AFTERNOON DEVOTION | GOD IS WITH YOU

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalm 23:1

As the afternoon unfolds, remember that God is still with you.

Maybe some plans have not worked out. Maybe you are tired, discouraged, or wondering how things will come together. Do not give up.

The God who carried you through the morning will sustain you through the afternoon. What you cannot see, He is still working on.

AFTERNOON PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing me this far today. Give me strength where I am weak, wisdom where I am uncertain, and peace where I am troubled.

Bless the work of my hands and guide my decisions. Help me not to give up because of today's challenges. Let Your grace carry me through the rest of this day.

May my life, my work, and everything I do bring glory to Your name.

In Jesus Christ's name, Amen.

TODAY'S REMINDER:
You may be tired, but God is not tired. Keep moving forward—He is with you.

Have a blessed, peaceful and fruitful afternoon.

If this devotion encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope today.

Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.

How is everyone doing today? It is early and eventful in my house. Eventful for old, sleepy people, that is. I made coffee, fixed my husband’s meds, recorded his evening, walked the dog and spent some quality time in the alternative office.

Last night I was able to get the middle part of the yard mowed before I lost daylight and today I will finish. Now, normally, my yard is done in one sitting. However, this week, that has not been the case. With borrowing a mower, I had to wait to get it back and because I borrowed it, I did my obligation to his other property first. I could have waited and done mine all in one stint, but I was having fun. Haha.

So, I have a question for you. How do you decompress? Do you go for a walk/run? Do you dive into a good story? Is it television and snacks? Is there a hobby that you enjoy that helps reset your thoughts? How do you deal with the day’s events as they unfold and/or when you are thinking about them at the end of the day?

For me, obviously, writing is one avenue that I take. Another is mowing—another is music. Of course, there are my phone games … little addictive boogers.

Have you considered prayer as a route of decompression?

A quick research of how many times it is recorded that Jesus prayed is over 25 times. A finer search shows that He withdrew at least seven times to pray. Meaning that he went away alone to pray.

Now, if the Son of God, who came to earth as a human to demonstrate what He wanted us to do, left his pals, his family, his associates to pray and ‘decompress’ with God … don’t you think it might just work for us?

Over the years, in order to make prayer sound OVER important, it has been made out that you need to have a large vocabulary of fancy words and beautiful songs of words that float through the air like a cloud. However, if you read about Jesus’ account in Gethsemane … that was not flowery words … that was “Hey Dad, is there another way we can take care of this plan of Yours? If there is, can we do that instead? Hey, but if there isn’t … I understand.” Jesus was on his face, sweating and pouring out his soul to the Father, pleading for a different solution to this problem. He had become very close to His disciples and the weight of what was going to happen fell on him like a ton of bricks. He felt the burden of His assignment in full force. If the Son of man cried out to God on multiple occasions, would it not seem relevant that we would too?

The enemy would have us believe that if we cannot ‘fix’ or ‘accomplish’ something on our own, that we are weak and worthless. On the contrary, knowing that we have an avenue to strength and power, and then exercising that invitation to sit with Him, settles us and empowers us to persevere. I have confessed many times on here that my prayer life has not been the best. It is improving, however, and I can physically feel His presence as I calm from the day’s events or as I enter the day’s events. Coming from someone who routinely falls down, prayer has given me such strength to continue to take one step at a time each day.

As today unfolds, as the events begin to swallow you whole, as the world tries to dictate your mood, remember that there is One who is always there and willing to listen. Go to Him. Pour out your soul to Him. Cry to Him. Plead with Him. And know that if the answer is not what YOU wanted, that there must be a higher cause. Jesus was not released from his commitment to die on the cross; he accepted it and used it as the way to unlock the doors of death and defeat Satan. What powerful use of your turmoil lies beyond your vision that will help someone in the long run? Release your anguish to the Father and embrace your chosen status, knowing that you were picked to set the tone for someone else in a similar situation.

Be blessed.

