They Didn't Listen - Do You

 “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”  – Isaiah 53:6

Tell me what will happen tomorrow?  What about next week?  What about next year? and the next 5 years?  You can easily answer these questions to some degree.

Now, tell me what will happen in the year 2526?

If indeed you took a stab at it and tried to predict what might happen 500 years from now, there is no way you would have the specificity or details that Isaiah revealed in Isaiah 53.  It was written 500 years or more before the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Yet, it specifically calls out the things that would happen to this man.

The story of God’s plan of salvation was foretold precisely to the leaders of Israel, long before they brought charges against Jesus Christ. 
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;” (v.5)
“he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,” (v.7)
“By oppression and judgment he was taken away.  Yet who of his generation protested?” (v.8)
“Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin” (v.10)
“After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.” (v.11)

We move about our daily lives and carry on as if all is well.  The bible is the Holy Word of God.  Written over the course of thousands of years, but intricately woven together with precision and accuracy that could never have been contrived by mankind.  What God revealed to the people of Israel through the prophet Isaiah was ignored when it actually happened 500 years later.  Here we are 2000 years (or so) later since the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and we are lost sheep, following our own way.  Jesus told his disciples about the end days.  Paul, through several letters, told those who would listen about the return of Christ, and Daniel, Zachariah, Ezekiel, and John captured the prophecy of the end times in many places throughout the Bible, yet how many of you actually believe that Christ will return at any moment and usher us into eternity?  Are you living like He could return while you are reading this?  What are you going to do when that prophecy comes to fruition?  You’ve heard it told a thousand times, you know we’re supposed to be living as if it could happen at any moment, yet we continue to live as if it’s just a nice story.

I’m challenging you today to think about the Bible as more than a book of stories, but as the Word of God.  Handed down and given to you that you might become educated and know what is to come, so you will not be caught off guard on that day of reconciliation.  Our Lord is coming just as He promised.  I want to be ready on that day, even if it’s today.

Return of the Christ

Revelation 19:11-21

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.  His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself.  He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.  And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses.  From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.  On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God, to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.”  And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army.  And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.  And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh.

What a glorious day for those who believe in Jesus Christ, and what a terrible day for those who do not.

John’s vision, as captured in Revelation 19, shows us how Jesus will return after the Great Tribulation, seated upon a white horse.  If you recall the Passover story captured in the scriptures, Jesus was riding into Jerusalem on a donkey (Matthew 21:1-11), as prophesied in Zechariah.  Why is this important?  When Jesus entered Jerusalem, he came as a humble servant king, knowing that it was not the time for the final battle with Satan.  If his entry into Jerusalem had been upon a horse, it would have made a statement of royalty, kingship, and coming war.  Now, here in Revelation, we see Jesus coming back to earth as the groom to fetch His bride, riding upon a white horse of authority, power, and war, as shown in Daniel 7:13-14.  He comes in righteousness to wage war and judge mankind.  

His return is to bring the final battle upon Satan, Antichrist, False Prophet, and their followers, and to establish his rule on earth forever and ever.  The armies of heaven with him, clothed in white of righteousness, and also riding white horses.  This army is those who have given their lives to Him and His righteousness.  This body of faithful witnesses, overcomers, saints, believers, and martyrs will abide with Him through this battle.

Jesus, His eyes aflame, a crown of many diadems, clothed in a white robe dipped in blood, with a name written upon Him that no one knows, but his name is called the Word of God, with a sharp sword coming from His mouth, with a rod of iron, and written on His robe and thigh the words, “King of Kings and Lord of Lords”.  Wow, what an image John portrays for us to imagine.  Literal or figurative is irrelevant.  The reality that this powerful, righteous conqueror and judge will come to battle Satan here on earth.  He alone will posses all power and authority over the earth, and Satan with his armies will stand no chance.  Jesus comes with a sword from His mouth to strike down the nations of Satan.  We know from Ephesians 6:17, that the Word of God is a mighty sword.  As a weapon of destruction in the spiritual world, we can see that this weapon in the hands of Jesus is a mighty weapon, and the only one He needs.

