From: "Dwayne Savaya" <godswork...@hotmail.com> God's Work Ministry E-mail
Dear Friend, I am a firm believer in helping others become better. No matter what we accomplish in life, it will not leave the same legacy as helping others to realize and reach their full potential. To be immortal is to leave a piece of ourselves in the lives of those around us. We will forever be alive because we helped to impact the lives of others to become better than they were before. The Bible declares in Galatians 6:9-10 "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." We will receive a blessing for being a blessing, but more importantly we will be making an impact that will never be erased or forgotten. Being a giver is a blessing and a benefit to both the recipient and the one who gave. The recipient is made better because of the gift and the one who gave receives the same in return from the Lord for taking the initiative to be a blessing. Realize that you have the ability to make an impact that will never be erased. You have the gifts to impact someone else and help them to stand taller, become stronger and better equipped to handle the struggles and trials of life. Be encouraged to think on how you can make an impact. Use your abilities and talents to better someone else so that they may carry on towards others what you started. That is a ripple effect to be proud of and the results that will come from it will be far reaching. I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to light the fire within others so that their life will be very beneficial to themselves as well as to others around them. LIGHTED CANDLES I have a lot of candles in my home. Most of them just sit on the shelves gathering dust and waiting for another power outage to take out those pesky electric lights. Every now and then, though, I do take the time to light up one or two of them. It feels good to sit quietly and watch their flickering, little fires beat back the darkness around them. It puts me back in touch with the candles burning within myself as well. Enlightenment for me hasn't come from flicking on a single switch but rather from lighting one candle at a time in my heart, mind, and soul. I know that I still have a long way to go too, but I am lighting more candles everyday. Most of the candles burning inside of me, in fact, weren't even lit by me. They were lit by other shining souls I met along the journey of my life. The brightest flame they lit is the truth that God loves you, me, and everyone in this world. With this flame you can light enough candles to brighten the whole universe. Some of the other flames they ignited in me and that I want to pass on to you are these. Love is stronger than hate. Giving brings more joy than receiving. Forgiveness heals our hearts. Love and joy are both choices we make and gifts we share. Hate comes from ignorance, but love brings wisdom. We are all Children of God. And we should not only claim our birthright, but live up to it as well. We are all one family here and we should do our best to help each other's candles burn as brightly and beautifully as possible. Take happiness then in lighting the candles of learning and love inside of yourself. Take joy when others light them inside you as well. And with love and goodness share their light with everyone everywhere. Remember that we all come from God's light. Until we return to it we all should do our best to burn brightly and cast the darkness out of this world. By Joseph J. Mazzella Read and meditate on these scriptures: 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." Psalm 103:1-5 "Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's." Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus declares, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." 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." 2 Timothy 4:7-8 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible. Today's Selected Poem: EVEN IF Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem108.htm Today's Selected Testimony: TAKING A GOOD LOOK Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony189.htm =========================================== From: "Dwayne Savaya" <godswork...@hotmail.com> God's Work Ministry E-mail Dear Friend, It is easy for anyone to want to quickly pass judgment upon someone else and condemn them as a sinner who has no hope of redemption. What we must realize is that we have all fallen short at one time or another and if God judged us in the same way that we judge others, then nobody would ever be forgiven and be made righteous. What we must realize is that condemnation is not ours to give. We are not in a position of authority to bring people down and label them as unworthy. Ours is not the seat of judgment, but rather just as we have received mercy and grace for our past shortfalls, we are to offer that same mercy and grace towards those who are fallen right now. We are to use the example of love that we received from the Lord and offer that same love and compassion to those in need of forgiveness and redemption. True love is seeing past where someone is right now and seeing them for where they can be. We are told throughout scripture to not judge others, to not seek vengeance, to turn the other cheek, to bless those who curse us. We have not been given the authority to be someone's judge, but many times we assume that position in error thinking we have the right to judge, to condemn, to label, to call someone unworthy. God is not pleased when we judge His beloved. He loves all people unconditionally and whether they become justified or not is under God's authority, not ours. The Lord knows all things at all times in all places. He is the creator and not we ourselves. The Lord is the righteous judge who will give to each person what they rightly deserve. Whether it is mercy or judgment, that is God's decision and not ours to make. We are to offer love in place of judgment. We are to offer forgiveness in place of condemnation. We are to offer mercy in place of calling others unworthy. The same love, forgiveness and mercy that we've received in times past for our many shortfalls should be quickly offered towards those who have fallen short right now. By being examples of love, we are carrying the Gospel of Christ to a lost and hurting world. By having compassion upon others, we are showing them the goodness of God and the forgiveness that He freely offers to all who call upon His Name. The greatest accomplishment that we can ever possess is to be called a disciple of Christ and by acting as He acted multitudes will feel the same love, mercy and compassion that Jesus preached while He was on the Earth. I hope this message ministers to your heart to be quick to offer love and forgiveness when you see others who have fallen short. Lead by example and show others the same mercy that you have received from the Lord. THROWING STONES I had just finished getting my order at the drive-thru, and had decided to pull over in the parking lot and eat. Nice, quiet, and a time for reflection. If only for a moment and a very brief moment. My state of silence was soon disturbed by a neighboring vehicle. The sound of the van was distraction enough. I also observed a small child in the passenger seat and what appeared to be her dad driving. The smoke from the cigarette rolled across her tiny face and no seat belt was holding her. The music grew louder and louder. The driver was having a tough time deciding on which vulgar rap music that would be most pleasing to all in the van and within everyone's ear reach. My first feelings about all of this were absolute disgust. There was some irony involved in part of this encounter. I knew what song he was playing. I was familiar with the obscene words coming from his speakers. In my life, before The Holy Spirit invaded my heart, the same type of music would flow from my stereo. It was very clear, that God had a message for me. Before you act, remember this situation always. It used to be you. So, leave it to Me! I understand, God, but I never played that music around my child. I never smoked. I never allowed her to be unbuckled in a car. You see, it is very different. I was nothing like that man. Even at my worst, I was never as bad as that man. I was much better. Or was I? Just as quickly, as this situation presented itself, it drove away. I had imagined dragging this fellow out of his car the entire time. I doubted anyone else would have minded. You probably could have formed a line of people that would have taken a turn, as well. Jesus was tired of watching this Kung-Fu movie in my mind and replaced it with this message: ~ Teacher, they said to Jesus, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say? They were trying to trap Him into saying something they could use against Him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with His finger. They kept demanding an answer, so He stood up again and said, All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone! Then He stooped down again and wrote in the dust. When the accusers heard this they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman. Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you? No, Lord, she said. And Jesus said, Neither do I. Go and sin no more. John 8:4-11 NLT By Tom Rogers Read and meditate on these scriptures: Matthew 5:43-45 Jesus says, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." 1 Thessalonians 5:15 "See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men." Matthew 6:14-15 Jesus says, "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Colossians 3:12-15 "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." 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." All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible. Today's Selected Poem: START OVER... Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem96.htm Today's Selected Testimony: A PRISONER FREED AT LAST Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony87.htm ====================================================== From: "Dwayne Savaya" <godswork...@hotmail.com> God's Work Ministry E-mail Dear Friend, No matter the trials and tribulations that we go through in life, we should always stay in faith and remember that God has us securely in the palms of His Hands. No matter how hard the enemy tries to discourage your heart, remind yourself that you are well able to withstand and triumph over every attack that the enemy can bring. The Lord gives us strength, faith and a quiet confidence letting us know that we can overcome every trial that comes our way. We just have to rest in His promise knowing that if God brought us to it, He will also bring us through it. When we pass through that trial, we will be made stronger, wiser and better able to handle more of life's challenges down the road. Every obstacle serves a purpose to teach us lessons, to show us our inner strength, to build our confidence in God and to remind us that nothing is impossible to those who believe. Always remember God's love for you when times of doubt come knocking on your door. Continue to believe in yourself as God believes in you and nothing shall be impossible to you. The Lord who is able to make all grace abound toward you will perform that miracle in your presence to show you that with God impossible means nothing. Raise your confidence in Him and let God know that your eyes will continue to stay focused on the Great I Am. I hope this message encourages your heart to have faith and confidence in God's love for you. The Lord cares for us more than we can ever know, so let us stay faithful to Him all the days of our life. REFINER AND PURIFIER Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver...' This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God... One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: ' He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?' He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.' If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you. Author Unknown Read and meditate on these scriptures: Hebrews 12:1-3 "...Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the Joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." Psalm 147:3-7 "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. He telleth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite. The LORD lifteth up the meek: He casteth the wicked down to the ground. Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God." Philippians 4:4-7 "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." All scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible. Today's Selected Poem: GOD ISN'T FAR AWAY Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem110.htm Today's Selected Testimony: TAKING A GOOD LOOK Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony189.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 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 --- pray...@godswork.org Add your E-mail address if you'd like correspondence with the prayer partners.
