www.patstanton.org
Oct 7, 2021

The Practice of Kingdom Life - By Pat Stanton


What are acts of righteousness Jesus gave importance to? Why did He say they should be done in secrecy?

Matthew 6:1-18 gives an informative teaching for good habits of Kingdom life. Jesus talks about giving, praying, and fasting. He said when you give to the poor, you should not blow a trumpet and call attention to the poor, so you can make a show of your giving.

Rather, Jesus said, if your charitable deeds are done in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. We are told not to be a hypocrite or play actor when it comes to giving.

Jewish tradition said there was in the temple a "chamber of secrets" into which the devout people used to put their gifts in secret, so the poor could also receive support in secret. God certainly looks at the motive for our giving.

What kingdom principals and rules bring positive rewards? We have definite steps to effective prayer given by Jesus Christ in Matthew 6:6.

1.  Go into your room

2.  Shut the door

3.  Pray to the Father in secret

The Lord wants us to periodically shut the door on activity and interaction with others. He wants to spend private quiet time with us. He desires our full attention in times of prayer, so we can share our heart with Him.

Can you get alone with God? He got alone with you in the very beginning of your existence.

Psalm 139:13-15 states:  "For you formed me and made me in my mother's womb. You saw me as I was being formed in secret (in utter seclusion) as I was woven together in the dark (in my mother's womb).

He is the Master designer and creator of life. Are you up to date in your contact with God? Do you have the highest level of direct contact with Him? We have been promised complete and daily direction for our lives as we remain in high level communion with Father God.

Proverbs 3:6 "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." The word acknowledge is Hebrew, yada'.  

It can mean:

1.  To know by observation

2.  Investigation

3.  Firsthand experience

From time to time, we need to look at all of our ways to see if we measure up to His Kingdom standards. He often waits to spend time with us.