January 9 - Matthew 11

Read: Matthew chapter 11 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Jesus said, "My Father has entrusted everything to me.  No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."  Has Jesus revealed the Father to you?  What difference has that made in your life?

January 8 - Matthew 10

Read: Matthew chapter 10 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Jesus called his twelve disciples together and sent them out after giving them instructions.  As you read through those instructions, what stands out as particularly difficult for you?  Why?

January 7 - Matthew 9

Read: Matthew chapter 9 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: People approached Jesus in many different ways.  Some were brought by friends, some knelt before Him, some crawled just to touch Him.  How do you usually approach Him?  How does He respond?

January 6 - Matthew 8

Read: Matthew chapter 8 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Jesus was amazed at the faith of a Gentile leader who believed He could heal.  Is there a place in your faith that needs to be strengthened?

January 5 - Matthew 7

Read: Matthew chapter 7 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: No phony baloney...True love is genuine, persistent, and consistent.  How can you make certain you are building your future on a solid foundation?

January 4 - Matthew 6

Read: Matthew chapter 6 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Jesus tells us to trust God so thoroughly that we live totally in the moments of today.  What is the primary worry of your life?  How can you make a real effort to give that concern to God?

January 3 - Matthew 5

Read: Matthew 5 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Seriously? Love your enemies?  Turn the other cheek?  Be perfect?  Where, when you consider being salt and light in the world where you live, could you do better?  What could be a good first step?  Will you commit to taking that step this week?

January 2 - Matthew 3 and 4

Read: Matthew chapters 3 and 4 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: No TV news, cellphones, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, yet hundreds came to hear John the Baptist preach.  Then there HE was - John's cousin, friend, the Son of God.  Just an ordinary afternoon when the heavens opened and God spoke.  How does God most often speak to you?  How do you most often reply?

January 1 - Matthew 1 and 2

Read: Matthew chapters 1 and 2 (CEB, NIV, NRSV)

Reflection Question: Three angel visitations and a dream prepared Joseph for Jesus' birth and moved his small family out of harm's way.  Have you ever had what you consider to have been a message from God?  What was it and how was it delivered?