Eternal rewards

DEAR GOD: My Mind Is Set On Things Above~

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The Kingdom of GOD

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” –Matthew 6:19-21

Colossians 3:2 also says- “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” This verse is part of a larger passage that exhorts Christians to live a new life in Christ, who is their life and their hope of glory.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:19-21 – that our rewards are in Heaven and we should set our mind on the treasures above – for where our treasure is, there too is our heart!

The apostle Paul continues Jesus’ teachings thereby urging believers to put to death their sinful nature and to put on the new self, which is being renewed in the image of God.

He also tells them to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love, which are the marks of the new humanity in Christ.

Paul also instructs Christians to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts (Philippians 4:13) to let the word of Christ dwell in them richly, and to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father.

The main idea of Colossians 3:2 passage, is Christians are called to live a heavenly-minded life, not a worldly-minded one. This does not mean that they should ignore or neglect their earthly responsibilities, such as work, family, or society. Rather, it means that they should view everything from a higher perspective, that of God’s will and purpose.

They should seek the things that are above, where Christ is, not the things that are on the earth, which are passing away.

They should set their minds on the eternal realities, not the temporal ones. They should live as citizens of heaven, not as slaves of the world- (Philippians 3:20)

By setting their minds on things above, Christians can experience the joy and peace that come from knowing Christ and being united with him.

They can also resist the temptations and pressures that come from the world, the flesh, and the devil. They can also witness to the world the transforming power of the gospel, which can change lives and renew the creation.

They can also look forward to the day when Christ will appear, and they will appear with Him in glory, sharing in His inheritance and His reign.

To set our minds on things above, we need to cultivate a close relationship with Christ, who is our life. We need to spend time with Him in prayer, worship, and meditation on His word.

We need to seek His guidance and direction in every decision and action. We need to obey his commands and follow His example. We need to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves. We need to remember that we are not our own, but we belong to Him, who died for us and rose again.

We need to live for His glory, not our own. We need to set our minds on things above, not on this world, and the things in it. Rather the Eternity and the Eternal rewards that will ultimately come to fruition when we are called “home.”

“Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You for this day and moment in time, help me to keep my heart and mind fixed on You and Your Kingdom where You reign in glory. You are my heavenly goal, and with You is where I want to be! I will look ahead with hope in my heart and soul, knowing Your promises are real, and Your love in unsurpassed and unparalleled, Come, Lord Jesus! Amen!”

DEAR GOD: My Faithful God-You Have My Heart~

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Faithful God - YouTube

Revelation 22:12- “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.”

When a Christian is totally connected with the LORD many things begin to become transparent on their journey. There is a “lighter” feeling inwardly and a self-confidence begins to soar where it ordinarily wouldn’t have before their journey with God.

As we read His Word and begin to incorporate His commandments and His doctrine into our way of living, things have a way of “opening” up in a seemingly easy manner, as opposed to not being a believer.

Matthew 16:27 -For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds.

How do I know this? Where do I get such information?  From firsthand experience in life!  Having worked in the Medical/Social Services field mainly in the Nursing Home Industry as Director of these facilities, I have witnessed many bedside “deaths.”  And I can assure you this, as my personal in-depth analysis…those who believed in God and had an intimate and close relationship with Christ died a peaceful death, compared to those who did not know God.

Hebrews 10:35 -Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.

For one thing those who knew and followed God… they weren’t fearful, and they were at “peace” with knowing where they were going once, they left this earth. They were anxious to meet God and happy to know their days in pain and anguish were almost over. Even those who aged naturally without painful maladies or diseases, they were looking forward to “collecting their crown” along with the LORD’s promises and rewards in Heaven.

Matthew 5:12- Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

They also shared another very common characteristic; they had a calm demeanor/countenance that was very welcoming to all those they encountered. They never spoke harshly about others, held no malice towards any particular person or place, and offered words of love about God and Jesus’ Gospel. Plus, they had a “real inner light” that glowed when you spoke to each of these individuals. You know why that is? Because God had their heart in His hands…they gave it willingly…and they loved Him openly.

Isaiah 40:10 -Behold, the Lord God will come with might, With His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him And His recompense before Him.

It all comes down to commitment and love for God. When we apply the character of Christ into what we do, where we go, who we speak with, and our personal choices. The choices we make in this lifetime follow us into the next!  It’s that simple—really.

Does your light shine when you meet others? Do you have a peaceful demeanor/countenance? Do you believe in the LORD and His Word, promises and His love? I tell you this my brothers and sisters, it makes all the difference in this world, and it will make ALL the difference in the NEXT world.

Luke 6:23 -Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets.

“Father God, may I choose You in all I do, say and go, may I be ever faithful to You night and day, all the days of my life, here on earth and into the eternity, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: I AM INFUSED BY YOUR SPIRIT~

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The Bible offers many lessons on how to make a difference in life. We are called to resist conformity to worldly patterns and renew our minds according to God’s Word. By seeking His guidance and transforming our way of thinking, we can then completely discern God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will for each of us.

Standing with and by God’s Word and will for our lives enables us to make choices and take actions that align with His purpose, and inherently will make a positive impact on others, as well as our lives. But only when it is according to HIS will, not ours.

You see when we rely on God and trust Him fully in all we do and acknowledge Him— He will direct our paths. And when we realize we need Him and aren’t using our “own wisdom” or devices, and love Him fully and keep from evil, it will be health for us inside and out (Proverbs 3:5-8).

The Bible teaches us that to make a difference, we should read the Bible, connect with God, serve others selflessly, and renew our minds according to God’s Word. Each session we spend with God on an intimate basis, that is getting to know Him, understand His word and how to apply it to our lives, we gain introspection into how we should live. We gain access into living life successfully while adhering to His commandments.

The Bible is a perfect testimony of who God is and what He’s like. After all, it’s inspired by God and it’s profitable for teaching, admonishing, rebuking, training us to be disciplined and walk in righteousness.

Plus, through His Word, God shows us and gives us everything in His book required of us to lead a life of goodness and demonstrate love towards each other.

Each of us are unique, yet all have the impact to make a difference in the world. The Holy Spirit will guide us and teach us as we go along in this world. The Spirit isn’t stagnant.  Instead, the Spirit will continuously move and flow effortlessly when we are aware, open and engaged with the Word on a daily basis. He is given to us as a “gift” when we accept the LORD readily. We are given that wonderful and glorious gift from the Father, and He is infused within us always.

 Luke 24:49 (NLT) – “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”

“Father, may I always be connected to You on every level in my life, may I consult with You before I go about my tasks in early morning, may I seek Your face in all I do, and may I please You in all of my ways, all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: What Should I Do At This Stage In My Life?~

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I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.

Isaiah 464 (NLT)

 

Some of us as we age do what is called a “life review” in our mind. That’s a time log of events and things that transpired in your lifetime, both good and bad, and all the in between times. Some people are filled with many regrets, some have little regrets. And still others, who have “no regrets whatsoever.” Those are the fortunate ones.

I thought about the steps in my life, and God was ultimately behind them all. Of course, there were a few in my youth that dictated my “teenage” years thinking I had all the answers. But I wasn’t the average rebellious type of individual in the teenage years, I was a timid and quiet type, and had the blessings of great godly parents, who taught me right from wrong. And God was always in the center of our lives. I never really went against authority, or the law.  Nonetheless, given youth and lack of maturity, there were decisions that were made along the way, that was less than favorable in terms of outcome. But through each experience, I gained wisdom.

Proverbs 2:6  (NLT)-For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.  

My 4o’s were the most productive in terms of career, and accomplishments in terms of doing “God’s work” and what He called me to do. That of course, as many of you who follow me know, it was my career in nursing home industry. I loved every moment of it. That is because God chose that profession for me. He ordained me to do so, and I followed. It was a spectacular time, and it fulfilled my purpose in life as God’s will and plans, thus the jubilation I felt, because it was God who did the planning. I merely followed course. When we do God’s will and follow our purpose, we invariably will be happy, because it was chosen by God.

Psalm 37:23 (NLT)-The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

Now in my senior years I wonder what’s next? I wonder when and how I will be used for His purpose. So let’s see, I’m an author and writer that stays within the parameters of my beliefs. I don’t wander outside the lines of what God expects to be in my writing. And most important, I mainly use it to glorify my LORD and to share the Word with my brothers and sisters throughout the world.

