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Day Five

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

                                                                                                                 Galatians 1:10 NLT

 

Are you a people-pleaser or a God-pleaser? How often do you run to the applause of people rather than God? I get caught up with the adrenaline of the crowd but forget that God is not impressed with my performance. How can we move from the applause of the crowd to the applause of Heaven?

First, prayer is not a performance, but a practice. We practice the presence of God when we pray. Jesus said, “But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6) Second, the practice of prayer begins in the secret place of consecration with God. I struggle with the busyness of my life, so I have to be intentional with finding the time to be alone with God. Every morning, I spend time alone with God confessing my sins, interceding, listening, and placing my heart on the altar of consecration. I pray through my day from the place of consecration, so that God can transform my life for His glory. Every night, I go back into the secret place confessing, interceding, and petitioning God to make a difference in my life. God is not impressed by my religion. Jesus said, Be careful that you dont practice your religion in front of people to draw their attention. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1)

God rewards those who seek Him alone. The practice of prayer begins with a humble heart which leads to a consecrated life of serving Jesus. God needs servants who are humble in heart and sold-out for Him. I can hear the applause of Heaven right now!