Your Nightly Scripture

Evening Scripture Psalm, Chapter 130 Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD;Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins. Evening Reflection Questions often dot our days, leaving us seeking answers. Why did this happen to me? When will this promise come to pass? What am I supposed to do? How can I keep going? Sometimes it seems as if there are too many questions and not enough answers. As it is, seeking God’s wisdom is not always quick or easy. Psalm 130, however, encourages us to wait in hope when the nightly whispers of “why, O Lord” become overwhelming, and no answer comes. The psalmist also voiced questions to God, wondering if He was listening. Reminding the Lord of his cries, the writer then speaks to himself. He touches upon the human tendency to forget the faithfulness and goodness of God, which is why he declares that he will wait expectantly for the Lord’s redemption – as expectantly as a watchman searching for the first glimmers of morning. He watches not because the darkness will last, but because the light will come. So it is with us. The same Lord who is overflowing with mercy and promises to redeem His people is the One we can rely on in our seasons of questioning and seeking. The “whys” and “what ifs” will likely continue to come to mind, especially in the quiet of evening. But when they do, we can speak to our doubts and fears: “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, And I wait for His Word” (Psalm 130:5). Or, as the prophet Micah said, echoing the words of the psalmist, “But as for me, I will be on the watch for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me” (Micah 7:7). The answers might not come as quickly as we want, but they will come as surely as the dawn. Let us watch and wait in hope. Evening Prayer Dear God, Every night I bring my questions to You, Lord, but night after night, I keep asking the same ones with no reply. Your Word tells me that You listen and hear my cries. Nothing goes unnoticed by You.  Instead of focusing on the slowness of the answer’s coming (at least slow according to my standards), fix my eyes on Your faithfulness. Let me meditate on Your mercy, remembering the grace You have shown in forgiving my sins. You are the great Redeemer, and so I look to you and wait, trusting You will bring about the answers to my questions in Your perfect timing. Until then, I wait and watch, trusting that You will act. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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 Samuel, Chapter 16 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” But Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.” The Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate.” Samuel did what the Lord said. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, “Do you come in peace?” Samuel replied, “Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.” Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the Lord chosen this one.”  Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah. Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him. Saul’s attendants said to him, “See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the lyre. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes on you, and you will feel better.” So Saul said to his attendants, “Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.” One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.” Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them with his son David to Saul. David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers. Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.” Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him. Evening Reflection If you are like many people, you have hopes, dreams, and desires living inside of you. These are things you would love to see happen in your life. Yet, as life progresses, it may seem as if the things you desire may never come to pass. Whether or not it does is God’s decision, but this chapter reminds us of the way God can change things in an instant.  Before David was anointed to be king, he was not spending his time hoping for the opportunity to lead the nation of Israel. Instead, he was in the field faithfully tending his sheep. He was being faithful in the dark. Yet, it was from this place of obscurity that God anointed him to be king. Remember, Jesse didn’t even bother to get David when Samuel showed up, so even his own father did not see what God saw. However, God did not see just a young man who was tending the sheep. He saw a young man who had a heart that would run after him, and that is what God was after. Not too long after being anointed, David ended up serving in the king’s palace. Again, this was not his own doing but God’s hand at work. So what is the reflection in all of this? First, what are you doing outside the spotlight? So much of our lives unfold away from the public eye, yet those private moments often determine where God leads you and how God uses you. Simply put, do your best when no one sees because that shows your integrity and character. And those are qualities God desires in his people. The second thing to remember is you don’t have to fuss and fight to get to the places God wants you to be in. He has an amazing way of opening and closing the right doors at the right time. You don’t have to worry about how you will get there. Your primary focus should be on drawing close to God and following his heart. When you do that, he will make sure you arrive exactly where he wants you to be. I promise you it will happen right on time. Evening Prayer Lord, I bring all my desires, my longings, my hopes, and my dreams before you. Sometimes it feels like these things are taking too long and they will never happen. In these moments, help me not to fight against your timing to make them happen, but help me draw closer to you.  As I bring my heart before you, help me not to be anxious, but to accept the season of preparation that I am in so that when you move, I am ready to stand in the places you have positioned me. Let me focus on doing my best when you are my only audience so that I will always please you when no one is watching. I surrender my heart and my future to you, knowing that you care and will always do what is for my good, and that you will always do it when the timing is right. Thank you for caring about my heart and for knowing I can trust you with it. Today, I recommit the plans for my life back into your hands. I pray all this in Jesus’ name. Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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 Deuteronomy, Chapter 31 Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel: “I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The Lord has said to me, ‘You shall not cross the Jordan.’ The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the Lord said. And the Lord will do to them what he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, whom he destroyed along with their land. The Lord will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the Levitical priests, who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and to all the elders of Israel. Then Moses commanded them: “At the end of every seven years, in the year for canceling debts, during the Festival of Tabernacles, when all Israel comes to appear before the Lord your God at the place he will choose, you shall read this law before them in their hearing. Assemble the people — men, women and children, and the foreigners residing in your towns — so they can listen and learn to fear the Lord your God and follow carefully all the words of this law. Their children, who do not know this law, must hear it and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as you live in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” The Lord said to Moses, “Now the day of your death is near. Call Joshua and present yourselves at the tent of meeting, where I will commission him.” So Moses and Joshua came and presented themselves at the tent of meeting. Then the Lord appeared at the tent in a pillar of cloud, and the cloud stood over the entrance to the tent. And the Lord said to Moses: “You are going to rest with your ancestors, and these people will soon prostitute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake me and break the covenant I made with them. And in that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. Many disasters and calamities will come on them, and in that day they will ask, ‘Have not these disasters come on us because our God is not with us?’ And I will certainly hide my face in that day because of all their wickedness in turning to other gods. “Now write down this song and teach it to the Israelites and have them sing it, so that it may be a witness for me against them. When I have brought them into the land flowing with milk and honey, the land I promised on oath to their ancestors, and when they eat their fill and thrive, they will turn to other gods and worship them, rejecting me and breaking my covenant. And when many disasters and calamities come on them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten by their descendants. I know what they are disposed to do, even before I bring them into the land I promised them on oath.” So Moses wrote down this song that day and taught it to the Israelites. The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.” After Moses finished writing in a book the words of this law from beginning to end, he gave this command to the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord: “Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God. There it will remain as a witness against you. For I know how rebellious and stiff-necked you are. If you have been rebellious against the Lord while I am still alive and with you, how much more will you rebel after I die! Assemble before me all the elders of your tribes and all your officials, so that I can speak these words in their hearing and call the heavens and the earth to testify against them. For I know that after my death you are sure to become utterly corrupt and to turn from the way I have commanded you. In days to come, disaster will fall on you because you will do evil in the sight of the Lord and arouse his anger by what your hands have made.” And Moses recited the words of this song from beginning to end in the hearing of the whole assembly of Israel: Evening Reflection Life often offers us more than our fair share of opportunities to be strong and courageous. There are events, seasons, performances, appointments, milestones, life changes, and more that we face that are scary. It would be so much easier to just hide and stop doing life instead of moving forward through a scary and unknown future. The Israelites faced one of those dreaded scary life changes. Moses was old and his time of leading them was coming to an end. After years of relying on Moses' instruction and connection with God, the people had to say goodbye, embrace a new leader, and finally move into the promised land. Knowing their fear and apprehension, Moses charged them to be strong and courageous. He reminded them that God is with them and ultimately God is their true leader, not Moses. This passage is one I’ve returned to many times, receiving these words of encouragement just as the Israelites did so long ago. I am reminded that God does not desire me to live in fear. He wants me to go boldly into the future, trusting Him to walk with me through all of my days. This passage reminds me that new seasons are not necessarily bad seasons. Change may feel uncomfortable, but it is part of God’s plan. We grow through change and challenges. What I perceive as a difficulty, God may be using as an opportunity to grow a more rooted faith. As you end the day, meditate on Moses' encouragement. You do not have to be afraid of the day ahead; God has gone before you. You can let go of your anxiety, trusting that a new or challenging season can be navigated with peace and bravery. Evening Prayer Father, I thank you for going before me and always being with me. Help me follow the instructions Moses gave to be strong and courageous. I am telling my soul to be brave and trust you. Help me to let go of my anxiety and walk with peace. Let your grace be sufficient for tomorrow. I will not worry about tomorrow because I know your mercies are new every morning. Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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 Revelation, Chapter 7 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000. After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes — who are they, and where did they come from?” I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. ‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Evening Reflection Spoiler alert. We know the end of the story.  My wife likes lighthearted books to read, nothing too serious or sad. When I suggest a book to read, she asks me, “Does anyone die at the end?” It might tell you the kind of books I like.  A bad ending can ruin a book or movie. The ending of Stephen King’s It is famous for the dumb ending, how a thousand pages or more led to … that? The final seasons of Game of Thrones and Stranger Things greatly disappointed fans. Predictable mysteries make us groan with almost physical pain.  In a story, it’s important to get the ending right. Great endings make us want to rewatch or reread the movie or book.  God’s telling a story, through us to eternal beings, showing his glory and wisdom through redeeming a people (Ephesians 3:10). The Bible reveals the arc from Genesis and tells us the end of the story. But it’s not a spoiler. We need to know or else we would give up. We would fall into despair in such a dark and evil world.  Revelation 7 reveals what we wait for. What we’ve been saved for. The secure hope we have in a God who has prepared a Kingdom of light, love, healing, fullness, and joy. One that will never end. This hope gives us peace and an anchor in the midst of troubles and chaos. A hope that will not disappoint. May we rest today in our future hope.  Evening Prayer Heavenly Father, Thank you for revealing the end of the story. When darkness and suffering surround me, anchor my heart in the hope you have promised us. Help me remember your Kingdom of light, healing, joy, and peace is coming to earth, I will be a part of it, and it will never end.  Strengthen my faith when I get weary due to present troubles. Keep my eyes on you and your covenant. Fill me with confidence that your plans will succeed and your redemption will reveal and celebrate your glory forever. Give me the eternal perspective to have courage, peace, and perseverance today.  In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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 31 The sayings of King Lemuel — an inspired utterance his mother taught him. Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers! Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings. It is not for kings, Lemuel — it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish! Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Evening Reflection Have you ever encountered a season of change and thought, Why am I not where I want to be?” From education to careers or callings and relationships, it’s easy to compare ourselves to others, or even former versions of ourselves. Not only that, it’s as if we expect instant transformation on demand. When we operate in this way, we have to admit it’s frustrating. No matter how hard we work, it’s still never good enough. But what if God never asked us to be anyone except the person He created us to be? When you think about your life, what areas are you still growing in? Are there places where you wish growth would happen faster? I know there often is for me. But instead of putting myself down, I’m learning that growth is a process. The person God created me to be has many different seasons, but they’re all still me. And guess what? They’re all still you, too. I used to hate when people would compare themselves to the Proverbs 31 woman. Not because she wasn’t admirable, she was, but because becoming her felt impossible. The reality is, the Proverbs 31 woman wasn’t born this way. But over time, she became her. The next time you’re tempted to compare yourself to others, or even former or future versions of yourself, reflect on these questions: What qualities is God developing in me right now? Where have I seen growth in my life over the past year? Am I focusing more on my shortcomings or God's faithfulness? Though a lengthy passage, Proverbs 31 reminds us that God develops strength, wisdom, and character over time. Spiritual growth is a process, not a destination, and no matter what, our identity is found in who God created us to be, not in our achievements. God is still working in us even when we can't see immediate results. God is still working in us, even if we don’t like the versions of ourselves we presently are. Tonight, as you prepare for rest, don’t knock yourself down for who you aren’t; remember who you’re still becoming. Then, ask yourself these questions How have I seen God's hand shaping me recently? What expectations do I need to surrender to Him? How can I trust God's timing for my growth? Evening Prayer Dear Jesus, Tonight, I want to thank you for creating me with purpose. Instead of seeing the Proverbs 31 woman as a threat or an impossible goal, let me see her as someone I can become and grow into over time. I surrender my desire to rush the process of growth, and I trust the work you’re doing in my life. Help me to rest in your love and grace as you continue to shape me. I love you, Lord. Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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 25 At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’ His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’ His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life. Evening Reflection Delays make us lose hope.  God promises reward, that all things work together for good for those who love and follow him. Yet his timing works differently than our expectations sometimes, and it seems like something we desire or hope for will never happen. We get discouraged or distracted or simply caught up in other things. Galatians 6:9 tells us to not grow weary in doing good. Why? “… for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” If we don’t lose heart. The Bible says “don’t give up” or something similar hundreds of times, which means we all need this encouragement.  Matthew 25 includes three parables, each with encouragement for reward and a warning for losing heart. If we maintain our inner spiritual life, we get to attend the heavenly wedding feast. If we continue to invest our gifts and the Gospel into the world, then we get even more Kingdom wealth. If we give to the needy and marginalized, we enter heavenly glory.  And we are warned the opposite is true. If we give up on any of those, we get punishment and separation.  We will reap what we sow in the Kingdom. Our work for Christ won’t be in vain. God is faithful to fulfill his promises. Let us not lose heart in our season and see the harvest he so desires to give us.  Evening Prayer Heavenly Father, Strengthen my heart when delays tempt me to lose hope. Help me trust your timing and remain faithful in doing the good work you’ve put before me. Guard me from discouragement, distraction, and weariness. Fill me with confidence that your promises are true and you will bring a harvest in the right season.  Teach me to invest my gifts, share your Word, and care for those in need with perseverance and joy, expecting you to keep your promises. Keep my eyes fixed on Christ and the eternal reward you have prepared for your people. Make me steadfast and faithful until the day I see your harvest.  In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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, Chapter 1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God — the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.  First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you. I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong — that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles. I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed — a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”  The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator — who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. Evening Reflection Many Christians seem to find the cross of Christ much easier to grasp than the Holy Spirit of Christ dwelling within us. Oh sure, you say you have faith in Christ – but living that out in your everyday life can be a challenge. We can certainly explain Christ’s sacrifice for us, but we struggle to explain the Holy Spirit within us.  As you look at your life, do you wonder how you could still be living the way you do? How can you have the Holy Spirit within you when you still feel jealousy, anger, or lack of compassion? How about the occasional lies? Or maybe you feel a bit too focused on what the world offers. Then, add in all of your worries – kids, jobs, finances, diagnoses and more – and somehow it doesn’t feel like the Holy Spirit is at work in you, right?  Sometimes you question, both yourself and God. How can God still love me when I live this way? Well, Paul tells us to have faith – and our faith will overcome all of those things. Like when you travel, you can’t fly the plane, instead you must trust the pilot. God is so much more. In Romans 1 we learn all people face judgment for sin (v. 18-32.) But first and foremost, Paul declares that the gospel is the “power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (v. 16) and through the gospel, God’s righteousness is revealed “by faith from first to last” (v. 17). Faith allows us to replace God’s judgment with peace and a gateway to His grace. Salvation is not earned by anything you could possibly do or not do. Salvation is through trust in Jesus – through faith in Him. When you truly grasp this, you can then be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). You can stop your striving, end your fear, and begin trusting God’s promises. Yet, faith is not just for salvation, but for the way we live. Paul quotes Habakkuk and tells us “The righteous will live by faith” (v. 17). Through Christ, you are righteous. It means knowing the gospel – trusting Christ and walking in the Spirit (Romans 8:2), guided by God’s truth rather than our fears, our worries of failure, or of God’s wrath. Evening Prayer Father, Please help me to live as you would have me live, with a foundation of faith in Jesus. Help me to trust in the righteousness of Christ rather than my own strength and my own actions. Help me to live my life by the fruit of His Spirit. With compassion, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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, Chapter 127 Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat — for he grants sleep to those he loves. Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. Evening Reflection Watching endless DIY and cooking shows, it becomes clear that the quality of one’s work can be subjective. There are varying views and opinions on the creator’s skill and expertise. Colors, tastes, styles, workmanship, craft, and more are all up to personal and group evaluations. Even when we do our very best, it may not meet another’s standards or expectations, although we may have wholeheartedly and tirelessly labored and sweated over it. Still, no matter how much effort and time we put into it, or how long we work, it may not meet someone else’s expectations. Yet, we don’t have to be discouraged if we’re entrusting our work to the Lord, doing it unto Him, to the best of our ability. We know that it’s His approval that truly matters. Pleasing God is a higher calling than pleasing others, especially when we realize that their eyes may have varying values, viewpoints, ideas, and expectations, the kind that change over time. Yet God’s standards remain the same, constant, steady, not ever leaving us feeling insecure, wondering if we’ll meet His expectations. When we entrust our work to the Lord – unlike the uncertainties, ups-and-downs, and ever- changing plans that often come when working for men and women – we can trust His calm and stable guidance of our hands, ideas, and skills. We know that He leads us with His wisdom and knowledge so that we can lean on Him, rather than our own understanding. We trust Him to keep us on the right track with our work. Evening Prayer God, Thank You that I can come to You, asking for Your help and entrusting my work hourly, daily, and even minute-by-minute to You. Lead me each day, and throughout the night, too, in my labor to follow Your leading and to yield to Your purposes and plans for my work. Let the work of my hand glorify You in all that I do. Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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 15 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” Evening Reflection The parable of the Prodigal Son, as it is commonly called, is one of the most profound teachings in Scripture. Yet its truth is one we often miss. We tend to focus too much on the prodigal, the wayward child. We describe his insult to his Father, the lure of dissolute living, and his decision to run away from home. But this wonderful parable is not about the child at all; it is about the loving Father. Jesus tells a story of a father, who despite the insult and rejection received from both of his children, longs to receive them into his home. Both children reject the Father. The younger child squanders his inheritance, parties hard, and loses everything. He comes home in disgrace, believing himself to be no more worthy than a common slave. The older child, the dutiful one, is no better. He clearly distains his Father, stating that he sees him as an enslaving tyrant. Both children live in a state of distance from their grace-filled Father.  But to these children, the Father acts in astounding love. Instead of rejecting the children – something that would have been seen as culturally appropriate, he receives them. Instead of lambasting them, he loves upon them. And even though they are far off, standing in darkness, the Father goes out to meet them. To the younger child while he was still on the road, and to the elder while he stands in the darkness.  What this Scripture teaches us is that no matter what has transpired in our lives, or how many times we have rejected God’s presence, Our lord comes to meet us. God forgives our sin, wraps us in robes of grace, and welcomes us into his eternal home. Our heavenly Father is rich in love, and abounding in mercy. All you need to do is be willing to come home. Evening Prayer Gracious Father, There are simply no words to describe your lovingkindness. I cannot fathom how deep your mercy is, as you willingly come to me despite all the twists and turns of my life. When I am faithless, you O God remain faithful. When I reject you, you refuse to reject me. Always you make the invitation for me to come and dwell in the house of your eternal love. Lord, in this moment, I turn to you. I place before you any wandering I have done, any sin I have committed, trusting that your grace covers all. As you received the prodigal, Lord Jesus, please receive me, and help me to live as your precious and beloved child. This I pray in the name of Jesus, Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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, Chapter 62 Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down — this leaning wall, this tottering fence? Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Surely the lowborn are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie. If weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them. One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and, “You reward everyone according to what they have done.” Evening Reflection Have you ever been so tired that no amount of sleep, rest, relaxation, or energy drinks seems to help? Or, maybe no matter how exhausted you are, sleep eludes you? Your body might be fatigued, but your mind is still working overtime without pay. Just a few nights ago, this was me. My day had been overwhelming, to say the least. I’d walked 20,000 steps, been to three places, written 4 articles, and was still kicking by 9 p.m. Until my mind wouldn’t shut off. As I tossed and turned, I replayed conversations from the day and worries from the night. No matter how many sheep I counted, I knew I wasn’t going to get much sleep. When you think about your life, what keeps you up? Are you restless? Worried? Scared? In Psalm 62, David gives us a picture of rest that you might find surprising. While many of his psalms praise and thank God, this one isn’t written from a perfectly peaceful life, but quite the opposite. He’s facing enemies, fake friends, and very real battles. And yet, he repeatedly declares that his soul finds rest in God. How can this be possible? Because David knows rest will never be found in our circumstances but in our God. And when we shift our eyes from what we see to who He is, that changes everything. You and I will still face hard times and many questions without answers, but this passage reminds us to take the pressure off ourselves: rest is a gift that comes from God. Yes, we need to have healthy bedtime habits, sleep well, and take care of our bodies, but rest isn’t always the result of circumstances becoming peaceful. Deep soul rest is choosing where we run with that unrest. Will we continue to run to our problems or our God? David is honest with God about what he’s carrying. But he also asks Him to remind him where his hope is found. We can do the same. Tonight, as you prepare for rest, ask yourself: What am I trying to carry alone that I need to talk to God about? What do I know about God’s character in this situation? What would it look like to rest with God this evening? Then, take a slow, deep breath and have an honest heart-to-heart with Him. Evening Prayer Dear Jesus, Tonight, my soul feels weary. I’m carrying ____ and need your help. Thank you for allowing me to express how I’m feeling. Thank you for being my Rock, Refuge, and Safe place. As I pour out my heart to you, hear my pleas. Allow me to find deep rest in you. I love you, Lord. Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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 John, Chapter 1 The elder, to the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth — and not I only, but also all who know the truth — because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love. It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work. I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. The children of your sister, who is chosen by God, send their greetings. Evening Reflection Jesus set the ultimate example of walking in both truth and love. We, too, are called to live and love like Him. That feels like a tall order, and it is. To live and love like Jesus will cost you and me many things. But what we gain in eternal perspective and faithful endurance will be worth more than anything we lose in this world. Tonight you may read this and feel like you cannot measure up to such a standard, and I want to offer you the best news: the Lord is not asking you to be perfect. He’s not holding His love on a pedestal, only willing to extend it if you perform better or act better. Loving and living like Jesus is a process, a journey of sanctification that comes through conviction and a willing heart. A journey that ultimately bears fruit as time goes on. One of the greatest followers of Jesus we can look to who lived this balance well is Peter. He struggled, and yet he lived fully surrendered to what Jesus asked of Him. It was his heart posture that mattered most. He leaned into truth, walked in love, and lived with the desire to be like Christ to those he encountered. We have this opportunity, too. When the areas are revealed that need work, we work on them. Where fruit is shown, we should celebrate seeing the good work of Christ in our hearts. We can delight in the pursuit of living like Jesus, even if we know we will fall short. Evening Prayer Father, Thank you for giving us your Word to show us how to walk in truth and love; most of all, thank you for sending your son, Jesus, to give us the perfect example of living out your call on the believer's life. Please help me as I grow in my faith to live fully surrendered to you and what you desire of me. Help me live with a posture of pursuit and delight in walking with you, even when it challenges me. I pray to be a bright light in this world, one that shines your truth and love. Help me to have the courage to do what pleases you over what pleases the world. Make me more like you. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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, Chapter 52 Awake, awake, Zion, clothe yourself with strength! Put on your garments of splendor, Jerusalem, the holy city. The uncircumcised and defiled will not enter you again. Shake off your dust; rise up, sit enthroned, Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains on your neck, Daughter Zion, now a captive. For this is what the LORD says: “You were sold for nothing, and without money you will be redeemed.” For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “At first my people went down to Egypt to live; lately, Assyria has oppressed them. “And now what do I have here?” declares the LORD. “For my people have been taken away for nothing, and those who rule them mock, ” declares the LORD. “And all day long my name is constantly blasphemed. Therefore my people will know my name; therefore in that day they will know that it is I who foretold it. Yes, it is I." How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the LORD returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes. Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God. Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the articles of the LORD’s house. But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard. See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. Just as there were many who were appalled at him — his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness — so he will sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand. Evening Reflection The Bible never promises us a life of ease and comfort. On the contrary, Jesus promises us trouble in John 16:33. Thankfully, he next tells us to reject fear because he has overcome the world. This could be a summary of Isaiah 52 above.  Despite how the Bible continually tells us we’ll have battles and challenges, both in outright teaching and the narrative of every God follower we read about in Scripture, we still get surprised when hard times come our way. Many even question God’s goodness when tragedy strikes.  God doesn’t promise we’ll avoid difficult situations, whether betrayal or accident or disease. He does promise that he’ll provide his peace and victory in the midst of each circumstance, helping us to persevere in faith and see him fulfill his promises in our lives. Just as Christ endured the cross with the hope before him, so do we our own.  Isaiah 52 describes how the people of God have been placed under the yoke of blasphemous and oppressive powers. Not fun. However, the Good News is also declared. God will be victorious over all things and bring his people with him into a good land.  When we get overwhelmed, fixing our eyes on this sure hope provides us his shalom, his complete peace that passes understanding in the middle of our difficult journey. The peace now is connected to our hope in Christ.  Evening Prayer Heavenly Father, We praise you that Jesus has already overcome the world. When trials, sickness, and sorrows come, help us reject fear and trust your promises. Fill us with your shalom that passes understanding and secures our hearts in the storms of life. Keep our eyes focused on the hope set before us, just as Christ endured the cross for the joy ahead.  Sustain us to persevere in faith when circumstances seem overwhelming by resting in you as our peace. Remind us of the goodness, faithfulness, and kindness of your character. Help us to choose to lay down in the green pastures of your peace, knowing you will bring us safely into the fullness of your kingdom and joy.  In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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 17 Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you. “Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? Won’t he rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’ ” Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him — and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Then he said to his disciples, “The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. People will tell you, ‘There he is!’ or ‘Here he is!’ Do not go running off after them. For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other. But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. “It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. “It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day no one who is on the housetop, with possessions inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left. ” “Where, Lord?” they asked. He replied, “Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather.” Evening Reflection Isn’t it funny how quickly we notice everything that went wrong with a day instead of what went right? Let me give you a recent example. It was a Monday morning, and my plans got shifted dramatically. As soon as I woke up, I could tell I was stressed, irritable, and going to have a rough day. But that morning, before the day really had a chance to begin, I prayed, “Lord, this day is in your hands. Please be with me and help me not to be irritable.” It wasn’t easy, but that shift changed the day. In the past, I would’ve said the whole day was “bad” simply because it didn’t go the way I originally intended or planned. The reality is, sometimes we don’t need our plans to change, but we need to change our perspective within them. I’m not saying we need to “just be thankful,” or ignore the hardships of our day. It’s important to be honest with God about what we’re experiencing. But it’s also important that we focus on what we know to be true. In Luke 17, there are ten lepers who need Jesus’ miraculous healing. All ten are healed, but only one, and a Samaritan at that, comes back to thank Him. When I read that story, I often think, where did the other nine go? What were they so preoccupied that they couldn’t at least thank Jesus for healing them? And then it hit me: I’m often tempted to do the same, especially when my days get reoriented to perhaps His or another’s plan or agenda. I don’t know how your day is going so far. I don’t know if you’ve had the best Monday or the worst one yet. Is it going according to plan, or has everything gotten erased off the calendar? But I do know this: One leper stopped and chose to remember what Jesus had done no matter how busy his schedule was. He returned to give thanks because he made it a priority. Jesus knew his full story — the good, the bad, and the ugly. When you think about your life, what are you most likely to notice at the end of a hard day? What went wrong or what went right? Are you like the lepers who were too preoccupied by the rest of their day that they forgot to make room for Jesus within it, or are you the one who returned? The one who said, here I am, Lord. Here are my hurts. Won’t you heal me? And He does. Jesus heals those who thank Him and those who don’t. But shouldn’t we be willing to praise and thank the One who gave His all for us? Even when it wasn’t timely, fun, or according to His plan? Absolutely. Today, might I encourage you to talk honestly to God about the state of your heart? Bring your complaints. But thank Him too. Then answer these three questions: What is one thing God has done for me that I forgot to thank Him for? Do I thank God when He gives me something and reflect on the moment, or just jump to the next need? Which leper are you? As you prepare for rest, ask yourself: Where did I see God’s goodness, even if today wasn’t a walk in the park? How can that shift my perspective of the day? Evening Prayer Dear Jesus, Thank you for loving me enough to heal me. Please forgive me when I’m more focused on what’s missing than what you’ve already given me. Help me notice your goodness even when life is hard, and teach me to bring my complaints to you without allowing them to consume me. I love, praise, and thank you, Lord. Change me from the inside out. Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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 6 Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so. It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case — the things that have to do with salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. Evening Reflection Some days just feel heavier than others. Maybe today didn’t go the way you hoped. Maybe you received disappointing news. Maybe this is another day where you had to watch someone else receive the very thing you’ve been praying for. You find yourself asking, “God, why is this so hard? Why is this so unfair and seems like others have it so much easier?” If that’s where you are tonight, I want you to know you’re not alone. For years, bedtime was often the hardest part of my day. It was when the distractions of the day faded and the uncertainty grew louder. After another negative pregnancy test or another heartbreaking loss, I’d lie awake wondering why becoming a mom seemed so effortless for everyone else while our story felt marked by waiting and disappointment after disappointment. It all felt heavy, and if I’m honest, it felt so unfair and cruel — as if we were the only ones forgotten. Looking back now, I know God wasn’t absent. He wasn’t ignoring my prayers. And He certainly wasn’t finished writing my story. Hebrews 6 has become one of my favorite chapters because it reminds us that our hope has never been built on our circumstances — it has always been built on the character of God. For the past several years, I was so focused on the outcome of our circumstance that it took my focus off God Himself. Earlier in the chapter, we’re reminded that God cannot lie. His promises are trustworthy because He is trustworthy. He is a promise-keeper God. Then, in verse 19, we’re given one of the most comforting pictures in all of Scripture: “This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.” An anchor doesn’t stop the storm from coming. God didn’t remove every heartbreak or answer every prayer when I wanted Him to. Instead, He anchored my soul so disappointment wouldn’t pull me away from Him. While I thought He was silent, He was strengthening my faith. While I questioned His timing, He was preparing me for blessings I couldn’t yet imagine. I was becoming a woman of faith in the storm because He anchored my soul in Him and Him alone – not in the outcome. Maybe your season of heaviness or feelings of things being unfair looks different than mine. Maybe you’re praying for healing, restoration in your marriage, financial provision, a prodigal child, or simply for tomorrow to feel lighter than today. Whatever you’re carrying tonight, don’t let today’s circumstances determine what you believe about God’s character. Although our circumstances might change, God never does. He is still faithful. He is still good. And His plans are for our good, even if they don’t feel good right now. He is a promise-keeper God. And in the midst of the storms of life, is when we need to cling to and anchor ourselves in Him more than ever. Be encouraged that the same God who carried me through years of waiting is carrying you tonight. So, before you close your eyes, rest in this truth: your hope isn’t anchored in what happened today. It’s anchored in the God who has never failed you and never will. Evening Prayer Dear Father, As I end this day, I come before You with an honest heart. You know the burdens I’ve been carrying, the disappointments I’ve tried to push through, and the questions I have. Thank You that I don’t have to pretend with You. You already know my heart, and You lovingly invite me to bring every fear, every tear, and every unanswered prayer into Your presence. Lord, I know what it feels like to wait. I know what it feels like to wonder why the answer hasn’t come yet. Thank You for reminding me through my own story that even when I couldn’t see You working, You never stopped. Not even for a single second. Every prayer was heard. Every tear was seen. Every moment of waiting was held in Your hands. Tonight, I pray for the person whose heart feels heavy. Remind them that You have not forgotten them. Strengthen them when they feel weary, comfort them when they feel discouraged, and anchor their hearts in the hope that only You can give. Help them trust that Your timing is never late and Your plans are always good, even when life feels unfair and it doesn’t feel good in the moment.  As I lay down to sleep, I surrender everything I cannot control. I release my timeline, my expectations, and my fears into Your faithful hands. Fill my heart with Your peace, quiet my anxious thoughts, and help me wake tomorrow with renewed hope, knowing that the God who held me today will still be holding me tomorrow. Thank You for being my anchor through every storm. In Jesus’ name, Amen Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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, Chapter 121 I lift up my eyes to the hills.From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord,who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved;he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israelwill neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper;the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day,nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil;he will keep your life. The Lord will keepyour going out and your coming infrom this time forth and forevermore. Evening Reflection What a beautiful gift we find in the penning of Psalm 121. It gives us an invitation to breathe easier and rest our weary hearts into the hands of our Creator. We’re given several promises from the Lord. He tells us that when we look to Him, we will find help. Our feet will not be moved unless He permits it. He does not ever take His eyes off of you and me. He is our keeper; our safest place. He keeps the harsh conditions of this world from scorching us. He watches with perfect care and intention from morning till night. He shields us from evil. The schemes of the enemy have no place where His hands are holding us. He is the galvanized steel plate that blocks the fiery darts blasted by the evil one. He covers our coming and going, which means we are taken care of entirely. He has every detail under complete control. There is not a moment of misstep when it comes to the Father. He is fully good and the most trustworthy. Whatever it is that you’re carrying tonight, your Father wants you to bring it to His feet. He calls you to surrender to Him as He fulfills His role as Helper, Comforter, and Provider. And though the circumstances may not change, when we find ourselves at His feet, we find an assurance of His presence. The author of Psalm 121 tells us two stories. One is of a man who loved the Lord and found himself in a difficult place, yet followed His Father for the way out. The other is a story written about our perfect Creator. Each paints a picture of the reality of this life. We need to follow the Lord always. We need to trust His way forward and His way out of trials. Most of all, we see that God is willing and able to do all good things through every facet of our life. Evening Prayer Father, Thank you for being faithful and trustworthy. Your Word reminds us that we not only can depend on you, but fully devote our lives to you. You make ways forward when it feels there is no way out. You remind me that you delight in my coming to your feet. Holy Spirit, please help me lay down all my cares and concerns at your feet. Please help me in areas where my trust falls short and when my worry gets the best of me. Thank you, Father, for sending Jesus to take my place and be my Savior. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined — and everyone undergoes discipline — then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done. You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.” But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken — that is, created things — so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” Evening Reflection Where do look when life gets hard? Where do we place our focus? If you’re like me, too often we look to our own strengths. Actually, I focus more on what I can’t do more than what I can do. I focus on my inabilities, my frailty, or my failing. When life turns difficult, and I need to persevere through a time of trial or struggle, the things that keep me stuck glare at me. I criticize and condemn myself for all the ways that I am not as strong as I think I should be, as smart as I pretend to be, or as put together as I seem to be.   Hebrews 12 reminds us that the life of faith can be difficult. One of the most important elements that we see in Scripture is that it presents to us a realistic look of the life of faith. Life can be hard; there is no sugar coating this. We need not pretend that this isn’t the case, or that the perfectly faithful somehow rise to a life devoid of hardship. No. Life can be filled with struggles and trials where we feel stretched beyond our capabilities.   But while this is an important truth for us, more important is this: We are not alone. We are to fix our eyes on Jesus, the one who walks before us, guiding our way. Nothing in life can overtake his presence in our lives, and his power at work in us. Instead of looking to all the ways you may feel out of your depth, turn your eyes to Jesus. Fix your gaze on him. Because as you follow his lead, placing your footsteps in his, there is nothing you can’t walk through. There is nothing you can’t overcome. Evening Prayer Tonight’s prayer is taken from the Lyrics of the Hymn “Turn your eyes upon Jesus” written by Helen H. Lemmel in 1922. O Soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There is light for a look at the Saviour, and Life more abundant and free. Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth with grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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 Exodus, Chapter 14Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon. Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are wandering around the land in confusion, hemmed in by the desert.’ And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.” So the Israelites did this.When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, “What have we done? We have let the Israelites go and have lost their services!” So he had his chariot made ready and took his army with him. He took six hundred of the best chariots, along with all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them. The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out boldly. The Egyptians—all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, horsemen and troops—pursued the Israelites and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi Hahiroth, opposite Baal Zephon. As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!”Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I gain glory through Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen.” Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so neither went near the other all night long.Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.The Egyptians pursued them, and all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and horsemen followed them into the sea. During the last watch of the night the Lord looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion. He jammed the wheels of their chariots so that they had difficulty driving. And the Egyptians said, “Let’s get away from the Israelites! The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.” Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea went back to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing toward it, and the Lord swept them into the sea. The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. That day the Lord saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. Evening Reflection Humans are firm believers in the laws of this world. We are quick to assert that something is impossible. There is no doubt in our minds that gravity will keep us on Earth, or our lungs will convert the atmosphere into life on our behalf. As we grow, we observe the laws of nature, and we respect them. They set order in an otherwise chaotic world. God set these laws in motion. He is the one who tells the waters of the oceans to stop, for waves to crash, and land to begin. The predictability of nature is a comfort; it helps us understand the bounds of this existence and make sense of our humanity. There are times when we are too quick to see only limitations. While God set our world in motion, we cannot forget that He also has the power to miraculously intervene when He sees fit.  This was the case with the Israelites, who had been trapped in slavery for much too long. God became impatient with their oppression and made a way for his people to find freedom. God sent plagues that defied the rules of nature to show his power and might. Eventually, the Pharaoh reluctantly let the Israelites go, but even after bearing witness to God’s great power and wrath, he still sent his Chariots after the escaping crowds of people. God once again made the impossible possible, pulling back the waters of the sea so his people could escape.  Are you waiting for God to pull back the waters on your behalf? Do you anticipate God doing the impossible so you can make it to the Promised Land? Or have you given up hope, lacking the faith of a mustard seed that can move mountains? It’s easy to lose hope. To believe what others have always said about you. To succumb to your circumstances. God invites us to trust him in all things, believing that he will make our path straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). You are invited to watch with anticipation as God makes a way when you and others cannot see one.  Evening Prayer God,We believe that you are greater than the laws of nature. That you can do abundantly above and beyond all we could think, ask, or imagine. We do not give up hope, but we trust that you are working even when we can’t see it yet. In our moments of despair, remind us of the Israelites who you saw, you loved, and you moved the sea so they could find freedom. Move my sea, Jesus, make a way for me. Help me find my Promised Land.Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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 Peter, Chapter 2Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and,“A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. Evening Reflection  I remember being picked last in middle school gym class. At least, for some sports. I was thin and clumsy, tall and gangly, so I would get picked last for football or softball.  The New Testament shares how God chose us first. Not based on our ability or how cool we were, but on his love for us and his intrinsic valuation of us. In one sense, God chooses the things or people this world considers “weak” and “poor” over the rich and strong (1 Corinthians 1:27). Good news indeed. Those who follow Jesus respond to how he first called us; he chose us in Christ before time began (Ephesians 1:4, 2 Timothy 1:9).  God chose us for a purpose, to live as Christ and enjoy a relationship with the Father eternally; Peter outlines the ways to live as the chosen. Ultimately, our goal remains to focus on Jesus and obey him, using him as the model. Being in Christ, and Christ in us, we’ve been empowered to live like Jesus—as a living stone, a priest of God, rejected by humanity, accepted by the Father, praising God with our mouth, living free from sin and vice and self, serving others with love, and persevering through suffering and rejection.  To live chosen, we exhibit the character of the Living One within us. Submitting to God as such a living sacrifice, we will endure to receive our Kingdom resurrection.  Evening Prayer Heavenly Father,You chose me in Christ before the foundation of the world, not because of my strength but because of your love. I praise you that I’m not forgotten or overlooked, but chosen and precious in your sight.Help me to rest in your grace and Spirit to be a living stone, built into your spiritual house, and a faithful priest who intercedes and lives as a continual sacrifice for you. Shape my heart to reflect Jesus in his humility, obedience, and love. Help me turn from sin, self, and then live in freedom. You have already accepted me. Let my life express your praises. Form Christ in and through me as I walk in your purpose each day.In Jesus’ name,Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Proverbs 28The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them.Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse. A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding. Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder will seek refuge in the grave; let no one hold them back. The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.To show partiality is not good— yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them. Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.Whoever robs their father or mother and says, “It’s not wrong,” is partner to one who destroys.The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive. Evening Reflection  Jesus found it important to warn us about temptations. We are bombarded every day with messages and images that tantalize and provoke us. Sexual and material lusts and the pride of life (1 John 2:16) can be strong forces. Jesus told Peter to “watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (Matthew 26:41) Even in the Lord’s Prayer, we are taught to pray about temptation. Yet, despite our very best efforts, every one of us experiences temptation. Let’s face it, if Jesus could be tempted, we certainly know we can and will be. But what happens when we are? Certainly, some temptations are much stronger and more difficult to resist than others – but what about those times we are leaning into them? Ready to give in? When the evil one attacks, we respond by following Jesus’ example. The psalmist tells us, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (119:11) While we may not memorize scripture word for word, we know in our hearts what it tells us; we know what we can lean into, because His word is buried in our hearts. Armed with His Spirit and the truth of His word, we are equipped to handle whatever temptations may come our way.  Paul promises that no matter what trials and temptations may come our way, God will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear – and He will always provide a way out. (1 Corinthians 10:13) Proverbs 28 tells us the importance of integrity and of righteousness when we resist temptation - and it warns that those who are wicked will face consequences. It teaches us to seek wisdom from the Lord and guidance to help us travel through what will assuredly come our way. When we find ourselves overwhelmed by temptation, we can turn to God in prayer, and He will be there for us because He is faithful. Amazing Grace's daily devotional recently stated that “Sin makes us stupid. Victory over the power of sin will come only as we lean on the strength and wisdom of Christ.”  Evening Prayer Oh God,I know you are always there for me. I know you see the temptations I am facing. Remove this temptation from me, Lord – but if you do not, please let your Spirit do His work in me and help see me through it.Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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, Chapter 12Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him. The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!”“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Blessed is the king of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!” Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die. The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?” Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them. Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn—and I would heal them.” Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him. Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God. Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.” Evening Reflection  Light changes things and brings life. Sunlight gives warmth and empowers growth. A candle at night helps us see where we’re going. Keeps us from falling into a pit. John 12 records Christ’s words in Jerusalem a few days before his crucifixion. First, Jesus teaches to walk in the light, or else darkness will “overtake” us, overwhelm us, steal and destroy us. A few verses later, Jesus claims to be the light, and this was his purpose: to be the light and save us from darkness. Darkness has no substance. It’s only the absence of light; darkness symbolizes death, emptiness. Further, Jesus equates light with the words he speaks. The “light” includes hearing the voice and instruction of he who is the Light.  To be in the light, then, means obeying Jesus’ teachings. This goes beyond mere moral instruction. At the core, to follow the light begins with believing what he says about the Father, about himself, the Spirit, and us. From this relational reconciliation, living and loving in truth, our lives then exhibit right action.  Our primary goal must be to draw near to Christ, the Light, and cling to him as a Person, hearing and obeying his voice of love to save us from the darkness that threatens to overtake us. This will take us down roads of adventure and battle, joy and sorrow, as we also become the light in a dark world, and the end will be absolute good because we were in him the whole time.  Evening Prayer Heavenly Father,Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, as the Light. He has entered the darkness to save us. Draw me near to you and teach me to walk in your light so darkness won’t overtake me. Let your words guide my steps, transform my mind, and anchor my heart in truth. I choose to believe what you say about the Father, about yourself, and about who I am in you.Drive out every threatening shadow that disrupts my vision of you. Help me to take captive every thought that exalts itself against you and replace those lies with your truth. Give me the courage to obey your voice, even when the path leads to battles or sacrifice, knowing you give resurrection and life. Fill me with you so I shine your light to others.In Jesus’ name,Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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 Philippians, Chapter 2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me. Evening Reflection I was frustrated. No, honestly, I was beyond mad. Tired of those around me getting what I worked so hard to achieve. Not only that, but I was exhausted by insecurity and self-protection. Attempting to defend and prove myself, seeking validation in all the wrong places. Choosing the mind of Christ, especially when we’re facing comparisons, difficult relationships, pride, or struggles with self-worth, isn’t easy. Our natural mindset often centers and thrives on survival, recognition, and control. But is that what Paul describes in Philippians 2? Probably not. In Philippians 2, Paul calls the believers to adopt the mindset of Christ. Jesus had all authority, yet He chose a life of humility and servanthood because He knew that what was ahead would be better than anything He left behind. Unlike many in the world around Him, Jesus didn’t cling to status or security. He willingly humbled Himself, and His obedience ultimately led to sacrifice. There’s a misconception today that humility is self-hatred or making oneself invisible. Both couldn’t be further from the truth. The “mind of Christ” doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself, but rather finding your security and identity in Christ alone. It’s allowing us to love others freely, without comparing ourselves to them. Anxiety and insecurity will continue to tempt us towards these inclinations of comparison and self-protection, but Jesus models surrender, steadiness, and obedience rooted in trust. Her success doesn’t equate to your failure. Choosing this mindset daily is difficult, and we won’t do it perfectly. But over time, God can shape our hearts and produce real strength. Strength that looks gentler and more humble than the world. Strength that makes peace, compassion, and healthier relationships a priority. What mindset have you been carrying lately? Confess it to God and remind yourself of this truth: I must operate from my identity in Christ and not insecurity.   Evening Prayer Dear God,Tonight, I release the pressure to prove myself. You gave your life so that I would be set free, but also to show me that my worth isn’t earned by what I do. Please renew my mind and shape my heart to look more like you. I love you, Jesus!Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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 107 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness, prisoners suffering in iron chains, because they rebelled against God’s commands and despised the plans of the Most High. So he subjected them to bitter labor;  they stumbled, and there was no one to help. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron. Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy. Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,  and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders. He turned rivers into a desert, flowing springs into thirsty ground, and fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who lived there. He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs; there he brought the hungry to live, and they founded a city where they could settle. They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest;  he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased, and he did not let their herds diminish. Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled by oppression, calamity, and sorrow; he who pours contempt on nobles made them wander in a trackless waste. But he lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks. The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths.Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord. Evening Reflection As the day comes to an end, there’s something powerful about looking backward before looking ahead. Psalm 107 is one long reminder that God has always been faithful to His people. Throughout the chapter, we meet people in very different situations. Some wandered in the wilderness, unsure where to go. Some sat in darkness, weighed down by the consequences of their choices. Others found themselves overwhelmed by sickness or caught in storms so fierce they thought they would surely perish. Yet every story follows the same beautiful pattern: “They cried out to the Lord in their trouble…”“And He delivered them.” Again, and again. The circumstances changed, but God’s character never did. As I read this chapter, I can’t help but think about my own life. There have been seasons where I felt like I was wandering, wondering if God still saw me. There have been prayers I repeated for years, days when disappointment felt heavier than hope, and moments when I wasn’t sure how God could possibly bring beauty from what I was experiencing. Maybe you’ve had seasons like that, too. The beautiful thing about Psalm 107 is that it doesn’t pretend life is easy. It acknowledges that God’s people experience wilderness seasons, storms, waiting, fear, loss, and uncertainty. Looking back, I can see so many moments when God answered prayers I thought He had forgotten. I can also see prayers He answered differently than I expected, only to discover later that His way was infinitely better than mine. There were doors He lovingly kept closed, detours that protected me, and seasons of waiting that shaped my heart more than immediate answers ever could have. Perhaps that’s why the psalm repeatedly urges God’s people to give thanks. Not because life has been perfect. But because God has been faithful. And giving thanks keeps our hearts in a posture of remembering God is good, rather than being tempted to go into a state of discontentment or complaining. Gratitude doesn’t require us to ignore the difficult chapters of our story. Instead, it invites us to recognize that God’s goodness has been woven through every chapter—even the painful ones. As you prepare for sleep tonight, take a moment to remember your own story. Think about the prayers God has answered, the strength He provided when you thought you had none left, the relationships He restored, the doors He opened, and even the hardships through which He faithfully carried you. The same God who delivered His people throughout Psalm 107 is the same God who walks with you today. And He is just as faithful tonight as He has always been. Evening Prayer Dear Father,Before I close my eyes tonight, I simply want to thank You. Thank You for every time You’ve met me in my own wilderness. Thank you for carrying me through storms I never thought I would survive and for remaining close when life felt uncertain. Forgive me for the times I become so focused on what I’m still waiting for that I forget to remember all You’ve already done. Open my eyes to the countless ways You’ve been faithful throughout my life. As I rest tonight, fill my heart with gratitude instead of discontentment and with trust instead of fear. Help me wake up tomorrow with a deeper confidence that the God who has carried me through every chapter before will continue to lead me in every chapter still to come.In Jesus’ name,Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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, Chapter 1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:Greetings.Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. Evening Reflection We often think of tests and trials like those undertaken in school or the DMV. A test rates our ability, knowledge, or skill. Tests are designed for us to prove ourselves. Based on our performance, we earn the grade or the license we desire. Importantly, tests are essentially binary. Regardless of the range of letter grades or the number of demerit points, tests boil down to two options: we either pass or we fail. Does God test us in the same way? Does God give us heavenly exams to prove our worth? Is God stretching us just to see what kind of stuff we are made of? If we think this, then we can so easily condemn ourselves. We think that if we fail the test, we disappoint God and prove that we are not worth God’s time.  It’s true that scripture talks a lot about God testing us, but God’s tests are not meant to judge whether we will pass or fail.  God tests us to give us the opportunity to experience God’s presence and power. A test is the invitation to rely on God’s strength, not to prove our own. This is why we consider it Joy – because, as hard as the time might be, the difficult situations we face become places where we come to know the love of Jesus, and the power of the Spirit that upholds us. Tests and trials become the fodder for deeper faith and lasting perseverance. Are you going through a time of testing? Are you facing a situation where you don’t know what to do, where to go, or what decision to make? What if, worrying about your lack of stillness or strength, you turned your attention to the Lord? What if you aren’t being asked to do it all, but to let God work through you? Evening Prayer Gracious God,If you are Lord of heaven and on earth, why do I often feel that the weight of the world is on my shoulders? As I rest this night, I give to you my day, with all my decisions and tasks, my hopes and my worries. I give to you the work that I have accomplished, but also the work that stretches me past my own ability. I give you my questions and my doubts.Lord, I thank you for your guidance. I thank you for the places where I am empowered to work, where the talents you have given me can shine. But I also thank you for those places where I feel tested and tried – for in those places I turn to you. Help me to look to you in all things, and in every work, every task, every event, give you glory.This I pray in Jesus name.Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Psalm 91Whoever 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 At times, it’s easy for us to feel overlooked, taken for granted, or cast aside by those around us. Whether it’s by a spouse, friend, parent, child, co-worker, or even a pastor at times, we can feel forgotten. Many of us believe that once we marry, have children, or achieve professional success, we’ll never feel forgotten again. Yet, so often, many of us discover that we were sadly mistaken, that being in the limelight fades, and those we thought loved us the most are now far away. Still, in those times when we feel forgotten, Psalm 91 reminds us that we can turn to God, knowing He never forgets us. Although others we thought would always be there for us may be distant, He keeps us close, watching over and protecting us, shielding us with His faithfulness. As Isaiah 49:15-16 reassures us, “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.” Whereas others may ignore our calls, like a mother harkens her ears to her newborn child, He listens and answers us, staying near and with us through troubles and the darkest of nights. During these times, we can rest in His care, safe and secure from the chaos of the day and the fear of night. God is our ever refuge and fortress, covering us with His feathers, hiding us under His wings, and commanding His angels to encamp over us, wherever we go. Evening Prayer God,Thank you for keeping me close to You, for not ever forgetting me, even when it seems like everyone around me has forgotten. Help me remember that You are near, so that I turn towards You, calling out to You and reaching towards Your loving arms, which are open to me. Whenever I feel left by the wayside, Lord, lead me to rest in Your tender care over my heart and my life, remembering that You are forever here for me.Amen Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture James, Chapter 5Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you. Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned. Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. Evening Reflection  There is an old story about a man hiking on a mountainside. Suddenly, he slips and falls, but manages to grab a tree root sticking out. He cries out to the Lord – “Save me, Lord.” He hears a voice that says, “It is I, the Lord. I am here for you. Do you trust me? Truly trust me?” The man yells, “Of course, Lord, I trust you!” The answer came back – “Then let go.” Without any doubt, trusting – truly trusting - in times of healing can be one of our biggest challenges, right alongside the illness of a loved one. The Lord’s command to us is the very same as to the hiker – “Let go.”  In 2022, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer, a type of heart failure, and macular degeneration – all within six weeks of each other. My wife and I had no choice but to move forward one step at a time, trusting the Lord – and praying. We had to learn to live out what we said we believed – otherwise, what would our testimony be worth? Yes, there are certainly more events in our lives that can require healing than simply severe illness. Loss of a loved one. Betrayal. Crushed dreams. Unexpected job loss. And so many more. But whatever the circumstance from which you are healing, leaning into the Lord, trusting in Him, is always the answer.  James tells us to be patient and persevere in the face of suffering – and to pray. Staying close to God is the key to perseverance – meaning, we are never away from God, and God is always near to us. We can trust that God will get us through and get us home. Our faith - our trust - in the Lord is invaluable and irreplaceable. We may not always understand His ways, but when things go wrong, as they sometimes will, that trust will see us through even the most difficult of circumstances. He is always there for us and always will be. What more could we ask? Evening Prayer Father,Thank you for always being there for me. Thank you for your strength in the difficult times of my life. When I am feeling weak, please help me renew my trust in you. I won’t always understand or know what lies ahead, but I know you will be there with me, and I know you will walk with me through this.Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Isaiah, Chapter 32See, a king will reign in righteousness and rulers will rule with justice. Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land. Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen. The fearful heart will know and understand, and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear. No longer will the fool be called noble nor the scoundrel be highly respected. For fools speak folly, their hearts are bent on evil: They practice ungodliness and spread error concerning the Lord; the hungry they leave empty and from the thirsty they withhold water. Scoundrels use wicked methods, they make up evil schemes to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just. But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand. You women who are so complacent, rise up and listen to me; you daughters who feel secure, hear what I have to say! In little more than a year you who feel secure will tremble; the grape harvest will fail, and the harvest of fruit will not come. Tremble, you complacent women; shudder, you daughters who feel secure! Strip off your fine clothes and wrap yourselves in rags. Beat your breasts for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vines and for the land of my people, a land overgrown with thorns and briers— yes, mourn for all houses of merriment and for this city of revelry. The fortress will be abandoned, the noisy city deserted; citadel and watchtower will become a wasteland forever,  the delight of donkeys, a pasture for flocks, till the Spirit is poured on us from on high, and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest. The Lord’s justice will dwell in the desert, his righteousness live in the fertile field. The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Though hail flattens the forest and the city is leveled completely, how blessed you will be, sowing your seed by every stream, and letting your cattle and donkeys range free. Evening Reflection It was only Tuesday, but I didn’t know how I was going to make it through the rest of my week. With a million thoughts in my mind and 200 items on my to-do list, I was exhausted, overstimulated, and anxious. Riddled by fear and what-ifs, I craved relief, stability, and the end of my tasks. Have you ever been in this place? Sometimes, no matter how calm life may appear on the outside, our heads and hearts grow too loud. Racing thoughts, fear of the future, and emotional numbness consume us. And this is the picture I see refuted in Isaiah 32. While Isaiah paints a picture of safety, refuge, strength, justice, and restoration, he also offers beautiful imagery. A future where we find: shelter from the wind refuge from the storm streams in the desert shade in a thirsty land The reality of this imagery is that God’s presence brings all of these things and more. He brings steadiness in seasons of chaos. And because He lives within us, we can have power over our greatest fears. This doesn’t mean that our anxiety or struggles will magically cease, but it does mean that we can find eternal rest for our souls. Anxiety often keeps us hyper-alert and emotionally exhausted. But trust in God doesn’t mean immediate peace; it’s choosing to trust in His character even when the anxiety doesn’t cease. “Fearful hearts will know and understand” because God gently calms our confused and worried minds over time. Quietness isn’t pretending everything is okay; it’s learning who we anchor ourselves in. Friends, God doesn’t shame exhausted people. He becomes our refuge, strength, and everything we need. Even when everything around us and within us seems loud, His presence is strong enough to hold us steady. What storms have been overwhelming you lately? Talk to God honestly about this in a prayer. Evening Prayer Dear God,Help me trust that even in this place, I can find peace and rest in you. Still my soul, calm my racing mind, and remind me that I do not carry my burdens alone. I love you, Jesus.Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Living Differently in a World That Pushes BackYour Nightly Scripture Evening Scripture Luke, Chapter 6One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”Jesus answered them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” Then Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?”He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus. One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by impure spirits were cured, and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all. Looking at his disciples, he said:“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.“But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry.Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Evening Reflection Oftentimes, as American Christians, we read the Bible and consume Christian content, but still can miss out on the power that these things should have on how we live our lives. Our Christian life can feel more like checking extra items on a very full to-do list than something we are compelled to embody because of the love of Christ that lives in us. We have to be careful not to just go through the motions, but to allow the truth of the gospel to truly define how we live. When we live with a joyful salvation, our lives begin to stand out. When the world is filled with despair, we can shout out confidently that the best is yet to come. When trials enter our stories, we can rely on the peace that surpasses understanding. When the world says anything goes, we can find comfort in the guardrails the Bible lays out for our lives. When the world wants to push us down, we can turn the other cheek.  None of the ways we live differently is due to our strength. Every choice to show our enemy the love of Christ is empowered by God’s life-giving Spirit. The power is the thing we miss out on when we see faith as more of a chore than a joy. The power of the Holy Spirit is what helps us live differently in this dark and chaotic world. As you seek to live as Christ instructs us to do in Luke 6 as a person who loves their enemies, that doesn’t judge others, that is filled with wisdom, is humble, and honors God, remember the Holy Spirit is there to empower you even when the world pushes back. He gently leads us closer to Christ. The spirit teaches us God’s better way. Dial into the Holy Spirit so you don’t miss what he’s doing in your life right now.  Evening Prayer Father,I thank you that your way is better. Help me to do more than go through the motions of my faith. Let your love be what compels me to be different. Help me to be sensitive to your Holy Spirit, relying on the Spirit’s gentle leadership as I seek to follow you. Renew in my heart the joy of my salvation. Give me the strength I need to stand strong when the world pushes back.Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Ephesians, Chapter 2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Evening Reflection The opening of our passage tonight reminds us that we were once dead in our sins and disobedience, and the desires of our flesh only begot more death. But God, who is rich in mercy and grace, has saved us in all of our dirt and mess because of His great love! What a good God!  As believers, we must fight the thought that it’s by our own merit or good works that we earn our salvation or keep us in God’s grace. Our culture says, “Be better”, “keep hustling”, and "accomplish more.” If we're not careful, we will quickly take the same approach in our relationship with God, treating our devotion time as a checklist and serving out of guilt and obligation. Paul made it clear, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Let’s pause and take a moment to soak this truth in: grace is a gift, not something to be earned. Are you living your day-to-day striving for approval or living in the peace of God’s love and grace? Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” God’s grace to save us wasn’t just so He could add our names to the Book of Life. He saved us for a purpose to fulfill as believers. We each have a calling to tell others about the life-changing grace we’ve experienced. I’m so grateful for the influence and courage that other people in my life had to tell me about Jesus!  This is a great time to remind you: you do have purpose. Sometimes it’s easy to forget our purpose in the midst of day-to-day, ordinary life. But that is the purpose! Remembering God in all of His faithfulness, connecting with Him daily, and surrendering to how the Lord wants to use you each day. If you’re in a season where a whole lot of nothing is happening, perhaps with the dreams He’s put on your heart or certain prayers haven’t yet been answered, keep rooted in Jesus. Paul reminds us, “For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit” (Ephesians 2:18). In God’s house, you have a role and part to play! Don’t lose sight of the One who has called you, but tonight, relish in His great love, mercy, and grace. You are chosen, called, and designed to shape the kingdom. Be refreshed, in Jesus’ name! Evening Prayer Lord,Thank you for the access I have through the Spirit because of Jesus. Tonight, I acknowledge your great mercy and grace in my life. I’m so grateful you sought after me and saved my life, Lord! I pray for a refreshment in my vision, purpose, and hope. I want to listen to your will and obey what you’ve called me to. May my heart and spirit be sensitive to yours. Father, restore my heart as I rest tonight, and when I start a new day tomorrow, help me see the people around me with great care and opportunity to point to you. I pray that my heart and actions reflect my testimony and that you would give me the courage to share it with others. You’ve changed my life, Jesus, and I want others to know freedom and peace. I pray this in the name of Jesus,Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Psalm 104Praise the Lord, my soul.Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty.The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants. He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved. You covered it with the watery depths as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. But at your rebuke the waters fled, at the sound of your thunder they took to flight they flowed over the mountains, they went down into the valleys, to the place you assigned for them. You set a boundary they cannot cross; never again will they cover the earth. He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains. They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches. He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the land is satisfied by the fruit of his work. He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts. The trees of the Lord are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. There the birds make their nests;  the stork has its home in the junipers. The high mountains belong to the wild goats; the crags are a refuge for the hyrax. He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down. You bring darkness, it becomes night, and all the beasts of the forest prowl. The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God. The sun rises, and they steal away; they return and lie down in their dens. Then people go out to their work, to their labor until evening. How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number— living things both large and small. There the ships go to and fro, and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there. All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand,  they are satisfied with good things. When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath,  they die and return to the dust. When you send your Spirit,  they are created, and you renew the face of the ground. May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works— he who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke.I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord. But may sinners vanish from the earth and the wicked be no more. Praise the Lord, my soul. Praise the Lord. Evening Reflection This evening, spend a few moments outdoors or looking outside through a window to notice the magnificence of your surroundings. Take in the shape of the clouds as God’s “chariot.” See God robed and glorious in the light of the setting sun. Marvel at the moon. How its gravitational pull keeps the Earth steady and the seasons constant. Listen for the song of a bird, singing its Creator’s praises. This is God’s work, created to be our home. Breathe deeply, observe intently, and listen carefully to all that God has provided. The Almighty, Sovereign God commands nature. He cares for and nourishes His creatures, from the weakest to the wildest of animals. Even when those who are made in His image are wild at heart, He satisfies their needs. He brings springtime rains to grow crops, and summer sun to send a harvest. Our heavenly Father is gracious and attentive to all our daily needs, our worries, and our safety. He is attentive in every moment, whether we are awake or asleep. Meditate on God’s goodness tonight. The continuity of our lives is in the hands of our Creator. We do not need to strive or succumb to fear. Just as the psalmist begins Psalm 104 with praise and ends with praise, so too, make praise your last words before you sleep and your first words as you wake. Evening Prayer Lord God,Creator of everything, I look out my window and see the beauty of Your bountiful creation. I never want to miss listening to Your creation praising You—the beauty of the birds’ evening chorus, the gentle rustle of leaves, the bubbling of a fresh mountain stream. I breathe slowly and deeply, letting my thoughts of Your majesty and might calm my soul. Your words and Your wisdom speak life into my weary heart. Thank You for Your faithful provision that makes my heart sing with joy and wonder. I praise You with my being. May I praise You with my words every night and every morning. You are my place of rest.In Jesus’ name.Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Acts, Chapter 16 Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek. The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers. Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her. When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.”The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.” But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.”The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left. Evening Reflection Your walk with Jesus should be marked by maturity. One measure of our spiritual maturity is the way we respond during the trials of life. In the life of Paul and Silas, they had every right to complain. All they were doing was preaching the gospel and obeying what God had called them to do. However, their obedience led them to being beaten and placed in jail. I don’t think any of us would have been surprised if the next thing we read was that Paul and Silas were angry about their unfair treatment. Instead, we find something quite different. "About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them." - Acts 16:31 There are two points of application from this verse that I want to help you with. The first is that Paul and Silas were praying and singing. In the moment, they should have been frustrated; they were lifting their voices to God in prayer and worship. This is what a mature response looks like.  How is it possible that this is how they would respond to their difficult situation? It’s because their eyes were fixed in the right direction. The hope we have in Christ is not determined by the circumstances of life. This hope goes beyond our trials, beyond our difficulties, and even beyond the grave. In the most challenging moments of life, focusing on the hope in Christ that goes beyond anything in this life can lead you to sing and worship. During the period of slavery in America, many enslaved African men and women were forced to work under unimaginable and horrific conditions. Many were separated from their families, their freedom was denied, and they faced injustice daily. Despite these circumstances, many gathered in what were known as hush harbors. These were secret meeting places hidden deep in the woods where they could worship. They would sing songs of hope, knowing that even though their bodies were in chains, their souls were free because they were in Christ. As with Paul and Silas, their circumstances did not hinder their worship. As you think of your situation in life today, know that you, too, can worship, because your hope goes beyond this life. There is one more simple truth to bring to your attention. This same verse says “…and the other prisoners were listening to them.” When you go through trials, people are watching you. Once people know you are a follower of Christ, they watch your response and the way you endure trials. Are you singing, praying, and worshipping, or are you grumbling and complaining? Only one of these responses speaks to your hope in Christ. While you may not see it, the way you navigate these moments speaks to those around you because they are listening to your life to see what song it is playing. Lastly, the trials you endure are not just for you. Yes, they will challenge you, mold you, and mature you. Beyond that, they can influence those around them and potentially open doors for the gospel. Paul and Silas’ worship led to the jailer's salvation and that of his household. Who knows if the difficult situation you are in is God’s way of reaching someone with the gospel that you might not reach any other way?  My friend, I encourage you to worship through the trial. God is the same good God before, during, and after the trial. When you worship, those around you may wonder what kind of God you are serving that you will continue to praise even when everything is falling apart. That might be your open door to tell of how wonderful Jesus is. Evening Prayer Lord,I am facing a difficult situation right now, and sometimes it is hard to see where it is going. In these moments, give me a song of worship and praise in my heart. Let me fix my gaze not on what is happening around me, but on you, knowing that your goodness is not determined by these circumstances. Help me to always worship and pray because this not only encourages my soul, but it may also provide hope for someone who is listening to my life. Even now, I begin to lift my hands and voice in worship to you. Even if the circumstances do not immediately change, let my faith and hope in you remain unshaken. Thank you for your Spirit who lives in me, who draws me close to you, and your presence that walks with me regardless of what is happening in my life. Let this be the focus of my life each day and each night.I pray all this in Jesus’ name.Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Lamentations 3 I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of the Lord’s wrath. He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light; indeed, he has turned his hand against me again and again, all day long.He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones. He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. He has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead.He has walled me in so I cannot escape; he has weighed me down with chains. Even when I call out or cry for help, he shuts out my prayer. He has barred my way with blocks of stone; he has made my paths crooked.Like a bear lying in wait, like a lion in hiding, he dragged me from the path and mangled me and left me without help. He drew his bow and made me the target for his arrows. He pierced my heart with arrows from his quiver. I became the laughingstock of all my people; they mock me in song all day long. He has filled me with bitter herbs and given me gall to drink.He has broken my teeth with gravel; he has trampled me in the dust. I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, “My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord.”I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young.Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him. Let him bury his face in the dust— there may yet be hope. Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace.For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.To crush underfoot all prisoners in the land, to deny people their rights before the Most High, to deprive them of justice— would not the Lord see such things? Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come? Why should the living complain when punished for their sins?Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven, and say: “We have sinned and rebelled and you have not forgiven.“You have covered yourself with anger and pursued us; you have slain without pity. You have covered yourself with a cloud so that no prayer can get through. You have made us scum and refuse among the nations.“All our enemies have opened their mouths wide against us. We have suffered terror and pitfalls, ruin and destruction.” Streams of tears flow from my eyes because my people are destroyed. My eyes will flow unceasingly, without relief, until the Lord looks down from heaven and sees. What I see brings grief to my soul because of all the women of my city.Those who were my enemies without cause hunted me like a bird. They tried to end my life in a pit and threw stones at me; the waters closed over my head, and I thought I was about to perish.I called on your name, Lord, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.” You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.”You, Lord, took up my case; you redeemed my life. Lord, you have seen the wrong done to me. Uphold my cause! You have seen the depth of their vengeance, all their plots against me. Lord, you have heard their insults, all their plots against me— what my enemies whisper and mutter against me all day long. Look at them! Sitting or standing, they mock me in their songs.Pay them back what they deserve, Lord, for what their hands have done. Put a veil over their hearts, and may your curse be on them! Pursue them in anger and destroy them from under the heavens of the Lord. Evening Reflection Most adults can, on average, remain focused on a single task for about 10 to 20 minutes before they get distracted. For the most part, humans can’t stay focused on much for very long. Life is always moving, and consequently, our brains are designed to always be on the go.  While it is often necessary to shift our focus quickly and easily, it can make it harder to remember and focus on the things that matter. Often, we are consumed by the feeling or urgent task that needs to be done in the moment. Sometimes these feelings aren’t the truth, and the task in front of us isn't the most important one to be done in any given moment.  This is why the Bible urges us over and over to remember God’s faithfulness. We have to actively and purposefully put things in place that remind us that God is with us. He loves us and cares for us. That we are not alone in our struggles. If we aren’t intentional about refocusing our minds and hearts onto God’s Word, our attention will continue to be consumed by the tasks of the day.  What can you do to reflect on God’s faithfulness each morning and evening? What tools do you need to be intentional about connecting with Jesus at the start and end of each day? Are there verses you want to memorize that will help you return to the truth that God loves you?  Evening Prayer Father,You have given me a brain that is always moving forward; help me do the hard work of twice-daily pressing pause on this forward motion and reflecting on your faithfulness. I thank you for your many good gifts in my life. Help me to remember that you are with me. Let me not take your goodness and mercy for granted. I love you, Jesus.Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Revelation, Chapter 5Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying:“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!”The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped. Evening Reflection  Many parts of our days shrink our capacity to notice and acknowledge the glory of God. Think about the times we often prepare for sleep, too exhausted from work and home obligations, to pause and consider a wider vision for our lives. To remember the grace of our Lord. To acknowledge His great glory.   John’s vision in tonight’s Scripture reading, though, reorients and refreshes our perspective. Readers are whisked into a heavenly scene where the ultimate matter of justice is discussed. Who will open the scroll that will bring justice for those who experienced pain and suffering at the hands of others? No one alive can bring perfect, righteous justice. No one but the living Lamb who steps forward. We recognize Him as Jesus, who was called the Lamb of God in John’s Gospel (John 1:29). He alone is worthy of opening the scroll (Revelation 5:9).    The One who gave His life for us, willingly enduring death on the cross, is the same One who stands at the center of the throne and who will open the scroll to ensure justice will come to our broken world. By looking with John at the Worthy Lamb, we find ourselves in awe of His love and majesty. As the multitudes in heaven sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise” (Revelation 5:12, NIV).   Meditating on this image of Christ helps broaden our vision, which can become narrowed amid the challenges of everyday life. Perhaps tonight we can refresh our perspective by joining the angels and saints in worshiping Jesus and declaring His glory.   Evening Prayer  Great Lamb of God,Who was slain for the sins of the world, and mighty Lion of Judah who rose victorious, defeating death, help me to regularly assume a worshipful posture of heart that enables me to stand in awe of You. Too often, I am overwhelmed by the problems that come my way. I become distracted and dull-eyed, unable to see beyond the limits of challenges. But in thinking of You, I am reminded of the gift of grace You have given, and my dependence on You in all areas of life. Wonder fills me as I consider Your worthiness to receive all honor, glory, and praise. I worship You.Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Proverbs, Chapter 17Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son and will share the inheritance as one of the family.The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished. Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler!A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it; they think success will come at every turn.Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool. Evildoers foster rebellion against God; the messenger of death will be sent against them.Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool bent on folly.Evil will never leave the house of one who pays back evil for good.Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the Lord detests them both. Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it?A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin; whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper; one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble. To have a fool for a child brings grief; there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool.A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice.A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the mother who bore him. If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good, surely to flog honest officials is not right.The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. Evening Reflection In a day and age where it seems like words are spewed out publicly by the millions every second of the day, God calls us to choose our words carefully, ones that give life, rather than ones that bring heartache, strife, and disaster. Choosing words sometimes means, too, as Proverbs 17 reminds us, that we don’t say anything rather than reveal someone’s sin and failings, challenging many nowadays in an era of tell-all books and people racing to be the first to expose another’s sin. Tragically, without guidance, our tongues are capable of spouting out words that bribe, lie, deceive, return evil for good, despise, rebel, and more, coming out of a heart that is still learning. Yet, as we grow in our spiritual maturity, we learn to restrain our words and cultivate a calm spirit, rather than expel all we know in the moment. God leads us to hold our tongue at times, discerning His will in situations where words may hurt more than heal. Instead, we can choose to speak joyful words that lead to life, restoring health to those around us, working like medicine to bring relief to those who are wounded and have broken hearts. Still, it doesn’t mean that sometimes God won’t speak through us to help correct another, but when He does, He leads us in wisdom and discernment. Mostly, God calls us to encourage and uplift one another with words of life, His words that come from His mouth and do not return void but accomplish His will in every situation (Isaiah 55:11). Evening Prayer God,Help me today and every day to choose to speak and write words that give life. While words around me are dark, oppressing, and draining, they lead me to choose words that lead others to You and the life You give to us. Cause me to hesitate and reevaluate any words that try to come out of my mouth or through my writing that would mislead, wound, and drag others down. As David asked of You so many years ago in Psalm 141:3, “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips,”Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Matthew, Chapter 18At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.“Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.“At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.“His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”  Evening Reflection C.S. Lewis once wrote: “Everyone says that forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.” Forgiveness can be challenging because it naturally pushes us past what is comfortable. When we are hurt or offended, we may decide we don’t want to forgive the person; We may even say they don’t deserve it. Perhaps this is why Peter asks how many times we should forgive. Forgiveness, after all, doesn’t make a lot of earthly sense. How often have we asked that same question: how many times should I forgive? Is there a moment when we can legitimately not forgive someone? Is there ever a time when someone works their way out of this grace?   The response that Jesus gives to this question undercuts the belief that forgiveness is somehow calculable or limited. Jesus says to Peter, and to us, that forgiveness isn’t based on the size of, or the number of, faults. In fact, forgiveness isn’t based in ourselves at all; it is rooted in the merciful love of God. The basis of our forgiveness of others, no matter how challenging it may be to us, is Jesus’ forgiveness of our sins. And, happily, Jesus didn’t stop forgiving after one infraction. He didn’t refuse to forgive after 3 times, or 7 instances, or 77 sins; Jesus’ forgiveness of us is endless – because his heart of compassionate grace is endless.  As you turn to rest this night, ask yourself: Is there someone you are called to forgive?  That could even be yourself.  And if forgiveness is a challenge for you, one that you haven’t been able to get over, then start by opening yourself to the forgiveness that Jesus offers you.   Allow his forgiveness, that free forgiveness that is so extravagant that it may sound ridiculous – to come in and wash over you. And then, when you have fully accepted that forgiveness, turn it outwards. Evening Prayer Jesus,I praise you for the forgiveness that blankets me this night. As I rest my body, I know that I rest my soul in your grace. I claim your promise that there is nothing in my life that will ever overcome your desire to redeem me, to bless me, and to forgive me.I know there have been times when I have been tempted to count the number of chances people get; I have even been tempted to see another person as undeserving of the gift you so freely gave me. Lord, give me the boldness to choose forgiveness when it challenges me; for when I choose forgiveness, I choose you. This I pray in Jesus’ name.Amen. Want More? 🎉 We're excited to introduce The Good Word, a new way to receive weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement right in your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture 2 Corinthians, Chapter 5 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Evening Reflection  Tonight’s Scripture reminds us that becoming the person God is making us to be is not about striving harder—it’s about surrendering more deeply. In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul paints a beautiful picture of the Christian life. We are reminded that this world is not our permanent home, that we walk by faith and not by sight, that anyone in Christ is a new creation, and that God has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus.  Every part of the chapter points to one incredible truth: God is continually making us more like Christ day by day. The problem is that transformation rarely feels as dramatic as we’d like. Most days, becoming looks ordinary and mundane. It looks like choosing forgiveness when resentment feels easier. It looks like trusting God when the future feels uncertain. It looks like praying when you don’t immediately see answers. It looks like getting back up after you’ve stumbled and believing that God’s grace is still enough. Sometimes we become so focused on who we wish we already were that we overlook the ways God has already changed us. Maybe you’re more patient than you were a year ago. Maybe you respond with more grace than you once did. Maybe your first instinct is now to pray instead of panic. Those quiet changes matter because they are evidence that the Holy Spirit is faithfully at work within you. I’ve learned that God is far more patient with my growth than I am. There have been seasons where I felt discouraged because I wasn’t where I wanted to be spiritually. But looking back, I can now see that while I was focused on the destination, God was faithfully shaping my heart one day at a time. Every season—even the difficult ones—became part of the person He was creating me to be. Just as a seed grows beneath the soil long before anyone sees a flower, God is often doing His greatest work beneath the surface of our lives. You may not always see your growth, but that doesn’t mean growth isn’t happening. I’m sure you can look back at times years later and be amazed at your growth. It’s not until looking back in hindsight that you see God was growing something within you the entire time.  So tonight, don’t measure yourself by who you used to be or by how far you still have to go. Instead, thank God that He hasn’t stopped working. The One who made you a new creation is still faithfully shaping you, and He will continue that work until the day you see Him face to face. Evening Prayer Dear Father,Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank You that when I placed my faith in Christ, You began making me new from the inside out. Even on the days when I feel like I’m not changing fast enough, remind me that You are still at work within me. Forgive me for the times I’ve measured myself by my failures instead of Your faithfulness. Help me stop defining myself by old labels, old shame, or old versions of who I used to be.Teach me to trust the slow work of transformation. Shape my heart to look more like Yours. Grow in me greater love, patience, wisdom, and kindness. Continue removing anything that doesn’t reflect You, even when the process feels uncomfortable. Thank You that the work You started in me will not be wasted. As I sleep tonight, continue forming me into the person You created me to become.In Jesus’ name,Amen. Want More? 🎉 This week, we're excited to introduce The Good Word, a new way to receive weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement right in your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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 103Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel:The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, my soul. Evening Reflection  Our human nature seeks to get what we deserve. For us, we want to get the good we’ve earned. For others, we often seek punishment for their sins, their wrongs, especially those done against us, to get what they deserve in a negative light. Unfortunately, to seek what we and others deserve leads us all to destruction. Fortunately, God doesn’t deal with us according to what we deserve. He forgives and seeks to lead us to redemption through correction and repentance, culminating in a loving relationship. This is God’s mercy.  Psalm 103 gives us insight into God’s mercy. He both redeems us from destruction (what we deserve) and crowns us with his great mercy and lovingkindness (which we don’t). He forgives our sin. His mercy is immeasurable, as high as the heavens above the earth (the heavens include stars and planets). Further, he remembers our weakness, frailty, and inability. How easily we fade away. Therefore, he translates us into what is immortal and eternal, his mercy, which goes “from everlasting to everlasting.”  When we intentionally remember God’s great mercy for his people, for us, the song gives us the only proper response: bless God! Praise his name. Turn our souls to lifting up his name and glorifying him. For he alone is worthy and has done so much for us.  Evening Prayer Heavenly Father,I choose to bless your holy name and praise you with all my soul. You don’t treat me as my sins and rebellion deserved, but you forgive, redeem, and restore me by your great love and mercy. You rescue me from destruction and then crown me with compassion.Teach me to give up my demand for what I deserve and to trust your mercy instead. Help me extend the same mercy to others, even when I feel wronged. Remind me of my own weakness and your eternal compassion that stretches beyond what I can measure. Turn my heart to gratitude and worship. When people see me, may they see your mercy through my repentance, love, and relationship with you.In Jesus’ name,Amen. Want More? 🎉  We're excited to introduce The Good Word, a new way to receive weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement right in your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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 Colossians, Chapter 3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism. Evening Reflection In the gospels, we see it presented many times: in Christ, we are set free and made new. We are given a new life and a new name, purchased by the blood of Christ, Child of God. In this new life, we are called to now seek the things that are of God and find where He is seated. Which means you will not find value and satisfaction in the things of this world. We are to turn away from what once enslaved us and live in the glory of what God has redeemed, with a refreshed spirit in Jesus' name. Colossians 3 reminds us that as we put off the things that are not pleasing to God and convict our spirit, we are to put on love. Knowing that it is his love, now living in us, that binds everything together in perfect harmony. This perfect harmony looks like the peace of Christ ruling and reigning in our hearts. It’s being thankful for the testimony of His faithfulness in every season of our lives. We are promised that if we allow, the Word of God will dwell in us richly, teaching and admonishing us, and being used to build up others. Wherever you find yourself this evening, in a valley or a season of great joy, keep clinging to Jesus, His Word, and His ways. Sing His songs, rejoice in His small works in your life. Do all things in the name of the Lord for the Lord. Evening Reflection Father,Would you cover me in your peace tonight? Remind me to seek the things that are of you and where you are. Keep my heart steadied by your Word and set my feet on the path of your truth. Bind my heart together in your love and rid me of all unrighteousness. Convict me of what I need to put off and pour out a fresh flow of your grace.In Jesus’ name,Amen. Want More? 🎉 This week, we're excited to introduce The Good Word, a new way to receive weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement right in your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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 40Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.A voice of one calling:“In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”A voice says, “Cry out.”And I said, “What shall I cry?”“All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. he tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord, or instruct the Lord as his counselor? Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding?Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings. Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing. With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him? As for an idol, a metalworker casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it. A person too poor to present such an offering selects wood that will not rot; they look for a skilled worker to set up an idol that will not topple.Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff. “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by oneand calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord;  my cause is disregarded by my God”? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Evening Reflection Life is exhausting. Some circumstances can just knock the wind out of us. Slow us down to a crawl. Steal from us our joy. Heaviness in these moments seems to rest on us like a dark cloud. I’ve walked through many of these seasons as a foster parent. There have been times when I just wanted nothing more than to give up, to stop answering emails, to run away from my child's needs, and to retreat to my own little world. Exhaustion defined my life, making it extremely difficult to do more than the bare minimum to keep everyone alive. I was not thriving; I was merely surviving. Maybe you have been there too?  What I can say with confidence on the other side of some trying times is that God never leaves us. Even in my most tired moment, I knew I was not alone in the work God had called me to do. I could go to him and pray my very raw, needy, exasperated, and tired prayers. Every time God would hear me and remind me often of His Word. Promises like the one in Isaiah 40:31 that declare that if I keep my hope in the Lord, my strength will be renewed in time! Through the power of the Holy Spirit, he would carry me through this tough time and deliver me to better days ahead in time. I know if he did this for me, he can do this for you.  Take time to pause. Say no to more hurried action in favor of slow meditation on God’s Word, allowing it to encourage and empower your soul. Spend time in God’s presence; it’s the place we best find rest. Remember, you can trust God in every circumstance. He gives strength to the weary. When we are weak, he is strong. Cast your cares on him and find the hope you need to keep moving forward.  Evening Prayer Father,I thank you that when I am weak, you are strong. That you promise to renew my strength when I am exhausted and feel that I don’t have the strength I need to keep going. Remind me to lift my eyes to the heavens. To see that God is greater than my problems. To remember that he is the Creator of heaven and earth, he can do more than I could ever ask or imagine. Show me how to find rest in your presence. To trust you through the hard, long, dark seasons. You are faithful to bring us through the valley by your grace.Amen. Want More? 🎉 This week, we're excited to introduce The Good Word, a new way to receive weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement right in your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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 1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete. This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. Evening Reflection  Ever stood on the edge of a pool, hesitating to jump in? So many stand on the very edges of a deep relationship with Jesus – afraid to step out of the darkness and into the very bright light of Christ. Walking in the light of Christ means we live our lives as He has taught us – a life that is entirely different from the darkness we have been in. So different that Jesus warns us to “count the cost.” (Luke 14:28) It is far more than simple belief – it is a lifelong commitment. A change of life; of who we are – we are a new creation in Him. Imagine exiting the darkness of the cave in which we exist to the sudden bright light of a whole new world – because it is a new world for us. We move into a realm where we live out what we say we believe. Our new world calls us to live in the Truth of Christ – embracing all that means. We are called to follow His teachings – to study and apply those teachings. To live in His righteousness – aligning our lives with His character. We walk in the acknowledgment of our sin and need for forgiveness through Jesus’ sacrifice. We live in recognition of the new emphasis on the reality of Christ Jesus in our lives. When we walk in the light, we are to study His word and apply those teachings to our lives - living with honesty and integrity. We are called to love our neighbors as we love ourselves – to be reflected in our behavior and words – showing kindness and compassion to those around us. As we walk out of the darkness and into the light, we should seek to continue growing deeper in our relationship with the Lord – engaging in prayer, worship, and fellowship, avoiding sin, and confessing our sins when we fail. We are to reflect the light of Christ to others, sharing our faith and the hope we have found in Him. Stepping out of the darkness and into the light of Christ demands commitment – a commitment to obedience, to faith in Christ Jesus, and to loving others. A commitment to display that light in every part of our lives. Evening Prayer Father,Thank you for showing me the true light of your Son. I know I am a sinner, and thank you for the grace and forgiveness He has given me. Please help me to display His light in how I live my life every single day.Amen. Want More? 🎉 This week, we're excited to introduce The Good Word, a new way to receive weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement right in your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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, Chapter 58“Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the descendants of Jacob their sins. For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God. They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them. ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. “If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Evening Reflection Following religious practices doesn’t necessarily mean we are truly worshiping God, because while some of us are praying and fasting, at the same time, we may be condemning others with our words, as well as, pointing out their sins to others. When we do, God doesn’t count it as honoring Him; rather, in Isaiah 58, He calls us to first examine our own hearts, looking at how we are choosing to worship Him. If we are spending hours and days praying and fasting, yet all the while mistreating and oppressing those around us, then He will not hear us or answer our pleas to Him. To truly worship God is to lovingly and sacrificially obey His word, especially when it comes to treating each other. Rather than build ourselves up with our spiritual practices, He is asking us to minister to those around us out of loving hearts, reaching out to them with kindness, compassion, and generosity. God clearly spells out in His word how we can truly worship Him, as well as the benefits we receive when we do, such as our light going out before us into the darkness, powerful enough to break the chains of bondage for those we minister to.  Following His ways assures us that He will hear us when we call out to Him, not only meeting the needs of others but also satisfying our lives, and continually guiding our way and strengthening our bodies, both inside and out. Evening Prayer God,Lead me today and every day to choose to worship You in Spirit and in truth. Guard my heart from falling into forms of worship, while, all the while, my heart dishonors Your name by mistreating others in words and deeds. Rather, Lord, fill my heart with love for others, the kind of love that brings freedom and life to those around me, and is a true worship that honors Your name and brings glory to You.Amen. Want More? 🎉 This week, we're excited to introduce The Good Word, a new way to receive weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement right in your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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 12Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.“I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” Peter asked, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?”The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the other servants, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. “The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” He said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time? “Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled on the way, or your adversary may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.” Evening Reflection It is easy for someone to tell us not to worry about something when it is not their problem or when they do not understand what we're going through. In fact, responding to someone this way might even seem to belittle what they are going through. However, if someone actually understands our problem, goes through it with us, and actively helps us through it, telling us not to worry feels very different! Some wonderful news for us who are Christians is that Jesus understands what we are going through; he is going through it with us and actively helping us. As the writer of Hebrews wrote, we have a high priest who is able to “sympathize with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15, ESV). Because of that we can find comfort in Jesus's words when he said to all of his followers, "do not be anxious about your life" in Luke 12:22. Jesus even demonstrates his ability and desire to care for us by saying that he feeds the birds (even though they do not plant their own food), and he "clothes" the flowers in the field even though they do not “toil” or “spin.” And cares about us and works for us much more! Even when we do not see it, God takes care of us.  So may we take heart that the Lord of All sees us, knows what we're going through, and will take care of us. Not because he has to, but because it brings him great pleasure. All we have to do is to seek him and his kingdom first Evening Prayer Heavenly Father,Thank you for always taking care of me, even when I can't see it. Thank you for all the times that you have answered my prayers and met my needs, just as you do with all of your children whom you love. Thank you for noticing and making time for me in the midst of the entire universe that you have to sustain. Help me to let go of my anxiety and worry because it never helps or adds to my life. Help me trust that you, who are going through the fires of life with me, understand full well what I'm going through in the midst of my problems. Not only that, thank you for actually helping. Thank you for being my provider, my protector, and my sustainer.In Jesus' name,Amen. Want More? 🎉 This week, we're excited to introduce The Good Word, a new way to receive weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement right in your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  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 Corinthians 15 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed. But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all. Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame. But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?” How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body. Not all flesh is the same: People have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another and fish another. There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another. The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor. So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven. As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man. I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Evening Reflection Death is inevitable for all of us. Whether we realize it or not, it's something that comes at the end of our days. The paradox of the Christian faith, however, is that this death is just the beginning of eternity. For those who believe, we will receive new bodies, and the death we endure here on earth will lead to new life in Heaven. 1 Corinthians 15 reminds us of this truth. Because though death might seem powerful, Jesus is greater. Death never gets the final word for those who put their hope in Christ.  The foundation of Christian hope isn't just positive thinking or ignorance as bliss; it's the resurrection of Jesus that changes everything. Paul reminds us in these few verses that death is real, but it's not ultimate. When Jesus died and rose from the grave, He defeated sin, death, and Satan himself. And because He lives, we have the promise of eternal life. Resurrection isn't just a cool story. It means: Death isn't the end Suffering is temporary Eternity in Christ is secure Our hope is rooted in a living Savior Having this victory doesn't mean we won't grieve. Again, death is a natural part of life that we will all face. Jesus wept. So did His mother and disciples. Grief isn't weakness, and loss still hurts because death was never part of God's original design. Though we grieve, we're not hopeless. Victory means we can mourn and hold hope.  Today, this resurrection story gives us purpose and hope. That's why Paul ends chapter 15 with these words: "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (vs.58). Because Jesus defeated death, our lives now also matter. So we don't live aimlessly, but we keep going through the power the resurrection gives us. Evening Prayer Dear Jesus,Thank you for defeating death through your resurrection. When I feel scared or overwhelmed, remind me that my hope is in you. Help me to live with bold faith and trust that even in loss, something greater is in store. You swallowed death in victory, and now I'm thankful to share in that victory with you. 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 Psalm 102A prayer of an afflicted person who has grown weak and pours out a lament before the Lord.Hear my prayer, Lord; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly. For my days vanish like smoke; my bones burn like glowing embers. My heart is blighted and withered like grass; I forget to eat my food. In my distress I groan aloud and am reduced to skin and bones. I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins. I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof.  All day long my enemies taunt me; those who rail against me use my name as a curse. For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears because of your great wrath, for you have taken me up and thrown me aside. My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass. But you, Lord, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations. You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come. For her stones are dear to your servants; her very dust moves them to pity. The nations will fear the name of the Lord, all the kings of the earth will revere your glory.For the Lord will rebuild Zion and appear in his glory. He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea. Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord: “The Lord looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death.” So the name of the Lord will be declared in Zion and his praise in Jerusalem when the peoples and the kingdoms assemble to worship the Lord. In the course of my life he broke my strength; he cut short my days. So I said: “Do not take me away, my God, in the midst of my days; your years go on through all generations. In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end. The children of your servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you.” Evening Reflection Each of us faces storms in this life. Often, we are either in a storm, coming out of a storm, or heading into one! As Christians we are not immune to life’s troubles, actually Jesus promises we will face challenges. In John 16:33, Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” God does offer us some assurances for life’s storms. He tells us that he is always with us and never changing. In Psalm 102, we read that while all other things perish, God remains. He is a constant force that we can rely on when things around us feel chaotic.  God is always worthy of our praise. When we face trouble, it’s natural to lament. Sadness is a real and valid human emotion. God does not expect us to gloss over our more complex feelings in order to be a Christian. The Psalms are full of true cries of grief, help, and despair! But even as we cry out, we also come back around and are reminded through the scriptures that God is worthy of our praise, no matter our circumstances. We hold tight to his promises and give thanks that we have a God who loves us as we walk through the valley.  God promises that the best is yet to come. At the end of Psalm 102, we read that your children will live in your presence and their descendants will be established before you! We are promised access to God now in the land of the living, but we also know that one day we will spend eternity in Heaven with Jesus. Life’s storms are passing products of the brokenness that exists in this world. One day, every tear will be wiped away, and these hard moments will be a passing memory. We can always hold onto hope because we know that the best is ahead of us.  Don’t give up. Hold tight to Jesus, who never changes. He carries us through the storms. He never wastes our pain, as he promises to work all things for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28).  Evening Prayer Father,I thank you that you are never changing! I can trust you. Stay near me as I am moving through life’s ups and downs. I thank you that you are eternal, and you promise me eternity spent with you. Show me how you are using this trial to grow my faith and draw me closer to you. Help me to walk by faith and not by sight. When I doubt, help my unbelief. Carry me through this season. I love 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 Mark, Chapter 4Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water’s edge. He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.” Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that, “‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’” Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.” He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”“Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.” Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Evening Reflection Living through multiple hurricanes in Florida, both on the Gulf of America side and the Eastern shoreline, we’ve experienced what it means to trust Jesus when the storms surround us. During times when we realize we are not in control of our surroundings, we begin to learn how to truly trust Jesus and let our faith take deep root within us, so that the storms in our lives don’t uproot us. Whether is actual weather storms we encounter such as hurricanes, tsunamis, tornados, or other natural disasters; or personal storms striking our lives through struggles, sadness, or difficulties with a husband or wife, children, parents, neighbors, co-workers, church members or a pastor, Jesus assures us of His presence, of being with us, calming the raging waters and winds that surround us. Although the disciples in Mark 4 didn’t understand that they could trust Jesus in the storm, He still came through for them, as He does for us in each and every storm we may encounter in life. It’s a lesson our family has learned, especially while living in South Florida, where we experienced numerous hurricanes. During one such storm, my husband was required to be in-house at the hospice where he served as chaplain. As our family joined him, sheltering in the hurricane-safe building, the irony of our situation struck me. In a place where individuals were dying, caught in the middle of their very real personal storms, we were trusting God to keep us safe from the physical storm surrounding us. While the eye passed over us, surrounding and engulfing us in the storm, the Lord brought the words of Psalm 139:5 to my mind: “You hem me in behind and before, and You lay your hand upon me.” No matter what type of storm surrounds us, whether personal or physical, and regardless of our status or location during it, the Lord is with us and we can trust Him. Evening Prayer God,I’m asking You tonight to plant Your seed of faith firmly within me, so that when the storms in life come as they sometimes do, both personal and physical, they don’t cause my faith to drift or fall away from You. Shelter me from the onslaught of storms whenever they surround me, I ask, and assure me of Your presence in the midst of them. Strengthen Your word within me. Send others to water it, so that Your truth grows within me and brings forth fruit that lasts for Your glory.