Archive for October, 2009

Read Matthew 7:1-5

This devotion was written by Nathan Fowler

Christians and non-Christians frequently quote this passage.

Unfortunately, Christians and non-Christians also frequently misinterpret this passage.

In light of what Jesus goes on to say, we see that Jesus isn’t telling us not to infer or to form an opinion; he’s telling us not to pass judgment, to condemn.

We can always find fault with others, but we never have all the evidence.

Correction is necessary, but the method and motivation matter!

The goal is restoration, never humiliation.

Remember, “with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (7:2)

Read Matthew 6:28-34

This devotion was written by Nathan Fowler

Spiritually, some of us are perpetually teenagers.

We never realize how much our Father does for us, how much he loves us, or why he would ever do things the way he does (The earthly coming of age generally goes something like, “I went off to college, and my parents got so much smarter!”)

Rather than trusting our Father, we argue about the rule or worry unnecessarily.

God knows our needs. He knows them better than we do, especially since we sometimes confuse want and need.

That God will supply our needs doesn’t mean we shouldn’t work, but as Andy Stanley says, work can be dangerous because it “can become not only an occupation but also a preoccupation.” Working overtime every now and then isn’t a big deal, but when you “run after all these things”, you’re running in the wrong direction.

Jesus offers provision and fulfillment, but do we trust him enough to invest in his kingdom and seek his righteousness, even at the expense of worldly things?

Read Matthew 6:25-27

Don’t worry.

Be happy.

I bet you saw that one coming didn’t you?

But seriously, it is good advice.

Think about it for just a minute. What exactly does worrying accomplish anyway? Does it make you feel better? Does it make the problem diminish or go away?

No!

In fact, it generally makes you feel worse, enlarges the problem in your mind, and affects every relationship that you have.

So, don’t worry.

Instead, go down a different route. And be happy with the life God has given you, and the goodness He has shown to you.

Read Matthew 6:19-24

This devotion was written by Nathan Fowler

Where is your treasure?

What do you think about the most? What consumes you?

I certainly don’t want any person or any hobby to be more important that Jesus, and I don’t even want there to be a close second.

Christ is supreme over all creation, and the fullness of God dwells in him (Colossians 1:15-20).

If I know that, how can I deny him his place of eminence by worshiping anything else?

Read Matthew 6:16-18

This devotion was written by Nathan Fowler

When’s the last time that you’ve been so burdened by a decision or for another person that you’ve fasted?

Fasting isn’t really a big part of Protestant Christianity (unless we’re all just really good at putting oil on our head and washing our face). It shows up during Lent- maybe- but that’s about it.

We most likely fast when things aren’t going so well- running to Jesus is easy when there’s no other option.

If you’re feeling successful, maybe now is the time to fast. Success and drifting often go together.

Just make sure Christ is the focus, whether you’re giving, praying, or fasting.

Read Matthew 6:14-15

Forgiveness experienced should result in forgiveness demonstrated.

Isn’t that true?

When you’ve been forgiven (and you have if you’re a follower of Jesus), it should be easier to forgive.

Because we have experienced amazing forgiveness, forgiveness should be one of the most natural things we do as followers of Jesus. It should be something that you can’t help but do.

And the truth is, you and I lost our right not to forgive at the cross.

Whatever pain that you’ve experienced, as significant as it may seem, you don’t get a pass to hold a grudge, because when you hold that up to the cross, whatever it is, it doesn’t compare.

Is there anyone you need to forgive, but haven’t?

Maybe it’s time for you to finally extend forgiveness to them (whether they ask for it or not).

Read Matthew 6:5-13

This devotion was written by Nathan Fowler

Jesus says that God knows what we need before we ask him.

Our Father knows all about us- he knows us better than we know ourselves because He made us.

What’s more, Jesus came to the earth in human form. Our high priest is able to sympathize with our weakness because he was tempted in every way that we are tempted (Hebrews 4:15).

Prayer isn’t letting God know what we need as much as it is God letting us know what we need.

Notice in verse 12 that we forgive our debtors before we ask God to forgive our debts.

Read Matthew 6:1-4

This devotion was written by Nathan Fowler

Why do you do what you do?

Why do you go to church?

No one can see your intentions except our Father in Heaven. If your righteousness is for others to see, Jesus says you forfeit your heavenly reward. He says that being seen by others becomes your only reward.

Notice also that Jesus says, “When you give to the needy…”.

There’s a big difference between when and if.

Read Matthew 5:43-48

This devotion was written by Nathan Fowler

This last verse really gets me: “Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.”

Our Heavenly Father is the standard. He loves our enemies. He loves all sinners. (Lest we forget, we’re sinners too!)

Jesus, the holy and perfect Son of God, demonstrated this kind of love when he died on the cross for sinners.

The one who knew no sin became sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). Christ “died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view.” (2 Corinthians 5:15-16, emphasis added)

Love your enemies as Christ loves them: perfectly.

Read Matthew 5:38-42

We’ve heard about turning the other cheek so much that I’m afraid we forget how radical and how difficult this teaching is.

Jesus’ words go against everything we’ve ever felt when someone has wronged us, and it goes against everything we’ve ever heard from the world.

In the abstract, I’m sure we agree with Jesus. He is God, after all.

But what about in real life?

Will you really turn the other cheek when someone slaps you?

Which is more important to you? Seeing an unbeliever come to Christ or getting retribution?