Day 12 Bible Readings – Matthew 10: 29-31

Genesis 25 & 26, Matthew 10: 1-31, Psalm 9: 13-20

Matthew 10: 29-31

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

In verses 29 through 31 from Matthew 10, Jesus says to his disciples that God cares for all of his people. God created everything on earth, and nothing happens on earth that is not his will. Jesus gives them the example of sparrows, and told his disciples not to fear because they are more valuable than many sparrows. God knows us down the smallest detail down to how many hairs are on our head. These words from Jesus are what we need to remember when we have overwhelming fears about our future. God loves us so much that he knows everything about us, and he will always take care of us just as he cares for all the creatures on the earth. We might often think that God doesn’t loves us, nor does he know anything about us. But these feelings of unworthiness are wrong. God does know us and he loves us so much, we should fear anything. 

Day 11 Bible Readings – Matthew 9: 1-2

Genesis 23 & 24, Matthew 9, Psalm 9: 7-12

Matthew 9: 1-2

“And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. 2 And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”

In verses 1 and 2 from Matthew 9, Jesus heals a paralyzed man because of the faith of his friends. These verses tell us how important it is to have friends pray for you when you are in need. Your own faith may not be strong enough for God to grant you a miracle, but if you have friends who will pray for you then God may decide to grant you your prayers based on the faith on your friends. Friends are so important in your journey of faith. Friends can encourage you in the faith and keep you on track to follow God’s law. When your faith is lacking, a friend can always help you to strengthen your faith. A friend can pray to God for a miracle for you, and based on their faith alone God may decide to grant you that miracle. 

Day 10 Bible Readings – Genesis 22: 15-18 (ESV)

Genesis 21 & 22, Matthew 8: 23-34, Psalm 9: 1-6

Genesis 22: 15-18 (ESV)

“And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”

In verses 15 through 18 from Genesis 22, the Angel lets Abraham know what will happen to him after his complete obedience to God. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac to God. These verses reminded me of how God was willing to sacrifice his only son Jesus Christ to save us. As Isaac was saved from death by God, Jesus Christ was also saved from true death when he rose from the cross. Isaac went willingly to his death when Abraham bound him and laid him on the altar. Jesus also went willingly to his death on the cross to fulfill his father’s will. Abraham shows us what it means to be completely obedient to God, even if that obedience meant sacrificing his most precious son.

Day 9 Bible Readings – Matthew 7: 24-27 (ESV)

Genesis 19 & 20, Matthew 7: 24-29, Matthew 8: 1-22, Psalm 8

Matthew 7: 24-27 (ESV)

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

When I read verses 24 through 27 from Matthew 7, I immediately thought of the song “Firm Foundation” by Cody Carnes. We sing this song at least once a month at my church. People love this song because everyone seems to know the words. Every time I am facing any kind of problem, I pray to God to help me out. I cannot imagine what it must be like to face any kind of problem or issue and not have God to rely on to help you in these moments. Not only does praying to God for help free my mind, but I have experienced so many miracles from God when I experience any kind of problems in my life.

Here's the song for your listening pleasure: