Matthew 7:1-6; Luke 6:37-42

Our Bible reading for today is Matthew 7:1-6. We will read verses 1 and 2.

[1] “Do not judge, or you will be judged. [2] For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 

Two life changing lessons come from these verses.

Lesson 1.
1. Do Not Judge Others

 Or as the King James says, “Judge not that you be not judged.”

Many nonbelievers quote this verse. They always use the King James, and say, “Judge not!” But Jesus did not stop there. He said, “Do not judge, or you will be judged. For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:1-2)

When Jesus was in the temple area, he was approached by a crowd. They brought a woman whom they caught in the act of committing adultery. They wanted Jesus to condemn her. He simply said, “Let him who is without sin, cast the first stone.” 

As he looked away, the accusers left one at a time. What Jesus really said to them was that they should not judge her in a way that they didn’t want to be judged.

Jesus is cautioning us to avoid one-sided, hasty, mean-spirited, judging.

Lesson 2.
2. Recognize Your Own Flaws.

 Jesus put it in these words, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” Self-awareness is necessary before we criticize others.

When I was a child, my sweet grandmother told me, “I don’t know why people can’t see their own faults. I know I could see mine, if I had any.” She was joking, but a lot of people believe that way.

The American poet Edgar Guest said: “There is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best of us, that it ill behooves any of us to find fault with the rest of us.”

In these verses, Jesus teaches before you criticize, recognize your own flaws.

Lonnie Davis 

Matthew 6:25-34; cf. Luke 12:22-31

Our Bible reading for today is Matthew 6:25-34.

[25] Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? [26] Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? [27] Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  

[31] Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] …your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. 

Studies reveal that in 21st-century America, more than 40 million adults take drugs to fight depression and anxiety. Among other drugs, they take Zoloft, Prozac, and Xanax. This number does not include the millions of others who use alcohol to deal with anxiety. In today’s reading, we are called to trust God and not worry. Jesus urges us to release our anxieties and place our faith in God’s care. 

For many, the notion of not worrying about daily necessities feels irresponsible. However, Jesus invites us to a life grounded in faith, where security lies not in material possessions, but in unwavering trust in God’s providence.

He directly instructs us, “Therefore Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?'” He offers reassurance, reminding us, “Your heavenly Father knows that you need them.”

The essence of his teaching lies in seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness first, with the promise that all our essential needs will be met.

Lonnie Davis

Matthew 6:22-23

Our Scripture reading for today is Matthew 6:22-23

[22] The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. [23] But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 

Today’s verses might seem hard to understand, but to understand the verse, or any verse in the Bible, one must read the context.

We read verses 22 and 23. But let’s read verse 21, the verse immediately before today’s reading. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

After today’s verses in verse 24, Jesus immediately goes back to the Christian view of wealth. He says, “No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. “

Understanding today’s reading, we see that Jesus is teaching that life is more than about getting and having things. The Christian life is about keeping one’s eye set on spiritual things. The “good eye” is the one that looks toward righteousness. The eye that is bad is the one that focuses on this world’s goods.

We live in the richest time for ordinary people, we live in the richest time for most people, We are blessed. God never said that wealth was a curse. But in these verses, Jesus said that wealth must not be the main focus of the Christian life.

Are you blessed? Wonderful! Do you have this world’s goods? Great! So did David, Solomon, Job, and Abraham. All of these had wealth but kept their eyes on God. 

The real question is, where is your heart? Make a good living, but don’t let this earth’s goods become your master.

Lonnie Davis

Matthew 6:19-21

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

What does this mean, and how can we apply it to our lives?

First, we need to understand what Jesus meant by treasure. Treasure is not just money, but anything that we value, pursue, and enjoy the most. It could be our career, our reputation, our hobbies, or our passions. Treasure is what we love the most.

Jesus teaches us that we have a choice to make: we can store up our treasure on earth, or we can store up our treasure in heaven. He warned us that storing up our treasure on earth is foolish, risky, and harmful. It is foolish, because earthly treasures are temporary and uncertain. They can be destroyed by natural causes or stolen by other people. They can also distract us from God and his kingdom. 

Earthly treasures reveal our hearts. Where we store our treasure shows where our heart is, and where our heart is influences how we think, feel, and act. 

If our treasure is on earth, our hearts will be earthly. Our life will be worldly. If we love earthly treasures, we will seek them above all else, and neglect God.

Jesus is teaching us that storing up our treasure in heaven is wise. 

When we give selflessly to others or support those in need, when we build a relationship with God through prayer and study, and when we cultivate love and forgiveness toward others, we are storing up treasures in heaven.

They who do so are wise.

Jesus is not teaching us that we cannot have a hobby or a career. He is warning us about misplacing our priorities. The spiritual person is the one who prioritizes spiritual things.

Lonnie Davis

Next in our reading is the Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 6:16-18

[16] When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. [17] But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, [18] so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 

Considering this teaching of Jesus on fasting, we should first ask whether fasting is a command or a practice for Christians today?

Of course, fasting is a practice for Christians today. Many do exercise this practice. The question is whether it is a requirement.

It is important to note that Jesus does not teach that we must fast, but rather describes what fasting should be like when it is practiced. Of course, it is clear from the teaching that fasting is not sinful and is even beneficial. 

The question is whether fasting is a commandment for Christians today. Nowhere in the Christian text is there a command for fasting.

Three Notes on Fasting

1. Practice your fasting in secret.

   When you are fasting, it should not be obvious to others. The value of spiritual disciplines lies not in public recognition but in the personal and private strengthening of our relationship with God. 

2. Seek God’s approval, not human praise. 

   The lesson is to prioritize God’s commendation over human applause. In a world where much is done for likes, shares, and public approval, this teaching calls us to examine our motives and ensure our actions are for God’s eyes first and foremost.

3. Spiritual disciplines are about the heart.  

   Jesus’ instruction to not disfigure our faces during fasting points to a broader principle that true spirituality is a matter of the heart and should not be performed as a spectacle. This contrasts with societal norms that often value appearance.

Each of these lessons invites us to reflect on our spiritual practices and motivations, encouraging us to seek a genuine, heart-centered relationship with God that towers over societal expectations and personal inclinations.

Lonnie Davis

The Model Prayer

Matthew 6:9-15

Today’s Scripture reading is Matthew 6:9-13.

[9] So then, this is how you should pray: 

‘Our Father in heaven, 

 hallowed be Your name. 

[10] Your kingdom come, 

 Your will be done, 

 on earth as it is in heaven. 

[11] Give us this day our daily bread. 

[12] And forgive us our debts, 

 as we also have forgiven our debtors. 

[13] And lead us not into temptation, 

 but deliver us from the evil one.’ 

As I was growing up many American public schools would start off the school day by reciting this prayer. 

In 1962, several Supreme Court rulings made it illegal for public schools to say the Lord’s Prayer.

We call this “The Lord’s Prayer,” but a better name would be the “Model Prayer.” Jesus gives it as a model for prayer. To simply say, “Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name” is not a sin, but misses the purpose of the teaching by Jesus. Prayer is not a rote recitation of words, but rather a conversation with the Father.

The core of this prayer has two parts: 

(1) Honor God, and 
(2) Pray for yourself.

Part 1: Honor God.

1. Relationship. Notice that Jesus started with “Our Father.” When we pray we acknowledge and build our relationship with him. 

2. Honor “Hallowed be your name.” Jesus lifts up in honor the very name of God.

3. God’s will. “Your kingdom come, Your will be done.” A proper attitude for prayer is to say, as did Jesus in the garden before the crucifixion, “Not my will, but thine be done.”

Part 2: Prayer for Us – Needs, Deeds, and Heeds.

1. Needs. We pray for our daily needs. “Give us this day, our daily bread.”

2. Deeds. Forgiveness for the wrong we did. In this prayer, our forgiveness is based on our willingness to forgive others.

3. Heeds. God’s Leadership. “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us.”

The right use of this prayer is to use it to guide your own prayers, in quiet time with your Father.

Lonnie Davis

Our Scripture reading for today is Matthew 6:5-8.

[5] And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. [6] But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 

[7] And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard. [8] Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. 

