September 15-Sermon on the Mount
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 5:8, Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Observe what it is saying.
The “pure in heart” has two interrelated meanings. It means inner moral purity, as well as, external piety. Such purity begins with the cleansing of Christ through His redemptive power. Once we are born anew, we continue with a single-mindedness that pursues the heart of God. Such an all-out pursuit creates an inner holiness in every desire and inclination. Inward deceit and moral filth will no longer exist with anyone who has a sincere devotion to Christ. Such persons have a terrible distaste that renounces all forms of hypocrisy in every area of life. Whether they are at home, work, school, the store, or the gym, their character does not change with the setting they find themselves in. They will "see God" with eyes of faith as He works in their lives in the present and, finally, they will discover the dazzling brilliance of the final glorious vision of holiness in the age to come.
Relate it to your life.
To be pure in heart means I am a person of integrity in every relationship, interaction, and transaction.
Do something.
Lord God, I desire to have the pure heart of Christ dwelling deep inside of me. Show me where there is any deceit, hypocrisy, or lack of integrity within me. Cleanse me and empower me by Your Spirit to change and become whole again. Amen.
September 16-Sermon on the Mount
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 5:9, Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.
Observe what it is saying.
The theme of “peace,” permeates the Bible. It indicates completeness and wholeness in every area of life, including one’s relationship with God, neighbors, and nations. Making peace brings forth the image of the Messiah as He was prophesied to be the Prince of Peace. There is no greater peace that can be offered than from the One who is its author. In view of the Gospel, Jesus fulfilled this title as he came making peace between God and us and among human beings. Our peacemaking will include living and proclaiming the same beautiful Gospel in all of its beauty. Jesus’ peacemakers work on behalf of the kingdom of God to make whole the many divisions in humanity created by sin. The work must begin at home and spread to all we have responsibility for. Those who have experienced the peace of Jesus and have become peacemakers will receive the ultimate reward. They will be called children of God. In the Old Testament, Israel had this title but took it for granted. This title now includes all followers of Jesus who are equipped by the Holy Spirit to enter into the role of making all things whole and well and bringing glory to the Father in heaven. We bring such shalom every time we share the gospel message, pray for healing, feed the hungry, visit the lonely, comfort the hurting, forgive the offense against us, and restore a broken relationship.
Relate it to your life.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, I have tremendous opportunity to bring eternal peace to earth by offering God’s grace, care, and forgiveness.
Do something.
Jesus, You have sent me on a mission to be a peacemaker by spreading the gospel message. Give me the wisdom, grace, and courage to offer Your eternal wholeness to family, friends, neighbors, the lost, the hungry, and those who are in any kind of need today. Amen.
September 17-Sermon on the Mount
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 5:10-12, Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Observe what it is saying.
It is no surprise that Jesus follows up peacemaking with persecution. The work of the peacemaker is not always appreciated. Opposition is a normal mark of being a disciple of Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:12, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” It does not often make the news, but persecution is rampant around the world today. Verse 11 extends the persecution to include insult and slander. The reason for the persecution in this verse is "because of me." This is not simply talking about bad things that happen because we live in a broken world. This is specifically referring to opposition that one faces because they are aligned with Jesus and His righteous kingdom. Just as the prophets were persecuted for their faithfulness to God, the disciples are for their faithfulness to Jesus. All who are persecuted stand in the same holy line of saints who have gone before them. The appropriate response of the disciples goes against all natural and rational thinking. They are to rejoice and be glad because their heavenly reward will be great at the final marriage of the bride to the Groom. The reward is the same as the reward for the poor in spirit. It is not earned, but is entirely in keeping with the nature of the kingdom. A redeemed life in Jesus leads to a Godly life that will supernaturally lead into the eternal kingdom of God. When we have such conviction that what is to come is far better than what we have in this world, then we will stand strong as we face all manner of opposition and suffering.
Relate it to your life.
Would my faith hold in the midst of opposition and persecution?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I cannot fathom the persecution that so many are facing today. Grant those who are suffering courage to be faithful through it all. Grant me courage to be faithful through it all. Amen.
September 18-Sermon on the Mount
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 5:13, You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
Observe what it is saying.
Salt was used in the ancient world to flavor foods and even in small doses as fertilizer. Above all, salt was used as a preservative. Rubbed into meat, a little salt would slow decay. One ancient Jewish writer listed salt as one of the basic necessities of life, and an ancient Roman official commented, “There is nothing more useful than salt and sunshine.” With this understanding, the metaphor indicates that Jesus’ disciples are necessary for the benefit of the world. Strictly speaking, salt cannot lose its saltiness; it is a stable compound. Most salt in the ancient world derived from salt marshes rather than by evaporation of salt water containing impurities. The actual salt, being more soluble than the impurities, could be leached out, leaving a residue so dilute it was of little worth. The question "How can it be made salty again?" points to the fact that if Jesus' disciples are to be salt in the world, they will only do so as authentic followers of Christ who allow the Spirit to flavor and preserve the world through them.
Relate it to your life.
