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It is important that we brighten the path that we walk upon so that it is
illuminated for those who walk behind us and beside us. Brightening our
path means that we do our absolute best to encourage those who are
discouraged, to inspire those who are stagnant and unmoved and simply do
our best to be a beacon of hope and love that people are drawn to and
motivated to emulate. We who follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ
who condemned none and forgave and loved all should extend that same love
towards our fellow man. (Galatians 6:9-10) (Matthew 5:13-16)
Let us take hold of the reins and be the initiators of good works. Let us
love the unlovable, let us forgive the unforgivable and let us reconcile
with those that have been distant from us. Mending relationships not only
blesses the recipient, but our life becomes elevated as well. Being a
world changer starts by impacting those closest to us first and then when
they do the same for their neighbor, the ripple effects will continue on
longer than we could ever think or imagine. (James 1:22-25) (1 Peter 4:8-11)
No matter what you may be going through and no matter how tough the trials
in your path seem to be, I encourage you to be that beacon of hope, love,
forgiveness and reconciliation. Let your life be the catalyst in which
the lives of others are changed for the better forever. Use the gifts
within your heart to draw all people back to the One who has given us the
ability to be His ambassadors on this earth.
(2 Corinthians 5:17-21) (Romans 12:15-21)
I wholeheartedly believe that a life well lived is a life lived in service
to others. Let us be our brother's keeper and do all that we can to leave
a long and lasting legacy of good works towards our fellow man.
That is a life that we can be proud to have lived.
I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to be that beacon
of hope and love that others are drawn to and made better because of.
ALMOST HEAVEN
There is a reason why the beautiful state I live in is called “Almost
Heaven” West Virginia. John Denver’s song had it right. It often feels like
Heaven here. Right now outside my window the Autumn leaves are beginning
to change colors. The radiant reds are glowing in the sun. The peaceful
yellows are rustling in the breeze. The brilliant burgundy’s and outrageous
oranges are making entire trees as bright as flowers. Even the fallen
leaves are turning the paths into multicolored, crunchy carpets that are a
delight to walk on. I can hear children laughing and see adults smiling as
they stroll through these leaves and enjoy the wonderful scent of them in
the air. Everywhere I look I can see God’s colors painting the trees and
mountains with beauty. If it isn’t Heaven here then it certainly is close.
It isn’t just the mountains that make it Heavenly here either. I can see
bits of Heaven in so many of the people too. There is a kindness in their
smiles. There is a gentleness in their voices. There is a goodness in their
actions. There is a patience in their manner. There is a peace in their
souls. There is a love in their hearts. And there is a joy in their lives.
Everyday they grow a little more in oneness with God. Everyday they bring
a little more Heaven into this world. I feel truly blessed to live in such
a beautiful state with such good people.
West Virginia, however, isn’t the only place that can be Almost Heaven.
Anyplace on Earth can be Almost Heaven if we take our Heaven with us. How
much Heaven is within you? No matter how much you said take heart in
knowing that it can always be more. God gives us that choice every single
day. Everyday we can choose to love more, give more, care more, and help
more. Everyday we can choose to bring the joy of Heaven into our hearts
and souls and then share it with the world. Everyday we can live in Almost
Heaven while still here on Earth.
By Joseph J. Mazzella
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Galatians 6:1-4 “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are
spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering
thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so
fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when
he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work,
and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.”
Romans 12:15-18 “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that
weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but
condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of
all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with
all men.”
2 Timothy 4:5-8 “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the
work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready
to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a
good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth
there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the
righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto
all them also that love His appearing.”
Matthew 25:37-40 Jesus declares “Then shall the righteous answer Him,
saying, Lord, when saw we Thee an hungred, and fed Thee? or thirsty, and
gave Thee drink? When saw we Thee a stranger, and took Thee in? or naked,
and clothed Thee? Or when saw we Thee sick, or in prison, and came unto
Thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you,
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye
have done it unto Me.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today's Selected Poem: GOD WON'T ASK
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem38.htm
Today's Selected Testimony: RESCUED FROM DEPRESSION
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony37.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
