It is so important that we keep love at the center of our being. So many times we allow strife to separate us from our loved ones. We allow our pride, ego or always wanting to be right to put a wedge between us and those who mean the world to us. That should never be so. We should never allow pettiness to separate us from those who make our life better, richer and more meaningful. We must recognize that life is too short and too precious to spend it separated from those whom we love so much. The Bible admonishes us in Ephesians 4:29-32 “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” (Philippians 2:2-3) (Romans 12:14-17)

We should never have a holier than thou attitude towards someone else because we have all fallen short at one time or another and our sins make us equal to one another. We can’t point one finger at someone else while we have three fingers pointing back at us. Instead we should do as the Bible says and be peacemakers, peacekeepers, humble in spirit, wishing to reconcile, making amends and elevating every soul that crosses our path. The Apostle Paul urges us to put love first as we read in Romans 12:9-13 “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” (Romans 3:23) (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

Let us make an extra effort to make our life significant upon this earth. Let us love, forgive, reconcile and be a Beacon of hope and light that all will be drawn to and would want to emulate. Living separated from those who mean so much to us is a shameful testimony to call our own as believers in Christ. We must be the ones who spread joy, gladness, hope, encouragement and let all people know that nobody is beyond forgiveness or redemption. Be encouraged to be a peacekeeper and a peacemaker all the days of your life so that you may walk the walk in Christ and not just talk the talk. (Colossians 3:16-17)

I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to seek love between one another each moment that you are able so that both lives will become enriched.


HEAVENLY BARKING

My house has been a bit quieter the last few months. It has been missing the happy bark of my dear beagle, Ody. After blessing my life with his love and devotion for over 13 years my old friend finally passed away last Fall. It has been tough going at times without him. I still at times look down and expect to see him curled up at my feet. I still at times listen to hear his bark to be let in from the backyard. I still at times reach into the box and get four dog treats instead of three. My other furry friends have showered me with extra affection and attention since he passed and I love them for it. Still, there is a place in my heart that will always be his. 

I think he must know this too, because he came to visit me last night. God must have let him sneak down the rainbow bridge while I slept. There he was in my dream, young and healthy again. He was so full of energy and love. I smiled as he ran around me and barked in pure happiness. It was so good to see him again. It filled my heart with love. It made my soul dance with joy. It helped my mind to see clearly once again that there is no death and that life and love go on forever. After I woke up I stayed awake for a long time remembering every moment of this dream. I knew that it was more than just the longings of my heart. I knew that it was my old friend’s way of telling me that we will be seeing each other again. 

My house is still a bit quieter now, but my heart no longer is. I know that one day I will be hearing a lot of Heavenly barking. What a glorious sound it will be too. It will be full of love and happiness, and I will rejoice in every moment of it. 

Take the time to rejoice in and share your own love today. Hug your two-legged friends and bend down to pet your four-legged ones. Thank God too for every moment you get with them. But also remember that your love won’t end here. Love like life and friendship is eternal. 

By Joseph J. Mazzella


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Romans 12:18-21 “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

John 15:11-13 Jesus says “These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Galatians 6:9-10 “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.”

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: WHAT IF?
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem16.htm

Today's Selected Testimony: THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony48.htm


In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry