From: "Dwayne Savaya" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> God's Work Ministry E-Mail
Dear Friend, 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 ============================================= From: "Dwayne Savaya" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> God's Work Ministry E-Mail Dear Friend, We should keep in mind that we are all flawed human beings. There isn't anyone who is perfect and when difficult times arrive between spouses, family and friends this should be remembered and forgiveness should be practiced. We must remember the command of the Lord who tells us to forgive one another as God has forgiven us. We are to look past our anger and think about the future that we have together. We have invested much in one another and for this reason understanding and love should be at the center of our relationships. Be encouraged to place love above all other emotions and allow yourself to look past the temporary strife and think more on the future that we have together. (Ephesians 4:26-32) (1 Cor. 13:13) I hope this message ministers to your heart to never be quick to give up on those whom you love. We must remember that forgiveness and love are at the center of Christ's teachings and commands. FEATHERED FIDELITY It's a sad reality. All relationships start with love and promise, but all too often we see them weaken, crumble and finally fail. It's too bad all relationships don't go to the birds. I know that sounds strange, but read on. Many years ago, when I was just a young boy, a small yellow bird hit our front door. When I looked outside, I saw its tiny, unmoving body on our deck. I opened the door to see if it was just stunned, or worse, dead. I was kneeling over it when my mom joined me. "Michael, I think it may be dead. I heard the bang on the glass. It hit pretty hard." "Mom, should we bury it?" "I'm not sure, Michael. When I first looked out I saw another bird land beside it. It looked like it was trying to pick this one up. I think we should let nature take care of this. Let's put it on the roof of the car and see what happens." We placed the unmoving, little bird on the roof of my dad's car and went back into the house. >From our living room window we watched as the bird's mate flew to its side, carefully grip the back of the dead bird's neck in its tiny beak, and with a strength only love and devotion could provide, lifted its mate in the air. It carried the body from the car, across the street, over the meadow on the other side and into nearby trees. It flew only a few feet off the ground. Sometimes it would get up to six feet high and then the weight of its companion would pull it lower again. Its struggle was great, but the desire not to be parted from its mate was greater. Thirty-five years later, I stepped out of my home on a warm summer morning. I looked toward my next door neighbor's -- we lived in attached townhouses -- and noticed a single strand of a spider's web strung from the bush by the corner of their townhouse to the wheel of one of their cars. I thought it was strange for a spider to spin such a web, especially just one tiny strand. I moved closer to investigate. When I reached down to break the web I discovered it wasn't a web at all. It was a piece of fishing line. I gave it a tug and saw it was tangled in the bushes, and the other end was knotted under the car. One of the boys was sitting on the front deck of the house. I remarked, "Looks like someone booby-trapped your friend's car." He came closer to see what I was talking about. I gave the line a tug. It was tightly jammed under the wheel of the vehicle. "Strange, it seems to go all the way under," I said. I walked to the back of the car and saw a robin. It fluttered to get away, but the line, which was wrapped around its tiny leg, held it firm. The poor bird flapped around on the pavement with only a foot of line for it to move. Slowly I approached and reached to grab it. When my fingers first touched his feathers it squawked and flapped away from me. I moved faster on the second attempt and managed to get a grip around his trembling body. It squirmed and twisted its head to snap at me, but I held tight. The boy came closer for a look, and then went for a knife. When he returned I realized he would probably break the poor bird's leg when the knife pulled the string tight before cutting it through, so I sent him for scissors. He came back and we carefully removed the string. The bird was free, but I held him a little longer, so I could remove one last strand of the line from his tiny leg. It made a great effort and escaped from my grasp. He flew low across the pavement, under a row of mailboxes, and up into a tree. It was free again. Then I noticed a second robin fly down from a nearby tree and land next to the newly-freed robin. It had stayed close by, as its mate struggled for freedom, and would not have left until freedom or death ended their relationship. The birds I witnessed mated for life and the struggles that come with it. Now don't you wish a lot more relationships would go to the birds? I know I do. By Michael T. Smith Read and meditate on these scriptures: Romans 12:9-10 "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." Philippians 2:2-3 "Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." Ephesians 4:31-32 "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Psalm 34:1-4 "I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." 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: 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 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 right on our website. Volume One contains 15 messages that can be heard and enjoyed at Godswork.org. To hear our messages, please click on this link: http://www.Godswork.org/Audio.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. 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