Persevere, you are not alone!

The Lord says for this time: 

"Persevere in what I've called you or spoken for you to do in this season of your life. Look unto Me, and not your surroundings. Keep your focus on Me, and not those challenges you may be facing. Don't give up and don't give in, no matter what. Keep running this race that has been set for you. For I am giving you the strength that you need. You will soon see yourself reaping with joy!" 

Psalm 126:5-6 (NKJV) says, 'Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.' 

Beloved, this is what God is saying to you right now. Your waiting time will not be wasted. Your many hours of sowing unto what the Lord has spoken for you to do, and even your tears will not go unnoticed. 

The Lord sees all these, and He will know how to reward you in due time. So, be patient with His timing. Keep looking unto Him, and do not doubt. You will surely reap with songs of joy. This applies in any area of your life, be it in the ministry, in your career, in your business, or in any area of your life. 

Galatians 6:9-10 (NKJV) says, 'And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.' 

Well, sometimes in our walk of faith, it's easy to lose heart and feel like giving up. But the Scripture again exhorts us not to grow weary while doing good. The good that God has spoken for you to do in this season of your life. You see, season comes and season goes. When one season ends, we walk into a new season. But in each season of your life, there is a reason. Flow with God's season for your life. Don't look back. Keep looking ahead. Keep building what God is building in your life right now, and in this season of your life. Again, there will come a time you will reap with songs of joy!

Why do I share this? Because the Lord has spoken, and I just want to be faithful to release what God has spoken for this time. The Lord also knows there are people out there who are actually on the verge of giving up doing good, doing the good that the Lord has spoken for them to do, or on the verge of giving up running the race that God has set before them. If you are one of them, you are not alone! The Lord sees it, and the Lord knows exactly what you are going through. 

And right now, He is releasing His fresh new strength upon you, even refreshing upon you. Receive all this by faith. For some of you, even your walk of faith may have been challenged recently. Maybe some things have happened around you that cause you to doubt God, or to have 'question marks' as to why certain things happened. Maybe it's a passing of someone you know or someone you hold dear. Maybe it's an unexpected event that has happened in your life. Whatever that causes you to doubt or to have 'question marks', the Lord is saying to you right now: "I am still here for you. I will walk with you. I will see you through all this." 

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) says, 'Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us; looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.' 

The word 'cloud' here in ancient Greek was a figure of speech which indicates 'a large group'. This can imply 'all the men and women of God in the history of mankind' or 'all the angels in the spiritual realm'. The writer of Hebrews here pictured that you are surrounded by all of them, as if you are running your race in a stadium full of spectators surrounding you and cheering you all the way till the finishing line.

You see, you are not alone here. So, ignore all those detractors. Cast out all those doubts. Because those who are cheering you are many more than those detractors. What are these 'cloud of witnesses' cheering you on? They are cheering you to continue in your faith, and to run your race with endurance!

This brings us to the word 'endurance'. The word 'endurance' here is 'hupomone' in ancient Greek. It literally means 'going steadily on with focus and determination, and without getting deflected'. By the way, 'to get deflected' means 'to cause something to change direction, or to turn aside from the straight course'. So, 'hupomone' can be interpreted as 'not changing direction or not turning aside from the straight course, but instead, running with focus and determination towards the finishing line'. 

In Acts 20:24 (NKJV), the Apostle Paul said, "But none of these things move me... so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus." 

None of those challenges moved him. None of those detractors moved him. He stayed focused on Jesus. Again here, just like in Hebrews 12, the Apostle Paul pictured himself as a runner, running a race to the finishing line, and that nothing could keep him from finishing the race that has been set before him. 

You see here, Paul specifically said 'finishing his race'. And he's going to finish his race with joy. That's what he said here. Now, the same it is for each of us. Each of us has a specific race to finish. It is not so much about competing in a race with others. It is our own race that God has specifically catered and set for us. In other words, our own unique race. Not to compare with others. 

The expression 'looking unto Jesus' here implies 'looking away from other things and having our eyes fixed on Jesus'. The Greek word for 'looking' here is 'aphorao'. It is more than what we usually understand about this word 'looking' in English. This word 'aphorao' is a much fuller word. It actually means 'looking attentively and single-mindedly, and looking away from everything else'. And it is not just looking unto Jesus and what He has done for us on the cross per se, but also looking unto Him for His guidance, His encouragement, His strength, His wisdom, His revelation, and so on. 

You see, He is everything to us. He is the all-encompassing God to us. A God who is more than enough for us. Amen! 

And of course, He is the author and finisher of our faith. That is to say, He is not just the author of our faith, but He is also the finisher of our faith. In other words, He is with you at the starting line of your race and He is with you at the finishing line of your race, and all along the race, everything in between, every step of the way! 

So, take heart, beloved. Indeed, the good work that He has begun in you, He will bring it to full completion. Philippians 1:6. I like this version in Amplified Bible, Classic Edition. 'And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.' 

So, what's your part now? Stay the course! Keep receiving His love and assurance along the way! Keep receiving His joy and strength along the way! When you receive His joy, you will also have the strength to carry on and finish your race. The Scripture says 'the joy of the Lord is your strength'. 

The power of God is here right now. The strength of God is here right now. The anointing of God is here right now. Receive all this by faith. In Jesus' name. Amen!

Click here to watch the video in TiC YouTube Channel

Watch this if you are discouraged or burnt out

The Lord says: 

"I remember and appreciate all the good that you've done for Me. And I remember and appreciate all the good that you've done for others whom I extend My hand to. In the open. In the secret. Wherever you are. Anytime. Anywhere. Even if you've forgotten about it. And I will know how to reward you openly." 

The Lord is pointing us to the story of Elijah today. 

After a great exploit for the Lord at Mount Carmel, and after having defeated and executed the prophets of Baal, 1 Kings 19:1-2 (NLT) says, 'When Ahab (the king) got home, he told Jezebel (his wife) everything Elijah had done, including the way he had killed all the prophets of Baal. So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: "May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them."'

Elijah was afraid and then fled for his life. As he was alone in the wilderness, he prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, Lord," he said. "Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died." 

At that point of time, Elijah was burnt out and lonely. Not just that. He felt like a failure. In fact, he even felt angry. He felt like nothing has changed. It's back to the same old status quo. The people of God those days, after having seen a great spectacle and miracle from God, seemed to have forgotten the great things done by God. It's back to "business as usual" again. They didn't seem to have a great awakening. The evil king still remained the evil king. The evil queen Jezebel still remained the evil queen. It's like nothing has changed. In fact, the evil queen Jezebel even wanted to kill him! 

And here Elijah was - burnt out, discouraged, disoriented, and even feeling angry - so much so he wanted to die. But look here what happened. As he was sleeping, an angel of the Lord touched him and said, "Get up and eat!" Elijah looked around and saw some bread and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and then slept again. The angel then came again, touched him and said, "Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you." So he got up, ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. 

Something interesting happened here. Instead of judging Elijah for his negativity and defeatism, God did the opposite. God showed care and appreciation towards Elijah. The angel sent food and drink to strengthen him. Obviously, God wasn't done with Elijah yet. God still has new things ahead for Elijah. God still has a plan for Elijah. God still has a future for Elijah. 

Right now, beloved of God, maybe you too are in somewhat the same situation as Elijah. You feel like your life's going nowhere. Or you feel so tired and exhausted with life, or in your career, or in the ministry. You feel like no one appreciates you for all the good that you've done. Or you feel like you have failed and wasted your life, and what you've done so far is in vain, yielding not much result. Whatever it may be, take heart. Even if all these happen, and even if no one seems to see the good in you and appreciate you, the Lord sees and the Lord appreciates you.

Today, He wants to give you the grace and the strength to rise again. Yes, even better than before! So, let Him do His part. Let Him do a deep work in you. He is releasing His Spirit upon you right now. He is releasing His refreshing in your spirit right now. Let your spirit be refreshed and be renewed again. 

Back to Elijah now. With the strength that Elijah received from the bread and water, which speaks of the Word of God and the Spirit of God, he reached the mountain of God, where he was about to have a personal encounter with God. 

After the windstorm, the earthquake, and the fire, the Lord began to speak to him in a gentle whisper. The Lord began to speak new things to him. New direction. New instruction. New purpose.

1 Kings 19:15-16 (NLT) says, 'Then the Lord told Elijah, "Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet."' 

There's a new role in a new season for Elijah. What is that role? To anoint and to mentor a new generation of kings and prophet! In other words, the Lord moved him on to become a spiritual father and a mentor now. It's not just a re-direction! It's a promotion! A new level! The next level! 

You see, God remembered and appreciated all that Elijah had done in the earlier season or seasons of his life. And now, at this juncture, a new season and a new stage of life had begun to spring forth! Today, the Lord is speaking the same to you too. 

You may say, "That's Elijah. That's a great man of God. How can I compare with him?" But the Lord is saying this doesn't just apply for those serving in the ministry. This also applies to every aspect of your life as a believer. In your career. In your vocation. In the business. In every area of your life. 

God is interested in every aspect, and even the minute detail of your life. God doesn't just care for your spiritual ministry. God doesn't just care for your calling and mission in life. God cares for you in every other area of your life. Yes, in every way. God is interested in your well being. God is interested in giving you the peace that you need. God is interested in giving you the joy that you need.

Let Him fill you again all in all. Let Him fill you with His love, His peace, and His joy again. Let Him fill you with a renewed hope again.

He wants to be in deep union with you. Just you and Him. Here, the Lord wants to meet you. Here, the Lord is giving you a new direction and a new purpose. And here, the Lord is releasing a new strength and zeal upon you to look ahead in your life, like what happened to Elijah!

Click here for the full message in TiC YouTube Channel

God will reward you openly!

Let me share with you a dream I received from the Lord the other day. 

In the dream, I saw a picture of a big ship going through storms. And there was this one person in the ship. The next thing I saw was water from the sea began entering the ship. Water began to seep into the ship through the gaps at the wall of the ship. And then more and more water entering the ship. This person in the dream tried whatever he could to close the gaps at the wall of the ship to prevent water from entering. And he was doing this without others seeing or knowing about it.

Speaking about unsung heroes! Speaking about sacrificing oneself to save others, even without others knowing it, seeing it, or recognizing it! And later on, the sea was calm again. The turbulent storms and high waves passed. And the ship docked at the port. But no one actually remembered him and no one even know he was instrumental in saving the ship. And as everyone went about their own things, no one realized what this person did, and therefore, of course, no one appreciated him or thanked him. 

And that's when the Lord spoke these words: "The good that you have done in secret, I will know how to reward you openly. Even though the world may not recognize it or appreciate it, I recognize it and appreciate it. Even though the world may not know it or see it, I know it and see it. For I see inside the heart, and I do not see as man sees." 

Maybe some of you, you have done a lot of good things, yet many people in the world do not recognize it, they do not appreciate it, they do not know it, or they do not see it. But the Lord wants you to know that He sees it, and He will know how to reward you openly! 

You may be one of those whose good deeds, or whose prayers in the secret, no one knows, and people forget about you. But the Lord your God, your Heavenly Father, will never forget you. He will never forget all your good deeds and all those prayers that you have prayed for others.

Like the little things that you thought are little things, but the Lord your God, your Heavenly Father, values it so much. For example, the prayers that you have prayed to bless others, even when no one is there to listen, or you wake up in the middle of the night to pray for somebody, and that somebody doesn't even know about it. How about the little encouragement you give to people who are down or discouraged? How about the time you have sacrificed to counsel others and to encourage others? How about the energy you have spent to help others? How about your sowing, your giving, yes even financially, to God's kingdom, to God's work, to the ministries that God has put in your heart to give? 

Whatever good that you have done for the Lord, even when no one appreciates you, your Heavenly Father appreciates you. He will never forget, even for one second, all these good deeds and all these prayers that you have prayed, or whatever that you have done for the good of the kingdom of God. 

Your God is not dead. Your God is still very much alive. He sees everything that has been done in the secret, and He will know how to reward you openly!

And that's exactly what Jesus said in Matthew 6:1-4, "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly." 

Let me say this very clearly. The context of this part of the Scripture is never about salvation by works. Your salvation is by grace through your faith. But you see, there is a place for good deeds. There is a place for prayers. And Jesus was saying here, "Do not be like those hypocrites". But whatever you do, the most important thing is your Heavenly Father sees it, even if no one in this world sees it. And your Heavenly Father will know how to reward you openly! 

What is this word 'openly' here? It is 'phaneros' in Greek. This word 'phaneros' is from the word 'phos', which means 'light, radiance, luminous'. And one meaning of this word 'phaneros' is 'like the light that shines'. In other words, your Heavenly Father who sees your good deeds in secret will Himself reward you openly, like the light that shines on you! 

Imagine if each of us is like a star in the galaxy, and the light of the Lord shines on you! And you, as that star, shines so bright, even in the midst of darkness or hollowness in the galaxy. And that's what it means by 'reward you openly'! You will be like the light that shines! You will be like a star in the galaxy, and your star shines so bright, even in the midst of darkness around you! 

So, this word 'openly' doesn't necessarily mean 'publicly, outwardly, or for people to see', but more importantly, it can mean in the spiritual realm, your star shines so bright! 

And you know what? Whatever that is in the spiritual realm will be reflected in the physical realm. So I believe this is not just about eternal or heavenly reward, but it has to do also with your earthly reward, i.e. your reward while you are still on earth!

Jesus then said in Matthew 6:5-6, "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward (it means 'they already have their reward'). But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." 

Again, the word 'openly' or 'phaneros', i.e. like the light that shines on you! 

So, be encouraged therefore, because all your good deeds, all those prayers that you've prayed (even in tears for people), and all those good that you've done for people around you, even though they may not see it, the Lord sees it. The Lord sees your heart. The Lord doesn't see as man sees. But the Lord sees right inside your heart.

You may be saying, "But I've been doing good. I've been doing all that I could. I've been praying. But why is it that I don't see my reward?" 

Beloved, your reward will surely come! In God's perfect timing, and even in ways that you cannot imagine. Just do not limit God. Because when God rewards, God rewards! 

God knows how to reward you even in ways you never thought possible. For example, maybe you have put all your energy and time on this person. But this person never appreciates you. And this person later on walks out on you. So, it doesn't necessarily mean when you do good to Mr A, and Mr A will surely be the one who will return good to you. Instead, God can raise up a Mr B to show you kindness or to be a blessing to you. You see, what I'm trying to say here is God is in control. Whatever good that you sow, God will see to it that you're going to reap. Just do not limit God on how you're going to reap it, or in what way you're going to reap it. It may be in a way that will totally surprise you. And that's why your God, your Heavenly Father, is a God of all wonders. Amen! 

Psalm 126:5-6 says, 'Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.' Let this be so for you, on earth as it is in heaven!

In Galatians 6:9-10, Apostle Paul wrote, 'And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all especially to those who are of the household of faith (i.e. your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ).' 

So, let us not grow tired or weary in doing good, in being a blessing to others, in praying for others, in encouraging those who are down, to minister to others, or to serve others. Because in due time, and in due season, you shall surely reap!

In Colossians 3:23-24, Apostle Paul wrote, 'And whatever you do, do it heartily (in other words, 'with all your heart', 'with an abounding heart', 'with a cheerful heart, not a grudging heart'), as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.' 

In a world that is full of selfish or inward-looking people, let the light of God so shine on you! You are so full of His light and His glory, so much so that you cannot contain it, and it shines out on others! Yes, in every way that God can use you, in using whatever spiritual gift or talent that He has given to you to be a blessing to others, and that's how your 'star' is going to shine ever and ever brighter! 

And that's what Apostle Paul meant, 'knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.' It means all the heavenly inheritance bestowed upon you, and all the goodness of God bestowed upon you and overflowing upon you!

So, wherever the Lord puts you in the Body of Christ (we are all parts of one whole Body of Christ), and whatever the Lord wants to do through your life, keep shining! And always remember as you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all these things (whatever in the world that you ever need) shall be added to you. And you know that's in Matthew 6:33! 

Just like the dream that I've shared with you just now, be encouraged therefore! You may be like that person in the ship. Nobody knew what he did. Nobody saw what he did. Nobody recognized what he did. Yet he was instrumental in saving the ship in a time of storm. But the Lord your God knows it, sees it, and recognizes it. And the Lord your God will know how to reward you openly! 

Let's pray: "O Lord God, look at Your beloved's heart right now. The good that Your beloved has done even in the secret, You will know how to reward Your beloved openly. Even though the world may not recognize it or appreciate it, You recognize it and appreciate it. Even though the world may not see it or know it, You see it and know it! There's nothing that's hidden from You. Indeed You are the Lord who will know how to reward each of us openly - in heaven and on earth. In the name of Jesus. Amen." 

So, beloved of God, let us not lose heart while doing good. Keep being a blessing to others. Keep praying for others. Keep encouraging those who need encouragement. Whatever the Lord has put in your heart to be a blessing to others, do it. And His light will continue to shine through you, shining and radiating to others through you! 

Whichever part of the Body of Christ that you are in, whatever spiritual gift or spiritual calling that you may have, or whether you are in the marketplace, in your neighborhood, or wherever you are, you can be the light that shines on others! Keep looking out for ways to be a blessing to others and to love others. And I tell you what, you will be like the star that shines so bright - both in the spiritual realm and physical realm. Hallelujah! 

Click here for the full teaching in TiC YouTube Channel

A lifestyle of worship

I heard and released these words from the Lord on December 4, 2016:

"This is a month to dedicate yourselves to Me in worship. A lifestyle of worship! A lifestyle of worship! In all that you are, and in all that you do, worship Me!"

Don’t get me wrong. Not that at other times, you don’t worship. But this is a key month to dedicate yourselves to Him again in worship.

In John 4:23-24, Jesus says, "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." 

The word 'worship' here is 'proskuneo' in Greek, and according to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, it means 'to kiss (like a dog licking his master's hand)'. Other definitions of this word 'proskuneo' are 'to prostrate with a kiss' and 'to prostrate oneself in reverence and adoration'.

By the way, 'to prostrate' can be defined as 'to lay oneself flat on the ground face downward, especially in reverence and submission'.

Two times the Lord said, "A lifestyle of worship!", and I knew He had wanted me to write about this today. And so here am I, O Lord, at Your service!

I am fascinated by this particular definition of 'proskuneo': 'to kiss (like a dog licking his master's hand)'. If you have a pet dog, you'd know what this means. To the dog, you are like the world to him! To the dog, you are 'the leader of the pack', 'the master', someone whom he would look to and put his fullest trust!

With this illustration above, we can now understand better the very essence of what 'worship' ('proskuneo') is, in the context of your relationship with the Lord your God: Like a dog licking the master's hand, you look to Him (your Master) and put your fullest trust in Him (your Master) in all that you are, and in all that you do! 

Contrary to what many people think, worship isn't just in songs and melodies. Worship is a lifestyle! For those in worship ministry, your lifestyle reflects your ministry, and not just in your singing of songs, or playing of musical instruments. As someone who has been involved in worship ministry, I must admit that no doubt musical skills are important, but without a heart and lifestyle of worship, all these skills will become nothing before God. People may be impressed by your musical skills/talents, but God isn't.

Note: The Oxford Dictionary defines 'lifestyle' as 'way of life of an individual or group'; and Dictionary.com defines it as 'a way of life or style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person or group'.

Today, I want to introduce two words for 'worship' that you can find in the New Testament. First, 'proskuneo' (which I have explained above), and second, 'latreuo'. The second word is found in Philippians 3:3 written by the apostle Paul: 'For we are the circumcision, who worship ('latreuo') God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh'. The word 'latreuo' here in Greek means 'to minister (unto God), to serve God, to render service (unto God)'.

The apostle Paul then continued writing: '...If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eight day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith...' (Philippians 3:4-9, NKJV)

In the context of the verses above, 'latreuo' can therefore be defined as 'to minister (unto God), to serve God, to render service (unto God), without putting confidence in the flesh'. In other words, not by one's own ability, but God's ability!

The apostle Paul (who was entrusted by the Lord to write half of the whole New Testament) understood what true 'worship' is! He was living a lifestyle of worship through and through! The Bible never mentioned him playing musical instruments! But that doesn't mean he wasn't a worshiper of the Lord! Singing songs? Okay, the Bible mentioned that before! Not in a worship conference, or on stage in a worship service, but you know where? Inside the jail, together with Silas, and in the midnight hour! (Acts 16:25-26) Instead of wallowing in self-pity, he sang hymns to God! It just came naturally to him, even in the 'darkest' of hours! He was living a lifestyle of worship from the inside-out! Not a facade, not for show, but a 'proskuneo' and 'latreuo' before the Lord!

You see, you don't have to be in worship team/ministry to be a worshiper! But if you are in worship team/ministry, all the more you are to live a lifestyle of worship! Not just in songs and music, but in every facet (aspect) of your everyday life!

In all that you are, worship Him!

'Proskuneo': Looking to Him and putting all your trust in Him.

'Latreuo': Ministering unto Him and rendering service unto Him, putting no confidence in your own flesh.

For instance, my writing ministry is a form of worship unto the Lord. I did it upon the instructions (blueprints) given by the Lord, and just wanted to bless the Body of Christ unconditionally. I have never expected people to start writing to me and ask if they can use my materials. But many did!

People of God, in all that you are (i.e. 'called to be'), 'proskuneo' and 'latreuo' Him!

In all that you do, worship Him!

'Proskuneo': Looking to Him and putting all your trust in Him.

'Latreuo': Ministering unto Him and rendering service unto Him, putting no confidence in your own flesh.

The same it is with those many years of sowing seeds of God's love and kindness among the youths/college students in our (my wife and I) earlier years in full-time ministry. We did it upon the instructions (blueprints) given by the Lord, and just wanted to avail ourselves to care for these young people unconditionally. It was done as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). We have never expected anything in return, and we have never expected these young people to remember us later in their lives. But some did!

People of God, in all that you do (i.e. 'called to do'), 'proskuneo' and 'latreuo' Him!

The Lord knows how to reward you! 

Yes, even if you have not expected it, and you just wanted to render your unconditional service unto Him as a sweet aroma of worship (Philippians 4:18), be it in your time, your energy, your giving of finance, etc. Because He is a good God, and He loves to give you every good thing (Romans 8:32, Psalm 34:10), even in ways you have not imagined, or even if you never realize it. Colossians 3:23-24 says, 'And whatever you do, do it heartily (with an abounding heart), as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ'. Ephesians 3:20 says, 'Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us'. 

And just as the Lord had spoken to Abram those days in Genesis 15:1, He is also saying these words to you who 'proskuneo' and 'latreuo' Him: "Do not be afraid, ... I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward." Let it be so! Hallelujah!