Mark 16:15 (KJV) – “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

There are times when I’ll be wondering, if through my web ministry if I’m reaching enough, doing enough, or expecting too much; but then I realize I’m right where I’m supposed to be, doing what I’m called to be doing.

Each decade of my life brought another dimension to my years. Each decade brought another aspect or clarity of the Word to my heart and soul. And each day is another day to learn, to share the Word, and to most especially, obey and love God with all my heart, mind, strength and soul.

Matthew 22:37 (NLT)- Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’

What came to me was very profound and yet perfectly simple. We are existing to serve God, no matter our age or circumstance. When we follow Him, we are surrendering to His will and His purpose in life. And when we “listen” to His voice, we know Him, and follow Him gladly and commit to Him in all things. Hearing Him and following Him is quite different from “hearing and doing nothing” —We MUST follow Him when we hear His voice.

John 10:27 (KJV)-“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

Are you doing all you can to serve Him daily? Have you expressed Your love in actions towards others?  Have you shared the Word?

“Father, thank You for guiding me since birth, showing me, leading me, and directing me to do Your will, may I continue to listen to Your voice and commandments all the days of my life, I am Yours, and I know You are my LORD, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: I Praise You and Choose You~

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“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

This verse encourages those of faith and followers that believe to pursue spiritual growth and transformation by aligning with God’s will. It is a course of action that we choose to partake in. It is a reality in which we live, and it is an assurance of comfort and dependability knowing there is a God.

Aligning with God’s word is fundamentally akin to building a house on the Rock, the foundation is sure and sturdy. No chance of it caving in or sending us toppling to the ground.

When we are with God in all we do, the mission is obvious and the rewards unmeasurable. The heaven’s rain down blessings when we become in-sync with God and His Word. We are able to think clearly, react appropriately and have an easier way of communicating with all that we encounter.

There are consequences to our behavior and actions. In psychology it was termed A-B-C.   Action = Behavior = Consequences. And so too for our choices in terms of our Christianity. Either rewards will be forthcoming, or not.

Choosing the world or God should be easy, a no-brainer as it’s said.

“Father, I pray for those in the darkness for them to see the light and to follow Your Word, and for their choice to be You and only You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Thank You My LORD~

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And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. Acts 16:25 (KJV)

The passage above is so important to every child of God to fully absorb and meditate upon. This happened after they were unceremoniously thrust into jail, for no reason at all. Their crime? Loving Christ, and following His commandments, and preaching His love.

Being locked up “physically” didn’t stop or alter Paul or Silas from reacting “Spiritually” and offering up their praise and surrendering to Him even in the midst of their crisis.

After they sand in jubilation and honor of the LORD, a great earthquake shook the foundations of the prison, thereby untying their hands that were bound, and opening the locked doors!  The guards were “put to sleep” by the LORD and didn’t awaken until after they escaped safely from the walls of that prison cell. (Acts 16:26)

We as Christians should follow suit. When we are encased in physical pain, or tribulations in the flesh, it is inherent that we act from spiritually.  We should praise the LORD irrespective of what is happening. No matter the issue, or magnitude of deep despair, recognize and acknowledge Him in all we do, and He will direct our paths. (Proverbs 3:5)

God’s love is limitless, and His Omnipotence knows no bounds. It exceeds the basis of our fundamental comprehension. It is a massive and all-consuming fire of love and depth, of which there none other.

Presenting a spiritual focus in all of our daily interactions takes time, but the more knowledge we absorb from His Word. (Proverbs 1:7) (Proverbs 9:10)

When we acquire the knowledge that comes from Him alone, and we ascribe to His commandments, and His ways…we can attribute all things to Him and by Him. This is when we act differently than those who don’t have a relationship with Him.

Those who have issues or bad things happen, usually blame God. Ostensibly, those who know the LORD realize that things happen, but with Him we can get through it.

There is a mind-set among Christians that shines above the darkness, and that mind-set is what can make all the difference in 24 hours for each day we live.

Also, we believe we will be rewarded one day in Heaven, when we are called home. We believe His promises, and we trust Him, and know He is our Savior. Those facts bring an enormous amount of comfort no matter what we are going through. Amen.

“Father God, thank You for Your Presence in my life, for Your promises, and for Your love, it is through You and only You that I can endure, and harness the energy to live through issues, while giving You all the glory no matter what, in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”