Matthew 11: New Bible App!

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

These are a few of my favorite verses. Recently, I have been challenging myself to memorize more scriptures. It's much more effective to quote scripture versus saying "I know there's a scripture that talks about..." which I'm guilty of haha

Here's a screenshot from the app

But I found an app that solves this problem! Yay! It's called Bible Minded. Try it out! Happy Tuesday :)

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you" Psalm 119:11

Matthew 10

“Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don’t need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment..." Matthew 10:9

Right before this verse, Jesus tasks 12 people to spread the gospel to their neighborhoods. He emphasizes that in order to be effective, they don't need to go to the ends of the earth, they can go right into their neighborhoods and make a difference. What I love about verse 9 is that it removes every excuse. When God gives us something to do, a task to complete, he will provide everything that we need to complete it. What excuse have you been giving God to not fulfill what he called you to do? Whatever it was, fugetaboutit *in my most convincing mafia voice* and let God show you how faithful he is! 

"And don’t worry about what you’ll say or how you’ll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words." Matthew 10:20

You don't have to be an eloquent speaker to share what God placed inside your heart. Since we were created uniquely and in His image, we ALL have ways to serve the kingdom (ie. Spiritual Gifts). Jesus told the 12 harvest hands to go into their neighborhoods and share the gospel in a vernacular common to that place. Your testimony, your accent, your style of dress are all things that can be used to draw people Christ. Be You! 

Because The Holy Spirit resides in us (those who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives), we have 24/7 access to him. If we find ourselves at a loss for words, we can ask The Holy Spirit to guide and direct us to the most appropriate words for that moment. There have been many times that I don't know what to write in these morning devotionals and I sought additional direction. On those days, I get feedback like "that's just what I needed to hear today" or "How did you know that's what I was praying about?!" How awesome! You never know how significant the impact your words and actions will be when you heed His guidance. How much better would our lives be if we applied this same principles to EVERY aspect of life?

What were your favorite parts of this chapter?

Happy Monday! 

Matthew 7

This chapter opens with some of the most quoted verses from the Bible. In fact, I'm sure some people aren't even aware that they're Bible verses. The old "don't tell me about the speck in my eye while you have a plank in yours." Sometimes, when I hear people say it, I'm thinking "humble yourself and take some constructive criticism!" My challenge to you with Matthew 7:1-5, is to look inward, before telling someone about their plank.   

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces." Matthew 7:6

What do pearls and pigs have to do with Jesus? I'm glad you asked :) The sacred items and pearls can be: your dreams, your vision, your talents, your time, or anything that you're passionate about. The pigs and dogs can be: naysayers and people who constantly "throw shade" in an attempt to deter you from your calling. Really this verse is saying, our "pearls" are gifts from God, so we much use and share them wisely and according to his plans. What are you doing with your pearls? Are you giving them away to those who don't appreciate them? They'll misuse and abuse them and leave you questioning if your pearls were even valuable to begin with. *Whew* y'all, that was deep...

"A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." Matthew 7:18-20

The above verse was initially referring to false prophets; but ya'll know I like to bring things to the modern day vernacular. Let's look at the picture above. So many people wear the label of "Christian." They'll post that their favorite book is The Bible, they'll tattoo 116 (Romans 1:16) on their body, they'll repost inspired scriptures, the list goes on and on. But if you take away the fluff, what are they really about? Can you see their faith in their speech and word choice? Can you see Jesus in how they treat people? Is there something different about them or do they fade into the crowd? Who and what do people see when they observe your life?

Happy Friday!

Matthew 6

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." Matthew 6:1 

Sharing the gospel should come from a genuine place. We shouldn't post scriptures for "likes" and for people to think that we are super saved saints. God knows our hearts (Luke 16:15), and knows if we are doing his work for him or if we are fueled by fleshly motives. 

It's not necessary to boast about what you're doing for the kingdom. If you are tithing regularly, faithfully serving in ministry, uplifting others, God sees that. He will reward what's done without recognition (Matthew 6:4). 

"...for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:8

Chapter 6 talks about getting into our prayer closets and seeking him. It's not necessary to pray extravagant prayers full of cliches to reach God. In fact, God appreciates a simplified, heartfelt prayer, which is where "The Lord's Prayer" comes from. I love how the Bible takes all the pressure off praying. God knows what we need before we ask him?! So, no need to stress about what to include in your prayer time, he will offer direction. 

 This chapter is packed with verses that talk about humility. It says the same thing about prayer, fasting, righteousness, and wealth. Don't do things for recognition. The whole world does not need to know that you're fasting or spending 20 hours a day praying. These are personal matter and unless you're sharing with people who keep you accountable, keep it to yourself! (That's from the Casey International Version haha)

"Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" Matthew 6:27

The Lord ensures that the smallest organisms are fed. How much more care does he give his children- the beings that he made in his image? He cares for YOU! Don't stress about clothes, transportation, your job, your paycheck. If you give your cares to him, he will provide. Here's proof: Philippians 4:19, Luke 6:38, Ephesians 3:20, and sooo many more!

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:33-34

I don't know about you, but I'm just going to tell God my issues, spend crazy amounts of time with him, and RELAX (relate, release! Do ya'll remember that episode from A Different World? lol)

Fun Fact: I read this chapter a few weeks ago, and it inspired me to do this Matthew study! 

Happy Thursday!

Matthew 5 (Possibly my favorite chapter)

As I read over this chapter last night and this morning,  I had no idea where to start. I was wrecked...in a good way. I honestly considered posting Matthew 5 and then "dropping the mic" Ha! There's so much wisdom and comfort in this chapter! I pray that you read the entire chapter (click here!) and get all that you can from it! 

You're blessed- Matthew 5:3-12
*NOTE: I LOVE every single verse in this segment. I'm sure you will too*

Stressed? Overwhelmed? Annoyed? Anxious?
“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule." Matthew 5:3

Friendships falling apart? Unemployed? Significant other actin' up? Depressed?
“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you." Matthew 5:4
  
Broke? Feeling inadequate? Discontent?
“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought." Matthew 5:5

Feeling judged? 
“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom." Matthew 5:10

Letting your light shine- Matthew 5:13-16
"Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Your testimony isn't for you. It's to bring honor and glory to the Kingdom and inspire others on their faith walk. I've found that people love transparency and often times it will strengthen the bond that you have with them. What have you shared to encourage someone?

The Commandments- Matthew 5:21-32

“You’re familiar with the command to the ancients, ‘Do not murder.’ I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder." Matthew 5:21

Yikes! I'm guilty... very guilty. The Bible is leaves no grey areas. Later in the verses it says that words kill. We should be extending the same amount of grace the God gives to us. So what if someone cuts you off in traffic? So what people lie and mislead you? Let God deal with them. Don't clutter your mind with negativity. (Confession: I'm a work in progress. I'm definitely dying to myself daily- Galatians 5:24) Is Christ evident in your speech and thoughts?

Loving Others- Matthew 5:33-48
"If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that." Matthew 5:46

Do you love people who talk about you? Do you love people who nag you? Do you love people who discredit you? Do you love people who lie to you? We are called to be "perfect as God is perfect" (Matthew 5:48) How have you loved the hard to love this week?

Ok so I basically posted the entire chapter...oh well. I love how relevant this book is! What was your favorite part of this chapter? What was your least favorite part (because you were convicted lol)? 

Happy Wednesday!

Matthew 4

"Next Jesus was taken into the wild by the Spirit for the Test. The Devil was ready to give it. Jesus prepared for the Test by fasting forty days and forty nights. That left him, of course, in a state of extreme hunger, which the Devil took advantage of in the first test..." Matthew 4:1-3

The story of Jesus being tempted in the desert is a common one. However, I want to call our attention to somethings that I noticed. 

• Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tested

So often we think that because we're being tested, we've done something wrong. Jesus, the son of God, was blameless, should we, mere humans, expect something different? Jesus demonstrated that he trusted God's plan by following the Spirit for the test. Are you heading the call? 

• Jesus PREPARED for the tests

As Christians, we are guaranteed to be tested. Like the cliche says, if we fail to plan, we plan to fail. Prepare for the tests by studying the scripture, immersing yourself in the word (ie. podcasts, music...), ample prayer, and wise counsel. How are you preparing for the tests of life? 

• Jesus was vulnerable

Jesus hadn't eaten in 40 days. Are you kidding me?! I start to feel woozy at hour 4 of no food. I'm sure by that time, the rocks really did start to look like croutons. Vulnerability can cause compromise of values, beliefs, and progress. It's at these times that we have to have some accountability and people to call when temptations starts too look appealing. Are you putting yourself in compromising situations or seeking out environments that edify the kingdom?  

• The devil knew the state of Jesus' flesh and tested it

The devil knew Jesus hadn't eating, and took full advantage of that. The devil knows that you haven't been studying the word for yourself. He can then send false teachers on instagram, he can cause your "friends" to cast doubt into your spirit, and he can draw you to that music that stirs up your sinful nature. The devil doesn't attack where you're strong, but where you're weak! If you seek out God, he specializes in these types of situations (2 Corinthians 2:9)

Happy Tuesday! 

Matthew 1-3

I’m so pumped about this Matthew Study! I had every intention of posting on February 1 and 2 but life happened haha I’ll share that at the end of this post :)

Matthew 1: The Birth of Jesus

Matthew 1:18-25 which talks about the Immaculate Conception and the birth of Jesus. When Joseph found out that Mary was pregnant, an angel spoke to him in a dream (verse 20-23). 

Joseph had great intentions by trying to take care of things quietly, but it wasn’t God’s plan for him. Has God ever given you a task or something to do and you felt as though you couldn’t complete it?

I absolutely love this part, “Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God’s angel commanded in the dream…” Matthew 1:24 (MSG)

When God speaks to you, do you listen? And when you hear him, do you gripe, complain, and take your sweet time?

Matthew 2: Herod’s plot

“Herod then arranged a secret meeting with the scholars from the East. Pretending to be as devout as they were, he got them to tell him exactly when the birth announcement start had appeared…” Matthew 2:7-8

Herod, is a perfect example of James 1:26 (If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless…). He put on a front, quoted scriptures, sang all the right songs in praise and worship, prayed super long prayers… or whatever else to convince the scholars that he was a believer. As Christians, The Lord gives us a discerning spirit. Spend time with Him, so you can be aware of the “Herods” of the world.

Matthew 2:16-17 says that Herod was angry when the scholars did not report back to tell him the location of baby Jesus. He then commanded that all the baby boys should be slaughtered so that nobody would be able to follow a messiah.

We shouldn't share our dreams and visions with everybody. Some people (like Herod) will hear about your calling and become jealous. They’ll lead you to believe that they are supporting you, but all the while, they are plotting against you. Who are you sharing your dreams and aspirations with? Are your relationships God –lead? Or are you hanging on to relationships that God told you to cut off, because they drain you, pull you AWAY from Christ, and steal your joy?

Matthew 3: Jesus gets baptized  

^“But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to be baptized, he denounced them. ‘You sons of snakes!’ he warned. ‘Who said that you could escape the coming wrath of God? Before being baptized, prove that you have turned from sin by doing worthy deeds. Don’t try to get by as you are, thinking, ‘We are safe for we are Jews—descendants of Abraham.’ That proves nothing. God can change these stones here into Jews!’” Matthew 3:7-10 (The Living Bible)

John the Baptist had become widely known, much like the celebrities of today. Everyone wanted a piece of John, so baptism was the cool thing to do. But I love how John called out the hypocrisy. Similarly, we should not merely accept that everyone who professes Christianity does in fact have a growing relationship in Christ. Our walk with Christ is not determined by how many things we do well at church, but it’s about our heart. If the heart is right with God, we should be bearing the fruits of the spirit. It’s not determined by how often we attend church, or that our grandparents thrice removed pray for us daily. It’s a PERSONAL decision to take up our cross and follow Him.

“Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized there by John. John didn’t want to do it. ‘This isn’t proper,’ he said. ‘I am the one who needs to be baptized by you.’ But Jesus said, ‘Please do it, for I must do all that is right.’ So then John baptized him.” Matthew 3:15

Fun fact: Jesus was baptized for all that follow him! Baptism is not necessary to be saved, but it is a outward act for an inward change. Really, Jesus made being a Christian so much easier. We don’t have to slaughter things, wait for prophets to speak words from God, or any of that. Thank you, Jesus :)

I celebrated my birthday this weekend! So much fun. It's crazy to think that a few months ago, I knew a total of ZERO people. 

*I also served as a chaperone at my church lock in, but I don't have those pictures yet :(

I also met my absolute favorite person in the world, Heather Lindsey. She's so sweet! Ladies, visit her website: www.heatherlindsey.com. Guys, visit her husband's website: www.corneliuslindsey.com