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.

Our text is long, so our reading will focus on Jesus’ praise of John in Matthew 11:11

“Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

From today’s reading, we learn about:

1. Perception vs. Reality  

Jesus teaches the importance of looking beyond superficial appearances to see the true essence of a person.  

The old adage says you can’t judge a book by its cover. Unfortunately, we often do. People judged John the Baptist by how he looked. Jesus challenges them, “Did you come to see a man dressed in fine clothes?” Jesus and John both disdained these garments. Jesus said, “Those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces.” Look beyond the appearances. The true essence of a person lies not in robes or titles but in who they are.

Peel away the layers and look at the heart. See the real person.

2. Blowing in the wind. 

In verse 24, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind?” Did you ever notice that a reed always blows in the direction of the wind? Some folks are like that. What they say at any moment depends on which way the wind is blowing. Not so with John. How about you?

3. Grumblers always Grumble.

In verses 16–19, Jesus critiques the generation for their dissatisfaction with both his and John’s approaches, comparing them to children in the marketplace. This teaches us the futility of the criticism of some people. With some, there is no right thing you can do. If you play a happy song, you are silly. If you sing a sad song, you are still wrong. Jesus knew this and just ignored the criticism. Help those whom you can help and leave the others to their grumbling.   

4. Wisdom is known by its deeds. 

There is an old adage, “Pretty is as pretty does.” Some people are pretty until you get to know them. The same is true of wise people. Here, Jesus assures us that a wise person can be known by what they do. Romans 1:22 speaks of people who “although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.” Wisdom is proved right by her deeds. It does not matter how smart or wise you think you are, the truth is seen in your deeds.

6 More Points to Ponder

1. True Greatness is Spiritual, Not Social

John the Baptist is lauded as the greatest born of women, yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than him. This teaches that divine estimation of greatness contrasts sharply with societal measures, valuing spiritual stature over social status.

2. Expectations Can Blind Us to Truth

People criticized John for austerity and Jesus for being sociable, missing the essence of their messages. This highlights how societal expectations can prevent us from recognizing and accepting the truth, especially when it doesn’t align with our preconceptions.

3. Openness to God’s Ways is Essential

Jesus criticized the generation for not responding to John or Himself, illustrating a lack of openness to God’s varied approaches. This serves as a reminder that God’s ways may differ from ours, urging an open heart and mind to recognize and embrace His workings.

4. Spiritual Discernment Transcends Popular Opinion

The crowds’ fickleness with John and Jesus shows the unreliability of public opinion in spiritual matters. This teaches us the importance of spiritual discernment over going along with the crowd, emphasizing a personal, deep understanding of faith.

5. God’s Message Often Comes in Unexpected Forms

John’s asceticism and Jesus’ sociability both faced rejection. This illustrates that God’s message and messengers may not always match our expectations, challenging us to accept divine wisdom in its various forms.

6. Rejection of God’s Messengers Reflects a Heart Condition

The rejection of both John and Jesus indicates a deeper issue of heart, not just a disagreement with their lifestyles. This implies that the rejection of divine messengers is often a sign of a closed heart, pointing to the need for introspection and openness to God.

Our study today is in Matthew 11:2-19: and Luke 7:18-35

From these verses, I point you to verse 20 and verse 22. 

[20] When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?’” 

[22] So He replied, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 

As you read these verses, you can ask, what does John ask Jesus? Are you the one, the Messiah?

Surely, he already knew Jesus was the Messiah. He said he did! “What,” John asks of Jesus is a good question, but a  better question is:

1. Why did he ask it?

Here are some possible answers:

Maybe it was because his dreams weren’t working out.

What was John’s dream for the coming Messiah? Did he expect that he would get to serve in this new kingdom, and now it is becoming clear to him that he won’t be there? If one as great as John can struggle with disappointments and unfulfilled dreams, then so can we all.

Maybe it was because he was in the lowest place in his life.

Unfairly in prison, waiting for death, John struggled with his future. We seldom make good decisions when we are stressed. When you are stressed, give it a little time, if you can. Tomorrow, things may look better.

Maybe he was pointing his disciple to their next.

By sending his disciples to Jesus, John also provided them with an opportunity to witness firsthand the works and teachings of Jesus. 

2. More important than why, is how Jesus handled the question.

He simply showed the miracles and then praised John. He didn’t deride or condemn John for his question. God knows we are human and that we can struggle. God loves you anyway.

3. Why did Jesus show the questioners the miracles? Why didn’t he just say “yes” and then send that back to John?

Jesus’ answer pins everything on the miracles. If Jesus never did miracles, if it were all fake, then Jesus is neither the Son of God nor the Messiah. Jesus showed them blind men who got their sight back, crippled people who walked, diseased people made well, deaf people regained their hearing, and dead people brought back to life. These people didn’t get better, they got well! He didn’t cure a headache, he raised the dead. Jesus is the Savior!

Lonnie Davis

Day 66

Jesus Raises the Widow’s Son at Nain

Our Scripture today is Luke 7:11-17

[11] Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain. His disciples went with Him, accompanied by a large crowd. [12] As He approached the town gate, He saw a dead man being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 

[13] When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, “Do not weep.” [14] Then He went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. “Young man,” He said, “I tell you, get up!” [15] And the dead man sat up and began to speak! Then Jesus gave him back to his mother. 

[16] A sense of awe swept over all of them, and they glorified God. “A great prophet has appeared among us!” they said. “God has visited His people!” [17] And the news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding region. 

Reading this story reminds me:

1- You never know how things will turn out. 

In our text, we see a profound instance of Jesus’ compassion and power, illustrating that with God, hope is never lost, even in the most despairing moments. As Jesus approaches the town of Nain, he encounters a funeral procession for the only son of a widow. At the very brink of her despair, Jesus acts, restoring her son to life. This miracle, happening in the nick of time, reminds us to trust in God’s perfect timing, knowing that He is capable of turning our deepest sorrows into joyous celebrations.

2 – God can help when no one else can.

The dead man is the only son of a widow. In the tradition of the ancient Middle East, he was her retirement plan and her breadwinner. Now, her future is gone. I’m sure this was not the main grief in her heart that day, but those who knew her knew what she faced. This poor widow was now to live only on the charity of others. Jesus stepped in and changed everything.

3 – If we open our eyes to the wonderful ways that God helps us, we will say, as the people said, “God has visited His people.” 

All who look to God know this feeling. If we don’t see his blessings, then we are spiritually blind. 2 Peter 1:9 says that those who lack spiritual character are “nearsighted to the point of blindness.” If we don’t see God in heaven and only see things of the earth, we, too, are nearsighted to the point of blindness. When the people’s eyes were opened to God’s wondrous deeds, they knew God was among them. He is also among you if you will only see the good things he has done for you.

Lonnie Davis

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