I Can Do It By Myself

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” – John 15:5

Whether it is asking for directions or asking for help to meet this month’s overwhelming bills, the human spirit by nature is a prideful one.  I’ve always struggled with this problem and I’m sure many of you do as well.  Why is it that we are willing to bend over backwards and help those around us, but most times unwilling to accept help when we are in need?  Pride, embarrassment and arrogance continue to drive a wedge between receiving God’s ultimate love and salvation and continuing to struggle in life’s daily challenges.

An hour into a 3 hour hike up the side of a 200 foot rocky cliff, my 3 year old would not give up.  It seemed as though every step she took on the worn path over the smooth stones her foot would slip and she would slide back.  Multiple times Lisa (my wife) offered to carry Emma, but consistently the answer was the same, “I can do it myself”.  Her little fingers would grip the stone crevice and her little feet search for something to stand on, as the rest of us easily maneuvered over the rocky terrain.  Eventually, Emma and Lisa made it to the top where the rest of us had been resting and taking in the view from the highest point along the river’s edge.  They were able to get a sip of water and take a quick look over the edge before we had to begin the trek back down again.

Very much like Emma, at age 3, we all have so much confidence in our own ability and are unwilling to truly allow ourselves to rely on another, namely God, to see us through.  In doing so, we miss the wonderful views He has prepared for us.  Oh sure, we may get to the same destination that God had planned for us, but along the way we will experience struggles, cuts, scrapes and many episodes of back-sliding.  God is not going to force Himself upon you though.  What you can do, is simply ask Him to help you, and then trust that He will.  Giving it to God and accepting the help that He is trying to give us makes the journey so much more worthwhile and spectacular.  There is no promise that it will be easy, because there are moments of strengthening and growth that come from living a life for the Lord, but it will be more fruitful in His kingdom when you are done.

We are 5 weeks before Easter.  Now is a great time to focus on where God is leading you.  Search your heart, break down the walls that you have built to keep God out and allow Him into those dark corners.  Then let His presence and wisdom flow through you to help you with life’s daily problems.  Remain confident and strong knowing that through God all things are possible and yet nothing of God is possible without His presence.

Prayer:,
Heavenly Father,
You are an awesome God and we lift our hands to celebrate Your love for us.  Through Your grace and mercy You have provided a path of salvation for each of us.  You have given us Your Holy Spirit to walk with us in every decision we make throughout the day if we would only ask for His help.  Help us to bury our selfish pride and arrogance and be willing to reach out to You for help in our life.  In Your name we pray – Amen
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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

You Talkin' to Me?

“So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”  – Luke 17:10

I believe one of the issues we face today is a sense of entitlement.  We all have it to one extent or another, some more deeply than others, but apparent in all of us.  It’s not new and it’s not of our own doing.  It’s inherent in each of us from the origin of sin.  We are born with a bent towards pride, arrogance and independent thinking.  We teach our children from the time they are young that they need to learn to stand up for themselves because nobody else is going to do it for them.  As true as this is when viewed from the lens of humanity, it is completely opposite from the perspective of our Lord and Savior.  Why is it that most people require everything be taken from them before they realize that they need a Savior?  We wouldn’t wish anyone to fall into the depths where they are completely lost, but it is not beyond the Lord to allow that to happen if that’s what it takes. 

There is a necessity in one’s relationship with Jesus Christ to realize just who is in charge.    When you think about it, we idolize other humans – the Pope, Kings, Queens, Presidents, Actors/Actresses, Athletes and even some in the ministry.  We get nervous approaching these individuals if and when they are not quarantined off from society.  With this in mind, ask yourself, do you treat the Lord with the same reverence?  One of my favorite bands is Casting Crowns, and they have a song title “Who Am I”.  It addresses straight on, the humility that is required when approaching the Lord.  Who are we to ask anything of the Father?  What right do we have to stand in His presence and ask Him to do something on our behalf?

We are His children, that’s who.  We are called to help others, love and be compassionate with others, serve others and forgive as we have been forgiven.  Perfect these things, execute them the right way every time and with every other person you come in contact with; and you are still unworthy of the righteousness that is required for eternity with the Father.  The scriptures tell us that despite our unworthiness and unrighteousness, by His grace we are still forgiven.  He sees beyond our sinful nature and sees the heart of man.  The Son of God stands in our place covering our filth and unrighteousness with His perfect sacrifice.  Through Him we are redeemed and become worthy in the presence of the Lord Almighty.  This doesn’t give us reprieve from His calling to serve, help, love and be compassionate to others.  No, indeed if we are pursuing Christ as our salvation, these things fall into line.  We are compelled to righteousness and redemption through our acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Savior and our Lord.  The Holy Spirit dwells within each of us and drives us to this righteous behavior.  The Lord hears the cries of His children, so come to Him and lay your burdens down with humility and reverence for you are calling on the All Powerful Creator of all things.

Prayer:,
Almighty God,
We humbly fall to our face before Your throne and lift up our hearts for Your cleansing.  Fill us with Your purpose that we might indeed pursue it with a passion and further Your kingdom on earth.  Help us to suppress the independent thinking of the world and focus on the passion and life of Jesus Christ, who has called us forward to be redeemed.  We kneel before Your holiness and ask for Your grace and mercy on our souls.  In Your name we pray – Amen

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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

I Saw God Today

“Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”  – Proverbs 22:6

Have you ever just watched the eyes of a child when they are completely filled with God’s love?  There are times, if you are looking for them, when you can actually see His compassion, peace, joy and love pour out from them.  So many times we are looking for God to be present in the world’s troubles when He shows Himself right before our eyes. 

Let me tell you a story of one of my daughter’s.  I was in a position where I had my 3 youngest children plus my youngest Grand-daughter, 2 strollers, 2 car seats and a diaper bag.  We were at a crowded event and looking at the situation I had no choice but to look to Samantha, my 7 year old angel for help.  I knelt down next to her and said, “Sam, I need your help.  I can’t do this alone.  Can you push the stroller with Peyton (Grand-daughter) back to the car, while I push Emma and David?”  “Sure Dad”, is all she said.

Weaving our way through thousands of people, I watched as she methodically guided this large stroller through the crowd.  All the while Peyton slept quietly.  On the other hand I was struggling with the other two toddlers, running amongst the people, not staying in the stroller and pretty much doing what toddlers do – toddle.  As the crowds thinned we still had over a mile to walk to the car.  Samantha never said a word, but just kept focused on her job, taking care of Peyton.  Over large cracks in the sidewalk, curbs, grassy areas and mud puddles, she demonstrated every ounce of love she had for that baby.  She would stop periodically and rub her face, calming her until she dozed back to sleep.  She never complained about the distance or having to push a stroller.

Finally, we arrived at my car – a small 4 door sedan.  All four kids would have to squeeze into the back seat, with 2 car seats.  With car seats on the outer edges of the back seat, Samantha and David would have to squeeze between them.  David whined and complained about this predicament for the next 45 minute drive home, as any normal small child would in such a tight spot.  Peyton was now distraught and did not want to ride in the car.  Samantha took over and once again calmed the baby down, giving her a bottle and singing her praise songs all the way home.  When Peyton would fuss or cry, Sam would love on her, rub her face and help her again.  The whole way home, Sam never complained about being squeezed into the back seat, she remained intently focused on taking care of Peyton.

I saw God in my own child today.  When we come to the point of realizing we can’t handle something, and ask God to take care of it, He will.  I asked Sam to help with Peyton, and despite the frustration, aggravation and stress I was feeling in getting all of the kids to the car and safely home, I watched her calmly and peacefully take care of Peyton.  Just as in everything, it’s the things we choose to hang on to that will continue to overwhelm us with stress and anxiety.  God wants us to bring our problems to Him.  He desires you to trust and reach out for His help on even the smallest problems in life, and He promises to be there for you (1 Peter 5:7).  Take time today to cast your concerns upon the Lord and let that burden go.

Prayer:,
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for showing me Your peace and love through the actions of Samantha.  Thank You for filling me with peace in knowing that You are there to help with all of my problems, great and small.  I trust in You and Your promise to lift the burdens from my shoulders and bring me guide me through the storms in life.  Glory be to Your name in all that I do today – Amen
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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

The World is Rockin'

“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You" Psalm 56:3

It’s tragic and painful to watch and to try to comprehend the sheer amount of anguish that the people of Japan are going through today.  After an 8.9 earthquake struck off the shores of Northeastern Japan, a huge Tsunami wave as high as 20 feet tall and traveling at 500 mph struck the coastline of Japan.  Cities, harbors and buildings were completely engulfed in water as the wave pushed inland.  I don’t know what the total loss of life will be as the waters recede, but the devastation and loss will be tremendous. 

Each of us will mourn and feel sympathy and love for those families that are impacted by this tragic event.  Some more than others as we comprehend the loss of life, livelihoods and peace that once thrived in this country.  One moment a family is at peace having breakfast at the kitchen table and the very next moment a rumbling in the earth begins shaking their home and shortly afterwards a wall of water crashes into the side of their house, completely enveloping them in it’s speed and power.

No-one could have predicted that this would happen Friday morning.  There were no warnings, no time to evacuate or seek shelter.  Certainly, scientists have spent years and years studying seismic activity in the Earth’s core.  We know from their studies where the Tectonic plates are and we know that as these plates shift it causes earthquakes and tremors at the earth’s surface.  Leading up to the 8.9 earthquake were several smaller earthquakes in and around the Japan region (6.2 earthquake on the 8^th, 7.2 earthquake on the 9^th).  Even so, the Friday quake might have been anticipated but the resulting Tsunami caught everyone in Japan by surprise. 

Over the last few years we have seen things happening in the world that demonstrate unbelievable tragedy.  Many are discounting it as normal the normal cycle of the environment and they might be right.  What we do learn from the scriptures in Matthew 24 though is that there will be “labor pains” as we near the end of time.  Is there a link between all of the natural disasters in the last year?  I believe so, but that is strictly an opinion.  Jesus Christ will return like a thief in the night.  The recent activities offer us some understanding that we are not in control of this world.  We can’t stop an earthquake, a Tsunami, a hurricane, a snow blizzard or torrential down pour from occurring any more than we can control the Sun’s movement in the sky. 

So it will be when the Son returns.  People cannot control this event or determine when it will happen.  It will happen in the blink of an eye, leaving millions, if not billions, of people mourning the loss of loved ones and trying to explain away through science and logic.  It’s my belief that God is preparing us for that day.  I pray for the families of those affected by the Tsunami and I pray for the souls of those lost in the tragedy, may they find peace and joy in heaven with their Savior.

Here are links to help the people of Japan:American Red Cross
Salvation Army

Prayer:,
Loving God,
We are wrought in grief and despair and we need Your loving arms.  The tragedy that has occurred in Japan this week have left questions in the minds of Your children.  We call out to You to cover us in comfort and peace and understanding.  We love You Lord and trust in Your wisdom and sovereignty.  All things work for the good for those who dwell in You, we believe this to be true and need You to show us the way that we might help Your children through this event.  In Your name we pray – Amen

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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

He will Hold Your Hand

We are all faced with challenges daily.  Sometimes, these challenges have the ability to cripple our confidence.  When this happens it’s important to maintain an understanding that you were created by the Almighty God of the Universe.  You are not here by happen chance and no life is created in futility.  There comes that point in every person’s life when they seek out the ultimate question; “Why am I here and what am I supposed to do with my life?”  If you haven’t struggled with this than consider yourself blessed, because most of the people I have met and/or associated with in my life have wrestled with this question or something like it in their life at one point or another.

When life’s challenges hit you head on – pause, take a deep breath and ask yourself 3 basic questions:
1)  Does this situation change who I am in God’s eyes?
2)  What is the impact of my action or decision in the perspective of God’s plan?
3)  Can I use this situation to help others come to know God more closely?

I know there is nothing in there that seems to immediately solve the problem or challenge you are facing, but these will help you maintain focus on God’s plan and less on yours.  By focusing your attention on God and His perfect plan for your life, you can better grasp that you are prepared to work through the situation.  We tend to imagine the worst case scenario when obstacles arise in life.  Immediately, the mind begins racing to the worst possible scenario and then we begin calculating and working toward solving that problem even though it may never come to fruition.

When we look internally for answers to problems we are facing we are limiting our solution set to the depth of our knowledge and wisdom.  God did not make us to be independent and self controlled.  He made us uniquely to be dependent upon Him and to call upon Him for our direction and answers in life.  These answers come from His word, a nudging of the Holy Spirit, prayers, counseling with other believers and leaders in your church.  You are not alone in this world to take on life’s challenges.  You are held in the palm of the most High God and must hold true to the strength, courage, wisdom and confidence that is endowed by your rights as His child.  Call upon Him and His power and put aside your feelings of fear and weakness.    

Prayer:,
Heavenly Father,
You created me in my mother’s womb and molded my mind perfectly for all of life’s challenges.  You knew my days from beginning to end before I breathed my first breath.  You have promised in Your word that You will stand by me and that my thoughts and fears are known before I even utter the word.  Hear me Lord when I cry out for help and strength, and cover me in righteousness that I might see Your glory in all that I do.  I place my fears and worries at Your feet today for You will see me through. In Your name we pray – Amen

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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise.  Give thanks to him and praise his name.”  – Psalms 100:4

When you’ve had a terrible day it is so hard to lift up thanksgiving.  One of those Sunday when you’re running late, the dog runs out the door and down the street in the rain.  Upon catching him, his muddy paws end up leaving prints on your freshly white pressed shirt.  After getting a new shirt and pants, you finally make it to church, only to spill your coffee as you are getting out of the car, and left the umbrella by the door as you walked out of the house.  Determined you put it behind you, walk towards the church and as your foot hits the first step, something clicks and a peace comes over you.  Sure, your shirt is wet with a large brown stain, your hair is dripping and clinging to your head, but as you ascend those few steps, it all seems to vanish.  Bill greets you with a smile and a warm handshake, “I am so glad you decided to brave the weather and come out this morning.  They’re just finishing the second song, go on in and join them.”

Opening the door to the sanctuary the words ring out, “…and I know there’ll be days when this life brings me pain, but if that’s what it takes to praise you, Jesus bring the rain.”  Mercy Me, Bring the Rain, 2006 (listen here)  Closing my eyes I left the music envelope me for just a moment before moving to find a seat.  God was speaking right into my heart.  There is no way around the message from Him that morning.  He deserves our thanksgiving in everything.  We are so caught up in feeling sorry for ourselves and our circumstances we often look right past the blessings that surround us every day of our life.  Face it, we focus on the negative as a society and have difficulty bringing the positive to the forefront and into the limelight.

Every night at dinner we have a tradition at our home.  Perhaps you can find value in it in your home as well.  As the food is being passed around and the eating begins we go around the table answering 2 questions.  ”What was your high for the day?”  followed up with “What was your low?”  The rules are simple you must have at least one high, and you cannot have more lows than highs.  Finally, they must be something that happened that day, not something that will happen or something that happened in the past.  The highs are lifted up as praises and the person is honored and celebrated for the moment.  The lows become actionable prayers for that night’s bedside. 

God is good always.  His love never changes for you, even when it’s raining and the dog has run away.  If you find nothing else to be thankful for and to lift up in worship and praise today, be thankful for that.  You don’t deserve His love.  Your sinful life is filthy in His eyes, but by the grace of His Son dying on that cross and being resurrected from the grave your sins are wiped clean and God sees you as the perfect image of His Son.  There is nothing we can do to deserve His love, He freely gave it for our redemption.  This is worthy of thanksgiving every day, every hour, every minute.

Prayer:,
Heavenly Father,
You have provided grace for us, though we are unworthy and will always be You have provided a way for us to enter into Your presence because of grace.  We lift up our hands to You today and praise Your holy name before all creation.  You deserve so much more than I am capable of giving, so I give all that I have. In Your name we pray – Amen

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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

There Will Come a Day

“"At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.”  – Matthew 24:30

“…it was dark and the plane was on route to London when there was a knock on the cockpit door.  Captain Steele rose to answer it, and was met by the flight attendant…”People are missing”, she said.  “What do you mean?”  “A whole bunch of people, just gone!” … “Dozens of people are missing”…”I’m not crazy, all over the plane, people have disappeared.” “ – excerpt from Left Behind, Lehaye and Jenkins, 1995

The day is coming when Christ will return and in the flash of an eye, those that are asleep in Christ and those that are alive in Christ will return with Him to heaven. It’s not a fairy tale, it’s the absolute truth as recorded throughout God’s scriptures.  It’s prophesied in Daniel and Zechariah and again by Christ himself in Matthew and Mark.  John writes of His coming on the clouds in Revelations 1:7.  People will mourn on that day and there will be tremendous crying, waling and screaming in despair for the lost loved ones that have been taken, but also for the realization that they themselves have been left behind.  The governments and officials will justify it as radiation, bio-warfare or some other non-sense, but many will realize just what had happened.

Many believe in pre-tribulation rapture of the church – this means that Christ comes back before the 7 year tribulation and takes the believers home to heaven.  Then after 7 years of sin filled existence on earth, coupled with plagues and wars between “New” believers and the world government of the anti-christ, Jesus returns to fight the final fight in the valley of Megiddo, Armageddon.

Some believe in mid-term tribulation which means that Christ returns mid-way through (after 3.5 years) of the 7 years tribulation.

Many also believe in post-tribulation rapture, in which Christ returns after the 7 years of tribulation and His believers are then taken up to heaven, having lived through the hardships and struggles of the new world.

I’m not here to resolve this argument.  The bible is clear, we will not know the day of His coming, so be prepared always.  There is no countdown clock, no hail Mary passes to save the game in the final seconds, for we know not when those seconds may tick by.  For all we know by the time I finish this second, Christ may have returned…… Not yet, but soon, and I am ready when He does – are you?  Is your family?  Are your friends?  Do you care?

Prayer:
God Almighty,
We stand at guard and ready for Your return.  We are prepared for Your sweet redemption and grace.  I long for the day that Christ will take my hand and escort me to heaven.  I pray for those who have not come to know You, or have turned from You.  Pour out Your love and mercy upon them Lord, that they might rejoice in the last days with us.  In Your name we pray – Amen

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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011