Sonkist Ministries

As parents, we struggled with the same dilemma most moms and dads do—dealing with the tears our little ones shed when we leave them.  It’s heart-wrenching, even if you are dropping your children off to spend time with grandma and grandpa or with that great Sunday School teacher at church.  Recently, I watched tears stream down our granddaughter’s face as she clutched her mom who uttered those oft-recited words, “I’ll come back.”

Babies and toddlers ultimately get over separation anxiety and soon learn that parents do indeed return for them.  Harper experienced the fulfillment of her mother’s promise just a few hours later, and the smile that spread across her face when her mom came back was priceless.  This leaving and returning process is a crucial life lesson because, eventually, those kids will grow up and have to offer similar reassurances to their children one day. 

But imagine the uncertainty of that initial experience when no relational equity has been established in the “return policy.” This is a challenge faced at some point by all kids, and it has become a reality for each of God’s children.  How so?  Because long ago when the disciples were gathered for the last time, Jesus made a pledge to return for His followers.  Just like a loving parent, He not only promised to return but also explained the reason for His departure:

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.
 (John 14:1-3, New Living Translation)

Like children, the disciples had lots of questions about this strange statement. Acting as the group spokesman, Thomas said: “No, we don’t know, Lord … we have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (verse 5).That’s when Jesus provided them with more details, including reminders about all the experiences the disciples had been part of during His ministry.  Finally, as any caring parent does, Jesus reiterated His promise: “Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again . . . I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe” (verses 28a, 29).

Yet, it has been a long wait—and in these troubling times, believers seem more eager than ever to have this particular promise fulfilled.  Christians in the early church felt a similar longing. In fact, the apostle Peter wrote this reminder about the lengthy delay:

Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.”
(II Peter 3:3-5)

Christians in Peter’s day probably had people in their lives sneering and jeering at their hope in Christ’s return, not unlike the experiences many of us have today—and our kids will no doubt have in the future.  So, why the prolonged wait?  Why hasn’t Jesus come back yet?  A few verses later, Peter explained the situation this way: 

Don’t overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change. 
(II Peter 3:8-9, The Message Bible)

God’s patience regarding this promise is for those yet-to-be-saved individuals around the world and in all our lives. He’s giving everyone—loved ones, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc.—time to understand this amazing promise:

“For this is how God loved the world: He gaveHis one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life”
(John 3:16).  

While the wait for Jesus’ return may seem like an eternity, it’s because of the significance of eternal life that He patiently awaits.  God doesn’t want anyone to lose the opportunity to join His forever family—and, with His help,  believers can be part of that salvation process.  That’s why we need to keep sharing—and keep caring.  And may we cling to all His promises, trusting that “Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever” (I Thessalonians 5:10).

Many blessings to you this Spring from all of us at Sonkist Ministries.

Thought of the Season

No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.  Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live.
John 14:18-19

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven,
    and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
Luke 2:13-14

In the novel A Christmas Carol we find a cantankerous character named Ebenezer Scrooge.  This miserable man loathed the very thought of Christmas, so much so that when a caroler outside his door cheerfully sang out “ ‘God bless you, merry gentlemen! May nothing you dismay!’, Scrooge seized the ruler with such energy of action that the singer fled in terror, leaving the keyhole to the fog and even more congenial frost.”

Charles Dickens wrote this story to confront the extremes in English society during the 1840s.  The poor were now destitute; many were starving.  The wealthy carried on with their posh living, callous to the needs of individuals around them.  Those in government appeared to be unable or unwilling to change the deteriorating conditions.  So, even though the holiday season was upon them, the spirit of Christmas seemed nonexistent.

Although he penned this book long ago, many today feel as dismayed as Dickens due to current trends in society.  Impoverishment, insensitivity, and ineffectiveness still abound. Many people seem stymied with no north star to guide them.  Others are struggling with loneliness and loss.  And there are some who, like old Ebenezer, observe individuals celebrating this season and wonder: “Merry Christmas! What right have you to be merry? What reason have you to be merry?”

 The explanation for why any individual can celebrate at Christmas is the same reason given to shepherds over two millennia ago:

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! (Luke 2:9-11)

 What right does anyone have to be merry?  What reason could possibly exist to rejoice? Because Christ Jesus came to earth to save “all people.”   For a world that desperately needs both comfort and joy, there’s no other message that could be more meaningful.  Indeed, many of us sing a version of the song Dickens included in his “holy-day” tale which conveys this truth:

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Savior
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan’s power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy!

 Those tidings of comfort and joy were first sung by a host of angels just after Jesus’ birth.  That heavenly army  simply couldn’t hold back its praise: “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” For Christians—those who have had the fog of despair lifted and the frost of sin driven from their hearts—refocusing on our real status should be transformative.  Circumstances may be hard, but Christ is here to help.  Life may not have given us all that we desired, but eternity awaits where we’ll experience more than we ever dreamed about.

As Dickens hoped, the Christmas season can also be a time when we focus on the needs of those around us. After all, there are many “Ebenezers” in our lives who need to hear about the One who loves them and can become their everlasting source of comfort and joy. Oh, may this ring true to every believer around the world.  Let each of us sing out our own carol of Christmas, sharing the incredible news that Jesus saves!

Now to the Lord sing praises
All you within this place
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace
This holy tide of Christmas
All other doth deface
O tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy!

All of us at Sonkist Ministries pray this season of celebration brings much comfort and joy to you and your loved ones!

Thought of the Season

Wake up, my heart! Wake up, O lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song. I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations.

Psalm 57:8-9

Another prominent Christian fell away from faith recently, and believers around the world have been saddened by his rejection of God’s Truth.  But as tragic as his fall from faith is, we shouldn’t be surprised.  Why?  Because Scripture reminds us that these situations will occur, especially in the times in which we live:

Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to Him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal Your return and the end of the world?” Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many … And many will turn away from Me and betray and hate each other. 

(Matthew 24:3-5, 10)

Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 

(I Timothy 4:1)

The term “fell away from faith” is often used when someone chooses to turn away from the Lord, but we don’t really hear that someone “fell into faith.” The reason for this is simple.  Faith in Jesus is a choice, not something we jump into or just happen upon.  Instead, belief in the Lord is a deliberate decision an individual makes at some point in his or her life.  Romans 10:9 explains it clearly: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Jesus offers everyone the chance to know Him and accept Him as their Savior, but He will never force anyone into that decision.  Actually, like a polite friend, He gently calls to each of us—the opening of our lives to Him is entirely up to us.  The Lord Himself put it this way, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends” (Revelation 3:20).

A friend of ours made the choice to “declare Jesus as Lord” a few weeks ago.  After years of searching, the message from John 3:16 finally rang true for him: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” Our friend didn’t fall into faith—he made a conscious decision to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior.    

This singular choice changes our eternal destiny, but our faith journeys don’t end there.  Each day we are presented with choices, especially about how to know the Lord better and strive to live in a way that pleases Him.  The following reminder from Scripture reveals some important steps we can choose to take in this faith journey, and it explains how these choices can help others stay faithful too:

Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God.  You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.  For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. 

(Hebrews 3:12-14)

The author of Hebrews urges every member of God’s family to be careful, watching out for anything that might cause us to fall away from God.  And we also need to help our brothers and sisters in the Lord to avoid bad choices or misleading teaching.  That’s why being faithful must be a step by step, one good choice after another, kind of process.

Assisting you in your faith journey is what Sonkist Ministries is all about.  We’re strengthened by God’s Word as we write these messages, and we pray you’ll be encouraged as you read them.  We know many of you send these Sonkist messages on to other believers, and even to friends and family who are yet-to-be-saved.  We especially pray for those searching for the Truth.  Like our friend, may they believe in Jesus soon!

While there’s no falling into faith, each one of us can grow deeper in our faith this Fall.  Let’s keep reading God’s Word and fellowshipping with one another.  And may we continually uplift and encourage everyone around us during this beautiful season of Harvest.

  Thought of the Month

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, He has identified you as His own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. 

Ephesians 4:30-32

For the Lord has told me this: “I will watch quietly from my dwelling place— as quietly as the heat rises on a summer day, or as the morning dew forms during the harvest.”
Isaiah 18:4

It’s hard to believe another summer is upon us, yet sunny days and warmer nights beckon us to change things up, get outside, and enjoy life in new, exciting ways!  It is also time to step out of our shoes and slip on a pair of sandals, open that great book that’s been on the shelf too long, and find a shady spot to stretch out in. 

Is it possible to find time to rest and unwind in our busy schedules? Perhaps the more challenging question is this:  Is it okay for us to relax and enjoy when so much needs to be accomplished?

The answer to both questions should be yes—most definitely yes!  Not only is it alright to take care of ourselves in this way, but we also have the Lord beckoning us to do so.  To help you consider this unique perspective, here are three recommended areas to contemplate adding to your calendar this summer:

Rest:

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”  
Matthew 11:28-30, NLT 

Jesus took time to rest and get away from the busyness of His life, and He also calls out to us to rest in Him.  When we take time to relax, we will actually be more effective in our relationships and in our work.

Reflect:

O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal.  If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.  
Psalm 40:5 

Summer is a perfect season to reflect on all that the Lord has done for you.  When the sun rises each morning, thank Him for the miracles He has done for you throughout the years.  As you move through your day, consider the blessings in your personal and professional life.  And as the sun slowly sinks into the horizon, praise God for the things He helped you accomplish and the new life that awaits you tomorrow—whether you wake up here or in eternity!

Re-energize:

But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one…as for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.  
II Thessalonians 3:3, 13 

With all of the craziness in our world, it’s easy to get down and discouraged.  Yet as we rest in the Lord, taking time to reflect on the truths in His Word, He will strengthen us for the journey that lies ahead.  We need to do our part too, which includes not letting people or circumstances distract us from our real mission:  to glorify the Lord in all that we do!

These are some of the thoughts I wrote in Summer under the Son:  Daily Devotions to Bring Light into Your Life.  My prayer is that you will make time to rest, reflect, and get re-energized this summer—enjoying all of the blessings the Lord provides each and every day!

Thought for this Summer

Let my soul be at rest again,
    for the Lord has been good to me.
Psalm 116:7

“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”
   Proverbs 22:6 NLT

Have you ever heard of the Old Deluder Satan Law? If not, you aren’t alone. This 1647 piece of legislation from the Massachusetts Bay Colony is one of three original public education laws put into place in the early days of what would eventually become the United States.

Why would our founding fathers and mothers discuss Satan when establishing a system for public schooling? In brief, they wanted to ensure children would be able to read and understand spiritual truths to counteract the negative forces at work in the world in which they lived. As soon as a town had fifty or more families, they were required to hire a teacher to assist them with this process. Once 100 or more families comprised the town, an official grammar school was to be established based on the foundational principle of creating an intellectual, spiritually-aware populace. The hope was that some of these well-educated children would also be prepared to enter Harvard College, whose mission after being founded in 1636 was to prepare individuals for the ministry.

While our history books are often missing these amazing details about American public education, we shouldn’t miss out on the transcendent message behind this legislation from ages past. First, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about when it comes to the foundation of faith established centuries ago. Our forbearers infused timeless truths into the very fabric of their community, culture, and country. Shouldn’t we, in modern times, be willing to do the same? Second, parents were considered the primary educators of their children. They were responsible for hiring qualified teachers. They were to ensure schools were established—and that those same schools fulfilled their obligation of providing superior education to the young citizens of their day.

Those original settlers were aligned and attuned with what Solomon penned in Proverbs 22:6:  “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” For those of us helping to guide the future leaders of our homes, communities, and country, that instruction is ours to follow and carry out too.

Whether we are parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles, we can inspire children and young people to understand the spiritual principles God has provided for all human kind. His guidelines for great living haven’t altered with changing seasons or shifts in laws and culture. And those of us closely involved with local schools should stay connected! Whether public, public charter, parochial or private, educational institutions need our involvement and input. After all, this is one of our earliest callings as citizens of the great nation we’ve inherited.In spring, schools across America begin planning for the upcoming academic year. As they do so, let’s be in prayer for those engaged in this process. In addition, let’s carefully consider how we can assist children discover the incredible path that leads to success as well as eternal security!

We at Sonkist Ministries hope you all have a blessed start to your Spring!

  Thought of the Spring

I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—
 stories we have heard and known,
    stories our ancestors handed down to us.
We will not hide these truths from our children;
    we will tell the next generation
about the glorious deeds of the Lord,
    about his power and his mighty wonders.
 Psalm 78: 2b-4

As I change my calendar to the month of October, I’m looking forward to the routines that lie ahead. There’s something comforting about packing away summer essentials and getting ready for the fall season.  Sandals and shorts are exchanged for sneakers and sweaters, and soon shorter days will bring cooler breezes and colorful leaves.

In our home, we also look forward to exchanging summer décor for autumn decorations.  This usually involves at least one trip to a local farm to find pumpkins as well as apples and cider to be sampled.  These routines have become part of our family’s fall regimen, which offers a reassuring rhythm to our lives.

I’ve been thinking a lot about routines and habits lately—and not simply because of the shifting seasons.  I recently read a book by a famous dancer and choreographer who penned these words:  “Even in the worst of times …. habits sustain, protect, and, in the most unlikely way, lift us up”  (Twyla Tharp, The Creative Habit, p. 243).  This particular reflection happened to be about how she, as a New Yorker, coped with the tragedy of September 11, 2001—but Ms. Tharp has also found that fostering certain habits has been beneficial to many aspects of her life.

