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God Promises Rewards
Isn't is exciting to
receive a reward? As a small child, we quickly learn what this means.
Children compete in school for high marks on their report cards. We
enter competitive games, such as school athletics and various kinds of
contests, hoping to win the prize. The Olympics, being the ultimate in
sporting events, bestows a prized honor for its recipients. Competition
is fierce in our professional status for achievement and acknowledgement.
Most of us seek approval and recognition in all aspects of life.
These accolades are indeed
wonderful to have. However, they only last while we are here on this
earth. God promises rewards here on this earth as well as eternal
rewards.
God promises rewards for
those who keep his commandments. In Jeremiah 17:10, God's word says, "I
the LORD
search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his
conduct, according to what his deeds deserve."
It is important that in our works,
we honor God and not men. In Colossians 3:23-24 we are told, "Whatever
you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a
reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Life is full of trials. As
Christians we need to stay close to God in prayer for strength and
encouragement. The Bible tells us in James 1:12, "Blessed is the man who
perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive
the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
Examples of rewards we can receive
now!
David says in Psalm 18:20, "The LORD
has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of
my hands he has rewarded me.
Boaz speaking to Ruth in Ruth
2:13, says "May the LORD repay you for what you
have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD,
the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."
In Hebrews
11:6, God's word says, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone
who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those
who earnestly seek him." I believe this verse refers to rewards both in
this life and the life to come.
Noteworthy:
The entire chapter of Hebrews 11 is about faith. The word faith is
mentioned 23 times.
Let us be like Paul, who
says in Philippians 3:14, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize
for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
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