Finding Me - Day 20

October 6, 2014

What is the most important thing in the world to you?   If you had to choose one thing, therefore not a group of people, or all-encompassing object (water, air, world peace or happiness).  What would you say?  What do you think most people on the streets of America would say?  Setting priorities in life is difficult.  There are so many things we value and lift up in this world; including our family, friends, material objects and positions of status.  I think we would all be surprised if we asked this question to the masses, that most of them would indicate some person of importance in their life (parent, spouse, child).  Still others might indicate the most important thing to them is money or time.  But, how many would say that the most important thing is Jesus Christ and their eternal salvation?

I would like to believe that is how I would answer that question.  My wife knows I love her dearly, and would do anything in the world for her; so do my children, Grand-children and family.  My friends know how much I care for them as well do the people at my work.  But, they all know that Jesus Christ is the most important thing in my world.  I often find myself guilty of elevating ‘things’ above Him and must remind myself that it is all His, and I am nothing but a steward.
    

Day 20: Prioritizing Life
“He who comes from above is above all, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.” – John 3:31

How could there be something more important in life, more valuable, more treasured than the love and acceptance of the Creator Himself?  Tell me, who has done more for you than He?  Who has given up more for you than He?  Who else can give you eternal life, but He?  For without God’s grace and promise for eternal life we have nothing to look forward to, we have no hope for a future, no reason for life.  Take a moment today and carefully think through those things which stand between you and your relationship with God.  Yes, it will include people, material things and desires or dreams.  Now ask yourself one question; “Are you willing to walk away from all of those things to love and serve God?”  Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, and the others did.  When Jesus said “Follow Me” they left everything and followed him.

Prayer:
Father,
You alone are above all things.  You are seated upon the throne and we all bow before Your glory.  We are but servants to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Let us serve You unashamedly, without abandon and fear of rejection.  Let us be stewards of all that You have given us, and use it for Your Kingdom.  My hope is in You and Your promises for eternal life, which helps me overcome all fear from mankind.  Strengthen me with courage to stand for what is right and pure in Your eyes.   – Amen

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Finding Me – Day 19

October 3, 2014

What if it’s all gone?
What are you going to do if it’s all taken away today?  You’re life is a compilation of people, events, actions, words and things.  If you step out your front door today and that all changes, what will you do?  I often find myself a steward of this world and the “things” I have, rather than a steward of the One who gave them to me.  I sit in my comfortable leather chair, head phones on, listening to Kari Jobe singing “Overcome” as I type this, and I try to take in all that He has given me.  I’m amazed at every little thing as I look around; the piano, the guitars, the dining room set, the appliances, the TVs, the furniture, the computers, cell phones and tablets.  The amazing thing is I act as if I am the provider, as if I am the reason we are blessed to have these things.  What is it that I have done to deserve such things.

A new friend opened my eyes this week to the possession syndrome we have in America.  We are driven by our accomplishments, our possessions and our pride in being able to accumulate success.  It has made me ask this one question, “If it’s all gone, who am I, then?”  I found myself realizing that I am driven, I am dependent upon and I am addicted to the things and people around me.  I cannot imagine if today I lost my home, my family, my job, my vehicles and possessions.  I cannot fathom what this life would be like if it were all gone and I stood alone with absolutely nothing to my name, and that scares me.

It scares me because it makes me realize that I am bound by worldly things and less by heavenly things.  Do I truly believe that God is all I need? 

Day 19: I Am Bound
“Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped.  He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”” – Job 1:20-21

God is our provider and has given you and I the blessings we have around us.  Everything you have is because He has given you the capability, the talent, the wisdom to achieve in life.  Satan has made us arrogant, prideful and possessive.  He uses our pride and our success to drive us to be satisfied and dependent on worldly possessions.  We must all realize that we are only here as servants of the most High God Almighty.  Being in His presence, enveloped in His Holy Spirit is sufficient and satisfying.  Take it all away, and discover who and/or what you are addicted to.  Will you fall to your knees and praise the Lord for all He is, despite all He has given you? 

Evaluate where you are with the Lord.  Right now, stop and lift your voice to God in thanksgiving for providing all that you have.  He alone is your provider, your supplier, your source and strength.  Do not take for granted all that He has given you including your very salvation. 

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Finding Me - Day 18

October 2, 2014

I knew I shouldn’t have done it, but once it’s done, how can I take it back.  The reality is nobody saw it anyway, so what difference does it make, nobody got hurt and to be honest it’s none of their business anyway.  Yes, I’m guilty; and so are you.  Oh sure, I can try to justify my actions and make excuses for why I do certain things.  The truth will always be upon my heart and mind though, and that starts to pile up after a while.  Then comes the shame, the guilt, the feelings of unworthiness.  If you are like me, you can spend hours in self- judgment and prosecution.

The act is never as large as the impact.  I’m not talking about hurting others, either.  The smallest act of unrighteousness has the potential to weigh upon our mind in such a way that we convince ourselves that we are broken, worthless and discarded.  There is an old cliché` that I want you to think on today.  It’s been said in many different ways, but it’s none the less truthful in every sense.  “Character is not who they perceive you to be, it is who you are when no one is looking, when you are alone with your Creator.”  This week I was reminded that there are times when it is just me and God.  For there is no place I can go where He is not and He sees all things, even the unspoken and unfulfilled desires of my heart (Psalm 139:7)

Day 18: Guilty as Charged
“Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies;  who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” – Romans 8:33-34

It’s so easy to fall into the lie that our actions will separate us from Him. This is Satan’s way of convincing us that we aren’t worthy of God’s love, of salvation and eternity.  I strongly advise you to rebuke these thoughts and feelings.  Satan will consistently point out to us our shortcomings, our weaknesses and faults, with a judgment that indicts and condemns.  His strength comes from our belief that we must earn God’s love, when in reality we need only accept it.  For you see God put only one condition on His love and salvation – “Accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.”

Do not believe the world that tells you that you are unworthy of God’s grace.  There is no greater lie from the enemy.  The world will call you a hypocrite, and shame you into disgrace.  For, the world is the devil’s playground and he is fully aware of your weaknesses and will exploit them at all cost.  Stand firm then in knowing that you are a child of God; forgiven, sanctified and made whole through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  His blood atoned from your sins, and you have been made whole, despite your feelings of inadequacy.  He cannot provide another path for salvation; for Jesus Christ has provided the redemption for all sin, not just some. 2 Corinthians 12:9 tells us that “My grace is sufficient …” 

Prayer:
Father,
You alone are capable of loving me despite my weakness.  You have provided a path for my salvation, and have given me the sufficient grace to overcome my weakness and sinful nature.  I stand firm in my faith that Your love is unwavering, unfailing, immutable and everlasting.  I know I have sinned against You and I am not worthy of eternity with You.  I believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord, and it is upon His death, burial and resurrection that I am made whole and am able to enter into Your presence.  Thank You for providing a way for my iniquities to be washed clean.     – Amen

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Finding Me – Day 17

October 1, 2014

I have never been a patient man.  By my very nature I have a hard time watching as things develop, I would much rather jump to the end and skip the difficulty and pain along the way.  Yes, I realize it is in these experiences and in these times that I am learning, growing and becoming stronger; but I really can’t stand to wait. 

It’s like an Easy Bake Oven.   You’re all excited for the fun to begin.  You make the batter, plug the oven in (and of course the light bulb has burned out and needs to be replaced), you pour the batter into the little pan and slide it in.  10 minutes go by, you push it out the other end.  Nope, not done yet – so back in it goes.  5 minutes go by, repeat the process – still not ready, back in it goes.  5 more minutes – repeat with the same result.  By that time I have completely lost my patience and I’m ready to throw that little plastic oven out the window, and put the cake batter into a real oven.  As I’m losing my temper, I see the joy, laughter and happiness in my 6 year olds eyes and realize she will wait all day long for her little oven to do it’s job, because she realizes that she’s going to put frosting and sprinkles on that cake.  As the chef, she is capable of seeing the end result and realizing that it will be worth the wait.  I’m still frustrated, but it helps me get through the process.

Day 17: In His Time
“Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.” – 1 Timothy 1:16

It’s hard to view life in God’s perspective.  We are here for 90, maybe 100 years, which is nothing but a small blip when compared to eternity with Him.  I look at my life and struggle with waiting minutes, hours or in some cases days or weeks for something to come to fruition, when in the big scheme of time it is like seconds to God.  This world has created us to want things now, instantaneous availability of information and products have reduced our ability to patiently wait for things.  Yesterday, I learned that we all need to slow down and appreciate what we have, and what we are going through.  Yes, we want to pass by the hardship, the heartache and the pain on life’s journey, but in doing so we will miss the opportunity to demonstrate, to others, the strength and courage of God Almighty to see us through it.  Realize that it all belongs to Him, and that you are nothing but a vessel for His purpose.  He doesn’t wear a watch and just like that little cake in the Easy Bake Oven, you might have to take another lap through the heat before God looks down and says, ‘Now, you are ready for the frosting and sprinkles.’

Prayer:
Father,
Give me patience to endure Lord.  Help me to see life through Your eyes, through Your purpose and realize that You are in control.  Your ways and Your timing are perfect for what I need to learn, help me to dwell within Your grace and wisdom to see it.  Strengthen me for the trials ahead and give me courage to withstand the pressures I will face in this life.  I trust in You and release my burdens to You, knowing that You are the source of all that I do.      – Amen

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Finding Me - Day 16

September 29, 2014

It used to be how much can you lift, what is your bench press or dead lift.  Let me see your bicep and we’ll know how strong you are.  It can be defined as the amount of physical strength one might possess.   But I pose a different definition: the amount of courage one has to get back up when this life knocks you down.  The ability to stand up when things are tough, when bills can’t be paid, when you lose your loved one, when your children tell you they hate you or when it seems that you just can’t go on.  Something inside rises up, and it has nothing at all to do with your muscular structure.

There have been times in my life when every fiber of my being felt weak and collapsed, when I couldn’t bare to take another breath and my heart was filled with bitterness, loss and despair.  It was at these moments when I found it hardest to take another step, but it was also at these moments when I have felt closest to God Almighty.  My desperation, my lack of confidence, my utter weakness brought me to the realization that I am incapable of pressing on.  It was at these times in my life when I have fallen before the Lord, humble and reverent to His authority and His sovereignty, reaching for His help, His guidance and His strength. 


Day 16: I Am Weak
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

The realization that He carries His children through the good and the bad has become a pillar in my life.  I need His strength and courage each and every day to press on, to stand strong in the face of adversity.  This world is full of evil, anger, hatred, self-righteousness, pain, pride and suffering.  Where can we turn in this world to find peace, courage, compassion for others, purpose and reason for the fire that rages against His truth?  He alone is the source of our abilities and willingness to defy the ways of this world and forge the paths of righteousness and purpose.  When this life kicks you down and presses down upon you, reach deep into your heart, realize He alone is in control and will lift you back up.

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Finding Me - Day 15

September 26, 2014

When the sun sets it creates an amazing portrait across the horizon.  Delicate pinks and purples mesh with the blue, black, white and grey of the encroaching evening star filled sky.  There is something about the beauty that is presented at sunset each day that has always been a big part of my persona.  For some reason I am drawn to breathe in the collapse and disappearance of the largest star in the solar system each day.  I look upon the symbolism with an understanding that God has created all of this for our enjoyment.  The light, the gases that reflect the light, the clouds that absorb and create shadows against the reflecting light, the blend between light and darkness, where one begins and the other ends. 

I find myself recognizing His presence in the beauty and colors.  I often times find myself pulling over or just finding a place to sit and watch it as it descends and sinks beyond the horizon, and slowly watch as the colors begin to darken and fade.  It happens in a matter of minutes and if you’re not purposefully looking for it, it can be missed.  It happens every single day as a reminder to each of us that He is with us, and watching over us through our struggles, through our pain and suffering and through our joy.

Day 15: In His Glory
“Where can I go from Your Spirit?  Or where can I flee from Your presence?” – Psalm 139:7

God is omnipresent and with you everywhere you go.  There is no separation that we can find for He is in you and around you.  Do you not see this my friend?  Do you not realize that where you walk, He walks with you; where you choose to socialize and spend your time, your Heavenly Father is right by your side.  David recognized this in his life, and realized that God above knew all things about him, his thoughts and actions were not in secret but in the full visibility of the Almighty.  Recognizing this, we ought to be more cautious of where we allow our feet to walk, and where we allow our mind to wander.

Prayer:
Father,
You alone are righteous and holy.  All glory is given to You for the goodness in our lives.  Press down upon us with Your grace, forgiveness and mercy.  See through my eyes those who are hurting, those who are in need and use me to bring peace and comfort to them as You desire.  I am in constant awe and wonder of Your amazing world, created for my comfort and enjoyment.  Thank You Lord for all of the beauty You have given us.    – Amen

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Finding Me - Day 14

September 25, 2014

What makes the mind see things that have yet to happen?  Where does the imagery come from, the colors, the details, the words and actions are so vivid that it as if it is a re-run of the event.  You’ve all been there.  Some call it Deja-vu, others call it a premonition; either way it is beyond the explanation of the ordinary thought process.  I’ve been told that it is nothing more than your mind being slightly behind your ability to process the visible and audible signals that enter into your everyday experience.  It’s like your eyes see something, process it but the recognition is lagging by microseconds, thereby making it appear as if you are seeing it a second time.  However logical one tries to make it, it is nothing short of a representation of how unbelievably complex the human brain is.

There are millions and millions of nerve endings in the human body, some even say billions.  There are upwards of 75 organs in the human body that all interact with each other to provide healthy living.  Arteries and veins carry blood throughout your entire body without an instruction manual, without you giving any direction or thought.  As my fingers move over this keyboard and press down upon the keys, I am not consciously telling my right index finger to press down on the ‘n’ key, it just happens in milliseconds.  The human body is amazing and incredibly complex, which makes me ask the question: “How can anyone believe that it simply evolved from a muddy slime, from a simple bolt of lightning?”   Seriously, is it not so far from ones imagination to even try to comprehend the complexity and miraculous formation of this body, flesh, muscles and bones, to realize that it must have been created uniquely and divinely?

Day 14: Miraculously Made
“For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.  I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” – Psalm 139:13-14

God is the Creator of heaven and earth and all things present there in.  in the depth of your mother’s womb, He alone formed you through the replication of cells and the development of your arterial system, pulmonary system, cardiovascular system, digestive system, reproductive system, nervous system, muscular and skeletal structure and so much more.  You are a work of art created by a Master who knows you intimately from the day of your conception.  There is nothing He doesn’t know about you, and nothing you can do that He is not aware of.  Accept that you are miracle from God Almighty and then choose to live with the confidence instilled by His finger on your life.

Sondove Enterprises ©, 2014
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