Be Fruitful and Multiply

Click Here: Read Luke 6

““No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.  Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers.” – Luke 6:43-44


One of the greatest opportunities you will have this year to evangelize is the next 3 weeks.  This is the time of year when our eyes are focused on the real meaning of the season, the Christ child, the Son of God.  You have an open door to share your belief with others, without abandon or fear of rejection.  The majority of the people in your sphere of influence realize the Christian reason for celebrating Christmas.  But, they may have never heard the true story of what happened to that baby in the manger, when He grew up.

“It is a personal thing.” I have heard this statement so many times in my life, from those that wanted to avoid their Christianity becoming a beacon for the world to see.  So many people fall into this camp of accepting Christ as their Savior and then quietly going about their business for the rest of their life without ever taking up the mantle of telling others.  What I don’t understand is why?  What is it that causes them to light their candle (so to speak) and then put it under a bushel basket?  The gift that one receives in salvation is not meant to be a checkbox item.  It is intended to be a change from unrighteousness to righteousness and to then live by the spirit of the Lord.  One’s life will bear fruit in one way or another.  Either the fruit is rich in spreading the Good News or it is not, there is no other choice.

Somewhat of a morbid question, but if you were to die today, would there be any doubt in the minds of those around you that you loved the Lord and served Him in your life?  Do those around you know that you are a Christian and are you living a life that represents Jesus Christ to them?  Every day millions of people die in this world, how many do you think go to heaven?  Perhaps 70%, maybe 60%, surely more than 50%. What if the answer were less than 35%?  According to a recent poll, 32% of the world’s 7.1 billion people claim to be Christian.  There is no statistical fact check on the percentage of those that claim to be Christian that have actually accepted Christ as their Savior and Lord.  For the sake of argument, let’s just assume that by stating they are Christian this group of 2.2 billion will receive eternity with God one day.  That still leaves 4.9 billion people who will not.

You are influencing people all around you with your actions, your words, and your attitude every single day.  They will either see Jesus in your actions or they won’t.  That is truly dependent upon you and your acceptance of His calling on your life.  Your faith is a private matter in that it is a personal decision to follow Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.  It is not a private matter though in that it was intended to be shared with others.  Those around you may or may not come to a closer relationship with Jesus Christ themselves, based on your actions.  If you choose to keep your salvation and your faith concealed, who might be missing out on eternal life as a result? 

Likewise, those around you may or may not have accepted Jesus Christ, and how will you know without seeing it in their life, or asking them about it?  You parents, your children, your siblings, your spouse, your best friend – are they saved?  Do you know, or are you assuming because they are nice, help others and have never stolen or killed someone, they must be a Christian.  If one of them were to die today, could you stand at their funeral and know without a doubt that they are dancing with Jesus today, or is there that voice of uncertainty.  If the later, than have the discussion immediately and share with them the glory of God’s love, His grace and His eternal peace.  Starting with those closest to you and then working your way out to impact others in the community and eventually the world, is the call upon each of us that have accepted Christ.  Let your fruit be rich in His glory and righteousness.  Make this a joyous Christmas with the confidence that those you love are destined for the eternity Jesus came and gave His life to provide. 



© Sondove Enterprises, 2018
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Becoming a Fisherman

Click Here: Read Luke 5

“When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”  Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.” … “When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” … “Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” – Luke 5:4-6; 8, 10

Initial Thoughts:
In the gospel of Luke, Chapter 5, we see Jesus beginning His ministry by calling upon others to follow Him.  First, was Simon Peter, then Andrew and then James and John.  He called them to become fishers of men.  The wonderful story found in this gospel allows us to see that through God all things are possible.  Peter had been fishing all night without a catch.  Jesus asks him to go out again.  Reluctantly Peter agrees, and by being obedient and following Christ’s instructions, Peter’s nets are filled to point of overflowing.  Why then, do we struggle so much to simply do what Christ asks us to do?  Christ was born in a humble stable and preached humility though-out His ministry on earth.  Be humble and follow Him, for He is the Good Shepherd.

Application:
Who introduced you to the gospel of Jesus Christ? Have you ever sat down and thought about how you actually came to the very place you are today in your walk with God? I'm sure it is filled with peaks and valleys and joy and sorrow. There was fire at the start and perhaps only embers today or perhaps someone has stoked your fire and you are once again living out the dream that was once planted in your mind by someone. Think back for a moment about that very first time someone told you who Jesus Christ was.

Most of you would say that it was your mother, father or grandparent. Some might say it was a friend's parent, or a teacher (back when they could talk about God in school). Do you picture the person's face? Now I want you to think about your initial reaction. Can you visualize the event and your initial reaction? I've tried for years to picture what it must have been like for Peter to look up and see this man telling him to "follow me". I imagine Peter to be a bit of a roughneck. A stout man, full beard, large arms, and square jaw. Certainly not a sissy, but by today's definition a man's man. Then you have Jesus, a loving, passionate, and peaceful man telling Peter what to do. I gotta jump to the conclusion that there was some divine intervention going on here, for the next scripture tells us that "At once they left their nets and followed him."

Were you so quick to follow Jesus? Neither was I. Although I don't remember not knowing who Jesus was. As far back as I can recall my parents were taking me to church - First Baptist Church of Tecumseh; where we would sit in Sunday school with Mrs. Sebring or Mrs. Puffer and learn the books of the bible. I knew Jesus as the guy hanging on the cross in the sanctuary, but I didn't know Jesus until I was twelve. As a teenager, I knew the Lord and found my way to a deeper respect and understanding of who Jesus was and why He died. But, I must say even to this day I'm just learning how to be a fisherman for Christ as He asks us to be.

How 'bout you? Are you a fisherman for the Lord and sharing His good news with those around you? Are you following His lead and learning to become a fisherman(woman)? Think about this, and make a plan on what you are going to do to change. When we were called by God, regardless of who or how it happened, you said: "Yes, Lord - I'll follow you." Don't you think it's about time you start?




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He Knew His Purpose

Click Here: Read Luke 4

“Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”"  – Luke 4:20-21

His mother was Mary and his father was Joseph.  They were from Nazareth, in Galilee, and were known by the Jewish leaders of the day.  His father was a carpenter and was known in the villages around the Sea of Galilee – Tiberius, Capernaum and others.  His mother was likely known amongst the women of the villages and surrounding cities as she was seen carry for her children including Jesus.  There are records of their trip to Jerusalem during the Feast of the Passover when Jesus was 12 (Luke 2:41-50), and Jesus was observed studying in the temple with the elders and teachers.  This boy was known in and around the area.

I picture in my mind, Jesus running through the streets of Nazareth, Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Tiberius playing with the other boys.  I can picture him playing with a stray puppy in the market, laughing and giggling as they would wrestle.  I imagine him skipping stones at the Sea of Galilee, while his parents shopped in the marketplace, and I see him lying on his back in a pasture of green staring up at the soft puffy clouds as they float by on a bright summer afternoon.  Jesus was a boy from Galilee who studied alongside the other boys and learned the Torah (first four books of the Bible) from the elders in the Synagogue of Nazareth.

I picture Jesus as a strong, well defined young man working alongside of Joseph in the family business of making furniture from wood.  Sweat upon his brow, calloused hands, covered in sawdust and dirt from the day’s work.  I picture him coming into his mother’s home, sitting for the evening meal and tending to the chores of the home as necessary in those days.  He grew up in Nazareth, was known by the people in town, the leaders of the Synagogue and the Pharisees of the day.  He was no stranger in Galilee by any means.

At some point He came to realize His true identity as the Son of God.  Did He realize this fact since His birth?  Did He come into this knowledge through a revelation from above or from His mother?  We don’t know.  What we do know from scripture though is that His ministry started around the age of 30 and lasted but only a few years.  As we discussed yesterday, He came into the calling of His Father in Heaven and was baptized by John in the river Jordan where God acknowledged him as the “My Son….”  We pick up in Chapter 4 with Jesus being tempted by Satan in the wilderness for 40 days.  If we were to focus on Jesus’ responses in that dialogue alone, we could solve many of today’s problems.

Then we watch as Jesus separates Himself from the village of Nazareth (Luke 4:16-30), having been rejected by the elders there for claiming to be the fulfillment of the prophecy from Isaiah 58:6.  He knew His purpose on this earth and spent His final two years of life pursuing nothing but that purpose – to bring salvation to the world.

Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God, came to the earth to bring salvation for the lost.  He did not come to bring peace or to reign on earth, but to provide a way for mankind to be redeemed once again to the intended right standing with God the Father.  Many still chose to reject Him because they knew Him as the boy from Nazareth, the son of Joseph.  Even, today there are many who reject Him for that same reason, and ask – “Why would God choose to save the world through the son of a carpenter?”  There is only one way to answer these skeptics; “Because He is God and you’re not.”



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You Are My Son

Click Here: Read Luke 3

“...a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased"."  – Luke 3:22b

In Luke 3, we move forward to Jesus at 30 years old, at the beginning of His public ministry.  We find John the Baptist (Jesus’ cousin, referred to in Chapter 1) baptizing Jewish men and women in the Jordan river, in preparation for the coming Messiah.  We also find in Chapter 3, the lineage of Jesus Christ through Mary (most would agree).  Indeed, the lineage of Jesus Christ is traced back to Judah, David, Jesse, Abraham, Noah and Adam.  It is also provided in Matthew 1:1-17. These two show slightly different paths and most agree that Matthew represents the lineage of Joseph through Solomon and Luke represents the lineage of Mary through Nathan. In God's perfect wisdom he was able to ensure the blood-right through Mary and the title through Joseph.  In those days, as it is today, the lineage of a child says so much about who they are and what they stand for.  But, regardless of this lineage, God, Himself, calls down from heaven to acknowledge is only begotten Son, after he is baptized in the river Jordan.

The call every parent dreads to hear is the one stating that something has happened to their child. A tragic accident, a sickness, an injury in sports or even something as small as a scraped knee from falling off their scooter send fear through the heart and mind of every parent. If you are a parent, you must agree, that there is something inside of you that will go to all means to ensure the safety of your child. Where-ever and whatever is necessary, you’re their protector, comforter and guide through their infant, adolescent and teen years. The hope is that, through the strength of the Lord, you are able to equip them to take on the world and leave the nest prepared for life's hardships and struggles. This includes harsh discipline at times when the situation calls for it, and loving embraces when their little hearts need to be mended.

There will always come those moments of disappointment though, moments when a situation has caused them to stumble and fall short of your expectations. In some cases it is peer pressure, and others, it’s simply the result of temptations in life getting the best of them. The life you held in your hands at birth, poured yourself into, bandaged scrapes and wiped their nose has gone against your guidance and created a potential wedge. You've sworn to yourself, to God and to the child, to nurture and take care of them forever. This includes the good with the bad. How you handle those situations must reflect the love and adoration of your Father in heaven and not the condemnation of the world. It is at these times that the worldly perspective is most likely to interject, through emotions and quick judgment, which can cause permanent damage.

I have had these situations in my life just like most of you that are parents. What I have learned is that when I allow my emotions to form my response, the result is much more hurtful then helpful. The times when I have taken a deep breath and allowed the Lord to speak through me with love and compassion, the outcomes have been strengthening and bonding of the love between my child and myself. The position we hold with our children is one of authority and respect. These are characteristics that must be earned though and are not given cart 'blanche just based on the position of parent. God has created an image of the perfect parent. One that I propose is impossible to follow from a worldly perspective. When we are walking in His will and loving guidance though, the ability to emulate His perspective in any given circumstance is exponentially improved upon.

I am reminded of a story I heard many years ago. A family was walking through a mall. They stopped into a restaurant for a quick bite to eat. During their time sitting there the youngest had the urge to go potty, but didn't quite make it to the bathroom on time. He ended up with a very large wet spot all the way down the front of his pants. In his humiliation and the teasing of his siblings, his father looked down at the boy. Rather than chastising him though he allowed his elbow to bump a full glass of water sitting on the table which proceeded to spill all over his own pants and the boy’s pants at the same time. With this he jumped up from the table wet trousers and all and began drying his and his sons pants off. Then he proceeded to proudly walk through the mall holding his boys hand, both with wet pants.

As God looked down from heaven at the moment Jesus rose up from being baptized in the Jordan river and exclaimed, "This is MY Son, in whom I am well pleased." we see the true love of a Father. Remember the next time something happens with your child, before you act or say anything, whisper to yourself: "This is MY child, whom I love and am well pleased." I'm sure your reaction to the situation will be very different after putting on the face of our Lord in that situation.

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It's CHRISTmas Time

Click Here: Read Luke 2

"And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.  Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David."  - Luke 2:3-4

Luke 2 is one of the most known verses in the bible.  It provides an expository look into the full story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem.  Again, we here of Angels appearing to mankind.  We hear of miracles and the love of God, the Father.  We see the humbleness that God entered into the world, not the extravagance.  So I ask you to take a moment to compare your celebration of Christmas to that very first Christmas morn in the city of Bethlehem.  How very different we have made this season.

The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem would have been a few weeks by foot and donkey along the river Jordan.  Caravans of people trekking across the open plains and hills of the countryside.  Harsh weather, thieves, murderers, and wild animals became obstacles along the way.  But for Joseph and Mary, she was about to deliver a child, which made it exceptionally difficult.  No Ubers, no trains, no Suburbans, no mini-vans.  No hospital was awaiting them, no prenatal care, no Lamaze and no epidurals.  Just a man, his wife and their possessions with the favor of God.

Did this event happen in December?  Probably not.  Some historians would place the census in the month we now call April.  But, that is not what’s important.  What’s important is that we are taking the time to celebrate CHRISTmas (Christ - Greek: Christos or Hebrew: Messiah; mas – Latin: missa (celebration)), when in reality we should be celebrating it all year round.

Now, fast forward to 2018. 

Christmas trees adorn the city square, the Salvation Army is ringing their bells.  The children have a bit more excitement and niceness about them this time of year.  There is an Ice Rink set up in the downtown square, and a chill in the air as the children try to make that perfect snowman this year.  You can hear carols being sung as you meander through the shopping malls and department stores, while lights twinkle in the dark night bringing a glow to those passing by.  The smell of peppermint and cinnamon fill the air at the local coffee shop as frost gathers on the window sill evidence that winter is here.

Don’t you just love this time of year?  I do.  Watching the excitement in my children’s eyes, as they count down the days until they get out of school, brings back memories of my own childhood.  I love the decorations, the lights, and the carols.  I love the cold mornings, that bring a chill but can also be invigorating and make you realize just how wonderful it is to be alive.  I love sitting by the fireplace, and getting lost in thoughts and dreams and visions about what lies ahead, and reflecting on what has been.  The sentimental movies and memorable cartoons that bring out the heartwarming emotion of being loved and being able to love.  Every year, I look forward to this season, with the anticipation that life will slow down just enough to let me take a breath and enjoy it.

We look around and see the evidence of Christmas coming upon us.  The symbols of the season, that help remind us, are also those that can distract us.  The trees, lights, tinsel and bells; the gifts, the carols, the reindeer and elves; the snow, the frost, the sleigh rides and Santa himself are all wonderful and beautiful for building the holiday spirit, but none tell of the truth as to why we are here.  If all of that went away what would your season of celebrating Christ’s birth look like?  Could you still discover the joy, happiness, and peace without all of the fluff?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a Christmas Scrooge, nor am I a Santa bigot.  I am reflecting though on what would Christmas look like without all the distractions.  We sing “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…” as we see all of the stuff, but would we recognize it at all if none of that were there.  How would you celebrate Christ’s birth if you didn’t have a tree, lights, presents or Santa Clause?  What is the real spirit of Christmas and where has it gone amidst all the hustling and bustling to and fro?

Take time today, tomorrow and every other day this season to stop, reflect on Christ and what He came to provide for mankind.  Christmas is not about a baby, it’s about a Savior.  If you get stuck focusing on the baby lying in the manger, you will never experience the fullness of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He entered the world in order to save it.  He came as a baby, to establish God’s presence on earth.  His life demonstrated the love, mercy, servant’s heart, humility and authority by which He was given from above.  His entire life was to draw people back to God, and in His death, He gave us the greatest gift of all time – salvation.  Through this sacrifice, God has provided forgiveness for the sins of mankind, such that we are all given the opportunity to enjoy an eternal Christmas celebration with Him one day.  It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas because we are drawing ever nearer to His return and eternity with Him.



© Sondove Enterprises, 2018
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Angels Amongst Us - Luke 1

Angels Amongst Us – Luke 1

Click Here: Read Luke 1

“But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.” – v. 13-14

“Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” – v. 30-33

Angels come upon the world when it is required.  In the 1^st book of Luke, we see it happen twice.  First, when the Angel Gabriel visit’s Zechariah in the inner temple to deliver the news of his wife’s conceiving at her old age to give birth to John the Baptist.  The second was Gabriel’s visit to Mary, the young woman from Nazareth, to express God’s plan of salvation through her.  Even though she was not presently married, but betrothed, God chose her to bear His only begotten Son, through miraculous conception.

Mankind can’t understand the miraculous works of the Lord, nor the presence of Angels in our midst.  They will say she was raped.  They will say she was covering up an out of wedlock pregnancy.  They will abandon her, even attempt to kill her.  They will say she lies and should be stoned.  Take away the miraculous conception and the story falls apart.  For without the conception being perfect, holy and righteous; there is no Messiah, no Savior, no Deity.

Even today, mankind is no different.  I have friends of the Islamic religion and they cannot, nor will even attempt to believe that a holy God would procreate with a human.  This fundamental reason prevents them from accepting Jesus Christ as a Messiah and Savior, so they view him more as a Prophet and Spiritual Leader.  As a Christian though, I believe God, through the Holy Spirit, conceived within Mary a holy and perfect child. In doing so He broke the chain of sin in the world and provided a way by which all sin could be redeemed.  For without accepting the Immaculate Conception, the Christ-child cannot be perfect and holy.

You see mankind is sinful, all the way back to Adam and Eve.  Upon conception, each new child born since then has likewise been sinful as a part of this blood line.  Biologically, as the sperm fertilizes the egg with the chromosomes, DNA, and blood of the father, the bloodline continues, and this blood comes from a sinful man and therefore the fertilized egg carries this forward.

The immaculate conception though, God, through the Holy Spirit, conceived within Mary a child of holiness from the Father and thereby washing away the sinful nature of her past.  As the baby is born, it is born 100% holy, righteous and perfect.  Through His life, He lives perfectly in alignment with God the Father, unlike Adam; or any other human being.  It is because of this perfect Holy creation that Jesus Christ could become the Lamb of God, and the sacrificial atonement for our sins. 

I do not believe that the story of Mary’s incarnation is just a story made up for us to feel good, it is an integral part of God’s miraculous path of salvation and key to His holy plan of salvation.  It is often glossed over in the materialistic “me focused” world today, but is a sure sign from God the Father, that His love for you and me is overwhelming.  Why would we question the authority of God to do whatever He chooses to do?  He is omnipotent and sovereign and all powerful.

There is nothing beyond His capability.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2018
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Remembering Sharon Tiede

" ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelations 21:4

 

We look upon the face of those we love and cherish the memories that have forever been engrained in our hearts and soul.  The love of the Father envelops the gentle weeping and mourning of his children during these delicate times, and we can only look to Him for solace and comfort, for those around us are likewise mourning and in pain.  For you see, regardless of how much you prepare yourself, you won’t be completely ready when the day does arrive.  Gentle words and a warm embrace will always land with love and grace. 

Thank you all for the wonderful words of encouragement and love this week as we mourn the passing of my wife’s mother –Sharon Lee Tiede.  At times like this it’s amazing how strong and resilient the human character is.  Sharon has faced health struggles for many years, which took a serious toll on her body.  She faced each day though with a renewed spirit in the Lord, and could many days be seen at her breakfast table reading from the word.  Her battle in this life came to an end, but not before she left a significant impact on the many people around her.  We find comfort in knowing that she now sits, free of pain, at the breakfast table with her Savior, Jesus Christ, sharing a cup of coffee and living in His word.

I ask each of you to join me in prayer today for my wife and family as we prepare for the funeral and Mom’s final peace.  Pray for our hearts to be comforted, and our minds to be filled with peace and love, throughout this day and those to come.  We rest upon the strength provided by our Heavenly Father and those He has placed around us at this time of mourning.  Thank you all for providing your support during this time.

 


Feel free to share this with your email and Facebook friends as you feel led by the Lord.  Today, my family needs all of your prayers of comfort and grace