1 00:00:34,876 --> 00:00:39,556 Speaker 1: Welcome to Abides Sleep Meditations. I'm Tyler Boss. Today's meditation 2 00:00:39,676 --> 00:00:42,436 Speaker 1: is brought to you by our partners at Life Audio. 3 00:00:42,676 --> 00:00:45,156 Speaker 1: If you go to lifeaudio dot com you will find 4 00:00:45,276 --> 00:00:48,356 Speaker 1: dozens of other faith centered podcasts in their network. They've 5 00:00:48,396 --> 00:00:52,076 Speaker 1: got shows about prayer, Bible study, parenting, and more. Head 6 00:00:52,076 --> 00:00:53,956 Speaker 1: over to lifeaudio dot com. 7 00:00:53,956 --> 00:00:54,236 Speaker 2: Now. 8 00:00:54,556 --> 00:00:55,556 Speaker 1: Remember you can. 9 00:00:55,436 --> 00:00:58,516 Speaker 3: Have full access to all our sleep stories commercial free. 10 00:00:58,756 --> 00:01:01,676 Speaker 3: Just text Abide to two two four three three for 11 00:01:01,756 --> 00:01:05,596 Speaker 3: twenty five percent off the app. Now relax your mind 12 00:01:05,876 --> 00:01:09,236 Speaker 3: and body as we hear tonight's sleep story. 13 00:01:12,636 --> 00:01:17,436 Speaker 4: Hello and welcome to the sleep story from Abide. 14 00:01:17,636 --> 00:01:18,476 Speaker 5: I'm Chloe. 15 00:01:19,356 --> 00:01:21,596 Speaker 4: Thanks for joining me for our story. 16 00:01:22,236 --> 00:01:23,396 Speaker 5: What is good? 17 00:01:26,076 --> 00:01:29,476 Speaker 4: When we walk more closely with God and our journey 18 00:01:29,876 --> 00:01:33,796 Speaker 4: as followers of Jesus, we want to do as He 19 00:01:33,876 --> 00:01:38,796 Speaker 4: would have us to. His will is perfect and flawless. 20 00:01:39,676 --> 00:01:44,756 Speaker 4: His will is totally beneficial for us, so we should 21 00:01:44,796 --> 00:01:50,796 Speaker 4: want to know what it is each and every day. 22 00:01:51,996 --> 00:01:56,356 Speaker 4: As you're prepare to settle into a deep and restorative sleep, 23 00:01:57,396 --> 00:02:02,036 Speaker 4: allow your mind to gently focus on the words from 24 00:02:02,076 --> 00:02:09,476 Speaker 4: our main verse Micah six eight. He has shown you, immortal, 25 00:02:10,476 --> 00:02:14,876 Speaker 4: what is good and what does the Lord require of 26 00:02:14,956 --> 00:02:21,876 Speaker 4: you to act justly and love mercy, and to walk 27 00:02:22,316 --> 00:02:29,116 Speaker 4: humbly with your God. Isn't it wonderful? He has not 28 00:02:29,436 --> 00:02:33,716 Speaker 4: hidden the good purpose he has fear. He hasn't cloaked 29 00:02:33,756 --> 00:02:37,956 Speaker 4: it in an enigmatic riddles. He has laid it down 30 00:02:38,596 --> 00:02:44,316 Speaker 4: in simple, straightforward terms. And he has not only told 31 00:02:44,356 --> 00:02:48,116 Speaker 4: you what is good, he has shown you what is 32 00:02:48,156 --> 00:02:55,996 Speaker 4: God has good and perfect well to act justly and 33 00:02:56,036 --> 00:03:01,716 Speaker 4: to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. 34 00:03:05,276 --> 00:03:10,636 Speaker 4: I've said it's simple, but it's not always easy, and 35 00:03:10,916 --> 00:03:11,916 Speaker 4: you are not alone. 36 00:03:12,956 --> 00:03:13,276 Speaker 5: Father. 37 00:03:13,396 --> 00:03:17,276 Speaker 4: God requires this of you, but he does not ask 38 00:03:17,356 --> 00:03:21,556 Speaker 4: you to do what he would not do himself. His 39 00:03:21,876 --> 00:03:26,836 Speaker 4: very own son, Jesus thirty three years sojourn in this 40 00:03:27,036 --> 00:03:31,676 Speaker 4: earthly realm perfectly shows us that he obeyed his father 41 00:03:32,556 --> 00:03:38,236 Speaker 4: and lived a life that did justly and loved mercy 42 00:03:39,196 --> 00:03:47,196 Speaker 4: and walked humbly with his God. You and I have 43 00:03:47,356 --> 00:03:51,036 Speaker 4: the perfect example of how to do what is good 44 00:03:51,156 --> 00:03:54,716 Speaker 4: in God's eyes and to do what He requires of 45 00:03:54,796 --> 00:03:59,916 Speaker 4: us to live a rich and happy and godly life. 46 00:04:04,076 --> 00:04:08,076 Speaker 4: So as I lead you through the Sleep story, I 47 00:04:08,116 --> 00:04:12,836 Speaker 4: hope you'll meditate deeply on what is good in God's 48 00:04:12,836 --> 00:04:17,316 Speaker 4: word and what is good in Jesus teaching and what 49 00:04:17,516 --> 00:04:24,356 Speaker 4: is good and his plan for you. Allow me to 50 00:04:24,476 --> 00:04:28,036 Speaker 4: lead you as we prepare your body for a deep 51 00:04:28,396 --> 00:04:33,556 Speaker 4: and relaxing sleep. Allow your mind to gently focus on 52 00:04:33,636 --> 00:04:39,636 Speaker 4: the words for Mica sex verse eight. He has shown you, 53 00:04:39,996 --> 00:04:44,756 Speaker 4: O mortal, what is God? And what does the Lord 54 00:04:44,836 --> 00:04:50,596 Speaker 4: require of you? To act justly and to love mercy 55 00:04:51,676 --> 00:04:58,876 Speaker 4: and to walk humbly with your God. I invite you 56 00:04:58,916 --> 00:05:03,436 Speaker 4: to begin our time together by finding a comfortable possession 57 00:05:03,436 --> 00:05:03,996 Speaker 4: in your bed. 58 00:05:05,156 --> 00:05:08,036 Speaker 5: Let your body sink into the mattress. 59 00:05:08,916 --> 00:05:13,916 Speaker 4: Feel the soft embrace of your sheets and blankets, cocooning 60 00:05:14,036 --> 00:05:16,956 Speaker 4: you in a warm, secure haven. 61 00:05:20,276 --> 00:05:21,516 Speaker 5: Take a deep. 62 00:05:21,436 --> 00:05:27,796 Speaker 4: Breath in, filling your lungs with cool, refreshing air, and 63 00:05:28,036 --> 00:05:38,876 Speaker 4: exhale slowly, releasing any tension or stress collected from your day. 64 00:05:39,836 --> 00:05:43,636 Speaker 4: Repeat this breathing cycle a few more times as a 65 00:05:43,676 --> 00:05:49,316 Speaker 4: short breath prayer, allowing each breath to guide you deeper 66 00:05:49,436 --> 00:05:59,116 Speaker 4: into relaxation. On each inhale, softly say and what does 67 00:05:59,156 --> 00:06:06,796 Speaker 4: the Lord require of me? And as you exhale gently, 68 00:06:06,996 --> 00:06:13,356 Speaker 4: whisper to the Lord to act justly and to love mercy, 69 00:06:14,556 --> 00:06:23,916 Speaker 4: and to walk humbly with you God. And again inhale, 70 00:06:25,196 --> 00:06:29,476 Speaker 4: softly saying, and what does the Lord require of me? 71 00:06:32,196 --> 00:06:39,556 Speaker 4: And gently exhale, bring to God to act justly and 72 00:06:39,596 --> 00:06:44,876 Speaker 4: to love mercy, and to walk humbly with you God. 73 00:06:49,556 --> 00:06:56,116 Speaker 4: And once more inhale, and what does the Lord require 74 00:06:56,196 --> 00:07:05,516 Speaker 4: of me and gently exhale to act justly and to 75 00:07:05,756 --> 00:07:08,756 Speaker 4: love mercy, and to walk. 76 00:07:08,996 --> 00:07:10,756 Speaker 5: Humbly with you God. 77 00:07:15,756 --> 00:07:20,236 Speaker 4: As your body deeply settles in, feel the tension in 78 00:07:20,276 --> 00:07:23,116 Speaker 4: your muscles, even any. 79 00:07:22,916 --> 00:07:25,476 Speaker 5: Aches melt away. 80 00:07:29,356 --> 00:07:34,356 Speaker 4: With each gentle breath cycle. Feel any tightness in your 81 00:07:34,396 --> 00:07:43,156 Speaker 4: body and face yield to softness and looseners. Then Hell, 82 00:07:44,036 --> 00:07:46,996 Speaker 4: as you focus on any tight spot. 83 00:07:49,196 --> 00:07:50,116 Speaker 5: And feel the. 84 00:07:50,236 --> 00:08:01,116 Speaker 4: Stress evaporate on each exhalation, you are now ready to 85 00:08:01,436 --> 00:08:11,916 Speaker 4: enter into RESTful and reflective slumber. Loving Lord Jesus, as 86 00:08:11,956 --> 00:08:17,316 Speaker 4: we lay down to sleep, we seek your presence, your comfort, 87 00:08:18,076 --> 00:08:22,556 Speaker 4: and your guidance. You have shown us what is good, 88 00:08:23,516 --> 00:08:26,956 Speaker 4: and we ask for your strength to live out your 89 00:08:27,036 --> 00:08:34,596 Speaker 4: teachings each day. Help us to act justly, to stand 90 00:08:34,796 --> 00:08:38,756 Speaker 4: and firm and righteousness, and to be a beacon of 91 00:08:38,916 --> 00:08:43,436 Speaker 4: fairness in a world that so desperately needs your light. 92 00:08:45,516 --> 00:08:49,996 Speaker 4: Fill our hearts with your mercy, Jesus, let our actions 93 00:08:50,316 --> 00:08:56,156 Speaker 4: be driven by compassion and love, reflecting your infinite grace. 94 00:08:57,796 --> 00:09:03,596 Speaker 4: Teach us to forgive as you have forgiven us, and 95 00:09:03,676 --> 00:09:09,836 Speaker 4: to extend kindness to all those we encounter. Let mercy 96 00:09:10,036 --> 00:09:15,596 Speaker 4: be the stream that flows through our lives, nurturing those 97 00:09:15,636 --> 00:09:20,396 Speaker 4: around us. Guide us to walk humbly. 98 00:09:20,036 --> 00:09:20,716 Speaker 5: With you, Lord. 99 00:09:22,156 --> 00:09:26,596 Speaker 4: Keep us close to your side, attuned to your will 100 00:09:26,836 --> 00:09:33,196 Speaker 4: and your ways and humility. Let us seek your wisdom 101 00:09:33,916 --> 00:09:40,316 Speaker 4: and serends to your divine plan. Remind us that in 102 00:09:40,436 --> 00:09:45,836 Speaker 4: walking with you we find true purpose and deepest joy. 103 00:09:47,716 --> 00:09:54,156 Speaker 4: As this child drifts into sleep, let your peace envelop them, 104 00:09:54,596 --> 00:09:59,836 Speaker 4: God their thoughts and dreams, filling them with your love 105 00:09:59,956 --> 00:10:05,556 Speaker 4: and assurance. Renew their spirit so that they may wake 106 00:10:05,796 --> 00:10:11,676 Speaker 4: refreshed and ready to live out your call. Thank you, 107 00:10:11,916 --> 00:10:17,596 Speaker 4: Jesus for your endless love and guidance. We rest in 108 00:10:17,636 --> 00:10:22,596 Speaker 4: your care now and always and your holy name. 109 00:10:23,636 --> 00:10:24,036 Speaker 2: Amen. 110 00:10:28,636 --> 00:10:32,476 Speaker 4: I invite you now to imagine that you are standing 111 00:10:32,556 --> 00:10:38,436 Speaker 4: on a hillside and ancient Judah, overlooking the town where 112 00:10:38,436 --> 00:10:43,676 Speaker 4: the prophet Micah once lived. For your whole life, your 113 00:10:43,756 --> 00:10:48,356 Speaker 4: parents and elders have told you much about this great 114 00:10:48,476 --> 00:10:52,956 Speaker 4: prophet of God, and you've always been curious to see 115 00:10:53,316 --> 00:11:01,996 Speaker 4: where he grew up, preached, and left his legacy. So 116 00:11:02,396 --> 00:11:07,316 Speaker 4: you have journeyed for several weeks over many miles to 117 00:11:07,436 --> 00:11:15,676 Speaker 4: reach this village, Morisheth, where Micah once lived. The sun 118 00:11:15,796 --> 00:11:22,876 Speaker 4: is setting, casting a soft golden glow across the landscape. 119 00:11:23,076 --> 00:11:27,156 Speaker 4: The air is filled with a gentle rustle of olive 120 00:11:27,196 --> 00:11:33,316 Speaker 4: trees and the distant sound of sheep as they graze. 121 00:11:34,036 --> 00:11:38,636 Speaker 4: As you take in this serene scene, you feel the 122 00:11:38,876 --> 00:11:43,076 Speaker 4: deep sense of peace and connection to the land and 123 00:11:43,236 --> 00:11:49,796 Speaker 4: its history. Since you feel such an admiration for Micah 124 00:11:49,836 --> 00:11:53,836 Speaker 4: and his bravery and fear of the Lord, you know 125 00:11:54,116 --> 00:11:54,516 Speaker 4: you will. 126 00:11:54,476 --> 00:11:56,156 Speaker 5: Learn a lot from your stay here. 127 00:12:00,196 --> 00:12:04,676 Speaker 4: As you walk along the hillside, you begin to reflect 128 00:12:04,836 --> 00:12:08,916 Speaker 4: on the life of Micah. He was a humble man 129 00:12:09,436 --> 00:12:14,916 Speaker 4: from this small town of Morishath, chosen by God to 130 00:12:15,076 --> 00:12:21,676 Speaker 4: deliver messages of justice, mercy, and humility to the people 131 00:12:21,796 --> 00:12:27,636 Speaker 4: of Israel and Judah. Despite the challenges he faced and 132 00:12:27,716 --> 00:12:31,876 Speaker 4: the opposition that came against him, even from the people 133 00:12:31,916 --> 00:12:37,956 Speaker 4: who purported to also follow Lord God of Israel, Micah 134 00:12:37,996 --> 00:12:42,676 Speaker 4: remained steadfast in his faith and dedication to God's call. 135 00:12:46,436 --> 00:12:52,236 Speaker 4: What faith he had, what courage to stand worth God? 136 00:12:52,396 --> 00:12:54,956 Speaker 4: Even if that meant it felt like he had to 137 00:12:54,996 --> 00:13:02,876 Speaker 4: stand alone. You relate to him in this moment. You 138 00:13:02,956 --> 00:13:07,396 Speaker 4: have come on this journey alone, only with the clothes 139 00:13:07,436 --> 00:13:11,836 Speaker 4: on your back, one scan of water, and just enough 140 00:13:11,876 --> 00:13:17,196 Speaker 4: food for the trip to the village. In your life, 141 00:13:17,876 --> 00:13:20,516 Speaker 4: you have known what it feels like to be alone 142 00:13:21,236 --> 00:13:25,836 Speaker 4: and even lonely. Micah must have felt like this two 143 00:13:25,876 --> 00:13:26,476 Speaker 4: at times. 