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It is a great witness to the world when we show whose we are and take
special interest in those who need to be strengthened and comforted and
shown God's love and compassion. We are called to bring light to a dark
world, encouragement to those who feel low and support towards those who
are weak in the spirit. The Bible declares in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 "Now we
exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded,
support the weak, be patient toward all men." Never think that you aren't
equipped to show God's love and compassion because as believers the Lord
has given each of us the tools to go forth and reach the world for Him. Be
encouraged and know that you are well-able to encourage and strengthen
those who feel weak and discouraged. (Matthew 5:13-16) (Galatians 5:22-26)
I hope you are encouraged and inspired by today's message.
IT WAS OKAY TO CRY
I saw her last night for the first time in years. She was miserable. She
had bleached her hair, trying to hide its true color, just as her rough
front hid her deep unhappiness. She needed to talk, so we went for a walk.
While I thought about my future, the college applications that had
recently arrived, she thought about her past, the home she had recently
left. Then she spoke. She told me about her love -- and I saw a dependent
relationship with a dominating man. She told me about the drugs -- and I
saw that they were her escape. She told me about her goals -- and I saw
unrealistic material dreams. She told me she needed a friend -- and I saw
hope, because at least I could give her that.
We had met in the second grade. She was missing a tooth, I was missing my
friends. I had just moved across the continent to find cold metal swings
and cold smirking faces outside the foreboding doors of P.S. 174, my new
school. I asked her if I could see her Archie comic book, even though I
didn't really like comics; she said yes, even though she didn't really
like to share. Maybe we were both looking for a smile. And we found it. We
found someone to giggle with late at night, someone to slurp hot chocolate
with on the cold winter days when school was canceled and we would sit
together by the bay window, watching the snow endlessly falling.
In the summer, at the pool, I got stung by a bee. She held my hand and
told me that she was there and that it was okay to cry -- so I did. In the
fall, we raked the leaves into piles and took turns jumping, never afraid
because we knew that the multicolored bed would break our fall.
Only now, she had fallen and there was no one to catch her.
We hadn't spoken in months; we hadn't seen each other in years.
I had moved to California, she had moved out of the house. Our experiences
were miles apart, making our hearts much farther away from each other than
the continent she had just traversed.
Through her words I was alienated, but through her eyes I felt her
yearning. She needed support in her search for strength and a new start.
She needed my friendship now more than ever. So I took her hand and told
her that I was there and that it was okay to cry -- so she did.
By Daphna Renan
I pray that you have found encouragement to intercede on behalf of that one
who is feeling low. Throughout the scriptures we are told to love, support
and care for our neighbor as we would for ourselves. (Mark 12:29-31)
Never believe the lie that you should only worry about yourself. There's a
quote that says a candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. Take
that as simple motivation to reach out and show the love of God that comes
from your heart.
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Colossians 3:16-17 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all
wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And
whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by Him."
James 1:22-25 "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving
your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is
like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth
himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man
he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth
therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man
shall be blessed in his deed."
Galatians 5:13-14 "For brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use
not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love
thy neighbour as thyself."
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today's Selected Poem: LOVE IN THE HOME
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem143.htm
Today's Selected Testimony: JESUS STILL HEALS TODAY
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony35.htm
In Christ's Service,
Dwayne Savaya
Gods Work Ministry |
