|
We should always be quick to think on the fragility of life. There are so
many moments in life when we lose perspective of what's most important and
instead of relishing in and enjoying the important things in our life, we
become distracted, lose focus and we are quick to murmur and complain
about the trial or setback that we are facing. When we are quick to look
past our blessings, it is easy to fall into the trap of being ungrateful
for all that we possess. What we must realize is that the good in our
life greatly outweighs the bad, and when we choose to look on the bright
side of things, we are guiding our life towards thankfulness, towards
appreciation, towards gratitude and towards giving praise to the Lord who
has freely given us all things. (Matthew 6:25-34) (Psalm 34:1-8)
The Bible says having food and clothing, let us be therewith content. The
word content is defined as being in a state of peaceful happiness. God
tells us if you have clothes on your back and food in your belly you
should be in a state of peaceful happiness. Nothing else is required for
you to be filled with peace and happiness. You don't need a bigger house,
you don't need a better job, you don't need that possession that may look
so appealing, but deep down has no significance or relevance concerning
your state of peaceful happiness. (1 Timothy 6:6-9)
All that you require to be content is already within your possession.
Nothing else is required and yet still the decision is yours to make. No
one else can be happy for you and no one else can cause you to be happy.
It is a decision that you must make. You must realize how much you do
have in your life and show the Lord with your words and actions that you
are thankful and appreciative for all that He has graciously given to you.
(Philippians 2:14-15)
I encourage you to see with refreshed eyes how fortunate you really are.
Don't look at others with envy, but be introspective and see how much you
have to be thankful for. When you start counting your blessings and not
your problems, your heart will be filled with gratitude and your mouth
will be filled with praise for how good God has been to you.
(Proverbs 23:17) (Galatians 5:26)
I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to look at the
brevity of life so that you can appreciate every day and use all of it to
the best of your ability.
BIRTHDAY THOUGHTS
I celebrated another birthday recently. As I sat down that evening with a
belly full of red velvet cake and chocolate chip ice cream, wearing the
new Hawaiian shirt my daughter had bought me, it occurred to me that I had
already passed the midway point of my life here. I had already lived 44
years on this world. Statistically, I had about another 30 years left, God
willing. Sitting in the quiet of the evening, though, I realized that
whether I had 30 years, 30 days, or 30 minutes left I didn’t just want to
let them pass me by. I wanted to truly live them.
I have decided then to give up regretting the past and dreaming about the
future. Both are a waste of time. The past is over. It taught me a lot and
for that I am truly grateful, but I can only live today. The future hasn’t
even happened yet. Why should I dream of being happy in some fantasy,
perfect future when I can instead choose to be happy in the wonderful if
imperfect present?
I have decided as well to stop worrying about money and thinking about how
much better my life would be with more of it. Looking back I realized that
money had never once bought me happiness. Money had paid bills and bought
stuff, but every bit of joy in my life had come from love. It had come
from God loving me and me loving God. It had come from the love I gave to
others and the love I received back from them. It had come from loving
life, myself, and my neighbor as myself. Money may have helped feed my
stomach, but love is what fed my soul.
That then is what I have decided to do with my next 30 years: just love.
With love, life is glorious and without love, life is meaningless. Is it
any wonder the two greatest commandments are about love? Is it any wonder
that every great story, beautiful song, and well-lived life is about love?
Love is what God created us for. Love is what we are meant for. Without
love life is wasted. With love life is truly lived.
Look for me in the next 30 years. I will be the one hugging my children
with loving arms. I will be the one watching the sunset with a loving
smile. I will be the one singing along with the radio with a poor voice,
but a rich heart. I will be the one dancing in the leaves, playing with my
grandchildren, and petting my cats and dogs. I will be the one living with
love, writing about love, walking the path of love, and sharing God’s love
with everyone I can. I will be the one cherishing every single, beautiful,
loving moment that I am given here.
I hope that all of your birthdays are joyous ones. I pray that all of your
years are loving ones. I wish that you truly live every day you get here.
And most of all I pray that you will take God’s hand and sing, dance,
laugh, and love your way into Heaven.
By Joseph J. Mazzella
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
1 Timothy 6:6-10 “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we
brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing
out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they
that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish
and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the
love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after,
they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many
sorrows.”
Isaiah 26:3-4 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed
on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for
in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.”
Psalm 91:1-4 “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall
abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my
refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall
deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou
trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”
Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus says, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon
earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through
and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither
moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor
steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today's Selected Poem: TEN RULES FOR A HAPPY DAY
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem133.htm
Today's Selected Testimony: GOD WILL NEVER LEAVE OUR SIDE
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony52.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
