I am a firm believer in always seeing my cup as half-full and never half empty. Why? Because God has always been faithful to meet my every need when times of struggle or uncertainty came my way. I remember God's goodness from times past which keeps me thankful while facing any present troubles that may be in my path. We should have a peaceful countenance at all times because the Lord who is our faithful provider has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. The apostle Paul knew this true well because he had a “thorn in his side” that would not depart from him. He prayed three different times asking the Lord to take it from him and the way God answered Paul should be an encouragement to all of us who face struggles. God answered Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Paul now encouraged continues in verse 10, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (Psalm 34:1-4) (Psalm 100:1-5)

We find our true strength when we are in the midst of the storm. That is where we receive a backbone of steel, an unwavering resolve and a trust in the Lord that is never-ending. I encourage you to see your troubles as steppingstones to greater heights. Believe that when you are weak in your own strength, that is when you are at your strongest in Him. Don't worry about tomorrow, don't fear what your future holds, but with childlike trust look to the Lord as your provider, sustainer and loving Father who holds you as the apple of the eye. Face your tomorrows with confidence. Believe in yourself again if you have waivered before and see your life as significant, important, needed and called to make an impact upon this world that will never be forgotten or erased. When we wake up with these thoughts in mind, there is no telling what we can accomplish with our life. (Psalm 17:8) (Hebrews 13:5)

I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to see that your Heavenly Father wishes for you to rise higher and become better each and every new day that He has given you.


A PLACE AT THE TABLE

I was sitting at the kitchen table this afternoon eating my dinner. My two hungry boys had already finished their meals and taken their plates to the sink. I wasn’t in a hurry, however. Outside my kitchen window a mother deer and her two fawns were eating fallen apples around the Apple tree at the far end of the meadow. Watching them delight in their Heaven sent snack made my own dinner taste even better so I ate my rice slowly and enjoyed the view.

When I was down to just a few spoonfuls left I felt thirsty and got up to get myself another cold glass of iced tea. When I turned back to the table, though, I saw my little dog standing on it finishing off the last of my rice. She had jumped up on my pushed out chair, bounded up on the table, and made short work of what was left of my dinner. When she was done she looked up at me with grateful, big, brown eyes and I didn’t have the heart to scold her.

After I put my licked clean plate in the sink I petted my dog and smiled. I thought of my Heavenly Father who loved me so much. He didn’t offer me the left over scraps of life but instead prepared me a daily feast of love, joy, friendship, family, beauty, and laughter. Each day I found my plate full to overflowing with all the blessings God wanted me to have. Each day I was given not only my daily bread, but also His loving company while I ate it. Each day I found the chair pushed out and my place at the table waiting for me to join in this banquet of life. All I had to do was sit down, eat, and ask others to join me as well.

That invitation isn’t just extended to me either. God wants all of you to join in this banquet. God wants all of you to share in all the good things in life that nourish our souls. God wants all of you to bring others to the table as well. Don’t let the feast of life pass you by then. As my old Italian Grandma used to say, “Mangia, Mangia,” (Eat, Eat)!

By Joseph J. Mazzella


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Psalm 16:8-11 “I have set the LORD always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

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.”

Psalm 118:5-9 “I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.”

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.”

All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.


Today’s Selected Poem: THIS MOMENT
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem45.htm

Today’s Selected Testimony: HEALED FROM DEPRESSION
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony130.htm


In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry