|
The greatest gift that we can offer others is the gift of our love. When
people know that they are loved and cared about; it gives them a feeling of
reassurance and comfort knowing that there are others out there who wish
for their well-being. The Lord Jesus said the greatest commandment is to
love God with all our heart and the second is equal to it; to love our
neighbor as we love ourselves. Be encouraged to do all that you can for
those close to you and shine your light so that all may be encouraged and
inspired by the example of love that you have set forth. (Matthew 22:36-40)
I hope this message encourages your heart to show your love, care and
support for those close to you and be a light of encouragement that shines
farther than the eye can see.
KNOWN AND LOVED
One day I was driving a group of friends to a family seminar in Holmes
County, Ohio. The village of Berlin was about an hour from our home. The
seminar was held at a Mennonite Church. It is my favorite setting for a
Basic Seminar.
On Saturday the seminar is all day. In my hurry, I left the house without
cash and without food. I left that morning a little frustrated that I would
have to go all day without eating.
I consoled myself with the thought that I could fast and it would allow me
to concentrate more on the rich teaching that I would receive. It was a
beautiful day and the drive was pleasant through countryside that is dear
to my heart. The company was good. I enjoyed conversation with my friends
about the things of the Lord as we drove.
When we arrived I found my place and settled in to enjoy the seminar. The
morning passed swiftly and I noticed no hunger. When the noon hour came I
went to the van to spend some time alone with the Lord. On the church
grounds was a hill crowned with a giant Maple. In the shade of the tree
people began to spread quilts and open large picnic baskets. Out came the
food and my resolve to fast began to wane. I watched the Amish and
Mennonite moms draw meals from baskets and I knew it would be impossible
to meditate with this feast going on in front of me.
I started the van and drove into the village of Berlin. I found the
Christian bookstore and spent some time browsing among the books. I have
loved books since I was a child. One of my favorite places on earth is a
good bookstore. Standing there I sensed someone behind me and felt a hand
on my back. I turned and was shocked to see Lois standing there. “What are
you doing here?” I said.
She smiled. I looked down into her deep brown eyes. “I couldn't stand the
thought of you going hungry so I brought you some money.” My heart welled
up with love for her in that moment. We ate lunch and kissed goodbye. I
went back to the seminar and she made the hour-long trip back home.
Remembering that day two things stand out in my mind. First that Lois
would know that I was hungry and care enough to drive two hours just so I
would not have to go without food. Second, that when she went to the
church and saw I was gone she knew exactly where she would find me.
I am a wealthy man. I have a wife who both knows me and loves me.
By Kenneth L. Pierpont
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Philippians 2:5-7 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men.”
1 John 3:16-19 “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down
His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But
whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth
up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed
and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall
assure our hearts before Him.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth
us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in
any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also
aboundeth by Christ.”
1 John 4:10-12 “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved
us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God
so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at
any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is
perfected in us.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: 25 SECRETS OF ENDLESS LOVE
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem176.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: THE LORD ALWAYS PROVIDES
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony184.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
