DECEMBER 6 - ETERNAL REWARDS
READ 1 Peter 1
Because of our great hope for the future, we should be steadfast in the face of present trials.
INSIGHT
One mark of maturity is the ability to put off present gratification for the sake of a future reward. A child of six is not willing to give up buying a piece of candy to save that money for college tuition; yet an older child might be willing to forego present purchases for the sake of future education. Though in the Christian life the stakes are much higher, the principle is the same. Peter urges us to consider our future inheritance and endure present trials in expectation of our eternal reward.
PRAYER
We can praise the Lord because He has promised to see us through the trials of life:
Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name;
Proclaim his deeds among the peoples.
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
Tell about all his wondrous works!
Boast in his holy name;
Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
Remember the wondrous works he has done,
His wonders, and the judgments he has pronounced
(Psalm 105:1-5).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
David’s conscience troubled him after he had taken a census of the troops. He said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I’ve done. Now, Lord, because I’ve been very foolish, please take away your servant’s guilt.” (2 Samuel 24:10).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:32).
The Lord encourages us to come to Him with our concerns and desires. As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
“May the Lord bless you and protect you;
May the Lord make his face shine on you
And be gracious to you;
May the Lord look with favor on you
And give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26).
Because of our great hope for the future, we should be steadfast in the face of present trials.
INSIGHT
One mark of maturity is the ability to put off present gratification for the sake of a future reward. A child of six is not willing to give up buying a piece of candy to save that money for college tuition; yet an older child might be willing to forego present purchases for the sake of future education. Though in the Christian life the stakes are much higher, the principle is the same. Peter urges us to consider our future inheritance and endure present trials in expectation of our eternal reward.
PRAYER
We can praise the Lord because He has promised to see us through the trials of life:
Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name;
Proclaim his deeds among the peoples.
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
Tell about all his wondrous works!
Boast in his holy name;
Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
Remember the wondrous works he has done,
His wonders, and the judgments he has pronounced
(Psalm 105:1-5).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
David’s conscience troubled him after he had taken a census of the troops. He said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I’ve done. Now, Lord, because I’ve been very foolish, please take away your servant’s guilt.” (2 Samuel 24:10).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:32).
The Lord encourages us to come to Him with our concerns and desires. As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
- The Lord's leading in your life
- Opportunities for evangelism
- Your activities for the day
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
“May the Lord bless you and protect you;
May the Lord make his face shine on you
And be gracious to you;
May the Lord look with favor on you
And give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26).
A Dogwood Church Discipleship Ministry Resource. © Walk Thru the Bible 2025.