Great is Your Reward

God talks a lot about rewards in heaven. And it seems like one of those topics that you kinda avoid because it feels selfish to hope for a reward. It seems we don't emphasize it much for fear we or others will do good things for the reward. But I am amazed at how often Jesus told us to look to our future reward, the very thing that will give us hope and perseverance.

And something that clicked today (as my pastor spoke on rewards) for me was that God is glorified in giving us rewards. Our rewards in heaven for walking out the works He had planned for us before time began, storing up treasure in heaven are all for the purpose of His glory! Yes, we ultimately will lay our crowns at His feet, but even the process of reward giving (not just recieving) will glorify Him. It will show Him as the Faithful Rewarder at the bema seat.

How incredibly motivating! I want God to be glorified through me in any and every way He can. I never thought by giving me rewards in heaven He would be more glorified. Wow! It motivates me to strive (in the power of His might) in laying up those crowns for all to see Him as the Rewarder. Motivates me to "watch yourselves, so that you may not lose wat we have worked for, but may win a full reward." 2 John 3:8 and "I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown." Rev. 3:11

Speaking of rewards...
Last year my Bible study was released. After the Lord continually proding me in writing it, after all the hard work of pushing through wondering if I was wasting my time. After persevering and walking out the works God had planned for me, I now see partial reward. It is now published and today I just got a stellar review from Shirley at A Mom After God's Own Heart. What a joy! It makes me aniticipate the real reward day all the more!

In case you want to share in my excitement, here's her review:
If you are looking for a great Bible Study for your Women's Ministries program,  Sunday School, Small Group or even individual study this upcoming Fall ministry  season, look no further than Beholding Him, Becoming Missional by Laura  Krokos.

I am absolutely enjoying this study through 1 Samuel from Krokos.  I have completed two weeks of study and can't wait to continue through the whole  study. One of my absolute favorite women Bible Teachers is Beth Moore and  Beholding Him, Becoming Missional is written in a very similar style. I love it,  and if Moore is a favorite of yours, you will enjoy Krokos as well. With each  week, you work through five days of digging deep into 1 Samuel to be encouraged  and challenged to be missional in all areas of your life, wherever you are at in  your life and journey with Christ. You will not be disappointed in this study to  be sure.

I highly recommend this Bible Study and give it a huge thumbs  up! BUY IT: You can purchase Beholding Him, Becoming Missional online  through Amazon

Oh Lord! You are so fun! Thank you for giving us glimpses of what's to come. Little pieces of joy. Little reflections of the reward and You as the Rewarder. Lord, would you help us store us treasure in heaven that you would be see as Great and Incredible. Let us run with perseverance. It seems it doesnt take much to stop me and takes a lot to get me going sometimes. Would you reverse that for me and my sisters. For Your glory would You make us quick to respond to You and unstopable once we are going. Can't wait to see what You've got planned!

#121 stellar Blog Review
# 122 First time being at 800,000 something on amazon. (For a first book, I'm pretty excited)
#123 The coming Bema Seat
#124 God providing at our vision dinner last night
#125 Getting to see my friend Andrea who I havent seen in 10 years.
#126 Getting to see God use her story for His glory
#127 The boys sleeping right now
#128 Students who take the initative like Rachel who I get to meet tomorrow.