Reading Through The Bible | Matthew 15-18

Good morning, friends! 👋🏽

We're diving deep into Matthew 15-18 today, and this conversation is packed with powerful truths about what truly defiles us, the persistence of faith, and identifying the idols we're holding onto that keep us from fully following God.

In this Bible reading session, Brenda and Candace explore Jesus confronting religious tradition, the Canaanite woman's persistent faith,

Jesus feeding the 4,000, Peter's confession that Jesus is the Messiah, the Transfiguration, and Jesus' teachings on humility, forgiveness, and dealing with sin in the church.

But here's where it gets real: We talk about what got you there won't keep you here—holding onto old methods when God is doing something new. We explore the power of persistence in prayer, what it means to truly surrender our desires to God's will, and how to identify what has become an idol in your life. Plus, there's a convicting conversation about what you're watching and listening to—and how it's creating worlds in your mind.

📖 Key Scriptures
Matthew 15–18 • Mark 7–9 • Luke 9:18–62 • John 7–8 • Isaiah 29:13 • Jonah

💬 Major Takeaways

What got you there won't keep you here—don't hold onto old seasons when God is calling you to something new

The Canaanite woman shows us the power of persistent, humble faith

Jesus gave thanks for what was in His hands before multiplying it—speak over what's in your hand and give it

The sign of Jonah points to Jesus' death and resurrection

If you can't let go of something to follow God, that's your idol

Words create worlds—be careful what you're singing, watching, and listening to

Pray with a spirit of release, not with clenched fists holding onto your agenda

The heart reveals what's truly inside—it's not what goes in your mouth that defiles you, but what comes out of your heart

🧠 This Week's Challenge
Take inventory of what you're listening to and watching. Pull up the lyrics of your favorite songs—what are you singing over yourself? Look at what you're consuming on TV and social media—what worlds are being created in your mind? Then stop consuming it for a while and see what happens.

Ask God: What have I made my idol? What am I holding onto that's keeping me from fully following You?

🌿 Girls' Bible Study Retreat 2025 (Outer Banks, NC)
Ready to go deeper? Join us for an immersive experience where you'll learn practical Bible study tools, engage in rich discussion, and participate in a short-term mission opportunity!

✨ Retreat Details
📅 December 19–21, 2025
📍 Outer Banks, North Carolina
💲 $425 (meals included; beautiful beach house; each guest has a bedroom and full bathroom)

📖 Focus Passage: Exodus 1:15–21 (Shiphrah and Puah)

Daily Flow:

Day 1: Bible Study Intensive (featuring Lectio Divina practice!)
Day 2: Bible Study in Action (morning) • Rest (afternoon) • Deep-dive Q&A (evening)
Day 3: Tips for Sustaining Your Study

Plus: A short-term mission opportunity to put your faith in motion.
Ambassadors wanted: Help spread the word and attend for a reduced rate.

📧 Register & Learn More: https://simpletruthministries.org

✨ Join Dream Builders International Group Coaching

📅 Every Thursday at 7 PM

💛 First 3 months FREE (then affordable options available)

📖 Daily devotions Tuesday–Friday

We're not limited by age or gender—all sessions are recorded in our community space (The Dreamer's Circle). If you're under 18, let's have a conversation with your parents first.

We focus on the Dream 8: spirit, mind, body, emotions (internal alignments) + wealth, mission, relationships, and wonder (external alignments). We tie the theological, psychological, biological, and somatic together so you can view yourself holistically.

📧 Reach out to Candace directly if you need a custom option—we've built this space so everyone can participate.

🔗 Join The Dreamer's Circle: https://the-dream-space.mn.co/plans/1...

🌿 Mentioned Resources

Peace in His Presence by Sandy A. Gottsey - A 7-day strategy workbook, journal, and teaching tool all in one! Each day invites you to sit down in

Scripture and interact with the Word. Get more info at https://simpletruthministries.org

Tree of Life Bible - A translation with Hebrew names and terms
NIV Bible - The translation primarily used in today's reading

📖 Today's Reading:
Matthew 15–18 • Mark 7–9 • Luke 9:18–62 • John 7–8

📖 Tomorrow's Reading:
John 9–10 • Luke 10–15

💛 Stay Connected
💛 Subscribe to this channel
💛 Visit: https://simpletruthministries.org
💛 Join The Dreamer's Circle coaching community: https://the-dream-space.mn.co/plans/1...

💛 Comment below: What idol is God revealing in your life? What's one thing you're surrendering today?

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