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Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16

The story for our devotional today is found in three of the Gospels, It is about the time when Jesus selected his apostles.

Luke 6:12-16
[12] In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God. [13] When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles: [14] Simon, whom He named Peter, and his brother Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; [15] Matthew and Thomas; James son of Alphaeus and Simon called the Zealot; [16] Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

From this reading, reflect on two things today:

1. Being a loner is a waste of opportunity.

Movies and television glamorize the loner, the one guy who can go out on his own and do what nobody else can do. That is mostly an idea built up in fiction. If you want to accomplish something great, you are going to need others. Jesus came to die for our sins, yes, but he also came to build the church. How did he do that? He picked twelve men and trained them for the task.

I wonder what it was like when Jesus first got back to heaven. Did the angels gather around and ask, “Did you build your kingdom?” Jesus answered, “I only got it started. There is much more work to be done.”
The angels asked, “What’s the plan? With you in heaven, how will the kingdom work be done?”
And Jesus answered, “I left twelve men to do the work of spreading the kingdom.”
The angels then said, “But they might fail. What is your backup plan?”
And Jesus said, “There is no backup plan.”

Jesus needed the twelve and all those who followed after them. That is his plan. If Jesus leaned on others, then we need to do the same. Everybody needs somebody. If you don’t have them, seek and find them. They will change your life.

2. I remind you of the thing you always do before starting, It is always the same.

That thing is found in verse 12 of today’s reading. “Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God.”

What was that one thing? Jesus prayed about it. Unless you have prayed about it first, then you are not ready.

Lonnie Davis

Matthew 13:53-58; Mark 6:1-6; Luke 4:16-21

For our devotional today, we turned our attention to Matthew 13:54-58.

Let’s read it:
[54] Coming to His hometown, He taught the people in their synagogue, and they were astonished. “Where did this man get such wisdom and miraculous powers?” they asked. [55] “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? [56] Aren’t all His sisters with us as well? Where then did this man get all these things?” [57] And they took offense at Him.
But Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown and in his own household is a prophet without honor.” [58] And He did not do many miracles there, because of their unbelief.

From this story, I call your attention to two great thoughts.

1. Jesus was rejected by his own hometown.

Luke writing tells us more, On hearing what he said, “all the people in the synagogue were enraged. They got up, drove Him out of the town, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw Him over the cliff.” (Luke 4:28-29).

To say they were unbelieving is an understatement. In fact, the hometown folks became “enraged” at him, drove him out of town, and tried to thrown him down. They became so angry with him that they tried to kill him. This is the first time that anyone tried to kill Jesus. (Luke 4:28-29).
The people of Nazareth rejecting Jesus is especially ironic because they themselves were looked down upon. A popular saying was “can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). Yet, these social outcasts looked own on the Lord.

2. Think about what Jesus did on a regular basis, what his habits were. We might surmise there were many, but the Bible only mentions three.

From our story today,

1. He went to the synagogue every Saturday “as was his custom.” Luke 4:16

There are only two more things that the Bible mentions.

2. He prayed “as usual.” Luke 22:39
3. He taught others “as was his custom.”Mark 10:1.

Reflecting on these three things, I leave you with this question: When people look back on your life, what are the things that they would say you did on a regular basis?
Lonnie Davis

Matthew 9:27-31

[27] As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” 

[28] After Jesus had entered the house, the blind men came to Him. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” He asked. 

“Yes, Lord,” they answered. 

[29] Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you.” [30] And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one finds out about this!” [31] But they went out and spread the news about Him throughout the land. 

The First Step to Success.

You have to believe. Unless you believe it will work, you will not really try. Notice the keyword “really.” If you just think something is a good idea, you might give it a little start, but you will soon abandon it. These two blind men showed the first two tenants of achievement.

1. They felt a strong pull for what they wanted. They were blind! More than anything else, they wanted to see. So would you. 

2. Act on what you want.

Question: If ten men were sitting on a porch and 7 of them said, “I am going to go to town,” how many men do you have left on the porch? The answer is not three. The answer is ten. Just because somebody says they are going to do something doesn’t mean they actually did it. If saying were doing, we would all have a nice savings account and be at our ideal weight. Wanting to be healed, these men acted upon their plan. They followed Jesus.

3. Sticking to the task.

The old adage says, “Well begun is half done.” Yes, but only half the task. Anyone can start, but few can stick to the task long enough to be effective. The true measure of success lies not in the brilliance of our beginnings but in our unwavering commitment to seeing things through. Embrace the power of persistence, for it is the key to outrageous success.

Jesus said, “If the blind follow the blind, both will fall into the ditch.” Of course that is true, but these are not blind men. They were formerly blind. Follow them, and you will achieve your dream.

Lonnie Davis

Our Scripture reading for today is Luke 8:42-48

[42] As Jesus went with him, the crowds pressed around Him, [43] including a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years. She had spent all her money on physicians, but no one was able to heal her.
[45] “Who touched Me?” Jesus asked. But they all denied it. “Master,” said Peter, “the people are crowding and pressing against You.”
[46] But Jesus declared, “Someone touched Me, for I know that power has gone out from Me.”
[47] Then the woman, seeing that she could not escape notice, came trembling and fell down before Him. In the presence of all the people, she explained why she had touched Him and how she had immediately been healed.
[48] “Daughter,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

From this famous story there are two great observations for today.

1. We learn of the power of tenacity, trying, and trying again.
   This woman suffered for twelve years and spent everything she had on doctors, but still found no cure. Her experience tells us an important lesson about perseverance. When we truly care, we work relentlessly to find answers, knowing that success is frequently found because of the failures we experience. In life, we learn by failing. We try and fail, and try and fail until we finally try and succeed. Interestingly, after depleting all of her financial resources on treatments that yielded no results, she found healing in Jesus, who required nothing except her faith. This sharp contrast shows that true healing and answers are found not in financial abundance but in spiritual confidence and trust.
2. In the midst of a pressing crowd, a woman touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and was healed. Her faith was not in a mere act but in the very essence of who Jesus is—the Son of God, the Great Physician, the Healer. Her unwavering faith in Jesus’ identity brought about her miraculous healing, demonstrating that true restoration comes from encountering Jesus Himself. Her salvation came not through her own efforts but through her trust in Jesus’ power to restore.

Let me leave you with one final truth from this reading: When Jesus touches your life, your life will never be the same. We thank God for that.

Lonnie Davis

Today, our devotional is based on the time that Jesus raised a 12-year-old girl from the dead. It is found in Mark 5.

We will look at three lessons for our hearts.

1. You have to know where you can turn for help
2. Others around you may give up.
3. With God the seemingly impossible is still possible.

Part 1: You have to know where to turn for help. Mark 5:21-24

[21] When Jesus had again crossed by boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around Him beside the sea. [22] A synagogue leader named Jairus arrived, and seeing Jesus, he fell at His feet [23] and pleaded with Him urgently, “My little daughter is near death. Please come and place Your hands on her, so that she will be healed and live.” 

[24] So Jesus went with him, and a large crowd followed and pressed around Him. 

This man, Jairus, was a spiritual and well-known Jew among Jews. He led their synagogue, their local church, we would say. As a Jew, why would he go to the itinerant preacher for help? Because he believed that is where help is found. When we are desperate for help, we go where we believe the help is.

Part 2. Others around you may give up. Mark 5:35

While He was still speaking, messengers from the house of Jairus arrived and said, “Your daughter is dead; why bother the Teacher anymore?” 

They gave up because you have to know when it is over. Sometimes, however, we give up too soon. When God is involved, don’t lose hope.

Part 3.  With God the seemingly impossible is still possible. Mark 5:36-52

[36] But Jesus overheard their conversation and said to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; just believe.”

[38] When they arrived at the house of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw the commotion and the people weeping and wailing loudly. [39] He went inside and asked, “Why all this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead, but asleep.” [40] And they laughed at Him.

Yes, God can do such amazing deeds that you would laugh if someone told you about it. Never doubt God, and especially don’t laugh at his promises.

The reading continues.

 After He had put them all outside, He took the child’s father and mother and His own companions, and went in to see the child. [41] Taking her by the hand, Jesus said, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” [42] Immediately the girl got up and began to walk around. She was twelve years old, and at once they were utterly astounded.

So what is the great conclusion for our own hearts? Simply this, do not doubt the power of God to answer prayer and work in our lives. Like the synagogue ruler, simply take your trouble to God and leave him to work as he sees best.

Lonnie Davis

Our Scripture for today’s devotional is Matthew 8:28-34.

[28] When Jesus arrived on the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, He was met by two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. 

[29] “What do You want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have You come here to torture us before the appointed time?” 

[30] In the distance a large herd of pigs was feeding. [31] So the demons begged Jesus, “If You drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” 

[32] “Go!” He told them. So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and died in the waters. 

[33] Those tending the pigs ran off into the town and reported all this, including the account of the demon-possessed men. [34] Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to leave their region.

Reading this story showed me three great lessons for our hearts.

1. Even the Demons recognize the authority of Jesus.

  It is amazing that our world is so full of people who do not recognize the authority of Jesus in their lives. Here, even the demons bowed before his authority. 

2. Jesus has the power to deliver us from evil.

These two men had lives crippled by Satan. Look what Mark says about one of them, “This man had been living in the tombs and could no longer be restrained, even with chains. Though he was often bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and shattered the shackles. Now there was no one with the strength to subdue him. Night and day in the tombs and in the mountains he kept crying out and cutting himself with stones.” (Mark 5:3-5)

Sin is devastating in our life, but Jesus has the power to help us escape evil.

4. Jesus respects our free will.

   When the people asked Jesus to leave, He left. Jesus will not force His presence or His will upon us; we must choose to accept Him. If you want to follow Jesus, he will stay. If you want him out of your life, he will leave.

Lonnie Davis

Our text today is Mark 4:35-41

[35] When that evening came, He said to His disciples, “Let us cross to the other side.” [37] Soon a violent windstorm came up, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was being swamped. [38] But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, “Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?” 

[39] Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. “Silence!” He commanded. “Be still!” And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm. 

Facing the Storms of Life

Picture this: You’re in a boat with Jesus and His disciples in the middle of the night, navigating across the Sea of Galilee, when out of nowhere, a wild storm arises. This isn’t just any storm—it’s the kind that makes experienced sailors think they might sink. They are scared!

Welcome to Mark 4:35–41, a story about more than just weather; it’s about life’s unexpected storms. This story tells us three great truths.

First: Storms are part of life’s deal. 

They come at us full throttle, one minute life is smooth, and one minute later, a storm has hit your life. The disciples were right there with Jesus, yet they were afraid. It’s like life saying, “Surprise! Let’s see how you handle this one.” 

Second: In the middle of this chaos, Jesus is as calm as can be. 

When everything’s going badly, He’s there, reminding us that panic doesn’t help. He’s got this way of bringing peace to our panic stations, showing us that sometimes, the trick isn’t about dodging the storm but finding your calm in the heart of it. It’s about knowing who’s in your boat and trusting Him to steer.

Third: Listening to the voice of Jesus

the Bible is filled with examples of this:

He spoke to the storm, and it obeyed. Mark 4:35-41
He spoke to the demons, and they obeyed. Mark 5:1-20
He spoke to sickness, and it obeyed. Matthew 8:14-17
He spoke to the fig tree, and it obeyed. Matthew 21:18-21
He spoke to death and it obeyed. John 11.

It makes you think, doesn’t it? If all these things obey His voice, what’s our excuse? 

Lonnie Davis

Our Scripture for today is Matthew 13:47-52

“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the men pulled it ashore. Then they sat down and sorted the good fish into containers, but threw the bad away. 

So will it be at the end of the age: The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous, and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 

Have you understood all these things?” 

“Yes,” they answered. 

The parable of the net catching all kinds of fish illustrates the truth that the kingdom of heaven is meant for everyone, regardless of their background or past actions. Whether they have pink or brown hair, bald heads or man buns, as long as a custom or tradition is not in conflict with the word of God, Christians should not judge. It is God’s desire for all people to come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). The inclusivity of the kingdom serves as a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and grace.

Moreover, the passage emphasizes the importance of not only hearing the Word but also understanding and applying it in one’s life. After sharing the parable, Jesus asks His disciples if they understood, to which they reply, “Yes.” This exchange underscores the significance of grasping the meaning behind the teachings of Christ. It is not enough to simply listen to the message; one must internalize it and allow it to transform their life.

Lonnie Davis

Matthew 13:33-35; Luke 13:20, 21

Our Scripture reading is Luke 13:20-21

[20] Again He asked, “To what can I compare the kingdom of God? [21] It is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour, until all of it was leavened.” 

In the this, the parable of leaven, Jesus shares a simple yet profound parable, likening the kingdom of God to yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour. This parable holds a deep lesson on patience, especially in the context of growth—both spiritual and personal.

