There is so much in Matthew 6, but, like chapter five, we will only touch on two. We will come back and visit more another time, because, after all, one always wants to find something new when reading the scriptures! 1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. When donating to the poor - or giving service - it should be in secret. Meaning, one should not announce on social media that you have given money to a charity--that's over-simplifying but you can think about what you are looking for when you are doing service. Is it recognition? Do you want someone to know that you have done this? Our family helps with Toys for Tots each year and we do let people know - why? Because we try to let others know they are still in need o fvolunteers. Now, what we do not talk about is if we donate toys and how much we donate. There is no need to 'broadcast' that. So, there is a time and a place. If you are giving of your time or material and you want a pat on the back, you are doing it for the wrong reason. Now, that said, one can start off for the wrong reason BUT the feeling one receives while providing service will eventually change hearts. 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. The second one is the Lord's Prayer. Is it a rote prayer, or is it the guide for prayer? Take the prayer and insert what is personal to you. Then you are taking the prayer and internalizing it. Which will, then work yourself into knowing how to do a prayer that is not rote and, instead, thoughtful. Your goal for this time is to take note of one's prayers. Is there gratitude to our Heavenly Father? Is there acknowledgement of Heavenly Father's gifts in your life? Are you laying your needs on Heavenly Father's shoulders? Are you acknowledging those that you have forgiven, and then asking for forgiveness for yourself? Are you leading your life as such that the Holy Ghost is your constant guide to warn you of bad situations or decisions? This is your goal, to begin offering thoughtful, meaningful prayers.
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Carolyn Bendall"After years of teaching people how to develop their 'outside' image; we realized the 'inner image' need just as much work. Let's take this journey together!" Archives
August 2022
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