a 365 day trip through Matthew with a key thought, prayer, focus verse and contextual verses for each day
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Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.(NIV)
Psalm 139:7-10
God is our protection and our strength. He always helps in times of trouble.So we will not be afraid even if the earth shakes, or the mountains fall into the sea,even if the oceans roar and foam, or the mountains shake at the raging sea.(NCV)
Psalm 46:1-3
I leave you peace; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don’t let your hearts be troubled or afraid.(NCV)
John 14:27 |
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July 14
In the Storm - Matthew 14:24-27
By this time, the boat was already far away from land. It was being hit by waves, because the wind was blowing against it. Between three and six o’clock in the morning, Jesus came to them, walking on the water. When his followers saw him walking on the water, they were afraid. They said, “It’s a ghost!” and cried out in fear. But Jesus quickly spoke to them, “Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”
Full Text
Key Thought
The disciples peril is our own. After having launched out in faith, we often find ourselves confronted with forces and powers against us over which we have no control. But in these storms, Jesus is not absent. He is there in the middle of their rage calling to us to have courage and not be afraid! Why? Because he is "I Am." The God who created the world, delivered Israel in the Exodus, and who entered our world in flesh and blood as Jesus, is still the God who meets us in our moments of crisis and struggle as we seek to serve him and find our way home to him.
Today's Prayer
Great I Am, please make your presence known and your will clear as I seek to serve you and venture out in faith. I need your strength and might and power to calm the raging storm of doubt in my heart and to quiet the forces that are in opposition to my efforts to serve you. Please be near and give me courage. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Today's Verses with Jesus
(key verses in bold)
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. Top of Page
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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