Just Cruisin’

Read it, Learn It, Live It, Share It
 
'Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you' - Psalm 63:3
 

Remember when you were young (some of you still are) and you would slide the cassette or 8 track into the car radio. There was no Sirius XM, no Bluetooth, no USB, no MP3.  You would turn the radio up as loud as you could, roll your windows down and just cruise up and down Main street. No destination, but it was all about the experience and who saw you, right?

Remember when your favorite song came on the radio and you would begin shouting out, singing along with the lyrics. Was it "City of the Angels"; "Satisfaction"; "Up Around the Bend"; "Don't Stop Believing"; "Lil Deuce Coupe"; "Come Together"; “Stairway to Heaven”; “Juke Box Hero” ... the list goes on. Why was it so simple to sing along with the music?

Basically, it goes back to the principle of what goes in, must come out. Music continues to be a very impactful method of reaching our youth. They hear the beat of the drums, the screaming guitars and the lyrics seem to stick; at least when they mean something to the listener. It makes it easy for them to memorize, because they listen to it over and over again. I remember tucking my lil’ ones in and they would sing along with me at nighttime.  ‘Awesome God’, ‘Here We are to Worship’, ‘Jesus loves Me’ and ‘Twinkle, twinkle little star’ are all part of her concert series now.  Now, I’m cruising with these same kids, and though their playlist and mine don’t always match up, we’ll still do our best to sing along in the car with each other.  My point here is that we remember what we spend time focusing on. This in turn, results in an increased confidence and comfort level in sharing or singing out the words.

This is the same as with God's word. Reading it, studying it on a more frequent basis will result in your memorization. Just as you cruised the streets in your "ride" back then singing out your favorite tunes, it brings much pleasure to God to hear you singing out worship and praises to Him. I recommend beginning tomorrow morning. Find a scripture verse, two or three and write them on a 3x5 index card. Carry this card with you for the week. Refer to it often throughout each day and think of how it might apply to your daily walk. Tape it to your dashboard while you drive, recite it out loud as you come to stop lights/signs. Let these scriptures become comfortable with you. As your confidence and comfort level build, feel free to share your verses when God puts opportunities in your path, and He will. Give Him the praise and glory for everything you are learning and how it is impacting your life. I've even heard of some who put scripture to music and sing it out to God with their windows down cruisin' down Main street. The only difference is you now have a destination for your cruisin', and Main Street is paved with gold..



Prayer:
Loving Father,
You have placed a passion for music and worship in my heart for a reason, to glorify You.  Thank You for creating in me a love for music and art.  Help me to build on this desire and in doing so bring glory to You.  Fill me with knowledge and passion to grow in this area of my life.  Help me to discover more of Your truth in Your word each day, that I might share it with others.  In Your name I pray – Amen



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Praise Him, Anyway

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

When the ball was snapped he took two steps, swung his leg and made great contact with the football.  Straight as an arrow the ball went right between the uprights.  He leaped with joy, lifted his hand to heaven in praise of his Lord Jesus Christ.  But wait, no-one else was joyful.  The other team had called time-out just before the ball was snapped.  Therefore the game winning field goal was nullified, and his team still trailed 15-16, but now with only 10 seconds left.

They huddled up, same play was called.  His teammates slapped his helmet, said to him, “Just do it again.  No problem.”  They lined up in the same formation.  The ball was snapped, he took two steps, swung his leg, made good contact, but not quite as good.  The ball left his foot, and was ever so slightly tipped by a member of the other team, which caused a slight wobble and the ball traveled left.  It hit the field goal post and then fell downward to strike the cross-bar before falling back into the field of play.  He had missed it, and their season came to an end.  As his teammates gathered around to pat him on the back or shoulders, devastation was in their eyes.  Then, he lifted his head, rose his hand up and pointed to God the Father; much to the surprise of everyone watching.

Later, in an interview he was asked why?  Straight forward and clear as ever, Cody Parkey said, “It’s on me.  I let the team down, the fans down and myself.  But I’ll keep my head high, because football is what I do, it is not who I am.”  He honored God with his gesture on the field in one of the lowest points in his life, he still found a way to praise God.  This will probably cost him his job with the Chicago Bears, but that doesn’t change the truth that Cody stands on.  He fully understands that he is a child of God first and a football player second in that situation, and nothing can take that away from him.  Social media is a buzz with derogatory statements, threats, and malicious comments because many of us don’t have that same perspective.  We’ve put football on a pedestal and wrap our life around the outcome.    



It is so easy to lift a hand, point to God, and praise Him when things are going right.  After the big win, after winning an award, after a great meeting, after finishing a difficult project; we all thank God for His help.  The problem is when things don’t go our way, a loved one dies, a child leaves home, lose a job, fail a test at school, miss the easy layup to win a game, lose everything in a natural disaster, and so on.  Can you still praise God and accept His love when tragedy or loss strikes?  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to praise Him in all things.  Remember this life is only temporary.  Our eternal salvation is our goal and in that we are going to win, through Christ Jesus.

 

 

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He Alone should be Worshiped

January 30, 2015

“Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker”– Psalm 95:6

Is a good song on Sunday morning enough?  Emotions rise up, heart beats a little faster and then you realize that you are going to lose control.  Your chin starts to quiver, eyes close and drops of water trickle down your cheek.  When the words of the song match your exact state of thinking at any given time are you drawn into a personal fellowship?  When you don’t care who’s watching, you are one in the spirit, you are enveloped in His presence and the rest of the world doesn’t matter.  This is as close as many have ever come to experiencing God, and I am here to tell you it is only scratching the surface.

God is unbelievably magnificent that no man has laid eyes upon Him.  My Sunday school teacher once explained it like this, “Have you ever seen a picture of the earth?  Yes.  Have you ever seen a picture of the sun? Yes.  Have you ever seen a picture of the Milky Way galaxy? Yes.  Have you ever seen a picture of the universe? Yes.  That is but a spec of dirt under the fingernail of God’s  pinky.” 

Man cannot fathom the real God.  He is and will always be.  We can read the scriptures about His creation, His commandments, His love, His jealousy and His wrath and try to relate it to our own emotions and experiences.  But we are incapable of comprehending Him, for He is not a man that we should worship a mere mortal being.  He alone is worthy because of His grandeur, His magnificence and His omnipotence.

Other religions worship idols, others worship men that have come and gone, others worship elements of nature – but we worship the Creator, because He has given us life and will take it from us one day.  We are all His creation.  Built with a unique purpose in this world.  The man who created the can opener we use today was named William Lyman, in 1870.  He also created the coffee pot in 1867.  He had a vision for these things in his mind before he ever actually created them.  He thought of a purpose for each that was completely unique from the other.  He didn’t create the can opener to boil water and he didn’t create the coffee pot to remove the lid from a can of soup.  The creator has a unique design and purpose for each of his creations.  Just like the Lord has for you.

You’ve wasted enough time on this planet trying to do the task of those around you.  Today is the day for you to earnestly seek and discover what it is He created you to do.  We are all here to worship and praise the One that created us.  We are created to love Him and love one another.  But, you were created for something much greater than that which you are doing this day, for the Lord is your strength, your wisdom, your courage and confidence.  Seek Him and ask that He make it clear in your heart and mind, then choose to pursue it without reservation.  Trust that He will see you through it.  After all He created you to do it, and He knows what He’s doing.



© Sondove Enterprises, 2015
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Finding Me - Day 4

September 11, 2014

Worshiping God brings me joy.  I realize that it’s not “cool” to like Christian music, but I always have.  From the days of my youth I’ve always been drawn to the art of singing out praises to Jesus Christ and my Father in Heaven.  I was 16 years old and listening to David Meece, Glad, Michael W. Smith and Sandi Patty when most of my friends were into Metallica, 38 Special, Van Halen and AC/DC.  Over the years, my taste in music has expanded, but I’m still drawn to the Christian Music artists of today’s generation including – Casting Crowns, David Crowder, Matthew West and Chris Tomlin (just to name a few).

What is it though that draws me to enjoy praise and worship?  Emotions, I suppose.  The words feel like a prayer when lifted up and as I reflect on their meaning in my life, I often find myself connecting with God on a more intimate level.  For the brief moment of lifting my worship to my King, I escape from the problems and struggles of the day and focus on how much He loves me.  In a simple manner I am trying to express to the Lord my absolute love for Him through the words that come from heart to a melody that bring Him joy.  So when you see me lifting my hands in church, or singing in my truck on the way to work, just realize it is my love for the Lord that moves me in such ways.

