Let It Go

Make 2014 a year of Sharing

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.” – Psalm 103:11-12

Where are you going?  I mean in this life.  Where are you heading to, what are you trying to accomplish?  Are you satisfied with waking up each morning, going through the same monotonous minutes of each day and then synching up on Facebook, Twitter and catching the news before calling it a night, only to wake up the next morning to do the same thing?  There is so much more to this life that the Lord has given to you, and you are fully capable and ready to go and get it.  The decision rests completely in your hands on whether or not you want too.

I know many of you are disqualifying yourselves immediately because of things you have in the old history bucket.  I can only tell you to get in line.  There is nothing in your history that is unique in this world.  You may think it is because you only see the world in 20 foot increments, but I promise you that the Father in heaven, who calls you His own, sees your life in it’s entirety at all times.  You can’t see the greatness that your interactions in this world have stimulated and there is a reason for that.  It is not for your glory or credit, but uniquely for His.  It is normal for each of us to look back on our past and see those areas where we fell short and beat ourselves up for being unrighteous in our actions or words.  The reality is that it is washed away and removed completely once you have taken it to the Lord.  He casts every sin unmeasurably far away from your presence.  It is the evil one in this world that keeps reminding you of it.

Likewise, you fear your weakness and unpreparedness will prevent you from being a productive participant in God’s plan for the future.  Before you even think about picking up His purpose and living for Him, you have defeated yourself in your own mind based on your own fears of what may or may not ever come to be.  You are a child of God and you need to accept that fact, and realize that when you are pursuing His purpose in your life, it cannot fail.  You may not see the immediate impact, but it will succeed if He has called you to it.  You must stop allowing your past weakness to prevent your future success.  We all need to learn to Let it Go, so start today.  There is no reason to wait even one more day.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
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Be Gentle in Love

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“You have given me the shield of your salvation. Your right hand supports me; your gentleness has made me great.” - Psalm 18:35

While she ran through the streets, they tormented and chased after her.  Her eyes were filled with tears and her mind rushed with the fear for her very life.  She came around the corner and realized that she had come to a dead end.  The walls that boxed her in on 3 sides were tall and impossible to scale.  Her persecutors quickly caught up with her and formed a human wall across the only opening, blocking her path of escape.  As she cowered in the corner, the men began to assemble, removing their coats and gather stones about them.  Their anger resounded throughout the streets, and their eyes were black with venom as they spat insults and accusations at the young woman.  Then one man stepped forward and knelt down near the side wall.  His eyes were different than those around him, soft, gentle and warm.

  Immediately, their attention was drawn to this man. They asked the man, “What shall we do with her?”  No anger, no cynicism; he wisely replied, “If any of you are without sin, let him throw the first stone.”  Causing them to re-evaluate their circumstances and their own lust filled, deceitful heart, until they all walked away.  He proceeded to forgive her sins and send her on her way (John 8:3-11).  A protector, a supporter and a gentle comforter, Jesus Christ came to bring salvation to all mankind.

  As a father of 5, and a grandfather, there have been numerous opportunities when one of my children stood before me heartbroken, ashamed and embarrassed for something they had done.  When these events have come upon our household we have to make immediate decisions on how to react.  There are two choices: 1) Condemnation and anger, laying guilt and shame down upon my own child; or 2) Cradle them to my chest, comfort, love and discipline with compassion, while reassuring them of their value and forgiving the action.  To which of these do you believe results in a positive influence on their lifestory?  I’m sure you recognize the obvious answer to the question is #2.  Through loving comfort, discipline and forgiveness we have the opportunity to build a stronger character in our children.  I can personally state that I know gentleness leads to love. 

  Albeit` through a non-physical presence we know that God the Father loves us in this way.  I feel His love, His gentle strength and His forgiveness in my life when I screw up. His word is true and promises our salvation and the redemption of our sins, if we will only give it to Him through an acceptance of His Son, Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  I draw upon His word as my shield in times when I am faced with troubles, and grasp His right hand to pull me out of the mire.  Praise God for His grace and gentle loving guidance in our lives.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father,
  We come today Lord seeking Your loving grace, Your gentleness and strength; Your peace and mercy as was promised within Your Word. We claim our rights to Your spirit of salvation and glorious redemption, and ask that You convict each of us to focus on those areas in our life where we need to put on Your gentleness in dealing with others. Help us to be authentic representatives of Your Son, Jesus Christ throughout our life. For it is in Your Name I pray - Amen  

             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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