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