Pastor Delbert Enns www.EasTview.org
Everyone is an actor. As we get older we wish we knew who we are. Identity crisis. How do I act as a senior?
Jesus calls us to authenticity. How do we become Jesus followers. If you are looking for applause you have your reward.
In mid eastern culture if you prayed and fasted and gave to the poor you go straight to heaven when you die.
"Be careful not to do 'good works' in front of others. Don't do them to be seen by others. If you do, your Father in heaven will not reward you.
Matthew 6:1 NIRV
Be real. Don't pretend to be righteous.
"When you pray, do not be like those who only pretend to be holy. They love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners. They want to be seen by others. What I'm about to tell you is true. They have received their complete reward. "When you pray, go into your room. Close the door and pray to your Father, who can't be seen. He will reward you. Your Father sees what is done secretly.
Matthew 6:5-6 NIRV
Jesus wants us to know that prayer is an intimate one on one with God.
Not for show. Say Amen when you feel like it. Raise your hands when you feel like it. Praying aloud is good. Doesn't need to be secret.
Let faith always preceed your prayer. The pagans repeated the same prayer to many of their gods. They didn't know which one would answer.
If you are giving up get grounded. Luke 18
He said, "In a certain town there was a judge. He didn't have any respect for God or care about people. The Lord said, "Listen to what the unfair judge says. "God's chosen people cry out to him day and night. Won't he make things right for them? Will he keep putting them off?
Luke 18:2, 6-7 NIRV
The widow's faith was the trigger to answered prayers.
You have authority.
You didn't receive a spirit that makes you a slave to fear once again. Instead you received the Holy Spirit, who makes you God's child. By the Spirit's power we call God "Abba." Abba means Father. The Spirit himself joins with our spirits. Together they give witness that we are God's children.
Romans 8:15-16 NIRV
You are my child God says.
"This is how you should pray. " 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored.
Matthew 6:9 NIRV
Jesus wants a relationship with his followers.
Praise him all you sinners children of God your Name is higher than the rising sun.
No comments:
Post a Comment