Dec 06 2024

Afternoon Bible Verse

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Afternoon Bible study

Sometimes, temptation can catch us off guard. It can come at us suddenly, without warning, and when we least expect it.

In today's verse, we are reminded that we will be tempted. It will happen, but it doesn't have to destroy us unless we allow it to.

Temptation pulls us away from God. It can be relentless in its pursuit. Unfortunately, we can't just ignore it and hope it goes away. Unless we confront temptation and ask for God's help, we will keep hearing its voice whispering in our ear.

One of temptation's greatest tools is to make us feel shame and embarrassment when we have given in. It can be something like lying to our boss, gossiping, or matters of the heart. The guilt we feel when we give in can make us feel like failures.

Just like God knew that we would face temptation, He also knew that we couldn't escape from it if we didn't turn to Him. The Scripture says that God will make a way for us to escape.

Imagine being trapped inside a burning building. There is a clear path that leads to safety. But instead of going in the direction of the escape, we can only see the destruction that is taking place all around us. Temptation can leave us with a similar feeling. We want to escape, but we can't see past the mess all around us.

God is there in the fiery temptations of life. He doesn't expect us to pull ourselves together and pull ourselves out. He meets us in the fire and pulls us to safety when we turn to Him.

Being tempted is not a sin. When we ask God to give us the strength to resist temptation, He will always help us.

Afternoon Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that I will face temptation. Thank you for always being with me even when I fail. Help me to rely on your strength and not my own when I feel tempted. Guide me with your Word. Please forgive me for the times I have allowed myself to fall into temptation. Give me the wisdom to know exactly what to do when I'm tempted. Thank you for providing a way out. Make me aware of how I can escape when I can't see the way on my own. In Jesus' name, amen.

Dec 05 2024

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible Verse

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. :

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible study

We have been saved according to God's purpose and grace. Our salvation isn't dependent on anything we have ever done or will ever do. Salvation is a gift from God, given to us freely.

When you put in a hard day's work, you earn a paycheck. Grace is the equivalent of not working and still receiving the same payment anyway. Our co-workers would most likely not appreciate that we were given something we didn't deserve. It wouldn't be fair, but grace is given whether or not we are worthy.

We should never look at another believer and compare our good works to what they have or have not done for Christ. In God's eyes, the pastor who preaches to hundreds of souls has the same value as the murderer who accepts Christ on his deathbed. We are made right through God's grace that is given to His children—and that's all of us.

Salvation is not based on our actions and efforts because we cannot do enough to earn it. We have the opportunity to be saved because of Jesus's work on the cross. God doesn't want us to be burdened by the weight of trying to be better and do more. He simply invites us to come to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us.

So, why does God offer this gift to us? This afternoon's verse tells us that God chose to save us before Jesus came; even before the world began.

God knows everything that has ever happened and everything that will happen. He knew we would need a Savior who could provide a way for us to have a relationship with Him. It was always His plan.

So, whether we accept grace or deny its power in our lives, it is still there waiting for us. Accept it today.

Yesterday Afternoon's Prayer

God, thank you for the grace that has been extended to me. You didn't choose me because of what I could do or offer to you because it would never be enough. Thank you for sending Jesus to a sinful world that rejected Him. Help me to never take your grace for granted. Everything in my life has come from you—the food I eat, my home and family, my job—are all a result of your love being demonstrated to me. I want to cherish the wonderful gifts you have given me. I am so grateful, and you are so good. Thank you. In Jesus' name, amen.
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