Matthew 6:5-18
Reflect
We are in a world that growingly seeks external validation. Individuals are finding their self-worth and sense of accomplishment from others’ approval, opinion, and recognition. Social media platforms have reinforced this through comments, likes, and followers. In our workplaces, we may find ourselves searching for approval from supervisors and clients!
Chasing after external validation may lead to sacrificing work-life balance, instability in self-esteem, and a distorted self-perception.
In our passage today, Jesus is calling others to cultivate an authentic devotion that springs from the heart. Prayer should be intimately secret with the Father; prayer should be filled with humility as modeled by the Lord’s prayer; and one’s fasting should be done in private without any public notice. Fostering these practices or means of drawing near to God in private and intimate spaces is what builds authenticity in our relationship with God that goes beyond the superficial.
Apply
Pray that the Holy Spirit will bring you deeper into the quiet and secret places of your heart.
Pray that your devotion to Him would only become more authentic.
Pastor Nathanael
Pray
- Pray for our childcare team, the children and their families this week. Pray for the Director, Angie Clark.
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken and his family.
- Pray for our Missions Ministry Assistant, Oleksandr Lushchyk.
- Pray for our Young Adults Ministry Assistant, Shone Williams.