Your Nightly Scripture

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  Trusting God with Tomorrow Before I Sleep (Deuteronomy 31) 19.09.2026 10min

  Evening Scripture Deuteronomy, Chapter 31 Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel: “I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The Lord has said to me, ‘You shall not cross the Jordan.’ The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the Lord said. And the Lord will do to them what he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, whom he destroyed along with their land. The Lord will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the Levitical priests, who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and to all the elders of Israel. Then Moses commanded them: “At the end of every seven years, in the year for canceling debts, during the Festival of Tabernacles, when all Israel comes to appear before the Lord your God at the place he will choose, you shall read this law before them in their hearing. Assemble the people — men, women and children, and the foreigners residing in your towns — so they can listen and learn to fear the Lord your God and follow carefully all the words of this law. Their children, who do not know this law, must hear it and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as you live in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” The Lord said to Moses, “Now the day of your death is near. Call Joshua and present yourselves at the tent of meeting, where I will commission him.” So Moses and Joshua came and presented themselves at the tent of meeting. Then the Lord appeared at the tent in a pillar of cloud, and the cloud stood over the entrance to the tent. And the Lord said to Moses: “You are going to rest with your ancestors, and these people will soon prostitute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake me and break the covenant I made with them. And in that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. Many disasters and calamities will come on them, and in that day they will ask, ‘Have not these disasters come on us because our God is not with us?’ And I will certainly hide my face in that day because of all their wickedness in turning to other gods. “Now write down this song and teach it to the Israelites and have them sing it, so that it may be a witness for me against them. When I have brought them into the land flowing with milk and honey, the land I promised on oath to their ancestors, and when they eat their fill and thrive, they will turn to other gods and worship them, rejecting me and breaking my covenant. And when many disasters and calamities come on them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten by their descendants. I know what they are disposed to do, even before I bring them into the land I promised them on oath.” So Moses wrote down this song that day and taught it to the Israelites. The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.” After Moses finished writing in a book the words of this law from beginning to end, he gave this command to the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord: “Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God. There it will remain as a witness against you. For I know how rebellious and stiff-necked you are. If you have been rebellious against the Lord while I am still alive and with you, how much more will you rebel after I die! Assemble before me all the elders of your tribes and all your officials, so that I can speak these words in their hearing and call the heavens and the earth to testify against them. For I know that after my death you are sure to become utterly corrupt and to turn from the way I have commanded you. In days to come, disaster will fall on you because you will do evil in the sight of the Lord and arouse his anger by what your hands have made.” And Moses recited the words of this song from beginning to end in the hearing of the whole assembly of Israel: Evening Reflection Life often offers us more than our fair share of opportunities to be strong and courageous. There are events, seasons, performances, appointments, milestones, life changes, and more that we face that are scary. It would be so much easier to just hide and stop doing life instead of moving forward through a scary and unknown future. The Israelites faced one of those dreaded scary life changes. Moses was old and his time of leading them was coming to an end. After years of relying on Moses' instruction and connection with God, the people had to say goodbye, embrace a new leader, and finally move into the promised land. Knowing their fear and apprehension, Moses charged them to be strong and courageous. He reminded them that God is with them and ultimately God is their true leader, not Moses. This passage is one I’ve returned to many times, receiving these words of encouragement just as the Israelites did so long ago. I am reminded that God does not desire me to live in fear. He wants me to go boldly into the future, trusting Him to walk with me through all of my days. This passage reminds me that new seasons are not necessarily bad seasons. Change may feel uncomfortable, but it is part of God’s plan. We grow through change and challenges. What I perceive as a difficulty, God may be using as an opportunity to grow a more rooted faith. As you end the day, meditate on Moses' encouragement. You do not have to be afraid of the day ahead; God has gone before you. You can let go of your anxiety, trusting that a new or challenging season can be navigated with peace and bravery. Evening Prayer Father, I thank you for going before me and always being with me. Help me follow the instructions Moses gave to be strong and courageous. I am telling my soul to be brave and trust you. Help me to let go of my anxiety and walk with peace. Let your grace be sufficient for tomorrow. I will not worry about tomorrow because I know your mercies are new every morning. Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Resting in the Hope of My Redemption (Revelation 7) 18.09.2026 7min

  Evening Scripture Revelation, Chapter 7 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000. After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes — who are they, and where did they come from?” I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. ‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Evening Reflection Spoiler alert. We know the end of the story.  My wife likes lighthearted books to read, nothing too serious or sad. When I suggest a book to read, she asks me, “Does anyone die at the end?” It might tell you the kind of books I like.  A bad ending can ruin a book or movie. The ending of Stephen King’s It is famous for the dumb ending, how a thousand pages or more led to … that? The final seasons of Game of Thrones and Stranger Things greatly disappointed fans. Predictable mysteries make us groan with almost physical pain.  In a story, it’s important to get the ending right. Great endings make us want to rewatch or reread the movie or book.  God’s telling a story, through us to eternal beings, showing his glory and wisdom through redeeming a people (Ephesians 3:10). The Bible reveals the arc from Genesis and tells us the end of the story. But it’s not a spoiler. We need to know or else we would give up. We would fall into despair in such a dark and evil world.  Revelation 7 reveals what we wait for. What we’ve been saved for. The secure hope we have in a God who has prepared a Kingdom of light, love, healing, fullness, and joy. One that will never end. This hope gives us peace and an anchor in the midst of troubles and chaos. A hope that will not disappoint. May we rest today in our future hope.  Evening Prayer Heavenly Father, Thank you for revealing the end of the story. When darkness and suffering surround me, anchor my heart in the hope you have promised us. Help me remember your Kingdom of light, healing, joy, and peace is coming to earth, I will be a part of it, and it will never end.  Strengthen my faith when I get weary due to present troubles. Keep my eyes on you and your covenant. Fill me with confidence that your plans will succeed and your redemption will reveal and celebrate your glory forever. Give me the eternal perspective to have courage, peace, and perseverance today.  In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Growing Into the Person God Created Me to Be (Proverbs 31) 17.09.2026 9min

  Evening Scripture Proverbs, Chapter 31 The sayings of King Lemuel — an inspired utterance his mother taught him. Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers! Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings. It is not for kings, Lemuel — it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish! Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Evening Reflection Have you ever encountered a season of change and thought, Why am I not where I want to be?” From education to careers or callings and relationships, it’s easy to compare ourselves to others, or even former versions of ourselves. Not only that, it’s as if we expect instant transformation on demand. When we operate in this way, we have to admit it’s frustrating. No matter how hard we work, it’s still never good enough. But what if God never asked us to be anyone except the person He created us to be? When you think about your life, what areas are you still growing in? Are there places where you wish growth would happen faster? I know there often is for me. But instead of putting myself down, I’m learning that growth is a process. The person God created me to be has many different seasons, but they’re all still me. And guess what? They’re all still you, too. I used to hate when people would compare themselves to the Proverbs 31 woman. Not because she wasn’t admirable, she was, but because becoming her felt impossible. The reality is, the Proverbs 31 woman wasn’t born this way. But over time, she became her. The next time you’re tempted to compare yourself to others, or even former or future versions of yourself, reflect on these questions: What qualities is God developing in me right now? Where have I seen growth in my life over the past year? Am I focusing more on my shortcomings or God's faithfulness? Though a lengthy passage, Proverbs 31 reminds us that God develops strength, wisdom, and character over time. Spiritual growth is a process, not a destination, and no matter what, our identity is found in who God created us to be, not in our achievements. God is still working in us even when we can't see immediate results. God is still working in us, even if we don’t like the versions of ourselves we presently are. Tonight, as you prepare for rest, don’t knock yourself down for who you aren’t; remember who you’re still becoming. Then, ask yourself these questions How have I seen God's hand shaping me recently? What expectations do I need to surrender to Him? How can I trust God's timing for my growth? Evening Prayer Dear Jesus, Tonight, I want to thank you for creating me with purpose. Instead of seeing the Proverbs 31 woman as a threat or an impossible goal, let me see her as someone I can become and grow into over time. I surrender my desire to rush the process of growth, and I trust the work you’re doing in my life. Help me to rest in your love and grace as you continue to shape me. I love you, Lord. Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Being Faithful in the Season God Has Given Me (Matthew 25) 16.09.2026 11min

  Evening Scripture Matthew, Chapter 25 At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’ His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’ His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life. Evening Reflection Delays make us lose hope.  God promises reward, that all things work together for good for those who love and follow him. Yet his timing works differently than our expectations sometimes, and it seems like something we desire or hope for will never happen. We get discouraged or distracted or simply caught up in other things. Galatians 6:9 tells us to not grow weary in doing good. Why? “… for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” If we don’t lose heart. The Bible says “don’t give up” or something similar hundreds of times, which means we all need this encouragement.  Matthew 25 includes three parables, each with encouragement for reward and a warning for losing heart. If we maintain our inner spiritual life, we get to attend the heavenly wedding feast. If we continue to invest our gifts and the Gospel into the world, then we get even more Kingdom wealth. If we give to the needy and marginalized, we enter heavenly glory.  And we are warned the opposite is true. If we give up on any of those, we get punishment and separation.  We will reap what we sow in the Kingdom. Our work for Christ won’t be in vain. God is faithful to fulfill his promises. Let us not lose heart in our season and see the harvest he so desires to give us.  Evening Prayer Heavenly Father, Strengthen my heart when delays tempt me to lose hope. Help me trust your timing and remain faithful in doing the good work you’ve put before me. Guard me from discouragement, distraction, and weariness. Fill me with confidence that your promises are true and you will bring a harvest in the right season.  Teach me to invest my gifts, share your Word, and care for those in need with perseverance and joy, expecting you to keep your promises. Keep my eyes fixed on Christ and the eternal reward you have prepared for your people. Make me steadfast and faithful until the day I see your harvest.  In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Learning to Live by Faith Instead of Fear (Romans 1) 15.09.2026 9min

  Evening Scripture Romans, Chapter 1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God — the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.  First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you. I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong — that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles. I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed — a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”  The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator — who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. Evening Reflection Many Christians seem to find the cross of Christ much easier to grasp than the Holy Spirit of Christ dwelling within us. Oh sure, you say you have faith in Christ – but living that out in your everyday life can be a challenge. We can certainly explain Christ’s sacrifice for us, but we struggle to explain the Holy Spirit within us.  As you look at your life, do you wonder how you could still be living the way you do? How can you have the Holy Spirit within you when you still feel jealousy, anger, or lack of compassion? How about the occasional lies? Or maybe you feel a bit too focused on what the world offers. Then, add in all of your worries – kids, jobs, finances, diagnoses and more – and somehow it doesn’t feel like the Holy Spirit is at work in you, right?  Sometimes you question, both yourself and God. How can God still love me when I live this way? Well, Paul tells us to have faith – and our faith will overcome all of those things. Like when you travel, you can’t fly the plane, instead you must trust the pilot. God is so much more. In Romans 1 we learn all people face judgment for sin (v. 18-32.) But first and foremost, Paul declares that the gospel is the “power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (v. 16) and through the gospel, God’s righteousness is revealed “by faith from first to last” (v. 17). Faith allows us to replace God’s judgment with peace and a gateway to His grace. Salvation is not earned by anything you could possibly do or not do. Salvation is through trust in Jesus – through faith in Him. When you truly grasp this, you can then be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). You can stop your striving, end your fear, and begin trusting God’s promises. Yet, faith is not just for salvation, but for the way we live. Paul quotes Habakkuk and tells us “The righteous will live by faith” (v. 17). Through Christ, you are righteous. It means knowing the gospel – trusting Christ and walking in the Spirit (Romans 8:2), guided by God’s truth rather than our fears, our worries of failure, or of God’s wrath. Evening Prayer Father, Please help me to live as you would have me live, with a foundation of faith in Jesus. Help me to trust in the righteousness of Christ rather than my own strength and my own actions. Help me to live my life by the fruit of His Spirit. With compassion, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Entrusting My Work to the Lord (Psalm 127) 14.09.2026 5min

