|
We should always carry ourselves in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord.
There are many instances when we are tempted to let go of our integrity and
act as the world acts. What we must always remember is that we are in the
world, but we are not of the world. As representatives of Christ on the
Earth, people watch the believer more than the believer even knows to see
if they will act in the same manner as they should be in comparison to
Christ. That is why we should always do unto others as we would have them
do unto us and treat all people with the same love and respect that we
would want for ourselves. (John 15:18-20) (Psalm 26:1-12) (Luke 6:31)
The fruits of our love are easily made evident by our interaction with one
another. The love that we have in our hearts which is God's love is shown
to all and makes our life relevant and important in the lives of those
around us. Be encouraged to always deal rightly with others and remember
that God has promised to give us a just reward for living our life with
love, honesty and integrity. (Galatians 5:22-26) (Revelation 22:12)
I hope this message encourages and inspires your heart to see how living
on the right path not only blesses those around you, but it also lifts you
up as well.
GOOD FRUITS OR SOUR GRAPES
I have noticed something recently. I am not as angry as I used to be. I am
not as grouchy either. I don’t complain nearly as much as I used to. I am
not as worried or afraid as I once was. I can’t think of anyone or
anything that I really hate either. Now I don’t think it is because I have
mellowed with age. Quite frankly, I am not that old yet. Besides I know
people a lot older than me who are a lot grouchier. I also know people a
lot younger than me who are already way more mellow than I will ever be.
Maybe it is that I just don’t have as much room for those things inside me
anymore.
When life squeezes you, what is on the inside comes out. If you are full
of sour grapes then you will give the world vinegar. If you are full of
good fruits then you will give the world orange juice. Maybe my good fruits
are finally ripening while my sour grapes are dying on the vine. Maybe I
am finally gardening my soul the way that God wants me to.
One thing I do know, however, is that the more you fill your heart, soul,
and mind with love and thankfulness the less room there is for anything
else. The more you love God, yourself, and others the less room there is
for anger and hate. The more you thank God for your life and every good
thing in it the less room there is for fear and worry. The more good fruits
you plant and care for the less room there is for sour grapes in the garden
of your life.
May you always fill your heart, soul, and mind with wonderful love and
glorious gratitude then. May you always feel God’s perfect love hugging
your heart and uplifting your soul. May you always be so full of the good
fruits of love, joy, and thankfulness that not a single sour grape can be
squeezed out of you. Remember, you are the gardener and your life is the
harvest. Plant well, water often, and always invite others to the feast.
By Joseph J. Mazzella
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
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 4:7-11 “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and
every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not
knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God
toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that
we might live through Him. 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.”
Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus declares, “Ye are the light of the world. A city
that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and
put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all
that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may
see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
1 Peter 3:8-11 “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of
another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for
evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye
are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will
love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his
lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him
seek peace, and ensue it.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today's Selected Poem: HOPE
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem31.htm
Today's Selected Testimony: TESTIMONY OF GOD'S LOVE
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony150.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
