May 30, 2016

Build A Solid Foundation Today

24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” -- Matthew 7:24-27

The other day someone told me they couldn’t understand how I’d managed to stay sane during all that has happened during the last year. What could I say? You just do what you have to do, taking it moment by moment.

I thought about it later and the echoes of our pastor’s sermon went through my head. She had preached on this passage. The rock that is Jesus. That solid place, the safe place, where I have hung out quite a bit.

Many years ago I decided that I wanted a deeper relationship with God. I didn’t want that surface Christianity so many people I know have. I wanted to learn and grow in Him.

So I made a commitment. Every night I read and studied my Bible for an hour. I was really quite legalistic about it. That was the only way I would stick with it. And I did.

It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you turn the television off, put the cell phone away and close the door. Time multiplies. I learned so much.

I’m not quite like that now. Time is not my friend. My study is done in the mornings before the craziness consumes my day. But I do it, no matter how much sleep I give up. Because I need it. I need Him.

When the storm hit, I had no idea what was buried deep inside of me. My faith and its deep roots, along with my church family, carried me. Did the storm still hurt? Absolutely. That hurt will always be there. But I was able to stand strong amidst the attacks. I don’t think I could have done that without the hours spent building a deep foundation.

I understand now what people mean when they speak of wavering faith. When the storm seems relentless and the attacks come from people you once trusted, well, it’s hard to stand. Knowing God’s promises, believing His Word, make all the difference.

There were times when all I did was repeat Scripture over and over in my mind. I’m not good at memorizing but I’m so thankful I forced myself to do this. Because honestly, there were times when I couldn’t focus enough to read my Bible.

None of us know where and when Satan will attack next. Build a solid foundation of faith today. You might need it tomorrow.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Build Your Foundation on Jesus

"I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete." -- Luke 6:47-49

Pastor Susannah preached on this Sunday. I haven't been able to get it out of my mind. Most of us know people who are solid Christians no matter what their circumstances. And then their are those who crumble at the first sign of trouble.

I know a woman who has persevered through two bouts of cancer. She faced her husband's diagnosis of Alzheimer's and the agony of losing him slowly until death claimed his body. She watched a son die from cancer. Now her own health is once again in decline. And through all the years of illness and death she has praised God. She prays constantly, giving thanks for all her many blessings. She reads and studies her Bible daily, though some would excuse a woman who has passed her 80th birthday. She attends church most Sunday's, health permitting. She is a treasure and a joy to be around. She loves and trusts the Lord and it shows.

I know another woman who went through all the motions. She attended church each Sunday and Wednesday. She volunteered during Vacation Bible School. She took covered dishes and ministered to the bereaved. She appeared to be a strong Christian. Until she faced breast cancer. Then she fell apart. She cried constantly, sure that her illness meant certain death. Despair filled her. She had no hope. Her doctors and family were confident she would physically survive her illness. They weren't so sure about emotionally. She'd built her foundation on sand and when the storm hit, it washed away. It took the diligent efforts of her family, friends and church to help her replace her surface faith with a faith built on solid ground. It's the difference between knowing Jesus in your head and knowing Him in your heart.

Don't wait until the storm comes to find out where you stand. Make sure you've build your life and your faith on the solid rock of Jesus. The storm may batter you and turn your world around, but you'll stand strong in the arms of Jesus.