A sad truth about life is that there are hurting people all around us. So many people today are discouraged, depressed and they believe that nobody cares for their well-being. What we as believers in Christ must do is be that living example of love that others can look to and depend upon. We must see ourselves as representatives of the Lord and treat others with love and respect and show them through our actions how much God really loves them. The Lord Jesus declares John 13:35 “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” When we show love, barriers break down. When we show love, hearts become a little lighter. When we show love, discouragement and depression will not have the same grip over that one's soul. A kind word, a generous act, a welcoming smile, a gentle hug are all simple ways to shine our light on a dark situation and show that goodness not only exists, but abounds. (Luke 6:31) (1 John 3:18)

The next time an opportunity comes your way to be a blessing, I encourage you with my whole heart to take it. Be that beacon of hope, be that shining light, be that example that others would want to emulate and always remember that your good deeds never ends with you because the ripple effects will continue to go on farther than you could ever think or imagine. Remember this truth the next time you smile at a stranger, share an encouraging word, lift up someone who was feeling low, and by simply showing the love of God that is within your heart. Your legacy will live on in the lives of those whom you have touched and even if you never see that one again, your memory will remain in their hearts forever. (1 John 4:12) (Luke 6:30-36)

I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to do your absolute best to be that shining beacon of hope and love that others will be drawn to and will benefit from.


SHARING SMILES

I walked outside just as the sun was coming up over the mountains this morning. It was such a glorious sight. The whole world seemed to awaken with it. The golden light made the green grass glow. The birds stirred in their nests and began to sing. A lone Monarch butterfly fluttered by my face. I could feel the love of God filling His creation and my soul as well. As I stood there taking in the beauty of the sunrise I found the corners of my mouth rising too. I smiled with joy and thanked God for another wonderful day here on Earth.

I decided to not let that smile fade as the day went on either. Instead I tried to pass it on to everyone I could. I found it very hard to give away, though, because I almost always got it returned. My sons’ smiles shined brighter than the morning sun had. My daughter’s smile made my heart feel lighter and my soul feel stronger. The smiles of all the people I met during the day left me feeling more connected to them, more connected to life, and more connected to God. Even my dogs had smiles and “happy pants” waiting for me when I petted them after returning home.

A smile is so much more than just a show of teeth. A smile is a prelude to laughter. A smile is a spreader of joy. A smile is a messenger of peace. A smile is a sharer of happiness. A smile is a giver of love. Smiles help to heal the heart. Smiles help to nourish the soul. Smiles help to build a better world one grin at a time.

The truth is you don’t smile because you feel good; you feel good because you smile. Don’t be stingy with your smiles then. Share them with joy. Let everyone see your smiling face. Let Heaven see your smiling soul. Let God’s love flow through your smile until like the morning sun you light up the world.

By Joseph J. Mazzella


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Proverbs 15:13 “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.”

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.”

Galatians 6:7-10 “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

Matthew 5:16 Jesus declares “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.


Today's Selected Poem: PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem84.htm

Today's Selected Testimony: HE WANTED ME
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony88.htm


In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry