Jesus
speaks about prayer (Matthew 6:5-15), doing good works (Matthew 6:1-4)
and fasting (Matthew 6:16-18). He emphasizes that we're not to be like
the hypocrites (Matthew 6:2,5,16). Sometimes,
it is difficult to work out where Jesus is leading us. In Acts,
there's a strong emphasis on God's people praying together. In Matthew
6:6, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of praying "in secret." Is
there something about us that leads us in the direction of hypocrisy
whenever we are praying with others? We find the same emphasis in Jesus'
teaching about doing good and fasting. - "Make sure that you don't
become like the hypocrites." When we move into the public sphere, we run
the risk of hypocrisy. We must never forget this - and we must pray
that God will deliver us from hypocrisy.
“At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem”, the keynote of the service was joyful thanksgiving. They gathered together “to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving” (Nehemiah 12:27). “On that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy” (Nehemiah 12:43). They sang “songs of praise and thanksgiving to God” (Nehemiah 12:46). This joyful thanksgiving is only a foretaste of the greater joy and thanksgiving of heaven: “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). In the city of God, “the glory of God” will be shining with everlasting brightness (Revelation 21:23). The Church of God will be “prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). The beautiful picture of the godly wife in Proverbs 31 gives us an outline of what God is seeking to do in His people. It is summarized in Proverbs 31:30: “A woman who fears the Lord is to be
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