Nov 04 2024

Afternoon Bible Verse

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

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In Romans 12:1, the Apostle Paul reminds us of the Old Testament practice of offering sacrifices. A sacrifice was a slaughtered animal that people would offer to cover their sins. It was an act of worship.

During Passover, there were very specific instructions regarding the sacrificial lamb. It was to be a first-born male without any blemishes or imperfections.

Fast-forward to the New Testament: Jesus is the perfect Lamb of God who provided the ultimate sacrifice and salvation to all who will receive it. He was God's only perfect Son without any imperfections.

So, how can we present our bodies as a living sacrifice? We give our all, putting aside our worldly desires, and living to please God instead of ourselves.

Allowing God to transform us from the inside out by changing the way we think is an act of worship.

Worship looks much different now compared with Old Testament times. Instead of trying to find the perfect, spotless lamb, God gave us Jesus.

We have God's Word to show us how to live and His Spirit to direct us every day. When we reflect on the once-and-for-all sacrifice, Jesus, our heart responds in worship and adoration.

Afternoon Prayer

God, thank you for giving your only Son, the perfect lamb, to cover my sin. Your amazing love is overwhelming to me. I want to worship you with my whole life, offering myself as a living sacrifice. Forgive me for the times when I forget to acknowledge your faithfulness in my life. In Jesus' name, amen.

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Nov 03 2024

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible Verse

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

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Yesterday Afternoon's Bible study

Apple trees take six to ten years to produce fruit. In the time leading up to bearing fruit, the tree uses all of its energy to mature. The root system grows deep into the ground, and its branches grow big and strong enough to hold fruit.

If a tree produces apples before it has matured, arborists recommend that the fruit be discarded because it won't taste good. It takes time before good fruit is produced.

Paul tells the Galatian church that "fruit" is produced in the life of a believer who is full of the Holy Spirit. However, just like fruit trees, this process doesn't happen overnight. As we mature in our walk with the Lord, more fruit is seen in our lives.

When others look at us, they should see a noticeable change in our speech, attitudes, and actions as the Holy Spirit works in us. It requires a daily act of surrender where we lay down our will and submit to God's will.

It can be frustrating to see the person we want to be versus the way we really are, but we don't produce the growth in our life. It's the work of the Holy Spirit. All we need to do is seek God and wait for the fruit to sprout.

In God's timing, He will bring the harvest He has planted in us. Even if we have some growing to do, God is patient and loving with us.

Yesterday Afternoon's Prayer

Heavenly Father, you know the areas of my life that are difficult for me to surrender to you. I want to mature in my walk with you, so please help me allow your Holy Spirit to work in me. Thank you for always extending your grace to me, despite my struggles. Let me demonstrate that same grace to others as they are becoming more like you. In Jesus' name, amen.
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