Revelation 4 & Psalms 119

Welcome to Bible at Bedtime, a podcast where I, Amber Lawton, read Bible passages to help you fall asleep. As many of you know, I started this podcast as a way to help others because I myself had trouble falling asleep. You can use this time to relax, to unwind, to use as a daily meditation. However you choose, just know that the Lord wants for you to find rest and peace and his presence. Before we begin, just a few things I'd like to share with you, my listeners. You can interact with me through this episode. You can also find Bible at Bedtime on Instagram. If you have any suggestions for scriptures that you like, feel free to send me a message. I enjoy reading passages in different versions of the Bible. One thing I can rely on is that God's word is always true. So now, let's go ahead and listen to our sponsor, and then we will get started. and now for tonight's episode I will begin with Revelation 4 and as I read I will continue on to a psalm which seems to be the favorite of you all out there the reason I chose Revelation 4 is because one of my listeners suggested it when I asked the question on Instagram. Ruth, if you're out there, thank you for the suggestion. Alright, let's go ahead and begin. Before I begin reading the passages, I'd like for you to find a comfortable place to relax. Allow your body to sink into the bed or chair, wherever you're choosing to do this. Taking in a deep breath, allowing yourself to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. it. Now, as you breathe out, breathe out the worries and the stress of the day. As you breathe in, breathe in again. As you take in the peace that surpasses all understanding, feel joy as it reaches every joint and muscle in your body and love as you know that the Lord is with you in every moment Lord, we thank you for this time we ask that you be with us as we meditate on your word we give over our dreams our thoughts our meditations to you Lord we cast every care every care from the day every care from life every care that overwhelms us or consumes us on you. We will stay here in this moment. Be still and know that you are God. We love you. And we receive all that you have for us. Let our ways be committed to you. In Jesus' name, amen. Revelation 4 in the Passion Translation. Then, suddenly, after I wrote down these messages, I saw a portal open into the heavenly realm and the same trumpet voice I heard speaking with me at the beginning said ascend into this realm I want to reveal to you what must happen after this. Instantly, I was taken into the spirit realm. and behold, I saw a heavenly throne being set in place and someone seated upon it. His appearance was sparkling like crystal and glowing like a carnelian gemstone. surrounding the throne was a circle of green light like an emerald rainbow encircling the great throne were 24 thrones with elders in glistening white garments seated upon them, each wearing a golden crown of victory. And pulsing from the throne were blinding flashes of lightning, crashes of thunder and voices. And burning before the throne were seven blazing torches, which represent the seven spirits of God. And in front of the throne there was pavement like a crystal sea of glass. Lord how beautiful is your throne help us to see it just the way the author has written here give us vision to see you in all of your glory Around the throne and on each side stood four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind. The first living creature resembled a lion The second an ox The third had a human face And the fourth was like an eagle in flight Each of the four living creatures had six wings full of eyes all around and under their wings. They worshipped without ceasing, day and night. Singing, holy, holy, holy is the Lord God. the Almighty. He was, who is, and the coming. And whenever the living creatures gave glory, honor, and thanks to the one who is enthroned and who lives forever and ever. The 24 elders fell face down before the one seated on the throne. and they worshiped the one who lives forever and ever and they surrendered their crowns before the throne singing you are worthy our Lord and God to receive glory honor and power for you created all things and for your pleasure they were created and exist Lord, we sing along with those who surrendered their crowns before the throne. we worship you forever for you Lord are worthy you are our Lord and our God all glory honor power praise belongs to you you created all things including us for your pleasure We honor you You are worthy, Lord. You are so worthy. We lift you up, even in our sleep time, and give you praise. and now if you are not yet asleep here is Psalms 119 in the Passion Translation at a future date I will read this in the NIV version as well. But for tonight's episode, we'll keep everything in the same tone and expression. Psalms 119 You're only truly happy when you walk in total integrity. Walking in the light of God's word. What joy overwhelms everyone who keeps the ways of God? Those who seek him as their heart's passion. They'll never do what's wrong, but will always choose the paths of the Lord. God has prescribed the right way to live obeying his laws with all our hearts how I long for my life to bring you glory as I follow each and every one of your holy precepts then I'll never be ashamed for I take strength from all