Lately, I’ve changed how I pray. Instead of asking God only for blessings or direction, I’ve begun asking Him to change my desires and passions. Especially the ones that led me away from Him. Some things were obvious and easy to surrender, but others were hidden deep in my heart
One night, in a dream, I saw myself. I saw my actions, my attitude, and heard just the words: “fits of rage.” Nothing else. I woke up with a heavy heart and immediately repented. I never thought I was perfect, but I didn’t realize how much the subtle anger, frustration, and irritations needed to be checked too.
That moment convicted me deeply and inspired me to talk to the ladies about checking ourselves. Because no good Bible conversation comes without preparation, I dove into Galatians 5:16–21. A scripture that reminds us how the “works of the flesh” can quietly show up in our lives:
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
— Galatians 5:16–21 (NIV)
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like.
I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
We feel confident in certain areas of our walk but overlook others. Just as God showed me myself, I realized, we all need to pause and reflect. I often say we should tremble at the phrase “God knows my heart,” because the thought that He knows us more deeply than we know ourselves should humble us, not soothe us.
That conviction led me back to the Book of Matthew. As I began reading and listening again, it hit me. This is something the ladies and I could do together. In independent yet collective journey to renew our hearts, strengthen our faith, and grow more Christ-like.
So, we’re calling it the Matthew Month Challenge. For you, any month. For us, November 2025.
Matthew Month Challenge Breakdown
This is a 28-day journey through the teachings of Jesus. Reading the book of Matthew will help us strengthen our faith and walk in the Spirit.
In 28 days, a cycle can be broken. In 28 more, a habit can take root. In 90 days, a new lifestyle can begin.
When you start, note your start and end dates — make it personal, make it sacred. This is between you and God. We’ll all be walking this together, chapter by chapter, allowing God to do His transforming work in us.
Our Focus for This Month
- Renew our hearts.
- Follow Jesus’s example.
- Increase our faith.
- Walk in love.
- Crucify the flesh and strengthen our spirit.
We’ll check ourselves daily, weekly, and monthly. For this challenge, we will go check monthly. Not with guilt, but with grace.
Study Tips for the Next 28 Days
1. Pray and Reflect
Before reading, ask the Holy Spirit for revelation. Reflect on what the passage reveals about God and how it applies to your life.
2. Divide the Chapter
Break each chapter into smaller sections. Give them titles or brief summaries to help with understanding.
3. Summarize Main Points
Write down key people, events, and lessons . Focus on what the scripture says, not just what you think it means.
4. Use the SOAP Method:
- S – Scripture: Write down a key verse.
- O – Observation: Note what stands out (who, what, where, when, why).
- A – Application: How does this apply to your life right now?
- P – Prayer: Talk to God about what you’ve learned and how to live it out.
Track Your Growth
I’m sharing 28 digital templates you can fill in online or print out.
Click here to access all of the resources and templates for the challenge. Use one daily to reflect on your journey. This will help you see where God is transforming you, and how your faith, focus, and peace are growing.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. Trusting the process and celebrating the small victories.
Let’s commit to crucifying the flesh, renewing our minds, and walking in the Spirit. Because as we walk closer with Jesus, we’ll find everything we need; peace, power, and purpose in Him.
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