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We should always be quick to show our appreciation towards those who commit
themselves in making our neighborhood, state and world a better place.
Many times those who serve become discouraged because they do not seem to
receive thanks from those whom they've helped to make life better. It is
for this reason that we as recipients should make an extra effort to
recognize those who give of themselves to say thanks and simply show our
appreciation for the sacrifices they have made. (1 Thessalonians 5:11-13)
The Lord Jesus calls us children of light and as such we should be quick
to let every giver know how much they are needed, loved, prayed for and
appreciated. Be encouraged to take time out of your busy day and be an
example of God's love to those who serve near you. You will make a world
of difference to their lives and they will be encouraged to continue on the
path that God has set them on. (Matthew 5:14-16) (Galatians 6:2-10)
I hope this message both challenges and inspires your heart to make a
special effort to encourage those who give of themselves and let them know
how much you appreciate what they are doing.
WELCOME HOME
Story as told to me by a Vietnam Veteran who prefers to remain anonymous.
The other day I was walking into the local Wal-Mart store when I noticed an
older man walking beside a younger man. The younger man was wearing army
fatigues.
I was curious so I stopped and asked, “Excuse me young man, but I was just
wondering if you were in the service or are you just wearing fatigues?”
The young man stated that he was really in the army and then his Dad added
in a strong voice that was filled with pride, “This is my son and he has
just returned from his second tour in Iraq.”
I told him how glad I was that he had returned home safely and then I said,
“Young man, I would like to do something for you that no one outside of my
family did for me when I returned home from serving in Vietnam.”
“What is that?” he asked.
“I'd be proud to welcome you home by shaking your hand if I might and say
thank you for your service to our country,” I said as I held out my hand.
The young soldier and his Dad both stood a little taller as the young man
stuck out his hand which I readily grasped and we just stood there, the
three of us, with our right hands joined. We were three strangers drawn
together by a common bond, we all understood, not needing to say anything more.
After nodding to each other, I started to break the grasp and walk away,
but the young soldier seemed to have something on his mind as he hesitated,
and then he stopped me before I could move. He was quiet for a moment and
then he looked me straight in the eye and then he ever so clearly uttered
the words, “Thank you. . . and . . . Welcome Home.”
We then parted company as we went our separate ways. I finished buying the
supplies I needed, walked on home, and oh yeah - I cried.
By Pamela Perry Blaine (as told to her)
We often forget to be thankful to those who serve our country, protect us
from terrorism, and preserve our freedom. We have veterans living today
that have served us in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and The Persian Gulf. We have
those on active duty who are serving our country right now in Iraq as well
as other places around the world.
It shouldn't have to be Memorial Day or Veteran's Day for us to appreciate
all of our veterans no matter where they served. The point is that they
served and gave of themselves that we might live in freedom.
Be encouraged to do something special and show your appreciation towards
those who serve near you. They may not be in the military. People who
give of themselves are all around us. The bus driver, the garbage man, the
police officer, the postal employee and the list can go on and on.
Think of something you can say or do to brighten up their day and let them
know that they are appreciated. Encourage them so that they know they are
appreciated and their work was never in vain. (Hebrews 6:10)
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
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.”
Romans 12:15-18 “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them
that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things,
but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of
all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with
all men.”
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.”
Hebrews 6:10 “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of
love, which ye have shewed toward His Name, in that ye have ministered to
the saints, and do minister.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem84.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 |
