Monthly Study
June 2024God with Us
The Gospel of Matthew
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”).—Matthew 1:23
We usually hear this verse quoted during the Christmas season, but the opening chapter of Matthew reveals a key theme that is valuable for us at all times throughout the year. The Gospel of Matthew begins by introducing us to the “with-us” Jesus (1:23) and concludes with the same emphasis when Jesus told the disciples: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (28:20). See how the theme of God’s presence is revealed in every chapter of this Gospel and how this precious truth can motivate us to live as modern-day disciples of Jesus. It is my prayer that through this study we will:
- Praise God that His presence is always with us, even in tough times
- Be encouraged by the different ways God’s presence manifests itself
- Be motivated to live out His presence in our everyday lives
Your devotional author,
James F. Coakley
Volume 37Edition 6
Managing Editor: Jamie Janosz, Senior Editor: Elena Mafter, Contributing Editor: John Koessler, Writer: James Coakley, Art Director: Lynn Gabalec, Graphic Designer: Rachel Hutcheson, Marketing: JD Hamby, Production: Rhonda AuYeung
About the Author
Devotional Calendar
Podcasts
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A Promise Kept
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Have you ever made a promise to someone? Maybe you told your child you would attend their band concert or a friend you would support them through a tough time?
June 1, 2024
Immanuel: “God With Us”
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Before the days of GPS, long road trips were a bit of a challenge. Drivers needed encouragement that they were on the right road and regular updates on how far they were from their intended destination.
June 2, 2024
A Guiding Star
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For centuries sailors relied on the North Star (Polaris) to guide their ships through open waters. The star provided a fixed point they could depend upon even in the blackest of nights or stormiest of seas.
June 3, 2024
God’s Transforming Presence
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When I was a pastor, the local fire marshal would regularly inspect our church building. He needed to make sure we were within code and that our building was safe for occupants.
June 4, 2024
God’s Presence in Temptation
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I am fascinated by lighthouses and enjoy visiting them on vacations. Lighthouses were not just designed as beautiful landmarks, but they helped seafaring vessels safely navigate darkness and storms, guiding them safely to port.
June 5, 2024
God’s Presence in a Dark World
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Even a small flickering candle can dispel darkness in a pitch-black room. Though a candle’s flame may be insignificant compared to a high wattage halogen bulb, it can still pierce the darkness, providing light and warmth.
June 6, 2024
God’s Secret Presence
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Nobody likes to be around those who are proud, arrogant, and always tout their accomplishments. Those types of people tend to suck all the oxygen out of the room with their inflated egos.
June 7, 2024
God’s Presence in Our Foundation
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The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy is known for both its beauty and its defect. The structure leans because it was built on a mixture of clay, sand, and shells.
June 8, 2024
Healing in His Presence
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Young children love to spend time at a playground. They feel free and independent as they scramble from the slide to the swing set to the mini climbing wall.
June 9, 2024
Hope in His Presence
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Imagine a farmer looking out at a barren field, holding an ear of dried corn. In his grasp is the potential of a rich bountiful harvest for the coming growing season. It is easy to see how such a scenario could instill hope deep within him that will motivate him through the long road ahead until the harvest.
June 10, 2024
Sent Out with His Presence
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Do you remember the first time you were asked to do a task around the house, like mowing the lawn or doing a load of laundry? Initially the task was beyond your capabilities.
June 11, 2024
Rest in His Presence
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Picture someone who has ventured out too far into the ocean. The tide is pulling them further from shore and they are struggling to keep their head above water.
June 12, 2024
His Presence Drives Away Darkness
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You are probably familiar “tug of war,” a game where two teams pull on the opposite ends of a rope. All members must work together, straining against the opposition.
June 13, 2024
Seeds of His Presence
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Have you ever tried to start a garden? The necessary ingredients are pretty basic: seeds, water, sunshine, and soil. But if any part of that equation is missing...
June 14, 2024
His Presence in a Storm
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Picture a storm at sea. A ship is being tossed about in the crashing waves, its crew fearing for their lives.
June 15, 2024
His Presence in Our Hearts
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Sometimes we act like following Jesus requires building an impressive religious resume. We make sure our calendar is packed with plenty of to-do items for Jesus.
June 16, 2024
God’s Presence in Discipleship
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Mountain climbers, when tackling a difficult steep ascent, must leave behind unnecessary weight and fix their eyes on the right route to reach the summit.
June 17, 2024
Transfigured by His Presence
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I will never forget standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon at sunrise. The air was chilly and darkness lingered. Then, the first light appeared,...
June 18, 2024
God’s Presence in Restoration
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A symphonic band is comprised of musicians playing many types of instruments. There is the woodwind section with clarinets and saxophones. A brass section features trumpets and trombones. Joining them are stringed instruments—violin and cello. Each produces a unique sound. But when the musicians play together, guided by their conductor, they produce harmonious and beautiful music.
June 19, 2024
The Embrace of His Presence
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Children’s ministry is an important part of every church. Why? Because what children learn at a young age shapes them for the rest of their lives.
June 20, 2024
Living Like the Servant King
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Imagine a corporate boss, who despite his high status, regularly takes the time to listen and to personally assist his employees no matter their role or status within the company.
June 21, 2024
Living in the Presence of a Just God
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Passion Week chronicles the last eight days of Jesus’ earthly life from His arrival in Jerusalem to His death on the cross. The last quarter of the book of Matthew focuses on this important period of our Savior’s life. Jesus had been making His way to Jerusalem, and in Matthew 21 He had finally arrived (v. 1).
June 22, 2024
Eternity in His Presence
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Have you ever tried to put together a new piece of furniture without reading the instruction manual? At first it might seem self-explanatory,...
June 23, 2024
God’s Yearning Presence
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When a bird is born, the fledgling is small and vulnerable. It doesn’t yet have the fully grown feathers to protect its body. So to keep her babies safe and warm,...
June 24, 2024
God’s Presence in Watchfulness
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Every military family knows how it feels to wait for the return of their active-duty loved one. They don’t know the exact day or hour when their family member will return,...
June 25, 2024
God’s Presence in Serving Others
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What if you had a mirror that didn’t just reflect your outward appearance, but could also reveal your inner self?
June 26, 2024
Sharing His Presence
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Farewell dinners are bittersweet occasions in that they are usually a joyful celebration and reflection of the years spent together with the one leaving,...
June 27, 2024
God’s Presence at the Cross
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We have all seen grisly scenes on the news, whether it be the aftermath of natural disaster or the savage effects of war.
June 28, 2024
His Presence at the Resurrection
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What if you suddenly received a message from a loved one you thought you would never see again? How would you react?
June 29, 2024
Assurance of God’s Presence
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If you’ve ever gone on a hike through a state park, you know that the way can sometimes be unclear. You come to a fork in the trail and wonder...
June 30, 2024