Aug 13 2024

Afternoon Bible Verse

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

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The word fear has sometimes been used as an acronym for "false evidence appearing real." Although many of our fears exist only in our minds, they can still play out in our lives. Fear can be crippling, and cause us to see a reality that doesn't exist.

Fear is a lie because it keeps us from seeing God's truth. Some of our greatest fears may have taken root in our hearts when we were very young. We might not even understand why they exist. When we confront the fears that are holding us captive, we expose their lies and take away their power. Fear can only have a place in our lives if we allow it to be there.

Fear is irrational. When it takes hold of us, something small can be magnified to the extent that it overwhelms us. We can choose to live in fear or allow God's grace and love to push it out of our lives.

Fear has a significant effect on us. We might be afraid to fail, so we never try. We might fear being rejected by others, so we keep people from getting to know us. Maybe it's the fear of letting others down, so we don't make commitments or promises.

We need to rest in God's peace and trust Him to meet us in the insecurities of our lives. When we listen to His voice, it can become louder than everything else that is happening around us.

Because God is with us, there is nothing in life we should fear—nothing.

Afternoon Prayer

Father, there have been times when I believed the fear in my life more than the truth that is in you. Today, I am wholeheartedly choosing to follow you instead of living in fear. I am turning every fear that I have ever experienced over to you. I refuse to allow the things that scare me to control me. I realize that I can miss out on what you have in store for me if I am held captive by my fears. Please help me to trust in you and take away the fear that is inside me. In Jesus' name, amen.

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Aug 12 2024

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible Verse

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.:

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Yesterday Afternoon's Bible study

On a regular basis we hear about customers in drive-thru restaurants who purchase the meal for the vehicle behind them. This action typically leads the next customer to do the same, and then the next, and the next.

Known as paying it forward, these acts of kindness have sparked numerous news articles and stories of good-hearted citizens doing something nice for people they don't even know. When we hear about it it makes us feel good, and reminds us that there are indeed kind people in the world.

God expects us to care for each other. This afternoon's verse in 1 John makes that clear—even telling us that "we ought to lay down our lives" for each other. After all, God made the ultimate sacrifice for us by giving up His beloved Son. Nothing we could possibly do would ever equal that. So shouldn't we do everything possible to thank Him by caring for and loving each other?

God wants us to show His love for other people, no matter who they are, regardless of their past or background, as an extension of how He loves us and sacrificed for us.

Yesterday Afternoon's Prayer

Dear Lord, I pray for each and every person whom I come into contact with, that they would see your love in my actions toward them and toward others. I pray that I would be willing to love them as you love me. And when I don't think I can, remind me of all that you have done for me—and encourage me to keep trying. In Jesus' name, amen.
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