Dec 13 2024

Afternoon Bible Verse

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Afternoon Bible study

The first time new teenage drivers are given a set of car keys, they feel like they have been handed the world. They can go where they want, when they want, and do whatever they wish to do—as long as they have permission from their parents.

Although these teens have been given a new kind of freedom, it comes with limitations. If they should misuse their freedom, they can suffer consequences or have their freedom taken away. Why? Because their parents love them and know that they could suffer more painful consequences down the road if they don't learn to operate within the boundaries they have been given.

As followers of Jesus, we have been called unto liberty. God paid the price of our freedom with the life of Jesus. His sacrifice on the cross enabled us to break free from a life of sin. This liberty is given to set us free from the effects of sin in our lives. We can live in that freedom, or we can fool ourselves into believing that our liberty gives us permission to sin.

We have been freed from sin, so we can have a relationship with God—not so we can misuse our freedom to keep sinning. Instead, we can live in God's love and goodness so that we can serve others. The depth of our love for God can be seen in how willing we are to meet other people's needs.

Because Christ has set us free, we don't serve each other out of obligation, but as a reflection of the life of service that Jesus lived on Earth. Our life was never meant to be about us and what we want because that isn't the example Jesus set for us. Everything we have been given, including salvation, has been given to us so we can give it away. When God sets us free, we are completely free. Let us choose to remain that way so that we can serve others.

Afternoon Prayer

God, I am so grateful for the freedom you have given to me. It wasn't your plan that I would ever be separated from you by the sin in my life. Help me to understand the liberty that comes from living for you, so that I can serve others. Always let my motivation be to live my life in the same way Jesus lived His—thinking of others first. It's not easy for me to set aside my pride and humble myself. I need you to show me how to live this way because it isn't natural to me. But through you, I can do all things. In Jesus' name, amen.

Dec 12 2024

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible Verse

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. :

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible study

Every day, we say more than 7,000 words. If we were to write them all down, what would we see? What percentage of words would be about love? How much would be malice? Gossip?

We might even feel embarrassed to see our words written down on a page. Out of our mouths can come a hodgepodge of compliments, hurtful words, praise, criticism, good intentions, and promises we have no plans of keeping. Words are important.

Our thoughts and feelings affect every area of our life. Our emotions are expressed in our conversations with others, sometimes intentionally and other times accidentally. What we say reflects our thoughts and what is in our hearts. And our words are often in conflict with what God says about who we are or how we should feel.

If we listen carefully to those who are speaking, we can hear their insecurities and fears. All of us have them, and what we say confirms their effect on our lives. Our words matter, and they matter to God. He doesn't want to hear His children speaking ill of each other, lying, being jealous, or doubting His power, whether it is in the form of spoken words or messages typed on social media.

Our words should reflect gratitude for what we have been given. Sometimes the best thing we can say is nothing at all. When we don't know what to say, we should ask God for His wisdom.

Our words can add value to other people's lives. We can build others up and encourage them, or we can tear them down. We can choose to glorify God with our words today.

Yesterday Afternoon's Prayer

Heavenly Father, there are times when I don't know what to say. Sometimes it can be challenging to refrain from expressing frustration or telling others what I really think. Help me filter my speech through your love. I don't want to tear others down or cause pain in my life and the lives of others. Before I speak, please help me to check my words so they glorify you and bring life to others. I need your help to have speech that honors you and brings glory to your holy name. In Jesus' name, amen.
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