The Testimony of Matthew – Matthew 9 – 2025 Day 94

Read through the Bible in 2 years: Psalm 62, Matthew 9

As Jesus passed on from there,
he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth,
and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

Matthew 9:9 ESV

When you read that verse, Matthew 9:9, did you consider its author? This is Matthew’s own testimony. Matthew is saying, “This is me. I am that man. I am the one who was sitting at the tax booth. I am the one who Jesus called.”

The very next verse, Matthew 9:10 says that “Jesus reclined at table in the house,” but Matthew doesn’t tell you whose house it is. You have to read Luke 5:29 to discover that it was Matthew’s own house. Matthew opened his own house and many tax collectors and sinners had come to eat and spend time with Jesus and his disciples.

How awesome is that! I wish that I had been so quick to introduce my friends to Jesus. If you have someone in your life that you are discipling, or if you yourself are a new believer, please don’t wait until you have all the answers to invite your friends to meet Jesus.

The Pharisees, on the other hand, didn’t like it. They thought you needed to clean yourself up before coming to a good teacher like Jesus, but I’m here to tell you: You don’t!

Jesus says, “Come as you are… and I will make you new. I will change you. I am the one who heals and saves. I am the great physician of the body and the soul. Come to me! Today! Don’t wait!”

Heavenly Father, I pray for each one reading this. May those who are new in their faith be emboldened to share their faith today! May those who have been Christians for years not to look down their nose at unbelievers and new believers who don’t know how to behave! May those who don’t yet know You yet come to You today, without delay, trusting that Your arms are open wide to receive them. Thank You for calling Matthew while he was working in that tax booth, and thank You for calling me while I was running the other way. In the name of my Savior and Lord, Jesus the Christ, I pray. Amen.

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Love Still Bids You Welcome – Skye Peterson

Into the fire – Matthew 3 – 2025 Day 88

Read through the Bible in 2 years: Matthew 3; Psalm 56

John the Baptizer was calling the people to repent, and so does Jesus.

A time is coming when each of us will stand before the throne of God and be judged. Are you ready? If God asked you why He should let you into heaven, what would you say?

  • I’m a good person.
  • I go to church.
  • I read my Bible.
  • The good I’ve done outweighs the bad.
  • I’m a Christian.
  • Your Son, Jesus Christ, has paid the price for me. His blood has washed away my sins. My faith is in Him and Him alone.

Only one of these is the correct answer. Are you ready to meet God? Have you turned away from your sins and trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation? Have you publicly professed your faith in Him and followed Him in being baptized? If the answer to any of these questions is no, please let today be the day. Don’t put it off any longer. Only God knows when you’ll breathe your last breath and that day for your judgment will come.

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, in the flesh, to be my atoning sacrifice, paying the debt that I could never pay. I pray that You would use me to share this good news with others. I pray that those reading this would trust in Jesus’s finished work on the cross, repenting of their sins and turning to You for salvation. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen

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Victory in Jesus (Christ Won the Victory) – Keith & Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell

The Birth of Christ Fulfilled Prophecies – Matthew 2 – 2025 Day 87

Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Matthew 2; Psalm 55

In reading Matthew 2, I was struck by how often Matthew said that these events fulfilled the words spoken by the prophets. For Matthew, as a Jewish man, this confirmed for him that Jesus truly was the long-awaited messiah.

For me, as a former atheist, I have a different reaction. My reaction is that God’s Word must be true! God must know what will happen in the future if He can send prophets to foretell it. And God must be all powerful and sovereign over the events of Earth, if He is able to achieve His perfect will.

As Dr. Tim Chaffey wrote in an article titled “Fulfilled Prophecies of Jesus’s Birth” published on Answers in Genesis’ website, “There are no prophecies foretelling details about the birth of other religious leaders. No prophecies alerted the world to the coming of Muhammad (Islam), Joseph Smith (Mormonism), David Koresh (Branch Davidians), Charles Taze Russell (Jehovah’s Witnesses), Siddhartha Gautama (Buddhism), or any other founder of the world’s religions. Yet the Old Testament pinpointed numerous details about the life of the Son of God and Savior of the world. So what do these prophecies tell us about Jesus? In just the first two chapters of Matthew, we see that God foretold the virginal conception of the Messiah, who would be born in Bethlehem, yet in some way would come out of Egypt and be called a Nazarene. We also see that bitter agony would grip the mothers in that area.” Read the full article here

Please pray with me.

Heavenly Father, please grow our faith in your Word. Help us to trust that You know what is coming and that You are the sovereign ruler of heaven and earth. No purpose of Yours can be thwarted. You are working all things together to accomplish Your purposes and to glorify Your name.

I pray that we would especially remember that when times look dark like when fires and tornadoes devastate whole communities and it feels like the whole world is “going to hell in a hand basket.” You are still on Your throne.

I pray that we, as your children, will seek Your face and be honorable vessels for Your good use.

It is in the name of Jesus Christ, the long-awaited messiah, that we pray, Amen.

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By Faith – Keith and Kristyn Getty

He Will Save His People from their Sins – Matthew 1 – 2025 Day 86

Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Matthew 1; Psalm 54

The Book of Matthew begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ. The first verse is a brief genealogy. Jesus descended from David who descended from Abraham, but then we get a father to son heritage from Abraham all the way to Jesus’s earthly father, Joseph. You might feel tempted to skip this, but I hope you won’t. I want to point out a few things.

  • The genealogy begins with Abraham, not Adam. Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation. Jesus was a Jew.
  • There are several women mentioned in this account, but every one of them has something that tarnishes their reputation. Look up the stories of Tamar (Genesis 38:1-26), Rahab (Joshua 2:1-3 and Joshua 6:17-25), and Ruth (Ruth 1:4).
  • Bathsheba isn’t mentioned by name as the mother of Solomon, but rather is referred to as “the wife of Uriah,” not because of her sin but because of David’s. You can read about the story of Uriah’s death and Solomon’s birth in 2 Samuel 11-12, but 1 Kings 15:5 says “David did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and did not turn aside from anything that he commanded him all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.”

Matthew didn’t try to hide the thread of sin which is woven through the background of the ancestors of Jesus, son of David. Rather, these words help to prepare the reader for the words of the angel —

Joseph, son of David,
do not fear to take Mary
as your wife,
for that which is conceived
in her is from the Holy Spirit.
She will bear a son and
you shall call his name Jesus,
for he will save his people
from their sins.

Matthew 1:20-21

Joseph, too, was a son of David, a good man but not a perfect man. God has chosen Mary, a good woman but not a perfect woman to bear His son, a perfect Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. This Son will save His people from their sins.

Joseph and Mary needed saving and so do we. Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your only begotten Son to save me from my sins. I am Your child and You are my Father. Thank you for showing us that we don’t have to have a sinless lineage to be children of Your Perfect Son.

Thank You for my earthly father and mother who did their best to raise me right. I pray that You would bless them with everything that they need for life and godliness by the power of Your Holy Spirit  and Your Word.

I pray that You would make me a woman after your own heart, treasuring Your word in my heart that I would not sin against you. In the Holy, Blessed name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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I Serve a Risen Savior

“Were You There?” Studying Creation Science – Job 38-39 – 2025 Day 83

Read Through the Bible in 2 Years: Job 38-39; Psalm 51

“Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.”

Job 38:1-4 ESV

“Were you there?” is a question that young earth creation scientist Ken Ham encourages people to ask when discussing the theory of evolution. The reality is that no man has witnessed the evolution of molecules to man, because it didn’t happen.

Yet, no man witnessed God creating the earth, sun, moon, and stars. I wasn’t there and neither were you. But there was someone who was there: God. And God has given us an account of the events of creation in the Holy Scriptures.

God’s Word is true and trustworthy. I hope you will put your faith in God and in every word that He has preserved for us. Take some time to study the science behind the creationist worldview. The Christian young earth creationist worldview is scientifically reasonable and defendable. Studying it will strengthen your faith and help you to be prepared to give a reason for the hope that is in you!

For those of you who are parents, please invest the efforts necessary to teach your children about creation science. Young minds are impressionable. They will either be shaped by a godless culture or a god-centered one. If you’re afraid to indoctrinate your children into the Christian faith, just know that the world is busy indoctrinating them for you. I know. I was there.

Will you pray with me?

Heavenly Father, You were there when the foundations of the earth were laid by the power of Your Word. You were there when the sea burst forth for the first time. You were there when the sun, moon, and stars were hung in the vast space of our universe. Before the beginning of time, You were there.

Thank You, Father, for preserving Your Word for all of these years, so that we could know You. Thank You for speaking to Job and for speaking to us. You know all things, and by Your will they have come into being.  Help us to trust You in all things – in the daily stresses of life and in training up our children in the way they should go.

In the powerful name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Suggested Creation Science Resources:

Creatures that Defy Evolution video – This is just the first video of a series.

It Couldn’t Just Happen book – Aimed at ages 10-14, but I found it so profitable for me, too.

Answers in Genesis – A website full of great creation information.

Creation – This link is especially for Answers in Genesis’ Creation specific info.

Jonathan Park Audio Dramas – My kids grew up on these!

Creation Museum – A great place to visit and learn in person! Our family went over ten years ago – I think it’s time to go again!

Noah’s Ark Replica – This is located near the creation museum. It wasn’t built yet when we went to the creation museum. Like I said, we need to go again!

Creation Website in Chinese – For all my Chinese speaking friends!

The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel – For me as an atheist, faith in an invisible God was harder than faith in Jesus as God’s Son. The Case for Faith was instrumental in growing my faith. I also love More than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell, but it isn’t so focused on creation.

Ken Ham – Bill Nye Debate – Sometimes how you speak is almost as important as what you say. The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome, but patient and kind. Pay attention not only to what is spoken, but how. The ultimate goal isn’t to win the debate. The ultimate goal is to win the soul and ultimately this is in God’s hands. Trust Him.

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Creation Sings – Stuart Townend

Compelled to Speak – Job 32 – 2025 Day 79

Read through the Bible in 2 years: Job 32, Psalm 47

Have you ever overheard someone slander or misrepresent your mom or dad, your brother or sister, your husband or child or friend? Did you speak up to defend them, to correct the false information?

That is kinda the situation that Elihu is in here, except this time the person being misrepresented is God Himself. Elihu has listened carefully and patiently long enough, and now he’s got to speak up.

For I am full of words;
the spirit within me
constrains me.
Behold, my belly is like wine
that has no vent;
like new wineskins ready to burst.
I must speak,
that I may find relief;
I must open my lips and answer.

Job 32:18-20 ESV

We, too, must know when to wait patiently in silence, but we must also know when to speak up! May we not give way to cowardice under the guise of humility. Rather, we must courageously, gently, respectfully speak the words that the Spirit gives us to speak.

As a child of God, we should feel compelled to speak up when our Heavenly Father’s character or His Word are misrepresented. How dare we stand idly by and let our Lord’s Name be sullied or spoiled! Like Peter and John said when they were commanded to stop telling people about the risen Christ, “We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20)

Truly, my love for Christ – and His love for me – compels, controls, constrains me to implore others to be reconciled to God. I hope you feel the same way. Let me encourage you to take a few minutes of your time right now to read 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 to learn more about being an ambassador for Christ.

Will you pray with me?

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your loving kindness and mercy towards me, a sinner. I pray that I would be an ambassador for Your kingdom, sharing the good news of reconciliation that Your Son made possible by His blood.

Help me to be gentle, respectful, humble, and patient… And help me to be bold and courageous, not giving way to fear and cowardice. May my love for You compel me to speak up when You are slandered and may my love for others compel me to tell them their desperate need for a Savior. In the Name of Jesus Christ my Savior and Lord I pray, Amen.

