by George Runyan | Mar 27, 2015 | Devotional, George Runyan
Matthew 5:13 – Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great.
Although there are many challenges in this life, we are passing through to a greater time where rewards will be given for faithfulness in the kingdom of God. Jesus promises a “great” reward to those who have suffered insults and persecution for His sake. “He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet is promised a prophet’s reward” (Matthew 10:41). “When you receive a righteous man in the name of a righteous man, you receive a righteous man’s reward” (Matthew 10:41). Even the giving of cold water qualifies one for a reward (Matthew 10:42). “When you lend, expecting nothing in return, your reward is great” (Luke 6:35). Paul says, “Each one will receive their own reward according to their own work “(1 Corinthians 3:8). Works that are built upon an imperishable foundation will receive a reward according to 1 Corinthians 3:14.
Don’t throw away your confidence, because it has a great reward (Hebrews 10:35). John the apostle said, “Watch yourselves that you might not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward” (2 John 8). The Lord Jesus Christ promised that He “is coming quickly and His reward is with Him, to render to every man according to what he has done” (Revelation 22:12).
Finally, diligence carries the promise of reward “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV). One does not have to wait for heaven to begin receiving rewards from our gracious Savior. Faithful diligence releases God’s favor throughout one’s life.
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you about His reward for you. The Father loves to give to His children. Don’t be bashful about expecting to receive rewards from Him. The Holy Spirit loves to honor the sons and daughters of God in this life. So be in a receiving mode now and in an expectant mode about the future.
by George Runyan | Mar 26, 2015 | Devotional, George Runyan
Matthew 5:11-12 – Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
It is amazing how some Christians expect everyone to like and honor them for good works on behalf of Jesus. As we stand against all that is represented in this world’s system, we draw fire from those who love the system. The Psalmist asks the question, “Why are the nations in uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His anointed, saying let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from among us” (Psalm 2:1-3). In a few parts of the world, there has been a higher tolerance for Christ’s people, but in most places He and His people are hated. We know why from the Scriptures! Satan influences their minds through demonic strongholds. The apostle Paul spoke to this subject in detail in his writings to the churches (2 Corinthians 10:1-5; Ephesians 1:15-23; 6:10-20; Colossians 2:8-15).
The Holy Spirit was sent to fill God’s people with the life of Christ and His power over Satan’s domain. Whenever the church has been persecuted, it seems to advance. In Matthew 5:11, the Lord promised blessing when we are insulted or persecuted. Our flesh wants to run from the pressure of resisting evil, but Paul encourages us to be strong in our spirit, “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God” (Philippians 1:27).
The great testimony of Christ in us is the ability to conduct ourselves in a fashion which honors our Lord. His Holy Spirit gives us power to live above the world’s system. Standing firm is standing strong. It is a corporate action, that is, we need others who are also standing firm in the faith. Together, we resist demonic strongholds, knowing their destruction is assured.
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you areas in your life where He can help you live in a manner worthy of the gospel. Ask Him for strength to stand firm in your spirit and give to you others that are also standing firm with the same mind.
by George Runyan | Mar 25, 2015 | Devotional, George Runyan
Matthew 5:10 – Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Most in the western world do not have an appreciation for Jesus’ statement. We might receive some rejection from folks, but for the most part, Christianity has been accepted. This is not at all true in many places in the world. A Jewish convert may be rejected by their own family. In the Islamic world, a price can be put on one’s head. A family member would be honored for killing the Christian convert. In places like Pakistan, the Christian is paid the lowest of wages and has a difficult time getting ahead. In China, many are in prison for not being part of the so-called state-run church.
When the church in the West begins to stand up against unrighteousness, it will draw persecution. Today, many have suffered financially and even gone to jail for trying to protect the life of innocent babies in the womb. In our government, there are those who want to silence those who are crying out against the injustices in today’s society. The Scriptures command us to obey the laws of the land. There are those who are calling on the government to enforce laws that were implemented to protect us. Many are persecuted for their righteous positions by a government that is sworn to uphold the law and provide protection for each member of society.
Today, in America, preachers have to make a choice between easy street and persecution for righteousness sake. The true believer must be willing to be persecuted, but one must be sure it is for righteousness and not one’s individual morality. It must be a righteousness that comes from God, rooted in Jesus Christ, and clearly supported by the Word of God.
Ask the Lord to make clear what He considers “righteousness.” Surrender to His will for your life and ask Him for strength to endure hardship for righteousness’ sake. Then enter into your Lord’s kingdom reign by allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you.
by George Runyan | Mar 24, 2015 | Devotional, George Runyan
Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). This statement seems to be in direct contrast to what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount. Is He contradicting himself? Jesus is the Prince of Peace. At His birth, the angels announced, “peace on earth, good will to men” (Luke 2:14). In Matthew 10:34, Jesus is describing the separation of those who belong to His Father from those belonging to this world’s systems. Many families and nations have divided over Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Jesus made it possible to have peace inside oneself, with one’s neighbors, and even among the nations. The hardness of men’s hearts keeps peace from being a reality. Many today pray for the peace of Jerusalem, not understanding the answer to that prayer was a person and not a city. The Prince of peace entered the city, but they received Him not.
Jesus reconciled us to God through His sacrificial death on the cross. “Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). He made peace possible for all those who would believe on Him. This has enraged the world’s systems against those who are the sons of God. We are peace carriers as Jesus was, but many reject the peace we carry and in doing so, reject becoming a son of God. Peace is in the Father’s DNA. That same peace is in every true son and daughter of God. Those who will not harden their hearts can become peacemakers. To those whose hearts are hardened in unbelief, Christ’s peacemakers will be a problem. This is what the sons of God do. On one hand they offer peace, on the other, they cause division. There have been many times when the Lord sent me to stir the pot. In doing so, I found out who really wanted the peace of God.
Ask our Father to make you a peacemaker, while realizing there will be some that will reject you as “a son of God.” Ask the Holy Spirit for His strength to help you be faithful in your role as a peacemaker. The world still rejects the “Prince of Peace,” but those who receive Him have peace beyond comprehension.
by George Runyan | Mar 23, 2015 | Devotional, George Runyan
Matthew 5:8 – Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
When the Scripture speaks of purity of heart, it is addressing motivations. The subject of the heart is a large topic in God’s Word. Here are some samplings. God searches the heart (Jeremiah 17:10). Unbelief comes from a hardened heart (Mark 8:17). Jesus knew what they were thinking in their hearts (Luke 9:47). The heart is where one’s treasure is (Luke 12:34). The heart is where secrets are kept (1 Corinthians 14:25). Paul prayed for the eyes of the heart to be enlightened, so that we may know what is the hope of His calling (Ephesians 1:18). Consider Paul’s admonition in Colossians 3:12-13. “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also you forgive.” The pure in heart have received forgiveness and forgiven all those who have sinned against them.
The heart is what I call “the seedbed of our emotions.” It is the deepest area in a person’s being. Some connect the heart to our human spirit. The pure in heart are those who have opened to God every secret they hold. The pure in heart have repented of unbelief. Although they do not understand everything yet, they trust completely in God. The pure in heart are becoming a treasure house of godliness. This new heart of purity must be received. Paul said to “put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12). These qualities are not the fruits of a good idea, but of a pure heart!
Today, why not join in Paul’s prayer for the church at Ephesus “that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened to know the hope of His calling”. It is in that seeking of God’s will and purpose that our hearts are changed and purity begins to form. Ask the Holy Spirit for a pure heart. Allow Him to identify areas in your life in need of His cleansing power.
by George Runyan | Mar 22, 2015 | Devotional, George Runyan
Matthew 5:7 – Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Sir Isaac Newton first presented his three laws of motion in 1686. His third law states “that for every action (force) in nature there is an equal and opposite reaction.” In other words, if object A exerts a force on object B, then object B also exerts an equal and opposite force on object A.
Newton was given revelation by God relating to a law of physics, but we have been given revelation by God in the spiritual realm. When you are merciful, it sets up a spiritual law of receiving mercy. This is true about all the Beatitudes. God’s life exerts a spiritual force of mercy upon us. We in turn exert a spiritual force upon others by showing mercy. They in turn become open to receiving mercy from God and give mercy back. In the law of the Spirit, the Scripture says, “Give, and it shall be given to you” (Luke 6:38). One of the evidences of the new birth in an individual is their desire to give to others.
Let us consider a few biblical statements that bear witness to this truth. Consider what the Psalmist said, “Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting” (Ps 126:5). Brokenness over others and their condition carries the promise that God will honor your brokenness with a day when the watering from your tears will give a crop of salvation that will produce in you a joy that cannot be contained.
Again consider what Paul said, “If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we should reap material things from you? (1 Corinthians 9:11). This is a Principle or Law in the New Testament. When God sends those who carry spiritual things that are imparted to our lives, we in turn should respond
