Category: Daily Devotional

Reference GotQuestions.org. The fourth crown that may be awarded to believers at the judgment seat of Christ is “The Crown of Rejoicing – (1 Thessalonians 2:19) “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4 to “rejoice always in the Lord” for all the bountiful blessings our gracious God has showered upon us. As Christians we have more in this life to rejoice about than anyone else. (Eternal Life) Luke tells us there is rejoicing even now in heaven (Luke 15:7). The crown of rejoicing will be our reward where “God will wipe away every tear . . . there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).” Love Mel

Another crown, the third we will discuss that the believer may obtain at the Judgement Seat of Christ, is The Crown of Glory. The Bible says when our Lord appears we will “receive the crown of glory that does not fade away “ (1 Peter 5:4). This will be awarded to all those who long for or love His appearing, which means looking for the rapture and the second coming with an anxious and hopeful longing to be with Him. So it is wise to study the scriptures for these events showing your interest. Books like the Revelation and the gospels are rich with the signs of His soon appearing. Matthew 24, Luke 21 and Mark 13 give us many signs to study and look for. I also highly recommend for the more visually inclined to see Nelson Walters on YouTube. You can google it with his name and “signs of the second coming” and “signs of the rapture” all on YouTube. You will be amazed. As Paul said in Rom 8:18 “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us”.

In keeping with our study of the rewards believers will receive at the Bema or Mercy Seat of Christ we will start with the 5 Crowns it is possible to receive which we will lay at Jesus feet. First is The Crown of Life – (Revelation 2:10) “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” This crown is for all believers who remain faithful to the end and for those who endure sufferings and persecution for Jesus, to the point of death if necessary. “And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life” (1 John 2:25). James tells us that this crown of life is for all those who love God (James 1:12). How do we demonstrate our love for God? The apostle John answers this for us: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). As His children we must keep His commandments, obeying Him, always remaining faithful. So, as we endure the trials, pains, heartaches, and tribulations of life may we ever move forward, always “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2) and receive the crown of life that awaits us. Partial credit GotQuestions.org

Eph 5:15-16 ESV Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 1 Cor 16:14 ESV Let all that you do be done in love. Romans 12:18 NLT Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Mic 6:8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. & what does the Lord require of you? To act justly & to love mercy & to walk humbly with your God. 1 Thes 4:11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business & work with your hands, just as we told you. 1 Tim 6:18-19 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, & to be generous & willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. — We can take hold of life! Love Mel

James 5:13-16 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; & let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: & the prayer of faith shall save the sick, & the Lord shall raise him up; & if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, & pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, & ye shall have them. — Fervent prayer is all about desire, & our ability to believe that we shall receive! This all begins with His purpose, our faith & how we fit into His purpose. Our prayers have the ability to avail much! Love Mel