Words Of Jesus Devotionals-14

"Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. (Matthew 6:1-7) (NKJV)

In this passage, Jesus points out 2 things, which when done in secret, leads to rewards from the Father. And how does the Father reward....openly. Works of charity and prayers are 2 things that are of paramount importance in the life of every believer. But should we do it to gain popularity and kudos from men? If that is our intention, then we will not receive any reward from the Father in Heaven, because according to Jesus, we have already "received our reward from men."

"Heart Intent" is what Jesus is talking about here. Why are we doing the things that we do? is the question! Is it for our own sake or is it for the Lord? Are we expecting glory from people? Are we trying to become popular?

The Apostle Paul writes,
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:17)

A secret prayer life is so very important. We may be known for our prayers in prayer circles or churches, but a secret prayer life is the key to rewards from the Father in Heaven. Those who have a strong secret prayer life have close fellowship with the Lord and as Jesus said, the Father rewards them openly.

Ponder a moment of how strong or how weak your secret prayer life is! The keys to live a successful Christian life are found in the Words of Jesus. Lets cherish them. God Bless.