From: "Dwayne Savaya" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> God's Work Ministry E-mail
Dear Friend, We should never allow ourselves to become stagnant in life simply because things are not going exactly the way we would want. In the midst of the storm we must remember that God is still in control and that all things will work together for our good. We must stand firm in the difficult times and remind ourselves that God does not create anything without a purpose and plan in mind. He is our Creator and wishes for us to succeed and prosper in everything that we do. (Romans 8:28) (Jeremiah 1:5) (3 John 2) Encourage yourself today knowing that you have every ability instilled to fulfill the plans God has for you. Believe in yourself as God believes in you and reach forward in confidence fulfilling every dream and desire that has lain dormant in your heart. I hope this message ministers to your heart to believe in yourself and start pursuing those desires and dreams that have been on your heart. With God on your side, all things are possible to those who believe. GROW No, there's no theme here. I'm not challenging myself to write stories with one word titles. I did discover that one word can mean so very much. One word can carry a lot of weight. Words like, "yes," "no," "stop," "go," "win" and "lose," seem to be particularly important to us. So, it came as no surprise to me when, on one early morning in late October, I walked out my door and saw it. It must have been there for at least a day or two. I might ask myself why I didn't see it before. But I know why. I wasn't meant to see it then. It had to be that day. It is how God works. It is how God teaches me to see when I am trying to hear. It was my "yes" when I thought He was saying "no." It is how God makes me "stop" when I am on the "go." He shows me how to make something a "win" when I thought I would "lose." I was rubbing the night dreams from my eyes as I opened the door. It was still dark and I wanted it that way. I wasn't looking for the bright side of anything. I needed to slip into this day slowly, so when I stepped out onto the deck and stood there waiting for my dogs to come back in, I made no effort at all to even notice anything. But, in God's plan for me, this little thing would appear so much bigger. I have no idea how it got there. I can't even imagine that it just fell and took root, but it certainly took advantage of wherever it ended up. There is about five feet from by back door to the railing that surrounds a small deck. One step up and you have access to our hot tub. The thick brown cover used to keep the tub hot when not in use, has a handle on each end. To remove it you simply fold one half on top of the other and then slide it off to one end. Each handle is made of fabric and carefully stitched into the vinyl for strength. That morning in the darkness of a cold October day, I discovered a small seedling growing from the seam of the handle facing the door. It was about 3/4 of an inch tall and the only survivor of the first plant killing frost of autumn that very day. I rubbed my eyes again and went back into the house to get my glasses. Upon closer look, I was amazed at what I saw. This tiny seed found its way into the side of the handle and without hesitation and against all odds it began to grow. There it was. "Grow." It was spectacular! Fabulous! Wonderful! Now eager to see the sunrise I hurried through my morning routine and grabbed my camera. I had to capture this. I had to take this picture and place it somewhere where I can be reminded every day. Reminded of what? Everything does not have to be perfect. Nothing has to make complete sense. All the parts don't have to be in place. All plans don't have to be made nor the timing absolute. You hear "no" but feel, "yes"; You want to "go" but feel the need to "stop"; You want to "win" and fear you might "lose." Take a moment to realize that everything God wants for you, everything God sees in you, everything you are and everything you will be is already ready inside. Like the seed, wherever you land you can "grow." When the seed ended up in the handle of my hot tub, it did not waste a moment to moan, complain, whine, cry or curse. Right where it was, God provided everything it needed to become everything He created it to be. You might well point out that it is not where seeds belong. It will not thrive there. It is doomed and wasted. You would be wrong. It was chosen by God to be there for me when I needed to be encouraged and inspired. And in turn, God knew I would share this with you. A seed planted. A man inspired. A story shared. It's not where you are planted, but how much you "Grow." Now . . . Grow! By Bob Perks Read and meditate on these scriptures: Deuteronomy 28:12-13 "The LORD shall open unto thee His good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them." Hebrews 4:14-16 "Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible. Today's Selected Poem: OUR MASTER CAN Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem126.htm Today's Selected Testimony: THE DAY THE ANGELS REJOICED Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony133.htm =============================================== God's Work Ministry E-mail Dear Friend, It is God's written law that whatever we do for others, it will also be done for us. We will reap exactly what we sow and when we take the time