Devotions – Page 14

CATEGORY ARCHIVES: Devotions

The Heart

Posted by Karah

Pause

If it’s a nice day, sit outside as you read your Bible and pray. Enjoy God’s creation all around you, thanking Him for His provision.

Next, Jesus turned His attention to lust, adultery, and divorce. Instead of focusing on these outward actions, Jesus went straight to the cause: the heart. Read Matthew 5:27-30 in your Bible.

“But I tell you, everyone who looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”

—Matthew 5:28-29

Thoughtfully answer the following questions:

How are lust, divorce, and adultery symptoms of a deeper heart issue? Explain.

In our flesh, we will always subvert, destroy, and twist everything God meant for good, including passion, sex, and marriage. How does today’s passage help you better understand the depth of your need for Jesus?

Why is it important to recognize that without a relationship with Jesus, we will always default to sin and cannot live to please God in any area of our lives?

Examine verses 29-30. This is hyperbole and is meant to promote the message that believers must do whatever it takes to correct sinful heart attitudes. Why is it vital that we deal with sinful attitudes? Explain.

Hyperbole n. = Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

Respond

We’re incapable of resisting sin on our own. Even as followers of Jesus, we are still tempted to sin, and we can still choose to disobey Him.

Ask the Holy Spirit to examine your heart for sinful attitudes that do not reflect Jesus’ heart and the way He has called you to live. Confess and repent of these sins today.

In your journal, list specific actions you will take this week to deal with your heart issues. Be specific and take the drastic steps necessary to cut those attitudes out of your life.

For further study of how Jesus transforms our hearts, read Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Corinthians 3:18; and Galatians 2:20.

Behind the Story

At this time, the Pharisees were allowing divorces for frivolous reasons. Jesus wanted His followers to see the intention behind the laws about divorce. Marriage is sacred and should not be treated frivolously. Essentially, Jesus’ point was that “Marriage is intended to be an exclusive, one-on-one relationship—for life. The only excuse a person has for violating this principle through divorce is that the other partner has destroyed it through ongoing, unrepentant adultery.”³

The Point

Jesus deals with our heart issues. He calls His followers to a higher standard that is only possibly because of a transformed heart.

³Stuart Weber, Holman New Testament Commentary: Matthew, ed. Max Anders, (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 2000), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: “Matthew 5 – The King Speaks His Heart (Part I)”

Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Weekly Devotions | Leave a reply

Dealing with Anger

Posted by Karah

Pause

Write down everything that’s swirling around in your mind—what you need to do, what you’re worrying about, anything that’s distracting you. After you’ve written your list, set it out of sight so you can focus only on Jesus.

After discussing the qualities that would characterize true believers, Jesus began to detail how their relationship with Him would change the way they interacted with others. First on His list? Anger. Read Matthew 5:21-26 in your Bible to learn more.

“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire” —Matthew 5:22

Answer the following questions.

Jesus equated anger or hatred in your heart toward someone with murder. What does that teach you about Jesus’ attitude toward wrath?

Does this passage mean that it’s a sin to ever get angry? Explain.

The kind of anger Jesus was talking about here isn’t a flash of anger or righteous anger when God’s standards have been thwarted. It’s the kind of anger you allow to consume your heart and mind, that you hold onto and allow to fester. How can harboring anger and bitterness damage your relationship with God? With others?

Jesus also included harmful, cutting words that can kill someone’s spirit as something believers should refrain from. What does this teach you about the way Christians should treat and value others? Explain.

Respond

Have you been guilty of holding anger like this in your heart? Look up verses in Scripture that talk about anger and how to handle it. (Start with Eph. 4:26-31; James 1:19-20; and Prov. 29:11.) Record in your journal one way you will seek to reconcile a relationship that’s been broken by anger.

When temptation comes, rely on Jesus to help you overcome the desire to criticize, hurt, or hold a grudge toward others. Instead, address conflict in your relationships before anger has the opportunity to take root in your heart. Followers of Jesus should be known as people who extend forgiveness, mercy, and grace because of the enormity of sin from which God has forgiven us.

Behind the Story

The Greek word translated “angry” here is a reference to deep-seated, smoldering inner anger. This is wrath, not simply a flash of anger. We will feel anger in our lives, but wrongful anger that we hold onto and allow to control our lives and direct our actions is wrong. That’s the kind of anger that Jesus equates with murder in Matthew 5:21-26. It’s detrimental to our relationships and to us.

The Point

Followers of Jesus will not be characterized by wrath.

Fulfillment

Posted by Karah

Pause

Put your phone in another room so that you won’t be tempted to check social media or respond to texts for the next few minutes. Focus completely on communicating with God—through His Word and through prayer.

In your journal, write down as many of the Ten Commandments as you can remember without looking it up. Then, turn to Exodus 20 to see if you remembered them all correctly. Ponder these questions:

How many of these commandments have you broken in your life? No one will see this, so you can be honest.

Why is it so hard to keep all the commandments God gave humanity? Explain.

Read Matthew 5:17-20 in your Bible.

“Don’t assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”

—Matthew 5:17

Why does it matter that Jesus has perfectly kept all these laws? How does that relate to your salvation? Explain.

Jesus accomplished what you could not; He lived a perfect, sinless life that fulfilled the law completely. Even our best efforts to live up to God’s commands fall painfully short. That’s why Jesus is our only hope. But because Jesus fulfilled the law, we can put our faith in Him and find complete forgiveness all our sins.

Respond

Do you find yourself trying to keep all the rules and earn God’s love? Jesus came to set you free from that. Be honest with God about it. Ask Him to help you to rest in what He has already done. Talk to Him honestly today, asking Him to set you free from the temptation to rely on your own good works to earn His favor.

Write out a prayer, thanking Jesus for His perfect sacrifice and for fulfilling the law in every way. Praise Him for doing what you never could have.

For further study, read Ephesians 2. This chapter is a powerful reminder that our salvation is not a result of keeping the law and being good. Salvation is all about Jesus.

Behind the Story

In Exodus 20, Moses delivered the Ten Commandments to the people from God Himself. For hundreds of years, the people did all they could to keep each law, hopelessly falling short every time. That’s why God created the sacrificial system; it was a way for people to atone for the sins they committed. But it was a temporary fix. It wasn’t until Jesus came that complete and perfect forgiveness was possible. The Sermon on the Mount is all about reminding people that apart from Jesus, we cannot please God. We will disobey Him. We will break the law. But Jesus came to set us free from our hopeless attempts at perfection. He is the answer.

The Point

Jesus has done what we cannot do. Only He completely fulfilled the law and only His righteousness makes it possible for us to enter God’s kingdom.

Meant to Shine

Posted by Karah

Pause

Spend a few minutes praying for those in your circle of influence—your family, friends, teachers, coaches, and neighbors. Pray that God would show you how to reach these people with the gospel.

Read Matthew 5:13-16 in your Bible.

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” —Matthew 5:16

Answer these questions:

What would happen if you mixed dirt and dust in with salt? Would it still be usable to flavor your food? Explain.

Salt is meant to flavor and purify. A lamp is meant to shine and guide people. How do these examples help you to understand about what the lives of Christians are meant to do? Explain.
Read verse 16 once more. According to this verse, what are our good deeds supposed to accomplish? Why is this important to understand?
Just as salt and lamps have a purpose, so do we as followers of Christ. Our lives are meant to point people to God so that He will be glorified, and they will understand and receive His love for them.

Respond

We are to reflect His light. Our lives should point to Him. Our thoughts, attitudes, words, actions—everything—should glorify Him so people see Jesus when they look at us. Evaluate your life with these questions:

Do you try to blend in with what those around you were saying and doing or do you say no to sin?

Do you try to hide the fact that you are a Christian from anyone? Or do you live each day confident in His love and determined to show His love to others?

If your answers reflect that you hide or blend in more than letting your light shine, acknowledge that. Be honest with God about it and ask for His forgiveness for any sin you’ve committed. Then, ask Him for the courage and strength to live differently this week. Each day is a fresh start, and His mercies are new (Lam. 3:22-23).

As a Christian, you’ve been placed exactly where you are for a reason. God wants to use you to shine His light so that your friends, classmates, and family see Him more clearly. Pray that you will allow God to shine through your life this week so that others may learn more about Him.

Behind the Story

At this point in history, salt was more than just for flavoring like it is today. In biblical times, salt was used to purify what it was added to. However, if the salt lost its taste, it couldn’t do its job. The phrase “lose its taste” refers to immoral and foolish behavior. When we, as believers in Jesus, choose to sin and blend in with the world, we can’t do what God has called us to—show His purity and love to those around us. We miss out on our purpose.

The Point

God works so powerfully through believers that people look past them and give glory to Him.

Persecuted

Posted by Karah

Pause

List what you’ve learned about the character of Christ-followers through the last few week’s devotions. Thank God for the ways you see Him building you into the person He has called you to be.

Think about a time when you were treated unfairly. What happened? How did you respond? Journal a few thoughts.

Read Matthew 5:10-12 in your Bible. Underline the phrase “persecuted for righteousness are blessed.”

“Those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.” —Matthew 5:10

Persecution n. = To treat continually in a way meant to be cruel or harmful; especially to cause to suffer because of belief.

Ponder these questions:

Consider the definition of persecution. Would you ever consider someone going through persecution to be blessed? Why or why not?

What is the difference between being treated unkindly in general and being persecuted for your faith in Christ? Which is described here? Explain.

Today’s Scripture passage describes persecution that comes into believers’ lives because they are living righteously. Why is it important to recognize that persecution is not the result of sin?

Persecution comes to God’s children because their lives contrast with the ways of the world. How does your life and the things that are important to you differ from the things the world values?

Respond

Instead of asking God to keep you safe and happy, ask Him to give you boldness and strength. The early believers prayed for this while under threat of imprisonment (Acts 4:23-31). Pray that you would live boldly for Him, even when it isn’t easy.

Set aside specific time to pray for believers around the world who are being persecuted. See www.persecution.org and www.imb.org/pray for prompts.

For learn more, read 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 and Philippians 4:11-12.

Behind the Story

Matthew 5:10-12 doesn’t promise that every wrong in the world will be righted immediately and that everyone who is treated unfairly will receive an earthly reward. Rather, these verses declare that those who are treated unfairly because of their faith in Christ will receive a heavenly reward.

The Point

Kingdom citizens will face persecution.

Peacemakers

Posted by Karah

Pause

Find a peaceful location inside or outside. Think about peaceful places in nature, then focus on the God who created those peaceful places.

Peacemaker n. = One who is actively involved in bringing reconciliation between those in conflict.

Mull over the definition of peacemaker above. Who are some famous peacemakers in history? How did they work to bring about peace and reconciliation? List a few ideas.

Now, think about your life. Who has been a peacemaker in your life? When has someone helped to bring peace and reconciliation when you were in conflict with someone else?

With those experiences in mind, read Matthew 5:9 in your Bible.

“The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God.” —Matthew 5:9

The peace discussed in this verse isn’t the end of a battle. It’s a sense of wholeness and harmony that can only be achieved through a relationship with Jesus.

Knowing this, what does it mean to be a peacemaker as described in this verse? Explain your answer.

Christians are peacemakers because they seek to reconcile people to God and each other. Others will see this and know that these people are truly God’s children. Who is a good example of this kind of peacemaking in your life? Why?

Respond

The only way for people to experience true peace and reconciliation is through a relationship with Jesus.

Those who don’t know Christ are at war with God. Who fits that description in your life? List two names in your journal.

Only the Holy Spirit can give a person peace with God, but peacemakers can show the way and assist people to understand how to be reconciled to God. What steps will you take this week to be a peacemaker in the lives of those people you listed above? Record two ideas in your journal. Pray that God would give you opportunities to follow through.

For further study, read Colossians 1:21-22 and Romans 5:10-11. How has God been a peacemaker to us? What is our part as peacemakers to others in this process?

Behind the Story

There are many kinds of peace, such as military, relational, and environmental, but the kind of peace in Matthew 5:9 is spiritual. A person at peace spiritually is a person at peace with God. The only way to be at peace with God is to become a child of God. People who have not been reconciled to God through the forgiveness of their sins are enemies of God (Rom. 5:10) and therefore are not at peace with Him.

The Point

Kingdom citizens are actively involved in bringing others to Jesus.

Pure Focus

Posted by Karah

Pause

Set aside distractions, such as electronic devices, and ask God to help your heart completely focus on Him during this time.

Take a moment to ponder the idea of purity. What kinds of things might you describe as being pure? What colors would you use to symbolize purity in a drawing? Record your response.

Read Matthew 5:8 in your Bible and underline the word pure when you read it.

“The pure in heart are blessed, for they will see God.”

—Matthew 5:8

Ponder these questions:

Based on your understanding of purity, what does it mean to say that someone is pure in heart? Explain.

Purity means that something is undiluted, uncontaminated, and clean. Pure gold is 100 percent gold. So, to be pure in heart means that your heart is 100 percent focused on Jesus and His ways.

Are people naturally pure in heart? If not, how does someone become pure in heart? Explain.

None of us are naturally pure in heart. Our sinful flesh craves sin. But if we are believers, we have an inner desire for purity and holiness in our lives because the Holy Spirit lives in us. Christians recognize that they belong to God and single-mindedly pursue Him. Those who pursue God and His ways will experience His favor.

Respond

Examine your heart. What sin have you allowed to make it impure? What have you allowed into your life that takes your attention and affection away from God? Confess and repent of these things.

In your journal, list situations or temptations distract you from following Jesus with an undivided focus. Jot down ways you will choose to live for God when faced with those situations. Ask God to open your eyes to the way out of temptation He will provide.

For further study, read Psalm 51, focusing on verse 10. Notice who cleans the heart and purifies guilt. Read this psalm as a prayer, asking God to purify your heart.

Behind the Story

Another word for pure is clean. In Matthew 5:8 it is used to denote a cleanness of heart and describes the absence of dirt and grime from one’s life. We cannot achieve this kind of purity through our own effort; it only happens through the forgiveness of Christ. Only those who have experienced that forgiveness will be able to enter heaven and see God. Who in your life needs to hear about the forgiveness only Jesus can give?

The Point

Kingdom citizens have a single-minded focus on God and His way, removing anything that could corrupt or distract them from following Christ.

Mercy

Posted by Karah

Pause

Take a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned the last few weeks about what it means to be a citizen of Jesus’ kingdom. Thank Him for making a way for you to know and serve Him.

Reflect on a time when you received something you didn’t deserve. What was it? What emotions did you experience? How did you respond? Record a few thoughts below.

Now, read Matthew 5:7 in your Bible.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

—Matthew 5:7

Answer these questions:

Mercy is a key aspect of God’s character. Ponder the definition of mercy. How has God shown mercy to you?

If you are a Christian, you have experienced God’s overwhelming mercy in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection on your behalf. How does knowing God has given you something you don’t deserve affect the way you live? Explain.

Since God has treated you mercifully, how should you treat others? Why?

Respond

If you are a believer, you have received God’s abundant mercy that you in no way deserved. Thank God for His mercy and grace toward you and praise Jesus for willingly laying down His life on your behalf.

If you have never responded to God’s merciful and gracious gift of salvation, made possible through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, do so today. Talk to a parent or a Christian you trust about the Gospel.

Prayerfully consider if there is anyone from whom you have been withholding mercy. Ask God to help you to show that person mercy, just as He has shown you mercy.

For further study, read Matthew 18:21-35. How does this parable explain mercy? Do you think the unmerciful servant understood the true meaning of mercy? Why or why not?

Behind the Story

Every believer has experienced this undeserved kindness from God by receiving forgiveness and eternal life, when what they deserved was eternal separation from God. Members of God’s family are “objects of mercy.”² Because they have been recipients of mercy, God’s children understand it and, in turn, give mercy to others. A person who has not experienced mercy has a limited understanding of it and is less able to give this undeserved kindness to others.

