Daily Huddle - Mon Aug 17, 2020 Secret

Love you all, praying for you,
 
I just love God’s Word – it’s so practical, and so opposite.  It gives you specific instructions on how to live, and how to conduct yourself, that is counter-cultural, that doesn’t make sense to the mind, but is at rest in your spirit.  God speaks of secrets.  Some things are meant to be secret.  Why do people do what is right?  Because God said?  Is that enough?  Because it makes them feel good?  What about what God said, that doesn't always make you feel good?  Because when others see them do good things – they are impressed with them, which makes them feel good?  It's surprisingly easy to get caught up in the recognition, more than the obedience.  Coming out of the LORD’s prayer, ending with 'Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.'  God’s forgiveness is free, but also has requirements.  Matthew 6:14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.  It’s not a bait and switch, it’s not a gift with a catch, this is what is good and right and honorable people do, who are pleasing before God.  Is your heart to forgive others? - because you have been - so - forgiven!  It’s not a trade, it’s just what Godly people do because they love God.  They forgive like their Father does.  Then Jesus goes on to speak about secrets.  Verse 16 – “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting, I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.  Ouch – fasting is not fun nor easy, but God said these people are fasting for nothing.  They are more interested in what people think of them, than what I think of them.  They want the praise of men, more than they desire the praise of God.  Getting God’s praise, may not be as immediate.  Sometimes the rewards for obedience come over time, it can take a while, sometimes the reward is in eternity, while the obedience and sacrifice is down here.  Jesus continued.  But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.  Whether giving or fasting or even sharing a testimony.  Have you ever heard someone share something that was a testimony – but it really was more about them, and their sacrifice, or what they went through… rather than pointing all the glory to God?  The same with prophecy – some people want to be the messenger God uses, more than they want to see His Word to set people free, and set their course.  Praying that you'll ask God if any step of obedience in your life – is starting to be tainted by the approval of people.  Any time God gets the glory through our life – we always share in it.  Just don’t take it, always point it to Him alone.  Praying that you will fast and give, and prophesy and share – as the Holy Spirit leads you – and place no value on the approval or confirmation, or adulation you receive from men.  So people’s opinion of you is never – your only reward.  That God’s reward for you on earth and in heaven can flow into your life – because everything you do in obedience to Him, is for His glory alone.  Praying that He will grow greater and you will grow smaller – that He will be seen, and you will be unseen, so your impact can be greater.  Your Heavenly Father loves you.  If you give Him all the glory – He will not let you go unrewarded.
 
Love you all,
dad