Insight for Today

<p>Written by Chuck Swindoll, these encouraging devotional thoughts are published seven days per week.</p>

The Narrow Way

Date:

Read Matthew 7:13–14

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 narrowand the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.Matthew 7:13–14

Spotting a Counterfeit

Date:

Read Matthew 7:15–17

“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheepbut are really vicious wolves.You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act.Can you pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit.”Matthew 7:15–17

The Golden Rule

Date:

Read Matthew 7:12

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

Being the ultimate wordsmith, Jesus has saved the most significant words until the last. What you are about to read is commonly called the Golden Rule.

Therefore, however you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)

A Place for Discernment

Date:

Read Matthew 7:6; Hosea 4:17

Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy.Don’t throw your pearls to pigs!They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.Matthew 7:6

Our Lord neither extols the virtues of gullibility (there are none), nor does He wink at a lack of discernment. To walk with God in a quiet, uncomplicated manner, sharing our faith with non-Christians, in no way suggests that we keep hammering away at stony hearts and indifferent wills.

How to Stop Judging

Date:

Read Galatians 6:1–2

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin,you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.Galatians 6:1–2

Worry-Free Living, Part 2

Date:

Read Matthew 6:33–34

Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously,and he will give you everything you need.So don’t worry about tomorrow,for tomorrow will bring its own worries.Today’s trouble is enough for today.”Matthew 6:33–34

Do you really want to live a worry-free life? I mean, are you serious about getting rid of those mental distractions and emotional drains? If so, these concluding verses in Matthew 6 offer the two passwords for entering that new mode of existence: priorities and simplicity.

Worry-Free Living, Part 1

Date:

Read Matthew 6:1–34

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and 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

Earthly and Heavenly Treasures

Date:

Read Matthew 6:19–24; Hebrews 4:13; 1 Timothy 6:17

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God.Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes,and he is the one to whom we are accountable.Hebrews 4:13

Our earthly treasure is not difficult to identify. It would include anything that is tangible and has a price tag. We can see it, touch it, measure it, and enjoy it.

God Sees It All

Date:

Read Psalm 33:13–15; Matthew 6:4, 6, 18

The Lord looks down from heavenAnd sees the whole human race.From his throne he observesAll who live on the earth.He made their hearts,so he understands everything they do.Psalm 33:13–15