Twin Peaks

The scripture for today is Matthew 6:5-6

Matthew 6:5-6 And when you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, enter into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly.

Intimacy with God grows through daily fellowship with Him. Prayer is the hallmark of that fellowship, for it is through prayer that our personal relationship with Him is solidified. Personal time with God is the most valuable time in our day. If that time is sacrificed for something else, we have suffered a great loss. That time must be valued and protected; nothing else is more important, for nothing else can prepare us for the day ahead.

We do not pray to be seen by people, we pray because we love God and desire to commune with Him. Those who use God as a means to be elevated in the eyes of men are among the most misguided people. Who else but the evil one would put it into the heart of an individual to pretend to be something that he is not? Such displays of self-exalting piety may impress people, but it is despicable in the eyes of God.

God wants to meet with us individually, in private. He wants each one of us to experience His presence personally. He wants each of us to know that in that moment, alone with God, we are the most important thing on His mind. He attends to our words; He understands our needs. He requires no eloquence, no impressive speaking skills, no adoring onlookers. He wants to be with you, just you, and to hear the words that you pray out of a sincere and surrendered heart. He loves to hear the prayers of His saints, prayers that are not offered for attention but offered for the love of God. The God-focused prayer of the righteous, prayed in secret, will receive an abundant and open reward. God will be glorified as the prayers of the righteous are answered; and they will be answered.

God bless you as you continue in His service. 

Tim