144 00:13:27,276 --> 00:13:33,236 Speaker 5: But God was with him. And when God is worth. 145 00:13:33,036 --> 00:13:38,196 Speaker 4: You, you know you never need to feel lonely. When 146 00:13:38,316 --> 00:13:42,236 Speaker 4: God is for you, you know no one can be 147 00:13:42,316 --> 00:13:48,916 Speaker 4: against you. As you continue your walk, the shrubs and 148 00:13:49,076 --> 00:13:54,676 Speaker 4: desert grasses brush your legs. The wind blows softly on 149 00:13:54,756 --> 00:14:03,316 Speaker 4: your face, cooling you down. It's so peaceful here. Soon 150 00:14:04,076 --> 00:14:07,756 Speaker 4: you find a quiet spot on the outskirts of the 151 00:14:07,836 --> 00:14:12,076 Speaker 4: village and sit down on a soft patch of grass. 152 00:14:13,596 --> 00:14:19,036 Speaker 4: The night sky begins to reveal its stars, each one 153 00:14:19,676 --> 00:14:25,516 Speaker 4: a reminder of the infinite wisdom and love of the Creator. 154 00:14:28,596 --> 00:14:32,556 Speaker 4: As you gaze at the stars, you recall the words 155 00:14:32,596 --> 00:14:39,076 Speaker 4: of Mica sex eight. He has shown you on mortal 156 00:14:39,836 --> 00:14:44,116 Speaker 4: what is good and what does the Lord require of you? 157 00:14:45,396 --> 00:14:51,396 Speaker 4: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk 158 00:14:51,596 --> 00:15:00,116 Speaker 4: humbly with your God. In this moment of stillness. Let 159 00:15:00,156 --> 00:15:09,756 Speaker 4: these words resonate deeply within. Imagine the light of justice 160 00:15:10,476 --> 00:15:15,636 Speaker 4: shining from your heart, illuminating the past before you with 161 00:15:15,876 --> 00:15:25,836 Speaker 4: fairness and integrity. See the gentle stream of mercy flowing 162 00:15:25,876 --> 00:15:31,316 Speaker 4: from your soul, nurturing and healing those around you with 163 00:15:31,516 --> 00:15:40,436 Speaker 4: compassion and grace. Feel the humble steps you take, guided 164 00:15:40,636 --> 00:15:44,956 Speaker 4: by the hand of God, leading you on a journey 165 00:15:44,996 --> 00:15:52,756 Speaker 4: of purpose and peace. As you sit in this tranquil space, 166 00:15:53,636 --> 00:15:57,556 Speaker 4: you can almost imagine the presence of Mica beside you, 167 00:15:58,836 --> 00:16:03,516 Speaker 4: as though he is offering as wisdom and encouragement, just 168 00:16:03,716 --> 00:16:11,036 Speaker 4: as you've learned. You in vision that he speaks softly, 169 00:16:11,996 --> 00:16:16,476 Speaker 4: reminding you that even in times of difficulty and opposition, 170 00:16:17,396 --> 00:16:24,236 Speaker 4: you are never alone. God's love and guidance are always 171 00:16:24,316 --> 00:16:29,236 Speaker 4: with you, lighting your way and filling your heart with 172 00:16:29,476 --> 00:16:38,356 Speaker 4: strength and hope. Gradually, the village around you begins to 173 00:16:38,396 --> 00:16:45,076 Speaker 4: go quiet. The sounds of evening prayers and soft lullabies 174 00:16:45,596 --> 00:16:51,116 Speaker 4: fill the air, creating a soothing melody that lulls you 175 00:16:51,436 --> 00:16:59,156 Speaker 4: into a state of deep relaxation. You lie back on 176 00:16:59,196 --> 00:17:06,236 Speaker 4: the grass, feeling the earth cradle you gently. The stars 177 00:17:06,276 --> 00:17:12,596 Speaker 4: above shine brightly, each one a beacon of divine love 178 00:17:12,716 --> 00:17:19,996 Speaker 4: and protection. You realize that you've reached the village in 179 00:17:20,076 --> 00:17:24,716 Speaker 4: time for dinner. As the daylight fades and the night 180 00:17:24,836 --> 00:17:33,396 Speaker 4: lights start to glow, you find a narrow but well worn, 181 00:17:34,116 --> 00:17:38,396 Speaker 4: dusty pie to the center of this small, ancient village. 182 00:17:39,756 --> 00:17:43,356 Speaker 4: Perhaps it's the path that the shepherds use to take 183 00:17:43,396 --> 00:17:50,036 Speaker 4: the sheep to the pasture. When you enter the town, 184 00:17:50,956 --> 00:17:55,316 Speaker 4: the townsfolk are packing up for the day. The builders 185 00:17:55,316 --> 00:18:00,316 Speaker 4: and craftsmen are sweeping their workshop floors of all the 186 00:18:00,396 --> 00:18:06,236 Speaker 4: wood filings and sawdust. The merchants and shopkeepers are folding 187 00:18:06,276 --> 00:18:10,396 Speaker 4: up their wares in bundles and getting ready to shut 188 00:18:10,476 --> 00:18:16,756 Speaker 4: up shop. Everyone seems glad the day is done and 189 00:18:16,796 --> 00:18:20,116 Speaker 4: the night has come so they can go home to 190 00:18:20,156 --> 00:18:23,396 Speaker 4: their spouses and children and enjoy. 191 00:18:23,156 --> 00:18:24,396 Speaker 5: The evening meal together. 192 00:18:27,396 --> 00:18:31,196 Speaker 4: You have always enjoyed the simple pleasure of people watching, 193 00:18:32,556 --> 00:18:35,956 Speaker 4: so while there is still a b of light, you 194 00:18:36,036 --> 00:18:39,036 Speaker 4: can sit at the watering well in the town center 195 00:18:39,836 --> 00:18:43,516 Speaker 4: and observe the coming and goings of the townsfolk for 196 00:18:43,556 --> 00:18:50,316 Speaker 4: a while. You are glad you chose the seat here 197 00:18:50,356 --> 00:18:54,036 Speaker 4: at the well, because you remember how parched you are 198 00:18:54,156 --> 00:18:59,676 Speaker 4: for a drink. A few of the women are coming 199 00:18:59,716 --> 00:19:02,556 Speaker 4: at the cool of the day to collect water for 200 00:19:02,636 --> 00:19:07,796 Speaker 4: their dinner and for bathing. They smile and greet you 201 00:19:08,396 --> 00:19:11,996 Speaker 4: as they lower their vessels into the well and draw 202 00:19:12,036 --> 00:19:18,716 Speaker 4: them back up, overflowing with fresh, glistening water. They head 203 00:19:18,796 --> 00:19:26,756 Speaker 4: back to their homes by lamplight and candlelight. One very 204 00:19:26,916 --> 00:19:30,716 Speaker 4: kind young woman approaches the well to fill up her 205 00:19:30,836 --> 00:19:35,116 Speaker 4: clay jar. She offers to get some warm water for 206 00:19:35,276 --> 00:19:38,156 Speaker 4: you in the jar so that you can drink from it. 207 00:19:39,316 --> 00:19:43,396 Speaker 4: You gladly accept, and she helps you fill up your 208 00:19:43,396 --> 00:19:50,076 Speaker 4: goat skin with water. You drank, and drank and drank 209 00:19:50,916 --> 00:19:56,076 Speaker 4: until your thirst is fully quenched. You were so thirsty, 210 00:19:56,796 --> 00:20:00,036 Speaker 4: and you don't know if water has ever tasted sweeter. 211 00:20:02,556 --> 00:20:07,076 Speaker 4: You thank this lady very kindly. She remarks that your 212 00:20:07,156 --> 00:20:11,556 Speaker 4: accent and unusual garments show that you are clearly not 213 00:20:11,636 --> 00:20:18,396 Speaker 4: from around these parts. Yes, that's correct, you say. You 214 00:20:18,476 --> 00:20:21,676 Speaker 4: tell her that you have traveled many times over two 215 00:20:21,716 --> 00:20:25,836 Speaker 4: weeks to visit the village where the prophet Micah once lived, 216 00:20:26,756 --> 00:20:29,956 Speaker 4: and you are curious to know more about him and 217 00:20:30,076 --> 00:20:36,876 Speaker 4: where he came from. Perhaps it's the glow of the 218 00:20:36,916 --> 00:20:41,356 Speaker 4: town's lamplight, but you can tell her face as beaming 219 00:20:41,476 --> 00:20:45,236 Speaker 4: with delight. As you explain the reason for your trap, 220 00:20:46,196 --> 00:20:49,476 Speaker 4: she insists that you come to her house and meet 221 00:20:49,516 --> 00:20:57,236 Speaker 4: her family, since she is the granddaughter of Micah. You 222 00:20:57,356 --> 00:21:01,636 Speaker 4: didn't have any real plans upon reaching the town, except 223 00:21:01,836 --> 00:21:04,476 Speaker 4: a vague idea of booking a room at an inn, 224 00:21:05,316 --> 00:21:10,556 Speaker 4: but this seems much better. You grab your small travel 225 00:21:10,636 --> 00:21:15,236 Speaker 4: bag of belongings and follow her through the cobbled streets 226 00:21:15,396 --> 00:21:25,316 Speaker 4: illuminated by moonlight, starlight, and candlelight. As you walk with her, 227 00:21:26,156 --> 00:21:30,236 Speaker 4: she tells you about the town and its folk. The 228 00:21:30,356 --> 00:21:36,276 Speaker 4: people here live simple lives, closely connected to the rhythms 229 00:21:36,356 --> 00:21:43,356 Speaker 4: of the earth and the teachings of their faith. She 230 00:21:43,556 --> 00:21:47,756 Speaker 4: tells you what a profound impact her grandfather, Micah had 231 00:21:47,796 --> 00:21:52,996 Speaker 4: on the town. He was disliked by many people he 232 00:21:53,076 --> 00:21:58,796 Speaker 4: prophesied over because the Lord's judgments against them were so serious, 233 00:21:59,796 --> 00:22:04,396 Speaker 4: but she tells you that his local townsfolk came to 234 00:22:04,596 --> 00:22:09,276 Speaker 4: deeply love him. He was judged at times, but when 235 00:22:09,316 --> 00:22:12,476 Speaker 4: the people saw that what the Lord had spoken through 236 00:22:12,556 --> 00:22:17,596 Speaker 4: him was actually coming true, they had to concede. He 237 00:22:17,636 --> 00:22:21,636 Speaker 4: was a genuine prophet, one who had truly heard from 238 00:22:21,676 --> 00:22:26,956 Speaker 4: the Lord and spoke out faithfully. No matter who reviled 239 00:22:27,036 --> 00:22:35,076 Speaker 4: or rejected him. You listen attentively and not your head. 240 00:22:36,396 --> 00:22:42,636 Speaker 4: That's what you've heard too. Micah faced much opposition, even 241 00:22:42,756 --> 00:22:48,236 Speaker 4: from his own people. But now you see children playing 242 00:22:48,276 --> 00:22:52,276 Speaker 4: at the doorsteps by the light of their houses, elders 243 00:22:52,436 --> 00:22:59,036 Speaker 4: sharing stories, and families gathering for evening prayers. This village 244 00:22:59,076 --> 00:23:06,716 Speaker 4: embodies the values that Micah championed, community, justice, and reverence 245 00:23:06,796 --> 00:23:13,396 Speaker 4: for God. They made a choice and believed what God 246 00:23:13,436 --> 00:23:17,556 Speaker 4: had said through Micah, and they turned from their wicked 247 00:23:17,556 --> 00:23:25,116 Speaker 4: ways and obeyed God. Shortly you reach an old wooden 248 00:23:25,196 --> 00:23:32,236 Speaker 4: door in a small clay house. The woman opens the door, saying, Chalom, 249 00:23:32,956 --> 00:23:38,876 Speaker 4: it's just me father, and I've brought a guest. Soon, 250 00:23:39,316 --> 00:23:43,796 Speaker 4: four or five young children and teenagers, presumably this young 251 00:23:43,876 --> 00:23:48,156 Speaker 4: lady's siblings, run up to her and greet her with 252 00:23:48,276 --> 00:23:52,876 Speaker 4: a hubbub of noise and questions. They are curious to 253 00:23:52,916 --> 00:23:57,276 Speaker 4: see who this unannounced visitor is this late in the day. 254 00:23:58,556 --> 00:24:05,316 Speaker 4: She laughs and introduces you to the family. Soon, an 255 00:24:05,396 --> 00:24:08,676 Speaker 4: older man comes out of a side room and his 256 00:24:08,836 --> 00:24:16,596 Speaker 4: wife emerges from the kitchen. They greet you warmly with 257 00:24:16,796 --> 00:24:22,796 Speaker 4: beaming smiles and invite you in for dinner. Shane is 258 00:24:22,836 --> 00:24:26,156 Speaker 4: a good daughter. Her father tells you of a dinner, 259 00:24:26,916 --> 00:24:31,556 Speaker 4: It's wonderful to have you as an unexpected guest, especially 260 00:24:31,636 --> 00:24:35,516 Speaker 4: knowing you have journeyed all this way to know about 261 00:24:35,556 --> 00:24:41,156 Speaker 4: my father Micah. In fact, let us begin this meal 262 00:24:41,636 --> 00:24:44,596 Speaker 4: with the prayer he used to say over dinner when 263 00:24:44,636 --> 00:24:51,276 Speaker 4: I was a child, with what shall I come before 264 00:24:51,316 --> 00:24:57,076 Speaker 4: the Lord and bow down before the Exalted God? Shall 265 00:24:57,116 --> 00:25:01,276 Speaker 4: I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a 266 00:25:01,396 --> 00:25:06,396 Speaker 4: year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, 267 00:25:06,916 --> 00:25:11,716 Speaker 4: with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer 268 00:25:11,796 --> 00:25:15,996 Speaker 4: my first born for my transgression, the fruit of my 269 00:25:16,156 --> 00:25:22,556 Speaker 4: body for the sin of my soul. He has shown you, immortal, 270 00:25:23,356 --> 00:25:27,756 Speaker 4: what is good and what does the Lord require of you? 271 00:25:28,956 --> 00:25:34,596 Speaker 4: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk 272 00:25:35,036 --> 00:25:36,756 Speaker 4: humbly with your God. 273 00:25:38,036 --> 00:25:44,356 Speaker 5: Amen? You all echo Amen. 274 00:25:45,236 --> 00:25:49,516 Speaker 4: As the family laughs and chats merrily over dinner, You 275 00:25:49,636 --> 00:25:52,596 Speaker 4: really think over the words of Micah that the Father 276 00:25:52,676 --> 00:25:59,196 Speaker 4: has just quoted. You close your eyes and let the 277 00:25:59,276 --> 00:26:03,356 Speaker 4: teachings of Micah and the peace of this ancient land 278 00:26:04,036 --> 00:26:07,876 Speaker 4: envelop you as you feel the assurance that comes from 279 00:26:07,956 --> 00:26:17,916 Speaker 4: living a life aligned with justice, mercy, and humility. Sitting 280 00:26:17,956 --> 00:26:21,956 Speaker 4: here at this table, you glimpse what the Lord God 281 00:26:22,036 --> 00:26:26,476 Speaker 4: of Israel wanted for his people. He didn't want to 282 00:26:26,516 --> 00:26:30,156 Speaker 4: diminish their sense of fun. He wasn't telling them to 283 00:26:30,236 --> 00:26:35,436 Speaker 4: stop sinning or worshiping idols to take away their enjoyment. No, 284 00:26:36,316 --> 00:26:42,196 Speaker 4: he knew that that would destroy them very quickly. He 285 00:26:42,356 --> 00:26:47,596 Speaker 4: wanted what was good for his children, so he chose Mica, 286 00:26:48,436 --> 00:26:54,356 Speaker 4: a man of great integrity, tenacity, and faith, who cared 287 00:26:54,396 --> 00:26:58,996 Speaker 4: about what the immortal creator wanted more than the judgments 288 00:26:59,036 --> 00:27:06,116 Speaker 4: of mortal man. And now you can see his family 289 00:27:06,556 --> 00:27:12,036 Speaker 4: with your very own eyes, living a simple, but vibrant. 290 00:27:11,476 --> 00:27:13,356 Speaker 2: And happy life. 291 00:27:13,636 --> 00:27:17,436 Speaker 4: They are not rich materially, but they are rich with 292 00:27:17,676 --> 00:27:25,036 Speaker 4: joy and peace and serenity. Even sitting here among them, 293 00:27:25,716 --> 00:27:30,556 Speaker 4: your beginning to know what is good, what is God's 294 00:27:30,716 --> 00:27:35,716 Speaker 4: good will for you and all his people. That's why 295 00:27:35,756 --> 00:27:39,356 Speaker 4: you came here, not just to know it in your head, 296 00:27:39,996 --> 00:27:47,956 Speaker 4: but to feel it, see it, and experience it. It 297 00:27:47,996 --> 00:27:52,796 Speaker 4: is more humbling than you imagined, but that is exactly 298 00:27:52,836 --> 00:27:58,036 Speaker 4: what God said. To act justly and to love mercy, 299 00:27:58,876 --> 00:28:03,916 Speaker 4: and to walk humbly with your God. You see that 300 00:28:04,036 --> 00:28:07,236 Speaker 4: all those at this meal are kind to each other 301 00:28:07,756 --> 00:28:11,796 Speaker 4: and to you. Merciful and kind. 302 00:28:14,596 --> 00:28:16,076 Speaker 5: They have not only. 303 00:28:15,836 --> 00:28:19,076 Speaker 4: Been just to you, but they have also gone the 304 00:28:19,156 --> 00:28:23,636 Speaker 4: extra mile and have been generous more than you deserve. 305 00:28:26,796 --> 00:28:30,556 Speaker 4: And by their actions and conversations around this dinner table, 306 00:28:31,276 --> 00:28:32,916 Speaker 4: they clearly all know the. 307 00:28:32,916 --> 00:28:35,116 Speaker 5: Lord and are walking with them. 308 00:28:35,956 --> 00:28:39,156 Speaker 4: Even though they are at different stages of their faith journeys, 309 00:28:40,276 --> 00:28:49,516 Speaker 4: they are growing along God's lines and flourishing as a result. Presently, 310 00:28:50,196 --> 00:28:54,116 Speaker 4: Shana offers you some bread and asks you exactly what 311 00:28:54,156 --> 00:28:58,356 Speaker 4: you want to know about her grandfather Micah. You tell 312 00:28:58,396 --> 00:29:01,836 Speaker 4: her that you would love to know anything what he 313 00:29:01,956 --> 00:29:05,836 Speaker 4: was like, any wisdom that he used to share anything 314 00:29:05,876 --> 00:29:11,196 Speaker 4: at all about his life. She and the family share 315 00:29:11,316 --> 00:29:15,356 Speaker 4: all sorts of anecdotes about Micah. The time he spent 316 00:29:15,436 --> 00:29:21,436 Speaker 4: walking the