Week 1 : Giving to the Needy

Matt 6:1-4

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God

Our passage this week we’re meditating on is Matthew 6:1-4

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

We make space to consider fasting, giving, and feasting for this week

Fasting

what need or desire will you abstain from and trust God with as you seek Him?

Giving

Consider the ways you have offered or received generosity and its effect on you. How and what might God lead you to give?

Feasting

And what will you celebrate? Who will you invite to share in your celebration? What joy is waiting to fill your life as you remember God’s presence and faithfulness?

Let’s read our passage this week again and Listen to what may stand out and the Holy Spirit may be highlighting for you today

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

In fasting … I fast from collecting praise from others

The Psalmist sang: “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 115:1)

Lord, in what ways have I sought praise for my own glory?

From my family, from my friends, from co-workers?

I lay this at your feet now …

What areas do I feel I’m not seen or appreciated and need the praise of others?

I lay this at your feet now …

In Alicia Britt Chole’s Book 40 days of decrease.

In her fast day of Collecting Praise she writes

Biographer Carole C. Carlson said of Corrie Ten Boom:

Her remarkable ministry became known to millions through both the book and movie version of The Hiding Place. She never looked at fame as being the culmination of personal triumph. To Corrie it was simply a result of God’s plans. Her way of handling adulation was to take each compliment as a flower, and than gather them all in a bouquet and give them back to Jesus by saying, “Here Lord, they belong to You.”

Make an effort today to follow Corrie’s example and fast collecting praise. The key to this fast is redirection, not deflection. Whereas deflection discounts and rejects praise, redirection stewards and then deposits praise at the feet of the One to whom it is due. Sincerely receive any affirmation today without apology and then tonight, offer Jesus a bouquet of praise. If at the day’s end you find your intended bouquet sparse, fill it in with gratitude for God’s work in your life.

What is in your bouquet of praise to give back to Jesus?

Give that to him now …

Is there someone needy in my life that comes to mind that you’re asking me to share my gifts with?

What do I have to give? ….. A smile, a meal, a friendship?

Holy Spirit, bring to mind a good gift you’ve given me that you have for me to feast on this week?

Maybe I speak these aloud .. maybe I write them down and remind myself this week.

Holy spirit … highlight these areas in my mind that you are inviting me into for deeper relationship with you. Renew in me the joy of my salvation.

Amen