Resting in the God Who Rejoices Over Me (Zephaniah 3)

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].

Holding Onto Hope When Grief Feels Heavy (John 11)

Evening Scripture John 11 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.” After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there. When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. “What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.” Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. So from that day on they plotted to take his life. Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead he withdrew to a region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples. When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, many went up from the country to Jerusalem for their ceremonial cleansing before the Passover. They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the temple courts they asked one another, “What do you think? Isn’t he coming to the festival at all?” But the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that anyone who found out where Jesus was should report it so that they might arrest him. Evening Reflection There’s a verse from 1 Corinthians 15:55 [https://www.biblestudytools.com/1-corinthians/15-55.html] that says, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” As Christ-followers, we know Christ defeated death on the cross and gives us hope for everlasting life with Him for eternity. What good news! Yet, our world and reality of life that we currently know is still very much filled with death. You and I both know, the sting is very, very real. Our passage tonight gives us the shortest verse in the Bible: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35 [https://www.biblestudytools.com/john/11-35.html]). Even though Jesus knew this story wouldn’t end in death (Jesus stated in verse 4, “This sickness will not end in death”), Jesus still wept. I can’t help but assume Jesus not only loved Lazarus, but wept in compassion for Martha and Mary, and perhaps, for you and me–that the sting of death does indeed still sting. Jesus meets us in our grief. If you’re walking through your own grief, take comfort in this: He’s not rushing you through it or dismissing the ache. He’s right there in it with you. Let’s take it a step further: you can be completely honest with Him. You can even ask why. Martha deeply loved and believed in Jesus, but still questioned Jesus. She said, “‘Lord,’ Martha said to Jesus, ‘if you had been here, my brother would not have died’” (John 11:21 [https://www.biblestudytools.com/john/11-21.html]). Martha shows us we can still believe He can do all things and yet still have heartache over why things didn’t turn out how we expected. Our faith allows a relationship with a real God, where faith and disappointment intertwine.  The darkest part of the story is knowing Lazarus has been dead for four days–completely beyond any human hope. And even when things seemed dark, dead, and done, God was still working. God had a much bigger plan in His perfect timing. Jesus proved His story doesn’t end in death! What an incredible hope!  Holding onto hope, even when grief feels heavy, can feel like a daily fight. The enemy of your soul wants nothing more than to take every ounce of hope you can muster. Don’t give the devil the truth you have: our hope is anchored in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ! He’s in grief with you. You can be completely transparent with him. His story doesn’t end in death.  From one human heart to another (who has had a fair share of deep grief over the past few years herself), you’re not alone, and this isn’t where the story ends. Let’s remember tonight, together, that He is a good, good Savior who won’t leave us in our pain. Now that’s a hope worth holding onto!  Evening Prayer Lord, I lift up my friend who is carrying their own grief. The truth is, it does sting. Tonight, we surrender the lack of control, the ache of what could have been, and the weight of carrying it. I pray for peace and comfort. I pray for an undeniable and unexplainable deep peace. For the ache and questioning, we lay it at your feet. For the disappointment and frustration, we lay it at your feet. For the unknowns and questionable future, we lay it at your feet. Jesus, you are our hope. I pray we wouldn’t confuse hope with expected outcomes. I pray for future testimonies to come from this devotional and for faith to arise. I ask for miracles and agree with and for life. We know your story doesn’t end in death, and we say yes to your power working in and through our lives. In the powerful name of 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].