A weekday morning devotional series written by Aaron Marcarelli and hosted by Chad McBeam
“Now whenever you fast, do not make a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they distort their faces so that they will be noticed by people when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But as for you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be noticed by people but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”
Matthew 6:16-18 NASB2020
Whatever we do, God sees us. Whether it be serving, giving, praying or fasting, do it for God alone! Do not do these things because it will make you feel better (although true service will lift up your spirits) don’t do it because you think you can teach someone something (although I often learn more from others in my service) don’t do it to get your name on a building or a brick or on the screen. Do all these things because Jesus asked us to do it and he called us to do these things for Him.
When you serve be like Jesus “When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
John 13:12-17 NIV
When you give be like the widow who gave all she had; “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Luke 21:3-4 NIV
When you pray, pray like David and go into you quiet place and pray “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”
Psalms 139:7-12 NIV
When you fast do as Jesus asks in the verses above; “anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be noticed by people but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”
Matthew 6:17-18 NASB2020
Lord, we worship and praise your Holy Name!Lord, we thank you for not only your words but your examples. This is how we should truly follow you. Please help us to use these examples and strive to be like you each and every day. In Jesus Name Amen!
Shalom Blessings and Press In and Press On!