Today’s Reading: Matthew 8:1-17

As he traveled from place to place, Jesus healed those who were sick or crippled. Many who were possessed by demons were set free. But not everyone who needed healing came to Jesus believing that he could and that he would. Many had experienced a lack of sympathy and thoughtfulness throughout their life, and they could not imagine that someone as special as Jesus would care enough to heal them. But some had enough faith to at least ask.

Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”

Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.” – Matthew 8:1-4

I KNOW JESUS CAN; I JUST DON’T KNOW IF HE WILL.

Wow, that’s powerful! Do you identify with this man who had faith to believe that Jesus could heal him of an incurable disease, but struggled to believe that Jesus would choose to do something that amazing for him? Maybe you have seen him do it for others, you have heard the testimonials of those who have experienced healing, yet you have not come to understand how much God loves you — how much He wants to hear you ask and wants to see you walk in wholeness and healing.

I KNOW JESUS CAN AND I AM ASKING HIM TO.

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.”

Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”

But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!…”

Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour. – Matthew 8:5-10,13

The Roman officer is a great example of what it looks like to believe Jesus has the power to do anything. He came to Jesus with a humble spirit and his request was granted. Because he believed in Jesus, his servant was healed; because he had the faith to believe on behalf of another person who needed healing, that person experienced the magnificent power of Jesus.

I KNOW JESUS CAN AND I HAVE THE FAITH TO BELIEVE HE WILL.

When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, Peter’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. But when Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her. Then she got up and prepared a meal for him.

That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick. This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said, “He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.” – Matthew 8:14-17

JESUS HAS HEALED ME AND I WILL SERVE HIM FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.

I made a decision as a teenager that I would spend my life serving God. I counted it as a privilege, and I was honored when I received my call during a youth conference. When I experienced the need for healing, I asked for it. During the time of waiting for God to respond, I daily laid the desires of my heart before him and humbly asked him to align my desires with His, believing the life He had for me would be good — with or without healing.

If you are in that place of petitioning God for your healing or the healing of someone else, I pray that you will experience the power of Jesus. As you humbly lay out your requests before God, I pray that He will hear your prayers and make Himself known to you. I join you in praying for healing. Father God, would you do amazing things in our lives today? May we see the power of your healing and may we faithfully serve you for the rest of our lives! Amen.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-21

Today’s Reading: Luke 6:39-49

YOU WILL GET OUT OF IT WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT.

That’s a common phrase we hear throughout our lives, isn’t it? In fact, when you look it up online, you find several variations with multiple authors given credit for their wise words of inspiration. Where did the idea originate? From Jesus himself.

“The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” – Luke 6:38b

When each of my daughters left for college, I gave them the same advice I was given when I moved into the dorm at age seventeen — your college experience will be what you make it. If you jump in, get involved and give it your all, you will get a great education plus have a lot of fun. This continues to apply to our adult lives post-college, from professional development to spiritual growth. The more training and coaching we receive, the better we become at our job. The more we study God’s word, the more we understand and become like our Teacher.

Then Jesus gave the following illustration: “Can one blind person lead another? Won’t they both fall into a ditch? Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.

“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying, ‘Friend, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.” – Luke 6:39-42

Part of our journey of learning includes gaining the ability to keep our focus on God and what He is teaching us, instead of assessing the spiritual condition of those around us. This seems easy enough to do but it does not come naturally for us to mind our own business. It is a work of growth that we have to continually ask God to do. If we give grace to others, we will receive His grace in return — pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into our lap!

IF WE GIVE GRACE, WE WILL RECEIVE GRACE.

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” – Luke 6:37-38

Lord Jesus, we want to be like you in every way so we ask that you help us with this area of our life. We are sitting at your feet, eager to learn and willing to be transformed. We long for you to continue your work in our lives so that grace beautifully flows and fruit naturally grows. Fill our hearts with your love so that your righteousness naturally flows from our lives.

“A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.

“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.” – Luke 6:43-49

WHY DO YOU CALL ME LORD AND THEN NOT SUBMIT TO MY AUTHORITY?

Father God, please forgive us for those moments when we do not respond the way we should. Forgive us for those moments when we do not follow your teaching but instead do what we feel like doing in the moment. Lord, fill us with your Spirit and strengthen us so that we can follow your lead in every moment of our day. We want to build our house on a foundation made of solid rock, with doors of love wide open and windows of grace to see others as you would see them. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Luke 6:32-38

“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.” – Luke 6:32-34

WHY SHOULDN’T I GET CREDIT?

How often do we do something for someone else and then creatively describe our generous act for our next social media post? Generosity feels good and it quickly becomes our next conversation; self-sacrifice is rewarding and gets posted on Instagram before the day is over. But what if we did something God led us to do and then never told anyone else about it? What if God moved on our heart to be kind to someone else without it becoming part of our Snapchat story?

“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.” – Luke 6:35-36

WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?

Reciprocity is the exchange of things with others for mutual benefit. When our girls were little, we would trade childcare nights with our friends so that each couple could go out on a date without the cost of a babysitter. One mom would watch another mom’s kids while she ran errands and then the other would return the favor. It was mutually beneficial, gave our girls time to build friendships, and it saved everyone money.

But what if there’s nothing in it for me? What if God moves on my heart to be generous towards someone who is self-absorbed or thoughtless? What if the Spirit tells me to be kind to someone who has been less than kind to me? What if my good deed will never be reciprocated? Am I willing to be who God is calling me to be even if I never receive credit or even gratitude for my actions?

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” – Luke 6:37-38

GIVE AND YOU WILL RECEIVE.

God’s promise is that we do gain from all that we give, but it is not for us to decide what that should look like. It is not for us to judge the hearts of those who receive our kindness; it is not for us to condemn the response of those who benefit from our generosity.

We are to respond to the Spirit’s lead in obedience and be quick to forgive those who are ungrateful. We are to let our light shine in the darkness, even when it seems to go unnoticed. We do not demand an apology and we do not need applause. Our acts of righteousness are not for public admiration but a natural outflow of our relationship with Christ. When His light is shining within us, there is a natural glow that sheds light so that others can see who He is — not who we are. It leads us to be kind and thoughtful, as well as generous and good.

Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. – Psalm 112:4

Father God, may we look to you alone for our reward. May we feel your smile of approval and may that be enough for us as we live out our relationship with you. Give us eyes to see, ears to hear and hands to respond today. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Luke 6:20-31

Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said,
“God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours.
God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied.
God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh.” – Luke 6:20-21

I love the poetic element of this comparison of opposites, and I enjoy soaking in the beauty of the truth behind each line. It is good to be reminded this morning of how God has the power to turn our situation around. Your present circumstances may represent the needs and deficits in your life, but you can cling to the hope of tomorrow — a day when you will be satisfied and a time when you will laugh again.

What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. – Luke 6:22-23a

In the moment of persecution, it is hard to see the blessings; in the moment you are being bullied or slandered, it is difficult to see past the pain to the promise. When we are grieving a loss or experiencing heartbreak over the death of a loved one, it seems like we will never overcome our loneliness. But in the midst of it all, Jesus is encouraging us to be happy — to leap for joy!

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

It is not always easy to react in the opposite way of what we are feeling, but this promise that our present troubles are temporary encourages us to hang on to God’s promise. We make a choice to cling to the hope of a better day.

In His sermon on the mount, Jesus taught the people using several different opposites: Poor or rich, hungry or prosperous, laughter or sorrow. He also surprised the crowd by telling them to love their enemies, to celebrate persecution, and to forgive rather than judge. He compared a tree that bears bad fruit with a tree that bears good fruit, and he compared the house built on rock to the house built on sand.

As you read through this passage, look for the opposites or the stark contrasts Jesus describes. Then, as you go through your day, recognize the crazy opposite moments God puts before you — moments when you could have reacted to the rude woman at the store but you chose kindness, or moments when you could have been in a hurry but you chose to slow down and greet someone, or moments when you chose to laugh instead of cry.

“What sorrow awaits you who are rich,
for you have your only happiness now.
What sorrow awaits you who are fat and prosperous now,
for a time of awful hunger awaits you.
What sorrow awaits you who laugh now,
for your laughing will turn to mourning and sorrow.
What sorrow awaits you who are praised by the crowds,
for their ancestors also praised false prophets.

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” – Luke 6:24-31

God, prepare us for what may lie ahead of us today that requires us to react in the opposite way than we would typically respond. Fill us with your Spirit so that our natural response to the enemy’s attacks is in alignment with who you have created us to be. May today’s OPPOSITES ATTRACT others to you! Amen.

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. – Galatians 5:16-18

Today’s Reading: Mark 3:13-19; Matthew 9:35-38;Psalm 25

Jesus touched so many lives as massive crowds formed around him in each town he visited. Yet with all the needs pressing in around him, his focus remained on his investment in the lives of twelve.

Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. – Mark 3:13-19

The twelve Jesus appointed are often referred to as the twelve disciples or the apostles. Disciples were students and followers, while apostles were specially commissioned representatives. I would argue that today we are all both disciples and apostles.

TO BE A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST IS TO BE A STUDENT OR A FOLLOWER.

God has called us all to be students of the Word, to sit at His feet regularly and learn from Him. We spend time reading the Bible and we walk away with new understanding. His word is living and active and we cannot help but be changed by studying the Scriptures. We have so much to learn and we have a Great Teacher who loves His students.

We also learn by listening to other students of the Word or disciples. What a great investment of our time to read a book written by another follower of Christ or to listen to the teachings of a great preacher! We listen and call on the Spirit to discern the truth of the message, allowing our hearts to grow and be transformed through the words God has given those He has called. When I question something I am reading, God’s word is the foundation of truth that I go back to each time.

Even pastors and preachers benefit from spending time listening to others and reading. Posturing ourselves as the student helps all of us find the humility God is calling us to. We have not already arrived. We do not know all there is to know. We desperately need to keep learning in order to increase our understanding of God’s ways.

TO BE AN APOSTLE IS TO BE SPECIALLY COMMISSIONED TO REPRESENT JESUS & FULFILL HIS PURPOSE.

Hopefully we agree that we are all disciples or students of the Word, but I would argue that we are also all apostles. If the definition of apostle is a person who is specially commissioned to represent something or someone, then that is absolutely what we are. God has chosen every one of us for a specific purpose today. He has a plan and we have a choice. We can walk into that plan with the willingness to represent Jesus and fulfill His purpose for our day, or we can focus on our own desires and plans. I can build the Kingdom of God or the kingdom of me.

Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” – Matthew 9:35-38

Lord, this morning I pray that you would open up my heart and show me your purpose today. Confirm in my heart what you have called me to do. Remind me WHO I have been specially commissioned to represent. God, I open up my life with a willingness today to be used by you, whether in small ways or large. Today is about you and your plan. Teach me. Show me. Use me. Guide me. Amen.

O Lord, I give my life to you.
I trust in you, my God!
Do not let me be disgraced,
or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.
Show me the right path, O Lord;
point out the road for me to follow.
Lead me by your truth and teach me,
for you are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love,
which you have shown from long ages past.
Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,
for you are merciful, O Lord.
The Lord is good and does what is right;
he shows the proper path to those who go astray.
He leads the humble in doing right,
teaching them his way.
The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness
all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. – Psalm 25:1-10

Today’s Reading: Mark 3:7-12; Luke 6:12-19

Jesus went out to the lake with his disciples and a large crowd followed him. They came from all over Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, from east of the Jordan River, and even from as far as Tyre and Sidon. The news about his miracles had spread far and wide, and vast numbers of people came to see him. – Mark 3:7-8

Word was spreading of Jesus’ healing power and people were bringing their sick from all over the region. Everywhere Jesus went, large crowds followed. Some were genuinely seeking to follow Christ, and some were only there to be entertained.

THEY CAME TO SEE JESUS DO SOMETHING GREAT, NOT TO DO SOMETHING GREAT FOR JESUS.

Jesus touched many lives as these massive crowds formed. There was so much to do and so many people who needed his healing touch, but Jesus intentionally pulled away from the crowds and found time to be alone with His Father.

One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names: Simon (whom he called Peter), Andrew (Peter’s brother), James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (Son of Alphaeus), Simon (who was called the zealot), Judas (son of James), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him). – Luke 6:12-16

After spending an extended amount of time in God’s presence and in prayer, Jesus called all of his followers together and distinguished between those who would be disciples and those who would be the twelve apostles. Don’t miss that he made this decision AFTER going to the Father in prayer.

It is easy for us to fall into the trap of working hard for the Lord without taking time to be alone with the One who gives us purpose. We think of all who are depending on us to get something done or to accomplish something great, and we make everything else a priority over intentionally creating periods of sabbath rest. We hit a point of pure exhaustion and start making critical decisions when we are mentally worn out. Jesus is saying — “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

IF WE WANT TO DO SOMETHING GREAT FOR JESUS, WE NEED TO ALLOW JESUS TO DO SOMETHING GREAT WITHIN US. THEN JESUS WILL DO SOMETHING GREAT THROUGH US.

When we are rooted in Christ and filled with His presence, we are ready to be used by Him. We can be more effective for the work God is calling us to do if we go to Him with all of our decisions. He fills us with His power and equips us for the call. Even Jesus knew that he needed time on the mountain with the Father before stepping into the crowds. If Jesus needed that, we definitely need it today.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” – John 15:5-8

God, we are grateful for this time on the mountain. We come to you with hearts willing to be used by you today. Thank you for all that you have done for us, for all you are doing in us, and for all you plan to do through us. May our hearts align with yours this week as we stay connected to you, allowing you to fill us and use us according to your purposes and for your glory. Amen.

When they came down from the mountain, the disciples stood with Jesus on a large, level area, surrounded by many of his followers and by the crowds. There were people from all over Judea and from Jerusalem and from as far north as the sea coasts of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those troubled by evil spirits were healed. Everyone tried to touch him, because healing power went out from him, and he healed everyone. – Luke 6:17-19

Today’s Reading: Matthew 7:13-28

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14

NARROW GATE OR BROAD HIGHWAY

Jesus continued to teach the disciples as they gathered around him on the mountainside. The crowd listened in, amazed at his teaching and the authority with which he spoke. Jesus gave four more word pictures in this sermon, each a comparison that would define those who were truly a follower of Christ and those who were not. He started by describing the gateway to life as narrow, and the road to get there as difficult. The path to hell is broad, and so many choose that easier option, but only a few will find themselves willing to walk the narrow path that leads to life.

Take note that Jesus did not say that there is a way to widen the path so that it is easier to travel; Jesus did not say that the broad highway can be redirected to make its final destination heaven. In our heart, we desire for more to walk through the gateway to life. We care that others are choosing the way that seems easier, because we know that way leads to judgment and eternal fire. We want to find a way to help them experience life in Christ, but we cannot widen the gate no matter how much we want to. Any other teaching is false.

SHEEP OR WOLVES

“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.” – Matthew 7:15-20

It matters how we live. Just as he called his disciples, Jesus is calling each of us to follow him. When we live in relationship with Christ, the result is a life that produces fruit. The Spirit living within us changes the way we respond to the needs of others, giving us the words to say and the love to extend to those around us. Others see Christ in us through the life we live and the fruit we produce.

I cannot create my own path and do what I want to when I am a true follower of Christ. If I try to produce my own good works instead of living out an authentic relationship with Christ, the fruit of my life will be temporary. If I make up my own rules, refusing to submit to the authority of Christ, then I am not truly living in relationship with God, and I will find myself “unknown” when I stand before the throne of judgment.

LAW-ABIDING OR LAW-BREAKING

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’“ – Matthew 7:21-23

SOLID ROCK OR SAND

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” – Matthew 7:24-27

Obedience to God creates a firm foundation on which I can build my life. When I respond to the teaching of Jesus in full submission, I can have confidence when life brings its storms. The winds and rains of life may beat upon my house, but I will not collapse because Jesus is the solid rock on which I stand.

The pressure of our current culture is to redefine sin and affirm the choices of others, but this is like building our house on sand — it is always shifting. Look back and see how different our culture was five years ago. It will be that different five years from now. But God’s word is constant; it remains the same. The teachings of Jesus are firm and I choose to walk the narrow path because it leads to the gateway of life.

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law. – Matthew 7:28-29

How will you respond today to the teachings of Christ? Is the fruit of your life a result of human effort or does the Spirit guide your actions? Will you stand steady on the firm foundation of biblical teachings, or will you find comfort in the soft sand and the broad highway of today’s popular culture?

Jesus, thank you for all you continue to teach us through your Sermon on the Mount. Thank you for your underserved favor that gives me the opportunity to know you and be known by you. May my relationship with you never become so routine that I begin to rely on my knowledge instead of daily depending on your Spirit’s guidance. May my path be narrow, my tree be fruitful, and my foundation be rock-solid — for your glory and purposes. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 7:12 and 22:37-40

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” — Matthew 7:12

This verse is known as The Golden Rule. It is one of the first verses I memorized as a child, and it was often the verse I heard teachers quote to correct the bad behavior of students. It has been used in conflict resolutions, and it is the standard set for most relationships. If I treat you the way I want to be treated and you treat me the way you would want me to treat you, we have a mutual agreement of consideration and kindness.

So what does that look like when we all follow this important lesson into adulthood? It means I extend mercy and understanding to you, and I experience the reciprocation of that respect and consideration. It means…

If I hear something about you that is inconsistent with who I know you to be, I am going to go to you first to ask you if that information is true, because that is what I would want you to do for me.

If I see that you are having a hard day, I am going to come alongside you and ask you how you are doing and if there is anything I can do for you, because that is what I would want you to do for me.

If you sin against me, hurt my feelings, or offend me, I am going to forgive you. I might even sit down with you and let you know how your actions affected me, because that is what I would want you to do for me.

If I see that you are struggling with your faith in God and slowly drifting out of relationship with Him, I am going to kindly reach out to you and see if you are alright. I am going to be someone you can talk to and someone who will pray for you, because that is what I would want you to do for me.

If you lose someone close to you, if you get fired from your job, or if you suffer a great loss in this life, I am going to grieve with you and be available to listen to you. I will be a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen, because that is what I would want you to do for me.

If you don’t want advice, I won’t give it. If you need space, I’ll give it to you. If you need someone to make you laugh or help you forget, I’m there for you…because that is what I would want you to do for me.

DO UNTO OTHERS WHAT YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO TO YOU.

What would this world look like if we all lived according to The Golden Rule? What would our church relationships look like if we followed this standard of conduct Jesus gave to us? How healthy would our family relationships be if The Golden Rule was our highest goal?

Jesus said that this one rule sums up all of the law and the prophets. If the long list of the Jewish rules and standards was overwhelming for the Jews and Gentiles to remember and live by, they could live by this one rule and it would result in the life God was calling them to. The Golden Rule teaches us how to live in relationship with others, as well as live in relationship with God. This is consistent with Jesus’ reply when asked what the greatest commandment was:

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:37-40

LOVE GOD AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.

The word “golden” has been resurrected by today’s young people, and is commonly used to describe something as perfect or exactly what is needed. I believe what is needed today is a resurrection of living according to the Golden Rule, and that starts in the church. What would it look like if each of us truly considered our response to others through the lens of how we would want to be treated if we were in their situation? What if we expressed our love for God through the expression of love towards others? What if we spent this weekend letting those in our lives know how much we appreciate them because we know how much value that conversation would have in our lives as well?

God, thank you for the reminder this morning of your Golden Rule. Thank you for the value found in this instruction, for both others and myself. May each of us live through the lens of reciprocity, focused on the value our decisions have on others rather than focused on ourselves. We ask for your Spirit to daily bring your word back to our thoughts so that our relationship with you is reflected in our relationship with others. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 7:1-6

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.” – Matthew 7:1-2

There were times when Jesus was very clear in his teaching — direct and to the point. He would then use an illustration or word picture to help us understand what he was saying. Then he would go back and repeat the directions again. This is one of those passages when Jesus spoke clearly and directly. Do not judge. Do not look at someone else and cast judgment on them.

God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor? – James 4:12

If scripture is this clear, then why do we judge? Why do we allow our opinions of someone else’s behavior to influence the way in which we respond to them? How often do we see the situation someone else is in and wonder why they are not doing something to get themselves out? Why is it that we come up with solutions to other people’s problems so much easier than we come up with solutions to our own?

WHEN YOU CAN’T SEE PAST THE SIN IN ORDER TO LOVE THE SINNER.

There seems to be this lack of patience for those who have not yet surrendered to the life God is calling them to live. If we are not responding to the Holy Spirit in our interactions, we can easily say something to push them farther away from God. Words are powerful and can make a huge difference in someone’s life, positive and negative. How we choose to use the power of speech can improve someone’s experience or weigh them down with discouragement.

When it is someone else who has gotten themselves into a situation, the solution seems so easy and obvious to us, yet they do not need us to yell the obvious from the sidelines. They are well aware of the situation they are in. What they need is encouragement and love; what they need is mercy.

One year our annual theme for Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center was MOMENTS OF MERCY. We made a decision at the beginning of the year to dive deep into the meaning of mercy, and allow God to teach us what it really means to respond to the needs of others with mercy. What does it look like to see beyond the mistakes someone has made in order to see the potential of who God is calling them to be? What does it look like for my actions to reflect the character of Jesus rather than my own humanity?

“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your own eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.” – Matthew 7:3-5

Jesus is NOT saying that we shouldn’t help each other, or that we should only worry about ourselves. No, he is commanding us to stop judging others for the help that they need. We need to first examine our own situations. When we do this, we will most likely see that we are not perfect either. We make mistakes and get ourselves into situations we should not be in, just like others around us. And sometimes our biggest struggle is that someone else’s sin is uncomfortably reminding us of our own regret, allowing shame to once more crowd in and steal our joy. Instead of allowing our past sins to draw us towards compassion, we embrace judgment as a way of avoiding the reminder of our own unrighteousness.

WHEN YOU CAN’T SEE PAST THE LOG IN YOUR OWN EYE TO SEE THE MERCY OF GOD.

We are all sinners in need of a Savior. It is clear that Jesus is pointing out the absurdity of our judgment of others when we are not without sin ourselves. Self-righteousness says I’m better than you and I have the right to tell you what you are doing wrong, but Jesus points to this attitude and calls it hypocrisy. Self-condemnation says I can’t see past my own sin in order to see the forgiveness that is waiting for me and for others on the other side.

As we walk this faith journey, it helps to have friends in our lives who help keep us accountable; it helps to have a friend point out our bad attitude or give us advice on the decisions we are making. Sometimes we intentionally give someone permission to point out sin in our life, but that does not give us permission to point out sin in the lives of unbelievers. In fact, we shouldn’t be surprised when sinners sin. Until they choose to let God do a transforming work in their heart, they will continue to produce sin from their sinful heart.

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” – Matthew 7:6

We need to reach out and help those around us, loving them the way we would want to be loved (there’s that Golden Rule again). Jesus is not saying to ignore those who are struggling with situations or temptations. Jesus wants us to reach out in love to one another, not sit in judgment of each other.

What we say to others or about other people FLOWS FROM WHAT IS IN OUR HEART (Luke 6:43-45). A good person produces good things from their heart; an evil person produces evil things. This is good to remember the next time I am in the mood to gossip or to say something critical about someone else. Let’s use our words to make a positive difference in someone else’s day.

Lord, please forgive me for the evil things that have spilled out of my mouth. Forgive me for my criticism of others. Forgive me for my gossiping tongue. Lord, my desire is to help others. Please take this log out of my own eye so that I can reach out to others with a pure heart, extending to them a moment of mercy. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 6:25-34, 7:7-11; Psalm 17

“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” – Matthew 6:21

The desires of my heart are reflected in what I cherish or hold dear. So what have I placed great value on; what do I love so dearly that I make great efforts to keep it safe? If I lost everything today, what part of that loss would break my heart the most? Let’s look back at yesterday’s questions in the context of this next passage.

AM I SERVING GOD OR MYSELF?

Am I working to advance the Kingdom of God or am I building my own kingdom?

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life – whether you have enough food or drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” – Matthew 6:25-27

What good is worrying doing for me? What value does it add to my life to dwell on the what-ifs and the how-comes of life? Will it change the outcome if I sit and toil over it? Have I excused my worrying by redefining it as prayer, or am I authentically choosing to pray over the things of life that tempt me to worry? Is my trust in God displayed in my thought life or in my emotional health? Perhaps today is the day for me to find freedom from my habit of worry and my obsession with concern.

“And why worry about clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” – Matthew 6:28-30

WHY DO YOU HAVE SO LITTLE FAITH?

It is easy for us to start worrying about the everyday things in life — food, clothes, finances, employment, health, etc. We often let worry take over our thoughts and consume our day. Yet Jesus’ sermon is a great reminder that we serve a God who understands; we worship a God who cares and who is faithful to provide what we need. He wants us to take our focus off of these things so that we can be focused on the eternal instead of the temporary.

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek first the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” – Matthew 6:31-33

AM I SERVING GOD OR MYSELF?

Am I working to advance the Kingdom of God or am I building my own kingdom?

God calls me to give Him the desires of my heart and let Him replace them with the desires of His heart. God calls me to give Him my focus so that He can fill my eyes with His light and turn my attention to that which has eternal value. If my eyes are focused on God, if my heart is filled with His desires, if I am serving God and not myself, than these next verses will be true in my life:

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” – Matthew 7:7-8

Before I bring my requests to God, I need to get my eyes focused on the Kingdom of God. I need to pray for the Lord to empty my heart of any desire that does not reflect the beautiful heart of God. Once I have done that, I am ready to pray for the things that matter to God. Then I am ready to ask, seek and knock. I am ready to pray from a faith that believes my Heavenly Father wants to pour out His blessings on us as He bends down to listen to our prayers (Psalm 17:6).

“You parents – if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him?” – Matthew 7:9-11

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” – Matthew 6:34

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. – 1 Peter 5:7