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What the Bible says about God as a Rewarder- pt 1

Hotels, credit cards, department stores, gas stations, grocery stores, banks, even gift cards…they all have embraced the "Rewards" program model. If you use their product you get a reward. The more you use it the more rewards you get. God has a Rewards Program too.

"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6 NASB)

Jesus Christ told his disciples in his famous Sermon on the Mount that God would specifically reward them if they would do certain things. He even said that God would reward them publicly (in front of family and friends). He would reward certain actions and do so in such a way that everyone would know that you were recompensed by the God of heaven.

Right in the midst of the Bible's famous Hall of Faith chapter, Hebrews 11, God gives a key to the success of these great men and women of faith. This verse is there like a fulcrum, with simple people who did great exploits with faith in their God. All those heroes of faith did not just believe that God existed; they also believed that He would reward those who sought Him. God says that believing in His willingness to do just what He says He will do, and give just what He says He will give is a virtue. I have heard people say,"your faith is just a crutch." No, God calls it a virtue. In fact He says you can not even please Him unless you believe that He will reward YOU!

Jesus said that the Father in Heaven would reward you publicly if you would: give, pray, and fast.

"But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which sees in secret himself shall reward thee openly." (Matthew 6:3-4 KJV) Scripture is loaded with commands and promises about giving.

"Give and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." (Luke 6:38 NKJV)

I know their have been people who have abused these scriptures, trying to get money for themselves. Can you exploit these truths? Yes. Yet the Son of God said these things! He said that God the Father would reward us for giving. God is a Rewarder!

Jesus also said the Father would reward you for praying.

"But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." (Matthew 6:6 NKJV)

When we pray, and pray right, the Son of God said our heavenly Father will reward you, give to you, and pay you. This, I believe, is one of the most unused promises of the Bible. Imagine the God of heaven and earth telling you and your family- "Come to Me and pray. Don't make a show of it, but come and ask from me the things that you need. And I will not only answer you, but will show all those around you that I, your Father in heaven, brought resources to you that you did not have." What kind of lives could we have if we set a priority on doing just that?!

Forget what religion pictures as God's character, and just do what Jesus Christ said. Live your live in God's rewards. Sounds like the way to plan 2008!