There are many people in this world who feel used and abused by those around them. They have become cynical, untrusting and weary from allowing themselves to be vulnerable again. What we should always remember and keep in mind is that God is our vindicator. People may do us wrong, they may abuse our trust, they may do things that are hurtful even to our very soul, but what we as Bible believing Christians must recognize and realize is that whatever happens to us first happened to our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. He was wronged, He was used, He was abused and yet still He chose to love, to forgive, to redeem and show His creation a pure love without motive or pretense that had never been seen or known before. God looked past their offenses and forgave them because His mercy is beyond our finite thinking. The Lord Jesus declares in Matthew 5:38-39 “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” We should never seek for vengeance or retribution because we will poison our own life when we allow hatred to take root in our hearts, but when we let it go and forgive the wrong that was done, God will be well pleased with us and He will return to that person the seeds that they sowed. (Luke 6:31-36) (Romans 12:17-21)

We can’t place ourselves in a position that is higher than God. We can’t think that we have the answers and do what we want to do, but in humility we must recognize that we are sinners ourselves and have fallen short many times against the Lord whom we actually sin against. If God graciously forgives us then who are we not to forgive another? In actuality God speaks to this. In Mark 11:25-26 the Lord Jesus declares “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” We must do our best to be peacekeepers and peacemakers so that our Christian testimony may speak loudly to our faith in the Lord so that all who look at us may more importantly see Him who lives in us. (Psalm 51:1-6)

I have always said and believed that life is too short to live it in misery. It is too short to live it in strife and unforgiveness. It is better to forgive and move on so that God’s blessings may continue to rest upon our life and so that our life may continually elevate to a higher level becoming better and better reaching farther and farther. God is able to do it with those who heed His Word and humble themselves to His direction. I pray that will always be us so that we may be seen as a blessed people all the days of our life. (Psalm 39:1-13)

I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to learn from every experience of life and use what you have learned to better your life and the lives of those whom you are fortunate enough to cross paths with.


GREAT TEACHERS

Did you know that ninety percent of the world's ice covers Antarctica? This ice also represents most of the fresh water in the world. Yet Antarctica is the driest place on the planet, with an absolute humidity lower than the Gobi desert.

If you're into biology, you may know this about the Mayfly -- after hatching, it takes up to three years to grow up, and then spends only one day as an adult. During that day it mates, lays eggs and expires. That last day must be absolutely spectacular.

Next time you dust your house, you may be interested to know that most of the dust particles you are removing are actually tiny bits of dead skin. Don't even ask how much dead skin has made its way into your favorite pillow.

Did you know that the Mona Lisa has no eyebrows?

Or that that 80% of your brain is water? Well, mine anyway.

You've heard the expression “having a lark.” Those who are interested in language might want to know that a group of larks is called an exaltation. A group of owls is called a parliament. A group of ravens is called a murder. (Edgar Allen Poe would have understood that one.) A group of rhinos is called a crash, which also seems to make some sense. But here's the best of all: a group of Unicorns is called a blessing.

As interesting as all of these facts are, I doubt any of them is bound to significantly change your life. The stuff we need to know in order to live happier, healthier and more meaningful lives does not usually come from tidbits of knowledge. More often it comes from people; and especially, people who mean something to us. Let me explain.

For Ross Perot, the kind of knowledge that made the greatest difference in his life was actually gleaned from his mother. The American businessman and one-time presidential candidate made billions of dollars from the technology industry. But his mother, who raised him before the phrase "computer age" was ever coined, taught him how to live. She helped shape him into the man he would eventually become.

Perot remembers the days of America's Great Depression. “Hoboes” regularly knocked on their door asking for a little food. It puzzled young Ross that his house seemed to be singled out on their street. One day he learned why. On the curb in front of their house someone had etched a white mark, indicating to fellow travelers that this house was an “easy mark.” This fact disturbed the boy and he asked his mother if she wanted him to erase the signal. She told him to leave it there. It was a lesson in compassion he never forgot.

Some of the most essential life lessons and wisdom young Ross acquired did not come from a book or a classroom. They were lessons that came from those people closest to him. Many concerned themselves with the heart and spirit. They taught him about the world and the best way to live in it.

Our greatest teachers are usually those who did not volunteer for the job. They are parents and friends, spouses and children. Much great wisdom is learned best from the example of those closest to us.

And the remarkable fact is this: you are a great teacher. You teach powerful lessons every day of your life. You teach them simply by the way you live; by the way you respond to the world; and, by the little decisions you make. I wonder -- who's watching and learning?

By Steve Goodier


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Romans 12:17-21 “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. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

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.”

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.”

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


Today's Selected Poem: HARD TIMES
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem69.htm

Today's Selected Testimony: HE HAS A PURPOSE FOR US
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony153.htm


In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry