Welcome to another day the Lord has made that we should rejoice and be glad in. (Psalms 118:24)

The Holy Spirit inspired me to think and write about faith reputations.

Today’s scripture, Hebrews 11:39-40 (NLT) says…
[39] All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. [40] For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.

Consider…
Yesterday I honored some of the matriarchal building blocks of my faith. Today I realize they were the embodiment of Proverbs 31:25-27 (NLT)…
[25] She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. [26] When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. [27] She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.

Reflecting on some of my heroines of reminds me of the importance of reputations.

People can be notable, worthy of attention or notice; or notorious, famous or well known, typically for some bad quality or deed.

I believe Jesus reveals the fact that God wants us to be notable for Him in Matthew 5:16 (NLT)…
[16] In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Today’s scripture came to mind when I thought of good reputations. Interestingly, the passage said…
All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.

The Holy Spirit pointed out the fact that we may not see the full evidence of our faith, but we must remain faithful for the benefit of those who will follow in our footsteps.

That’s what I highlighted with the notable women of faith in my life yesterday. Today the Holy Spirit is telling me to honor some of the inspiring some notable men of faith in whom’s footsteps I follow.

For example, Dr. Charles Stanley blessed millions through his In Touch ministries. I always appreciated his emphasis on the love and grace of God available to us, and the fact that we can only experience it by completely submitting to Jesus as Lord and Savior! I also remember Pastor Stanley sharing one of his favorite Bible verses was Joshua 1:9 (NLT), which reads…
[9] This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

I recall he said that inspired him to do bold things for God.

In a day and age of notorious fallen preachers, I thank God for raising a humble man of impeccable reputation. The passion and conviction that he preached with until his death, made his message believable and impactful.

I praise God for Dr. Charles Stanley who’s inspired me to share the word of God, with grace, love and integrity.

Another notable man of faith that I admire is Evangelist Billy Graham, who is famous for his tent revivals. What I appreciate most about him was his commitment to spread the Gospel message of Jesus Christ all over the world, rainbow shine, day or not, until his last breath. Without a doubt, Dr. Graham’s was one of the greatest Evangelist of all times. Yet as notable as he was, I understand he remained humble.

Praise God for Evangelist Billy Graham who’s inspired me to remain faithful and vigilant in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ to all people at all times.

These two gifts of men are a testament of Ephesians 4:11-12 (NLT), which says…
[11] Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. [12] Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

Both Evangelist Billy Graham and Preacher & Teacher Charles Stanley good reputations, were modern inspirations to live and love God boldly, feverently and faithfully.

A lessor known notable person in my life was Minister Sam Davis. In my home town he was a notable gospel song writer. But I remember admiring the giftedness of the myriad of local gospel artists that he worked with. I also more fondly remember him directing our youth choir.

Three blessed memories I have about this notable worshipper of God include…

• He wrote the following inspirational lyrics…

If it takes all of my life to praise Him,
I’ll keep on praising Him
And if my path is sometimes rocky,
I’ll keep on praising Him

Keep on praising Him, don’t let the devil get you down.

Those lyrics remain true in my life today.

• I also recall him lovingly building the cross that hung over the choir loft in our church.
• Thirdly, I remember his response to the question of attire for singing. This professional recording artist said, come dressed in the spirit of praise.

But the most impactful thing Minister Sam Davis did in my life was, summoning and speaking into me and my best friend Ken’s life. Like Paul with Timothy, he told us in essence to stir up the gift he saw inside of us.

While he didn’t live to see us using our gifts for God, his reputation for worshipping God through song, humble service and genuine love continues to impact, influence and inspire me to do the same.

All of these men, as well as…

• Daddy, William Westbrooks
• Uncles, John and Ollie
• Reverend James Small
• Pop, Franklin Meadows Sr.
• Mr Joe Moses
• Spiritual father, Chuck Neal

And indirectly, Dr. Martin Luther King, all poured into my life. They poured with their words, but moreso with the life of faith, and commitment to God that I watched them live.

I truly believe everyone of them, and numerous others that I could have named, testified with Paul in 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NLT)…
[6] As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. [7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. [8] And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

Thank you Lord for allowing me to see men of good reputations. Because of them I am ever mindful of Paul’s exhortation in 2 Timothy 4:5 (NLT)…
[5] But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

The Holy Spirit is telling me to leave you with Ecclesiastes 7:1 (NLT), which says…
[1] A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume. And the day you die is better than the day you are born.

Today, cultivate a notable reputation of faith, obedience and commitment to God, because you never know who’s watching, and maybe inspired by it.

Today’s song is…
If I Can Help Somebody

Blessings 4HG (1 Corinthians 10:31)