reflection  Everything costs something. There is an opportunity cost, at least. Getting a hamburger at a restaurant means I don’t get anything else on the menu. Success in any endeavor will cost an investment of resources, hardship now for the reward later. An Olympic athlete sacrifices a “normal” life for the chance at a gold medal.  There is a cost to follow Jesus. On one level, following Jesus costs our own life. We submit our will and desires to his. We die to ourselves to live for him, willingly sacrificing a “normal” life for a higher, greater one. On another level, we face resistance in this world. Living for Christ and the Kingdom threatens and challenges the kingdoms of this world, and the Satan who thinks he runs them. We will face hardship and persecution, as Jesus did. Christ guarantees it. When Jesus prophesied his own crucifixion, Peter tried to deny it. No one would want to see someone they love so shamefully and excruciatingly executed, especially the promised Messiah. Yet Jesus has to correct Peter. Jesus would need to take up his cross. Christ goes even further to declare that everyone who follows the Son of God must choose to do the same.  This is a great cost. Thankfully, the cross wasn’t the end of Jesus’ story. Neither will it be ours. The reward and glory of the eternal resurrection will be worth any sacrifice made today. And our Kingdom “medal” is assured. Let us endure in such hope.  Evening Prayer  Heavenly Father,You call me to follow at a cost, and I choose to answer because you are more than worth it. I surrender my will, my desires, and my plans to you. Teach me to take up my cross daily and walk obediently, even when it brings difficulty or resistance. Strengthen me when I face sacrifice. Remind me that nothing lost for you is wasted. Fix my eyes on the secure and sure promise of the resurrection and eternal glory with you. Give me courage to live for your Kingdom first. Let this hope anchor my heart, and let me endure as I follow you.In Jesus’ name,Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture  Micah 6Listen to what the Lord says:“Stand up, plead my case before the mountains;    let the hills hear what you have to say.“Hear, you mountains, the Lord’s accusation;    listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth.For the Lord has a case against his people;    he is lodging a charge against Israel.“My people, what have I done to you?    How have I burdened you? Answer me.I brought you up out of Egypt    and redeemed you from the land of slavery.I sent Moses to lead you,    also Aaron and Miriam.My people, remember    what Balak king of Moab plotted    and what Balaam son of Beor answered.Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal,    that you may know the righteous acts of the Lord.” With what shall I come before the Lord    and bow down before the exalted God?Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,    with calves a year old?Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,    with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,    the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.    And what does the Lord require of you?To act justly and to love mercy    and to walk humbly with your God. Listen! The Lord is calling to the city—    and to fear your name is wisdom—    “Heed the rod and the One who appointed it.Am I still to forget your ill-gotten treasures, you wicked house,    and the short ephah, which is accursed?Shall I acquit someone with dishonest scales,    with a bag of false weights?Your rich people are violent;    your inhabitants are liars    and their tongues speak deceitfully.Therefore, I have begun to destroy you,    to ruin you because of your sins.You will eat but not be satisfied;    your stomach will still be empty.You will store up but save nothing,    because what you save I will give to the sword.You will plant but not harvest;    you will press olives but not use the oil,    you will crush grapes but not drink the wine.You have observed the statutes of Omri    and all the practices of Ahab’s house;    you have followed their traditions.Therefore I will give you over to ruin    and your people to derision;    you will bear the scorn of the nations.” Evening Reflection  Over the course of human history, we have asked: What does God require of us? How do we mortals please a righteous and all-powerful God? There are so many ways we try to please God through our own strength. We try to impress him with our abilities. We worship Him loudly, so we look good to others. We offer sacrifices in the hope of appeasing God. Yet, none of this is what he requires. Micah 6:8 declares,  “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” All God wants is our hearts. For us to humbly reach for his hand, moving forward one day at a time, allowing God to gently lead us, reliant on his grace and thankful for his provision. God calls us to embody justice and offer those around us mercy. The Bible makes it simple, but often living out this calling can challenge us.  Do we show mercy when our patience is running thin? When our loved ones are involved? When we can’t understand their point of view?  Do we walk with God when tragedy strikes? When our bodies break? When we lose someone we love?  Do we champion justice when maybe we have been the bad guy? Do we seek to repent when we have done wrong? Are we willing to stand in the gap when no one else is there to offer the grace required for justice to prevail?  Walking humbly with God requires our whole hearts. We have to trust God even when the path forward feels unclear. But the good news is that when we seek to truly do what God requires, he provides the strength we need for the work he has for us. His grace is sufficient to meet our needs!  Evening Prayer Father,I ask that you humbly take my hand and walk one day at a time with me. Show me your ways and teach me your paths. Guide me towards justice. Reveal to me when I need to repent, and how I can stand in the gap for the brokenhearted. Allow me the strength to be merciful with my loved ones, my community, and myself. Help me to give out freely the mercy you have so graciously provided for my life and future. Help me to do what is required of me by you, my God.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Psalm 71:1-8"In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;    let me never be put to shame.In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;    turn your ear to me and save me.Be my rock of refuge,    to which I can always go;give the command to save me,    for you are my rock and my fortress.Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,    from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel. For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord,    my confidence since my youth.From birth I have relied on you;    you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.    I will ever praise you.I have become a sign to many;    you are my strong refuge.My mouth is filled with your praise,    declaring your splendor all day long." Evening Reflection As the day winds down, Psalm 71 reminds us that no matter what happened today, God is our refuge and strength. We take our refuge in Him, and when we do that (not just say that), we will never be put to shame. He’s our righteous deliverer, steady rock, and home on which we can build our lives. Whether the day was full of tumultuous storms or beaming sunshine, those who place their hope in Him won’t be shaken. The imagery in this Psalm describes God as a God of strength. He delivers us from evildoers and is our rock and fortress. As you well know, a fortress is a safe place, a shelter from the storm. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, He will protect us. All we have to do is trust in Him. Sometimes, trusting God is easy—the sun is shining, and our ducks are all in a row. Others, not so much. It’s on those hard and stormy days that we must remember where we place our hope. Hope isn’t passive, but active. It’s alive and fierce. Even if all that looks like is opening your hands in a posture of surrender, that’s enough for today. When you think about your own life tonight, do you feel steady or shaken? Can you say that you trust God through every season of life, or just the good ones? Where do you place your hope? Psalm 71 reminds us that storms and sunshine will come. But God is faithful in both seasons. It’s up to us to continue trusting Him and believing that He’s who He says He is. From birth, we’ve relied on Him, and we must continue to do so. He’s our strong refuge, and we will praise Him. As you prepare for rest, ask yourself: Do I trust God in every season of life? If you struggle, ask Him for help. He’s faithful to provide. Evening Prayer Dear Jesus,As this day winds down, I surrender every season of my life to you. No matter what comes my way, you are good and faithful. You’re my strong tower and fortress. As I put my hope in you, hold me steady. Tonight, I want to rest in the shelter of your wings. Restore my heart and soul.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Your Nightly Scripture — 260-Day Bible Reading Plan for Peaceful Sleep is a calming, Scripture-centered devotional podcast designed to help you end each day with God’s Word. Brought to you by BibleStudyTools.com, this 5-day-a-week Bible reading plan features carefully selected passages from across the Bible, paired with slow, reflective devotionals and gentle evening prayers. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.