“What’s my calling, Lord?!”

People pray this in earnest. Their desire is to learn what God has called them to do. 

Jesus gave us our calling as recorded in this passage as well as in Mark 16. We are called to make disciples and teach the gospel. 

The question we should ask God is, “How do you want me to share in the way you have gifted me.” It comes down to your purpose (IYKYK).

Take time today to seek your purpose from God. Seek to better understand how He has gifted you to make disciples and teach people to obey His commands. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 28:18-20

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 

19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 

20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Today’s Reading:

Matthew 28

In this moment we are about a week away from Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. You may recall that the people yelled, “Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” And now many of those same people are shouting, “Crucify Him!”

Let this be a lesson in how easy people can be swayed, us included. We must remain vigilant as we seek the Lord. It must be a conscientious decision daily. 

Be careful not to lose your focus on Jesus. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 27:20-23

20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.

21 “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.

“Barabbas,” they answered.

22 “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.
They all answered, “Crucify him!”

23 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.

But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

Today’s Reading:

Matthew 27

BETRAYAL!

We would never attach that word with our walk with Christ. But that’s what we do when we compromise our walk by doing things we know are contrary to what He has called us to do.

Jesus lived out an example for us to follow, a blueprint of righteous living. Although we have sinned and He never did, His blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness. This is how we will be able to stand before a Holy God and hear Him say, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

We must be mindful of our actions and our words. Live for Christ on this day. Make sure you read this long chapter. There’s quite a bit to glean from it. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 26:14-16

14 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

Today’s Reading:

Matthew 26

Matthew 25 is worth a saturation read. Verses 1 and 14 let us know that Jesus is giving us a glimpse of what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. Because He uses parables, it is important for us to get the point and live accordingly. 

With instructions like this, we do not have the option of living how we want. We must heed the word of God and live a life that honors Him.

Additionally, notice what the Master uses to give his servants their respective bags of gold. He gives to them “according to their abilities.” God has equipped you to do what He has purposed you to do. Trust Him and go do it. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 25:1a & 14a

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like…”

“Again, it will be like…”

Today’s Reading:

Matthew 25

“Stay alert! Stay alive!”

That is something I heard and said countless times during my Army career. It was a reminder that I needed to be situationally aware of my surroundings. This passage reminds me of that saying.

As Christians we must be ever vigilant to what God has called us to do, make disciples. We do not get the luxury of taking time off from this calling. Yes, we must rest, but in our rest, we must allow Christ to be the Lord of our rest. 

In Christ, there are no “days off.” The enemy continuously prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Purpose in your heart to allow God to use you to intervene on your behalf and on the behalf of others. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 24:42-44

42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Today’s Reading:

Matthew 24

Which part of the Bible do you believe does not apply to you? I used to think parts of the Bible did not apply to my life. As I have gotten to know God better through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, I realize that every word in the Bible applies to me. 

As I read Matthew 23 I thought about the lives of the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law. They thought they were the experts on God and His word. Yet, when the Word of God was standing in front of them, they did not recognize Him.

As I look around the United States at the church here, I feel this way about us. Pay attention to the seven “woes” Jesus gives in this chapter. We should heed them as well. The last thing we need is to live a life of “religion” that denies us a “relationship” with God through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 23:13a

13 “Woe to you…”

Today’s Reading:

Matthew 23

Are you seeking God or chasing status?

A life in Christ can be challenging. You are in the midst of a spiritual war that has been raging for several millennia. Unfortunately, we forget it is happening because we cannot see it in the physical realm. 

This passage brings that reality to light for me. The Sadducees, Pharisees, and Teachers of the Law were so sure what they thought about Jesus was right that they tried every trick in the “book” to discredit Him. None of their antics worked. 

Why?

Jesus is the living Son of God. He is the Word in flesh. It is IMPOSSIBLE for a person to “outwit” Him. It would be like me trying to outwit you with knowledge about your lived life. There’s no way I will ever know more about you than you know about you. 

Get into your Bible. Study it! Learn who God is! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 22:34-36

34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Today’s Reading:

Matthew 22

There is a popular saying that goes, “actions speak louder than words.” We see that on display in this passage. Can you think of a time you knew the right you should do or said you would do, but did not follow through? If so, that would make us similar to the second son in the parable. 

What we say does matter. But what we do in Jesus’ name matters as well. Our words and our actions need to bring honor and glory to God. Do yours? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 21:28-31a

28 “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’

29 “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.

31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”

“The first,” they answered.

Today’s Reading:

Matthew 21

Matthew 20 is full of “walk with Christ” lessons. I want to focus on the lesson to serve. This is something that does not come easy for some people. If it were not for my wife and the example of service she lives in front of me, I would struggle more at serving others. That should not be the case. 

In this passage, Jesus is clear, serve others like I do. He repeats this in John 13 after He provides the most humble act of service by washing His disciples feet. He then TOPPED that by going to the cross. Jesus has set the best example of service. Let’s follow it. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 20:25-28

25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Today’s Reading:

Matthew 20

As I read this passage for the “however many” time, I realized something. All the commandments mentioned by Jesus focused on how we must interact with people. The rich young man seems to have interacted with people well. So what was the problem?

He did not trust God. Being good to people seems “heaven worthy,” but it is not. Accepting what Jesus did on the cross by having faith in God is “heaven worthy.” We see the man not be willing to put his trust in God. He knew what his riches could get him and seemed to be unwilling to give up the “comfort” of riches for the “persecution” of a life with Christ. 

Do a serious life check? Do you trust God? If so, do you live like you trust Him? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 19:17-20

17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

18 “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”

20 “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

Today’s Reading:

Matthew 19

“I’ll remember that!”

This seems to be the phrase that we say when someone hurts us or doesn’t do something for us when we ask. In those moments we are hurt and want to send the message that hurting us gives us the “right” to hurt you.

Let this passage be a reminder that God does not honor such behavior. Think about all that God has forgiven you. Why are you jeopardizing His free forgiveness for your sin by being petty and unforgiving to your brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Heed Christ’s words in Matthew 18:15-17. Once you’ve walked through that process, leave it to God. We need to practice the “art” of forgive and forget. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 18:35

35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

Today’s Reading:

Matthew 18

In the US, we believe we are owed a soft, cushy life because we are Christians. This passage should help you understand that things are not always going to be “cushy” as a Christian. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 17:11-13

11 Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. 12 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to sufferat their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.

Today’s Reading:

Matthew 17

Please watch this week’s Word Wednesday. I will unpack this text more there.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you can be a person of two minds. Notice how Jesus exalts Peter for understanding who He is. Then turns around and rebukes Peter for not understanding who He is. 

Your walk with Christ is difficult when you swing between focusing on Him and focusing on the cares of this world. As a Christian, you do not have the luxury of living a half in life for Christ. People are watching you and taking their cues from you. 

Does your life lead people to Christ or to “hades?” Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 16:15-17; 21-23

15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.

21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”

23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Today’s Reading:

Matthew 16

“You can’t say that. It’s offensive!”

That is the anthem of the American Christian. We sugar coat everything so that we do not “offend” people. Unfortunately, in our desire not to be offensive, we have forgotten something. Being offended is a response, not a requirement. 

It is possible to say something with a pure motive and the listener will be offended. Their feeling is not about what was said, it’s about unresolved issues in their life that are now projected on to the speaker. Then people gather around and cancel the speaker, even though what they said was pure.

Jesus did not concern Himself with offending the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law. He concerned Himself with His God given purpose(shout out to Mike Marocco). 

Are you more concerned about saying “the wrong thing” or rightly sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ? Choose wisely! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 15:12-14

12 Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”

13 He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. 14 Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”

Today’s Reading:

Matthew 15

Do not let your testimony waver. Even though the disciples witnessed Jesus walking on water. Even though Peter walked on the water. When the moment of truth came, with the exception of John, all the disciples abandoned Jesus when He was arrested. 

What Jesus has done for you is real. Hold on to that knowledge and bring it to the front of your mind when difficult times and faith challenges come. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that if we do not have faith we cannot please God. 

Do a faith check today. What has Christ done in your life to show that He is worthy of your faith? Store that away and use it when needed. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 14:32-33

32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Today’s Reading:

Matthew 14

Stubborn, know it all “Christians” are in for a rude awakening. Fortunately, or unfortunately, they will have company in that rude awakening with non-believers. All will be treated like “weeds” when Jesus returns. 

In the United States, we have created this bubble of righteousness. We have convinced ourselves that the “All Loving God” we “know” will allow everyone to go to Heaven when we die or Christ returns.

That’s the most dangerous and ignorant thought out there. 

Why would Christ die on the cross if God was bringing everyone to Heaven no matter what? It doesn’t make sense. There is no evidence in the Bible to support that way of thinking.

PLEASE put your trust in God! Seek Him first. Do not be double minded. Do not think that you’re in right standing with God because you think, “How could a good God not be good to me.”

God loves you. However, He is a just God. If you do not accept what Jesus did on the cross for the forgiveness of your sin, you are not saved. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 13:36-43

36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

37 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

40 “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

Today’s Reading:

Matthew 13

Are you reading your Bible daily?

This may seem an odd question since you receive this text daily. However, statistically speaking, not all of you are taking the time to read the daily chapters you receive. I want to encourage you to read these chapters daily. 

People want to hear from God, but will not read the Bible with purpose daily. This is how you hear from God. Meditating on God’s word is how you begin to bear good fruit in your life. 

If you want to be a good tree that bears good fruit, read your Bible daily. Skip other things but never your time with God. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 12:33-37

33 “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 35 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Today’s Reading:

Matthew 12

This is a well known passage. I wonder if Christians understand the significance of what Jesus is saying here. With the many things that we deal with daily, Jesus is never the source of worry, pain, frustration, or any of the countless circumstances that are stressful. 

No, He is the answer. As we earnestly seek Him, He comforts us with His promise of hope. The key is to focus on Him and not our situation. 

The human body is fascinating. Even with the idea of multitasking, a person can only focus on one thing at a time. I encourage you to put your focus on Jesus and follow the path He lays out. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 11:28-30

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Today’s Reading:

Matthew 11

This passage can be a challenge for some. We think that our family’s are the most important people in our lives; how could Christ say we should love Him more than we love them. 

Here’s how: If we put anyone before Christ, we put their lives in danger. By putting them before Christ we are saying to God, “you are second to this person.” God is a jealous God. This means that He is not going to fight for first place in your life. He will simply remove His hand of protection from you. This gives free rein over your life to the enemy. 

However, when we love Jesus more than we love our family, He enables us to love our family better than we ever could if we put them first. Meditate on this. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 10:37-39

37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”

Today’s Reading:

Matthew 10

Stuck in your ways?

The worst thing that can happen to a Christian is they get stuck doing things in Christ a particular way and when revelation knowledge comes, they miss it because they’ve always believed a certain way or done things a certain way. 

We see this played out in this passage. Jesus has been performing many miracles. He then drives out a demon from a demon possessed man. The Pharisees, who were the “spiritual giants” of that day, could not accept that Jesus was “better than them” so they made a ridiculous claim. 

Quite honestly, I have witnessed this in my life. Christians manipulating situations to fit what they believe rather than accepting revelation knowledge and growing in wisdom. Please do not do that. Seek growth! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Matthew 9:34

34 But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.”

Today’s Reading:

Matthew 9