Matthew 6:5-6, 16-18
“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. And when you fas...t, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you."
We all agree that these are times of prayer and fasting. Yet, hear the word of the LORD. We should be seeking HEAVENLY benefits. Therefore, we must be careful not to boast of these works, as it negates the purpose. It is a good thing to encourage one another in prayer and fasting. BUT, it is a prideful thing to boast in doing these works. The internet, including Facebook, Twitter and others, can quickly turn these intimate acts of worship and petition into boasting. We must be careful. Prayer and fasting are PRIVATE matters. It's no wonder we are so easily interrupted by the enemy and his plans, particularly when we tell the world what we're doing in the realm of spiritual warfare. Keep your battle plans SECRET. Amen. ORDER IN THE CHURCH!!!
“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. And when you fas...t, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you."
We all agree that these are times of prayer and fasting. Yet, hear the word of the LORD. We should be seeking HEAVENLY benefits. Therefore, we must be careful not to boast of these works, as it negates the purpose. It is a good thing to encourage one another in prayer and fasting. BUT, it is a prideful thing to boast in doing these works. The internet, including Facebook, Twitter and others, can quickly turn these intimate acts of worship and petition into boasting. We must be careful. Prayer and fasting are PRIVATE matters. It's no wonder we are so easily interrupted by the enemy and his plans, particularly when we tell the world what we're doing in the realm of spiritual warfare. Keep your battle plans SECRET. Amen. ORDER IN THE CHURCH!!!
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