So many times in life we are tempted to join the rat race where the ultimate goal is to gain as much money so that we can buy the most desired possessions. We are told that having the finer things of life will bring us lasting joy and pleasure and will fill our hearts with contentment and gladness. None of these things are true because after we take hold of the possession we will quickly find that it’s not as great as we had hoped and the same void that we had in our hearts before the possession still remains after the possession. Instead we should believe God’s Word and trust that doing what is right in His eyes and by following His commands we can receive true and lasting peace. We can have our hearts filled with peace, joy and gladness that is not temporary, but everlasting and true. We don’t have to have our bank accounts filled to be content because the Bible declares in 1 Timothy 6:6-9 “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.” (Matthew 6:27-34) (Philippians 4:6-9)

My definition of the finer things is being surrounded with family and friends sharing joy and gladness with one another encouraging, edifying and inspiring one another to become better, strive harder and believe in ourselves as God believes in us. When we take hold of these true riches not only does our life become elevated, but the lives of those around us also benefit. May we always recognize and remember that those with the biggest of bank accounts don’t necessarily have true peace and joy that surpasses all understanding, but those whose hearts are perfect towards God do have that blessed assurance and that joy and peace shall never leave their home or their hearts because God is faithful to those who are faithful to Him. The Bible declares in Proverbs 8:17-19 “I love those who love Me, And those who seek Me diligently will find Me. Riches and honor are with Me, Enduring riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, And My revenue than choice silver.” (Psalm 37:16-20) (Isaiah 26:3-4)

I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to see that it’s the simple things in life that bring the most joy.


A GOOD LIFE

Calvin, of the “Calvin and Hobbes” comic strip fame, once imparted some timeless wisdom: “If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night,” he observed, “I'll bet they'd live a lot differently.”

I believe he's right. I try to sit outside every night before bedtime to breathe the night air and look at the sky. It's a simple practice. For me, a time of deep relaxation and spiritual cleansing.

Year by bewildering year our world grows more complex. We crave peace in our souls. We long for simplicity in lives that too easily become relentlessly tangled in complicated webs.

One man, David, enjoyed the simple things of life. He sometimes took jobs in the American west at dude ranches, national parks and seasonal resorts.

His brother, however, wanted to entice him to get a “real” job and live in a world surrounded by things that only money can buy. So David's brother often sent him photos of himself enjoying the so-called “good life.” He labeled his snapshots “My new sound system” or “My new car.”

But the photographs stopped arriving after David responded with a picture of his own. He sent his brother a large poster with a breathtaking view of Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park. On the back was David's message: “My back yard.”

I believe I understand how David feels. While his brother was striving for THE Good Life, David aimed for A Good Life. There's a difference.

THE good life requires that we take pleasure in new things; A good life requires that we take pleasure in moments.

To enjoy THE good life we have to get ahead; to enjoy A good life we have to make the trip worthwhile.

THE good life is supported by feeding our pocketbooks; A good life is supported by feeding our souls.

Over a century ago, John Burroughs put it like this: “To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter...to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring -- these are some of the rewards of the simple life.” I call it a good life.

I don't want to collect more stuff at the expense of collecting memories. And I don't want to let making a buck interfere with my making a difference.

I'm already looking forward to tonight when I'll sit outside and look up at the stars.

By Steve Goodier


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

James 1:2-5 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Psalm 23:1-4 “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.”

Psalm 37:7-9 “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.”

Psalm 37:23-26 “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. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.”

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


Today's Selected Poem: THE PROMISE 
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem182.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