No matter the trials and tribulations that we go through we should remember and keep in mind that we can always bring our troubles to the Lord who promises that He will give us the answers that we seek, the peace that we lack and the wisdom and understanding to overcome and triumph over every difficult situation. Knowing that we can always come to the Lord to receive the encouragement we may need we should be quick to see that God is for us and not against us, that He wishes for us to be above and not beneath, the head and not the tail. We can confidently face the trials before us knowing they will be to our benefit and betterment in the end because God always has our best interest in mind. We just have to stay in faith while we are in the midst of the storm knowing that this too shall pass and when it does our life will become elevated because of it. (Proverbs 4:5-9) (Deuteronomy 28:13)

In my walk with the Lord I have learned that nothing can come my way without God already knowing about it. Having that trust that God is for me and not against me relieves my heart because I know that all things will work together for my good in the end. The storms may try to discourage me, the trials may try to dishearten me, but my strength is not my own because God has given me peace that surpasses all understanding, joy that is inexplicable and a deep and assured knowing that as long as I keep God first then nothing will be able to discourage my heart or make me question God’s divine plan for my life. (Proverbs 3:5-8) (Philippians 4:6-7)

I pray that you have that same faith and confidence in the Lord. Don’t look at the looming storm and fear its power, but with Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving look at the raging wind and storm and say as Jesus did “Peace, be still.” God wishes for us to be at peace in Him. He wishes to see us joy filled, strengthened, encouraged, lifted up and confident that all will be well with us no matter how bleak our situation may seem right now. Be encouraged to let God know that you trust Him. Speak overcoming words of victory. Carry yourself as a child of the Most High God trusting and believing that your latter end will be much better and brighter than your former beginnings. (Mark 4:35-41) (1 Peter 5:5-7)

I hope this message encourages and challenges your heart to see that God loves you and wishes for you to be blessed in every endeavor of your life.


MAN’S BEST FRIEND

My dog is wonderful. He is always glad to see me, loves me no matter what, invites me into his life regardless of my mood and is a great listener. He cheers me up when I am down, lifts me up and makes me laugh. There's an unconditional love between people and dogs that's close to heaven. 

Maybe it was a deliberate move on behalf of The Creator. Nothing was by “mistake.”

Let's reverse the letters in dog: God. Now, I know that's nothing new to you. But, isn't it amazing that God loves me the same way my dog does, but in a much deeper more meaningful sense? Isn't it ironic that the animal labeled as “man's best friend” does, indeed, spell God when backward? 

I in no way am comparing God to a dog, but a dog is one of God's creations. I don't want you to misunderstand me. I thank God for the gift of my loving, wonderfully sweet dog every day. 

God loves us no matter what -- it's unconditional. He is there to listen and to comfort. He is there to help when we ask for it. He doesn't care if we are in a pleasant or a foul mood, for He understands far beyond our own realm of understanding. He wishes so much to be a part of our lives -- for us to invite Him in. He is always happy to see us and loves it when we love Him. He is so forgiving of all our shortcomings and always wraps His loving arms around us. He is there to wipe away our tears and to give us strength. He is there to share in the joyful moments of our lives and to get us through the painful ones. 

It is such a wonderful feeling to know that I can cozy up on the chair in the den with my dog and he just wants to be with me. He loves me for who I am and always looks at me with adoring eyes. 

It is such a wonderful feeling to know that I can sit and talk to God and He just wants to listen. He loves me for who I am and also looks upon me with adoring eyes. 

There is love surrounding all of us and it's the love of God. It's in the air, the trees, the earth, the animals and most importantly, in each other. It's in everything. 

Sadly, we often fail to recognize this especially when we are overburdened by the trials of life. But, we feel bits and pieces of His love when we experience the warmth of a child's smile, a hug from someone we love or the friendship and comfort of a pet. 

Just as I can count on ones I love and on my dog to soothe me after a rough day, I can count on God's love all the time.

Man's best friend was created for us by our Creator -- our very, very best friend. 

By Ellen M. DuBois


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

James 1:2-5 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

1 Chronicles 16:25-29 “For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: He also is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. Glory and honour are in His presence; strength and gladness are in His place. Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.”

Psalm 20:6-9 “Now know I that the LORD saveth His anointed; He will hear him from His Holy Heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.”

Psalm 37:23-26 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with His hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.”

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


Today's Selected Poem: HE IS...
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem44.htm

Today's Selected Testimony: DON'T DOUBT GOD'S POWER
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony148.htm


In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry