“Moreover, when you fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward” (Matthew 6:16).

I was reading in one of my prayer journals from last year. It was just about a year ago today that I was journaling through Matthew chapter six. This is a portion of what I wrote a year ago. “Genuineness is the theme. Yes, living in genuineness in every area, from my giving to my praying to my faithfulness, all of these things are dear to the heart of the Lord Jesus. It is what He taught. I want to be real for You, living in me, dear Lord Jesus. How unworthy and inadequate I am; yet how amazing You are.” This is still my prayer today. Recently, I was watching Antiques Roadshow. A person brought in a fine antique that had been supposedly in her family for many generations. She was shocked to discover that it was a fake. Though a lovely picture and beautifully framed, it was not genuine. It was an imitation! If I could have captured the look on that lady’s face, I would have framed it as well! Oh how deep was her disappointment. Likewise, I believe that the Lord Jesus is hurt and saddened when He sees hypocrisy. When fasting takes place, it is to be done in secret. The Pharisees made their faces look like they had been earnestly fasting. They were not genuine in their spiritual life. May this never be said of us.

For today: I want to be real and genuinely righteous as the Lord Jesus lives through me. How about you?