Aug 22 2024

Afternoon Bible Verse

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

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In the last twenty years, technology has changed the world dramatically. In 2022, we have an interconnected planet thanks to the Internet, self-driving cars, smart homes with doorbells that can videotape visitors, and smartphones that put the entire world in the palm of our hands.

Another change is the growing worldwide population: There are almost 2 billion more people on the planet than there were in 1998. We've had to accept that change is part of every area of our lives.

But this afternoon's verse reminds us that Jesus does not change—He is always the same. He never has changed and He never will. That is an immense comfort, because when everything around us is moving lightning-fast, and change is constant, we can rest in the fact that our relationship with Jesus is stable.

God knows everything about us, including our fears and concerns. When we wonder what the future looks like for our families or whether our job will be around ten years from now, we can place our trust in God because He already knows what will happen. And because He doesn't change, we know that He will always be with us through every change in our lives.

Undoubtedly, in the coming years our world will continue to change. But that change doesn't affect God, and it doesn't catch Him off guard. We can trust that God is still in charge, and whatever may occur, we can rely on Him.

Afternoon Prayer

Jesus, I'm so glad that you never change. You have been so faithful to me for my entire life, whether I've realized it or not. I am so grateful that I can depend on you, even in the times when I haven't been faithful to you. When I feel overwhelmed by all the change that happens in my home or workplace, remind me, Jesus, that you are stable and unchanging. In your name, amen.

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Aug 21 2024

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible Verse

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. :

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Yesterday Afternoon's 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.

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.

Yesterday Afternoon's 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.
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