37 Days – A Promise of Heaven

Pastor Randy’s devotional:

Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house; I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am. John 14:1-4

February 4^th Prayer:
Jesus, you have prepared a place for me that is more wonderful than I can imagine. In Your presence is fullness of joy and at Your right hand are pleasures for evermore (Psalm 16:11). When fear of death tries to cripple me and discourage me, I will trust in Your promise of a more wonderful place than earth. I am so excited to see You in heaven. And yet, it brings me joy and peace on this earth knowing that I will live eternally with You in a wonderful, beautiful place. I love this earth that You’ve made and consider it glorious. I can only imagine how much better our eternal home will be. Thank You, Jesus!

My thoughts:

Look around your surroundings.  Yes, right now, just look around.  Do you see furniture, electronics, food, animals, family members; perhaps outside of a window - trees, grass, snow, and bushes; perhaps on the road – cars, buses, bicycles, people walking or running?  Now imagine one day sitting in heaven and looking around yourself. What might you see?  Jesus, Paul, Abraham, Moses, Peter, John, Mary.  Perhaps your parents, grandparents, siblings and family.  Perhaps your friends, co-workers or people from church.  Do you see trees, grass, bushes, electronics, furniture, cars, buses or bicycles?  Are there sports stadiums, golf courses, fitness gyms, airports, office buildings, shopping malls, bars, movie theaters?  What about poverty housing, projects, drug houses, strip clubs, brothels, dark alleys or war zones?

Can you decipher the heavenly places from the earthly places?  There are obvious ones which aren’t likely to be in heaven, yet are very common here on earth.  If these are so obviously wrong from God’s Kingdom view, why are we even entertaining the idea and considering participating in such things.  You see, inherently you know what is “of God” and what is not.  Jesus tells us He will prepare a place for you in His Father’s Kingdom and then come back to take you there.  Can we not be patient in our waiting to join with Him at the appropriate time?

Choose wisely my friends.  Choose spiritually, that which is of God and resist that which is not of God for in the end, your treasure is in heaven, not here on this earth.

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.
More information on The Crossing Church can be found here: FB: @thecrossing.cc; www.thecrossing.cc

37 Days – A Promise to be For Us

Pastor Randy’s devotional:

So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!— is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Romans 8:31-35

February 2^nd Prayer:
Praise be to God! You are for me! Even when my feelings question Your love and acceptance, I can rest on Your promise to be for me. You couldn’t have been louder or clearer when You gave Jesus to save me. I will stand on the “for me” promise I have in You. Nothing can separate me from Your love. I love You, Father!

 

My thoughts:

A few years back I drew a likeness of the image of Christ with the words “What More Shall I Do?  - God”  When I did it I was thinking of this very topic.

Here is my “simple man’s” way of outlining salvation.  God created the world and all that is in it.  Mankind destroyed the peace and blessing God had planned for us by turning from God and following the deceiving advice of the evil one, by Satan himself, in the garden of Eden.  Through Prophets, Priests, Kings, Pharisees and Sadducees God continued His pursuit of man.  In an attempt to bring them back into a right standing, a righteousness with Him; God laid out the law and process of redemption through the sacrifice of lambs.  He poured out His wrath on those who rejected Him and by choice turned away from Him, while blessing those who followed Him and abided in Him.

Over time even God’s children had turned from loving Him and worshipping Him into existing through ritual and habit.  They had made a mockery of His love for them and His protection over them.  Sin abounded through pride, greed, power and self-centeredness rather than outwardly loving and caring for others.  God then set a new covenant in place with mankind.  A covenant built on His own sacrifice and His own grace, rather than relying on mankind.

In a single act of love God sent His only Son to the earth as a sacrifice for all mankind.  The perfect, sinless lamb of God would be killed, and His blood would be spilled as the propitiation, the payment for our sins.  By His design, because He is omnipotent and sovereign, He made a way for all of mankind to come back into His peace with the death and resurrection of one man, one perfect sinless man.  For you see, Jesus had to have lived a perfect sin free life in order to redeem our sins.  God required that the blood of redemption not be tainted by man’s sinfulness. 

Jesus Christ, lived the perfect, sinless life on this earth.  He was tempted, He was beaten, He was mocked and made to suffer; yet He never turned on those, but rather found a way to love them, through God.  So, when He walked up the hill at Calvery, cross over His shoulder, rocks cutting into His bruised feet, He was the perfect lamb of God, ready for sacrifice.  As His blood shed on that hill, the atonement for sins was paid.  It didn’t stop there though, because generations of mankind would come after Him.

His resurrection from the grave, and ascent into heaven established Him as the only path to God for future generations to come.  He sits at the right hand of the Father and continues to this day to atone for mankind’s sin.  He is the eternal sacrifice and filter for our imperfect, sin-filled lives.  We are drawn to Him because of our inherent need for redemption from Adam’s first sin.  Our sin is forgiven through Jesus Christ because God provided a way.  Not because we deserved it, but because of His loving grace for us.

So, I ask you as a proxy for God the Father, “What More Shall I Do?  - God”

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.
More information on The Crossing Church can be found here: FB: @thecrossing.cc; www.thecrossing.cc

 

37 Days – A Promise to Finish His Work in Us

Pastor Randy’s devotional:

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. Philippians 1:6

February 1^st Prayer:
Father, You promised that I would be transformed into the image of Jesus. You predestined it at the point of my salvation. Thank You for changing me from the inside out. I get off sometimes and wonder if I’m going ever get back on track. But You have promised to get me to the finish line looking like Jesus. I receive Your promise today and cooperate with Your spirit’s work to finish what You’ve begun in me . . . in Jesus’ name!

My thoughts:
So many of us have disqualified ourselves from the grace and salvation of our Lord because of something we have said or done.  Even those of us who claim to be “saved” and part of His Kingdom will find ourselves discounting our salvation because we find ourselves in the act of sinning again.  We need to realize that God has called us to salvation, not in order to expel us once we have slipped, but to bring us to an eternal peace with Him.  God created you, He knows your inner thoughts and weaknesses.  He also has provided the Holy Spirit to dwell within you as you Counselor, Comforter and Advocate (as we discussed yesterday). 

The Holy Spirit is strengthening and growing your wisdom, your courage, your resolve and your ability to stand firm in the righteousness of the Father.  In 1 Peter 2:2-3, we learn that all Christians grow up in our salvation; ”Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good”  Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:2 “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it.”, letting us know that we are all going to learn, grow and mature in our salvation. 

My friend, do not be discouraged when you fall.  You will fall.  The key is to realize God’s love doesn’t change because you make a mistake.  He can’t love you more tomorrow than He does today.  His plan of salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is infinitely designed.  You will always fit under the umbrella of His grace and loving forgiveness; and one day when Christ returns, we will be found holy and righteous enough to enter into His presence.  He will finish what He has started in you.

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.
More information on The Crossing Church can be found here: FB: @thecrossing.cc; www.thecrossing.cc

37 Days – A Promise of the Holy Spirit

Pastor Randy’s devotional:

Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins, turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ to show that you have received forgiveness for your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” Acts 2:38-40

January 31^st Prayer:
Jesus, You promised in John 14 to give us another Helper—the Holy Spirit. You are the One who baptizes me in the Holy Spirit. I believe You! You promised me the Holy Spirit, and I know by faith that I am now the temple of the Holy Spirit. O Holy Spirit of God, love through me, joy through me. Let Your peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness be evident and visible in my life. Release Your powerful gifts to flow freely in and through me . . . in Jesus’ name!

My thoughts:

The Holy Spirit, my helper, my comforter, my advocate and my mentor.  In the book of John, the 14^th chapter; Jesus tells us that He will send the Holy Spirit as our advocate.  He gives us a clear understand that He, the Father and the Holy Spirit are one; and that as a believer we receive the Holy Spirit, who will dwell within us.

“If you love me, keep my commands.   And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and 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.  I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.  Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.  On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you….But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you”  John 14: 15-20, 26 (NIV)

Jesus was explaining to the disciples that He must leave and return to the Father, but that they (and therefore we) would not be alone in our pursuit.  Many fear the Holy Spirit because accepting requires admitting that God is always, always with you and guiding you.  Others, will demonstrate with outward examples of the Holy Spirit in their lives and acknowledge His presence through dance, worship, speaking in tongues and using their gifts for the Lord. 

What is it that the Holy Spirit is doing in and through your life?  Are you accepting His presence, letting His love flow through you, using your gifts as an expression of His purpose or worshipping and sharing His presence with others?  Just as the Father, nor Jesus can accept sin, neither can the Holy Spirit.  Our sinful worldly nature goes against His very nature, so there is a battle inside every time we are outside of His plan.  He is our advocate and therefore pulling us back to the righteous path.  This is why we know what is sinful in the eyes of the Lord and what is good.  We are righteous because He is righteous through us, not because of anything we have done or earned.  Believe that He is in you and leading you toward the Father’s perfect plan, and trust that indeed He is there for your peace, comfort and strength as you follow the Lord.

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.
More information on The Crossing Church can be found here: FB: @thecrossing.cc; www.thecrossing.cc

37 Days – A Promise of Peace

Pastor Randy’s devotional:

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

January 30^th Prayer:
Lord Jesus, circumstances, worries, and fears are all the giants standing on my promised land of peace. I receive my promise today and I speak peace over my life . . . my family. . . my finances . . . my children. I speak to the thought storms . . . stress storms . . . relationship storms . . . emotional storms: “Peace, and be still!” Thank You for promising me peace today. I know that He who promised peace is faithful! In Jesus’ name!

My thoughts:

In these troubling times, how can we find peace of mind and heart?  I look around and see anger, frustration, hatred, greed and envy.  The rapid pace of the daily life often times gets the best of me and I find myself chasing the problems in this world rather than pursuing the peace that is promised in the scriptures.  Are there people in this world that live in joy, happiness, hope and humility?  Absolutely, and it is those individuals that have found the peace found in God alone.

People are searching for peace.  It’s been going on for centuries and yet we still find ourselves seeking, longing and striving in our quest.  Each day, I hear of the anger people have for one another because of our difference of opinion, because of our skin color, because of our gender or because someone has made different choices in life.  The media frustrates me, it brings out the worst in people and propagates the message of separation in society.  When analyzed this message, this philosophy stems from a philosophy of self-centeredness, self-interests and hierarchical goodness, rather than equality and humility. 

By looking at the world around us, we cannot find peace.  By looking at our own life experience and choices, we cannot find peace.  By looking at celebrities, sports heros, musicians, politicians or successful executives, we see the image they want us to see, but here again, we won’t find peace through them.  Jesus Christ came to this world and gave us a way of salvation, and a path to righteousness so that we may enter into eternity and find peace with God the Father. 

In observing and studying His life and His purpose, we can find peace.  The peace is not around us though, the peace is in knowing that this is nothing more than a micro-dot on an infinitely long timeline.  Peace comes when we stand before the Lord and enter into His Kingdom.  No fear, no anger, no judgement, no jealousy, no self-desire, no envy, guilt or hatred – only love – perfect love for the Father and all others.

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.
More information on The Crossing Church can be found here: FB: @thecrossing.cc; www.thecrossing.cc

37 Days – A Promise of Rest

Pastor Randy’s devotional:

God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. For this good news—that God has prepared this rest—has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God. For only we who believe can enter his rest. Hebrews 4:1-3

January 29^th Prayer:
Thank You, God, for the rest that I can enter because of Jesus. I am saved! I am redeemed! I have been reconciled to You because of the work of Jesus, and I can rest. I rest in the fact that I’m forgiven. I rest in the fact that I’m accepted by You. I rest in the established fact—established by the blood of Jesus—that I’m a child of God. I take a firm grip on this promise by faith and I rest . . . because this is Your promise to me and You are faithful . . . in Jesus’ name!

 

My thoughts:
God established a day of rest.  Read Genesis 2 and discover that indeed after completing the creation of the heaven’s and earth, and all things therein.  What Paul then shares with us in Hebrews 4 is that as believers, as children of God, we are entitled to enter into this rest with our Father.  One day, when this life has drawn to a conclusion and our eyes have closed for the final time, we will find our rest, our peace our comfort in the bosom of our heavenly Father.

Wo be to the one who has rejected Jesus Christ though.  For God states that these will not find rest in Him.  They will not enter into His Kingdom, His rest and peace.  This is not because of God’s hatred or desire to punish, but because of a choice that every person must make.  Given the information, alternatives, choices in this life to accept Jesus Christ and follow His teachings or to turn away and reject Him, they have chosen the later. 

Throughout the scriptures we are given a perspective of what, those who refuse the good news, will receive in the last days.  Eternal separation from God, described as wrath and anger, described as a pit of fire, as screaming anguish and gnashing of teeth.  Far from rest, peace and love of the Father.  This is why our purpose on this earth is so important. 

We, who believe, are comforted to know that we are in the Father’s rest.  But, assuredly, you know 5 to 10 close family or friends that are not.  Shouldn’t we therefore be busy in the Lord’s work and sharing the love of Jesus Christ with them?  If not, then why not?  Please consider the reality the depth of love you have for your fellow man and take the action to do something about it.  Perhaps, putting our pride aside is called for, in order to help others find rest from their struggles in life.  Pray on this, won’t you?

 

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.
More information on The Crossing Church can be found here: FB: @thecrossing.cc; www.thecrossing.cc

 

37 Days – Discouragement Must Fall

Pastor Randy’s devotional:

He gives strength to those who are tired; to the ones who lack power, he gives renewed energy. Even youths get tired and weary; even strong young men clumsily stumble. But those who wait for the Lord’s help find renewed strength; they rise up as if they had eagles’ wings, they run without growing weary, they walk without getting tired. Isaiah 40:29-31

January 28^th  Prayer:

Lord, I thank You today that You renew my courage when I’m running low. You refresh my faith when I’m faith-fatigued. Lord I believe. Help my unbelief. Thank You that You don’t shame me for getting tired and weary. You renew my strength like an eagle and give me fresh courage for discouragement. I will wait upon You in worship today as You renew my hope, faith and courage. . . in Jesus’ name!

(Name the areas where you feel discouraged today.)

My thoughts:

One of my favorite scriptures as a younger man trying to press on in life.  To do lists, work projects, bills, family time, social time and staying on top of my Christian walk – it all adds up and often times becomes overwhelming. 

When I visited Israel for the first time back in 2001 (summer before 9-11) I recall driving through the countryside near Gilgal and En Gedi.  Our tour guide, Avi, motioned out into the mountainside to observe the rock formation rising from the parched land.  These rocks were in the perfect shape of Eagles wings, creating a perfect shadow in the shape of a soaring eagle covered the caves etched into the side of the mountain.  Can you imagine the time that David hid in those caves of En Gedi?  He had to be tired, weary and questioning his strength to carry on.  Saul was on the hunt for him, and he was on the run.  Yet, he found strength in the Lord to rise from that cave and sneak into Saul’s camp one night, and while Saul slept, David tore a piece from his clothing.  He then used this to demonstrate to Saul that he had no intention of harming him, for he could have the night before while he slept.

The Lord will provide the strength and lift you up when you think you can’t stand again.  An eagle can soar up to 2 miles in the air, (highest known flight), with grace, beauty and power.  When Isaiah mentions soaring on wings of eagles, he is bringing this image into the hearts of those who are struggling in their walk of faith.  Today we can be filled with this image as well, the image of a strong, confident, powerful and graceful eagle soaring through the sky without tiring and rising to heights that the Lord brings us to.

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.
More information on The Crossing Church can be found here: FB: @thecrossing.cc; www.thecrossing.cc