Nov 10 2024

Afternoon 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.

Add to Favorites Share with Friend Afternoon 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.

Afternoon 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.

Add to Favorites Share with Friend

Nov 09 2024

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible Verse

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering…:

Add to Favorites Share with Friend
Yesterday Afternoon's Bible study

All Christians should have a certain look. This isn't necessarily based on what we wear or our physical appearance, but rather on our actions and how we interact with each other.

In Colossians, the Apostle Paul tells his readers what the Christian life looks like. At the point of salvation, our life becomes hidden in Christ—meaning that Christ is seen and who we are is secondary. This process means that we take on a new look as we put on spiritual clothing.

Colossians 3:12 lists the characteristics that should be seen in our lives—mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, and longsuffering… to name a few.

So, how can we develop these characteristics? They have been modeled for us through the life of Christ. We can read multiple examples of these traits modeled through Jesus' interactions with others.

The understanding of who God is and that we are His children encourages us to be like God. His love is extended to us even as we still fail to demonstrate these characteristics. His grace compels us to keep following Him.

God's Spirit in us gives us the power and strength to become more like Him. Everything we say and do is a representation of Christ. It isn't a heavy burden to become more godly. It's the work of the Holy Spirit in us.

Yesterday Afternoon's Prayer

Dear God, your Word says that I am to be clothed in your character, but I am incapable of becoming like you on my own. Please fill me with your Spirit and take away the parts of me that are in conflict with who you are. Help me to be patient with others as they are patient with me. Let us encourage each other as your children. Thank you for choosing me. In Jesus' name, amen.
Add to Favorites Share with Friend


← View Last Verse View Next Verse →