a 365 day trip through Matthew with a key thought, prayer, focus verse and contextual verses for each day
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Early the next morning, while it was still dark, Jesus woke and left the house. He went to a lonely place, where he prayed. Simon and his friends went to look for Jesus. When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus answered, “We should go to other towns around here so I can preach there too. That is the reason I came.” So he went everywhere in Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and forcing out demons. (NCV)
Mark 1:35-39
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” (NCV)
Luke 22:39-40
Many people came to hear Jesus and to be healed of their sicknesses, 16 but Jesus often slipped away to be alone so he could pray. (NCV)
Luke 5:15-16 |
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July 13
No Neglect - Matthew 14:22-23
Immediately Jesus told his followers to get into the boat and go ahead of him across the lake. He stayed there to send the people home. After he had sent them away, he went by himself up into the hills to pray. It was late, and Jesus was there alone.
Full Text
Key Thought
Two convictions come out of Jesus' actions for me:
--Jesus is compassionate to the end!
--Jesus may have put off his time with the Father, but he didn't neglect it!
While grieving the loss of John the Baptist, Jesus ministered to the crowd and also to his disciples. Jesus took care of the crowd and sent the disciples on ahead of him. In addition, after sending the crowd away, Jesus did what was his regular practice -- he found a time and place to be alone in the presence of God.
Both of these are important reminders to me. In my grief and heartbreak, I need to remember others and not wallow in my own self-pity. But helping others must not be an escape from spending time with God. Only time with the Father truly renews, restores, and revitalizes.
Today's Prayer
Holy God,I confess that I cannot bear under the load of life without your help and support. Thank you for supplying me with power to deal with difficult times in a ways which honored you and blessed others. Thank you for never forsaking me. In Jesus' name I thank you. Amen.
Today's Verses with Jesus
(key verses in bold)
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22 Immediately Jesus told his
followers to get into the boat and go ahead of him across the
lake. He stayed there to send the people home. 23 After he had
sent them away, he went by himself up into the hills to pray. It
was late, and Jesus was there alone.
24 By this time, the boat was already far away from land. It
was being hit by waves, because the wind was blowing against it.
25 Between three and six o’clock in the morning, Jesus came
to them, walking on the water. 26 When his followers saw him
walking on the water, they were afraid. They said, “It’s
a ghost!” and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus quickly spoke
to them, “Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”
28 Peter said, “Lord, if it is really you, then command me
to come to you on the water.” 29 Jesus said, “Come.”
And Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. 30 But
when Peter saw the wind and the waves, he became afraid and
began to sink. He shouted, “Lord, save me!” 31
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught Peter. Jesus
said, “Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?”
32 After they got into the boat, the wind became calm. 33 Then
those who were in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, “Truly
you are the Son of God!”
34 When they had crossed the lake, they came to shore at
Gennesaret. 35 When the people there recognized Jesus, they told
people all around there that Jesus had come, and they brought
all their sick to him. 36 They begged Jesus to let them touch
just the edge of his coat, and all who touched it were healed.
(NCV) The New Century Version, (Dallas, Texas:
Word Publishing) 1987, 1988, 1991.
Used by permission.
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