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The blessings that surround us abound, but many times we lose sight of all
that we possess and we focus more on the temporary trials in our path. We
allow those temporary setbacks to steal our joy, to burden our hearts and
even make us question God's love for us. What we must realize is that our
perspective needs to change. We need to focus on what we do have and see
the abundance that we possess. Our blessings greatly outweigh our
burdens. When we take our eyes off of the problems and focus them on the
blessings, we will find ourselves with so much to be thankful for.
When we have thankful hearts, we are much more joyful, much more at peace
and better able to be a blessing to others. Our gratitude will make us
better givers and being a better giver ensures our continued blessing from
God above. Be encouraged to see how abundantly blessed you truly are.
When the enemy tries to bring discouragement, simply remember the many
obstacles you have overcome and know that your story is one that has a
triumphant ending. See your blessings, be thankful for them and know that
your life is a testimony to what God can do when we stay positive,
encouraged and remind ourselves that He would never leave us nor forsake us.
I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to see all that we
have to be thankful for. Remembering the abundance that we possess will
strengthen our resolve to never give in to the trials of life and never
give up on the dreams that God has placed within our hearts.
HEAVEN SHINES THROUGH
When I was a boy, Heaven seemed a far off place beyond the clouds and
above the sky. As I grew older and wiser though, Heaven seemed to grow
closer and nearer as well. Now I can see that Heaven can be everywhere
even in each of us. In fact, there have been many instances in my life
when love opened a window to my soul and Heaven shined through.
Here are just a few of those moments when the light of Heaven brightened
my day here on Earth. There was huddling close by the stove with my
brothers on those cold Winter days when I was a boy. There was the sweet
sound of the first birds singing in the trees to herald the coming of
Spring. There was seeing the Sun majestically rising over the hillside at
dawn. There was hearing a cat purring on my lap and feeling a dog licking
my hand. There was sitting down to a family dinner after a long, hard day
at work. There was hearing those wonderful words, “I Love You!” And there
was saying those wonderful words, “I Love You!”
Those moments are just the beginning, however. There was also every time I
ever held a sleeping baby in my arms. There was every moment I stopped to
help someone in need. There was every time I read something that both
cleared my mind and touched my heart. There was every instance I started a
prayer with “I love you dear God and I thank you for my life.” There was
every time I did something good with no thought of reward. There was every
moment I took time to play with children or to listen to an elderly soul
share the stories of their life. There was every second I spent sharing
encouraging words, doing kind acts, and giving out loving hugs.
Heaven shines through to our lives here on Earth. It is carried on the
beams of love. Heaven can be as close as the beat of our own hearts. And
God can make a forever home inside our souls. We need only to welcome Him in.
By Joseph J. Mazzella
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
1 Timothy 6:6-8 “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we
brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing
out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
Philippians 2:13-15 “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to
do of His good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in
the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights
in the world.”
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.”
Psalm 16:8-11 “I have set the LORD always before me: because He is at my
right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory
rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For Thou wilt not leave my
soul in hell; neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of Joy; at
Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever
things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if
there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: MY VERY BEST GIFT
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem166.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: GOD IS FAITHFUL
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony118.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