Babylon has fallen; now Satan and his armies gather to battle Christ and His army.  The antichrist (beast), and the false prophet are captured and cast into the lake of fire.  The abyss, Hell for eternity to be burned up by sulfur and endless fire.  Jesus treads the winepress (refer to Rev 14) to rain the fury of wrath from God upon those who still remain.  This figurative winepress to crush those who defied God (grapes), despite the many signs, and chose to follow the antichrist.  They were slain by the sword (the Word) and the birds above will gorge themselves on their flesh.  As we saw in Revelation 14, the blood of this battle will rise to the bridle of a horse for nearly 200 miles.

The world will then be cleansed of evil, except for Satan himself.  We will discover that outcome in Revelation 20 and 21, so stay tuned.  Satan doesn’t go away quietly as some might expect, but he is no match for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  

The final battle between these armies has a foregone conclusion for those of us who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  If you do not, you may be reading this as a wonderful science fiction thriller.  I can assure you that the testimony of the saints, the believers for over 2000 years, is evidence of the truth of these scriptures.  If you would like to discuss this in a deeper context, please feel free to reach out to me directly, and I would be happy to have a conversation.  It is the most critical decision you will make in your entire life.  Do not make it flippantly because someone told you it was a children’s story.  Every reader is in my prayers for a deep relationship revelation with the Holy One – Jesus Christ.

Rejoicing in Heaven

Revelation 19:1-4, 6-9

(1) After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out,

“Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
for his judgments are true and just;
for he has judged the great prostitute
who corrupted the earth with her immorality…

(6) Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,

“Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;
it was granted her to clothe herself
with fine linen, bright and pure”
—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”

The great prostitute, Babylon, has been destroyed.  This causes great celebration in heaven, rejoicing, and praising God Almighty.  Her abominations, fornications, and immorality are extinguished.  The martyred saints, slain for the word of God, have been avenged.  

If you refer to Revelation chapter 6:9-11, the breaking of the 5th seal, a loud cry went up to heaven from those who had been killed for His name, asking, “How long, Sovereign Lord, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood”.  These saints during tribulation held onto the Lord’s word and were beheaded because of this.  Those who refused to take the mark and bow down to the beast, the antichrist.  With the removal of Babylon, the Lord has avenged them.

A marriage in heaven?  Well, let’s first look at the custom of the Jewish marriage in Jesus’ day.  The process of marriage consisted of an arrangement between the parents of the children.  Sometimes this happened very early, but generally it would have been when they were in their teens.  The son’s father would pay a dowry to the daughter’s father.  This could have been land, livestock, or money that had been saved up by the son’s father for this betrothal.  There would be a celebration at the betrothal (engagement) where the families would dance and have a feast for the bride and groom.  A contract was signed between the families, very much like a marriage license today.  It was a legal, binding agreement of a future together.

With the betrothal behind them, the young couple would then begin preparations for their life together.  This included readying a place to live.  They would separate until such time as the wedding would take place.  The groom would go with his father to prepare a place of residence, an additional room for him and his bride, often times, attached to his father’s house.  The bride would stay with her family, preparing the wedding clothes, and mastering the skills required for homemaking and raising children.  

At an unappointed time, sometimes months, sometimes years, the anticipation would come to an end.  The groom, having spent his time preparing a residence, would look to his father for the timing to go and get his bride.  The father would give the approval for the timing, and only the father.  As much as the son would want to accelerate the schedule, the father was the only one with the knowledge and authority to say, “Yes, now.

The bride and her family would be on constant alert for the coming of the groom.  Often, with great celebration in the streets, she would hear him coming when the time was finally approved.  She needed to be ready at a moment’s notice for he could come at any time, day or night, once the father provides his approval.  The groom would come to the door of the bride’s family’s house and knock on the door to fetch his bride.  This would be followed by a great celebration and feast in the streets by all of those in both families.

I think it is very obvious that the story of Jesus Christ (as the groom) and his followers as the bride is a direct parallel to this custom.  Christ was sent by His Father to earth, all in preparation for an eternal relationship.  The dowry was paid by the Father, in the death of His one and only son (Matthew 22:1-4).  Jesus then ascended from the Mount of Olives, outside of Jerusalem, to be with the Father and prepare a place for his bride (John 14:2-3).  We are the bride, awaiting his return.  Just as Jesus told of the parable of the 10 virgins in Matthew 25, and the Wedding feast in Matthew 22, we are to be prepared when he returns.  We are to keep oil in our lamps, symbolic of remaining faithful, and spiritually ready; and to be clothed in white garments, referring to our walk with Christ to be in line with His righteousness, not dressed in rags and self-dependent or self-righteous.  We are to be patient in knowing that He will return for us, because through His blood, He has made a contract as such.  Just as in the parables found in Matthew 22 and 25, there will be those who are not ready; they have become self-righteous and indignant toward the groom, and there are those who have let their lamps run dry, their faith grow weary.  These will not be ready when He returns, and they will be left behind when He does.

Only the Father knows when the Son will return.  As portrayed in the Jewish wedding process, the time will come when the Father says, “Go, fetch your bride!” and with great celebration and fanfare, Jesus will come for you and me.  The bible tells us it will be like a thief in the night, as we discussed in Revelation 3:3, Jesus will return at an unknown time.  It is important that we remain vigilant, sober-minded, and prepared, for it could be at any time.  Please understand God’s timing is not ours.  He is outside of space and time, with an eternal perspective. Therefore, when we look at a watch, a calendar, or a lifetime, it is nothing more than a blip in his perspective.  He has an appointed time for Christ to return and “fetch” the bride.  Be prepared daily with your study of His word, your actions of love to your neighbor, and your faithfulness to share His gospel with all that you meet.  Actions won’t get you to heaven, but they may help others get there.  Be blessed as we await that hour.

Church of Philadelphia - The Open Door

 Revelation 3:7-12

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.  

“‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.  Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you.  Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.  I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.  The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name."

Not in Pennsylvania, but connected nonetheless.  Philadelphia, PA, is known as the city of Brotherly Love, as was the city of Philadelphia in 1st-century Asia Minor, now Turkey.  Philadelphia was built with the intent to spread the Greek culture, language, and way of life.  Theirs was a city commonly called “little Athens” because of the beautiful Greek architecture, statues, temples, and monuments to the Greek gods.  It was situated along the major trade route between the Far East and Rome.  Used as a Greek evangelistic outpost to those passing through.

Jesus addresses the church of Philadelphia as the “holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and shuts and no one opens”.  In this context, He is clearly advising the church of Philadelphia that they had the opportunity to be the evangelistic messengers for the Good news because He had opened the door for them.  With their strategic location, they had the ability to spread His message to the masses, but also to those in their own midst.  

He has given them the opportunity to share the gospel with those in the local temples and even synagogues.  There were people in Philadelphia worshipping Greek gods and claiming to be Jews.  He stressed the importance of reaching this group, and He alone opened the door for them to do so.  As a reward, He promised they would join with Him in the new Jerusalem when He returns.

Again, Jesus speaks of His pending return and His judgment at the end of days.  Those who endure with patience and spread His gospel will receive His name forevermore.  

We are faced with similar opportunities in our daily walk to spread His word.  He has opened the door for His followers to share the gospel and to advance His kingdom message.  But, are we taking up the mantle, the burden, and stepping through the door?  One day this door will shut, and He will come again, with judgment for our eternal destination.  

Jesus has stated time and time again that He will return, and for us to endure patiently, doing His work until that day comes.  How many opportunities have you passed by where you could have influenced and shared the gospel?  Your parents, spouse, children, your co-workers, your friends and peers, extended family members…. Do you know if they have accepted Christ and are living for Him?  If not, do you not see the open door before you to share the gospel with them?  Jesus has opened the door for you just as He did for the Church of Philadelphia.  You have to decide to step through it and share His message.  You are not responsible for their salvation, but you are responsible to share the word with everyone in your circle of influence.  

Love them enough to step through the Open Door.

He Came Back

Celebrating the Resurrection

“Now He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled."”- Luke 24:44




There are 365 days in a year (according to the current calendar).  Each day you could wake up and read 1 scripture a day about Jesus Christ, written before He was ever born into this world.  The great authors of the Old Testament – Isaiah, Daniel, Hosea, Moses, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and many others prophesied and foretold the Messiah’s coming, His life, death, resurrection and second coming.  Over 365 prophecies have been written pertaining to the Son of God, which Jesus Christ has single handedly fulfilled.

