The Slow Bible (with Mary Spencer) is an invitation for us to sit back and spend time praying with the Word of God, to soak in the Scriptures and in the presence of God. It is a precious break from the busyness of life. It’s a form of an ancient contemplative practice: Lectio Divina. These Latin words just mean “divine reading” - always brought with stillness, with contemplation, with repetition, and with a slow reading, creating space for the Holy Spirit to speak; Read, Reflect, Respond, Rest
2 Corinthians 3 v 16-18 (NLT)16But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Mark 12 v 28-34 imaginative prayer (from the Archive)28One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”29Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. 30And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' 31The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these.”32The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. 33And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.”34Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Psalm 62: 5-8 New Living Translation (NLT)5Let all that I am wait quietly before God,for my hope is in him.6He alone is my rock and my salvation,my fortress where I will not be shaken.7My victory and honor come from God alone.He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.8O my people, trust in him at all times.Pour out your heart to him,for God is our refuge.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Hebrews 5:7-9 (from the Archive)New Living Translation7 While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. 8 Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. 9 In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Matthew 7:7-11New Living Translation7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.9 “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Job 19:25-27 (from the Archive)New Living Translation25 “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.26 And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God!27 I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
1 Peter 5:6-8New Living Translation6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honour. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
John 1:10-13 (from the Archive)New Living Translation10 He came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him. 11 He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Psalm 51:9-13New Living Translation9 Don't keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt.10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.11 Do not banish me from your presence, and don't take your Holy Spirit from me.12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.13 Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Psalm 30:10-12 (from the Archive)New Living Translation10 Hear me, Lord, and have mercy on me. Help me, O Lord.”11 You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,12 that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
1 John 2:28-3:2New Living Translation28 And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.29 Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God's children.3 See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don't recognize that we are God's children because they don't know him. 2 Dear friends, we are already God's children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
James 1:2-4 (from the Archive)New Living Translation2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Hebrews 13:4-7New Living Translation4 Give honour to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.5 Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,“I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”6 So we can say with confidence,“The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”7 Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Genesis 2:4b-9 (from the Archive)New Living Translation4b When the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, 5 neither wild plants nor grains were growing on the earth. For the Lord God had not yet sent rain to water the earth, and there were no people to cultivate the soil. 6 Instead, springs came up from the ground and watered all the land. 7 Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man's nostrils, and the man became a living person.8 Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he placed the man he had made. 9 The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Psalm 8:3-9New Living Translation3 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place—4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?5 Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honour.6 You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority—7 the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals,8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents.9 O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Romans 8:14-17 (from the Archive)New Living Translation14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Hebrews 4:9-11New Living Translation9 So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. 10 For all who have entered into God's rest have rested from their labours, just as God did after creating the world. 11 So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Colossians 3:1-4 (from the Archive)New Living Translation3 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honour at God's right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Psalm 119:105-108New Living Translation105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.106 I've promised it once, and I'll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations.107 I have suffered much, O Lord; restore my life again as you promised.108 Lord, accept my offering of praise, and teach me your regulations.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Luke 2:15-20 (from the Archive)New Living Translation15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Isaiah 41:9-10New Living Translation9 I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, ‘You are my servant.'For I have chosen you and will not throw you away.10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Ephesians 3:16-19 (from the Archive)New Living Translation16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Luke 10:25-37New Living Translation25 One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”26 Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”27 The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.' And, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.'”28 “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”29 The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?”Parable of the Good Samaritan30 Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.31 “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. 32 A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.33 “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. 34 Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. 35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I'll pay you the next time I'm here.'36 “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbour to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.37 The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.Script: inspired by Taketime meditations.
2 Corinthians 4:6-7 (from the Archive)New Living Translation6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Psalm 90:1-2New Living Translation1 Lord, through all the generations you have been our home!2 Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Colossians 1:26-28 (from the Archive)New Living Translation26 This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God's people. 27 For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.28 So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect[a] in their relationship to Christ.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
2 Corinthians 5:17-19New Living Translation17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Psalm 19:7-10 (from the Archive)New Living Translation7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul.The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.8 The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart.The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.9 Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever.The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair.10 They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold.They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Genesis 1:1-5New Living Translation1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day” and the darkness “night.”And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Matthew 8:5-10, 13 (from the Archive)New Living Translation5 When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, 6 “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.”7 Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”8 But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. 9 I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,' and they go, or ‘Come,' and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,' they do it.”10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel!13 Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Isaiah 6:1-4New Living Translation6 It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. 2 Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 They were calling out to each other,“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven's Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!”4 Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
John 15:1-5 (from the Archive) New Living Translation15 “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Hebrews 11:1-3New Living Translation11 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. 2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.3 By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Psalm 130:5-7 (from the Archive)New Living Translation5 I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.6 I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn, yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.7 O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is unfailing love. His redemption overflows.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
John 21:15-19New Living Translation15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don't want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Mark 5:24-34 (from the Archive)New Living Translation24 Jesus went with him, and all the people followed, crowding around him. 25 A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. 26 She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. 28 For she thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition.30 Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my robe?”31 His disciples said to him, “Look at this crowd pressing around you. How can you ask, ‘Who touched me?'”32 But he kept on looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the frightened woman, trembling at the realization of what had happened to her, came and fell to her knees in front of him and told him what she had done. 34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.”Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Romans 8:10-14New Living Translation10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature,[c] you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children[d] of God.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Ephesians 3:14-19 (from the Archive)New Living TranslationPaul's Prayer for Spiritual Growth14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Psalm 84:5-8New Living Translation5 What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.6 When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.7 They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.8 O Lord God of Heaven's Armies, hear my prayer. Listen, O God of Jacob. Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Exodus 34:4-7 (from the Archive)New Living Translation4 So Moses chiselled out two tablets of stone like the first ones. Early in the morning he climbed Mount Sinai as the Lord had commanded him, and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands.5 Then the Lord came down in a cloud and stood there with him; and he called out his own name, Yahweh. 6 The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out,“Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy!I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.7 I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin.But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren;the entire family is affected— even children in the third and fourth generations.”Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
John 13:33-35New Living Translation33 Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, but you can't come where I am going. 34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Song of Solomon 2:14-15 (from the Archive)New Living TranslationYoung Man14 My dove is hiding behind the rocks, behind an outcrop on the cliff.Let me see your face; let me hear your voice.For your voice is pleasant, and your face is lovely.Young Women of Jerusalem15 Catch all the foxes, those little foxes,before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Philippians 4:6-9New International Version - UK6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Philippians 1:9-11 (from the Archive)New Living Translation9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Psalm 63New Living Translation1 O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you.My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for youin this parched and weary land where there is no water.2 I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory.3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!4 I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer.5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Genesis 18:1-6,8 from the ArchiveNew Living Translation18 The Lord appeared again to Abraham near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. One day Abraham was sitting at the entrance to his tent during the hottest part of the day. 2 He looked up and noticed three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran to meet them and welcomed them, bowing low to the ground.3 “My lord,” he said, “if it pleases you, stop here for a while. 4 Rest in the shade of this tree while water is brought to wash your feet. 5 And since you've honored your servant with this visit, let me prepare some food to refresh you before you continue on your journey.”“All right,” they said. “Do as you have said.”6 So Abraham ran back to the tent and said to Sarah, “Hurry! Get three large measures of your best flour, knead it into dough, and bake some bread.” 8 When the food was ready, Abraham took some yogurt and milk and the roasted meat, and he served it to the men. As they ate, Abraham waited on them in the shade of the trees.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Ephesians 1:4-8New Living Translation4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. 7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Mark 1 v 29-34 (from the Archive)New Living Translation29 After Jesus left the synagogue with James and John, they went to Simon and Andrew's home. 30 Now Simon's mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus about her right away. 31 So he went to her bedside, took her by the hand, and helped her sit up. Then the fever left her, and she prepared a meal for them.32 That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. 33 The whole town gathered at the door to watch. 34 So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8New Living Translation6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Matthew 5:7-10 (from the Archive)New Living Translation7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.
Matthew 6:30-34New Living Translation30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?31 “So don't worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.34 “So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa Wiggins,Used with permission.