Heavenly Rewards

Sept. 30, 2013 Monday Message:

Everyone wants to know what heaven will be like. When we die, our earthly “stuff” stays on earth, so the #5 most asked Bible/Christianity question is, “Am I going to get new ‘stuff?’”

It’s a different economy up there, one that’s kind of confusing. Remember, the first will be last and the last will be first, so you really don’t want to pray for more. It should be more like, “Go ahead, you can have my stuff – I don’t really need it. I’m good.”

When God says to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” you’ll see your reward. But it won’t be “stuff.” You won’t need “stuff,” because you’ll be in the presence of God. The rewards in heaven are for faithfulness. Jesus didn’t say, “Well done, good and famous, talented or popular servant.” Over and over he praises faithfulness in all things. And there will be people who fancy themselves pretty awesome servants – cool! – But the first will be last, and the last will be first – whoa, didn’t see that coming! The Bible says that we should not think too highly of ourselves.

We get crowns in heaven – God places them on our heads – and we need to say, “Right back to You, Lord. All the glory belongs to YOU!” If we think that we did so well that we can keep the crown, we just failed the test! Those who are truly faithful with the opportunities God has given them, both in this life and the next, will be given more.

Jesus has you covered for this heavenly reward business. He’s been watching, and is carrying our heavenly rewards with him. “I am coming soon. And when I come, I will reward everyone for what they have done.” Rev. 22:12

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets every Sunday at 10:30am in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This Sunday, Oct. 06, our Prodigal Son returns home via Dan Pilla, Luke 15. Join us!

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We have Hope!

June 17, 2013 Monday Message:

My wife’s uncle, Al Hirsch, went to be with the Lord last week. Our family traveled to console his family in their loss.

Al was a solid Christian when I first met him, and that was about 45 years ago! He lived out his faith every day.

When I was much younger, I thought Al and his family were hopelessly square, not hip, un-cool, probably because of their outspoken Christianity. Nice people, but kinda square. But as my own walk with Jesus increased, I grew in awareness that Al and his family were the ones who really had it all together all along. We grew closer.
 

In his later years, Al filled his days as a “greeter” at Sam’s Club – but it was more than just that. Al had keys for the store, and servant Al would arrive early to turn on the heat and lights, making sure everything was ready for the rest of the staff. His wife Irene told me that Al made quite a difference in that store. Every customer who came through the door knew Al. And whenever an employee had a religious or moral question, or just needed to talk things over with a friend, Al was always available. He was trusted by all.

Al went to be with the Lord. In heaven there is no cancer; there is no pain, and no one suffers. As Al went from this reality into the next, Jesus greeted him with open arms, saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Al has Jesus; we have hope.

Norton Lawellin

Father’s Day and the New Hope Tour are behind us, but Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets every Sunday. This coming week, June 23, Dan Pilla teaches from Luke 11:1-13 about prayer. We gather at 10:30am in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. See you there!

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