For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 1 Corinthians 3:11-14
“What, dearest brethren, will be that glory of those who labor charitably — how great and high the joy when the Lord begins to number His people, and, distributing to our merits and good works the promised rewards, to give heavenly things for earthly, eternal things for temporal, great things for small; to present us to the Father, to whom He has restored us by His sanctification; to bestow upon us immortality and eternity, to which He has renewed us by the quickening of His blood; to bring us anew to paradise, to open the kingdom of heaven, in the faith and truth of His promise! Let these things abide firmly in our perceptions, let them be understood with full faith, let them be loved with our whole heart, let them be purchased by the magnanimity of our increasing labors.”
Cyprian of Carthage (190-258) in his Treatise 8, On Works and Alms, 26.
I am sad to draw near the end of this treatise by Cyprian of Carthage. Reading it has been the perfect way to prepare for and start Lent in 2024.
Here Cyprian says to “let these things abide firmly in our perceptions” so our charitable labor will increase and so we can anticipate eternal reward.
Think about it. Seriously, stop what you are doing and think.
If you received a reward that would perish in minutes, you would label it worthless, right? It would be a waste of time and money to pursue.
But if I gave you a reward that would last for millions of years, how would you respond? I hope you would give yourself and the resources you steward toward it.
That’s what Lent is all about. We learn to labor charitably and to direct all we are and all we have away from earthly and toward eternal purposes.
I will give you an opportunity to do this right now. Some have asked me if GTP received sufficient funds to activate the work of a $1.25 million grant at year end.
The answer is no. As I have surrendered this need to God, He has reminded me to trust Him to move people to give in His timing. I am waiting on the LORD.
The need is great, around six figures. And I feel led today to remind you to consider giving to activate this work to serve Spanish and Chinese churches worldwide.
Please pray and give as God leads according to your ability. And when you do, praise God that you are on the giving side as it is better to give than receive.
Even if you have already given, give again. When you give, you store up treasures in heaven and can anticipate eternal reward. As part of Lent is growing in giving, please click here to make a gift to GTP today.
And pray for my safe travel. As you read this, I will be over the Pacific flying to Australia for 3 weeks of work in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Adelaide.
Jenni will join me for 2 weeks of the trip, for the Sydney, Perth, and Adelaide portion. Reply for a copy of my trip prayer schedule. And please do make a gift today.
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