I've Got a Plan

[God said to Abraham..]”But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah   will bear to you by this time next year.” – Genesis 17:21

Can you imagine?

“Hey God.  Get this.  I know you told me you were going to bless me, make me prosperous and all that, but it’s really taking a long time.  I’ve got an idea.  How’s about we do it my way and you can just bless that and then we can move on to bigger and better things.  What do you think?”
What time is on God’s watch and is there an alarm button?  My impression is that God doesn’t wear a watch and He is very aware of how long some things take to evolve and develop.  Think about it this way.  Jesus Christ died on a cross nearly 2000 years ago.  One of His last comments to His disciples before He was crucified was; Matthew 24:50 - The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of.  Jesus tells them to remain alert, always prepared for we do not know when He will return.  I am convinced that His disciples left that meeting with some expectation that Jesus was going away and would be back soon and then they would enjoy the riches of heaven.  Even Paul and John – two of the most prolific writers of the New Testament, had no ability to predict when Christ would return; yet they remained faithful and focused on their mission in life right up to their very last breath.

Let’s face it, we have no patience in this world.  With data moving around the globe in seconds and communications that allow us to always have a phone or ear piece in our ear – talking with someone, somewhere; we are challenged to wait upon the Lord.  In Psalm 37:7, David tells us, “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”  This is a struggle for all of us.  It’s almost as if we want answers now so we can check the box and move on to the next thing on our to-do list.  Since the time of Abraham and even before man has been trying to short cut God’s plan through their own means.  Generally, I find that when I try to outthink God – my plans often fall short of what I set out to accomplish.

God has a plan for your life.  You may not have an understanding of it at this point.  All that means is that you need to continue praising Him until you do.  It’s not a game, it’s a mission and He is the creator of the plan.  Accept His plan and quit trying to solve the problems without Him.  He truly wants to be consulted on those decisions you make daily, even the little ones that seem so nonchalant. 

Heavenly Father,
Forgive us for our lack of patience. Help us to live within Your plan, Your guidance and Your mission in our lives.  Strengthen our faith and resolve to be patient on Your eternal timetable.  Lord, help us to make the most of the time we have by celebrating and sharing Your love with those we meet.  In Your name I pray – Amen

© Sondove Enterprises

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Break Away

“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” – Mark 6:31

I was looking for the remote again the other day.  I can’t believe how often this simple device comes up missing in my household.  Granted, I am lazy and didn’t want to simply stand up and walk over and change the channel, so I spent 10 minutes walking around the room looking under furniture, behind the tables, in the drawers and between the cushions.  I never did find the remote that night, which to me is completely bizarre.  If the remote only does one thing – control the TV, why wouldn’t it always be by the TV?  Finally, I gave up and manually walked over and changed the channel.  I must say, after pushing the up arrow button 82 times (go from channel 41 to 123) I had a whole new respect for the remote control.

We all get lost every now and then.  We allow the pressures of our daily life to get in the way of what we know is the right thing to do.  Inside of our heart and mind, we know there is something bigger than waking up and going to work (or school) and doing the laundry and the dishes, then putting the kids to bed and picking up the house from the days whirlwind.  There must be something more than this, right?  You see, when we focus on the mundane and the arduous task of living life, we quickly become lost in the tactical to-do list and become overwhelmed with just making it through one more day.

This is why it is so important to find those moments in your day to separate yourself from the chores, the busyness and get with God.  Living life is a requirement, but it is not the complete picture.  There are bills to pay, children to raise and chores to do; that’s never going to end.  But, don’t let it define who you are.  Find time to stop, quiet yourself and breath.  Slow yourself down enough to realize that God wants to talk with you.  The busier we become the less we look like Jesus to those watching.  You can break the cycle through a conscious and focused effort on your part.  Be in His word; reflect on Jesus’ life, His love and His sacrifice.  Connect with the importance of God’s grace and forgiveness that washes away your sin.  Allow yourself the freedom to find God each day and break away from the control of the daily events.  By the way, He’s not lost, He’s not hiding and He’s not avoiding you – it’s just the opposite.
Heavenly Father,
You are an amazing, loving giver of all good things.  You have poured out Your blessings upon us each and every day, and we miss it.  Help us to slow down and capture Your love, grace and mercies each day.  Give us the strength to push past the daily churn and focus on the important things in life, that is bringing Your love and grace to the world.  Search me oh God and find my weaknesses.  Break down the barriers that keep me from experiencing the fullness of Your plan in my life.  In Your name I pray – Amen.

© Sondove Enterprises
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Tell Somebody

“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” – John 15:15

A recent survey asked the question: “Are you going to heaven when you die?”
  “I’m a good person, I’ve done good things for others, so I think I’m going”
  “There are many worse people than me in this world, God wouldn’t kick me out”
  “Hell is for murderers and molesters, not for people like me”
  “I believe in God, that’s all it takes.”
  “There is no heaven or hell, just a different state of consciousness.”

When asked: “Who is Jesus Christ?”
  “The Son of God, my Savior, my Lord”
  “A mythical person, created by those with a guilt conscious for the bad things they’ve done in life.”
  “A great prophet, a wise man for his time who died a noble death for what he believed.”
  “Just another good person, who wanted people to follow him.”

The question has been asked since the moment He entered this world, “Is He the Christ, the Messiah, the chosen One.”  While He walked the earth 2000 years ago they were this question, and it has not changed even unto today.  In Matthew 16:13-18, Jesus asks this of His disciples directly and receives multiple answers, but Peter gives the right answer: v16 “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  Every one of us must weigh this decision in our life personally and make a choice.  The entire basis of Christianity is founded on the principles that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, sent to earth to be the sacrifice for all mans sins.  He lived, He died and He rose again on the third day, and in doing so forever put in place the opportunity for mankind to receive God’s grace and salvation.  Just as the blood of the lamb was used as a sacrifice for the redemption of the sins of the children of Israel, the blood of Jesus Christ is the redemption for ever more.  John 14:16 tells us clearly that Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father.  If these points are not true, then billions and billions of people over the course of the last 2000 years are wrong, and Christianity is the biggest hoax in the history of mankind.  I believe Jesus is who He says He is in John 4:26 – “I who speak to you am He.”

But is it enough to just believe?  Even Satan believes in God.  The real question is what are you doing with the grace that has been bestowed upon you?  If we were to ask 10 of your acquaintances if you believed in Jesus Christ, what would they say?  It is a personal decision you have to make, but that doesn’t imply that it must be kept a secret.  People don’t want to rock the boat by confronting others choices to worship another God.  It’s uncomfortable to question someone else’s beliefs, because then they may not like you.  If God’s timetable were known, wouldn’t you do everything you could to ensure that your loved one’s and friends knew about His love and grace?

There is confusion in the world today about who Jesus Christ is because people don’t want to hurt others feelings.  Many of us are trying to mold Christ into our lifestyle, rather than accepting the life He has called us to.  If you, like me, believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and will return one day to bring us home, than share that message with those around you.  Tell someone what you believe, don’t sit on this revelation for your own personal gain, but share it with others, so they may enjoy the same.  If you believe, your future is planned, and that is wonderful, but it’s not good enough.  God’s desire is that all mankind enter into His loving grace, and you have a part in making that happen.  Be a part of the mission, not a spectator.

Heavenly Father,
We love You Lord.  We fall down and worship Your presence and we marvel at Your glory.  Today Lord, give us the strength and courage to stand for You, to share Your story with others.  Help us to be Your messengers of grace and love.In Your name I pray – Amen

© Sondove Enterprises, 2010
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A Legacy worth Leaving

"I will be his father, and he will be my son. I will never take my love away from him... ” - 1 Chronicles 17:13a

All men will one day pass away. It is written and has been the case since time began. Do you have a plan on how to avoid the inevitable? Some are looking into cryogenics, phylactery and of late even the immortality of vampires. So what is your plan? There are things in life that are absolutes: do you think the sun will come up, or do you know it will? Do you think you love you kids or do you know you do? Do you think it is right to be honest or do you know it is? These are absolutes that you know the answer too. Now do you think you can cheat death or do you know it?

So, assuming we can all agree that death will indeed catch up with us, have you thought about what will happen to those you leave behind? In 1 Chronicles 17:13 we find Nathan communicating God's plans with David regarding David's legacy. God delivers a message to David about Solomon. God states clearly that He will be with Solomon after David has passed away. He provides comfort to David that He will always love him and shepherd him as a father would a son.

This challenges me to ensure that I am setting my children up with a love for Christ that will last well beyond my life. I cannot save them myself, it is something they must come to on their own. But, I must give them every opportunity, example and encouragement as possible as they pursue His ways. Their ability to impact this world will far exceed mine and the legacy that I hope to leave is one that will carry for generations to come. There will come the day that I will join those saints near my Father's throne and have a comfort level based on this verse that He will carry them forward with love and guidance to make a significant impact on the world. Today, give some thought to your legacy and be sure to encourage your children and family in the ways of the Lord, so that you can feel the peace and comfort should the inevitable happen.
Heavenly Father,
You have provided for my needs, my wants and my desires throughout my life.  I have looked to Your word for guidance and understanding.  You have given me the freedom of choice and I choose You.  Help me to share this faith, love and understanding with my children, that in turn they may walk in Your light and experience Your glory. In Your name I pray – Amen

© Sondove Enterprises, 2010
For More Daily Thoughts visit: http://www.10minutereader.com

Just Take a Step

""Come", he {Jesus} said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”" - Matthew 14:29-31

A story most are familiar with. It's one of those foundational stories of faith, trust and focusing on our Lord.  So what more is there to learn here?

Why did Peter step out of the boat?  Certainly, his heart was in the right place - wanting to reach his Savior in the fastest way possible.  It obviously points out the love and confidence that Peter had in Jesus that nothing was beyond His authority and control.  It's a story that reminds us to look to Christ when we are looking for the impossible to happen.

When the plan of Christ is revealed, it takes unbelievable strength, courage and confidence to actually act.  This is what I think is often overlooked in this story.  Peter's confidence is unwavering as he lifts his foot and steps onto the waves.  Placing one foot in front of another, confidently walking across the cold surface in a miraculous physical feat; but check out the next part.  Do you really think Satan is going to sit by and pout, no he's going to throw turmoil and obstacles in the path to obstruct the plan from being executed.

The story concludes with the best part though.  Most think the miracle of walking on water is the best part, but not me.  You see, I am drawn to v. 31, because I often find myself in this situation.  Things are going great, I'm on top of the world and feeling the Lord in my life.  Then something happens, I get afraid and out of fear - start to rely on my own resources and knowledge.  This begins the slow spiral of desperation and the cry out to the Lord for salvation.  You know what, Christ is always right there to take my hand and pick me up again.  I have many times reached for that scarred hand and found it's strength to get back up and refocus my life on His plans.  Sometimes it requires a daily reminder of just who it is that is leading my footsteps.  This is how I stay focused on His eyes and tip toe across the waters of life.  I hope you are able to step out of that boat as well.  Be blessed.
Heavenly Father,
Grant me the confidence, courage and fortitude to live for You throughout my day.  Help me to avoid the snares of the evil one and walk in Your light.  I rely upon Your wisdom and love for the strength to overcome obstacles in my life, and bring glory to You.  In Your name I pray – Amen
© Sondove Enterprises, 2011
For More Daily Thoughts: http://www.10minutereader.com

An Abundant Love

“Though grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness; even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil and regard not the majesty of the LORD.”  -  Isaiah 26:10

It’s much easier to swallow the little pink ones
the feeling is euphoric and her eyes see rainbows.
As the needle penetrates the skin
the pain is almost unrecognizable, then the burn hits the vein.
Enveloped in a cloud of smoke, the pipe falls from his hand
He laughs uncontrollably, and falls asleep again.
He buttons his shirt and straightens his tie as he walks to the door
leaving the folded bills on the nightstand, his ring falls to the floor.
They never meant for the gun to go off, the just needed the cash
but in their mirror blues and reds showed up, they threw away the stash.

Every one of them sit in church on Sunday, praise the Lord and raise their hands.  The masquerade is complete in the shadows of those around them.  The Holy Spirit cries out from within, and tears fall from the Savior’s eyes. The pain unbearable, His love gone to waste, thrown into the pit of lies and deception.  They know the truth, yet deny it in their daily walk, choosing the lusts and desires of the enemy instead. 

Does God love these children?  Does God love you?  Does God love me?  Am I any different than those listed above?  My sins are buried deep within, unknown, unseen and controlling despite my hearts intentions.  They are different than above, but unrighteous none the less.  We have all sinned, you can’t deny the truth of His word.  Not one of us deserves the mercy and love from God, despite how incredibly disgusting or minimal your sin’s are.  But, in an act of unbelievable compassion, God has provided His grace and made it available to all mankind.  To those that profess His Son as Savior and Lord and repent (turn away) from their unrighteousness, His love is poured out in eternal life. 

Every one of those mentioned above have this same opportunity, for a heart changing, life changing experience with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.  God is there, arms open and waiting for them to make the choice to experience His abundant, overflowing love first hand.  Do you know someone like this?  If so, print this and give it to them; email it to them; share it, before the trip they’re on becomes a one way ticket.
Loving God,
You are majestic in Your glory and wonder.  We lift our hands and praise You for the love You have given each of us.  We bring our sins before You that we might be washed as white as snow through the blood of Your Son.  We long to live within Your righteousness and serve You as You so deserve.  Forgive me for the unrighteousness contained in my flesh.  I ask for Your cleansing of my spirit Lord, to wipe away this thorn in my side.  I trust that Your grace is enough for my callousness.  In Your name I pray – Amen
© Sondove Enterprises, 2011
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What Did I Do?

"Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal." - Psalm 69:4

The psalmist David, wrote these words of himself. Yet, in reading them, we find the words of our Lord and Savior, found in John 15:25, "They hated me without cause."  In the scriptures the life of Jesus Christ is detailed as loving, helpful and merciful. His ministry lasted no more than 3 years.  What we know of Him is that He taught those around him of God's love and peace.  The world was in need of a Savior, and had been waiting patiently for the arrival of the Messiah.  So, needing Him and wanting Him, what were they afraid of when He arrived?

Have you ever considered why Christ was so hated by the people of Israel?  He entered Jerusalem a week before His death.  He rode a donkey into the city amidst cheers and praises of glory and hallelujah.  Within a week the masses were screaming "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!"  In that week, Christ had healed the sick, forgiven the sinful, restored life and challenged the authority of Jerusalem.  It was this authority that knew the scriptures, the signs and what to expect.  It was this same authority that felt threatened by Christ's message of salvation.  As David writes in Psalm 69:4 – “Christ is forced to restore what he did not steal.”  The salvation of mankind was upon his shoulders and his shoulders alone.

In the last 2000 years what has changed?  There are more people today that deny Christ than at any other point in our history, and for what reason?  For His love of mankind or His merciful grace.  He's done nothing against mankind that would cause hatred.  Perhaps, it is similar to the authorities of that day.  Christ does not meet the image that some people are looking for in a Savior.  Or perhaps they feel convicted by His message, so they choose to deny him or hate him.  The love of Jesus Christ is there for them though, just as it was for the masses and authorities in Jerusalem on that day.  Remember the most powerful disciple of Jesus Christ was Paul (also known as Saul of Tarsus).  He hated Jesus Christ and His followers to the point of killing them.  Yet Christ's love and grace, once revealed to him, turned him into the most profound apostle of all time.

We live this life with the opportunity to rest in His grace, peace and love each and every day.  There are those that despite this opportunity; chose not to.  But make no mistake; there will come a day when all mankind will recognize Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Savior.  In Philippians 2:10 Paul tells us, “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”  I fear for those who have; through pride, arrogance and self righteousness; denied Him.  Life will be reconciled once and for all.

Heavenly Father,
I pray for mankind today.  I pray for the hearts of the lost to soften, for their eyes to be opened such that they can see Your love.  I pray that Your grace and mercy are made known to all mankind and Your truth is uncovered before them.  Pour out Your blessings upon this generation that they can become the change agents needed for expanding Your Kingdom.  In Your name I pray – Amen
© Sondove Enterprises, 2011
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I Don't Understand

“I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, “My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?” – Daniel 12:8

Things happen that just don’t make sense in my - oh so logical mind.
I’ve read the Word and understood that God is good and merciful.
Yet, when I ask for this or that to be done, and I’ve hit my knees,
It doesn’t come to be, and I’m left wondering if He hears me at all.

Ever been there?  Most of us have at one time or another questioned whether God is listening or not.  Prayers are lifted with complete sincerity from a broken heart, a troubled mind or a helpless soul and it seems as though what we ask for isn’t granted.  Our human tendency, most times, is to think that God either doesn’t hear us or doesn’t care.  Neither of which is true.  The truth of the matter is that God has a much better understanding of everything that is going on in this world, and understands how our small part impacts the whole.  This is referred to as omniscient, and is unfathomable for the human mind to comprehend.  Just because something you pray for doesn’t come to fruition, doesn’t mean God didn’t hear you or doesn’t care.  It could simply mean that there is a bigger purpose than your wants and desires. 

Many of us have prayed for the healing of an individual only to see that individual pass away.  We often ask, “Why didn’t God save them?”  What we have to realize is that the reason we are on this earth to begin with is to love and serve God.  There are many times when the death of one person will draw others closer to a relationship with God, that otherwise might have never considered it.  When the tragic event of September 11, 2001 happened in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington DC, thousands of people died in the span of 4 hours that morning.  Yet, all around the globe people once again drew closer to each other and to God for comfort and assurance that love was still present.  The horrific deaths triggered a resurgence in the church that brought millions back into a local sanctuary where they could once again hear of God, love, salvation and grace.

Emotions were scarred that day.  We miss our friends, family and loved ones even now 10 years later.  The human heart is bound by the relationships we form with others around us, and when they are gone, a hole is left behind.  We want to avoid the pain, suffering and longing when loved ones die.  In most cases this is why we pray for God to heal them, so we won’t have to go on without them.  The thing is, every one of us will die, it’s a proven fact.  Even though we know it’s coming, it always seems to get here too soon.  Only God knows when that time has come, and when our life has been fruitful enough.

I believe that God does use the death and the struggles of people to the grow His Kingdom.  I also believe in miraculous healing when appropriate for Him to get the glory.  We must trust in His sovereignty and look to Him for comfort from our pain.  He alone has the ability to heal the scars and wounds of a broken heart, because He alone has given more than any of us ever could imagine.  Never forget, He gave us His Son – to die a brutal death on a cross for our salvation.  God knew from the moment of Holy conception how that story would end, yet He did it anyway.  The wrath of God was poured out upon His own Son, so that you and I might have eternal life.  If God cries, can you imagine the flooding of tears upon His pillow that day.  He’s been there, He knows your pain and sorrow, and He wants to help you through it.  You don’t have to understand, you have to trust that He does.
Prayer:
Loving Father,
You are an awesome, loving God.  You have given us salvation and redemption through the death and resurrection of Your Son.  We receive Your grace and peace in knowing that we are Yours.  Many come to You with heavy hearts this morning, longing for those that have passed away.  Pour out Your love on them Lord and help them to see, through their pain, Your comfort, Your peace and Your mercy.  Renew their spirit Lord that they might be vibrant with life once again and live for You, sharing Your love with others. In Your precious name we pray – Amen.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2011
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Battle of the Ages

“When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me.”  - Hosea 13:6

It grows like a weed when left unattended
It spawns contempt and loftiness
When given the authority to create divide
Great rulers are those who overcome it’s sweetness

Many a man have fallen to it’s lure
In the day and by the night it beckons to the lost
Devouring their victims with little retreat
Success is achieved at any cost

So, check yourself when you wake in the morn
Let not your pride continue to grow
But let your heart be pure and your mind be sharp
Know Who’s you are, and Who to follow.                                                          - Rich Palmer

Job 41 gives us a very good understanding who we are battling on this earth.  This chapter closes with this to say about Satan: “he is a king over all the children of pride.”  Pride is one of his many tools.  It convinces us that we are capable, smart enough, strong enough and talented enough to do this alone.  When this attitude befalls us, we are then left to fend for ourselves against his ways.  His intent is to make you believe you don’t need God.  If he can make you believe that God is not all powerful, loving and merciful, than he can help you become prideful in your own authority and power.  Once we stop fearing and respecting God’s authority in this world and the next then Satan is able to further that independence and convince us that we are in control. 

Lofty minds, selfishness, pride and arrogance ensues, all of which will breed injustice to those around us.  Even Satan acknowledges God’s presence, but his pride and arrogance prevent him from enjoying the fruits of God’s righteousness and peace.  Satan’s domain here on earth is built on self centered greed, lust of the flesh and temporary satisfaction.  God’s kingdom is built on humility, a servant’s heart, love, peace and an eternity with Him one day.  Avoid the pitfalls of pride and a self-centered existence by reminding yourself daily that God is God and we are not.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the cross.  Thank You for Your redeeming grace.  I live my life to bring You glory and let Your light shine to all whom I see.  Help me to be strong against the obstacles of this world.  Help me to fend off the arrows of pride, selfishness and arrogance.  Let my heart always be open to Your teaching and let my mind be free of worldly things.  I trust in You as my protector and savior.  In Your name I pray – Amen.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2011
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Careful What You Ask For

"Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request." - 1 Chronicles 4:10

Several years ago there was a small book published by Bruce Wilkinson. It sold over 9 million copies and made the New York Times bestselling list. The message was simple - claiming God's blessings for yourself is acceptable and encouraged. Is it true that the Lord wants to bless you and I and every other Christian? Certainly, but this doesn't imply that His blessings will bring prosperity.

My perspective on the prayer from Jabez, captured in 1 Chronicles, is one of a man's desire to serve God in a more comprehensive manner. The key to this verse falls into the phrase, "... enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, ...." This brings to the forefront a desire to serve God in a much grander manner and all that is included with that. I find myself at this same point many times. Yet there is always that little voice inside of me whispering, "you really don't want to serve God in a larger manner. you don't have time, and you have so many bills, and blah and blah ..." The human heart and mind will try to rationalize the voice of the Holy Spirit with a plethora of excuses.

After all of that is done and the desire is still there though - you know God is calling you to serve. So when you pray for God to enlarge your territory, be ready for Him to act. He is in need of many talents and I promise you with everything you can bring to the table, He can use one of them. We sit back and rationalize that we're not preachers. That's who God needs - the men and women that have gone through theological school. Phew, that let's most of us off the hook, if it were true. Take for example say, Peter or John. Hmmm... fishermen by trade. Probably studied the ancient scriptures with their family in line with the culture of the time, but theologians...not likely. Okay, not a fare comparison, after all they walked with Christ himself, that's a serious advantage.

What about Nick Vujicic? If you're not familiar with the name, have a look at this. With no arms and no legs he spends his entire life preaching the gospel and inspiring people all around the globe to do the same. He could have felt sorry for himself and stayed in the special needs ward at the local hospital for his entire life. No, he looked at what God had given him, humor, speaking skills and a desire to teach others and allowed the Lord to enlarge his territories well beyond Australia. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions have seen Nick's story and taken in the dedication that he has for God to do something with their life.
Bring what you have to the table, God knows exactly what He gave you and why. He will use it if you allow Him to. It's a piece of cake for Him to expand your territories if and when He knows you are ready for it. Don't get stuck on the "Bless me" part of 1 Chronicles 4:10 without stepping up for the later "enlarge my territory." because God will do just that.

(c) Sondove Enterprises, 2011
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I Want to Be Amazed

“Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed.   For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” – Habakkuk 1:5

There is unrest and injustice everywhere we look.
The world is alive with anger, arrogance, jealousy and self centeredness.
Tolerance has become a value in the open minded communities.
We turn a blind eye to the corruption as if it doesn’t matter.
The lies we hear become the truth we believe, to minimize confrontation.
How much more will happen before we’ve gone too far, or does that precipice already appear in the rear view mirror?

Perhaps it is part of the plan, perhaps it accentuates our need and desire for hope.  In Luke 21:10-24, Jesus tells us that these things will happen, but is anyone paying attention, does anyone care? 

As we watch the evening news each day, we see the pot boiling.  There is tension in every land, there is suffering in so many ways, there are struggles for power, authority and control between man and country.  We look upon the issues and ask ourselves how this came to be?  Now the questions have turned toward how will we ever set it right?  One day we will realize that it is out of our hands and it is only through His miraculous intercession that all will be set right.

I fear the Lord’s wrath upon our people is just beyond the horizon.  The day is soon coming where His work will be evidenced to all people in such a way as only He could do.  People will be forced to address the question that has been avoided, and make a choice on their eternity once and for all.  If God can create an everlasting sun in sky in just one day; create water that will forever recycle through all of our days in just one day and create billions and billions of stars, planets and moons in just one day; how many days will it take Him to reconcile the debts of mankind?  I’m quite sure he can do that in a day – and the day is coming when He will.
Prayer:
Loving God,
You have loved us when we were unlovable.  You have poured out Your grace upon us and we turn it away.  You have given us complete salvation through Your Son – Jesus Christ – and we want more.  Forgive us Lord, have mercy on Your children as the end of days draw near.  My life has been filled with sin and unrighteousness, and I turn to Your saving grace for my redemption and I lean on the love of Jesus Christ for my salvation.  Help me to reach others with Your word that they too can see through the cloud of confusion in today’s world.  Make clear the path to those who seek You.  In Your Holy name I pray – Amen.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2011
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Drink Up

“Now the earth was formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface of the deep. God's Spirit was hovering over the surface of the waters” – Genesis 1:2

It’s creation is unrecorded, yet it has always been
It’s frozen, it’s solid and it’s gas
Is there more today, than there was yesterday
Can more be created, or is it finite
Some will kill for it, others die without it
Every single one of us carry it with us everywhere we go
The big blue, the great abyss – how deep we may never know

In Genesis 1:2 God hovered above the waters.  Isn’t it strange that Genesis 1 doesn’t mention the creation of water – only heaven and earth.

In Genesis 6:17 God tells Noah that water will once again cover the entire earth and kill all living things

In Revelation 16:4 God turns all flowing water to blood in the last days

What is water?  From where does it flow?  It is a molecule that consists of 2 Hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom, neither of which can be created by man, but exist in plentiful supply all around us.  It is an essential for life to exist.  The earth is made up of 70.9% water, the human body is made up of an average of 55% - 60% water (for an adult) based on the person’s size and weight.  Space exploration have discovered ice and water on other planets and even the moon.  In July, 2011; they discovered a gigantic cloud of water vapor, 12 billion light years away, with a volumetric size of 140 trillion times the combined water’s of all the oceans on Earth.  The natural water cycle moves water from solid to liquid to gas and back to liquid and solid again through evaporation, rain, snow and humidity.

It was, before the heavens and Earth were created.  On day 2 – God created space between two layers of waters – that in heaven from that on earth.  On day 3 – God created land to separate the waters on the earth.  There is a finite amount of water in the universe and only God knows that amount.  The next time you pour a glass of water, or drink from a water bottle, you need to realize you are taking in a supply of God’s original creation. 

Heavenly Father,
I am in awe of Your creation.  Your perfect plan for how life should be sustained through water, oxygen, heat and love.  These basic principles have always been, and will always be, all come from You and You alone.  Thank You for making me as Your masterpiece in such intricate detailed composition.  Help me to respect and not take for granted that which only You can provide in life.  In Your name I pray. Amen

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© Sondove Enterprises, 2011

Man - It's Hot

“And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” – Genesis 1:3

We take it for granted every day we open our eyes.  The  darkness is pushed away and the rays of light, hope and a new beginning press down upon us.  We complain about the heat or the lack there of.  The very presence in the sky has been the primary contributor to our vegetation, energy creation and climate since the very first day.  Duplication is impossible for mankind.  We create fire, lightbulbs and energy from our limited resources which last for an exponentially small fraction of the time compared to the original, which has always been and always will be.  But let’s just say it were gone tomorrow morning, what would happen? 

He has provided heat to separate us from the cold; light to separate the darkness; energy resource and food from the photosynthesis process and it has no expiration date.  There are people in this world that have no shelter, no A/C, no water and haven’t seen temps below 100 all year.  In Houston, we have had 27 days straight of weather over 100 degrees.  People are complaining, air conditioners are breaking, energy bills are increasing and water has becoming a treasured commodity.  It comes down to the fact that God provided everything we needed in life and we have conditioned ourselves to want more. 

When the heat seems overwhelming, just consider the alternative.  You see, without the sun in the sky, we don’t exist.  Our world would have zero vegetation, temps unbelievably low, complete and utter darkness and most importantly no oxygen to breath.  Without oxygen, all living organisms are gone.  The delicate nature of our life balance with nature and the elements around us cannot be replicated by any human mind or action.  We can’t recreate the sun, as hard as we might try.  Yet God did it on day one and it has continued ever since.  With His very first words He spoke it into existence, and rather than looking at it in awesome wonder of God’s creation, we rarely even acknowledge it is there, other than to complain.  The next time you are blessed with a Sunrise or a Sunset, take a moment, pause and realize the history and criticality of this spectacular sphere in the sky.

Heavenly Father,
You are awesome in Your creation of life as a balance.  You have provided for all of Your children’s needs and for this I am grateful.  Help me to realize the intricacy and delicate balance of what You have given us, and share that with others.  Forgive us for our spoiled nature in life and teach us to be loving and gracious in all circumstances.  I lift my praises and worship to You for all that You have given to me.  In Your name I pray – Amen.

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(c) Sondove Enterprises, 2011

I Say Yes

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12

Everything is grey, now long covered by rubble and soot
The winds have come and convinced them otherwise
They hear the words, but not to be inconvenienced
Rules and covenants seem like giving up control
After all, submission is a foreign word
 We don’t like others telling us what to do

People pass by, onlookers and tire kickers
They kneel and pray and sign the card
Get their ticket and move along
Put in their wallet, they’ll need it someday
Now on with life, no time to waste
If it ends tomorrow, they’ll be okay – right?

Standing in the streets and call out any name but One
and people will stop and listen
The sheer mention of His name brings law suits and harassment
Behind bars is the place for their kind
His gift is never changing, completely free and effortless
but has evolved into untouchable, invisible and confusing

One truth, One voice, One Man, One Savior
No faith, no trust, no pass
He doesn’t owe us an explanation
For the things we don’t understand
He’s sovereign, holy and righteous
and He has the plan.

God sent His Son to die on a cross so that we might believe in Him and find our salvation.  Jesus Christ lived, died, was buried and rose again on the third day.  Our salvation and eternal life have been established by this completely selfless act of One man.  It can’t be proven, nor should it have to be.  It takes a single act on the behalf of the receiver to accept and believe by faith, not by sight or signs.  In Acts 4:12, Peter and John, shortly after Jesus resurrection, are testifying to the Jewish leaders the truth which they were too blind to see.  Even then, 2000 years ago, man had to believe it and trust in God’s promise.  The answers are in His Book, the path has been laid out before you, the choice is yours to make.  Push the grey and the noise and the arguments aside and answer one simple question, “Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Messiah, the one and only way to eternal life with the Father?”   My answer is “YES – Believe” – how say you?

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Wanting to Live

“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” – Romans 14:8

A family is built on trust, love and an unspoken acceptance of one another, because of a shared blood line.  It was not something that you had to learn, it was something you were born and raised in.  There is a comfort in knowing that your family will always be there when all else seems to fall apart, and though there may even be stress and problems, there is that understanding that flesh and blood is stronger than any problems we face.  Inside of the family is one area where we often let our guard down.  We are free to be who God truly made us to be without putting on the fake smiles and manners.  There is an internal freedom to take off the masks we ware in public and be ourselves around those that love us unconditionally.  Face it, most of us hide our true personality from the world, because we’re unsure of their acceptance.  We spend the majority of our life living I a false identity that we want others to perceive is truly who we are.

Now ask yourself, which one of these personalities (within family or in public) do you think God perceives you as?  I propose both.  You see He sees the best in you, and He knows the worst in you.  There is nowhere to hide that part of your personality that you aren’t necessarily proud of.  His omnipotence and love for you sees the whole package.  The cool thing is; He sees your brother and sister and neighbor and friend the same way.  Every life on this earth represents the same potential in God’s eyes.  We all belong to Him and if He loves one of us enough to provide salvation through His Son – Jesus Christ; then He loves the person next to you equally and wants them in heaven as well. 

Realize that in the big picture of life and death, God’s love is immutable and never changing.  It is the same for those around you as it is for you.  Think about this the next time you look at your brother, sister or neighbor with anger or contentment or judgment.  We all have one life to live – choose to live it for God and share His love with others as you do.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father – You are awesome and powerful.  Your love is never changing and unconditional in every way.  There is nothing we can do to separate ourselves from Your love, it is freely given for us to take.  I acknowledge before mankind that You alone are worthy of our praise and glory, and through You we will find salvation when this life has come to an end.  I pray for You to work within me, that I might be able to share Your love with others and be a light in their darkness.  Help me to remove the judgmental error of my ways and look upon others as You see them – Your beloved child.  Take away my critical eye and replace it with a heart of peace and acceptance.  In Your name I pray – Amen.

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© Sondove Enterprises, 2011

Living with LIfe Changes

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. ”  –Ephesians 2:10

He looked into the mirror that morning after he arrived on campus.  His eyes swollen near shut, his cheeks the color of bright pink from the last skin graft.  He had two more surgeries and he was confident that there was nothing that could be done to make his face more presentable.  As he finished straightening his tie he turned to see the girl staring.  “Does it hurt?”, she asked.  “Not really.  After the fire, God has blessed me by restoring my eyesight and giving me the ability to smile and talk.  So I don’t really think about the pain anymore.”, he replied.  She smiled and walked away as he turned to make his way to the auditorium stage.

He always chose to the enter from stage left, so his right side was towards the audience.  Ever since the accident he had tried to avoid giving them a profile of his left side, which was still significantly scarred.  On this particular Saturday morning though there was a young girl in a wheelchair sitting along the aisle on the far left side of the auditorium (if you were facing the stage).  In her hand was a sign that read, “GOD STILL LOVES YOU.” As he turned to look at her his left profile was toward the audience.  He began to speak and he could hear the gasp from those near the stage.  He immediately became conscious of their reaction and turned opposite.

Then the strangest thing happened.  For years he had traveled the country talking about his addiction to crack cocaine and the damage it can do to a person’s life.  Providing his testimony of his own accident while smoking, catching his shirt on fire and then his entire left side.  It was this simple sign from a girl in a wheelchair that made him stop in his tracks and consider that even in his grotesque state, he was a child of God and that God could still use him.  Perhaps this was all part of God’s plan to change his lifestyle from the wild partying days of his youth and to use his experiences to change others for the better.  Was it possible that others lives had been changed because of him?  Was it possible that unbeknownst to him, God was using his testimony to keep people away from drugs and even to save lives?

His speech that evening was not on a Powerpoint slide, a teleprompter or in his notes.  His speech that night came from his heart as he poured out his warnings to the youth in the audience.  For once, he wasn’t afraid to show his face and he stood before the crowd in full display as he spoke not just of his mistakes, but that fact that despite all of his mistakes, drug use and partying, God’s love never for him had never changed.  He came to tears before that auditorium that day as he came to the realization himself that God loves the man inside of the flesh, not the person that everyone else sees.  God created him for a purpose and the years of living recklessly had not altered that path.  He came to the acceptance of God’s grace, right there on the stage that night.

We are all one step away from a life changing event.  God’s created each of us for a purpose that is not predicated on our physical appearance or life situation.  His view of you is from the inside out, He sees your heart, your soul and your love.   He has given you gifts for His purpose to help others and to lift up His kingdom.  In some cases these are not even discovered until a tragic event happens in life.  Going to prison, the death of a loved one, a car accident, a medical emergency or so many other potential events could easily spiral one into a situation of depression or self pity.  It could also bring a realization that there is something more, something constructive that can come from it.  Not that God creates these events in our lives, but He is our creator and can use any event for His good.

A choice has to be made when you are faced with a life changing event.  Are you going to use it to draw closer to God and expand your service in His kingdom or blame God and withdraw from Him?  His scriptures promise that He will never leave you, but you have to choose not to leave Him as well.

Facing Your Giants

“Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, "Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me.” – 1 Samuel 17:8

There are giants in the daily lives of all mankind.  We face problems with finances, health, addictions, pornography, rage and selfish pride on a daily basis.  The problem is that we have become so complacent to these things that it’s no longer alarming to pick up the newspaper and read about death, destruction, perversion and the suffering of people all over the globe.  “If it doesn’t hurt me, who cares what they do.” has become a common mantra of some these days.  Is there a common moral code, a version of absolute right and wrong in this world or have we become so tolerant that living in the grey is a safe place to be?

Goliath walks amongst you to this day.  I see it on TV, I hear it on the radio and read it in major newspapers every single day, the taunting, the ridicule and the challenge to defend the faith that I hold dear to my very existence.  Human nature is such that we rebel against authority in general.  I find that people criticize and challenge that which forces a certain behavior and action in life.  I look at children and see the tendency in their spirit to do that which they have been told not to do, because in their mind they do not grasp the consequences.  Likewise, as we age and mature, it is natural to question that which we do not understand, so that a well-informed decision can be made.  The problem is that not all things can be explained in a manner that is understood. 

For centuries people have tried to prove that Jesus either A) never existed; B) was just a man or C) never rose from the dead.  All of these have been attempted in an order to put an end to the body of believers called Christians.  Every attempt has been based on man’s knowledge and ability to discover facts to prove the case one way or the other.  In this effort their proof has been broadly publicized, documented and demonstrated as fact, calling out the Christian church to defend against their discoveries.  What has always been missing though is the basic acceptance that Christians don’t believe in Jesus Christ because it has been proven to us, we believe in Jesus Christ because of faith.

I’ve been to Israel on a few occasions.  I’ve seen archeological digs in Jerusalem, Bet’shean, Capernaum, Caesarea, Qumran, Jericho and Bethlehem.  I’ve walked the supposed footsteps of Jesus from the Garden of Gethsemane to the courtyard of Caiaphas house and seen the empty Garden tomb and the Church of the Holy Seplecure.  But none of this, not a single step I took in Jerusalem made me believe that Jesus Christ was the Savior of the World.  My decision is strictly based on faith that God is real, the Holy Bible is God’s divine word, and that Jesus Christ is who God says He is.  In this acceptance, I have come to know Jesus Christ lived, died and rose again on the third day as a means for my salvation from the inherent sin in my existence. 

Life is not all of a sudden roses and cupcakes.  People are still dying, starving, hurting themselves and others without remorse and we don’t know why.  That’s not going to change, but having a faith that there is a God and accepting that He is in control helps me to understand that just because I don’t know the answers to this world’s questions, He does.  I trust that One day, all will be made clear and Goliath will be put to rest for eternity.

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© Sondove Enterprises, 2011