The Pharisees of the day knew of the prophets, and their writings.  They knew the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, would be from the line of David, would be from Galilee, would be born of a virgin, would enter Jerusalem on a donkey, betrayed for 30 pieces of silver, would be beaten beyond recognition, and suffer a violent death.  This only represents 8 prophecies of the Messiah, captured in the scriptures which were known to all Pharisees and Scribes of that day.  Through their diligent studies they knew what they were looking for in their coming Messiah.  The reality though is that they were blinded by their own humanity, and could never imagine that this young man from humble beginnings could be their ever powerful, almighty and omnipotent God in flesh.  Their arrogance and knowledge blinded them from the incredible presence right before them.  This sounds an awful lot like people in today's world.

They had to ask themselves though, with all of their wisdom, could this be the One.  Then they would see Him do something that would contradict their simple minded knowledge of who Messiah should be, and they would then judge Him.  He healed on the Sabbath, He dined with sinners, He kept company with prostitutes, tax collectors and thieves.  He preached the gospel with a depth of knowledge beyond theirs, yet had not studied in their presence or through the universities of the time.  He chastised them for their piousness, arrogance and hypocrisy, while loving those who were poor, meek and gentile.

Why did the Pharisees ensure that the Romans guarded the tomb?  Because of Isaiah 53:9-12; “when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.”  They knew that if Jesus rose from the grave that they had made a terrible mistake, and that indeed they had been in the presence of the very Son of God they had so patiently awaited.  Paul, the Apostle, was a Pharisee, who was struck blind by the resurrected Jesus, and through his conversion became the greatest apostle of all.  Throughout the book of Acts, we see several other Pharisees turned to follow Jesus through the preaching of Paul and Peter.

So I ask you; look amongst our people today, have we become the Pharisees of this age?  Well studied on God, but blind to the real issues of the day, and the love that Jesus Christ stands for.  You can see how easy it is to have read the scriptures, studied the prophecies, and still miss Him when He returns because we are looking for something that fits a specific stereotype we have created to align with our perspective.  Make no doubt about it, Jesus Christ will return just as He said He would.  For by His very words to the disciples after His resurrection: “all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”  Do not overlook the Word of God as you watch the heavens for His return.  Study it, know it and spend time with the Father learning it.

 





© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com

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He Came Back

Celebrating His Resurrection

“Now He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled."”- Luke 24:44

There are 365 days in a year (according to the current calendar).  Each day you could wake up and read 1 scripture a day about Jesus Christ, written before He was ever born into this world.  The great authors of the Old Testament – Isaiah, Daniel, Hosea, Moses, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and many others prophesied and foretold the Messiah’s coming, His life, death, resurrection and second coming.  Over 365 prophecies have been written pertaining to the Son of God, which Jesus Christ has single handedly fulfilled.

The Pharisees of the day knew of the prophets, and their writings.  They knew the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, would be from the line of David, would be from Galilee, would be born of a virgin, would be beaten beyond recognition, be enter Jerusalem on a donkey, betrayed for 30 pieces of silver and suffer a violent death.  This only represents 8 prophecies of the Messiah, captured in the scriptures which were known to all Pharisees and Scribes of that day.  Through their diligent studies they knew what they were looking for in their coming Messiah.  The reality though is that they were blinded by their own humanity, and could never imagine that this young man from humble beginnings could be their ever powerful, almighty and omnipotent God in flesh.  Their arrogance and knowledge blinded them from the incredible presence right before them.

They had to ask themselves though, with all of their wisdom, could this be the One.  Then they would see Him do something that would contradict their simple minded knowledge of who Messiah should be, and they would then judge Him.  He healed on the Sabbath, He dined with sinners, He kept company with prostitutes, tax collectors and thieves.  He preached the gospel with a depth of knowledge beyond theirs, yet had not studied in their presence or through the universities of the time.  He chastised them for their piousness, arrogance and hypocrisy, while loving those who were poor, meek and gentile.

Why did the Pharisees ensure that the Romans guarded the tomb?  Because of Isaiah 53:9-12; “when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.”  They knew that if Jesus rose from the grave that they had made a terrible mistake, and that indeed they had been in the presence of the very Son of God they had so patiently awaited.  Paul, the Apostle, was a Pharisee, who was struck blind by the Resurrected Jesus, and through his conversion became the greatest apostle of all.  Throughout the book of Acts, we see several other Pharisees turned to follow Jesus through the preaching of Paul and Peter.

