Your Nightly Scripture

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

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

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