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 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 deeply till 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 I worked for a company for 13 years and performed well in my role. There were never any performance issues, and if you asked colleagues or clients, they would tell you my work was stellar. Yet after 13 years of working, I was laid off from my job. Honestly, it did not make sense to me, but when it happened, the first thing the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart was, " Trust me. Over the next several months, God would reveal what he was doing and where he was leading. What initially seemed confusing or uncertain became clear as he unfolded his plan for my life. This season of life has taught me two invaluable lessons. The first is that God can be trusted with your whole life. That sounds simple, but how many times have you been like Asaph in Psalm 73, wondering what is going on and why this is working for everyone else but not for me? This is not a lack of faith, but a legitimate question because we see life through a small lens. However, God sees the entire picture, and he knows not only what is best for you, but how to get you to the place he wants you to be. For that reason alone, you can trust him fully. The second lesson I learned is that we often don’t truly trust God until we run out of options. It is easy to say you trust when the path forward is clear. However, when the way is cloudy, and your next steps are uncertain, that is when you have no choice but to trust. As scary as that can feel sometimes, you are in the right place, because all other options are gone, and all that is left is to trust God. It may not feel like it in the moment, but that is the best place to be in life. When you feel a little uncertain or shaky, then do what Asaph did. "When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply  till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny." - Psalm 73:16-17 When you enter God’s sanctuary, your perspective shifts. Instead of your eyes focusing on what is happening around you, they focus on who is walking with you. It is there that you can remind yourself of God’s faithfulness in your life, which is displayed time and time again. It is that track record that gives you the confidence to know if he did it before, he will do it again. As you think through your day, begin to identify all the ways God showed up in your life. I strongly believe your heart will be drawn to thanksgiving and praise, which is the way we enter his sanctuary. When you get there, it will give you the confidence to remember you serve a God who can be trusted. Your trust is not based on the confusion that life can bring. Your trust is based on the certainty of a God who has promised he will be with you until the end. Evening Prayer Lord,As I look back on the day, it's easy to focus on all the things that went wrong. However, in doing so, I might miss how your faithfulness shows up daily. Help me to end each day thinking of your love, your goodness, your kindness, and your faithfulness. Allow me to look for your hand in everything and help me to trust what you are doing in my life, even when I can’t see it, and my life doesn’t make sense. In those moments, draw me to the peace of your presence and the confidence that comes from resting in your arms. Renew my hope and trust, knowing that no matter what I see, you are still in control.I pray all 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. 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 13 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”So we say with confidence,“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so. We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat.The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon. Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.Brothers and sisters, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you quite briefly.I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you. Greet all your leaders and all the Lord’s people. Those from Italy send you their greetings.Grace be with you all. Evening Reflection Millions of followers of various religions are called upon to make spiritual pilgrimages, offer sacrifices, bring gifts to fulfill certain requirements, and gain favor with the gods they worship. Yet, as Christians, God is the one who made the pilgrimage from Heaven to earth and provided the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Because He did, we don’t ever have to travel far distances to find Him, or give gifts to gain His favor, or plead for Him to notice or be with us. As Hebrews 13 assures us, He will never leave us or forsake us. Our most loving and gracious Heavenly Father sent His one and only beloved, perfect Son, Jesus, Emmanuel--God with us, to be with us on earth.  And, after He died, rose from the dead, and ascended to Heaven, God sent His Holy Spirit to come and live within us, so that we aren’t alone and may find rest in the God who is with us. We don’t have to call out to God from afar because He is right with us, comforting, leading, teaching, and helping us in ways we may not even realize. As the Spirit of Truth, we can rely on His guidance all the days of our lives to help us know what is true and right. Because God is with us, we don’t ever have to be afraid or feel alone. He is our constant companion, ever present, so that wherever we go, live, find ourselves, or even drift for a time, He is with us. Evening Prayer God,Thank you for sending Jesus, Your perfect Son, who never changes but is the same yesterday, today, and forever. As well, my heart is grateful to you for sending Your Holy Spirit to live inside me here on earth. Because of you, I am never alone or have to feel lonely. In times when I may forget this, Lord, feeling sorry for myself, please nudge me with Your Spirit, so that I remember you are here with me. Fill my heart and lips with a sacrifice of praise to You, to remember that you are present with 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 Proverbs 30The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh—an inspired utterance. This man’s utterance to Ithiel: “I am weary, God, but I can prevail. Surely I am only a brute, not a man; I do not have human understanding. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I attained to the knowledge of the Holy One. Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Whose hands have gathered up the wind? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his son? Surely you know! “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. “Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die:  Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. “Do not slander a servant to their master, or they will curse you, and you will pay for it. “There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers; those who are pure in their own eyes and yet are not cleansed of their filth; those whose eyes are ever so haughty, whose glances are so disdainful; those whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are set with knives to devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among mankind. “The leech has two daughters.‘Give! Give!’ they cry.“There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, ‘Enough!’: the grave, the barren womb, land, which is never satisfied with water, and fire, which never says, ‘Enough!’“The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.“There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a young woman.“This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I’ve done nothing wrong.’“Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up: a servant who becomes king, a godless fool who gets plenty to eat, a contemptible woman who gets married, and a servant who displaces her mistress.“Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;  hyraxes are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags; locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks; a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces.“There are three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing: a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing; a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king secure against revolt.“If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth! For as churning cream produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.”  Evening Reflection What do you do when you don't know the answer to a question? Do you lie, stumble over your words, or admit that you aren't quite sure and will get back to them? We live in a world that loves confidence, opinions, and having all the "right answers." But spiritually, wisdom comes from humility, not being a "know-it-all." Because those who are willing to become wise are the ones willing to say, "I'm not sure, but God, grant me the knowledge to learn." And that's where tonight's verse comes in. Proverbs 30:2-3 says, "Surely I am only a brute, not a man; I do not have human understanding. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I attained to the knowledge of the Holy One." Proverbs 30:5 says it this way: "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." What we notice in these few verses is that our author doesn't start by bragging about his knowledge, but rather admitting his limitations. Humility isn't hating yourself or pretending to be stupid; it's recognizing God is God and you're not. It's acknowledging that, as smart or wise as we may be, we all still need God's discipline, knowledge, truth, and guidance. Pride can easily sneak into our lives. It sounds like:  "I already know this." "I'm fine on my own." But wisdom says, "Lord, teach me." "I need you." And even Solomon, one of the wisest men the scriptures knew this. Because a teachable spirit always matters more than appearing intelligent. It's the humble who draw near to God and grow. It's the prideful who close their ears and grow standoffish. Are you humble to the Lord's correction, or have you become resistant to growth? Are you more concerned with looking wise or becoming wise? When was the last time you asked God to teach you? Reflect openly and honestly on these questions with Him now.  Evening Prayer Dear God,Your Word reminds me that I don't need to know everything to grow in wisdom. Today, my heart cries out for you. Teach me to receive wisdom with humility, and to lay down pride, defensiveness, or the need to "have it all together." Give me a teachable heart that listens to your instruction and trusts your Word over my own. Help me walk in your ways.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, Chapter 8But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”“No one, sir,” she said.“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.”Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”Then they asked him, “Where is your father?”“You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come. Once more Jesus said to them, “I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come.”This made the Jews ask, “Will he kill himself? Is that why he says, ‘Where I go, you cannot come’?”But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.”“Who are you?” they asked.“Just what I have been telling you from the beginning,” Jesus replied. “I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is trustworthy, and what I have heard from him I tell the world.” They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father. So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” Even as he spoke, many believed in him.To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father.”“Abraham is our father,” they answered.“If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did. As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. You are doing the works of your own father.”“We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” The Jews answered him, “Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?”“I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.”At this they exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death. Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?” Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”“You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!”“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. Evening Reflection One of the most profound aspects of the creation story in Genesis is that God brought light into existence by speaking it into existence. And when he did, God called this light "good" and then separated it from the darkness (Genesis 1:2-4). Think about that: God not only created something out of nothing, but what he created was literally light itself! This means at least two things. First, it means that in order for God to produce light, he must consist of it. Darkness has never produced light. Secondly, this means that before God "turned on the switch," the earth was completely dark. This second truth also applies to our souls. Until our hearts are illuminated with the truth and love of Jesus Christ, we "sit in darkness and in the shadow of death" as Zechariah stated (quoting the prophet Isaiah) in Luke 1:79. Light and darkness cannot occupy the same space (which is good news for us who have the Light of Christ). The darkness of sin is obvious and prevalent in the lost world in which we live. The only cure for this darkness is the same cure for darkness before God created light in Genesis 1: light. But not only that, darkness can even be seen in the lives of Christians when we try to live our days without seeking God's will and without following God's Word. So as Jesus (the true "Light of the World") declared in John 8:12, if we follow him, we "will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." Evening Prayer Heavenly Father,Thank you for providing the light in the darkest spaces of this world and for lighting up the darkness that once was in my soul. If not for you, I would be hopeless and helpless. Apart from your miraculous grace applied to my life, I would be lost and blind. And since the day you saved me, you have been lighting the path in front of me and keeping my feet from stumbling as I read your Word. Thank you for caring so much for me that you did not leave me in my darkness. Help me to open up any areas in my life that have been kept in the shadows so truth and love can shine in. And help me to reflect your light to the people around me so they can see the Way, the Truth, and the Life, too.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 Romans, Chapter 15 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.” Again, it says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people." And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.” And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another. Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done— by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Rather, as it is written: “Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.” This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there. For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ. I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people there, so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed. The God of peace be with you all. Amen. Evening Reflection Our Scripture comes tonight from the book of Romans, a letter to the churches of Rome written by Paul. Paul’s heart throughout the text was to help unify the greater Church. At the time, there was a great divide between Jewish and Gentile believers, with deep confusion over what practices still held merit and which ones were unnecessary to continue as a believer in Jesus. Paul addressed customs over food, days of observation, and festivals, and most importantly, how to treat one another. Paul’s vision for the Church was that both Jew and Gentile would eat at the same table, serve their community together, and worship Christ together as Christ preached. Paul wrote, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:5-6). Christ desired his Church to have one mind and one voice to glorify God. Tonight, as we reflect upon our passage, where can you have the same attitude Christ had with the heart for one mind and one voice? Where in your life do you need endurance and encouragement? Paul knew the answer didn’t rest on doing more charitable acts, going to the “right” church, or keeping cultural customs. Paul urged the believer to receive the mind and heart of Christ: to love one another and expand the kingdom. It wasn’t about the believer filling themselves up with knowledge, rules, or religion. Instead, it was a filling from the Holy Spirit that empowered the believer to see, with wisdom and discernment, the heart of Christ. Paul said, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). Who doesn’t want more joy and peace?! How can you position yourself tonight to receive His filling? Tonight, my heart is to encourage you to continue to trust in Him so you naturally overflow with hope, telling all who need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. As we close the day, I want to repeat John’s words to you: “I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.” Dear reader, you are full of goddess energy and knowledge, and you are able to lead and teach others. Can you trust a good God to lead you into the right conversations? To be bold in your faith and testimony? May your love for Him and His people carry you closer to your calling and deepen your faith! Evening Prayer Father,I want to receive a filling of your love, truth, and hope tonight. I empty myself of the things that take my mind off of you. Forgive me for the disagreements I’ve had that haven’t honored you. Forgive me for trying to take control of the details of my life that you’ve called me to surrender. I pray for your peace and joy tonight as I rest and renew my mind and spirit. My heart is to please you and to have the same mind and heart as Christ. Draw me closer, Lord. I am so grateful for your pursuit of me. Thank you, God. I love you and pray this 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 Psalm 100A psalm. For giving grateful praise.Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Evening Reflection  We open locked doors with keys. I need the fob in my pocket to start the car. These days, a website requires more than a password; it sends me a special code. God often feels far away. Elusive. Yet Psalm 100 gives us the key, the fob, the password, and the code. All to enter his presence. Praise and thanks. Gratitude allows us entry to his presence in the heavenly places, symbolized here by courts and gates. The psalmist likely wrote this about worshipping in Solomon’s Temple, complete with gates and courts (inner, outer). Revelation gives us a vision of God’s throne room, surrounded by praising angels (4:8). To reach God, we must pass through those magnificent beings, lifting up his name. There’s no other way.  Psalm 100 gives us reasons to praise. He made us; we didn’t make ourselves. We are the sheep of his pasture. The Lord is good, and his mercy is everlasting. All these eternal things exist beyond our current, temporary situation. God is worthy to be praised simply because of who he is and who he’s made us. Even when we don’t feel like it, he alone is worthy of thanks and praise.  As we long to enter his presence, the place of blessing and life, let us lift up his name and experience his love.  Evening Prayer Heavenly Father,I come to you with praise and thanksgiving, the key you have given us to enter your presence. I lift up your name above my feelings and circumstances. You made me. I belong to you. You paid for me with your living blood to redeem me. We are the sheep of your pasture. You are good, and your mercy endures forever.Open my heart to see beyond what is temporary and fix my eyes on your eternal truth. Teach me to walk through your gates with gratitude and stand in your courts with joy. Let my praise join in with the angels in heaven, declaring you are holy.Father, I draw near to you with worship, even when you feel distant. Draw near to me. I choose to thank you, worship you, and rest in your presence 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.