Ronald A. Beers - In the Evening When I Rest: Life-Giving Conversations with God

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In the Evening When I Rest: Life-Giving Conversations with God

Copyright 2019 by Ronald A. Beers. All rights reserved.

Cover photo of stars copyright by Casey Horner on Unsplash.com. All rights reserved.

Designed by Ron C. Kaufmann

Scripture quotations are adapted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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ISBN 978-1-4964-1810-4

Build: 2021-04-21 15:24:45 EPUB 3.0

THINK BACK ON HOW YOU met your best friend. What bonded the two of you together? Certainly you enjoyed a lot of things in common; but more importantly, you talked to each other. You listened to each other. Without talking and listening, it is impossible to become close friends. Conversations are how we get to know a person someone we can lean on in times of adversity; someone to share our joys and struggles; someone who will give us good advice; someone who will tell us the truth when we need to hear it. Moreover, through conversation we develop a level of trust that allows us to rest in that relationship it becomes a safe haven.

Wouldnt you like to have a close friendship like that with God? If you are willing to invest the time needed to talk with him and listen to him, this book will help you begin to make that desire a reality. In fact, starting this very evening, you can enter into the rest that God promises. It is possible to have a deep and trusting relationship with almighty God, just as you would any close friend. Indeed, God can be your closest friend and hes available for conversation every morning, every evening, and every hour in between.

Do you long to hear Gods voice more clearly? Do you wish he would speak into a situation you are currently facing? It can be tempting to believe that God is silent about the struggles and challenges you deal with every day. However, nothing could be further from the truth. He wants you to tell him whats on your mind, and he wants to tell you what is on his mind. God speaks to us primarily through his Word, the Bible. To hear him, you simply need to take the time to quiet yourself and listen to read his Word and hear him speak through it. This book offers a unique way to help you do that.

In the Evening When I Rest poses many of the questions you may want to ask God. Over the course of one hundred evenings, you are certain to find many that you would love to hear God answer. Whats wonderful is how God answers each of these questions in his Word.

Each reading begins with two related questions. The answers are drawn directly from the Bible, often using several verses woven together from different parts of Scripture. In some cases, the verses have been slightly paraphrased in voice or tense to keep with the theme of God talking directly to you.

Gods Word is different and more powerful than any other book ever written. Because the Bible is a living document, conceived and inspired by God himself, it uniquely applies to each person who reads it, and God speaks uniquely to each individual through it though of course there are also many truths and principles that apply to all people.

After you have spent time listening to God speak, pray the prayer that follows in each daily reading. These prayers are also taken directly from Scripture, and the wording has occasionally been adapted to fit the theme of your response to God. Let these prayers bless, inspire, and motivate you at the end of your day.

Following each reading, a short devotional thought or exercise will help you apply more deeply what you have read. This is the only part of the days reading that is not adapted from Gods Word.

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this devotional:

1. Read slowly. Gods Word was never meant to be skimmed over. It is deep, rich, and worthy of your time. Let Gods words sink into your heart, as if you were reading them for the first time.
2. Read often. We encourage you to stay committed to reading Gods Word daily, because the more you read it, the more you will learn to recognize Gods voice. Learning how to distinguish Gods voice from your own, or from the voice of the enemy, has great power in your life.
3. Read prayerfully. Each evening, take a moment to settle into a quiet place, relax, and pray for an open heart as you learn from Gods Word. Ask God to help you set aside distractions so you can be fully present and ready to receive his truth.

God has something to say to you about whatever issues and concerns you are facing. We pray that God will richly bless you as you ask him your questions, read his Word, and learn to recognize his voice. As the psalmist says, It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening.

See Hebrews 4.

Psalm 92:2.

Adapted from Psalm 116:7.

GODS WORK OF TRANSFORMATION HAS ALREADY BEGUN

Because of the Cross, your interest in this world has been crucified, and the worlds interest in you has also died. What counts is whether you have been transformed into a new creation. Anyone who belongs to me has become a new person. The old life is gone. A new life has begun!

GALATIANS 6:14-15; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17

Dont copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let me transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Do not despise these small beginnings, for I rejoice to see the work begin. You can be certain that I, who began the good work within you, will continue my work until it is finally finished on the day when I return.

ROMANS 12:2; ZECHARIAH 4:10; PHILIPPIANS 1:6

Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good. I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness.

PSALM 119:39-40

G od has begun not only the work of salvation in your heart but also the work of transforming your life. Where would you like to see the greatest change this year? In a relationship? With an unhealthy pattern or habit? Write a prayer of invitation, welcoming the Lord to begin his transformative work in this area of your life.