37 Days – Strongholds Must Fall

Pastor Randy’s devotional:

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

January 23^rd  Prayer:

Lord, I worship You today! I praise You for demolishing the nagging arguments in my mind that attempt to disqualify me and condemn me—these thoughts have been in my mind for many years. Thank You for victory over habitual sin and familiar patterns of weakness and temptation. Thank you for power over resentment, anger, and unforgiveness. All these arguments and thinking patterns that have restricted my growth for so long now—I present them to Jesus this day. Make these thoughts obey You, Jesus. Thank You for demolishing these torturers . . . in Jesus’ name!

My thoughts:

Strongholds are those things that you continue to struggle with in your walk with the Lord.  Through unmentionable anguish and effort we continue to overcome these areas of our own accord and abilities.  First, because of pride and the simple truth that we believe we can handle these items on our own, and secondly, because we are ashamed of coming before the Lord, knowing that our actions are outside of His righteousness.  We need to realize that we can’t overcome these things without God.  We can try to will ourselves into a straight-jacket discipline, but the enemy is so much stronger.  When we reach to God for His help, He is much stronger than the enemy.  Knocking down these strongholds is not difficult for Him, but it takes our acknowledgement of His authority and obedience to follow His ways.

Taking control of your thoughts, taking control of your actions and taking control of your words are all things that the Lord can bring to fruition.  He alone can cast down those negative thoughts, violent actions and inappropriate words and bring your life back into line with His path.  You must take the initiative to engage Him and trust that He is fighting on your behalf.  Lift your concerns, thoughts and fears to Him, and ask that He bring His power to bear on your situation.  Ask that He remove the strongholds that keep you from serving in a richer capacity, and keep you from walking along His path.  Earnestly reach out to Him for as your Father, He will watch over and fight on your behalf.  Realize and acknowledge His sovereignty and authority over all things, including the evil one and those that follow Him.  Your Father is one big, bad dude and despite Satan’s big mouth and deceptive lies, he pales in comparison.

Be Blessed,

Rich

Join us on Facebook @ 10 Minute Reader Daily Thoughts or on Twitter @Sondove
If you would like to be added to the email distribution, please send an email here.

The Content Christian

January 28, 2015

“Nevertheless I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for you.” – Matthew 11:24

If He stood before your church or joined you at your dinner table, would He recognize the heart of a repentant son or daughter?  I am sorry if it offends you, but He is the Holy God of the Universe and will not accept the sluggard, the self-centered and the convenient Christian.  He is Holy, Righteous and above all things.  There is nothing over Him, that He should ask approval.  There is none other who can provide your salvation from the eternal Hell that exists and will for all eternity. 

I find myself this morning questioning the sincerity of my faith and love for the Father.  I believe Jesus Christ is my Savior.  He died for my sins and provided the sacrifice for my transgressions.  But, do I really consider Him Lord of my life?  This means that I follow His direction, His commandments and His will in my life.  Almost daily I struggle with given up the gluttonous, self-centered desires of this world and serve Him and only Him.  I spend time in earnest prayer every morning, and I know right from wrong, good from evil.  I focus my heart on the good and step out to do those things each and every day.  Yet, amidst it all I find myself coming before the Lord each night asking for the same forgiveness as days gone by.

By most I’m considered a nice, upstanding and good guy.  I was raised by loving parents, and I’ve gone to church my entire life.  I work hard, I do the right things for the family and I tithe at church.  I avoid the big no-no’s in life and I believe I’ve taught my children to love God with all their heart, mind and soul.  But, though all of that is true, if I am not in a right relationship with Jesus Christ and turning from my sinful actions each day, it’s all for naught. 

The Bible is a the word of God and when it says “you must . . . “ it is not a suggestion, it is a directive from the only true God of the Universe.  Do we have any right to twist it to fit our comfort zone?  No, we don’t.  If you want to believe that God exists, that Jesus Christ is our Messiah, and that He alone is your salvation, than you must take the entire word of God just as seriously and abide in it.  You don’t get to make the rules for God to follow.  He does.  You don’t get to argue your case and try to justify your actions, He’s already stated the outcome clearly.  It’s not a game with “instant replay” it is your eternal salvation.  Don’t you think you should be thinking carefully about where you and those you love stand on these topics?  He is a God of love, but He is also a God of unbelievable wrath like you have never seen.  Honor Him, give Him the glory, Thank Him for every breath that He alone has allowed you to take.  He is your King and Lord, it’s about time we treat Him the way He deserves to be treated, and get off our own high horse.

