“So have you ever noticed that when people watch you that you tend to be nicer or try to be more polite? We all like getting credit, feeling appreciation and being admired. I know I do and I feel like that is one of my biggest issues – I need approval and I feel insecure if i don’t get it. We do the same thing with God – we act like we are ALL that some days when we make a small tithe or help someone. Why is it we think God should be so proud of these little things when we have done so many more things wrong? Jesus mentioned this we he mentioned prayer – I think he was trying to make a point – we don’t need to be boastful to God – he knows the real us and we just need to honestly talk to God. I love the Lord’s Prayer that Jesus taught us to say….Jesus started it off – Our Father who art in heaven…God is our Father and on this Father’s day weekend – I can’t think of a better word for God. He takes care of us, guides us, scolds us when needed, and loves us so much! I am so happy to know God and I hope you know him too – he will be there with you always and loves us with no end. So let’s change and not show off and think the world is our stage to perform and to take credit. Let’s just be real, be kind and be loving. When you say thank you – don’t just say it – show it! When you do something nice for others – don’t brag or tell everyone – just do it and tell no one. I know these are things I need to work on too – so I will pray for you as you pray for me!
Matthew 6 The Message (MSG) The World Is Not a Stage
6 “Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.
2-4 “When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself. You’ve seen them in action, I’m sure—‘playactors’ I call them—treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that’s all they get. When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.
Pray with Simplicity
5 “And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
6 “Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.
7-13 “The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best—
as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
14-15 “In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.
16-18 “When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don’t make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won’t make you a saint. If you ‘go into training’ inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn’t require attention-getting devices. He won’t overlook what you are doing; he’ll reward you well.
The Change 