Day 4: I will Praise Him
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father” – Ephesians 5:18-20

Throughout his life David found joy, pleasure and strength in singing praises to the Lord.  Praises of thanksgiving, praises of triumph, praises of sorrow, praises of forgiveness and praises of celebration.  Though he often times failed to live up to the expectations of a “Man of God” he never lost the direction of his purpose, and drew upon the grace, mercy and love of God the Father through his worship.  Psalms is filled with examples of David’s pleading heart in worship and praise to the Father for peace, purpose and passion to lead the children of Israel.  He knew exactly where his strength came from and Who was in control of his life from the moment He stood before the giant to the moment He passed away, David looked to God and God alone for acceptance.  We should all take note that we are only here to serve God, and in doing so love those around us.  As such, we ought to spend a little more time praising Him for His goodness and sovereignty.

Prayer:
Jehovah,
My God – you alone are worthy of my praise.  I fall down before You and lift my words to Your ears, that they might bring You joy and pleasure.  You are my King, I live to serve You and fulfill Your purpose in my life.  Center my heart, my mind and my actions toward You calling and let my feet fall upon Your path.  Bless me oh Lord that I my bring You glory through my actions and my life.   – Amen

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Time to Check Yourself

Make 2014 a year for sharing

“I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.  Let my meditation be pleasing to Him; As for me, I shall be glad in the Lord” – Psalm 104: 33-34

Who is your God?
What is it you seek from Him today?
What are you doing to draw closer to Him?
Do you live for Him or do you live to pay your bills?
Is God real in your life?  If so, tell us, tell us what He is doing in your life.

Guilt, shame and embarrassment are examples of convictions you are placing upon yourself.  They do not come from God, but from your realization that it is not God that you are living for, but yourself.  If Jesus Christ were to take on the flesh of man again, and walk with you for one day would your life be different than it is?  Do you truly want to know God, or do you speak the words in a response to what you believe you are supposed to say?  I am not one to judge, no, that is the role of His Son upon judgment day.  Do you fear that day?

If you are not spending your day living for Him, what are you living for?  There are only two answers to that question.  You either live for Him and serving His purpose or you live for yourself.  There is no grey area. Living for Him is to seek Him each day, and hear His directions, His purpose, His desire and call upon your life.  Then upon hearing it, act.  Actions follow acceptance, acceptance follows admittance, admittance follows recognition and recognition follows the desire in your heart to want more.  We are all addicted to something in this life: money, popularity, power, drugs, sex, alcohol, material possessions or fear; and all are self righteous.  When we are addicted to something of this world we are separated from His presence. 

Search my soul oh Lord and find that which separates me from You.  Press it upon my heart to eliminate the distractions of this world and to present myself open and ready to serve you my Lord.  Break the binds of the evil one such that my life might be dedicated to serving You without walls, for only You are worthy to be praised.  All other praise is for naught if not meant to glorify You and the Son.  Convict us Holy Spirit that we might see the truth, and then counsel us on overcoming this world by serving the One True God.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
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No More Idols

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“...And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things.  But he said to me, "Do not do that. I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who heed the words of this book. Worship God."" – Revelation 22:8b-9

The skies were blue and the temperatures were in the mid-70’s.  It was a beautiful afternoon, and those that had gathered were filled with excitement as they approached the stadium.  As the people funneled through the gates, and showed their tickets, it became obvious that this was no ordinary event, as every gate was lined up down the street and around the corner.  Vendors were selling t-shirts, CD’s, posters, books, buttons and even wrist-bands for nothing less than $15.  Making their way to the concession stand, a 20 oz. Coke was $6 and a dried wrinkled up hot-dog in a stale bun was $7.50, which only reminded them that they should have eaten before they came.

Entering into the Pavilion, the first observation was that the seating section down front was already full with well over 100,000 people, and the grass hills, which extended in every direction were filling up fast.  It was congested to say the least as they tried to find a place to lay out their blanket and sit between the other hundreds of thousands.  As the afternoon turned to dusk, there was an automatic hush over the crowd as the lights came on, and the jumbo-tron screen at the front began showing instructions for the attendees. 

Drinking and Smoking will not be tolerated
Stay in your seating area
Use the restrooms before the event begins
Autographs will be available via the web-site, not at the event
Do not crowd the stage, violators will be immediately escorted away
Do not attempt to help others should they become faint, we have staff members for that

The lights dimmed as music began to play and then amidst the cloud of smoke and flashing spot lights he appeared on the stage.  The crowd began screaming and yelling, pressing towards the stage.  As they did, the security at the stage pressed back and pushed into the crowd with barricades and billy-clubs.  The poor people near the front were being squeezed between the crowd and the security.  He said nothing, he simply stood in the center of the stage and held his arms out wide and the crowds swooned and screamed.  As he walked near the edge of the stage, he bent over and touched a few hands, ladies were fainting as he passed by.  The fury that had risen within this crowd was amazing and addicting at the same time.  When he grabbed the microphone the frenzy level rose even more.  He spoke into the microphone and his words were displayed on the screens: “Do you love me?”  To which the roaring crowd screamed back, “Yes, we love you.”  The man on stage responded with, “Then show me.”
Then the gates around the pavilion were locked and the security began pressing in from all sides, pushing people toward the stage even more so.  From the hills, from their seats, from the aisles, people were falling over each other.  The crowd roared even more as he began speaking about following him and worshiping him.  They responded with applause and screaming out his name.  Some fell to their knees with hands raised and demonstrated their love through praise.  In doing so, many were trampled under the foot of those who pressed in.  As the stadium condensed and people were on top of people, pressed shoulder to shoulder and front to back, the blaring music began to play. 

Music with lyrics that called out the things this man had done for the people, and filled their lips with praise for him.  The crowds began cheering, singing along with the praises for the man on stage.  In the darkness of the night, the spotlight shown only on his face, and the people poured out their worship to him in a manner that was derived from mind-control and propaganda.  Many died that night, and were claimed to have died as martyrs, demonstrating their love for him.
-----------------------------------------------

Sounds irrational, unrealistic and unfathomable doesn’t it.  Yet, consider who you are worshiping and why you are worshiping them.  We worship sports stars, rock stars, celebrities, politicians and even ourselves.  We follow their every move, we study their gossip, we cling to their next revelation and follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Pintrest.  We cross chasms to idolize them and wait in lines for hours to get a signature, or to see them walk by.  We have taken fellow men and women and placed them on pedastals of idolatry without any justification whatsoever. 

Certainly, the story above is far fetched and intended to be so.  But, in reality, we all need to check our thoughts, our addictions and our idols daily.  We spend more time pursuing the famous of this world instead of pursuing the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Consider this the next time you are reading the tab-loid, or checking out the gossip channel or latest post on Facebook.  Who are you idolizing today, and what have they done to deserve that praise?  Now, compare that with the God of the Universe, who has given you life eternal.  Use your praise wisely.     

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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Walking in the Dark

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“Worthy art thou, our Lord and our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power: for thou didst create all things, and because of thy will they were, and were created.” – Revelation 4:11

When the night fell upon the land, the earth fell quiet and those that were upon it lay in slumber.  Peace had come and for the remainder of their evening, they were at rest and had no fear of what might attack.  Through the pitch though they were aware that the creatures were not far away  and they must remain alert despite their weariness.  In the morning they could proceed to the next town or village as it were.  The roads were impassible at night, and there was certainty that they would endanger the entire tribe.  So behind the doors they held fast, singing softly and peacefully worshiping the Lord.

On the road from Jericho a man was walking alone, trying to make it to his friends and companions.  The night wind cut through his cloak and left him bitter cold as his feet stumbled over the stoned pathway.  Periodically, he would look into the darkness of the hills on either side of the road sure that he was being followed, but unsure of who or what it might be.  In the distance he could hear the bleating of the sheep and the whisper of the wind through the scarce trees and tall grass as he came around the bend in the road.  Suddenly, from nowhere a soft melody of praise fell upon his ears.  In a faint tone he could hear the worship being lifted to the God of Abraham, Jacob and David. 

He stumbled from the road, down the side path toward the beautiful melody.  He had heard of angels watching over men along the road from Emmaus and even some from Damascus had spoke of visions from above.  Here he was, a lonely traveler, hungry and tired, miles from the city of Jericho, but even farther from his destination in Bethlehem.  Through the darkness he walked, stumbling yet determined to find the voices in the wilderness that seemed to be calling to him.  As he came over the top of the hill, he saw the small home in the valley, smoke coming from the fire pit. 

He neared the home and the voices became quiet, still and empty.  He heard rustling inside, but could not make out the words being spoken in a whisper.  Then the door sprang open and a large man stood in the opening, shielding the women and children from the stranger.  “What do you want here?  We need nothing from you.”, the larger man said in the darkness.  The traveler stumbled upon the porch and fell at the man’s feet.  “Please Sir, a weary traveler, nothing more.  Simply in need of warmth and a morsel if you could spare.” 

The man moved from the doorway and caught the traveler in his arms.  He put his arm around him and helped him into the house, near the fire.  He set him down upon a stool and wrapped a blanket over his shoulders.  The children and women stood at a distance, in the shadows of the room, but kept an eye upon the stranger.  A cup of water was provided along with a piece of bread, as the large man took a seat across from him.  “Where are you coming from, and where are you going at this hour?”  “My wife is sick and in need of medicine that is in Bethlehem.  I am traveling at night in fear that she might not make it to morning.  I just need to rest and then be on my way.”

“What brought you from the road to our home?”  “Your singing, the melody carried upon the wind and drew me to you.  A sound so beautiful as if angels were singing.”, replied the stranger.  “indeed we were praising our Lord, and His Son, Jesus Christ.  For in the darkness they provide our strength and courage against the evils of this world.  Lifting our voices to heaven, worshiping and bringing glory to God Almighty will cover this house and all that dwell within, just as it did for our ancestors in Egypt and Bethany and Capernaum.  You may stay as long as you like and then I will travel on with you.  It is not safe for you to travel these roads alone at night.  We can return in the morning and then you can be on your way home to your wife.  But please, eat and be filled with the spirit of the Lord in this place.”
“Thank you.  Your kindness and generosity must earn you rewards with your Creator.  I for one do not adhere to such beliefs. I have learned to trust in my self and my capabilities alone, for others will not care to love one such as me.  Tell me, why have you opened your home to me?” 
“You see young man, our God is a God of love, mercy and grace.  His Son, Jesus, walked the streets of Bethlehem, Jerusalem and along the Jordan River.  He healed many; the blind, the sick and even those that had crossed over were brought back to life.  He sought the Father in all things and taught us to love one another and to serve one another as He had served us.  We abide in His laws and strive to lift glory to Him and Him alone.  Come let us sing a song of worship and thanksgiving for your safe travels and the Lord’s loving guidance.”
            “How great is our God, sing with us,
             How great is our God, all will sing,
            How great, how great is our God.”
After singing a few songs, the men bundled up and made their way through the opening, instruction the woman to lock the door behind them.  Together they walked and they talked about God, about creation, about love and about His Son, Jesus Christ.  Soon they were entering the gates to the city and found their way to the medical practitioners home.  With Medicine in hand the two men began the long trek back to the hill country outside of Jericho.  As the sun rose over the Eastern horizon, the men said their good-byes and the stranger left on his own.  In the distance though, they could still hear him singing praise and worship to the Lord, of his new found faith.  Once again, God’s creation has come back to his place of rightful ownership.  The man would carry the testimony home with him and share it with his ailing wife, as the Lord’s kingdom was expanded that one day, thousands of years ago. 

Seek the lost today my friends and help them find their way back to the truth.     

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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Still Cruisin'

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“Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” – Psalm 95:1-2

 It was black.  It was a 2 door sport coupe, 4 speed manual transmission, a cassette player and power windows.  It belonged to my best friend, and I spent hours in the passenger seat or behind the wheel of his 1983 Ford EXP, listening to AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jim Morrison, Foreigner, Journey, Rush, Styx, REO, 38 Special and the Beach Boys.  Tecumseh didn’t have a big main strip.  On a Friday night or Saturday night that mile and a half through downtown was our time to show how cool we were by playing our music loud and singing along with the lyrics with the windows down, regardless of what time of year it was.  We couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket, but something about music made everything seem ok.  We were young, restless and probably did a lot of things we shouldn’t have done; but we created great memories and music was always a part of that.

The other night I was flipping through iHeartradio.com and stumbled upon a channel of 80’s Rock and Roll.  I pressed the play button and an AC/DC song came on.  My 9 year old looked up at me and stated with much conviction; “What is all of that screeching noise?”  Her Mom and I both looked at her and began laughing hysterically.  She couldn’t understand why, so we explained to her that those were the exact words our parents you to say when we were 16.  For just a moment Lisa and I were caught up in a timewarp, as 30 years fell off the calendar.

Music has always been a part of my life.  I’ve certainly listened to some screeching music and I’ve listened to some incredible artistic pieces, but it’s inside of me.  Now I listen to classical and contemporary Christian music with the same amount of passion as I did 30 years ago with rock and roll.  Today I find myself singing along with my iPOD or stereo on the way to work or to the store or anytime at all for that matter.  Despite who is with me, they are going to have to suffer through my off key melodies.  My kids sing along with me, and sometimes even my beautiful wife will join in.  Music has become a means to share our love with the Lord at all times, good and bad, happy and sad.  What used to be a means of releasing stress and acting cool, has become a means of rejoicing and celebrating what God has given us.  I’m sure there were people in David’s time, who looked at him and thought he was possessed or drunk as he danced and sang to celebrate his love for God.  Throughout Psalms and Kings we find David with arms lifted and heart open praising God and dancing with love and passion for his King. 

