Ever feel like you're too messy to be useful to God? Here's the truth - Jesus doesn't choose you despite your past. He chooses you because of what grace can do with it.

In today's devotional, we look at the moment Jesus chose Matthew - a tax collector, traitor, and thief - and said "Follow me." Matthew's story shows us that Jesus doesn't recruit the qualified, he qualifies the recruited. Your mess doesn't disqualify you. It's actually part of your testimony.

*This is Day 6 of our 7-day series on Grace, Forgiveness, and Fresh Starts.*

📖 *Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13 (NLT)*

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*CHAPTERS*

00:00 - Do You Feel Too Messy for God?
00:24 - Tax Collectors Were Traitors
01:02 - You're Not Disqualified
01:25 - Matthew's Immediate Response
01:59 - Your Network Is Your Mission Field
02:24 - The Religious Pushback
02:45 - Holiness Means Transformation
03:19 - Jesus: "Healthy People Don't Need a Doctor"
03:30 - Self-Awareness Is the Entrance Requirement
04:11 - Grace Shines Brightest in Broken People
04:38 - Tomorrow: When You Fall Down After Following Jesus

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*KEY TAKEAWAYS*

▶️ Jesus chose Matthew publicly - he's not embarrassed by your past
▶️ When Jesus calls you, he's not asking you to clean up first
▶️ Your messy friends and broken background are your mission field
▶️ Religious people will question why Jesus chose you - ignore them
▶️ If you know you're broken, you're exactly who Jesus is looking for
▶️ Grace shines brightest in broken people

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*ABOUT THIS SERIES*

This is part of a 7-day devotional series on Grace, Forgiveness, and Fresh Starts. Each episode explores what Scripture teaches about God's grace, second chances, and new beginnings.

Day 1: Grace for the Worst Thing You've Ever Done
Day 2: When You Can't Forgive Yourself
Day 3: The Fresh Start You've Been Waiting For
Day 4: Why God's Grace Feels Too Good to Be True
Day 5: When Your Past Won't Let Go
Day 6: The People Jesus Chose on Purpose *(You are here)*
Day 7: When You Fall Down After Following Jesus *(Tomorrow)*

📺 Watch the full playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRCAfiHehjUlXPc_58pCDIftUddajwrbv

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