There are many people in this world who don’t believe that goodness lies ahead of them because of their past mistakes and shortfalls. They are hard on themselves more than they should be because they believe their past has hindered any future successes. What we must understand about God is that He is able to wipe our slate clean, erase our past sins and shortfalls and create within us a new heart with new dreams, new visions and a refreshed outlook on our life. We don’t have to wallow in self-pity thinking our best days are behind us because if we trust the Lord and believe His Word our future is brighter and better than we could ever think or imagine. We read in Proverbs 4:20-23 “My child, pay attention to My words; listen closely to what I say. Don't ever forget My words; keep them always in mind. They are the key to life for those who find them; they bring health to the whole body. Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.” We can’t see ourselves as defeated people and expect to walk in victory. Our thoughts and our walk must be in tune in order for us to be successful and I believe when we humble ourselves before the Lord confessing our weakness and our need for His strength, the Lord will hear our heartfelt prayer and give us what we lack so that we can walk forward towards our victory. (Isaiah 40:28-31) (Mark 10:27)

Be encouraged to believe for a better and brighter future. Don’t allow your past to keep your life stagnant, but rather believe that God forgives and wipes our slate clean. We can revive the dreams and aspirations that were once so evident in our hearts. We can use the lessons that we have learned through our trials and tribulations and allow those experiences to make us better, wiser and stronger so that any future challenges will be overcome that much easier because we have the wisdom to be triumphant over that situation. What we should always remember and keep in mind is that life is full of lessons and if we patiently and earnestly take the time to gain the wisdom from our experiences we will come forth much better than we would otherwise. I encourage you again to stop thinking about the past and look forward to your beautiful and bright future. Take hold of every goodness, of every blessing, of every good thought and be determined to finish your life blessed and lifted up. (2 Corinthians 4:14-18) (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to use the lessons of the past for your betterment now and in your future to come.


TWO TRIES

Like so many other adults in our modern world, I am currently married for the second time.

In spite of the pain that arose out of my first marriage, I was lucky to have two wonderful children out of the chaos. I also have a child with the wonderful man that is truly my soul mate. My oldest daughter, who is now 11, taught me a lesson about life and love several years back.

When she was in first grade, as Valentine's Day approached, she came into the kitchen pondering what makes people fall in love.

She started asking questions about how to find the perfect person and how you knew when it was right. I have to admit that I was more amused than anything, knowing these great philosophical musings were coming out of a tiny six-year-old body.

Finally, she made the statement that she didn't see how anyone could make up their minds on their own, so maybe she should ask “Daddy” (her stepfather) to help her pick the perfect mate. With a smile on my face and a hint of laughter in my voice, I explained to her that if she relied on Daddy to choose her husband, she would most likely stay single since no one would ever be good enough for his baby.

She sat silently for a few moments, and then she said, “Mommy, do you think You could help me choose when I'm old enough?” As I was struggling to frame a reply, she suddenly sat upright in her chair and stated, “Oh... never mind. I forgot. It took you two tries!”

Slightly mortified and very humbled, I saw the truth behind the humor. Yes, it had taken me “two tries,” but I had grown as a person through my mistakes and had moved on to become a much happier soul. Instead of simply glossing over her jibe, we sat down, for the first time, and discussed how even adults can make wrong choices. As we talked, I felt better about the dissolution of my first marriage than I ever had, and I saw that my tiny philosopher was coming to grips with the idea that making wrong choices could actually be the beginning of better choices.

As she enters her preteen years we have already begun to butt heads over things that have never mattered before. But, just when I feel we will never come to terms, she will give me a sly smile and a hug, then whisper “Two tries.”

And I am reminded that everyone needs the room to explore, fail, and grow. Thank God for the honest wisdom of a child.

By Lynnette Johnson


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Ezekiel 36:26-27 “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them.”

Isaiah 26:3-4 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.”

Psalm 8:3-6 “When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest him? For Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of Thy hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet.”

Psalm 46:1-3 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”

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


Today’s Selected Poem: WHAT IS FAITH?
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem118.htm

Today’s Selected Testimony: WHAT A MIRACLE
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony54.htm


In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry