Weekly Devo

Praise is nothing more than expressing warm approval and admiration of something. A very good example is the praise we give God in song. We work hard and long with little praise in this world. We do not work for a pat on the back. We do not need a gold star for everything we do right. When they come it is always a warmly received statement of encouragement. Giving praise has a lot to do with understanding. I have received and given more praise to people in areas I know by experience are difficult to accomplish. Imagine how God feels when we praise Him because of what we have come to learn about Him. (Psalms 67:3) We cannot overlook praising God. We do need to make sure that praise is genuine. It is easy to give genuine praise to God when we understand the magnitude of what He has done for us. Praise God.                                                          

Barnabas had a reputation of virtue. (Acts 11:22-24) He was sent to check out some possible good news about the spread of the kingdom because of his virtue. He was trusted and respected. We see the benefit and influence virtue can have. Others benefit from our virtue. (Matt. 5:13-16) People will be led to and praise God because of our virtue. We can keep them in Christ by encouraging them and exhorting them. Our words will not fall on deaf ears because of our virtue. When Christ returns the non-virtuous attitude will change. (Luke 9:26) Don’t let them influence you. You be an example to them.                                                                          

High moral standards are our goal. We need to understand the world runs in opposition to that and will regret it.  Hollywood and our society will not encourage high moral standards. They are made by men for men and will seek to please men. There is value and reward in virtue. They both out weigh whatever our personal price is for virtue. Virtue will always help the virtuous. We need to set the example and encourage virtue everywhere we go. Our virtue will lead others to God. Our virtue will cause others to praise God. Be virtuous.                                                            

There will be a day when someone will seek to speak evil against you. The reason for this action may be clear or hidden. The only thing that will make sure you will stay afloat in the storm that ensues is your virtue. Virtue can even stop the storm from even coming about. Virtue is so powerful in our lives it can cause others, with evil deeds in mind, to glorify God. (1 Pet. 2:12) Virtue helps us maintain a good report. Virtue enables us to receive the reward of mercy and truth. (Prov. 14:22) Virtue is a very good friend in dark times. Make sure that virtue is prevalent in your life.                             

A virtuous person carries much value. Your name can depend on your virtue. (Prov. 30:10) A virtuous wife is the crown of her husband. (Prov. 12:4) This type of virtue comes at a price. We must always be willing to sacrifice everything for godly virtue. Joseph shows us the price of virtue when he refused Potiphar’s wife even to the point of imprisonment. (Gen. 39:7-20) This type of virtue is so valuable that it is a characteristic our shepherds are to have. (Titus1:8) The price payed for virtue is never anything we need or truly want. The price we pay for virtue is far outweighed by the reward of Heaven. We need to be alert and make sure we are making virtuous decisions always. There is extreme value in being a virtuous person.