Do you believe that God is a rewarder?

Hebrews 11 reveals that only faith pleases God, and then breaks it down into two simple things.

The only way to please God is to believe that He exists AND believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Yet, most see God as the great punisher. They believe He is just waiting for them to do something wrong so He can smite them.

God is not pleased with those who view Him that way.

He knows we won't get everything right. That's why He wants us to seek Him always, because He will bail us out every time.

Not only does He want us to seek Him, but He wants us to believe that as we do, He will reward us over and over again.

Not because we are perfect, but because we are seeking Him.

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I pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe Him.

The same mighty power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to work on behalf of every believer.

This mighty power not only raised Jesus, but seated Him above every other power and authority.

Jesus is now head over all things for the benefit of the church.

I pray that you get a revelation of how great this power is and how available it is to those who believe.

There's only one thing that prevents God's power from working on your behalf, and that is unbelief.

If there is any hesitation to believe that God wants to use His power for your benefit, it's time to find out why and eliminate the doubt.

If you are talking about what you don't have, it reveals that somehow you are doubting that God will provide all your needs, as He said He would.

When our focus is on what we think we don't have, it is not on the kingdom of God. And if our focus isn't on His kingdom, He can't add all the things.

The lack in your life will never be overcome by thinking about it or talking about it.

Jesus gave us very clear instructions on how to overcome lack: "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all the things will be added unto you."

Many believe this for a little while, but when the resource doesn't come in their timing, or the way they want it to come, they give up and put the focus back on lack.

Don't do that anymore! Get your eyes off the problem.

God is eager to make all grace abound toward you, so that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

God provides the resource. We provide our focus on Him.

It's ongoing work to focus on Him by casting down every thought that is contrary to God's Word. But it's worth the effort.

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Your faith can be measured by your obedience.

Jesus revealed this to us by saying, "Those who love Me obey My commandments."

Then James made it clear: "Faith without works is dead."

But don't get this mixed up. Our faith is not in what we do. We are not trying to make something happen.

Rather, what we do is a revealer of what we truly believe. Our actions are the fruit of what's inside.

When we say we believe, we must assess our actions to see if they align.

The last thing we want to do is deceive ourselves by trying to impress God or others with our "faith" that is actually dead.

And if you find out that your faith is dead, don't beat yourself up. There's a simple way to resurrect it: take more time to hear and meditate on the Word of God.

Take delight in honoring each other.

This clear instruction is given to the church in Romans 12:10, and it seems the modern church has lost sight of it.

Honor is under attack.

A wife who honors her husband is made fun of. Those who honor their pastors are called brainwashed. Most kids are untaught in honoring their parents.

According to the Bible, these three areas always require honor. If we can't get it right in the specifics, how will we ever honor each other?

Those who refuse to extend honor lack humility. They may dress it up as warranted criticism, but it is rebellion against God's Word.

Let's bring it back by going out of our way to honor each other.

Jesus speaks of a young, rich ruler who asked Him how to be saved.

Jesus answered, "Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor. Then come, follow me."

This aspect of salvation isn't talked about enough. There is something that comes before following Christ.

To fully understand, we must realize that a possession is anything we are unwilling to give up for the sake of Christ.

With the young rich ruler, that was pretty much everything he had acquired with his wealth. He would rather have his stuff than Jesus.

We must never fear zero. If the Holy Spirit prompts you to give everything, including your retirement account, it is for your benefit and protection.

Anytime we are resistant to the Holy Spirit prompting generosity, we've identified a possession that needs to go.

Really, we should be looking for these opportunities. Because Jesus promised a hundredfold return in this life for the things we give up.

Recommended Book → End Financial Struggle: God's Way to Never Lack Again