Reading for today: Genesis 9:1-3 and Matthew 10:16-26

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“The fear of you and the terror of you will be on every beast of the earth and on every bird of the sky;”
Genesis 9:2

This is an encouraging verse to remember while in a season of fear or anxiety. Remembering that the Lord Himself gave fear to every other creature except for man. Fear is not of the Lord, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

2 Tim 1:7 How awesome is it when we can surrender our fears and anxiety over to the Lord to handle for us.

Jim Hyatt

Reading for today: Genesis 8:20-22 and Matthew 10:1-15

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The LORD smelled the soothing aroma;
Genesis 8:21

At the end of what was most certainly a harrowing time, Noah responded to the Lords grace and protection by building an altar and offering up what the Lord had provided. The KJV says “the Lord smelled a sweet savour.” Our response to trial should be the same: the Lord loves to smell the sweet savour of the praises of his people.

Jim & Kim Hyatt

Reading for today: Genesis 8:13-19 and Matthew 9:27-38

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“According to your faith let it be to you.”
Matthew 9:28

As we read through the gospels we are blessed to see so many healed by faith in Christ. We are reminded of Jesus healing our son from a fractured shoulder last year. We know as Christians that Christ has the ability to heal us in our times of need. The question then arises, do we have the faith to accept His answer to our prayers?

Jim & Kim Hyatt

Reading for today: Genesis 8:6-12 and Matthew 9:14-26

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“Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.”
Matthew 9:22

This year I will purpose to sit a little longer each day with my Lord and Savior, to communicate directly with Him and continue to grow in my faith. How strong is your faith today? Is it like the followers of John the Baptist, questioning Jesus? Is it like the ruler who was seeking Jesus? Or is it like the woman whose humble heart knew that Jesus would heal her?

Jim & Kim Hyatt

Reading for today: Genesis 8:1-5 and Matthew 9:1-13

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“Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.”
Matthew 9:2

It is Jesus’ greatest desire that we would come to know and have a deep, personal relationship with Him. Before surrendering our lives to Christ as Lord and Savior, many of us were like the scribes and pharisees, working so hard to meet some unobtainable goals. But then He called us to His side, showing us His mercy, forgiving us of our sin and offering us eternal life with Him. Take time today to recall that moment in your life when Jesus called to you and said “follow Me” and rejoice in the glory of God and all that He has for us.

Jim & Kim Hyatt

Reading for today: Genesis 7:17 and Matthew 8:28-34

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“When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way.  And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”  Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding.  So the demons begged Him, saying, “If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.”  And He said to them, “Go.” So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water.  Then those who kept them fled; and they went away into the city and told everything, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men.  And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region.”  Matthew 8:28-34

It is clear throughout scripture that Jesus is God. He possesses all the attributes of deity and this is another example.  Not only do Jesus’ followers refer to Jesus as Son of God, but even the demons do. The demons knew Jesus had the power and authority to cast them out.  Is there anything in your life you want to be freed from?  Jesus has the power and authority to cast that out of your life.   Ask Him today and wait with expectancy for your prayer to be answered.

Reading for today: Genesis 7:13-16 and Matthew 8:23-27

“Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him.  And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep.  Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”  But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.  So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”" Matthew 8:23-27

Storms in our life are inescapable. Maybe today you are going through a stormy trial and feel helpless.  Take a moment and cry out to God and ask for help.  He is listening and can help you through any situation.  Have faith that He will help you in His way and in His timing.  You never have to be afraid because He is always with you and wants to help.  You too may marvel at God’s power when you are through this storm.

Reading for today: Genesis 7:6-12 and Matthew 8:14-22  

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“And when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side.  Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.  And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.  Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.  But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”" Matthew 8:18-22
Are you willing to follow Jesus at all costs?  Is He first in your life above all else?  Mark 8:34 declares that we must deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Jesus.  That is challenging in a society that teaches us to live life for ourselves first. When it seems too hard to follow Jesus, just think about how much He loves you and remember how He laid down His life for your sake. Once we get the proper perspective, following Jesus is a pleasure because of how amazing He is.

Reading for today: Genesis 7:1-5 and Matthew 8:1-13

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“When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him.  And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.  Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”  Matthew 8:1-3

Notice the 4 things about the leper.
1. He worshipped Jesus (acknowledging Jesus as God),
2. Called Him “Lord” (submitting himself to Jesus),
3. Said “if you are willing” (He knew Jesus could heal him if He chose to),
4. Said “You can make me clean” (He knew Jesus had the power to heal him).

Reading for today: Genesis 6:13-22 and Matthew 7:21-29

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“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it.”   Matthew 7:21-23

The thought of a loved one standing before God only to hear the words “I never knew you” should get us thinking about our life and witness.  Is there someone close to you in your with whom you have never shared the gospel?  The fear of their eternal destiny should outweigh our fear of rejection.  Take time today to visit someone, write a letter, or make a call.  Share with them the good news of Jesus Christ.  Pray for God to guide and strengthen you.