It's in all of us.  There is a melody buried deep inside of you, which brings out the love and passion you have for life and for your King.  Find that song, find that melody and lift your voice to the Lord in praise.  Today is a day for singing and rejoicing, for the Lord is upon His throne and we are saved by His grace.  Praise Him with Thanksgiving today. 

 

            

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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Is It Just an Act

 

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“I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you.”  – Psalm 22:22

It’s easy to stand in church on Sunday and raise your hands to praise the Lord.  There’s a comfort in knowing that everyone else in the building believes the same thing you do, more or less.  Certainly they are all at a different maturity level in their faith and some are just there to support their spouse, but for the most part we find comfort in being around other Christians.  Whether you are serving in the church or helping in the nursery or sitting in the pew, there is an openness and acceptance to being in the presence of God once you have entered the building.  What is it though, that makes us become reverent when we walk into a church that is not present when we are walking into Wal-Mart or McDonald's? 

You do realize, I’m sure it goes without saying, that God is omniscient and omnipresent, right?  The same God that you worship and pray to on Sunday morning is sitting at your table on Tuesday night, and in the office on Wednesday morning.  At noon on Sunday God shouldn’t change into an afterthought in our hearts and minds.  Just because we are not in the presence of other believers and the comfort of the stained glass sanctuary, God is still God and deserves all of your praise, glory and reverence.  You can’t fear Him and connect with Him while the Pastor stands in the pulpit and then forget His sovereignty and authority as you leave for school the next day.  What will it take for you to make God part of your everyday life?  Perhaps you, like most of us, are comfortable in only spending a few hours a week with Him and then going back to your own plan throughout the week.  God demands more from us, as Christians.  We claim it boldly in the comfort of our church, I’m asking you to take a bigger stand in your life and let God walk you through every day as you seek to serve Him rather than yourself.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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Bible Study – James (day 12)

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“The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell…. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. ” – James 3:6,9 (full text v.1-12)

Here is a little test that I was taught as a young boy.

Take a tube of toothpaste and squeeze the tube so a large portion of toothpaste comes out (you might want to have a paper towel or paper plate to catch it ;-)  ).  Now, once you have squeezed it out, go ahead and put it back into the tube.  That’s right, just pick it up and put it back.  An impossible task, wouldn’t you say?

It’s dimensions were 9.5 ft by 28 in.  It weighed 9,400 pounds (4000 kg).  It was loaded carefully into the cargo bay of the Enola Gay.  On August 6, 1945 that cargo bay door was opened and the world changed.  Once the ‘Little Boy’ was released there was no way to stop it.  After free falling for a few minutes it was detonated at 1,900 feet above the city of Hiroshima, and the atomic age had begun.  Instant death, devastation and destruction took place as far as 2 miles away, and would continue for months and even years as the residual effect of the radiation would wear off.

Watch what comes out of your mouth.  The effects of every word have enormous impact on the little ears that are hearing you, for years to come.  Once you have said your piece and the words have been cast upon the airwaves surrounding you, there is no way to retrieve them.  You can apologize and ask for those within earshot to forgive you, but the damage has already been done. 

We went to a concert over the weekend.  We saw Casting Crowns and Matthew West.  It was an incredible night of praise and worship.  As the words echoed over the Pavilion and hill-side 17,000 of us were on our feet, hands lifted high and singing along with the band.  The impact of the words of their songs and the stories and testimonies created an atmosphere of reverence and honor towards God Almighty.  As the night drew to a close and we made our way back home, the euphoria carried on with us.  I found myself the next morning repeating the songs I had heard the night before.  The lyrics engrained in my mind with such a positive perspective for me to carry forward.

We must be able to control the words that come from our mouth.  Little ones are listening and will mimic what they hear.  This requires patience, calmness and thoughtfulness before allowing your tongue to take control of the situation.  Through the Holy Spirit you are capable of controlling your emotions and words.  Choose them carefully and let them be a positive impact on others that you meet, rather than devastating and destructive.

ACTION: Count to 10.  When you feel the anger boiling, the words are on the tip of your tongue, stop, count, breathe and calmly respond to the situation.  You are the only one that can control your words.  Allow the Holy Spirit and God the Father to shape your words into something that is constructive and helpful today.  

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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