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“I will sing of my Redeemer” – Fernando Ortega

Where Can Wisdom be Found? – Job 28 – 2025 Day 76

Read through the Bible in 2 years: Job 28; Psalm 44

I remember one time when I was playing hide and seek with my 20-month-old granddaughter. It wasn’t hard to spot her crouching next to the oversized arm chair in the living room with her thin, blond, wavy hair peeking up over the back, and her mauve hiking boots sticking out under the seafoam curtains in her bedroom. But what about wisdom … Where can wisdom be found? Like Job wrote in today’s passage of Job 28.

But where shall wisdom
be found?
And where is the place of understanding?

Job 28:12

As an atheist, I prided myself in my own intellect as well as my open-mindedness. I see now my shortcomings in both. I didn’t really research what Christians had to say. In fact, I’d never even really studied the Bible. How could I be so sure that Christianity was just a myth made up by simple-minded people when I didn’t really even know what they believed? And I was anything but open-minded. I had already made up my mind – I was right and they were wrong.

True wisdom will never be found by searching the hearts and minds of men. True wisdom – knowing what is right and knowing the best way to reach it – is only found in the mind of God. God’s wisdom is totally unlike man’s wisdom. If you want to be wise, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. (Job 28:28)

1 Corinthians 1:17-2:16 is a gold mine on this topic. I especially love 1 Corinthians 1:20-24.

Where is the one who is wise?

Where is the scribe?

Where is the debater of this age?

Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 1:20-24

Heavenly Father,

I need Your divine wisdom to fill my heart and mind and to guide me in all my ways. I pray that I will trust in You with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. I pray for the many people I know who have not yet surrendered their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ, turning away from their sins and trusting in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of their sins. This does, indeed, sound foolish to the natural man, but, Father, Your ways are so much higher and better than ours.

You are God and God alone. Grow our faith and make us courageous messengers for the good news of the gospel! Make us heralds of Your gospel that many will know You and glorify Your name!

In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

“Christ our Wisdom” – Sovereign Grace

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Remind Me, Lord – Job 21 – 2025 Day 71

Read through the Bible in 2 years: Job 21; Psalm 39

In the 21st chapter of Job, Job wrestles with God as he watches the wicked prosper. Why were their animals multiplying and their flocks of children running and playing and singing, while his own house and fields had been wiped out?

Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever prayed for God to give you a running vehicle so you can get to work while your annoying co-worker keeps bragging about her new minivan? Have you ever pleaded with God to give you a friend while your gossipy neighbor has a house full of companions? Have you ever begged God for a child while you watch a story on the news about a woman who threw her own baby in the dumpster?

I remember how hard it was to go to baby showers for my friends after losing my baby boy. I remember how hard it was to hear about others whose children were so quiet and obedient while mine were outspoken and headstrong.

Frankly, there is no 3-step solution to answer all your questions, no quick pill to take away all your pain, but there is hope and wisdom to be found in drawing near to God and His Word. We must remind ourselves of the simple truth that none of us are good, no not one. All of us are wicked. Our wickedness may look different from that co-worker or neighbor or woman on the news, but none of us deserve God’s great blessings of food and friendship and family.

We must remind ourselves that this world is not our destination; we are all just passing through.

Ultimately, the greatest blessings in this life are not found in expensive cars or rich food or abundant friends or even in a house full of children and a happy marriage. Rather, the greatest blessings in life are found at the feet. and in the hands, of Jesus. The blessings of joy and peace and purpose are found in the abundant, eternal blessings both in this life and the life to come.

Let’s pray,

Oh Lord God, remember your mercy and steadfast love – for they have been from of old. Change my prideful, sinful heart. Remind me of how much I have been forgiven. Let me not be like that unmerciful servant who pointed a finger of condemnation at the speck in his brother’s eyes, while forgetting his own sin against You, our Perfectly Holy, Righteous, Merciful King.

Remember not the sins of my youth nor the sins of my old age. My transgressions are indeed many, but Your mercy is indeed more. Remember me according to Your steadfast love — for the sake of Your Name and Your goodness. Your Name is great, and Your Goodness is without end. I know that You are good. I know that You are just. I know that You are faithful and true. Help me to remind myself of what I know to be true about You, about me, and about my neighbor.

I pray that You will bless others – my family, my friends, my neighbors, my enemies – with a knowledge of the truth, that they might know that You are indeed full of justice and grace. I pray that You would save them today, Lord, that they might turn away from their sin and receive forgiveness, that they might know Your love which is better than life.

It is in the name of Jesus Christ, my Redeemer, that I pray. Amen.

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“I’d Rather Have Jesus” – Selah

My Redeemer Lives – Job 18-19 – 2025 Day 69

Read through the Bible in Two Years: Job 18-19, Psalm 37

Though Job’s friends are miserable comforters, though Job’s family and friends have turned against him, though he feels abandoned and attacked by God, Job reminds himself of this one piece of truth: his redeemer lives.

What a treasure it is to know that I have a redeemer and that my redeemer lives.

Consider what it means to be redeemed – not merely forgiven, but redeemed. “The debt against us is not viewed as simply cancelled, but is fully paid. Christ’s blood or life, which he surrendered for [our sin], is the “ransom” by which the deliverance of his people from the servitude of sin and from its penal consequences is secured.” (Easton Bible Dictionary – Redemption)

God does not merely overlook our sin, having mercy on us. But God has sent His only Son to die in our place, that His righteous justice can be upheld, that we are redeemed by the perfect substitutionary sacrifice, God-in-flesh, Jesus Christ.

Christ is my redeemer, my living redeemer. He died and He rose again to live forever, interceding for me before the Father. He is my all-powerful, immortal redeemer. Like Hebrews 7:23-25 says, “The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”

I say with Job, “My Redeemer Lives!” He’s ALIVE NOW and FOREVER! Let’s praise His name together.

Heavenly Father,

I’m overwhelmed by Your grace, that You would send Your only Son to save a wretch like me. You have redeemed me, rescued me, delivered me, ransomed me. All I can say is thank You. You are good and worthy.

Now I pray that You would take my life and let it be consecrated to thee, Lord. Jesus died and lives for me. I pray that I would die to myself and live for You.

In the eternal redeeming name of Jesus I pray, Amen

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“My Redeemer Lives” by Nicole Mullen (Aldrich & James cover)

Feeling Forsaken – Job 15 – 2025 Day 67

Read through the Bible in 2 years: Job 15; Psalm 35

I hope you’re reading the Psalms along with Job. They’re so beautiful to read together.

Sisters, when we find ourselves in a pit of despair, we must speak truth to our hearts. God has given us His Word to guide us, enlightening our path that we might not sin against Him. (Psalm 119:5, 105, 11) His Word is truth. His truth sanctifies us. (John 17:17)

  • “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 ESV)
  • “It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV)
  • “And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.” (Psalm 9:10 ESV)

In Christ, we are the recipient of God’s grace, hidden behind the cross where Jesus absorbed the Father’s wrath that we so deeply deserved. Jesus took the Father’s scorn in our place. Jesus paid the death price, so we don’t have to. Let’s encourage one another with these words and pray to the Father together. Will you join me in praying?

Heavenly Father,

You are worthy of our full trust. Thank You for the sacrifice of Christ who has paid the price for my sin so that I don’t have to. My debt has been paid in full by my Savior, Christ Jesus, my Lord.

Thank You for Your faithful, steadfast love. I can trust without doubting that You will never leave me or forsake me. You are true, though every man be a liar. My own parents might even abandon me, turn away from me in shame, forsake me, but You never will.

In Jesus, You have made me Your child and put Your seal upon me, filling me with Your Holy Spirit, making me Your temple. What purpose and hope and peace there is in that!

In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

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Only a Holy God – CityAlight