Godly Rewards

God’s Covenant with Abram

15 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”

Abraham had returned from battle having recovered his nephew Lot.  He then met with Melchizedek and gave a tithe from the spoils.  He then was offered goods from the king of Sodom.  He declined.  The bible tells us in the verse above that God came to Abram to make a covenant.  He tells Abram two things first "do not be afraid".  Then God says "I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."  Abram had been tempted by the king of Sodom to receive a worldly reward, after all he deserved it didn't he. He fought a good fight, brought back the captives, he should be able to partake of the spoils.  Abram did not accept this. He had higher things in mind a reward that was not of this world.  Hebrews 11:10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

It is very tempting for believers and followers of Christ to look for earthly rewards.  There are many preachers that peddle the gospel of Christ saying that godliness is a means of gain 1 Timothy 6:5; however, they rob the church of it's true reward.  The attitude of "I deserve this or I am going to get mine"  could not be further from God's heart see James 1:14 and James 4:3.  God desires to be our exceedingly great reward.  He longs that we should desire Him.  

When we make God our desire then and only then will we have the fullness of life.  

Psalm 63

New King James Version (NKJV)

Joy in the Fellowship of God

A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah.

63 O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.
² So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.