Afton Presbyterian Church

PresbyCan Daily Devotional Friday, August 14, 2020 Today's Devotional... The Encounter It was such a lovely day, so I decided to take the dogs for a run. I loaded my three-year-old granddaughter into the stroller, gathered up the dogs, and away we went. As we were walking, Ade asked several times if we could go down to the lake. A grizzly had been sighted in that area a few weeks before, but there had been no further reports, so I agreed. At the beach, I had a good look around but saw nothing, so I gave her the okay to head for the water. The dogs went with her. I sat myself down on a big log to watch. It was then that I looked over to my right and saw the grizzly approximately 200 feet away. It had just come out of some bushes and stood watching us. It was downwind of us, so it had obviously smelled us, but had gone undetected by the dogs. I immediately told Ade that the grizzly bear was here and that she must come now! Even though she did not see the bear, Ade responded quickly, though at any other time there would have been crying and an argument. The dogs came, too, even though I did not speak to them. The bear was still standing watching. I moved away at a steady but calm pace until the bear was out of sight, and then, I ran as fast as my legs would carry me! We will not be heading to that area of the shore again this summer. The bear had obviously staked out its stomping ground, and not to flee would have been nothing short of foolish. This encounter drew my thoughts to the following Scriptures: 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (NIV) 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (NIV) When temptation sidles up beside us, if we want to move through the situation safely, we must flee as God instructs, and He will provide a way out. So, look for it, and take it. Temptation, in whatever form it takes, is not something to trifle with not if we value the pursuit of righteousness, faith, love, and peace. So today, when we encounter the bear of temptation in our lives, may we each calmly but firmly and quickly put the truth of God's Word into action, and flee. Prayer: Father God, in the face of temptation, thank You that You provide sound advice as to how to proceed the minute that we encounter it. Bless each of us with strength and determination to follow Your advice, that we might be safe from the danger of sin and all the consequences of it. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen. Lynne Phipps Atlin, British Columbia, Canada

Wednesday, August 12, 2020 Today's Devotional Consult The Lord There was a time when I wanted to do a business transaction with a stranger, and this particular deal involved a large amount of money. So, I quickly consulted one of my mentors about my plan, and he said, "Let's ask the Lord about it before you commence."...Continue reading

Verse of the Day Verse of the Day for Wednesday, August 12, 2020 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12... Related Topics: Jesus, Life, Light, Walk, Darkness, All Topics... Thoughts on Today's Verse... After stumbling around in the dark watering my yard last night, I was overjoyed to find a flashlight so I wouldn't meet any unexpected "critters" as I reached into the shrubbery to turn my faucet on and off. My joy, however, is far greater at finding Jesus, who illuminates my heart on my darkest nights, illuminates my future with his coming glory, illuminates my path with his words of truth, and illuminates my hope with the dawning of each Sunday, my weekly reminder of his triumph over the grave. My Prayer... Father, dear precious and holy God, how can I ever thank you enough for the light of my life? Until my face reflects the light of your glory, Jesus will light my way. Thank you. In the name of Jesus, the Light of the world, I praise and thank you. Amen. The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to [email protected].

PresbyCan Daily Devotional Tuesday, August 11, 2020 Today's Devotional... Promise Keeper 1 Samuel 20:17 And Jonathan made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself. (NLT) He made a promise to his best friend, but now his friend lay dead on a mountaintop. Davey and Johnny were best buds and had been since they were young. Davey's family farmed while Johnny's came from the upper class. Despite their cultural differences, Davey and Johnny managed to maintain their friendship. Johnny's dad, however, was leery of Davey. Though Davey came from the lower class, he saw potential in him potential that might carry him far in life. So, he gave him a job at his company but with ulterior motives. He thought that Davey's sharp mind might help his company move forward. As Johnny's dad aged, he arranged for Johnny to take over the company after his retirement or death. Johnny had no interest in the company and secretly wanted Davey to run the business. He even made Davey promise to care for his family if something happened to him. (He seemed to have eerie premonitions.) Johnny's premonition materialized. He and his father were tragically killed while on the way to negotiate with a firm that was their staunchest competitor. Davey kept his promise, though, ran the business, and even cared for Johnny's disabled son. The point of this modern take on the story of David and Jonathan is that although David could have forgotten his promise and pursued his own interest in life, instead, he chose to honour his friend by keeping his word. Being as good as my word is a high goal to reach for but a worthy one. A person's word was once enough perhaps with a handshake to follow but not any more. Even though we live in an age of paperwork that protects me and the one I'm making a promise to, my word should be just as good as if there were no paperwork. My promises should not be made lightly. Breaking a promise should never enter my mind. Only under extenuating circumstances and unusual conditions should I renege on my word. Carrying out my word is important even if it inconveniences me. Taking care of Jonathan's disabled son certainly inconvenienced David. Perhaps more than anything else, keeping my promises provides an example of my faithfulness to God. When I'm as serious about keeping my promises to God, as He is about keeping His to me, I'll find it easier to keep my word to others. When you give your word, keep your word. Prayer: Father, help us understand how important it is to keep our word to others. Amen. Martin Wiles Greenwood, South Carolina, USA

Verse of the Day for Tuesday, August 11, 2020: Thoughts on Today's Verse.... The Holy Spirit doesn't just empower us now. He is our guarantee (2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5) and our assurance that we will see God face to face (1 John 3:1-2) and share in his glory (Colossians 3:1-4). He is alive in us and promises us life that never will end.... My Prayer... O God and Father of all nations and races, thank you for your guarantee that you will work in my life through the Holy Spirit and raise me up by your Spirit's power to join you in your presence. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to [email protected].