  

© Sondove Enterprises, 2015
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Finding Me - Day 2

September 9, 2014

Just shift your eyes, don’t look and they will never know.  It’s amazing how easy it is to be tempted in this world.  The sexuality, the lasciviousness and the acceptance of all things carnal has reached an extreme and I have become numb to it.  Because it is so commonplace today, I have come to expect it, rather than repel it.  How will this impact my children?  What values, morals and character are they going to emulate when they observe their own father being drawn into the world’s acceptance of immorality.  Has the shame and decency been completely exhausted from our presence or is it still a minority of those who live on the edge? 

Let’s face it, for all time man has found the forbidden to be exciting, challenging and enticing; but that doesn’t make it right.  As a husband and as a father I am called to be a representative of a moral and just character that instills values and righteousness in my family.  I am not the man the world wants me to be, I must be the man God wants me to be.  This means turning off the crap and turning away from the nonsense that the world wants me to become addicted too. 

Day 2: A Strong Character
“Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” – 2 Timothy 2:22

God created us to be righteous and has provided His Son as an example of holiness, perfection, love and purity.  The earth is filled with the forces of evil, lust and wickedness, but we serve a higher purpose and must continue to strive for what He has called us to become.  Through studying His word, through prayer and through blatant obedience we are capable of overcoming that which is in the world and living a just life, filled with His peace, purity, love and righteousness.  I know He is my strength to overcome the power of Satan in this world, but I must learn to turn to Him and trust that He is enough.

Prayer:
Father,
You have given me the authority over the evil in this world and the impact it will have on me and my family.  Help me then to live in this authority and draw from it the strength I need to overcome it in my daily walk.  I trust in You and You alone for my salvation, and my purpose.  You have called me and my family to be above the sinful ways of the world, let us walk in Your purpose.  Holy Spirit, I call upon Your strength and guidance to turn from that which is unholy and live in righteousness.   – Amen

Sondove Enterprises ©, 2014
For additional Daily Thoughts, follow Rich’s blog at: http://sondove.blogspot.com

Facebook at : https://www.facebook.com/pages/10-Minute-Reader-Daily-Thoughts/108926632475457 
Twitter at: https://twitter.com/Sondove

The Pitfall of Despair

Make 2014 a year for sharing

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” – Matthew 6:13a

In 1972 author Hal Lindsey published a book called “Satan is alive and well on planet earth”  In it, he describes how people of this day and age (written over 40 years ago) have become complacent, and view Satan as more of a comic book villain than the Prince of Darkness, evil and unrighteousness.  So tell me, in the last forty years have we as a people gotten better or worse at fighting off the devil’s play.  I propose time may have elapsed but the conflict is as ripe as it was in the Garden of Eden.

Daily we will be tempted.  This will sometimes come in ways that are obvious and other times in ways that seem harmless.  There is an evil force in the world, inherent in each of us.  This force will occupy space in our hearts and minds when we are weak and vulnerable in our faith.  Jesus came to give us the truth about life, death and eternity.  The more we are in His word and leaning on His strength the less open space we have for the evil one to set up residency.  Since the Garden of Eden, mankind has been struggling with fending off evil. 

For centuries man has tried to do enough good things, say the right words and earn their way back into God’s grace and mercy through sacrifice and ritual.  God sent Jesus Christ as the final atonement for mankind’s sin.  God’s grace became available to all mankind through the blood and resurrection of His own Son, the perfect spotless sacrifice.  Therefore, it is only through Him that we might receive eternal life and forgiveness for our sinful nature, for He alone was perfect and sinless. You cannot earn your way into heaven through good works, righteous words or someone else’s faith.  It is dependent solely on your relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

As temptation arises today, look to Him for your strength to overcome.  Why, you might ask?  Because He is the only one to ever walk this earth flawless and defeat Satan in every way.  He knows the devil well and wants to help you avoid the pitfalls of despair.

Prayer:

Almighty God,

I lift Your name in praise and worship this morning, for You alone are God.   There are no others but You with the love, compassion and grace for eternity.  I am sorry Lord for my weakness and giving in to temptation, please forgive my transgressions.  Strengthen me Lord, that I might become an overcomer and resist the works of evil in my life.  Help me to be a beacon of hope to those who cannot see Your love through the chaos and confusion of worldly values.  In Your name we pray – Amen

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

That Gentle Voice

Make 2014 a year for sharing

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” – John 14:16-17

They piled into the car to head out for dinner and a night on the town.  He was much more of a homebody, but his traveling companions were all excited about getting out of the hotel.  Driving through the dark streets there were hundreds of people milling about, walking down the center of the street and moving only when the driver would honk the horn.  Several times the van came to a complete stop for what seemed like 10 minutes or longer waiting for people to move.  It was at these times that people would walk up and proposition the men in the van with drugs, sex and even firearms.  It was a roadway that had been turned into a marketplace when the sun set each day.

He sat in the middle, in the back seat becoming less comfortable the farther they drove from the security of the hotel.  His colleagues were mostly laughing and engaging with the locals in fun banter as they made their way through the sea of people.  Finally, the crowds thinned and they were able to accelerate down the winding roadway to the beach area where they were going to have dinner.  Laughing, telling stories and enjoying good food together as friends.  Time was passing quickly and as they were finishing up their drinks, one man threw out the idea of having some fun with the local girls.  Most laughed, cheered and encouraged the idea as they headed back toward the van.

Once again, he sat in the middle of the back seat as they proceeded back out onto the roadway, heading back into town and the throng of people.  A few turns, and a dark alley and the driver pulled up in front of an old warehouse building.  The sign, written in Thai with English sub-titles, said “Happy Massage Parlor”  He closed his eyes and asked for wisdom and strength.  The men started piling out of the van, patting each other on the back and laughing, while he stayed seated.  A few stopped and turned back, “Come on. Let’s go.”  they said to him.  He motioned them on and said, “Nah, I don’t need what their offering.”  Amidst laughter, and jeering and ridicule, they turned and walked away, up the steps and into the warehouse.  He sat in the van alone for the next hour, staying focused on what the Holy Spirit was convicting him of; “Be Holy as I am Holy”

Life is going to be filled with temptations and opportunities to stand up for right and wrong.  We are called to live a Christlike life and to turn from unrighteousness and run.  When Jesus taught the disciples in the upper room that the Holy Spirit would come upon them and dwell within them, He was stating that to all of you.  Your acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord opens the door for the Holy Spirit to come into your life, and dwell within you.  The unseen presence of God is with you every moment of every day, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. 

The small voice inside of you that tells you right from wrong; good from evil and righteous from unrighteous.  He convicts you without condemnation, and counsels you on doing the right thing in situations when you are faced with temptations.  He is your counselor on growing and strengthening your Christian walk.  Just as Jesus walked with the disciples for 3 years and taught them through His words, actions and love; so is the Holy Spirit walking with you.

But, you must want to listen and follow His lead.  For He is God’s presence in your life and He cannot condone or accept unrighteousness.  By denying His counsel, we are choosing to deny Christ and God’s plan in our life and pursue our own selfish desires.  As we discover through our daily trials, we are weakened by following the world’s path.  Our strength comes from listening to the Holy Spirit’s convictions and following His counsel.  For in doing so, we are leaning on the strength and wisdom of God Almighty to combat the evil of this world.

Most of us comprehend God, our Father in Heaven who watches over us and provides grace, love and forgiveness.  Jesus, is God in Flesh and that real presence who taught us about the love of the Father and how to love one another and serve God and man.  The Holy Spirit, the third branch of our triune God, is your daily counselor, comforter and teacher.  Living within you and helping you with decisions, actions and pursuing holiness.  Learn to hear, follow and walk with the Holy Spirit to truly understand the presence of the Father in your life.  He is with you always and present to guide your steps if you’ll allow Him.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Words of a King – “Serve Him”

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“Then Jesus *said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’” – Matthew 4:10

In the early 1930’s the world watched as a man rose in Germany to become the leader of the Third Reich.  His name was Adolf Hitler and he demanded the respect and obedience of every individual in Germany at the time.  He was worshipped by millions as a Supreme Being above mortal man.  Many believed he had the power over life and death, that even the weather was within his control.  Their confidence in him as their leader was so strong that they believed they could never be defeated as long as he was alive.  With a mandatory salute of respect, “Heil Hitler”, the people worshipped him where ever he went, and whenever he was in the public eye. 

