The Only Purpose

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“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9

 

When we bury our head in the sand and ignore the facts, we are doing a disservice to the fabric of our society.  This complacency and decision to turn the other way is allowing the acceptance of worldly perspectives rather than Godly perspectives.  Let’s face it, there are mornings I wake up and read the news and become completely discouraged with the current state of the world.  I look at the poverty, the wars, the corruptness, greed and scandals; and ask myself how much longer.  Have you been there?  Have you found yourself at times wondering, “How much longer God.  How much longer must we wait for your return?”  It’s so hard to look upon all of the evil in this world and not be overwhelmed by the challenge before us as believers in Jesus Christ.  Daily we hear of violent crimes against children, abuse of spouses, murder in the streets, oppressive governments, incurable disease, increases in homelessness and unemployment and the deception of world views on our youth, drawing them away from Christ.  There are days I wake up and feel sick to my stomach as I hear the stories of what is happening around the globe to those that stand up for their faith.

Jesus Christ came for all mankind.  The scriptures are clear that God’s desire is that all of mankind would return to Him.  In the most popular verse of the Bible: John 3:16, we see that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whomever should believe in Him would not perish, but have eternal life.”   By the sacrifice of His only Son, God set a path in motion for ALL of mankind, not for some, not for a few, but for “all that believe in Him”.  This is the only requirement, yet so many in today’s world have chosen to refuse this gift, and remain in their sin and unrighteousness.

According to the scriptures, Jesus will return one day to take His children home (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).   Those who believe.  There is no other path to salvation represented in the scriptures for those who refuse the act that has already been demonstrated.  No good works, no charity, no financial gain, no position of power or authority, no relationship, and no wisdom will bridge the chasm between this world and the next.  Many have tried to twist the scriptures to accommodate other paths and define salvation in a way that brings comfort to their life-style, but the Holy Word of God cannot be twisted or conformed to our way of thinking.  Rather, we must accommodate our lifestyle to align with His Word.

A simple question and answer session:

• Do you believe in God?
• Do you believe that God created the heavens and earth?
• Do you believe that God gave the 10 Commandments to Moses as law for mankind?
• Do you believe that God flooded the earth during the days of Noah?
• Do you believe that God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for the evil that dwelt within?
• Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?
• Do you believe that Jesus Christ was born to a virgin, died, and was raised again as the salvation for mankind?

If you can answer Yes to all of these questions, than do you also believe that Jesus will come back one day to bring His own home?  Peter, Paul, John and the other disciples believed this as well.  They suffered terrible deaths holding onto this truth, and the belief that it would be in their lifetime.  Just because it did not happen in their lifetime, doesn’t change the fact that it will happen.  1 Thessalonians 4:16 tells us that the “dead in Christ” will be taken up first – this includes all of those who have gone on before you.  Peter, Paul, John, Mary, …. , Billy Graham, Mother Theresa, perhaps your parents or Grandparents, perhaps your spouse, or your child.  Verse 17 tells us that “we who are alive in Christ” will then be called to dwell with Him forever.

Does your life reflect this anticipation?  Are you impatiently awaiting the return of Jesus, and keeping alert and ready for His return?  If it were today, where would you be tomorrow?  Honestly reflect on this, for you are not going to “fake” your way through it.  God knows the truth of your heart, and regardless of your words or pleading, He will judge one way or the other.  By grace He has provided a plan of salvation, not because we deserved it, but because His love for ALL of mankind is so deep. 

He wants that all should be saved, so upon His return, can this world claim that ALL or saved?  Of course not, so does this not then require our patience and adherence to His teaching until that time has come?  If you can stand upon His truth and claim salvation, then you should be reaching to those that are lost with love and compassion, just as Jesus did, so that they too can come to this redemption.  I fear that we have turned salvation into a sporting event and as long as our team wins it’s all good.  That is not the heart of God.  It’s not a competition, it is a loving discourse of God’s truth.  Jesus came to share the truth, and left the Holy Spirit with us to help us share this good news. 

In leaving the Holy Spirit with us, we have God’s advocate dwelling within until the time of Jesus return.  Rest on this, be strengthened by this, and know that you are a child of God, left here only for a select time to share this love of God with others.  For in due time either He will return or you will reach your end of days.  In either case, our only task is to glorify the Father, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to expand His Kingdom and share His love.  This is the fruit that a child of God will bear, until the time of Jesus return.  

We get wrapped up in the worldly news, and the negativity of this life, and in doing so lose sight of why we are here.  Why are we so intrigued and captivated by the meaningless dribble that comes out of the news, social media, and the mouths of those in this world?  Nothing you do, no nothing, is more important than returning the lost to the Father.  You focus on your career, on your cars, your bills, your house, your sports, and your family; while those along your life’s path are suffering in their sin, with no understanding of the Father.  Your children, your spouse, your family, your friends are all a good place to start.  For in due time, when the trumpet sounds, they will no longer have a choice.  God’s grace is sufficient for the most disgusting of sinful actions, and His redemption is available to all, but they must come to an understanding that He alone is Lord and they must be saved from their worldly unrighteousness. 

 

 

© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
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Some Will be Lost

Make 2014 a year of Sharing

“For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.” – Matthew 24:27

They gathered in the park as the sun rested behind the treeline.  The air was cold and the dew was fresh on the ground as they moved through the crowds.  Some were lying, some sitting, but many were standing in the darkness.  The young man wandered through the crowd in an urgent fashion as if looking for someone specific amidst the thousands of individuals.  A woman covered in a blanket stopped him for just a moment and motioned for him to slow down and offered to help.  He had lost his son amidst the crowd.  He and his wife had split up to find him, but they had been searching for over an hour and couldn’t find him anywhere.  She escorted him through the crowds to the top of the hill.  There was a pedestal raised there and he climbed up the 30 foot tower. 

From the top he could look out over the throngs of people amassed in the park that morning.  It was still hard to see, as there was little light and there were just so many gathered.  In his attempt to find his son, he saw his wife frantically asking everyone she ran into.  Then he saw her stop, raise her hands to her lips and proceed to follow an older woman quickly through the crowded pathway.  His eyes moved ahead of her toward the treeline where they were targeting.  The sun was just beginning to create a silver lining over the trees, as the sky became a mosaic tapestry of purple, pink, blues and black.  Along the shadows of the trees was a line of people kneeling with their hands raised.  A muffled buzz could be heard at first, but then it started to spread back towards his pedestal as the murmuring took on the sound of worship.  Words became clear as prayers were lifted in the morning hour as the sun broke the plane.

There he was.  In his red jacket and ball cap, he was kneeling at the front edge of the mass of people.  His hands were raised, his head lowered as he swayed back and forth with those around him.  From the father’s position above the tower, he watched as his wife broke through the crowd and ran to his son’s side.  Then he watched as his son ignored his wife and continued in worship and praise, despite her attempt to hug him.  As she turned to look she likewise fell to her knees, her arms raised and began to worship.  Then a light flashed across the sky and left the man blinded for a moment.

After several moments he was able to once again open his eyes and see.  He could hear screaming and crying as he came to his senses.  He regained his balance and looked back to the treeline, now awash with the brightness of the morning sun.  As he focused his attention on the spot where his son and wife were kneeling, he nearly fell from the tower upon which he stood.  He saw his son’s red coat and ballcap lying on the grass right next to his wife’s blue sweatshirt and jeans.  The thousands of people in the park were now down to a few hundred holding clothes in their hands and looking around wondering what just happened. He hurried down from the tower and ran through the crowd to where his son was kneeling. 

As he approached, he could confirm that indeed it was his child’s coat and clothes lying in a pile next to his wife’s.  In confusion and fear he gathered the clothes and looked around for an answer.  He was not alone.  The people left standing in the park wandered aimlessly looking for someone who knew what was going on.  Then he realized what he had witnessed, and he turned back to the spot.  He ran through his memory of the last 10 minutes and remembers seeing his son kneeling, then watching his wife fall to her knees with arms raised; both worshiping alongside others.  Those who were worshiping were now missing. The Son had come and taken them home.  Jesus Christ had just raptured His church.

As the thought set in, he fell to his knees and wept into the clothes of his loved ones.  What had he done?  What must he now do?  What happens next?

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

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“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
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
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No Ordinary Day

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“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
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
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Keeping His Promise

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“For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself” – Hebrews 6:13

Walking through the park I take the opportunity to look around at the families enjoying quality family time.  Some are lying on blankets and enjoying the sun, while others are swinging their children on the swings or watching them carefully scale the climbing ropes or the steps to the slide.  The children run, laugh and simply enjoy the day in the park.  My visit to the park resulted from a plea by my 5 year old, Emma, to learn to ride her bike without training wheels.

A request that had been made several times over the last 3 or 4 weeks.  Each time the request had come in, I had responded the same way: “We will go the park and learn to ride the bike this summer.  I promise you’ll be riding a bike before you start school in the Fall.”  Promises made by a father are held dearly by the little ones around us.  I had made this promise to Emma with the full intention of executing on it at some point this summer, but honestly I had given myself a 13 week window.  In her eyes she was counting down the days until she was out of school and it came to fruition last weekend.  Emma came to me on Sunday after church and with her incredible brown eyes, simply said; “Daddy, is it summer now.”  I wasn’t on the same page as her and responded, “Sure, you’re out of school now.”  To which she quickly responded, “Can we go to the park and learn to ride the bike now?”  So, we ended up in the park that afternoon and Emma was riding a bike all by herself by the end of the day.

If I look to mankind and the promises made by our politicians, our employers, our friends and family; I am skeptical that they will fulfill the promises they have made.  Not because they are intent on disappointing, but because often times they aren’t the ones fully in control of the required actions.  On the other hand, our Heavenly Father has made promises to us that He will send His Son back and we will join Him in heaven one day.  He wasn’t as specific on the exact date and time, but similar to Emma and her bicycle, I often find myself impatient awaiting His return.  I trust completely in His promises though, and despite my impatience, I stand on the faith that He is just, sovereign and righteous.  He will fulfill what He has promised; for in God there is no deceit, there is no unrighteous act, there is no sin.  There is not higher authority that He needs to get the approval of, or counsel with in order to act.  He is the Supreme Authority on all things and it is only through His plan that salvation and judgment will take place. 

Do not compare the weakness and inconsistent behavior of mankind with the perfection of God.  When God promises something, it is as good as done, and simply requires our faith, trust and belief in His plan for execution.  Do not grow weary in waiting for His return, but take faith in knowing that He will.  Then you are free to live this life knowing that your eternity is secured in His word and promise.    

Prayer:

Loving Father,

We rejoice in Your promise of eternity.  We long to be with You, and rest in Your glory.  Give us the patience and endurance in this life that we might further Your message of love, peace and mercy to those around us.  Help us, Lord, to be examples to others of Your Son’s love and forgiveness as other’s observe our nature.  We remain focused on the prize and turn away from the distractions in life.  In Your name we pray – Amen

             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
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Spread the Wealth

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"And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days " - Revelations 11:3

  There will come a day when; as a believer in Jesus Christ; you will no longer have the opportunity to tell someone about Him. The bible tells us that He will return and we will be caught up with Him in the clouds and will be with Him forever. When this happens, the time to share Christ's message and love with others will be gone. I propose that the company we keep from that moment on will be filled with rejoicing in the Lord, not spreading His good news, for the recipients of any message will already have it.

  The scripture referenced above calls out an action that will take place during the tribulation period. Many believe that this 1,260 days represents the 2nd three and a half years of the seven year tribulation period. These will be the final voices to the unsaved. Without ceasing they will preach the gospel from the temple mount in Jerusalem. There will be enemies who attempt to kill them for their preaching. These people will be killed in their attempts.

  Daily we have the opportunity to share the gospel with others. Yes, it is hard for some to enter into a discussion on religion with others when you are unclear of their religious beliefs. Face it, having a discussion with another believer, albeit` very valuable for growth, is easy and comfortable. We are called to share His gospel with the world, even if that means 1 person at a time. Below I have captured a few thoughts on how to open this discussion with friends, family, co-workers or strangers. Please consider this carefully and take the opportunities as they present themselves to share your beliefs. Do not worry about stumbling over words or getting it perfect, because you can't get it perfect but God can through you.

  "Have a blessed day."
  "Can I pray for you?"
  "I'm doing a survey, can I ask you a question? Who is Jesus Christ?"
  Invite someone to go to church with you.
  Share Christian music with someone, buy the latest Michael W. Smith, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Casting Crowns or Chris Tomlin CD and give it to someone.
  Take someone to lunch, ask them if you can pray before you eat.
  If you want me to send you an e-mail that you can forward to someone, just e-mail me. by clicking here.

  Don't wait, for we truly do not know when these events will unfold, but we do know that they will. It doesn't have to be in your face preaching, but find a way to enter into a discussion. Who do you know that needs to hear about Jesus today? Family members, friends or peers? Take the time to do something about it.
             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com