  Evening Scripture Psalm, Chapter 127 Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat — for he grants sleep to those he loves. Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. Evening Reflection Watching endless DIY and cooking shows, it becomes clear that the quality of one’s work can be subjective. There are varying views and opinions on the creator’s skill and expertise. Colors, tastes, styles, workmanship, craft, and more are all up to personal and group evaluations. Even when we do our very best, it may not meet another’s standards or expectations, although we may have wholeheartedly and tirelessly labored and sweated over it. Still, no matter how much effort and time we put into it, or how long we work, it may not meet someone else’s expectations. Yet, we don’t have to be discouraged if we’re entrusting our work to the Lord, doing it unto Him, to the best of our ability. We know that it’s His approval that truly matters. Pleasing God is a higher calling than pleasing others, especially when we realize that their eyes may have varying values, viewpoints, ideas, and expectations, the kind that change over time. Yet God’s standards remain the same, constant, steady, not ever leaving us feeling insecure, wondering if we’ll meet His expectations. When we entrust our work to the Lord – unlike the uncertainties, ups-and-downs, and ever- changing plans that often come when working for men and women – we can trust His calm and stable guidance of our hands, ideas, and skills. We know that He leads us with His wisdom and knowledge so that we can lean on Him, rather than our own understanding. We trust Him to keep us on the right track with our work. Evening Prayer God, Thank You that I can come to You, asking for Your help and entrusting my work hourly, daily, and even minute-by-minute to You. Lead me each day, and throughout the night, too, in my labor to follow Your leading and to yield to Your purposes and plans for my work. Let the work of my hand glorify You in all that I do. Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Coming Home to the Father's Love (Luke 15) 13.09.2026 9min

  Evening Scripture Luke, Chapter 15 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” Evening Reflection The parable of the Prodigal Son, as it is commonly called, is one of the most profound teachings in Scripture. Yet its truth is one we often miss. We tend to focus too much on the prodigal, the wayward child. We describe his insult to his Father, the lure of dissolute living, and his decision to run away from home. But this wonderful parable is not about the child at all; it is about the loving Father. Jesus tells a story of a father, who despite the insult and rejection received from both of his children, longs to receive them into his home. Both children reject the Father. The younger child squanders his inheritance, parties hard, and loses everything. He comes home in disgrace, believing himself to be no more worthy than a common slave. The older child, the dutiful one, is no better. He clearly distains his Father, stating that he sees him as an enslaving tyrant. Both children live in a state of distance from their grace-filled Father.  But to these children, the Father acts in astounding love. Instead of rejecting the children – something that would have been seen as culturally appropriate, he receives them. Instead of lambasting them, he loves upon them. And even though they are far off, standing in darkness, the Father goes out to meet them. To the younger child while he was still on the road, and to the elder while he stands in the darkness.  What this Scripture teaches us is that no matter what has transpired in our lives, or how many times we have rejected God’s presence, Our lord comes to meet us. God forgives our sin, wraps us in robes of grace, and welcomes us into his eternal home. Our heavenly Father is rich in love, and abounding in mercy. All you need to do is be willing to come home. Evening Prayer Gracious Father, There are simply no words to describe your lovingkindness. I cannot fathom how deep your mercy is, as you willingly come to me despite all the twists and turns of my life. When I am faithless, you O God remain faithful. When I reject you, you refuse to reject me. Always you make the invitation for me to come and dwell in the house of your eternal love. Lord, in this moment, I turn to you. I place before you any wandering I have done, any sin I have committed, trusting that your grace covers all. As you received the prodigal, Lord Jesus, please receive me, and help me to live as your precious and beloved child. This I pray in the name of Jesus, Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Finding True Rest for My Soul in God (Psalm 62) 12.09.2026 6min

  Evening Scripture Psalm, Chapter 62 Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down — this leaning wall, this tottering fence? Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Surely the lowborn are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie. If weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them. One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and, “You reward everyone according to what they have done.” Evening Reflection Have you ever been so tired that no amount of sleep, rest, relaxation, or energy drinks seems to help? Or, maybe no matter how exhausted you are, sleep eludes you? Your body might be fatigued, but your mind is still working overtime without pay. Just a few nights ago, this was me. My day had been overwhelming, to say the least. I’d walked 20,000 steps, been to three places, written 4 articles, and was still kicking by 9 p.m. Until my mind wouldn’t shut off. As I tossed and turned, I replayed conversations from the day and worries from the night. No matter how many sheep I counted, I knew I wasn’t going to get much sleep. When you think about your life, what keeps you up? Are you restless? Worried? Scared? In Psalm 62, David gives us a picture of rest that you might find surprising. While many of his psalms praise and thank God, this one isn’t written from a perfectly peaceful life, but quite the opposite. He’s facing enemies, fake friends, and very real battles. And yet, he repeatedly declares that his soul finds rest in God. How can this be possible? Because David knows rest will never be found in our circumstances but in our God. And when we shift our eyes from what we see to who He is, that changes everything. You and I will still face hard times and many questions without answers, but this passage reminds us to take the pressure off ourselves: rest is a gift that comes from God. Yes, we need to have healthy bedtime habits, sleep well, and take care of our bodies, but rest isn’t always the result of circumstances becoming peaceful. Deep soul rest is choosing where we run with that unrest. Will we continue to run to our problems or our God? David is honest with God about what he’s carrying. But he also asks Him to remind him where his hope is found. We can do the same. Tonight, as you prepare for rest, ask yourself: What am I trying to carry alone that I need to talk to God about? What do I know about God’s character in this situation? What would it look like to rest with God this evening? Then, take a slow, deep breath and have an honest heart-to-heart with Him. Evening Prayer Dear Jesus, Tonight, my soul feels weary. I’m carrying ____ and need your help. Thank you for allowing me to express how I’m feeling. Thank you for being my Rock, Refuge, and Safe place. As I pour out my heart to you, hear my pleas. Allow me to find deep rest in you. I love you, Lord. Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Walking in Truth and Love (2 John 1) 11.09.2026 7min

  Evening Scripture 2 John, Chapter 1 The elder, to the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth — and not I only, but also all who know the truth — because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love. It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work. I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. The children of your sister, who is chosen by God, send their greetings. Evening Reflection Jesus set the ultimate example of walking in both truth and love. We, too, are called to live and love like Him. That feels like a tall order, and it is. To live and love like Jesus will cost you and me many things. But what we gain in eternal perspective and faithful endurance will be worth more than anything we lose in this world. Tonight you may read this and feel like you cannot measure up to such a standard, and I want to offer you the best news: the Lord is not asking you to be perfect. He’s not holding His love on a pedestal, only willing to extend it if you perform better or act better. Loving and living like Jesus is a process, a journey of sanctification that comes through conviction and a willing heart. A journey that ultimately bears fruit as time goes on. One of the greatest followers of Jesus we can look to who lived this balance well is Peter. He struggled, and yet he lived fully surrendered to what Jesus asked of Him. It was his heart posture that mattered most. He leaned into truth, walked in love, and lived with the desire to be like Christ to those he encountered. We have this opportunity, too. When the areas are revealed that need work, we work on them. Where fruit is shown, we should celebrate seeing the good work of Christ in our hearts. We can delight in the pursuit of living like Jesus, even if we know we will fall short. Evening Prayer Father, Thank you for giving us your Word to show us how to walk in truth and love; most of all, thank you for sending your son, Jesus, to give us the perfect example of living out your call on the believer's life. Please help me as I grow in my faith to live fully surrendered to you and what you desire of me. Help me live with a posture of pursuit and delight in walking with you, even when it challenges me. I pray to be a bright light in this world, one that shines your truth and love. Help me to have the courage to do what pleases you over what pleases the world. Make me more like you. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Resting in God's Peace When Life Feels Overwhelming (Isaiah 52) 10.09.2026 7min

  Evening Scripture Isaiah, Chapter 52 Awake, awake, Zion, clothe yourself with strength! Put on your garments of splendor, Jerusalem, the holy city. The uncircumcised and defiled will not enter you again. Shake off your dust; rise up, sit enthroned, Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains on your neck, Daughter Zion, now a captive. For this is what the LORD says: “You were sold for nothing, and without money you will be redeemed.” For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “At first my people went down to Egypt to live; lately, Assyria has oppressed them. “And now what do I have here?” declares the LORD. “For my people have been taken away for nothing, and those who rule them mock, ” declares the LORD. “And all day long my name is constantly blasphemed. Therefore my people will know my name; therefore in that day they will know that it is I who foretold it. Yes, it is I." How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the LORD returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes. Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God. Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the articles of the LORD’s house. But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard. See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. Just as there were many who were appalled at him — his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness — so he will sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand. Evening Reflection The Bible never promises us a life of ease and comfort. On the contrary, Jesus promises us trouble in John 16:33. Thankfully, he next tells us to reject fear because he has overcome the world. This could be a summary of Isaiah 52 above.  Despite how the Bible continually tells us we’ll have battles and challenges, both in outright teaching and the narrative of every God follower we read about in Scripture, we still get surprised when hard times come our way. Many even question God’s goodness when tragedy strikes.  God doesn’t promise we’ll avoid difficult situations, whether betrayal or accident or disease. He does promise that he’ll provide his peace and victory in the midst of each circumstance, helping us to persevere in faith and see him fulfill his promises in our lives. Just as Christ endured the cross with the hope before him, so do we our own.  Isaiah 52 describes how the people of God have been placed under the yoke of blasphemous and oppressive powers. Not fun. However, the Good News is also declared. God will be victorious over all things and bring his people with him into a good land.  When we get overwhelmed, fixing our eyes on this sure hope provides us his shalom, his complete peace that passes understanding in the middle of our difficult journey. The peace now is connected to our hope in Christ.  Evening Prayer Heavenly Father, We praise you that Jesus has already overcome the world. When trials, sickness, and sorrows come, help us reject fear and trust your promises. Fill us with your shalom that passes understanding and secures our hearts in the storms of life. Keep our eyes focused on the hope set before us, just as Christ endured the cross for the joy ahead.  Sustain us to persevere in faith when circumstances seem overwhelming by resting in you as our peace. Remind us of the goodness, faithfulness, and kindness of your character. Help us to choose to lay down in the green pastures of your peace, knowing you will bring us safely into the fullness of your kingdom and joy.  In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Choosing Gratitude Instead of Complaining (Luke 17) 09.09.2026 11min

  Evening Scripture Luke, Chapter 17 Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you. “Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? Won’t he rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’ ” Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him — and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Then he said to his disciples, “The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. People will tell you, ‘There he is!’ or ‘Here he is!’ Do not go running off after them. For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other. But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. “It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. “It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day no one who is on the housetop, with possessions inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left. ” “Where, Lord?” they asked. He replied, “Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather.” Evening Reflection Isn’t it funny how quickly we notice everything that went wrong with a day instead of what went right? Let me give you a recent example. It was a Monday morning, and my plans got shifted dramatically. As soon as I woke up, I could tell I was stressed, irritable, and going to have a rough day. But that morning, before the day really had a chance to begin, I prayed, “Lord, this day is in your hands. Please be with me and help me not to be irritable.” It wasn’t easy, but that shift changed the day. In the past, I would’ve said the whole day was “bad” simply because it didn’t go the way I originally intended or planned. The reality is, sometimes we don’t need our plans to change, but we need to change our perspective within them. I’m not saying we need to “just be thankful,” or ignore the hardships of our day. It’s important to be honest with God about what we’re experiencing. But it’s also important that we focus on what we know to be true. In Luke 17, there are ten lepers who need Jesus’ miraculous healing. All ten are healed, but only one, and a Samaritan at that, comes back to thank Him. When I read that story, I often think, where did the other nine go? What were they so preoccupied that they couldn’t at least thank Jesus for healing them? And then it hit me: I’m often tempted to do the same, especially when my days get reoriented to perhaps His or another’s plan or agenda. I don’t know how your day is going so far. I don’t know if you’ve had the best Monday or the worst one yet. Is it going according to plan, or has everything gotten erased off the calendar? But I do know this: One leper stopped and chose to remember what Jesus had done no matter how busy his schedule was. He returned to give thanks because he made it a priority. Jesus knew his full story — the good, the bad, and the ugly. When you think about your life, what are you most likely to notice at the end of a hard day? What went wrong or what went right? Are you like the lepers who were too preoccupied by the rest of their day that they forgot to make room for Jesus within it, or are you the one who returned? The one who said, here I am, Lord. Here are my hurts. Won’t you heal me? And He does. Jesus heals those who thank Him and those who don’t. But shouldn’t we be willing to praise and thank the One who gave His all for us? Even when it wasn’t timely, fun, or according to His plan? Absolutely. Today, might I encourage you to talk honestly to God about the state of your heart? Bring your complaints. But thank Him too. Then answer these three questions: What is one thing God has done for me that I forgot to thank Him for? Do I thank God when He gives me something and reflect on the moment, or just jump to the next need? Which leper are you? As you prepare for rest, ask yourself: Where did I see God’s goodness, even if today wasn’t a walk in the park? How can that shift my perspective of the day? Evening Prayer Dear Jesus, Thank you for loving me enough to heal me. Please forgive me when I’m more focused on what’s missing than what you’ve already given me. Help me notice your goodness even when life is hard, and teach me to bring my complaints to you without allowing them to consume me. I love, praise, and thank you, Lord. Change me from the inside out. Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Holding onto Hope When Life Feels Unfair (Hebrews 6) 08.09.2026 10min

  Evening Scripture Hebrews, Chapter 6 Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so. It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case — the things that have to do with salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. Evening Reflection Some days just feel heavier than others. Maybe today didn’t go the way you hoped. Maybe you received disappointing news. Maybe this is another day where you had to watch someone else receive the very thing you’ve been praying for. You find yourself asking, “God, why is this so hard? Why is this so unfair and seems like others have it so much easier?” If that’s where you are tonight, I want you to know you’re not alone. For years, bedtime was often the hardest part of my day. It was when the distractions of the day faded and the uncertainty grew louder. After another negative pregnancy test or another heartbreaking loss, I’d lie awake wondering why becoming a mom seemed so effortless for everyone else while our story felt marked by waiting and disappointment after disappointment. It all felt heavy, and if I’m honest, it felt so unfair and cruel — as if we were the only ones forgotten. Looking back now, I know God wasn’t absent. He wasn’t ignoring my prayers. And He certainly wasn’t finished writing my story. Hebrews 6 has become one of my favorite chapters because it reminds us that our hope has never been built on our circumstances — it has always been built on the character of God. For the past several years, I was so focused on the outcome of our circumstance that it took my focus off God Himself. Earlier in the chapter, we’re reminded that God cannot lie. His promises are trustworthy because He is trustworthy. He is a promise-keeper God. Then, in verse 19, we’re given one of the most comforting pictures in all of Scripture: “This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.” An anchor doesn’t stop the storm from coming. God didn’t remove every heartbreak or answer every prayer when I wanted Him to. Instead, He anchored my soul so disappointment wouldn’t pull me away from Him. While I thought He was silent, He was strengthening my faith. While I questioned His timing, He was preparing me for blessings I couldn’t yet imagine. I was becoming a woman of faith in the storm because He anchored my soul in Him and Him alone – not in the outcome. Maybe your season of heaviness or feelings of things being unfair looks different than mine. Maybe you’re praying for healing, restoration in your marriage, financial provision, a prodigal child, or simply for tomorrow to feel lighter than today. Whatever you’re carrying tonight, don’t let today’s circumstances determine what you believe about God’s character. Although our circumstances might change, God never does. He is still faithful. He is still good. And His plans are for our good, even if they don’t feel good right now. He is a promise-keeper God. And in the midst of the storms of life, is when we need to cling to and anchor ourselves in Him more than ever. Be encouraged that the same God who carried me through years of waiting is carrying you tonight. So, before you close your eyes, rest in this truth: your hope isn’t anchored in what happened today. It’s anchored in the God who has never failed you and never will. Evening Prayer Dear Father, As I end this day, I come before You with an honest heart. You know the burdens I’ve been carrying, the disappointments I’ve tried to push through, and the questions I have. Thank You that I don’t have to pretend with You. You already know my heart, and You lovingly invite me to bring every fear, every tear, and every unanswered prayer into Your presence. Lord, I know what it feels like to wait. I know what it feels like to wonder why the answer hasn’t come yet. Thank You for reminding me through my own story that even when I couldn’t see You working, You never stopped. Not even for a single second. Every prayer was heard. Every tear was seen. Every moment of waiting was held in Your hands. Tonight, I pray for the person whose heart feels heavy. Remind them that You have not forgotten them. Strengthen them when they feel weary, comfort them when they feel discouraged, and anchor their hearts in the hope that only You can give. Help them trust that Your timing is never late and Your plans are always good, even when life feels unfair and it doesn’t feel good in the moment.  As I lay down to sleep, I surrender everything I cannot control. I release my timeline, my expectations, and my fears into Your faithful hands. Fill my heart with Your peace, quiet my anxious thoughts, and help me wake tomorrow with renewed hope, knowing that the God who held me today will still be holding me tomorrow. Thank You for being my anchor through every storm. In Jesus’ name, Amen Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Trusting the God Who Watches Over Me (Psalm 121) 07.09.2026 5min

  Evening Scripture Psalm, Chapter 121 I lift up my eyes to the hills.From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord,who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved;he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israelwill neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper;the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day,nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil;he will keep your life. The Lord will keepyour going out and your coming infrom this time forth and forevermore. Evening Reflection What a beautiful gift we find in the penning of Psalm 121. It gives us an invitation to breathe easier and rest our weary hearts into the hands of our Creator. We’re given several promises from the Lord. He tells us that when we look to Him, we will find help. Our feet will not be moved unless He permits it. He does not ever take His eyes off of you and me. He is our keeper; our safest place. He keeps the harsh conditions of this world from scorching us. He watches with perfect care and intention from morning till night. He shields us from evil. The schemes of the enemy have no place where His hands are holding us. He is the galvanized steel plate that blocks the fiery darts blasted by the evil one. He covers our coming and going, which means we are taken care of entirely. He has every detail under complete control. There is not a moment of misstep when it comes to the Father. He is fully good and the most trustworthy. Whatever it is that you’re carrying tonight, your Father wants you to bring it to His feet. He calls you to surrender to Him as He fulfills His role as Helper, Comforter, and Provider. And though the circumstances may not change, when we find ourselves at His feet, we find an assurance of His presence. The author of Psalm 121 tells us two stories. One is of a man who loved the Lord and found himself in a difficult place, yet followed His Father for the way out. The other is a story written about our perfect Creator. Each paints a picture of the reality of this life. We need to follow the Lord always. We need to trust His way forward and His way out of trials. Most of all, we see that God is willing and able to do all good things through every facet of our life. Evening Prayer Father, Thank you for being faithful and trustworthy. Your Word reminds us that we not only can depend on you, but fully devote our lives to you. You make ways forward when it feels there is no way out. You remind me that you delight in my coming to your feet. Holy Spirit, please help me lay down all my cares and concerns at your feet. Please help me in areas where my trust falls short and when my worry gets the best of me. Thank you, Father, for sending Jesus to take my place and be my Savior. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Fixing My Eyes on Jesus When Life Gets Hard (Hebrews 12) 06.09.2026 10min

  Evening Scripture Hebrews, Chapter 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined — and everyone undergoes discipline — then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done. You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.” But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken — that is, created things — so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” Evening Reflection Where do look when life gets hard? Where do we place our focus? If you’re like me, too often we look to our own strengths. Actually, I focus more on what I can’t do more than what I can do. I focus on my inabilities, my frailty, or my failing. When life turns difficult, and I need to persevere through a time of trial or struggle, the things that keep me stuck glare at me. I criticize and condemn myself for all the ways that I am not as strong as I think I should be, as smart as I pretend to be, or as put together as I seem to be.   Hebrews 12 reminds us that the life of faith can be difficult. One of the most important elements that we see in Scripture is that it presents to us a realistic look of the life of faith. Life can be hard; there is no sugar coating this. We need not pretend that this isn’t the case, or that the perfectly faithful somehow rise to a life devoid of hardship. No. Life can be filled with struggles and trials where we feel stretched beyond our capabilities.   But while this is an important truth for us, more important is this: We are not alone. We are to fix our eyes on Jesus, the one who walks before us, guiding our way. Nothing in life can overtake his presence in our lives, and his power at work in us. Instead of looking to all the ways you may feel out of your depth, turn your eyes to Jesus. Fix your gaze on him. Because as you follow his lead, placing your footsteps in his, there is nothing you can’t walk through. There is nothing you can’t overcome. Evening Prayer Tonight’s prayer is taken from the Lyrics of the Hymn “Turn your eyes upon Jesus” written by Helen H. Lemmel in 1922. O Soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There is light for a look at the Saviour, and Life more abundant and free. Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth with grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Watching God Make a Way When I Can’t See One (Exodus 14) 05.09.2026 11min

  Evening Scripture Exodus, Chapter 14Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon. Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are wandering around the land in confusion, hemmed in by the desert.’ And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.” So the Israelites did this.When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, “What have we done? We have let the Israelites go and have lost their services!” So he had his chariot made ready and took his army with him. He took six hundred of the best chariots, along with all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them. The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out boldly. The Egyptians—all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, horsemen and troops—pursued the Israelites and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi Hahiroth, opposite Baal Zephon. As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!”Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I gain glory through Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen.” Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so neither went near the other all night long.Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.The Egyptians pursued them, and all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and horsemen followed them into the sea. During the last watch of the night the Lord looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion. He jammed the wheels of their chariots so that they had difficulty driving. And the Egyptians said, “Let’s get away from the Israelites! The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.” Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea went back to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing toward it, and the Lord swept them into the sea. The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. That day the Lord saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. Evening Reflection Humans are firm believers in the laws of this world. We are quick to assert that something is impossible. There is no doubt in our minds that gravity will keep us on Earth, or our lungs will convert the atmosphere into life on our behalf. As we grow, we observe the laws of nature, and we respect them. They set order in an otherwise chaotic world. God set these laws in motion. He is the one who tells the waters of the oceans to stop, for waves to crash, and land to begin. The predictability of nature is a comfort; it helps us understand the bounds of this existence and make sense of our humanity. There are times when we are too quick to see only limitations. While God set our world in motion, we cannot forget that He also has the power to miraculously intervene when He sees fit.  This was the case with the Israelites, who had been trapped in slavery for much too long. God became impatient with their oppression and made a way for his people to find freedom. God sent plagues that defied the rules of nature to show his power and might. Eventually, the Pharaoh reluctantly let the Israelites go, but even after bearing witness to God’s great power and wrath, he still sent his Chariots after the escaping crowds of people. God once again made the impossible possible, pulling back the waters of the sea so his people could escape.  Are you waiting for God to pull back the waters on your behalf? Do you anticipate God doing the impossible so you can make it to the Promised Land? Or have you given up hope, lacking the faith of a mustard seed that can move mountains? It’s easy to lose hope. To believe what others have always said about you. To succumb to your circumstances. God invites us to trust him in all things, believing that he will make our path straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). You are invited to watch with anticipation as God makes a way when you and others cannot see one.  Evening Prayer God,We believe that you are greater than the laws of nature. That you can do abundantly above and beyond all we could think, ask, or imagine. We do not give up hope, but we trust that you are working even when we can’t see it yet. In our moments of despair, remind us of the Israelites who you saw, you loved, and you moved the sea so they could find freedom. Move my sea, Jesus, make a way for me. Help me find my Promised Land.Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Remembering I’ve Been Chosen by God (1 Peter 2) 04.09.2026 9min

  Evening Scripture 1 Peter, Chapter 2Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and,“A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. Evening Reflection  I remember being picked last in middle school gym class. At least, for some sports. I was thin and clumsy, tall and gangly, so I would get picked last for football or softball.  The New Testament shares how God chose us first. Not based on our ability or how cool we were, but on his love for us and his intrinsic valuation of us. In one sense, God chooses the things or people this world considers “weak” and “poor” over the rich and strong (1 Corinthians 1:27). Good news indeed. Those who follow Jesus respond to how he first called us; he chose us in Christ before time began (Ephesians 1:4, 2 Timothy 1:9).  God chose us for a purpose, to live as Christ and enjoy a relationship with the Father eternally; Peter outlines the ways to live as the chosen. Ultimately, our goal remains to focus on Jesus and obey him, using him as the model. Being in Christ, and Christ in us, we’ve been empowered to live like Jesus—as a living stone, a priest of God, rejected by humanity, accepted by the Father, praising God with our mouth, living free from sin and vice and self, serving others with love, and persevering through suffering and rejection.  To live chosen, we exhibit the character of the Living One within us. Submitting to God as such a living sacrifice, we will endure to receive our Kingdom resurrection.  Evening Prayer Heavenly Father,You chose me in Christ before the foundation of the world, not because of my strength but because of your love. I praise you that I’m not forgotten or overlooked, but chosen and precious in your sight.Help me to rest in your grace and Spirit to be a living stone, built into your spiritual house, and a faithful priest who intercedes and lives as a continual sacrifice for you. Shape my heart to reflect Jesus in his humility, obedience, and love. Help me turn from sin, self, and then live in freedom. You have already accepted me. Let my life express your praises. Form Christ in and through me as I walk in your purpose each day.In Jesus’ name,Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Staying on God’s Path When Temptation Pulls at Me (Proverbs 28) 03.09.2026 10min

  Evening Scripture Proverbs 28The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them.Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse. A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding. Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder will seek refuge in the grave; let no one hold them back. The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.To show partiality is not good— yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them. Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.Whoever robs their father or mother and says, “It’s not wrong,” is partner to one who destroys.The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive. Evening Reflection  Jesus found it important to warn us about temptations. We are bombarded every day with messages and images that tantalize and provoke us. Sexual and material lusts and the pride of life (1 John 2:16) can be strong forces. Jesus told Peter to “watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (Matthew 26:41) Even in the Lord’s Prayer, we are taught to pray about temptation. Yet, despite our very best efforts, every one of us experiences temptation. Let’s face it, if Jesus could be tempted, we certainly know we can and will be. But what happens when we are? Certainly, some temptations are much stronger and more difficult to resist than others – but what about those times we are leaning into them? Ready to give in? When the evil one attacks, we respond by following Jesus’ example. The psalmist tells us, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (119:11) While we may not memorize scripture word for word, we know in our hearts what it tells us; we know what we can lean into, because His word is buried in our hearts. Armed with His Spirit and the truth of His word, we are equipped to handle whatever temptations may come our way.  Paul promises that no matter what trials and temptations may come our way, God will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear – and He will always provide a way out. (1 Corinthians 10:13) Proverbs 28 tells us the importance of integrity and of righteousness when we resist temptation - and it warns that those who are wicked will face consequences. It teaches us to seek wisdom from the Lord and guidance to help us travel through what will assuredly come our way. When we find ourselves overwhelmed by temptation, we can turn to God in prayer, and He will be there for us because He is faithful. Amazing Grace's daily devotional recently stated that “Sin makes us stupid. Victory over the power of sin will come only as we lean on the strength and wisdom of Christ.”  Evening Prayer Oh God,I know you are always there for me. I know you see the temptations I am facing. Remove this temptation from me, Lord – but if you do not, please let your Spirit do His work in me and help see me through it.Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Following Jesus Even When the Path Feels Unclear (John 12) 02.09.2026 13min

  Evening Scripture John, Chapter 12Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him. The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!”“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Blessed is the king of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!” Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die. The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?” Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them. Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn—and I would heal them.” Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him. Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God. Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.” Evening Reflection  Light changes things and brings life. Sunlight gives warmth and empowers growth. A candle at night helps us see where we’re going. Keeps us from falling into a pit. John 12 records Christ’s words in Jerusalem a few days before his crucifixion. First, Jesus teaches to walk in the light, or else darkness will “overtake” us, overwhelm us, steal and destroy us. A few verses later, Jesus claims to be the light, and this was his purpose: to be the light and save us from darkness. Darkness has no substance. It’s only the absence of light; darkness symbolizes death, emptiness. Further, Jesus equates light with the words he speaks. The “light” includes hearing the voice and instruction of he who is the Light.  To be in the light, then, means obeying Jesus’ teachings. This goes beyond mere moral instruction. At the core, to follow the light begins with believing what he says about the Father, about himself, the Spirit, and us. From this relational reconciliation, living and loving in truth, our lives then exhibit right action.  Our primary goal must be to draw near to Christ, the Light, and cling to him as a Person, hearing and obeying his voice of love to save us from the darkness that threatens to overtake us. This will take us down roads of adventure and battle, joy and sorrow, as we also become the light in a dark world, and the end will be absolute good because we were in him the whole time.  Evening Prayer Heavenly Father,Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, as the Light. He has entered the darkness to save us. Draw me near to you and teach me to walk in your light so darkness won’t overtake me. Let your words guide my steps, transform my mind, and anchor my heart in truth. I choose to believe what you say about the Father, about yourself, and about who I am in you.Drive out every threatening shadow that disrupts my vision of you. Help me to take captive every thought that exalts itself against you and replace those lies with your truth. Give me the courage to obey your voice, even when the path leads to battles or sacrifice, knowing you give resurrection and life. Fill me with you so I shine your light to others.In Jesus’ name,Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Choosing the Mind of Christ When Pride Comes Easy (Philippians 2) 01.09.2026 9min

  Evening Scripture Philippians, Chapter 2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me. Evening Reflection I was frustrated. No, honestly, I was beyond mad. Tired of those around me getting what I worked so hard to achieve. Not only that, but I was exhausted by insecurity and self-protection. Attempting to defend and prove myself, seeking validation in all the wrong places. Choosing the mind of Christ, especially when we’re facing comparisons, difficult relationships, pride, or struggles with self-worth, isn’t easy. Our natural mindset often centers and thrives on survival, recognition, and control. But is that what Paul describes in Philippians 2? Probably not. In Philippians 2, Paul calls the believers to adopt the mindset of Christ. Jesus had all authority, yet He chose a life of humility and servanthood because He knew that what was ahead would be better than anything He left behind. Unlike many in the world around Him, Jesus didn’t cling to status or security. He willingly humbled Himself, and His obedience ultimately led to sacrifice. There’s a misconception today that humility is self-hatred or making oneself invisible. Both couldn’t be further from the truth. The “mind of Christ” doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself, but rather finding your security and identity in Christ alone. It’s allowing us to love others freely, without comparing ourselves to them. Anxiety and insecurity will continue to tempt us towards these inclinations of comparison and self-protection, but Jesus models surrender, steadiness, and obedience rooted in trust. Her success doesn’t equate to your failure. Choosing this mindset daily is difficult, and we won’t do it perfectly. But over time, God can shape our hearts and produce real strength. Strength that looks gentler and more humble than the world. Strength that makes peace, compassion, and healthier relationships a priority. What mindset have you been carrying lately? Confess it to God and remind yourself of this truth: I must operate from my identity in Christ and not insecurity.   Evening Prayer Dear God,Tonight, I release the pressure to prove myself. You gave your life so that I would be set free, but also to show me that my worth isn’t earned by what I do. Please renew my mind and shape my heart to look more like you. I love you, Jesus!Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Thanking God for Bringing Me through Hard Times (Psalm 107) 31.08.2026 12min

  Evening Scripture Psalm 107 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness, prisoners suffering in iron chains, because they rebelled against God’s commands and despised the plans of the Most High. So he subjected them to bitter labor;  they stumbled, and there was no one to help. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron. Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy. Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,  and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders. He turned rivers into a desert, flowing springs into thirsty ground, and fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who lived there. He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs; there he brought the hungry to live, and they founded a city where they could settle. They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest;  he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased, and he did not let their herds diminish. Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled by oppression, calamity, and sorrow; he who pours contempt on nobles made them wander in a trackless waste. But he lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks. The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths.Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord. Evening Reflection As the day comes to an end, there’s something powerful about looking backward before looking ahead. Psalm 107 is one long reminder that God has always been faithful to His people. Throughout the chapter, we meet people in very different situations. Some wandered in the wilderness, unsure where to go. Some sat in darkness, weighed down by the consequences of their choices. Others found themselves overwhelmed by sickness or caught in storms so fierce they thought they would surely perish. Yet every story follows the same beautiful pattern: “They cried out to the Lord in their trouble…”“And He delivered them.” Again, and again. The circumstances changed, but God’s character never did. As I read this chapter, I can’t help but think about my own life. There have been seasons where I felt like I was wandering, wondering if God still saw me. There have been prayers I repeated for years, days when disappointment felt heavier than hope, and moments when I wasn’t sure how God could possibly bring beauty from what I was experiencing. Maybe you’ve had seasons like that, too. The beautiful thing about Psalm 107 is that it doesn’t pretend life is easy. It acknowledges that God’s people experience wilderness seasons, storms, waiting, fear, loss, and uncertainty. Looking back, I can see so many moments when God answered prayers I thought He had forgotten. I can also see prayers He answered differently than I expected, only to discover later that His way was infinitely better than mine. There were doors He lovingly kept closed, detours that protected me, and seasons of waiting that shaped my heart more than immediate answers ever could have. Perhaps that’s why the psalm repeatedly urges God’s people to give thanks. Not because life has been perfect. But because God has been faithful. And giving thanks keeps our hearts in a posture of remembering God is good, rather than being tempted to go into a state of discontentment or complaining. Gratitude doesn’t require us to ignore the difficult chapters of our story. Instead, it invites us to recognize that God’s goodness has been woven through every chapter—even the painful ones. As you prepare for sleep tonight, take a moment to remember your own story. Think about the prayers God has answered, the strength He provided when you thought you had none left, the relationships He restored, the doors He opened, and even the hardships through which He faithfully carried you. The same God who delivered His people throughout Psalm 107 is the same God who walks with you today. And He is just as faithful tonight as He has always been. Evening Prayer Dear Father,Before I close my eyes tonight, I simply want to thank You. Thank You for every time You’ve met me in my own wilderness. Thank you for carrying me through storms I never thought I would survive and for remaining close when life felt uncertain. Forgive me for the times I become so focused on what I’m still waiting for that I forget to remember all You’ve already done. Open my eyes to the countless ways You’ve been faithful throughout my life. As I rest tonight, fill my heart with gratitude instead of discontentment and with trust instead of fear. Help me wake up tomorrow with a deeper confidence that the God who has carried me through every chapter before will continue to lead me in every chapter still to come.In Jesus’ name,Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.