Patience in growth is a theme that resonates deeply with our faith journey. Like yeast, which takes time to leaven the whole batch of dough, our spiritual growth and the manifestation of God’s kingdom within us require patience and time. It’s a beautiful reminder that the most significant changes often happen slowly and beneath the surface, where we can’t immediately see them.

Consider the natural world around us; everything grows at its own pace. 

A family with a new baby doesn’t expect or even want the baby to grow overnight but rather enjoys each step of the journey as the child grows. A seed planted in the ground doesn’t sprout overnight. It needs time to germinate, break through the soil, and grow towards the sun. We, too, need time to grow. All important things, from a little yeast in a bowl of flour to the deepening of our faith, happen slowly and require patience.

The process of kneading dough and waiting for it to rise is a perfect metaphor for spiritual development. Initially, the dough doesn’t seem to change much. It requires the right conditions—warmth, time, and the yeast itself—to transform. Similarly, our spiritual lives require the right conditions for growth. These conditions include prayer, reading the Word, fellowship, and acts of kindness and love. Yet, just as the dough doesn’t rise instantly, our spiritual maturity doesn’t happen overnight. It unfolds day by day, often in ways we cannot see or understand in the moment.

This parable is a call to trust in God’s timing, knowing that He is at work even when we can’t see the immediate results. James 1:4 puts it perfectly, “Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (KJV).

Lonnie Davis

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

Our Scripture reading is Mark 4:30-32

[30] Then He asked, “To what can we compare the kingdom of God? With what parable shall we present it? [31] It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds sown upon the earth. [32] But after it is planted, it grows to be the largest of all garden plants and puts forth great branches, so that the birds of the air nest in its shade.” 

Learn the lesson from the parable. We’ll call it:

From a Tiny Seed, a Mighty Plant Grows:

 The Inspiring Lesson of the Mustard Seed

Imagine holding a single grain of sand between your fingers. Now, picture a tiny mustard seed, no larger than that minuscule speck. It’s hard to believe that from such a small beginning, a plant nearly 10 feet tall can emerge, isn’t it? Yet, that’s precisely the awe-inspiring reality of the mustard seed.

This little seed holds a profound lesson for us all: never underestimate the power of small beginnings. Just as the mustard seed contains the potential for a towering plant, the seemingly insignificant starts in our own lives can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

When we embark on a new journey, it’s easy to feel discouraged by the small scale of our initial efforts. We might question whether our actions can truly make a difference. But the mustard seed reminds us that with faith, patience, and perseverance, even the most modest of beginnings can bloom into something magnificent.

In the face of life’s challenges, we can draw strength from the mustard seed’s example. Though our problems may loom large, we have within us the capacity for tremendous growth and transformation. Just as the mustard seed relies on the nurturing power of the earth to realize its potential, we too can trust in a higher power to guide us toward our fullest expression.

So the next time you find yourself doubting the significance of your small beginnings, remember the mighty mustard seed. Embrace the power of faith, and trust that with God’s great presence, your tiny seed of potential can flourish into a beautiful reality beyond your wildest dreams.

Let the mustard seed be your inspiration, and watch in wonder as your small starts grow into great outcomes.

Lonnie Davis

https://youtube.com/watch?v=dDMPOMpz8-0%3Fsi%3DA-duaAhlrsIo15cz

The Parable of Weeds among the Wheat

Our text for today is: Matthew 13:24-30

[24] “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. [25] But while everyone was asleep, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and slipped away. [26] When the wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the weeds also appeared. 

[27] The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ 

[28] ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. 

 So the servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 

[29] ‘No,’ he said, ‘if you pull the weeds now, you might uproot the wheat with them. [30] Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat into my barn.’” 

So, let’s look at the meaning of the parable of Weeds among the Wheat.

In this profound parable, Jesus reveals a fundamental truth about the nature of our earthly existence, that is this: good and evil will always coexist in this world. As you navigate life, you will inevitably face the enemy’s attempts to sow weeds in your path. God did not place you in a perfect, idyllic world; instead, He purposefully put you on earth where you can train and prepare for the perfect place where He eagerly awaits your arrival.

If you find yourself searching for perfection in this life—whether in a mate, school, job, family, or church—you are setting yourself up for inevitable disappointment and frustration.

Consider this: if your spouse were truly perfect, they would have never chosen to be with you in the first place. If your church were flawless, they would have no choice but to ask you to leave. And if your family were without fault, your mere presence would disrupt that perfection.

Embrace the reality that as long as we walk this earth, good and evil, right and wrong, will always be present, intertwined in the fabric of our lives. Rather than seeking an unattainable ideal, focus on growing, learning, and preparing yourself for the perfect existence that awaits you in the presence of God.

Lonnie Davis

Did you ever wonder why so many people hear the Gospel but reject it? After today’s devotional, you will understand. The answer is straight from Jesus’s word.

Our text for today is Matthew 13:3–8.

[3] Jesus said, “A farmer went out to sow his seed. [4] And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. 

[5] Some fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow. [6] But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 

[7] Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the seedlings. 

[8] Still other seed fell on good soil and produced a crop—a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold. 

Upon hearing this parable, the disciples were confused and did not understand its meaning. Jesus, therefore, explained:

Some people have hearts that are like a hardened path. As soon as the seed of the word is sown in their hearts, evil comes and snatches it away.

Others have hearts that are like rocky ground. They hear the word and receive it with joy, but since they have no root, their faith remains for only a short time. When trouble or persecution arises because of the word, they quickly fall away and become unfaithful.

Then there are those whose hearts are like a thorny field. They hear the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and they become unfruitful.

However, some people have hearts that are like good soil. They hear the word, understand it, and bear fruit accordingly.

Through this parable, Jesus teaches us that Christians are expected to bear fruit. He also explains why some people hear God’s word but remain unfruitful. The condition of one’s heart determines the outcome. 

Lonnie Davis

Since we are reaching the part of the life of Christ where he teaches in parables, our devotional thought for today will introduce us to Jesus’ parables. Of course, Jesus taught many times in his sermons, going point by point, but the parable seems to be Jesus’ favorite way of teaching. 

There are two questions we need to ask about parables.

First: What is a parable?  

In its simplest form, a parable is a story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.

Second: Why did Jesus teach in parables?

In Matthew 13:10, we read: “Then the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Why do You speak to the people in parables?’” 

Answer #1: Jesus answered in these words: Matthew 13:11-13

“The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’

Let’s paraphrase his answer as: I teach in parables because I am saying things you need to hear, but the unspiritual person does not want to hear, or at best is not ready to hear.

We are all familiar with this kind of answer. If you have children, you sometimes spell things out to them that they are too young to understand: “Today, I am going to take little Johnnie to the D O C T O R.”

If you just said the word, that is all the young child would hear.

Answer #2: Because people remember stories better than statements.

When Jesus taught people often only heard him once. He wanted to tell them a spiritual truth in such a way that the spiritual people would remember it. 

To accomplish this, Jesus, the greatest storyteller ever, would teach them the greatest stories ever told, his parables. An illiterate crowd didn’t take notes. They just went and listened, remembered and reflected. The parables made it easier for people to remember and reflect.

Lonnie Davis

Our text today is Matthew 12:46-50

[46] While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, His mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to Him. [47] Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.” 

[48] But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?” [49] Pointing to His disciples, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers. [50] For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” 

Let’s call this text “Brothers and Sisters in Christ.”

From today’s text, we notice three things:

1. We see the heart of Christ’s mission. 

While His biological family sought His attention, Jesus turned to His disciples and declared, “Here are my mother and my brothers!” This statement invites us to understand that Jesus came to establish a spiritual family. We are his brothers and sisters. We are Brother Jones, and Sister Smith. What sounds like just religious expressions, really is grounded in truth.

2. These verses call us to rethink our understanding of family. 

While Jesus’ biological family stood outside, seeking, Jesus turned to His disciples and declared, “Here are my mother and my brothers!” This powerful statement reveals that the bonds formed through faith in Christ surpass even the closest earthly ties. 

Jesus emphasizes that those who embrace the will of His Heavenly Father are His true family, transcending the limitations of biological kinship. The blood of Christ, shed for our redemption, proves thicker than the blood shared by ancestry. This should cause us to realize that our spiritual family, united in devotion to God, holds a sacred and eternal significance that is greater than all else.

3. In the midst of a gathered crowd, Jesus defines family not by blood but by obedience to God’s will. It’s a gentle but powerful reminder that our spiritual kinship with Jesus is forged through our actions and commitment to follow the Father’s commands.

Lonnie Davis

Our text is Matthew 12:38-45 

But we will focus on verse 38 because it captures the whole idea.

“Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, ‘Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.”’

They asked Jesus for a sign, but God already gave them a sign. They were just too blind to see it.

As a matter of fact, throughout history, many have demanded that God perform signs to prove Himself. They seek flashy miracles as evidence of God’s power and presence. Yet when God Himself came to earth incarnate in Jesus Christ, performing astonishing wonders that validated His authority, people still stubbornly resisted Him. 

In today’s reading, the scribes and Pharisees challenged Jesus to show them a miraculous sign. But they had already witnessed Him heal the sick, cast out demons, and forgive sins. His deeds of divine power and mercy testified to His identity as the Son of God. Still, they wanted more supernatural spectacle to indulge their hard hearts. 

Jesus called them an “evil generation” for requiring still more signs after all they had seen. They had more than enough evidence to recognize that the kingdom of heaven stood among them in Christ. Yet they pridefully clung to their unbelief. Sign-seeking often masks stubborn unbelief and distracts from true spiritual insight. 

God has displayed His glory and presence throughout history in both subtle and spectacular ways. In Scripture’s pages, in Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, and in creation’s majesty, God has given us abundant signs of His reality if only we open our eyes to perceive them. 

We need not test God for what He has already clearly displayed.

We only need to see.

Lonnie Davis

Our Scripture for today is Matthew 12:33-37

[33] Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. 

[34] You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. 

[35] The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. 

[36] But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 

[37] For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” 

Inspired by these verses, I am going to title this Devotion with the strange name: 

“Who are you and what did you say?”

There are two answers to this question.

1. First, Who are You?

Well, you are what you do! The words in Matthew 12:33, “for a tree is known by its fruit,” remind us that our actions ultimately define who we are. It’s not enough to simply claim good intentions or hold positive beliefs. Just as a healthy tree naturally produces good fruit, a person of genuine character demonstrates their goodness through their deeds. Our actions speak volumes, leaving a lasting impression on the world around us. This simple yet profound truth encourages us to constantly strive to live our values and let our actions reflect the best version of ourselves. 

2. Second, Who are You?

You are also known by what you say. Our words reveal our hearts. What resides in the inner recesses of our being eventually comes out through our speech. If our hearts are filled with goodness, kindness, and wisdom, our words will reflect those virtuous qualities. We’ll speak life, encouragement, truth, and love. But if our hearts harbor hatred, jealousy, foolishness, and malice, then our hurtful, careless, and destructive words will expose the decay within. Try as we might to conceal it, what dominates our hearts will find expression through our lips. Our unfiltered speech betrays our true selves. We can’t hide our inner darkness or light. The overflow of the heart’s abundance rushes forth, for better or worse. Our words make known the condition of our hearts.

Lonnie Davis

Matthew 12:22-37; Mark 3:22-30; Luke 11:14, 15, 17-23

There are many great lessons in today’s reading, but we will focus on Matthew 12:31-32

“Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the one to come.”

For 50 years, I have heard people debate the subject of the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. The reason Christians ponder this is because Jesus named it the unforgivable sin. 

Since we want to believe that any sin can be forgivable, some have deduced that this sin must be the one for which you never repent. That is not what Jesus is teaching here. He doesn’t speak of the unforgiven sin, but that “whoever speaks a word against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, neither in this world nor the one to come.” It is a sin that is literally unforgivable.

So what is this sin?

To answer the question, consider what happened to cause Jesus to teach about blasphemy of the Holy Spirit

Jesus accuses those present of committing the unpardonable sin of blaspheming against the Holy Spirit, that is, by charging that Jesus performed His miracles by the power of Satan rather than by the power of the Holy Spirit. Listen again to what they did, they charged that Jesus performed miracles by the power of Satan rather than by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The unpardonable sin is not the same as rejecting the gospel; a man may spurn the Savior for years, then repent. Nor is the unforgivable sin the same as backsliding; a believer may wander far from the Lord, yet be restored.

Many people worry that they have committed blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Even if this sin could be committed today, the fact that a person is concerned is evidence that he is not guilty of it. Those who committed it were hard and unrelenting in their opposition to Christ. They had no qualms about insulting the Spirit and no hesitancy about plotting the death of the Son. They showed neither remorse nor repentance.

The great message of the Gospel is that we have forgiveness for sin!