your commandments I will give my thanks to you from a heart of love and truth and every time I learn more of your righteous judgments I will be faithful to all that your word reveals. So don't ever give up on me. True joy. How can a young man stay pure? only by living in the word of God and walking in its truth. I have longed for you with the passion of my heart. Don't let me stray from your directions. I consider your word to be my greatest treasure. and I treasure it in my heart to keep me from committing sins, treason against you. My wonderful God, you are to be praised above all. Teach me the power of your decrees. I speak continually of your laws as I recite out loud your counsel to me I find more joy in following what you tell me to do than in chasing after all the wealth of the world I set my heart on your precepts and pay close attention to all your ways my delight is found in all your laws and I won't forget to walk in your words the abundant life let me your servant walk in abundance of life that I may always live to obey your truth open my eyes to see the miracle wonders hidden in scripture my life on earth is so brief so tutor me in the ways of your wisdom I am continually consumed by these irresistible longings these cravings to obey your every commandment your displeasure rests with those who are arrogant who think they know everything. You rebuke the rebellious who refuse your laws. Don't let them mock and scorn me for obeying you. For even if the princes and my leaders choose to criticize me, I will continue to serve you and walk in your plans for my life. Your commandments are my counselors. Your word is my light and delight. Revived by the word. Lord, I'm fading away. I'm discouraged and lying in the dust. revive me by your word just like you promised you would I've poured out my life before you and you've always been there for me so now I ask teach me more of your holy decrees open up my understanding to the ways of your wisdom and I will meditate deeply on your splendor and your wonders my life's strength melts away with grief and sadness come strengthen me and encourage me with your words keep me far away from what is false give me grace to stay true to your laws I've chosen to obey your truth and walk in the splendor light of all that you teach me. Lord, don't allow me to make a mess of my life. for I cling to your commands and follow them as closely as I can. I will run after you with delight in my heart for you will make me obedient to your instructions. Give me revelation about the meaning of your ways so I can enjoy the reward of following them fully. give me an understanding heart so that I can passionately know and obey your truth guide me into the paths that please you for I take delight in all that you say cause my heart to bow before your words of wisdom and not to the wealth of this world help me turn my eyes away from illusions so that I pursue only that which is true drench my soul with life as I walk in your paths reassure me of your promises for I am your beloved your servant who bows before you defend me from the criticism I face for keeping your beautiful words see how I long with cravings for more of your ways let your righteousness revive my spirit trust in the Lord may your tender love overwhelm me oh lord for you are my savior and you keep your promises i'll always have an answer for those who mock me because i trust in your word May I never forget your truth for I rely upon your precepts I will observe your laws every moment of the day and will never forget the words you say I will walk with you in complete freedom For I seek to follow your every command When I stand before kings I will tell them the truth I will never be ashamed My passion and delight is in your word for I love what you say to me I long for more revelation of your truth for I love the light of your word as I meditate on your decrees my comfort Lord, never forget the promises you've made to me for they are my hope and confidence. In all of my affliction, I find great comfort in your promises for they have kept me alive. No matter how bitterly the proud mockers speak against me, I refuse to budge from your precepts. Your revelation light is eternal. I'm encouraged every time I think about your truth. Whenever I see the wicked breaking your laws, I feel horrible. As I journey through life, I put all your statutes to music. they become the theme of my joyous songs throughout the night I think of you dear God I treasure your every word to me all this joy is mine as I follow your ways my heart is devoted to you you are my satisfaction Lord and all that I need so I'm determined to everything you say with all my heart I seek your favor pour out your grace on me as you promised when I realize that I'm going astray I turn back to obey your instructions I give my all to follow your revelation light I will not delay to obey even when temptations encircle me with evil I won't forget for a moment to follow your commands in the middle of the night I awake to give thanks to you because of all your revelation light so right and true anyone who loves you and bows in obedience to your words will be my friend. Give me more revelation of your ways for I see your love and tender care everywhere. My true treasure, your extravagant kindness to me makes me want to follow your words even more. teach me how to make good decisions