Your Nightly Scripture

Evening Scripture Luke, Chapter 21 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?” He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. And so you will bear testimony to me. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life. When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple. Evening Reflection When we read Jesus’ words in tonight’s chapter, there’s a part of our spirit that testifies to the very awful events Jesus prophesied. Kingdoms fighting kingdoms, nations against one another, and immeasurable earthquakes, famines, and diseases. Many might say we are indeed in the last days and silently fear, “How much more pain and suffering is there left to experience?” before Jesus comes back. In the meantime, we live. We go on each day learning more about a good Savior and a God with a good, redemptive plan. We watch and wait with utter hope. That might be hard to do. But before we let fear overtake us and become jaded with the things we cannot control, we must remind ourselves of the encouragement of God’s presence with us. We have the Holy Spirit living and breathing in and through us, changing our perspective and lens of Christ. But how do we practically watch and wait with hope? First, we heed Christ’s warning found in Luke 21:34-36 to be on guard and alert at all times. We refuse to become lukewarm in our faith (Revelation 3:16) and remind ourselves there is an enemy actively roaming to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). The enemy of our souls would love a complacent Christian, one who is weary, with little hope of something beautiful to come. Next, we do exactly what Jesus said: we raise our heads. Not because of pride or in selfish gain, but because redemption is on its way! There’s a deep part of my heart that beckons for things to be made right, for King Jesus to reign and for every knee to bow and every heart to confess His Lordship. I’m so genuinely eager for pain, suffering, and death to be no more. Can you let your heart imagine that for a minute? All of the worries weighing your heart right now will be no more because all has been made right in a righteous plan! And yet, we wait amidst the weight of anxiety. We wait in the middle of grief. We wait in the middle of the mundane, ordinary, day-to-day work. In the waiting, we embody what Jesus said we’d do: bear testimony to Him. Then we take the next step: We choose not to fear the future, or the persecution coming our way. Finally, we “stand firm” and know God’s rescue plan is already in motion. We watch, but we do not fear. We wait, but we do not become weary. Tonight, allow hope to sweep into the corners of your heart and refresh your soul. Redemption is coming! Evening Prayer God, It’s so easy for me to see the world and everything wrong in it. From tragedies to health battles, from natural disasters to evil powers, my heart can become so weary. If I’m honest Lord, the fear of the future and what will happen to future generations can grip me with frustration, worry, and a lack of motivation to keep fighting. Help me stay passionate for you, your word, and your redemption plan. Show me my place in your story and help me live with conviction and purpose. I pray for all who have read this tonight to have a deep sense of peace and trust in you, a good and loving God. Lead the way and set the example on how to stand firm in this time in history. Ignite our flame of hope as we watch and wait for our King. In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen! Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Romans, Chapter 11 I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don’t you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah — how he appealed to God against Israel: “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me”? And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace. What then? What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain. The elect among them did, but the others were hardened, as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see and ears that could not hear, to this very day.” And David says: “May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them. May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever.” Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious. But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring! I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I take pride in my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them. For if their rejection brought reconciliation to the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? If the part of the dough offered as first fruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches. If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree! I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Evening Reflection Life on this earth is not always easy, is it? Often, quite the opposite. This life brings a lot of different seasons, and sometimes it seems, God’s plan is hidden. Yes, trust can prove difficult at times. We suffer loss of loved ones. Broken relationships. Unexpected and unwanted changes. And God is silent. The thing is, Scripture seems to not only acknowledge this tension in our lives, but reinforces it. From Abraham to Joseph to David to Jeremiah to the Apostles to Paul – all suffered. From where we sit, we can see God’s plan, but how could they? Then there’s Israel. The ups and downs of Israel throughout their history are hard even for us now to understand. But perhaps that is the point Paul was making in Romans 11 – there is an end. God has a plan. We just have to trust that He knows what’s best and to work all things out for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Even when circumstances feel painful, or confusing, or remain unresolved – we must trust in Him and His plan. We must have faith in His unchanging character, faithfulness, wisdom, and goodness. Faith and fear cannot co-exist. They are opposing forces, one battling the other. Fear limits; faith liberates. Fear weakens; faith strengthens. Fear paralyzes; faith inspires. Max Lucado once wrote: “Feed your fears and your faith will starve. But feed your faith and your fear will starve.” The thing is, worry is nothing more than an emotional reaction. Fear of an outcome. Faith is a choice – and we can make that choice to trust in God with everything we’ve got. Circumstances change, but God does not, even when life seems challenging. Our trust is not built on understanding or explanations, but on surrendering our hearts and lives to Him, even when He seems silent – as He had been with Israel lo these many years. When your circumstances or the future seems unclear, cling to what is very clear: God’s mercy and grace and love and faithfulness, as demonstrated at the cross. It doesn’t mean the pain will go away, but we choose to know that God is still good and wise, even in our darkness. And he has not left your side. Faith isn’t about asking God to stop the storm, it is about trusting God to help you through it. Evening Prayer Father, Thank you for always being there for me, even when I don’t see you or hear you. You know what I’m going through and I thank you for letting your Holy Spirit give me strength to get me through this crisis. I don’t know how this will end – but that doesn’t matter because you are in control. Please remind me that you are right here with me. Amen. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Psalm, Chapter 149 Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds. May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands, to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out the sentence written against them— this is the glory of all his faithful people. Praise the Lord. Evening Reflection When God finished making Adam and Eve, the first humans in Genesis 1, he ended his work by saying it was very good. From the very beginning, we were made for his delight. Before sin, God walked with Adam through the garden, sharing this beautifully created space with him and Eve. After Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, God discovered something was amiss because he was strolling through the garden looking for his friends. When he realized they were hidden due to shame, he immediately knew something had gone wrong. Since the Fall, God has been working to bring humanity back into perfect communion with himself. We are his beloved, and he delights in us! He sees beauty in us, as creatures made in his image; we are a reflection of his goodness. As a beloved creature, how do you respond? Do you give thanks for the gift of God’s adoration in your life? Do you strive to please your maker? Or are you diminishing your value and purpose? You matter because God made you on purpose for a purpose. When we deny our value, we deny the very Word of the Lord. Self-hatred is to say that God is a liar. That his declaration of love and commitment to us was meaningless. We can have faith in ourselves not out of pride, but because we have faith in the Lord and we believe what his Word says about us! Rejoice because you are fearfully and wonderfully made. God loves you. He delights in the work of your hands. He covets your praises. He orchestrates the details of your life for your good. He is a good father whom you can trust. Evening Prayer Father, I rejoice that you delight in me! I am valuable because I am made by you. I thank you for the plan and purpose you have given my life. I ask that you would help me to remain confident not because I am filled with pride but because I am filled with faith. I praise you and thank you for your unfailing love. Amen. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture 1 Peter, Chapter 5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ. Evening Reflection When I was a high school English teacher, most days were long, dreary, and stress-inducing. Not because I didn’t love the students, I did (and still do), but because I struggled to be present. I was there, but I wasn’t really there. Have you ever been in this place? Carrying our worries with us long after the day is over is common to most of us. We’re not counting sheep, we’re counting concerns. It’s not that we want to, but we can’t seem to shake them out of our minds. From replaying conversations to stressing about tomorrow, or carrying burdens that we were never meant to bear alone, the verses found in 1 Peter 5 sound so out of reach. How do we cast all of our anxiety on Him? How do we resist the devil? How do we truly give God our burdens? What I love about this passage is that no matter what worries have been occupying my mind, God tells us to cast them on Him because He cares for us. Because He loves us. Because He knows we will try to carry them. But He wants to help lighten the load. It’s a difficult question to ponder, but what burdens have you been trying to carry in your own strength? What are you truly anxious about, and have you given these concerns to God? Are you still holding tightly to what is slowly killing you? When you think about your life, I want you to know that a changed perspective is possible. God invites us to cast all our anxieties on Him because He cares for us. Not because He’s mad at us or yelling at us when we do. But because we weren’t created to, nor do we have to carry the weight of our burdens alone. True humility isn’t acting like our worries and fears don’t exist, but recognizing our need for God's help while surrendering control to Him. His strength and care are greater than any worry we face. This passage reminds us that this side of Heaven, you and I may still be anxious. It’s not natural to give our worries and cares to someone we can’t physically see. But it’s a great opportunity to ask yourself what burdens you’re carrying and how we can choose to faithfully trust even in the face of fear. As you prepare for rest, ask yourself: Where have I been trying to control what only God can handle? Evening Prayer Dear Jesus, Tonight, I give you the worries and burdens I’ve been carrying. Even when I pick them up again, I surrender. I surrender the things that are outside of my control and trust that your love, care, and faithfulness will protect me even there. Thank you for allowing me to rest knowing that you’re watching over me and working on my behalf. Amen. Agape, Amber Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Psalm, Chapter 16 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips. The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Evening Reflection Joy. It’s one of the things we long for most in life. Yet with the challenges we face, is lasting joy even possible? How do we hold on to joy when we're bombarded with one difficulty after another? In tonight’s passage, the psalmist David expressed a level of joy that can only be found in a relationship with the Lord. From his praise, we, too, can discover God’s plan for lasting joy. David proclaimed, “The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot” (Psalm 16:5). God planned an inheritance for us that is full of promise and provision. And even though this abundant gift doesn’t ensure a life free from trouble, our God is always steadfast and sure. Sometimes our supply will run low, and we may be tempted to worry over when provision will come. Thankfully, we have good news to cling to, whatever struggles we face. Our inheritance rests in God’s powerful hands. The Hebrew word for “lot” spoken in this psalm is goral, which means, “a device by which a decision was made” as it relates to an allotment of land or an inheritance. When David expressed his belief in God as the holder of his lot, he acknowledged his trust in God to keep his inheritance safe. No matter what difficulties come our way, our inheritance as God’s children rests secure because of the One who holds our future. As we ponder tonight’s psalm, let’s focus on this truth David knew: God himself is our rich and glorious inheritance. Like David, we can rejoice knowing lasting joy is found in God’s presence. He is here with us right now. Let’s pray and ask God to renew joy in our hearts as we reflect on the closing verse, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). Evening Prayer Dear God, Thank you for your Word. It brings me joy to know you are here with me, and that you hear my prayer. Thank you for my inheritance as your child. I rejoice in knowing my future is secure because of my relationship with you. Your son Jesus suffered death on the cross so that I could have eternal life — a gift I did not deserve, but you freely gave because of who you are. You are a good and generous God. You are my portion, now and forever. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.