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90 | Feeling Pulled in Every Direction? Kingdom First Living in the Gospel of Matthew

• Paula Behrens | Christian Coach, Pastor, Certified Aroma Freedom Practitioner • Season 2

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Have you ever wondered what it truly means to follow Jesus as King—not just in words, but in every aspect of your life? The Gospel of Matthew holds powerful answers that can transform your everyday experience of faith.

Matthew's Gospel opens with a genealogy that might seem boring at first glance, but reveals God's incredible faithfulness across generations. Jesus' lineage connects Him directly to Abraham and King David, establishing His royal credentials while including women with complicated stories—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. Their presence reminds us that God works through real people with messy lives, including yours and mine.

When we dive into Jesus' teachings, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, we discover a revolutionary kingdom ethic that turns worldly values upside down. The Beatitudes declare blessed those whom society often overlooks: the poor in spirit, the meek, those who mourn. Throughout Matthew's account, Jesus demonstrates His authority through compassionate miracles—calming storms, healing diseases, even raising the dead—while calling followers to a discipleship that goes beyond surface-level religion to profound heart transformation.

The gospel culminates in Jesus' ultimate demonstration of authority: His resurrection and the Great Commission. "He is not here, for He has risen," announces the angel, forever changing what's possible for humanity. This same Jesus—Emmanuel, God with us—promises to be present as we make disciples and live under His loving reign. Whether you're facing storms of uncertainty, seeking deeper connection with God, or simply wanting to understand Jesus better, this exploration of Matthew will inspire your soul and strengthen your walk with Christ. How might your life change if you truly embraced Jesus as your King today?

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Paula Behrens:

Are you feeling pulled in every direction, trying to balance life's demands, and wondering how to put Jesus first in the midst of it all? If so, you're in the right place. Today we're diving deep into the Gospel of Matthew to uncover what Kingdom first living looks like in everyday life and how His Word can help us grow closer to Him. Stay with me. This journey will inspire your soul and strengthen your walk with Christ.

Paula Behrens:

But first funny story. When I first began my seminary work while serving two church congregations full-time, everyone assumed I had my daily devotional time perfectly organized. But truth be told, there were mornings I could barely find five minutes to catch my breath, let alone dive into deep reflection. One day, as I rushed out the door with mismatched shoes, I realized that even in my chaos there was a lesson. Embracing God's grace and self-forgiveness, I realized that true success in my devotional life requires prioritizing my spiritual practices.

Paula Behrens:

Are you finding it challenging to maintain your spiritual practices or yearning for a more peaceful, God-aligned day? I'm Paula and I've been there too. Balancing spiritual habits with a busy life can be difficult. I longed for a deeper connection with God, but struggled with consistency. Then I found the perfect approach. If you seek simple ways to deepen your connection with God, this podcast is for you.

Paula Behrens:

Friend, have you ever sat down with your Bible, a cup of tea and high hopes for a quiet moment with the Lord, only to find your mind racing with to-do lists, your spirit distracted or your heart dry? I remember a season when my spiritual life felt more like a checklist than a connection. I had a book of prayers, a seminary degree and even my favorite kneeling rail in my office, but, truthfully, I was just going through the motions at that time. I was hungry for more, more peace, more presence, more of God. I was showing up with all the right tools, but none of the soul-satisfying stillness I craved. My time with God became something I did not, something I delighted in. I craved intimacy with God, but I didn't know how to break out of that cycle of routine spirituality. Then the Lord gently reminded me, he never asked me for polished prayers or perfect discipline. He just wanted my presence and from that moment on I began creating a space to simply be with him. I built a new rhythm, one that was deeply rooted in grace, filled with scripture and supported by essential oils that helped me slow down and breathe in deeply. That sacred rhythm is what I now share in the Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour.

Paula Behrens:

This one-on-one session is for the person who's ready to stop striving and start resting in God again. Whether you're spiritually weary, stuck in a routine or longing for a fresh encounter with the Holy Spirit, this hour is your invitation to begin again with grace. I'll walk alongside you to create a personalized devotional routine that works with your real life, not against it. Together, we'll craft a practice that helps you feel grounded, nourished and deeply connected to God, mind, body and spirit. You don't have to keep trying to figure it out all on your own. There's a simple way to grow in faith and draw near to God, and I'd be honored to help you find it. Let's breathe in his peace. Let's rediscover his presence. Let's begin again together. Book your Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour at paulabehrens. com/ coaching. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces). All right, it's time to get started. Grab your Bible, dust off your journal and cozy up to your favorite beverage and let's dive in.

Paula Behrens:

I'm so glad you're joining me today for this special time of digging deep into God's Word together. Whether you're in your kitchen, your car or curled up in your favorite chair, I want you to know that you are loved, you are chosen, and God has great things in store for you as we explore His Word.

Paula Behrens:

Today we're going on a journey through the Gospel of Matthew. This book in the Bible is often called the Gospel of the King, and for good reason. Matthew's message is clear from the very beginning. Jesus is the promised Messiah, the King who fulfills God's promises and invites us to follow him into his kingdom. So grab your Bible, maybe a notebook and a pen, and let's open our hearts to receive all that God has for us today. Let's begin with a prayer. Dear God, thank you for bringing each and every listener here today. Open our eyes to see your Son in fresh ways. Help us to know you more intimately and teach us, guide us and transform us by your Spirit. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Paula Behrens:

I want to start by inviting you to think about family trees for a moment. Maybe you've looked at your own genealogy, names and dates on a chart, some familiar, many not. Sometimes those lists can feel overwhelming or even boring, right, but Matthew opens his Gospel with a genealogy that is anything but boring. In chapter 1, verse 1, he begins: The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham, and then he lists names Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and so on. Now, if you're like me, you might be tempted to skim or skip this part, but hang on with me.

Paula Behrens:

Matthew's point here is profound. He's showing that Jesus is connected to the very promises God made centuries before, to Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, and to David, Israel's greatest king. What Matthew is telling us is that Jesus is no surprise. His coming was planned from the very beginning. And here's something that always encourages me. Among these names are women with complicated stories, like Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba, women who, well, weren't perfect, who faced hard things, but who are part of God's redemptive plan. That means that God can use your story too, with all its twists and turns. This genealogy reminds us that God's faithfulness is real. He works through real people, including you and me, with real histories.

Paula Behrens:

From there, Matthew moves to the story of Jesus' birth, focusing on Joseph's perspective. Have you ever felt like Joseph facing a situation that didn't make sense, trying to do the right thing, and suddenly God steps in with a word that changes everything? In chapter 1, verses 18 through 21, Joseph is told by an angel: Do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. The angel says, you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. And then Matthew reminds us that this fulfills Isaiah's prophecy, which says: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which means God with us. God with us. Think about that for a moment. No matter what you're facing, God is with you, Emmanuel.

Paula Behrens:

And then comes the visit of the Magi, the wise men from the east who come looking for the newborn king. They followed a star and they came to worship him. Even at his birth, Jesus drew attention from beyond Israel. God's plan was always for the whole world. I love to imagine those wise men traveling a long, difficult journey following a mysterious star, with nothing but faith and hope. Maybe there's a season in your life where you feel like you're on a journey without clear directions. Hold on, God is guiding your steps, even when the way feels uncertain.

Paula Behrens:

Next we meet John the Baptist, who appears as the voice calling out in the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord. That's Matthew 3, verse 3. John's message is simple but urgent: Repent, because the kingdom of heaven is near, he says. Jesus steps into his public ministry with well, that same message: Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand ( Matthew 4: 17). The kingdom Jesus announces isn't a distant hope. It's a present reality, a call to live under God's reign here and now. What does living under God's reign mean for us? Well, it means trusting his love and authority in every area of life, our homes, our relationships, our jobs and even the quiet moments when no one is watching.

Paula Behrens:

One of the most beautiful parts of Matthew's Gospel is the Sermon on the Mount in chapters 5 through 7. It begins with the Beatitudes, where Jesus turns the world's values upside down. He says things like: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, and blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. These words reach into the depths of our hearts, especially when we feel weak, broken or overlooked. If you're feeling tired or like you're not enough today, know this, Jesus calls you blessed, just as you are. His kingdom lifts up the humble and fills the hungry with good things. Jesus also teaches us that following him means going deeper than just obeying rules. For example, he says in Matthew, chapter 5, verses 21 and 22, that anger can be as serious as murder. He calls us to a heart transformation to forgive and love even those who hurt us.

Paula Behrens:

Throughout Matthew, we see Jesus' authority on full display. In chapter 8, for example, he calms a storm with just a command saying: Peace, be still. The wind and the waves obey him, and the disciples are amazed. This miracle reminds us that the same Jesus who calmed the sea can calm the storms raging inside our hearts, storms of fear, anxiety or grief. No matter what you're facing today, Jesus' power is greater, and he doesn't stop there. He heals the sick, gives sight to the blind and even raises the dead. Each act of healing points us to his compassion and his authority over all things.

Paula Behrens:

Now, following Jesus isn't always easy. In chapter 16, Jesus tells his disciples: If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. This is a call to radical discipleship. For us as Christian women, this may look like choosing forgiveness when it's hard, stepping out in faith, even when we're scared or living differently than the world around us. But here's the good news Jesus promises that if we lose our lives for his sake, in other words, if we surrender our hearts to him, we will find true life. The joy and peace he gives far outweigh the cost.

Paula Behrens:

Finally, the Gospel of Matthew ends with the most incredible hope of all, the Resurrection. The angel tells the women at the empty tomb: He is not here, for he has risen as he said. That's Matthew, chapter 28, verse 6. Death has been defeated, sin has been conquered. Jesus then gives his followers the great commission, saying: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations. As women who love Jesus and want to deepen our faith, this is our calling too, not just to believe, but to share His Love and Truth in our families, our communities and beyond. And to take that a little further, I want to remind you that the Gospel of Matthew shows us a King who knows our stories, meets us in our struggles and calls us to live with hope and purpose. He is the King who reigns with love, power and grace. If you're walking through a difficult season, remember Emmanuel, God with us. If you feel weak or overwhelmed, remember the Beatitudes and the promise that the kingdom belongs to the humble and those who mourn. And if you're ready to step deeper in your faith, remember the Great Commission and know that Jesus is with you every step of the way.

Paula Behrens:

As we wrap up today's journey, through the Gospel of Matthew, I want to invite you into a deeper, more personal encounter with God's presence. If you've been encouraged by how Jesus invites us to live under his loving reign and you're longing for practical ways to cultivate that kingdom connection every day, I would love to walk alongside you. That's why I offer the Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour, a personalized coaching experience where we'll craft a devotional routine uniquely tailored to your spiritual journey. Together, we'll explore how to blend scripture, prayer and the calming power of essential oils to create sacred moments that will nurture your heart and deepen your faith. As a special bonus, this coaching hour also includes a complimentary Peace RESET, a guided refreshing practice designed to help you release stress, refocus your spirit and embrace the Peace of Christ in the midst of life's busyness. This is an investment in your spiritual growth and a meaningful step toward living more intentionally in Christ. If you feel God nudging you towards this next step, I invite you to book your Aroma of Christ coaching hour at paulabehrens. com/ coaching. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces). Let's make space for God's presence to transform your daily life. One breath, one prayer, one peaceful moment at a time. Okay, that's a wrap. I'm praying that this study strengthens your faith and draws you even closer to Jesus, our King.

Paula Behrens:

Thank you for tuning in today and remember, just like setting biblical boundaries, it's okay to say no to things that don't serve you well, like that third piece of cake at the church potluck. If you were blessed by this episode, be sure to share it with a friend and leave a review so that we can reach more women like you. Check the show notes for all the links. Join us next week as we continue to discover how to live on purpose in Christ. Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His wisdom. See you next time.