I am being poured out by the Spirit wherever I go to preserve and flavor others.
Do something.
Jesus, pour me out upon others in such a tasteful and helpful way to flavor the world for You. Amen.
September 19-Sermon on the Mount
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 5:14-15, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
Observe what it is saying.
Jesus may have had in mind Jerusalem, which sits on Mount Zion. Since Israel, with Jerusalem as the holy city, were considered the light to the world, Jesus may have been thinking about the prophesies of Isaiah 2:2. “In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.” Also, Isaiah 49:6, “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” Israel was given the mission from the call of Abraham to be such a light and blessing around the world reaching every Gentile. As Christians, we have inherited the same mission to be a witness of Christ’s light that leads people out of darkness and into the joy of the kingdom of God. Since lamps were fairly small, giving off only a modest amount of light, they were placed on stands to make the most of their glimmer. Since Jewish homes were often one-room structures, an elevated lamp could give light to everyone in the house. The word for “bowl” was the basic unit of measure for dry goods. It was a measuring bowl. These lamps were essential for finding one’s way at night but would be placed under such a measuring bowl to extinguish the light. Jesus made it clear when there is a need for light in a home, no one would extinguish it. In the same way, since there is so much darkness in the world, there is never a time for us not to shine our light as a witness for Jesus.
Relate it to your life.
I am never off duty as a follower of Jesus.
Do something.
Jesus, empower me to shine for you at all times and in all places. Amen.
September 20-Sermon on the Mount
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 5:16, In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Observe what it is saying.
Previously, Jesus said we are the light of the world. We are like a city on a hill and a lamp in a dark home. Jesus said on another occasion in John 8:12, …”I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” When we walk with Jesus, we live in His light. We do not manufacture this illumination but live in the glow of Christ, shining forth his luminescence. Since we are walking in His pure brilliance, we are becoming like Him in character and accomplishing His holy work. Since we are only the container, we are not the source of the light. Instead, the manner in which we go about our humble apprenticeship points to the Father in heaven. He receives the glory as the author and perfecter of our faith. As we live in Christ, and Christ lives in us through His Spirit, then we are not be able to contain His light, but we think, speak, and act with His kindness, humility, compassion, courage, grace, forgiveness, and truth. Others are blessed, we are fulfilled, the kingdom of God is revealed, and God is glorified. Everyone wins in this scenario!
Relate it to your life.
I am a lighthouse for Jesus to shine out into a dark world, desperately, looking for safe passage.
Do something.
Jesus, shine through me. Use me to bring others safely home into Your light and love. Amen.
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 5:8, Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Observe what it is saying.
The “pure in heart” has two interrelated meanings. It means inner moral purity, as well as, external piety. Such purity begins with the cleansing of Christ through His redemptive power. Once we are born anew, we continue with a single-mindedness that pursues the heart of God. Such an all-out pursuit creates an inner holiness in every desire and inclination. Inward deceit and moral filth will no longer exist with anyone who has a sincere devotion to Christ. Such persons have a terrible distaste that renounces all forms of hypocrisy in every area of life. Whether they are at home, work, school, the store, or the gym, their character does not change with the setting they find themselves in. They will "see God" with eyes of faith as He works in their lives in the present and, finally, they will discover the dazzling brilliance of the final glorious vision of holiness in the age to come.
Relate it to your life.
To be pure in heart means I am a person of integrity in every relationship, interaction, and transaction.
Do something.
Lord God, I desire to have the pure heart of Christ dwelling deep inside of me. Show me where there is any deceit, hypocrisy, or lack of integrity within me. Cleanse me and empower me by Your Spirit to change and become whole again. Amen.
September 16-Sermon on the Mount
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 5:9, Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.
Observe what it is saying.
The theme of “peace,” permeates the Bible. It indicates completeness and wholeness in every area of life, including one’s relationship with God, neighbors, and nations. Making peace brings forth the image of the Messiah as He was prophesied to be the Prince of Peace. There is no greater peace that can be offered than from the One who is its author. In view of the Gospel, Jesus fulfilled this title as he came making peace between God and us and among human beings. Our peacemaking will include living and proclaiming the same beautiful Gospel in all of its beauty. Jesus’ peacemakers work on behalf of the kingdom of God to make whole the many divisions in humanity created by sin. The work must begin at home and spread to all we have responsibility for. Those who have experienced the peace of Jesus and have become peacemakers will receive the ultimate reward. They will be called children of God. In the Old Testament, Israel had this title but took it for granted. This title now includes all followers of Jesus who are equipped by the Holy Spirit to enter into the role of making all things whole and well and bringing glory to the Father in heaven. We bring such shalom every time we share the gospel message, pray for healing, feed the hungry, visit the lonely, comfort the hurting, forgive the offense against us, and restore a broken relationship.
Relate it to your life.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, I have tremendous opportunity to bring eternal peace to earth by offering God’s grace, care, and forgiveness.
Do something.
Jesus, You have sent me on a mission to be a peacemaker by spreading the gospel message. Give me the wisdom, grace, and courage to offer Your eternal wholeness to family, friends, neighbors, the lost, the hungry, and those who are in any kind of need today. Amen.
September 17-Sermon on the Mount
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 5:10-12, Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Observe what it is saying.
It is no surprise that Jesus follows up peacemaking with persecution. The work of the peacemaker is not always appreciated. Opposition is a normal mark of being a disciple of Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:12, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” It does not often make the news, but persecution is rampant around the world today. Verse 11 extends the persecution to include insult and slander. The reason for the persecution in this verse is "because of me." This is not simply talking about bad things that happen because we live in a broken world. This is specifically referring to opposition that one faces because they are aligned with Jesus and His righteous kingdom. Just as the prophets were persecuted for their faithfulness to God, the disciples are for their faithfulness to Jesus. All who are persecuted stand in the same holy line of saints who have gone before them. The appropriate response of the disciples goes against all natural and rational thinking. They are to rejoice and be glad because their heavenly reward will be great at the final marriage of the bride to the Groom. The reward is the same as the reward for the poor in spirit. It is not earned, but is entirely in keeping with the nature of the kingdom. A redeemed life in Jesus leads to a Godly life that will supernaturally lead into the eternal kingdom of God. When we have such conviction that what is to come is far better than what we have in this world, then we will stand strong as we face all manner of opposition and suffering.
Relate it to your life.
Would my faith hold in the midst of opposition and persecution?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I cannot fathom the persecution that so many are facing today. Grant those who are suffering courage to be faithful through it all. Grant me courage to be faithful through it all. Amen.
September 18-Sermon on the Mount
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 5:13, You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
Observe what it is saying.
Salt was used in the ancient world to flavor foods and even in small doses as fertilizer. Above all, salt was used as a preservative. Rubbed into meat, a little salt would slow decay. One ancient Jewish writer listed salt as one of the basic necessities of life, and an ancient Roman official commented, “There is nothing more useful than salt and sunshine.” With this understanding, the metaphor indicates that Jesus’ disciples are necessary for the benefit of the world. Strictly speaking, salt cannot lose its saltiness; it is a stable compound. Most salt in the ancient world derived from salt marshes rather than by evaporation of salt water containing impurities. The actual salt, being more soluble than the impurities, could be leached out, leaving a residue so dilute it was of little worth. The question "How can it be made salty again?" points to the fact that if Jesus' disciples are to be salt in the world, they will only do so as authentic followers of Christ who allow the Spirit to flavor and preserve the world through them.
Relate it to your life.
I am being poured out by the Spirit wherever I go to preserve and flavor others.
Do something.
Jesus, pour me out upon others in such a tasteful and helpful way to flavor the world for You. Amen.
September 19-Sermon on the Mount
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 5:14-15, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
Observe what it is saying.
Jesus may have had in mind Jerusalem, which sits on Mount Zion. Since Israel, with Jerusalem as the holy city, were considered the light to the world, Jesus may have been thinking about the prophesies of Isaiah 2:2. “In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.” Also, Isaiah 49:6, “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” Israel was given the mission from the call of Abraham to be such a light and blessing around the world reaching every Gentile. As Christians, we have inherited the same mission to be a witness of Christ’s light that leads people out of darkness and into the joy of the kingdom of God. Since lamps were fairly small, giving off only a modest amount of light, they were placed on stands to make the most of their glimmer. Since Jewish homes were often one-room structures, an elevated lamp could give light to everyone in the house. The word for “bowl” was the basic unit of measure for dry goods. It was a measuring bowl. These lamps were essential for finding one’s way at night but would be placed under such a measuring bowl to extinguish the light. Jesus made it clear when there is a need for light in a home, no one would extinguish it. In the same way, since there is so much darkness in the world, there is never a time for us not to shine our light as a witness for Jesus.
Relate it to your life.
I am never off duty as a follower of Jesus.
Do something.
Jesus, empower me to shine for you at all times and in all places. Amen.
September 20-Sermon on the Mount
Write out the Scripture.
Matthew 5:16, In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Observe what it is saying.
Previously, Jesus said we are the light of the world. We are like a city on a hill and a lamp in a dark home. Jesus said on another occasion in John 8:12, …”I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” When we walk with Jesus, we live in His light. We do not manufacture this illumination but live in the glow of Christ, shining forth his luminescence. Since we are walking in His pure brilliance, we are becoming like Him in character and accomplishing His holy work. Since we are only the container, we are not the source of the light. Instead, the manner in which we go about our humble apprenticeship points to the Father in heaven. He receives the glory as the author and perfecter of our faith. As we live in Christ, and Christ lives in us through His Spirit, then we are not be able to contain His light, but we think, speak, and act with His kindness, humility, compassion, courage, grace, forgiveness, and truth. Others are blessed, we are fulfilled, the kingdom of God is revealed, and God is glorified. Everyone wins in this scenario!
Relate it to your life.
I am a lighthouse for Jesus to shine out into a dark world, desperately, looking for safe passage.
Do something.
Jesus, shine through me. Use me to bring others safely home into Your light and love. Amen.
Posted in Daily Devotionals