July 1st

July 1st -- Matthew6:1-18 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:1-18&version=NLT)

Go read the passage, please!

Two points that are touched on.
1) Giving to the Needy : When we give, we should do so quietly. If we're doing it and making a big fuss of it, it's because we're trying to get attention for it, and then it's selfish. We should be giving just to give, not to receive anything back. God sees all we do, and so when we are giving, even if we are doing it anonymously, God knows and will reward you for it.
2) Prayer (and Fasting) : Like giving, this should be done as a private and not a public ordeal. Prayer is meant to be between one's self and God. It is not meant to be a public act in a attempt to make anyone appear better than anyone else. It is meant to be a private, personal connection with our God. Now, also, there's the Lord's prayer in this passage. It's not that I don't like it, because I do, but I think sometimes it becomes something we do just because we do it like we're supposed to. Then it loses its meaning and purpose. I see it as more of a guideline of how to pray. Basically, praise before request. We need to remember that we're not entitled in any way to what we ask for. As humans, what we're entitled to is an eternity in hell. We only don't get that because Jesus died for our sins. That doesn't suddenly make us entitled. That means we're already getting more than we deserve. Yet, God allows us, still, to ask for things in prayer. So, when we do, we should at least first recognize who we are praying to (praise) and also thank Him for what He has given us (thanks) before moving on to asking for things. Otherwise prayer can easily become a selfish means of trying to get what we want, turning God into an idea of a genie not who He is.

Well, that's all! God bless! Shalom!