When I first humbled myself before the Lord and asked Him to use me for His eternal purposes, I never thought a simple vessel like myself can be used in such an extraordinary way. Being able to minister to so many people whom I will never fully know is a responsibility that I take seriously because I know people need a fresh word of encouragement to remind them that their life is significant and that they are meant to make a difference in this world. What I do is simple. There are no special requirements, no special schooling, no degrees have to be earned, but one thing must be present and that is love. The thing about love is that it wants to go the extra mile, it wants to forgive, it wants to believe, it wants to see the best and that is why I believe any of us are able to do God's Work. (1 Samuel 16:7) (Isaiah 6:8)

No matter who you are, no matter your past, no matter your shortfalls or failures, you can make a difference in this world when you have love as your driving catalyst. When we have love for one another, we won't look for our own interests, we won't act selfishly, we won't have a motive behind our good works, but what we will do when we offer love is leave a lasting legacy that will live on in the hearts and minds of those whom we were fortunate enough to cross paths with. We will have been like visible Angels that loved others as Christ loves us, forgave others as Christ forgives us and who want to see the best for others just as God wants the best of us. (1 Corinthians 13:1-8) (Luke 6:35-36)

Be encouraged to lead your life with love. No matter how long we may live, it will all pass us by way too quickly and before we know it we will be standing before Almighty God giving an answer for every word, act and deed that was done in our earthen vessels. Why don't we start storing up for ourselves treasures in heaven and stop accumulating things on this earth that will rust and pass away? Let us be heavenly minded so that while we are still on this earth we may love others without motive, without pretense and actually prefer others over ourselves. (Revelation 20:11-15) (Matthew 12:35-37)

Remember that's what the Lord Jesus did for us. He preferred us even over Himself which is evidenced by His sacrifice for all mankind. The Lamb of God who was blameless without spot or blemish became our substitute for death and now all who believe and trust in Him for their salvation will be with the Lord forever. I encourage you again to let love rule your life because when you do, your impact and the ripples that you started will never cease or come to an end. This knowledge alone should keep us focused and determined to do all that we can to be a blessing and to make a difference that will never be forgotten or erased. (1 Peter 1:16-21) (Romans 12:4-10)

I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to be the catalyst in which a positive change will come in the lives of those around you.


KINDNESS OF THE BACK ROADS

Near my home there is a winding back road. It was built many years ago along the banks of a local river and it follows the river’s path as it twists and turns down the mountain to a town 16 miles away. I often take this old road because it is the fastest way to make it to the closest interstate highway. The trip down it is beautiful with its trees, pastures, and the flowing river brightening your soul. Still, it also has long stretches of rough road that can be tough on an old car. More than once I have stopped to help a motorist whose car didn’t quite make it all the way. 

The latest time I did so was for a grandmother and her granddaughter. A visiting pastor had already pulled over to help and together we were able to push her old car to a wide spot off the road. She thanked us both and then thanked me again after I dropped her and her young granddaughter off at her daughter’s house. That simple “thank you” brought a warmth of joy to my heart. It felt good being able to help another soul. It felt great being able to share a little kindness in this world. I drove away feeling like the richest man in the universe. 

I was remembering this time again while the news was talking of the latest financial scandal. It made me think of what the great journalist Charles Kuralt once said: “The everyday kindness of the back roads more than makes up for the acts of greed in the headlines.” I pray that one day we all will be able to put being kind, helping people, and loving each other over making money. When we do, this world will be a giant step closer to the paradise that God meant for it to be. 

Jesus said, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” May we always love each other in our hearts, in our souls, and in our lives then. May we share our love and kindness with others everyday along whatever back roads our lives may take us. May we build a lasting wealth of loving-kindness for this life and for the next. 

By Joseph J. Mazzella


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus declares “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.”

Colossians 3:22-25 “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 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.”

Galatians 6:1-4 “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.”

Hebrews 12:1-3 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

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


Today's Selected Poem: ENRICHING THOUGHTS
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem157.htm

Today’s Selected Testimony: ALWAYS BE AVAILABLE
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony27.htm


In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry