GREAT REWARDS

"Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven." -- Luke 6:22-23

Look at the people around you. . .

What do you see?

When other people hates you, God loves you.

When other people excludes you and turn their backs on you, God brings you to Himself and accepts you for who you are.

When other people insults you, God is there to praise you and make you feel how beautiful you are.

When other people looks upon you as a bad person, God shows you how good you are.

You can not please all the people around you but God is always pleased in you as His very own child. People will fail you but God will never fail you.

Friend, you may be experiencing financial difficulties or troubles in your relationships but the truth is, "these are all temporary". God allows these things to happen so that you will be prepared to receive with joy the glorious riches and rewards that are in store for you in the coming days.

Life is not about material treasures. It is about knowing that you are nothing without the Lord. In your nothingness, He shall fill you with great things and His vast and infinite resources shall be yours.

Acknowledge your need for God as your sole Provider. He nourishes you each day so that you may be filled in every way. He alone can satisfy your heart's desires.

Your blessings are forthcoming!

It does not concern me in the least that I be judged by you or any human tribunal; I do not even pass judgment on myself; I am not conscious of anything against me, but I do not thereby stand acquitted; the one who judges me is the Lord. Therefore, do not make any judgment before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God. -- 1 Corinthians 4:3-5

Remember the great challenge of the sufferings that you had to meet after you received the light, in earlier days; sometimes by being yourselves publicly exposed to humiliations and violence, and sometimes as associates of others who were treated in the same way. For you not only shared in the sufferings of those who were in prison, but you accepted with joy being stripped of your belongings, knowing that you owned something that was better and lasting.  Do not lose your fearlessness now, then, since the reward is so great. -- Hebrews 10:32-35
 
Lord, I am poor and you alone can make me rich. I am hungry and you alone can fill me and satisfy me. I am lonely and you alone can make me happy. Please be with me at all times and in any circumstances so that my joy will always be full and complete. I stand in the hope that a day will come when all your promises shall be fulfilled in me. With much love and anticipation I pray in Jesus Name. Amen. 


Reading:
SERMON ON THE PLAIN - Luke 1:20-26
PAUL'S LIFE AS A PATTERN - 1 Corinthians 4:1-21
RECALLING THE PAST - Hebrews 10: 19-39

Published:
September 11, 2013 - Wednesday, 8:42AM
March 02, 2014 - Sunday, 9:53AM

Receive a Blessing and Reward

He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, 

a reward from God his savior. 

(Psalm 24:5)

Everything in the world belongs to God. This recognition helps us cultivate a sense of gratitude and humility, understanding that our lives and all we possess are gifts from Him. It encourages us to steward our resources and talents wisely, honoring God in all we do. To approach God, we must strive for clean hands (righteous actions) and a pure heart (inner holiness). This calls us to examine our lives, repent of our sins, and seek to live in a way that reflects God’s character. It also reminds us to avoid idolatry and falsehood, staying true to our faith.

Blessings and vindication for those who earnestly seek God. This assurance motivates us to pursue a sincere and devoted relationship with Him, knowing that He rewards those who seek Him with a pure heart. It also reminds us of God’s faithfulness and the blessings that come from living a life aligned with His will.

We should prioritize our relationship with God, making time for prayer, worship, and reflection. By doing so, we draw closer to Him and experience His guidance and peace. Let us regularly thank God for His creation and the blessings in our lives.

Divine Stewardship

Everything in the world belongs to God, 

A truth that humbles, makes us awed. 

With gratitude, our hearts we fill, 

For life and gifts, His gracious will.

We steward well, with wisdom bright, 

Our talents, resources, in His light. 

To honor God in all we do, 

With clean hands and hearts so true.

We seek His face, repent our ways, 

Reflect His love through all our days. 

Avoiding idols, falsehood’s snare, 

In faith, we find our refuge there.

Blessings flow to those who seek, 

With earnest hearts, the humble, meek. 

God’s faithfulness, a guiding star, 

His blessings near, never far.

In prayer, worship, we draw near, 

His guidance, peace, dispel our fear. 

