He Loves You

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea." – Micah 7:19

  “It’s time for you to all be honest in your actions, thoughts and prayers”, she said to her class after someone had taken $20 from the money jar.  The class had spent the last week gathering quarters, dimes and nickels to help an anonymous family in the area that had fallen on hard times, keep the electricity on for another month.  The jar had been filled near the top with coins, so the teacher took the jar to the local bank and converted some of the coins into bills to make more room in the jar to continue the collection.  Not a single student came forward and admitted to taking the money, which disappointed the teacher greatly.  It wasn’t that she was angry with the class for their dishonesty, she was more heartbroken that one of them had stolen from the charity.  By the end of the week, the collection had slowed down.  On Friday, the teacher called an end to the collection and thanked all of the students for their generosity and loving gifts to support another family.  “Is there anyone who would like to make a final donation?” the teacher asked as she reached into her purse, took out a crisp $20 bill, folded it and put it into the jar.

Jimmy had taken the $20 for lunch money because his single mother did not have anything to give him that week.  He felt incredibly bad about his actions, but did not come forward and left the classroom that day filled with feelings of guilt and shame having watched the teacher put her own $20 into the jar to replace what he had taken out.  He arrived home that night and went straight to his room with tear filled eyes and cried himself to sleep.  He was awakened by the sounds of adult conversation in the living room.  He stepped out into the hallway as he heard his mother crying and saying, “Thank You, Thank You….I’ll pay you back I promise.”  Jimmy froze and listened when he heard his teacher’s voice, saying, “No, it is a gift from my class.  Please, don’t tell Jimmy though, it can be our secret.”

The Lord is going to bless you.  Do you believe this to be true?  Do you believe that God has infinite love for you and will pour out blessings upon you, more than you can handle?  God is not angry with you, even though there are times in our lives when it seems as though He is pouring out His anger upon you and your life is spiraling out of control.  He does hold anger against the sins of the world, including the sins that capture your attention and heart’s desire.  God is a jealous God and will not stand for our sinful nature, because it is not acceptable in His perfect kingdom.  This is the depth of His love for you though.  He so desires for you to be with Him in heaven, to the point of pain and suffering over it.  His love is demonstrated in John 3:16 which we all know to proclaim, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” 

Unfortunately, most of you could quote that scripture, but do you truly take it to heart?  Your sins will keep you from heaven.  This was not acceptable to God the Father, so He took it upon Himself to provide a way for your sins to be covered.  He paid the price and it cannot be paid back.  There is nothing you can do to repay God for what He has given up for your sins.  The guilt and shame you feel over your sinful nature is washed clean by the acceptance of Jesus Christ and repentance (turning away from the sin).  What can you do that is not covered by Christ’s blood and the grace of God?  The scriptures tell us that there is one and only one thing and that is the rejection of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  In Matthew 10:33, “But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven” 

Micah wrote of God’s redeeming grace 700 years before Christ was born.  His prophetic message speaks of God’s compassion and mercy, and a way to lift us above our sins of which all will be cast into the sea.   God’s plan for this compassion and mercy was the giving of His Son to die for your sins.  Put your faith and trust in Him as the path of salvation and trust in His love as pure and eternal.

Prayer:Almighty God,
You have cast our sins as far as the East is from the West.  You have created in us a new heart that will beat for You.  Through Your grace we are giving a place in eternity where sin will no longer reign.  Help us to live in repentance of our sinful nature.  Give us the strength to overcome the sin in our life and turn from it, to trust in Your loving, compassionate salvation.  In Your name we pray - Amen

.

             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

But You Said

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.”         - James 5:12

  The word swear in this reference is not referring to using curse words. No, here it is a manner of making a commitment, "I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God." It's a matter of making an oath to someone, and is directly relevant to one's integrity and character. We've all had those circumstances when someone made a promise or a commitment to you and then for one reason or another broke it. It's almost diminished in value in the eyes of many people where it has become the natural way of doing business.

   Are you a man (woman) of your word? Can others listen to your words and take it to the bank with complete confidence that you will follow thru? Think of your friends, who are you going to trust as authentic and committed? I think it's a shame that this list is small. There was a time when a man's hand shake and his solemn word was good enough to barter away livestock, tractors and fields. Long gone are the days of "I'll pay you next time." Now it is more along the lines of, "Whatever, take me to court if you want it." A person used to hold their head high with pride in the integrity and character for which they stood. Now, they will look you right in the eye, lie to you and never even blink.

  So, it's important my friends that we fully grasp the 2nd half of James 5:12. The Lord sees all, knows all and will judge all. His instructions here, as well as the sermon on the mount in Matthew talk of integrity and walking in it. For condemnation awaits those that have jeopardized their integrity. There will come a day when Christ will sit upon the judgment seat and your character will be on display. For this reason, as well as to reinstitute the pride and trust into our society, Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," be no.

             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
For an archive of Daily Thoughts go to: http://www.10minutereader.com

Who will Lead?

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

 "The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out." - Proverbs 10:9

He walked with his head held high, and others would look to him with an eye of inspiration and a heart filled with confidence.  He led by example, and others would rally around him to enable his dreams and vision to come to fruition.  Most wanted him to succeed, to rule and to change the way the world viewed power.  Sure, there were obstacles in his path, as with any great leader, but he was able to overcome these obstacles through the truth in his word and the passion by which he lived.

 I have often heard it said, “A leader is only a leader if others are following, otherwise, it’s just a man going for a walk.”  I recall as a child, reading of the great men of history that led armies, companies and countries with a loving but firm position of authority.  With a desire to solve the biggest problems and to bring unity where there was none, they would step out and take the lead, because they had vision and a plan to achieve that vision.  Not because they were popular, or they spoke well in front of a camera, or because they had a really cool web-site and twitter account.  No, they stood for something that others wanted, and they had enough courage to risk it all for the good of others. 

Tell me, where did those men go?  Where are the heroes that we can look up to and dream of becoming?  Look at the leaders of our world today, where is the integrity, where is the truth and the justice, where is the servants heart?  I see no leadership in our world today and I fear for our children.  There was a day when one could look to our Government, CEO’s, Pastors, teachers, coaches, journalists and parents as people with integrity.  More and more frequently though we are hearing of the corruptness, the scandal and the self-righteousness that breeds deceit and dishonesty.  Hardships will befall all mankind as we look inward and live our lives with blinders on, focused uniquely on ourselves.

It is so easy to get caught up in the frenzy of the media blitz today and take sides based on their biasness without seeking the truth behind the propaganda.  We want more and more information, with the intent of making better decisions with more information.  But consider the fact that the data and information you are provided is made available to you with the full intent of manipulating your thoughts and mind into a preconceived decision.  You are being fed information that they want you to have, you are not receiving the truth and or the fullness you need to become educated in these manners.  You believe you can trust the information your given because deep inside you want to believe that the people providing the information have integrity and are non-biased truthful individuals.  But this is not reality.

Where do you turn?  Turn to the creator – the maker of heaven and earth and realize that this world cannot influence or change the truth that exists therein.  God is sovereign over all things, including your dreams, desires and fears for your future.  Your hero’s should be steep in faith, love and conviction from the Holy Spirit, for in following Him there is no unrighteousness, no untruths or deceit.  The truth the Jesus Christ gave us while with us on this earth are forever etched in history as the perfect example of a man of integrity and worthy of following.  None since, nor none before had lived a life flawless and filled with peace, love and a servant’s heart willing to give everything He had to pursue the vision of His Father.  He led people in that day and ever since with the platform of truth, conviction, honesty and love.  Quit looking at the news or the web for the latest scoop or scandal, and delve into the book that was provided by our Father to give you the direction you lead.  It will guide you down the path that is straight and narrow.

             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
For an archive of Daily Thoughts go to: http://www.10minutereader.com

Where are the Instructions?

Read it, Learn It, Live It, Share It

 “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.”  – Psalm 119:1

Opening the cardboard box, there were at least 50 pieces inside, along with a bag filled with screws, bolts, nuts and washers of various sizes.  This was supposed to be a 20 minute job, but looking at the pieces now spread out on the floor in front of me, it looked more like a 20 day job.  As I moved the pieces around it became obvious that there was one thing that was missing – the instruction sheet(s) on how to assemble it.  Oh well, I had built plenty of toys, how hard could it be?

Frustration ensued about 2 hours into the job as my daughter waited impatiently for her new doll house.  I had built it and taken it apart twice because a piece didn’t fit, or was backwards or I had used the wrong screw.  All the while she remained confident in my ability to build it for her.  She was playing with her dolls on the couch while I struggled to finish the balcony and staircase just right.  Then came that moment when I turned the screwdriver one last time and my bag of bolts was empty.  Looking at the doll house in it’s finished state a sense of pride, joy and relief washed over me.  After nearly 3 hours of work on what should have taken 20 minutes, I slid the doll house back and told Emma, “It’s ready “.  There is nothing like seeing the joy in your children’s eyes when they have received a gift they truly cherish.  She ran across the room, arms filled with Barbie dolls and accessories and went straight to work, setting up the house exactly the way she wanted it.

All of the frustration could have been avoided and she could have been playing with her doll house much earlier had I only stopped and looked around a few more minutes before starting on this adventure.  For you see, the instruction sheets had slid under the couch in the family room as I opened the box.  Six simple pages of well documented diagrams, warnings and instructions on what went where and what not to do.  I couldn’t help but laugh at myself and my lack of patience and arrogance in thinking that I knew what to do.

We are the same way with God.  He has given you the perfect instruction manual – His Holy Word.  Within it’s pages are wisdom, knowledge and instructions on how to handle life’s pressures with patience, integrity, truthfulness and joy.  We often look at the problems we face in life and use our own life experiences to quickly attack the situation.  I propose that there is another alternative and that is to take the problem to the Lord first and listen to His advice.  Understand that the Bible is filled with answers to life’s questions if we were only willing to pursue it. 

Just like the way I struggled to put Emma’s doll house together, we can get to the final result on our own but more often than not it will be much more difficult than had we followed the Father’s word.  We know right from wrong, good from evil and the expected righteousness of God.  The key is to use this knowledge, coupled with the living testimony of Jesus Christ in our lives and the examples given from His walk on this earth to take on the challenges we face each day.  This is why spending time in His Word and in quiet reflection is so important each day.  The more we study and remain in Him, the easier it becomes to follow His instructions in life.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
For additional Daily Thoughts, please visit: http://www.10minutereader.com

Who's Looking Up to You?

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

"Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king."  - 1 Peter 2:17

I want you to think back over the span of your life. Perhaps that's 20 years, perhaps it's 70. In this time frame you have had the opportunity to observe others behaviors, character, integrity and life story. Right now I want you to picture the single person who influenced your life with goodness in these areas. Can you see that person, is your memory drifting back to a time when that person impacted your life. Perhaps they were a coach, a pastor, a teacher, a friend, a parent or friend's parent, or perhaps someone more distant like the President or civil leader. Ask yourself this one question - "Did you respect that person?"

Now, I want you to do something similar and picture the single person who brought you down, disrespected you, lacked character or integrity and seemed infatuated with causing you pain. Can you see that person, his/her face. Ask yourself this one question - "Can I forgive that person?"

We are told in 1 Peter to respect everyone, love your brother, fear God and to honor the king. Why is it that we have a hard time respecting and loving others? I believe it comes down to the scale we place them on. When we look at someone’s character and life story through our own eyes it is easy to see their faults and weaknesses compared to what we know goodness and righteousness should look like. If we held up a mirror though would we use the same measuring stick against our own life. Perhaps we should try to see them through God's eyes.

Now, I ask you, "Can God love someone even if that person is unlovable?" (eg. person #2 above) I think you would agree with me that the answer is pretty obvious yes. The second part of the question then is "Do you believe God loves that person as much as He loves you?" We learn through the teachings of Paul, Peter and John that Jesus Christ died for the redemption of all man's sins. Not for some, not for only the good ones or the little ones, but All. Who are we to try and put judgment and hierarchy against the sins of man. By doing so we are basically stating that God's love and forgiveness has limitations as to how much sin He is willing to forgive. This is a dangerous slope that many will use to their benefit and continue to sin, knowing that God will forgive.

Now that's just downright disrespectful to God and Jesus Christ directly. To this person I simply ask them to consider the wrath of God and to seriously fear it. For in Matthew we learn that many will cry out, "Lord, Lord open the door, and Jesus will reply, I do not even know you." Do not fear God my brother or sister. If you are anything like me, you need to fear yourself and your inability or lack of desire to conform your sinful nature. It is a daily commitment and discipline to walk upright and be worthy of the respect of others. For do not forget that as you are looking up to and respecting your peers and leaders, others are looking up to and respecting you. Live a life that is worthy of their respect and discerning eye.

- Rich

© Sondove Enterprises, 2010
For More Daily Thoughts visit: http://www.10minutereader.com

Thank You Veterans!

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

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