We should always make it our intention to surround ourselves with people that we would want to emulate. In order for us to stand taller, to grow bigger, to become wiser we must hang around individuals who carry these qualities themselves so that we may learn what they know, stand where they have stood so that we may reach our fullest potential and become all that God has created us to be. The Bible says this same truth as we read in Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” We become better, wiser and stronger when we associate ourselves with those who are making a positive change in their own life. Those who have goals, dreams and aspirations that will better their life will help us to believe for greater things in our own life as well. When we learn this simple truth that hard work and dedication are a necessity in reaching towards our success, is it then that our life will go from ordinary to extraordinary. (Leviticus 26:3-13) (Joshua 1:8-9)

A story is told of an eagle that was orphaned. A farmer found the baby eagle and wanted to take care of it, but the only thing he knew how to raise were chickens. Still he brought the eagle to his farm and let it grow up along with his chickens, but the eagle never realized who he really was. Finding himself around chickens made the eagle act like a chicken, eat like a chicken, wonder on the ground like a chicken without ever knowing that he is the master of the sky’s. He is meant to soar, be majestic and beautiful, but because he wasn’t taught to be an eagle he sadly remained among the chickens. That is how we should think about our own life. God calls us the head and not the tail, meant to be above only and not beneath. We are to be blessed going out and blessed coming in. We are meant for greatness, but because of the trials and challenges that come our way we allow that negativity to impact how we see and feel about ourselves. (Colossians 3:16-17) (Philippians 2:13-15)

The Bible declares in 1 Peter 2:9-10 “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” God sees us as champions who are meant to be great, meant to overcome, meant to rise above and meant to stand in victory. May we put in the necessary work and be disciplined in our endeavors so that we may receive the prize and stand atop the mountain. (Hebrews 13:5-6)

I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to do all that you can to accomplish the dreams and aspirations that are within your heart.


TOUCHING THE SKY

We don't always get the results we want. I read that a few years ago a Ukrainian businessman bought a pager for each member of his staff as a New Year's gift. He was returning from the store when the pagers caused him to wreck his car. Just as he was pulling up to his office, all 50 pagers on his back seat suddenly screeched. He was so frightened he let go of the steering wheel and the car plunged into a lamp post. 

After he assessed the damage to his automobile, the businessman turned his attention to the message on the pagers. It read, "Congratulations on a successful purchase." The company's cheery greeting didn't create the customer satisfaction they were hoping for. But if nothing else, it proved something significant: folks notice your enthusiasm. And one way or another, they seem to respond to it. 

A story is told about playwright and U.S. Ambassador to Italy Claire Booth Luce. She became a Roman Catholic late in life and like many others who converted to something new, she was zealous and vocal about her new faith. 

A reporter once spotted her engrossed in deep conversation with the pope. He crept within earshot, all the while wondering what important issues the ambassador and the pope could be discussing. Finally, he was close enough to hear the pope say to Ms. Luce, "But I already am a Catholic!" You have to appreciate her passion...

I'm drawn to people with passion -- people who live their lives fully and enthusiastically. As an insect is drawn to light, I am drawn to their energy and vitality. I actually FEEL alive around people who ARE alive. I want to be around them and hope that some of their verve for living just may rub off on me. 

Maybe it's like the poet Rumi said: “Only from the heart can you touch the sky.” I spend a lot of time living from the head. But when I go to that place where I feel my deepest enthusiasm and passion, I feel as if I can touch the sky. Anything might be possible. And the truth is that good ideas only go so far. It's people with passion that finally make a difference. 

Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) had a good idea about a new kind of children's book -- one that contains lively illustrations, whacky characters and humorous writing. His enthusiasm led him to write a poem that became his first book. But it seemed that nobody wanted to publish it. Seuss was passionate about his writing, but he realized that an equal measure of enthusiasm and energy would be required if his book were ever to be published. He untiredly peddled his children's book to over twenty publishers before one took a chance on him. Having a great idea was not enough; his passion made the difference. 

Charles Goodyear spent every last dollar over five years filled with experiments to try and develop vulcanized rubber. He suffered extreme poverty during those years and was sustained only by his enthusiasm. He eventually succeeded, not because he had the good idea that durable rubber products may have some important uses, but because of the energy he put into his experiments. His good idea was not enough; his passion made the difference. 

If I were able to give my children any gift to sustain them in life, I believe I might give them passion for what they do. For if they can live from the heart, they will surely touch the sky. 

By Steve Goodier


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Philippians 2:14-16 “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.”

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.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”

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.”

Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

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


Today's Selected Poem: THE PROMISE
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem182.htm

Today’s Selected Testimony: MADE STRONG THROUGH WEAKNESS
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony183.htm


In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry