Going for the Gold

We just finished another Olympics. Did you as I tear up as you watched the athletes that sacrificed so much and worked so hard stood on the coveted platform for the winners -the top three in the world in their specific event to be presented bronze medal, silver medal for number two and the Gold medal for being the best in the world. The focus always shifted to number one as the national anthem played as the flag waived in the spotlight. Go for the gold! Have you ever given thought to the years and years of preparation and self denial that the athlete had given to stand on the podium as the medal is hung around their neck. The sacrifice and time that was invested One day soon there will be yet another reward ceremony as we stand before the King of all Kings. It is going to be the reward "ceremony of ceremonies" It will be the final day of our race in life. Paul speaks about. the Bible says, I have run my race Think about who will give the reward for your faithfulness to you ... Jesus himself will be the rewarder. Beth and I have achieved much and have been privileged to received some amazing rewards because of business success. Our offices were adorned with beautiful plaques and first place rewards and remembrances of fabulous trips from all around the world. But nothing and I mean nothing will be more exciting than to receive a invitation to the reward banquet from Jesus Himself.. These words are what we all long for..."Well done thou good and faithful servant enter in my rest." Paul the apostle says, in II Timothy 24:8 There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness ..." There is a testing and it is not about your belief in Jesus as your Savior .if you know Jesus ..your destination is assured in heaven but it is instead about your works on the earth. The testing in the Bible is referred to as the Bema judgement. You will receive rewards for sharing your time talent and treasure to further the kingdom. Matthew 6:3-4 I Timothy 6:18-19. God will reward the sacrifices you make for Him. Luke 6:35 Matthew 19:29 God will reward those who suffer for Him. Luke 6:22 a-23 ....all done with one motive because of your love for Jesus God's son. Matthew 6:19:20 The famous A.W Tozer said, "any temporal possession can be turned in everlasting wealth, whatever is given to Christ is immediately touched with immortality." now that is something to yell Yes yes yes to. Partnership in ministry is ministry. You are part of what is necessary for the body of Christ to function.. We are all promised and God is eager to reward each of us and God never breaks a promise. Thank you to all who partner with us to reach the boys and girls for Christ. You are making an eternal difference in the lives of these children but what is even more important you are doing what God himself has called and commanded you to do. You time talents and treasure are truly being used for the Kingdom. C.S.Lewis said it so well "If there lurks in most modern minds the notion that to desire our own good and earnestly to hope for the enjoyment of it is a bad thing... Indeed if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord our desires not too strong , but to weak. Let's win the rewards together serving Jesus here on earth and celebrate our Savior and Lord on the streets of gold.