Matthew – Chapter 6

…so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:4 –Much of what was outlined in this chapter was Jesus teaching how to properly worship the Lord, yet also how one can use even something like worship of the Lord to bring glory upon themselves. The “hypocrites” as Jesus called them in His sermon, were such individuals who did worshipful actions towards the Lord, yet the desired outcome of such actions was not glory to be given to the Lord but glory to be giving to them. They would give offerings to the church, but make a big show of it. The would pray, but do it loudly on the street corner so all could hear their prayers. They’d fast, but walk around all gloomy and looking deprived to get the admiration of the people. Jesus says such individuals have already gotten their reward for they weren’t doing such things to draw closer to the Lord, but to receive praise from people. Instead Jesus multiple times reminds us of the truth displayed in this passage, our Heavenly Father sees what we do in secret and rewards us when our holy actions are meant for Him alone rather than the applause of man. Does this mean that we can’t ever serve in a way that is seen by others? Of course not, for that would make preaching on a stage, leading a worship song, or teaching little ones in Sunday school very difficult! The aim of this message isn’t to say our acts of service and worship must be hidden from everyone always, the aim is to check our heart as to why we are doing whatever it is we are doing. For we could be serving when no one is around and still have a heart that wants the praise of man for what we are doing. Instead of seeking the admiration of man for what you are doing, seek to please the Lord and give Him glory. He sees the work done in secret and He is blessed when our service is done for His glory alone. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3328

Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. Matthew 6:2 – We see a statement like this show up multiple times in this chapter. It’s forces us to ask a very serious question of ourselves. Why do you do what you do for God? Why do you pray? Why do you give? Why do you go to church? Is it for the attention? Is it so you can have your desire to be liked by others fed? Why do you do what you do for God? The correct answer should be because you love God and want to draw nearer to Him and glorify Him with your life. Let’s pursue that in our service to God today. Do what you do for an audience of one. It’s not about you anymore, it’s all about Him. If others see, fine, but it’s just to help them see a proper example of what someone loving God looks like. Today, make your worship glorify God not you. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 860

Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26 – Yesterday I was sitting in my truck with one of our girls after she had a bad day at school. Lots of tears and lots of talking things out just sitting there in the driveway with the windows down. As the conversation was closing up we sat there for a moment and just listened to the birds chirping and I shared this very passage with her. That God takes care of the birds in our trees and feeds them, how much more will He take care of you who He loves so deeply. Know you are far more precious than any bird to God. Know you matter far more to God than the flowers of the field. You are what has captured His heart and all we see done in scripture has taken place so you can follow Him. Today you are navigating this crazy life not alone. You have the God with you who can move mountains and create pathways where no one else can. He is the one who owns the right to say who you are, no one else. Walk today knowing God is with you and can take care of you. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1956