WHEN YOU PRAY....(2)
*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*
*WHEN YOU PRAY....(2)*
*Scripture Treasure.*
Matt 6:16-18 *Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.*
*But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;*
*That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.*
*Insight and Highlight.*
Jesus says the time will come when we will fast. *'.....and then shall they fast in those days.* Luke 5:35.
*Scripture Commentaries.*
There are two other fundamental statements from Jesus that confirm complementing prayers.
First, is giving. Jesus mentioned giving, four times in Matt 6:1-4.
Second, is fasting. In Matt 6:16, Jesus says, *"Moreover when ye fast,....."*
These two are mentioned using the same expression to refer to a condition we are certain of or something that we will certainly do.
Jesus says, *"....when ye give alms...'*, *'.....when ye fast...'*, each illustrating the certainty of a time that must be or come to pass. The same as *'....when ye pray....'*
As eternity is sure, so also are sure conditions that must be met. To accept is to please God, to reject is to displease Him
*Remorse corner.*
To give, fast, and pray are certain for the believer. It is a matter of 'when' not 'if'.
*Call to Word action.*
Luke 5:33-35
*They said to him, “John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.”*
*Jesus answered, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them?*
*But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.”*
*The Christian clarion duty.*
From Matt 6, to give, to fast, and to pray are commands. They illustrate, among many other things, the dependence of the believer on God. They remain unavoidable for the believer if he/she must please the Father.
*Prayer.*
Lord, help me to follow and abide with Kingdom principles As laid down by You. Let me not live above them, but submit to them in Jesus name.
Good morning all, and have a blessed day.
God bless you.