FAITH:
Matthew 10:1-42
The Jews viewed suffering as God's punishment. The disciples could not understand Jesus' message that they would suffer for being obedient.

Although believers will be persecuted, they can trust that God has a plan for all difficult circumstances.

Could you use some courage? Are you backing down more that you are standing up? If so, let the Master lead you up the mountain again. Let him remind you why you should "fear not". Listen to the time Jesus scattered the butterflies out of the stomachs of his nervous disciples and see if his words help you.

We need to remember that the disciples were common men given a compelling task. Before they were the stained-glassed saints in the windows of cathedrals, they were somebody's next-door-neighbors trying to make a living and raise a family. They weren't cut from theological cloth or raised on supernatural milk. But they were an ounce more devoted than they were afraid and, as a result, did some extraordinary things..........

Earthly fears are no fears at all. All the mystery is revealed. The final destination is guaranteed. Answer the big question of eternity, and the little questions of life fall into perspective. by Max Lucado

Applying it: Jesus promised hard times, but he also promised comfort. Are you experiencing opposition for being a Christian but neglecting to accept his comfort? Look forward to the day when you will no longer be persecuted but will be rewarded for persevering. Let the reality of that reward encourage you.
Exploring it: Do Not Be Afraid---Joshua 1:9; 2 Kings 6:15-17; Psalm 37:7, 13, 28; Isaiah 41:10; 43:1-2; Luke 12:32; Hebrews 13:6; 1 Peter 5:7.


FRIENDS:
Father, Teach us to set our hopes on heaven, to hold firmly to the promise of eternal life, so that we can withstand the struggles and storms of this world. May your Word be a constant in our lives. May we come to understand that your purpose is greater than our persecution. Thank you for your love that is unmeasurable. In Jesus' name, Amen.

BIBLE READING CHALLENGE
February 5
Matthew 12:22-37; Acts 17:16-34; Psalms 28; Exodus 13-15
February 6
Matthew 12:38-50; Acts 18:1-17; Psalms 29; Exodus 16-18

More about the books of the Bible
EXODUS
What follows is the greatest scene in the book of Exodus.

Risky claim, you say? Exodus is one startling scene after another. Burning bushes, dividing seas, manna falling, quail scampering. The plagues, the slaves, the pharaoh, and the fire. How could they be ranked?

Do we dare isolate one moment as the greatest?

Yes, we do.

We turn to the Hebrew slaves and stand silently as they perform an act of faith. A brush is dipped into a bowl of lamb's blood and streaked over the doorpost. Do it, they were told, and the angel of death will pass over. They obeyed. And death took an alternate route.

That's the peak of Exodus. Exodus is a book of deliverance. Literation from slavery. The blood on the doorpost reminds us, however, that it wasn't Moses who set them free. It was God. The blood on the doorpost reminds us of blood smeared on another post.

Blood of another lamb.

The Lamb of God.

Because of his blood, we, too, are free.

FOOD:

Chicken and Creamy Red Potatoes

1-1/2 lbs Red Potatoes chunked
8 oz Neufchatel (reduced fat cream cheese) Cheese
10-3/4 oz can of Cream of Potato Soup
1 Envelope Ranch-style Dressing Mix
12 oz Chicken Breast Without Skin, cut into strips

Place potatoes in slow cooker. Beat together the cream cheese, soup
and salad dressing mix. Stir in chicken strips and spread over
potatoes (or just stir all together). Cover and cook on Low 8 hours,
or until potatoes are tender. Stir once after 5-6 hours. Stir before
serving.

FUN:

A pilot landed a plane with a rather bumpy landing. As part of his job he was required to stand by the terminal door and say goodbye to the passengers as they exited the airplane. He was afraid that someone might say something about his rather less than perfect landing, but everyone left without saying a word except for one passenger, an elderly lady, she slowly approached the pilot after most passengers had exited the plane and asked, "Did we land? Or were we shot down?"