Cha-Ching!

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Are you a member of any rewards programs?  I am.  It's fun to receive bonuses and offers simply for being a good customer.  You know the ones I mean, a discount offer, something for free, and other special perks.  Who doesn't enjoy these rewards?

But did you know that Jesus offers us eternal rewards that never spoil, fade, or perish?  I want in on that program!  Of course, it is not a program at all.  But there are definitely awesome rewards.  But you need patience to wait for them, and lots of faith to know that they are waiting for you, because they won't be revealed this side of heaven.  

Some of the rewards we can look forward to:

Loving our enemies.  Cha-ching!
Forgiving those who hurt us.  Cha-ching!
Obeying God no matter what. Cha-ching!
Seeking Jesus daily.  Cha-ching!
Trusting God more than self.  Cha-ching!
Believing in God's goodness during the hard times.  Cha-ching!
Knowing God.  Cha-ching!
Choosing faith over fear.  Cha-ching!
Winning spiritual battles in His Power.  Cha-ching!
Serving others as God leads.  Cha-ching!
Sharing the Gospel in word and deed.  Cha-ching!
Praying in connection with Christ. Cha-ching!
Remaining faithful to God no matter what.  Cha-ching!
Willing to suffer for Christ.  Cha-ching!
Worshiping God and not others, life, self, or things.  Cha-ching!

I believe it is all of these daily, moment-by-moment choices that we make - whom will we follow and trust in this life - that really rack up our heavenly rewards!

And boy, what a day that will be!  I believe as we stay connected to Christ - abide in Him as best we can - and let Him live His life through us - that miracles will happen!  Yes, we are to be intentional in doing good for others.  But I also think that it is by simply abiding in Him when His Living Waters flow through us changing the very air around us wherever we go.  It's electric!

Being His witness, His Light, His love, His grace, mercy, compassion and so on - all of these are reaping for us treasures in heaven that will never spoil or fade.  Ever!

I get excited just thinking about this!  

The older we get, the faster life seems to fly by - we realize just how short this earthly life is.  So we'd best have eternity to look forward to because we are just passing through, friends!

What rewards are you racking up in heaven?  We can't manufacture or force them but simply trust that they are there, waiting for us, as we live our lives for Christ here and now.

Thank You, Lord, that You are keeping rewards in heaven for each of us who follow, trust, and obey You in this life!  What a promise!  What a future!  What a hope!  Help us to keep our focus on what really matters and treasure what You treasure more than earthly, temporary stuff, accolades, and the like.  For it is going to be beyond our wildest dreams what You are preparing for us!  I love You, Lord.  Amen.

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