Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Ps 116:15

What is the value of a good reputation? People may think of you as loyal, dependable, faithful, supportive, caring, comforting, kind, and the list can go on. A good reputation represents the things most valued in a community or among a group. It’s amazing how God demonstrates our value throughout the Bible. Imagine anything on this earth that we value, and it’s incomparable to how God feels about us. The scripture passage speaks of how precious God’s saints are to Himself. He remembers their life devoted to worship, work, and service unto Him. So much so that they are “precious in the sight of the Lord.” There are those who may not rise to greatness in the world, but in the kingdom of God they are precious. God testified that David was “a man after Mine own heart” (Acts 13:22). Though David lived much of his adult life exiled from his family and his people, and though he failed God in many ways throughout his life, his heart was sensitive and sincere towards God to do all His will. David honored God despite of his failures and shortcomings. Another man precious in the sight of God of was Moses. Moses’ epitaph is found in the closing verses of Deuteronomy. The Spirit of God testifies of Moses that “there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face” (Deut 34:10). He recalled the faithfulness of Moses to do all “which the Lord sent him to do” (Deut 34:11). His testimony is also written in the Hebrews’ Hall of Faith that he “esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt” (Heb 11:26). Dear friend, God considers the reputations of those who diligently seek Him, seek to serve Him with all sincerity, and exalt the Name of Jesus with all their life. The enemy will come to remind you of your failures, your follies, and the times you fumbled in faith, but resist his temptation and renew your mind with the hope that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Dear friend the child of God is “precious in the sight of the Lord.” God has great plans for you and your eternal future with Him in Christ Jesus. How will you be faithful to His call? Father, I pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ who are called by Your Name to walk humbly before You by faith in Your word. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve Me…and afterward thou shalt eat and drink. Luke 17:8

There is a saying that we all may have heard, “Live for the weekend.” After a full week of work, one may want to come home to relax, refresh and enjoy themselves. The thought of taking a well-earned break once the duties are fulfilled is reasonable. Yet for some, the workday has no end, and weekends never come. While continuous work may sound draining and disheartening for some, to others it is their delight, their devotion, and dedication for living. They live to serve and appreciate those for whom they love. The scripture passage illustrates for us the life of a devoted servant to his Master. The duty of the devoted servant is to serve the Master and care for His good pleasure. The devoted servant dedicates themselves to the Master without concern for their own well-being because the Master is good and “He cares for you” (1 Pet 5:7). Dear friend, God is good and will care for “all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:19). When you become tired and are tempted to relax from your service to the Lord, hear Him say “gird thyself, and serve Me…afterward thou shalt eat and drink.” We have the awesome privilege to serve our Lord and be part of his Kingdom work. Never forget that our service is to the Lord and not to men. When our work on earth is done, we will see our Savior face to face and hear Him say, “well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of thy Lord” (Mt 25:23). My friend, be diligent to serve the Lord. Prepare a feast of obedient faith, unfailing love, enduring joy and make melody in your heart with songs and praise. Make Him the delight of your day “and He shall give you the desires of your heart” (Ps 37:4). What are you living for? For the weekend? Or for worship? Father, thank You for the privilege to serve You and delight in Your Kingdom work. Help me to always be faithful until the Day of Jesus Christ. I praise You and adore You. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Phil 4:4

When was the last time that you rejoiced in something? More than happy, I mean rejoice! The moment when a deep longing became a reality. The moment when you were so gripped with joy, so overcome with gladness, that nothing else mattered. You just embraced the moment and didn’t want it to pass. When I read scripture passages such as the one before us today, I am reminded to think on the eternal things of God. Think on His goodness, His mercy, His grace and His Eternal Presence at every moment day and night. His faithfulness is beyond comprehension. The abiding Presence of the Holy Spirit is comfort to the weary soul. I am reminded that I need only to turn from the things of the world that choke the life of faith with worries, anxiousness, and constant striving, to come unto Him that the “light of life” (Jn 8:12) may spring forth in hope, joy, peace, and rest in His Presence. God promises to all who will turn from their labors and worries, and come to Him, He will give rest (Mt 11:28). Rest with Him and in His Presence. That, my friend, will “Rejoice!” the soul and you can “rejoice in the Lord.” What are you clinching on to that keeps from time in His Presence? Begin today in His Presence and your day will be filled with rejoicing as you “Rejoice in the Lord.” In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.