From: "Dwayne Savaya" <[email protected]> God's Work Ministry E-mail
Dear Friend, It is easy to become frustrated and even discouraged when we look at what others possess and wonder why we don't have the same things in our life. Whether it be marriage, children, finances or material possessions, it is easy to look at the lives of others and wonder "why not me?" What we must realize is that every person is created uniquely by the Hands of Almighty God and just as each of us differs in our creation, so too are His plans different for each of our lives. Each of us have a divine destiny that is meant to be fulfilled, but if we play the blame game with God and murmur and complain about how miserable life is, then our life will never reach its divine fulfillment because we will have fallen off our path and wished for the path of another. Instead of blazing our own trail, we will have wished to follow the trail that others have paved which isn't meant for us. We must realize and recognize our uniqueness and know that God's plan for our life is perfect on its own. When we surrender our will and ask for God's will to be done, divine peace will fill our hearts and we will have a deep knowing in our spirit that we are on the right path. Be encouraged to trust God with your life and seek Him in prayer if you find yourself questioning His plans. The Lord is able to comfort your heart and give you peace that surpasses all understanding. We simply must seek Him and ask for the answers to be made clear in our hearts. Then we will know that our life is just as blessed as the next person whom we had thought had the ideal life. I hope this message encourages and inspires your heart to trust the Lord in every area of your life. Whether you are seeking answers or fighting off discouragement, please know that you are greatly loved and created uniquely by the Hands of Almighty God. THE HEART CRY OF A BRUISED SPIRIT... Many years ago I came to a turning point in my Christian walk. Up until then I had been very bitter towards God because I was alone and wanted desperately to be married and have someone to share my life with. I was so angry with God. I couldn't understand how He could claim to be a Loving Father and still allow me to go on being alone and miserable especially when it was within his power to change my situation over night. How could He stand by and see me suffer, watch my heart break as I saw my friends one by one all marry and start families of their own. It became more than I could bear. How could He do this to me? Didn't He see how I ached inside, how I hurt? My heart was broken, my spirit crushed, I had no hope for the future. What I did have however was a distorted view of God. I felt as if He was withholding a mate from me because I wanted one so badly. It was as if He were saying to me, "See, I'll give all of your friends husbands and children but not you, you're not worthy, you're not good enough. You don't deserve a mate." I was truly at a crossroads in my walk with the Lord. I wasn't sure it was worth it all. I'd tried to serve Him the best I knew how and yet He wouldn't even do this one small thing for me. Why? Didn't He promise to meet all of my needs; how could He be so cruel? I remember one night in particular, my loneliness and desperation were just too much for me. I couldn't take it anymore. I remember crying out to the Lord that night, "God why? How could you allow this to happen to me? Can't you see how lonely I am? Don't you care about how I'm hurting inside? Why are you doing this to me? Why are you refusing me the one thing I need to make my life complete? And if you're never going to give it to me, then why won't you take away this desire so that I can go on with my life? Please God help me!" I remember looking up and shouting to Him, "I'm mad at you, God!" When what I really wanted to say to Him was, "I hate you God," but just didn't have the nerve. I wish I could tell you that the answer to my cry was immediate and that the next day I was merrily on my way serving the Lord again, but it didn't happen that way. The answer was slow, but sure. Still, healing came. God is faithful. He overlooked my apparent temper tantrum and saw it for what it was--the heart cry of a bruised spirit, a spirit that was being eaten up by bitterness, resentment and envy. But thank God that His word says, "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out..." "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." (Matthew 12:20; Psalm 51:17) I came close to turning my back on the one person who cared about me the most. I was so desperately longing for a love of my own, someone to care for, to cherish, and yet I was so blind not to see that I already had someone--in Christ. For no love can ever compare with the love that Jesus gives. He is the only one who can fill the hunger, the need, the craving in our hearts to be loved. Only Jesus. I imagine that there are other singles who feel the same way that I did then, frustrated, angry, bitter and resentful towards God because of their loneliness, their aloneness. I know that there are a lot of married people who are lonely too, and that there are things much worse than being single. But empty platitudes like that don't help when your heart is broken and bleeding because of unfulfilled love. The only thing that will help is a heart-to-heart encounter with the Living Word of God. That's what helped for me. My healing only came after I was willing to confess my bitterness towards God, admit my feelings of frustration and envy, and face the possibility that I may always be single. It was then and only then that forgiveness, love and acceptance came, and I was able to look beyond my apparent lack, and see my abundance in Christ. I don't know now what the future does or doesn't hold for me, marriage or singleness, but one thing I do know is--I am complete in Christ, my satisfaction and happiness lie in Him, and pleasing Him and seeing Him glorified in my life are all that matters now. By Dot McGinnis Read and meditate on these scriptures: Psalm 1:1-3 "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." 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." Psalm 28:6-8 "Blessed be the LORD, because He hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him. The LORD is their strength, and He is the saving strength of His anointed." Psalm 34:11-15 "Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry." Psalm 103:2-5 "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." All scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible. Today's Selected Poem: ALWAYS WITH ME Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem45.htm Today's Selected Testimony: PRAISE THE LORD Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony180.htm ============================================= God's Work Ministry E-mail Dear Friend, We should always remember and keep in mind that in life we will have good days and bad days, ups and downs, happiness and sadness, lots of laughter and sometimes many tears. We should never expect to always be above in life. Thinking that the good times will last forever will inevitably bring disappointment because when the hard times come our way, we will find our joy replaced with discouragement and sadness. Instead, we should take each day as it comes and be appreciative for the blessing of that day. Just as we don't expect the sun to always be shining on us, we should have that same mind set for ourselves as well as for others. Expectations bring disappointment because when someone doesn't do what we wanted them to do, then our perception of them changes. If they didn't meet a deadline, if they didn't meet a certain need, if they didn't say the right thing, etc. When we expect much, we leave ourselves open for disillusionment, distress and many times we are letdown. Accepting others for who they are and allowing them to surprise us is where we should be in our relationships. Doing our best at a certain task and accepting the results helps us to excel just the same because our expectations were not held at such an unreachable level. Doing our best at a professional level and at a personal level is all we should expect of ourselves as well as from those whom we love. Be encouraged to never place labels on what you want people to do or to be. Accept them for who they are and love them right where they are. That will ensure blessed relationships and will eliminate unneeded stress in both of your lives. I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to accept people as they are and never be demanding on what you of expect them. WHAT DO YOU EXPECT? "Well, what do you expect?" Has anybody ever asked you that? Sometimes, my greatest disappointments have come because I expected something that was simply not realistic. You may know that Robert Lucas won the 1995 Nobel Memorial Prize in economics. His ex-wife received half of his $1 million award. Yes, his EX-wife. As it happened, when they were divorcing in 1988, she had her lawyer add one tiny clause to the property settlement: "Wife shall receive 50 percent of any Nobel prize." And her clause had an expiration date: October 31, 1995. He won the prize on October 10. One would think that her expectation of him winning a Nobel Prize might be irrational. How many people do that? It's something like my winning the Iron Man Marathon by the year 3000. That just won't happen. But the difference is that I don't train, and she seemed to be sure that it was only a matter of time before his outstanding work would be recognized in such a way. Within seven years, she thought. So it turned out her expectation was entirely rational. (Ironically, Lucas was honoredfor an economic theory he called, "Rational Expectations.") I admittedly know nothing about Lucas' Theory of Rational Expectations in economics. But I do know something about irrational expectations among people. And I know that irrational expectations can cause untold disappointment. Like the expectation that someone else will make me happy. This is irrational. Nobody can make me happy. That is my job. If I expect others to make me happy or to keep me happy, I know I will be disappointed again and again. Or the expectation that life should be, for the most part, relatively easy and problem free. This, too, is irrational. Bad things happen. Living can be difficult. If I expect things to be easy, if I expect NOT to have problems, if I expect to avoid pain and heartache, I know I will be in for serious disappointment. Problems are here to stay. I don't mean to paint a picture of life as bleak and miserable. It isn't. In fact, I think it is amazingly wonderful. And all the more wonderful when I don't expect too much out of it. I expect problems, but I also expect to find joy. I do not expect others to always please me, but I do expect to be responsible for my own well-being. So.what did you expect? I think if you can answer that question well, you can expect to be much happier. By Steve Goodier Read and meditate on these scriptures: 1 John 4:18-21 "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love Him, because He first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from Him, That he who loveth God love his brother also." 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." 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." 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: TRUE LOVE AND PEACE Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem177.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, The personal relationships that we have with our loved ones are a gift that should be cherished and thought upon throughout our life. We have been given gifts that are meant to enrich us, strengthen us, encourage us, lift us up, and simply be there for us and these gifts are called our family. They are the ones who love us most and no matter what happens, they are the ones who will be there for us in good times and in bad. That is why we should be thankful for our family and do all that we can to let them know of our appreciation and help to make their life just a little bit better. Being there for one another is what strengthens our relationships and proves to be the solid bond that holds us together for generations. Be encouraged to both be thankful for your loved ones and make known to them how much they mean to you. Making our love known is much more valuable to them than just keeping it to ourselves. We may love someone to know end, but if we don't tell them how we feel, then it is a missed opportunity to brighten their day and encourage them with our love. Seize every opportunity that you have to spend time with your family because in the end they are the ones who will mean the most to us. I hope this message encourages and challenges your heart to see the importance of being with your loved ones. They are our greatest blessings and inheritance. CONNECTED SOULS When she was in her eighties a lifetime of health problems finally caught up with my Grandmother and forced her into a nursing home. It was a difficult time for us all. I had grown up in her home as a child and lived just across the road from her as an adult. It was hard seeing her then losing weight and confined to a wheelchair. Still, we adjusted. My children and I would load up the car every Saturday for the 25 mile trip to visit her. She always had a tender hug and loving kiss waiting for us. The nurses there fell in love with her too. Her loving but feisty spirit touched them all. She made them laugh and smile and sometimes even taught them a few choice words of Italian that they didn't need to know. I can remember the whole family gathering to celebrate her 90th birthday in that nursing home cafeteria. The entire room was filled with love. In the last few years of her life, however, my Grandma's mind started to fail her as well. Sometimes she would know us when we visited her and sometimes she would not. As she got worse and worse I would often just sit with her and hold her hand. Words were no longer needed. Her body may have given out and her memory may have left her, but in those moments I felt connected to her soul. I knew that her spirit would soon pass from this world, but I also knew that the love we had shared would live on in my heart always. Even now years after her death I still feel that connection. I still feel that love. It reminds me everyday that we are all one family in this world. We are all Children of God. We are all here to love each other, to help each other, and to grow in oneness with each other. We are here to build bridges to each other's hearts and to find connections to each other's souls. Don't be afraid to love others then. Don't be afraid to share your life with them. Yes, you may suffer pain and even loss. But as my Grandma taught me so well, the love you share will live on forever. By Joseph J. Mazzella Read and meditate on these scriptures: 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 fulfill 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." Galatians 5:22-26 "...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." Hebrews 13:1-3 "Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body." Philippians 2:3-7 "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of 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." All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible. Today's Selected Poem: GOD WON'T ASK Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem38.htm Today's Selected Testimony: RESCUED FROM DEPRESSION Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony37.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 --- [email protected] Add your E-mail address if you'd like correspondence with the prayer partners.
