Matthew 6

In today's devotional, Jesus' teaching challenges the people to re-evaluate their motives in areas like; giving, fasting, praying, money and possessions. About giving, Jesus says to address the motive for giving, it must be focused on providing for the need of others, it is not to draw attention to yourself. Your giving should be done privately. "But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you." Matthew 6:3‭-‬4 NLT. About prayer, Jesus says God see even what happens in the secret place. I said this morning that God hears our thoughts as loud as he hears our voices. Direct your prayers to God. Praying is not for the purpose of people knowing you can pray; "“When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!" Matthew 6:7‭-‬8 NLT. Next Jesus says; “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!" Matthew 6:22‭-‬23 NLT. Jesus is talking about what you are focused on. In other words, what the eyes allows pays attention to, determines our interest; heaven or earth. Next; "And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?" Matthew 6:30 NLT. Simply put, worrying is a sign of a lack of faith. A lack of trust in the ability and integrity of God to supply your needs.