Afternoon Devotion
December 11, 2021
Afternoon Bible Verse
John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Afternoon Bible Study
In life, we will have pain. Although that isn't a comforting thought, it is reality. When trials and tribulations test our faith, we can turn to our Heavenly Father for everything we need.
God is always there to comfort us in our pain and encourage us. Difficult situations give us the choice of depending on God or relying on our strength. Even if we haven't yet made it to the other side of a tough time, God can give us peace in the middle of the storms of life.
God knows that on the other side of our pain is victory. Jesus already defeated life and death—His victory is offered to us as a gift.
So, how does God encourage us in troubling times? He sends people to lift us up. He fills us with His power to strengthen us. He gives us wisdom to see beyond what is currently happening and to see the future He has waiting for us.
God is always there to comfort us in our pain and encourage us. Difficult situations give us the choice of depending on God or relying on our strength. Even if we haven't yet made it to the other side of a tough time, God can give us peace in the middle of the storms of life.
God knows that on the other side of our pain is victory. Jesus already defeated life and death—His victory is offered to us as a gift.
So, how does God encourage us in troubling times? He sends people to lift us up. He fills us with His power to strengthen us. He gives us wisdom to see beyond what is currently happening and to see the future He has waiting for us.
God isn't affected by the depth of our situations. He is never overwhelmed or left without knowing what to do. He holds all the answers. God knows our past, He is with us now, and He sees the future He has in store for us.
Our mind can be one of our biggest hindrances in times of trouble. If we don't allow God to affect our hearts and minds, then we will continue to struggle. Anxiety can rob us of our peace. But we can take comfort in knowing that God's peace is bigger than any pain and worry.
Our mind can be one of our biggest hindrances in times of trouble. If we don't allow God to affect our hearts and minds, then we will continue to struggle. Anxiety can rob us of our peace. But we can take comfort in knowing that God's peace is bigger than any pain and worry.
Afternoon Prayer
Dear Lord, I come to you with a heart that has experienced the pain of life. Thank you for peace that surpasses my understanding. I can't even comprehend your great love for me. When I am struggling and hurting, please send your Holy Spirit to comfort me. You have promised never to leave me, and I believe you. When worry floods my mind, remind me of your faithfulness in my life. I know you can help me stand through every trial. I trust in you today. I can hold my head high knowing that I have victory through you. In Jesus' name, amen.
If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.
-C.S. Lewis
God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas but for scars.
-Elbert Hubbard
The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.
-C.S. Lewis
If you want to know what God thinks of money, just look at the people he gave it to.
-Dorothy Parker
Yesterday's Devotional
December 10, 2021
Yesterday's Afternoon Bible Verse
Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Yesterday's Afternoon Bible Study
How can we obtain wisdom? We tend to react from emotions or intense feelings when we face overwhelming situations. We need God's direction to give us the right things to say and do. We need His divine wisdom.
Through Bible study and prayer, we can gain wisdom from God. We see the wisdom God has given over the ages and how He has led His people. Unlike us, God always knows how to do the right thing at the right time. When we feel anxious, God can calm our spirit and give us peace. His wisdom can guide us when we don't know what to do.
We can gain wisdom through godly relationships. Sometimes God sends people into our lives to point us to Him. It is no coincidence that a person who has lost a loved one enters our lives when we have experienced loss. Or when we are struggling financially, and a friend shares his or her own personal experiences. These divine appointments allow us to gain God's wisdom through those who love Him. It encourages us and strengthens our faith.
Wisdom isn't a goal that we can ever fully reach. When we gain understanding, we must continue to grow in that wisdom—because we can never have enough. Truly wise people are always seeking to become wiser.
Through Bible study and prayer, we can gain wisdom from God. We see the wisdom God has given over the ages and how He has led His people. Unlike us, God always knows how to do the right thing at the right time. When we feel anxious, God can calm our spirit and give us peace. His wisdom can guide us when we don't know what to do.
We can gain wisdom through godly relationships. Sometimes God sends people into our lives to point us to Him. It is no coincidence that a person who has lost a loved one enters our lives when we have experienced loss. Or when we are struggling financially, and a friend shares his or her own personal experiences. These divine appointments allow us to gain God's wisdom through those who love Him. It encourages us and strengthens our faith.
Wisdom isn't a goal that we can ever fully reach. When we gain understanding, we must continue to grow in that wisdom—because we can never have enough. Truly wise people are always seeking to become wiser.
Wisdom begins with our realization that we can't be wise if we are not humble. It takes humility to say we don't know what to do and whatever we can come up with isn't enough. Or good enough. When we are humbled, that's when God can step in and lead us. As long as we believe we hold the answers, we aren't seeking God's help.
We need God to guide every step we take in life—and He will if we ask Him to. We should learn to rely on God's wisdom. We can lean into Him when we don't have the strength to stand and He will provide everything we need.
We need God to guide every step we take in life—and He will if we ask Him to. We should learn to rely on God's wisdom. We can lean into Him when we don't have the strength to stand and He will provide everything we need.
Yesterday's Afternoon Prayer
Dear God, When I want to go my own way, please help me to stay focused on you. I need your wisdom every moment of the day. Give me your perspective to see others and situations the way you do. Help me to study your holy Word and grow closer to you. Thank you for sending people into my life that speak your truth and wisdom in love. Help me follow the wisdom you give to me even when it's difficult. Give me the courage to follow you no matter what. In Jesus's name, amen.