Categories ArchivesDaily Devotions

Matthew 6:19–21   19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.   One thought: Jesus’ teaching on the Kingdom of God gives us a perspective that shows us the used-by-date on our possessions   Three questions: What does it look like today to store up possessions?   How deeply do you care about material things?   What’s something you are considering buying but don’t actually need?   Prayer: Praise ...

Matthew 6:16–18 16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. One thought: We may not fast like this, but perhaps we do other things like publicising our charity on FB/Insta?     Three questions: What good thing do you like people knowing you do?   ...

Matthew 6:12–15 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ 14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.   One thought: Jesus has paid our great debt. We need to pray it forward to those who have sinned against us.   Three questions: What do you notice in the passage?   How do you feel about forgiveness?   Is there someone you need to forgive?   Prayer: Praise God for His grace towards ...

Matthew 6:8–11   8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread.   One thought: A good prayer begins with an acknowledgement of who we are praying to   Three questions: Who does Jesus remind us God is?   Do you see God as your heavenly Father?   How do you normally pray?   Prayer: Praise God that He is the holy God who by His grace allows us to call Him Father. Give ...

Matthew 6:5–7 5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.   One thought: How wonderful are the unseen prayers of believers   Three questions: Should we only prayer privately?   ...

Matthew 6:1–4   6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.   One thought: ...

Matthew 5:46–48   46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.   One thought: If you shoot for the stars, you might just make it to the moon   Three questions: Why does God want us to be perfect?   Do you desire to be holy like God?   How could you be more perfect this week? What would that look like?   Prayer: Praise God that He is perfect. Give thanks that in Jesus ...

Matthew 5:43–45 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.   One thought: It’s hard enough to pray for people you like and deeply care for, let alone those who mistreat you. Jesus prayed for those who murdered Him.   Three questions: Have you been persecuted? By who?   Who do you least want to pray for?   Pray for those who are causing you harm ...

Matthew 5:40–42   40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.   One thought: The most likely place we will face this issue is when fighting over an inheritance – what will you do?     Three questions: What allows Christians to think like this?   How much do you care about money and possessions?   Consider your giving budget this week and increase it.   Prayer: Praise God that He owns all things ...

Matthew 5:38–39   38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.   One thought: Choosing not to fight over things the world thinks are primary (money/possessions) is a wonderful witness to Christ     Three questions: What might this look like in our culture?   What do you find hard about this teaching?   Who has committed an injustice toward you, that you could repay with kindness?   Prayer: Praise God that He has repayed our rebellion with forgiveness and blessing in Christ. Give thanks for Christ’s ...