Wash Me!

“Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”  – Psalm 51:2

“WASH ME, PLEASE!”, was written on the rear door of the white van in front of me as I was on the interstate the other day.  It’s funny to think that regardless of how many times we polish and buff our cars on the weekends, they always get dirty again.  Especially this time of year, when the pollen is so thick you can actually see it like a dust on the vehicles every morning.  A faint yellow dust on any car left outside over night. Black cars look green, white cars look yellow, red cars look orange and so on.  It’s more than just the pollen though.  We get rain frequently through the summer months and with lot’s of construction in the area there is always mud regardless of how much we try to avoid it.  If there is a day with no rain than the dirt from the construction is constantly blowing in the winds and covering our vehicles.  It’s impossible to keep the car clean in this climate, if it’s not one thing it is another.

So it is with sin in our life.  We see it in our life and recognize that it is damaging and unrighteous to continue on the path of sinning.  We do not have the ability to wash it though.  Sure, we can put it in the back of our memory and try to forget it, but it will always be there coming back to the surface when we least expect it.  In Psalm 51 we find David falling to the ground, prostrate before the Lord as he cried out for forgiveness and mercy from his sinful nature.  After he had an affair with Bathsheba he took his sins before the Lord.  Knowing that there was no other way to cleanse his soul he turned to the Almighty.  Psalm 51 is filled with David’s repentant heart and his plea for salvation from himself. 

In Paul’s letters to those in Ephesus he writes: ” In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ephesians 1:7) Jesus Christ is the only one who can wash away our sins.  His blood from the cross was the price paid for the sins you and I carry with us each day.  You cannot wash away your own sins through good works, turning the other cheek or sacrifice.  It takes a belief and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior; and then acknowledging our sins, asking for forgiveness and turning away from the sin (repentance) in the future.  We will sin again, just like your car will get dirty again.  Jesus death and resurrection is still sufficient for your forgiveness though.  He will wash you clean as many times as you come before Him.

Prayer:
Almighty Father,
Your servant David has been called a man after Your own heart.  He demonstrated through his life the love, adoration, trust and strength that You provide to us all, even in our weakness.  We look at his life and see a reflection of Your grace, Your love and forgiveness demonstrated through him.  Thank You for Your Son, who’s blood is the cleansing agent for my sin.  Help me to turn from my sin and strengthen my dedicated walk with you.  In Your name we pray – Amen


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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

More than a Stone

“And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.”  – Romans 8:27

photo from R. Weller/Cochise College

We are going through Spring cleaning and it’s amazing how many things seem to accumulate over a year.  As I was beginning to move the boxes, I came across one that was particularly heavy.  I opened it to discover it was filled with books.  I noticed there are so many books that I had never even opened, yet they were in a box labeled “DONATE”.  For one reason or another, the books had been purchased for educational or entertainment purposes, yet never opened.  So without a knowledge of what the book was about, or the quality of the writing, or whether there was valuable information inside, we were making the decision to eliminate the book from our bookshelf.  The decisions had been made strictly based on the outside – Title, summary, cover photo or author.

Take another example.  When you walk along a mountain range in Mexico, your feet are landing upon stones, gravel and rock.  Some of the rocks are jagged, some smooth and some seem almost polished.  Most are grey, black or brown in color and look monotonously similar to one another.  Yet, a gemologist walking along that same mountain range might bend over a time or two along the way and pick up a stone and drop it into his shoulder bag.  You might look at him as one looks at a child on a beach gathering sea shells for a collection at home, wondering why he is taking so many rocks home as souvenirs, their just rocks.  When the gemologist gets home, he will take these rocks and carefully observe them for natural breakpoints and then proceed to use a high speed saw to cut along those lines.  What is often times revealed is a marvelous mineral or quartz, nestled and growing inside of the hard grey or black rock.


I’m so glad God looks inside of us to know the real person.  He looks past our sinful nature, our abrasive exterior and sees the person He created.  David tells us in Psalm 139, “You have searched me and You know me.”  God created you to be someone amazing for His Kingdom.  You have lived your life, made choices and built up a personality around the inner being God created.  You are littered with bad habits and wrong decisions, but God is capable of seeing right past all of that and looking into your heart to see the real you.  Imagine a moment in your life when you were completely at peace; no stress, no worries, happy and filled with love.  Snap a mental picture of that time.  This is the picture God has of you.  When you look in the mirror and see the mistakes, the struggles and the disappointments; God looks at the picture He holds in His hand and says, “Yes, you have sinned and struggled, but this is who I made you to be.”  You are a precious commodity to God the Father, don’t ever let anyone take that from you.  Be blessed today.

Prayer:
God Almighty,
You have created me in Your image – strong, confident, loving and peaceful.  I am unique and special with a purpose placed inside of my heart by Your hand.  Help me Lord, to discover what it is that You will have me do with the one and only life You have given me.  How might I share Your beauty and love with others, such that they might be blessed through me.  In Your name we pray – Amen


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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

I Saw God Today

“Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”  – Proverbs 22:6

Have you ever just watched the eyes of a child when they are completely filled with God’s love?  There are times, if you are looking for them, when you can actually see His compassion, peace, joy and love pour out from them.  So many times we are looking for God to be present in the world’s troubles when He shows Himself right before our eyes. 

Let me tell you a story of one of my daughter’s.  I was in a position where I had my 3 youngest children plus my youngest Grand-daughter, 2 strollers, 2 car seats and a diaper bag.  We were at a crowded event and looking at the situation I had no choice but to look to Samantha, my 7 year old angel for help.  I knelt down next to her and said, “Sam, I need your help.  I can’t do this alone.  Can you push the stroller with Peyton (Grand-daughter) back to the car, while I push Emma and David?”  “Sure Dad”, is all she said.

Weaving our way through thousands of people, I watched as she methodically guided this large stroller through the crowd.  All the while Peyton slept quietly.  On the other hand I was struggling with the other two toddlers, running amongst the people, not staying in the stroller and pretty much doing what toddlers do – toddle.  As the crowds thinned we still had over a mile to walk to the car.  Samantha never said a word, but just kept focused on her job, taking care of Peyton.  Over large cracks in the sidewalk, curbs, grassy areas and mud puddles, she demonstrated every ounce of love she had for that baby.  She would stop periodically and rub her face, calming her until she dozed back to sleep.  She never complained about the distance or having to push a stroller.

Finally, we arrived at my car – a small 4 door sedan.  All four kids would have to squeeze into the back seat, with 2 car seats.  With car seats on the outer edges of the back seat, Samantha and David would have to squeeze between them.  David whined and complained about this predicament for the next 45 minute drive home, as any normal small child would in such a tight spot.  Peyton was now distraught and did not want to ride in the car.  Samantha took over and once again calmed the baby down, giving her a bottle and singing her praise songs all the way home.  When Peyton would fuss or cry, Sam would love on her, rub her face and help her again.  The whole way home, Sam never complained about being squeezed into the back seat, she remained intently focused on taking care of Peyton.

I saw God in my own child today.  When we come to the point of realizing we can’t handle something, and ask God to take care of it, He will.  I asked Sam to help with Peyton, and despite the frustration, aggravation and stress I was feeling in getting all of the kids to the car and safely home, I watched her calmly and peacefully take care of Peyton.  Just as in everything, it’s the things we choose to hang on to that will continue to overwhelm us with stress and anxiety.  God wants us to bring our problems to Him.  He desires you to trust and reach out for His help on even the smallest problems in life, and He promises to be there for you (1 Peter 5:7).  Take time today to cast your concerns upon the Lord and let that burden go.

Prayer:,
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for showing me Your peace and love through the actions of Samantha.  Thank You for filling me with peace in knowing that You are there to help with all of my problems, great and small.  I trust in You and Your promise to lift the burdens from my shoulders and bring me guide me through the storms in life.  Glory be to Your name in all that I do today – Amen
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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

The World is Rockin'

“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You" Psalm 56:3

It’s tragic and painful to watch and to try to comprehend the sheer amount of anguish that the people of Japan are going through today.  After an 8.9 earthquake struck off the shores of Northeastern Japan, a huge Tsunami wave as high as 20 feet tall and traveling at 500 mph struck the coastline of Japan.  Cities, harbors and buildings were completely engulfed in water as the wave pushed inland.  I don’t know what the total loss of life will be as the waters recede, but the devastation and loss will be tremendous. 

Each of us will mourn and feel sympathy and love for those families that are impacted by this tragic event.  Some more than others as we comprehend the loss of life, livelihoods and peace that once thrived in this country.  One moment a family is at peace having breakfast at the kitchen table and the very next moment a rumbling in the earth begins shaking their home and shortly afterwards a wall of water crashes into the side of their house, completely enveloping them in it’s speed and power.

No-one could have predicted that this would happen Friday morning.  There were no warnings, no time to evacuate or seek shelter.  Certainly, scientists have spent years and years studying seismic activity in the Earth’s core.  We know from their studies where the Tectonic plates are and we know that as these plates shift it causes earthquakes and tremors at the earth’s surface.  Leading up to the 8.9 earthquake were several smaller earthquakes in and around the Japan region (6.2 earthquake on the 8^th, 7.2 earthquake on the 9^th).  Even so, the Friday quake might have been anticipated but the resulting Tsunami caught everyone in Japan by surprise. 

Over the last few years we have seen things happening in the world that demonstrate unbelievable tragedy.  Many are discounting it as normal the normal cycle of the environment and they might be right.  What we do learn from the scriptures in Matthew 24 though is that there will be “labor pains” as we near the end of time.  Is there a link between all of the natural disasters in the last year?  I believe so, but that is strictly an opinion.  Jesus Christ will return like a thief in the night.  The recent activities offer us some understanding that we are not in control of this world.  We can’t stop an earthquake, a Tsunami, a hurricane, a snow blizzard or torrential down pour from occurring any more than we can control the Sun’s movement in the sky. 

So it will be when the Son returns.  People cannot control this event or determine when it will happen.  It will happen in the blink of an eye, leaving millions, if not billions, of people mourning the loss of loved ones and trying to explain away through science and logic.  It’s my belief that God is preparing us for that day.  I pray for the families of those affected by the Tsunami and I pray for the souls of those lost in the tragedy, may they find peace and joy in heaven with their Savior.

Here are links to help the people of Japan:American Red Cross
Salvation Army

Prayer:,
Loving God,
We are wrought in grief and despair and we need Your loving arms.  The tragedy that has occurred in Japan this week have left questions in the minds of Your children.  We call out to You to cover us in comfort and peace and understanding.  We love You Lord and trust in Your wisdom and sovereignty.  All things work for the good for those who dwell in You, we believe this to be true and need You to show us the way that we might help Your children through this event.  In Your name we pray – Amen

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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

He will Hold Your Hand

We are all faced with challenges daily.  Sometimes, these challenges have the ability to cripple our confidence.  When this happens it’s important to maintain an understanding that you were created by the Almighty God of the Universe.  You are not here by happen chance and no life is created in futility.  There comes that point in every person’s life when they seek out the ultimate question; “Why am I here and what am I supposed to do with my life?”  If you haven’t struggled with this than consider yourself blessed, because most of the people I have met and/or associated with in my life have wrestled with this question or something like it in their life at one point or another.

When life’s challenges hit you head on – pause, take a deep breath and ask yourself 3 basic questions:
1)  Does this situation change who I am in God’s eyes?
2)  What is the impact of my action or decision in the perspective of God’s plan?
3)  Can I use this situation to help others come to know God more closely?

I know there is nothing in there that seems to immediately solve the problem or challenge you are facing, but these will help you maintain focus on God’s plan and less on yours.  By focusing your attention on God and His perfect plan for your life, you can better grasp that you are prepared to work through the situation.  We tend to imagine the worst case scenario when obstacles arise in life.  Immediately, the mind begins racing to the worst possible scenario and then we begin calculating and working toward solving that problem even though it may never come to fruition.

When we look internally for answers to problems we are facing we are limiting our solution set to the depth of our knowledge and wisdom.  God did not make us to be independent and self controlled.  He made us uniquely to be dependent upon Him and to call upon Him for our direction and answers in life.  These answers come from His word, a nudging of the Holy Spirit, prayers, counseling with other believers and leaders in your church.  You are not alone in this world to take on life’s challenges.  You are held in the palm of the most High God and must hold true to the strength, courage, wisdom and confidence that is endowed by your rights as His child.  Call upon Him and His power and put aside your feelings of fear and weakness.    

Prayer:,
Heavenly Father,
You created me in my mother’s womb and molded my mind perfectly for all of life’s challenges.  You knew my days from beginning to end before I breathed my first breath.  You have promised in Your word that You will stand by me and that my thoughts and fears are known before I even utter the word.  Hear me Lord when I cry out for help and strength, and cover me in righteousness that I might see Your glory in all that I do.  I place my fears and worries at Your feet today for You will see me through. In Your name we pray – Amen

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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

This Little Light of Mine

“For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”  – Matthew 24:27

What is the speed of dark?  This was a science question on one of my final exams many years ago.  You cans search all through the internet and find many different hypothesis and theories, but no proven fact that darkness has speed.  We all know that light has the speed of 186,000 miles per second, therefore the speed of dark must be the inverse of the speed of light or 1/186,000 miles per second.  When you see light you are seeing the absence of darkness, for darkness is all around you until a light source is introduced in one manner or another.  The stars, the moon and even the street lamps give off light during the night hours, so we are never fully engrossed in complete darkness. 

Even when you have entered an inner room in your home (with no windows) close the door and turn the lights off.  You will notice that you still see some traces of light.  Around the door frame, and even emitting from your shirt (if it’s white) or the sink or mirror perhaps.  Light is reflected from many things and therefore absorbed as a part of the process.  This allows light to continue to be emitted from these things even in the absence of a light source.  The longer these items are away from the light source the dimmer they will become though.  Last week, I was privileged to here David Fleming from the UK speak at our church, and he gave a sermon on the properties of darkness.  Light and darkness are direct opposites of each other.  They cannot co-exist.  Darkness is incapable of overcoming light.  When the two are brought together light will displace darkness, not the other way around.  All the way down to the very smallest of particles, light is either reflected or not depending completely on the strength of the light source and the molecular structure of the object. 

If you, like me, feel that there is more unrighteousness and evil in the world today, it is not because darkness became stronger.  No, it is because the light has become weaker.  The scriptures tell us that Jesus Christ is the light of the world.  In John 8:12, He claims to be “the light in the world…”  Jesus came that we all might have light in our darkness and be saved from the darkness.  For darkness is of this world, and light comes from righteousness which is not of this world.  In order to press back the darkness we need to enhance the visibility and strength of God’s message to the world.  There will come a day when we no longer need lamps, candles or lights for we will be in the ever present company of God himself.  As it was predicted in 2 Samuel 22:29 and fulfilled in Revelation 21:21 tells us that Jesus Christ will be our lamp in that day.  Do not hide His light under a bushel or keep it to yourself.  It is intended to grow stronger by sharing it with others.  You all remember the children’s song, “This little light of mine,  I’m gonna let it shine.  This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.”  Choose this day to share the light with those you meet.

Prayer:
Loving Father,
You are the light of the world, and in You there is no darkness.  We are blessed to be in Your presence, and to reflect Your light to the world.  In this world there is darkness and we accept our role to bring light into the darkness, so that others may be able to see You more clearly.  Help us and direct our feet along the path of righteousness, in Your name we pray – Amen

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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

Negotiating with God

“Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?”  He answered, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.”  
                                                                                                                   – Genesis 18:32

We are always negotiating in life.  Daily I am on the phone with suppliers and business associates trying to convince them to give me the best possible deal and to go that extra mile.  It’s part of what I do for a living, but it’s also part of what we all do in life.  There are a plethora of books and instructional tapes or videos on “The Art of Negotiating”.  But I propose it is less of an art and more of a passion.  When is the last time you negotiated for something you didn’t want?  That’s just it, we don’t.  The only time we are negotiating is when we are convinced that our desire, our need is worth the requested action.  It is often for something that we are passionate about. 

As a father of 5, I have heard my fare share of negotiating tactics in my life.  Four of my children are beautiful young ladies and they have acquired the art of pouting with big baby eyes in order to soften this old man’s heart.  It all started with my oldest, who now has 2 beautiful girls of her own, and she has personally saw to training the others on how to convince Dad to get their way.  I now have my youngest, age 3, batting her eyes and pouting to get her way on things as simple as not having to take a nap, or getting to watch Barney or Elmo.  I’ve thought about this from the perspective of negotiating and often wondered why do I give in to their requests?  I can debate all day long at the office over cost savings and project deliverables, and most of the time walk away from the table the better for it.  Yet, at my own house, I give in to the ones around me without much of a fight.  It’s because I love them and have a bigger perspective on the outcome of their suggestions.  There is no way I would give in if I knew that they would be harmed by the outcome.

The first example we have from the scriptures of a man negotiating with God comes from Genesis 18.  This entails the story of Abraham negotiating over the souls of the righteous in Sodom and Gomorrah.  If you recall, the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah had turned against the Lord in their sinful ways, and He was ready to destroy them entirely because of this.  Abraham negotiated with the Lord to spare the city if only 50 righteous were found therein.  When the Lord agreed, he then negotiated to 45, 40, 30, 20 and finally settled on if only 10 righteous were found in the city, that the city be spared.  You know the story though, in Genesis 19:29 we find that the Lord reigned down sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah because of their wickedness.  For not even 10 righteous people could be found within the city.

So, can we negotiate with God?  Certainly.  The  Lord is compassionate, loving and understanding.  But, rest assured He knows all things, and has a plan that is beyond our comprehension that will be executed upon.  There are many paths to the end point of His plan and we will make choices throughout our life that will result in taking one path or another.  He allows for this, because He loves us.  He is in control of everything, but has chosen to give us the freedom to love and trust Him or not.  Just as in the case with Sodom, Abraham’s compassion for the righteous people in the city was the motivation for his negotiating tactics.  He did not know everything the Lord knew about these people.  God knew the wickedness of their hearts and because of His omnipotence, knew the result would not be changed through Abraham’s negotiations.

When God tells you to do something, it’s for a reason that is part of His plan.  You have to make the choice of whether you want to negotiate with Him or accept His plan.  For example: if He is leading you to reach out to those in your community by working in a food bank or homeless shelter, you can negotiate with Him based on logic and all of the other things going on in your life.  You might say something like, “I really want to do this, as soon as I free up some time or finish this project.”  The Lord’s desire for your working in the food bank is not going to go away, because it is part of His plan for you.  What you don’t see is the people that you could impact immediately by following His direction.  By making excuses and delaying your action, there may be others that are impacted but you’ll never know.  God doesn’t introduce these opportunities into your life unless He has a purpose for it.  Put away the excuses and negotiating tactics, humble yourself to follow the Lord and be willing to trust Him when He calls.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
You are omnipotent and ever present in our lives.  We humble ourselves in Your presence and seek You in our actions.  Fill us today with Your Holy Spirit that we might see the desire of Your heart in our walk.  Convict us to realize that You are in control and that we can trust in Your calling.  Help us to see the world through Your eyes that we might bless others in our actions today.  In Your name we pray – Amen

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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

The World is Your Garden

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”  – Ephesians 5:15-16

Read the newspaper, watch CNN, BBC, FoxNews or your local news network and immediately you will discover just how evil this world has become.  There is very little that is beyond the imagination or possibility of corruption in this day and age.  When Paul sat in the prison of Rome and wrote the letter to the Ephesians, he wrote of an evil that existed in Rome, Greece and the surrounding Mediterranean Basin.  What evil could have existed in the 1^st century AD.  Were there murderers?  Thieves?  Adulterers and prostitution?  Were there addicts and alcoholics?  Gangs and violence?  We know there were prisons and colonies for lepers, there were Kings, taxes and poverty.  We can’t forget the religious conflicts between Judaism, Christianity, Greek Mythology and the God’s of Balaam.  So tell me, if we were sitting in a prison today and asked those serving in prison with us, “What was your crime?”  - would the answers be too far removed from these?  Oh sure, they may have advanced in technological skill and scale beyond comprehension in 50 AD, but at the heart of it all – evil is evil.  It has always been with us, back to the Garden of Eden and will carry forward until the return of Christ Jesus to take us home.

How do we compete against evil?  The scriptures tell us by our wisdom and caution.  Live our lives as an example of Christ’s love so that all may see first- hand and experience His love through each of us.  Opportunity knocks each and every day if you are looking for it.  The problem we face is that most are not looking for it and therefore are caught off guard when the opportunities present themselves.  When we are confronted with evil in today’s 21st century, having the word of the Lord in your hip pocket will allow you to represent it to the situation with compassion, love and the grace of the Lord. 

I propose that people are longing for something tangible to believe in that represents the Lord’s purpose in their life.  Through your study of the word and devotionals (such as this) you are preparing your mind to deal with circumstances that will come your way.  God is building an army of passionate, intense and driven warriors for His Kingdom.  Our main purpose in life, despite what the world will tell you, is to serve the Lord in expanding His Kingdom.  If we are focused on this task regardless of our position at work or in school, we are capable of doing great things.  Reach for the opportunity to work for the Lord in bringing His knowledge, wisdom, grace, peace and love to those who are wrapped up in evil today. 

Prayer:
Loving Father,You have promised in Your word to return and bring us home in Your timing.  We are not guaranteed another day in this world, therefore work within each of us to prepare our hearts, mind and soul for that day.  Help us to be evangelists for You this year.  Help us and give us confidence to take every opportunity as it unfolds to share Your gospel with others.  In Your name we pray – Amen


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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

With Deepest Sympathy

“Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice”– John 5:28

It was a bright afternoon, the sun was beaming through the kitchen window while the kids played with dolls and matchbox cars on the living room floor.  Just as she finished wiping the last dish, the doorbell rang.  She had a little bounce in her step because it was such a beautiful day, she danced over the kids toys as she reached for the door handle.  Pulling back the heavy oak door, she finds a local Sherriff and the Pastor from the church down the street, standing on her porch.  It was one of those moments when time stands still, and instinctively she knew it was bad news.  Her hand goes limp and the dish falls from her hand crashing to the floor.  She began to collapse and was caught by the Sherriff, in a gentle embrace.  “We’re so very sorry.  There was an accident, he was killed instantly.  We need you to come and identify him.”

We go through life knowing without a doubt that there will come a day when we receive a similar knock on the door.  There is nothing in this world that can prepare a person for this news.  When the world crashes down from the loss of a loved one, there is a flood of emotions that overwhelm a person.  These include anger, sadness, depression, hopelessness and pain.  The pain seems like a knife cutting through one’s heart.  In this life we are emotionally tied to one another through our experiences.  When one that we love is taken from us it is first and foremost a forced change in our life.  From what was comfortable and full of joy, immediately becomes empty and filled with questions of uncertainty.

In this circumstance, we can all come to the aid of those in need and bring them comfort, a shoulder to cry on and help them focus on the future.  Then the bereaved have to retreat to their own life and live every day dwelling on the memories and the loss.  God tells us throughout His scriptures that we are to trust and rely on Him, He will carry us when we are hurting.  Some people have a hard time grabbing a hold of God’s hand during this time, because it isn’t there physically.  As humans we need touch and a warm embrace to know that someone else cares.  How do we help someone know that God is there as the comforter and provider when all seems lost?

The scriptures remind us of His love.  He reminds us that this life is temporary and that we are all destined for a better life with Him.  God promises to take those believers that have passed away to eternity upon Christ’s return.  This provides reassurance to the family that there is hope.  In heaven there are no tears, no crying and no sadness.  We are in the presence of God Almighty without shame or guilt of sin because sin does not exist there.  The comfort for the living, when one passes away, will not eliminate the sadness nor the emotions of missing them; but it will provide the truth of the reunion that will happen one day.  In addition, it provides strength to tell others about the ultimate love of God the Father to save us from ourselves.  For in John 3:18 it states that “… whoever does not believe stands condemned already.” 

This is where the experience can lead when these tragedies happen.  We are to use them as the opportunity to reach others on His behalf.  I know it sounds impossible, but it is the one area where we all, every single person, have commonality.  We will all die, and in death we have only one of two places to end up.  The choice is upon each of us to decide where that will be, and this is not a decision that can be made afterwards.  We all will be judged and this cannot be avoided.  God’s desire is for ALL mankind to join Him in His perfect eternity, but some will choose otherwise for one reason or another.  Today, you need to have this conversation with your loved ones to ensure that they are ready and that they know you are ready.  Should anything happen there will be comfort in knowing that the deceased is resting with the Lord.


Prayer:
Loving Father,
You have provided for us the assurance that to each is determined one life to live and one day to die.  Help us to be filled with Your wisdom as we bring comfort to others struggling with the loss of a loved one.  Let Your words of peace and love be upon our lips.  In Your name we pray – Amen
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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

Everyone Needs Compassion



 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37

It’s so easy to look at someone else and find faults in what they do or do not do based on your limited knowledge of their situation and circumstance.  We all do it, you’d be lying if you were to say that you have never, in one way or another, judged someone by their actions or words.  So, where do we draw the line?  In some regards, we judge others as a means of giving advice, whether asked for or not.  At other times, we critic another’s actions or words by judging them right or wrong based on our opinions.  Judging as it is associated with justice is not condemned in this scripture or in Matthew 7:1, but rather the act of judging hastily and unforgivingly.  The act of judging one another is expected to the extent that we are lovingly, helping another person overcome a situation in their Christian walk but not in condemnation of the person itself.

Only God, the Father, has the authority to judge in terms of a person’s heart and readiness for eternity.  Often times the extension of someone’s opinion crosses that boundary and seems judgmental in an eternal manner.  The greek word for judge is κρίνω (krinō) and means to announce an opinion concerning right and wrong.  We are reminded throughout Romans that judgment is the Lord’s and only the Lord’s and that we shall all bear witness to our actions and give an account at the judgment seat of Jesus Christ.  Yet, we are also held accountable to lift up our brother in times of need and to help them right their steps when they have gone astray.

This requires a delicate balance of love, forgiveness and correction with humility.  In this area one must be cautious as to not portrait superiority over another.  We are all sinners, but by the glory and grace of God the Father through Jesus Christ blood we are redeemed and made whole.  We do not have the authority to stand in front of another individual and point out their faults without first realizing and accepting our own.  We have experiences in life that can often times help another through a time of struggle and overcome obstacles in their Christian walk.  When we use these experiences, with humility, to support another person through something, it is not considered judging as in condemning them.  We are one body of believers in this world and must be willing to support one another lovingly, while still pointing each other in the way of Jesus Christ. Let God the Father judge the sinner’s heart while we compassionately work with the sinner to help them strengthen their relationship and reliance on Jesus Christ as their means to overcoming sin in their life.

Prayer:
God Almighty,
We have all sinned and fall short of Your requirement.  Forgive me Lord, for walking outside of Your light in areas of my life.  Forgive me for turning away from You in times of need, and taking on the world alone.  I ask Lord that You work through me to share Your love with others that they might come to a stronger relationship with You and be found worthy in Your eyes by the grace You have bestowed upon us.  Help me to be less judgmental in my actions and more loving and supportive in helping others find Jesus.  In Your name we pray – Amen
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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

Get Back Up

'This is what the Lord says: When people fall down, don't they get up again? When they start down the wrong road and discover their mistake, don't they turn back?' - Jeremiah 8:4
Each of us have made mistakes in life. It is not a question of if we will, it is a question of what will we learn from them. The mistakes of our past become the foundation for our future. The real question is, are you repeating the same mistake over and over or turning away in growth.

I often pondered the individual act of authentic repentance. If a person falls to his/her knees with their arms raised and heart open seeking the forgiveness from their Creator, yet rises and continues to do the same action that brought them to their knees, have they truly been repentant? What is it inside each of us that finally triggers a reaction of repentance? Falling down is human nature. Life is filled with situations and circumstances that result in a conditioned response that may be far outside of the bounds of the righteous path that leads to heaven. Yet, God's word is clear - "..get up again", but don't miss the second (and more important) part "...turn back.". A truly repentant heart (Greek: (noun) metanoia) turns away from the mistakes (sins) that brought them to their knees and pursues a new path.

Recognizing mistakes and learning from them is essential to walking the path God has set before you. Many believe God's grace for their salvation, and then expect that from that point forward their works will be the determination of God's acceptance. If we believe that our salvation can only come from grace and not by works, than we must also agree that our works are insufficient to maintain our salvation. God's grace is the only thing that will sustain your life in Christ, and through the Holy Spirit within each of us is our weakness made whole. We learn in 2 Corinthians 12:9 "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.", that God's grace is strengthened through our weakness. It's not a question of God's grace, but rather a statement of the heart of the individual seeking that grace. Face it, you will sin again; and it should not be considered hypocritical to do so; but staying in that position of sin is. Fill your mind with the word of God, focus on HIs ways and allow the Holy Spirit to draw you from your weakness. Be blessed today through the comfort of God's sufficient grace.

Prayer:

Almighty God,

You have given us Your word and in it rich promises of grace, strength, courage, wisdom, salvation, redemption and hope for our future. We trust that in all things Your promise is true and that we are redeemed through Your Son Jesus Christ - Amen

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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

Just be Patient

“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”  – Hebrews 6:12

I was recently in a conference which featured Dr. Charles Lowery as a key speaker.  What a privilege it was to hear his message on leadership and developing those characteristics within our personalities.  Dr. Lowery is a psychologist and public speaker, and uses common everyday life stories and humor to encourage his audience with a life changing message.  One of the illustrations that he used was from a study in the 1960’s on patience, originally conducted by Walter Mischel at Stanford University in California.  In this study, children (typically between ages 4 and 6) were brought into a room 1 at a time and sat in a chair.  A marshmallow was placed on the table in front of them and they were told, you can eat this marshmallow now, or if you wait until I return I will give you 2 marshmallow’s.  Several children were then observed and evaluated on their ability to exercise patience waiting for the observer to return and give them a 2nd marshmallow.  Children pick at that marshmallow, toy with it, smell it and then a large percentage of them would nibble at it, and then eat it.  The small percentage that waited were able to exercise patience and experience the rewards of their effort.  The interesting thing in this research was what happened several years later when these children took the SAT test and scored over 200 points greater than those that had not exercised patience with the marshmallow.

Patience is a virtue that is often spoke of in the writings of Paul as it relates to the return of Jesus Christ.  Focusing our attention on the prize at the end of the race becomes a key thread to the life and ministry of Paul as he traveled throughout the Mediterranean Basin in the years following his conversion.  The challenge he faced though was breaking through the desperation of those he was preaching to.  Imagine if you can that you were living in Jerusalem in those days and you had personally witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus Christ just a year ago.  You had heard Him speak before He died about love, forgiveness and serving God.  You had witnessed His miracles in the streets of Jerusalem and the surrounding villages.  Now, here was this man standing on the footsteps of the temple preaching that Jesus Christ will return one day, just be patient.  Your family history is painted with stories of waiting on the Lord.  For 400 years God had been silent, and this man Jesus was supposed to be “the One” to rule over all and break the bondage.  He was killed and here is Paul asking you to wait for Him to come back?

Yes, that is the message.  But, it’s not a message of waiting, but a message of living.  You see very much like the children in the marshmallow research, we have to see past the immediate, instant pleasure and gratification and remain focused on the ultimate reward.  In doing so it is important to live by the principles and examples of our Savior.  He came that we all might have life and that more abundantly (John 10:10).  He gave us a message of hope of something greater than what we are experiencing in this life, something with eternal implications.  By faith we are asked to trust and believe in Him and His message of eternity.  This is the reward for our patience – eternal life with God the Father in heaven one day.  Although there are many wonderful marshmallows in this life, exercising a little patience will go a long way when this life comes to an end.

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


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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

Nothing is Impossible

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”  – Philippians 4:13

Trevor Bayne, 2011 Daytona 500 winner

“We said a prayer, you know we pray a lot, about a lot of things, but this just goes to show how powerful God is.”, said Trevor Bayne after winning the Daytona 500 on Sunday.  The Daytona 500 is arguably the largest racing stage in the world, seen by millions around the globe and was Trevor’s first NASCAR Sprint Series race.  He turned 20 years old on Saturday, the day before the race, and has become the youngest person to ever win the Daytona 500.  He has won smaller races over the last 4 years leading up to this and continually uses winner’s circle as a stage to proclaim the word of God.   Once again, an example of God making what seems impossible, possible; just because He can.

We all remember seeing Laura Wilkinson, a diver in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia move from 8^th position with 5 dives left to win the Gold medal.  Her initial words to the reporters after being declared the winner were Philippians 4:13.  A global stage, an impossible task, and a young heart driven by the faith of a mustard seed, God continues to demonstrate in this day and age that nothing is impossible for Him.

God is our strength and our refuge in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).  In your current situation can you trust this scripture verse?  Consider that the Creator of the world is bound only by His own truth, and therefore is completely sovereign in all things.  There is nothing that He cannot bring to fruition when His children are following His purpose.  He brought the Israelites out of Egypt against every imaginable obstacle.  He delivered the Savior of the world through a young woman with a heart for His purpose.  He allowed Abraham and Sarah to conceive in their old age to bring forth Isaac and the lineage of His chosen people.

We put our earthly logic and perspective on situations and deem that they are impossible.  Abiding in His grace and love requires that we accept His directions in our life.  God is not held to our standards, but vice versa.  He can do whatever He wants, however He wants and whenever He wants.  If you have been struggling to conceive, it is not impossible for God.  If you are weak and continually tempted by drugs, alcohol or sex, it is not impossible for God.  If you are face with unbelievable challenges at work or school, it is not impossible for God. 

The more difficult question is not whether we will praise Him when we get what we want, but will we praise Him when we don’t.  There are times for reasons unknown to us that things do not work out the way we would choose.  Even in those times, we must trust that God knows best and hears our cries.  I often ask why God doesn’t just do it this way, or that way.  I struggle with this at times, because I can see the shortest path to my desire.  I have to take a step back and realize that I don’t see everything He sees, and often it is for my benefit that things do not come to fruition.  Don’t give up, just because you haven’t seen the results of your prayers, my friend.  Just keep breathing and keep believing.  It’s in those times that I remind myself, “God is in control.  He gave me another day, and I am blessed to be in it.  Use what He has given me, and have faith for what He will.”    

 
Prayer:
Loving Father,
We learn from Your word that we are loved and that You hear every word that comes from our lips and every thought on our mind.  Before we ask, You know our needs.  Help us Lord to be patient and to trust in You.  We acknowledge Your sovereignty and omnipotence and rest in knowing that You are in control.  We will praise You in our joy, and we will praise You in our sorrow, for You are worthy of all praise.  In Your name we pray – Amen
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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011