to show our love towards those who are in need, we should expect the Lord to see our deeds and repay us in kind. We shouldn't do good deeds simply because we seek a reward from the Lord, but rather we are to bless others because when we do, our hearts become filled with joy and an overfilling of love that God instills in us. (Luke 6:31) (Matthew 19:29-30) (Matthew 10:7-8) There is no greater satisfaction in life than to be able to bless someone else and help them to become better than they were before. The infilling of joy that we receive far outweighs the sacrifice that was made. Take me at my word and do something good for someone else. Then see how it feels when you know you were used by the Lord to make someone else's life better. (1 Chronicles 4:10) (Isaiah 6:8) I hope this message ministers to your heart to go the extra mile when someone is in need of your assistance. Allow the Lord to use you as His vessel to minister to someone in need. You will find yourself more blessed than the one whom you have helped to make better. THE GREATEST THANKSGIVING "Are you going grocery shopping today?" my husband, Roy asked when I picked up the telephone. "I plan to," I answered. Thanksgiving was only a couple days away. Everyone in our family would be coming to our house. My funds were limited, therefore my box of coupons awaited me in the car. I knew I had to be creative in my shopping that day. I had to stretch every dollar. For a few seconds, Roy sat silently on the other end of the line. "Why do you ask?" I uttered, fearing what he might say. "Nancy, there's a family with a half dozen kids that will not have anything to eat for Thanksgiving. The little one is only five-years-old." "So what are you saying?" I whispered. "While you're at the store could you possibly buy something for them?" Roy's words echoed in my heart. Groceries, a five-year-old, eight in the family. My head began to spin thinking about the fifty dollars I had reserved for our family's Thanksgiving dinner. In the back of my mind I counted the hungry guests who would be coming to our house for dinner. I put my head down on my desk, already feeling defeated. There's no way possible, I thought. But the compassion I heard in my husband's voice struck a nerve inside me. "Sure," I replied. "But only if God helps." "Thanks, sweetheart," Roy whispered. "Just do what you can." He then hung up the telephone. I finished my work and prayed all the way to the nearest grocery store. I entered the parking lot. I noticed a big sign in the grocery store window: Turkeys - 29 cents a pound. "This is the place, Lord" I whispered. I grabbed my box of coupons, went inside, secured two buggies, and headed to the frozen foods. The turkeys were indeed on sale, but I discovered one big problem. When I read the sign posted on the freezer door my heart sank. "Limit one." "But I need two," I uttered to myself. I decided to find the manager. I explained the problem. He made an exception. After tossing a turkey in each buggy, I began my shopping fury. It was amazing how many buy-one, get-one free items were being featured that day. The first item went into one buggy. The free item went in the other. In addition, I had all the right coupons to get exactly what both families needed for a hearty Thanksgiving dinner. I proceeded to the register and held my breath while the cashier rang up my groceries. To my surprise, I had enough money. I was even able to purchase a package of cookies for the five-year-old who had stolen my heart, even though I had never met her. Later that afternoon, Roy and I made a special delivery to a home filled with children of all ages. I will never forget the smiles on the six kids' faces, as they made several trips from my car carrying numerous bags of groceries inside. This event reminded me of a story. Even though He only had a few loaves and fishes, Jesus multiplied them and fed five thousand people. And to top it off, there was food left over. I wondered if God was doing the same thing that day. By far, that was the greatest Thanksgiving Day of my life. My entire family shared a hearty meal with us. We had plenty to eat. We even had enough food left over for the evening meal. That afternoon, when I had time to think about what had happened, I imagined a home, not far from where I lived. There was a mother and a father and six children sitting around the kitchen table, laughing and rejoicing. They enjoyed the same meal that our family had shared together that day. Then I realized that miracles happen when we step out in faith and in steps God. For with us, some things are impossible. But with God, all things are possible. By Nancy B. Gibbs http://www.nancybgibbs.com Read and meditate on these scriptures: Matthew 19:29-30 Jesus declares, "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first." Luke 6:38 Jesus declares, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." Romans 12:4 "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." 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." All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible. Today's Selected Poem: I AM NOT ALONE Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem124.htm Today's Selected Testimony: GOD'S FAITHFULNESS Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony190.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. 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.
