Hi Church,
I love how going deeper into the word gives us greater clarity to the type of people Jesus wants us to be. So often we can get carried along by our Christian culture or Church activity and forget that our activities for God are meant to be grounded in real faith practice that brings honourable worship to the Father and helps in our relationships with others.
In Matthew 6, Jesus lovingly calls us away from performing our faith for the applause of people and invites us into authentic devotion before the Father. Giving to the needy, offering prayer, extending forgiveness, and fasting from food are not religious displays designed to impress others; they are quiet expressions of a heart surrendered to God. The Father sees what is done in secret. He hears the prayers no one else hears, notices the generosity no one else sees, strengthens the forgiveness that may begin only in the hidden place of prayer, and honours the sacrifices made simply to draw nearer to Him. This is the Jesus way: devotion that flows from relationship, not reputation.
As His people, we are invited to live for an audience of One, trusting that our Father knows us, loves us, and rewards what is done from a sincere heart. May we be a church marked not by outward show, but by humble, joyful, faithful devotion to Jesus in every part of life.
Such a joy and blessing to have completed 10 years of life with you Grace Church.
Love you all
Ps Greg and Amand