Afternoon Devotion
April 8, 2021
Afternoon Bible Verse
Matthew 5:37
But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
Afternoon Bible Study
Why is it so difficult for us to answer each other with a simple yes or no? Jesus addresses the tendency to try to communicate more in how we respond to others.
In Jesus' day, the Jews had the practice of making promises based on objects, not on the name of God. This was their way out in case they broke an oath to another person. They felt like as long as they didn't promise in God's name, they wouldn't be judged. However, Jesus was displeased with this practice.
God wants us to keep our word because we represent Him. God has kept every promise He has ever made throughout time. When we break our promises to each other, we are not representing who Christ is in our words and actions.
In Jesus' day, the Jews had the practice of making promises based on objects, not on the name of God. This was their way out in case they broke an oath to another person. They felt like as long as they didn't promise in God's name, they wouldn't be judged. However, Jesus was displeased with this practice.
God wants us to keep our word because we represent Him. God has kept every promise He has ever made throughout time. When we break our promises to each other, we are not representing who Christ is in our words and actions.
God cares about our promises and whether or not we live a life of integrity. When we do what we say we will do, people learn to depend on us. It is better to say we can't do something than to go back on our word.
Before we respond to something that is asked of us, we should take some time to really consider the request. It's important to be realistic in the commitments we make, knowing that saying no is honoring the person enough that we are honest and are not making promises we can't keep.
We are walking testimonies of the faithfulness of God, whether we say a word or not. Let's always say yes to Him and not be afraid to say no to others.
Before we respond to something that is asked of us, we should take some time to really consider the request. It's important to be realistic in the commitments we make, knowing that saying no is honoring the person enough that we are honest and are not making promises we can't keep.
We are walking testimonies of the faithfulness of God, whether we say a word or not. Let's always say yes to Him and not be afraid to say no to others.
Afternoon Prayer
God, sometimes I feel pulled in so many directions. My family, friends, and coworkers have expectations of me that sometimes I can't fulfill. Give me the strength to say no even when it might mean disappointing someone I love. Help me be honest in how I respond to others. I want to honor you in how I demonstrate love. In Jesus' 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
April 7, 2021
Yesterday's Afternoon Bible Verse
Colossians 2:6-7
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Yesterday's Afternoon Bible Study
Our identity is how we define who we are. We place labels on ourselves based on our actions, appearance, and what others think about us. But the truth is, the only thing that matters is what God thinks about us.
If we build our identities on a shaky foundation, life can knock us off our feet, leaving our feelings of self-worth to move from success to failure in a heartbeat. When we think we have it all together, something happens to make us realize that we don't—not even close. These moments help us understand how desperately we need God.
Instead of riding the roller coaster of emotions that happen as a result of wondering who we are, we have the opportunity to connect our identity to who God says we are. His acceptance of us is not defined by our actions. Otherwise, we would never be good enough. God's grace was extended to us when we were at our worst.
If we build our identities on a shaky foundation, life can knock us off our feet, leaving our feelings of self-worth to move from success to failure in a heartbeat. When we think we have it all together, something happens to make us realize that we don't—not even close. These moments help us understand how desperately we need God.
Instead of riding the roller coaster of emotions that happen as a result of wondering who we are, we have the opportunity to connect our identity to who God says we are. His acceptance of us is not defined by our actions. Otherwise, we would never be good enough. God's grace was extended to us when we were at our worst.
In Christ, we are forgiven, set free, loved, chosen, and treasured by God. When we start to see ourselves the way God sees us, our lives will reflect the security that we have found through our relationship with Him.
We are created in the image of God, and that can never be taken away. Once our identity is established in what God says about us, then we will be unshakable.
We are created in the image of God, and that can never be taken away. Once our identity is established in what God says about us, then we will be unshakable.
Yesterday's Afternoon Prayer
God, thank you for giving me a unique identity. You made me different from everyone else, and I am so grateful. Thank you for loving me just the way I am. Please establish my identity in who you say I am and help me be satisfied in you. As I grow in my relationship with you, let me reflect your character. In Jesus' name, amen.