Dec 10 2024

Afternoon Bible Verse

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Afternoon Bible study

How can we obtain wisdom? We tend to react from emotions or intense feelings when we face overwhelming situations. We need God's direction to give us the right things to say and do. We need His divine wisdom.

Through Bible study and prayer, we can gain wisdom from God. We see the wisdom God has given over the ages and how He has led His people. Unlike us, God always knows how to do the right thing at the right time. When we feel anxious, God can calm our spirit and give us peace. His wisdom can guide us when we don't know what to do.

We can gain wisdom through godly relationships. Sometimes God sends people into our lives to point us to Him. It is no coincidence that a person who has lost a loved one enters our lives when we have experienced loss. Or when we are struggling financially, and a friend shares his or her own personal experiences. These divine appointments allow us to gain God's wisdom through those who love Him. It encourages us and strengthens our faith.

Wisdom isn't a goal that we can ever fully reach. When we gain understanding, we must continue to grow in that wisdom—because we can never have enough. Truly wise people are always seeking to become wiser.

Wisdom begins with our realization that we can't be wise if we are not humble. It takes humility to say we don't know what to do and whatever we can come up with isn't enough. Or good enough. When we are humbled, that's when God can step in and lead us. As long as we believe we hold the answers, we aren't seeking God's help.

We need God to guide every step we take in life—and He will if we ask Him to. We should learn to rely on God's wisdom. We can lean into Him when we don't have the strength to stand and He will provide everything we need.

Afternoon Prayer

Dear God, When I want to go my own way, please help me to stay focused on you. I need your wisdom every moment of the day. Give me your perspective to see others and situations the way you do. Help me to study your holy Word and grow closer to you. Thank you for sending people into my life that speak your truth and wisdom in love. Help me follow the wisdom you give to me even when it's difficult. Give me the courage to follow you no matter what. In Jesus's name, amen.

Dec 09 2024

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible Verse

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. :

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible study

It can be far too easy to tell someone, "I'm praying for you" and then never follow through. It almost feels cliché and can become habitual, devoid of any real meaning.

Even if we intend to pray for others, how often do we take the time to do it? In a social media-driven world, we see a constant barrage of needs on our screens—sick children, people who have lost their jobs, marriages failing. There are so many needs that are shared, and it can be easy to type "Praying for you." It's similar to saying, "Hope things get better," which is more like a wish than the actual act of praying.

It's not that we forget to pray because we don't care. It can be overwhelming to hear the desperate needs of others. It's a natural tendency to want to jump into action and try to fix things on our own or make things better for others.

Prayer is a spiritual discipline that takes intentional effort.

In this afternoon's verse, we are reminded to be fervent in our prayers because God hears them, and they matter to Him. God is near to us when we cry out to Him. In the moments when we are silent, He knows our innermost thoughts.

God also knows what's in our hearts for others. We can develop the discipline of praying the moment we hear a need. Even if it is a whisper or a quick prayer, God is always there. When we ask Him to work on other people's behalf, He can step in and do the impossible.

Yesterday Afternoon's Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for the opportunity to come to you in prayer. Sometimes I'm not consistent in bringing my needs to you. I know you care about me and what's in my heart. When I feel like you aren't near me, let me feel your presence. Even though I can't visibly see you working on my behalf, I trust you. Help me to persevere in prayer and in your strength. You may not answer my prayers in a way that seems right to me, but you know what's best. Your timing is always perfect, so I will wait for you. In Jesus' name, amen.
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