In China, Mao Zedung is described as the founding father of the People’s Republic of China.  He rose to power through revolutionary tactics, and ruled over China from the 1950’s through his death in 1976.  He is seen by many as the savior of China and people come from all over China each year to visit his mausoleum.  His photo hangs in many businesses, public areas and most homes across the large populous country still to this day.  He was a ruthless dictator that ruled China with a ferocious fist, but was loved and worshipped by the masses while doing so, “For the betterment of China”.

In America, Presidents are often held on high regard and worshipped in a manner which separates them from the general population.  George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and even our current President Obama have all been regarded men above the norm.  We line the streets, push and shove and do everything we can to actually see them in person as if they were worthy of our praise and worship.

In England, the world watches and people praise the new born Prince George.  Women are seen crying tears of joy at his first public appearance.  The people crowd the palace to see the one who might deliver them from their current state of life today, anticipating his future reign as a change for the better.

How are we any different today than the Philistines, the Amorites, the Persians and the Babylonians and other societies of the Old Testament who worshipped their King, their god rather than the One and only God.  In the 21^st century we are filled with desire and passion for things that stand between us and God Almighty.  Examples include: money, cars, celebrities, lust, religion, relationships, selfishness and pride.  We serve and worship things and people and minimize the single focal point of all things – God, the Father.

Is Baal alive and well in the 21^st century world.  Absolutely, but we are so blinded by our self- righteousness we don’t even see the connection to the ancient world.  We claim Christianity and a love of Jesus Christ, yet stand by while the world destroys the very name of the one we claim to serve.  We are more interested in how we are getting ahead in life and succeeding in the eyes of those around us than we are in the eyes of the Lord. 

Who do you serve?  Who do you worship?  What does it mean to you to become a worshiper of God alone?

These words of Jesus Christ to Satan are words that should be followed by every man, woman and child from here to eternity.  Yet, I fear that most of us have succumbed to the tempter by allowing our inner desire for personal gain to cloud our vision.  Perhaps it’s time to reevaluate exactly where you are going in this life and why.

             

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

Words of a King – “Trust God”

It has been a few days since my last post.  I have been struggling with a message that I feel strongly should be told.  I have wrestled with the Holy Spirit on how to communicate it, and it took a few days to get my obstinate attitude out of the way. 

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“But He {Jesus} answered {devil} and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”” – Matthew 4:4

What if we actually lived by the instructions and words that came from Jesus while He was here on earth.  For the next several days we will look specifically at His instructions as they pertain to our modern day society.  Perhaps, if we were more attuned to His word, we could actually make a change for the better in the world in which we live.

We all make choices each and every day on a number of different topics from clothing to wear, what to eat, spending money, our daily plan at work or school and who we talk to throughout the day.  You and I make a choice as to how much time we are spending with God and His word, learning, educating and growing in our faith and relationship with Him.  It’s no different than any other choice you make, but the results are dramatically different in the end.  You might choose a different route to the office each day and save 5 minutes in the commute.  You might choose a more healthy lunch or you might choose to spend 30 minutes longer at the gym and shave off a few pounds.  You prioritize your spending, your calendar and your time throughout the day – where does God fit?

Jesus first recorded words after He was baptized are captured above in Matthew 4:4.  In responding to the temptation that Satan has placed before him, He is teaching you and I how we should respond in the face of temptation, but He is also telling us to strengthen our walk each day by spending time with the Lord.  It’s not about what the world can give you (bread) but rather what God wants from you and will give you in return. 

This is counter-intuitive to what the world is telling you. “Make more money” “Buy bigger and faster” “Each man for himself”  “Keep your religious beliefs to yourself”, our lives should not be focused on what we are getting from the world.  Our lives should be focused on what we are giving back to the Lord, God Almighty, each and every day.  I believe in my heart you are agreeing with me and that you are looking for that deeper relationship, that intimacy with God in your life.  Are you waking up each morning asking God what you can do for Him today, or are you praying over your struggles, calendar and concerns each day?  Perhaps it is time for a change in how we are communicating to God. 

The scripture tells us to concentrate and “focus on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”  This requires you to know what God is saying.  Perhaps it’s not verbal voice, but the written word.  The Holy Bible is known as the Word of God, and when studied will bring you closer to an understanding of who God is and what does He say.  I’m saying study the Bible, not just read a passage or two, and consider your duty done for the day. 

If you are reading this, you have likely made a choice at some point and time to believe in Jesus Christ for eternal salvation.  That is the single most important decision you will make in this life.  But, it is also the single most dangerous decision you will make.  You see, choosing to believe in Jesus Christ is a requirement for your eternal destiny, but if you have not chosen to follow Him, and make Him the Lord of your life, you are simply convincing yourself that you are a Christian and walking in that lie.  God needs to be at the center of your life, period. 

It’s not a matter of saying the words, but a matter of changing your life and committing yourself to His purpose and His desire in your life.  It is not a light hearted raising of your hand on Sunday morning and then back to your “worldly life” on Monday morning.  Get into the word of God every day.  Study it.  Learn from it and Share it with others.  Take part in the greatest opportunity you have ever had in your life and trust that in doing so, you are becoming less like the world and more like the Christ that you have proclaimed as your King.

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

Stop and Look Around

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” – Titus 2:12-13

I have always found this scripture to be reassuring and challenging.  Daily we are bombarded with opportunities for unrighteous, ungodly behavior.  The world is filled with lustful desires and tempting distractions, causing each of us to take a step back and ask ourselves, “What if Jesus were with me right now?” 

One of the things they teach you in press training is never say something that you would not want on the cover of the Wall Street Journal the next morning.  Truthful, factual and authentic words must be carefully planned before they ever leave your lips.  It is so easy in today’s fast paced world to say something that you didn’t truly mean, regardless of what the intent might have been.  So it is with our actions.  People get caught up in the moment and one thing leads to another and suddenly they’ve gone too far.  What is it about our desire to impress, to blend in and to create an image of acceptance that drives us to step over that boundary of righteous behavior? 

We are bound by an inherent evil of the flesh and desires of the heart in this world.  It isn’t something that only impacts a select group of individuals, or a small percentage of the populous.  The real question is not whether we are all sinful.  The answer to that is unequivocally yes, it is in every single one of us from Kim Kardashian to Billy Graham, we are all captive by the sinful nature of mankind.  The real question is around our adherence to the convictions of the Holy Spirit and our ability of each of us to deny this nature and seek the righteousness and godliness of our Savior – Jesus Christ.  The more control we give over to the God and the Holy Spirit the easier it becomes to resist the temptations when they arise.  There is where the real problem comes into play.  We look at the lustful desires of our heart and choose to pursue them.  It is a choice we are making to refuse God’s will for our life and pursue that which we know to be against His righteousness. 

There are areas in my life where I have to constantly be reminding myself that where I go, I take God (in the Holy Spirit) with me.  I am dragging the perfection of our King and Almighty Father into the depths of Hell and evil by decisions I am making in my life.  I know I’m not alone in this struggle.  I know that the likelihood is, that as you are reading this you are also scouring through your mind those areas where you know you have given in to the cravings of your flesh and the lustful desires of your heart.  It might be in the area of work, greed, materialism, sex, drugs, alcohol, food and yes even violence. 

Have you noticed that in the valley’s of your life, you probably had taken the steering wheel back with full intent of controlling the curves in your life – only to end up in the ditch.  Today is the day for you to lay it out there for the Lord to deal with.  By confessing it to the Lord, seeking repentance for your thoughts and transgressions you begin down a new path of righteousness with God.  Give Him the steering wheel and I promise that the car will stay out of the ditch.  There is one simple question to ask yourself when you are faced with a decision of unrighteous, ungodly behavior; “What if this ends up on the front page of the Heavenly Street Journal tomorrow morning?”   In most cases, knowing that Jesus Christ is returning at any moment, you should also be asking yourself; “If I were entertaining Jesus Christ would I bring Him to this event (situation or action)?”  If, in His physical presence, you would not choose the same way, than you probably realize that the activity is probably unrighteous and you shouldn’t be taking the Holy Spirit there either.  The right thing to do is take 2 minutes, pray about it and ask God to make your mind clear on the decision that will best uplift His glory.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father,
We are captured in the sinful nature, passed on from generation to generation.  We are drawn like moths to a light, bees to honey and ants to a picnic; to the temptations of evil in this world.  We are surrounded by temptations of lust, desires, greed, food and so many other areas that we cannot stand without Your strength.  So Lord, we beseech You to build a fortress within each of us to stand strong against the evil in this world; keeping our eyes focused on Your return to bring us home.  Forgive us for our weakness and our choices to pursue our flesh and not Your will in our lives.  Help us to become filled with Your Holy Spirit so that every decision is righteous in Your eyes and represents Your glory to all that we come in contact with.  In Your precious name we pray - Amen

             

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

Who Turned Out the Light

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

 “but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” – 1 John 1:7

As the door opens, your hand moves to the familiar place on the wall to flip the switch “on”, your eyes take in the sheer and utter darkness.  Deep blackness consumes your arm as your pupils expand to seek out a glimmer of light in the small area.  Flipping the switch does nothing and the light from the hallway illuminates only a small path into the room.  You step into the darkness, your hands are stretched out in front of you as you try to recall the obstacles that might be in your way, as you gingerly take another step.  In the small swath of light from the hallway your pupils begin to take in shapes and forms in the darkness as your quest for the object continues.  Your foot kicks something and moving it to another spot it lands on something pointed causing you to more your foot once again and gently place it on the floor next to a box, barely visible.  Slowly you make your way into the room, small step by small step, trying to remember your pathway so you can exit along the same path.  Finding the object finally, you turn to face the open door and the light from the hallway.  Your eyes adjust to the fading light, but there is a sense of relief as the path to the door is visible when looking back toward the light.  You take a few steps over and around a few obstacles and you are back at the door, with prize in hand.  You make a mental note to change the lightbulb in the store-room before someone gets hurt.

You’ve all been there at one point in your life.  Having to walk in the darkness because a light bulb was burned out or for one reason or another you could not turn the light on at that moment.  Perhaps in the middle of the night, you couldn’t turn on the light because it might awaken others.  I’ve personally been there many times as I get up a few hours before anyone else in the house and often find myself walking through the hallways and rooms with my hands extended, feeling my way rather than seeing my way.  Countless times my feet have landed upon a small toy or kicked the leg of a chair or tripped over something in the dark of the night.  It’s amazing how the smallest amount of light can change an environment from a danger zone into a simple walk through the house.

Life is no different.  We wake each morning and venture into a day that is going to be filled with darkness, evil and unrighteousness.  As much as we feel confident in knowing what is coming our way, there is no way to fully understand everything that lies in your path today.  Circumstances way beyond your control will come into play and present obstacles for your walk that seem impossible to overcome, as you see them.  Introducing the light of the world into your day though will create a clarity, strength and confidence to take on these problems that appear.  You walk through the day with courage and wisdom that is far beyond your own capabilities when you have started the day with Jesus by your side.  There is a saying from Albert Einstein that goes something like this, “There is no such thing as darkness, there is only the absence of light”

Think about that for a moment.  What would this world be like without the sun, the moon, the stars or electricity?  If you have a moment to go into an inner room in your home without windows or any external access, go in shut the door and turn the light off, and make sure the light outside of the room is off as well (so it isn’t visible under the door).  Close your eyes, count to 100 and now walk across this room.  You’ll soon realize what complete darkness is.  This is the world without light.  God sent His Son, Jesus, to be the light of the world, so that regardless of your surroundings you would not be blind in the darkness.  Whatever you are struggling with today, whatever sin or temptation darkens your spirit, Jesus can overcome it.  You just need to reach out your hand and call upon His name.  He will guide you to safety.

             

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