Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the glorious day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, I noticed the half moon , still bright, but waning enough so that the stars were even more visible. God is Awesome!
Last night I looked all over the northwestern sky to try to spy the space shuttle, but could only see an airplanes' blinking lights far up above. As soon as I came in the house, though, the tremendous double sonic boom rattled the windows! Cool!
I enjoyed a pleasant walk yesterday morning, even though I didn't have my walking shoes on. I had not been planning to walk... just out on a few errands. I took off my jacket because I warmed up so fast, and enjoyed the cool breeze on my face.
Francia, the teacher, hailed me outside her classroom and told me about the squirrels that come in looking for birdseed. There are three pregnant squirrels now, so soon she will have little ones begging. She has a wonderful job!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How does God respond to my commitment to integrity?
Psalm 18:20-25 "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.
1 Peter 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
