JANUARY 18 - Stay in Your Lane
3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 4:24–27; Psalm 8; Matthew 15
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“Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward… Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.” — Proverbs 4:24–26
“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers… what is man that you are mindful of him?” — Psalm 8:3–4
“But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.” — Matthew 15:18
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Have you ever been running or biking on a narrow path, and someone yells, “Stay in your lane!” It’s not always meant to be rude—it’s actually for your safety. Staying in your lane keeps you from crashing, veering off course, or hurting someone else. In Proverbs 4, we’re reminded to “ponder the path” of our feet and focus straight ahead. Psalm 8 zooms out to remind us how small we are in this big universe, yet God deeply cares for us.
Then in Matthew 15, Jesus makes it personal—what comes from our mouths reveals what’s in our hearts. Put all these together, and you get a challenge: walk wisely, speak truthfully, and stay close to the heart of God. The world will try to pull you in different directions, but God’s path is the one that leads to life.
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THINK ABOUT IT
1. Guard Your Speech: Are your words building people up or tearing them down? Jesus said our words show what’s in our hearts. What does your speech reveal about your inner life?
2. Mind the Path: Are you walking with purpose, or just going with the flow? Proverbs tells us to think carefully about our steps. What are some distractions or habits that are making you veer off God’s path?
3. Remember Your Worth: Psalm 8 reminds us that even though we’re small compared to the universe, God still crowns us with glory and purpose. How does that change the way you see yourself?
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BOTTOM LINE
God has given you a path that leads to life, truth, and purpose—keep your eyes on Him, guard your heart, and stay in your lane.
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PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for guiding my steps and caring for me even when I feel small or lost. Help me speak words that reflect a heart that loves You. Show me when I start to drift off course and give me the strength to stay on Your path. Thank You for creating me with purpose and calling me to live it out. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
