Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10

[5] When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came and pleaded with Him, [6] “Lord, my servant lies at home, paralyzed and in terrible agony.” [7] “I will go and heal him,” Jesus replied. [8] The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed… 

[10] When Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those following Him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith…[13] Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! As you have believed, so will it be done for you.” And his servant was healed at that very hour. 

From this great reading, there are three lessons to understand.

1. Understanding Contradictions.

Matthew and Luke give different accounts of who went to Jesus. Matthew says that the Centurion went to him and Luke says he sent the elders to Jesus on his behalf. Skeptics read these two accounts and say the Bible has contradictions. Always remember this truth. A contradiction is only a contradiction when two different statements cannot both be true. Blending Matthew and Luke’s accounts, it is possible that the centurion initially sent elders and then communicated directly with Jesus through friends or messengers, as Luke says.

2. Understanding Faith

Faith is only faith when it changes how one acts. The centurion believed and asked Jesus to heal his servant. To simply say I have faith is not enough. Because of what he believed, he acted upon it and sent for Jesus. To test whether you have faith, ask yourself, what does my faith lead me to do?

3. Understanding God and Boxes

Never put God in a box. He can do things that you cannot imagine. Everyone would have imagined that Jesus would go to the home of the centurion’s house, walk up to the sickbed, and lay hands to heal the man. Instead, he just said it, and it was done. In our story, only the centurion had faith enough to imagine this. We are better off to simply ask God for what we need and then leave it to God to answer as he wills. 

Lonnie Davis

Matthew 7:21-29

[21] Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. [22] Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 

[23] Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’ 

[24] Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. [25] The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. 

[26] But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. [27] The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its collapse!” 

[28] When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at His teaching, [29] because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their scribes. 

From this amazing text, there are three observations to remember.

1. Saying “Lord, Lord,” is not enough.

Notice that these folks didn’t just say Lord, Lord, but claimed to have worked for him. 

Maybe they were lying and did not do as they said. Maybe they did the works they claimed but did them to praise themselves. Maybe there was some other reason. We don’t know. What we do know is what they said and not what they claimed. They said, “Lord, Lord.” Here is one fact we can learn from this, words are not enough, the heart and the deeds must follow what we say.

2. The Wise and Foolish Builders

The main teaching of this parable is that before you build, make sure you are building on the right foundation. This parable refers to building one’s life. Each of us must build a life. When you do, if you listen and follow the words of Jesus, you will build on a foundation that will not fail when a storm comes. If you ignore God’s words, you will eventually fall. There is no other way. The storm will come. How you weather the storm depends on your foundation.

3. The end of the Sermon on the Mount.

The people who heard the sermon were amazed. Why? Because Jesus taught them with clarity and authority. Jesus knew what he was talking about. He does not quote from the traditions of the elders or rabbis, but speaks with his own authority, as the Son of God and the Messiah. 

Lonnie Davis

Today’s reading is Matthew 7:15-20

[15] Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. [16] By their fruit you will recognize them. 

Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? [17] Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] So then, by their fruit you will recognize them. 

This reading calls us to “Test the Prophets.”

If we can never judge, then how can we judge when a prophet is a false prophet? I’m so glad that Jesus gave us these words in the same chapter where he said, “Do not judge.” (7:1). 

To see fruit and decide that it is an apple is not a judgment. To be able to tell a fig from an apple does not violate the principle of judging. The same Jesus who just said, “Judge not,” here says, “By their fruit you will know them.” 

Jesus gives us these words because he wants us to be able to make wise decisions. He wants us to be able to tell a false prophet from a good prophet. He wants us to judge what is a sheep and what is a wolf.

Here is the principle for judging: when you walk up to a tree and find it has apples, then you can judge it is not a fig tree or a peach tree. We judge it by the fruit. When you see from a distance and see the leaves blowing in the wind, you don’t know yet. We are to judge by the fruit, not by the way the leaves are blowing in the wind.

Paul urged elders to watch out for false teachers. He warned them to warn the church against them.  (Acts 20:28-31). We can tell a false teacher by the fruits of their teaching. 

Take this great lesson from today’s reading: “By their fruit shall you know” anything.

Lonnie Davis

Matthew 7:13-14

[13] Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. [14] But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. 

We title this devotional: Choosing the Right Path.

In these verses, Jesus urges us to choose the narrow gate that leads to life, instead of the wide gate that leads to destruction. He warns us that many people will take the easy and popular way, but only a few will find the true and lasting way. 

This principle calls us to question our life decisions and values. Each of us should ask whether we are conforming to the world or transforming through the Word? Are we pursuing temporary happiness or eternal joy? Are we ready to give up our selfish desires and follow God’s will? 

The path to life requires discipline and dedication. To choose it, you have to go against the instincts of the natural man. Eventually, the righteous path will get easier and more natural to walk, but it takes growth to reach that point.

The path to life is hard but rewarding. It is the path of trust, obedience, and love. It is the path that Jesus exemplified and invites us to join him.

Of course, Jesus also speaks of the wide path, that is, the easy and undisciplined path. If you ever doubt where that leads, go down and look at any river. You will note that the river follows the path of least resistance, and is therefore crooked. The path of least resistance also leads to crooked men.

We get to choose our path.

Lonnie Davis

Our Scripture reading today is Matthew 7:7-12

Matthew 7:7-9

[7] Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. [8] For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 

[9] Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 

[11] So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! 

[12] In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets. 

From this reading there are three great lessons for our hearts.

#1. The Power of Persistence in Prayer

The passage doesn’t just tell us to ask but to seek and knock as well. This trilogy of actions (asking, seeking, and knocking) suggests a progression in our spiritual journey. You can ask from a distance, to seek means you draw closer, but knocking on the door means you are at the door. Let your prayer life bring you closer and closer to God.

#2. God’s Faithfulness to His Children

 Jesus gives us the comparison of a good earthly father giving good gifts to his children and our Heavenly Father giving us what we need when we ask Him. However much you feel your earthly father loves and cares for you, your Heavenly Father does more. We can be sure that we can approach God and trust in His goodness towards us.

#3. The Importance of the Golden Rule

 Perhaps you were taught the Golden Rule with the words, “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.”  This verse is the source for that rule. It reads, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” 

Today’s reading calls us to a life of persistent prayer, trust in God’s goodness, and ethical living through the Golden Rule. It is the heart of Christian character.

Lonnie Davis

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