From reading our text today, here are five great truths. 

1. Prayer should be genuine and not a performance.
[verse 6] But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father.

2. God values the intent behind prayer more than its eloquence
[verse 7] And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard.

3. God does not reward public pretentious prayer.
(Verse 5) Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.

4. Faithful prayer reflects trust in God.
This is the truth behind every praying person and it is absent in every person who does not pray as they should.

5. God knows our needs before we ask.
Jesus plainly says this in verse 8, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” 

For our devotional thought, I urge you to consider this last point. If that is true (and it is), that God knows our needs before we ask, then why should we even pray? Since God already knows, then what is the point?

The answer to that question goes to the question of why we pray. Here is the short answer: While God indeed knows our needs before we ask them, prayer is not merely about asking for things. It is about developing a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Creator, and aligning our hearts with His. It’s a spiritual discipline that shapes us, comforts us, and connects us more profoundly to the heart of God.

In short, prayer is a relationship. At its core, prayer is about cultivating a personal relationship with God. It’s a means of communication that helps us grow closer to Him, understand His heart, and align our will with His. In any relationship, communication is key to intimacy; through prayer, we enter into an act of communication with our Father. 

Lonnie Davis

Our Bible reading for today is Matthew 6:1-4

[1] “Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 

[2] So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. [3] But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, [4] so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 

From these verses, Jesus teaches us two great lessons on giving.

The Secret of Generosity

Lesson #1: Give without seeking recognition.

As we follow the instructions of Jesus on selfless charity, we learn an essential lesson: the importance of pure motivation. Our hearts tend to crave recognition for our good deeds. But Christ calls us to a higher purpose when serving others – to give freely out of authentic care and compassion. Rather than trumpeting our generosity from street corners and on social media platforms fishing for likes, we must conduct acts of quiet kindness without expectation of reward or credit. In secrecy, we build treasures in heaven. This humility pleases God, the only audience that ultimately matters.

Lesson #2: The Father Sees what we do in secret.

As we give, pray, or do good deeds, it can feel at times as though our personal acts go unnoticed. Yet we must remember that our Heavenly Father sees and knows everything. He even knows our hearts and what we think. Though human eyes may overlook these private moments where we honor God, we can find assurance that He bears witness to the offerings of our heart. This thought anchors us in an intimate bond with the One who knows our true nature better than any person ever could.

Lonnie Davis

Day 52

Sermon: Law of Love

Matthew 5:43-48

Our Scripture for today is, Matthew 5:43-48

[43] You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ [44] But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. [46] If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same? [47] And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same? 

[48] Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

From these verses, I call your attention to two amazing teachings. I call this article:

God’s Radical Call for Love

Teaching #1: Love your enemies.

Loving those who oppose you challenges you to reflect God’s unconditional love. It’s easy to love those who love us back, but true spiritual maturity is shown when we love those who stand against us. Jesus adds to this thought when he says, “Pray for your enemies.” Prayer for our persecutors not only seeks their well-being but also purifies our hearts, helping us release anger and embrace forgiveness. This act changes us, aligning our hearts closer to God’s nature. It causes us to examine the depth of our love.

Teaching #2: Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

At the end of this call to love and pray for our enemies is the little verse, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” This teaching is not out of place here. It’s not about moral flawlessness but about striving for wholeness and integrity in our love for others. The call to perfection here is a call to complete and mature love, reflecting God’s character in our actions and attitudes. 

Lonnie Davis

Sermon on Mount: Retaliation

[38] You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ [39] But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; [40] if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; [41] and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. [42] Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

These few word contain many great lessons for our heart. Among the many are three, that I would call to your attention. Jesus teaches:

1. Turn the Other Cheek

In the heart of Matthew 5:38-42 lies a profound lesson on the strength of gentleness: to turn the other cheek. This directive, far from advocating weakness, reveals the depth of our courage when we choose not to retaliate against aggression. It’s a moment of divine wisdom, inviting us to reflect Christ’s peace and patience in our lives. By embracing this call, we transform moments of potential conflict into opportunities for grace, teaching us that true strength lies in the choice of peace over vengeance.

2. Go the extra mile.

This principle urges us to go beyond our limitations and serve others with a generosity that mirrors the heart of God. This teaching isn’t just about fulfilling duties; it’s an invitation to pour out our love and kindness in abundant measures, to willingly give more than is expected of us. It’s a testament to the life-changing power of love that seeks to uplift and heal, showing that in the kingdom of God, the path of true discipleship is paved with acts of selfless giving. This call challenges us to embody God’s lavish grace in every interaction, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary expressions of divine love.

Lonnie Davis

Text: Matthew 5:33–37

[33] Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ [34] But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; [35] or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. [36] Nor should you swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. [37] Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one. 

From today’s reading, there are three important lessons for our lives.

1. Be trustworthy in what you say.

In a world where people often resort to elaborate promises or oaths to prove their sincerity, Jesus calls us back to the simplicity and power of truthful speech. When we say ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ it should carry the full weight of our commitment. People should not feel the need to say, “You swear,” because we are known to always tell the truth.

2. Be known for your truthfulness. 

No oath at any level is necessary for a man or woman who is known for their truthfulness. We don’t swear by heaven, or earth, or even God. It may seem unnecessary to say this, but we have been trained to feel the need to enhance our truthfulness. As children, we heard, “I pinkie swear, or cross my heart and hope to die.” That is childish, but Jesus said that we are not to live this way. Our word is always good.

3. Be honest! 

Keeping your word is about honesty. As God’s children, we must be honest and be known as someone who tells the truth. There are people in my life who, if they told me something that turned out to be false, my impulse would be to say they did not know at the time. I would not go to “They lied to me.” No, live your life so that others feel that way about you.

Lonnie Davis

Matthew 5:27-32; cf. 19:9; Mark 10:11; Luke 16:18

A Summary of Our Text:

Jesus teaches about relationships in these verses. He says even lustful thoughts are like cheating, committing adultery in the heart, and urges us to guard our hearts. Marriage vows are vital, not just legally but spiritually, so don’t say “I do” without meaning it. He goes beyond just rules, calling us to transform our inner selves and build relationships with love and commitment. When you’re tempted by a fleeting glance or an easy promise, remember: being spiritual is about cultivating purity, compassion, and love in all you do. That’s where true happiness lies!

Our devotion for today is called:

 Promises & Glances

Our world, steeped in fashion, urges us to desire and covet. We can see this in movies, TV, or along certain streets. Jesus, through his Sermon on the Mount, equates lust with adultery, a challenging notion from Matthew 5:27–32 that underscores purity as a matter of heart and mind, not just actions.

Just as a mere look can spark desire, a thoughtless word might lead one astray. In Matthew 19:9, Jesus highlights the sanctity of marriage, stressing the profound significance of our words and commitments. The casual “I do” bears a promise of lifelong fidelity. We promise one another, till death do us part.

Jesus exhorts us to strive for a heart that is filled with love and understanding rather than merely adhering to the minimum requirements or rules.

We’re invited to foster purity, not just in action but in thought and speech, cultivating relationships built on love, respect, and unwavering commitment.

So, when you’re tempted by a glance or a hasty promise, remember these teachings. Let them steer you towards a heart filled with purity, compassion, and love, where true fulfillment lies.

Lonnie Davis

Day 48: Anger Matthew 5:21-26

For today’s devotional, we will read verses 21–22 together.

[21] “You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ [22] But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.

Here is a devotional I titled,
Anger Danger

Have you ever felt the hot ember of anger ignite within you? A simmering frustration at a perceived slight, or perhaps a slow burn of resentment towards someone who’s wronged you? If so, then you’ve walked a path well-trodden by humanity. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus throws open the shutters on the hidden depths of anger, revealing consequences we might not have considered.

He doesn’t just condemn the act of murder but delves deeper, declaring, “Whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” This statement shatters the illusion that our internal flames remain unseen. Jesus equates the harboring of anger with the act of violence itself, forcing us to confront the truth: our hearts, just as much as our hands, are subject to God’s moral law.

Yet, amidst this sobering truth, Jesus offers a path towards healing. He instructs, “Leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” This seemingly simple act elevates reconciliation above giving, reminding us that God desires the sincerity of our hearts and authentic relationships more than outward displays of piety. Our gifts to God, however precious, pale in comparison to the offering of peace with God’s creation, our fellow human beings.

Jesus urges us to pursue peace. He encourages being “reconciled quickly,” emphasizing the importance of addressing conflict before it escalates and not just waiting for the other fellow. This approach may seem daunting, but remember, Jesus doesn’t call us to impossible tasks. He offers his grace and guidance on this journey, reminding us that true peace is built brick by brick, with each act of forgiveness and understanding.

So, the next time the embers of anger stir within you, remember these words. Don’t let them fan into a consuming fire. Instead, choose the path of reconciliation, speak with kindness, and actively pursue peace. In doing so, you might just transform those seeds of anger into beautiful blossoms of understanding and love.

Lonnie Davis

Day 47: Jesus and The Law
Our text today is Matthew 5:17-20;

Let’s read verse 17 together.

[17] Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.

From these words, let’s think about:
Jesus and Moses’ Law

During the life of Jesus, the Jewish leaders had great fear that Jesus was trying to overthrow the Law of Moses, that is, ’The Law.” In today’s text, Jesus assures the Jews that he is a keeper of the Law, but more than that, he came to fulfill the Law that predicted his coming. Isaiah 53 clearly teaches that Jesus is coming. Of course, once he came and died, it was fulfilled and was no longer needed. As Paul wrote in Colossians 2:14, Jesus “wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.”

Jesus did not destroy the Law, he fulfilled the Law by coming and then dying on the cross. While he lived, every detail, every seemingly rule of the Law, held significance. As Jesus said, in verse 19: “whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” True greatness doesn’t come from mere knowledge but from embodying the Law by the way they live and sharing its wisdom with others.
Here’s the crucial point: Jesus doesn’t just say “practice,” he adds “and teaches.” This implies a responsibility, a call to illuminate the path for others. We are not meant to be isolated islands of righteousness; we are called to be beacons, sharing the light with the world.
If that was true of Moses’ Law, how much more is it true for Christians and the Law of Christ? It is a call to move beyond the letter and embrace the heart of God’s will, allowing it to guide us on our journey toward true greatness by keeping and sharing the Law of Christ.
Lonnie Davis

Day 46 – Salt and Light

Matthew 5:13-16

[13] You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 

[14] You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 

From these verses, I invite you to today’s devotional thought: I call it:

Brighten the Corner Where You Are

As we think about salt and light in Jesus’ words in Matthew 5, we’re reminded that the purpose of our lives extends far beyond ourselves. Like salt that flavors and preserves, we’re meant to positively influence, add value, and make a lasting impact on the world around us. Like a lamp that sheds light into darkness, our character and actions should illuminate others’ paths with spiritual truth and care. 

Even if we used to struggle with an insecure, people-pleasing mindset, hiding our real selves undermines our capacity to help make a change for the better. As we’ve grown more confident in our identity in Christ, we’ve seen how even small acts of love and courage can help others.  

God’s word requires that we walk in truth and love, demonstrating what we believe with kindness, integrity, and care for others. 

Openly letting our light “shine before others” can feel uncomfortable at times, but as Jesus promised, when outsiders notice Christ shining through our good works, it points them to our Father in heaven. 

In a world crying out for meaning, what greater purpose could there be than by living our lives in such a way that we help others find a home in heaven?

Our actions may not sway crowds or dismantle evil overnight. But flavoring our corner of the world with the salt and light of Jesus matters.

So, we will fix our eyes on Jesus, asking Him to work powerfully through us to let His redeeming light brighten the darkness through us. 

Lonnie Davis

Day 45
Sermon: The Beatitudes
Matthew 5:1-12; Luke 6:20-23

“Beatitude” is a word that comes from the Latin word “beatus,” which means “blessed” or “happy.” My oldest daughter and I were looking at a video of my 15-month-old granddaughter. She was toasting her cup against her mother’s. Janet bought those cups as a gift, and so she told me the backstory. The large cup that Ann Maries (the mother) held had the word “Blessed” written on it. The small cup held by baby Emma said, “Blessing.” What a wonderful way to view the thoughts of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5! God gives us a blessing corresponding to our quality of spirit. When we get the blessing, we are blessed.

If you are merciful, God will give you the blessing of finding mercy with him.
When you are pure in heart, God will bless you by letting you see him one day.
When you are a peacemaker, God will bless you by calling you His child.

That is just a start. There are more beatitudes in our verses for today.
Most writers will say that there are eight beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount. That is true, but I am going to list them as seven. Let me explain. The eighth beatitude is about what happens to you when you are wrongly treated. The first seven are about what you are to become and thus receive the blessing. Let’s look at them:

Blessed are:
The poor in spirit.
Those who mourn.
The meek.
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
The merciful.
The pure in heart.
The peacemakers.

When you become those things—meek, merciful, etc.—then God will bless you.

I know that these few words only start to tell us about the beatitudes, but let this be an encouragement for you to find a little time today, open your Bible to Matthew 5, underline each beatitude, and think about the meaning of each. You will end this day having accomplished something special.

Lonnie Davis

Day 44 The Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5:1- 8:1; Luke 6:20-49

Jesus preached many times during his ministry, but the one sermon that every casual student of his life will mention first is the Sermon on the Mount. The preparation for the preaching of the sermon is in itself remarkable. It starts in Matthew 5

Verses 1-2

[1] When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain and sat down. His disciples came to Him, [2] and He began to teach them, saying:

I’ve seen a few videos or movies trying to show the scene of Jesus preaching the Sermon on the Mount. They always have Jesus standing on a mountainside and preaching to the thousands in the throng. That is obviously wrong. Read our text again, and a different picture emerges. 

First, where he preached was more of a hillside than a mountain. 

Second, it was also not preached to the throngs of thousands but to a few disciples. The Bible says he “sat down.” And “his disciples came to him.”

Does any of this matter? Not really! There are only two things that matter. (1) the message he taught them, and (2) who he instructed to pass on the teachings. There is no doubt that those who heard his teaching then told others what Jesus taught. That is how the Gospel is spread.

In our next lesson we will begin to look more closely at the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount.

I close these thoughts with an old, imagined story of what might have happened when Jesus got back to heaven. Imagine that the angels were gathered around. Jesus told them all that he had done. The angels inquired, “With you here, how will things get done?” Jesus told them he left the 12 to carry on the message. The angels asked, “But what is your backup plan if they fail?” He told them there was no other plan.

There is still no other plan. Jesus left it in his followers’ hands, you and me, to tell others about the great teaching of the Good News.

Lonnie Davis

Day 42 in the Study of the Life of Christ.
Choosing the Right People
Matthew 10:1-42; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-19

Our devotional thought is from Luke 6:12–16.

Our reading is about that morning when Jesus chose 12 men to become apostles. Seeing Jesus make this decision is a lesson for our own lives. There are three great lessons to learn from this event.

1. The first lesson is the importance of prayer in our decisions.
   In Luke 6:12, it is said, “He went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.” If the Son of God needed the Father’s guidance through hours of prayer before making decisions, how much more should we? This teaches us not only about the depth of Jesus’ relationship with God but also models for us a path of reliance on divine wisdom over our limited understanding. In our lives, whether we face crossroads or the daily decisions that shape our journey, the practice of seeking God’s presence and guidance cannot be underestimated.
2. The second lesson is about intentionally choosing followers. Jesus’ selection of the twelve disciples was not accidental. This was his plan to bring others in to help with his great work. This principle applies to us today in building our communities—be it in our workplaces, churches, or social circles. Great endeavors are not solo performances but people working together in purpose and action.
3. Finally, we see the diversity among the disciples—from a tax collector like Matthew to fishermen such as Peter and Andrew, and even a zealot like Simeon. God’s call transcends our backgrounds, skills, and past mistakes. It’s a powerful reminder that the Kingdom of God is built on the varied gifts and experiences of its people, each contributing uniquely to God’s redemptive work in the world.

These are but three of the many thoughts in this great story.

Lonnie Davis

Day 40
Jesus Heals on the Sabbath
Matthew 12:9-14: Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11

The Sabbath Storm

In a little town in Galilee is a synagogue. On this Saturday, Jesus is there. Every eye is upon him. Before him stands a man with a withered right hand. He stands hesitant, hope battling fear in his eyes. Jesus, ever the beacon of compassion, offers healing – a simple instruction to “stretch out your hand.” Yet, a storm erupts, not from the sky, but from the hearts of religious leaders. They cry foul, twisting the holy writ to brand this act of mercy as “work” forbidden on the Sabbath.

This narrative shows the human tendency to contort even the divine to fit our limited perspectives. The Pharisees, blinded by the rigidity of their interpretations, fail to recognize the deeper truth. Even if they saw Jesus’ act as “work,” wouldn’t it be work undertaken by God himself? I mean, the miracle did happen. This accusation becomes a veiled acknowledgment of Jesus’s power.

But the story goes beyond exposing hypocrisy. It shatters the illusion that good deeds can be confined to neat compartments for convenience. With this story, Jesus shows us that doing good knows no boundaries. It calls us to seize opportunities to alleviate suffering and to be instruments of love, regardless of the day or hour. The withered hand, once a symbol of limitation, is healed.

Yet, amidst healing, a crucial call to courage emerges. Jesus doesn’t shy away from challenging the narrow interpretations of the law. He doesn’t cower before the disapproval of the crowd. His unwavering stance inspires us to advocate for justice, even when it feels like swimming against the current. Importantly, this courage doesn’t necessitate anger or aggression. Jesus, while deeply disappointed by the Pharisees’ actions, responds with measured words and unwavering resolve. His example teaches us that even the most difficult conversations can be handled with grace and dignity.

The healing on the Sabbath is more than a single act. It stands as a testament to the boundless nature of grace, the courage to challenge injustice, and the importance of discerning God’s will in every facet of our lives. As we move through our own journeys, may we remember the outstretched hand, a symbol of hope and a call to action, reminding us that true faith embraces any challenge with open arms and boundless love.

Lonnie Davis

Disciples Pluck Grain on the Sabbath
Matthew 12:1-8; Mark 2:23-28; Luke 6:1-5

Summary
As Jesus passed grain fields with his disciples one Sabbath, they picked heads of grain to eat. The Pharisees protested this supposedly unlawful act, but Jesus upheld caring for human need over strict sabbatical legalism. Just as David had received consecrated bread in his time of need, so Jesus as Lord of the Sabbath permits meeting essential needs.

From this event we see today’s devotional:

Lord of the Sabbath

Imagine the sun warming your back as you stroll through fields heavy with ripened wheat. The air hums with the whisper of the wind, and the golden stalks move in a sun-soaked ballet. This is the scene that unfolds in the Gospels (Matthew 12:1-8, Mark 2:23-28, Luke 6:1-5) as Jesus and his disciples travel a path less traveled well, at least on a Sabbath day.

But amidst the tranquility, tension crackles. Hunger pangs gnaw at the disciples, and they reach for the readily available grain. Observing this, the Pharisees, guardians of religious law, pounce with accusatory whispers: “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”

Jesus, ever the gentle yet profound teacher, uses this encounter to illuminate a deeper truth. It is true that the law forbade working on the Sabbath day, but Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath and he has the right to make an exception that mere man could not make.

He reminds them of David, a man revered for his piety, who, driven by necessity, partook of the sacred bread reserved for priests.

His response echoes a timeless message: the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. God’s laws, like the Sabbath, were instituted not to burden us, but to guide us towards wholeness and well-being. The Lord of the Sabbath has the right to make it good for the hungry disciples to eat.

In that moment, he lays claim to an authority that transcends earthly rules. He is not bound by them, for he is their author, the embodiment of love and compassion that lies at the heart of the Law.

In this story Jesus, focused on need and not just the rules. The Pharisees, bound by their rigid interpretation, failed to understand that Jesus, as Son of God, could move in compassion.

Reading this give me great joy, because it shows me that I will not stand before a God who is filled only with Justice, but rather before a God who shows mercy. He know that we have feet of clay and he loves and provides for us.