Afternoon Devotion
January 17, 2021
Afternoon Bible Verse
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Afternoon Bible Study
In the last twenty years, technology has changed the world dramatically. In 2022, we have an interconnected planet thanks to the Internet, self-driving cars, smart homes with doorbells that can videotape visitors, and smartphones that put the entire world in the palm of our hands.
Another change is the growing worldwide population: There are almost 2 billion more people on the planet than there were in 1998. We've had to accept that change is part of every area of our lives.
But this afternoon's verse reminds us that Jesus does not change—He is always the same. He never has changed and He never will. That is an immense comfort, because when everything around us is moving lightning-fast, and change is constant, we can rest in the fact that our relationship with Jesus is stable.
Another change is the growing worldwide population: There are almost 2 billion more people on the planet than there were in 1998. We've had to accept that change is part of every area of our lives.
But this afternoon's verse reminds us that Jesus does not change—He is always the same. He never has changed and He never will. That is an immense comfort, because when everything around us is moving lightning-fast, and change is constant, we can rest in the fact that our relationship with Jesus is stable.
God knows everything about us, including our fears and concerns. When we wonder what the future looks like for our families or whether our job will be around ten years from now, we can place our trust in God because He already knows what will happen. And because He doesn't change, we know that He will always be with us through every change in our lives.
Undoubtedly, in the coming years our world will continue to change. But that change doesn't affect God, and it doesn't catch Him off guard. We can trust that God is still in charge, and whatever may occur, we can rely on Him.
Undoubtedly, in the coming years our world will continue to change. But that change doesn't affect God, and it doesn't catch Him off guard. We can trust that God is still in charge, and whatever may occur, we can rely on Him.
Afternoon Prayer
Jesus, I'm so glad that you never change. You have been so faithful to me for my entire life, whether I've realized it or not. I am so grateful that I can depend on you, even in the times when I haven't been faithful to you. When I feel overwhelmed by all the change that happens in my home or workplace, remind me, Jesus, that you are stable and unchanging. In your name, amen.
If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.
-C.S. Lewis
God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas but for scars.
-Elbert Hubbard
The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.
-C.S. Lewis
If you want to know what God thinks of money, just look at the people he gave it to.
-Dorothy Parker
Yesterday's Devotional
January 16, 2021
Yesterday's Afternoon Bible Verse
Revelation 21:4
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Yesterday's Afternoon Bible Study
At the beginning of a new year, people often have high expectations that the coming year will be better than the last. They make New Year's resolutions, setting ambitious goals to push toward the desired result. Yet research has shown that by the end of January, most of us have given up. Then we end up disappointed and discouraged because changes didn't happen, and we are left in the same situation as the previous year.
Life tends to be a series of ups and downs. One day we are living with hope and expectation, and the next day things don't look so great. For believers, we know that our life on Earth is a short prequel to eternity with Jesus.
Life tends to be a series of ups and downs. One day we are living with hope and expectation, and the next day things don't look so great. For believers, we know that our life on Earth is a short prequel to eternity with Jesus.
In the Book of Revelation, we read about a time when we will no longer feel sadness or sorrow. This afternoon's verse says that "the former things are passed away," which refers to everything that is happening before we enter into eternity.
This blessed hope helps us stay focused on a future that will be free from pain. For now, we must remain close to God in our souls until our souls are reunited with Him.
If we abandon our New Year's resolutions, that's okay. Ultimately, we should focus our hearts and minds on living in a way that honors God on Earth before we are together with Him in Heaven.
This blessed hope helps us stay focused on a future that will be free from pain. For now, we must remain close to God in our souls until our souls are reunited with Him.
If we abandon our New Year's resolutions, that's okay. Ultimately, we should focus our hearts and minds on living in a way that honors God on Earth before we are together with Him in Heaven.
Yesterday's Afternoon Prayer
God, I long for the day when the cares of this world no longer affect me. You see every tear I have cried, and the times my heart has felt the sting of death. For now, I pray that you will give me peace and help me endure whatever comes my way. Someday, I will see you face to face. Until then, I will live with the hope you have given to me. In Jesus' name, amen.