With thankful hearts, we praise His name, 

For all creation, His love’s flame.

Prayer of Gratitude and Stewardship

Heavenly Father,

We acknowledge that everything in this world belongs to You. This recognition fills our hearts with gratitude and humility, knowing that our lives and all we possess are gifts from Your loving hands. Help us to steward our resources and talents wisely, honoring You in all we do.

Lord, we strive to approach You with clean hands and pure hearts. Guide us to examine our lives, repent of our sins, and seek to live in a way that reflects Your holy character. Keep us from idolatry and falsehood, and help us stay true to our faith.

We thank You for the blessings and vindication You promise to those who earnestly seek You. This assurance motivates us to pursue a sincere and devoted relationship with You, knowing that You reward those who seek You with a pure heart. Remind us always of Your faithfulness and the blessings that come from living a life aligned with Your will.

Father, we prioritize our relationship with You, making time for prayer, worship, and reflection. As we draw closer to You, may we experience Your guidance and peace. We regularly thank You for Your creation and the countless blessings in our lives.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

First Book of Psalms 1-41

THE GLORY OF GOD IN PROCESSION TO ZION

Psalm 24:1-10

R: To the Lord belongs the earth and all that fills it.

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

1 The Lord’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. 2 For he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. (R) 3 Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? Or who may stand in his holy place? 4 He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain. (R) 5 He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, a reward from God his savior. 6 Such is the race that seeks for him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob. (R) 

Background:

Psalm 24 is a beautiful and profound psalm attributed to King David. It is often associated with the occasion of bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, symbolizing God’s presence among His people. 

Verses 1-2: Declaration of God’s Sovereignty. “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.”

These verses affirm God’s ownership and sovereignty over all creation. David acknowledges that everything belongs to God because He is the Creator. This declaration sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, emphasizing God’s supreme authority and power.

Verses 3-4: The Call to Holiness. “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.”

Here, David poses a rhetorical question about who is worthy to enter God’s presence. The answer highlights the importance of purity and righteousness. Those who seek God must have clean hands (representing righteous actions) and a pure heart (representing inner holiness). This call to holiness underscores the need for integrity and devotion in our relationship with God.

Verses 5-6: Blessings for the Righteous. “They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob.”

These verses promise blessings and vindication for those who seek God with sincerity. The “generation of those who seek him” refers to people who earnestly desire to know and follow God. The mention of “God of Jacob” connects this pursuit of holiness to the covenant relationship God established with Israel.

Practical Reflections

Recognize God’s Sovereignty: Acknowledge that everything we have and are belongs to God. This perspective fosters gratitude and humility.

Pursue Holiness: Strive for purity in actions and thoughts, seeking to live a life that honors God.

Seek God’s Presence: Make it a priority to seek God earnestly, knowing that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.

Learning Lessons:

1. Acknowledging God’s Sovereignty. Verses 1-2 remind us that everything in the world belongs to God. This recognition helps us cultivate a sense of gratitude and humility, understanding that our lives and all we possess are gifts from Him. It encourages us to steward our resources and talents wisely, honoring God in all we do.

2. Pursuing Holiness. Verses 3-4 highlight the importance of purity and righteousness. To approach God, we must strive for clean hands (righteous actions) and a pure heart (inner holiness). This calls us to examine our lives, repent of our sins, and seek to live in a way that reflects God’s character. It also reminds us to avoid idolatry and falsehood, staying true to our faith.

3. Seeking God’s Presence. The rhetorical questions in verses 3-4 also emphasize the privilege and responsibility of seeking God’s presence. It encourages us to prioritize our relationship with God, making time for prayer, worship, and reflection. By doing so, we draw closer to Him and experience His guidance and peace.

4. Receiving God’s Blessings. Verses 5-6 promise blessings and vindication for those who earnestly seek God. This assurance motivates us to pursue a sincere and devoted relationship with Him, knowing that He rewards those who seek Him with a pure heart. It also reminds us of God’s faithfulness and the blessings that come from living a life aligned with His will.

Practical Takeaways

Gratitude and Stewardship: Regularly thank God for His creation and the blessings in your life. Use your resources and talents to serve Him and others.

