But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6
While my plan is to resume my study of Isaiah tomorrow, for today I once again listen to DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion - which today focuses on John Piper's response that Christian Hedonism puts the interests of man above God. Of course, those who know John Piper, his teachings, and what he says about Christian Hedonism, all point to how the interests of God and man are aligned because Piper writes in today's devotion (and others) that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." Today Piper uses Matthew 6:6 as the text to illustrate his response. He writes that the joy attached to referenced reward in the text "is a reward he wants us to seek. He does not lure us with joy we shouldn’t have! But this reward — this joy — is the overflow of turning away from human praise, and going into our closet to seek God." Earlier in the devotion he states: "[w]hen we humble ourselves like little children and put on no airs of self-sufficiency, but run happily into the joy of our Father’s embrace, the glory of his grace is magnified and the longing of our soul is satisfied. Our interest and his glory become one." Amen - believers should run into the arms of our Father's embrace - daily and all day long!
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and who blesses me indescribably and innumerably - and I am stunned and amazed every day that You do this. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of these blessings, nor my salvation - I know this. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
