Matthew 10:42 shows that even our smallest acts of kindness will be rewarded.  As seen in 1 Corinthians 3:13, every man's work shall be tried to determine "what sort it is," not what size it is.  Many people who have never done anything to gain the attention of the masses will shine bright in the day when the Lord passes out His rewards.

Some of the Lord's rewards for our actions come in this life, such as children, financial blessings, health, and many others.  Some of our rewards will not be realized until we stand before God.  This is the case with the reward for enduring persecution.

Many of the rewards for ministering the Gospel will not come until we appear before the Lord.  Rewards can be shared by those who aid others in their righteous tasks.

The ungodly who are not in the Kingdom of God will receive no rewards even though some of their actions might have been good.  Rewards are only for those who have been cleansed from their evil deeds by the blood of the Lamb.

Whatever these rewards shall be, there will not be any exalting of self over others.  "For what gives you the right to make such a judgment?  What do you have that God hasn’t given you?  And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift? (1 Corinthians 4:7). 

The twenty-four elders in Revelation 4:10 are shown casting their crowns (which were rewards) down before the Lord and giving all their praise and worship to Him. It's all because of Him. Thanks be to Him for His goodness.