Month: February 2024

Day 48: Anger Matthew 5:21-26

For today’s devotional, we will read verses 21–22 together.

[21] “You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ [22] But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.

Here is a devotional I titled,
Anger Danger

Have you ever felt the hot ember of anger ignite within you? A simmering frustration at a perceived slight, or perhaps a slow burn of resentment towards someone who’s wronged you? If so, then you’ve walked a path well-trodden by humanity. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus throws open the shutters on the hidden depths of anger, revealing consequences we might not have considered.

He doesn’t just condemn the act of murder but delves deeper, declaring, “Whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” This statement shatters the illusion that our internal flames remain unseen. Jesus equates the harboring of anger with the act of violence itself, forcing us to confront the truth: our hearts, just as much as our hands, are subject to God’s moral law.

Yet, amidst this sobering truth, Jesus offers a path towards healing. He instructs, “Leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” This seemingly simple act elevates reconciliation above giving, reminding us that God desires the sincerity of our hearts and authentic relationships more than outward displays of piety. Our gifts to God, however precious, pale in comparison to the offering of peace with God’s creation, our fellow human beings.

Jesus urges us to pursue peace. He encourages being “reconciled quickly,” emphasizing the importance of addressing conflict before it escalates and not just waiting for the other fellow. This approach may seem daunting, but remember, Jesus doesn’t call us to impossible tasks. He offers his grace and guidance on this journey, reminding us that true peace is built brick by brick, with each act of forgiveness and understanding.

So, the next time the embers of anger stir within you, remember these words. Don’t let them fan into a consuming fire. Instead, choose the path of reconciliation, speak with kindness, and actively pursue peace. In doing so, you might just transform those seeds of anger into beautiful blossoms of understanding and love.

Lonnie Davis

Day 47: Jesus and The Law
Our text today is Matthew 5:17-20;

Let’s read verse 17 together.

[17] Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.

From these words, let’s think about:
Jesus and Moses’ Law

During the life of Jesus, the Jewish leaders had great fear that Jesus was trying to overthrow the Law of Moses, that is, ’The Law.” In today’s text, Jesus assures the Jews that he is a keeper of the Law, but more than that, he came to fulfill the Law that predicted his coming. Isaiah 53 clearly teaches that Jesus is coming. Of course, once he came and died, it was fulfilled and was no longer needed. As Paul wrote in Colossians 2:14, Jesus “wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.”

Jesus did not destroy the Law, he fulfilled the Law by coming and then dying on the cross. While he lived, every detail, every seemingly rule of the Law, held significance. As Jesus said, in verse 19: “whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” True greatness doesn’t come from mere knowledge but from embodying the Law by the way they live and sharing its wisdom with others.
Here’s the crucial point: Jesus doesn’t just say “practice,” he adds “and teaches.” This implies a responsibility, a call to illuminate the path for others. We are not meant to be isolated islands of righteousness; we are called to be beacons, sharing the light with the world.
If that was true of Moses’ Law, how much more is it true for Christians and the Law of Christ? It is a call to move beyond the letter and embrace the heart of God’s will, allowing it to guide us on our journey toward true greatness by keeping and sharing the Law of Christ.
Lonnie Davis

Day 46 – Salt and Light

Matthew 5:13-16

[13] You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 

[14] You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 

From these verses, I invite you to today’s devotional thought: I call it:

Brighten the Corner Where You Are

As we think about salt and light in Jesus’ words in Matthew 5, we’re reminded that the purpose of our lives extends far beyond ourselves. Like salt that flavors and preserves, we’re meant to positively influence, add value, and make a lasting impact on the world around us. Like a lamp that sheds light into darkness, our character and actions should illuminate others’ paths with spiritual truth and care. 

Even if we used to struggle with an insecure, people-pleasing mindset, hiding our real selves undermines our capacity to help make a change for the better. As we’ve grown more confident in our identity in Christ, we’ve seen how even small acts of love and courage can help others.  

God’s word requires that we walk in truth and love, demonstrating what we believe with kindness, integrity, and care for others. 

Openly letting our light “shine before others” can feel uncomfortable at times, but as Jesus promised, when outsiders notice Christ shining through our good works, it points them to our Father in heaven. 

In a world crying out for meaning, what greater purpose could there be than by living our lives in such a way that we help others find a home in heaven?

Our actions may not sway crowds or dismantle evil overnight. But flavoring our corner of the world with the salt and light of Jesus matters.

So, we will fix our eyes on Jesus, asking Him to work powerfully through us to let His redeeming light brighten the darkness through us. 

Lonnie Davis

Day 45
Sermon: The Beatitudes
Matthew 5:1-12; Luke 6:20-23

“Beatitude” is a word that comes from the Latin word “beatus,” which means “blessed” or “happy.” My oldest daughter and I were looking at a video of my 15-month-old granddaughter. She was toasting her cup against her mother’s. Janet bought those cups as a gift, and so she told me the backstory. The large cup that Ann Maries (the mother) held had the word “Blessed” written on it. The small cup held by baby Emma said, “Blessing.” What a wonderful way to view the thoughts of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5! God gives us a blessing corresponding to our quality of spirit. When we get the blessing, we are blessed.

If you are merciful, God will give you the blessing of finding mercy with him.
When you are pure in heart, God will bless you by letting you see him one day.
When you are a peacemaker, God will bless you by calling you His child.

That is just a start. There are more beatitudes in our verses for today.
Most writers will say that there are eight beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount. That is true, but I am going to list them as seven. Let me explain. The eighth beatitude is about what happens to you when you are wrongly treated. The first seven are about what you are to become and thus receive the blessing. Let’s look at them:

Blessed are:
The poor in spirit.
Those who mourn.
The meek.
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
The merciful.
The pure in heart.
The peacemakers.

When you become those things—meek, merciful, etc.—then God will bless you.

I know that these few words only start to tell us about the beatitudes, but let this be an encouragement for you to find a little time today, open your Bible to Matthew 5, underline each beatitude, and think about the meaning of each. You will end this day having accomplished something special.

Lonnie Davis

Day 44 The Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5:1- 8:1; Luke 6:20-49

Jesus preached many times during his ministry, but the one sermon that every casual student of his life will mention first is the Sermon on the Mount. The preparation for the preaching of the sermon is in itself remarkable. It starts in Matthew 5

Verses 1-2

[1] When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain and sat down. His disciples came to Him, [2] and He began to teach them, saying:

I’ve seen a few videos or movies trying to show the scene of Jesus preaching the Sermon on the Mount. They always have Jesus standing on a mountainside and preaching to the thousands in the throng. That is obviously wrong. Read our text again, and a different picture emerges. 

First, where he preached was more of a hillside than a mountain. 

Second, it was also not preached to the throngs of thousands but to a few disciples. The Bible says he “sat down.” And “his disciples came to him.”

Does any of this matter? Not really! There are only two things that matter. (1) the message he taught them, and (2) who he instructed to pass on the teachings. There is no doubt that those who heard his teaching then told others what Jesus taught. That is how the Gospel is spread.

In our next lesson we will begin to look more closely at the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount.

I close these thoughts with an old, imagined story of what might have happened when Jesus got back to heaven. Imagine that the angels were gathered around. Jesus told them all that he had done. The angels inquired, “With you here, how will things get done?” Jesus told them he left the 12 to carry on the message. The angels asked, “But what is your backup plan if they fail?” He told them there was no other plan.

There is still no other plan. Jesus left it in his followers’ hands, you and me, to tell others about the great teaching of the Good News.

Lonnie Davis

Day 42 in the Study of the Life of Christ.
Choosing the Right People
Matthew 10:1-42; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-19

Our devotional thought is from Luke 6:12–16.

Our reading is about that morning when Jesus chose 12 men to become apostles. Seeing Jesus make this decision is a lesson for our own lives. There are three great lessons to learn from this event.

1. The first lesson is the importance of prayer in our decisions.
   In Luke 6:12, it is said, “He went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.” If the Son of God needed the Father’s guidance through hours of prayer before making decisions, how much more should we? This teaches us not only about the depth of Jesus’ relationship with God but also models for us a path of reliance on divine wisdom over our limited understanding. In our lives, whether we face crossroads or the daily decisions that shape our journey, the practice of seeking God’s presence and guidance cannot be underestimated.
2. The second lesson is about intentionally choosing followers. Jesus’ selection of the twelve disciples was not accidental. This was his plan to bring others in to help with his great work. This principle applies to us today in building our communities—be it in our workplaces, churches, or social circles. Great endeavors are not solo performances but people working together in purpose and action.
3. Finally, we see the diversity among the disciples—from a tax collector like Matthew to fishermen such as Peter and Andrew, and even a zealot like Simeon. God’s call transcends our backgrounds, skills, and past mistakes. It’s a powerful reminder that the Kingdom of God is built on the varied gifts and experiences of its people, each contributing uniquely to God’s redemptive work in the world.

These are but three of the many thoughts in this great story.

Lonnie Davis

Day 40
Jesus Heals on the Sabbath
Matthew 12:9-14: Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11

The Sabbath Storm

In a little town in Galilee is a synagogue. On this Saturday, Jesus is there. Every eye is upon him. Before him stands a man with a withered right hand. He stands hesitant, hope battling fear in his eyes. Jesus, ever the beacon of compassion, offers healing – a simple instruction to “stretch out your hand.” Yet, a storm erupts, not from the sky, but from the hearts of religious leaders. They cry foul, twisting the holy writ to brand this act of mercy as “work” forbidden on the Sabbath.

This narrative shows the human tendency to contort even the divine to fit our limited perspectives. The Pharisees, blinded by the rigidity of their interpretations, fail to recognize the deeper truth. Even if they saw Jesus’ act as “work,” wouldn’t it be work undertaken by God himself? I mean, the miracle did happen. This accusation becomes a veiled acknowledgment of Jesus’s power.

But the story goes beyond exposing hypocrisy. It shatters the illusion that good deeds can be confined to neat compartments for convenience. With this story, Jesus shows us that doing good knows no boundaries. It calls us to seize opportunities to alleviate suffering and to be instruments of love, regardless of the day or hour. The withered hand, once a symbol of limitation, is healed.

Yet, amidst healing, a crucial call to courage emerges. Jesus doesn’t shy away from challenging the narrow interpretations of the law. He doesn’t cower before the disapproval of the crowd. His unwavering stance inspires us to advocate for justice, even when it feels like swimming against the current. Importantly, this courage doesn’t necessitate anger or aggression. Jesus, while deeply disappointed by the Pharisees’ actions, responds with measured words and unwavering resolve. His example teaches us that even the most difficult conversations can be handled with grace and dignity.

The healing on the Sabbath is more than a single act. It stands as a testament to the boundless nature of grace, the courage to challenge injustice, and the importance of discerning God’s will in every facet of our lives. As we move through our own journeys, may we remember the outstretched hand, a symbol of hope and a call to action, reminding us that true faith embraces any challenge with open arms and boundless love.

Lonnie Davis

Disciples Pluck Grain on the Sabbath
Matthew 12:1-8; Mark 2:23-28; Luke 6:1-5

Summary
As Jesus passed grain fields with his disciples one Sabbath, they picked heads of grain to eat. The Pharisees protested this supposedly unlawful act, but Jesus upheld caring for human need over strict sabbatical legalism. Just as David had received consecrated bread in his time of need, so Jesus as Lord of the Sabbath permits meeting essential needs.

From this event we see today’s devotional:

Lord of the Sabbath

Imagine the sun warming your back as you stroll through fields heavy with ripened wheat. The air hums with the whisper of the wind, and the golden stalks move in a sun-soaked ballet. This is the scene that unfolds in the Gospels (Matthew 12:1-8, Mark 2:23-28, Luke 6:1-5) as Jesus and his disciples travel a path less traveled well, at least on a Sabbath day.

But amidst the tranquility, tension crackles. Hunger pangs gnaw at the disciples, and they reach for the readily available grain. Observing this, the Pharisees, guardians of religious law, pounce with accusatory whispers: “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”

Jesus, ever the gentle yet profound teacher, uses this encounter to illuminate a deeper truth. It is true that the law forbade working on the Sabbath day, but Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath and he has the right to make an exception that mere man could not make.

He reminds them of David, a man revered for his piety, who, driven by necessity, partook of the sacred bread reserved for priests.

His response echoes a timeless message: the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. God’s laws, like the Sabbath, were instituted not to burden us, but to guide us towards wholeness and well-being. The Lord of the Sabbath has the right to make it good for the hungry disciples to eat.

In that moment, he lays claim to an authority that transcends earthly rules. He is not bound by them, for he is their author, the embodiment of love and compassion that lies at the heart of the Law.

In this story Jesus, focused on need and not just the rules. The Pharisees, bound by their rigid interpretation, failed to understand that Jesus, as Son of God, could move in compassion.

Reading this give me great joy, because it shows me that I will not stand before a God who is filled only with Justice, but rather before a God who shows mercy. He know that we have feet of clay and he loves and provides for us.

Day 38: John 5
Waiting 38 Year for an Answer

God’s timing is always perfect, though we may not understand it in the moment. A man laid paralyzed for 38 long years, waiting by a pool where others found healing. When Jesus approached him and ask him, “Do you want to get well?” The man doesn’t answer directly, he just starts with excuse making. Jesus cuts through this with a simple commanded “Get up, take your mat, and walk.”
The invalid man must have been astonished. After decades of immobility, he stood and walked at Jesus’ words (John 5:8-9). Instantly he walked. Like him, we often desire instant solutions to long-held problems. If you think about it, this man did not receive an instant solution. He waited 38 years for his solution. God works on eternal timescales to shape us through the waiting.
A crowd of sick people all around and yet Jesus paused to engage this one man, seeing his need. The Lord does not overlook individual pains; He is neither too busy nor too lofty to notice our personal situations. Despite a crowd gathered at the pool, Jesus focused on one man, listening for his story before responding. God attends to us as individuals.

Though Jesus initiated this healing, the man still had to rise and walk at Christ’s command. His response required faith and courage to attempt what he had not done in 38 years. Oftentimes we beg God to act, yet do nothing ourselves in response. Let this paralyzed man remind us that true faith requires action, even when it seems impossible.

Tragically, the Jewish leaders missed the miracle entirely, only seeking occasions to accuse Jesus because He healed on the Sabbath. Rather than rejoicing over restored life and health, they hung on to negative ways.

May this caution us against such hardheartedness. Let us learn to see with eyes of compassion, not accusation.

Lonnie Davis
Our story is found in John 5

Jesus Answers His Critics

Matthew 9:14-17; Mark 2:18-22; Luke 5:33-39

Fresh Grapes and Old Wineskins

(Reflecting on Mark 2:18-22)

Picture the rich aroma of fermenting grapes, a symbol of transformation. In this imagery, Jesus shares a profound lesson: “No one pours new wine into old wineskins… new wine is for new wineskins” (Mark 2:22). His words aren’t just about wine; they’re a metaphor for our spiritual growth.

Jesus gently challenges us to rethink our religious habits. The ‘old wineskins’ symbolize traditions that may hinder the unfolding of God’s dynamic plan.  

Our Savior’s message is nuanced. He doesn’t dismiss the past; rather, He urges us to distinguish between mere ritual and the living essence of God’s intent. Take fasting: it should be a profound journey inward, not just a hollow custom. When such practices lose their heart, they become ‘old wineskins,’ unable to hold the vibrancy of Christ’s teachings.

This call isn’t for reckless change. Fundamental acts of faith like baptism, prayer, and worship stand firm, not as obligatory rituals but as vital experiences to deepen our connection with the Divine. Our practices should be living, breathing expressions of faith, not checked boxes on a spiritual list.

Imagine our prayers as conversations brimming with life, our worship as an authentic expression of reverence. This is the renewal Jesus invites us to.

Consider the Jews in Jesus’ time, who clung to their empty traditions which had gained the force with them of a “Thus says the Lord.”Their inflexibility symbolized the ‘old wineskins,’ unable to stretch with Jesus’ real teaching.

This story from Christ’s life urges us to avoid becoming spiritually inflexible. Always obey what God says, but learn to distinguish between that and our human traditions. This was the failure of the Jews who rejected Jesus.

In this story, we are called to continually align with God’s Word, nurturing a spirit that remains open to real teaching of his Word.

Lonnie Davis

Further Takeaways to Consider:

1. New things require flexibility: Rigid traditions (“old wineskins”) can’t handle the dynamism of Jesus’ teachings (“new wine”).

2. Focus on the essence, not the form: Practices like fasting hold meaning when driven by introspection, not just ritual.

3. Jesus offers liberation, not restriction: He came to break us free from legalistic burdens, not add new ones.

4. Discern true purpose: Distinguish between God’s will (“new wine”) and mere customs (“old wineskins”).

5. Transformation is ongoing: Jesus’ message is ever-evolving, inviting continuous adaptation and growth.

6. Openness is key: Embrace fresh perspectives and avoid becoming rigid in your faith.

7. Authenticity matters: Practices like prayer and worship should be heartfelt, not performative.

8. Renewal is possible: Our hearts, like wineskins, can become supple and receptive to God’s newness.

9. Change can be disruptive: Some may resist the transformative power of Jesus’ teachings.

10. Growth brings abundance: Embracing God’s unfolding purpose leads to spiritual flourishing.

Remember, these are just some interpretations. The beauty of scripture lies in its open-ended nature, inviting personal reflection and discovery.