Jesus's heart breaks, Rewards, and Into His Presence!

 

Dear Precious saints,

 

I intended to write a post on another topic, but I got real sick Friday afternoon, and I just don't have much strength today. It hit me like a mack truck with all the symptoms of food poisoning though I hadn't eaten anything that day except some homemade Keifer. Spiritual attack? Maybe. But the Lord delivered me.  Anyway, I felt compelled to come on and say a few things that I believe are very strong on the Lord's heart at the moment. 

 

Jesus's heart is breaking 

Jesus is coming, and He's coming soon, but His heart is breaking for those of His people, those who claim to be Christians, who aren't ready and will not be able to escape what's soon coming. The problem is that most Christians don't read their Bible. They rely on pastors and preachers and Sunday sermons. If they read their Bible through and through and through again, they would know that God requires that you put Him first above all things, that He requires that you are obedient to His Word and that you bear fruit. We aren't saved by works, but by the awesome grace of Jesus's sacrifice on the cross for our sins. However, we are saved to do good works, which is what the Apostle Paul said. We aren't saved to sit around and be ho-hum about Jesus or do nothing for Him and His Kingdom. And we certainly aren't saved to continue sinning and living for the pleasures of this world. This sort of attitude breaks the Lord's heart. Yet still He holds off on His return, hoping that a few more of these wayward believers will finally bend their knee to Him. 

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? Hebrews 10:26-29

 

Rewards

The other thing I feel compelled to mention are the rewards that are coming to those of us who are truly committed to the Lord. We aren't really taught this in church, but again, it becomes clear as you read the Bible that there are rewards with varying degrees for believers who put the Lord first in this life and follow Him with all their hearts.  We are told we will rule and reign with Christ and in the parable of the talents, Jesus told the person who earned the most talents that he would rule over many things.  So we know we will be given various jobs, titles, rulerships and responsibilities. To make it real, would you rather be a janitor or a governor? Also, it is my personal opinion from Scripture that those who lived their lives FOR the Lord will have more access to God and the throne room than others. Perhaps their homes will be closer to the heavenly throne room or they will be invited to intimate feasts. It doesn't mean God doesn't love all of His children, but access to Him could be a reward. Also, our glorified bodies are a reward. Yes, they are for everyone, but there's a Scripture that speaks of those who win souls for the Lord Shining bright like the sun (I'm paraphrasing). But it makes me think that they will have super glorified bodies that are perhaps more beautiful and powerful. Of course, we can't know the extent of all the rewards we will be given, and we should in no way be focused on those instead of Jesus, but I mention them because many believers never think of these things. It matters what we do here for Jesus. It matters for eternity. While we strive to acquire money and possessions here, things that don't last forever, wouldn't it better to strive for eternal treasures?  I highly recommend a book I read years ago called Driven by Eternity by John Bevere. It will really open your eyes about such things.

Into His Presence

And lastly, I feel led to talk about the best way to enter the presence of God. For years, I spent my prayer time reciting a list of requests for myself, my family and others.  Of course I would also thank God for everything and pray for protection and forgiveness of sins. All good things to do. But can you imagine how bored God must be listening to the same requests each day?  Would you do that to your earthy father? Go to him every day with the same requests? Wouldn't he say something like. "you already asked me that. I've got it. Now, let's just hang out and talk."  So, I've been more focused on trying that.... especially while I'm reading the Bible. I have an ongoing conversation with Him. I also talk to Him a lot during the day. But one of the best ways I've recently discovered to really enter into His presence and feel His love and hear from Him is Worship! I'm not talking about putting on a song or two, singing along, and that's it. I'm talking about getting alone, lifting your hands in the air and singing praise to God. Start out by thanking Him for everything, work your way into praising Him for all His love, faithfulness, salvation, mercy, grace, etc. You can put on music if you want, but it's often just good to sing whatever praise songs you know. Soon, you will really sense His presence. It is in these moments that Jesus will speak to you in your spirit, perhaps heal you, reassure you of an answer to prayer, give you an answer to a question you've had, etc.  I highly recommend you give it a try. 

 Have a very blessed week!  Maranatha!