I’m So Small

Make 2014 a year of Sharing

“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”” – Psalm 46:10

Shhhh….it’s awfully quiet in my world today.  Closing my eyes I realize that perhaps there is more than meets the eye.

The mourning doves are cooing, there’s a distant sound of a radio in the background playing KSBJ – Christian music.  A squirrel scurries up a tree, little claws digging into soft bark, as he carries his latest treasure to a higher branch.  Invisible, yet ever present is the soft hum of traffic on the busy roads.  It’s even possible to hear that one or two of these cars need some mechanical work as the noise randomly gets louder and then softer again.  A rumble from above, as the contrails of Boeing airplane, flying at 38,000 feet, slice through the blue canopy of my morning sky.  And then there is the  steady thumping, which draws my attention to the neighbor working on that old tree stump a few doors down. There is an echoing of a rifle shot in the distance that trails off just as another explodes, the hunters are back in the woods bright and early this morning.  Finally, I hear the wind stirring and creating collisions between the leaves and branches on my trees. 

I’ve just captured a matter of 2 minutes of quietly listening to the things around me this morning.  This is all within my “bubble” of existence in this glorious world.  Perhaps the farthest reach of my senses is 7 miles into the atmosphere, and to think the world is 25,000 miles around with a diameter of 7961 miles.  It’s amazing how much is really going on every second of every day in this world.  If we don’t pause and take it all in, how much do we miss each day?

Do you want to try to fathom the greatness of God?  Consider this.  He is with every person, in every home, in every town, village or city, in every county, in every state, in every country, on every continent around this globe at the same time.  He is intimately knowledgeable about every thought, every dream, every heartache and every joy on the minds and in the hearts of every one of us at the same time.  He is creating (on average) 4 lives every second of every day, while just under 2 lives are taken every second of every day.  Each and every one of those 358,192 people born every day will be born into a life of sin and will one day be drawn to make a decision on whether He even exists or not. 

This only touches on the human capital that He has created.  Consider also that He created every creature, great and small, every plant, weed, flower, seed, grain of sand, kernel of corn and so on and so on.  Every drop of water was created by His hand alone.  Tonight, walk outside and look up.  As far as you can see, He created it all.  The stars, the moon, the constellations, the vapors that make up every cloud, are all the result of His creation.  Finally, consider that we are only seeing a small microcosm of the Milky Way galaxy.  There a potentially millions of other galaxies in this vast universe that are completely unknown to mankind.  Yet, knowing all of the above, some of us have the audacity to actually question and challenge God’s ways.  Seriously.  Do we truly believe that God owes us an answer for why this or that happens in life?  He’s God, let us not forget or respect that.

Heavenly Father,

I humble myself before You and lift You up in my praise and worship this morning. I praise the creation of my very existence that I might live for You and serve You throughout my life. I honor You with my words and actions that others might come to know You better and respect Your power and glory. Teach us Lord of Your ways that we might hold them close to our heart and draw upon them daily to impact the world for You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and grace so that righteousness may come from my work on earth. I lift my worship to You, in Your name I pray - Amen.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

But Why?

Make 2014 a year of Sharing

“But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water.” – 2 Peter 3:5

As a parent of 5 children I have heard this single phrase more than any other in my lifetime: “But why?”  We are creatures of intelligence and curiosity.  We want to know the answers, even though in most cases we do not even know the questions.  We are taught in Philosophy 101 to always question life and it is a skill to learn to be a “critical thinker”.  Throw logic out the window and drive every conversation to a definitive state of fact or fiction.  We are taught of the fallacies of conversation, and that if a statement contains a fallacy then it must therein be false and dismissed.  An example: “Unless you can prove that this glass breakage occurred by human or natural means, then you must admit that my idea, that ghosts are responsible, is correct. You've already admitted that you can't disprove my idea.” 

Eventually though, we run out of answers before we run out of questions.  You only need to ask “How”  or “Why” a few times before you have exceeded the knowledge of legitimate answers to any puzzling debate.  David, my 8 year old son, and I were walking together the other day and we started down this game of “But why?”  It quickly went from the original statement about a cool motorcycle we saw in a parking lot, to a grandmother that had 3 kids and couldn’t afford to buy them bicycles for school.  It took about 6 questions of “But Why?” and a whole lot of imagination to craft an elaborate story (none of which was known to be true) about a man’s dreams, his life and work, his upbringing, his siblings, his parents and their inability to give him things that other kids had.  The truth of the matter was that we had no idea whose motorcycle it was, yet alone if he had a bicycle as a child.

Asking questions is not a bad thing, but it often times leads someone to answer based on a limited amount of fact, simply because we don’t have proof.  I hold the scriptures up as fact and fully without any reservation believe the truths written within.  I do not claim to fully grasp the meaning with any depth or understanding, but I do embrace the reality that God is our creator and that thousands of years ago He created this world around us from the waters.  Others will argue that our existence was a random event spun into motion through a massive “Big Bang” in the cosmos billions of years ago.  Likewise, their hypothesis has no provable beginning, other than existence of life, matter and the solar system.  But, if indeed there were a Big Bang which spun our existence into motion and began our evolution, than a few simple but why’s go unanswered. 

“Why did randomness suddenly become perfect order?”  If indeed there was a random Big Bang, than why are the planets so perfectly aligned around the sun, and have remained there for all of time without follow on randomness.

“Why did a random event create a perfect balance of nature and man?”  Trees create oxygen which man requires.  Man exhales carbon-dioxide which trees require.  Where is the randomness in that creative process?

 The list goes on.  With an accepted existence of a Supreme Authority, God Almighty, these random events become perfectly planned.  From a book written thousands of years ago, His creative process is clearly explained in detail after detail.  For some reason though, some choose to think of these scriptures as fantasy and would rather put their faith and trust in a illogical fallacy riddled with but why questions.  For the individual looking for the truth, Genesis 1 & 2 are as clear as day, but it requires that we accept the existence of God.  This is the real problem for many of the Big Bang and Evolution advocates.  Accepting that there is something unseen, unheard and unfelt is too large of a stretch for their controlling mindset.  They would rather leave the question unanswered and remain in control of their life with no accountability to a greater authority.

As for me, just as the oxygen comes in through my nose, I believe with all of my heart and soul that my body was perfectly created by the hand of God Almighty in such intricate that there is not one other soul in this entire planet like me.  I am not a random act evolved over billions of years from a mud crawling organism into a species of living being just like every other, I am uniquely created for the purpose of serving my Father in all of His glory.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Don't Worry, I've Got It

Make 2014 a year of Sharing

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”   – James 4:10

“I’ve got it”, he says as is often the case when my son thinks he is big enough to do something by himself.  This is often followed by the comment, “Daddy, could you maybe just give me a little help.”  This reminds me so much of myself in life, as I deal with problems that come along with working too much, raising a family, paying the bills and trying to be a good husband and father. 

When do you turn to God for help?  If you’re like me and struggle with the issue of self confidence and pride, than it is typically after you have exhausted all of your own means to solve the problem.  I’ve often thought about how much pain, aggravation and time I could have saved if I had just gone to God earlier in any particular situation.  Why does it seem that we always wait until the very last minute before asking God for help?

God tells us to bring all things before Him and He will direct our paths.  In Jeremiah 10:23 it says, “I know, O LORD, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.”  Yet, inherent in each of us is the knowledge and wisdom, above all other created things, to think for ourselves and solve problems in life.  In general people do not want to be dependent on anyone or anything.  It is something that happens during our adolescent years.  As a child we are dependent upon our parents, or caregivers, for food, shelter and love.  There comes a point as teenagers though where arrogance and self reliance kick in.  It’s at this time, we begin believing, right or wrong, that we no longer need adult supervision.  This independence can lead young adults to the point in life where they no longer look to others help, including the Lord.

Proverbs 18:10 tells us, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe”  We are designed by God to be reliant upon Him.  We have trouble in life because it gives us the ability to humble ourselves and turn to God for help, and He promises us throughout the scriptures that He will be our strong tower and refuge during the storms in our lives.  Put aside the arrogance of thinking you can solve these problems on your own, and accept that God wants to help you.  Yes, even with the small things in life that you think you can do by yourself.  His desire is for you to realize that you can rely on Him for your every need.

Prayer:
Loving Father,

You are our refuge in times of trouble and trials in our life.  As it states in Proverbs we run to You and will be protected.  Help us to break down the pride, arrogance and self reliance that keeps us from You.  Strengthen us with Your mighty word that we will come to trust You more and realize that through You we can do all things.  I look to You for my strength and courage, and my ever present power to solve life’s problems.  In Your name we pray - Amen

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Go, Wash Up Again

Make 2014 a year of Sharing

““Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” – Isaiah 1:18

Her smile is infectious and capable of melting the hearts of all who come in contact with her.  It’s a good thing, and will likely get her out of trouble when she gets a bit older.  Emma is every bit of 6 and full of life.  From playing with her Barbies and dolls, to swimming, bike-riding, side walk chalk, gymnastics or just plain coloring at the kitchen table, she does everything with exuberance.  Last night we went to Baskin Robbins for a desert night.  By the time we were ready to go I looked at Emma and she was wearing her chocolate fudge ice cream from the bottom of her chin to the bridge of her nose and all over her high boned cheeks.  Off we went to the bathroom to get washed up before leaving for home, all the while she is joking and laughing with everyone in the store about how good her ice cream was.  Three or 4 minutes later we walk out of the bathroom and Emma is spotless once again.  Not a single trace of ice cream on her hands, face or chin for that matter.  I gathered up all of the trash, cups and spoons and disposed of them properly and waited by the door for the family to catch up.  As Emma walked out the door of Baskin Robbins she threw away the remains of her cone.  Looking up she wanted me to carry her.  As I looked into her beautiful eyes, I couldn’t help but see the dark brown circle of chocolate that had formed once again around her chin, cheeks and nose as if we had never gone to wash up at all.  A quick napkin wipe and she was back to clean again, laughing and giggling the whole time.

We are all struggling every single day to stay clean in this walk.  Life is filled with temptations and we are prone to seek out that which is, on the surface, desirable and pleasing to our temporary satisfaction.  Often times, despite our intent to avoid temptations we find ourselves right in the middle of giving in once again.  The incredible thing about God is that His grace is still sufficient and His love is ever flowing.  When we hit our knees at night and lift up our sins to the Father, He is quick to forgive and cast them away as if they never existed.  There is no lingering memory that will be used to bring guilt or shame, for these are from the enemy.  Even Paul continued to struggle with sin on a daily basis, yet he put his trust in Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord, to overcome the guilt and shame brought on by the enemy.  In Romans 7, Paul’s expounds on his desire to do what is good, yet the sin that is within him and within this world continues to do what is not good.  He rests on the love and grace of the Father though, who will deliver him from his fleshly desires.

We are cleaned up by our Father, and then another day comes along where we are facing the same wickedness that is in our flesh.  We are not hypocrites, but simply struggling followers of Jesus Christ, trying to overcome the temptations in this life.  Do not beat yourself up over your weakness, but draw on Him that can overcome the sin in your life.  You cannot compete with Satan on his terms, but Jesus Christ can and will.  Your clothes will be as white as snow, and the only way to keep them that way is to trust and rely on the grace of your Father, not on your own abilities.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com

What Are You Doing Here?

Make 2014 a year of Sharing

“And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again” – Mark 8:31

“He will not make it through the night”, the Doctor told the family in the waiting room.  One by one they filed into the room for their goodbyes.  As the boy’s father stepped to the edge of his bed, he grabbed his son’s hand and began to encourage him.  “You’re going to be okay.  We’ll beat this, you just hang in there and do what the Doctor’s tell you.  Soon we’ll be back on the bikes and riding trails again.  I love you son.”  The tragic accident, several weeks prior, had left the son in a coma with significant internal damage, and the father with several broken bones, cuts and bruises.  At that moment though, the father would have given anything to take his son’s place or reverse time.  Staring into the scarred and bruised face of his 17 year old son, he broke down and apologized profusely.  “I’m so sorry.  I’m sorry, please forgive me.”

We are all going to face a situation where we are not in control of the outcome.  The Lord gives life and the Lord takes it away.  Most of us would never sign up for a specific date for our death if given the option.  Let’s face it, it is the one inevitable event in life, and yet very few want it.  With the realization that this life will end, we are given the opportunity to prepare for it, and prepare those around us as well.  For the most part, when death comes upon someone, a believer, their future is nothing but glorious wonder in the presence of our Savior.  There is nothing sad or fearful about it.  The sadness remains for those who are left here with the memories, the hole in our heart and the longing for one more hug or smile or “I love you.”

Jesus has told you exactly what will happen in the coming days, months or years.  Just as He told the disciples at Caesarea Philippi of His coming events, He has told us.  Just like Peter though, many of us refuse to believe that it will truly happen.  There is this small doubt in the back of our mind telling us that this life we have is comfortable and good enough.  We accept that Jesus walked the earth, died and rose again.  We accept that He is the Son of God.  Yet, we struggle to accept the rest of His word as truth.  Why is that? 

We spend our time trying to control what Jesus is capable of doing in our lives.  We realize what He has called us to do, but we shape it into actions that are easier and more in line with our objectives in life.  Just as Peter rebuked Jesus in front of the disciples, (Matt 16:22) “And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall never be unto thee.”   We are doing the same thing.  Even though it is clear in His word what we should be doing, we are telling Jesus, “I know you have told me the truth, but I am going to do it this way.”

If we took the scriptures literally and actually lived by the Word of God, what would this world look like.  If we truly understood and followed His call on our lives, how much more effective would we be in this world at bringing people to Christ and eternal life with the Father.  Death would become a celebration for the soul moving on to be with the Lord, rather than a mourning of our loss.  I challenge you today to begin to live as if you were dying.  Who would you want to share Jesus love with if you knew you only had 1 week left?  Is sharing Jesus love with the world even on your bucket list?  If not, why not?  Are there more important things you need to do in this life?  Just something you should contemplate over the weekend.  

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Look Around, It’s Changing

Make 2014 a year of Sharing

“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.” – Revelation 1:17

What will you do?
I hope you are a believer in the one and only Messiah, the Christ, the Son of God.  If you are not, I am very curious what you would do when you come face to face with Him?  There are testimony after testimony from all over the globe of first hand encounters with the Son of God.  I’m not making it up and I don’t believe they are either.  In Jordan, in Egypt, in Pakistan, in Israel, in Korea, in Russia and elsewhere there are numerous verbal and video testimonies of individuals who have encountered Jesus Christ within just the last few years.  One woman has been banished from her family and her Muslim community after giving her life to Christ.  A handicapped woman was abandoned by her family and cried out to Allah to heal her to no avail.  In a dream she comes face to face with the Christ, Jesus, Son of God who calls her to stand and walk, she is healed and blessed by Christ to take His message to the people.  It is happening all over the world, your choice is to decide are millions of people simply lying and falsifying their testimony for personal gain?  Are they walking away from their families and facing persecution in their communities to maintain a lie? 

If we are not going to take the message to the world, our Messiah has chosen to bring it himself.  Read and observe the information on what is going on across Muslim, Jewish and Hindu communities all over the world.  Jesus Christ is not waiting, for the end time does indeed draw nearer and nearer each passing moment.  Just because it is hard to accept something that has not happened to you personally, doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.  For your friends, family and neighbors that do not know of the Messiah, you have the opportunity to help them.  I personally do not believe we have long my friends.  Do your research on recent experiences happening all over the world.  Read your Bible, talk to God and follow His purpose.  Take your eyes off of your place in the world and ask Him one simple question: “God, What can I do for your kingdom today?”  Then choose to follow His call.

For your friends that do not believe.  Share these testimonies of people all over the world with them.  Help them realize that Jesus is not just a character in a book written thousands of years ago.  He is the Son of God, and He is ready to help them enter into His peace and mercy.  It’s up to you, what you do with this message, but do something.   

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

What is Stopping You

Make 2014 a year of Sharing

“A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.” – Mark 12:42-44

What I have noticed in life is that the more we have the harder it is to give it away.  There was a time in my career when I would scrape and dig just to find a few quarters or a dollar to put enough gas in the car to get home.  It was at those times, though, I was certain to put a tithe in the offering plate on Sunday morning’s.  This tithe was often times quite small, but fully represented my heart in giving back to God what He had given to me.  As we draw toward the time of year when taxes must be paid, I look at the unjust economic system and cringe as I realize that my Government is demanding nearly 3X what my God requests from me.  Where should my loyalty rest?

 I have been truly blessed in my life, not by any of my doing.  Certainly my fingers have been on the keyboard and my mind has been at work to shape and mold business structures of success and models that have helped the companies I have worked for.  But all of that comes from the Lord.  He alone has given me the wisdom, passion, gifts and strengths to achieve what my employer has asked me to accomplish.  I am able to deliver on projects at work only because the Lord has given me the strength and knowledge at the right time to provide guidance and leadership as necessary.  If it were not from His love for me and His desire to see me move forward in my career, I dare say I would still be digging for quarters.  My philosophy is simple: everything I have is from the Lord – money, material possessions, health, family, love, talents, skills, knowledge and passions.  For how could I have created a brain cell or a muscle or a tongue or eyes in order to do the things I have done since birth. 

Do not get me wrong, I am certainly aware that my life is an amalgamation of experiences, learnings, wisdom acquired through trial and error, and many mistakes along the way.  Just like you and every other one of the 6.3 billion people on this planet, I learned that a stove is hot, either by touching it or by listening to my parents.  I’m saying that before that, from the very moment of birth my brain was already functioning to the point of capability to take in these new experiences.  At birth, only minutes old you have already learned to breathe, cry, speak audible tones, hear, move your muscles, suckle and sleep.  Who taught you to do these things?  Where did that knowledge come from?  Your brain started to create knowledge long before you actually began experiencing life. 

There is no denial that something greater than I created myself.  By acknowledging this simple fact we must then come to realize that this greater force is still working within your mind and soul to survive and succeed in this world.  Nothing you have is without His doing, for at the core of your ability to achieve in life is His design, creation and execution.  You are a result of His creative process and therefore He is responsible for all that you have obtained.  Humble yourself to realize that though you are extremely knowledgeable, wise and capable in this life, it is only because He designed you to be.

What are you giving back to He that created you?  Malachi 3:10 we read, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.”   Why do we find is so hard to follow this simple guidance from the Lord?  A tithe is 10%.  This means 10% of your time should be focused on expanding God’s Kingdom, 10% of your talent should be given back to serving those in need and 10% of your treasure.  We shouldn’t give a tithe because it is the law, we should be tithing because it is our way to demonstrate our faith, love and thanksgiving for the Lord’s provision in our life.  You may not have a church family to tithe to.  If this is the case, than tithe to a local charity, food bank, shelter or ministry.  Give back to God what He has given to you, and trust in His promise to bless you.  As my Pastor has said many times, “I would much rather have 90% of my income with God’s blessings, than 100% without.”  Seems pretty logical to me.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

A Bigger Purpose

Make 2014 a year of Sharing

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

If you are married, you should know this.  If you are a parent, you should know this.  If you have a best friend, you should know this.  We are all called to put others before ourselves.  Relationships are built on trust and love between two people.  There are many depths of love that individuals can have for one another ranging from Eros (sensual/physical love) to Philia (friendship love) to Storge (affectionate love) to Thelema (desire) to Agape (love of the Father).  Each of these draw individuals together with the intent of strengthening a relationship.  The single key though is the selflessness and humility that is required.  The true art of loving another person comes from your ability to put their needs before your own. 

I’ve watched this in my own children from time to time.  As all siblings do from time to time, an argument will ensue over the possession of some object.  “It’s mine!”  “No, it’s mine!”  back and forth the sparring will continue.  This is a natural and normal part of growing up and discovering one’s ability to handle debate and conflict, so often times Lisa and I just let it play out.  What amazes me though is when one of them will stop, look at the conflict and internally decide that it’s not worth fighting over, and gives in.  “It’s okay, you can have it.”  Inside of their mind they are making a decision that it is more important for the other child to have joy, than it is to fight and argue over a toy.  A small but very real example of how the act of selflessness rather than selfishness can lead to peace and love. 

When you think about your purpose on this earth, it is really not about you at all.  God sent His Son in the ultimate selfless act to die so that you might believe in Him and have eternal life.  You did nothing to deserve this, or to achieve it.  He did it all for you.  With this eternal destiny, your life here is meant for nothing more than furthering His Kingdom and bringing others to the same destination.  You aren’t here to make millions, or to hide in your own little box while waiting for the end to come.  You are here to get out there and make a difference in the world, putting others first and loving them as Christ loved you. 

A truly selfless act is to help another find eternal peace.  You gain nothing in doing so.  For you do not own heaven or God’s love, but you realize the critical importance of a loved one’s eternal destiny.  It is this love for another that should drive you to want them to experience God’s love the same way you have.  The glory belongs to God Almighty and only God Almighty.  Your role is nothing more than bringing them to the point of experiencing it for themselves.  This is done by living Christ-like in all that you do and say.  Let them see Jesus in you, and when the appropriate time comes, introduce them to the Agape love that only the Father can provide.  No pride, no ego, no self-centered pats on the back – accept the fact that you are nothing more than a vessel used by God for His purpose.  Humbly walk in the path of the Savior and let His light shine through you and watch with amazement as the Lord does His work.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Conquerors Stand Up Again

Make 2014 a year of Sharing

“Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” – Romans 8:35,37

You are stronger than you can ever imagine.  The problem is that you have become dependent upon man rather than your heavenly Father.  True faith in God does not waver in times of difficulty or struggle it is strengthened by knowing that there is nothing in this world that can overcome the power and authority of your Father. 

Do you believe this?  Do you trust that your life is completely in the hands of your supreme Creator?  It’s easy for me to sit on this side of the internet and claim that you can see your way through the struggles in this life through simple faith.  But, how does one actually put it into action?  When you look at the gas tank and it’s empty and you do not have a dollar to your name, how is God going to solve that problem?  When you are getting daily calls from creditors and you haven’t had a job in months, and can’t find one – where is your Savior?  Loved one’s have lost their battle for life after months and sometimes years of praying, was God even listening?  How are all of these young girls kidnapped and sold into sex trafficking supposed to believe that nothing can separate them from the love of Christ?

For years I have struggled with this verse.  I look around at this world, and the evil and corruptness that is all around us.  We watch as the moral fabric of our society continues to decrease.  Our children are continually taught to tolerate the sinful world in which we live, rather than stand up for truth.  I am slowly coming to the realization of the truth in Jesus’ words in Matthew 10^th chapter: “"You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.” (v22) and “"Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (v28)  What will happen to my eternal life when everything I have is taken away, or my health fails, or I am persecuted, beaten or thrown into prison?  That is the area we must remained focused on.

This is the strength that God will empower you to live through the pain.  The reality life is that we all will die at some point.  This life is temporary and only a stepping stone to our eternal life with the Father.  As we observe the struggles and hardship in this life, we have the opportunity to remain confident and filled with the peace in knowing that we are destined for eternity with Him.  With this acceptance and understanding we are no longer fearful of what others can do, or the persecutions that we will face, or the death of our loved ones.  With this faith in our eternal destiny we are capable of speaking and acting without abandon in our daily walk to further His kingdom.  The freedom that this realization brings to one’s life is the act of experiencing God’s love thoroughly.  Hardship is going to happen in this life, to not be naïve.   But, you must hold firm to that truth that your Father in heaven is your strength and will empower you to overcome all things in this life, with the promise of eternal life. Take hold of the conquering spirit you have within you as a child of God and rise up, despite your circumstances, for He is still on His throne.


© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Love – Beyond Compare

Make 2014 a year of Sharing

“The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have drawn you with loving kindness.” – Jeremiah 31:3

Who do you love and why do you love them?  It’s easy for us to set here this morning or evening and claim to love our spouse, fiancé, children, parents, family and friends.  But, what does it mean to love them, and why do you?  When did you first love them?  If it’s your girlfriend/boyfriend or spouse, perhaps you can remember your first date.  I certainly remember mine, but that’s a story for another time.  If you’re thinking of your children, I’m sure you first loved them the moment they were born, and you first held them in the delivery room.  What about your friends?  How and why do you love them and what does that even mean?  Now, I want each of you to carefully think about the time you started loving your parents.

For most you can’t remember an act of falling in love with your parents.  Your love for them began with your first breath, and the comfort that you felt when they held you close.  For some, you may not have experienced the love of a father for one reason or another, but there is not one of you reading this today that did not at one time feel the love of a mother.  You see, from the moment God created you in your mother’s womb, her blood began running through your cells and feeding the growth that would form your body, brain, heart and other organs.  You come from a creation process that is so incredibly linked to her it cannot be replicated in any other relationship in the world, despite our attempts.

This love you first experienced in this life was not something that you fell into.  No, it was created uniquely between you and your mother.  It was the single thing in your life that even comes close to the love of God the Father.  His love for you goes even beyond her love for you.  He loved you before you were created, from the beginning of time.  It cannot be measured by any earthly reference, for it surpasses our understanding in this life.  His love is eternal both in the past and into the future.  It has no end and cannot be changed.  One cannot escape His love, despite their actions and attempts (either intentional or not).  We cannot fathom the depths of what it means to love someone in this manner.

Do you love God?  We all want to immediately answer yes.  Do you love Him because you’ve been told too, or do you love Him because you don’t want to go to Hell, or do you love Him because you want to serve Him, or do you love Him because He is everything to you?  Generally, when people are honest with themselves, they fall into one of these four areas.  But, I’m sure you can see the depth of love increases through each of these stages to the point where He is your very breath, your heartbeat and your all-consuming spirit.  At the epitome of loving God, you are willing to walk away from your own desires completely and pursue nothing but His will in your life.  Even in that state, which some of you can claim, you are barely scratching the surface from experiencing His true love for you. 

You see, despite how much you may or may not claim to love Him.  He loves you everlasting.  It cannot be measured in this life, for His promise is for life eternal for those that will accept and believe in the life, death and resurrection of His Son – Jesus Christ.  You cannot love Him in equal measure because you have nothing to give Him other than yourself, and because you are born into sin, your gift to Him is imperfect, despite how wonderful of a person you are, and how much you give to your local church, community, shelter or charity.  You are incapable of loving God as much as He loves you, but that’s the greatest thing, He knows it, and doesn’t require it.  Loving God is simple.  We try to complicate it through our actions and words and money, but all He really wants is you, just as you are.  Bring Him praise and worship, glory and honor, and all of your love through Jesus Christ.  For then you are open to experiencing His great love for you.     

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Love – It’s Forever

Make 2014 a year of Sharing

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39

She had gone off again, despite his begging and pleading for her to reconsider.  Knowing right from wrong and truth from lies, she still walked out that door in pursuit of something greater than what he was giving her.  She was bored and looking for something new, something exciting and perhaps even a little sinful.  As the door slammed shut he fell against the wall and his body slid down.  His head lowered into his hands, he cried out for answers.  What was it that he was doing wrong?  Why couldn’t he be the one that she wanted to be with?  Wasn’t it enough that he loved her with every ounce of his being?

In the quiet of the night he felt the presence of the Lord.  Falling to his knees by the bed, he closed his eyes and listened patiently:  “Son, I am enough for you.  This world will seek temporary pleasures and desires in an attempt to fill the void within.  In Me, you find completeness when the world has turned away, for there is nothing greater that exists than the love which I have poured out for you.  In this you can find your rest and peace.”  The daybreak came to find him full of the spirit and fire once again.  Getting dressed and picking up his worn and torn bible he once again opened the door and stepped into the war zone, prepared to battle the enemy for the souls of the lost.  He was prepared to love them all despite their choices, addictions and actions towards him. 

We are all seeking more in this life.  Many of us seek more wealth, more substance, more possessions and more notoriety, while others of us seek more of Him and what He provides for us.  Either case, His love is never changing and richly available to all of us equally.  If you are seeking fulfillment in this life and more from this world, I ask you to take it to the Lord in prayer for He is enough, and His love is forever.  Lay down the desires that are driven by this world and seek the Creator to fill that void.  He created you, knows you and loves you completely.  There is nothing in this world that can come close.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Love – A Heavenly Inheritance

Make 2014 a year of Sharing

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” – 1 John 3:1

As a parent of 5 beautiful children and 3 grandchildren I am unbelievably blessed to have the opportunity to love them.  The joy I find in watching them grow, mature and learn is far beyond anything I have experienced.  I have come to the realization that I am nothing but a temporary guardian and provider for them while they pursue the path God has set for them.  They were not brought to this world for my gain or for my purpose, but to serve Him with all of their heart, mind and soul.  My role is to shepherd them to that realization in their life and help them come to an understanding that they belong to God and He is their Father. 

As one comes to a belief in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, they are grafted into the family of God the Father.  He has granted us the right to be His children (John 1:12-13 – “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,  who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”)  This privilege, this right is above any other relationship you have or ever will have.  It is not a relationship grounded on any human element, but completely through the willingness of God, himself to draw you closer.  You are chosen to be His child and enjoy all of the benefits that come from being His heir.

Stay on that point for just a moment.  What does that mean to you?  What do you envision it means to have all of the benefits of being His heir?  Put it into a human understanding and you don’t begin to grasp the fullness.  In our minds, we think about inheritance of moneys, properties, possessions and the things that make this life easier.  Two of the wealthiest women (Alice and Helen Walton) in the world are the heirs of Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart.  Each of these ladies as well as the other children of Sam Walton inherited his fortunes when Sam passed away in 1992.  In this life they have everything they could ever imagine.  Now realize, that the inheritance of God the Father is exponentially greater than that. 

Provided by the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, you have been given eternal life in heaven.  In this life you are given the authority of Him who created this world and everything in it.  If you truly grasp this reality, then there should be a sense of confidence, strength and fortitude to live this life as such.  Often times we find ourselves living this life quietly, timidly, humbly and unquestioning.  Yes, we are children of a God that embodies love in it’s purest form, which means we love all others as He loves them, unconditional and non-convicting.  This doesn’t mean that we set by and watch the evil in this world take over.  Sitting back with our fears is not representative of being a child of God the Father. 

Jesus Christ gave us the example of how to live.  He lived with conviction, authority and gentleness.  He did not back away from the authority of the time, but challenged them to see the error of their ways.  He did not shy away from reaching out to those who needed to hear of God’s love, but he took the action to seek them out and bring it to them.  We are children of God, and have the same Holy Spirit within us to impact this world.  What we lack is the faith and confidence that God will work through us should we try.  This must change, for God’s love needs to be brought into the areas of this world in need and we are His hands and feet.  Accept your role as His child, and carry His message to the world.      

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Love – The Pursuit of Peace

Make 2014 a year of Sharing

“But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” – Psalm 86:15

If you recall in Genesis 6, God looked down upon the earth and saw the corruptness and wickedness of mankind and chose to “wipe them from the face of the earth”; except of course, Noah and his family.  God’s love for mankind was that they live within His provision and enjoy life both here and in eternity, but we have plenty of examples that when He is angered His wrath is unrelenting.  David was a mighty warrior for God while he was King of Israel.  He was known for his leadership, his wisdom and his willingness to trust in God without reservation.  Throughout the Old Testament we are reminded that God is a jealous, vengeful God and willing to “smite” entire armies and communities when they are opposed to His plan for the Israelites.  King David was no exception to doing to the Lord’s work and carrying out the plan of God’s wrath upon those who would oppose His love and plans for the children of Israel.

Yet, at the same time David was capable of seeing the Lord for who He was, loving, compassionate and gracious to those who loved and followed Him.  The emergence of Jesus Christ was yet a thousand years away when David wrote many of the Psalms.  His identity was so connected to the Lord though, that He knew the plans the Lord had for mankind were plans of love, grace and compassion.  His faith had wavered, and he had blatantly sinned against God on many occasions.  This gave him a strong understanding of the forgiving compassion and love of the Father.  Despite his waywardness, the Lord was always there to set him back on the path of righteousness. 

Jesus came to the earth as God’s provision for mankind from that point forward.  The fact that mankind is inherently sinful and lost to unrighteousness was evident in the children of Israel at the time.  So in His deepest act of love for us and seeing that no man was capable of overcoming this unrighteousness alone, He provided the sacrificial lamb Himself.  In doing so, exemplified the compassion, the grace and the love that embodies His very being.  Even though we do not deserve forgiveness or eternal peace, in His grace He has provided the means to receive it. 

David saw this side of God even before Jesus Christ came as our provision.  The relationship between David and God is a treasure to behold.  So, when he writes of the Lord’s compassion, grace and love we need to take note and learn from it.  For this man, like you and I, was born in sin, struggled mightily with temptations and the lust of the flesh.  Yet, he realized that this life is only temporary and that his eternal life with God the Father was of most importance.  He pursued God in a manner that we ought to desire, and in doing so, also come to realize the depth of God’s love is not in the emotions of this life, but in the eternal life awaiting us.  Praise be to God for His loving plan of salvation.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

OK – I Surrender

Make 2014 a year of Sharing

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20

One of my favorite songs of late is an old church hymn from when I was a boy.  I remember standing in First Baptist Church of Tecumseh and singing with my Mom & Dad, but the words never really sank in.  A few Sunday’s ago we sang it in our church here in the Woodlands and all of a sudden the meaning became alive for me.  “All to Jesus I surrender.  Lord I give myself to thee.  Fill me with thy Love and power, Let thy blessings fall on me.”  (I Surrender All, Winfield Weeden, 1896) 

Wow, take that in for just a moment.  Am I really willing to surrender it all to Jesus and give my life over to Him completely?  Love Him, trust Him, give Him all of my time, let every step be in line with His purpose, I’m just not sure?  Paul wrote this to those of Galatia, having given up everything to follow this man called Jesus Christ.  Keep in mind that Paul came from a highly educated Jewish background.  He studied to become a Pharisee and was highly respected amongst the elders in that community.  He had even ordered the murder and destruction of these followers of Christ in the early church. 

Upon encountering the risen Christ on the road to Damascus though, he turned from his past, his dreams, his bright future in the Synagogue and Leadership council of the Jewish Pharisees.  He turned from his rich education and knowledge of the scriptures, and gave it all up to follow the One who died on that cross.  These words describe Paul in the flesh of his existence after his conversion.  He became the original Apostle, and a mentor/guide for those who are truly willing to follow Christ.

It takes a strong faith, trust and conviction to live for Christ in everything you do?  Paul met Christ, heard that voice and immediately came into a strong conviction and faith.  Most of us have never seen the Risen Savior, and therefore must rely heavily on a faith that the Word is true and that God is real, and that His love is what Jesus taught us it is – uncompromising, unconditional and infinite in expanse.  Having never walked with Jesus as many of the early disciples, we are left to trust that their words captured in the scriptures are God inspired and will lead the way to our eternal state.  I have never met Abraham Lincoln, George Washington or Mahatma Ghandi.  I’ve read of them, I’ve seen the results of their work, or so I am told.  I trust that the words I have read and that the stories passed down from generation to generation are accurate.  How much more then should I trust the word of God without abandon and wholly convicted to live as if it were true. 

If the Bible is true, and it is, then I have been given the exact instructions on what it will take to experience heaven with my eternal Father.  Love God and love others.  Live the way Jesus Christ taught us to live and follow His teachings.  It’s not rocket science, and it’s right there in black and white for all mankind to experience.  The choice is completely up to you on whether you want to follow Him or not.  If Paul’s words are truthful and we are to take them literal, why aren’t we doing what he called us to do.  Why do we continue to mold the scriptures to fit our lives, rather than taking them seriously and trying to mold our life to align with the scriptures?  Now you know the conviction that is on my heart as I set here writing this on February 7, 2014.  I truly hope you are convicted as well and willing to act on it.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts