Tag: reward
Keeping mission focus!
Scripture reading for October 7: 2 Timothy 4
“”. . .preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suite their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:5-8
Paul was writing for his last time from prison while awaiting beheading for preaching the Gospel. His son in the faith, Timothy was in Paul’s prayers and thoughts. He encouraged Timothy to continue the good fight of faith along the pattern he had modeled. Paul plainly called for Timothy to boldly and plainly preach the Word of God, doing the work of an evangelist. He warned him that some would have itching ears and would not accept God’s Word. Timothy was not to waver, even if suffering for preaching and teaching. This was part of the package. He was to fulfill the calling on his life as Paul was now finishing his race: strong in the faith.
Paul testified to Timothy of his confidence in his future reward. He had been assured of the crown of righteousness from the Lord, Himself. Jesus was the Righteous Judge Who would deal with each person in total righteousness and justice. Paul called Timothy to so live his life and run the race of faith that he too would receive the reward.
What insights from Paul’s last letter and advice to Timothy help you to set priorities in your own life? Are you confident in a reward from the Righteous Judge or concerned about facing Him? Does the promise of suffering for the Gospel and the possibility of martyrdom bring concern?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Paul’s clear witness of his confidence and faith in Your promises and Word. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and boldness to preach the Word of God even in the face of rejection or persecution. With Paul and the faithful saints, I plan on standing by faith in the finished work of Jesus. Amen.
Everything made new!
Scripture reading for December 31st: Revelation 21-22
The end of the Bible tells of a new beginning! All who were faithful to Christ would live in a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells. All who enjoy this new beginning have been faithful and trusted Christ. He has faithfully done what He promised.
John saw a holy city, the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. This city was prepared like a bride for her husband. (Revelation 21:2) A voice from heaven announced that the dwelling place of God is now among men and He will live with them. He will comfort them and change the order of their existence. There will be no more tears, crying or pain. God would make everything new!
The New Jerusalem contains the most precious and beautiful treasures for the redeemed. There is the river of life that flows from the throne of God. It’s waters are crystal clear and flowing abundantly. The banks of the river are lined with the tree of life, bearing fruit each month of the year. It’s leaves bring healing to the nations. The best treasure of all is those who dwell in this city will have the Lamb dwelling in their midst and they will see His face! What blessed peace and joy will be ours when we see Him and behold Him in all His glory!
“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.” (Revelation 22:12-14)
Three times in this final chapter the Lord speaks of His soon return, and the final “blessed” concerns those who have their wedding clothes ready for His coming! The Spirit and Bride conclude with an invitation to all to come and join the Bridal party of those waiting for His return! May you be ready too!
As we come to the last day of this year, I am so blessed to have been able to write through the entire Bible. I know that I have experienced Jesus Christ in every book. I also know the Lord’s heart better and feel that I have grown spiritually in ways that I would not have without writing. Thank you for sharing this journey with me and please join me again next year! In His Love, Pastor John Morse
Generosity is rewarded!
Scripture reading for February 24: Deuteronomy 12-16
In many cultures, the poor and needy are viewed as under the judgment of the gods. These people are despised and live in the worst conditions on the fringes of society. Children born in the families are destined to live in poverty, sickness, and usually have an early death. India has millions living in the caste system and viewed as nearly untouchable by their peers. The Hindu religion and the teaching of reincarnation and this caste system keeps the bondage in place.
The God of the Bible, creator of heaven and earth, is compassionate and merciful. When He formed the nation of Israel and delivered them from slavery, He instructed them in the care of those society had looked down upon. The orphans and widows were singled out for care by the Lord. (Deuteronomy 14:28-29) God promised to bless the Israelites for caring for them. The alien was also to be cared for, because the Israelites were also aliens and strangers in Egypt and could identify with what it was like to on the outside of the economic and political power system.
God said that there should be no poor among His people. (Deuteronomy 15:4) The reason given was that if they fully obeyed the Lord in keeping all His commands, God would so bless them that they would have an abundance to help others. They would lend only and not borrow. (Deuteronomy 15:6) They would also rule and not be in servitude. “. . the borrower becomes the slave of the lender.” (Proverbs: 22:7)
God said that some would be poor among His people because of disobedience and they would need help. Those who were fully obeying the Lord were to be generous with the poor. They were not to be “tight-fisted” or “hard-hearted” towards their poor brothers, but to be “open-handed” and “freely lend”. (Deuteronomy 15:7-10) God said it was sinful to be stingy toward the poor brother! (Proverbs 14:31) He was indicating His love for those who are truly needy. God always pays well when we help the poor, for He promises to repay what we will give. (Proverbs 19:7)
Take time today to remember someone who is in need or suffering because of poverty. As the Holy Spirit guides you, be generous and give cheerfully. “A generous man will prosper and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25)
Abraham believed God!
