Afternoon Devotion
March 14, 2021
Afternoon Bible Verse
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Afternoon Bible Study
As we study God's Word, something glorious happens within us. The Scripture begins to transform us as we take the words to heart and apply them to our actions. The Word of God makes its home inside our minds and dwells within us.
The word "dwell" means to live inside or abide within. We dwell within houses that keep us protected from outside elements and provide a place of safety. We find comfort in our homes as we can be our authentic selves uninhibited.
When we dwell in God's Word, we can find comfort and peace like nothing else in the world. The principle of dwelling in the Scriptures was emphasized to new believers when Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians. He wanted them to beware of false teachers who would try to lead them astray. He wanted these new Christians to understand the benefit of allowing the Word of God to affect their lives. Then, they would share with and encourage each other with the wisdom God had imparted to them.
The word "dwell" means to live inside or abide within. We dwell within houses that keep us protected from outside elements and provide a place of safety. We find comfort in our homes as we can be our authentic selves uninhibited.
When we dwell in God's Word, we can find comfort and peace like nothing else in the world. The principle of dwelling in the Scriptures was emphasized to new believers when Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians. He wanted them to beware of false teachers who would try to lead them astray. He wanted these new Christians to understand the benefit of allowing the Word of God to affect their lives. Then, they would share with and encourage each other with the wisdom God had imparted to them.
Singing and worshiping God was also valuable to the early Church, and is still essential today. We are strengthened in unity as we worship God in spirit and in truth.
Charles Spurgeon, who is considered the Prince of Preachers, once said, "Therefore, beloved, be much with your Bibles and let your Bibles be much with you—for your own profit, for the profit of others and for the glory of God! So be it, for Christ's sake! Amen."
As we worship, share, encourage, and admonish each other, God will be glorified, and our lives will be changed.
Charles Spurgeon, who is considered the Prince of Preachers, once said, "Therefore, beloved, be much with your Bibles and let your Bibles be much with you—for your own profit, for the profit of others and for the glory of God! So be it, for Christ's sake! Amen."
As we worship, share, encourage, and admonish each other, God will be glorified, and our lives will be changed.
Afternoon Prayer
Jesus, I could sing a million songs and still never describe how marvelous you are. It's such a privilege to come together with other believers for the purpose of worshipping you. Help me to uplift and encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ as we all follow your ways. In your holy 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
March 13, 2021
Yesterday's Afternoon Bible Verse
Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Yesterday's Afternoon Bible Study
Humility is not always appreciated as a valuable quality in our culture. Entire advertising campaigns are built around the idea that we should seek ways to better ourselves to get where we want to go—even if it means pushing others out of our way. Sometimes humility is even viewed as a sign of weakness.
Jesus embodied humility in every single word and action. He was not the least bit weak, and the world didn't understand how someone could be both strong and humble at the same time.
In this afternoon's verse, Paul is encouraging the church at Philippi to come together in unity. People were arguing with each other, and their individual actions were causing division in the church. He instructs them to consider others better than themselves in an effort to model the example that Jesus set for us.
Jesus embodied humility in every single word and action. He was not the least bit weak, and the world didn't understand how someone could be both strong and humble at the same time.
In this afternoon's verse, Paul is encouraging the church at Philippi to come together in unity. People were arguing with each other, and their individual actions were causing division in the church. He instructs them to consider others better than themselves in an effort to model the example that Jesus set for us.
It can be a challenge to put other people's needs and desires ahead of our own. It almost always requires some type of sacrifice of our time, effort, or possessions. But when we look to Jesus' life as a model, we see a loving Savior who humbly sacrificed all of Himself for us.
While we know it's pleasing to the Lord, the benefits of having a humble spirit are not always seen during our lifetime. When we enter into eternity, we will understand how our obedience to God made a lasting impact on the world.
While we know it's pleasing to the Lord, the benefits of having a humble spirit are not always seen during our lifetime. When we enter into eternity, we will understand how our obedience to God made a lasting impact on the world.
Yesterday's Afternoon Prayer
Dear God, today, I humble myself before you. Everything I have and am is a result of your grace and love in my life. There are times when my pride tempts me to seek my own gain. In those moments, remind me of your goodness in my life. Help me to always put others above myself. In Jesus' name, amen.