Rewards in Heaven

You have the same opportunity to equal rewards

There is so much in the Bible about rewards. In Luke 19 Jesus told the parable about a nobleman who gave his servants one pound each and told them to "occupy (or put to use what I gave you) till I come." Here each person was given the same amount and had equal opportunity. One put his to use and gained ten pounds and was rewarded by having authority over ten cities. One only gained five pounds and had authority over five cities. One of them did not put to use what God gave him and he lost what he had and was severely criticized.

The point is that in one respect we are all treated the same and given equal opportunity. Some put to use what God gives them and gain more and are rewarded more.

In Matt. 25:14-29 some are given more than others and are expected to gain more. They do but everyone who puts to use what God gave him, he is rewarded the same. It is so good to realize this and not get COVETOUS or jealous of someone who has more ability than we for we shall be judge according to what we have been given and get the same reward as someone who was given much more ability. Make sense?

There will be degrees of rewards. We shall rule with Christ during the Millennium thus the statement "you will be a ruler over 5 cites and 10 cities." More on this later.

Dear people, we must put to use our gifts and abilities for it will make a lot of difference one day. We are not left here to "endure to the end:" or to serve our time but to serve the Lord God of heaven and make a difference down here so it will make a difference for us up there.

Prayer: Father, bless the one reading this right now. May they put to use what You trusted them to use when you gave them gifts to put to use. In Jesus name

The Crown of Life

There are five crowns of rewards mentioned in the Bible. Last week we looked at the "incorruptible crown" for those who run and finish the race well and the "crown of rejoicing" for soul winners. Now lets look at three more.

"The crown of life."
"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance" James 1:2,3. "'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life" Rev. 2:10.

Life is tough. Life, not God, is often unfair. Life is full of potholes, obstacles, crosses, heart aches, trials, tribulations, and you name it. Too many fall by the wayside. Too many give up, quit, stop and miss the "crown of life." "In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy" 1 Cor. 4:2. I look forward to seeing YOU get your "crown of life." Remember Churchill's famous speech, "Never, never, never quit."

"The crown of righteousness."
"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 course, I have kept the faith; in the future 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 Tim.4:6-8. Let this soak in. It is fabulous, rich and eternal. This affects you and me here and hereafter for eternity. Hope to see you get this one too.

We must look forward to and love His appearing. This is one reason I am doing this series on prophecy. It is far more important to know this truth than who the antichrist is!

"The crown of glory."
"Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory" 1 Peter 5:2-4. See also 2 Tim. 4:1,2; Acts 22:26-28.

Having been a pastor, this is one of the most humbling and motivating passages in the Bible. I believe this could include those who teach a Bible or Sunday school class. Feed, don't fleece or fuss at those dear people God gives you. They are starving to be fed and led. They need to loved, not scolded, every Sunday. Please don't try to convict them. The Holy Spirit does a good job. We must not preach at them but for them. There is a lot of difference.

O dear preacher and people, what a privilege to know and serve the Lord of glory. And to think we get a crown just for doing what is the most wonderful privilege in the world. And I love you, all because of Calvary, sumner

Prayer: Father bless Your servants who preach Your Word. May we serve hot meals every time, and not quick little cold snacks, for Your glory. In Jesus dear name.