Day Ten: Which Reward Do You Want?

Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ. Beloved, today you have moved into a new phase in your 21 day journey. Today is day number 10. You have moved into double digit days on your journey. Congratulations to each and every one of you. That is awesome. Remember this is a process. You don’t have to be perfect, but you want to be committed.

Today let us revisit the text we looked at yesterday. Yesterday we talked briefly about the point that we do not want to be hypocrites. We want to behave in a way that Christ says is appropriate, for those of us who seek him. We are believers. Today let’s take another look at another part of this text.

NLT
Matt. 6:16 ¶ “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.
Matt. 6:17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face.
Matt. 6:18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Hypocrites short change themselves by receiving the reward of men whom they are trying to impress. This reward, I assure you, at best, lacks the luster of any reward God can give to us. Here is the assurance the we receive from the word of God. Fasting produces rewards. There is the reward from Man, that is the result of showing man how pious you are. Which is nothing more than their assent that you are a pious person. This for me is worthless. Then there is the reward from our heavenly Father. Which reward do you want? I know I have made up my mind. I would much rather have the assurance of Holy Writ, which tells me he will never forsake those who seek him.

King James Version
Psa. 9:10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

I would much rather have the reward of knowing that God who answers prayer, will hear my request and grant them.

King James Version
Job 6:8 ¶ Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!

Beloved this is a goal worth reaching for. Who cares what man decides about me. I want to obtain the ear of God, and the assurance that he hears me, and can grant my request. Again I ask, which reward do you want? What is more important to you? If the reward of God is more important, then you are on your way to receiving your reward.

Hang in there. Just do today. Drink all the water you can. At the very least drink 8-10 glasses today. You are doing so well.

Live Life on Purpose and Not By Mistake,
Yours Because I am His,
Leo Colon
pastor@ihpfwc.org
http://www.ihpfwc.org