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While we are alive on this earth we should use every opportunity to shine
our light on this dark and depressed world. Whether we realize it or not,
people need to be encouraged and lifted up and shown how special they
really are. We don't know of the discouragements that others may be going
through and when we take the time to say a kind word, do a kind deed, help
make a bad situation just a little bit better, we will be helping to
improve that one's outlook and we are showing them by our good works that
they are loved, cared about and highly regarded. Philippians 2:3-4
declares “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in
humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look
not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
This world teaches us to always look out for number one, i.e. ourselves,
but the Bible tells us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. The
Lord Jesus declares “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life
for one’s friends.” When we esteem others higher than ourselves then our
love has graduated to where God is well pleased because it was Jesus
Himself who took off His Heavenly Robe and put on earthly garments to
become a man just like us to teach us love, to show us love and to give
His life so that we may live and follow the example that He has set forth
for us. (John 13:34-35) (John 15:12-13) (John 13:12-18)
Be encouraged to see where you may be used to make a difference in
someone's life. Don't think you are unable or unequipped to be used to
change this world. Be sensitive to the still small voice of the Holy
Spirit and move when you feel led to do so. Your simple act can make a
difference much bigger than you could ever think or imagine. You simply
must be willing because God is well able to use you to change this world.
(1 Kings 19:12) (Isaiah 30:21)
I hope you are encouraged and inspired by this message to see that we are
all able to make a difference in this world, but we must make ourselves
available in the first place.
WHILE IT LASTS
I found myself shoveling snow yet again the other day. It was the wet,
heavy kind too. As I was cleaning off my driveway I had to stop more often
than ever before to stretch out my aching back. Later as I laid down on my
bed to rest it and read I found myself facing another problem. Should I
leave my glasses on and hold the book at arm’s length or should I put the
glasses on top of my head and hold the book just a few inches from my face?
These two things made me realize that this 44 year old body of mine is
starting to wear down a little. They made me more determined than ever,
though, to make the most of it while it lasts. My brain may be a bit more
forgetful, but I am going to keep using it to remember just how much God
loves me and to think of all the good I can do for others today. My eyes
may be weaker, but I am going to use them to take in all the beauty of
this world and welcome it into my soul. My ears may not be as acute, but I
can still listen to the birds sing, the laughter of children, and the
glorious music that uplifts my spirit and warms my heart.
My nose may no longer be as sensitive, but I can still smell the flowers
in the Spring and the homemade spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove. My
teeth may be a bit worn, but they can still share smiles with friends and
strangers alike. My lips are a little thinner now, but they can still say
kind words and share loving thoughts. My arms aren’t as strong as they once
were, but they can still lend others a helping hand and share a caring
hug. My aging fingers too will keep writing these words of love that God
blesses me with and my tired legs will keep carrying me where I need to go,
to do what I need to do, to help make this world a better place.
God gives us these bodies for a limited time. While yours lasts then use
it well to do all the good you can, share all the love you can, and bring
all the Heaven you can down here to Earth.
By Joseph J. Mazzella
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
1 John 3:17-18 “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother
have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth
the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word,
neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
Colossians 3:23-25 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord,
and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of
the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong
shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of
persons.”
Luke 6:35-36 Jesus declares “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and
lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye
shall be the children of the Highest: for He is kind unto the unthankful
and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”
2 Timothy 4:6-8 “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.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: REACHING OUT
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem153.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: WHEN OUR BOAT SANK
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony66.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
