Reward For Obedience (by Margaret Duran)

©2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

“Because he loves me, says the Lord, I will rescue him; I will protect him, for He acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”       Psalm 91:14-16 (NIV)

God's gift to us for our obedience, worship and praise is so great. When we make time to sit alone with Jesus, there are great rewards that we know not of. Here are just a few of the many ways we are blessed:

Ø      Peace that passes all understanding;

Ø      Joy that fills our hearts to overflowing;

Ø      Rivers of living water will flow through and from us to everyone we meet;

Ø      Financial needs are met;

Ø      Our life begins to come together.

When we love someone, we want time alone with them, and so does Jesus. We must show Him that we love Him through our obedience.

 “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world.” 1 John 5:3 NIV

Our purpose in life is to give Him love and praise. That is why He created us … a real, personal relationship. It's time now to test our hearts because Jesus is coming again. Will our lamps be filled with oil so we will be ready when the Bridegroom comes?

Reasons To Rejoice (by Carolyn Marshall)

Do you ever get up in the morning and think that you just aren’t sure how you are going to make it through the day? I can remember a time in my life when I dreaded going to bed at night because sleep would pass fast and then I would have to face the inevitable “tomorrow”.



© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

The people of our world are facing some very difficult times now. Regardless of whom we are, where we live, or how much money we make, at some point in our lives we all face times when we are afraid, sad, lonely, rejected, or poor (not necessarily in an economic way but, rather, poor spiritually) . Some find it difficult to cope because they feel there is no way out of their situation and that there is no hope for things to get better. But there is always hope, and there is always reason to be joyful. Here are just a few that Jesus gave us when he was speaking to His disciples:

“Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: ‘Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.” Luke 6:20-23

The bible is full from beginning to end with reasons for us to be full of hope and joy. If you are tired of running in never-ending circles; if you’re ready to say “goodbye” to the lies of the world, and “ Thank You, Lord!” for the promises of our Savior, then:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Now … REJOICE!