Your Nightly Scripture

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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