From: "Dwayne Savaya" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> God's Work Ministry E-Mail
Dear Friend, We should always be quick to praise and show affirmation towards those who have done exceptional deeds. We must not assume that they know they're appreciated and loved, but rather we are to verbally and physically show them that their work is well done and we are thankful for them. Many times people need to be reminded and told that their work is not in vain and shown how greatly they are loved so that self doubt or animosity will have no place in their life. (Romans 12:10) (Philippians 2:1-4) (Galatians 6:1-4) The Lord calls us the children of light who are to lead by example sharing love and goodness towards all who are down or discouraged. The simplest words of praise and thankfulness can make a world of difference to someone who is feeling unappreciated. The Bible tells us in Romans 12:10 "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." It is easy for us to say thank you, so you be encouraged to brighten someone else's day and let them know how great they truly are. I hope this message encourages your heart to be quick to show your appreciation and thankfulness towards those who have done good works. ONE MINUTE CAN CHANGE A LIFE He almost killed somebody, but one minute changed his life. The beautiful story comes from Sherman Rogers' old book, Foremen: Leaders Or Drivers? In his true-life story, Rogers illustrates the importance of effective relationships. During his college years, Rogers spent a summer in an Idaho logging camp. When the superintendent had to leave for a few days, he put Rogers in charge. "What if the men refuse to follow my orders?" Rogers asked. He thought of Tony, an immigrant worker who grumbled and growled all day, giving the other men a hard time. "Fire them," the superintendent said. Then, as if reading Rogers' mind, he added, "I suppose you think you are going to fire Tony if you get the chance. I'd feel badly about that. I have been logging for 40 years. Tony is the most reliable worker I've ever had. I know he is a grouch and that he hates everybody and everything. But he comes in first and leaves last. There has not been an accident for eight years on the hill where he works." Rogers took over the next day. He went to Tony and spoke to him. "Tony, do you know I'm in charge here today?" Tony grunted. "I was going to fire you the first time we tangled, but I want you to know I'm not," he told Tony, adding what the superintendent had said. When he finished, Tony dropped the shovel full of sand he had held and tears streamed down his face. "Why he no tell me dat eight years ago?" That day Tony worked harder than ever before -- and he smiled! He later said to Rogers, "I told Maria you first foreman in deese country who ever say, 'Good work, Tony,' and it make Maria feel like Christmas." Rogers went back to school after that summer. Twelve years later he met Tony again. He was superintendent for railroad construction for one of the largest logging companies in the West. Rogers asked him how he came to California and happened to have such success. Tony replied, "If it not be for the one minute you talk to me back in Idaho, I keel somebody someday. One minute, she change my whole life." Effective managers know the importance of taking a moment to point out what a worker is doing well. But what a difference a minute of affirmation can make in any relationship! One minute. Have you got one minute to thank someone? A minute to tell someone what you sincerely like or appreciate about her? A minute to elaborate on something he did well? One minute. It can make a difference for a lifetime. By Steve Goodier Read and meditate on these scriptures: Romans 12:10 "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." Galatians 6:1-4 "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another." 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: EIGHT GIFTS THAT DON'T COST Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem135.htm Today's Selected Testimony: THE SPARROW Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony56.htm ================================================ From: "Dwayne Savaya" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> God's Work Ministry E-Mail Dear Friend, We must always remember that God loves us and holds us close to His heart. No matter our shortfalls or iniquities, the Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. His love reaches from everlasting to everlasting cleansing us of our unrighteousness and clothing us in His purity. Never believe the lie that God does not love you or that you are beyond redemption. Corrie Ten-Boom once said, "There is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still." His mercy can reach you right where you are and can make you a new creation in Him. Cast your cares upon the Lord and ask Him to take all that is impure from your life. He is sure to hear your heartfelt prayer and replace every pain with His peace and assurance that all is well. (Psalm 103:8) (2 Corinthians 5:17) (1 Peter 5:7) I hope this message encourages your heart to know that God loves you no matter who you are or what you have done. He is your Creator and loves you with an everlasting love. Believe that and receive it into your heart because this truth is an Eternal one. MY SPECIAL VALENTINE It wasn't until I heard Skipper's deep, guttural bark, Chrissie and Scruffy's excited yapping, and the three geese honking--triggering the disappearance of the three preschoolers out the door that I realized what time it was. Licking my fingers, then wiping my hands on my apron, I hustled the cake into the cupboard, and the dishes into the sink. "I wonder if Dean will keep our secret," I said to myself as I rinsed the evidence off the dishes. But I hadn't long to wonder as the children burst through the door, dropping their lunch kits onto the counter, all trying to talk at once. "I didn't tell, Mommy." I heard the piercing announcement through the din of eight other youthful voices. I smiled at the four-year-old, and stood watching the excitement of the children. "I got twenty-eight valentines," piped six-year-old Dennis. To him Valentine's Day was a new experience, and clutching them all in his hand at once, he came toward me. "And I got thirty," him announced eight-year-old Dale. "Look!" I cut in, "Let's all get changed out of our school clothes; then we can all share the valentines. In fact, let's save them 'til after supper. I have a surprise for you." "Mommy's got a cake," piped up three-year-old Dougie. But his announcement fell on deaf ears as the excited children scrambled into their bedrooms to change their clothes. It was then I noticed David, also eight, standing still by the door, clutching a Valentine--a favorite, I presumed. His usually smiling, moon- shaped face had a peculiar look on it, but before I could question him, he walked by me to his bedroom to change. I didn't think any more about it until suppertime. I handed the children plastic bags to put their Valentines in. And now, as the children gathered at the table for the evening meal, the excited pitch of their voices had risen to a crescendo. Daddy wouldn't be home for this special supper, as he was on the bridge crew with the Department of Highways, and was away repairing a washed out bridge. With the meal cleared away, and all the children in their pajamas and housecoats, a habit we adopted on chilly winter evenings, we all gathered around the large dining room table. I had told the children at supper that my surprise was: we were going to have a valentine party, and that we would save our dessert until then. The excited children clutched their plastic bags in their hands and assumed their usual mealtime places. I brought out some candy I had saved for the occasion, and set the large heart-shaped cake in the middle of the table. Now it was time for us all to share the valentines the kiddies had gotten from their friends at school. They pulled the cards from the plastic bags and set them on the table in front of them. It was then I noticed that David had only one card in front of him. My heart nearly broke, but now was not the time for questioning. There would be time for that later. When it was David's turn to share his valentine, that strange look reappeared on his face. He turned the card over, and his usual smile returned to his face as he read, "To David, My Special Valentine. From your Teacher, Miss Waters." The card was not anything out of the ordinary. It was just one of the run-of-the-mill valentine cards, but to David it was special. After he read it he hugged it to his heart. It was the only one he had received. There was nothing wrong with David. That is not why he did not have friends, nor why he did not receive any valentines. He was not shunned by his peers because he was a trouble-maker. He was not shunned because he was extra stupid or extra smart. It was not because of any obnoxious behavior, nor because he was a smart alec. No. It was just because he was a Native Indian. Our children were all foster children, and they were all mixed-blood, Native Indian children. All except for David. He was a pure Native Indian from the Indian reservation in Atlin, British Columbia. My heart was breaking just now, breaking for a sweet little boy who was shunned by his peers because he was different. I went over beside him, looked at his valentine, and said, "Oh David, that is SO special. Let's put it on the fridge so that we can look at it every day, for as long as you want." I decided that the best thing to do was to make a big thing out of what he had, rather than showing him pity because of how much less he had than the others. And the three little ones saved the day. In unison they said, "Let's have the cake now." Relieved that the crisis was over. I gave David a big hug, and told him that he could pass out the valentines we all had made for each other. And David was equal again. He was amongst his friends and his family, where there was no prejudice, just a lot of love. ** NOTE: This story happened in the sixties. The attitude toward Native Indians (or First Nations, as they have chosen to be called now), has changed in the past 30 years. Also, now there is a much more ethnical mixture in the present-day schools, than there was when this took place. By Helen Dowd Read and meditate on these scriptures: 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation." Jeremiah 31:3 "The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." Romans 10:9-13 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible. Today's Selected Poem: THY WORD, OH LORD Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem147.htm Today's Selected Testimony: A PRISONER FREED AT LAST Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony87.htm In Christ's Service, Dwayne Savaya God's Work Ministry Please feel free to visit the Website to read more Encouraging and Inspirational stories, poems and testimonies. Our E-mail Archives are available as well to read the messages that have been sent in the past. You can now hear our stories and poems by ordering Voice Messages. Each volume contains 15 messages that can be heard and enjoyed anywhere a CD player is available. To order your copy, please click on this link: http://www.Godswork.org/voicemessages.htm You can also send Free E-cards to friends and loved ones with the many choices available. You are also welcome to post your prayer requests in our Prayer Forum. All this and more available at --- http://www.Godswork.org You can also send prayer requests to --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] Add your E-mail address if you'd like correspondence with the prayer partners.