hillsides the very hellside you rested on praying 317 00:29:21,676 --> 00:29:26,556 Speaker 4: and praying for hours every day, and not just praying, 318 00:29:27,196 --> 00:29:31,796 Speaker 4: but listening to the Lord, opening up his heart to 319 00:29:31,996 --> 00:29:38,756 Speaker 4: hear from God. They tell how he could hear the 320 00:29:38,836 --> 00:29:43,436 Speaker 4: audible voice of God and every word ended up being 321 00:29:43,556 --> 00:29:49,436 Speaker 4: proven faithful and true. They also share that he had 322 00:29:49,436 --> 00:29:52,756 Speaker 4: a wonderful sense of humor and it helped him get 323 00:29:52,796 --> 00:29:56,116 Speaker 4: through a lot of the anger and opposiession he faced. 324 00:29:57,916 --> 00:29:59,956 Speaker 5: Many people thought he was always. 325 00:29:59,636 --> 00:30:03,556 Speaker 4: Giving negative prophecies and must be a negative kind of man, 326 00:30:04,436 --> 00:30:07,876 Speaker 4: But that could not be further from the truth. He 327 00:30:07,916 --> 00:30:14,476 Speaker 4: was a very joyful and vibrant man. As you hear 328 00:30:14,556 --> 00:30:19,116 Speaker 4: the family waxing lyrical about Micah, you close your eyes 329 00:30:19,196 --> 00:30:25,996 Speaker 4: again and linger on that phrase to act justly, and 330 00:30:26,076 --> 00:30:31,396 Speaker 4: to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. 331 00:30:33,316 --> 00:30:36,636 Speaker 4: You have a deep knowledge that you are cherished, you 332 00:30:36,716 --> 00:30:45,076 Speaker 4: are guided, and you are loved. Precious listener, May you 333 00:30:45,116 --> 00:30:50,156 Speaker 4: know very deeply in your soul that you too are cherished, 334 00:30:50,876 --> 00:30:57,276 Speaker 4: guided and loved, and you are walking with God now 335 00:30:57,716 --> 00:30:58,396 Speaker 4: and forever. 336 00:30:59,756 --> 00:31:02,356 Speaker 2: You are never alone. 337 00:31:02,756 --> 00:31:07,036 Speaker 4: May you sink into deeper sleep now and feel His 338 00:31:07,316 --> 00:31:14,676 Speaker 4: love all over you as you dream. Let me pray 339 00:31:14,756 --> 00:31:20,876 Speaker 4: for you one more time, Oh dear heavenly Father. As 340 00:31:20,916 --> 00:31:25,596 Speaker 4: this child lies down to rest, they seek your presence, 341 00:31:26,196 --> 00:31:27,556 Speaker 4: your comfort. 342 00:31:27,676 --> 00:31:28,476 Speaker 5: And your peace. 343 00:31:30,076 --> 00:31:33,956 Speaker 4: Just as you guided the prophet Micah. Guide this listener 344 00:31:34,036 --> 00:31:38,556 Speaker 4: with your wisdom and love. Help them embody the values 345 00:31:38,996 --> 00:31:43,756 Speaker 4: of justice, mercy, and humility. 346 00:31:43,596 --> 00:31:45,356 Speaker 2: In daily life. 347 00:31:45,836 --> 00:31:49,436 Speaker 4: Fill their heart with your peace, Lord, as they release 348 00:31:49,556 --> 00:31:54,676 Speaker 4: the worries and stresses of the day surround them with 349 00:31:54,716 --> 00:32:00,796 Speaker 4: your protection, guarding their thoughts and dreams. Let your love 350 00:32:00,876 --> 00:32:06,236 Speaker 4: be the blanket that covers them, providing warmth and security 351 00:32:06,316 --> 00:32:11,716 Speaker 4: through the night. Thank you Lord for your endless love 352 00:32:11,756 --> 00:32:19,916 Speaker 4: and guidance. And Jesus Name, Amen, dear one, Make God's 353 00:32:19,956 --> 00:32:25,396 Speaker 4: divine presence bring you a RESTful sleep, renewing your spirit 354 00:32:25,916 --> 00:32:27,396 Speaker 4: and refreshing your mind. 355 00:32:28,636 --> 00:32:29,836 Speaker 5: May His Holy. 356 00:32:29,596 --> 00:32:34,076 Speaker 4: Spirit help you wake with a heart filled with gratitude, 357 00:32:35,076 --> 00:32:39,476 Speaker 4: ready to walk in His ways and fulfill his good purpose. 358 00:32:41,036 --> 00:32:44,436 Speaker 4: May you have a deep awareness that you are resting 359 00:32:44,476 --> 00:32:50,636 Speaker 4: in God's care always, and as you walk through each day, 360 00:32:51,676 --> 00:32:57,156 Speaker 4: you walk with the Lord until next time. May you 361 00:32:57,436 --> 00:33:03,276 Speaker 4: live and whate is God, and act justly and love mercy, 362 00:33:04,356 --> 00:33:37,316 Speaker 4: and walk humbly with your God.