A Scripture that is always on the forefront of my mind says “...to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” In other words the more that we have been entrusted with, the greater our responsibility becomes. The more that you have been blessed, the more you have to be a blessing. The more you have received mercy, the more you have to offer mercy. The more you have been forgiven of your shortfalls, the more you have to forgive others of their shortfalls. We must recognize the abundance that we have received and take the responsibility to heart knowing that we must also share with others of what we have been given and be a blessing just as we have been blessed. (Luke 12:48)

If you can take a moment to become introspective and examine your life, what will you find? Will you find your life abundant in giving love, forgiveness, charity? Or would you sadly find selfishness, anger, unforgiveness and bitterness? We must be disciplined enough to examine ourselves to see how our life is being led. We can then allow ourselves to fix what is wrong so that we can get on the right path and make our life beneficial not only for ourselves, but also for all those who cross our path. (2 Corinthians 13:5-6) (Colossians 3:23-25)

No matter how long we may live, it will pass us by all too quickly. That is why we should examine ourselves often and see if corrections need to be made. We know that we are imperfect. We know that we make mistakes numerous times a day and if we recognize our fallibility, we will be that much quicker to make amends for our shortfalls and try our best to live a peaceable life. We must remember what the Bible declares in Ephesians 4:31-32 “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ sake hath forgiven you.”

Be encouraged to live a peace filled and peace seeking life. Make amends if necessary for any wrongs that you have done, seek forgiveness for any transgressions and be quick to forgive those who have made mistakes against you. See that it is to your benefit and to your betterment when you esteem others higher than yourself and you do for others what you would want them to do for you. Always remember that the true riches in life are not monetary, but they are found in a heart filled with joy, peace and gratitude. (Philippians 2:3) (Luke 6:31)

I hope this message inspires and encourages your heart to do your best to be empathetic towards others and do for them in their time of need what you would want to be done for yourself.


STEEL AND VELVET

An unusual tribute was paid to Abraham Lincoln by Carl Sandburg. The poet wrote, “Not often in the story of mankind does a man arrive on earth who is both steel and velvet, who is as hard as rock and soft as drifting fog, who holds in his heart and mind the paradox of terrible storm and peace unspeakable and perfect.”

Lincoln demonstrated then and now how a person can possess both a will of iron and a heart of tenderness. Nothing deterred the president during the American Civil War from his “noble” cause, and few persons have ever endured more criticism and detractors than Lincoln. Yet he was no more a man of steel than one of velvet.

When General Robert E. Lee surrendered his army, Lincoln sent an unexpected message to the enemy commander. “Tell your men they may keep their horses; they'll need them for plowing,” said the president. Then this: “Tell your men they may keep their rifles; they'll need them for hunting.” When Lee read those words he wept.

For each of us there is a time for toughness and a time for tenderness. A time for resolve and a time for compassion. An iron will is not the same as an iron spirit. Another courageous American, Martin Luther King, Jr. some hundred years later encouraged us to exhibit tough minds and soft hearts...not the other way around.

Be mentally tough; your resolve and determination will overcome great obstacles along life's path. But let your heart be soft; your compassion and love will make the journey worth it. 

By Steve Goodier


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Romans 12:10-14 “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.”

Romans 8:14-17 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.”

Romans 12:18-21 “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.”

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


Today’s Selected Poem: I THOUGHT I KNEW
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem112.htm

Today’s Selected Testimony: I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT THE LORD
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony51.htm


In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry