Author: londavis@hotmail.com

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