and give me revelation light for I believe in your commands before I was humbled I used to always wander astray but now I see the wisdom of your words everything you do is beautiful, flowing from your goodness. Teach me the power of your wonderful words. Proud boasters make up lies about me because I am passionate to follow all that you say. Their hearts are dull and void of feelings, but I find my true treasure in your truth. the punishment you brought me through was the best thing that could have happened to me for it taught me your ways the words you speak to me are worth more than all the riches and wealth in the whole world your very hands have held me and made me who i am give me more revelation light so i may learn to please you more may all your devoted lovers see how you treat me and be glad for your words are entwined with my heart Lord, I know that your judgments are always right Even when it's me you judge You're still faithful and true Send your kind mercy kiss to comfort me Your servant, just like you promised you would Love me tenderly so I can go on for I delight in your life-giving truth shame upon the proud liars see how they oppress me all because of my passion for your precepts may all your devoted lovers follow me as I follow the path of your instruction make me passionate and wholehearted to fulfill your every wish so that I'll never have to be ashamed of myself and lovesick with yearnings for more of your salvation for my heart is entwined with your word. I'm consumed with longings for your promises, so I ask, when will they all come true? My soul feels dried and shriveled, useless and forgotten, but I will never forget your living truth, how much longer must I wait until you punish my persecutors? For I am loving your servant. Arrogant men who hate your truth and never obey your laws have laid a trap for my life. they don't know that everything you say is true so they harass me with their lies help me Lord they've nearly destroyed my life but I refuse to yield I still live according to your word revive me with your tender love and spare my life by your kindness and I will continue to obey you. Standing firm in the heavens and fastened to eternity is the word of God. Your faithfulness flows from one generation to the next. All that you created sits firmly in place to testify of you. By your decree, everything stands at attention for all that you have made serves you. Because your words are my deepest delight, I didn't give up when all else was lost. I can never forget the profound revelations you've taught me. They've kept me alive more than once. Lord, I'm all yours. and you are my savior. I have sought to live my life pleasing to you. Even though evil men wait in ambush to kill me, I will set my heart before you to understand more of your ways. I learned that there is nothing perfect in this imperfect world except your words, for they bring such fantastic freedom into my life. Oh, how I love and treasure your law. Throughout the day, I fill my heart with its light. By considering your commands, I have an edge over my enemies for I take seriously everything you say. you have given me more understanding than those who teach me for i have absorbed your eye-opening revelation you have graced me more insight than old sages because i have not failed to walk in the light of your ways i refuse to bend my morals when temptation was before me so that I could become obedient to your word. I refuse to turn away from difficult truths, for you yourself have taught me to love your words. How sweet are your living promises to me. Sweeter than honey is your revelation light, for your truth is the source of my understanding, not the falsehoods of those who don't know you, which I despise. Psalm 119, 105 Truth's shining light guides me in my choices and decisions. The revelation of your word makes my pathway clear. To live my life by your righteous rules has been my holy and lifelong commitment I bruised and broken overwhelmed by it all Breathe life into me again by your living word. Lord, receive my grateful thanks and teach me more of how to please you. Even though my life hangs in the balance, I'll keep following what you've taught me no matter what. The ungodly have done their best to throw me off track, but I'll not deviate from what you've told me to do. Everything you speak to me is like joyous treasure, filling my life with gladness. I have determined in my heart to obey whatever you say fully and forever. I despise those who can't keep commitments, for I passionately love your revelation light. You're my place of quiet retreat, and your wraparound presence becomes my shield as I wrap myself in your word. Go away, leave me, all you workers of wickedness, for you can't stop me from following every command of my God. Lord, strengthen my inner being by the promises of your word so that I may live faithful and unashamed for you. Lift me up and I will be safe. Empower me to live every moment in the light of your ways. Lord, you reject those who reject your laws For they fool no one but themselves The wicked are thrown away Discarded and valueless That's why I will keep loving all of your laws My body trembles in holy awe of you leaving me speechless for I am frightened of your righteous judgments. Don't leave me to the mercies of those who hate me for I love to do what is just and fair. Let me hear your promise of blessing over my life breaking me free from the proud oppressors. As a lovesick lover, I learn for more of your salvation. And for your virtuous promises, let me feel your tender love. For I am yours. Give me more understanding of your wonderful ways. I need more revelation from your word. to know more about you, for I'm in love with you. Lord, the time has come for you to break through. For evil men keep breaking your laws. Truly, your message of truth means more to me than a vault filled with the purest gold. Every word you speak, every truth revealed, is always right and beautiful to me For I hate what is phony or false Your marvelous words are living miracles No wonder I long to obey everything you say Break open your word within me until revelation light shines out. Those with open hearts are given insight into your plans. I open my mouth and inhale the word of God because I crave the revelation of your commands. Turn your heart to me, Lord, and show me your grace like you do to every one of your godly lovers. Prepare before me a path filled with promises and don't allow me even one sin to have dominion over me. Rescue me from the oppression of ungodly men so that I can keep all your precepts. smile on me your loving servant instruct me in what is right in your eyes when i witness the rebellious breaking your laws it makes me weep uncontrollably lord your judgments reveal your righteousness and your verdicts are always fair the motive behind your every word is pure and your teachings are remarkably faithful and true. I've been consumed with a furious passion to do what's right, all because of the way my enemies disrespect your laws. All your promises glow with fire. That's why I'm a lover of your word. even though I'm considered insignificant and despised by the world I'll never abandon your ways your righteousness has no end it is everlasting and your rules are perfectly fair even though my troubles overwhelm me with anguish I still delight and cherish every message you speak to me. Give me more revelation so that I can live for you, for nothing is more pure and eternal than your truth. Save me, God. Answer my passionate prayer, O Lord, and I'll obey everything you say. Save me, God, and I'll follow your every instruction. Before the day dawns, I'll be crying out for help and wrapping your words into my life. I lie awake every night pondering your promises to me. Lord, listen to my heart's cry, for I know your love is real for me. Breathe life into me again by the revelation of your justice. Here they come. These lawless rebels are coming near, but they are all so far away from your laws. God, you are near me always, so close to me. Every one of your commands reveals truth. I've known all along how true and unchanging is every word you speak, established forever. Look upon all my misery, and come be my hero to rescue me. For I will never forget what you've revealed to me. Take my side and defend me in these sufferings. Redeem me and revive me just like you promised you would. The wicked are so far from salvation for they could not care less about your message of truth. your tender mercies are what I need oh God gave me back my life again the revelation of your judgments I have so many enemies who persecute me yet I won't swerve from following your ways I grieve when I see how the faithless ones live they just walk away from your promises Lord see how much I truly love your instructions so in your tender kisses breathe life into me again the sum total of all your words adds up to the absolute truth and every one of your righteous decrees is everlasting the powerful elite have persecuted me without a cause but my heart trembles in awe because of your miracle words your promises are the source of my bubbling joy like the revelation of your word thrills me like one who has discovered hidden treasure i despise every lie and hate every falsehood for i am passionate about keeping your precepts i stop to praise you seven times a day all because your ways are perfect. There is such a great peace and well-being that comes to the lovers of your word and they will never be offended. Lord, I'm longing for more of your salvation for I want to do what pleases you. My love for you and your ways is indescribable. In my innermost being, I want to follow them perfectly. I will keep your instructions and follow your counsel. All my ways are an open book before you. Lord, listen to my prayer. It's like a sacrifice I bring to you. I must have more revelation of your word. Take my words to heart when I ask you, Lord, rescue me just like you promised. I offer you my joyous praise For all that you've taught me Your wonderful words will become my song of worship For everything you've commanded is perfect and true Place your hands of strength and favor upon me For I've made choice to follow your ways I wait for your deliverance, O Lord For your words thrill me like nothing else invigorate my life so that I can praise you even more and may your truth be my strength I'll never forget what you've taught me Lord but when I wander off and lose my way come after me for I am your beloved and that is the end of our scriptures for the evening I hope you have found rest and peace if you made it to the end of this audio you can start over and listen to the passage again for anything that would encourage your heart goodnight