Super Youth for Jesus!
The Bible, time and again tells us, that God cares for our walk, not talk. True to that, when we come to the Book of Revelation, there is hardly any talk about talk. It is all works, works and works. We can talk the walk; but can we walk the Talk? It is easy to talk; but it takes a lot of energy and struggle to walk what we talk.
Tsunami like events testify that we are living in the last days. The Book of Revelation teaches us a lot about works. Whatever you hear is sweet to hear and eat. But when the Word penetrates you, goes into your depth and starts its work of transformation it will turn bitter. “So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me: Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey. I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour” (10:9,10) Let’s see what God has to say about works in the last days.
1. Works and Character
The emphasis placed on works outstands, as we read the Lord’s warning to each of the seven churches—
2:2 Ephesus “I know your works”
2:9 Smyrna “I know your works”
2:13 Pergamos “I know your works”
2:19 Thyatira “I know your works”
3:1 Sardis “I know your works”
3:8 Philadelphia “I know your works”
3:15 Laodicia “I know your works”
The Lord says, “I know your works…” and then goes on to talk about labour, patience, love, faith etc. Which means our character, that is our holiness. Our number one work is to build our character. Purity is a jewel. Many thieves will come to steal it. Beware! The honeybee will never, never sit on dirt though it may starve for want of flowers or honey. Remember, holiness is your priority, even if you have to sacrifice your life. Let’s not dilly-dally, but take holiness seriously.
While writing in his first letter to his disciple Timothy, Paul admonishes him, “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly” (4:7). Less talk, more work! As we take up this training, we find ourselves in the pit of failure often and feel like giving up. A Christian has no defeat. Defeat is when you refuse to get up from your fall. Every fall is a landmark achievement in your Christian walk, provided you recover. Appraise the situation and make decisions. Hard times teach you hard lessons. The day you say, “I give up,” is your doomsday. “Never quit”—live by these words all your life. Never let your optimism flag. Hang on to Jesus. He is our only recourse. Some who escaped the tsunami were those who clung to branches. Cling to Jesus and no tsunami can take you away. Look forward, never backward. As many times you fall, get up, put the past behind, dust your bottom and continue your walk. No doubt it’s a struggle. But let me quote Gab V. Pensadov here: “It’s no use looking up to heaven with too much faith and too little struggle.”
2. Works and Excellence (2:19)
“I know your works…and that you are now doing more than you did at first.”
This Thyatira Church had a passion for progress; it was becoming better everyday. Growth is the mark of a Christian. A baby grows everyday invisibly. Though you cannot measure its growth day by day, it is growing nonetheless. Our everyday spiritual growth may be microscopic but all the while we are growing. We are not where we want to be, but we are not where we were either. Growth stops at death. Spiritual inanition leads to backsliding. Work relentlessly for a better life. We are not perfect but we constantly aim to be better. A little more Bible study, an extra ten minutes of prayer, an additional outreach, a step-up in manifesting the fruit of the Spirit, ten marks more in all the subjects this year, an extra home responsibility! Reach new peaks. Let each year have a spectacular beginning. Throw yourself heart and soul into this effort. Let the spirit of excellence possess you.
For this you need fellowship. Some complain that they have only Sunday to rest, eat well, wash clothes and clean up. No, on no account stop going to church. Church going has fallen on difficult times lately. For some it is a weak substitute for a picnic on a boring Sunday. TV has become a fierce competitor for the church. Choose a good spiritual church where you get good Bible teaching, warm fellowship and sincere pastoral care. Be in touch with the pastor and his wife to share your sorrows, joys and problems. A senior, good friend or a teacher may be close to you. Take them into confidence and share your fears. Some of you are devastated and weeping inside. Trust your parents and take their help. If not, seek the help of a spiritual person. Pray with her/him. That will help you climb out of the valley.
Three or four of you can join together and write a Bible test each month. Get it corrected and give prizes. Compare notes on your development. Counsel and correct one another. Let that friend or senior check the TV programmes you watch, the calls you get in your mobile, the books you read, the letters you receive, the friends you go out with, the sites you visit in your computer. Be open and honest to your mentor. That’s the way to grow. The best mirror is a friend’s eye. Cheating her/him is cheating yourself.
To the church of Sardis the Word of the Lord was, “I have not found your works perfect in the sight of my God” (3:2). Your good must become better and your better best. Your best can become better too! Become excellent! Never be satisfied with what you are. In Proverbs 31:29 we read, “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” You must have a holy competition and transcend above all. You must become a super youth for Jesus, not a spider man. Show thumbs up sign, jump and say, “I am a super youth for Jesus.” Some are fans of Amitab Bacchan or Rajinikanth or Vijay. But you must be Jesus fans—100% Jesus stock!
3. Works and Open Door (3:8)
“I know your works, see, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my Word and have not denied my name.”
“Little strength!” Gideon suffered from inferiority complex. He thought he was the weakest and the least. But the Lord said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Medians’ hand. Am I not sending you?” (Jud 6:14). “Why do you look at your weakness?” God said, “It is I who is sending you.” Because of inferiority complex Gideon was hesitant to enter the door God opened for him. Many or most or all youth suffer from inferiority complex. They think they are weak, sick, deformed, disabled, unattractive, dull. Learn to ignore your weaknesses and cultivate your strengths.
Most girls wish they were boys. But God chose to make you a girl. Shout, “Hallelujah, I am a girl.” Don’t worry about your setbacks. Never entertain even a whiff of self-pity. The door is open before you. It is a great God who is commissioning you to the task. A police man may be thin as a drumstick. But when he stretches out his bony hand the big lorry halts. That’s because of unassailable authority vested on him. Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. THEREFORE go” (Mt 28:18-20).
When God opens doors who can shut? Go to your home, relatives, friends, school, college, neighbourhood and become friendly with people. Introduce them to the living God. Invite the neighborhood children and teach them Gospel songs and Bible stories. Two of you can start praying in the lunch interval and then start inviting others.
Did someone call you a fool? Very good. God wants you. Did your parent or teacher call you an useless zombie? Excellent. You are the right candidate for God’s job. “Brother, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise… influential...of noble birth. But God chose the foolish... weak… lowly... the despised things, and the things that are not” (1 Cor 1:26-28). God wants not Goliaths but little Davids; not stallions but donkeys. His grace is sufficient for you.
His strength shall be made perfect in your weakness. Ask what you can do for God, not the other way around.
4. Works and Tribulation (2:9-10)
“I know your works and your afflictions… Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer... Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
When you practice what you preach, satan will sift you as wheat.
“Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring — those who obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus” (12:17).
Testimony in mouth and obedience in life. Satan cannot tolerate this. He is going to wage a battle against you. He will fight tooth and nail to discourage you. But surrender is not an option. Throw him back on his heels as Jesus did. You will run into a myriad problems. You will face setbacks in health. What tomorrow if you are diagnosed for cancer? Will you deny Him? Will you be faithful till you kiss death? You will face problems at home. You may be an orphan bearing the brunt of a step-mother’s gibe. Problems in school, college or neighborhood may asphyxiate you. Or you may be battered by academic demands that you cannot satisfy. Some boy/girl may ditch you. Your father may be a drunkard, parents divorced, marriage delayed, failure in exams, poverty or whatever. Don’t push the panic button. Suicide is the devil’s voice. God has a bright future for you on this planet. That’s why the devil tries to kill you before time. When you see each crisis as an opportunity, life will become more fulfilling. You need to be all backbone to face any challenge. With Christ by your side you can tackle any problem.
Do you know the devil’s future? “And the devil who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur... They will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (20:10). You are fighting a battle which has already been won. You cannot possibly foresee the incredible events of your future. It is foretold in 7:13- 17. “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” “Great tribulation!” Yes, tribulation of unfathomable magnitude, that can drive you to madness and shatter you to pieces. There will come a time when suffering will be at an all time high. We must enter the small gate and walk through the narrow road (Mt 7:13). At the end of the road Jesus waits for you with a handkerchief. Keep your eyes on the crown of life and keep going.
5. Works and Future (14:13)
“Then I heard a voice from heaven say write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they will rest from their labour, for their works will follow them.”
Today you walk in Christ. You must keep on walking so, till you die in Christ. Then you can shake hands with death. We go to a place where there is no work or labour or struggle or pain or tears. Life and death are coworkers. Death is the finishline when you will be crowned for your good works. Your qualification, jewels, houses or bank balance are not going to accompany you. You are going to live only once on this earth. Don’t meander through life, walk purposefully. Only the good works you do will count on the last day. Ask this question in any decision that you make—Am I choosing something of eternal value or something of temporary value. Have your eyes on eternity. Time will one day run out for all of us. Then, on that D-Day what matters will be what we did here on earth.
Mary Slessor, white queen of the Calabar once spurned an amorous white missionary in Africa, because he refused to follow her to her field. Let any of your decision be eternity based as Paul admonishes the Colossians, “Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your heart on things above, not on earthly things” (3:1,2). Money has dumped many in hell. Let go all things which you cannot carry into eternal life.
6. Works and Judgment (20:12,13)
“The dead were judged according to their works.”
In the terrible judgment day there is no talk of talk. Judgment is according to works. What have you accomplished for God? How have you lived for God? There are too many things to do in life. Choose that which shall not be taken away from you. Before you do any thing ask this question, “Lord, is this Your will?” You will hear His gentle reply. He will reveal His will to you. Everyday pray that God will fill you with the knowledge of His will. You don’t need to be a Ph.D, to know God’s will. Fear God and obey His Word. Then you will never miss His will.
On that dark day knees will knock for fear. But those whose works were according to His will, will be lifted up. “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake; some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise (remember Mt 7:21-27?) will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Dan 12:2,3).
Have you been careful to do the will of God in your life? Of David it is written, “When David had served his own generation, by the will of God he fell asleep” (Acts 13:36). Can the same be said of you in the great white throne Judgment? God has brought you into this world to do His will. Wait on the Lord to know it. Serve that purpose and you never need to fear judgment.
7. Works and Rewards (22:12)
“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to his work.” Jesus said the same, “For the Son of man is going to come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will reward each person according to his works” (Mt 16:27). For what do you receive rewards?
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.”
“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?”
“When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”
“Love your enemies, do good to them and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great.”
“When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done is secret, will reward you.”
“When you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen and your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
“Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”
“The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor… His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.”
“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.”
“Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”
“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.”
It is hard for us to believe that when we pray or give a cup of coffee to a guest or help someone, or seek God, we have accolades on high.
There’s going to be a breathtaking award giving ceremony up there. Keep doing all the above till your life is done.
Set your mind on eternal rewards and keep marching forward as Moses who, “regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward” (Heb 11:26).
Be Super Youth for Jesus!
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
Click here for more options
To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
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Chennai 600 002, India.
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blc@bymonline.org
Super Youth for Jesus!
The Bible, time and again tells us, that God cares for our walk, not talk. True to that, when we come to the Book of Revelation, there is hardly any talk about talk. It is all works, works and works. We can talk the walk; but can we walk the Talk? It is easy to talk; but it takes a lot of energy and struggle to walk what we talk.
Tsunami like events testify that we are living in the last days. The Book of Revelation teaches us a lot about works. Whatever you hear is sweet to hear and eat. But when the Word penetrates you, goes into your depth and starts its work of transformation it will turn bitter. “So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me: Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey. I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour” (10:9,10) Let’s see what God has to say about works in the last days.
1. Works and Character
The emphasis placed on works outstands, as we read the Lord’s warning to each of the seven churches—
2:2 Ephesus “I know your works”
2:9 Smyrna “I know your works”
2:13 Pergamos “I know your works”
2:19 Thyatira “I know your works”
3:1 Sardis “I know your works”
3:8 Philadelphia “I know your works”
3:15 Laodicia “I know your works”
The Lord says, “I know your works…” and then goes on to talk about labour, patience, love, faith etc. Which means our character, that is our holiness. Our number one work is to build our character. Purity is a jewel. Many thieves will come to steal it. Beware! The honeybee will never, never sit on dirt though it may starve for want of flowers or honey. Remember, holiness is your priority, even if you have to sacrifice your life. Let’s not dilly-dally, but take holiness seriously.
While writing in his first letter to his disciple Timothy, Paul admonishes him, “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly” (4:7). Less talk, more work! As we take up this training, we find ourselves in the pit of failure often and feel like giving up. A Christian has no defeat. Defeat is when you refuse to get up from your fall. Every fall is a landmark achievement in your Christian walk, provided you recover. Appraise the situation and make decisions. Hard times teach you hard lessons. The day you say, “I give up,” is your doomsday. “Never quit”—live by these words all your life. Never let your optimism flag. Hang on to Jesus. He is our only recourse. Some who escaped the tsunami were those who clung to branches. Cling to Jesus and no tsunami can take you away. Look forward, never backward. As many times you fall, get up, put the past behind, dust your bottom and continue your walk. No doubt it’s a struggle. But let me quote Gab V. Pensadov here: “It’s no use looking up to heaven with too much faith and too little struggle.”
2. Works and Excellence (2:19)
“I know your works…and that you are now doing more than you did at first.”
This Thyatira Church had a passion for progress; it was becoming better everyday. Growth is the mark of a Christian. A baby grows everyday invisibly. Though you cannot measure its growth day by day, it is growing nonetheless. Our everyday spiritual growth may be microscopic but all the while we are growing. We are not where we want to be, but we are not where we were either. Growth stops at death. Spiritual inanition leads to backsliding. Work relentlessly for a better life. We are not perfect but we constantly aim to be better. A little more Bible study, an extra ten minutes of prayer, an additional outreach, a step-up in manifesting the fruit of the Spirit, ten marks more in all the subjects this year, an extra home responsibility! Reach new peaks. Let each year have a spectacular beginning. Throw yourself heart and soul into this effort. Let the spirit of excellence possess you.
For this you need fellowship. Some complain that they have only Sunday to rest, eat well, wash clothes and clean up. No, on no account stop going to church. Church going has fallen on difficult times lately. For some it is a weak substitute for a picnic on a boring Sunday. TV has become a fierce competitor for the church. Choose a good spiritual church where you get good Bible teaching, warm fellowship and sincere pastoral care. Be in touch with the pastor and his wife to share your sorrows, joys and problems. A senior, good friend or a teacher may be close to you. Take them into confidence and share your fears. Some of you are devastated and weeping inside. Trust your parents and take their help. If not, seek the help of a spiritual person. Pray with her/him. That will help you climb out of the valley.
Three or four of you can join together and write a Bible test each month. Get it corrected and give prizes. Compare notes on your development. Counsel and correct one another. Let that friend or senior check the TV programmes you watch, the calls you get in your mobile, the books you read, the letters you receive, the friends you go out with, the sites you visit in your computer. Be open and honest to your mentor. That’s the way to grow. The best mirror is a friend’s eye. Cheating her/him is cheating yourself.
To the church of Sardis the Word of the Lord was, “I have not found your works perfect in the sight of my God” (3:2). Your good must become better and your better best. Your best can become better too! Become excellent! Never be satisfied with what you are. In Proverbs 31:29 we read, “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” You must have a holy competition and transcend above all. You must become a super youth for Jesus, not a spider man. Show thumbs up sign, jump and say, “I am a super youth for Jesus.” Some are fans of Amitab Bacchan or Rajinikanth or Vijay. But you must be Jesus fans—100% Jesus stock!
3. Works and Open Door (3:8)
“I know your works, see, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my Word and have not denied my name.”
“Little strength!” Gideon suffered from inferiority complex. He thought he was the weakest and the least. But the Lord said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Medians’ hand. Am I not sending you?” (Jud 6:14). “Why do you look at your weakness?” God said, “It is I who is sending you.” Because of inferiority complex Gideon was hesitant to enter the door God opened for him. Many or most or all youth suffer from inferiority complex. They think they are weak, sick, deformed, disabled, unattractive, dull. Learn to ignore your weaknesses and cultivate your strengths.
Most girls wish they were boys. But God chose to make you a girl. Shout, “Hallelujah, I am a girl.” Don’t worry about your setbacks. Never entertain even a whiff of self-pity. The door is open before you. It is a great God who is commissioning you to the task. A police man may be thin as a drumstick. But when he stretches out his bony hand the big lorry halts. That’s because of unassailable authority vested on him. Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. THEREFORE go” (Mt 28:18-20).
When God opens doors who can shut? Go to your home, relatives, friends, school, college, neighbourhood and become friendly with people. Introduce them to the living God. Invite the neighborhood children and teach them Gospel songs and Bible stories. Two of you can start praying in the lunch interval and then start inviting others.
Did someone call you a fool? Very good. God wants you. Did your parent or teacher call you an useless zombie? Excellent. You are the right candidate for God’s job. “Brother, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise… influential...of noble birth. But God chose the foolish... weak… lowly... the despised things, and the things that are not” (1 Cor 1:26-28). God wants not Goliaths but little Davids; not stallions but donkeys. His grace is sufficient for you.
His strength shall be made perfect in your weakness. Ask what you can do for God, not the other way around.
4. Works and Tribulation (2:9-10)
“I know your works and your afflictions… Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer... Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
When you practice what you preach, satan will sift you as wheat.
“Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring — those who obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus” (12:17).
Testimony in mouth and obedience in life. Satan cannot tolerate this. He is going to wage a battle against you. He will fight tooth and nail to discourage you. But surrender is not an option. Throw him back on his heels as Jesus did. You will run into a myriad problems. You will face setbacks in health. What tomorrow if you are diagnosed for cancer? Will you deny Him? Will you be faithful till you kiss death? You will face problems at home. You may be an orphan bearing the brunt of a step-mother’s gibe. Problems in school, college or neighborhood may asphyxiate you. Or you may be battered by academic demands that you cannot satisfy. Some boy/girl may ditch you. Your father may be a drunkard, parents divorced, marriage delayed, failure in exams, poverty or whatever. Don’t push the panic button. Suicide is the devil’s voice. God has a bright future for you on this planet. That’s why the devil tries to kill you before time. When you see each crisis as an opportunity, life will become more fulfilling. You need to be all backbone to face any challenge. With Christ by your side you can tackle any problem.
Do you know the devil’s future? “And the devil who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur... They will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (20:10). You are fighting a battle which has already been won. You cannot possibly foresee the incredible events of your future. It is foretold in 7:13- 17. “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” “Great tribulation!” Yes, tribulation of unfathomable magnitude, that can drive you to madness and shatter you to pieces. There will come a time when suffering will be at an all time high. We must enter the small gate and walk through the narrow road (Mt 7:13). At the end of the road Jesus waits for you with a handkerchief. Keep your eyes on the crown of life and keep going.
5. Works and Future (14:13)
“Then I heard a voice from heaven say write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they will rest from their labour, for their works will follow them.”
Today you walk in Christ. You must keep on walking so, till you die in Christ. Then you can shake hands with death. We go to a place where there is no work or labour or struggle or pain or tears. Life and death are coworkers. Death is the finishline when you will be crowned for your good works. Your qualification, jewels, houses or bank balance are not going to accompany you. You are going to live only once on this earth. Don’t meander through life, walk purposefully. Only the good works you do will count on the last day. Ask this question in any decision that you make—Am I choosing something of eternal value or something of temporary value. Have your eyes on eternity. Time will one day run out for all of us. Then, on that D-Day what matters will be what we did here on earth.
Mary Slessor, white queen of the Calabar once spurned an amorous white missionary in Africa, because he refused to follow her to her field. Let any of your decision be eternity based as Paul admonishes the Colossians, “Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your heart on things above, not on earthly things” (3:1,2). Money has dumped many in hell. Let go all things which you cannot carry into eternal life.
6. Works and Judgment (20:12,13)
“The dead were judged according to their works.”
In the terrible judgment day there is no talk of talk. Judgment is according to works. What have you accomplished for God? How have you lived for God? There are too many things to do in life. Choose that which shall not be taken away from you. Before you do any thing ask this question, “Lord, is this Your will?” You will hear His gentle reply. He will reveal His will to you. Everyday pray that God will fill you with the knowledge of His will. You don’t need to be a Ph.D, to know God’s will. Fear God and obey His Word. Then you will never miss His will.
On that dark day knees will knock for fear. But those whose works were according to His will, will be lifted up. “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake; some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise (remember Mt 7:21-27?) will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Dan 12:2,3).
Have you been careful to do the will of God in your life? Of David it is written, “When David had served his own generation, by the will of God he fell asleep” (Acts 13:36). Can the same be said of you in the great white throne Judgment? God has brought you into this world to do His will. Wait on the Lord to know it. Serve that purpose and you never need to fear judgment.
7. Works and Rewards (22:12)
“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to his work.” Jesus said the same, “For the Son of man is going to come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will reward each person according to his works” (Mt 16:27). For what do you receive rewards?
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.”
“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?”
“When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”
“Love your enemies, do good to them and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great.”
“When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done is secret, will reward you.”
“When you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen and your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
“Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”
“The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor… His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.”
“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.”
“Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”
“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.”
It is hard for us to believe that when we pray or give a cup of coffee to a guest or help someone, or seek God, we have accolades on high.
There’s going to be a breathtaking award giving ceremony up there. Keep doing all the above till your life is done.
Set your mind on eternal rewards and keep marching forward as Moses who, “regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward” (Heb 11:26).
Be Super Youth for Jesus!
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
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To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
Chintadripet,
Chennai 600 002, India.
+91-44-28450411, Mob:8806270699
blc@bymonline.org
