Drawing Near to God and Being Changed

Drawing Near to God and Being Changed

Evening Scripture James 4 [https://www.biblestudytools.com/james/4.html] What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud      but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. Evening Reflection As we settle in for the evening and review our day, it is easy to recognize how busy our schedule was – but not so easy to identify where our focus was. In this crazy world of busyness, we often get wrapped up in our earthly desires rather than our heavenly calling. We work toward what we covet – a promotion, a raise, more pay, recognition. Our desires include additional possessions and pleasures - a bigger home, a newer car, or more.  Then, we let our prayers reflect those desires – only to be disappointed when things don’t go the way we asked. We make plans for our future, asking God to bless them – and yet, we don’t know what our future will bring. Our lives can change in a heartbeat, changing what lies ahead. If that were to occur, wouldn’t you want to already be close to God so he can see you through those life-changing moments? We are taught that when we give our lives to Jesus, we become a new creation, and it is the absolute truth. The Holy Spirit comes and dwells within us – but sometimes we are so busy chasing our “dreams” we can’t feel his presence or even know he’s there.  James tells us to submit ourselves to God and to humble ourselves before the Lord, and he will lift us up! A promise made – and God never breaks his promises. But, submitting ourselves and humbling ourselves before the Lord isn’t something that we can snap our fingers and make happen. It is a commitment that requires daily attention and sacrifice. We must open ourselves up to the Holy Spirit and give in to his leading – through daily prayer, God’s Word, and a community of believers. Let the Lord’s spirit work in us and through us – giving in to the change within us. We may not feel change immediately - it may take a bit of time - but one morning you will wake up and feel it. You are drawing near to God – feeling like a new creation in him. Evening Prayer Father, With my whole heart, I desire to come to know you. I want to draw closer and closer. I desire all of you, and I surrender to your will in everything I desire or do. You are my God, and earnestly I seek you. My soul thirsts for you, my flesh longs for you in this dry and weary land where there is no water. 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].

Finding Strength and Stability In God

Finding Strength and Stability in God Evening Scripture Isaiah 33 [https://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/33.html] Woe to you, destroyer,     you who have not been destroyed! Woe to you, betrayer,     you who have not been betrayed! When you stop destroying,     you will be destroyed; when you stop betraying,     you will be betrayed. Lord, be gracious to us;     we long for you. Be our strength every morning,     our salvation in time of distress. At the uproar of your army, the peoples flee;     when you rise up, the nations scatter. Your plunder, O nations, is harvested as by young locusts;     like a swarm of locusts people pounce on it. The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high;     he will fill Zion with his justice and righteousness. He will be the sure foundation for your times,     a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;     the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure. Look, their brave men cry aloud in the streets;     the envoys of peace weep bitterly. The highways are deserted,     no travelers are on the roads. The treaty is broken,     its witnesses are despised,     no one is respected. The land dries up and wastes away,     Lebanon is ashamed and withers; Sharon is like the Arabah,     and Bashan and Carmel drop their leaves. “Now will I arise,” says the Lord.     “Now will I be exalted;     now will I be lifted up. You conceive chaff,     you give birth to straw;     your breath is a fire that consumes you. The peoples will be burned to ashes;     like cut thornbushes they will be set ablaze.” You who are far away, hear what I have done;     you who are near, acknowledge my power! The sinners in Zion are terrified;     trembling grips the godless: “Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire?     Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?” Those who walk righteously     and speak what is right, who reject gain from extortion     and keep their hands from accepting bribes, who stop their ears against plots of murder     and shut their eyes against contemplating evil— they are the ones who will dwell on the heights,     whose refuge will be the mountain fortress. Their bread will be supplied,     and water will not fail them. Your eyes will see the king in his beauty     and view a land that stretches afar. In your thoughts you will ponder the former terror:     “Where is that chief officer? Where is the one who took the revenue?     Where is the officer in charge of the towers?” You will see those arrogant people no more,     people whose speech is obscure,     whose language is strange and incomprehensible. Look on Zion, the city of our festivals;     your eyes will see Jerusalem,     a peaceful abode, a tent that will not be moved; its stakes will never be pulled up,     nor any of its ropes broken. There the Lord will be our Mighty One.     It will be like a place of broad rivers and streams. No galley with oars will ride them,     no mighty ship will sail them. For the Lord is our judge,     the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king;     it is he who will save us. Your rigging hangs loose:     The mast is not held secure,     the sail is not spread. Then an abundance of spoils will be divided     and even the lame will carry off plunder. No one living in Zion will say, “I am ill”;     and the sins of those who dwell there will be forgiven. Evening Reflection Sometimes, along with our physical legs feeling shaky and off-balance, so can our faith legs feel wobbly and unsteady, leaving us needing someone to hold onto, or even help prop us up. Yet in life, there may be times when no one is around, or no one is willing or strong enough to help us. So what do we do when we need strength and stability beyond what we can muster or find in our own strength? When feeling like our faith is about to collapse or crumble over all life is dealing us, we can call out to God, asking Him to be our strength and stability, assured and confident, that at times when we need it the most, God is gracious to hear us and respond, to hold us up, and to be our salvation in our lowest and darkest of times, especially when it seems like the world and everyone is too busy or unavailable to help us. He is our sure foundation, the place where we find strength and stability in our most vulnerable moments. God is where our faith can be renewed, where we find peace and even joy, resting safely and securely in His steady and stable arms. Evening Prayer God, I come to you tonight, feeling shaky, unstable in my faith, ready to collapse under the weight of everyday life. Yet, you promise to be my strong foundation. So I look to You to hold me up, to renew my faith, and to be my daily strength and stability each day of my life, when I feel unbalanced and even when I feel like I’m strong enough in myself. I know You, O Lord, are my Mighty One, the one I turn to when life tries to shake my faith and my legs feel unsure and ready to give out underneath me. Thank you, God, for being my strength every morning and my salvation in distress, and for being a rich source of wisdom and knowledge. Help me to walk daily in the fear of the Lord, which is the key to Your treasure. 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].

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].