Oct 30 2024

Afternoon Bible Verse

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Afternoon Bible study

What makes us afraid? Is it our lack of understanding or ability? Does the future make us afraid?

When we experience fear, it's like something has taken over our bodies. Our hearts start beating faster. A surge of adrenaline rushes through the bloodstream. Our senses are on high alert.

This is actually a natural human reaction known as the fight-or-flight response, and it can save our life if we're facing a real threat. But if this reaction happens too often, such as with prolonged stress, it can be very unhealthy.

When we are perpetually fearful, we're focusing on the worst-case scenario, instead of turning to God and immersing ourselves in His love. God's love for us is so great, so immense, that it overcomes fear and casts it aside. That's what the Apostle John meant in this afternoon's verse when he said, "there is no fear in love" and "perfect love [casts] out fear." His reference to perfect, of course, means God's love.

Perfect love only exists in the context of God and His gift to us. If our concept of love for others is based on how God loves us, we will finally see the world as God sees it—and we will never have reason to fear. Love will have conquered it.

Afternoon Prayer

Father God, I know your love is greater than fear. I also know that love alone can cast out all fear. I pray that fear will no longer haunt my life or the lives of my family, but instead, that my fear is transformed by your perfect love. Help me to trust in you. In Jesus' name, amen.

Oct 29 2024

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible Verse

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.:

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible study

If you turn on a light in your home, are you confident it will come on? You know it's plugged into the wall and is powered by electricity, but you can't see electricity—still, you know it's there and believe your lights will come on at the flip of a switch.

That's an example of faith—believing in something you can't actually see.

Faith is not something we can see, nor is it something we can touch. We can't physically measure or follow it. But according to Scripture, faith is the only thing that can please God. And when we believe that God has the power and ability to do what His Word says He will do, faith is the vehicle for our assurance that He will.

When we take our faith and place it in God and His assurances, God takes that faith and increases it each and every time we trust in Him. Jesus said that our faith could even move mountains.

If a room lights up at the flick of an electrical switch, imagine how our whole world will shimmer and glisten with light once we turn on our faith in the Lord.

Electrical light, as great as it is, couldn't possibly compare.

Yesterday Afternoon's Prayer

Heavenly Father, I struggle with faith sometimes. But just as I cannot see faith when it is working, help me to trust in you when I can't see you—even though you are always working on my behalf. In Jesus' name, amen.
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