End Your Day With God Bible Sleep Meditation | Guided Evening & Nighttime Prayer to Feel Forgiveness

find rest as you listen to this peaceful bedtime story for more bible stories that bring you refreshing sleep download the abide app in the itunes or google play store hello i'm ben little and welcome to this bedtime story a story designed to comfort and to soothe your soul as you drift into a deep sleep as you listen to this story allow god to speak to your heart and any wounds from the day invite the holy spirit to enter into this time of restorative sleep tonight as you lie down to sleep you will hear a key truth from god's word that reminds you of who christ is and of who you are in light of that this series called i am is written to offer you thoughtful affirmations and reminders of who you are in christ simple statements that allow your heart to remember and affirm what is most true may you rest peacefully as you are reminded tonight that you are forgiven by god the affirmation you will rest in tonight is i am forgiven as you end your day you may feel restless or disappointed by the events of your day you may be reflecting on past decisions and wishing you had done things differently but no matter what choices you made today or in the past this truth remains you are forgiven settle in for the bedtime story and for a good night's sleep get comfortable by closing your eyes and resting your head on your pillow let the weight of your shoulders and body fully sink into your bed take a few deep breaths pausing slightly before exhaling as you exhale say i am forgiven take another slow deep breath inhale through your nose letting your diaphragm fill up and pausing before slowly exhaling let the truth of god's word wash over you bringing you peace and rest [Music] dearest father thank you for the gift of life as your beloved child lies down to sleep would you bless them with the deep rest that comes from trusting you we acknowledge your control over aspects of our life that seem frustrating or unknown and we ask that your presence would be a reminder that you are trustworthy [Music] let this acknowledgement free them to rest fully in your loving arms thank you jesus we love you amen [Music] it is possibly the richest most profound truth in all the world you are forgiven let that sit with you for a moment say it and say it again i am forgiven [Music] i am forgiven [Music] it is rich because it is what you need most it is profound because it is something you could never do on your own [Music] you are forgiven [Music] god in his great kindness made a way for you to be reconciled to him through jesus and this reconciliation this forgiveness ushered you from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light the kingdom of jesus paul writes to the church at colossae in colossians 1 13-14 for he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his dear son who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins you are not just forgiven you were chosen and redeemed by a god who cares so much that he made a way where there was no way [Music] you are forgiven paul paints an interesting picture as he talks about our reality before jesus changing everything he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness a world without the light of god a world missing the goodness of our king [Music] a kingdom is more than a castle it's even more than a city kingdom is a region far-reaching and all-encompassing a kingdom is a world of its own and the world that you once belonged to was one without the illumination of a perfect god [Music] consider all the ways that light affects the world around you if you had lived several hundred years ago your days would have been far more governed by the rising and the setting of the sun as it is now the gift of light allows a far greater flexibility to your days [Music] think about a normal day perhaps you wake up to the natural light of the sun or maybe you wake up and reach over and turn on your bedside lamp instead of getting out of bed in total darkness you get out of bed with the benefit of light there's no need to stumble or navigate your home with frustration there is peace and comfort that comes from the light this comfort this ability to see and experience the world around you affects nearly every moment you walk confidently down the hall and into the kitchen you effortlessly grab coffee from the cupboard and pour water into the pot you easily make breakfast reading the paper while you eat and drink the light makes effortless that which could have been challenging and discouraging as you set your dishes in the sink grab your keys and head out the door you realize the effect that light has had on your morning [Music] simplicity and ease were your companion because of the light you take a deep breath and give thanks for the stability and groundedness that comes from living in a world of light [Music] a kingdom of spiritual darkness leaves little chance for freedom and exploration with nothing and no one to guide you you are left to wander and feel around for some sense of bearing a sense that may never come for he has rescued you from the kingdom of darkness rescued your rescue led you to the kingdom of light your rescue led to your forgiveness you are forgiven for he has rescued you from the kingdom of darkness and transferred you into the kingdom of his dear son who purchased your freedom and forgave your sins [Music] jesus the darling of heaven the dear son of god purchased your freedom and brought light to your dark world you are no longer in darkness because of god's grace in sending jesus this redemption from sin this purchasing of freedom it has changed everything and the truth rings strong you are forgiven by god when jesus brought freedom and forgiveness he changed everything he took you from a kingdom of darkness and brought you into a kingdom of light what was once utter darkness is now a world that has come back alive fresh off the feeling of nothing you notice every color the deep burgundy and evergreen of the rug at your feet the rich brown of the wood of your coffee table the bright blue and yellow gold of the tapestry on the wall the easy green of the plant in the corner the deep beige of the walls in your living room you make your way to the window where you see the rich blue of the sky noticing bright white of the clouds scattered in its expanse you glance down and see the garden fresh with color the yellow daisies and lavender fill your view you peer further down and notice pink perennials and white daffodils the crimson brick of the walkway catches your eye and you reflect on how rich it looks against the whites and the pinks of the flowers in the yard this ushering from darkness into light is a reflection of the forgiveness offered to you by christ the world has come alive with the light that overcame the darkness where there was once darkness you now see the light [Music] no matter what you've done or where you've been you are forgiven no matter what you would rewrite about your story you are forgiven no matter what you wish you would have done differently no matter who you hurt or who hurt you you are forgiven [Music] by god's great grace and kindness he has looked on you and offered pardon he has looked on the life of jesus and allowed it to count on your behalf [Music] because of god's love you are forgiven let this truth be the banner of your life you are forgiven you are forgiven rest tonight in the immense goodness and grace of god's love that has redeemed you from sin and offered you forgiveness [Music] let these transforming truths cover you as you sleep and as you wake let this reality seep into your life you are forgiven may the power of christ rest upon you as you sleep in peace tonight receive this benediction from revelation 1 5 now to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom priests to his god and father to him be glory and dominion forever and ever amen [Music] you have been freed from sin brought from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light [Music] you are forgiven [Music] rest in these promises tonight [Music] and as you sleep find peace in the arms of christ your savior your king your rescuer you are forgiven by god rest in him [Music] believing it is so it says in luke 7 that he who is forgiven little loves little let the truth of god's word sink in you are only healed from your guilt by the wounds of jesus knowing how much he paid for you builds up love inside you like like an unending treasure this love makes it possible for you to handle the cost of forgiving others it has the power to make you a part of god's healing process and is planned to reconcile all things to him start by forgiving yourself of any guilt you feel jesus has forgiven you allow him to bring healing and fill you with his love bring your wounds caused by others to him jesus has forgiven them too ask for his spirit to help you do the same dear god as i look for the courage to forgive others i need look no further than the courage of your son who died so that i might be forgiven thank you for your forgiveness of my sins help me remember to extend that same forgiveness to others give me the courage to tell others of the promise of your forgiveness in jesus name amen take a few more deep cleansing breaths forgiving breaths get comfortable and settle into wherever you are being aware of god being aware of his forgiveness toward you your forgiveness toward others open your hands to symbolize your willingness to let go of your hurts to allow god to heal your wounds consider your life for a moment is there anything keeping you from experiencing god's joy today anything keeping you from hearing him blocking you from him well confess that now and then thank him joyfully joyfully for his forgiveness [Music] god forgives the holy spirit guides us to forgive others and jesus is our example of living a forgiving life listen now to luke 7 47 in the english standard version therefore i tell you her sins which are many are forgiven for she loved much but he who is forgiven little loves little what stood out to you from that passage listen again carefully therefore i tell you her sins which are many are forgiven for she loved much but he who is forgiven little loves little reflect here on how god might be using this passage to touch your life today [Music] [Music] [Music] this is a beautiful story at the end of luke chapter seven a humble woman comes in uninvited to a dinner she approaches jesus and shows him respect and love and for that her sins are forgiven [Music] how do you approach jesus how do you ask for forgiveness of the secret sins that you carry [Music] [Music] [Music] listen again to luke 747 this time in the new living translation i tell you her sins and they are many have been forgiven so she has shown me much love but a person who is forgiven little shows only little love what did you hear this time focus there even deeper in quiet meditation [Music] [Music] as you remember god's forgiveness of your sins who can you forgive today who has sinned against you ask the holy spirit to write their name right there on your heart someone who has hurt you sinned against you someone that may be hard to forgive ask the holy spirit for the courage to forgive them now listen one final time as i read and you meditate on luke 7 47 from the amplified bible therefore i say to you her sins which are many are forgiven for she loved much but he who is forgiven little loves little this passage is similar to first john chapter four it reminds us that we love because he first loved us it is not natural for us to love we love because christ showed us how to love think back on the person the person who hurt you the name that the holy spirit gave you you don't have it in you to forgive them but the holy spirit does feel your love and forgiveness growing for that person who hurt you that is god he is showing you how to love accept his guidance on how to love [Music] [Music] stay here for just a moment longer you remember the woman who arrived uninvited to the dinner the gathering of jesus and the pharisees imagine the shame she felt imagine the stares how do you think she felt [Music] [Music] imagine being her and feeling the acceptance and love of christ no condemnation now pray for the courage to offer that same freedom to those who have hurt you feel that transformation in your heart imagine that transformation in those who have hurt you [Music] join me in prayer our father in heaven just like you sent your son into the world send us into the world in the power of your holy spirit as ministers of reconciliation and ambassadors for your kingdom [Music] as we go please bless us and keep us make your face to shine upon us and be gracious to us lift your countenance upon us and give us peace in the name of your son our lord jesus christ amen find a moment today to offer forgiveness for the one who has crossed you it may be undeserved but pardon them offer them grace the same grace that god offers you through christ until the next time may you abide in christ travel with me in your mind to one of the most majestic places in the world hidden within the mountains of costa rica tucked away amidst dormant volcanoes and magnificent waterfalls is a little place called la paz waterfall gardens the meaning of lapaz is simple it is spanish for peace you journey toward peace in hopes of seeing that which you have only ever heard about imagine you arrive in a shuttle van to find yourself there at la paz your footsteps ring out upon the cobblestone drive noticeably wet from the morning rain the moisture in the air is thick you feel it instantly like a mist on your skin you walk up the curved path under the covered way and up the slight ramp to the automatic sliding door that welcomes you inside as you walk up you admire the greenery that lines your path the big heart-shaped philodendrons are bright kelly green tucked around them are the whitest lilies mixed with the gentle pinkish purple of an orchid it looks beautifully designed yet natural and wild and you marvel at how perfect they seem to fit beneath the bright blue sky as you walk inside you are quickly ushered through the lobby and out the doors on the opposite side you follow the path still cobblestone and still wet from the rain to steps that lead you to the second level around one more corner and up another short series of steps you see it the threshold of a door draped with a thin netting you're there you gently push aside the net as you walk into the butterfly's sanctuary it's like stepping into a fantasy world there are flowers trees and bushes everywhere you find the room seems partially inside and yet spans out wider than you imagined with glass walls hedging in the other side you feel the mist on your skin the moisture of this tropical world [Music] notice the bright sun shining through the glass walls and flying fluttering seemingly floating all around you are hundreds and hundreds of butterflies your eyes dart from one beauty to the next as you stand in awe over the diversity of color and pattern but before you wander throughout the massive room before you try to gently hold your finger out in hopes of a butterfly perching upon it before you explore the wonder of this tiny blessed sanctuary you stop [Music] you take just a few steps over to your left to a law that still feels part of the inside portion of the massive room there is a cupboard-like window that fills the walls ten feet wide and four feet high you step closer and peer inside [Music] on perch like sticks you see nearly a hundred cocoons hanging upside down in a dozen different stages of their chrysalis as you look from one cocoon to another you see the way they shift and change throughout the process of development inside these cocoons are caterpillars that once scooted their way around their world but deep inside them all along was the looming process they have not entered the butterfly within was simply waiting for transformation out of the corner of your eye you see something move [Music] you are drawn to move to the end of the display you find the source of the movement that captured your attention and you catch your breath as your eyes zero in you stand amazed as you realize what is happening [Music] the cocoon has cracked open and you see the legs of a brand new butterfly sticking out you watch as the butterfly slowly begins to wiggle its way out breaking the cocoon and releasing its wings the bright blue wings begin to flutter the legs are moving it's gaining its footing and acclimating to a brand new world it is a new creation it once was a tiny caterpillar but now has utterly transformed everything is different the world it once experienced was peppered with limitations it could only crawl slowly scooting along from one place to another it could only see what was right in front of its eyes it could only reach what was close but now everything is different the world has opened up and its wings make a way for tremendous exploration and the same is true for you god's beloved child second corinthians 5 17 in the new international version says this therefore if anyone is in christ the new creation has come the old has gone the new is here are a new creation the butterfly is still the caterpillar and yet it is something entirely new the old has gone you are no longer bound by sin or shame or guilt you are free to walk in the newness of life in the wholeness granted to you by your savior in the redemption of your sin you are still you and yet you are something entirely different you are a new creation spiritually you were once peppered with limitation like a world of black and white you could only see and reach and access what was immediately around you but that is true no more your world has opened up your spiritual eyes now have sight as second corinthians 3 17 says where the spirit of the lord is there is liberty as god's beloved the nearness of his spirit has brought liberty to your once limited world you are a new creation and it is all because of jesus therefore if anyone is in christ the new creation has come the old has gone the new is here you are a new creation this affirmation is more than a distant idea or a hopeful longing it is the truth and promise of your new reality in christ rest deeply tonight as you remember the stark difference between a caterpillar and a butterfly the old has gone the new has come you are a new creation receive this benediction this blessing from the lord found in first corinthians 6 11 you were washed you were sanctified you were justified in the name of the lord jesus christ and by the spirit of god you are a new creation as you drift off to sleep may your rest be deep and refreshing may god's peace bring you comfort may you wake tomorrow full of hope for a new day as god's beloved you are the new creation [Music] thomas chisholm was born in 1866 in a log cabin in a small town of franklin kentucky he was a teacher and a newspaper editor until he decided to follow jesus at a revival meeting when he was 27 years old after that he was the editor of a denominational publication and he became an ordained minister when poor health caused him to have to step down from the pulpit after just one year thomas worked for many years as an insurance salesman in new jersey he wrote the classic hymn great is thy faithfulness in 1923 not because of some great calamity god had seen him through but because of the day by day mourning by mourning miracles and provisions he saw it's a wonderful reminder for us that god is always taking care of us before we begin to walk through the words of this hymn tonight get into your most comfortable position close your eyes and begin to slow your breathing notice the muscles in your legs and let them relax acknowledge the small noises you hear and then let them drift away do that with all the other distractions that come your way relax the muscles in your arms and neck breathe slowly in and out picture yourself handing all your cares and concerns to jesus go ahead and let your mind drift to all the things you are thankful for all the ways you've seen god provide for you all the blessings in your life today keep breathing slowly as you feel your heart rate slow down your mind begin to focus on jesus and your body begin to relax let me pray dear lord be with this listener tonight who is tired from a long day but who's thankful for all that you've provided for them in it thank you that they have a place to sleep tonight thank you for your presence in their life i pray for them that you would take all their cares and concerns and show them your promises and blessings thank you for the gift of sleep i pray that you would remind them of who you are in their dreams help them to wake refreshed and ready to start their day tomorrow focused on your great faithfulness to them throughout their life help them to see you for who you really are and to honor you with their every breath in jesus name i pray amen let's start tonight's story by imagining a day in the life of thomas chisholm he rises in the morning in the small house he shares with his wife catherine and his two daughters ruth and dorothy the girls still sleep as he gets ready for work but katherine is up and making breakfast ready to start the day with him before seeing him out the door it's the early 1900s in small town new jersey so the 57 year old dons his black suit typical dress for a businessman he eats breakfast with catherine reading scripture with her and praying that they would remain faithful to the lord all day long and for his daughters to be well and happy and continue in service to god then he kisses catherine on the cheek puts on his hat and begins the short walk to his insurance office the wide tree-lined streets bustle at this time in the morning with other suit-clad businessmen heading to their offices and secretaries in their ankle-length dresses and short-heeled shoes hurrying to beat them there the chattering of the early birds and the trees as the sun crest over the buildings adds to the symphony of the starting day he's so grateful for another day his health has not been good for so long his career as a minister of the gospel of jesus had been cut short after just a year because of it but god has been so good to him he has a steady job he has a loving family he's able to write the poems that he loves and he always has food on the table and a roof over his head that was more than could be said for a lot of people these words would have flowed from his innermost being great is thy faithfulness o god my father there is no shadow of turning with thee thou changest not thy compassions they fail not as thou hast been valve forever will be at lunchtime thomas takes his meal in the park across from his office looking up at the blue sky with scattered clouds he remembers what it was like just a few short weeks ago snow still land the ground now the flowers were pushing through and beginning to show their color all over the park the sun was noticeably warmer and these words formed in thomas's mind summer and winter and springtime and harvest sun moon and stars in their courses above join with all nature and manifold witness to thy great faithfulness mercy and love contemplating these things ecclesiastes 1 verses 4 to 6 comes to mind a generation goes and a generation comes but the earth remains forever the sun rises and the sun goes down and hastens to the place where it rises the wind blows to the south and goes around to the north around and around goes the wind and on its circuits the wind returns no one wonders if the sun will come up in the west it always rises in the east and throughout the day it makes its circuit across the sky always every day even when clouds cover it from our view we know it's there faithfully dependably thomas thinks about the guys who are in yellowstone park named for its faithful eruptions old faithful can always be counted on to spew forth its steaming water every 44 to 125 minutes every single day and how much more faithful is our god lamentations 3 verse 22 through 23 says the steadfast love of the lord never ceases his mercies never come to an end they are new every morning great is your faithfulness as his day comes to a close thomas thinks about what he accomplished that day the people he helped there was the elderly widow who was so thankful for the life insurance policy her husband had taken out it would help her to be able to keep her home there was the family that had lost their home to fire and were grateful for the provision of the funds they needed to find a new home and replace all their possessions thomas was even thankful for the patience the lord had given him as he talked with the disgruntled customer and helped him understand what his insurance policy covered he didn't always keep his temper but god was faithful even in those times to forgive and to guide the next stanza of his poem reflects that pardon for sin and a peace that endureth thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow blessings all mine with 10 000 beside psalm 130 verses 3 and 4 says if you o lord should mark iniquities oh lord who could stand but with you there is forgiveness that you may be feared thomas was so very thankful for that forgiveness he hadn't known jesus until he was 27 years old so much of his life had been lived for himself even though he had served as a teacher still his thoughts and plans were his own they had not been centered upon his creator that day he had turned his life over to jesus and changed everything as the sun sets thomas strolls toward home gratefulness in his heart for all that the lord had provided as the brightly colored automobiles chugged down the street thomas smiles he might never earn enough to own one of those new fangled vehicles but he is content he watches the orange and red colors of the sunset fill the darkening sky as he walks he rejoices in god his creator he knows he's going home to a joy-filled house the good smell of dinner catherine is cooking in the kitchen his daughter's happy to see him oh he is blessed many times his ill health had kept him from even being able to rise from his bed to go to work today was not one of those days and he was thankful he loved to write words of praise to god and he was thankful for the job that allowed him to earn a steady income he loved hearing his words put to music and sung in the church the refrain for his most famous hymn flowed from his pen great is thy faithfulness great is thy faithfulness morning by morning new mercies i see all i have needed thy hand hath provided great is thy faithfulness lord unto me [Music] as you rest tonight let your mind wander through your day the home in which you rose this morning the food on your table the job or the school or the home that the lord has called you to work in you may not think your life or your circumstances are anything special but god has brought you to them and he will use them and bless them consider how god has provided for you today and let that bring you sweet rest in the morning when you rise renewed and refreshed by your sleep see that his mercies are new with the day faithful father i praise and bless you i thank you for the life of this child of yours who is resting in you tonight thank you for always providing for their needs from the food on their table to the vehicle they drive to the family and friends they have you have provided abundantly for them thank you for the life of thomas chisholm for how you proved yourself faithful to him morning by morning and for putting the words of this great hymn in his heart to share with people for generations great is your faithfulness we especially thank you for the provision of eternal life through your son jesus we would not be anything without him in him we live and move and have our being if you were to take your eyes off us we would fall apart you are what holds us together and so i thank you that you never take your eyes off us you never sleep or slumber or close your eyes to rest and because you're ever vigilant over us we can rest peacefully and so i pray that rest on your child tonight may they be ever mindful of your faithfulness to them i pray these words from psalm 37 over your child tonight trust in the lord and do good dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness delight yourself in the lord and he will give you the desires of your heart commit your way to the lord trust in him and he will act he will bring forth your righteousness as the light in your justice as the noon day be still before the lord and wait patiently for him we love you lord watch over your child as they sleep amen feel the peace that comes from asking god to be with you all you need to do is ask feel the steady beat of your heart slowing to a relaxed peaceful rhythm you are at peace oh how the father loves you and oh how you need to hear that tonight he loves you this sleep meditation will not only help you rest securely in god's presence it will remind you of who you are in the eyes of the lord you are completely whole not lacking anything abundantly filled by the savior rest in the fullness of jesus christ your personal savior let's pray lord jesus thank you for being our all in all nothing can make us whole or complete like you can only you can fill the empty spaces the parts of us that feel insecure and lacking we surrender our longings to you tonight as we hear from the scriptures open our minds our hearts and souls to receive your beautiful affirmations many of us come to you with bruised hearts with minds filled with all kinds of mistruths about ourselves oh how we need healing and comfort lord as this listener seeks your truth tonight i ask in your name that you will flood them with beautiful affirmations of who they are in you please remove all their doubts fears and uncertainties please lord fill them with your presence your love and your wholeness thank you lord jesus it is in your name that we offer this prayer tonight my friend you might not feel valued whole or complete but please hear me when i say that you are cherished loved valued confident and able [Music] the scriptures speak to us about this very thing from acts chapter 17 saying [Music] he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation that they would seek god if perhaps they might grope for him and find him though he is not far from each one of us for in him we live and move and exist as even some of your own poets have said for we also are his children he made from one man every nation deliberately intentionally and wholeheartedly god fashioned you as part of his divine purpose [Music] he appointed your time and your place and your being let that sink in for several moments [Music] heavenly father thank you for creating this beloved child they are purposed in you their life has been appointed for this exact time in history their life is not a mistake or an afterthought your word says that you created all nations from one man adam and we know that it is your desire that every person from every nation would seek you and find you you are not far from us in you we live and move and have our being be with us tonight reassure this listener of your presence [Music] and remind them of how valuable they are breathe deeply allow your lungs to expand as you inhale then release your breath out allowing god to cleanse you from all the mistruths you've believed about yourself allow the lord to take you from feeling unworthy to worthy in him allow the lord to take you from feeling shameful too respectable in his sight allow the lord to take you from feeling empty to overflowing by the power of his presence as ephesians chapter 3 verse 12 says in christ jesus we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in him beloved from this bible affirmation you can say i am bold i am confident i have faith in christ jesus feel the confidence rising in your soul not self-confidence but christ confidence bold fearless strong complete thank you lord for the confidence we have in you nothing can stand against us when we remain in the fullness of who you are in 1st john we hear these words of affirmation this is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment in this world we are like jesus love is made complete among us in christ jesus rest in his complete love tonight in this world you are like jesus you bear witness of him you clothe yourself with him you display his love everywhere you go from these words of affirmation you can say i am clothed in christ i am made complete in his love rest here beloved may god himself the god of peace sanctify you through and through may your whole spirit soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our lord jesus christ god makes you whole by sanctifying you through and through your whole spirit soul and body is kept blameless in him forgiven washed cleansed and blameless in the sight of the lord feel the security of god's presence surrounding you [Music] there is no safer place to be jesus is with you and in you as the scriptures say in ephesians chapter 1 god is subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church which is his body the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way [Music] thank you father for appointing your son to be sovereign overall allow this dear listener to rest securely in the fullness of your son's presence as he fills all things in every way from these biblical affirmations you can say i am guarded filled and whole in my savior rest under the blessed covering of these truths tonight [Music] feel the warmth of your covers as a symbol of the comforting warmth of grace that encloses you [Music] hear the faint sounds in the room fading away as you allow yourself to drift into peaceful sleep gracious god please protect this beloved child tonight lull them with your affirmations of peace and provision assure them of your love for them [Music] calm their souls and speak words of wholeness into their hearts fill them to the full in the name of your son jesus amen [Music] the scriptures tell us in colossians 2 from the new living translation [Music] for in christ lives all the fullness of god in a human body so you also are complete through your union with christ who is the head over every ruler and authority because of this affirmation you can say i am complete i lack nothing the fullness of god lives in me through christ my lord beloved one you are kept held safe complete whole feel the glory of the lord surrounding you his glory is given to you by jesus as he said in john 17 and the glory which you gave me i have given them that they may be one just as we are one i in them and you in me that they may be made perfect in one and that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me hear those words of affirmation from jesus again that they may be one just as we are one i in them and you and me that they may be perfect in one perfect in one father son and holy spirit rest in his perfect holiness you are complete in him from this affirmation you can say i am one with my savior i am made perfect in him what a blessing to be included as one with the savior marvel in this miraculous blessing tonight jesus makes you whole and complete there is nothing he cannot fill be filled with the holy spirit love joy peace patience kindness goodness faithfulness gentleness and self-control you are filled with these divine attributes when you invite god's spirit to dwell in you [Music] father thank you for making this treasured person whole and complete [Music] thank you for making them perfect in you but the world may see and know that you are god let your glory surround this listener tonight as rays of hope and peace through the entire night please continue to speak words of affirmation to them assuring them of your love bless them lord guard them keep them close i pray in jesus name amen the scriptures confirm in ephesians 3 for this reason i bow my knees to the father of our lord jesus christ from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named that he would grant you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with might through his spirit in the inner man that christ may dwell in your hearts through faith that you being rooted and grounded in love may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width in length and depth and height to know the love of christ which passes knowledge that you may be filled with all the fullness of god be filled with all the fullness of god [Music] comprehend his love for you be rooted in him be strengthened by his spirit know that you are made whole and complete in him [Music] dear one [Music] the sweet affirmations from the bible are ours to read day after day they strengthen us to say i am confident in christ [Music] with him i am able to accomplish the impossible for jesus said in matthew chapter 19 with man this is impossible but with god all things are possible father thank you for making all things possible in your strength your timing and your will please remind this child do you have given them a spirit not of fear but of power love and self-control assure them that you are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that they ask or think [Music] we give you all the glory honor and praise tonight in jesus name it was job who said to the lord i know that you can do everything and that no purpose of yours can be withheld from you from this passage we can confidently say i know you can do everything lord i know that your purpose cannot be withheld from you thank you lord for accomplishing your purpose in this child's life as the scriptures say he who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of jesus christ you are part of god's purpose you are part of his plan in his kindness god called you to share in his eternal glory by means of christ jesus so after you have suffered a little while he will restore support and strengthen you and he will place you on a firm foundation all power to him forever amen all power to god forever and ever all glory be unto his name gracious god we rest in your strength support and restoration tonight with each breath we know that in you we live and move and have our being we are affirmed of our wholeness in your son and we remain in him our firm foundation jesus christ close your eyes take a deep breath and relax breathe out all the worries of the day and breathe in the comforting presence of god's holy spirit let tension leave your body as you dwell with god certain that he loves you and is with you now as well as all through the night with god everything begins afresh our god is full of grace and forgives the most awful of sins he will always welcome us with open arms when we come to him humbly let those reassuring truths comfort you as you rest to rid your body of tension let your muscles relax start with your feet move up to your calves and your thighs relax your abdomen and your shoulders let even your eyebrows relax keep breathing slowly and deeply as your body relaxes your mind can relax as well and release those cares of the day [Music] dear heavenly father as your child prepares to sleep we ask that you will overwhelm them with your love and comfort help them to know that you are with them and will never leave them even for a moment you watch over your beloved child always even in sleep let this truth soak into their bones so they can rest without fears worries or anxieties we ask for a sleep full of your peace found in your abundant goodness and wisdom in jesus christ the author of goodness and peace we pray amen [Music] dutch citizen corey ten boom lived with her sister betsy and their watchmaker father during world war ii as a family they helped many jewish people escape the nazis until they were arrested for their efforts after the war corey wrote a book called the hiding place that recounted their story she also spoke internationally with the message that there is no pit so deep that god's love is not deeper still listen in now as corey travels to speak on a college campus in 1975 corey checked into a hotel near the campus where she would speak the following day she was now in her 80s and feeling all the years in her weary bones in spite of that she had been sitting a long time and longed to move around a bit the hotel was right next to the campus which had a stand of willow trees surrounding a pond the beauty of that spot drew her in and she walked the short distance and sat on a bench that faced the little lake it was midsummer and so day lilies of orange and yellow dotted the landscape there was just a slight breeze and the lovely flowers bobbed their heads like the women of her youth had with their fancy hats the memory made her smile as she thought of her peaceful idyllic upbringing in amsterdam a goose wandered over to corey and looked a scance as if asking if she had any bread for him she smiled and answered him as if he'd spoken aloud no silly goose i have nothing for you bread is not good for your digestive tract anyway go eat what god has provided for you the goose tilted its head as if trying to understand what this strange woman was saying to him and then gave her up as hopeless and waddled away corey sat on the bench and soaked in the sounds of bullfrogs on the pond locusts in the trees and the hunk of the goose as he harassed his fellow geese the peacefulness of it all made corey smile she sat there until the sun began to dip into the horizon orange and coral rays reflected off the water and took her breath away oh god thank you for this gift you are endlessly creative the heavens certainly declare your glory reluctantly she stood up and went back to her hotel room praying for a good night's rest so she would have energy for the following day corey woke to a stream of sunlight coming through her window she'd closed the curtains but left just enough open so that she'd see the morning sun the early morning rays always gave her courage and reminded her that god was in this new day she dressed had breakfast and then went to the auditorium where she would be speaking she knew it would be packed with college students and that they would applaud her vigorously when she walked out on stage her thoughts were always the same at that moment how is it that one so reviled by the nazis is now honored i am overwhelmed with god's goodness after she spoke there were always a few that came up to talk to her one particularly troubled young woman said your story of forgiveness to those who imprisoned you touches my soul she then grew quiet and was clearly struggling to keep her emotions at bay finally she spit out i don't know if i can forgive my alcoholic father corey reached out and put a hand on the woman's shoulder her own father had been a kind and gentle man who raised her with the courage to do what was right even if it cost her everything yet she knew that many had harsh fathers so she asked is your father living the young woman nodded and said he is and i still see him but when i do i struggle to love him i'd rather just put him out of my mind corey was quiet for a moment before answering i understand it can be very hard to love someone who has hurt us but do you know what hurts even more than pain the young woman shook her head corey answered love love is the strongest force in the world and when it is blocked that means pain there are two things we can do when this happens we can kill that love so that it stops hurting but then of course part of us dies too or we can ask god to open up another route for that love to travel [Music] how do i do that how do i get rid of the bad memories the young woman asked corey sighed i'm not saying it's easy but such memories are the key not to the past but to the future i know that the experience of our lives when we let god use them become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work he will give us to do the woman nodded and then said but back to my original question how can i forgive my father corey looked her in the eye and said it is so hard to work through our feelings i had to do that with the nazi guard i met after the war even as angry vengeful thoughts boiled through me i saw the sin of them jesus christ had died for this man [Music] was i going to ask for more lord jesus i prayed forgive me and help me to forgive him jesus i cannot forgive him give me your forgiveness and so i discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world's healing hinges but on his when he tells us to love our enemies he gives along with the command the love itself the young woman shuddered i've carried resentment for so long i don't know how to let it go corey nodded you will find it necessary to let things go simply for the reason that they are too heavy you are not hurting your father by unforgiveness you are hurting yourself corey reached out and took the young woman's hand some knowledge is too heavy you cannot bear it your father will carry it until you are able rest in that now how do i let go when i feel so much hurt the young woman persisted [Music] forgiveness is an act of the will corey quietly said and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart the woman nodded but added how do i get over my sadness smiled if you look at the world you'll be distressed if you look within you'll be depressed but if you look at christ you'll be at rest corey then prayed with the young woman and agreed to stay in touch after talking to a few more people she made her way back to her hotel for a much needed nap [Music] walking through the park with the pond she smiled at the goose that once again followed her as she walked she talked to god oh my good father i could never have imagined the plan you've had for my life thank you for giving me a message that is so needed for so many thank you for carrying me when i am too weak to carry myself and help me to rest now so that i can find strength and joy upon awakening when corey reached her hotel room she pulled out her worn bible and turned to a particularly encouraging passage in isaiah 26 she would send it to the young woman to give her courage that god knows what he is doing and will make everything right in the end the path of the righteous is level you make level the way of the righteous in the path of your judgments oh lord we wait for you [Music] your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul my soul yearns for you in the night my spirit within me earnestly seeks you for when your judgments are in the earth the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness [Music] oh lord you will ordain peace for us for you have indeed done for us all our works oh lord in distress they sought you they poured out a whispered prayer when your discipline was upon them like a pregnant woman who rides and cries out in her pangs when she is near to giving birth so were we because of you o lord we were pregnant we writhed but we have given birth to wind we have accomplished no deliverance in the earth and the inhabitants of the world have not fallen your dead shall live their bodies shall rise you who dwell in the dust awake and sing for joy for your dew is a dew of light and the earth will give birth to the dead dear lord you alone can bring justice and make everything right in our broken world we are so grateful that you know what you are doing and that you never make mistakes we ask for rest for your child tonight for confidence in your goodness and ever watchful care help them to know your love and that you are ever vigilant to their needs we ask for supernatural peace and a calm heart so that this child of yours will be rested in the morning in jesus christ we pray amen the affirmation you will rest in tonight is i am forgiven as you end your day you may feel restless or disappointed by the events of your day you may be reflecting on past decisions and wishing you had done things differently but no matter what choices you made today or in the past this truth remains you are forgiven settle in for the bedtime story and for a good night's sleep get comfortable by closing your eyes and resting your head on your pillow let the weight of your shoulders and body fully sink into your bed take a few deep breaths pausing slightly before exhaling as you exhale say i am forgiven take another slow deep breath inhale through your nose letting your diaphragm fill up and pausing before slowly exhaling [Music] let the truth of god's word wash over you bringing you peace and rest [Music] dearest father thank you for the gift of life as your beloved child lies down to sleep would you bless them with the deep rest that comes from trusting you we acknowledge your control over aspects of our life that seem frustrating or unknown and we ask that your presence would be a reminder that you are trustworthy let this acknowledgement free them to rest fully in your loving arms thank you jesus we love you amen [Music] it is possibly the richest most profound truth in all the world you are forgiven let that sit with you for a moment say it and say it again i am forgiven i am forgiven [Music] it is rich because it is what you need most it is profound because it is something you could never do on your own [Music] you are forgiven god in his great kindness made a way for you to be reconciled to him through jesus and this reconciliation [Music] this forgiveness ushered you from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light the kingdom of jesus [Music] paul writes to the church at colossae in colossians 1 13-14 [Music] for he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his dear son who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins you are not just forgiven you were chosen and redeemed by a god who cares so much that he made a way where there was no way you are forgiven [Music] paul paints an interesting picture as he talks about our reality before jesus changing everything he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness a world without the light of god a world missing the goodness of our king [Music] a kingdom is more than a castle it's even more than a city a kingdom is a region far-reaching and all-encompassing a kingdom is a world of its own and the world that you once belonged to was one without the illumination of a perfect god consider all the ways that light affects the world around you if you had lived several hundred years ago your days would have been far more governed by the rising and the setting of the sun as it is now the gift of light allows a far greater flexibility to your days think about a normal day perhaps you wake up to the natural light of the sun or maybe you wake up and reach over and turn on your bedside lamp instead of getting out of bed in total darkness you get out of bed with the benefit of light there's no need to stumble or navigate your home with frustration there is peace and comfort that comes from the light this comfort this ability to see and experience the world around you affects nearly every moment you walk confidently down the hall and into the kitchen you effortlessly grab coffee from the cupboard and pour water into the pot you easily make breakfast reading the paper while you eat and drink the light makes effortless that which could have been challenging and discouraging as you set your dishes in the sink grab your keys and head out the door you realize the effect that light has had on your morning simplicity and ease were your companion because of the light you take a deep breath and give thanks for the stability and groundedness that comes from living in a world of light a kingdom of spiritual darkness leaves little chance for freedom and exploration with nothing and no one to guide you you are left to wander and feel around for some sense of bearing a sense that may never come for he has rescued you from the kingdom of darkness rescued your rescue led you to the kingdom of light your rescue led to your forgiveness you are forgiven for he has rescued you from the kingdom of darkness and transferred you into the kingdom of his dear son who purchased your freedom and forgave your sins jesus the darling of heaven the dear son of god purchased your freedom and brought light to your dark world you are no longer in darkness because of god's grace in sending jesus this redemption from sin this purchasing of freedom it has changed everything and the truth rings strong you are forgiven by god [Music] when jesus brought freedom and forgiveness he changed everything [Music] he took you from a kingdom of darkness and brought you into a kingdom of light what was once utter darkness is now a world that has come back alive fresh off the feeling of nothing you notice every color the deep burgundy and evergreen of the rug at your feet the rich brown of the wood of your coffee table the bright blue and yellow gold of the tapestry on the wall the easy green of the plant in the corner deep beige of the walls in your living room you make your way to the window where you see the rich blue of the sky noticing bright white of the clouds scattered in its expanse you glance down and see the garden fresh with color the yellow daisies and lavender fill your view you peer further down and notice pink perennials and white daffodils the crimson brick of the walkway catches your eye and you reflect on how rich it looks against the whites and the pinks of the flowers in the yard this ushering from darkness into light is a reflection of the forgiveness offered to you by christ the world has come alive with the light that overcame the darkness where there was once darkness you now see the light [Music] no matter what you've done or where you've been you are forgiven no matter what you would rewrite about your story you are forgiven no matter what you wish you would have done differently no matter who you hurt or who hurt you you are forgiven by god's great grace and kindness he has looked on you and offered pardon he has looked on the life of jesus and allowed it to count on your behalf because of god's love you are forgiven let this truth be the banner of your life you are forgiven you are forgiven rest tonight in the immense goodness and grace of god's love that has redeemed you from sin and offered you forgiveness let these transforming truths cover you as you sleep and as you wake let this reality seep into your life you are forgiven may the power of christ rest upon you as you sleep in peace tonight receive this benediction from revelation 1 5. now to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom priests to his god and father to him be glory and dominion forever and ever amen you have been freed from sin brought from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light you are forgiven rest in these promises tonight and as you sleep find peace in the arms of christ your savior your king your rescuer you are forgiven by god rest in him believing it is so it says in luke 7 that he who is forgiven little loves little let the truth of god's word sink in you are only healed from your guilt by the wounds of jesus knowing how much he paid for you builds up love inside you like like an unending treasure this love makes it possible for you to handle the cost of forgiving others it has the power to make you a part of god's healing process and is planned to reconcile all things to him start by forgiving yourself of any guilt you feel jesus has forgiven you allow him to bring healing and fill you with his love bring your wounds caused by others to him jesus has forgiven them too ask for his spirit to help you do the same dear god as i look for the courage to forgive others i need look no further than the courage of your son who died so that i might be forgiven thank you for your forgiveness of my sins help me remember to extend that same forgiveness to others give me the courage to tell others of the promise of your forgiveness in jesus name amen take a few more deep cleansing breaths forgiving breaths [Music] get comfortable and settle into wherever you are being aware of god being aware of his forgiveness toward you your forgiveness toward others [Music] open your hands to symbolize your willingness to let go of your hurts to allow god to heal your wounds [Music] [Music] consider your life for a moment is there anything keeping you from experiencing god's joy today anything keeping you from hearing him blocking you from him well confess that now and then thank him joyfully joyfully for his forgiveness [Music] [Music] god forgives the holy spirit guides us to forgive others and jesus is our example of living a forgiving life listen now to luke 7 47 in the english standard version therefore i tell you her sins which are many are forgiven for she loved much but he who is forgiven little loves little what stood out to you from that passage listen again carefully therefore i tell you her sins which are many are forgiven for she loved much but he who is forgiven little loves little reflect here on how god might be using this passage to touch your life today this is a beautiful story at the end of luke chapter seven a humble woman comes in uninvited to a dinner she approaches jesus and shows him respect and love and for that her sins are forgiven how do you approach jesus how do you ask for forgiveness of the secret sins that you carry listen again to luke 7 47 this time in the new living translation i tell you her sins and they are many have been forgiven so she has shown me much love but a person who is forgiven little shows only little love what did you hear this time focus there even deeper in quiet meditation [Music] [Music] as you remember god's forgiveness of your sins who can you forgive today who has sinned against you ask the holy spirit to write their name right there on your heart someone who has hurt you sinned against you someone that may be hard to forgive ask the holy spirit for the courage to forgive them now [Music] [Music] listen one final time as i read and you meditate on luke 7 47 from the amplified bible therefore i say to you her sins which are many are forgiven for she loved much but he who is forgiven little loves little this passage is similar to 1 john chapter 4. it reminds us that we love because he first loved us it is not natural for us to love we love because christ showed us how to love think back on the person the person who hurt you [Music] the name that the holy spirit gave you [Music] [Music] [Music] you don't have it in you to forgive them but the holy spirit does feel your love and forgiveness growing for that person who hurt you that is god he is showing you how to love accept his guidance on how to love [Music] [Music] stay here for just a moment longer you remember the woman who arrived uninvited to the dinner the gathering of jesus and the pharisees imagine the shame she felt imagine the stares how do you think she felt imagine being her and feeling the acceptance and love of christ no condemnation now pray for the courage to offer that same freedom to those who have hurt you feel that transformation in your heart imagine that transformation in those who have hurt you join me in prayer our father in heaven just like you sent your son into the world send us into the world in the power of your holy spirit as ministers of reconciliation and ambassadors for your kingdom as we go please bless us and keep us make your face to shine upon us and be gracious to us lift your countenance upon us and give us peace in the name of your son our lord jesus christ amen find a moment today to offer forgiveness for the one who has crossed you it may be undeserved but pardon them offer them grace the same grace that god offers you through christ until the next time may you abide in christ travel with me in your mind to one of the most majestic places in the world hidden within the mountains of costa rica tucked away amidst dormant volcanoes and magnificent waterfalls is a little place called la paz waterfall gardens the meaning of lapass is simple it is spanish for peace you journey toward peace in hopes of seeing that which you have only ever heard about imagine you arrive in a shuttle van to find yourself there at la paz your footsteps ring out upon the cobblestone drive noticeably wet from the morning rain the moisture in the air is thick you feel it instantly like a mist on your skin you walk up the curved path under the covered way and up the slight ramp to the automatic sliding door that welcomes you inside [Music] as you walk up you admire the greenery that lines your path the big heart-shaped philodendrons are bright kelly green tucked around them are the widest lilies mixed with the gentle pinkish purple of an orchid it looks beautifully designed yet natural and wild and you marvel at how perfect they seem to fit beneath the bright blue sky as you walk inside you are quickly ushered through the lobby and out the doors on the opposite side you follow the path still cobblestone and still wet from the rain to steps that lead you to the second level around one more corner and up another short series of steps you see it the threshold of a door draped with a thin netting you're there you gently push aside the net as you walk into the butterfly sanctuary [Music] it's like stepping into a fantasy world there are flowers trees and bushes everywhere you find the room seems partially inside and yet spans out wider than you imagined with glass walls hedging in the other side you feel the mist on your skin the moisture of this tropical world notice the bright sun shining through the glass walls and flying flittering seemingly floating all around you are hundreds and hundreds of butterflies your eyes dart from one beauty to the next as you stand in awe over the diversity of color and pattern but before you wander throughout the massive room before you try to gently hold your finger out in hopes of a butterfly perching upon it before you explore the wonder of this tiny blessed sanctuary you stop you take just a few steps over to your left to a wall that still feels part of the inside portion of the massive room there is a cupboard-like window that fills the walls ten feet wide and four feet high you step closer and peer inside on perch like sticks you see nearly a hundred cocoons hanging upside down in a dozen different stages of their chrysalis as you look from one cocoon to another you see the way they shift and change throughout the process of development inside these cocoons are caterpillars that once scooted their way around their world but deep inside them all along was the looming process they have not entered the butterfly within was simply waiting for transformation out of the corner of your eye you see something move you are drawn to move to the end of the display you find the source of the movement that captured your attention and you catch your breath as your eyes zero in you stand amazed as you realize what is happening the cocoon has cracked open and you see the legs of a brand new butterfly sticking out you watch as the butterfly slowly begins to wiggle its way out breaking the cocoon and releasing its wings the bright blue wings begin to flutter the legs are moving it's gaining its footing and acclimating to a brand new world it is a new creation it once was a tiny caterpillar but now has utterly transformed everything is different the world at once experienced was peppered with limitations they could only crawl slowly scooting along from one place to another it could only see what was right in front of its eyes it could only reach what was close [Music] but now everything is different the world has opened up and its wings make a way for tremendous exploration and the same is true for you god's beloved child second corinthians 5 17 in the new international version says this therefore if anyone is in christ the new creation has come the old has gone the new is here you are a new creation the butterfly is still the caterpillar and yet it is something entirely new the old has gone you are no longer bound by sin or shame or guilt you are free to walk in the newness of life in the wholeness granted to you by your savior and the redemption of your sin you are still and yet you are something entirely different you are a new creation [Music] spiritually you were once peppered with limitation like a world of black and white you could only see and reach and access what was immediately around you but that is true no more your world has opened up your spiritual eyes now have sight as ii corinthians 3 17 says where the spirit of the lord is there is liberty as god's beloved the nearness of his spirit has brought liberty to your once limited world you are a new creation and it is all because of jesus therefore if anyone is in christ the new creation has come the old has gone the new is here [Music] you are a new creation [Music] this affirmation is more than a distant idea or a hopeful longing it is the truth and promise of your new reality in christ rest deeply tonight as you remember the stark difference between a caterpillar and a butterfly the old has gone the new has come [Music] you are a new creation receive this benediction this blessing from the lord found in first corinthians 6 11 you were washed you were sanctified you were justified in the name of the lord jesus christ and by the spirit of god you are a new creation as you drift off to sleep may your rest be deep and refreshing may god's peace bring you comfort may you wake tomorrow full of hope for a new day as god's beloved you are the new creation thomas chisholm was born in 1866 in a log cabin in a small town of franklin kentucky he was a teacher and a newspaper editor until he decided to follow jesus at a revival meeting when he was 27 years old after that he was the editor of a denominational publication and he became an ordained minister when poor health caused him to have to step down from the pulpit after just one year thomas worked for many years as an insurance salesman in new jersey he wrote the classic hymn great is thy faithfulness in 1923 not because of some great calamity god had seen him through but because of the day by day mourning by mourning miracles and provisions he saw it's a wonderful reminder for us that god is always taking care of us before we begin to walk through the words of this hymn tonight get into your most comfortable position close your eyes and begin to slow your breathing [Music] notice the muscles in your legs and let them relax acknowledge the small noises you hear and then let them drift away do that with all the other distractions that come your way relax the muscles in your arms and neck breathe slowly in and out picture yourself handing all your cares and concerns to jesus go ahead and let your mind drift to all the things you are thankful for all the ways you've seen god provide for you all the blessings in your life today keep breathing slowly as you feel your heart rate slow down your mind begin to focus on jesus and your body begin to relax let me pray dear lord be with this listener tonight who is tired from a long day but who's thankful for all that you've provided for them in it thank you that they have a place to sleep tonight thank you for your presence in their life i pray for them that you would take all their cares and concerns and show them your promises and blessings thank you for the gift of sleep i pray that you would remind them of who you are in their dreams help them to wake refreshed and ready to start their day tomorrow focused on your great faithfulness to them throughout their life help them to see you for who you really are and to honor you with their every breath in jesus name i pray amen let's start tonight's story by imagining a day in the life of thomas chisholm he rises in the morning in the small house he shares with his wife catherine and his two daughters ruth and dorothy [Music] the girls still sleep as he gets ready for work but catherine is up and making breakfast ready to start the day with him before seeing him out the door it's the early 1900s in small town new jersey so the 57 year old dons his black suit typical dress for a businessman he eats breakfast with catherine reading scripture with her and praying that they would remain faithful to the lord all day long and for his daughters to be well and happy and continue in service to god then he kisses catherine on the cheek puts on his hat and begins the short walk to his insurance office the wide tree-lined streets bustle at this time at the morning with other suit-clad businessmen heading to their offices and secretaries in their ankle-length dresses and short-heeled shoes hurrying to beat them there the chattering of the early birds and the trees as the sun crest over the buildings adds to the symphony of the starting day he's so grateful for another day his health has not been good for so long his career as a minister of the gospel of jesus had been cut short after just a year because of it but god has been so good to him he has a steady job he has a loving family he's able to write the poems that he loves and he always has food on the table and a roof over his head that was more than could be said for a lot of people these words would have flowed from his innermost being great is thy faithfulness o god my father there is no shadow of turning with thee thou changest not thy compassions they fail not as thou hast been valve forever will be at lunchtime thomas takes his meal in the park across from his office looking up at the blue sky with scattered clouds he remembers what it was like just a few short weeks ago snow still land the ground now the flowers were pushing through and beginning to show their color all over the park the sun was noticeably warmer and these words formed in thomas's mind summer and winter and springtime and harvest sun moon and stars in their courses above join with all nature and manifold witness to thy great faithfulness mercy and love contemplating these things ecclesiastes 1 verses 4 to 6 comes to mind a generation goes and a generation comes but the earth remains forever the sun rises and the sun goes down and hastens to the place where it rises the wind blows to the south and goes around to the north around and around goes the wind and on its circuits the wind returns no one wonders if the sun will come up in the west it always rises in the east and throughout the day it makes its circuit across the sky always every day even when clouds cover it from our view we know it's there faithfully dependably thomas thinks about the guys who are in yellowstone park named for its faithful eruptions old faithful can always be counted on to spew forth its steaming water every 44 to 125 minutes every single day and how much more faithful is our god lamentations 3 verse 22 through 23 says the steadfast love of the lord never ceases his mercies never come to an end they are new every morning great is your faithfulness as his day comes to a close thomas thinks about what he accomplished that day the people he helped there was the elderly widow who was so thankful for the life insurance policy her husband had taken out it would help her to be able to keep her home there was the family that had lost their home to fire and were grateful for the provision of the funds they needed to find a new home and replace all their possessions thomas was even thankful for the patience the lord had given him as he talked with the disgruntled customer and helped him understand what his insurance policy covered he didn't always keep his temper but god was faithful even in those times to forgive and to guide the next stanza of his poem reflects that pardon for sin and a peace that endureth thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow blessings all mine with ten thousand besides psalm 130 verses 3 and 4 says if you o lord should mark iniquities oh lord who could stand but with you there is forgiveness that you may be feared thomas was so very thankful for that forgiveness he hadn't known jesus until he was 27 years old so much of his life had been lived for himself even though he had served as a teacher still his thoughts and plans were his own they had not been centered upon his creator that day he had turned his life over to jesus and changed everything as the sun sets thomas strolls toward home gratefulness in his heart for all that the lord had provided as the brightly colored automobiles chug down the street thomas smiles he might never earn enough to own one of those new fangled vehicles but he is content he watches the orange and red colors of the sunset fill the darkening sky as he walks he rejoices in god his creator he knows he's going home to a joy-filled house the good smell of dinner catherine is cooking in the kitchen his daughter's happy to see him oh he is blessed many times his ill health had kept him from even being able to rise from his bed to go to work today was not one of those days and he was thankful he loved to write words of praise to god and he was thankful for the job that allowed him to earn a steady income he loved hearing his words put to music and sung in the church the refrain for his most famous hymn flowed from his pen great is thy faithfulness great is thy faithfulness morning by morning new mercies i see all i have needed thy hand hath provided great is thy faithfulness lord unto me as you rest tonight let your mind wander through your day the home in which you rose this morning the food on your table the job or the school or the home that the lord has called you to work in you may not think your life or your circumstances are anything special but god has brought you to them and he will use them and bless them consider how god has provided for you today and let that bring you sweet rest in the morning when you rise renewed and refreshed by your sleep see that his mercies are new with the day faithful father i praise and bless you i thank you for the life of this child of yours who is resting in you tonight thank you for always providing for their needs from the food on their table to the vehicle they drive to the family and friends they have you have provided abundantly for them thank you for the life of thomas chisholm for how you proved yourself faithful to him morning by morning and for putting the words of this great hymn in his heart to share with people for generations great is your faithfulness we especially thank you for the provision of eternal life through your son jesus we would not be anything without him in him we live and move and have our being if you were to take your eyes off us we would fall apart you are what holds us together and so i thank you that you never take your eyes off us you never sleep or slumber or close your eyes to rest and because you're ever vigilant over us we can rest peacefully and so i pray that rest on your child tonight may they be ever mindful of your faithfulness to them i pray these words from psalm 37 over your child tonight trust in the lord and do good dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness delight yourself in the lord and he will give you the desires of your heart commit your way to the lord trust in him and he will act he will bring forth your righteousness as the light in your justice as the noonday be still before the lord and wait patiently for him we love you lord watch over your child as they sleep amen fuel the peace that comes from asking god to be with you all you need to do is ask feel the steady beat of your heart slowing to a relaxed peaceful rhythm you are at peace [Music] oh how the father loves you and oh how you need to hear that tonight e loves [Music] you this sleep meditation will not only help you rest securely in god's presence it will remind you of who you are [Music] in the eyes of the lord you are completely whole not lacking anything abundantly filled by the savior rest [Music] in the fullness of jesus christ your personal savior let's pray lord jesus thank you for being our all in all nothing can make us whole or complete like you can only you can fill the empty spaces the parts of us that feel insecure and lacking we surrender our longings to you tonight as we hear from the scriptures open our minds our hearts and souls to receive your beautiful affirmations many of us come to you with bruised hearts with minds filled with all kinds of mistruths about ourselves oh how we need healing and comfort lord as this listener seeks your truth tonight i ask in your name that you will flood them with beautiful affirmations of who they are in you please remove all their doubts fears and uncertainties please lord fill them with your presence your love and your wholeness thank you lord jesus it is in your name that we offer this prayer tonight my friend [Music] you might not feel valued whole or complete but please hear me when i say that you are cherished loved valued confident and able the scriptures speak to us about this very thing from acts chapter 17 saying he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation that they would seek god if perhaps they might grope for him and find him though he is not far from each one of us for in him we live and move and exist as even some of your own poets have said for we also are his children he made from one man every nation deliberately intentionally and wholeheartedly god fashioned you as part of his divine purpose he appointed your time and your place and your being let that sink in for several moments heavenly father thank you for creating this beloved child they are purposed in you their life has been appointed for this exact time in history their life is not a mistake or an afterthought your word says that you created all nations from one man adam and we know that it is your desire that every person from every nation would seek you and find you you are not far from us in you we live and move and have our being be with us tonight reassure this listener of your presence and remind them of how valuable they are breathe deeply allow your lungs to expand as you inhale then release your breath out allowing god to cleanse you from all the mistruths you've believed about yourself allow the lord to take you from feeling unworthy to worthy in him allow the lord to take you from feeling shameful too respectable in his sight allow the lord to take you from feeling empty to overflowing by the power of his presence as ephesians chapter 3 verse 12 says in christ jesus we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in him beloved from this bible affirmation you can say i am bold i am confident i have faith in christ jesus [Music] feel the confidence rising in your soul not self-confidence but christ confidence bold fearless strong complete thank you lord for the confidence we have in you nothing can stand against us when we remain in the fullness of who you are in 1st john we hear these words of affirmation this is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment in this world we are like jesus love is made complete among us in christ jesus rest in his complete love tonight [Music] in this world you are like jesus you bear witness of him you clothe yourself with him you display his love everywhere you go from these words of affirmation you can say i am clothed in christ i am made complete in his love rest here beloved may god himself the god of peace sanctify you through and through may your whole spirit soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our lord jesus christ [Music] god makes you whole by sanctifying you through and through your whole spirit soul and body is kept blameless in him forgiven washed cleansed and blameless in the sight of the lord [Music] feel the security of god's presence surrounding you there is no safer place to be jesus is with you and in you as the scriptures say in ephesians chapter 1 god is subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church which is his body the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way thank you father for appointing your son to be sovereign overall allow this dear listener to rest securely in the fullness of your son's presence as he fills all things in every way from these biblical affirmations you can say i am guarded filled and whole in my savior rest under the blessed covering of these truths tonight feel the warmth of your covers as a symbol of the comforting warmth of grace that encloses you hear the faint sounds in the room fading away as you allow yourself to drift into peaceful sleep gracious god please protect this beloved child tonight lull them with your affirmations of peace and provision assure them of your love for them calm their souls and speak words of wholeness into their hearts fill them to the full in the name of your son jesus amen as the scriptures tell us in colossians 2 from the new living translation for in christ lives all the fullness of god in a human body so you also are complete through your union with christ who is the head over every ruler and authority [Music] because of this affirmation you can say i am complete i lack nothing the fullness of god lives in me through christ my lord beloved one you are kept held safe complete whole feel the glory of the lord surrounding you his glory is given to you by jesus as he said in john 17 and the glory which you gave me i have given them that they may be one just as we are one i in them and you in me that they may be made perfect in one and that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me hear those words of affirmation from jesus again that they may be one just as we are one i in them and you and me that they may be perfect in one perfect in one father son and holy spirit rest in his perfect holiness you are complete in him from this affirmation you can say i am one with my savior i am made perfect in him what a blessing to be included as one with the savior marvel in this miraculous blessing tonight [Music] jesus makes you whole and complete there is nothing he cannot fill be filled with the holy spirit love joy peace patience kindness goodness faithfulness [Music] gentleness and self-control you are filled with these divine attributes when you invite god's spirit to dwell in you father thank you for making this treasured person whole and complete thank you for making them perfect in you but the world may see and know that you are god let your glory surround this listener tonight as rays of hope and peace through the entire night please continue to speak words of affirmation to them assuring them of your love bless them lord guard them keep them close i pray in jesus name amen the scriptures confirm in ephesians 3 for this reason i bow my knees to the father of our lord jesus christ from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named that he would grant you according to the riches of his to be strengthened with might through his spirit in the inner man that christ may dwell in your hearts through faith that you being rooted and grounded in love may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width in length and depth and height to know the love of christ which passes knowledge that you may be filled with all the fullness of god be filled with all the fullness of god comprehend his love for you be rooted in him be strengthened by his spirit know that you are made whole and complete in him dear one the sweet affirmations from the bible are ours to read day after day they strengthen us to say i am confident in christ with him i am able to accomplish the impossible for jesus said in matthew chapter 19 with man this is impossible but with god all things are possible father thank you for making all things possible in your strength your timing and your will please remind this child do you have given them a spirit not of fear but of power love and self-control assure them that you are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that they ask or think we give you all the glory honor and praise tonight in jesus name it was job who said to the lord i know that you can do everything and that no purpose of yours can be withheld from you from this passage we can confidently say i know you can do everything lord i know that your purpose cannot be withheld from you thank you lord for accomplishing your purpose in this child's life as the scriptures say he who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of jesus christ you are part of god's purpose you are part of his plan in his kindness god called you to share in his eternal glory by means of christ jesus so after you have suffered a little while he will restore support and strengthen you and he will place you on a firm foundation all power to him forever amen [Music] all power to god forever and ever all glory be unto his name gracious god we rest in your strength support and restoration tonight with each breath we know that in you we live and move and have our being we are affirmed of our wholeness in your son and we remain in him our firm foundation jesus christ [Music] close your eyes take a deep breath and relax breathe out all the worries of the day and breathe in the comforting presence of god's holy spirit let tension leave your body as you dwell with god certain that he loves you and is with you now as well as all through the night with god everything begins afresh our god is full of grace and forgives the most awful of sins he will always welcome us with open arms when we come to him humbly let those reassuring truths comfort you as you rest to rid your body of tension let your muscles relax start with your feet move up to your calves and your thighs relax your abdomen and your shoulders let even your eyebrows relax [Music] keep breathing slowly and deeply as your body relaxes your mind can relax as well and release those cares of the day [Music] dear heavenly father as your child prepares to sleep we ask that you will overwhelm them with your love and comfort help them to know that you are with them and will never leave them even for a moment you watch over your beloved child always even in sleep let this truth soak into their bones so they can rest without fears worries or anxieties [Music] we ask for a sleep full of your peace found in your abundant goodness and wisdom in jesus christ the author of goodness and peace we pray amen dutch citizen corey ten boom lived with her sister betsy and their watchmaker father during world war ii as a family they helped many jewish people escape the nazis until they were arrested for their efforts after the war corey wrote a book called the hiding place that recounted their story she also spoke internationally with the message that there is no pit so deep that god's love is not deeper still listen in now as corey travels to speak on a college campus in 1975 corey checked into a hotel near the campus where she would speak the following day she was now in her 80s and feeling all the years in her weary bones in spite of that she had been sitting a long time and longed to move around a bit the hotel was right next to the campus which had a stand of willow trees surrounding a pond the beauty of that spot drew her in and she walked the short distance and sat on a bench that faced the little lake it was mid-summer and so day lilies of orange and yellow dotted the landscape there was just a slight breeze and the lovely flowers bobbed their heads like the women of her youth had with their fancy hats the memory made her smile as she thought of her peaceful idyllic upbringing in amsterdam the goose wandered over to corey and looked a scance as if asking if she had any bread for him she smiled and answered him as if he'd spoken aloud no silly goose i have nothing for you bread is not good for your digestive tract anyway go eat what god has provided for you the goose tilted its head as if trying to understand what this strange woman was saying to him and then gave her up as hopeless and waddled away corey sat on the bench and soaked in the sounds of bullfrogs on the pond locusts in the trees and the hunk of the goose as he harassed his fellow geese the peacefulness of it all made corey smile she sat there until the sun began to dip into the horizon orange and coral rays reflected off the water and took her breath away oh god thank you for this gift you are endlessly creative the heavens certainly declare your glory reluctantly she stood up and went back to her hotel room praying for a good night's rest so she would have energy for the following day corey woke to a stream of sunlight coming through her window she'd closed the curtains but left just enough open so that she'd see the morning sun the early morning rays always gave her courage and reminded her that god was in this new day she dressed had breakfast and then went to the auditorium where she would be speaking she knew it would be packed with college students and that they would applaud her vigorously when she walked out on stage her thoughts were always the same at that moment how is it that one so reviled by the nazis is now honored i am overwhelmed with god's goodness after she spoke there were always a few that came up to talk to her one particularly troubled young woman said your story of forgiveness to those who imprisoned you touches my soul [Music] she then grew quiet and was clearly struggling to keep her emotions at bay finally she spit out i don't know if i can forgive my alcoholic father corey reached out and put a hand on the woman's shoulder her own father had been a kind and gentle man who raised her with the courage to do what was right even if it cost her everything yet she knew that many had harsh fathers so she asked is your father living the young woman nodded and said he is and i still see him but when i do i struggle to love him i'd rather just put him out of my mind corey was quiet for a moment before answering i understand it can be very hard to love someone who has hurt us [Music] but do you know what hurts even more than pain the young woman shook her head corey answered love love is the strongest force in the world and when it is blocked that means pain there are two things we can do when this happens we can kill that love so that it stops hurting but then of course part of us dies too or we can ask god to open up another route for that love to travel how do i do that how do i get rid of the bad memories the young woman asked corey sighed i'm not saying it's easy but such memories are the key not to the past but to the future i know that the experience of our lives when we let god use them become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work he will give us to do the woman nodded and then said but back to my original question how can i forgive my father corey looked her in the eye and said it is so hard to work through our feelings i had to do that with the nazi guard i met after the war even as angry vengeful thoughts boiled through me i saw the sin of them jesus christ had died for this man was i going to ask for more lord jesus i prayed forgive me and help me to forgive him jesus i cannot forgive him give me your forgiveness and so i discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world's healing hinges but on his when he tells us to love our enemies he gives along with the command the love itself the young woman shuddered i've carried resentment for so long i don't know how to let it go corey nodded you will find it necessary to let things go simply for the reason that they are too heavy you are not hurting your father by unforgiveness you are hurting yourself corey reached out and took the young woman's hand some knowledge is too heavy you cannot bear it your father will carry it until you are able rest in that now how do i let go when i feel so much hurt the young woman persisted forgiveness is an act of the will corey quietly said [Music] and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart the woman nodded but added how do i get over my sadness corey smiled if you look at the world you'll be distressed if you look within you'll be depressed but if you look at christ you'll be at rest corey then prayed with the young woman and agreed to stay in touch after talking to a few more people she made her way back to her hotel for a much needed nap walking through the park with the pond she smiled at the goose that once again followed her as she walked she talked to god oh my good father i could never have imagined the plan you've had for my life thank you for giving me a message that is so needed for so many thank you for carrying me when i am too weak to carry myself and help me to rest now so that i can find strength and joy upon awakening when corey reached her hotel room she pulled out her worn bible and turned to a particularly encouraging passage in isaiah 26. she would send it to the young woman to give her courage that god knows what he is doing and will make everything right in the end the path of the righteous is level you make level the way of the righteous in the path of your judgments oh lord we wait for you your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul my soul yearns for you in the night my spirit within me earnestly seeks you for when your judgments are in the earth the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness oh lord you will ordain peace for us for you have indeed done for us all our works oh lord in distress they sought you they poured out a whispered prayer when your discipline was upon them like a pregnant woman who rides and cries out in her pangs when she is near to giving birth so were we because of you o lord we were pregnant we writhed but we have given birth to wind we have accomplished no deliverance in the earth and the inhabitants of the world have not fallen your dead shall live their bodies shall rise you who dwell in the dust awake and sing for joy for your dew is a dew of light and the earth will give birth to the dead dear lord you alone can bring justice and make everything right in our broken world we are so grateful that you know what you are doing [Music] and that you never make mistakes we ask for rest for your child tonight for confidence in your goodness and ever watchful care help them to know your love and that you are ever vigilant to their needs we ask for supernatural peace and a calm heart so that this child of yours will be rested in the morning in jesus christ we pray amen i feel like when i listen to the sleep meditations that i have a friend next to me [Music] you

Channel: Abide - Sleep Meditations

Views: 27,875

Keywords: Inspirational, Inspire, Motivational, Motivate, Encourage, Encouraging, Success, Successful, God, Jesus, Lord, Christ, Christian, Overcome, Christian Inspiration, Christian Motivation, Christian Encouragement, end your day with God, Nighttime, Nighttime prayer, Night Prayer, Pray, Mediation, Nighttime Meditation, Before bed, Before bed prayer, End your day, before bed God, evening prayer, evening meditation, do this before bed, do this everyday, sleep, sleep meditation, guided meditation, Bible

Id: MyLnNtvlG4s

Length: 202min 50sec (12170 seconds)

Published: Thu Feb 24 2022