Gifts, Blessings, and Rewards

James 1:17 (KJV) Says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." Deuteronomy 28:2  (KJV) Says, "And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God." Revelation 22:12 (KJV) Says, "And, behold, I come  quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."  Mark 9::41 (KJV) Says, "For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward." 

The above passage of scripture taken from James tells us that every good gift and every perfect gift we receive is from our Heavenly Father. It also advises us that God remains the same always. The above verse taken from Deuteronomy advises us that, if we obey God we will be blessed abundantly. Chapter 28 of Deuteronomy gives us in detail the blessings that will be received for obedience, and the consequences that we will face for disobedience. I encourage you to read the entire chapter. The above verse taken from Revelation tells us that upon Jesus' return He will bring rewards for our work along with Him. Finally, the verse of scripture taken from Mark makes it clear to us that God pays attention to all we do, and that we are rewarded for even our smallest acts of kindness.

When we are living in obedience to God, He sends us gifts and blessings in abundance. Being human, however, it seems we have a tendency to take many of these for granted, and to be completely oblivious to others. If we paused to seriously consider all that God does for us and blesses us with each and every day we would be overflowing with gratitude. Maybe you didn't get the new house you wanted, the new vehicle, the shopping spree, or maybe you didn't get to go on a vacation this year, or whatever else you desired and felt you deserved.  Did you stop to consider all you do receive from God, and tell Him how very grateful you are for those things? Or have you noticed all He's done and does do for you? Do you thank Him for each day, for your eyesight, your hearing, your ability to walk, your health, your families health, your children, your job, your home, your vehicle, the food you eat, His mercy, His understanding, His forgiveness, His kindness, His protection, for being there for you twenty four hours a day seven days a week, for His Word, which is filled with wisdom and instruction, for His compassion, and all the other wonderful things He provides? Have you taken the time to thank Him for sending His only Son to die on the cross for your sins? For the majority of us the most important things in life are not material, and yet somehow when all is well with us we tend to take those things for granted instead of recognizing them for the riches they truly are.

We are God's children, and He wants to give us gifts and rain blessings down upon us, when we are living in obedience to Him. He wants to reward us for our good works. He is aware of all the good  we do from the smallest act of kindness to the largest. As we see in the above verse taken from Revelation, He will reward us, when we do something as small as give someone a drink of water.

Remember, God knows what is best for us, and that doesn't always coincide with what we desire for ourselves. Remember that God's timing is perfect, and that includes in giving us the things He wants us to have, and feels we deserve. Recognize the gifts, blessings, and rewards that God has given you, and know for certain that there are future rewards awaiting you in heaven if you live in obedience to Him. God has done, and does do so much for all of His children; because His love for us is enormous. In fact, His love for us is so great, that He sent his only Son to die on the cross for our sins; that we might spend eternity with Him in Heaven. I urge you not to take the gifts, blessings, and rewards God has given you for granted. I believe if you'll begin a thorough inventory of  them you will recognize that there are far to many to number, and the value they hold is priceless. I believe you will find you have many reasons to be extremely grateful to God, and you'll realize He has given each of us far more than we deserve.

If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.