Devo for 08/03/2025 service- Message by Pastor Andrew Thomas
Our series “The Way that Leads to Life” continued with Pastor Andrew bringing the Word out of Matthew chapter 6, with the key verses being verses 5-7. As Jesus continues His sermon on the Mount, he speaks of prayer; how we should, and should not, pray. I really like verse 6 as it shows the gentle and kind heart of God.
But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6
The fact that our creator wants us to go away and pray to him in our secret place, and then he will hear us and reward us, should remind us all how much He loves to be with us! It also shows how important our prayers are! James tells us “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
As I thought about this point, I was brought back to a message a few weeks back where we were challenged to pray a blessing over our enemies. And I realized the healing power that comes about when we humble ourselves before our Father and pray for those that, in our mind, “don’t deserve it.” Not to mention, we are intereceding for those who really need it!!
My encouragement to everyone this week is to do just as Matthew 6:6 tells us to do: go to a secret place and pray. Specifically pray for those who “don’t deserve it.”
So take time and pray for that person who you think hates you. That one person who bashes your Christianity, pray for their salvation. That person who hurt you in the past, pray that God will not hold what they did to you against them. That person that makes you uneasy when they approach you, pray favor over them. Pray that God will frustrate the purposes of those you know who have evil thoughts. Pray for anyone who you have “an issue” with!
“and never return evil for evil or insult for insult [avoid scolding, berating, and any kind of abuse], but on the contrary, give a blessing [pray for one another’s well-being, contentment, and protection]; for you have been called for this very purpose, that you might inherit a blessing [from God that brings well-being, happiness, and protection].” 1 Peter 3:9 (AMP)
I challenge us all to try this, every day for the next week. And then see how you feel. You won’t regret it!!
Don’t forget to invite God into your day!
Topic for Study
Pride
Romans 12:16
James 4:6
Proverbs 16:18
August Memory Verse:
Proverbs 12:15
“A fool’s way is right in his own eyes, but whoever listens to counsel is wise”