Your Nightly Scripture

Evening Scripture Acts, Chapter 4The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one.’ Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. Evening Reflection Not long after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, His disciples were hidden away in a locked room – fearing that they were next to be arrested. Then Jesus suddenly came to them, speaking words of peace over them. Jesus told them that he was sending them out into the world in His name. In other words, to get out of hiding and go. But now they knew they were not alone. Now they knew that he was with them and would be no matter what happened. Suddenly, the disciples were encouraged and emboldened. Peter delivered the first-ever gospel sermon. Then, with new boldness and courage, Peter and John headed to the temple to preach again. We have to be amazed that this was the very same Peter who, only a short time before, had denied even knowing Jesus three times. But courage and confidence were now his. Sometimes, for us, such boldness is a difficult thing. Maybe we’re a bit more reserved – after all, Peter was always brash and outspoken. We feel like that is not our gift. But we don’t have to be as bold as Peter to be bold in our own ways. We can each find our own boldness – not from within, but from the One who delivers our peace and our strength and our courage. Let’s face it, sometimes it is all too easy to be silent about our faith when we know we should speak out. When we see someone – even someone we don’t know – who needs a prayer or help. Maybe it’s a neighbor who is not a believer. Or a cashier at the market. Let us find a degree of boldness – maybe not like Peter – but a peace that passes understanding to not be shy about who we are and in whom we have placed our faith. We should remember that Jesus offers us the same assurance and peace he offered the disciples. No matter who we are. No matter our personalities. We can count on him always to give us the strength we need to be bold for Him. Evening Prayer Sovereign Lord,As you did for those early disciples, please give me the strength and courage to be bold for you. As you did then, Father, send your Holy Spirit to give me the words and the boldness to always live my life for your kingdom and 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. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Psalm 94The Lord is a God who avenges.O God who avenges, shine forth.Rise up, Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve.How long, Lord, will the wicked, how long will the wicked be jubilant? They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting.They crush your people, Lord; they oppress your inheritance.They slay the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless.They say, “The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob takes no notice.” Take notice, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise?Does he who fashioned the ear not hear?Does he who formed the eye not see?Does he who disciplines nations not punish?Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge?The Lord knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile. Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law; you grant them relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked.For the Lord will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it. Who will rise up for me against the wicked?Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Can a corrupt throne be allied with you— a throne that brings on misery by its decrees?The wicked band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; the Lord our God will destroy them. Evening Reflection The truth we often forget is that our lives, who we are, and all we do are not possible without the Lord. He sees us, he knows us, he loves us, and he sustains us. As our busy lives progress, we so quickly get caught up in our own stories. Believing that we can control our world. That if we work hard enough, we can achieve self-sufficiency. That we have the power to provide our own security. These are lies from the enemy. Our pride leads us to believe that we are not dependent on our Maker. That our hands are as powerful as God's. The Psalms remind us that God is sovereign. He disciplines the nations. God takes note of injustice. Additionally, he is personally investing in our stories. He formed us and sees us. He supports us with his unfailing love. The lord offers peace when we are anxious and protects us when danger arises around us. We can take refuge in the knowledge that God sees and sustains us. To accept this truth, humility is required. Our hearts must be open to God’s love. When trouble comes our way, prayer should be our first response. When we are spared death or disaster, gratitude must be on our lips. Give thanks to the Lord for his knowledge and power at work in your life. Evening Prayer Father,I give thanks because you see me and you sustain me. Help me to live with humility, acknowledging that you are God and I am your creation. I need you each day of this life you have given me. There is no day I live apart from your power at work in my life. I ask that you protect me from harm. Remove those who seek to destroy me. Provide peace when I am feeling anxious. Bring your perfect justice to the Earth. I thank you, God, for today and for the gift of this life.Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture John, Chapter 10“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them. Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” The Jews who heard these words were again divided. Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?” But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.” Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are “gods”’? If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside— what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp. Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. There he stayed, and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.” And in that place many believed in Jesus. Evening Reflection What’s so endearing about Jesus is that He goes before us and behind us. As we follow Him, He promises in Psalm 23 that goodness and mercy follow us. His fullness encapsulates us on all sides. What peace this brings! But to access this gift, our faith must be active. Following God is a conscientious choice that requires us to move forward. It only works in the present tense of our physical, mental, and spiritual being. That’s the beautiful but raw truth of free will. It grants us choices. It lets us know that the Good Shepherd is there, His gate flung open for us to come in, but as John 10:3 says, the sheep must come in. The sheep must choose to step into Jesus’ richness, trusting that He will keep them safe within the fold. This trust requires obedience, though. It means that the sheep not only hear the voice of the Good Shepherd, but follow His lead. Will the sheep always obey? Of course not. Will the sheep delay due to fear? Absolutely. Will the sheep stray? Yes, and often. But the beauty of following the Good Shepherd, even when following Him means failing along the way, is that He never leaves His own behind. He’s a gentle, nurturing, attentive, forgiving, protective Father, unwilling to let His sheep be abandoned. He has sacrificed far too much to leave a single one behind. Evening Prayer Father,Grant us the courage to trust that you are far more than we could ever have imagined, that you stay with us and love us with a love that only the Good Shepherd can. May we lean into your voice, obeying without a second thought, knowing that your ways are best. May we give feet to our faith and continue moving forward, believing that your goodness surrounds us and will lead us home. Just as the Psalmist proclaimed, we want for nothing, Lord. Let us hold firmly to this truth and live in the freedom and joy it brings. In your holy name, Father 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.

