God at Work
Monday, February 16, 2004
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My Prayer Today
Dear Jesus, I thank you that you are my true foundation. My life will always be safe with you. I know there will be, as there have been, storms that come up. But I also know that you are my rock that I can stand upon. I thank you that you are building me into who you want me to be. Help me to never forget nor neglect my foundation in you. I need you every minute of every day. Let me be a strong Christian that always obeys your will and way. Help me this day to focus on my foundation in you -- and help me to stand firmly for you. I pray this in your name . . . Amen.
God's Word Today
Luke 6:47-49
"I will show you what it's like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then obeys me. It is like a person who builds a house on a strong foundation laid upon the underlying rock. When the flood waters rise and break against the house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who listens and doesn't obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will crumble into a heap of ruins."
Reflecting on God's Word
What thing does Jesus compare to someone who comes, listens, and obeys him?
What is the distinction between the house that "stood" and the house the "crumbled?"
What are the implications for our lives?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
According to Jesus, why is a good foundation so important for our lives?
Will there be "storms" of life? Should we expect them?
What do "storms" reveal about us?
Understanding God's Purpose for Us
What is your life founded upon? (You can usually tell by how much time you spend focusing upon it each day).
What was the last life "storm" you were in? What did it reveal about your foundation?
Are you in a "storm" right now? If so, what is holding you to the ground? If not, what are you doing to firm up your foundation in Jesus?
Applying God's Word to Our Purpose
If your foundation has proven true through life's storms, does that inspire you to continue working on the foundation? How so?
What are 3 things that you can do today to establish your foundation deeper in Jesus?
Thoughts
When any builder wants to construct a building, they must first start with the foundation. One cannot build the building and then decide to build the foundation, for it must be built before everything else. The same is true with our lives, God begins with foundations. Jesus in his parable in Luke 6:47-49 reveals to us the importance of a good foundation. He compares those who listen to and obey his teaching as ones who have a strong foundation, and those who disobey and do not listen as those who lack foundations. Now it is important to note that one could not tell the difference about these houses until the storm came. The "storms" of life reveal to us those who have proper foundations and those who do not. When God builds us, he wants to conform us into the image and likeness of Jesus. The only true and sure foundation that we could ever have is that which is based upon Jesus Christ. We can build upon him.
God is at work in our lives, but the "storms" of life (such as pain, tragedy, sorrow, and suffering) are all things that test our foundations. The Bible never assures Christians that they will not have to go through these "storms." Jesus told us to expect these storms, as he said "when" the storms come and not "if" the storms come. They will happen. But the important thing is that we be rooted and founded upon Jesus. The most important thing to know about God building us, is that we will only stand if we live for Jesus. Apart from Jesus, we will crumble. Foundations are the beginning point of any structure, and it is the beginning point of our lives. What is your foundation? Is it money? Is it you job? Is your looks? Is your athletic abilities? The truth is, if it is anything but Jesus -- the storms of life will blow your life into total destruction. Don't build the foundation when the storm starts, seek Jesus this day and set your foundation right now.