Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Reputation

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy, looks like rain, day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

The moon was not visible, nor were the stars, because of the clouds, but we haven't had rain for a while, so it will be welcome.

I walked out to the gator nest yesterday and only saw one baby and no Mama. I stood on the rail and stretched to look over the nest, but could see no signs of life, so I don't know if they have moved or were just where I couldn't see them. The little maverick looked like he/she was content to be alone. I went on to the tower, enjoying the wind that was blowing and saw the gallinule busily swimming around, perhaps having a nest under the tower.

I heard a woodpecker close by on my way back, but could not see where it was...lots of sights and sounds if I only listen. I heard a fairly loud noise in the shrubs as I walked by, but could not see what it was. It might have been an armadillo. They are quite noisy as they root around. God is amazing!

And in our own backyard, we have a beautiful berry bush in full color. It's a large bush we did not plant, but it is thriving with no care. This was featured in the garden section of the Times on Sunday...not our bush, but the beauty berry bush and how colorful it is!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Reputation

Does God care about my reputation?

Colossians 3:23-24 "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ."

What matters most is not what others think of us, but what God thinks of us. When we seek to please the Lord, he will give us favor with others.

What is the basis for my reputation?

1 Corinthians 1:30-31 "God alone made it possible for you to be in Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made Christ to be wisdom itself. He is the one who made us acceptable to God. He made us pure and holy, and he gave himself to purchase our freedom. As the Scriptures say, "The person who wishes to boast should boast only of what the Lord has done."

Ultimately , we should be known not for what we have done but for what the Lord has done.

How can I maintain a godly reputation?

Proverbs 3:3-4 "Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation."

God promises to give a good name to those who show kindness, loyalty, and love to their neighbor.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis