Building My Life on What Will Hold

Building My Life on What Will Hold

Evening Scripture Matthew, Chapter 7 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Evening Reflection  Each day, we’re inundated with new ways to do tasks and new theories to consider. Culture is shifting at a speed the human heart was never meant to keep up with. We’re asked to process, prepare, and produce regardless of how off-axis we feel. It leaves one tired and weary. It leaves us wondering when will enough be enough, and when will the constant shifts and jolts of this world end? Matthew 7 [https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/7.html] calls us to consider something outside the fast-paced world. It calls us to consider the one thing that has never changed in all of creation: Who God is and what He said. Jesus lists many things in Matthew 7 [https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/7.html], but what stands out most and stands up against the pulls of this world is found in verses 24-27. What is your house built upon, meaning: What or who is the foundation of your life? If it is God, then we have the blueprint we need. We don’t need to latch on to new theories every time culture presents them, and we don't need to carry the weight of trying every new thing under the sun. What we need to do is build a firm foundation on the things of God, not on the things of this earth. We see time and time again that the things of earth rust and give way. They fall apart as the fabric of society shifts. The world is not stable, but we know God is. We need to set our eyes and hearts upon what Jesus valued and modeled. Rest tonight in the presence of your Savior, take every “new” thing being presented to you, and hold it up to the living Word of God and trust the Holy Spirit to lead you as you follow after His heart - not the world. Evening Prayer  Father, In a world that is always changing, I’m thankful you never will. When I feel anxious or overwhelmed by our fast-paced culture, remind me that you do not ask me to go at that speed. You call me to a richer way of living. One where stillness and peace are to be a respite found in you. Help me build my life on your solid foundation. Remove anything that would compromise its stability. Please help me live a life that reflects your design. Holy Spirit, help me to live set apart in this world, and help me to be a light where you have me. Give my body rest and cover me with your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-nightly-scripture/id1896272962] so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica [https://www.biblica.com/]. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].

Receiving God's Encouragement When I Feel Small (Haggai 2)

Evening Scripture Haggai 2 On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: “Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, to Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people. Ask them, ‘Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing? But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’ “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty. ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty.” On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Haggai: “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Ask the priests what the law says: If someone carries consecrated meat in the fold of their garment, and that fold touches some bread or stew, some wine, olive oil or other food, does it become consecrated?’” The priests answered, “No.” Then Haggai said, “If a person defiled by contact with a dead body touches one of these things, does it become defiled?” “Yes,” the priests replied, “it becomes defiled.” Then Haggai said, “‘So it is with this people and this nation in my sight,’ declares the Lord. ‘Whatever they do and whatever they offer there is defiled. “‘Now give careful thought to this from this day on—consider how things were before one stone was laid on another in the Lord’s temple. When anyone came to a heap of twenty measures, there were only ten. When anyone went to a wine vat to draw fifty measures, there were only twenty. I struck all the work of your hands with blight, mildew and hail, yet you did not return to me,’ declares the Lord. ‘From this day on, from this twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, give careful thought to the day when the foundation of the Lord’s temple was laid. Give careful thought: Is there yet any seed left in the barn? Until now, the vine and the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree have not borne fruit. “‘From this day on I will bless you.’” The word of the Lord came to Haggai a second time on the twenty-fourth day of the month: “Tell Zerubbabel governor of Judah that I am going to shake the heavens and the earth. I will overturn royal thrones and shatter the power of the foreign kingdoms. I will overthrow chariots and their drivers; horses and their riders will fall, each by the sword of his brother. “‘On that day,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you,’ declares the Lord Almighty.” Evening Reflection As your day comes to a close, I want to invite you to take a long inhale and exhale, and hand over all that you have been carrying today. It seems that when our feet hit the floor each day, we pick up a load that we may not be asked to carry. We buy into the idea that there is much to do that depends solely on our abilities and that if we dare miss a thing, the whole day, week, or month will crumble. Praise God, through the promises of His Word, we can see that He does not ask us to carry anything but our faithfulness to Him. It does not matter how small you feel in the eyes of God; he looks at you with delight and created you with his plans and purposes in mind. In Haggai 2 [https://www.biblestudytools.com/haggai/2.html], we see God encouraging Zerubbabel's heart through the Spirit. Not only does he send encouragement through the prophet, but God stirs his heart, bringing clarity and direction to the plans He wants Zerubbabel to carry out. If you take the time to sit with the Holy Spirit, you, too, can have this sense of direction and peace. Because where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Freedom to rest in the assurance of what God is doing and the freedom to trust in the way you should go. Haggai 2 [https://www.biblestudytools.com/haggai/2.html] calls us to look to God rather than scurry around, weighed down, trying to manage everything in our own strength. It reminds us to focus on who we are, God’s chosen, and that we serve a God who has the best things in mind with the perfect way to carry out the details. He will encourage you through his Word and with the words of other believers. Trust in the heart of the Father and rest in the truth that He created you with great things in mind, which He will carry out through your faithfulness. Evening Prayer Father, As I drift off to sleep tonight, remind me that You hold all the plans in Your hands. You know every detail and the way they all need to come together. Help free me from feeling “small” in your eyes and encourage my heart that you desire to use me for your glory. When I wake up in the morning, stir my Spirit to rest in your rather than pick up all the things I think I have to do on my own. Remove the need to do everything “perfectly” and teach me that faithfulness to you is all you desire from me. I pray to see Your encouragement in Your written word and in the body of believers this week. Keep my eyes on you, my feet walking your path, and my Spirit tethered to Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-nightly-scripture/id1896272962] so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica [https://www.biblica.com/]. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].

Longing for God’s Presence Tonight (Psalm 84)

Evening Scripture: "How lovely is your dwelling place,     Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints,     for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out     for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home,     and the swallow a nest for herself,     where she may have her young— a place near your altar,     Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you." - Psalm 84:1-4 [https://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/passage/?q=psalms+84:1-4] Evening Reflection A few years ago, I decided it would be a fun idea to run 6 miles. I never officially played sports in high school or college, but I was known for running whenever I could. Between 3 and 6 miles, that was my sweet spot of happiness. On average, I ran a pretty steady pace. But sometimes, I’d get so excited or into my music that I would forget to pace. This happened when I was training to run 6 miles. As I rounded what I thought was my last corner, I picked up speed. Sprinting, I was dismayed when I realized I still had a long way to go. Not only had I burned myself out, but now, I was weary, famished, and thirsty. Every step felt like a step in the dry and dusty wilderness. Like sandpaper on my tongue, my soul cried out for a drink. And I can’t help but wonder if this is the imagery our Psalmist presents in Psalm 84 [https://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/84.html]. In Psalm 84 [https://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/84.html], we see that dwelling in God’s presence is beautiful. It’s lovely. Everything within us should desire to be in that place. But do we desire to be there as much as a cool drink? Or in present-day lingo, do we desire that as much as a good meal? What about getting on social media? Or anything else important in our lives? Do we desire being in the House of the Lord as much as all of these things? The imagery here reminds us that if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, He dwells within us. We no longer need to go to a Temple or have a priest intercede for us to communicate with our God. Yet, everything within us should hunger and thirst for that presence. As much as I wanted water on that 6-mile run. And as much as we want anything else in our lives. A bit convicting, right? Good. When we long for God’s presence more than anything else this world has to offer, we are sure to find Him. But if you struggle, I want you to know that it’s okay. Let us seek the Lord while there is time. As Isaiah 55:6-7 [https://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/passage/?q=isaiah+55:6-7] notes, “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon” (NIV). Do you hunger and thirst for the Lord above all else? If not, confess this to Him and ask Him to help you yearn for Him in a soul-deep way. Psalm 84 [https://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/84.html] reminds us, blessed are those who dwell in the House of the Lord forever. And isn’t it a blessing to know that His Spirit dwells deep within each of us who choose to accept and believe? As you prepare for rest, ask yourself: How can I proactively thirst for the Lord? What’s one step I can take this week to prioritize Him above everything else in my life? Evening Prayer Dear Jesus, I want to thirst for you above all the distractions and busyness of life. Please see my heart and intentions and help me to pursue you. Let me seek and find you while there’s still time. I love you, Jesus! Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-nightly-scripture/id1896272962] so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica [https://www.biblica.com/]. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].

Living as a Living Sacrifice (Romans 12)

Evening Scripture Romans 12 [https://www.biblestudytools.com/romans/12.html] Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;     if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Evening Reflection As today’s sun surrendered to the moon, may we hold fast to the challenge in Romans 12 [https://www.biblestudytools.com/romans/12.html] and surrender our hearts to Jesus, confessing both our need for rest and His love as the only true source of unquenchable light. Though the world gives us reason to keep pushing, keep pursuing productivity, late into the night, may we block out the blue light and white noise so our senses are attuned only to Jesus’ voice. After all, it is only then that we can receive His transformative power and good, perfect will for our lives. Let’s consider the state of our hearts. Are they humble in pursuit of God’s plan, softened to receive others into the journey God has designed? As flowers close their blooms in tandem with the moon hanging in the sky, let’s remember that we all have a part to play, and in light of Christ’s grace, not one part is better than the other. No part is higher or lower than another.  May we ask God to grant us hearts to encourage and champion others, looking to Him for our purpose, not to the paths of other believers. May we allow our love for Him to guide our thoughts and actions as we live lives that say, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10 [https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/6-10.html], KJV). Evening Prayer Father, As we reflect on the tiny kingdoms we built for ourselves today, may we surrender them to a holy graveyard, where death to self is life in you, Christ. Whether we have chosen sin over righteousness or self over others, may we confess these faults and look to your new mercies and grace that away us each day (Lamentations 3:22-23 [https://www.biblestudytools.com/lamentations/passage/?q=lamentations+3:22-23]). Let us be quick to pursue peace, striving for harmony. Let us be slow to seek revenge, allowing your grace that covered us to cover those who have wronged us. In surrendering our hearts to you tonight, may our days be filled with hands that extend to the poor, hungry, thirsty, and broken. May we see past the surface, what man tries to hide, and see with your eyes of wisdom and compassion. Even when we are surrounded by our enemies, may we be your beacons of hope, leaving vengeance and justice in your merciful hands. We love and praise you, Lord, for your light that pierces the night and speaks to our weary hearts. We thank you for the honor of living our lives as living sacrifices for your glory. Forever, Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-nightly-scripture/id1896272962] so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica [https://www.biblica.com/]. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].

Choosing Gentle Wisdom in My Words (Proverbs 15)

Evening Scripture Proverbs 15 [https://www.biblestudytools.com/proverbs/15.html] A gentle answer turns away wrath,      but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,      but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,      keeping watch on the wicked and the good. The soothing tongue is a tree of life,      but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,      but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. The house of the righteous contains great treasure,      but the income of the wicked brings ruin. The lips of the wise spread knowledge,      but the hearts of fools are not upright. The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked,      but the prayer of the upright pleases him. The Lord detests the way of the wicked,      but he loves those who pursue righteousness. Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path;      the one who hates correction will die. Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord—      how much more do human hearts! Mockers resent correction,      so they avoid the wise. A happy heart makes the face cheerful,      but heartache crushes the spirit. The discerning heart seeks knowledge,      but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. All the days of the oppressed are wretched,      but the cheerful heart has a continual feast. Better a little with the fear of the Lord      than great wealth with turmoil. Better a small serving of vegetables with love      than a fattened calf with hatred. A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,      but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,      but the path of the upright is a highway. A wise son brings joy to his father,      but a foolish man despises his mother. Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,      but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course. Plans fail for lack of counsel,      but with many advisers they succeed. A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—      and how good is a timely word! The path of life leads upward for the prudent      to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead. The Lord tears down the house of the proud,      but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place. The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked,      but gracious words are pure in his sight. The greedy bring ruin to their households,      but the one who hates bribes will live. The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,      but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. The Lord is far from the wicked,      but he hears the prayer of the righteous. Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,      and good news gives health to the bones. Whoever heeds life-giving correction      will be at home among the wise. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,      but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord,      and humility comes before honor. A gentle answer turns away wrath,  but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,  but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,  keeping watch on the wicked and the good. The soothing tongue is a tree of life,  but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,  but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. The house of the righteous contains great treasure,  but the income of the wicked brings ruin. The lips of the wise spread knowledge,  but the hearts of fools are not upright. The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked,  but the prayer of the upright pleases him. The Lord detests the way of the wicked,  but he loves those who pursue righteousness. Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path;  the one who hates correction will die. Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord—  how much more do human hearts! Mockers resent correction,  so they avoid the wise. A happy heart makes the face cheerful,  but heartache crushes the spirit. The discerning heart seeks knowledge,  but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. All the days of the oppressed are wretched,  but the cheerful heart has a continual feast. Better a little with the fear of the Lord  than great wealth with turmoil. Better a small serving of vegetables with love  than a fattened calf with hatred. A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,  but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,  but the path of the upright is a highway. A wise son brings joy to his father,  but a foolish man despises his mother. Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,  but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course. Plans fail for lack of counsel,  but with many advisers they succeed. A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—  and how good is a timely word! The path of life leads upward for the prudent  to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead. The Lord tears down the house of the proud,  but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place. The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked,  but gracious words are pure in his sight. The greedy bring ruin to their households,  but the one who hates bribes will live. The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,  but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. The Lord is far from the wicked,  but he hears the prayer of the righteous. Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,  and good news gives health to the bones. Whoever heeds life-giving correction  will be at home among the wise. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,  but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord,  and humility comes before honor. Evening Reflection Proverbs 15 [https://www.biblestudytools.com/proverbs/15.html] opens with words of wisdom we all know are true, then guides us in shaping our words and attitudes as we walk through life. As we lay our heads down, let us look back on today and reflect on any quarrels that came our way. Consider how it might have been different and whether it was necessary. Often, in hindsight, we realize that our own words contributed to the dispute, maybe even triggered it. We all realize it’s true that gentle wisdom in our words will come across to others so much more easily. Harsh sarcasm or criticism accomplishes little, but gentle, wise words sit well with others. Regardless of our temptations or the attitudes of others, consider that “a soothing tongue is a tree of life.” When your words offer kindness and wisdom, it averts any wicked response. Words can be powerful things – they can build up, torment, and crush. We will never need to apologize for harsh words that go unspoken. Recently, I heard someone say that a Christian can be the worst advertisement for the very thing we believe in and our hearts are set on. Let us remember that we represent our Lord, and what people see in us and hear from us can reflect on their desire to come to Christ Jesus. Let us speak in a way that people see him – and we can then speak to them about Jesus. As we reflect tonight on Solomon’s words in Proverbs 15 [https://www.biblestudytools.com/proverbs/15.html], let us pray that the Lord will help us set aside our pride, to step out of the way and allow His Holy Spirit to work in us - guarding our hearts and tongues, choosing gentle wisdom in our words.  Evening Prayer Heavenly Father, I know that on my own, I cannot live the way you want me to live. With your help, I know I can. Please help me to step aside and allow your Holy Spirit to work in me and through me. Please help me become the person you created me to be. Help me to live my life full of love, compassion, mercy, grace, forgiveness, and humility. Help me to change the way I think and feel, the way I act, and the way I speak. When I feel tempted to respond with callousness or cruelty, please put a guard over my mouth. Amen. Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-nightly-scripture/id1896272962] so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica [https://www.biblica.com/]. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com [https://www.lifeaudio.com/] and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us [https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us].