Afternoon Devotion

February 4, 2025

Afternoon Bible Verse

Joshua 1:8

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Afternoon Bible Study

A regular morning routine can be helpful in living a productive life. Everyone has some kind of routine, even if it only includes getting out of bed, eating breakfast, and brushing one's teeth.

As followers of Jesus, we can choose to start the day by thanking God for how He has blessed us. We can also incorporate faith practices (such as short prayers) into our daily routine that help us in our walk with God. There are countless ways to build our days around the Lord.

Joshua 1:8, this afternoon's verse, speaks of meditating on the Word day and night so we can be sure to do what God wants us to do. The benefit? We will be prosperous and successful.

It's difficult to follow God's Word if we don't know what it says. Meditating on Scripture is equivalent to soaking or marinating in the Word. We read it, think about it, pray and ask God for revelation, dwell on it, and talk about it. It stays in our minds and on our hearts.

We should commit to studying the Bible in this new year and ask God to help it take root in our hearts. We can only imagine how intentionally dwelling on His Word could enrich and benefit our lives.

Afternoon Prayer

God, I am so thankful for the Bible. I'm grateful for those who were obedient in the process of writing your words and hearing your voice. Often, I take for granted what it means to study your Word freely. It's a privilege. Help me to be faithful in studying and meditating on the Scripture. 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

February 3, 2025

Yesterday's Afternoon Bible Verse

3 John 1:11

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

Yesterday's Afternoon Bible Study

Over the past twenty years, automotive navigation has completely transformed the way we travel. We have transitioned from foldable maps from the gas station to GPS systems and a variety of voice navigation systems in multiple languages.

As we follow the directions we are given, we trust that they are leading us toward our desired destination. However, if we enter the wrong address or don't adequately pay attention, we may arrive someplace where we never intended to be.

As followers of Jesus, we should listen for God's voice to direct our lives. He will not only tell us where to go but also how to get there. It can be far too easy to look for a shortcut or attempt to navigate our own way, but that is not God's plan for us.

There are times when a different way sounds more appealing and desirable but is in conflict with what God has said. Often the easier path takes us far from God... but by looking to His Word, we can judge whether we are following His voice or the voice of the enemy who wants to lead us astray.

We can trust God to lead us even when we don't understand how He is navigating us. Be careful to follow His voice and not the path that leads away from Him.

Yesterday's Afternoon Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am often tempted to plan my own way instead of letting you lead me. Thank you for patiently guiding me down the path that leads to you. Help me discern your voice from any others that may try to lead me astray. I place my complete trust in your plan for my life. When I encounter doubt, remind me of the ways you have been faithful throughout my life. Pull me close to you so I can hear and understand your voice. In Jesus' name, amen.