Jun 22 2025

Afternoon Bible Verse

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

Afternoon Bible study

The late advice columnist Ann Landers once said: "Make someone happy today, mind your own business."

In our social media-driven world, we know more about others than ever before. People share personal photos, political and religious thoughts, life events, triumphs, problems, pet peeves, and all kinds of other revelations. Even if we try to avoid it, we are still made aware of other people's business.

In 1 Thessalonians, Paul encourages the people of Thessalonica (an ancient city in Greece) not to meddle in other people's business. The more we know about our neighbors, the more opportunities we'll have to concern ourselves with their lives and gossip about them.

Paul also instructs the Thessalonians to work with their own hands. Later on, in 2 Thessalonians, we learn that there were idle people who spent their time getting into trouble by interfering in the affairs of others. It's possible that these unproductive actions kept them from fulfilling their responsibilities.

Throughout the Bible, we are reminded to keep our hearts and minds focused on God. With our eyes fixed on Jesus, we imitate His behavior instead of giving in to our sinful nature. This godly choice sets us apart from the rest of the world that craves the latest news whether it's true or not. We can reflect God's character as we genuinely love one another by minding our own business.

Afternoon Prayer

God, you know the challenges I encounter every day. When people talk about me, it hurts. Help me to be aware of the things I say so I don't inflict that same hurt on others. Use my words to draw others closer to you. Give me the right words to speak at the right time. In Jesus' name, amen.

Jun 21 2025

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible Verse

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. :

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible study

We are encouraged in life to live like Jesus did. Living like Jesus means helping each other, spreading the word of God, loving our neighbor as ourselves, forgiving our enemies, and being good to others even when they are not good to us.

But we are human, so it is not possible for us to achieve that kind of perfection—which is why we need Jesus. Because He died for us, whenever we sin, we ask for forgiveness and God grants it.

Despite our humanness, we must never stop trying to live like Jesus, trusting in God and doing what is right. In our relationships with others, we must also act like Jesus would, which means being good to one another. The world is a much better place when we are being kind and looking to God rather than turning on each other.

Yesterday Afternoon's Prayer

Heavenly Father, how great it is to know that I am your child and part of Jesus Christ. What a glorious truth to know that I am a new creation in the Lord and have the Holy Spirit living in my heart and my soul. Help me to live in complete dependence on you and in unity with my brothers and sisters. Keep me from anger and strife and help me to consider the needs of others before my own. Lord, I pray that the mind that was in Christ Jesus may dwell in me so that I may act justly. This I ask in Jesus' name, Amen.
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