Afternoon Devotion

April 19, 2021

Afternoon Bible Verse

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Afternoon Bible Study

God has a plan for each of us! And that plan is much better than anything we could concoct for ourselves. How many times have we tried to do things on our own without God's guidance or the direction of the Holy Spirit? Since we don't always learn from our mistakes, maybe we're trying to do that right now.

The power that works in us, which Paul talks about with the Ephesian church, does not come from our own understanding or abilities. That power only comes from the Holy Spirit, and He doesn't need our help to move forward.

As God works in our lives, He increases our faith and gives us the mind of Christ. This is needed in the life of a believer because our human minds are incapable of thinking godly thoughts.

Whatever "we ask or think" pales in comparison to God's great plans for our lives. So, it isn't unbelievable to us that God can do so much more than we ever could.

We can therefore let go of the plans we have and embrace the one that God wants to work in our lives. And God will do it "exceedingly" and "abundantly," which is far beyond what we could ever imagine. Then, for all of eternity, we can offer up the glory that God deserves to receive.

Afternoon Prayer

God, You have done great things far beyond anything I could ever imagine. I can worship you freely, knowing that you are working inside my heart and mind to make me more like you. For generations, you have been faithful. And in everything that happens in the future, I want to choose to worship you and give you the glory that you deserve. 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 18, 2021

Yesterday's Afternoon Bible Verse

Psalms 143:10

Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

Yesterday's Afternoon Bible Study

As little children, we enjoyed learning to do new things on our own. Once we learned to ride a bike or tie our shoes, we felt the independence that came with our accomplishments. We had no idea how very much we still had to learn.

King David recognized that he didn't know everything and certainly not all that God wanted him to know. Although there are several scriptural references to King David as a man after God's own heart, David made mistakes—serious ones. His destructive behavior affected himself, his family, and the people whom he led.

In Psalm 143:10, David is humble and expresses a true desire to follow God's will for his life. When we come to the same realization as he did, and submit to God's wisdom and will, God will not fail to lead us into what He knows is right for us.

So we have a choice: We can either continue in our self-driven life, or we can submit ourselves to God. But the only way to find true satisfaction and joy in life is by trading our desires for what God wants us to do.

Before Jesus left the earth and returned to Heaven, He said that God would send a comforter, the Holy Spirit, to lead us in His ways. That same Spirit dwells inside every believer and has the life-changing power to lead us in God's truth.

Yesterday's Afternoon Prayer

Dear Lord, I struggle to relinquish control of my life to you—and at the heart of this attitude is pride. I long for a heart that wants your will more than anything else. Forgive me for the times I take the lead, when I know I should be submitting to your authority. As I grow closer to you, please direct my steps and teach me to be upright in your sight. In Jesus' name, amen.