THE PRIZE

 Who doesn't like to win a prize? I know I do! I am always signing up for contests. Lots of people tell me I am lucky but I say "no I am blessed" because over the years I have won everything from flowers, movie tickets, tickets to amusement parks, concert tickets, American Express gift card, ice show tickets, sunglasses, flying lessons(which I transferred to my son who is a commercial pilot now), inflatable goal posts, a gold watch, door prizes at coffees and Bunco, and most recently an IPOD Touch which became an instant birthday gift to my younger son!!
 These early prizes and rewards are great but do not compare anything to what awaits those who have made Jesus Lord of their life. James 1:12 says "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, for where has stood  the test, he will receive the crown of lifer hat God has promised to those that love him." Wow we get to be like royalty!!  A crown is special. It is the best reward of your life. Better than a Grammy, better than an Oscar, better than a Tony!! They do not compare with the reward of being with Jesus in eternity!
 Where are you today? Have you asked Jesus to be Lord of your life and are your walking with Him daily? If not, why not stop right now and say "Lord Jesus I need you in my life. I want to live for you and serve you. Forgive me for doing my own thing and sinning against you. Come into my heart right now. "
The journey ahead is marvelous. Not always a joy ride because trials will come into your life Hang on to Jesus and He will see you through.  Isaiah 43:2 reminds us "When you pass through the waters I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned. The flames will not set you ablaze."  Look to Jesus  for your strength when the world seems to be caving in around you. He indeed will see you through!!
 PRAYER: Father in heaven thank you for being my best prize ever. I do not need earthly rewards and pats on the back I need you in my life Lord. Shine your light through me. In Jesus name. Amen.

REWARDS FROM HEAVEN

Today my older son has a birthday. If I tell you how old he is you will think I am really old and I am not and do not feel old. But it is a milestone. He is a gift from God!  In God's word children are referred to as a reward. Many parents probably feel strapped by their children or feel like this parenthood thing will never end.Some moms wish they could just have their career back.  There are people who try to have biological babies and never can. Each child is a true gift for God. Children should be given a chance to live in a loving home. Too many babies are aborted for convenience or woman's choice or health issues. The time children are home is relatively short compared to the big scheme of things. I would tell people as a stay home I was raising leaders for the future. If you are a stay home mom never belittle yourself or think you do not matter. Never think you are wasting your education because you are not. The best job ever is to bring those little ones up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. There are no guarantees they won't stray from the path you have taught them but you have God's promises that they will return.(See Proverbs 22:6). We are the parental prayer warriors both when they are babies, growing up and when they are adults.

Psalm 127:3 says "Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him." Do you think about that verse? You could say if you are a parent you got the Blue Ribbon like at a county fair. The best reward yet! I know I feel that way. On this day I thank the Lord for giving us our son Matthew which by the way means "Gift of God" and my other son Jonathan's name means "God's Gracious Gift."

James 1:17 says "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for the gift of Life. Thank you for children. Give us wisdom in raising them to serve you and love you. If they have strayed from your path lovingly lead them back. Help their hearts be broken Lord by what breaks your heart. In Jesus name. Amen. 

Note: link to a movie which was in pre release but will return to theaters Spring 2012 and is all above pro life and pro family.
http://www.octoberbabymovie.net/