In Secret

6 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

~Matthew 6:1

Jesus specifically implies that we all need to be weary of being righteous in front of others. It is human nature to be recognized and acclaimed for the deeds we do, but the humble approach is far greater as God specifically awards those in secret. There are too many times when people are giving or serving that they take the spotlight away from God's glory. God promises us that we will not get the just reward, as God is one who gives in secret to those who work in secret.


I need to be less public about what I do at church. It is great that the Holy Spirit leads me to serve, but at times my human nature over consumes me to serve in the eyes of the public, furthermore I lose the reward that God will give me. Just today I felt like answering back on the church's bulletin that I messed up. What am I doing?! Father forgive me! I must be more direct to be indirect in the tasks that I complete for God's glory and only His.


Father forgive me for my lack of awareness and my wanting to be recognized by people. Help me to be humble in all situations, as I serve you in secret. Far greater is your gift that you give than those who praise me for my accomplishments. Allow me to grow further in faith by living in obedience. 

In Jesus Name


Amen

Jealousy

⁸ And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” ⁹ And Saul eyed David from that day on.

-1 Samuel 18:1

Immediately after David's victory over the Philistines, there have already been a change of popularity from Saul to David. Though Saul knew that God favored David, this did not deter him from hating David. Not only has Saul lost his people, but more importantly he lost favor from the Lord. The incident fuels Saul to hate David even more. Saul is so committed to keeping power that it corrupts his views on what God wants and ultimately destroys his legacy. 

I know during these times God is putting me in situations to test and encourage me to truly let go and allow God to be sovereign in my life. Whether I want something badly or think I deserve it, I need to crucify my desires for His will. It is fully up to God to decide if I'm apart of that plan or not. God is sovereign in every situation, and if things don't work out the way I want it to, I need to ask the spirit for grace of letting of my desire. In additionally I need to remember that flesh and blood isn't the enemy, but it is Satan. I need to love those who are unlovable. If Saul would have taken in David, how much more would he be glorified in God's eyes?

God thank you for allowing me to play a part in your epic story. This life, my desire is forfeited to you and I ask that you would help me to let go. Humble me to understand that not every personal goal, whether it be a relationships job or family is going to work out the way I foresee it, so please allow me to see things in Your view. Help me to accept any fate that you have decided for me. More importantly help me not to be like Saul, but to love people that are most difficult to love.

In Jesus name

Amen.