Category: The Book of Matthew

Biblical Story TIME

Normalize Praying

Posted on By wrenhowsway

I grew up in a home where prayer was the norm. My mom had scriptures posted throughout the house and she woke us up early (like 5 am) every morning to pray before school – although my sisters and I fell asleep during prayer, we still heard the prayers. So prayer became the norm for me.

We prayed before meals and had to quote scriptures as well before we could eat. So guess what – prayer became normal for me.

We prayed at church, at home, before we left the house, and sometimes while we were out; therefore, prayer became the norm for me to do.

What is Prayer?

Prayer is communication with God. If you aren’t sure how to pray, it’s okay to quote the Lord’s Prayer until you feel comfortable saying something different to God. He desires to hear from us.

I’ve posted the link to my vlog and the scripture reference for the Lord’s Prayer.

Vlog: https://youtu.be/4BJyHQO8yvc

Scripture reference: Matthew 6:9-13

Be blessed! ❤️

Biblical Story TIME

Biblical Story: Forgiveness

Posted on By wrenhowsway

The amount of times it takes you to forgive determines your level of maturity. – Pastor Mike Hayes

“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18:21-22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We should always forgive others just as God has forgiven us. We should pray for endless grace to forgive ourselves and others and to move forward in life. There should be no limit to the number of times we forgive.

Forgiveness doesn’t necessarily mean reconciliation for everyone.

Forgiveness just means to cease to feel resentment against.

How do you practice forgiving others and yourself?

To practice forgiveness, I  wrote myself a letter. To hear more of my story click the link:

Biblical Story TIME

Biblical Storytime: Fisher of Men

Posted on By wrenhowsway

Welcome to Biblical Storytime!

So, y’all this is a rare occasion in which my story will match my picture! #ayyyyee?

Scripture Reference: Matthew 4:18-22

When I think about the word fishermen in this context, I think about the literal and the figurative meaning of the word. The first disciples in the Bible were actually “fishing” when Jesus saw them while he was walking along the sea of Galilee. (Matthew 4:18, 21) #literalexample

Then Jesus told them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”(Matthew 4:19) #figurativeexample

First off, Jesus was so convincing that Simon, Andrew, John, and James all abandoned their jobs as fishermen without question to follow him. I have 7 sisters and 1 brother. The beautiful thing that I noticed was Jesus called both of the sets of brothers together and they didn’t have to go follow Jesus alone. #community

Subsequently, I noted the scripture says in the message bible, “they drop their nets” (Matthew 4:20). In my mind I picture them throwing their nets and saying “I quit”. ?Can you imagine quitting your job and then going to hang out with the King of Kings on a daily?!!! #howsway

Before I forget, let me reference this figurative example – which is really more spiritual. Jesus calls them to be his disciples and then to evangelize and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others (fisher of men). This reference is really about discipleship. As Christians, we are called to be fishers of men for Christ and share the good news of Jesus with others. 

Question of the Day: How are you discipling others?

Other Biblical References in the other gospels: Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:2-11 or John 1:40-42

Youtube Video