Do you realize how lucky we are? Do you really understand how fortunate and blessed we are to be alive this day in this hour? Why do I say this? It is because we are at an age in time where we are the most advanced people that have ever lived. We have more than we know what to do with; more information, more technology, more activity, more travel, entertainment and the list goes on and on. We have much to be thankful for, but sadly all of these advancements mean very little if we don't have an appreciative attitude and a thankful heart. If we don't see the blessings that surround us, then it will be very easy for us to focus on what is going wrong instead of relishing in all that is going right. That is why we should always look on the brighter side. We should look at each problem and see the good that can come from it. We should look at the trial or challenge and see the wisdom and understanding that we will gain after we overcome it. (Psalm 40:1-4) (Philippians 4:6-7)

I believe life is all about perspective. Having a proper perspective will make us look past the temporary pain and focus more on the lasting joy. I encourage you to trust the Lord in everything and allow His peace that surpasses all understanding to rule your hearts and let your life be at rest. The Lord is faithful to meet our needs. That's all we need to remember. No matter where you are in life, I encourage you wholeheartedly to be thankful for all that you have been given and do your absolute best to let God know that this day is the best day of your life and tomorrow say the same exact thing. I firmly believe that a thankful heart does more to fill the soul than all the riches this world has to offer. (Psalm 147:3-7) (Psalm 56:9-11)

I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to see that the simple things in life bring the greatest joy. Relish in the simple things and fill your heart until it is overflowing.


SOAKING UP THE SUN

When you go through this life with your eyes open, you soon see that everything in it is a miracle. You realize that you are a part of this miracle too from your first breath until your last sigh. You start to notice that you are connected not only with every person on this planet, but also with every part of creation as well from the stones under your feet to the sun in the sky. 

I got a beautiful reminder of this recently. I was taking a morning walk near the woods by my home. A cool, September rain had left everything smelling, fresh and new. I was enjoying the double delight of seeing the first leaves on the trees turning to bright reds and brilliant yellows while under them the wild flowers of Summer were still blooming away. 

Suddenly, I felt the warmth of a sunbeam kiss my face. The gray, heavy clouds from the earlier rain were beginning to drift apart and shafts of sunshine were breaking through to light up parts of the woods. It was so beautiful seeing this glorious dance of light and shadow. As I was taking it all in I saw a tiny tortoise slowly crawling his way from the dark to the light. When he finally reached a spot where the sun was shining down on a rock, he stopped and started to soak up Heaven’s gift. I stood there and watched my shell-backed friend for a long time. And when I turned to head back to my home my heartfelt warmer as well. 

It is so great to be a part of God’s creation. It is so wonderful to be able to feel His love and His light. Thankfully, God’s light isn’t limited to just sunny days. It always shines. Even on the darkest and coldest nights it is there. All we need to do is to step into it and let it fill us with joy. All we need to do is soak up its warmth and love and share it with the world. All we need to do is to happily take our place in this miracle that is life. 

By Joseph J. Mazzella


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Psalm 16:8-11 “I have set the LORD always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of Joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” 

Proverbs 17:22 “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” 

Psalm 31:3-5 “For Thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for Thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me. Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for Thou art my strength. Into Thine hand I commit my spirit: Thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.” 

Psalm 103:2-5 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” 

2 Samuel 22:29-33 “For You are my lamp, O Lord; The Lord shall enlighten my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop; By my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? God is my strength and power, And He makes my way perfect.”

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.” 

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


Today’s Selected Poem: YOU MUSTN'T QUIT
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem157.htm

Today’s Selected Testimony: THE REWARD
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony105.htm


In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry