The Roller Coaster Life

 

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 “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. “ – Matthew 6:13

Well, it’s happened again.  I start off each year with such a great desire and thorough plan to lose weight, watch what I eat and get back into shape.  Like, every other year, by the time we get to St. Patrick’s Day I have resorted right back to my old ways.  There is just something that breaks down each year and my will power gives in.  Anyone else having the same problem?   

This year I swore off of fast foods, soda (pop), and late night eating.  I committed to 88 ounces of water a day reduce the carb intake (bagels are a major weakness of mine) while eating more vegetables and fruit.  It was all going so well during January, with a few slips in February and now in early March, I’m completely off the wagon again.  It’s so easy to say, “Oh just this once, what can it hurt.”  Well after saying that everyday for the last two weeks, it has become obvious what can be hurt.  The beltline is a little tighter these days, and the energy has dissipated significantly.   Hmmmmm…..think there is a connection.  Most likely.

Does this remind you of your walk with Christ?

For most of us the correlation is spot on.  We come to the alter, arms lifted high, praises upon our lips and we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord with unbelievably great intentions.  As we leave the church our hearts are full of His love, the mind is reeling with ideas and plans to take on the world.  A new warrior has been born again, ready to serve.  The moment of salvation is an incredibly righteous moment in one’s life, where their desire to live for God and impact others for His sake is at it’s apex.

Then a few weeks go by, maybe a few months and the problems in life did not go away.  The temptations that haunted us before salvation are still there knocking on the door after salvation. The desires are still there, whispering in your ear.  ”It’s not going to hurt anyone or anything” or “Just this once, it’s no big deal”.  Giving in seems harmless from a worldly perspective but it weakens the heart and mind from a spiritual perspective. 

It takes commitment, resolve and determination to repent from our old ways and charge after the new.  The greek word for repent is metanoia which means to change, to turn around.  It takes a deliberate action to choose not to partake in the action that demonstrates your commitment to the world and choose to partake in the actions that demonstrate commitment to God.  We can’t have both.  It is the time to buckle down, focus and re-commit to the One who offers eternal salvation and grace.  Giving in to the temptations of life is a big deal and is Satan’s biggest angle to divide us from God’s plan for our life.  Guard yourself against the evil one by relying on the Holy Spirit within you for strength to overcome.

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, 2012

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An Abundant Love

“Though grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness; even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil and regard not the majesty of the LORD.”  -  Isaiah 26:10

It’s much easier to swallow the little pink ones
the feeling is euphoric and her eyes see rainbows.
As the needle penetrates the skin
the pain is almost unrecognizable, then the burn hits the vein.
Enveloped in a cloud of smoke, the pipe falls from his hand
He laughs uncontrollably, and falls asleep again.
He buttons his shirt and straightens his tie as he walks to the door
leaving the folded bills on the nightstand, his ring falls to the floor.
They never meant for the gun to go off, the just needed the cash
but in their mirror blues and reds showed up, they threw away the stash.

Every one of them sit in church on Sunday, praise the Lord and raise their hands.  The masquerade is complete in the shadows of those around them.  The Holy Spirit cries out from within, and tears fall from the Savior’s eyes. The pain unbearable, His love gone to waste, thrown into the pit of lies and deception.  They know the truth, yet deny it in their daily walk, choosing the lusts and desires of the enemy instead. 

Does God love these children?  Does God love you?  Does God love me?  Am I any different than those listed above?  My sins are buried deep within, unknown, unseen and controlling despite my hearts intentions.  They are different than above, but unrighteous none the less.  We have all sinned, you can’t deny the truth of His word.  Not one of us deserves the mercy and love from God, despite how incredibly disgusting or minimal your sin’s are.  But, in an act of unbelievable compassion, God has provided His grace and made it available to all mankind.  To those that profess His Son as Savior and Lord and repent (turn away) from their unrighteousness, His love is poured out in eternal life. 

Every one of those mentioned above have this same opportunity, for a heart changing, life changing experience with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.  God is there, arms open and waiting for them to make the choice to experience His abundant, overflowing love first hand.  Do you know someone like this?  If so, print this and give it to them; email it to them; share it, before the trip they’re on becomes a one way ticket.
Loving God,
You are majestic in Your glory and wonder.  We lift our hands and praise You for the love You have given each of us.  We bring our sins before You that we might be washed as white as snow through the blood of Your Son.  We long to live within Your righteousness and serve You as You so deserve.  Forgive me for the unrighteousness contained in my flesh.  I ask for Your cleansing of my spirit Lord, to wipe away this thorn in my side.  I trust that Your grace is enough for my callousness.  In Your name I pray – Amen
© Sondove Enterprises, 2011
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Get Back Up

'This is what the Lord says: When people fall down, don't they get up again? When they start down the wrong road and discover their mistake, don't they turn back?' - Jeremiah 8:4
Each of us have made mistakes in life. It is not a question of if we will, it is a question of what will we learn from them. The mistakes of our past become the foundation for our future. The real question is, are you repeating the same mistake over and over or turning away in growth.

I often pondered the individual act of authentic repentance. If a person falls to his/her knees with their arms raised and heart open seeking the forgiveness from their Creator, yet rises and continues to do the same action that brought them to their knees, have they truly been repentant? What is it inside each of us that finally triggers a reaction of repentance? Falling down is human nature. Life is filled with situations and circumstances that result in a conditioned response that may be far outside of the bounds of the righteous path that leads to heaven. Yet, God's word is clear - "..get up again", but don't miss the second (and more important) part "...turn back.". A truly repentant heart (Greek: (noun) metanoia) turns away from the mistakes (sins) that brought them to their knees and pursues a new path.

Recognizing mistakes and learning from them is essential to walking the path God has set before you. Many believe God's grace for their salvation, and then expect that from that point forward their works will be the determination of God's acceptance. If we believe that our salvation can only come from grace and not by works, than we must also agree that our works are insufficient to maintain our salvation. God's grace is the only thing that will sustain your life in Christ, and through the Holy Spirit within each of us is our weakness made whole. We learn in 2 Corinthians 12:9 "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.", that God's grace is strengthened through our weakness. It's not a question of God's grace, but rather a statement of the heart of the individual seeking that grace. Face it, you will sin again; and it should not be considered hypocritical to do so; but staying in that position of sin is. Fill your mind with the word of God, focus on HIs ways and allow the Holy Spirit to draw you from your weakness. Be blessed today through the comfort of God's sufficient grace.

Prayer:

Almighty God,

You have given us Your word and in it rich promises of grace, strength, courage, wisdom, salvation, redemption and hope for our future. We trust that in all things Your promise is true and that we are redeemed through Your Son Jesus Christ - Amen

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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011