Knowing that we are loved can do so much to encourage our hearts and strengthen our spirits. When times are tough and we feel overwhelmed with the trials in our life we can always turn to our family and friends and receive the love and encouragement that we need so that we may face those challenges with a renewed and revived vigor knowing that victory is promised to be ours. Many times when people face difficulties they feel like facing them alone. They don't want to burden someone else with their troubles so they think it is better to keep it all on themselves. That is a very unhealthy way to handle the trials and challenges of life. A burden beared alone will always be too heavy, but when we share our heaviness with others we will be relieved and thankful for their helpfulness and we will become stronger knowing that we are not handling our trials alone. The Bible encourages us to share our burdens as we read in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." (Galatians 6:2) (Luke 6:31)

Be encouraged to see that you don't have to handle the pressures of life alone. Ask for help when you need it. Call upon that friend or family member when you need a word of encouragement. Share what is on your heart. Let people know that you are not feeling your best and believe me when you do you will find so much help you will find yourself feeling overwhelmed by all of the love, support and encouragement that will be coming your way. We are greatly loved even when we don't always realize it for ourselves. The Lord loves us, our family and friends love us and they wish to see us healthy, happy and whole. (Ecclesiastes 4:12) (Jeremiah 31:3)

Always remember and keep in mind that you are loved, that you are appreciated, that you are valuable and that you are worthy. If nobody has told you how great you are lately I am telling you right now. You are great, you are wonderful, you are magnificent. Believe it for yourself, accept it for yourself and portray it for all of the world to see. Always remember, how you see yourself is how the world will see you. Are you an overcomer, are you victorious, are you triumphant? Think yes, Say yes, Believe yes and sooner than you may think you will find yourself living what you confessed. Be blessed in your upcoming days and become all that God has created you to be. (Jeremiah 1:4-5) (James 1:22-25)

I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to see that you are surrounded by people who love you and wish to see your life blessed.


TWO ARMS NO WAITING

I got to hug my Mom and my Grandma again today. It felt so good that for a moment my heart leapt for joy and my eyes filled with tears. In that second the whole world was full of love and the Earth felt like Heaven. Then it was over, because I awoke from my daydream.

You see, my Mom and my Grandma both died years ago. I enjoyed every hug we shared over the years they were alive, but now I see I didn't hug them nearly enough. I don't know why I kept my arms and my heart closed so many times over the years. I don't know why it took me so long to realize that you can't take love or life for granted. If I had it to do over I would have hugged them a dozen times a day, every single day they were with me. If I could have those moments back I would have followed the example of my own son who gives me more hugs everyday than I can count. I would have taken the lead of my son's childhood friend too. She may be confined to a wheelchair but she can still hug your heart out with the squeeze of her hand or lift your spirits with a smile that is brighter than the noonday sun. If I could live those years again I would do so with my arms, my heart, and my soul wide open.

Thankfully, God in His love gives us a lifetime to learn from our mistakes. I can't live those years again, but I can live today. I can love today. I can share a hug today. My Mom and Grandma may have left this world, but in my heart and soul my arms will always be around them.

I hope that you share a few hugs yourself today. I hope that you hang a sign on your heart that says, "two arms, no waiting." I hope that you give your love to all those around you. I hope that you shine a smile to everyone you meet. I hope that you fill your every phone call, letter, or e-mail with "heart hugs" as well. Life is short. Time flies. Our days here are brief. Don't pass up a single chance then to love, to share, to help, and to hug. 

By Joseph J. Mazzella


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Proverbs 3:5-7 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil."

Psalm 37:23-25 "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with His hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."

Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

1 Corinthians 1:26-28 "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are."

Psalm 28:6-8 "Blessed be the LORD, because He hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him. The LORD is their strength, and He is the saving strength of His anointed."

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


Today's Selected Poem: IT'S IN THE VALLEYS I GROW
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem142.htm

Today's Selected Testimony: STILL LEARNING
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony16.htm


In Christ's Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God's Work Ministry