God's Promises

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.

Jesus, talking to his disciples in Luke 18:29-30 says, "I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life."

God's word says in 1 Corinthians 2:9, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." There is no doubt that this promise surpasses anything we could ever receive here on earth.

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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