Holiness and Integrity: Strive for purity in your actions and thoughts. Regularly examine your life, repent of any sins, and seek to live in a way that honors God.

Prioritize God’s Presence: Make time for prayer, worship, and reflection. Seek to deepen your relationship with God and experience His guidance and peace.

Trust in God’s Faithfulness: Remember that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Trust in His faithfulness and the blessings that come from living according to His will.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Rewards of Work

From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things 

as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. 

PROVERBS 12 : 14

God repays in accordance to what you have done. Whatever you do merits a sure reward in accordance with the intent of your heart. There is a tiny whisper in your ears that says "this is Christian karma. Whatever you do, will eventually return back to you."

Today, the Lord brings you to a deeper understanding of being rewarded. Put God first in all of your decisions. Do this and your rewards in the works that the Lord gives to you shall be great!

Love for the Lord is your top priority. Nothing should hinder your love for God such as your family, work, and day to day activities. All your words and works must be centered on your love for the Lord. Each moment of your life, strive to be worthy of God, following and obeying Him unconditionally, and surrendering your faith and well-being to Him.

Had not the Lord been with you, you have been swallowed up alive by your enemies. Had not the Lord been with you, you may have been swept by the raging and overwhelmings tides of times and storms of life. In all of these mishaps and unfortunate events, the Lord rescued you and protected you so that you may live a life of peace, prosperity, and utmost comfort. 

The type or kind of leadership the the Lord expects from you is a leadership that is centered on putting God first above all your relationships, works, activities, and undertakings. A kind of servant leadership that follows the Lord and obeys His will and command whatever the cost.

Blessed be the Lord your God who is always with you and have always been your constant help. Continue to put your faith and trust in the Lord. It is not about the rulers of the land that made you who you are and what you are today but it is the Lord.

Published:

July 12, 2023, 6:34 AM

Forget Not All His Benefits

In the heart of the Divine, compassion resides,

Gracious and patient, in Him, our faith confides.

Slow to anger, His love in abundance flows,

Ready to heal and forgive, that's the grace He bestows.

Mistakes we've made, yet His mercy never ends,

He heals our wounds, our broken hearts He mends.

The greatness of His love, a treasure to revere,

For those who fear Him, His promises are clear.

Transgressions cast far, as east is from the west,

In His enduring love, we find our rest.

Emulate His nature, compassionate and kind,

In the pursuit of goodness, let our hearts be aligned.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, forget not His deeds,

His benefits are endless, like a garden full of seeds.

So let us seek His forgiveness, in His love, let us bask,

And remember His goodness, that's our most sacred task.

REFLECTION:

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. He pardons all your iniquities, He heals all your ills. He redeems your life from destruction, He crowns you with kindness and compassion. - Psalm 103:2-4

God is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love. He is always ready to forgive us and heal our wounds no matter what mistakes we've made. The greatness of God's love are for those who fear Him and how far He has removed our transgressions from us. We should always remember God's goodness, seek His forgiveness, emulate His compassionate and gracious nature, and rest in His enduring love. Let us bless the Lord with all our soul and not to forget all His benefits.

Dear Heavenly Father,

You are compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love. We thank You for Your readiness to forgive us and heal our wounds, no matter the mistakes we've made, Your mercy is profound. We stand in awe of the greatness of Your love, a love that is for those who fear You, sent from above. You have removed our transgressions, as far as east is from the west, in Your enduring love, we find our rest.

Help us to always remember Your goodness, and seek Your forgiveness, guide us to emulate Your compassionate and gracious nature, in all its richness. May we rest in Your enduring love, and in Your mercy, bask, blessing You with all our soul becomes our most sacred task. Let us not forget all Your benefits, Your blessings are endless, in Your love and mercy, we find our fortress.

We pray this in Your Holy name,

Amen.

Pericope:

Fourth Book of Psalms 90-106

PRAISE OF DIVINE GOODNESS

Psalm 103:1-22

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8-9, 11-12

R: The Lord is kind and merciful.

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. (R) 3 He pardons all your iniquities, he heals all your ills. 4 He redeems your life from destruction, he crowns you with kindness and compassion. (R) 8 Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and abounding in kindness. 9 He will not always chide, nor does he keep his wrath forever. (R) 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us. (R)

Background:

Psalm 103 is a beautiful hymn of praise attributed to King David. It's a heartfelt expression of gratitude for God's mercy and love. The background of this psalm isn't tied to a specific event in David's life, but it's believed to reflect his deep understanding of God's grace and deliverance.

The verses you mentioned are a call to bless the Lord and remember His benefits. Here's a brief breakdown:

Verses 1-2: David calls upon his soul to bless the Lord. He urges everything within him to praise God's holy name and not to forget all His benefits.

Verses 3-4: These verses highlight some of the benefits of God, including forgiveness of sins, healing of diseases, redemption of life from the pit, and crowning with love and compassion.

Verses 8-9: These verses describe the character of God as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever.

Verses 11-12: These verses emphasize the greatness of God's love for those who fear Him and how far He has removed our transgressions from us.

This psalm is a powerful reminder of God's enduring love and mercy. It invites us to reflect on His goodness and respond with heartfelt praise. It's a timeless message that continues to inspire and comfort believers today. I hope this gives you a deeper understanding of Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8-9, 11-12. 

Learning Lessons:

Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8-9, 11-12 is rich with lessons that can guide us in our spiritual journey. Here are some key takeaways:

Remember God's Benefits: Verses 1-2 remind us to bless the Lord with all our soul and not to forget all His benefits. This teaches us the importance of gratitude and remembering all the blessings and benefits we receive from God.

God's Forgiveness and Healing: Verses 3-4 highlight God's forgiveness and healing. They remind us that no matter what mistakes we've made, God is always ready to forgive us and heal our wounds.

God's Compassion and Grace: Verses 8-9 describe God as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love. This teaches us about God's character and encourages us to emulate these qualities in our own lives.

God's Enduring Love: Verses 11-12 emphasize the greatness of God's love for those who fear Him and how far He has removed our transgressions from us. This assures us of God's enduring love and mercy.

In essence, this Psalm encourages us to remember God's goodness, seek His forgiveness, emulate His compassionate and gracious nature, and rest in His enduring love. It's a beautiful reminder of the depth of God's love and mercy towards us. I hope these lessons inspire and guide you in your spiritual journey. (Copilot)

Remember All of the Lord's Benefits

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. 

He pardons all your iniquities; He heals all your ills. 

He redeems your life from destruction; 

He crowns you with kindness and compassion.

PSALM 103 : 2 - 4

Father in heaven, You have given me so much benefits and made me who I am and what I am today. You alone can make me the person you wanted me to be. All that I am is all because of You. 

Never have You look upon my sins but on the great and unconditional love You have for me as your child in Christ. Forgive me Lord for the times that I fell under the temptations to commit sin. Heal me of this illness or iniquities so that I will no longer experience any guilt and keep me under the shelter of Your love. May I consistently walk in Your way that will lead me to the land You have promised. 

Each day, You constantly save me from any form of harm or danger. Your kindness and compassion is always upon me in everything I do. Truly You work for good to those who love You. I am just very thankful that You are always with me to take care of me and be in full control of my concerns. Thank you for always finding me whenever I am lost in this world that is full of sin. 

All these benefits were made possible by your grace and steadfast love for me. I love you so much and I will continue to bless you for all eternity.

With much love and thanksgiving, I humbly pray in Jesus Name. Amen.

HONOR AND GLORY

"I will place the key of the 

House of David on Eliakim’s shoulder; when he opens, no one shall shut, 

when he shuts, no one shall open."  

(Isaiah 22:22)

"I will fix him like a peg in a sure spot, 

to be a place of honor for his family. 

On him shall hang all the glory of his family: 

descendants and offspring, 

all the little dishes, from bowls to jugs."

(Isaiah 22:23-24)

REWARDS

"Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man’s reward.

(Matthew 10:41)

 And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple — amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.” 

(Matthew 10:42)