Oct 27 2024

Afternoon Bible Verse

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

Afternoon Bible study

Here's a true statement: The average person does not have a grasp of quantum physics or the intricacies of the universe. So could you even imagine the expansive and all-encompassing mind of the Lord? The mind that not only dreamed up the heavens and the earth but every living thing on it? It's impossible, unfathomable, mind-boggling.

Yet how many times do we attempt to help God with His plan for our lives? We say we will trust His will, but then we tweak the areas we don't like, make an adjustment here and another there, as if God needs us to fix and adjust His plan to fit our liking.

Because of our limited knowledge, we can't even begin to fathom what guides God's thoughts. But Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 2:16 that we can understand God's will and purpose for ourselves. How? By having the mind of Christ.

Of course, this doesn't mean we know everything that God knows. Nor does it mean that we know His complete plan, including all the pieces, parts, details, and steps. But having the mind of Christ does mean that we will listen and not interfere with what is far better than anything we could do for ourselves.

God has given you and me the ability, through the Holy Spirit, to understand His perfect plan to restore all of humanity back to Him through the sacrifice of Christ. We have the mind of Christ … if that isn't awe-inspiring, I do not know what is.

Afternoon Prayer

Lord, I come before you as a humbled creation of yours. I cannot possibly begin to know the entirety of all that you know. But in my lack of understanding, I pray that you will lead me, through your Holy Spirit, to always seek your thoughts and your will. In Jesus' name, amen.

Oct 26 2024

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible Verse

He gives strength to those who are tired and more power to those who are weak.:

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible study

Every single person has been at a point or in a situation when they wanted to give up. You may be there right now. It's exhausting and frustrating and sometimes we see no way out.

In the United States, more than a third of working Americans have considered quitting their job for a wide variety of reasons. A major reason for this is fatigue; we do more in an average work week than our European counterparts, and being overloaded with work can leave us stressed out. When we reach that point, we may give up.

Even New Year's resolutions are often abandoned early in the new year. Something inevitably comes up that interrupts the new schedule and throws it all out the window.

And yet God calls to us to let Him be our strength.

The prophet Isaiah recognized that God could give strength to people who were tired from whatever life had brought them, or what they may have brought on themselves. We should recognize it too: that when we are weak, God gives us power and strength.

Today, whatever you are facing, know that God has the strength you need. He will help you this time, and next time, and the time after that—and every time you come face to face with the prospect of giving up. Don't do it. Lean on Him instead.

Yesterday Afternoon's Prayer

Lord God, life can be exhausting. There are times when I am weak, and all I can think about is giving up because it's the easiest thing to do. Remind me that you are my strength and that when I am weak, you can make me strong. In Jesus' name, amen.
Add to Favorites Share with Friend


← View Last Verse View Next Verse →