April 29, 2020: SOAP #3800:  2Samuel 4,5; Psalm 139; Matthew 16

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 16: 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?  27 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 what he has done.

Observation:  The subject of rewards is a major portion of the scriptures.  God is just; He will repay each person according to their investment in the kingdom.  God is faithful; He will keep his promises.  God is loving; He enjoys rewarding his children.  God is generous; He will reward his people abundantly more than they deserve.

Application:   If my life is cut short and I do not receive all my rewards before I die, NO WORRY, my faithful, loving, just, and generous God will have all eternity to pass out rewards!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, if there were no rewards, you alone are worthy of my devotion and service.  I serve you because I love you.  You are my Father!   And I know that you reward me because you love me.  I am your child!  I am amazed and blessed to know that you enjoy rewarding and blessing me.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!