Corona Devo 1052

One of my friends' dads is a household name in the town that they hail from.  He runs a successful business, organizes community events and leads worship at their church.  I'm not sure if he has any free time, but if he did, he would be doing something productive for others.  

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.  ~Proverbs 22:1  

~~~

We have friends whose children, marriage, livelihoods and life/family choices revolve around loving and serving Jesus.  For real.  They don't (just) "look the part" or "post the part", they are actually living "the part" in authenticity.    

My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; (2) For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you.  (3) Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, (4) And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.  ~Proverbs 3:1-4  

~~~

The pastor from the church that my husband and I met at was young in ministry but sage in integrity.  I remember that he would not meet-with or travel-in-cars alone with women, so as not to cast any improper rumors (or allegations), or perhaps even temptations.  He often spoke (and preached) on the importance of integrity and reputation.  He knew that God cared about those things, and that God wants us to care about those things.    

A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume.  ~Ecclesiastes 7:1 

~~~

We had a neighbor and friend who loved Jesus.  Even as health complications and sickness usurped her freedoms and abilities, she loved the Lord, and she gave of herself in ever-altered ways in order to continue serving Him.  

When cancer affected her eyes and she could not safely drive, she committed her (homebound) self and her love to the neighborhood families with small children (of which we were one).  She would lend a hand, provide (free) babysitting for frazzled moms and (literally) bring peace into our homes with her mere presence.  

He must increase, but I must decrease.  ~John 3:30  

~~~

What we do and how we live in public and private today matters.  

The Bible gives us real-life examples to live by too...Shall we walk the "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews, Chapter 11?

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. (2) Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. 

(7) It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before... 

(8) It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going...

(11) It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise. (12) And so a whole nation came from this one man who was as good as dead—a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them.  

(23) It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months when he was born. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s command.  

(24) It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. (25) He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. (26) He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward. (27) It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible. 

(29) It was by faith that the people of Israel went right through the Red Sea as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned.  

(30) It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, and the walls came crashing down.  

32 How much more do I need to say?...

(35) ...But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. (36) Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. (37) Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword...

(39) All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith... ~Hebrews 11:1-2, 7-8, 11-12, 23-27, 29-30, 32, 35-37, 39

~~~

Wow!  Their good reputations precede them and still inspire us two thousand years later!  

Strive today to live-out a good reputation because of our faith.  Regardless of the circumstance, keep right on going because we are keeping our eyes on the one who is invisible (Hebrews 11:27).

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.  ~Proverbs 22:1 

Blessings,

sarah

https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com