I believe the same principle is true for our walk of faith.  By building spiritual routines into our experiences, we create patterns that help us in the good, bad, and in-between times of living.  Actually, from the beginning of His ministry, Jesus made it clear that the Christian walk must be one of routine:  “Then he said to the crowd, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me’” (Luke 9:23-24, New Living Translation).

What are some of these daily habits—or “take up your cross” activities— that you and I can be developing as we strive to follow Jesus?  Here are a few routines to consider:

1. Read God’s Word each day. This involves setting aside specific time to get into Scripture so we can find out more about the Lord and how He’d like us to live. As II Timothy 2:15 encourages us: “Work hard so God can say to you, ‘Well done.’ Be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed when God examines your work. Know what his Word says and means” (The Living Bible).
2. Pray daily for the Lord’s provision, protection, and wisdom. Read how the psalmist David started his day: “Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you. Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly” (Psalm 5:2-3, NLT).
3. Attend church and fellowship with other Christians.We have the example of early believers to follow on this one:  “They worshiped together regularly at the Temple each day, met in small groups in homes for Communion, and shared their meals with great joy and thankfulness, praising God” (Acts 2:46, TLB).

The investment we make in our relationship with the Lord will always pay off, especially as we create routines that will help us know Him on a deeper, more personal level.  And I definitely believe that these spiritual habits will indeed “sustain, protect, and, in the most unlikely way, lift us up!”

May the days ahead will be filled with family, fun, and a harvest of blessings as well as lots of great habits that will help you through all seasons of life.

Happy Fall from all of us at Sonkist Ministries!

Thought of the Month

Most importantly, as the verse above from Colossians reminds all of us, let’s stay plugged into God’s Word this summer!  May His truths “richly dwell within you” so that you’ll be encouraged—and you can inspire others in your life too.

But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love Me and obey My commands.
Exodus 20:6 (NLT)

The passing of Dr. Billy Graham in February hit many people hard. Yes, he had been in declining health for some time—but for those of us who grew up during the Graham years, his departure from this earth to his heavenly home marks the end of an era.

I happened to begin 2018 by reading Anne Graham Lotz’ book entitled Why? Trusting God When You Don’t Understand. Over the past several decades, I have had the privilege of attending various events where Dr. Graham and Anne spoke, so their voices seemed to echo in my mind as I poured over each page. Much like her famous father, Anne’s focus is always on Jesus: Jesus the Son of God. Jesus who loved us so much He was willing to die for us. Jesus who rose from the grave. Jesus who wants everyone to be with Him in Heaven one day.

You see, while Billy Graham may be gone, his legacy lives on, as was evident when his son Franklin tweeted these words on February 21st:

“My father Billy Graham was once asked, ‘Where is Heaven?’ He said, ‘Heaven is where Jesus is, and I am going to Him soon!’ This morning, he departed this world into eternal life in Heaven, prepared by the Lord Jesus Christ—the Savior of the world—whom he proclaimed for 80 years.”

Billy and Ruth Graham had five children who learned about the Lord as they were raised by this devout couple. They weren’t perfect (what parent is!), and they’d be the first to admit it was difficult balancing a ministry to hundreds of millions while raising their family. Traveling the world and sharing the good news about Jesus were important—but the most significant audience was the Graham children. In a sense, Billy and Ruth strove to fulfill what was written long ago by the psalmist:

We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation
about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about His power and His mighty wonders.
(Psalm 78:4)

The Graham legacy continues in the lives of Billy and Ruth’s children grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The truths they taught about the Lord have allowed Anne to write a book like Why? that has helped countless people all over the world with words like these:

“Jesus died on the Cross, but praise God, He shed the grave clothes, and the Resurrection and the power and the glory followed! Don’t wallow in your ‘why’s?’ Don’t throw a pity party. Don’t remain in your misery. Don’t stop short of all God wants to do for you” (p. 133)

Dr. Graham has finally been reunited with his wife and so many other “forever family” members—and, best of all, with the Savior he served so faithfully for eight decades. My prayer is that each of us will take time this month to reflect and consider our personal legacies. What are we doing to leave behind truths of the Lord? Are there more ways we can share about His amazing gift of salvation? How are we impacting our most important legacy—our loved ones—so that they too can share this salvation message with generations yet to come?

Many blessings to you this month from the team at Sonkist Ministries!

Thought of the Month