Evening Scripture Psalm 27The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”Your face, Lord, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper.Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior.Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations. I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Evening Reflection This beautiful Psalm ends with a verse I include in my prayers each morning. “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” (v14, NLT) Waiting is hard. Patience is not an easy virtue to behold. Yet, when we put our craving for immediacy aside, we get to experience the wonderful benefit and blessing of waiting … of patience. Psalm 27 reminds us to center our lives around the Lord, who is worth waiting for. So often, we push to find answers instead of waiting on the Lord's steadfast, reliable timing. We so often rush ahead to get to what’s next instead of taking a deep breath and enjoying the process, the journey from point A to point B. In life, there will always be something coming up next. Always another season of life lurking around the corner. We’ll never be able to predict what’s coming for us …at us …what will happen to us …both good and bad. And what we do with that fact determines the value of our days. Will we spend each day grasping for control of what we can never predict? Or, will we take a deep breath and bravely commit to waiting on the Lord? The courage it takes to develop godly patience is commendable. It is brave to wait. God cares for us infinitely more than we could imagine. His ways are mysterious to us, but His love for us is obvious. Meditate on this Psalm tonight. Listen to it over and over until its truth seeps deeply into your mind, heart, and soul. Be brave. Have courage. And rest in the Lord’s strength tonight. Evening Prayer Father,I wait patiently on you, Lord. Brave and courageous. I wait patiently for you. And I will repeat that truth, those words, until my heart’s intentions align with your will. Grow in me godly wisdom and courage. I pray to walk boldly behind you, Jehovah Rohi, all the days of my life, following your specific design for my life, and running towards your purposes. Let my life bring glory to your name, Abba.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 Revelation, Chapter 1The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. John,To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”So shall it be! Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. Evening Reflection Although some may avoid reading the book of Revelation, with its ominous figures, plagues upon the earth, and apocalyptic themes, it’s still a book well worth reading, revealing eternal mysteries and painting a vivid picture of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As a child, I had vibrant, recurring dreams of Christ’s return to earth, waking up in bed, wrapped up in my sheets and blankets, trembling at the majesty of seeing Him coming down in the sky, all of which is very real to me. Not that I understand everything in Revelation when reading it, as I’m far from it, but with the memory of my childhood dreams and with the promise of blessing to all who read and take its words to heart, my heart is stirred and encouraged to keep reading it. Within its mysterious words, Jesus is revealed in all His glory. As I read the verses and chapters about the Savior of the world, the returning Prince of Peace, the memories of my dreams seem to highlight the words written on the pages. Such rich and eternal truth is embedded within this book, drawing us in and making the timeless, eternal truths revealed too irresistible to resist, of Jesus as our faithful witness, firstborn from the dead, and ruler of the kings on earth. Jesus, revealed as the Alpha and the Omega, the one who is, who was, and who is to come. Jesus, revealed as our Savior and Redeemer, who loved us, died to free us from the wrath of God, and washed our sins away with His own blood. He, who is returning in the clouds, just as I dreamed about growing up over and over again. Evening Prayer God,Thank You for revealing who Jesus is to me: Your dearly beloved Son, as described in Your priceless, precious book of Revelation. Open my heart, mind, and eyes to be drawn to reading Your truth within its words and page. Free me from turning away from it out of fear and lack of understanding. Quicken my heart and mind to grasp the truths revealed to me through Your word.Amen Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Proverbs, Chapter 24 Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength.Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.Wisdom is too high for fools; in the assembly at the gate they must not open their mouths. Whoever plots evil will be known as a schemer.The schemes of folly are sin, and people detest a mocker. If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?Does not he who guards your life know it?Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done? Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Do not lurk like a thief near the house of the righteous, do not plunder their dwelling place; for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them. Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked, for the evildoer has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out. Fear the Lord and the king, my son, and do not join with rebellious officials, for those two will send sudden destruction on them, and who knows what calamities they can bring? These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good:Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent,” will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations.But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come on them. An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house. Do not testify against your neighbor without cause— would you use your lips to mislead?Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.” I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense;thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins.I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw:A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. Evening Reflection Proverbs, also known as the book of wisdom, fills us with truth, hope, and instruction. For our souls to receive the words, we must first ask God to enlighten us. Proverbs 24:3-4 says, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” Before we trade our weariness for strength and call it a day, let’s pause and ask God for wisdom and understanding. Father, we want Divine wisdom and pure understanding to receive and apply it to our lives. Help us build our lives on your truth and not our own. Amen. As you settle down for the night, how are you? Pause and take an inventory of your mind, heart, and body. Are you anxious? Do you feel weary from the load you’re carrying? Proverbs 24:10 writes, “If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!” Tonight, let's lay our troubles at his feet and receive His strength. God, I do not want to falter when adversity comes against me. I pray for my spiritual roots to grow deep in you. As I dwell in your presence and meditate upon your word, renew my strength. I pray for your refreshing and clarity into my weariness. If there’s a burden that I am carrying unnecessarily, prompt my heart. Weariness can often wear on a believer when shut doors are the norm, when setbacks occur, and when things don’t align with our timeline. (I speak from experience!) Proverbs 24:16 says, “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” We know hard times happen, and calamity does strike. But for the believer, they can rise again because of their faith rooted in a loving God. For those who are not living as Christ-followers, setbacks often spell their demise. Weariness doesn’t have to lead to failure. The weariness we face are invitations to ask, “What is sustaining me?” Jesus, sustain me. Help me see adversity as a tool to sharpen my faith and renew my hope in my God, my anchor. Be my source, and when others see my perseverance in this world, may my testimony glorify your goodness. Tonight, let honesty and pure speech be on your lips. Proverbs 24:26 declares, “An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.” As you allow the Lord to search your heart tonight, tell him how you are, and honestly at that! Facades and masking what you’re facing won’t help. Ask for His guidance, wisdom, and refreshment. Evening Prayer Lord, As the day ends, I come to you, honest and pure in heart. I need you, I want you, and there’s nothing else that will satisfy as you do. I lay down the stress of the day and pray for your peace and clarity to renew my mind and body. I pray for insight into what I face and pray for your power to work in and through me. In Jesus name, Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Luke, Chapter 24On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words. When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened. Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. Evening Reflection How many of us long to have an experience like that of the early disciples? The women, who peered into the early tomb, hearing the news that Jesus had been raised; the disciples, who had Jesus suddenly appear to them, and experienced him breathing peace upon them. It’s easy to look at their experiences and think that it must have been easy for them to exude hope and joy. After all, they had the privilege of remembering Jesus in their midst. When we think like that, it’s easy to dismiss our reality of faith. We might even doubt whether we can ever be as faithful as they are. But when we look at the disciples' lives, we see something interesting. They also experienced Jesus’s absence. To the disciples in Emmaus, Jesus was made known in the breaking of the bread, but then he disappeared from their midst. To Mary in the garden, Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me.” Ultimately, the disciples witnessed Jesus' ascension. Yet with this departure came the descent of the Spirit – and it was the Spirit within them that empowered them to live in joy and steadfast hope. The presence of the Holy Spirit fuelled their witness – because it meant that everyone else could be drawn into the resurrection reality. The risen Jesus was for everyone, whether they saw Jesus physically or not. The disciples were impactful in their witness, not because they saw the flesh of Jesus, but because the Spirit's pulse was alive within them. And that is the same reality that we participate in. This night, as you begin to retire for the evening, take some time to meditate on these truths: You have the Holy Spirit within you. And like all the disciples before you, you can walk in hope, because you can know that there is nothing that you might face that is beyond the power of the risen Lord, and He is with you. Evening Prayer Risen Jesus,As it rests my body this night, I pray that you draw me into a deeper experience of you, through the power of the Holy Spirit. In the places where I need love, may you breathe your loving kindness. In the places where I need forgiveness, may your grace wash over me. In the places where I need your power, may your Holy Spirit pulse within. Lord, I give myself to you as your disciple.But I pray these prayers, not simply for my own edification and joy, but so that I may be used to inspire the hope and joy of others. And so, Lord, this night I pray you impress upon my heart the name of someone you want me to walk beside. Help me exude joy; help me be the bearer of grace; May I be a conduit for the work of your spirit, calling others into the hope of resurrection.This I pray in Jesus’s holy name.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Acts 2When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke.The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. David said about him: “‘I saw the Lord always before me.Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay.You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’ “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’ “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Evening Reflection The other day, I arrived at my office to find that the power had gone out. It wasn’t just my office, or my building, but the power had gone out throughout the entire block. I sat at my desk, wondering what to do, given that the electricity we depend on for lights, internet, emails, and printing had suddenly disappeared; it felt as if everything had come to a halt, and I couldn’t really function. As power is necessary for our physical lives, so too is divine power necessary for our spiritual lives. The inward pulse of the Holy Spirit vivifies, energizes, and empowers us so that we might live the Christian life. And without the Holy Spirit moving in our lives, without a connection to that source of power, our Christian life comes to a standstill. It’s like we experience a power outage in our spiritual selves. Although we often speak of the day of Pentecost, as described in Acts 2, we must remember that being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time event. The Holy Spirit is not a possession that we hold or a skill that we wield for our own benefit. The Holy Spirit is the active and ongoing presence of the Triune God within us. Wouldn’t it be great if we got to participate in that reality? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the Spirit could indwell our lives just as much as the disciples? The whole message of Pentecost is that we are included in that event today. We have been filled with the Holy Spirit, we are filled with the Holy Spirit, and we can be filled with the Holy Spirit. New life in the Spirit can be ours because being filled with the Holy Spirit is a function of our connection to Jesus and our participation in the work of God in this world. As you enter rest this evening, there is no more perfect time to open yourself to the Holy Spirit? Put down any reservations you may have and just receive. Dare to believe that the Holy Spirit is with you and wants to move in your life. When we open ourselves to this reality, we might just find ourselves experiencing something kind of like the early disciples did. Evening Prayer Gracious Lord,You are enthroned in honor, praise, and power. I thank you for the redemptive love that washes over me. I thank you that this night, I can know that I am loved, I am forgiven, I am empowered, all because you have promised your Holy Spirit to be with me, and upon me.As I rest myself before you, Lord, I extend myself to you. I open my hands as a symbol that I am ready to receive the new life. Come, Holy Spirit, come. Fall on me, I pray. Breathe on me in power, wash over me, and set my soul on fire with a passion for your people.Lord, your word tells me that your spirit, moving in me, can do infinitely more than I can ask or imagine. May your Holy Spirit be a ceaseless presence and a constant power in my life. I pray this in Jesus’ name.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Psalm 92It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done.How great are your works, Lord, how profound your thoughts! fools do not understand, that though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever. But you, Lord, are forever exalted. For surely your enemies, Lord, surely your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered.You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; fine oils have been poured on me.My eyes have seen the defeat of my adversaries; my ears have heard the rout of my wicked foes. The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.” Evening Reflection A few years ago, when I was leading worship, I came across this passage in Scripture: “May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2, NIV). As I sang the song Worthy of It, these lyrics stood out to me: “Day and night, night and day let incense arise. Day and night, night and day let incense arise.” In Psalm 92:1-5, we see that it’s good to sing to the Lord. To praise His name with rejoicing and shouts. To make music before our God. But the beauty of this verse is that our praise, our worship, the act of our lives is to glorify and honor His Name. Our prayers are like incense. And day and night, He’s the one we can trust. Day and night, He’s faithful always. If you don’t know much about incense, I’d encourage you to read the Old Testament. Sacrifices were needed because we couldn’t pay the price for our sins. Incense, the smell or aroma, therefore, represents holy worship. Honor God. Obeying His commands. And according to these Scriptures, the prayers of God's people ascending to heaven are a sweet aroma pleasing to God. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we don’t need the blood of bulls or animals to make us right with Him. But we can dedicate our lives to Him through the surrender of our lives. And that, my friends, is a beautiful incense that meets His presence in Heaven. How do you praise the Lord? Do you sing? Do you shout? Do you dance? Get out of your comfort zone and praise God in a way that feels right for you today. Psalm 92 reminds us that our lives are worship to God, and it’s a pleasing aroma to Him. You don’t have to have the perfect voice, the most brilliant speaking notes, or musical talents to praise and worship Him; you can worship Him right where you are, as you are. As you prepare for rest, ask yourself: Do I worship God for His faithfulness in every season? If you don’t, ask the Lord to help you worship Him day and night, in any and every season. Evening Prayer Dear Jesus,As this day comes to a close, I want to praise you with all that I am. Please show me what this should look like in my life, and help me to honor you, bringing glory to your name. We can trust you day and night, Lord. Let our incense arise.Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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