Jul 02 2025

Afternoon Bible Verse

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Afternoon Bible study

In biblical times, mirrors were very different from those we have today. They were polished metal, and while they were typically ornate, they were almost always tarnished. This flaw made it difficult to view one's reflection. People likely had a better chance of discovering what they looked like by asking a friend or family member.

1 Corinthians 13 is often referred to as the Love Chapter. Paul outlines what real love looks like in the light of our Savior's love for us.

Currently, we can only experience a glimpse of the character of God. We see His faithfulness and goodness, but as human beings, we are incapable of knowing God in His fullness. Although we are made in the image of God, a reflection of Him, we can't completely understand what that means until we see God face to face.

Most of us have experienced times when we walked past a mirror and at first didn't recognize our reflection. It's not that we didn't know what we look like; rather, the mirror was in an unexpected place. In a similar way, unplanned and unforeseen situations in our lives often reveal our real character. They show us who we really are.

The closer we get to God, the more we begin to look like Him. Looking at our reflection in a mirror only reveals our outward selves, but God sees straight into our hearts. He can even see the hidden parts of our lives, and He still has great love for us. That is real beauty.

Afternoon Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am so grateful that one day I will see you face to face. Right now, I can't see everything that has happened or will happen in my life—but you can. There are times when I get frustrated or worried because of situations I cannot control. In those moments, please let your peace flood my heart. Thank you, God, for your amazing love for me. In Jesus' name, amen.

Jul 01 2025

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible Verse

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. :

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible study

After Jesus' resurrection, He appears to the eleven disciples and speaks today's verse. The disciples were called to go out into the world and tell the gospel to everyone all over the world. Today, we can also take Jesus' command personally. We, like the disciples, should be spreading the gospel throughout the nations.

We are not all called to be missionaries to foreign lands, but each of us, as Christians, is called to live with distinction. This means instead of gossiping, we speak words of encouragement. Instead of cheating or trying to get away with something, we are generous with our time and resources. Instead of succumbing to lust or other sins, we remember that Jesus has given us new desires and a new heart. While sanctification, becoming holy, is a process that takes a lifetime, we should be striving to be different because we have a relationship with a God who calls us to holiness. Being holy (different from the world) is the first step in spreading the gospel.

Regardless of where we are in life, in missions overseas or in the suburbs or anywhere else, there are people to whom God has called us to reach out. To make sure that we follow Jesus' command to spread the Gospel, in addition to living with distinction, we should be intentionally reaching out to those around us. Things like handwritten cards, making and sharing food, or simply listening to a person talk go a long way in sharing the love of God with people who need to know Him.

Finally, we should pray for the Lord to open up opportunities for us to share the gospel with other people. When we're intentional about this prayer, we will be on the lookout for God to answer it. We'll be primed to share the gospel in a loving and compelling way with other people, and the Lord will be faithful in giving us the courage and the words when the time comes.

The disciples did not travel with Jesus for three years to keep Him to themselves. Instead, Jesus trained them to go out into the world and spread the news about the salvation he offers all of us. Today, we are called to do the same.

Yesterday Afternoon's Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for the gospel. I am so grateful that you have saved me from a life of sin and instead filled me with your love. Help me to walk with you. I want to share your gospel as Jesus has commanded me. Please give me courage and the right words when the time comes, and help me live with distinction and build up relationships in your name. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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