Just Who Do You Think HE Is?

Click Here: Read Luke 17

 

“So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”  – Luke 17:10

 

I believe one of the issues we face today is a sense of entitlement.  We all have it to one extent or another, some more deeply than others, but apparent in all of us.  It’s not new and it’s not of our own doing.  It’s inherent in each of us from the origin of sin.  We are born with a bent towards pride, arrogance and independent thinking.  We teach our children from the time they are young that they need to learn to stand up for themselves because nobody else is going to do it for them.  As true as this is when viewed from the lens of humanity, it is completely opposite from the perspective of our Lord and Savior.  Why is it that most people require everything be taken from them before they realize that they need a Savior?  We wouldn’t wish anyone to fall into the depths where they are completely lost, but it is not beyond the Lord to allow that to happen if that’s what it takes. 

There is a necessity in one’s relationship with Jesus Christ to realize just who is in charge.    When you think about it, we idolize other humans – Kings, Queens, Presidents, the Pope, Actors/Actresses, Athletes, billionaires and even some in the ministry.  We get nervous approaching these individuals if and when they are not quarantined off from society.  With this in mind, ask yourself, do you treat the Lord with the same reverence?  One of my favorite bands is Casting Crowns, and they have a song title “Who Am I”.  It addresses straight on, the humility that is required when approaching the Lord.  Who are we to ask anything of the Father?  What right do we have to stand in His presence and ask Him to do something on our behalf?

We are His children, that’s who.  We are called to help others, love and be compassionate with others, serve others and forgive as we have been forgiven.  Perfect these things, execute them the right way every time and with every other person you ever come in contact with; and you are still unworthy of the righteousness that is required for eternity with the Father. 

The scriptures tell us that despite our unworthiness and unrighteousness, by His grace we are still forgiven.  He sees beyond our sinful nature and sees the heart of man.  The Son of God stands in our place covering our filth and unrighteousness with His perfect sacrifice.  Through Him we are redeemed and become worthy to stand in the presence of the Lord Almighty.  This doesn’t give us reprieve from His calling to serve, help, love and be compassionate to others. 

No, indeed if we are pursuing Christ as our salvation, these things fall into line.  For those whom are saved are compelled to righteousness and discover redemption can only come through our acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Savior and our Lord.  The Holy Spirit dwells within each of us and drives us to this righteous behavior.  The Lord hears the cries of His children, so come to Him and lay your burdens down with humility and reverence for you are calling on the All Powerful Creator of all things.  He alone is worthy of your praise, no man is.



© Sondove Enterprises, 2018
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It's Too Complex for Mankind

"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding"  Job 38:4

Think, don’t react, just think for a moment about everything around you.  Take a look at the trees, the bark on the trees, the heartwood and sapwood inside of the tree, the budding flowers as new leaves are formed, the roots stretching far underground and of course the leaves on the trees.  It draws nutrients from the soil, water from earth and from the sky, carbon dioxide from the air and distributes all of this throughout the entire ecosystem of it’s structure so that every part gets exactly what it needs to survive.  It’s branches grow toward the light, it’s roots extend in every direction to provide strength and support, it’s leaves fall off and are recreated and each one is unique in it’s design.  Tell me who designed this infrastructure and ecosystem so perfectly.  Was it Pascal, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Aristotle, Socrates  . . . . .   You get my point, right? 

We know the formula for water, but can we create it?  Can you tell me how to create a single grain of sand or dirt?  Where do I go to learn how to create wood? 

There is a Creator of everything that makes up this incredible sphere called earth, and the universe around us.  He spoke it into being.  There was nothing but an expanse, He spoke and it began.  He is the only one who has created water, soil and air.  He formed the trees, the rocks, the mountains and the depths of the oceans.  He created light from nothing, to shine through the darkness.  The perfection of everything around could not just happen in such intricate detail to sustain itself in perfect harmony. 

Why do we continue to believe that we are here simply by happenchance?  We were created by God with unbelievable, intricate detail as well.  There is nothing about you that is not known by Him.  He has created to do amazing things.  It’s time to recognize that God is God, He made you perfectly, and He doesn’t make mistakes.  Today is your day to make use of everything He has given you.  Ready, Set, Go !

Fundamental Truths – God is God

November 12, 2014

“This is what the LORD says -- Israel's King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty:  I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God” – Isaiah 44:6

Many have questioned it.  Many find it impossible to believe that there is something unseen ruling over our existence.  Many refuse to believe that there is only one authority, but that there are many.  Many believe that all representations are one in the same, just different ways to believe.  Many will walk through their entire life hearing of the truth, yet refuse to accept it or embrace it. 

I believe in the Holy Word, the Bible, as the direct communication from God the Father to His people.  I believe that God is wholly righteous and therefore cannot and will not deceive, mislead, lie, tempt or cause unrighteousness, deceit or evil in this world.  I believe the world was created by His hand, at His word and that we are likewise created by His breath.  I believe that He is sovereign, omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient.  There is no greater authority and never has been, nor will there ever be.  He was not created, but is the Creator.

Why do I believe these things?
We can believe one of two things: Either God exists, or He does not.  In the latter we are 100% dependent upon the flawed human being as our authority, which over time has only led to destruction of mankind and offers nothing beyond this life.  I observe the chaos, the hatred, the selfishness, pride and arrogance of mankind and I realize that with all of the intellect, the love we have for one another, and the desire to improve this life, this is the best we can offer.  The oppression, injustice, survival of the fittest mentality is in and of itself dominant and not loving.  The most cherished thing on this earth is love.  Time and time again it has been proven that without love we will perish.  If there is no Supreme Being, no authority over all things, than we are left to the best solution mankind can come up with, which is “Natural Selection”.  The thought of natural selection focuses on the power and authority of one human over another and therefore naturally opposes the principle of loving your neighbor. 

We are living through examples of this, as more and more we are trying to remove God from our society, and replace Him with mankind’s self-centeredness and self-empowerment beliefs.  If we were to adhere to the binding principle of God’s Word, the Bible, “Love God and love your neighbor as yourself”, our society would once again be strengthened and most of the chaos would calm.  I believe God exists because He alone promises love and eternity beyond this life.    

So what do you believe?  Tell your family, your friends, me, the world or at least tell somebody.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
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Give Up the Wheel

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." – Matthew 6:13b

 Humility begins with you.  It’s a condition that requires that you must put aside your desires, your thoughts, your greed and your selfishness.  It is a contradiction to everything you will learn in this world.  Your friends, your family, your co-workers will all give you advice from a perspective of what is best for you in their opinion.  You will think of what it is that you want for yourself and those around you as you attempt to take care of them with the depth of your wisdom and knowledge.  Why?  Yes, why are you trying to solve the problems in your life with the limited thoughts and knowledge that you might have obtained in your time on this earth when you have access to the Creator and King of all Kings.

 Do you not understand that He is your Father and wants nothing more than to work through you?  His desire is to be alive in your life every single day, every moment and every breath.  You are limiting His participation in your life because you don’t want to give it up.  The simple truth is that you are just like me and the majority of believers in that way.  We hold onto the steering wheel and control of our life, knowing that His way is better and that He is our Supreme Authority.  We are inclined to keep Him just outside of the perimeter of our heart and soul, because we want to continue in the life we have chosen, despite what He may have chosen for us.

 I want you to read Matthew 6:9-13 closely today.  Open up your heart to God the Father before you read it, ask Him to speak to you through these words.  You will find that these words are strong, powerful and fully empower you to the richness of His presence and grace in your life when you embrace them as fact and not just something to memorize.  Study the words, swallow them and digest them into your life.

  God is the Supreme Lord of all things.  His power and glory cannot be matched by anything in this world.  The power of mankind, the power of evil, the power of Satan and his demonic spirits are nothing when we involve God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in our battle.  We are overwhelmed and destined to fail time and time again, despite our knowledge, wisdom and strength; unless we open up our hearts and mind to His power and authority.  The Holy Spirit dwells within you and will fight on your behalf, only if you will allow Him too. 

 Is the Holy Spirit truly welcome in your life?  You must ask yourself this question and desire it.  Living for Him means every aspect of your life, not just the easy ones when other people are watching.  Open up every filthy corner of your life to His embrace and let the Holy Spirit cleanse your mind, your heart and your soul.  Let Him fill you with love, peace and the desire to serve your Lord completely.

             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
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God is God

Read it, Learn It, Live It, Share It

⁽¹⁹⁾“What is the way to the abode of light?

And where does darkness reside?

. . .

⁽²⁸⁾Does the rain have a father?

Who fathers the drops of dew?” – Job 38

Think, don’t react, just think for a moment about everything around you.  Take a look at the trees, the bark on the trees, the heartwood and sapwood inside of the tree, the budding flowers as new leaves are formed, the roots stretching far underground and of course the leaves on the trees.  It draws nutrients from the soil, water from earth and from the sky, carbon dioxide from the air and distributes all of this throughout the entire ecosystem of it’s structure so that every part gets exactly what it needs to survive.  It’s branches grow toward the light, it’s roots extend in every direction to provide strength and support, it’s leaves fall off and are recreated and each one is unique in it’s design.  Tell me who designed this infrastructure and ecosystem so perfectly.  Was it Pascal, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Aristotle, Socrates  . . . . .   You get my point, right? 

We know the formula for water, but can we create it?  Can you tell me how to create a single grain of sand or dirt?  Where do I go to learn how to create wood? 

There is a Creator of everything that makes up this incredible sphere called earth, and the universe around us.  He spoke it into being.  There was nothing but an expanse, He spoke and it began.  He is the only one who has created water, soil and air.  He formed the trees, the rocks, the mountains and the depths of the oceans.  He created light from nothing, to shine through the darkness.  The perfection of everything around could not just happen in such intricate detail to sustain itself in perfect harmony. 

Why do we continue to believe that we are here simply by happenchance?  We were created by God with unbelievable, intricate detail as well.  There is nothing about you that is not known by Him.  He has created to do amazing things.  It’s time to recognize that God is God, He made you perfectly, and He doesn’t make mistakes.  Today is your day to make use of everything He has given you.  Ready, Set, Go !

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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The Biggest Lie

“You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. You cannot eat at the Lord's Table and at the table of demons, too.” – 1 Corinthians 10:21

A man walks into the small room and kneels to pray.  A woman walks into the room next to him and she kneels to pray.  A child walks into the third room and kneels to pray.  As the camera view widens and the viewer gets a picture of the doors to all three rooms at once, there is a line of people standing outside of each that stretches for hundreds of feet.  A closer look at each door one recognizes a Cross on one door, a Dharma Wheel on another and a Star and Crescent on the third door.  A passerby sees the three lines and asks, “Which line should I get in?”  A person standing in line replies, “It doesn’t matter, does it?  We all pray to the same God.”  Shrugging his shoulders our passerby steps into line behind the other.

So many people today follow along these lines that all religions are the same.  They believe in one God, but believe there are many ways to reach God and the choice of religious faith is non-important.  Those of Muslim faith believe in Allah; the Buddhist believe in Buddha; the Jewish believe in Yahweh, while Christians believe in the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Ghost) and divinity of Jesus Christ.  This confusion in the world today has caused wars; families to separate and people to be put to death because of their differences.  Satan is masterful at causing us to question God’s existence and God’s love for mankind.  His intent is to remove individuals from God’s saving grace by any means possible and this confusion is one weapon that has been very effective.

Jesus Christ came, not as a prophet, not as an earthly king, nor as a self proclaiming God; but as a humble servant of the One and only most high God.  His life represented the perfection of God, the love of God and the miraculous authority of God.  In His death, He gave it all so that you and I would have eternal fellowship with God the Father.  As Satan rejoiced in supposed victory, God brought forth His only Son from the grave.  Even death could not stop the Father’s plan of salvation.  Jesus left the Holy Spirit to dwell in each of us who are saved, so that God is always with us.  Jesus then ascended to heaven to sit at God’s right hand until the day of judgment, when every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that He is the Lord of Lords

There is but One God – in Holy trinity – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.
There is but one path to righteousness and this is through the Messiah, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
There are many false doctrines created and brought forth by Satan, in an attempt to divide and conquer God’s children.  Do not become confused.  Drink from the cup at the Lord’s table and study His word, and experience His grace.  There is no other which is equal, despite what the world will tell you.

Heavenly Father,
You are the One and only God, Almighty.  You reign above all things and have created all things.  Your grace is poured out on mankind through the blood of Jesus Christ and Your promise for salvation is true only through His redemption.  Help me to be strong and focused on Your love, Your word and Your grace.  Guard my mind and heart from the world’s distractions and help me to be a light to those in darkness, that they may also see Your glorious love.  Protect me from harm and guide my steps to follow Your lead.  In Jesus name we pray – Amen.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2011
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21st Century Psalms – God is God

God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture He’s painting
God is God and I am man
So I’ll never understand it all
For only God is God

                                          - God is God by Stephen Curtis Chapman – 2001 “Declaration”

Since the turn of the century Christian artists have brought forth incredible music with passion and amazing skill.  Nestled deep within these musical monologues are morsels that have given me strength over the years.  Over the next few weeks I will be sharing these spiritual lyrics with you in the hopes that you find peace, comfort, strength and love as I have.

In Isaiah 64:8, we read; “Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand”   Can you tell lightning where to strike?  Can you control the path of a tornado or stop the tectonic plates from shifting one over the other and creating earthquakes?  Can you tell the waves where to stop or the rain when to fall?  As much as we believe we have control in this world, because of our finances, our jobs, our decisions on a daily basis; we truly are just a very small part of a much bigger ecosystem.

People will tell you that they have free choice and their decisions have no impact on others.  They say this because they are only thinking of themselves.  Every decision you make has an impact on someone else, even someone you don’t even know.  God’s canvas is the entire universe, yet He is intimately knowledgeable about every little drop of paint, in every corner of that canvas.  Now picture yourself as a microscopic piece of dust on the drop of paint on God’s canvas.  Once you have that image, now realize that He knows every intimate detail about your existence, decisions and actions in life.  You can never comprehend the depth of His wisdom and omnipotence.

Picture a rope which starts in your driveway.  It wraps around the earth many times and the other end eventually comes to rest in another country.  You would agree that this rope would be thousands if not hundreds of thousands miles long.  Now, imagine standing in your driveway and pulling on that rope.  Nothing happened right.  A few more inches of rope came toward you and piled at your feet, but it didn’t impact anyone else; or did it?  Can you see the other end of the rope?  Can you see if anyone else might be standing on the rope in some other country, and your pulling motion just toppled them over?  No – you can’t.  Your perspective on life is contained in a very small sampling of the entirety of mankind.  You have no comprehension or ability to know the impact of your decisions on others today or into the future.  But God does.  He sees the whole painting at one time, and we need to learn to trust that God is God and we are not.

Prayer:
Almighty God,
We humble ourselves in Your presence.  Thank You for directing my footsteps and for laying out the path before me.  Help me to hear Your word, and know Your purpose for my life, that I might live for You.  Forgive me for my pride and selfishness in decisions that I make.  In Your name we pray – Amen
http://www.10minutereader.com©Sondove Enterprises, 2011