Let's go Fishin'

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.”  – Psalm 55:22

Times are troublesome, there is no doubt.  Many of us are struggling each day with economic pressure, relationship issues and health issues.  Every morning I wrestle in my quiet time with the day’s issues and trying to clear them from my mind to focus on what the Lord has in store for me.  There are mornings when so much is going on I have a hard time hearing God through the chaos of the daily grind.  Have you ever had so many things going on in your mind that you just can’t cut through the noise to find the quiet peace and serenity of the Holy Spirit.  My prayer time often reminds me of a 5 year old’s birthday party.  Imagine 10 to 15 children all age 4 through 6 in a small room.  Laughter, music, singing, running and playing and yes even the occasional crying fill the room.   It’s typically not an abusive noise level, but when all of these things are combined it can be very overwhelming.  But one by one, the noises begin to fade away as the party draws to a close.  Finally, the last child walks out the front door and that same little room is now unbelievably quiet. 

There will never come a day when you do not have issues in front of you that need to be resolved.  We must be able to rid our mind of the confusion, the noise and the chaos.  Focusing on God is critical in order to hear His word each day as you kneel to pray.  To cast means to hurl it away from you using force.  Picture yourself casting your problems as far away as they will go.  I’m not much of a fisherman, but I can imagine holding a fishing rod over my head, holding down the button on the reel and then casting as far as possible into a crystal clear lake.  The bait and hook sink below the surface of the water, and unless I reel it back in it has been cast away.  This is what the Lord is asking us to do with our worries, fears and concerns each day.  Start the day by giving them over to God and clearing your thoughts to hear His word. 
The things that stand between you and God will continue to create distance in your relationship.  Let’s face it, there are days when we wonder if God even hears us when we pray.  I can assure you, God does not leave your side.  He is omnipresent, where would He go that is not encompassed by being everywhere at the same time?  If there is a feeling of separation from God, it is strictly based on our movement and distractions.  God promises to take our burdens and to lift us up when we can’t go on.  Trusting in Him is a foundational element of this relationship with the Father.  Start today and verbally give your concerns to God, clear your mind of worry and then open up your heart and mind to hear the Lord.    

Prayer:
Father Almighty,
My mind is filled with the stress from work and the struggles of making ends meet this month Lord.  I give my financial concerns to You , I give my time concerns to You and look for Your support at work to help solve the problems I am facing.  Lord, I cast my struggles upon Your promise and I calm my spirit to hear Your word this morning.  Bless me with Your wisdom and peace as I take on the challenges of the day.  In Your name we pray – Amen


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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

Know Who You Are

“Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?””  – Mark 8:27

I was walking the halls at work one day and ran into a gentleman that I knew from many years ago.  It was one of those moments when you look at someone for a brief second and realize that you know them, but for some reason can’t remember their name.  I felt this strong conviction to stop and catch up with him, but didn’t.  This gentlemen and I gave a nod and went on our way without a conversation or dialogue, just an acknowledgement that we knew each other.  As our paths drew farther apart though his name clicked in my mind.  Now the question, do I go back and acknowledge him with a more formal greeting or do I continue down the path I was upon and let that circumstance pass?  I chose the later, but I must say I felt convicted by it for the rest of the day and into the following day.  For one reason or another I could not let it go, and it was one of those convictions that makes you feel guilty the longer you wait.  For some unexplained reason I looked his number up in the online directory at work and proceeded to dial his office.  I was ready to confront my guilt and lay it out there for him in an apology for passing him by earlier.  When the phone was answered, I was completely caught off guard though.  The voice on the other end was not his voice but the voice of his secretary, who stated; “Vice President Williams office, may I help you?” 

I asked to speak with him, and she asked if I had an appointment.  To which I replied; “No, I just needed a few minutes to chat.”  This was certainly much more difficult than I expected it to be.
She responded with another question, “What’s this regarding?” 
I so much wanted to hang up the phone but didn’t.  “It’s a personal matter.” 
She let my phone call go through.  When he picked up the phone, his voice seemed very different than I remembered, more confident and authoritative.  We said our hellos and I proceeded to apologize for passing him by earlier.  He stated, “I know.  I could sense that you couldn’t remember my name.  After we passed the gentlemen walking with me asked if I knew you.  I answered him yes and proceeded to tell him how you had given me advice one time, and because of that advice I had made a career choice, which led to the office of VP.”  He continued, “You see Rich, to you I was just another person in the path of your life; but to me – you were the catalyst that made me realize just what I wanted to become.  I could never forget your name.  The other day when we passed, I was hoping you would stop so I could thank you for your advice, but I realize you are very busy and had something else on your mind at the time.”  We chatted for a few more moments and caught up on our respective life.  A few years have now past and we haven’t spoken again since, but the impact of that phone call will stay with me forever.

Folks, we never know how much we may be influencing others in our conversations and advice.  Every person you meet will have a story to tell about you, based solely on that encounter.  You may never know the impact you have on someone’s life based on the words you say or the actions you demonstrate. If you think back over your life’s path, I’m sure there were those that influenced your career decisions and choices to lead you directly to where you are.  It is likely that many of them do not even know the impact they had on your life, lest you take a moment to thank them.  So what are we sharing with others when the opportunities present themselves?  Or better yet, who are we sharing?

Walking in the light of Jesus Christ is important at all times, because others are taking notice and making decisions in their life based on who and what they see in you.  It is difficult to demonstrate the love and confidence of Jesus Christ in our daily walk unless we are consistently building that relationship with Him.  It is so important to know who Jesus Christ is to you.  What does His life, His ministry and His promises mean to you?  In today’s world people are making choices as to who this man is, and based on those choices they are influencing those around them to believe likewise.  If someone were to ask another person about you, would it be known that you are a Christian and believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God?  That is my desire, my goal in life.  What do you want people to say about you when someone asks them, “Who is that?”  Know who you are, and then live up to that in the public’s eye; and be rest assured God will use your words and actions for His purpose.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Let Your words be upon my lips as I communicate with others.  Let Your actions be in control of my feet and hands as I do Your work.  Let Your love show through everything I do, so You are seen by all of those around me.  In Your name we pray – Amen


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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

14 Days of God's Love - Day 14 - God is Love

“God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only son, that whosoever should believe in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

(c) Sondove Enterprise, Artist: Richard Palmer

Happy Valentines Day.  Today is the day that millions of people will go to any means to express to their spouse, children, parents and friends that they love them.  Some will give flowers, some will give candy and still others will give jewelry.  It represents a need deep inside every one of us to feel loved and to hear from others that we are loved.  But what about the giver?  How do they benefit from the giving?  I, for one, love giving gifts.  I love seeing the joy and happiness that is derived from receiving gifts that I have put thought and effort into.  It’s not just physical gifts though.  In many cases it’s serving and helping others, without their knowledge or request.  Taking a warm bowl of soup to a homeless person, or buying the lunch for a soldier before they head off to serve our country.  It warms the heart to do something for others, without any visible gain from it, but often times an enormous spiritual and emotional gain.

Certainly, one of the most recognized verses in the entire bible is John 3:16.  It’s popularity has been broadcast worldwide on sporting events, from concerts, journalistic events and a plethora of other entertainment events.  Where it could be predicted that millions, if not billions, would be watching there was always someone who was willing to stand up for God and in doing so spread His good news.  This one scripture sums up God’s plan of salvation for mankind.  To once again draw the closed to His side, He took it upon Himself to bridge the gap. 

God so loved the world.  I tell my wife, “I Love You Most” and it comes from deep within.  The deepest feelings I have for anyone in this world are shared with one person only.  This love exemplifies the emotional as well as physical love that brings two souls together.  One step removed is the love I have for my children, grand children, parents and family, often greeted with “I Love You More”.  I would cross the ocean or desert to help any single one of them, because we share a bond of blood that cannot be reversed or unseeded, there will always be an emotional tie between family.  Finally, there is the love I have for my friends.  A love that is bound by values and life’s experiences.  A loving relationship that develops stronger over time.  Do I love the world?  Could I?  Certainly not.  Trying to put logic around God’s statement of loving the world, one must first realize that God is omnipotent and omnipresent and solely capable of loving every person in the world at the same time with the same depth.  Without first accepting this fact, one can never fully embrace God’s ability to love the world and every one in it.

God gave His one and only Son.  I have 6 children and 2 grand children, and there is nothing I wouldn’t do for them.  I would give of my own life before putting any of them in harms way, so I can’t fathom the type of love that is referred to here.  How can a loving God ever consider sending His Son to become the sacrifice for all mankind?  It wasn’t that God sent His Son to die, for this result was predetermined and God knew the glorious events that would unfold 3 days afterward.  It was the pain, temptation, suffering, rejection, humiliation and degradation that Jesus Christ would have to endure leading up to Calvary.  Jesus even asked for another way, but ensured his Father that if not, he would follow through.  God gave His Son to establish a path of salvation for mankind and to demonstrate the love of the Father for everyone forever more.

The path to eternity was clearly articulated in John 3:16.  “..whoever believes in Him, will not perish, but have eternal life.”  It seems straight forward.  Many claim that they don’t understand the Christian faith and all of the rules and guidelines.  They don’t comprehend the differences between Catholicism, Orthodox, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Methodist, Calvinistic or Reformed Baptists.  Partially because of these differences the world has been led to believe that there are many paths to heaven.  The truth comes from the scriptures.  Salvation is derived from believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Messiah, and will return one day to bring His children home.

When we reflect on the last 14 days of God’s Love for mankind.  It all boils down to one thing, which is captured in 1 John 4:8; “…God is Love.”  That sums it up.  You can’t escape this definition of God, for everything we understand of love – emotions, serving others, words of affection, time with one another, and even the physical touch; it all stems from what God has given us through His Son -  Jesus Christ.

Prayer:
Loving Father,
You have given us love.  You have shown us the truth in how to love one another and the future in how to receive salvation.  You have given us Your Son to teach us and to demonstrate Your unending love which is available to all mankind.  We rejoice in knowing that You love us and want us to be with You in heaven.  Thank You, Father, for providing a path of redemption, sanctification and eternity in Your presence.  I tell my wife, “I Love You” and it comes from deep within.  The deepest feelings I have for anyone in this world are shared with only one person.  One step removed is the love I have for my children and grand children. In Your name we pray – Amen


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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

14 Days of God's Love - Day 13 - Amazing Love

“No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.”  – John 16:25

It was the day after Sabbath and the people stood along the pathways into Jerusalem, waving palm branches and laying them upon the ground as he entered the city.  Riding upon a small colt, the King of Kings was received by all of those in Jerusalem as Hosanna, the chosen one.  Cheering, reaching out for him, singing praises and worship, the crowds accepted him as their savior.  In a matter of a few days, less than one week, oh how their attitudes and opinions would change though.

It was Friday and the people once again had gathered together.  No love in their voice, no reception or greeting with praises and worship.  They had gathered once again to ensure that this man was put to death for all his supposed claims of blasphemy.  They yelled from the crowd, “Crucify Him, crucify Him.”  What had happened in 5 days?  This man must have been a serial killer, a complete heathen, an enraged convict escaped from prison, a man who had stolen from the temple or something outrageous like this in order for the entire population of Jerusalem to be up in arms and insisting on his death.  We are told of his week throughout the gospels of Matthew, Luke and John.  These clearly represent the amount of love, compassion, joy and peace that he had lived this last week in.

 He challenged the authority of the time with the truthful and righteous love of the Father and in doing so, drove a wedge between them and the people.  He opened up the gates of heaven to all people, not simply the Jewish brethren of that day.  This contradicted everything the leaders had been teaching, and was seen as a challenge to their authority.  In dealing with this challenge their choice was to put him to death, and they stirred the crowd with enough distorted perspective to create this demand for his life.  They could not see that he had come from the Father to usher in eternity and the Kingdom of God.  Their blindness was prophesied by Isaiah and lived out during the life of Jesus Christ.

Jesus took the pain, humiliation, guilt, suffering and death on that cross for one purpose and one purpose only.  YOU!  As the blood dripped from his back, arms, legs, chest and head; he was completely focused on fulfilling his mission.  His mission was to sacrifice himself for the sins of mankind, such that we all  would one day enter into eternity with God the Father.  That’s it in a nutshell.  He came and loved all of those he met.  He shared God’s love through parables, actions, words, joy and laughter; so that we could see the beauty of our Father.  He healed people, performed miracles and even rose the dead in demonstration of his authority granted by God above.  But, his most enduring and meaningful action of his short 33 years on this earth came 3 days after he had died.  When he rose from the grave and ascended into heaven, he put to rest the questions about who he was.

For the last 1985 years (or so) we have had to make a choice regarding our salvation.  Those who have chosen to follow this man – Jesus Christ – and accepted Him as Savior and Lord, have been promised God’s love and eternity in heaven one day.  Those that have denied this man, still have the opportunity to realize the truth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our salvation.  If you have questions or would like to discuss this, please email me directly at sondove@10minutereader.com or leave comments on my blog at http://sondove.blogspot.com .  Be blessed.

Prayer (in a song):
I’m forgiven because You were forsaken,
I’m accepted, You were condemned.
I am alive and well, Your spirit is within me,
Because You died and rose again.
Amazing love, How can it be
That You, my King, would die for me?
Amazing love, I know its true.
Its my joy to honor You.
    - Chris Tomlin, 2010

http://www.10minutereader.com

©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

14 Days of God's Love - Day 12 - He did it!

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  – Romans 5:8

"I didn’t do it", he says as I walk down the hallway to the bedroom.  A loud thud had startled us as we sat in the kitchen.  Of course being concerned for his safety, we called out to him to see what had happened.  Looking into the door of his bedroom, the bookshelf had tipped over scattering toys and books everywhere.  He was the only one in the room and all indications pointed to his guilt in the situation.  When we asked him what happened he explained quickly, “I didn’t do it.  I was just standing here and it fell.”  Obviously, he was trying to cover up his guilt, but it went even farther.  My son, at age 4, began to blame it on his imaginary friend Luke. 

With the straightest face in the world, he looked up at us, his eyes twinkling with imagination and crafted an unbelievable story about his friend who was invisible, and maybe he was climbing up the shelf and knocked it over.  Well, I did what any father would do.  I told him that Luke could not play at our house anymore if he was going to do dangerous things like that.  He would have to stay outside, because we don’t want things in the house getting broken when Luke climbs on them.  My son’s response was one of responsibility, “Okay, Dad, I’ll tell him for you.”  Luke hasn’t visited us in quite awhile, but I’m pretty sure he taught our son how to climb shelves, because that hasn’t stopped.

Making mistakes is natural.  It happens every day to every one of us.  As hard as we try to do the right things, we are going to mess it up from time to time.  Life is filled with temptations and it takes a strong will to resist giving in to them.  In our weakness we are prone to succumb to our human desires and emotions, resulting in separation from God’s perfect will in our life.  The scripture captures God and heaven as a place of perfection (Matthew 5:48) to which no unrighteous, sinful man is capable of entering.  We are all born into sin though, which originates from Adam and Eve.  Because of our inherent sinful nature, we are all prone to living in a state of sin in our life.  This causes a huge chasm between the perfection required by God the Father and His children (us).  Jesus Christ was not born of man, but of the Holy Spirit, thereby separating Him from mankind’s original sin.  Through His perfect life He taught us who God is and what God expects from us.  He was sent from God the Father with the sole purpose of ushering us into God’s plan of salvation. The fact that God has provided a way for us to overcome our sin and join Him in eternity demonstrates His huge love and desire for us. 

Just as any father watches over the safety of his children and throughout life teaches them to follow rules, be truthful and love others; God in heaven is teaching us the same.  There are many excuses and others we can blame for the sin in our life, but we must realize God sees and knows all things.  He knows we are sinful, yet still loves us.  He knows we cannot overcome our propensity to sin, but gave us a path to heaven anyway.  We don’t deserve to enter His perfect kingdom, but He wants us regardless.  This is the grace of our Lord.

 Prayer:
Loving Father,
You have provided for our every need.  You have forgiven our sins and provided a way for us to cross the chasm of unrighteousness and join You in eternity.  We lay our sins at the foot of the cross and look to You saving grace.  Build in us the strength to overcome our sinful nature and give back to You the love You deserve.  In Your name we pray – Amen

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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

14 Days of God's Love - Day 9 - Here Comes the Bride

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”  – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

As those gathered quiet themselves and find their seats, the Minister looks down over the congregation and then directs his eyes to the front row.  Tears are ever present on the delicate cheeks of the woman seated right near the center of the aisle as her husband sits next to her and take her hand in his.  He provides strength and compassion as all eyes focus on the couple at the front of the church.  The Minister opens his bible to 1 Corinthians 13 and begins to recite the all too familiar verse describing the love of the Father.  The soon to be married couple hear some of the words, but the butterflies in their stomach, and the nervousness that they feel take their attention away from his words.  They are focused more on getting through this service and onto the rest of their life together. 

Many of us have been there, standing in the front of the church, all eyes upon us as we recited our vows of love for one another.  The words of Paul the Apostle have become a standard part of most weddings in an attempt to describe the act of loving one another as God has loved us.  This is not a new verse to most of you, but it is a verse that is often times overlooked as we build a marriage relationship centered on the heart of God the Father.  These verses capture the keys to a successful marriage: “Love each other as much as God loves the other person and your marriage will be long and fruitful”

Love is patient and this is absolutely necessary in a marriage.  The other person will have a different and unique personality from you, and you will have to be patient to accept them for who God made them to be.

Love is kind – it all starts with kindness.  In every situation, the first thing we should focus on is kindness and in doing so realize that God is kind to us in all things.  Kindness is highly under-rated when it comes to relationships, yet such a strong power for building trust between two people.

Love does not envy, even when you feel cheated out of something.  God has blessed you and your focus needs to be on being grateful for what you have been given, not what your neighbor may have.
 
Love is not boastful or proud.  We all struggle with pride from time to time.  It is a tool of the evil one to separate individuals from one another and from God.  It requires that one focus their attention on themselves, lifting their qualities up and in doing so, pressing down upon others.  We are all created equal and in God’s eyes there is no hierarchy of importance, therefore there is no room for boasting or being prideful.

Love does not dishonor another individual.  In a marriage we should be looking for ways to lift up our spouse and bring honor to them through our words and actions.  So often I see spouses pointing out the shortcomings and problems with each other rather than focusing on the positives.  When God looks at any of us, He sees who He made us to be, not who we have become.  When you look upon your spouse, focus on the fact that they are a child of God and when you speak about them you are reflecting an image of the Father to those that are listening.

Love is not self-seeking.  Studies have shown that the number one reason for divorce is selfishness.  People in general want happiness and joy for themselves first.  Putting another’s needs ahead of our own is difficult and counter-culture.  Society has taught us to look out for number one because nobody else is going to.  God teaches us to serve one another and humble ourselves before His throne.  The contradiction is evident and requires a conscious choice in every situation.  When we place our own needs above the needs of the marriage, we are destined to slide down this slippery slope.  This is an area that requires strict attention and work from both members of a marriage.

Love is not angered easily, regardless of the situation.  Controlling ones temper is an example of maturity in the Lord.  During the courtship and dating phase of a relationship it seems so easy to bite your tongue when the other person says or does something wrong.  Something changes though when we put the wedding band on the finger as if all of a sudden the individuals are no longer working together, but are against each other.  My wife has a subtle way of reminding me of this when we are having a difference of opinion.  “We are on the same team.”  This little phrase is a quick reminder that the situation is not bigger than the commitment we made to God and to each other.  The “team” consists of the three of us: God, Lisa and me; and there is no room for fighting amongst the team.

Love keeps not record of wrong-doing.  God forgives and forgets, why then can’t we.  Human nature is generally forgiving, but it is something completely different to forget.  Our memories hold onto those things that cause hurt or pain in our life as a defense mechanism for the future.  Unfortunately, this hanging on causes the pain to resurface again in the future, long after the actual event has been washed away.  We must learn to let go of the past, for if God has forgotten it, who are we to hold onto it?

These words take all of about 15 seconds to read during the wedding ceremony, but when put to use throughout the marriage can help sustain, for a lifetime, what God has brought together.  As we draw near to Valentines day, focus your attention on how God loves you in these ways, and how you should be loving your spouse likewise.

Prayer:
Loving Father,
Thank you for giving us marriage counseling throughout Your scriptures.  Help us to put these principles in place in our relationships with each other and with You.  Help us to pause and reflect on how we can improve our love for each other through Your word as provided by Paul the Apostle.  Let Your words convict our hearts and minds, and let our lives be forever changed.  In Your name we pray – Amen

http://www.10minutereader.com

©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

14 Days of God's Love - Day 6 - He Hates Me

“In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now.””  – Numbers 14:19

I have heard many people tell me they hope God forgives them, or that they hope they are good enough to get into heaven.  Lord knows I do not have all of the answers, but I truly believe that God forgives ALL sin, and not a single one of us will ever be good enough to get into heaven.  Thankfully, that’s not a requirement.  A good friend of mine once came forward and told me of some unbelievable things that he had done in his past.  He was completely wrought with shame and embarrassment, but even worse he was convinced that God hated him for what he had done.  His logic was deeply engrained from his upbringing, that God was an angry Father who required us to walk in perfect submission in order to be accepted.  The slightest stumble would cost him his salvation and he would spend eternity in hell.  Such confusion exists in so many hearts today that it makes it near impossible for people to truly understand the love of God the Father.

The question at the heart of these concerns is really a question of God’s anger.  We hear so much about Gods love that we often fail to consider that He does also get angry with mankind.  Consider the context of this scripture in Numbers.  God had brought His children out of Egypt to reach the promised land, flowing with milk and honey.  In Numbers 13 we find them at the precipice of entering the land of Canaan, that God had promised them.  At God’s request Moses sends 12 spies into the land to report back about the land and the people living there in.  They returned and reported that the land indeed flowed with milk and honey, but the people there were giants and much stronger.  Caleb and Joshua stepped forward and insisted that indeed the others were larger and stronger, but with God they could defeat them. The people demanded that Moses and Aaron not go into the land, and they accused the Lord of bringing them out of Egypt to die at the hands of these people.  This drew God’s anger upon the people.  Not because of their sin, but because of their denial.  They denied Him and His promise, despite the miracles and provisions He had given to them, they were still blind to His love for them.  In the above scripture we see Moses asking the Lord to forgive these people rather than put them all to death.  With the depth of God’s love, He forgives them, but does not forgo their punishment.  For their stubbornness and rebellion, they are not allowed to enter the promised land.  Joshua and Caleb will enter in, forty years later, after each and every one of the people who left Egypt had died in the desert.

Does God get angry?  Yes, when we deny Him and His glory.  Through His son Jesus Christ we are promised eternal life in heaven one day.  Just as the children coming out of Egypt, God has made a promise to those who will follow Him.  He promises that all of our sins are forgiven, lest one and that is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, as stated in Mark 3:29.  God does not promise that we will not endure hardships, pains and struggles in response to our sinful actions and choices in life.  He does promise to forgive our sins and by His grace allow us entry into heaven.  You see, you don’t deserve to go to heaven and you’ll never be good enough to make it either.  God provided a way for you though, by His grace, He gave us salvation through His son.  So put away the thoughts that you aren’t good enough, you’re not and can never be, but He offers His grace anyway.  Put away the thoughts that God can’t forgive your sin, He already did when Christ rose from the dead.  Put away that thought that God doesn’t love you because you are suffering or have trouble, He loves you beyond measure, but there are some things which you must grow from and become a stronger follower.  He wants your obedience, trust and love – it’s not that much to ask.

Prayer:
Loving Father,
Forgive us for our sinful nature.  Build within us a stronger heart for You and a desire to live within Your will.  We look to You for our wisdom and guidance, Thank you for Your grace.  In Your name we pray – Amen


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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011