Christianity Oasis Forum


Hosted by Saint 701 ... This forum is for the purpose of examining the subject of Grace and its great place in God's work in the body of Christ Jesus of which we are a part. "The Book of Romans" was chosen for the title since that book is so rich in Grace to us, but in no way is this forum limited in examining Grace to only the "Book of Romans."

Would You Like A Reward?

Postby saint701 » Tue Jun 22, 2010 11:20 am

Hello All,

*AngelYellow*
Blessings!

There are rewards possible for us doing something that is quite foreign to our old nature. Jesus teaches us about it in Matthew chapter 5. There, in verses 43 to 48, hes says:

43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor[h] and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. [i]46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.



Jesus tells us of that as we love our enemies and pray for those that persecute us two wonderful blessings are made possible for us, the blessing of sonship, and the blessing of perfection.

I have walked both sides of the fence for most of my adult life, sometimes holding grudges and not forgiving, and other times loving my enemies and praying for them. I remember when I was in the Navy way back in the 70's during the drug culture years, I came to a point where I had to make a decision about whether I was going to be sucked further down in the drug culture or rise above it.

Thankfully, the Lord gave me His grace to rise above it. Now, most everyone in most offices back then were doing this kind of drug or other, and one day I was offered heroine. When the offer came, something just went off on the inside of me, and I got up and walked out. I didn't even think about looking back.

My action was noticed and on Monday I was no longer liked in my office. And so began a long period of persecution for me. For a while I didn't know what to do other than just buck up under it, but one night while lying in bed the above scriptures came to me and I began praying for everyone in my office. Night after night I prayed.

Then a strange thing happened....I had a dream...I dreamed that the chief persecutor and I were in the ocean both holding onto a life raft. I climbed up on the raft first and then he did. I didn't know what the dream meant at the time. but 6 months later I passed the advancement exam with a significantly higher score than my persecutor, and became the senior man in the office as we left for deployment.

Loving and praying for my enemies had brought a reward. Later I was born again, crying abba, Father...the pathway to sonship and perfection. Thankfully, by the grace of our Father, who is our Dad, I am still on that pathway.

*AngelYellow*
Blessings!
L,ICJ,Saint701.
It is most certainly far better to die in faith believing, than it is to live in unbelief.
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Postby mlg » Tue Jun 22, 2010 11:41 am

Hi saint, I have a similiar story...when I first started working at my job...we had a member who was upset one day and yelled at me in front of many members...she made me look like an idiot. I was so upset...I went away and cried. But...I continued to be nice to this lady...despite what she did...and over the years...she and I have become close..and she is one of my favorite members now...God has blessed me with allowing me not to hold a grudge and to be able to have companionship from this lady now.

:) God rewards those who suffer persecution.

luv ya
Do you know my Jesus? Do you know my friend? Have you heard He loves you? If not, I'd like to introduce you.
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Hello!

Postby saint701 » Tue Jun 22, 2010 1:23 pm

Hi MLG, All,

*AngelYellow*
Blessings!

Thanks for the wonderful comment!

*AngelYellow*
Blessings!
L,ICJ,Saint701.
It is most certainly far better to die in faith believing, than it is to live in unbelief.
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Males
 
Posts: 697
Location: St. Louis, MO
Marital Status: Waiting on God


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