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There are many people in this world that look at God as only their judge
who will one day accept them or reject them. We need to remember that the
Lord is a loving Father who wants only for our best interest and care. The
Bible declares in Psalm 139:18-19, "How precious also are thy thoughts unto
me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are
more in number than the sand..." If the enemy has been telling you that
God does not love you or that you are beyond redemption, I want you to know
that God waits for you to call upon Him with open arms and promises to
receive you unto Himself and will not cast you away. God's love is perfect
and everlasting and is not based on what we can do, but rather on what He
has already done for us. Always remember that God loves you greatly.
(John 6:35-40) (Jeremiah 31:3) (Romans 5:6-11) (2 Peter 3:9)
I hope this story ministers to your heart to see God as one who is on your
side and cheering you on to be victorious no matter what hardships may be
in your path.
THE GREENON KNIGHTS
I'm a proud old Dad. Now I know that pride is one of the seven deadly
sins. I know that God resists the proud. Let me tell you a story, then
maybe you'll understand. Since 7th grade, our son has wanted to play on
the basketball team. The problem was that the boy was cursed with the
same genetic problem as his Dad. He was slow and his body simply couldn't
stand up to the stress that practice brought on. He tried out for the
team in 7th grade. He failed. He spent the summer dribbling a ball and
shooting baskets at Jamestown Park. He tried out for the team in 8th
grade. Again, failure. More practice all summer. Now he wants to try
out for the Freshman team.
After one particularly strenuous practice, Kirk's coach calls. His body
can't take the stress. He is paralyzed. His mother brings him home. As
I crawl to the car to talk to my boy, I feel that life can't get much
worse. I know there's no way that boy is ever going to make the team.
His dream is shattered. I can't do a thing to help.
In an act that is based more on compassion than ability, the coach decides
to keep all 12 of the boys who tried out. At least Kirk will get to wear
a uniform and sit on the bench.
Now begins the endless season of Freshman ball games. We discover the
locations of schools that we barely knew existed. Each game brings the
hope that maybe, just maybe, the team will be so far ahead that Kirk can
get on the floor for a minute. Eventually, it happens. He plays. His
parents are happy. It's enough.
Now it's the 8th game of the season. The Greeneview Fighting Rams are to
travel to play the Greenon Knights. Through a misunderstanding, his
mother and I arrive late. Kirk has already played. Well, maybe next
game. But miracle of miracles! With a little over a minute left in the
game, Kirk goes back in. Time stands still as I watch my boy. Practice
and playing time have increased his confidence. He knows what to do on
defense. He can handle the ball on offense. Greeneview shoots. They
miss; the rebound goes to Kirk. He shoots. I find myself saying, "Oh,
please, please." as the ball goes up. Swish, it's through the net. The
buzzer sounds. The game is over. There are tears in my eyes. Kirk has
his first rebound and basket. No, he didn't win the game on the final
shot. He wasn't MVP. But he gave his Dad a memory that can never be taken
away. I know what he went through to get there, and I am proud of him.
There are those who think of God as a stern disciplinarian who puts
obstacles in your way to see how you'll do. I would prefer to think He's
a proud parent that rejoices at our victories, no matter how small. And
maybe, just maybe, there's a tear in His eye, too.
By Mike Jacks
Be encouraged and know that God's love is perfect and true. The Lord does
not look at our imperfections and sees failure, but rather a potential to
better ourselves to achieve the goals that are ahead of each of us. If you
are feeling down or discouraged because you have failed at a certain task,
let this message be an encouragement to get back up, try again and know
that God is right there by your side cheering you on. We must remember and
understand that God wishes for our success and as a loving Father is proud
when we persevere and triumph. (1 Samuel 16:7) (3 John 2) (2 Corinthians 2:14)
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Isaiah 49:13-16 "Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth
into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted His people, and will
have mercy upon His afflicted. But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me,
and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that
she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget
yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of
My hands; thy walls are continually before Me."
Jeremiah 31:3 "The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have
loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I
drawn thee."
Psalm 91:2-4 "I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my
God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of
the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with His
feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy
shield and buckler."
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today's Selected Poem: HARD TIMES
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem69.htm
Today's Selected Testimony: THE LORD ALWAYS PROVIDES
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony184.htm
In Christ's Service,
Dwayne Savaya
Gods Work Ministry |
