Let Freedom Ring

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"...proclaim liberty throughout the land to all the inhabitants thereof... "      - Leviticus 25:10

  Freedom is the quest of every man. Freedom from work, stress, financial obligations and worry. As children run through the sand on the beaches of the sea, fly kites in the crystal blue skies above or set out on new adventures as far as their mind's eye can reach they experience a sense of freedom that will continue to evade their quest as their years mature. Life as a child is simple, and though they often times do not realize what they have their freedom from responsibilities in life and the safety and comfort they receive from their parent or guardian are blessings.

  As years way upon our lives we take on responsibilities, many self-inflicted, many mandated by law. These responsibilities become the metal rings upon the shackles of slavery we all live within. Through the innate human desire to accumulate more and more, we are creating links in a chain that will forever keep us bound to this life and seeking freedom. Jesus Christ asked his disciples to "..follow me..", to give up everything they had accumulated and follow His call. The "things" of this life will weigh us down and distract us from pursuing His plan.

  Today, in the U.S.A. we celebrate our freedom to vote for our Government officials, including the next President of the United States.  I pray for whomever that might be that he be filled with the Holy Spirit and convicted to govern within the grace of our Lord.  Our founding fathers were pursuing freedom from the persecution and tyranny of the English government of the 18th century. The guiding principles of our "Declaration of Independence" were established on the Christian and moral values of the leaders in colonial America. Men rooted in a strong faith and fear of God, knowing that a nation that serves under God is a nation that is destined to be blessed by this same God.

  True freedom is not found in and of this world. Extreme wealth has left men empty inside, longing for something more. The sustenance of life through food, pleasures and addictions are fleeting, and need daily repetition to maintain. Finding true freedom is the art of coming to the realization that it cannot be found in worldly things, but only through the One who created the world. Jesus Christ came to deliver man from the evil and sins of this world into a life of righteousness and oneness with God Almighty. True freedom is found in the words of our Savior, "..sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, then come and follow me." (Matt. 19:21) It's a tall order, but imagine the freedom you would have if you knew all you had to do is wake up in the morning and do the will of God for the whole day.

To my friends in the U.S.A. exercise your constitutional right to vote today and take part in this incredible freedom that we have.  I wish you all a joyous, peaceful and reinvigorating outcome to this election. But take this day one step farther and celebrate your independence, and begin anew to seek the freedom promised by the Savior. Be blessed.

                                                                                                                   - Rich
             

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

Who will Lead?

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 "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