"Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Matthew 7:24
I have never seen Italy’s Tower of Pisa in person. It is interesting to know that it was built on a shallow foundation of sand, clay, and marshy dirt. But due to wars and military conflicts, the tower took over two hundred years to build, and it’s been leaning ever since. The tower even gets its name “Pisa” because it means “marshy.”
The thought that comes to my mind concerning this tower is, why would someone build such a beautiful tower on a faulty foundation?
This story immediately reminds me of Jesus’ words, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27
Without a spiritual foundation in Jesus, our lives are built on sandy, shifting soil just like the Tower of Pisa! Life’s trials can shake our footing and shift our thinking, but our foundation in God is secure because of His promises that give us a sense of security during unsettling times. Isaiah, the ancient prophet of God challenges us with these words, "If you are not firm in faith, you are not firm at all." Isaiah 7:9
God created us with such an amazing purpose. But in order to awaken to our full potential, we have to start on a solid foundation. And that means it's more than just knowing, studying, or memorizing His Word. We have to act on it. The power of His promises remain dormant unless activated by our faith in Christ. Think of it this way, our foundation determines our future.
I’m proud that our church's foundation is, “built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” I’m overjoyed that we have been given a “sure word of prophecy” to help us navigate the uncharted journey that we are all experiencing. I’m rejoicing that we can claim “a living hope” that centers our hearts during unsettled thoughts. And I'm confident that we can, “ask in prayer believing” that God is at work all around us even in our uncertain days!
What a foundation we have to support our lives!
Now, I’m not suggesting following God will keep you from the storms of life. Sometimes, if you follow Jesus, life can be unpredictable just like it was for the disciples who sailed straight into a monstrous storm on the Sea of Galilee! But what I am saying is that when you choose to live by His truth, that truth will direct us into the “eye of the storm” and that's where God's peace and presence can dominate our hearts.
Together, let's keep standing on our firm foundation in Christ as we navigate a very shaky, secular society!
God bless you,
Pastor Dave |
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