November 20, 2021: SOAP #4370:  Matthew 5-7

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 6:5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.  6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

OBSERVATION: Where should I take my needs?  To the internet?  To Facebook?  …or to my Heavenly Father who already knows my needs. 

With whom should I share my needs?  People in church?  People on the street corner?  Facebook friends?  …or with my Heavenly Father who hears in secret but answers openly. 

APPLICATION:  Whose reward do I want? If God’s reward, then I must give so only He can see. Whose answer to prayer do I want? If I want God to answer my prayers, I’ should pray so that only He can hear.

When I take my needs to people, I will only get what people can give if they are willing to give.  When I take my needs to God, I get what only God can provide.  His willingness far surpasses the willingness of people. 

Some people have more faith in people on Facebook that they have never met than they have in God whom they claim lives in their heart! 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you know what I need before I ask you.  When I ask only you, I demonstrate my faith that you are willing and able to meet the need.  You may use people to bring about the answer, but I will always know that it really came from you.  Thank you for the unexpected provision that came today!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!