DAY 1:   Read Matt 6:1-6

 [1] “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. [2] When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. [3] But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. [4] Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. 

 [5] “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. [6] But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

James 1:2-3 NLT

• If you can describe a moment when the applause of people made you feel like you were on top of the world (i.e., that high school play, championship medal, or big wedding day), can you see why God is asking you to seek his applause versus the applause of people?  

• How do you do that?

Application:

• How can you start redirecting God’s glory back onto Him, rather than you receiving the praise?

• What are subtle ways to align your heart with Him when you serve?

Would you like a daily reminder of these devotionals for each week's sermon? Text "DEVO" to 512-877-5131 and you'll receive a text message after 8am Monday-Friday with a link to that day's devotional.