Not sure what triggered this thought today, but it happened in staff meeting. Random thoughts do enter my head during meetings, at times. I was thinking about how some people criticize believers with comments like, “religion is just a crutch.” I would clarify my stand this way: Religion may be a crutch, but a pretty poor one. However, considering what I have been through this last year or so, a relationship with Jesus is not a crutch, it is a gurney! I am not leaning on Him, I am totally supported by Him.
Everyone leans on something, be it faith in Christ, religion, working hard, relationships, addictive substances, or self-reliance. Only Jesus will “never leave nor forsake us.” (Hebrews 13:5) Faith is only as good and as strong as that in which it is placed. Sometimes my faith may waiver, but Jesus never does. He “loves us with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3) He is always interceding for us. (Hebrews 7:25). I’ll rest on Jesus.
What are you trusting in? Maybe a better way to ask, "Who are you trusting in?"
Shot…
Yesterday, I got my first round of immunizations. Other than sore arms and a bit of a headache (which could be just being allergic to Augusta), seems things are going well.
Pray that the immunities will build, and that the process won’t make me sick. :-)
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
What Is Your "House" Built On?
Matthew 7:24-27
Jesus gives the wonderfully visual picture of two men who build houses. Yet there is quite a contrast between them. We know the first man is wise because he builds his house on the rock—on a solid foundation. We know the second man is foolish because he builds his house on the sand.
In some west coast locations, people build houses on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean. They have incredible views and beautiful homes. I am sure some of those places are solid enough, but others are not. When the rains come, they slide down the mountain or cliff. Still, people keep building in the sand. At best, unwise.
This isn’t Jesus’ version of This Old House. He is giving a “life” course. Are you building on something that cannot be taken away or lost? Most of us in the west build our lives on wealth. You and I may not be wealthy by American standards, but we still trust in the funds we have, the paycheck that is still to come, or our retirement investments. Jesus knew the temptation to put our faith in what we have or what we could get would be strong. In fact it would compete right at the top with either trusting God or trusting in wealth. “You cannot serve God and money,” he said earlier. (Matthew 6:24) Most of what we trust in can be taken away.
There are lots of things our society puts high values on, and encourages you to trust in them: Looks, Intellect, Personality, Athleticism. But the rain of time, adversity or thievery still come, and we discover all are sand. The only rock solid foundation you can have is your relationship with God through Christ. If you really have it, nothing can take it away.
The wise man (and woman) builds his house (life) upon The Rock.
Update
I am doing well. Have gotten very busy. Relating to the above passage of scripture, I note that I am the beneficiary of some wonderful health care, but my trust is in the Lord. It has to be. As someone well said, “Doctors practice. God heals.” I am doing well because God is working through, around, and beyond all the medicine—and that is a result of your prayers.
Jesus gives the wonderfully visual picture of two men who build houses. Yet there is quite a contrast between them. We know the first man is wise because he builds his house on the rock—on a solid foundation. We know the second man is foolish because he builds his house on the sand.
In some west coast locations, people build houses on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean. They have incredible views and beautiful homes. I am sure some of those places are solid enough, but others are not. When the rains come, they slide down the mountain or cliff. Still, people keep building in the sand. At best, unwise.
This isn’t Jesus’ version of This Old House. He is giving a “life” course. Are you building on something that cannot be taken away or lost? Most of us in the west build our lives on wealth. You and I may not be wealthy by American standards, but we still trust in the funds we have, the paycheck that is still to come, or our retirement investments. Jesus knew the temptation to put our faith in what we have or what we could get would be strong. In fact it would compete right at the top with either trusting God or trusting in wealth. “You cannot serve God and money,” he said earlier. (Matthew 6:24) Most of what we trust in can be taken away.
There are lots of things our society puts high values on, and encourages you to trust in them: Looks, Intellect, Personality, Athleticism. But the rain of time, adversity or thievery still come, and we discover all are sand. The only rock solid foundation you can have is your relationship with God through Christ. If you really have it, nothing can take it away.
The wise man (and woman) builds his house (life) upon The Rock.
Update
I am doing well. Have gotten very busy. Relating to the above passage of scripture, I note that I am the beneficiary of some wonderful health care, but my trust is in the Lord. It has to be. As someone well said, “Doctors practice. God heals.” I am doing well because God is working through, around, and beyond all the medicine—and that is a result of your prayers.
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