Tag: Jesu

Posted in JESUS, Uplifting Christ

Reward for your Sacrifices

Posted on by Uplifting Christ

Then Peter said to him, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?” (Matthew 19:27, NLT)

Peter, like many of us, asked Jesus “Master, what is our reward for investing everything we have in promoting the Good News? (in my own words). Peter considered the opportunity cost for following Jesus and wanted to know how profitable his sacrifice would be in the end.  In the same way, we are (sometimes) attempted to rethink about some sacrifices we make in our churches or individually to support God’s work.

Jesus’ response to Peter’s question was remarkable. He replied “everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19:29, NLT).

Jesus told Peter (in my own words) “don’t worry Peter because whatever you have given up for my sake, you will receive a hundred times as much in return on earth, and you will also inherit eternal life.”

In the same way friends, whatever we have given up for Jesus’ sake, we will receive a hundred times as much on earth, and we will inherit eternal life. In other words, there are bountiful rewards for us in this life. I don’t know how He is going to do it but one thing is certain; God’s Word can be trusted.

Peter’s new job was to fish for people according to Luke 5. And he saw the first part of the promise come to pass on the day of Pentecost. The Scripture says those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day – about 3000 in all.

My question for you is;

What have you given up for Jesus’ sake?

Be encouraged that nothing is wasted and God will continually bless you for promoting His Kingdom business. Don’t give up!

Posted in JESUS, Uplifting Christ

DAY 3 – WHY DID JESUS COME TO DIE?

Posted on by Uplifting Christ
His KingdomI came that they may have  and  enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). (John 10:9, 10 AMP). 
 
Many Christians today are enduring life. They are suffering from all sort of sicknesses and diseases, they are broke, broken hearted, depressed, afraid of the future, etc. Such people have not realised or understood the purpose of Jesus Christ in their lives. “Christ in you, the hope of glory“. When a person has Jesus, he/she has everything because God has placed everything that person needs in Jesus. And Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. In other words, there is hope for the future.
In John 10:10, Jesus said the devil came to steal, kill, and destroy. Satan came to steal the joy in your family, he came to steal your health, your business ideas, promotion, and all other gifts you received from God. He wants you in Hell.
BUT
He came that you may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance. He came that you will have eternal life. Jesus wants you to enjoy each day of your life. What did he do to make that possible? He took every pain and sorrow, fear, sickness and disease,  disappointments, failures, sins, and guilt to the cross. When all was done, He cried IT IS FINISHED!
If Jesus hadn’t come to die, we would have remained slaves to sin. And if He hadn’t resurrected from the dead, we would have been the most miserable people on earth. I thank God for sending His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the Cross so that we can be made right with Him. Today we can go before His throne of grace with confidence. Hallelujah!

 

Posted in GLORIFY GOD

AFFLICTIONS OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Posted on by Uplifting Christ

Schmitt_Look_Up_HiResThe righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; (Psalm 34:19 NIV)

Most people wonder why God sometimes allow or permit His children to face trouble? I used to ask this same question when I was a child but I found the answer in John 9. I thank God I did at the early stage of my life.

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. (John 9:1-3 NIV)

God sometimes allow or permit trouble to come so that His children would know He is more than able to deliver. In other words, He wants our lives to be testimonies to other people, including unbelievers. For example God allowed the three Hebrews to be thrown into the burning furnace so that Nebuchadnezzar would know or see His wondrous Power to deliver His children from any situation.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. (James 1:2 NLT)

Troubles are opportunity for great joy. Consider Joseph, He came from prison to a much higher position in Egypt. Think about Mordecai, He was honoured while his enemy was hanged on his own gallows. Job received more than what he lost in times of trouble. The three Hebrews and Daniel saw the mighty power of God to deliver His children. Peter was sent to prison but these were his words when he was delivered; Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.” (Acts 12:11 NIV). And I know that your great joy is just ahead of you.

In Psalm 34:19, the psalmist said although the righteous man or woman may have many trouble, the Lord is more than able to deliver him or her from them all. Notice he did say God will deliver him from some. He used them all. Therefore no matter what you are going through today, God will deliver you from them all. He allowed those troubles so that when He delivers you, those people who saw you in those situations would see His mighty Power and give Him glory. Praise the Lord!