Lonnie Davis

Luke 7:36-50

Our text today is Luke 7:36-50, only 14 verses, but I challenge you to get your Bible (or Bible app) and read them. I started reading them early this morning and thinking about them off and on through the day. It is amazing how much we don’t see until we mediate on the verses.

It is the story of Jesus having dinner at the home of Simon the Pharisee. You might not recognize the name of the home owner, but you will remember the story. While he was there, a woman, deep in sorrow for her sins, came up behind Jesus and washed his feet with her tears.

There are other details to the story: She came up behind Jesus while he was eating at the house of the Pharisee. She wept on his feet till they were so wet that she could wash them with her tears. To dry them off, instead of a towel, she used her hair. She then kissed his feet and put perfume on them. What a great demonstration of love and gratitude!

Simon the Pharisee saw this and cast doubt on Jesus. When we read the story, the point we often see is how much she loved Jesus, but Jesus calls our attention to WHY she loved Him. 

Here is the why. She did all this because her sins were forgiven by God and this was her way of thanking God and honoring His son. We know this because Jesus told us this in verse 47, “Therefore I tell you, because her many sins have been forgiven, she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”

Jesus is telling us today that those who feel the forgiveness of God, will love God the most. This woman stood weeping because of her sins. 

If you do not feel a need for forgiveness, you will not love deeply. Well, that’s what Jesus said.

Before we go, let me ask you just one more thinking question. Were her tears, tears of sorrow or tears of joy? What I am really asking is was she weeping because she was a sinner or, was she weeping because joy of her forgiveness? 

Lonnie Davis

Today’s Scripture reading is Matthew 11:20-30.

When you read these, you will find three great observations that I want to call to your attention.

1. God judges people according to their opportunities.

No one should ever take the position that those who don’t hear about Christ can be saved. Speaking of Jesus, Acts 4:12 says, “Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” 

However, it is also true that not all people will be judged the same on the Day of Judgement. Those who see God’s works yet still refuse to repent will face harsher judgment. In today’s reading, Jesus pronounced woe and harsh judgment on the cities where He had done miracles, and still, people did not repent (Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum).   They had much light and knowledge of God’s truth, yet stubbornly refused to repent. 

Obviously, those who have greater exposure to God’s truth and continue to reject it will receive harsher judgment. As Jesus said, “To whom much is given, much is required.”

2. Childlike humility is a key to knowing God 

We must come to God with humility, sincerity, and trust like a small child, not intellectual pride. In Matthew 11:25, “Jesus declared, ‘I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.’” Of course, the point is that we should have the spirit of a trusting child. Jesus said in Matthew 18:3–4, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

3. Jesus offers us rest for our souls

Look closely at verse 28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” He offers rest for our souls—inner relief, peace, and refreshment.

When we come to Jesus, lay down the burdens of sin, the self-effort and pride that weigh us down, and become yoked to him, we find rest and peace in our souls. We will have an inner calmness and confidence that comes from surrendering our will to His.

Lonnie Davis 

8 Further Points to Ponder

1. Blessings come with Responsibility. 

   Jesus reproaches the unrepentant cities, teaching us that greater knowledge of God’s works increases our responsibility to live accordingly.

2. Repentance is a cornerstone of faith.

  The call for repentance in the rebuked cities underscores its importance as a fundamental response to God’s nearness and activity.

3. The mysteries of the Kingdom are revealed to those with a childlike faith.

 Jesus celebrates the Father’s choice to reveal truths to the “little children,” suggesting a simplicity and humility in faith are prized over worldly wisdom.

4. Jesus is the way to the Father.

   Jesus’ statement that no one knows the Son except the Father, and vice versa, along with revealing Him to whom He chooses, emphasizes that understanding and approaching God is through Jesus.

5. The invitation to rest is inclusive.

  Jesus calls all who are weary and burdened to come to Him, showcasing God’s open invitation to find rest, regardless of one’s past or present burdens.

6. Following Jesus provides rest for the soul.

  The promise of rest for the soul to those who take His yoke upon them offers a spiritual rest found in discipleship and obedience.

7. The yoke of Jesus is designed for us.

By describing His yoke as easy and His burden as light, Jesus contrasts the freedom found in serving Him with the burdens of legalism and sin.

8. Finding rest in Jesus requires action.

The invitation to take, come, take His yoke, and learn from Him reminds us that rest in Christ involves an active commitment to follow and abide by His teachings.