It is important that we always have a thankful heart for all that we have been blessed with. So many people today are quick to forget their blessings and focus more on the hardship they face. Instead of being thankful that they are alive to see this day, they instead choose to focus on their pain, heartache or trial that is presently in their path. By being a pessimist I truly believe they are hindering their own life. When we make an extra effort to bless the Lord with our gratefulness, I believe the Lord smiles down upon us giving us an extra dose of His goodness because of our unwavering faith. But what about the one who complains despite their blessings? I believe the Lord loves them just the same, but is disappointed that they don't see His goodness even through their hardships. (Psalm 34:1-4) (Luke 17:11-19)

The Apostle Paul as our example of New Testament believers shows us how he continuously blessed the Lord no matter how much trouble he faced. He never sounded defeated, he never felt overwhelmed, he never questioned God's eternal plan for his life. He knew that Jesus Christ was his Lord and Savior and because He was, Paul knew that all things would work together for his good in the end. That is what we must strive to be; an example that shines brightly despite our hardships. We are to be a praise filled people no matter the storms that rage against us. We are to remember the goodness of the Lord from times past so that in this present trial we will be as faithful and confident that we will become all the better after this trial just as we have been in past trials. (Philippians 4:11-13) (2 Corinthians 11:22-31)

No matter what you may be going through, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give God thanks and praise. Be a Beacon of light and hope to another. Let your confidence shine brightly where others will see Christ through your life's example and be drawn to Him just the same. Don’t worry about your problems, don’t murmur and complain about your situation, but rather with renewed strength proclaim God’s goodness that has taken place throughout your life and with your remembrance let your heart be at peace knowing that all will be well with you in the end. (Psalm 40:16-17) (Romans 8:28)

I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to let your life be a living witness of God’s goodness so that your life may be an encouragement and an inspiration to someone who is not feeling their best right now.


DISPEL THE SHADOWS 

Yvonne is a young, 20 something former student of mine with cerebral palsy who has spent her entire life in a wheelchair. Today, her life consists solely of sitting all day in her wheelchair, greeting customers walking in and out of a department store. Yet, to meet and talk with her, the radiance of her smile and the sparkle of her enthusiasm is so overwhelming, it is easy to dismiss her handicap and be captured by her personality. 

On the other hand, Robert is an older man who fell a great distance, fractured his spine, and spent several years in a hospital unable to move anything except his head. Over time, God blessed Robert, letting him slowly recuperate to the extent that today he can use a walker and move about. When I talk with Robert, he is quick to tell of God's blessings, but just as quickly, he suspends talking about his blessing of health to focus on his possessions. 

Each time I talk with Yvonne, I leave her feeling blessed of God to know such a wonderful person. When I talk with Robert, I leave him reminded of a handicapped person blessed of God who owns things. Although both Yvonne and Robert have a witness of God in their hearts, it is a shame how one demonstrates it and the other only talks about it. 

Some may live their entire lives in the shadows of handicaps or disappointments without knowing that if they shine brightly enough; the light will dispel the shadows. 

By Lawrence Brotherton


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

2 Corinthians 4:8-11 “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.”

Psalm 37:7-9 “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.”

Psalm 34:11-16 “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. The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.”

Psalm 37:16-20 “A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous. The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.”

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


Today’s Selected Poem: HE GATHERS EVERY TEAR
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem98.htm

Today’s Selected Testimony: HOW TO NOT STAY DEFEATED
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony146.htm


In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry