Boo, I See You

“Don't let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.”  -Romans 12:21

All Hallows eve, “Halloween”, good, bad or don’t care?

As we come upon October 31st once again we must sit back and challenge the acceptance of Halloween for what it is and for where it came from. There is a long history associated with this particular day dating back thousands of years. As the shift from more daylight hours (during the summer months) went to more dark hours (during the winter months) the belief was that spirits roamed the earth in the transition. Originally, it became a festival of sorts in Celtic and Druid tradition on the eve of November 1st. This pagan tradition (originally called The Vigil of Saman) and festival was celebrated by people dancing and parading wearing the skins and heads of dead animals. Some would wear costumes of evil images to blend in with the evil spirits that may be out and about that night, so as not to come under attack. The name Halloween, stems from the original name “All Saints Day” which the Roman church moved from May 1st to November 1st in the 8th Century AD. This day was to honor all of the saints that did not have a specific date set aside for them. This later became known as “All Hallows Day” and therefore the night before became known as “All Hallows Eve”. Eventually this became known as Halloween in the mid 1500’s.

For years now the questions around Halloween as it relates to Christians has been debated. Let’s be very clear, there is no glorifying message or presence of Jesus Christ in the Halloween festivities and celebrations. You might take the secular side of the debate, celebrate with the kids and hold true to the harmlessness of the day, or you might take the other side, not support it and hold true to the celebration of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Whichever side of the debate you are on, it is important that you address it with your children. I know as a child growing up, it was viewed as such an exciting time because of all of the costumes, candy, bobbing for apples, trick or treating, pranks and pumpkin carving. Many of these traditions stem from the pagan festivities of old, albeit’ not celebrated as such in today’s day and age.

We learn from the scriptures that we are to avoid evil ways of the world and focus all of our attention on the righteousness and glory of the Lord.
In Ephesians 5:11 Paul tells us, ”Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them”
In 1 Corinthians 10:21 he states, “You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. You cannot eat at the Lord's Table and at the table of demons, too.”

Pray about how you are going to handle this with your family this year. You have to make the choice on how to celebrate with your family. Candy, costumes, carmel apples and the other traditions need have no significance in your celebrations, but family togetherness is always important. Use this time of year to draw close to one another and enjoy the fellowship of the Lord. Many churches and organizations are having fall celebrations or festivals, I suggest you seek these out and make that a part of your family traditions, rather than partaking in the celebration of evil spirits through costumes representing such and watering down the righteousness of God. Be safe, have fun and be careful.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We come before you to lift you up in all that we do. We seek your wisdom and conviction in our lives to help us to remain focused on you in all of our activities. Help us to avoid the evil ways of Satan and the conforming to worldly views . Let your light shine through each of us in our choices and actions that all might see your righteousness and love. Help us to be an example to those that might have succumb to the world. In all of our days, we lift Your name in praise – Amen.

(c) Sondove Enterprises, 2010
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You Are Amazing

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“Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.” – Isaiah 40:26

It’s an amazing sight to see into the far reaches of the universe.  Man has created such unbelievable technology in the area of space and the ability to capture images that a human eye could never see.  I look with awe at the spectacular Orion’s Nebula or Fox Fur Nebula (see photo) and it boggles my mind to think that God created it all with just a word.  Recorded in Genesis 1:1 – ‘God created the heavens and the earth.”, and I gesture to say we have yet to truly grasp the fullness of that statement.  Well beyond anything we can imagine still exists out there somewhere, and it makes me wonder if in eternity it becomes the fields and streets we walk upon.

Now as we gaze in amazement at the universe and the complexities of His creation, look within yourself.  He created you as well.  In Colossians 1:16, Paul reassures those in Colosse, that all things were created by God, with the emphasis on all things.  Additionally, all things were created for God.  You were created for Him.  That’s the truth of why you are here.  You aren’t here to fulfill your dreams or goals, you are here to serve the One who created you.  We are all guilty of believing the lies of society telling us that we need to do more, make more and get more to be successful in life.  God’s message is simpler than all of that.  Put Him first, put His purpose first, serve Him with your life and spread His love to those who need to hear it. 

He gave you talents, skills and gifts to use for His purpose.  He created each of us perfectly to serve Him. For as amazing as the galaxies, universe and stars are you are His most amazing creation and have unbelievable potential. It’s about time we all started living up to that potential, don’t you think.  Spend some time this weekend carefully thinking about what it is God created you to do for Him.  Then in your prayer time, ask Him to help you find a way to achieve these things.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for making each of us unique and perfect.  You have embedded in each of us a desire to serve You, a longing to do more for Your purpose and to use our life to bring glory to You.  Help us identify this purpose and strive to achieve it.  Thank You for making me who I am, amazing and wonderful in Your eyes.  I want to serve You more and live the life You planned for me.  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2011
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Oh Thou Wicked Temptress - Life

"But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.”
– James 1:14

Temptations come in so many different ways that I propose that there will never be a day void of temptation in your life. We are tempted by the desire for material possessions, by lustful desires, by the anger, self pity and resentment that crowds our thoughts of others. You must agree that there is a significant amount of people trying to recover from addictions – drugs, sex, food, alcohol, … Do you think that just because someone accepts Christ and goes through some counseling that the devil throws up his hands in defeat, sits down and pouts? No of course not.
I’ve known addicts that have been through recovery programs. Exit completely clean, spiritually fed, committed to serving the Lord for the rest of their days. They move right back into the apartment they left. How many times within a day is their dealer sitting on the couch with his wares on the table. It doesn’t have to be taken literally either. We are all sinners – yes everyone of us. For you see, temptations enter our lives in so many different ways in this day and age. The very screen you are looking at to read this devotional is one very powerful source of temptation.

The Almighty Jehovah has burned cities to the ground with a rain of fire for so much less than that which we take as common behavior today. We are enticed through e-mails, chat rooms, music, videos, pictures, shortcuts to success and financial windfalls and numerous other methods meant to convince you that it’s okay. Pay attention to the amount of advertising and temptations that bombard your senses each day through television, the internet, conversations at work, advertising in magazines & newspapers and your own inherent selfishness. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you are above it all either, that you are transparent to temptation.

It’s important to recognize your weaknesses and have a plan for dealing with situations. One of the best things coming out of the 12 step recovery process is Step 1: Acknowledge that you are an addict. You see realizing that you are human and that you are weak and prone to a sinful nature opens the door to seek help from the Lord and to develop a plan of action to avoid temptation. Take a moment to capture a written down list of your weaknesses where temptation will cause you to be dragged away from God’s plan. Now below each of these write 3 specific steps you will take to avoid temptation in each of these areas. Make this a part of your daily prayers – put this list on as armor in the morning to protect you from falling throughout the day and remain in touch with God’s word through a daily quiet time.

(c) Sondove Enterprises, 2010
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Faking It

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“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” - Psalm 19:14

What makes God happy?  Have you ever considered this in light of your daily walk through this life?  Does it even matter to you?

Let’s suppose you are having a terrible day.  While you are at the grocery store you run into an old friend from your youth; someone you haven’t seen in years.  As you both recognize one another the friend comes closer to give a hug.  Do you hug them back?  Of course you do.  If you are like most people you will put on a smile and a new attitude for this conversation.  You want to express to your friend of old that you are a happy and joyful person.  The troubles of the day for this brief moment are buried, pushed aside and contained.  Yet, inside of your conscience, you realize that your heart is still troubled and it’s all a façade.

How often do you come to your quiet time with God, covering up what’s in your heart, pretending that everything is okay?  I know I do.  There are days I come before the Lord angry, unsettled and bothered by some trivial problem; yet I suppress all of this before Him who loves me.  I feel embarrassed to bring my true feelings to God, almost as if it is whining and complaining before the Almighty.  How silly when you think about the fact that God is omniscient and all knowing.  There is nothing in my life that He is not already intimately aware of.  Putting on an act of holiness and joy, while inside I am scared, confused and overwhelmed is an attempt to hide the truth from the Lord.

It is my belief that God desires our honesty, our righteousness and our love as we come before Him.  His love for you is not predicated on your happiness, perfection or works.  For that matter, it is not predicated on anything other than your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  He is righteousness, holiness, perfection, truth and love and cannot be improved upon.  There is nothing you or I can do that would make God greater than He already is.  Likewise, there is nothing you or I can do that can reduce His holiness or greatness.  He is immutable, unchanging and eternally present.  Bringing our honesty and heartfelt love to Him acknowledges His glory in our lives.  Lifting Him up with praise and adulation is our way to bring Him joy.  Let your words be pure and truthful and let your heart be filled with His love this day and always.

Heavenly Father,
You are holy and righteous.  You reign above all things great and small, yet You are completely and totally in love with me.  Thank You for Your merciful forgiveness of my unrighteousness.  Guide me thoughts and actions to be a holy representation of Your love in my heart.  Help me to cast my worries away and trust in Your provisions, peace and comfort as sufficient for my needs.  Let my life demonstrate Your glory to those I meet, that Your Kingdom might be expanded.  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2011
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Take the Shot

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“When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” – Psalm 94:19

The flu virus runs rampant through our household at least once a year.  In our family, when one person gets it, there is no doubt that the rest of us are only a matter of days away.  If you’ve had the flu recently, you know that it can take every ounce of energy right out of you.  Things that seem so simple become a laborious task.  The simple movement from laying down to sitting up can cause a nauseous reaction pretty quickly.  There are even some times when you can’t see the end of the lousy feelings and it seems that you’ll never get over it. 

They are now giving flu shots at work, at the grocery store and the pharmacy.  The flu shot is actually contains a small portion of a killed virus which counters the risk in most people of receiving the live virus from others.  Seeing the signs for flu shots being offered everywhere, I generally walk past, never give it a second thought and move on my merry way.  It’s something I just don’t take the time to participate in, but always regret not doing after I’ve become sick.

You’re spiritual life is the same way.  God’s word to you and I is available each and every day for nourishment, strength, confidence, comfort and renewed hope.  Most of us know this, and realize that benefits of being in God’s word daily, yet pass right by and carry on throughout the day.  Then when times get difficult, doubts enter into our thoughts and fear overcomes us, we run to find that perfect scripture to help. 

The word of the Lord is alive and filled with unbelievable tools and protection against the onslaught of daily life.  Having this knowledge and understanding of God’s word is the strongest vaccine available to fend off the challenges of today’s world.  It’s so easy to become overwhelmed with the day to day issues of bills, work, children, school, meals, cleaning, running errands and so on and so on…  Each of these things are a necessity in their own right, but have tremendous opportunity to leave one feeling hopeless and defeated.  God’s breath and life found in His scriptures renews that spirit every day, and allows for you to be strengthened for what lies ahead.  How does God comfort His children?  Through His word and through His Holy Spirit dwelling within each of us.

Take a few moments each day to spend with the Lord in quiet time.  Lay your stress, worries and concerns at His feet through prayer, and renew your strength each day through His word.  You’ll be surprised how this simple preventative maintenance will help in the restoring your faith. 

Heavenly Father,
Thank you Lord for Your word.  Thank you for the peace and comfort that You provide through Your scriptures and the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit.  Help us to find renewed strength through the reading of Your word and expand our understanding to be a light unto others along the way.  Put a hedge of protection around us Lord, that will fend off the enemy who steals our joy and peace through the busyness of the day.  Guide our steps toward Your light and fill us with Your passion, love and grace to know that through You we are conquerors in this life.  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2011
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All He Has

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“Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.” – Luke 6:30

It’s not a Robin Hood story.  It’s not about taking from the rich and giving to the poor.  It’s about doing what God has called you to do.  We all see the homeless, the broken, the less fortunate and in most cases walk right by.  Each of us reading this today are blessed enough to have a computer or receive e-mail in one way or another.  Do you think the man sleeping under the overpass has e-mail, a facebook account or tweets everyday?  So, despite your situation in life, you are likely in the group of people in the world above the poverty level.

He wakes up every morning with nothing but what is on his back.  His shoes are old and worn, his coat is frayed at the bottom and his face hasn’t been shaved in many years.  He carries a backpack with everything he owns tucked deep inside it.  When the weather turns ugly, he finds a corner to curl up in, to cut the wind in an attempt to stay warm.  He carries a small sign each day that says – “Will work for food.” and authentically means it.  He’s not a beggar, he’s not a drunk or a druggie, he’s simply doing God’s work.

In 32 years he has traveled across the United States, from city to city, town to town where the Lord leads him.  He’s never gone a day without food, and is a constant recipient of the charity of others.  He stays mainly in the South for the warmer climate, but travels North during the summer months to expand his ministry.  What is his ministry, you might say?  Spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to all that will listen.

In 1979, this young man gave his life to God at a tent revival in Daytona Beach, and heard from the Lord very clearly – “Go and tell the story”  So, he went and never looked back.  In his backpack he carries a few belongings, but mostly used bibles.  He hands out bibles to those who need them, and collects from those who want to give.  He comes into a city, led by God’s directions and waits for the Lord to work through him.  Sometimes it’s a day, a week or longer, but God points out to this man, the person or persons in need of hearing the Word.  After sharing God’s love, he packs up his belongings and moves on to the next city.

A modern day apostle, yes; but more than that.  He lives all out, everything and every day serving the One who created him.  He takes no more than he needs for the day, and gives back through hard work and sharing God’s love.  He’s not on CNN, FoxNews, BBC or the Oprah Winfrey show.  He’s not looking for praise or acknowledgement or a raise.  He’s not complaining daily about how he got cheated or how life’s not fair.  He simply wakes up and walks, and along his path shares the love of God with all who will listen.  So, the next time you feel worried about life’s hardships and feel that others are cheating you out of something, just stop and say a quick prayer for Daniel.  It’s likely that you have much more than he does. 
Heavenly Father,
Today I lift my prayer for Daniel.  I’ve never met him, but I know he’s out there serving You with everything he has.  I pray for his warmth, his health, his rest.  I pray that he is able to reach those You have called him to reach and that they indeed hear Your voice through him.  Lord, I ask that You pour down blessings upon Daniel that will ease his burden today.  Give him food, shelter, and peace in knowing that he is loved.  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2011
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Do You Still Believe?

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“I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” – Luke 18:17

When she came home from school she was in tears, her eyes were puffy and red, obvious she had been crying for quite a while.  This was the beginning of Christmas break, what could have made this little 8 year old girl come home to her mother crying and sobbing so violently.  Drawing her close to her chest the mother finally calms the girl down, and begins investigating what could have caused this.  “Sweetheart – tell me what happened?”  Between sniffles and tears, with a quivering voice the young girl began telling her mother the story of how the kids on the bus had teased her all the way home from school.  “They said he’s not real.  They said I was stupid for believing.  They asked if I ever saw him or talked with him.  If he’s real, show us.”  The mother got a lump in her throat, she knelt down near to her daughter and held her close.  She knew this day would come, but she truly thought it was too early.  She looked into her daughter’s eyes and with quivering lips and a soft smile said, “Sweetheart, I’m sorry those kids were mean, children can be that way honey.  But, it is time you know the truth.  You see Santa isn’t a real person that comes down the chimney.  Your Dad and I tell you that to help you understand the love of giving gifts to others.  I’m so sorry.”  The little girl straightened up, looked squarely into her mother’s face.  “Mom,  I know there’s no Santa…. I’m talking about Jesus.”

Every child has an innate knowledge and understanding of God and Jesus.  The scriptures tell us that we are created by the hand of God, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb . I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;    your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:13-14)  God breathes His spirit into every conceived child in the womb.  Forty weeks spent in the womb with the Lord will leave a lasting impression of deep love and comfort on the psyche of a child.  The child adheres only to those things that they feel secure around.  Don’t believe me?  Hand a crying baby to it’s mother, and the baby quiets down.  Hand a crying baby to a woman the baby is unfamiliar with and most of the time the crying will get worse. 

A child believes in God without ever meeting Him or understanding the complexities of salvation, grace, righteousness or repentance.  I propose they are able to accept His love based solely on a comfort level with someone already known. It is mankind that removes the innocent faith and acceptance; by applying logic, worldly perspectives and self seeking interests as the child matures.  I will go out on a limb and make a statement that the younger a child is the more pure and truthful their belief and faith in God is. This is the image of unabandoned faith and love, perhaps we should take record of their faith and learn from them.

Heavenly Father,
You have breathed life into each of us.  From birth You have expressed love for every child.  Forgive us Lord for walking away from Your righteousness and adopting the ways of this world.  Strengthen us Lord to stand firm on Your word and promises for truth and justice in this life.  In Jesus name we pray – Amen.


© Sondove Enterprises, 2011
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://www.10minutereader.com