Sep 03 2024

Afternoon Bible Verse

If ye love me, keep my commandments.

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Our human nature readily (often stubbornly) resists being told what to do. From the time we are toddlers until we are fully grown, our natural instinct is to be the one in charge and not the one being ordered around.

In John 14:15, Jesus comforts His disciples. He knows that it won't be long before He is crucified. Jesus is using every available opportunity to prepare His disciples for a time when He won't be with them.

While Jesus lived among the people, He demonstrated a love for God that could not be matched. He also modeled perfect obedience to God's commands. He did it with a servant's heart, rather than out of obligation.

As children, we have to obey our parents and teachers because they are in authority over us. When we are told to clean our room or do our homework, it doesn't matter if we want to or not, as long as we do it. It means so much more to our parents when we are obedient because we love them and want to please them.

When we choose to follow Jesus, we also agree to obey His commands. We have the opportunity to obey God because we love Him, not just because we have to. Whether it's in the small things or in significant ways, how we follow God demonstrates the condition of our heart.

Afternoon Prayer

Dear God, my heart's desire is to love you more than I love myself. Forgive me for the times I have disregarded your ways to follow my human nature. You always know what's best for me, so when I follow you, I can trust your leading without hesitation. May others see my willingness to do what you say and let it encourage them to do the same. Please give me the strength to obey you, even when it's hard for me. In Jesus' name, amen.

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Sep 02 2024

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible Verse

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. :

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Yesterday Afternoon's Bible study

Children have been playing the game "Follow the Leader" for decades. The idea is that everyone follows as the leader walks and wiggles, stops and then starts again, twirls and then stands still as a stone. Sometimes the leader moves in an entirely unexpected way. If the followers aren't paying attention, they can get left behind.

In Psalm 23, King David describes God as our shepherd. As we follow Him, we have everything we need by trusting in the Lord's provision. Just as a shepherd watches over his sheep, the Lord cares for us. He anticipates our needs before we realize we need anything. He keeps us safe in times of danger.

As we follow our Leader, there are invariably times when we wonder, "God, why did you lead me here?" When we experience hardships, it can be tempting to pull away. We might think that God has led us down the wrong path. But these are the times when He can teach us to develop a stronger dependence on Him. God wants us to know that whether He leads us through valleys or mountaintop paths, we can trust Him.

Another critical point in this verse is that God wants us to experience times of rest. There is great value in taking time to allow the Lord to restore our hearts and minds for whatever comes next. We can trust our Good Shepherd to direct us to still waters where we are safe and cared for by Him. He will always take us on a path that leads us closer to Him.

Yesterday Afternoon's Prayer

God, I want to follow you, even when I don't know where you are leading me. Life can be so busy, and sometimes I don't take care of my body and soul. Make me aware of the times I allow the concerns of the world to cloud my vision of you. Tell me when I need to rest and help me listen. Thank you for providing peace in my heart and mind. In Jesus' name, amen.


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