The greatest gift in life is love. Whether we are the recipients of it or the givers of it, our life becomes truly enriched when we have love in our life. Having love means that we are never alone. Having love means that we have support from those who mean the most to us. Having love means that no matter how many times we fall down there will be someone there to help lift us back up. Having love means seeing past someone's past and believing that their future is without limits. Love conquers all, believes all, bears all, endures all. We read this in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:13) (1 John 4:11-12)

No matter what we may go through in life we can still rest and be confident in the love that we have in our life. We can go to the ones who will lift up our spirits, encourage our hearts and let us know that no matter how many times we fall short, we can still depend upon their love to comfort us, encourage us and show us through their positive reinforcements and affirmations that we will always have a place to call home. When tough times come your way, be encouraged to think about the great love that you have in your life. Think about your parents, your spouse, your children, your relatives, your friends and see the great love that each of them have had for you your entire life. (Galatians 6:1-2) (1 John 3:16-17)

We are a blessed people, but many times when we face difficulty, we forget of all the good that is in our life and we focus more on the bad that is only temporary. That is why we should never focus on the bad, but rather we should look at all of the good that is in our life. Our abundance is much more than we realize and it is for this reason that we should be thankful for the love that we give and for the love that we receive. Love as the Bible beautifully states never fails. Rest in it, be thankful for it, receive it and most importantly give it to everyone who crosses your path. (Romans 12:9-19) (John 13:34-35)

I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to be thankful for the love that is in your life.


MOM'S SOUP

It was one of the hardest days of my young life. I was a 13 year old freshman trying out for the high school football team. It was the first day of full contact in helmets and pads and my 110 pound body had been knocked to the ground more times than I could count. It had become clear as the practice went on that there was no way I was ever going to be able to compete against the bigger, faster, and stronger boys. My dream of being a high school football star had been crashed to the ground along with my bruised and battered body. 

I made it home sore, sullen, and sad and my Mom met me at the door. She could see I was troubled in a glance and had me sit at the kitchen table. I think she knew all along what was going to happen that day. She warmed me up a bowl of soup to hold me until dinner. While I sipped at its warm broth I felt her hand gently rubbing my aching back. We never said a word, but by the time the soup was done I was feeling better again. I knew I was loved and that was all that mattered. 

I have carried that memory in my heart all of these years. Even today, no matter what problems or difficulties life throws at me a bowl of soup always raises my spirits. Sometimes I can even feel Mom’s gentle hand rubbing my back from Heaven and see her beautiful face smiling down on me with love. 

In this world all of us have had our dreams crashed to the ground at one time or another. Sometimes it takes a lot of broken dreams until we find our true purpose in life too. God is always there, though, to comfort us, to remind us that we are loved, and to help us back to our feet again. May you always rejoice in the love God has for you and may you always share your own love freely be it with a kind act, a gentle touch, or even a bowl of soup. 

By Joseph J. Mazzella


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Romans 12:10-16 “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another...”

Galatians 6:9-10 “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 5:8-12 Jesus says “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

Romans 12:14-17 “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 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.”

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


Today’s Selected Poem: THE CHOICES WE MAKE
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem139.htm

Today’s Selected Testimony: A BETTER WAY
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony22.htm


In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry