Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside much earlier this morning, I saw the half moon in a nearly clear sky, unlike the sky yesterday which was mostly overcast all day. We did not get the rain I was hoping for, but God will send it in his time.
I was still coughing too much to go to church, but today is a turning point. I think all the congestion has cleared and the coughing has quieted down. Praise God!
We did get out for a little ride yesterday and on the way into the park, two peacocks were fanning out their tails and putting on a show for the people who stopped their cars just to look. They are show offs! But God gave them gorgeous colors and they flaunt them! A beautiful contrast to the brown grass and yellow leaves falling from the oak trees. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How does God respond to my commitment to integrity?
Psalm 18:2-25 The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he compensated me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. For all his laws are constantly before me; I have never abandoned his principles. I am blameless before God. I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right, because of the innocence of my hands in his sight. To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity.
The psalmist claims a high level of personal integrity that makes some of us uncomfortable. It makes sense, however, when we realize that he isn't boasting in his accomplishment but thanking God for giving him the power and direction to live according to God's ways. This passage offers the same promise to us; God will empower our obedience.
1Peter 2:12 Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong; they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world.
Our integrity may not bring immediate rewards, but we are certain that it will one day be recognized.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs.
Amaryllis
