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It is important in life that we continue on and stay productive no matter
the trials or hardships that come near to us. We are to have the attitude
of praise and thanksgiving and see that no matter how tough our situation
may be right now, there is someone else suffering far greater than we will
ever know. Be encouraged to see that you are the blessed one who has much
to be grateful for even in this present time of hardship. See every
situation of hardship as an opportunity to better yourself and in time when
you look back on your past trials; you will see them as steppingstones to
greener pastures. (Psalm 121:1-8) (2 Corinthians 4:8-11) (Romans 8:28)
You will find yourself grateful for the trials and tribulations that came
your way, because they made you stronger, wiser and better than you were
before. Praise God, who knows all things at all times in all situations.
Trust Him with your life and know that He will never leave your side.
I hope this message encourages your heart to continue on in the midst of
your heartbreak and proclaim that all things will work together for your
good because you love God and are called according to His purposes.
A WORKING HOLIDAY
The grocery store is common ground for most of us. The difference is the
uncommon stories we carry in our hearts as we go about the business of
shopping for our daily bread.
On my last visit to the local grocer, an elderly lady said, “Excuse me,”
and asked if I knew where she could find the ground pork. As I helped her
scout the meat cooler, she told me she needed the pork to make her annual
meat pies.
“I'm making them early this year. My two children and their families are
going away for Christmas.”
Our search for the pork slowed down as our conversation progressed. Her
husband, Jack, had passed away in the spring. The children wanted to cancel
their holiday vacation and stay home, but she insisted they go, and made
Christmas plans of her own.
“I'm not having a tree or putting up decorations. I've had more good
Christmases than any one person could ever hope for. This year, I'm giving
back.”
The week before Christmas, she's going to help a couple of organizations
distribute food and gift baskets to the needy. On Christmas Day, she's
going to serve food at the Downtown Mission. Her eyes were firm and clear
as she spoke. No sign of the sadness you'd expect to see in the eyes of a
person about to spend their first Christmas alone after forty-one years of
marriage. I soon found out why.
“I'm giving my own self as a Christmas present this year,” she announced,
and promptly burst into laughter. The sound of it was contagious. I laughed
with her.
Then, making me privy to a delightful conspiracy, she whispered, “Everyone
pats my hand and feels sorry for me. They think I'll be all alone, and that
Jack won't be with me.”
One look at the sparkle in her eyes, and I knew Jack had never left.
“He's had it pretty easy these last six months,” she explained, “While he's
been resting on his laurels and shootin' the breeze, I've continued to work
my way through the days. Look at me right now, trudging through the grocery
store looking for pork.”
Another round of laughter ensued.
“Fair's fair. I'm putting Jack to work over the Christmas holidays.”
We found the pork, eventually, and parted company.
So much love, life and laughter in one little lady - the memory of our
encounter will stay with me always.
I thought of her husband as I stood in the check-out line, and stifled a
sudden urge to laugh. “I hope you're getting plenty of rest Jack. You're
definitely working this Christmas.”
By Terri McPherson
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus says, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon
earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through
and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither
moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor
steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Jeremiah 33:2-3 “Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that
formed it, to establish it; the LORD is His name; Call unto Me, and I will
answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”
Psalm 23:1-4 “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to
lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He
restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His
name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they
comfort me.”
2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I
have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that
day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: I KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem190.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: JESUS IS THE FAITHFUL PROVIDER
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony96.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
