Bible Study - James

 
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” –James 1:2-4

I can’t do it she said as she buried her head in her hands and wept. “I just don’t have the energy to take one more step, and then they asked me to take on a whole new project at work.  This is not the life I signed up for”, she said to no-one in particular, but whoever might be listening.  Just then a little girl, no more than 4 years old walked up to the woman seated on the park bench and handed her a small yellow dandelion.  “It’s going to be okay.  Maybe they’ll still let you sign up for a new one at church.  Mommy just signed me up for soccer, it’s really easy.”


This life is not easy, and no-one promised us that it would be.  The complications, fears, sorrows, and disappointments we face on a daily basis are all part of a process of making us stronger.  The challenge comes in how we react to the challenges that we face each day.  Through focusing on God and His perspective, it is easy to reduce the complexities into manageable simple steps.  God’s strengthening your faith in Him by allowing these complexities to happen in your life.  He doesn’t create them, but He does allow them, because He knows exactly who He created you to be.  With this knowledge, He knows exactly what you need to become all that He desires for you in this life.

Acknowledge His presence in your problem and realize that He will see you through it, but you have to allow Him too.  This means that sometimes you do things you don’t want to do, simply because it’s the right thing to do.  This means that sometimes you have to work a little harder and push yourself a little farther than you have ever pushed yourself before.  What is waiting for you on the other side though is the joy, peace and courage found only by following God’s plan.

ACTION for Growth: Take 10 minutes to sit quietly and tell the Lord the things that are pressing down upon your heart and soul right now.  Then, thank Him for helping you grow and become stronger through these trials.  Ask God to help you become the person He created you to be.


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Protect the Mind

“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”  – Ephesians 6:17

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste” – The United Negro College Fund advertising slogan from the late 1970’s.  What an incredible statement created by Forest Long of the advertising agency Young and Rubicam.  I have no knowledge whether he had any thoughts or consideration of the impact of evil thoughts on the spiritual mind, but it certainly can be applied to Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 6:17.  I’m sure you’ll agree the human mind is vulnerable to being influenced by people and things in our surroundings on a daily basis.  I can’t begin to tell you the number of times something external has triggered contradicting thoughts in my mind.  At the beginning of the New Year when I’m trying to cut those few extra pounds I make a list of those things I know to avoid, and an advertisement will trigger a desire in my mind to have that thing.  Once planted, I now have to fight against that desire if I intend to stay on my plan, or I chose to give in to that desire and pay the consequences of not losing the weight.  I know the right thing to do, but my mind is easily influenced by external stimuli to step across that line, if I let it.

The helmet of salvation protects our mind just as the breastplate of righteousness protects our heart and organs.  God’s Word, the Holy Scriptures, are a solid defense against these daily attacks from the world and Satan.  The more we have engrained it into our thinking, the more we are able to call on His word in a time of struggle.  When Satan begins putting thoughts and stimuli into your mind, targeting your areas of weakness, it is often times easy for us to convince ourselves that we are hopeless and condemned.  His intent is to cause doubt in our mind of God’s love, grace and mercy.  It is the hope and trust in Jesus Christ plan of salvation that allows us to remain focused and fend off these attacks. 

I ran into an old friend at Starbucks just last week.  He was coming in as I was going out.  I realized I had an extra 30 minutes before I needed to be at the office, so I decided to sit with him and catch up.  What a blessing it was.  We talked about our kids, we talked about softball, we talked about college football and about our careers.  He had recently taken his retirement for medical reasons and was now in the position after 30 years of looking for a new job, yet his disposition was amazingly confident and positive.  I talked about the difficulties we had been faced with, and how God had always been there to see us through it.  He looked straight at me and said, “I’ve had many of those Job 38 moments.  You know the one’s where you realize that God is God and you are not.”  In the midst of his struggles, my friend knew that God was in control and that he only needed to trust in His word.  In the chaos of this world, he trusted in the Word for his strength, and did not listen to the world saying you’re not good enough. 

Finally, we read in Paul’s writing that we should take up the sword of the Spirit.  This is by far my favorite of all of the elements of God’s armor.  I remember watching David, as a young child playing make believe with his sword.  He carried it around the house defending our family against all sorts of invisible foes, from dragons to wolves and snakes.  He would hold his plastic sword in his hands and cut through the air, lunging and slashing as if he were a swashbuckler aboard the Black Pearl.  His imagination filled with enemies to defend against and knowing that his trusty sword could protect him and our family from these onslaughts.  In the same manner we are attacked by invisible influences upon our life every day, and need to defend ourselves.

In the Word we find Jesus, as He was preparing for the His crucifixion, promising us that He would send the Holy Spirit to dwell within us.  This Spirit would continue what He had started and be with us always as our counselor, our comforter and our guide.  Upon salvation the Holy Spirit fills your heart and mind with His righteousness.  We know right from wrong, good from evil and sin becomes blatantly apparent in our life.  The Holy Spirit convicts us of our iniquities and points us to the path of repentance and forgiveness.  He does not condemn us, as Satan would have you believe.  No, the Holy Spirit is God within you, constantly reminding you of His love, grace and mercy.  These are the truths from the Spirit to be used to defend against the evil and unrighteousness of the world.  As Satan attacks you with feelings of condemnation, guilt and feelings of unworthiness; you draw upon the sword of the Spirit to fight back. 

As temptations arise and thoughts of impurity bombard your mind, call upon the Holy Spirit for strength and the Word of God for wisdom to defend against these attacks.  It’s important to continue learning from daily quiet times and reading of the scriptures.  It’s important to strengthen your trust and confidence in God’s love for you, and build that relationship with the Holy Spirit within.  Metaphorically speaking, put on your helmet each day and do not keep your sword of the Spirit in its sheath where it is useless, but rather draw upon it when you are faced with trials and the influence of the world.  When the world says, “Do this, or do that?” you have a checks and balance to compare it with to ensure that it is within God’s righteousness.  Chose to follow what the Spirit is telling you, and be assured that you are within God’s plan.

Prayer:
Almighty God,
You have provided Your Holy Scriptures, Your Word, to be our guide as we face the influences of this world.  You have provided the Holy Spirit to be our conscience, our comforter and our teacher in times of trial and temptation.  We draw upon Your Word and Spirit as our defense against the evil in the world.  To defend our thoughts and our knowledge from Satan’s attack, we look no farther than Your promise of salvation.  Despite the world’s condemnation we hold true to the promises of Your Word, Your love, mercy and grace and the promise of Christ’s return to take us home.  Help strengthen our courage and persistence in the eyes of evil, so we might hold firm and demonstrate Your love to others through our actions.  In Your name we pray - Amen

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Finding Me - Day 2

September 9, 2014

Just shift your eyes, don’t look and they will never know.  It’s amazing how easy it is to be tempted in this world.  The sexuality, the lasciviousness and the acceptance of all things carnal has reached an extreme and I have become numb to it.  Because it is so commonplace today, I have come to expect it, rather than repel it.  How will this impact my children?  What values, morals and character are they going to emulate when they observe their own father being drawn into the world’s acceptance of immorality.  Has the shame and decency been completely exhausted from our presence or is it still a minority of those who live on the edge? 

Let’s face it, for all time man has found the forbidden to be exciting, challenging and enticing; but that doesn’t make it right.  As a husband and as a father I am called to be a representative of a moral and just character that instills values and righteousness in my family.  I am not the man the world wants me to be, I must be the man God wants me to be.  This means turning off the crap and turning away from the nonsense that the world wants me to become addicted too. 

Day 2: A Strong Character
“Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” – 2 Timothy 2:22

God created us to be righteous and has provided His Son as an example of holiness, perfection, love and purity.  The earth is filled with the forces of evil, lust and wickedness, but we serve a higher purpose and must continue to strive for what He has called us to become.  Through studying His word, through prayer and through blatant obedience we are capable of overcoming that which is in the world and living a just life, filled with His peace, purity, love and righteousness.  I know He is my strength to overcome the power of Satan in this world, but I must learn to turn to Him and trust that He is enough.

Prayer:
Father,
You have given me the authority over the evil in this world and the impact it will have on me and my family.  Help me then to live in this authority and draw from it the strength I need to overcome it in my daily walk.  I trust in You and You alone for my salvation, and my purpose.  You have called me and my family to be above the sinful ways of the world, let us walk in Your purpose.  Holy Spirit, I call upon Your strength and guidance to turn from that which is unholy and live in righteousness.   – Amen

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When Enough is Enough

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“Let my cry come before You, O Lord; Give me understanding according to Your word." – Psalm 119:169

Shallow breath
 Darkness surrounds me
 What lies before is unknown
 Where once there was security, now confusion
 Bitterness upon my lips
 leads to the fear and worry
 Overwhelming and pressing down
 These burdens weaken the strong
 and breaks the back of the lost
 Where is Thy voice in the darkness
 Why can’t I see Your face
 The winds surround and echo through the valley
 Ripping the heart from the one true love
 Falling to the earth, pressing in, prostrate before Your throne
 Weeping bitterly, calling upon Your name
 Floating and drifting, peace breaks through
 The strength returns, faith renewed
 Another day to push the demons aside
 I rest in Your love, in Your presence I will hide.

Random thoughts that have filled my mind this day as I enter into quietness with my Lord and Savior.  I cannot begin to explain the depths of love this day has brought me, through my quietness in His presence.  From the moment of my first step upon the cold wooden floor, to the rolling of my eyes as night rips the energy from my mind, I lift my voice and praise You for what You have given me today.

Cry out to the Lord in your pain, your suffering and your worries.  The burdens you are carrying were never yours to carry, and will slow your progress to represent your King to those in your path.  They will observe the worry, anxiety, anger and stress and step back into the life of complacency and non-commitment.  It’s easy to walk without concern of your eternal life, it takes complete courage to stand firm in it, when everything around seems to be falling apart.

You are a beloved child of God and we have read in numerous scriptures of the incredible love He has for His children.  Stand firm in the faith that He is your lead and your rear guard, there is nothing in this life that can overwhelm His grace and mercy for His children.  So accept that my beloved and find rest in knowing that while you worry, He is working on the solution.  You will gain nothing from worrying, other than frustration and fear as you draw away from His help and loving support.  Lean into Him in a much stronger manner, and trust in His Word and guidance to see you through to the beauty of life enveloped in His arms.

             

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Get Over It

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"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."     - John 16:33

  There is no doubt in any of our minds that in this world we will have trouble. I'm sure at this very moment you can think of 2 or 3 trouble areas of your life even today. The way you go about working these problems in life says a lot about your character and your source of wisdom and strength. We are taught throughout the bible that God is our strength and comforter in times of troubles, so why is He so often the last one we reach for when life's obstacles surface? You've heard the comment, "Well, there's nothing left to do but pray?" when in our heart we know it should be the first thing we do.

  Confidence and pride often times stand in the way of accepting that God, Almighty must be called in to save the day. Especially in males. Struggling with our inability to lead and control events that face us each day, frustration settles in. Personally, I can say that these are the times when I become dejected and lose my self-confidence. There is the never ending assurance from the evil one telling me, "You can't do that. You don't have the skills, you don't have the knowledge, they do it so much better, you might as well just give up. Even God can't help you with this one, you've really screwed it up." This shows a continued immaturity in faith, that I continue to work through.

  Maturing in the faith is a process that we all must go through. This maturation begins with recognizing that God is supremely powerful, and capable of anything (yes anything) that you can dream up. Your problems in life will never catch God by surprise. Can you tell me one thing that you have going on which will cause the Almighty to scratch His chin and say, "Hmmmm.....now there's a new one, I hadn't thought of that."  Secondly, maturation requires accepting that God is sovereign (God is the supreme authority. He is not subject to any power or law which could be conceived as superior to or other than Himself.) There is nothing that has happened, can happen or might happen that He is not intimately knowledgeable of. When this foundational truth is realized, one's life tends to become less conflicting.

  Don't get me wrong, this is no excuse to check out or play the helpless victim card. We have full reign to make choices in our lives, but those choices are in no way going to surprise or oppose God's supreme authority over a situation. Accepting that God has overcome evil already and we are simply living out His plan of execution brings a finality to the forefront. There is an end to the struggles we face in life. Yes, in many cases that end may coincide with our death or the return of Jesus Christ, but none-the-less there is a definitive end to our struggles. We must put on the perspective that we are destined to an eternal place next to the Creator of the Universe. This is what is important and is meant by overcoming troubles. It isn't that the troubles will disappear; it is simply that the troubles you face are temporary in the grand scheme of things.

  Don't fret my friends if you are struggling with this eternal perspective. We all have bills to pay tomorrow and food to put on the table. Here again, God the Father knows your heart and the needs of His children. Relinquish your control to Him with an understanding that He indeed will take it. In doing so though, be ready to participate yourself, for there are no free rides to heaven. It takes work and may cost you dearly, but it will be worth everything it costs when it is all said and done. Be blessed my friends.

PRAYER:
Sovereign Lord,

  You have demonstrated throughout your word how we are to become overcomers in life. Teach us Lord, guide us and meld us into the shape You need for us to maximize our potential on this earth for You. Help us to overcome evil forces in this world, and place a heavenly perspective on our daily lives. You are our strength, wisdom and courage in times of need, and we trust that You will carry us. - Amen

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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Questioning Life

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“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” – Hebrews 6:10

There was a gentlemen who was struggling with an area of his life and he had pent up frustration and aggravation with God.  He had a faith in Christ for years, but was recently feeling abandoned by his Savior.  Where had God been in this area of his life to allow the pain and loneliness to set in.  For years, this gentlemen had helped the homeless in his spare time.  He went out of his way to ensure that one of his families friends, (a single mother with 3 children), was always taken care of regarding food and utilities.  This man had mentored teens away from a troubled life and introduced many people to the Christ that he loved so dearly.

With these and so many other accomplishments he had impacted the lives of hundreds of people in the name of Christ.  With this report card in his back pocket, he was completely caught off guard when a letter came that shook his spiritual life.  His faith was rocked, so to speak, by news in that letter, and he found himself blaming God that night and ever since.  This feeling that God had abandoned him sank more deeply into his mind and spirit. 

This man could easily be you or your husband, brother or friend.  His situation is no different than that of millions of people every day.  Not one of us is immune to painful and hurtful situations.  Your spouse has an affair, your kids are doing drugs, you have an accident which leads to a law suit and you lose everything, you lose your job and can’t find another, the list goes on.  It’s easy to fall into a feeling of self-pity, and look for someone to blame when struggles fall upon us.  It’s just as easy to turn away from God in anger, disappointment and resentment.  After all, how could He have let you suffer when you have done so many good things.  Have you ever been there?  We read in Hebrews that God will not forget all that you have done for others in His name.  God is just and will keep His promise to you.  It states a few verses later: “imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”  These struggles are to remind you whom you are placing your trust in.  He instructs us that we are to continue to be faithful, patient and diligent in our efforts on His behalf.  Through these struggles we are given the opportunity to strengthen our walk with the Lord or to turn away from it and rely solely on our own inherent ability to deal with them.  I propose the maker of heaven and earth has a better plan than you do.  Be blessed.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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Thank You Veterans!

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Thank You Veterans!

"The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. " - Proverbs 11:3

To all of you who are veterans, I want to take this moment to personally thank you for the freedom that you fought so hard to provide for me and my family. We walk in the best country in the world, and you were responsible for making this country what it is today. It is my prayer for you and your family that you find peace and comfort in your life here at home.

I think about the heroes that have stood up for America, with integrity, courage and bravery. In the face of danger and the difficult decisions that must be made on the front lines, they stand there, ready to fall for the country and people they love. Integrity is defined as "adherance to moral and ethical principles; moral character and honesty". Other's might define it as "doing what's right in the eyes of God, despite what your enemies or peers say is right."

Walking with integrity takes commitment, diligence and a confidence in your beliefs and the underlying truth of those beliefs. Hard decisions face each of us every day, and choosing to stand upright for God's truth will always lead you down a path of righteousness. Falling prey to the political correctness and tolerance will lead you away from righteousness. Proverbs 11:3, clearly states God's plans for you to follow when faced with these decisions. Like our armed service veterans stood with integrity for this countries foundational truths, we need to stand for the truth in our lives.
- Rich

Nothing to Fear

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”
-Proverbs 29:25

What are you most afraid of? Not in the over dramatic, get attention way; no I mean really come to a point where you without a doubt shaking in your boots afraid. You know, your palms are sweaty, your mouth is dry, your heart beats faster and you mind races with images of potential outcomes long before anything happens. Armed robbery, violence, natural disasters, war, and dare I say terrorism are all examples of things many people are afraid of in life. A recent survey though detailed the top 10 things that people fear:
Performing or giving a talk
Speaking in front of large audiences
Being the center of attention
Meeting new people
Interviewing for a job or taking an exam
Talking to a person in authority
Working while someone watches
Entering a room when others are already present
Talking with people you don’t know
Going to parties or social gatherings

I found this list rather surprising. I travel the world speaking in front of large audiences, meeting new people and being the center of attention. I’ve never came to a point of significant fear around any of these items, although I can understand why some might.

The point of the discussion though is that when we allow fear to creep into our lives, it allows our self esteem, courage and confidence to be shaken. Often times we allow fear of situations at work or in school to fill our minds with negativity. In turn this can lead to feelings of inadequacy, incompetence and failure. God has provided a sense of purpose, righteousness and self value that is far from fear. He has assured us that He is our strength and that all things are possible through Him. Nothing that man can put in front of you can stand against the mighty power of your heavenly Father.

We learn in Psalm 27, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Take a hold of this promise when you are faced with situations that cause you to fear. Be it fear of embarrassment, fear of harm or even the fear of the unknown – God is with you always, and He will not leave your side. You are an overcomer in this world, and you need to stand tall against the authority of this world. This doesn’t suggest disrespect, but do not live in fear of these individuals. Your only concern should be in pleasing the Lord, not in the approval and act of pleasing mankind.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father,
We rejoice in Your holiness Lord. We find comfort in Your grace and Your promise to always be with us. To watch over us, keep us free from harm and to protect us from the enemy. Help us to find confidence in You when we are faced with trials and temptations in this land. We rest in knowing that we are overcomers through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. In Jesus name we pray. - Amen

© Sondove Enterprises, 2011
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Just Take a Step

""Come", he {Jesus} said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”" - Matthew 14:29-31

A story most are familiar with. It's one of those foundational stories of faith, trust and focusing on our Lord.  So what more is there to learn here?

Why did Peter step out of the boat?  Certainly, his heart was in the right place - wanting to reach his Savior in the fastest way possible.  It obviously points out the love and confidence that Peter had in Jesus that nothing was beyond His authority and control.  It's a story that reminds us to look to Christ when we are looking for the impossible to happen.

When the plan of Christ is revealed, it takes unbelievable strength, courage and confidence to actually act.  This is what I think is often overlooked in this story.  Peter's confidence is unwavering as he lifts his foot and steps onto the waves.  Placing one foot in front of another, confidently walking across the cold surface in a miraculous physical feat; but check out the next part.  Do you really think Satan is going to sit by and pout, no he's going to throw turmoil and obstacles in the path to obstruct the plan from being executed.

The story concludes with the best part though.  Most think the miracle of walking on water is the best part, but not me.  You see, I am drawn to v. 31, because I often find myself in this situation.  Things are going great, I'm on top of the world and feeling the Lord in my life.  Then something happens, I get afraid and out of fear - start to rely on my own resources and knowledge.  This begins the slow spiral of desperation and the cry out to the Lord for salvation.  You know what, Christ is always right there to take my hand and pick me up again.  I have many times reached for that scarred hand and found it's strength to get back up and refocus my life on His plans.  Sometimes it requires a daily reminder of just who it is that is leading my footsteps.  This is how I stay focused on His eyes and tip toe across the waters of life.  I hope you are able to step out of that boat as well.  Be blessed.
Heavenly Father,
Grant me the confidence, courage and fortitude to live for You throughout my day.  Help me to avoid the snares of the evil one and walk in Your light.  I rely upon Your wisdom and love for the strength to overcome obstacles in my life, and bring glory to You.  In Your name I pray – Amen
© Sondove Enterprises, 2011
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His Right Hand

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

Is anything more powerful than God?  The One who created all things and brought forth the lamb of salvation, so that all may enter into His grace.  What is it that He is unaware of in our life that we should be so fearful?  Nothing can separate you from the grace of God, other than your choice to refuse it.  The promise of eternity is real for those who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  With knowledge of this truth, is there anything at all in this world to be afraid of?

After his conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul matured in his faith over many years.  It didn’t happen overnight and without significant struggles and trials along the way.  Consider all of the nights he was imprisoned, taken before rulers, and authorities to have his very life threatened.  Consider being pursued by Roman soldiers and Jewish mobs because of your beliefs.  Eventually, after many years of ministry Paul wrote in a letter to those in Philippi (Phil 1:20-21) – “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.  For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”  This is the maturity in Christ that we should all be seeking.

Holding on to this truth of eternal life with God the Father and Jesus Christ should drive everything we do.  This strong faith and trust in God cannot be shaken by daily trials, temptations and struggles.  There are times when we are weak in our humanity and easily influenced when bad things happen.  It is at these times we must rely on the strength of the Lord’s promise.  Come to realize that the worst thing that can happen on this earth is death, and even then we are blessed with eternal life in Him.  I strive to find the strength of Paul, if I am given another day of life on this earth I want to spend it living for Christ, and one day I will not have life, but will be forever more living with Christ.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
Strengthen me Lord when I am weak and afraid.  Be my comfort and counselor in times of trouble, and provide me the assurance that You are above all things and in control.  Help me to live each day to the fullest in Your grace and wisdom, that others may be touched along my path.  In Your name I pray – Amen
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