Keeping His Promise

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“For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself” – Hebrews 6:13

Walking through the park I take the opportunity to look around at the families enjoying quality family time.  Some are lying on blankets and enjoying the sun, while others are swinging their children on the swings or watching them carefully scale the climbing ropes or the steps to the slide.  The children run, laugh and simply enjoy the day in the park.  My visit to the park resulted from a plea by my 5 year old, Emma, to learn to ride her bike without training wheels.

A request that had been made several times over the last 3 or 4 weeks.  Each time the request had come in, I had responded the same way: “We will go the park and learn to ride the bike this summer.  I promise you’ll be riding a bike before you start school in the Fall.”  Promises made by a father are held dearly by the little ones around us.  I had made this promise to Emma with the full intention of executing on it at some point this summer, but honestly I had given myself a 13 week window.  In her eyes she was counting down the days until she was out of school and it came to fruition last weekend.  Emma came to me on Sunday after church and with her incredible brown eyes, simply said; “Daddy, is it summer now.”  I wasn’t on the same page as her and responded, “Sure, you’re out of school now.”  To which she quickly responded, “Can we go to the park and learn to ride the bike now?”  So, we ended up in the park that afternoon and Emma was riding a bike all by herself by the end of the day.

If I look to mankind and the promises made by our politicians, our employers, our friends and family; I am skeptical that they will fulfill the promises they have made.  Not because they are intent on disappointing, but because often times they aren’t the ones fully in control of the required actions.  On the other hand, our Heavenly Father has made promises to us that He will send His Son back and we will join Him in heaven one day.  He wasn’t as specific on the exact date and time, but similar to Emma and her bicycle, I often find myself impatient awaiting His return.  I trust completely in His promises though, and despite my impatience, I stand on the faith that He is just, sovereign and righteous.  He will fulfill what He has promised; for in God there is no deceit, there is no unrighteous act, there is no sin.  There is not higher authority that He needs to get the approval of, or counsel with in order to act.  He is the Supreme Authority on all things and it is only through His plan that salvation and judgment will take place. 

Do not compare the weakness and inconsistent behavior of mankind with the perfection of God.  When God promises something, it is as good as done, and simply requires our faith, trust and belief in His plan for execution.  Do not grow weary in waiting for His return, but take faith in knowing that He will.  Then you are free to live this life knowing that your eternity is secured in His word and promise.    

Prayer:

Loving Father,

We rejoice in Your promise of eternity.  We long to be with You, and rest in Your glory.  Give us the patience and endurance in this life that we might further Your message of love, peace and mercy to those around us.  Help us, Lord, to be examples to others of Your Son’s love and forgiveness as other’s observe our nature.  We remain focused on the prize and turn away from the distractions in life.  In Your name we pray – Amen

             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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The Willing Servant

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“I {Paul} have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers"   – 2 Corinthians 11:26

There will come a day when you are challenged for what you believe and why you believe it.  In this modern age of the 21st century we live in a society where people generally try to just “get along” with each other and stay out of each other’s business.  I happen to live in a country where individuals are free to raise their voice and praise a god of their choosing, without legal condemnation.  This is not the case in many countries of the world.  It is against the law to preach Christianity outside of an approved church building in some Asian countries.  It is against the law to try to convert a Moslem to Christianity in many Middle Eastern countries.  The fear for one’s safety, freedom and human rights is taken for granted by most Christians in today’s society, because we aren’t faced with the daily pressure of trying to reach a population that is unreceptive. 

Paul, after his conversion on the road to Damascus, spent his entire life preaching, evangelizing and attempt to convert others to Christianity.  This included Jews, Gentiles, Romans and anyone else who would listen.  He preached to rulers, Governors, citizens, religious leaders, laborers, slaves, teachers, rabbis, and even Caesar himself (Acts 27:23-24). Imprisoned multiple times for his preaching, his life threatened on numerous occasions, but nothing could deter Paul from his God ordained purpose in life. 

Was Paul an extraordinary individual, and holier than you or I?  No.  Paul’s testimony was given time and time again in countries all around the Mediterranean area including Greece, Rome, Israel, Galatia, Ephesus, Phyrigia, Syria, Mysia , and many other areas in what would be modern day Bulgaria, Turkey and Iran.  His travels and missionary trips could be credited for bringing the Christian faith to what is today Europe.  But notice that Paul did not travel Eastward toward Asia as recorded in Acts 16:6; “…having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.”  Here is what differentiates Paul from most of us, as followers of Jesus Christ.  Paul was a willing servant to the Lord.  He was willing to do whatever God asked him to do.  He was so in touch with the Holy Spirit through his daily studies and relationship with the Lord that his desires in life no longer drove his actions.  He surrendered his plan for his life to pursue the plan God had designed for him.

Paul, the Apostle, is an image of someone who pursued his faith with a fervent love, respect and reverence for the Lord.  Most Christians in today’s world (2.1 billion as we discussed yesterday) are what I consider comfortable Christians.  Our walk with the Lord occupies less than 10% of our daily thought and activity, 30% is spent resting and 60% is focused on living out our plans for life.  These are choices we make in life that separate us from the Saints of the Bible.  Peter, Paul, John, Mark, Luke, Stephen and so on all chose to dedicate their life to serving the One and only God of the Universe with everything they had.  We shouldn’t hold them up as idols, but understand that the same Holy Spirit that dwelt within them is available to you.  People are constantly asking the question, “What is my purpose?” , and the answer is pretty straight forward.  Give your life wholeheartedly to God, and it will become very obvious.  He gives you the choice.  That’s the God I serve.

Prayer:

Almighty God,

You have given us mighty examples of men of faith, courage and wisdom that have chosen to follow You unashamedly and without abandon.  Paul, Peter, John and the others all gave their complete life to You as a vessel to be used for Your Kingdom.  We look to them as examples of what serving looks like and we seek that same passion within our own heart.  You have promised to meet our every need in life, and to use the willing servant; help us to come to that decision and strengthen our faith and trust in You Lord, to step out and actually serve You.  In Your name I pray – Amen

             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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He Knows My Name

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"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?" - Luke 15:4

He knows them by name. As the shepherd sat at the top of the hill, overlooking Bethlehem, he kept close watch over the sheep that roamed the hillside. There were so many, it was impossible to count them all. As the day went on, the sun became hot and he realized that he needed to move them closer to the river for shade and a drink. Using his stick and lifting his fingers to his lips he whistled. Bleating and baaing, the sheep began moving instinctively along the narrow path over the side of the hill. Then barking was heard as well, as 2 Australian Sheep dogs came from behind the rocks.

They split as they began running along side the sheep on opposing sides. A nip here and a growl, a bark and a body nudge now and then, these 2 dogs herded the sheep in a congregation with the shepherd pulling up the rear. Over the side of the hill they proceeded to walk and down into the valley the 1/2 mile or so toward the river's edge. As the shepherd watched and whistled his commands from the back of the flock, the dogs would respond in action. Then it happened. As one of the dogs were chasing along the side a single sheep was split from the group as the path took a bend around a rocky ledge.

The shepherd called out a command to the dog on that side and said in his native dialect, "Shaina split" at which the dog broke away from his natural pattern and moved to the rear of the flock. The shepherd with staff in hand began descending the rocky ledge in search of the one sheep - "Shaina". The other dog instinctively moved from his side to the center and widened his circular pattern. Together they continued the herd moving forward. The whole flock had moved perhaps 50 meters farther down the path, when coming up from the rear was the shepherd carrying the wayward sheep over his shoulders. Upon reaching the flock he set the sheep down and the dogs, resumed their roles along the sides. As the path narrowed through the valley, the trees were providing shade and the sun became hidden by the rising hill behind them. The sheep, all of them, were now safely in the valley and enjoying fresh grass still wet with dew, and drinking from cool river bed. The shepherd and his 2 dogs took a spot near a shaded outcrop of rocks and watched their flock through the afternoon.

We are kept in line by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Their constant observations of our life choices and actions result in conviction and guidance to steer us back to the narrow path. Through the scriptures we learn of the Son of God and we are guided on how to live this life. Sometimes begrudgingly, sometimes with anxiousness, but always with an understanding of where we are going. The Holy Spirit dwelling within each of us is a constant companion that delivers God's love and conviction in our decision making. The Father knows each of us by name and has promised to carry us when we struggle, back into the fold of fellow believers all going the same direction. There is not one that escapes His vision or compassion. Each with an ear for His voice will come when He calls them, and He will recieve them into life eternal with Him.

Praise God for His mercy, love and guidance to keep us on track and within His fold.
             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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It’s Not All Roses

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"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”  - John 15:18

   The three words that eat away at each of us. If you have children that is, for those of you without children perhaps it's not as daunting. When a child utters the phrase, "I hate you." something is stirred inside. We try so hard as parents to love our children, to keep them safe and advise them on how to avoid the pitfalls that we may have tripped over. Unfortunately our advice often comes across as control and the older our children become the less they want to be controlled. But, it's not just our children who hate us, is it?

Has it happened to you? Has someone verbally stated their anger in a way of hatred? I am constantly reminded through a variety of mediums of those that despise Christianity, even to the point of hatred. I ask myself why. Why do people feel so strongly against Christianity, yet less so against other religions of the world? What makes it so different that it causes such an emotional reaction from some to the point where Christians are being killed for their beliefs even in the 21st century.

I realize it is a very complex situation, but I have a hypothesis. Christ tells us this will happen in John 15. In His infinite wisdom and comprehensive understanding of humanity, He could easily see that the core fundamentals of being a Christian would contradict the human emotion, logic and our desire for control. What are these core fundamentals: servitude, humility, love, justice, faith, accept Christ as Savior and Lord and most importantly that He is the one and only way to the Father. But, to accept that means we must give up control of life and trust in something we cannot see or touch. Taking the gospel as God's truth, based strictly on face value without scientific proof is counter to man's desire for research and hard facts.

To accept Christianity as truth means accepting these things, and thereby accepting that Revelations is equally true. The rigidness and narrowness of following Christ sets it apart from nearly every other religious philosophy where good works, karma, and man's love of self (to name a few) establish eternal status. In the end I believe much of the hatred for Christians (then and now) stems from a fear that it just might be true. This fear leads to actions of abolishing those that believe; by doing so then God's eternal plan can be controlled by man. This sounds an awful lot like it is with our children when we try to control them. We give them advice that will cause the least amount of harm and they rebel. Similarly, our Father in heaven attempts to lead us down a path that is filled with His love and grace, and mankind rebels.

What we learn from Jesus though is to somehow love them, even when they despise and hate us for our beliefs. Jesus was hated by the masses, and took it all to the cross, where he was able to forgive them all.

 

             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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