Father, we are grateful for this day. Thank You for it, and help us to honor You with it.
Lord, the world around us is in chaos, but if we rest in You, we can experience perfect peace. Help us to remain in Your peace today.
Holy Spirit, teach us wisdom. Remind us of the words of Jesus. Show us what those words mean and how we should build our lives on God’s truths.
Thank You for every good and perfect gift You bring to our lives.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen!
A storm is coming.
For some it may already be here. You may be in the midst of a storm now.
Others may find themselves in the calm. Be grateful! But also know the calm is temporary, and trials will come.
The Bible promises this. Jesus said “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Knowing you will experience trouble in life, Jesus told this story:
“Therefore 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)
This is one of those Bible stories that you have heard many times if you have spent much time in the church. It’s easy to hear it without thinking about it. But please slow down today and think about the importance and the power of Jesus’ words.
The storms of life are coming, and they are strong enough to destroy. They can tear apart marriages, families, and lives. Jesus knows this, and He wants you to be safe from the storm.
Who is it that will be safe from the storm? It is everyone who hears His words and puts them into practice. It is each one that seeks out the voice of Jesus, and listens prayerfully, and allows himself to be changed by the power of truth. When the rains fall and the floods come, the followers of Christ will be safe because their foundation is secure.
And what of those that choose a different foundation? What will happen to them?
Those who reject the words of Jesus, and instead put their trust in the things of this world – in wealth, or fame, or power, or anything else this world values – will suffer in the storms. They will be swept away by the winds and the rain. The floods will wash away the weak foundation of their lives. They will be lost.
In this year of the coronavirus we see a lot of people experiencing a deep fear. They literally fear for their lives. And they are right to be afraid, because, whether they know it or not, they are not ready to die. What many are feeling is the truth that their lives are built on sand, and a storm is battering the things most important to them. And it’s all about to collapse.
If your house is built on the foundation of Christ and His saving work on the cross, you have nothing to fear. Not only are you secure now, you are secure for eternity!
That is real security – the knowledge that nothing can harm you or steal away your future in heaven. That is what it feels like to build your house on the Rock.
It’s not a question of whether or not the storm is coming. It is. The question is where will you build your house?
If we build our lives upon the firm foundation of Christ, we will not be shaken when the storm comes. We can be sure and steady, knowing that He has overcome the world. And because He has overcome, we will, too!
Our worship song today is “Build My Life” by Pat Barrett. As you listen and worship, think about these things:
- Acknowledge that God is truly worthy of the very best we can give. Commit to making your life a living sacrifice to Him, and an example of bold worship to those around you.
- Are you experiencing the storm now? Do you see one coming? Pray for strength and wisdom to hold onto Jesus through it all.
- Are you building your life on the solid foundation of the Rock? Ask the Spirit for wisdom.