Works

Prophecy: works of gold, silver, presious stones

"However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness" Rom 4:5. We must trust God and believe that what Christ did on the cross paid the full debt of our sins. "Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes" Rom 10:4 "But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe" Rom 3:21. This is just saying in a nutshell, He took all of our sins and suffered as through He himself did them and we receive His righteousness deposited to our account and get credit for what He did as though we did it ourselves.

Faith in the work of Christ brings salvation and work for Christ after we are saved brings rewards in heaven.

We saw the other day that our works are to be tried in fire. If we build out of wood, hay or stubble, we have no reward. If our works are of gold, silver, or precious stones we shall receive a reward. 1 Cor 3:14.

Works of gold
In side the Holy place of the Tabernacle where the deeds of worship took place everything was made of gold. The wise men brought gifts of Gold. They came to worship Him. The golden candlestick was made of pure gold. It illumined the holy place so they could see to worship God. The Holy Spirit is essential for us to worship God in Spirit and truth" John 4:23. It seems this represents our worship of God and doing what we do for the glory of God.

Works of silver in Scripture is associated with redemption Num 3:46-51. Most believe this is our works in evangelism. It involves the "sowing of seed" Matt 13, and some shall fall by the wayside, some on stony ground, some among the thorns but some on good ground and we shall be rewarded no matter what the results may be. One plants, another waters but God gives the increase 1 Cor. 3:6-8 "and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor." And so it is all for His glory and lo and beheld we are blessed and rewarded for it all.

Works of precious stones
The priests wore the breast plate of the costly stones with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel as the priests went to the altar of incense, the place of prayer. "Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD" Ex. 28:29. What a fabulous description of intercessory pray for others. Great will be the reward thereof.

Learn about the rewards of crowns on Friday.

O dear people. It does matter how we live down here after we are saved. You can get a spanking down here or a reward up there.

Prayer: Father, may we live so that we get a "full reward" and have treasures in heaven and crowns to lay at Jesus feet. In Jesus name.

An Amazing Story

An amazzing story and most encouraging, U'll weep
I have never sent something like this before. You will rejoice and weep with joy. ABC sumner

A man from Norfolk, VA called a local radio station to share . His Name was Robert Matthews.  These are his words: "A few weeks before Sept 11th, 2001, my wife and I found out we were going to have our first child. She planned a trip out to California to visit her sister. On our way to the airport, we prayed that God would grant my wife a safe trip and be with her. Shortly after I said, "Amen," we both heard a loud pop and the car shook violently.  We had blown out a tire. I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed her flight. Both very upset, we drove home. I received a call from my father who was retired FDNY.

He asked what my wife's flight number was, but explained that we missed the flight. My father informed me that her flight was the one that crashed into the southern tower. I was too shocked to speak.

My father also had more news for me; he was going to help. "This is not something I can just sit by for, I have to do something." I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because he had never given his life to Christ. After a brief debate, I knew his mind was made up. Before he got off of the phone, he said, "take good care of my grandchild."

Those were the last words I ever heard my father say; he died while helping in the rescue effort. My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been answered quickly became anger.

Anger at God, at my father, and at myself  I had gone for nearly 2 years blaming God for taking my father away. My son would never know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ, and I never got to say goodbye.

Then something happened.  About 2 months ago, I was sitting at home with my wife and my son, when there was a knock on the door. I looked at my wife, but I could tell she wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the door to a couple with a small child. The man looked at me and asked if my father's name was Jake Matthews. I told him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand and said,  "I never got the chance to meet your father, but it is an honor to meet his son."

He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and had been caught under debris. He then explained that my father had been the one to find his wife and free her.

My eyes welled up with tears as I thought of my father giving his life for people like this. He then said, "there is something else you need to know." His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she talked to him and lead him to Christ. I began sobbing at the news. Now I know that when I get to heaven, my father will be standing beside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family would be able to thank him themselves."

When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew in honor of the man who gave his life so mother and baby could live.

This story should help us to realize two things: First, that though it has been several years since the attacks, we should never let it become mere tragic memory. And second, but most important, God is always in control.

We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never know this side of heaven, but God is ALWAYS in control.

Please take time to share this amazing story with those you love.

You may never know the impact it may have on someone.