As we come to the end of Matthew 6, Jesus addresses a universal struggle—our preoccupations. What consumes your mind when you are at rest? For many, it is anxiety about daily needs: food, clothing, and the future. But if we live only at that level, we reduce ourselves to material creatures, forgetting that we are made in the image of…

In Matthew 6, Jesus calls us to a radically different way of thinking—a shift from the temporal to the eternal, from cultural norms to kingdom values. He doesn't simply offer moral advice; He challenges the very foundation of our lives. His contrasts—between treasures, masters, and preoccupations—are not rhetorical devices; they are invitations to reorient our hearts. The first contrast Jesus…

In Matthew 6, Jesus speaks directly to our hearts. He knows we all struggle with anxiety, fear, and misplaced ambition. So He invites us to think carefully about what we value, how we see the world, and whom we serve. His words are not just wise sayings—they are a call to live with eternal perspective, not temporary concerns. Jesus begins…

In Matthew 6:19–24, Jesus shifts from the practices of devotion—giving, praying, and fasting—to deeper matters of the heart. His words about treasure, vision, and loyalty remind us that our lives are always shaped by what we value, what we focus on, and whom we serve. Treasures on Earth and in Heaven Jesus begins with a contrast: “Do not store up…

In Matthew 6, Jesus shifts from inner devotion to outward living. He has just warned against practicing righteousness to gain human recognition in giving, prayer, and fasting. Now He addresses a broader danger: the pull of materialism. At its heart, His message is simple—we cannot live for two audiences. We cannot serve both God and man. When we seek applause,…

As we head into the new year and people are thinking about resolutions, we thought it would be appropriate to share a chapter from Ken Boa’s book, Recalibrate Your Life. If you are interested in learning more about recalibrating with practical exercises to help you, the book is available from our bookstore. From the whole team at Reflections Ministries, we…

As we move deeper into the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus turns to the subject of fasting. He places it alongside giving and praying as one of the core practices of authentic faith. Each discipline reflects a part of our lives: giving relates to others, prayer to God, and fasting to ourselves. Fasting, in particular, humbles our appetites and reminds…

In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches us how to live an authentic spiritual life. He warns against practicing faith to impress others. Even good things like giving, praying, and fasting can become empty if our motives are wrong. Jesus points out that true spiritual life comes not from outward appearances but from inward devotion. He then gives us a model prayer,…

As we move from Matthew 5 to Matthew 6, Jesus transitions from a focus on inner righteousness to outward expressions of devotion. He speaks about giving, prayer, and fasting—central spiritual practices—but warns us that even good practices can be corrupted by self-centered motives. If we give, pray, or fast to gain approval, we have already received our reward in full,…

A young man with a bandaged hand once walked into a post office and asked the clerk for help. “Would you mind writing a note on this postcard for me?” he said. The clerk gladly agreed and even offered to write the message for him. After finishing, the clerk asked, “Is there anything else I can help you with?” The…