THE BOOK OF MATTHEW


The Book of Matthew is the first book of the Gospels in the Bible. It was written by Matthew, a former Jewish tax collector and disciple of Jesus. This book is full of miraculous stories of Jesus walking on the earth—healing blind eyes, opening deaf ears and saving the oppressed. But what is so special about the book of Matthew is the overwhelming theme of redemption for all people.

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Amy Ogle
GOD-GIVEN GIFTS

Look into your hands—what “talents” has God given to you to use in the world for His glory? The special abilities that only you have are gifts from God and He wants you to use them! Any time you use your gifts and talents to help someone else, you are ministering for God! 

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Amy Ogle
A MODERN MOTHER'S DAY

Even when we have great examples of mothers to look up to, motherhood is not easy. A lot of the "work" we have to do as mothers can seem mundane, insignificant or draining in moments--but I assure you, that every moment you spend with your children is shaping their character and future. You are helping to create a legacy, each and every day. I can only hope to be a fraction the kind of selfless, caring and nurturing mother that I was so blessed to have. 

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Amy Ogle
God Our Father

Are any of you dealing with fear or anxiety today? Instead of worrying…pray. Talk to God about what you need, and start making a list of things He has already done for you to remind you, and give you faith, that He won’t ever let you down. Then, with a heart full of gratitude, you’ll begin to experience His peace—this peace—that somehow comforts us in a way we can never understand. This peace, that guards our hearts and our minds from any worry or fear. This is God’s promise to us.

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Amy Ogle
We are Equipped by Faith 

Everything in life requires faith. You need faith for your business, faith for your finances, faith for your marriage and for your family (or for the marriage and family you hope to have in the future). Faith is required for new career ventures, for old relationship issues, and certainly, for the struggles that we face each and every day. No matter where you find yourself in life—we are all, always, on a journey of faith. 

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Amy Ogle
Her Story: Amy Vanderoef

Amy Vanderoef is best known for her role as the Emmy-nominated Host on WFAA’s Good Morning Texas. Amy's television career has taken her everywhere from the set of Dancing with the Stars, to ABC’s The View and countless red carpet events! In 2001, she took on a much different challenge when she was crowned Miss Connecticut USA and became the state’s representative at the Miss USA Pageant. She has been a guest star in two ABC daytime dramas; All My Children and One Life to Live, and has worked as a guest correspondent for ABC’s Good Morning America. Currently, Amy is a lifestyle expert contributing on Network TV stations nationwide. She also speaks at dozens of live events each year, acting as MC for many charitable causes, but she currently resides in Dallas with her son, Wyatt—and shared her beautiful heart with us last night!

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Amy Ogle
Bible Reading Plan: Ephesians and Philippians 

I love the books of Ephesians and Philippians simply because of how and where they were written. The Apostle Paul wrote these letters to the church of Ephesus and Philippi while he was sitting in prison for nearly 6 years! And, it was there, at the end of his letter in Philippians that he wrote, “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13)  

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Amy Ogle
Her Story: Amanda Roman Leak

We had such an incredible time at Equipped by Faith last night with the beautiful, Amanda Roman Leak! She left all of us feeling inspired to move forward, no matter what we are facing in life. Amanda is a wife, mother, author, and speaker residing in Dallas, Texas with her husband, Ryan, and adorable son, Jaxon. (I’m pretty sure Baby Field will want to be Jaxon’s BFF because of his style!) They are on staff at Covenant Church in Carrollton, Texas, leading a large young adults ministry called VENUE.

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Amy Ogle
Blessed to Be A Blessing

Sometimes, it can be hard to see–but we certainly are blessed. I believe we are blessed to bless others. God’s blessings to us are not meant to end with us. “After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.” 1 Timothy 6:7 After all, Jesus himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” (Acts 20:35). I am so challenged to live my life in this way, and to teach my kids about the power of giving and blessing others.

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Lauren ScottComment
Her Story: Raema Mauriello

Raema is a wife, mother of four and the author of two incredibly relevant devotional books based on transparent motherhood called, The Struggle is Real and Because Crack is Illegal. She works on staff at Shoreline City church in Dallas and is also the Director of Operations for Treasured Vessels Foundation, a beautiful organization rescuing young girls from human trafficking in Texas. Her career started when she joined the Navy as a journalist and search and rescue swimmer. She graduated from Liberty University with her Bachelors in Religious Studies and continues to serve in ministry through her weekly podcast and blog. 

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Amy Ogle
Her Story: Retah McPherson

In 2004, Retah McPherson and her family were involved in a near-fatal motorcar accident. Her eldest son, Aldo, was the only person who did not walk away from the accident scene. He sustained serious brain injuries due to the impact of the collision and was in a coma for months following the accident. During that time, Aldo had a supernatural experience where he went to heaven, saw God, the angels, Moses, and Abraham. Aldo came back with one message: “Mommy, I need to tell the world that Jesus is alive!”

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Amy Ogle
Win from Within

I recently heard a powerful message by Pastor Steven Furtick from Elevation Church at Bishop TD Jakes’ recent conference, Project Gideon. Pastor Furtick spoke about “winning from within”–and I cannot shake it from my mind and heart. I left the service that day realizing that God has placed everything that I need for victory in my life, right within my reach.

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Lauren ScottComment
Her Story: Oneka McClellan

Oneka and her husband, Earl, launched and have led this church for over six years, with campuses in Dallas and Antigua, Guatemala, with a desire to see individuals realize the love, value, and purpose found in Christ through the local church. And that is exactly what they are experiencing. As a wife of twenty years and mother of three adorable children, Oneka stays pretty busy—but her passion for Sisterhood only grows with each passing year. She has used her platform to challenge the way women think about themselves and others by pioneering a “Value Revolution” that has now spanned the globe through a variety of creative initiatives. Oneka’s dynamic personality, creative vision, prophetic gift and compassion for God have propelled countless lives, marriages, teams and churches into their God-given destiny.

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Amy Ogle
A New Life

Do you ever just want a fresh start? A new life? A second chance to go back and right your wrongs, or make better decisions? I think the answer to those questions (if we’re all being honest with ourselves), is a definite yes. As flawed humans, we will all eventually make mistakes that will cause us to want a do-over in life (maybe even daily… LOL). Mothers of toddlers will certainly understand that…

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Lauren ScottComment
Her Story: Tara Leigh Cobble

There isn’t really a better speaker for a small group than Tara because, in recent years, her passion has led her to create and develop a network of discipleship groups called, D-Groups (Disciples Making Disciple-Making Disciples). These groups have grown to more than 200 men’s and women’s small groups meeting weekly in homes on six continents! She has developed a curriculum that encourages members to memorize scripture, study theology and pray together for specific needs.

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Amy Ogle
Thinking Positive

I believe so strongly in the power of positivity and the effect that our outlook on life has on our future. I’ve found that when I think positively, I act positively–and in turn, my positive actions have positive effects on my life. Positivity is powerful! “Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits, they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” Frank Outlaw

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Lauren ScottComment
His Story: EBF with Dr. Field Harrison

Field is a faithful husband, father and an incredibly talented entrepreneur, CEO, and businessman. He encouraged all of us last night with his stories of God's unending faithfulness through his life, our company and our ministry endeavors. We believe God has called us to bridge the gap between the business world and the church, and we continue to be amazed by God's provision in this area each day of our lives.

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Amy Ogle
Her Story: Becky Hennesy

Becky is a gifted teacher and minister who always communicates clearly and effectively from the transparency of her heart and life. She is currently serving as Co-Pastor of Trinity Church in Cedar Hill, Texas and is the Director of the Women's Ministry there. She was a pivotal part of starting a pregnancy home for women in crisis called, Hope Mansion, and is a champion for foster children and orphans around the world. Becky is currently the Chaplain for the Dallas Wings WNBA basketball team and was named Cedar Hill's "Woman of the Year" in 2016.   

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Amy Ogle
Her Story: Sherice Brown  

Sherice Brown is as full of wisdom from within as she is radiant with external beauty. The girls and I at our monthly Equipped by Faith gathering last night were touched as she shared her heart and faith in God with us. She is the president of two successful businesses, all while working as a fitness coach and nutrition counselor. She married the love of her life, Tim Brown, who is a former Oakland Raider, Heisman Trophy winner, and 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee.

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Amy Ogle