We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Andrea Johnson.
Bible Reading:
Matthew 6:2
“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.”
Word:
We all love to receive rewards and accolades for work or services we have done in our community or on our job. Receiving these acknowledgments gives us those feel-good emotions and lets us know that people are watching your effort and skills. It’s like finally hitting that PR on a lift that you have been working toward for some time.
The thing about hitting that PR is we don’t one day decide that we will walk over to the bar and pull a 450 lb deadlift. There are days, weeks, months, and maybe even years of hard work and effort completed. The reward comes when you lift that bar successfully. That successful lift is just the tip of the iceberg. The real work was not on display for all to see. The actual work was done when no one was looking. The reward was the final lift. Such is life.
We are here on assignment. Matthew 28:19-20 says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” This is the great commission, the work that we are to complete. Not looking for rewards here on earth, our reward will come directly from our Heavenly Father.
Our acts of charity, love in action, are done because we love God not to receive rewards from those around us. Therefore, let us get excited about the reward we will receive from Jesus. Can you imagine what it will feel like coming to the end of your days and standing before our Heavenly Father to receive our rewards? Revelation 22:12 tells us, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me that there is work for me to complete. Thank you for giving me the strength to do everything you have commissioned me to do, do not let my hands be weak or slack, for I know that my work will be rewarded. In Jesus’ name, amen!
Skillwork:
One of the very best ways to begin personal time with God is the thank Him for all of the blessings we already have. Start your prayer time with thanksgiving and allow God to order your day so that you will be able to be a blessing and show love in action (charity) to others.
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