Afternoon Devotion
January 28, 2021
Afternoon Bible Verse
Romans 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Afternoon Bible Study
Beach enthusiasts love the sound of the water and the feeling of sand under their feet. On a beautiful day, there's nothing better than seeing a colorful sunset over the ocean.
For those who enjoy swimming in the water, they know the danger of riptides for inexperienced swimmers. Riptides, also called rip currents, are narrow bands of water. They can be very dangerous, and how you react when you encounter one makes all the difference.
When a swimmer gets caught in a riptide, the current pulls the person away from shore and further out into deeper water. By remaining calm, you can easily escape—but panicking can lead to drowning.
For those who enjoy swimming in the water, they know the danger of riptides for inexperienced swimmers. Riptides, also called rip currents, are narrow bands of water. They can be very dangerous, and how you react when you encounter one makes all the difference.
When a swimmer gets caught in a riptide, the current pulls the person away from shore and further out into deeper water. By remaining calm, you can easily escape—but panicking can lead to drowning.
Before coming to Christ, we were living in a figurative riptide. We were stuck in a place where we were drowning in our sin, unaware of any way to escape. Eventually, it would lead to our spiritual death. But God offered us a lifeline, an escape from sinful living.
When we confess our need for a Savior, believe who Jesus is, what He accomplished on the cross, and that He rose again, we can swim out of that dangerous way of living and into the perfect peace that God offers us. When we follow Jesus, the waves of life may be churning all around us, but He can calm our spirit and give us hope.
There is no reason for us to drown in our sin—we have been given a Savior. The choice is ours to make.
When we confess our need for a Savior, believe who Jesus is, what He accomplished on the cross, and that He rose again, we can swim out of that dangerous way of living and into the perfect peace that God offers us. When we follow Jesus, the waves of life may be churning all around us, but He can calm our spirit and give us hope.
There is no reason for us to drown in our sin—we have been given a Savior. The choice is ours to make.
Afternoon Prayer
Jesus, thank you for providing a way for me to escape from spiritual death. You have given me a gift that is beyond my comprehension. Your peace calms my heart even amidst thrashing waves that hit hard against me. You are always with me, providing a safe way for me to escape. Jesus, help me to be aware of those around me who are drowning and need you. I am forever grateful for your gift of salvation. 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 27, 2021
Yesterday's Afternoon Bible Verse
Mark 10:45
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Yesterday's Afternoon Bible Study
Jesus was the perfect example of how to live selflessly. Throughout Scripture we see numerous examples of Him serving the needs of others. He went out of His way to talk to people whom everyone else avoided. He healed people of diseases and showed compassion to the needy.
Do we live a life that could be considered selfless? It's important as followers of Jesus that our life looks different from the rest of the world that doesn't serve God.
As difficult as it can sometimes be, we should always consider the needs of others. We remember how we felt as children when someone else got the last cookie or piece of cake. It was disappointing. We thought life wasn't fair! As adults, we should live in a way that makes us willing to share our last cookie, or be willing to give someone else the coat off our backs.
Do we live a life that could be considered selfless? It's important as followers of Jesus that our life looks different from the rest of the world that doesn't serve God.
As difficult as it can sometimes be, we should always consider the needs of others. We remember how we felt as children when someone else got the last cookie or piece of cake. It was disappointing. We thought life wasn't fair! As adults, we should live in a way that makes us willing to share our last cookie, or be willing to give someone else the coat off our backs.
We should be generous in how we serve other people. Instead of doing the minimum of what we think God wants of us, we should do more, without hesitation.
And we should be joyful when we serve others. There is no point in being selfless as a follower of Jesus if we do it begrudgingly. It should bring us joy to share God's love.
Jesus set the ultimate example of selflessness. With His help, we can also serve others in a way that honors God.
And we should be joyful when we serve others. There is no point in being selfless as a follower of Jesus if we do it begrudgingly. It should bring us joy to share God's love.
Jesus set the ultimate example of selflessness. With His help, we can also serve others in a way that honors God.
Yesterday's Afternoon Prayer
God, every day I'm presented with opportunities to serve you. My prayer is that I would serve others with a selfless heart. Help me to put the needs of others before my own. I want to be generous and giving in how I serve. Let me be an example of serving others with joy that encourages other believers to do the same. Give me the confidence I need to be willing to live out my faith by serving your people. In Jesus' name, amen.