March 30, 2012
Be careful of your motives. Why do you do what you do? Is it to bring "self" honor? Or is your purpose to honor God? Are you drawing people to your "self," or to God? Three times in this chapter (Matthew 6:2,5,16) Jesus says when we do things for the wrong motive (self) that we "already have their (our) full reward."
What a statement. When our actions are meant to bring glory and honor to ourselves, all we get is fleeting, temporary, and earthly pleasure. And worse than that, we are leading people away from God instead of drawing people to God. When our actions glorify God then the reward is lasting and eternal for not only ourselves but others as well. Nothing good comes from pleasing "self." It is only when we bring Glory and Honor and Praise to our LORD, Savior, God and King that we fulfill what Jesus asks us to do and our life is fulfilling. Fulfilling both now and forevermore.
Three times in this chapter (Matthew 6:4,6,18) Jesus says, "Your Father can see what is done in secret, and he will reward you." He knows. Nothing is hidden from Him. If you are doing evil—He knows. When you are living your life in obedience to His calling—He knows. We can rest in His promise and of the assurance of "He will reward you." He knows. Justice is His. Accountability is His. And that is all that matters.
When you pray—
When you live your life in an attitude of praise and awe for who HE is, this prayer takes on new meaning. Jesus' instructions for how we should pray clearly shows the
God
And when we do that our lives are blessed by Him.
Hosea 14:8 - "I, the LORD, am the one who answers your prayers, and watches over you. I am like a green pine tree. Your blessings come from me."
Next Entry: Matthew 6:1–34 (Continued)
Be careful of your motives. Why do you do what you do? Is it to bring "self" honor? Or is your purpose to honor God? Are you drawing people to your "self," or to God? Three times in this chapter (Matthew 6:2,5,16) Jesus says when we do things for the wrong motive (self) that we "already have their (our) full reward."
What a statement. When our actions are meant to bring glory and honor to ourselves, all we get is fleeting, temporary, and earthly pleasure. And worse than that, we are leading people away from God instead of drawing people to God. When our actions glorify God then the reward is lasting and eternal for not only ourselves but others as well. Nothing good comes from pleasing "self." It is only when we bring Glory and Honor and Praise to our LORD, Savior, God and King that we fulfill what Jesus asks us to do and our life is fulfilling. Fulfilling both now and forevermore.
Three times in this chapter (Matthew 6:4,6,18) Jesus says, "Your Father can see what is done in secret, and he will reward you." He knows. Nothing is hidden from Him. If you are doing evil—He knows. When you are living your life in obedience to His calling—He knows. We can rest in His promise and of the assurance of "He will reward you." He knows. Justice is His. Accountability is His. And that is all that matters.
When you pray—
Don't be like the hypocrites who know the right words to say but don't live it.When you pray—
Don't be a liar. Don't act like you know God and go on and on thinking God will hear you because of who you are.Matthew 6:8–15 - "Don't be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask him. So when you pray you should pray like this:
Our Father in heaven, may your name always be kept holy. May your kingdom come and what you want be done, here on earth as it is in heaven. Give us the food we need for each day. Forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who sinned against us. And do not cause us to be tempted, but save us from the Evil One.Yes, if you forgive others for their sins, your Father in heaven will also forgive you for your sins. But, if you don't forgive others, your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins."
When you live your life in an attitude of praise and awe for who HE is, this prayer takes on new meaning. Jesus' instructions for how we should pray clearly shows the
God
↓
man
relationship. It is ALL about you God, ALL about you! You are our Father. May we always praise you. You are in heaven. It is your kingdom. May we put self aside and surrender to what you want to do in and through us. It is you that provides for us. It is you that forgives us. It is you that protects us. It is you Father. Our lives exist to bring honor and glory to you. We worship and praise you!And when we do that our lives are blessed by Him.
Hosea 14:8 - "I, the LORD, am the one who answers your prayers, and watches over you. I am like a green pine tree. Your blessings come from me."
Next Entry: Matthew 6:1–34 (Continued)
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