Mercy n. = An act of kindness delivered to one who has no claim to that kindness.

The Point

Kingdom citizens are merciful because they have experienced God’s abundant mercy.

²Stuart Weber, Holman New Testament Commentary: Matthew, ed. Max Anders, (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 2000), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: “Matthew 5 – The King Speaks His Heart (Part I)”

Hungry and Thirsty

Posted by Karah

Pause

Think about a time when you were extremely hungry or thirsty. What was your mood? Describe how you felt, both emotionally and physically.

With that experience in mind, read Matthew 5:6, then answer the questions that follow.

“Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed, for they will be filled.” —Matthew 5:6

People who are hungry or thirsty devote their time and energy to fulfilling those needs. Knowing this, what does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness? Explain.

Continuing with the hunger metaphor, what might keep a person from experiencing spiritual fullness?

Matthew 5:6 tells us that those who follow Christ have a deep desire to see God’s standard established and obeyed in every area of life, particularly in their own lives. Who has been a good example of that kind of righteousness in your life? Why?

Respond

Evaluate your life. Do you exhibit a deep desire to live according to God’s standard and pursue righteousness? How does your life display that desire? If that desire feels faint, ask God to ignite your heart with a desire to obey Him in every area of your life.

If you have never had a desire for righteousness, that may point to a problem. Talk with your parents, pastor, or a trusted Christian mentor about why pleasing God should be important to Christians.

Look back at the verses you’ve read from the Beatitudes so far. Sum up what you’ve learned from each one. Notice how they build on each other to describe the journey of coming to know Christ.

For further study of what living righteously looks like, read the Book of James in the New Testament. If you’d like to study this more in-depth with a group, consider James: Faith Under Pressure by Pam Gibbs (LifeWay Christian Resources, 2011).

Behind the Story

In Matthew 6, Jesus specifically chooses hunger and thirst to describe a person’s desire for righteousness. This is not the pleasant hunger we experience when we smell our favorite meal. This is an uncomfortable rumbling in an empty belly, characterized by hunger pangs and dry mouth. This deep hunger produces a kind of focus and desperation that doesn’t exist otherwise—a truly spiritually hungry person will be determined to satisfy the deep spiritual belly ache.

The Point

Kingdom citizens desire to see God’s standards established and obeyed in every area of their lives.

Strength Under Control

Posted by Karah

Pause

Mull over this quote to begin your time with God today:

“Our identity rests in God’s relentless tenderness for us revealed in Jesus Christ.”
—Brennan Manning

Read Matthew 5:5 in your Bible. Underline what this verse says will happen to those who are gentle.

“The gentle are blessed, for they will inherit the earth.”

—Matthew 5:5

In today’s world, gentleness is often considered a weakness. But in today’s Scripture passage, the word gentle carries the connotation of strength under control. Think through these questions:

Think of what you know about Jesus and the way He interacted with people during His earthly ministry. How did He display strength under control?

Think about the most gentle Christian you know. How do you see that person submitting his or her life to the Holy Spirit’s control? Explain.

Matthew 5:5 pictures believers who have submitted every part of their lives to Jesus’ control. Their lives are characterized by humility, courteousness, self-control, and a tender, compassionate nature. Does that describe you? Why or why not?

Who is in control of your strength? How do you know? Explain.

Respond

Consider how your understanding of gentleness has changed since studying it today.

In what ways are you still struggling to submit every part of your life to the lordship of Jesus? In your journal, make a list of reasons He deserves full control of your strength, then spend some time in prayer, asking Him to help you thoroughly submit to Him.

How has Jesus been gentle toward you? Ask God to help you recall all the times He has been mercifully gentle with you. Praise Him for each instance. Be specific in your praise!

Behind the Story

A gentle person is not a weak person, but rather a person whose strength is harnessed and focused. The term describes those who are powerful, but who have the maturity and grace to use their power for constructive rather than destructive purposes. Matthew 5:5 also echoes Psalm 37:11 in which the gentle are those who stubbornly trust God and surrender to His authority even when they cannot make sense of their circumstances.

The Point

Kingdom citizens are gentle and focused on Christ.

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