**My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me. Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will. – Matthew 26:38-39

Morning friends. I was the recipient of a “Small Act of Kindness” yesterday. It made me realize that kindness is really just paying attention out loud. Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31) Kindness begins when we notice. Notice the person sitting alone. Notice the tired eyes behind the smile. Notice the friend who stopped reaching out. Notice the waitress who looks exhausted. Notice the stranger carrying a burden nobody can see. Then, do something. Make the call. Give the hug. Speak the encouragement. Offer the prayer. Say, “I see you. You matter to me.” Kindness truly is just paying attention out loud. God has placed people in our path who need more than our good intentions. They need us to see them, hear them, and love them in a way they can feel. Jesus noticed Zacchaeus in the tree. He noticed Bartimaeus crying out. He noticed the lonely, the hurting, and the forgotten. Today, slow down long enough to notice somebody. You may be the answer to a prayer they haven’t found the courage to pray. And when we notice people, we give them a glimpse of Jesus. How bout we go love on some folks today? Y’all have a blessed day. Love ya. Pappy Flynn

Bible Verse of the Day.
Isaiah 26:3

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

NKJV.

Three Angels’ Messages?
The Three Angels’ Messages are God’s special messages for last-day Christians. This message is to be shared with the world and will reach its climax with the second coming of Jesus. This threefold message appears in Revelation 14:6-16.

The First Angel’s Message

The first angel proclaims the everlasting gospel and calls for the restoration of the true worship of God as Creator, because the judgment hour has arrived.

Read more about the first angel’s message

“Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water’” (Revelation 14:6, 7).

The Second Angel’s Message

The second angel warns against all humanly-originated forms of worship and beliefs that are not based completely on God’s Word.

Read more about the second angel’s message

“Another angel followed, saying, ‘Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication’” (Revelation 14:8).

The Third Angel’s Message

Finally, the third angel proclaims God’s solemn warning against worshiping the beast and his image.

Read more about the third angel’s message

“Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, ‘If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation....they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.’ Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:9-12).

Note: though Scripture symbolically portrays these messages as being proclaimed by three angels, it is actually God’s people—His last-day church—who deliver them to the world. Additionally, two groups emerge—those who choose to follow God’s Word completely and those who choose to mix biblical teachings with human traditions.

Accept Jesus Christ as your savior, while there is still time.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Keep all of God's commandments including the fourth Commandment (the Seventh day Sabbath).

If you love Me keep My Commandments John 14:15.

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. John 15:10

His answer: (Jesus) "If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments" Matthew 19:17
(Emphasis added).

Salvation is all of grace and not of works, and its fruit is obedience to the Commandments. This obedience develops Christian character and results in a sense of well-being. It is evidence of our love for the Lord and our concern for our fellow human beings.

Brenda Walsh Ministries
Everlasting Arms of Jesus.

No one “likes” to go through hard times, nor do they wish for a “bad day,” but it is through life’s toughest battles that you’ll receive some of your biggest blessings. Without the hard times, you would never know your need for a Savior. When everything’s going smoothly, you’re focused on the great time you’re having, celebrating with friends, and living “the good life.” But when trouble knocks on your door, it sends you crying for help to the only One who has the power to help you! It is while on your knees that you are humbled and you realize just how much you need God in your life. Through all the heartache and pain, you’ll draw closer to God - listening for His voice, sharing your sorrow, and learning to trust Him fully, knowing He will help you and will do what’s best for you. The Bible says in Psalm 91:14-15, “ ‘Because he loves me,’ says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.’ And in Psalm 34:19, it says, “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” Learning “real-life character-changing” lessons doesn’t come from having a boatload of money, lots of friends, or fame. It is when the rent is due, the baby is sick, you lost your job, or your friend betrayed you that you’ll lean on God the most! Leaning on the everlasting arms of Jesus is a great place to be! Text: Psalm 18:2, Psalm 40:1-3, Psalm 9:9, 2 Peter 2:9

Let's talk about it.
YOUR MIND AND HEART NEED GOD’S WORD

Just as a plant cannot grow without water, our mind and heart cannot truly flourish without the Word of God.

Every day, we are surrounded by voices—opinions, distractions, temptations, fears, and worries. What we continually feed our minds will eventually shape our thoughts, and what fills our hearts will eventually influence our words, choices, and actions.

That is why we must intentionally water our lives with God’s Word DAILY.

When you are discouraged, read His promises.
When you are confused, seek His wisdom.
When you are tempted, remember His truth.
When you are afraid, hold on to His Word.
When you are tired, let His presence renew you.

The Bible is not merely a book to display—it is God’s truth to live by. It corrects us when we are wrong, strengthens us when we are weak, guides us when we are lost, and reminds us of who God is when life becomes difficult.

A neglected plant withers.
A heart neglected from God grows cold.
A mind without God’s truth becomes vulnerable to deception.
But a life continually nourished by God’s Word becomes stronger in faith.

Don’t wait until Sunday to hear from God. Open your Bible every day. Pray. Meditate. Listen. Obey.

Water your mind. Water your heart. Water your soul with the Word of God.

Because what you feed daily will eventually grow.

«“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” — Matthew 4:4»

Stay in the Word. Stay in prayer. Stay close to Jesus.

My Daily Witness.
Jesus loves you so much that HE died for you, and Rose from the dead for you, and now desperately longs to have a personal relationship with you, will you accept Him into your heart and life today, as your Savior, and King? Repent of sin in your life, and live for HIM, and let Him live through you.

For God so loved the world, that HE gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16.

After accepting Jesus as your Savior, show your love for HIM by keeping His Commandments.

"If you love me keep my commandments". John 14:15.

ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR, REPENT OF SIN IN YOUR LIFE, KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, INCLUDING THE 4TH COMMANDMENT (THE SEVENTH DAY SABBATH).

FOR JESUS CHRIST IS SOON RETURNING, AND HIS REWARD IS WITH HIM, SOME TO EVERLASTING LIFE, SOME TO EVERLASTING DEATH!!!!!
Revelation 12:14
Revelation 22:12
Daniel 12:2

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 27)

1. Do not boast about tomorrow,
For you do not know what a day may bring forth.

2. Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth;
A stranger, and not your own lips.

3. A stone is heavy and sand is weighty,
But a fool’s wrath is heavier than both of them.

4. Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent,
But who is able to stand before jealousy?

5. Open rebuke is better
Than love carefully concealed.

6. Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

7. A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb,
But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

8. Like a bird that wanders from its nest
Is a man who wanders from his place.

9. Ointment and perfume delight the heart,
And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.

10. Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend,
Nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity;
Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

11. My son, be wise, and make my heart glad,
That I may answer him who reproaches me.

12A prudent man
foresees evil and hides himself;.
The simple pass on and are punished.

13. Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger,
And hold it in pledge when he is surety for a seductress.

14. He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning,
It will be counted a curse to him.

15. A continual dripping on a very rainy day
And a contentious woman are alike;

16. Whoever restrains her restrains the wind,
And grasps oil with his right hand.

17. As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

18. Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit;
So he who waits on his master will be honored.

19. As in water face reflects face,
So a man’s heart reveals the man.

20. Hell and Destruction are never full;
So the eyes of man are never satisfied.

21. The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,
And a man is valued by what others say of him.

22. Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain,
Yet his foolishness will not depart from him.

23. Be diligent to know the state of your flocks,
And attend to your herds;

24. For riches are not forever,
Nor does a crown endure to all generations.

25. When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself,
And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,

26. The lambs will provide your clothing,
And the goats the price of a field;

27. You shall have enough goats’ milk for your food,
For the food of your household,
And the nourishment of your maidservants.

Life has a way of teaching you that maturity is not measured by how much you know, but by how well you respond to what you now know.

You learn to choose peace over unnecessary battles, purpose over popularity, consistency over excitement, and character over applause.

At some point, you stop trying to prove yourself to everyone and simply focus on becoming all that God has called you to be.

There is beauty in that journey.

One day at a time. One lesson at a time. One step at a time. 🏽
#Perspective #Purpose #Maturity #Grace