Unpredictable Events

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“When under trial, let no one say: “I am being tried by God.” For with evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone.”  - James 1:13

He didn’t hear the alarm clock on his phone going off at 5:00 AM, but was awoken by the sun as it broke through the small window.  His eyes were heavy that morning, having spent the night in the waiting room at the hospital close to the ICU where his wife and daughter were being treated.  Both had been critically injured as victims in a robbery at the local gas station the day before, both struck by stray bullet fire.  They were not expected to make it through the night, and as he rose and made his way to the nurses station, he discovered that indeed neither had regained consciousness and had both passed quietly.

Overcome by the emotion of losing the most important people in the world to him, he collapsed in a heap right there on the floor of the ICU.  Several nurses and doctors came to his support as he convulsed with deep sobs.  He couldn’t find the words and was completely lost in the midst of all of those around him.  Only 24 hours earlier he was tickling his little girl and giving his wife a hug and a kiss goodbye as he left for work.  How could his life have been turned upside down in a moment like this?  Who should he call, what should he do now, why was this happening, where was God?
Tragedy strikes all of us at one point or another in our life.  We can’t control it and often times, no most times, it is completely unclear as to the rhyme or reason for the events as they take place.  We struggle with answers to basic questions as we look for closure and grieve the loss.  In our human intellect, we want to rationalize the event, to understand and make sense of the reasons why.  Most of us at some point will look to our heavenly Father for the explanation, because we can’t wrap our head around the cause or purpose of the situation.  Even more so, most of us will look to blame God for the event, or for not stopping the event.

In multiple circumstances I have heard a grieving individual seeking answers from God and challenging God at the same time.  “God, if you are all knowing and sovereign; why would you allow this to happen?” or “God, where is your miraculous healing?”  Some even challenge their own life and recall their sinful nature, believing that their past actions have caused God to punish them in this way.  In most of these situations there is no way for you or I to have the answers to these questions.  It’s important to be there for them, comfort them and reassure them that God is a loving Father, not a vengeful enemy.

The one thing we can be sure of is that God gave His only Son, to suffer on a cross and die, then to be raised again on the third day, in order to save us from our inherent sinful life.  In doing so, He washed away all sinful actions and redeemed us to live with Him in heaven one day.  This act was sufficient for our salvation and demonstrated the unparalleled love that He has for us.  The blood of Christ atoned for the sinful nature of humanity.  God has no reason to punish us or to cause grief in our life based on our past sins.  The trials that we face are nothing more than an opportunity to draw closer to God and build a stronger relationship with and reliance upon Him.  He is our comforter, our strength and our peace.  He is the one to turn to in times of pain, grief and uncertainty.  The natural inclination is to turn away from Him and blame Him, which is precisely what the evil one wants you to do.  When tragedy strikes, look to the heavens and realize that God is alive, He is with you and He will see you through the trials.  He is our Abba Father – filled with only love, goodness and mercy; which He has prepared to pour out upon you if you want to receive it.

If you are grieving today, and are faced with trials; take it to the Lord right now.  Lay out your worries, concerns, anger and fears.  Let His peace and grace wash over you so that you may know you are loved.  Do not lose focus of the eternal as you struggle to see through the temporary obstacles of the day. 

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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Counting Down

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 “Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath “ – Psalm 39:4-5

My number is greater than 8,241 but still less than 26,491.  That certainly narrows it down now doesn’t it?  This is what it would be like if we had an LED on the bedroom wall and every morning you woke to the daily countdown.  Even the Psalmist (believe to be David) wanted to know how many more days he had left.  There is something about deadlines (literally in this case) that help us plan accordingly.

I’d still be a procrastinator.  It’s in my personality, I work best with a finish line mentality, a conclusion to the hard work.  I think many of us operate this way, intentionally or inadvertently.  Play out the scenario with me though.  At what point in my life clock countdown would I wake up and say, “Okay God, it’s time to live for you now.”  Would I use the traditional value of a tithe at 10%, and keep the other 90% to myself and my fun filled action?  According to the University of Washington research in June 2011, the high mark of life expectancy of an average male is 81 years, that’s 29,565 days.  A tithe would mean dedicating 2,956 complete days to the Lord with zero thought, words or activities not focused 100% on Him.

Let’s say that I spend 1 hour a day focused on God through prayer time, serving others, going to church or reading/studying scriptures.  That 1 hour represents 1/24^th of my day (4.2%).  If I have lived 17,309 days at 4.2% for the Lord, that would total 721 days.  If the countdown on the wall read only 12,256 days left, I would need to dedicate 2,235 of those days to God just to reach my 10%.  That means 18% of every day (4.4 hours) in complete focus on His glory and awesomeness.  All of this assumes that I am average and my countdown clock is on target with the “average” male.

There are 2 take aways from this quick analysis. First, It’s amazing how little time we actually spend worshipping and loving God when you put it on a grander scale like a lifetime.  The bible asks for us to offer 10% of our time, talent and treasure back to His kingdom; and He will in turn bless us abundantly, to the point of overflowing.  Based on the above math, I am significantly lacking in the amount of time I am giving back to God.  Secondly, I am thankful that there is no countdown clock on the wall.  The reality is that we need to be living every day as if it is our last.  Worshiping and praising as an expression of love and adoration of the One who created us.  Seeing a clock on the wall, allows procrastinators, like me, to always put it off until tomorrow.  Tomorrow is not promised to any of us, it is but the next step in our yet to be lived life plan.  Live today for the Lord.  Celebrate in the now and for what He has given you.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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Worldly Idol

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 “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. “ – Romans 12:3

How tall is your pedestal?  Many of us have at one point or another put ourselves at the top of a pedestal, whether deserving or not.  The talents, skills and knowledge we have acquired through our life experiences differentiate us, one from another, in such a way as to create an artificial hierarchy.  Just look at society in general and look at those that we put on pedestals for one reason or another.  Celebrities, Athletes, Music Artists, Government Officials, Models and Sex Symbols are all idolized on the covers of magazines, televisions and across the blogs of the world.  Yet, take away the makeup, uniforms, badges and public image; who are we really looking at?  Just another individual who has been given gifts from God above.  The key question is whether they are using those gifts for His purpose or are they using those gifts for their own edification.

God uses people in many circumstances to make a difference in the lives of others.  We are His hands and feet on this earth and it is not without purpose that we are placed in specific situations to use the gifts He has given us.  This doesn’t make us special or lofty in comparison with every other person on this planet.  For God’s love is equal amongst all mankind, and His desire that not one should fall away is true for every one of us.  Humility is the course of action when influencing this world on behalf of God.

He is the only righteous One worthy of glory, honor and praise.  When we begin accepting the praises of others it acts as a wedge between serving God and serving ourselves.  If your talents and gifts are in the area of singing, teaching, writing, sewing, cooking, cleaning, athletics, technology, praying or any other area; determine how you can use it for God.  Give Him the glory for providing your talents and ensure that all praise is to Him and Him alone.  In this way you are truly worshiping Him and drawing closer to Him.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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Matter of the Mind

 
 

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 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. “ – Romans 12:2

Walk in peace today; all of you who happen to be on the receiving end of this message this morning.  Allow your heart to be filled with His love today, and share that love with those that you meet throughout the day.  The opportunity to reach the world is present whenever you and I allow the Holy Spirit to reach within our heart and transform us to think differently. 

The world’s message is one of self indulgence, personal gratification, “It’s all about me”, succeed at any cost and then help others.  When we choose to walk within this attitude we deceive ourselves to believe that we are in control of our destiny.  We separate ourselves from the Creator, the farther down this path we walk.

Do you remember the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)?  The son takes all of his inheritance and pursues life’s pleasures.  He chases the self indulgent lifestyle that appears so attractive on the surface.  Eventually, as it will with every one of us, it is discovered to be empty of any real substance, for the pleasures are temporary.  Upon return his father spares no expense to welcoming him home.  Likewise, your Father in heaven will spare no expense in welcoming you home; even to the point of sacrificing His own Son for your redemption. 

The world’s view on life is to get as much as you can before you die.
God’s view of life is to give as much grace and love to others as possible before you die.

In either case, the end will come, and when it does our eternal fate will have been set.  Shift your thinking from focusing on the patterns of the world to focusing your mind on the spirit of God and rest in the joys that will last forever with Him in eternity.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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Here I am to Worship

 

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 “And so dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you give your bodies to God, give your whole life to God because of all He has done for you.  Let them be a living and holy sacrifice, the kind that He will find acceptable.  This is truly the way to worship Him.“ – Romans 12:1

So many people today are seeking purpose, the most common question on the minds of our youth is “Why am I here?”  The reality of man’s purpose on this spinning orb in the Milky Way galaxy has caused many to stop living life aimlessly and become invigorated to pursue life with a passion.  Have you ever taken the time to ponder the possibilities in life beyond the next corner?  Or, are you like most of us and just trying to make it through one more day?

Face it, busyness has enveloped our daily lives and as so often happens, our focus becomes centered around our worries, our concerns and our problems rather than on the One who should be receiving more of our time, not less.  Jesus did not look at Peter and John and say, “Hey, if you’re not too busy, do you want to follow me?”  What did he say in Matthew 4:19 or to Matthew in Matthew 9:9?  “Come, Follow Me.”  It wasn’t a question, it wasn’t a suggestion, it was a command.  They did.

Why are you any different?

Come on, this was Peter, John and Matthew.  They were the original disciples and Jesus was standing in their midst.  Of course they followed Him.  They gave everything they had to follow Him though.  Everything.  This is the 21^st century, times have changed, life’s not as simple, there are bills to pay, kids need to go to school and so on and so on, right?  Have we chosen that our own life dreams, goals and ambitions are more important than following His call?  I look at my life and realize just that. 

We are called to follow Him and this will not be reduced to a second priority.  The choice we have to make comes down to our desire to pursue our worldly success in life or to pursue His eternal plan.  We must get past the acceptance that it is okay to “dabble” in following Christ.  It’s all in or it’s not.  We look for our purpose in life as if it is going to make us feel complete.  Worshipping God the Father is our purpose in life.  Lifting praise and worship to Him draws us closer to realizing why we are here.  At some point today, we all need to stop and find a quiet moment to simple tell God how much we love Him and worship Him in whatever way you can.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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Walk with Confidence

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"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."      - Joshua 1:9

The turning of the page so to speak in the Israelites flight to the promised land.   Moses had passed away without crossing over the river Jordan and experiencing the joys and abundance the Lord had promised.  Joshua was now to take the reins and lead the children of God into the land God had prepared for them.  Just as Joshua needed to hear from the Lord that day, as I’m sure the emotions were high and the task at hand seemed overwhelming, we need to hear it as we face the challenges in our lives. 

God’s promise was clearly articulated to Joshua on that day.
v 5a. “No one can stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, I will be with you.  I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  - I’m sure Joshua took that to heart.  I mean if the God of the Universe told me that no one could ever defeat me, I’d be walking pretty tall and confident.  Regardless of what challenge he came upon or who threatened his life or his purpose, he knew without a doubt that God was his protector.  But it required Joshua to be very strict in following the law handed down to Moses, and to meditate on it day and night. 

How much more so are you in need of God’s promise to walk with you daily and be your protector?  I surely have fallen at moments in my life when I was fearful and in need of a certain, strong provider.  Drawing on the faith that only through God can a situation be resolved, forces one to reflect on His promises to us, similar to His promise to Joshua.  Do you recall in Matthew 28:20, “…surely I am with you always, even to the very end of the age.”  These were the words from Jesus to His disciples to encourage them after His death and resurrection.  This same spirit that was given to the disciples is available to you and I, if we so chose to accept and grab a hold of it.  Also, I’m sure you’ve heard Paul’s words to the Hebrews, in the 13^th chapter the 5^th verse “… Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”  The same claim from Joshua 1:5 is recalled here by Paul in his epistle to the Hebrew nation, not by co-incidence, but carefully thought out and perfectly structured to encourage them and us 2000 years later.

We need to hold true to these promises of Jesus Christ and those of His disciples recorded in the New Testament.  God is our provider, our comforter, our strong tower and our protector.  He will stand before us against all enemies and protect our rear from evil that might approach unseen.  You can trust in God’s promises to His children just as Joshua did as he led them into the Promised Land flowing with milk and honey.  Pass them on to your children, and their children.  The God of the Universe is with you everywhere you go and will not forsake you.

Prayer:Heavenly Father,
We hold firm to the truth that you are in our presence and our stronghold in times of need.  You are our protector and our comforter.  We lean upon the promise that no one can stand against us; no evil, unrighteous and ungodliness act can succeed against Your power in our lives.  Even unto death we are victorious when we are walking in Your light.  Build within me the strength and confidence to draw upon Your promise as I face trials, tribulation and strife, for I have faith in Your Son Jesus Christ as the redeemer of my soul.  Amen.

(c) Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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Clearing the To-Do List

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"Tell those who are rich in this age not to be arrogant and not to place their confidence in anything as uncertain as riches. Instead, let them place their confidence in God, who lavishly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. " – 1 Timothy 6:17 {Read 1 Timothy 6}

Today’s TO-DO list contains all of the things that will vie for my attention in the next 24 hours.  Typically there are 10 to 15 things on that list each day, and by the end of the day when the lights get turned out I have focused on 7 or 8 of them with any level of earnest effort.  We all prioritize events in our lives with the confidence that if we focus enough time and effort on these things we can create some level of breathing room and find some rest from this hectic lifecycle we have created.  The real struggle though is as we are taking things off of this list, those around us are putting more things on this list. 

Let me ask you, what’s the first thing on your list today?

Is it Quiet Time with God?  If not, why not?

Starting each day focused on the Creator of Life centers our being on the most important aspect of life – our Spirituality and Eternal direction.  I propose that if we continue to attempt to handle life’s challenges on our own without His loving support we are destined to failure in our attempts.  God is not going to solve your problems for you and make your problems go away, but a dedicated, committed focus on Him and His direction for your life each day, center your perspective on the important things.

You and I are both going to die one day.  Martin Luther King Jr. stated it well one day in a eulogy speech at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama after the death of 3 children standing up for freedom: “Death comes to every individual.  There is an amazing democracy about death… Kings die and beggars die; rich men and poor men; old people die and young people die.  Death comes to the innocent and it comes to the guilty.  Death is the irreducible common denominator for all men.”  (MLK, Sept. 1963)  The validity of his statements are that nothing you do can prevent this event from happening in your life.  Collecting wealth, treasures on earth, solving the days biggest problems or clearing off your To-Do list is not going to prevent the inevitable.  Starting each day with a more in depth understanding of God’s purpose in your life and His path for your life is going to store up fruit for you for eternity.

One day you will see what comes after this life is complete.  For those following the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, our destiny has been established.  It is eternity with God the Father.  That is what we need to be preparing for each day.  So I highly suggest that you put that at the top of your To-Do list today and every day.  When that is working the rest will begin to sort itself out in your mind and you’ll find it is much easier to prioritize the requirements for each day with a new perspective

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
For additional Daily Thoughts, please visit: http://www.10minutereader.com