January 6th Scripture Reading: Genesis 12-14
Genesis 12:2-3 “And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those that bless you, and him that dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
About 2000 years before Christ and about 400 years after the tower of Babel, God spoke to a man in Ur of the Chaldeans in the land that is now called Iraq. This man’s name was Abram and he was about 75 years old and married to a woman named Sarai. They were childless and already beyond the years of child-bearing. God made promises to them and their offspring.
God gave Abram eight specific promises: (1) I will make you a great nation, (2) I will bless you, (3) I will make your name great, (4) You will be a blessing, (5) I will bless those who bless you, (6) I will curse those who curse you, (7) All peoples of the earth will be blessed through you, (8) To your offspring I will give this land (Canaan). (Genesis 12:2-3, 7.) God then asked Abram to leave his home and go to a land that God would show him. Abram did exactly what God asked, and his faith gave him righteousness.
Faith looks at God Who made the promises and chooses to believe that He is able to fulfill them! That’s exactly what God is calling us to do! He asks us to believe Him now and be blessed and become a blessing. “And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
Which of the promise of God is most precious to you? Are you ‘fully persuaded’ that God’s promise of salvation belongs to you? What is that persuasion based on? What really pleases God?
“Yet he (Abraham) did not waver in unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” Romans 4:20-21
Eyes like a flame of fire
Scripture reading for December 1st: Revelation 2, Psalm 90, Proverbs 23
Revelation 2: 18-23 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: “The Words of the Son of God, Who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze. “‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your later works exceed the first. But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.”
Thyatira was one of the churches John oversaw. He relayed the message of Jesus to them some 65 years after Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus described Himself as “the Son of God, Who has eyes like a flame of fire.” Jesus saw everything and knew everything about His people and His Church. He loved them and faithfully warned the church of what He saw that would cause trouble. In this church, there was a woman named ‘Jezebel’, who called herself a ‘prophetess’. Beware of self-proclaimed ministers or prophets! Test them by their teaching and living. Jezebel, like the Old Testament wife of Ahab, was immoral and lacked a reverent fear of God. God was merciful, but she refused to repent. Judgment was coming to her and those following her teaching and example! The flaming Eyes see and know and will decisively act!
Psalm 90:16-17 “Let Your work be shown to Your servants, and Your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your Son, and His ministry of overseeing His Church through appointed overseers like John the Apostle. Thank You for warning Your Church. May each person have discernment and wisdom to walk in Your way and obey Your Word. Use me in whatever way You desire to live out an example of integrity and honor of You and Your Word. Establish the work of our hands, Lord Jesus!
Proverbs 23:19-21 “Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way. Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.”
Serve now, rule eternally
Scripture reading for July 27th: Luke 22, Psalm 149, Proverbs 25
Luke 22: 25-30 “And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the One Who serves. You are those who have stayed with Me in My trial, and I assign to you, as My Father assigned to Me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.””
God’s ways are different than man’s ways. The disciples were arguing about greatness when Jesus spoke plainly to them. They were to be servants here on earth, taking the lowest place, even in leadership positions. Jesus was their example, having just washed their feet! As they remained faithful to humbly serve God and others, they would receive great reward in Jesus’ kingdom. Jesus promised them places at His table and thrones of judgment in the coming eternal kingdom. God truly does take pleasure in His people who prove their faith by humble service and sacrifice! To them eternal rulership and future glory is promised. Praise the Lord!
Psalm 149:4-5, 9 “For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the humble with salvation. Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds.” . . .“to execute on them the judgment written! This is the honor for all His godly ones. Praise the Lord!”
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for not always humbly serving my brothers and sisters here, especially those who consider me their enemy. Give me a servant’s heart through Your indwelling Holy Spirit. Help me to stay true to You and Your example of servanthood. I am in awe that You would promise me the honor of future rulership and greatness as a reward for faithful servanthood! Amen! Praise the Lord!
Proverbs 25:21-22 “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”
Set apart to preach!
Scripture reading for March 22nd: Galatians 1, Psalm 58, Proverbs 27
Galatians 1: 11-16 “For I would have you know, brothers, that the Gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when He Who had set me apart before I was born, and Who called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son to me, in order that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, . . .”
Paul had a unique encounter with the risen Christ. He learned the Gospel, not from men, but from Christ Himself. He described it as a ‘revelation of Jesus Christ.’ Paul had persecuted the church, imprisoning those who followed Jesus and he even stood in agreement with their death in the case of Stephen. He felt that he was doing God a favor in his zeal for the traditions of Judaism. But Jesus appeared to him, and revealed His calling and the purpose of his life. Jesus set him apart–before birth! Jesus called him by His amazing grace, offering him forgiveness of sins and showing him eternal life. Jesus sent Paul to preach to the Gentiles and confirmed the Word with signs and power. Ask our Lord to confirm your calling and His plan for your life today. Jesus is our great reward!
Psalm 58:10-11 “The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance; he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked. Mankind will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God Who judges on earth.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your calling and setting me apart to preach Your Gospel. Thank You for those, like Paul, that spoke truth into my life and lived in the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for the trials and testing that have deepened my faith and trust in Your love and goodness. Empower me today to fulfill Your will and purposes for my life and in those to whom you send me.
Proverbs 27:21 “The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise.”
Living abundantly by faith!
Scripture reading for March 2nd: Numbers 1-2, Psalm 64, Hebrews 11
Hebrews 11:24-28 “By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing Him Who is invisible. By Faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the first-born might not touch them.”
Moses was a man of faith who came from God’s people of faith. Faith is the substance of things not seen, the evidence of things hoped for.(Hebrews 11:1) When Moses was older, he chose mistreatment with the people of God, rather than a life of pleasure in Egypt as a part of the ruling Pharaoh’s household. Moses, saw Jesus Christ and His reproach by faith and chose identification with Christ as the most precious treasure and his ultimate reward. By faith, Moses kept the Passover by sacrificing a lamb and sprinkling the blood to keep the destroying angel at bay. Moses followed God’s Word and lived a life that pleased God! We can only please God by trusting in His Son Jesus and faithfully living!
Numbers 1:1-3 “The Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tent of meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying, “Take a census of all the congregation of the people of Israel, by clans, by father’s houses, according to the number of names, every male, head by head. From twenty years old and upward, all in Israel who are able to go to war.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for revealing to Your people their eternal riches in Christ Jesus and calling them to live by faith. Thank You for Jesus Christ, our Passover Lamb, slain for our protection from the death angel and the penalty of sin. You have truly provided an abundant salvation! I rejoice in You and take refuge in Your amazing provision.
Psalm 64:7-10 “But God shoots His arrow at them; they are wounded suddenly. They are bought to ruin, with their own tongues turned against them; all who see them will wag their heads. Then all mankind fears; they tell what God has brought about and ponder what He has done. Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in Him! Let all the upright in heart exult!”
Fire will test our works!
Scripture reading for August 27th: 1st Corinthians 3
Key Scriptures: 1st Corinthians 3:11-15 “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid–which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw–each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.”
The Corinthians were very spiritually minded in some ways, but were carnally minded in others. Paul pointed out the divisions in the church body around certain teachers. He pointed out that this was worldly thinking for each person has an assignment from God and works to do. God is looking for those who are faithful in obedience. The Church is like a house with one foundation and cornerstone–Jesus Christ! Each person must be careful to follow Christ alone, and not idolize church leaders or any man. Our works will all be judged one day–on the Day of Christ at the judgment seat of Christ, where each person will receive reward (or suffer loss) for the deeds done in the body. This is not to determine salvation, but eternal reward in God’s Presence.
1st Corinthians 3:16 “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”
Faith confession and prayer: Father, forgive me for any division or harm I may have caused Your Body by exalting men or criticizing those in leadership. Give me grace each day to accomplish Your prepared works in a spirit of humility and grace. Help me to build with gold, silver or precious stones!
2nd Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
Serve now, recline later!
Scripture reading for April 1st: Luke 22
Key Scriptures: Luke 22:24-30 “A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the One who serves. You are those who have stayed with Me in My trials, and I assign to you, as My Father assigned to Me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
Jesus’ disciples argued with each other about who would have the greatest honor and place of authority in the coming kingdom of God. They assumed a soon-to-be revealed physical kingdom. Jesus admonished them that although greatness in this world is associated with being served, it is those who serve now who will enjoy the greatest honor in the coming kingdom. By humbly serving God and other, we gain opportunity to share the Gospel and kingdom of God with them. Jesus Himself set an example of serving and those following Him must have that attitude. The greatest honor in future kingdom of God will be for those serving Jesus in this life with zeal and humility. It’s God’s Word!
Matthew 7:12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your great example of serving others by giving Your time on earth and life to obeying the Father and serving others. Help me learn from You daily that greatness in Your kingdom is serving God and others. As we give service to others, Lord, open their hearts to Jesus Christ, our Master Servant!
Proverbs 21:25-26 “The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.”