Afternoon Devotion
April 25, 2021
Afternoon Bible Verse
Mark 1:35
And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
Afternoon Bible Study
How do you begin your day? For many it begins with breakfast and some sort of daily routine before going to work. That routine might include watching the morning news, getting kids off to school, or doing an exercise workout.
Some people start their mornings by spending time with God, reading daily devotions, studying His Word, and praying. Of course, this can take place any time of the day or night, but first thing in the morning is ideal for one-on-one time with God. Maybe that's why Jesus chose mornings, "rising up a great while before day" to spend time with His Father as this afternoon's verse in Mark 1 explains.
Some people start their mornings by spending time with God, reading daily devotions, studying His Word, and praying. Of course, this can take place any time of the day or night, but first thing in the morning is ideal for one-on-one time with God. Maybe that's why Jesus chose mornings, "rising up a great while before day" to spend time with His Father as this afternoon's verse in Mark 1 explains.
As our day progresses, it's easy to become so immersed in events and activities that time slips away before we realize it's gone. The next thing we know, we're lying down at night, feeling sleepy, and suddenly realize we went through an entire day without spending time with God. We say a quick prayer and vow to do better tomorrow… but will we?
If you don't already have Time with God scheduled into your regular morning routine, now is a great time to add Him—and to make it your highest-priority activity. By doing so, you'll be starting your day off right and will be better equipped than ever to tackle everything that the day holds for you.
If you don't already have Time with God scheduled into your regular morning routine, now is a great time to add Him—and to make it your highest-priority activity. By doing so, you'll be starting your day off right and will be better equipped than ever to tackle everything that the day holds for you.
Afternoon Prayer
Heavenly Father, your Word says that joy comes in the morning. Help me to find the joy that comes from spending time with you and your Word early in the day. Let it be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 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 24, 2021
Yesterday's Afternoon Bible Verse
1 Chronicles 29:9
Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
Yesterday's Afternoon Bible Study
Think about the last scoop in the carton of your favorite ice cream. You knew it was in the freezer just waiting for you to spoon into your bowl and dig into its creamy deliciousness. Then your child comes up to ask for that last scoop.
As much as we craved that ice cream, of course we willingly give it up for our child. Why? Because we love our children more than life itself and would sacrifice anything for them. With that in mind, how much are we willing to sacrifice for the Lord?
People give to the Lord in various ways. They give money to their church in the form of a tithe. They donate to Christian charitable organizations or sponsor needy children. They give of their time and energy volunteering for worthy causes in their communities.
As much as we craved that ice cream, of course we willingly give it up for our child. Why? Because we love our children more than life itself and would sacrifice anything for them. With that in mind, how much are we willing to sacrifice for the Lord?
People give to the Lord in various ways. They give money to their church in the form of a tithe. They donate to Christian charitable organizations or sponsor needy children. They give of their time and energy volunteering for worthy causes in their communities.
God wants and expects us to give—and to do so cheerfully and gladly. In 1 Chronicles 29 we read about how King David rejoiced when his people gave to God willingly from their hearts. They weren't forced or coerced but instead, considered it a privilege to bless the Lord with their gifts.
No matter how we go about giving to our Lord, or how much we give, what matters isn't the gift itself but the heart and attitude behind the giving.
We would gladly do and give anything for our children because we love them. In the same way, we should do and give everything willingly for God. By doing so, we are showing that our hearts are perfectly in tune with God's heart and that His love is so much greater than our sacrifice.
No matter how we go about giving to our Lord, or how much we give, what matters isn't the gift itself but the heart and attitude behind the giving.
We would gladly do and give anything for our children because we love them. In the same way, we should do and give everything willingly for God. By doing so, we are showing that our hearts are perfectly in tune with God's heart and that His love is so much greater than our sacrifice.
Yesterday's Afternoon Prayer
Dear Lord God, work in my heart so that I can be a willing giver to you. Change my heart to give as freely as you gave your son for me. And as you change me and make me more like you, may I rejoice in the fact that giving to you is an honor and a privilege. In Jesus' name, amen.