Sep 04 2024

Afternoon Bible Verse

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

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In biblical times, mirrors were very different from those we have today. They were polished metal, and while they were typically ornate, they were almost always tarnished. This flaw made it difficult to view one's reflection. People likely had a better chance of discovering what they looked like by asking a friend or family member.

1 Corinthians 13 is often referred to as the Love Chapter. Paul outlines what real love looks like in the light of our Savior's love for us.

Currently, we can only experience a glimpse of the character of God. We see His faithfulness and goodness, but as human beings, we are incapable of knowing God in His fullness. Although we are made in the image of God, a reflection of Him, we can't completely understand what that means until we see God face to face.

Most of us have experienced times when we walked past a mirror and at first didn't recognize our reflection. It's not that we didn't know what we look like; rather, the mirror was in an unexpected place. In a similar way, unplanned and unforeseen situations in our lives often reveal our real character. They show us who we really are.

The closer we get to God, the more we begin to look like Him. Looking at our reflection in a mirror only reveals our outward selves, but God sees straight into our hearts. He can even see the hidden parts of our lives, and He still has great love for us. That is real beauty.

Afternoon Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am so grateful that one day I will see you face to face. Right now, I can't see everything that has happened or will happen in my life—but you can. There are times when I get frustrated or worried because of situations I cannot control. In those moments, please let your peace flood my heart. Thank you, God, for your amazing love for me. In Jesus' name, amen.

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Sep 03 2024

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible Verse

If ye love me, keep my commandments. :

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Yesterday Afternoon's Bible study

Our human nature readily (often stubbornly) resists being told what to do. From the time we are toddlers until we are fully grown, our natural instinct is to be the one in charge and not the one being ordered around.

In John 14:15, Jesus comforts His disciples. He knows that it won't be long before He is crucified. Jesus is using every available opportunity to prepare His disciples for a time when He won't be with them.

While Jesus lived among the people, He demonstrated a love for God that could not be matched. He also modeled perfect obedience to God's commands. He did it with a servant's heart, rather than out of obligation.

As children, we have to obey our parents and teachers because they are in authority over us. When we are told to clean our room or do our homework, it doesn't matter if we want to or not, as long as we do it. It means so much more to our parents when we are obedient because we love them and want to please them.

When we choose to follow Jesus, we also agree to obey His commands. We have the opportunity to obey God because we love Him, not just because we have to. Whether it's in the small things or in significant ways, how we follow God demonstrates the condition of our heart.

Yesterday Afternoon's Prayer

Dear God, my heart's desire is to love you more than I love myself. Forgive me for the times I have disregarded your ways to follow my human nature. You always know what's best for me, so when I follow you, I can trust your leading without hesitation. May others see my willingness to do what you say and let it encourage them to do the same. Please give me the strength to obey you, even when it's hard for me. In Jesus' name, amen.
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