virtue

Integrity

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תֹּם

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H8537

From root word etymology תָּמַם (H8552)

completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually (morally) innocence:—full, integrity, perfect(-ion), simplicity, upright(-ly, -ness), at a venture, at random

But a certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate.  Therefore he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn around and carry me out of the battle, for I am wounded.”    1 Kings 22:34

Now Abimelech had not approached her.  So he said, “Lord, will You kill an innocent people?  Did he not himself say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this.”  Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you have done this in the integrity of your heart, and it was I who kept you from sinning against Me. Therefore I did not let you touch her.  Genesis 20:4-6

Integrity can mean a number of things, but I am focusing on walking with simplicity of mind and heart, with no mischief or ill design, nor evil thought.  One stands in innocence before the LORD because one is innocent.  One carries purity of mind and heart wherever one goes.

In 1 Kings 22:34 (above), the word “random” is a word for “in innocence” in the Hebrew.  The interpretation would be that he drew his bow innocently, not intending to hit the king of Israel.

God looks at my heart and knows the intent.  Am I guilty or am I innocent in what I do?  Are my actions those of Christ?  Do I look like Jesus to one who has never met Him? – Once they have met Him through testimony or the Bible, would I represent the Savior or not?  Do I walk worthy of the LORD?  Is my path straight as God has laid it out for me?  Do I cause others to stumble?  Are the words I speak those of integrity?  Am I truthful in what I say?  Does my mouth open with gossip or untruths flying out?  Or do I speak with honesty and trustworthiness?

I pray that I walk with integrity of the heart, mind, and soul.  I desire to walk uprightly, worthy of God.  But…I am human and fail.  I am not perfect in this earthly body, yet I strive to walk in purity as best as I am able.  This is only slightly possible if and when I am walking with the LORD.  I must stay close to Him for I know not what He calls me to be and do unless I am.  Thus, I may be able to walk in His ways and be more of the upstanding person He desires of me.

BibleVerse-Integrity

Vindicate me, LORD, because I have lived with integrity and have trusted in the LORD without wavering.  Psalm 26:1

Is not your fear of God your confidence,
and the integrity of your ways your hope?  Job 4:6

LORD, I desire with my heart and mind and soul to walk in Your ways.  I desire to be a citizen of Heaven who represents You here in this world.  I hope that I am able with Your nearness, Your love, Your guidance.  I want to walk uprightly, in integrity, Father.  I pray for Your forgiveness when I fail You.  Guide me back to the path which is straight.  Guide me to Your heart when I stray.  I pray that integrity becomes more and more of who I am in You, LORD.  As I learn reverence for You with each day, I gain confidence.  Thank You. Father God.  As integrity becomes embedded in my very nature more and more, I gain hope.  Again, thank You, my LORD.  I feel so blessed because You are my God, and Jesus You are my LORD and Savior.  Hallelujah!  I pray in the Powerful Name of Jesus.  Amen.  

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C.S. Lewis graphic – https://quotefancy.com/

1 Chronicles 29:17 -Donna Liljegren 2012 – https://brynwoodneedleworks.blogspot.com/2012/07/sunday-scripture_22.html

Peter’s Greetings

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My husband and I have been reading Peter together this week.  The first verses of both First and Second Peter are greetings, an initial address to his audiences.  The gifts that Jesus has given to all believers are listed in these first verses.  I am so humbled by them.  They are sinking into this believer’s heart, mind, and soul.  Jesus gave it all for one such as me…for me!

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  1 Peter 1:1-5

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Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.  2 Peter 1:1-4

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OH!  SUCH GIFTS WHEN WE WERE YET SINNERS!!!

Peter then tells us:

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.  For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  2 Peter 1:5-8

Father God, I want to be effective in my walk in this world.  I want the light of Jesus to shine from me to others who may not know Him, who need encouragement, who are confused as they live in this world.  I want to stay humble and remember all that has been done for me.  You gave it all and I received Your beautiful gift of salvation, mercy and grace for my error-filled ways.  Thank You, LORD, for being gracious to me.  I love You dearly.  I pray in the Name of Jesus.  Amen. 

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