Your Treasure Finances Your Destiny `````````````````````````````````````````````````` By Kelvin.. I Am A Child of God. ``````````````````````````````````````````````````` Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). The peak of the roof determines the destiny of the raindrops. Inches can make a difference of 2,000 miles. Likewise, your decisions make a difference. The deeds that you do and the words that you speak will flow “north or south,” be good or bad, and will affect your eternal destiny and the lives of others. The answer to your destiny, says Jesus, is your treasure. We are responsible for the words that we say (Matthew 12:36) and the deeds that we do (Hebrews 9:27). The flow must be toward heaven. We became Christians because Christ paid the penalty for our sins; we become children of God through His effort, not our own. God loves us, whether or not we choose to accept His forgiveness. His grace flows without condition. His forgiveness continues even when we do not measure up and fail all over again. God’s desire is for us to receive (John 1:12). Yet once we enter into relationship with God, should not our actions reflect this relationship as His children? This is what the apostle Paul asked in Romans 6:1, “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!” Following Christ is a daily decision, not just a one-time recitation of a prayer of forgiveness. We are tempted daily—to cut corners at work, to fudge a little on our tax return, to tell a small lie when we are caught off guard. We know that we can ask for forgiveness, but Paul says we should rid ourselves of these habits rather than over relying on the grace of God to forgive us. The plan of God is to bring men and women back into the divine image (1 Peter 1:3; Roman 8:29). Yet after we accept Christ for our salvation, it is easy to slack off on our responsibility as His children before being completely transformed in His image (1 John 3:2). Hence we come to a paradox in the Christian life. We are saved by the grace of God, but we need to respond by living an upright life. This is not to say that living a correct and godly life will save us, but rather, it is our response to a forgiving God as our gift to Him. Paul told the Philippians, “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (3:12). His desire was to “take hold of” God’s purpose and a destiny for him. Once we are saved, we have work to do other than just filling up a pew on a Sunday morning. This work will be different for each person (Ephesians 2:10). Your degree of accountability before God is in direct proportion to your degree of knowledge and opportunity He has given you. The Bible says we are stewards of all that God has given us. That means it matters how you live. You will be judged on how you used what God entrusted to you. In a parable, Jesus said your reward will be in direct proportion to your work (Luke 19:11-27). The lazy and disobedient servant who played it safe is called unfaithful and a “wicked servant” (v. 22) and is given no reward. This servant is the Christian who says he believes, but shows no actions that express his faith. The master explains how he rewards in verse 26: The person who uses what he has been given will be rewarded greatly. This is the believer who dies to self, putting God’s desires first in his life, and who daily becomes transformed into the image of God. God’s destiny for your life cannot be fulfilled without your cooperation (Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 4:13). According to Scripture, some will be ashamed at His appearing (1 John 2:28). Why? They believe in God and have asked for His forgiveness, yet they are not living correct and upright lives. When Christ comes, they are ashamed because they did not do what they knew was right. Many Christians in other countries have made great sacrifices and even given their lives for their Lord. They will be rewarded, while some Christians who are living a soft life and do nothing for the Lord will receive no reward., he decisions you make and the way you interact with people are ways to lay up your treasure in heaven. Your treasure, where your heart is, will fund your destiny. Jesus talks about doing things that are really going to matter for eternity instead of wasting time stockpiling things that can be stolen or turn to rust. “He will render account and reward every man in accordance with what he has done” (Matthew 16:27 Amplified Bible). Knowing this should affect your everyday life; from the words you say to your investment of time, from the way you spend your money to your use of your talents and your choice of a life’s vocation. All this involves your attitude toward people and toward God. “God gave his approval to people in days of old because of their faith” (Hebrews 11:2 ). The proof for their good report was the demonstration of their faith. Or as the NRSV puts it: “Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval.” Actions confirm faith. In Hebrews 11 God named the approved and honored them. Their motives were not for the rewards of God or the applause of people, but good works were the by-product of their faith. The Bible says that the Judgment Seat of Christ will be like the Olympics where you earn your “reward” for serving God and others. But it’s more than “going for the gold” and walking the streets of gold. Life on earth is short; but eternity is everlasting. Jesus says you will “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven” (Luke 6:23). Nothing can compare with the rewards that God gives, plus you will keep them forever. Therefore, store up treasures in heaven, not on earth. Scripture refers to five crowns that together make up what it means to receive salvation. Remember, salvation is a free gift from God, but our actions reveal our commitment and faith. Unlike the Olympics, we don’t compete against one another. These crowns describe ways we can be “doers of the word” (James 1:22). The Incorruptible Crown is for the faithful: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). This crown is an eternal crown for your faithfulness. It is for every Christian who remains faithful to Christ to the very end. It’s an incorruptible crown as compared to the perishable crowns of the Greek games. To participate in the Olympic games was a great honor. Every athlete put his body through rigorous training and a strict diet. He took an oath that he had been at least 10 months in training, that he would not violate any rules of the game. The “prize” was a crown This coveted reward, and the honor that went with it, meant the world to these athletes. They gave up everything to obtain the prize. They knew that they would be recognized the rest of their lives for what they had accomplished. We will be faithful and will finish the race by fixing our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) and by being yoked with Jesus (Matthew 11:28). That’s the rule—stay close to Jesus. “For without me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). This requires daily living in the presence of God, meeting with others who can challenge your faith, and working out your faith—putting the Scripture into practice (John 14:15). To remain faithful, you must exercise your faith in small ways so you are ready for the bigger tests that come your way. Paul warns, “If anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules” (2 Timothy 2:5). That’s why Paul practiced self-discipline; he would not allow his body to be an enemy of the purposes of God. “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). This incorruptible crown is given to the faithful in Christ. It is not always easy to be faithful. However, we can surround ourselves now, before trouble hits, with ways to remain faithful and establish good habits that will keep us faithful even in difficult times. Exercising faithfulness is one way we show God our commitment to Him. he Soul-winners Crown is for givers: “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy” (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20). The ones who have loved the lost will be rewarded (Daniel 12:3; Proverbs 11:30; James 5:20). Jesus made it clear that labor in His harvest field will reap a reward (John 4:36). When you involve yourself in witness and intercede in prayer for the lost, you will wear this crown. Paul rejoices that the Thessalonians were saved and he will wear a crown. Jesus says that anyone who helps or gives money to help in ministry will be rewarded (Matthew 10:41). One of the best ways to lay up treasures in heaven is by investing in a ministry that reaches people for Christ. God’s blessing will follow when you invest in His kingdom. All kingdoms have a tax, including the kingdom of God. It’s the tithe. The first fruit or tithe of the Promised Land was Jericho. The tithe belongs to God. When Achan stole the tithe, judgment fell on him and his family. Jesus said the tithe is what you ought to do (Matthew 23:23). All soul-winners are givers. This is why they have a ministry. If you can’t trust the Lord with your money, you will never trust Him with your life. There are thousands of ways you can support the ministry of the kingdom of God—through prayer, giving, hospitality, verbal encouragement, monetary gifts. The list is endless. Yet this is another way we can turn our faith into action by helping in small ways to build the kingdom of God. The Crown of Life is for persecution: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12). Jesus said, “Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also” (John 15:20). Every godly Christian I know has suffered. When you endure suffering and persecution even to the point of death and remain true to the Lord, you will be rewarded (Matthew 5:11-12; Luke 6:22-23; 2 Timothy 2:12; James 1:12). Some refer to the crown of life as the martyr’s crown. Jesus said in Luke 6:26 that when you are hated, ignored, insulted, and rejected for His sake, your reward in heaven will be great. The crown of life is for devotion and steadfastness. The promise is to those who love him enough to endure trials. Character and deep relationships with God and man are built in trials and suffering. Those who “suffer with Him” will reign with Him. Those who make sacrifices for the Lord will be rewarded. Everyone who has sacrificed “for my name’s sake,” Jesus said, “shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit everlasting life” (Matthew 19:29). That is why Jesus promised His disciples three things: Power over the fear of man so that they could be bold. Peace and contentment so that the world would lose its pull. And the presence of the Holy Spirit to sustain them in trouble. God promises, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6). Paul understood that “slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17). God sees your affliction and will reward you in heaven for your faithfulness. Derision and ridicule can be painful and disheartening. But stay true, stand firm, and keep the faith, knowing that His presence will wipe the tears from your eyes and your reward will be great someday. The Crown of Glory is for shepherds: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care…being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:2-4). This crown is for those with a shepherd’s heart. Shepherds loved, cared for, and protected their sheep from danger and illness. They will know we are Christians by our love.” Christians are to treat others with love, especially the poor, hurting, and broken (Matthew 25:34-40). described what it means to be God’s shepherd in his prayer, “Lord, let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God.” In Matthew 7 Jesus says to the goats, “I never knew you,” because they did not care for the hurting and broken. When you serve anyone in the name of Christ, you are serving Christ Himself. Churches have found many ways to minister to their neighbors. What would a personal investment look like for you? Perhaps you become a mentor to a child. Visit a lonely person in a care home. Or baby-sit for a single mom for free. Are you making a difference in someone’s life here and now? This is what it means to put your faith in action and be a shepherd. ...... By kelvin,,To you all..I am a child of God.God bless you.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 13:29:55 +0000
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