So I ask you; look amongst our nations today and see who are the Pharisees of this age?  Well studied men of God, blind to the real issues of the day, and the love that Jesus Christ stands for.  You can see how easy it is to have read the scriptures, studied the prophecies and still potentially miss Him when He returns because we are looking for something specific.  Make no doubt about it, Jesus Christ will return just as He said He would.  For by His very words to the disciples after His resurrection: “all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”  Do not overlook the Word of God as you watch the heavens for His return.  Study it, know it and spend time with the Father learning it.


© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
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What Are You Doing Here?

Make 2014 a year of Sharing

“And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again” – Mark 8:31

“He will not make it through the night”, the Doctor told the family in the waiting room.  One by one they filed into the room for their goodbyes.  As the boy’s father stepped to the edge of his bed, he grabbed his son’s hand and began to encourage him.  “You’re going to be okay.  We’ll beat this, you just hang in there and do what the Doctor’s tell you.  Soon we’ll be back on the bikes and riding trails again.  I love you son.”  The tragic accident, several weeks prior, had left the son in a coma with significant internal damage, and the father with several broken bones, cuts and bruises.  At that moment though, the father would have given anything to take his son’s place or reverse time.  Staring into the scarred and bruised face of his 17 year old son, he broke down and apologized profusely.  “I’m so sorry.  I’m sorry, please forgive me.”

We are all going to face a situation where we are not in control of the outcome.  The Lord gives life and the Lord takes it away.  Most of us would never sign up for a specific date for our death if given the option.  Let’s face it, it is the one inevitable event in life, and yet very few want it.  With the realization that this life will end, we are given the opportunity to prepare for it, and prepare those around us as well.  For the most part, when death comes upon someone, a believer, their future is nothing but glorious wonder in the presence of our Savior.  There is nothing sad or fearful about it.  The sadness remains for those who are left here with the memories, the hole in our heart and the longing for one more hug or smile or “I love you.”

Jesus has told you exactly what will happen in the coming days, months or years.  Just as He told the disciples at Caesarea Philippi of His coming events, He has told us.  Just like Peter though, many of us refuse to believe that it will truly happen.  There is this small doubt in the back of our mind telling us that this life we have is comfortable and good enough.  We accept that Jesus walked the earth, died and rose again.  We accept that He is the Son of God.  Yet, we struggle to accept the rest of His word as truth.  Why is that? 

We spend our time trying to control what Jesus is capable of doing in our lives.  We realize what He has called us to do, but we shape it into actions that are easier and more in line with our objectives in life.  Just as Peter rebuked Jesus in front of the disciples, (Matt 16:22) “And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall never be unto thee.”   We are doing the same thing.  Even though it is clear in His word what we should be doing, we are telling Jesus, “I know you have told me the truth, but I am going to do it this way.”

If we took the scriptures literally and actually lived by the Word of God, what would this world look like.  If we truly understood and followed His call on our lives, how much more effective would we be in this world at bringing people to Christ and eternal life with the Father.  Death would become a celebration for the soul moving on to be with the Lord, rather than a mourning of our loss.  I challenge you today to begin to live as if you were dying.  Who would you want to share Jesus love with if you knew you only had 1 week left?  Is sharing Jesus love with the world even on your bucket list?  If not, why not?  Are there more important things you need to do in this life?  Just something you should contemplate over the weekend.  

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
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Learning Patience

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“And my soul is greatly dismayed; But You, O Lord—how long?” – Psalm 6:3

There are days when my mind is filled with love, joy and happiness; an excitement to take on the challenges of the day and to see what lies before.  This is not one of those days.  My soul is sad, my heart is heavy and my mind is filled with questions, concern and worry.  I realize that the Lord is with me and watching over the steps that my feet will trod, but I struggle to trust that He is truly with me.  I am reminded of a Beatles song from the Sgt. Peppers Lonely Heart Club Band, the lyrics go something like this:

I read the news today oh, boy
About a lucky man who made the grade
and though the news was rather sad
Well, I just had to laugh
I saw the photograph
He blew his mind out in a car
He didn’t notice that the light had changed
A crowd of people stood and stared
They’d seen his face before
nobody was really sure that he was from the house of lords.

The world has become fascinated with the wickedness, the evil and the unrighteousness.  The headlines on a daily basis is about death, destruction, calamity and the perverse nature of our society.  We marvel at the sexual escapades of our celebrities and dignitaries, yet turn a blind eye to those who are trying to bring order and sanctity back into our lives.  The news anchors fill the six o’clock hour with the latest shooting, bombing or act of terrorism as if they are discussing the weather.  Have we truly become so hardened to the precious commodity of life that we are not brought to tears and mourning over the lives that are destroyed each day across this nation. 

I am convinced that my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is coming back one day to save us all from destroying ourselves.  In that day, we will be joined with Him for eternity and finally free from the poison of this world in which we live.  The wickedness that exists will cease and the fears, tears and mourning will come to an end.  The anger and concern that boils up inside of me on a daily basis will be brought to a peaceful calmness that resides only in His presence. 

I long for you, Jesus Christ, to come.  I long to be in Your presence and feel Your arm around my shoulder bringing me home.  I long to hear Your whisper in my ear of the love of the Father, and the glory of His name.  I dreadfully long to see Your face before me in the glorious radiance of the sun, filling the atmosphere around us.  Just as David called out to You, oh God, I call out to Your for peace in my soul and rest for my heart.  Fill me once again with Your strength and wisdom to take on this day and to shine Your light to others.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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No Ordinary Day

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." – Matthew 24:27

The tide surged by 22 feet that day, and the entire city became a part of the sea.  Water covered the entire peninsula and the homes, businesses and schools left standing appeared to be floating in the depths of the Gulf of Mexico.  Hurricane Ike hit Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula on September 12, 2008, leaving the island uninhabitable for weeks to come.  The winds at 110 mph and rainfall wreaked havoc on the Southeastern corner of Texas for the following 3 days, destroying homes, neighborhoods and businesses up and down the Gulf coast and in-land as far as 80 miles.

We are now in the beginning of hurricane season 2013.  Is there another Ike on the horizon this year?  The forecasters are calling for as many as 20 named storms this year, and as many as 11 with hurricane force winds.  Do we trust their forecast?  Do we prepare better this time around than we have in the past?  The thing is, when a hurricane forms in the Gulf or in the Atlantic, it’s very visible days ahead of landfall, sometimes even weeks ahead.  It’s something that can be observed and monitored as it ever so slowly approaches landfall.  Today’s technology has improved to such a great extent, that predicting landfall has become a very precise exercise.

Yet, with all of this technology, knowledge, and advanced communication, people will still refuse to leave their home and seek shelter.  The human instinct is to protect what is ours.  The problem is that we often time under-estimate the forces we are up against.  Many will say, “ah, it’s just a little water and wind, I’ll be okay.”  These are often times the same people we see standing on their roof-tops pleading for a rescue boat or helicopter to lift them to safety, when the little bit of water has enveloped their home. 

There will come a day, when the Earth as we know it will be shaken from East to West.  Many inhabitants will be left standing in the streets, school yards, shopping malls and businesses looking around for rescue and help; but it will be too late.  The reality of the rapture will have taken place and loved ones, friends, co-workers and neighbors will be missing all of a sudden.  It will be shocking and confusing at first, but then the pieces will begin falling into place.  The Bible talks of the end times, and we’ve learned of it in Sunday School and heard it preached on the street corner, the pulpit, TV and even Youtube; yet we never thought it would really happen in our lifetime.

Tribulation will fall upon the earth, devastation, floods, winds, infighting, wars, pestilence and sickness.  We observe the tragedies of our modern world and mourn for those lost in each; but nothing we have observed will compare to what is to come in the last days of this planet.  You won’t see it coming, there is no forecast or predictions that are accurate enough to tell you when it will happen.  Sure, there are people who believe they know, or have received prophecy to the exact time and place; but their wrong.  It is not for man to know the time nor season of His return, but to be prepared for when it does happen, we will be with Him in paradise.

Some will say they never knew.  The reality is that they know, but refuse to believe it to be true.  When it does occur their destiny will be filled with extreme devastation and suffering, unlike anything we will endure through another hurricane season.  I don’t need a weatherman or doppler radar system to know when He’s coming back, but I do know He’s coming.  If your loved ones don’t know Jesus Christ, isn’t it about time you introduced them. 

             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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