Your Nightly Scripture

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

Evening Scripture Hebrews, Chapter 6 Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so. It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case — the things that have to do with salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. Evening Reflection Promises are great, but they are only as good as the person making them. We all know people who have said they are going to do something and their word is as useless as an umbrella in a hurricane. However, God’s promises are different. They are that way because he made them, but more importantly because he always keeps them. Yet, there is one little challenge we all experience when we are waiting for God’s promise to be fulfilled. We don’t know when it will happen. It would be so much easier if God always said “on this date, at this time, this is what I am going to do.” Most of the time that is not how it works. Instead, we must trust that he will do what he says even when we don’t know when. So how then do you cling to his promises when they are delayed, and how do you avoid allowing doubt to start creeping in? One thing you can do is look at God’s track record. Looking through the Bible and back through your own life, you will see a record of God’s faithfulness. Sometimes you must remind yourself of this. Remember how you just happened to run into the right person who opened a door for you. Or consider the provision that came through exactly when you needed it. Maybe it was the person praying for your exact situation without you saying a word. These things may seem small, but they are reminders that God sees your situation and he will come through. If you are believing in God for something, keep believing he is true to his word and know that he will not fail you. According to the writer of Hebrews, it is impossible for God to lie, and that truth is what anchors our souls even when we don’t know when it will happen. Evening Prayer God, Today I am trusting what you have said in your word. You have made promises, but more importantly you have kept your promises. I pray today that you will give me the courage to keep trusting you even when nothing is happening or the situation looks bleak. Remind me that you honor your word and that everything you say, you will do. Help my faith to remain strong, and when I am worried, remind me of who you are. You have never forsaken me and you won’t stop now. Thank you for walking with me through this process and help me not to neglect the lessons that I will learn as I am waiting for you. I pray all this in Jesus’ name, Amen. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Isaiah, Chapter 64 Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you! As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you! For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you. Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved? All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and have given us over to our sins. Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Do not be angry beyond measure, LORD; do not remember our sins forever. Oh, look on us, we pray, for we are all your people. Your sacred cities have become a wasteland; even Zion is a wasteland, Jerusalem a desolation. Our holy and glorious temple, where our ancestors praised you, has been burned with fire, and all that we treasured lies in ruins. After all this, LORD, will you hold yourself back? Will you keep silent and punish us beyond measure? Evening Reflection Some of the hardest-fought seasons of our faith are marked by waiting. Waiting on God to move often looks like us being still before Him. It can feel like a time of stagnation. Which, if you’re like me, is entirely uncomfortable. When we’re asked to “wait,” it feels like a consequence. But when we unpack Scripture, we see that while waiting can happen for that reason, many times it’s to grow the faith and reverence of those who are being asked to wait. In Isaiah 64, we see a cry and a petition for the Lord to come down and make things right. He literally begs God for His aid. What began as complaining quickly turns to petition. His heart posture shifts from one of utter frustration to that of a reverent follower who wants what God wants for his people. In verses 8-9, Isaiah pens, “But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Be not so terribly angry, O Lord, and remember not iniquity forever. Behold, please look, we are all your people.” He writes here that he fully understands we do not deserve the Lord's grace and quick response, but we also serve a God who will meet us as He sees fit. What is it that you are waiting for — a fresh hope, complete joy, healing, or redemption? Whatever it is, you are not alone. All believers find themselves in this place on the journey with Jesus, and I pray we all remember the Holy Spirit is with us in the waiting. He is interceding for you when you have no more words to say; He will wash peace over you as you wait. Keep your eyes and heart fixed on the Lord. Trust Him in the waiting, knowing that He is with you. Evening Prayer Lord, Will you be tangibly present as I wait? Some days, it's hard to hold fast to what I know is true when it feels like you’re silent. I pray for fresh hope, new joy, and an assurance that the Holy Spirit is leading me. In areas where I’ve become complacent on this journey, would you shake me up? Remind me that your view is perfect, you know the perfect timing, and your plan will always be better than mine — even when it feels hard or painful. Please draw my heart near and wash me with your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Matthew, Chapter 20 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’ ‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered. He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’ The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’ But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. “What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. Evening Reflection Grace is truly an amazing word. By definition it means to receive unmerited favor. What I love about the Christian journey of faith and being a follower of Christ is that grace levels the playing field. None of us are saved because we deserved it. Instead, we are all saved because of God’s amazing grace. In the first part of Matthew 20, the workers were complaining because everyone got the same reward even though it seems as if the ones who started earlier in the day did more work. The workers who started early in the day complained and that’s because they didn’t understand grace. Recently, I was listening to a reporter talk about a criminal who had committed murder and was sentenced to life in prison. She was disappointed that this person did not get the death penalty. The reporter said this person may not have gotten what they deserved in this life, but when they die, they will find there is a place waiting for them where they will get what they deserve. This reporter also does not understand grace. She was deciding who is worthy of grace and who is not. She saw the sin in the man and deemed his sins unworthy of receiving God’s grace. Strangely, by default she was assuming that her sins were worthy of grace. When we understand grace, we recognize that all of us are sinners and none of us deserve salvation. The Father gives it because he wants to and because it is his to give. Instead of arrogance, that should make us feel more deserving. It should bring us to a place of humility because we know we are not worthy. I invite you today to walk in God’s grace. It is enough to save you, but it is also enough to keep you. His grace truly is amazing. This should always humble us and remind us that we are all the byproduct of grace we did not deserve, but grace we have freely received. Evening Prayer Lord, Today I want to thank you for your grace. I don’t know where I would be today if your grace had not rescued me from my sin. I acknowledge your grace does not come because I deserve it, but because I need it. Father, help me to walk humbly and to never forget that I am not more deserving of salvation than anyone else. Instead let me share your wonderful grace and let others know that despite what they have done, there is salvation and forgiveness, and it is all because of your grace. Let this be the way I live all the days of my life. I pray all this in Jesus’ name, Amen. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Philippians, Chapter 3 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh — though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ — yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Evening Reflection Maturity often looks like perseverance. Perseverance means keeping up a steady effort to achieve a goal, even when things get hard or take a long time. As we grow, we learn how to stick with things even when they get hard. As parents, half the work we do is encouraging our kids when they complain, get frustrated, when the work isn’t fun, or when it's hard. The goal of parenthood is for our kids to eventually become people who can solve problems, stay focused, and remain reliable on their own. Paul is speaking as a parent to the new Christians of the city of Philippi. He encourages them in verses 13-15, explaining that to do the work of the Lord, they have to press towards the goal. They can’t stop; they have to keep moving forward. Paul goes on to say that those who are mature take on this gritty, “let’s do this thing” kind of attitude. Maybe you need the same pep talk. The going got tough, God hasn’t answered your prayer as quickly or efficiently as you’d like, or you're just plain stuck. The Bible says get focused. Don’t grow weary in doing good; press forward towards the calling God has placed on your life. Graciously, we don’t have to muster up the strength to get unstuck on our own. Through prayers of faith, God offers to carry us on eagles' wings (Exodus 19:4). He brings us to the next season by his might and strength and through his grace, all for his glory! Personally, I’ve faced many seasons in which my soul felt weary. When I knew I was out of answers, strength, or ideas. I needed a miracle. Every time I’ve reached the end of myself, God showed up for me. The time my panic disorder had finally consumed my whole life, I cried out to the Lord for help, and he led me towards the support I needed. When my marriage was unraveling, my heart cold and hurt, I gave it all over to him, asking his will to be done. Miraculously, we started to take baby steps toward healing and new, healthier habits. God provided these things in abundance. The message of Philippians 3 is don’t give up. Stay focused on the calling God has for you and don’t do it alone. God gave his life so you could be his. He loves you and he won’t leave you to drown. He can carry you through to the next season. Evening Prayer Father, I ask that you would grow perseverance and maturity in me. Show me how to remain focused on the goal and calling you have for my life. By your strength alone, get me to the next season. Carry me on your eagles’ wings. Strengthen and encourage me to do the work you have for me and let it all be for your glory. You provide all I need. I need you to get unstuck. Help me Lord. Amen. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Psalm, Chapter 148 Hallelujah! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise Him in the highest places. Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His heavenly hosts. Praise Him, O sun and moon; praise Him, all you shining stars. Praise Him, O highest heavens, and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He gave the command and they were created. He established them forever and ever; He issued a decree that will never pass away. Praise the LORD from the earth, all great sea creatures and ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, powerful wind fulfilling His word, mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, crawling creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth, young men and maidens, old and young together. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens. He has raised up a horn for His people, the praise of all His saints, of Israel, a people near to Him. Hallelujah! Evening Reflection Sometimes we can forget how good it is to praise the Lord, because of how it not only glorifies Him, but also lifts us up from the inside-out. When we praise Him, our hearts and minds are encouraged, refreshed, and renewed, as we praise His glorious majesty. We can too easily forget that we aren’t the only ones praising Him, but are joining in with a multitude of angels and heavenly hosts, and with the sun, moon, and shining stars, and all of Creation. It is the highest privilege to be able to praise the Lord, to lift up His name and speak of His glorious and majestic ways and attributes. In Luke 19:38-40, as Jesus was making His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, “When He came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”” Yet, “Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’” “’I tell you,’ He replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’” Even if others try to silence us from praising God, His creation cannot keep quiet. It has been created and issued a decree to praise His name forevermore. His name alone is to be exalted, the only One who is worthy of our praise, and we have a divine invitation to join in with Creation to lift up His Holy Name. Evening Prayer God, Today I lift up Your name in praise, joining in with the angels, heavenly hosts, the sun, moon, and shining stars, and all of Creation to praise Your Holy Name. Lead me each day, O Lord, to look up and, with my whole heart, join in with unison and harmony to praise You. Amen. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Ephesians, Chapter 2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands) —remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Evening Reflection At the end of every day, most of us think back over the highs and lows. What we did right. What we did wrong. Who we talked to. What we accomplished. What we still didn’t check off the list. If we aren’t careful, this mental inventory even gets taken to bed. Before we know it, we’re tossing and turning with questions that never seem to end. Thankfully, passages like Ephesians 2 remind us that our relationship with God isn’t based on how many items we checked off our to-do list, how long we read our Bible, or even how many spiritual things we did that day in service to Jesus. Our relationship with God has never been based on how well we perform. And yet, maybe we live like it does. Instead of resting in grace, we rest in busyness and productivity. So, we put our heads down, keep going, and burn the candlestick out at both ends. But is this really how Jesus says we should live? In Ephesians 2, we see that “it is by grace you have been saved…it is the gift of God.” Contrary to how we might live or believe, grace isn’t something we have to work hard enough to deserve, achieve, or earn; rather, it’s something we receive. Tonight, and every night after that, God isn’t asking you to prove yourself before you rest. He’s inviting you to accept what He’s already freely given to those who believe. When you think about your life, are you tempted to measure your worth by what you do? I know I am. Do you ever feel like you have to earn God’s approval or carry your mistakes as punishment? If so, you’re not alone. But instead of judging or shaming yourself, talk honestly with God using these questions: - Where am I trying to earn what God’s already given me through grace? - Where have I confused following Jesus with trying to prove myself to Him? This passage reminds us that sin is serious. Paul is clear about that. But where we’ve been isn’t who we are. And because of His great love for us, God is rich in mercy and love. The salvation He offers us isn’t a paycheck for good deeds or behavior, but a free gift given to all who will accept it. Yes, good works still matter, but they come after grace. So tonight, you don’t have to calculate whether you did enough to prove yourself to God. You can confess what needs confessing, receive forgiveness, and then walk in freedom. Because your identity isn’t found in the success or failure of today; it’s found in Christ alone. Evening Prayer Dear Jesus, Tonight, I want to thank you for your grace and mercy. I confess that I’ve tried to win your approval, and I pour out my sins, failures, regrets, and disappointments of today. Thank you for your saving grace. Thank you that it isn’t based on what I do or who I am, but who you are. Please help me to accept this gift, and live in the freedom it offers. I love, praise, and thank you, Jesus. Amen. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Isaiah, Chapter 41 “Be silent before me, you islands! Let the nations renew their strength! Let them come forward and speak; let us meet together at the place of judgment. Who has stirred up one from the east, calling him in righteousness to his service? He hands nations over to him and subdues kings before him. He turns them to dust with his sword, to windblown chaff with his bow. He pursues them and moves on unscathed, by a path his feet have not traveled before. Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD — with the first of them and with the last — I am he.” The islands have seen it and fear; the ends of the earth tremble. They approach and come forward; they help each other and say to their companions, “Be strong!” The metalworker encourages the goldsmith, and the one who smooths with the hammer spurs on the one who strikes the anvil. One says of the welding, “It is good.” The other nails down the idol so it will not topple. “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. “See, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff. You will winnow them, the wind will pick them up, and a gale will blow them away. But you will rejoice in the LORD and glory in the Holy One of Israel. “The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs. I will put in the desert the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive. I will set junipers in the wasteland, the fir and the cypress together, so that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the LORD has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it. “Present your case,” says the LORD. “Set forth your arguments,” says Jacob’s King. “Tell us, you idols, what is going to happen. Tell us what the former things were, so that we may consider them and know their final outcome. Or declare to us the things to come, tell us what the future holds, so we may know that you are gods. Do something, whether good or bad, so that we will be dismayed and filled with fear. But you are less than nothing and your works are utterly worthless; whoever chooses you is detestable. “I have stirred up one from the north, and he comes — one from the rising sun who calls on my name. He treads on rulers as if they were mortar, as if he were a potter treading the clay. Who told of this from the beginning, so we could know, or beforehand, so we could say, ‘He was right’? No one told of this, no one foretold it, no one heard any words from you. I was the first to tell Zion, ‘Look, here they are!’ I gave to Jerusalem a messenger of good news. I look but there is no one — no one among the gods to give counsel, no one to give answer when I ask them. See, they are all false! Their deeds amount to nothing; their images are but wind and confusion. Evening Reflection It’s easy to say “do not fear” when life is well, the bills are paid, and the medical results have come back negative. But what about when life is chaotic, the bills are overdue, and you’re sitting in the waiting room for what feels like forever? As darkness settles in around us and fall gives birth to winter, our fears only seem to multiply. Maybe you’re replaying something that happened yesterday, the stress of uncertain things, or carrying a burden you’ve told no one about. And yet, God says, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” How do those words make you feel? If you’re anything like me, I used to roll my eyes and ignore the words altogether. This verse sounds nice but feels impractical. Until I realized that God isn’t shaming us for being afraid; He’s offering His peace as a source of comfort. Before He even told His people not to fear, He told them that He would be with them. He is their God, and we are His people. He would strengthen, support, help, and lift them. His command “not to fear” isn’t rooted in what happens next, but rather in His steady and ever-faithful presence. When you think about your life, what feels uncertain or scary right now? What would change tonight if you believed you didn’t have to face these fears alone? What if instead of relying on your own strength, you asked God to carry you with His? Isaiah 41 doesn’t say that we won’t face scary things this side of Heaven. But God’s Word does promise that He will be with us no matter what we face. His progression from I am with you, to I am your God and I will strengthen you, shows us that sometimes the answer to our fear isn’t watching it dissipate. It’s not an explanation or being brave. It’s reassurance that even in uncertainty, God is there, too. The good news is that you and I don’t have to manufacture enough courage tonight. It’s okay to be scared. But we can rest in the One who promises to hold us even when we can’t hold ourselves. “Do not fear” isn’t a demanding “how-dare-you-be-scared” accusation. “Do not fear” is an invitation: “Let’s face this together.” As you prepare for rest, ask yourself: What fear do I need to ask the Lord to help me with? Talk to God about these fears. They may not be removed overnight, but His presence is always with you. Evening Prayer Dear Jesus, Tonight, I want to acknowledge my fears instead of ignoring them. I bring you ______. Thank you for your promise of peace even when it feels far. Please give me strength for what I can’t change and comfort me even here. I love, praise, and thank you, Jesus. Amen. Agape, Amber Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Jude, Chapter 1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, to those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling — these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire. In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct — as irrational animals do — will destroy them. Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion. These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm — shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted — twice dead. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage. But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear — hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy — to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. Evening Reflection Jude offers one of the most amazing and comforting promises in all of Scripture. Yet when you read through the chapter, it does not begin there. You first read about ungodly people who have slipped in among the believers, and bring with them immorality, perversion, and denying Jesus Christ. Aside from that, we see the destruction of those who were delivered but later failed to believe. Jude talks further about those who are perverted, defiant, and scoffers who follow their own ungodly desires. Despite all of this, this chapter leaves us with an everlasting hope, and here it is: To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy — to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen” (Jude 1:24-25). The hope we find in Jude transcends anything and everything that is happening in our culture. It focuses our attention not on our ability to keep ourselves, but on Christ’s ability to do that. This is the essence of our salvation. We are saved by Christ and the finished work on the cross. However, we are also kept by Christ, and the one who saved us is the one who will preserve us. This truth makes all the difference in the world. When you grasp this truth, then you realize that your salvation comes by grace through faith, and it is kept by grace through faith. You don’t have to hope in yourself to bring about salvation; you must keep your hope in Christ. He is the one who keeps you and who will present you faultless before God’s throne. That is an everlasting promise that you can hold on to. Evening Prayer Lord, Today I want to pray a prayer of rejoicing. I thank you for saving me by your grace and that it was not by my own works. I also thank you for keeping me by your grace, knowing that too is because of your promise and not my own works. Help me rest in the truth that you are the one who is holding and upholding me. You are the one who has saved me and that you are the one who will keep me. Teach me not how to strive harder, but to trust more. And help me understand that trusting always leads to your perfect rest. I pray all this in Jesus’ name. Amen. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Proverbs, Chapter 16 To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The Lord works out everything to its proper end— even the wicked for a day of disaster. The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided. When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them. Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice. In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth does not betray justice. Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making. Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness. Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right. A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise will appease it. When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver! The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction. Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools. The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction. Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. The appetite of laborers works for them; their hunger drives them on. A scoundrel plots evil, and on their lips it is like a scorching fire. A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good. Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity; whoever purses their lips is bent on evil. Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness. Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. Evening Reflection Life often throws us curveballs. Just when we think we’ve got something figured out, inevitably things change. Our kids grow up, jobs change, our bodies shift, our community evolves, or a need arises. These are the exact moments that we are called to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding, because we know he will make our path straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). One notable moment in which we all had to collectively cling to God was in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic turned our lives upside down and swept across the globe. I remember walking miles around my neighborhood, praying and reciting verses to myself as a way of reminding myself that God would not leave us, even as the whole world began to panic. I had to practice Proverbs 16:3 and commit everything to the Lord, trusting him to establish my plans. Since that season, life has provided many more opportunities to cling to the Lord when the future felt hazy and scary. We have added three kids to our family through foster care and adoption. As we walked through uncertainty and the roller coaster that is foster care, I often had to remind my soul to lean on the Lord when I wanted to freak out. When my body was struggling with illness, I had to rely on God’s Spirit for peace, even when pain was my constant companion. In the seasons of conflict and strife with my husband, I had to ask God to show me how to change, forgive, and love him with God’s love again. The future often feels scary, but when we practice trusting God, we know that we will be okay. It is our reliance on Jesus that carries us from one season to the next. Without Him, the future is bleak, but as believers, we have access to eternal hope that changes everything. Remember Proverbs 16:9, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Our future is the Lord's! He is the one establishing our steps. We can trust Him. Evening Prayer Father, I thank you that you are trustworthy. I can rely on your word and promises when I can’t see the way forward. I can lean on the power of your Holy Spirit when I am unsure how to move ahead. I commit my ways to you, knowing that you alone establish my steps. Go before me and make a way! I need you, Jesus. You are my firm foundation in a chaotic world. Amen. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Peace in the Middle of Trouble Evening Scripture John, Chapter 16 “All this I have told you so that you will not fall away. They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” At this, some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” They kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what he is saying.” Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.” Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.” “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” b Certainly, there are times for all of us when it is hard to feel Jesus’ presence. That feeling may be even stronger in times of trouble. Of course, Jesus promised us we’d have trouble in this world, didn’t he (John 16:33)? But in the same verse he also told us we can take heart because he has overcome the world. We can only imagine how the disciples felt when Jesus told them he would be leaving them. But as was his way, he followed that with the promise that he was not leaving them alone, that their grief would turn to joy. Like the disciples, our journey of faith will often include troubling times and difficult situations. Yet, the promises of Jesus reassure us that we can – we will – find peace in him, even through the storms of life. His calm and peace will guard our hearts and our minds and help see us through the turmoil. Yes, it is easy to feel overwhelmed during our most difficult times. Lost, even. But the word of God always encourages us to seek our comfort in him. In him we can find reassurance that we are loved and not forgotten, and that regardless of the storms of life, our faith in him will calm the storms and bring us peace. Remember that fear never accomplished anything. Courage did. Faith did. Let faith – not fear – be your default response. Prayer will serve as our lifeline to peace in the middle of our trouble. In open, heartfelt communication with the Lord, he helps us release all of our anxieties and worries into his very capable hands. Prayer gives us the strength and courage to confront our worries and fears, finding peace and assurance. We will discover that we can trust the Lord with whatever troubles us. We can lean into his outcomes, knowing that he has a perfect plan for us. Trusting God and his plan gives us a firm foundation and allows peace to reign in our hearts. Evening Prayer Father, Thank you for being there for me, even if I don’t always feel you. Help me, Father. Give me strength to feel your presence. Help me to trust you with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. Help me to cast all of my anxiety on you and feel your peace. Please, Father, make it well with my soul. Amen Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture 2 Corinthians, Chapter 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God in Corinth, together with all his holy people throughout Achaia: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace. For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that, as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus. Because I was confident of this, I wanted to visit you first so that you might benefit twice. I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia and to come back to you from Macedonia, and then to have you send me on my way to Judea. Was I fickle when I intended to do this? Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say both “Yes, yes” and “No, no”? But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us — by me and Silas and Timothy — was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. I call God as my witness — and I stake my life on it — that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm. Evening Reflection When we are in the midst of life’s trials, it’s hard to fathom that one day we will be able to help others through theirs. 2 Corinthians 1 emphasizes how God not only comforts us, but he also works through us to bring comfort to those who are hurting. As followers of Christ, we have the Holy Spirit here with us. He guides us on the right path and comforts us in times of trouble. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthian church, referred to God as “the source of all comfort.” What a blessing to know that God, our ultimate source, will comfort us even when we walk through the darkest valley (Psalm 23:4). But Paul’s message didn’t stop there. He went on to say that God had an even greater plan in mind — to equip his children to pass on the love and comfort we have received. Maybe you’ve met someone facing the same battle you once faced. How did God bring you through that difficult season? Is there some way you can offer the same comfort God gave you? Tonight, as we read 2 Corinthians 1, let’s thank the Lord for sending the Holy Spirit to live within us. Then, let’s pray about who we can reach out to in their troubles. Comfort is something we shouldn’t keep to ourselves. Instead, we can choose to pass it on. Evening Prayer Dear God, Thank you for being the source of my comfort. When I am facing life’s most difficult circumstances, I have your Holy Spirit here with me to comfort and guide me. But the comfort you give isn’t just for me. You desire that I share it with others. Help me understand your plan for providing comfort to those who are in need. Show me the people in my life who are hurting, Lord. Help me know how to pass on comfort so that they can have peace in the middle of their struggle. I give you praise, honor, and glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Psalm, Chapter 147 Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the exiles of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground. Sing to the Lord with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp. He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call. His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. Extol the Lord, Jerusalem; praise your God, Zion. He strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses your people within you. He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat. He sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast? He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow. He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel. He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws. Praise the Lord. Evening Reflection To be heartbroken is a tough place to be. Regardless of the cause, the challenge is that often, we must continue living through the pain of being brokenhearted. In some church circles, you can’t even admit your brokenness because, after all, you are blessed and highly favored, so how could your heart ever be broken? Thankfully, this Psalm reminds us of God’s love and care for those who are broken. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). Someone who is brokenhearted has been crushed, shattered, or wounded deeply. This is not a temporary situation but one that lingers. This state of brokenness can often leave you feeling hopeless. That’s why the healing God brings to those who are brokenhearted is so amazing. What I love about the imagery in this verse is that he doesn’t just heal from a distance, he binds up your wounds. This means he carefully pays attention to the details of your situation, and, like a caregiver, he gently wraps and treats your wounds. This should give you confidence to know that you can bring all your brokenness to the Lord. You don’t have to hide it, carry it, or pretend you are strong. Instead, you can come to the one who will not just bandage your wounds but will bring healing to every broken place. God does not just see your broken heart; more importantly, he knows how to put it back together again. So whatever your situation, you can trust God with your brokenness and discover that his tender and loving care can heal even the deepest hurt. Evening Prayer Lord, I am hurting. I have cried many tears and sometimes feel as if my situation is beyond repair. Today, I bring you my broken heart that feels shattered into a thousand pieces. I ask that you begin the healing process in my heart. I confess, I don’t know where to begin, so I leave even that at your feet. Walk with me through this situation and help me find healing in your presence. Father, I also ask that you change my perspective of my situation so that the places where I was broken become the places of my greatest strength and greatest testimony. Lastly, help me be honest with you and trust you enough to let you into those hurting places, knowing that you can heal them. I pray all this in Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture 1 Kings, Chapter 19 Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel — all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.” So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.” “Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you?” So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant. Evening Reflection In 1 Kings 19:11-13, we read about how Elijah experienced wind, an earthquake, and a fire. He expected to hear God in the loud, powerful wind, in the great earthquake, or in the consuming fire. Surprisingly, when God actually shows up and speaks to Elijah, it’s through a gentle whisper. We are often like Elijah, looking for God to speak to us in a loud and humbling way. But more often He speaks the truth we need into our hearts in those ordinary quiet moments of everyday living. We need to stay alert and keep our hearts open to the Lord’s voice. The most profound moments of confirmation from the Lord have come for me when I’ve been driving alone in the car, lying down to rest, in dreams, or in quiet moments of worship. These little whispers have anchored me when I’ve felt the call to step forward in faith. Look for God moments in the midst of your routine. Elijah’s encounter reminds us that we all have unseen moments God calls us to give over to worship Him. Corporate worship is beautiful, but most of our relationship with Jesus is walked out as we serve in our homes and work; it's a personal relationship that we are called to steward. God can talk to us in a crowded church service, and He can also speak to us when we are alone at home cleaning the dishes. His presence is always with us. As we start and end our day, we can bring what we have to the Lord. We can ask God to guide us through the power of His Holy Spirit. God invites us to do everything for Him, not for man! Be intentional about pursuing and preparing your heart to meet God in life’s quiet moments. Evening Prayer Father, I thank you that you speak to me with a kind and gentle voice. You communicate with me in the quiet, and I love to hear your voice. Continue to guide me. Meet me as I go about my everyday routine. I need your guidance, love, and presence in my life. Allow your guiding Spirit to be my anchor as I step out in faith to serve you. I love you. Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Psalm, Chapter 51 “Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. For I was born a sinner— yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me— now let me rejoice. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you. Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness. Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you. You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Look with favor on Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit— with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings. Then bulls will again be sacrificed on your altar. Evening Reflection Reflecting on the day can often bring regret over the ways we fell short. When we think about words we said or things we did that didn’t show godly character, we may wish we could rewind and start over. Psalm 51 offers hope for those days when we feel like we’ve messed up. The psalmist David sought forgiveness for a wrong he had committed. Rather than passing blame on to someone else or making excuses, David turned to God with both repentance and respect. David recognized how he had rebelled against God. We all fall short at times. Romans 3:23 tells us, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” But when we come to God with our transgression and talk to him with honesty, we open the door to receiving God’s grace and forgiveness. David also acknowledged God’s power to purify him. He knew only God can wash away our sin. And when our Almighty God “removes the stain of guilt,” our joy will be restored. David asked for forgiveness. And no matter what the offense, we can do the same. God wants us to bring our mess-ups to him. We are his handiwork — God’s beautiful creation whom he loves and cherishes. Through every confession, we allow God to work in us to mold us into the person he created us to be. So often, our shame over wrongdoing can pull us into a pit of despair. But God does not want us to condemn ourselves. He wants us to run to him. We know that as we seek his forgiveness, God will never “reject a broken and repentant heart” (Psalm 51:17). Evening Prayer Dear God, I am carrying guilt and regret for the ways I’ve messed up, and I am crying out to you to ask for forgiveness. I repent of my sins, Lord. Forgive me and cleanse my heart. Help me release shame over my wrongdoing. You alone have the power to remove the guilt of my sin and restore my joy. Thank you for your mercy. You never give up on me, and for that I am grateful. Tomorrow is a new day, and I choose to learn from my mistakes and face the morning with a renewed heart. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture 1 Peter, Chapter 4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do — living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. Evening Reflection Everyday life presents us with myriads of choices. Some of these choices may seem easy to make. What will I wear today? What will I have for breakfast? Which item will I tackle first from my to-do list? These choices can be easy to make because, ultimately, they have little impact on the grand arc of our lives. After all, if I have scrambled eggs in the morning instead of pancakes, my day doesn’t change all that much. But then there are the choices that come upon us that have an impact on the deep things of life; they pertain to the very way that we live our lives, and our faith. Will we search after the things of God? Or will we chase after our own delights and comforts? The world around us likes to tell us that comfort is king – and that the things we find pleasing, no matter what they are, are worthy of pursuit. But Scripture reminds us of the destructiveness of such living. 1 Peter 4 speaks about orgies, drunkenness, debauchery, and lust. Now, we may not find those things as prevalent in our lives, but underneath these things is a life that pursues personal pleasure and comfort beyond all else. And that is not how we are to live as followers of Jesus. As disciples, we are to choose to direct our life toward God’s will and purpose for our lives. We are to live in a way that is attentive to his life, and responsive to the Spirit’s movement. We are to live as Christ himself lived, in obedience to the God the Father. As you move toward the end of the day, take stock of the day past and ask yourself these questions: Where did I embrace God’s will today? Where did I miss God’s will today? Where could I have embraced God’s will more? Evening Prayer Heavenly Father, I thank you that you love me so much that you have a will and a purpose for my life. Your desires for me prove how special I am in your sight, and how deeply you wish me to live in the grace of your Kingdom. O God, give me a heart of discernment. Help me to choose the right way, the holy path. Give me ears to hear your voice as you direct my life, in ministry, in service, and in praise. What is more, in those times when I choose comfort instead of conformity to your will, O Lord show me mercy. This I pray in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Isaiah, Chapter 35 The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow. And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. Evening Reflection While there is great joy in following Jesus, following Christ does not exempt us from exhaustion. Walking in righteousness and holiness is difficult, and sometimes it can feel like a constant battle against the culture, Satan, and your own fleshly nature. Sometimes it can exhaust you to the point where you don’t feel like putting on your armor or fighting the good fight of faith. If you are in this place, you are not alone; this can happen to all of us. When faced with being weak and weary, that is the time to recognize that part of your strength comes from your hope in what God has promised to do. In Isaiah 35, we see how his promises work in us. God’s promise becomes the source of strength for those with feeble hands, weak knees, and fearful hearts. By shifting your focus to a God who will come to save and to rescue, your hands become stronger, your knees straighten and your heart becomes courageous. This speaks to the amazing hope that is birthed by holding on to God’s promises. These verses in Isaiah identify three areas you can place your hope. The hope of deliverance that God will come and save you. The hope of restoration, that he will heal and renew what is broken. The hope of everlasting joy, where he replaces yesterday’s sorrows with the joy of his presence. As you consider your journey, just know there will be moments where you feel weak or weary. However, you don’t have to stay in that place. Your hope in God allows you to look beyond what you are experiencing and focus on what God has promised for you ahead. Focusing on your future hope can give you all the strength you need to find strength in your present circumstances. Evening Prayer Lord, I am tired. My strength is weak. I am weary and I feel like I have nothing left to offer. I pray in this moment that you will help me find strength in the truth of your promises, knowing that you will never go back on your word. Let my confidence soar and renew my strength by the hope of your word. Remind me that this season is temporary and that today’s weariness is part of the journey but not the end of the story. Thank you for your promises, which give me hope, and your joy, which gives me strength. Help me to rest knowing that you will always walk with me, even when I have nothing left. I pray all this in Jesus’ name. Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Luke, Chapter 7 Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, “for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue.” Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick. Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen up among us”; and, “God has visited His people.” And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region. Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things. And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” When the men had come to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’” And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him. And the Lord said, “To what then shall I liken the men of this generation, and what are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying: ‘We played the flute for you, And you did not dance; We mourned to you, And you did not weep.’ For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by all her children.” Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” Evening Reflection Under promise and over deliver, the old marketing principle goes. If you want to make super-fans of your brand or your product, you over deliver. You give extra value. Then people come back willingly and tell others about you. While this is shallow consumerism, the human principle holds. If we receive far more value than we thought, it amazes us. In Luke 7, Jesus visited a religious ruler’s house for dinner, at the leader’s invitation. A woman interrupted the dinner, weeping. She bowed before Jesus, washing his feet with her tears and wiping with her hair – her glory according to Jewish culture. But she had a loose reputation. When the Jew’s heart turned critical of her, Jesus told them a story. Two men had debt, one exponentially more than the other. Their master forgave both fully. Which one loved their master more? Obviously, the one whose debt was greater. Part of loving Jesus more includes better realizing our great debt, one so large we could never repay. Such an eternal debt requires eternal consequences. He freely forgives our sin by his sacrifice, at his cost, and our benefit. The Jewish leaders didn’t honor Jesus or love him because they didn’t understand his ability to forgive sin, an act no one else can do for us. We must realize our great sin debt and his great love for us in forgiveness. The more we understand this reality, the deeper we love Christ. Evening Prayer Heavenly Father, Open my eyes to see the greatness of the debt you’ve forgiven. I could never repay what my sin owed, but Christ willingly pad the full price for me. Keep me from becoming casual or forgetful about your grace, or believing I somehow deserve your mercy. Give me the humble heart of the woman who bowed at Jesus’ feet, overwhelmed by love and thankfulness. Help me understand more deeply what Christ has done for me and others so my love for him continues to grow, and I see others as you see them. Let thankfulness influence my worship, joy, obedience, generosity, and relationships. Forgive me when I judge others while forgetting how much you forgave me. Help me to never lose the wonder of the gospel. You have given me far more grace, mercy, and love than I could ever deserve. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Romans, Chapter 14 Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarrelling over opinions. Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgement on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. Who are you to pass judgement on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand. Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also, those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give thanks to God. We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. Why do you pass judgement on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgement seat of God. For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.” So then, each of us will be accountable to God. Let us therefore no longer pass judgement on one another, but resolve instead never to put a stumbling-block or hindrance in the way of another. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. If your brother or sister is being injured by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. Do not let what you eat cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died. So do not let your good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The one who thus serves Christ is well-pleasing to God and has human approval. Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual edification. Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for you to make others fall by what you eat; it is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble. The faith that you have, have as your own conviction before God. Blessed are those who have no reason to condemn themselves because of what they approve. But those who have doubts are condemned if they eat, because they do not act from faith; for whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. Evening Reflection It is so easy to live our lives in a spirit of competition. The world tempts us into viewing other people as peers we need to judge our accomplishments by, or rivals we need to best. When others look at us in admiration, or speak well of our lives, our deeds, or our faith, we view ourselves positively. We feel upheld and supported. But what happens when others don’t speak well of us? What occurs when we are on the receiving end of criticism, complaint, or challenge? Often, our esteem comes crashing down. It’s not that we feel bad or angry, we de-value ourselves. We feel rejected and dismissed – and if this happens often, then this becomes the narrative that controls our lives. Romans 14 reminds us of an invaluable truth. We don’t live for ourselves – for the maximization of our accomplishments, credentials, or power. Nor do we live for others, to be seen in a positive light, to be spoken well of, to be admired or adored. We live for Christ Jesus. His delight is all we seek; His voice, spoken over our lives, is the only thing that matters. And what does Jesus speak over us? The one who serves Christ is well-pleasing and blessed. We are wrapped in Christ’s gracious arms, inheritors of the Kingdom. This is the truth of our lives. None of our accomplishments merit it, none of our misdeeds discredit it. This declaration is spoken by God over us, and it is proved unalterable in Christ’s blood. As you enter your time of rest tonight, allow your reflections to center on this truth. You are the beloved child of God. You are redeemed in Christ’s precious blood. You are well pleasing in his sight and blessed. Living your life from this truth is what pleases him the most. Evening Prayer Gracious Jesus, I thank you for your steadfast love, for it is a love that sticks with me no matter what my life looks like in this moment. In times of great accomplishment and personal happiness, your love is there; in times of disappointment, loss, grief, and sin, even there your love is expressed to me. Lord, you know I can be tempted to live for the approval of the crowds around me; I can listen to the voice of the world more than I listen to your gentle voice of grace and mercy. And when I do, I not only lose touch with you, but I also lose touch with the truth of my life. Help me to keep listening to you oh Lord. Give me discernment in all my dealings. Help me live for you and you alone. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Psalm, Chapter 146 “Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— he remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord.” Evening Reflection As a child, I remember asking my parents for reassurance after getting hurt or becoming ill: “Are you sure I will get better? Do you promise?” Usually, my mother would nod her head before assuring me that I would feel better soon. Only later did I learn that I was wrong to ask my parents to promise something they could never keep. Protect me from every harm and disaster? That is something no human can do. Children naturally seek this protection, but the need for security remains as adults. We can often make the same mistake by misplacing our hopes: We cling to friends, spouses, governments, and rulers thinking they can provide the safety we crave, the promise that nothing bad will touch us or those we love. Only with time and experience do we learn not to put our hopes in people, for they will inevitably let us down. Scripture tells us not to put our trust in humans since they have no ability to ultimately save us, and they will face an end like everyone else (see Psalm 118:8-9; Isaiah 2:22). Instead, we are to look to the Lord, who “is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them — he remains faithful forever” (Psalm 146:6). He alone is the One who can give us the security and salvation we seek. Not only does He sustain us, but He provides us with more blessings than we could ever deserve or imagine. Instead of looking to something or someone to help us feel safe or reassured, may we look to the One who is the Author and Sustainer of life. He breaks the chains of the oppressed and protects the vulnerable. Out of anyone in our lives, even the most trustworthy, the Lord is the only One who will never let us down (Hebrews 13:5-6). He won’t promise that nothing bad will ever touch us, or our loved ones, again. But He does promise to be with us always. And our future in Christ is secure: all will be well when we walk with Him in eternity. Evening Prayer Lord of every promise, I offer my voice to the many throughout time who have praised You. Forgive me for the times I have turned to others or to institutions for assurance and help that only You can provide. They cannot save me or keep me from suffering. So, I proclaim with all the other saints, that my trust is in You as my help and hope. May I not look to rulers. May I not look to money. May I not look to family. May I not look to friends. For only You remain steadfast when all is unsteady and unsure. You will never leave me, not even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. You formed the sky and sea and are Lord over all creation. If I can trust You to keep my heart beating and the sun rising, then I trust that You will be with me in this moment of need as One closer than a friend or sibling. In Your name, Christ, I pray. Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture. UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.