Have you ever asked yourself why you are on this earth? I have, plenty of times actually, sometimes not wanting to know the answer, but then coming to the realization that I am on this earth to help make it better. How can one hope to make this world better? We do so by shining a light where there is darkness. We do so by bearing one another's burdens, lifting another one higher than they were before, being a helping hand, a shoulder to lean upon, an ear to listen to, giving encouragement, affirmation and instilling self belief in others where there was none before. The Lord Jesus commands us in Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Why did the Lord Jesus give us this command? I believe it is because we who call ourselves followers of Christ are to emulate the love and forgiveness that He freely offered to all who came His way. When we do the same to our fellow man we not only elevate their life to greater heights, but we also bring glory and honor to God to Whom we owe our very existence. (Philippians 4:9) (Psalm 100:1-5)

I encourage you to think about your own life. How is it being spent? Are you spreading love? Are you sharing joy and happiness? If not, I would encourage you to change your mindset and see how your life can be used to make this world a better place one soul at a time. We need to keep in remembrance that this life will pass us by as if it is a blink of an eye and we will wonder where did the time go. It is for this reason that we should make each new day that we are blessed enough to see used to its fullest potential. How? By being a burden bearer, our brother's keeper, a Lighthouse of hope, a Beacon of love and one who simply wishes to see others become better than they were before just as the Lord Jesus wishes for each of us. (Philippians 2:2-8) (Luke 6:31)

I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to do your best to be a shining light of hope and love all the days of your life.


SUMMER LIGHT SHOW

It is going to feel like Christmas in July in the field behind my home for the next few weeks. My backyard buddies, the fireflies have finally returned to put on another Summer light show every evening for all of us to enjoy. It is such a delight seeing their little, golden lights blinking on and off just like the lights on a Christmas tree. It brings me such joy watching my whole backyard and the woods around it twinkle like it is Christmastime while the warm, summer breezes tickle my face. It reminds me that anytime of the year can feel like Christmas if you have love in your heart and light in your soul.

Still, there are times I feel a bit sorry for my firefly friends. They shine for only a brief time each Summer and their lights while beautiful last only a moment before fading again. In fact, I sometimes feel like a firefly myself. I try my best to shine long and bright with love, joy, and oneness with God, but it seems at times the most I can do is flicker. I am working hard, though, to leave my light on a bit longer each time and trying my best to make my moments of darkness less and less. I am asking God to help me everyday too and hope to one day shine more like a star and less like a blinker.

I hope that you are doing your best as well to shine bright and leave your light on in this life. I pray too that if you can’t keep your light on all the time then you are at least blinking as much light, love, joy, kindness, goodness, peace, happiness, helpfulness, laughter, and caring as you can. Perhaps one day all of us will shine together and with God’s help will create a summer light show that never ends. Perhaps we will not just help make everyday feel more like Christmas, but make everyday be Christmas. Perhaps one day we all will work together to help the fireflies chase the darkness away forever.

By Joseph J. Mazzella


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

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.”

Romans 12:15-18 “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. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

Hebrews 6:10 “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward His Name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

Colossians 3:23-25 “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.”

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


Today’s Selected Poem: THE RIGHT WORDS
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem173.htm

Today’s Selected Testimony: I'M AN OVERCOMER
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony76.htm


In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry