Is Jesus our foundation? Even when the ground around us shakes?
I have been in a few earthquakes, but never near the epicenter. I have seen their power and can imagine from the tremors that I felt, what the larger quakes must have felt like. Being creatures restrained to the surface of this planet by gravity, how queasy it must feel when the very foundation on which we stand begins to shake.
Today, we examine our foundations. Let’s get to the point. Is Jesus our foundation? “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” Is that true for us?
Photo--livescience.com
When we experience the death of a loved one, a divorce, unbelievable hurt, is our foundation sure?
Sometimes we say we believe in Jesus, but when tragedy comes, do we turn elsewhere?
Let’s get right to our first make it count moment.
Who or what is the center of your life?
Your family?
Your work?
A dream?
A goal?
In what ways has this center sustained you?
In what ways has it left you susceptible to circumstantial tremors?
Jesus told those who had come to hear what today we call the Sermon on the Mount many things that on the surface seemed paradoxical if not just outright revolutionary. They were privileged to hear firsthand the words of the King of Kings and the Suffering Servant proclaimed from the same mouth. What did he say? He said, listen! He say do.
“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.”
Jesus said don’t save your faith for a rainy day. Practice your faith daily and when the rain, sleet, ice, flood, or earthquake comes, you will already be well anchored.
Here is something truly incredible. Most people that are interested in a self-help program won’t do anything. A very small percentage will search for a specific book that goes with a program. Very, very few will check it out of the library or buy it. Here’s the real kicker: Over three-fourths of the people who buy the book won’t ever read it—won’t ever read it! They won’t ever read it!
Of the very few who do read it, most won't even try to put what it teaches into practice.
Jesus said listen to him and do what he said. How many of us just go to the next thing, thinking, that was good advice, but not putting it into practice.
Let’s get to our next make it count moment. Let’s think of somebody who has put our Master’s words into practice.
Who in your life has consistently encouraged, challenged, or caught you when you seemed to be falling?
What would you want to tell them?
It seems that we often react to the quakes and storms in our lives with a please God get me out of this desperation prayer. How often does God answer with, not now, my desire is to go through this with you.
Here are the make it last for life moments for today.
1. Describe the last time you experienced the tremors of an earthquake in your life?
2. What was your most recent trial?
3. How did it change you or turn your life upside down?
4. Was your relationship with God stronger or weaker in the aftermath?
5. Name one true friend.
6. Think of how they supported you in a crisis or through heartache.
7. Who needs this type of support from you today?
8. If your days were quickly running out, what would you do about helping this person?
9. Make a list of the presents that you would like God to give you. These don’t have to be church sounding answers. What do you want him to give you? (Promotion, better job, a fresh start in a relationship, a new relationship, restored health?)
10. Now consider what it is to long for God’s presence more than any of the presents you listed.
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