Afternoon Devotion

March 30, 2021

Afternoon Bible Verse

Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Afternoon Bible Study

Jesus was tempted, just as we are. He understands everything we are feeling and fighting. Temptation never goes away; it's always there. This daily battle can leave us feeling disappointed and discouraged when we come to God in prayer.

However, Jesus extends His grace to us and invites us to bring our struggles and failures to Him. In God's eyes, we are righteous before Him. So, we can come before the Lord without fear, regret, or feeling inadequate. Not because of anything we have done, but because of what Jesus did on the cross for us.

There is no need to feel shame because when we come before the Lord, that is where we receive His mercy.

In Hebrews 4:16, the writer refers to finding grace "in time of need." Our times of need can be the moments of temptation that we face, as well as include seasons of life when we feel powerless and helpless, like the world is crumbling around us.

It is during these times that we can kneel before the throne of God and wait for Him to renew our strength and fill us with His power. God's mercy and grace are available to us at any moment of every day when we cry out to Him. Draw near to God regardless of your past, your fears, your regrets, or your worries. He's waiting for you today.

Afternoon Prayer

God, today, I put all my attention on you. Thank you for allowing me to present my needs to you. As I come before your throne of grace, I trust you to provide everything I need. Fill me with your mercy and love, Lord. Let your will be done on Earth and in my life. In Jesus's 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 29, 2021

Yesterday's Afternoon Bible Verse

2 Timothy 4:8

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Yesterday's Afternoon Bible Study

Most Bible scholars believe that the Second Epistle of Paul to Timothy (2 Timothy) is likely the last letter the Apostle Paul wrote before his death. Timothy was a young pastor at the beginning of his ministry. Paul was at a place where he was looking back and evaluating his life.

When Paul says, "there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day," he is looking forward to the day when he stands before God.

Paul was not perfect—he was human, after all. But his heart's desire was to finish the faith race serving God with everything he had. He wanted to encourage Timothy to spend his life investing in the mission of spreading the Gospel.

Everyone who has ever lived will one day stand before God and give an account of how they lived their life. Our lives leave a legacy that will have an impact on our family, friends, and future generations. Whether we face good or bad times, we can make it our goal to honor God no matter what.

Paul's life wasn't easy. He endured trials, torture, and imprisonment for sharing the Gospel. But in the end, he knew that when he stood before the Lord, He would say, "Well done, good and faithful servant enter thou into the joy of thy lord." (Matthew 25:23 KJV)

Yesterday's Afternoon Prayer

Heavenly Father, only you can strengthen my walk with you. My desire is for my actions to reflect that you are the priority of my heart. As I go about my daily life, help me live a victorious life that points others to you. I long to spend eternity worshipping you, my Lord and Savior. In Jesus's name, amen.