We are to remember to give thanks at all times and realize how blessed we
truly are. We shouldn't make a mountain out of a molehill and exaggerate
the troubles that come before us. We are to focus on the good that is in
our lives and see how blessed and favored we are. The Bible declares in 
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every
thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning
you.” When troubles come our way, we need only to look at those whose 
troubles greatly outweigh our own and we will quickly find a reason to be
thankful for our own not so serious problems. (Psalm 103:6-14) (Psalm 92:1-6)

I hope this message ministers to your heart to see the blessings that are
in your life and know that you have much to be thankful for no matter how
down or discouraged you may feel.


BLESSED IN THE CEMETERY

On an unusually cold day for southeast Louisiana, I was passing by the 
cemetery where my Dad is laid to rest. I decided to visit the grave site 
just to see if the perpetual caretakers were doing their job.

I haven't visited the cemetery much since Dad passed. I choose to remember
him as he was, laughing, full of life, and always there for me to confide
in. I always felt that if our loved ones live in our hearts, they never 
really die.

Suddenly, I realized how much I truly missed him.

I bowed my head and began to thank the Lord for all the good times Dad and
I had together. I thanked Him for the time we spent hunting, fishing, and
always enjoying God's beautiful outdoors.

Then, I realized I wasn't alone anymore. A young couple came walking up 
the narrow cemetery lane close to where I was standing. They approached a
freshly covered grave site and immediately fell upon their knees. The young
woman began to softly cry as she held tightly to the bouquet of flowers 
that she brought with her. I thought how out of place the flowers looked on
such a cold, December day.

I was close enough to hear the young man trying to console his wife. He 
told her the child that was gone, was not in that grave. I listened 
carefully as he explained to her that, one day, they would most assuredly
see the child again in a place called Heaven. He explained how Jesus loves
little children and that she was safe with Him. He explained that they were
fortunate to have the other child to raise and care for and how full of 
life he was. They stood up and held each other for a long time.

Quietly both left, and I realized in the stillness, that I was alone again.
Or was I?

I immediately felt a presence that could only be the Spirit of God. It was
definitely a peace that passed all understanding. I realized that I had 
been blessed and encouraged by what that young fellow had said. We will see
our loved ones again. If their hearts and ours are joined in the Salvation
Jesus came to earth to offer; we most definitely will see them again.

My soul was flooded with thankfulness that I do not have to place flowers
on a child's grave this Christmas. I began to thank God for all the things
I have that bring me unspeakable joy. I thanked Him for my Salvation and 
giving me that sure and certain knowledge that one day, all people who are
saved by the Grace of Jesus Christ will be joined together with Him in a 
beautiful place called Heaven. I thanked Him for my family and all the 
blessings He's given us. I promised myself that I would be more thankful 
during the coming year and always remember that someone out there is lost
and needs Salvation.

Maybe the Lord will arrange a divine appointment and use me to tell that 
person about His love. What a glorious opportunity that will be!

I left that cemetery on Spring Valley Road a better person than I was when
I arrived that day in December. My mind often drifts back to that quiet 
time spent with a grieving couple over their loss of a little baby girl. Oh
how my heart was changed through that one blessed experience!

I've come to realize that I'm an extremely blessed child of God.

Today, I didn't have to place flowers on a child's grave.

By Lloyd E.


There are many people in this world who have suffered great losses and even
thinking about what they must have went through would be enough to bring 
tears to our eyes. We are to realize that what we go through at times may
be difficult, but there are others whose obstacles greatly outweigh our 
own. How much more should we be both thankful and grateful for what we 
have in our lives. 

Be encouraged to see the good that is before you and remember to give 
thanks for every blessing that you have.


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Psalm 103:2-5 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems
your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender
mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is
renewed like the eagle's.”

2 Samuel 22:29-33 “For You are my lamp, O Lord; The Lord shall enlighten
my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop; By my God I can leap
over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is
proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except
the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? God is my strength and power,
And He makes my way perfect.”

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do
not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever
you go.”

Psalm 100:1-5 “Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the
Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the
Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are
His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with
thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and
bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His
truth endures to all generations.”

All scriptures can be found in the New King James Version.


Today’s Selected Poem: I WILL NOT WORRY
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem95.htm

Today’s Selected Testimony: ROBERT'S TESTIMONY
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony199.htm


In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
Gods Work Ministry