– Scripture:

As he finished saying this, a local official appeared, bowed politely, and said, “My daughter has just now died. If you come and touch her, she will live.” Jesus got up and went with him, his disciples following along. Just then a woman who had hemorrhaged for twelve years slipped in from behind and lightly touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, “If I can just put a finger on his robe, I’ll get well.” Jesus turned caught her at it. Then he reassured her: “Courage, daughter. You took a risk of faith, and now you’re well.” The woman was well from then on. By now they had arrived at the house of the town official, and pushed their way through the gossips looking for a story and the neighbors bringing in casseroles. Jesus was abrupt: “Clear out! This girl isn’t dead. She’s sleeping.” They told him he didn’t know what he was talking about. But when Jesus had gotten rid of the crowd, he went in, took the girl’s hand, and pulled her to her feet—alive. The news was soon out, and traveled throughout the region.

                           Matthew 9:18–26 MSG

– Reflection:

               Just a Touch

A woman had been ill for twelve years and had spent all her money visiting many doctors, but nothing had helped. She believed her sickness was permanent and that there was nothing else she could do. However, when she heard that Jesus was passing through her town, she decided to change her story. Despite her feelings and everything she had been told, she began telling herself a new story. She said, “When I touch His garments, I’m going to be healed.” With faith rising in her heart, she kept affirming to herself, “Healing is coming.” Pushing through the crowd, she touched His robe and was instantly healed.

Where do we go from here?

It’s common to have thoughts of defeat, thoughts like “I can’t do it” or “it’s never going to work out” play in your mind. You have to say, “No, I’m deleting this story. I will be the exception. I will get well. I will see my family restored. I will break this addiction. I will accomplish my dream.” Give God something to work with. You can’t hold onto an old story and expect to see the new things He wants to do.

Our Prayer for Today

“Father, thank you for giving us the power to delete the thoughts that keep us trapped in an old story of defeat. Thank you that our faith can open the way for you to do amazing things and write a new story. We are reaching out and touching you by faith today, knowing that victory will be ours. In Jesus’ name, we praise. Amen.”

– Scripture:

Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.

                            Colossians 3:22–25 MSG

– Reflection:

               It’s the Small Things

Remember, it’s not always the big things that keep us from reaching our full potential with God. It’s often the small things. If we fail to show respect and honor our spouse by doing something small that’s important to them, that small thing can hold us back from greatness. Being harsh, argumentative, and difficult to get along with can prevent us from reaching our potential. Sometimes, it means doing things we don’t feel like doing or things that don’t seem fair. For example, at work, when we’re not receiving credit or are not treated well by someone, why should we be kind to them, maintain a positive attitude, and go the extra mile?

Where do we go from here?

“Honoring God takes patience, resilience, and character. None of these things require a degree or loads of money to perform for him. God is saying, ‘Will you do it as unto Me? Will you keep your mouth closed for Me? Will you be kind to that undeserving person for Me? Will you be your best at work for Me?’ Do it as unto God. He’s the One who matters. Promotion doesn’t come from people; it comes from Him. When you do the right thing when it’s hard, you’re passing the test. You’re going to go to levels that you’ve never imagined.”

Our Prayer for Today

Dear Father, thank you for calling us to be people of excellence in everything we do, to go the extra mile, and always give our best. We want our best efforts to come from our hearts filled with love for You. We believe that as we give our all, we will experience Your goodness and favor in new ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

– Scripture:

A man out of the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought my mute son, made speechless by a demon, to you. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and goes stiff as a board. I told your disciples, hoping they could deliver him, but they couldn’t.” Jesus said, “What a generation! No sense of God! How many times do I have to go over these things? How much longer do I have to put up with this? Bring the boy here.” They brought him. When the demon saw Jesus, it threw the boy into a seizure, causing him to writhe on the ground and foam at the mouth. He asked the boy’s father, “How long has this been going on?” “Ever since he was a little boy. Many times it pitches him into fire or the river to do away with him. If you can do anything, do it. Have a heart and help us!” Jesus said, “If? There are no ‘ifs’ among believers. Anything can happen.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than the father cried, “Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!”

                                  Mark 9:17–24 MSG

– Reflection:

                  What’s God Like?

What should we believe about God? We are told that He is big and powerful – so big and powerful that He created everything. We are told that He sees everything, knows everything, and can do anything and that this has always been the case. “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and who is to come, the Almighty’”.

Despite His size and power, we are also told that He cares about each of us; He loves us no matter what, even to the point of laying down His life for ours. He wants to spend time with us and for us to know Him; He protects and helps us, and His love for us never wavers.

Where do we go from here?

Search your heart and mind rigorously and honestly. Identify areas of unbelief. Then, be bold and bring them to God in prayer. Ask for help and ask Him to teach you about Himself and to help your unbelief.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, help those who do not believe in you or the world you created. Grant them the ability to see you in everything they do today, Jesus. Amen.

– Scripture:

Reassure the righteous that their good living will pay off. But doom to the wicked! Disaster! Everything they did will be done to them. “Skinny kids terrorize my people. Silly girls bully them around. My dear people! Your leaders are taking you down a blind alley. They’re sending you off on a wild goose chase.”

                           Isaiah 3:10–12 MSG

– Reflection:

              Words of Encouragement

Everyone in your life is fighting a battle. They’re dealing with something. They may not show it, but there’s a load they’re carrying. Their thoughts are telling them that it’s not going to work out. It is always good to pray for others, but today’s scripture also says, ‘Say to the righteous that it’s going to work out. Everything’s going to be okay.’ Just give a word of encouragement when they’re under a heavy load. Let them know that you care and remind them that God is still on the throne. You don’t have to have all the answers to their problems.

Where do we go from here?

It’s normal to feel intimidated when the situation is complicated. Different people from diverse backgrounds may be involved, and it can be difficult to know what to say to support them. However, you don’t have to solve their problems; that is something they will have to deal with. Your role is to provide emotional support and say, “I care about you. I’m standing with you. You’re going to make it.” These kind words can help people get back on their feet.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for your hand of blessing in our lives. We ask you to work through us and help us to speak kind words, offer compliments, encourage, and lift those around us. Help us listen and bring your healing presence into others’ lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.