Fireproof Construction

1 Corinthians 3:10-15

We’re in this life thing together.  It’s impossible to not be influenced, good or bad, by those we encounter each day.  Even though we’d like to think we’re solely responsible for our “foundations,” we can’t overlook the fact that others are contributing to our formation too.

Will everyone who comes to work bring the same tools and care about quality craftsmanship?  Nope!  We need to be diligent in who and what we allow to be part of our lives.  If Christ is our cornerstone, then it’s much easier to construct a solid temple, but if, like The Message says, we use “cheap and inferior materials,” the outcome won’t be good.

So, who are we allowing on our job site?  What materials are they bringing that will become permanent elements of our foundation?  Verse 13 says, “It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.”  Are we fireproof?  Will we survive?

There may be times we feel our walls are crumbling and they very well may be, but that doesn’t mean hope is lost.  It means we’ll need to rebuild and the materials we use this time will hopefully withstand the next fire, because there will be others.

We pray, we learn, we grow and with God’s grace we come back stronger.

Lord, you are the foreman of my life.  You oversee all aspects of my construction.  May quality materials and upmost care be used to build a life that’s able to withstand whatever tries to tear it down.  Amen.

Overcoming the Storms of Life

By Thomas Denegre 8/21/2019

Are you ready to overcome the storms of life so you can continue to stand and prosper? 

In today’s readings of Mathew 7:21-28, Jesus explains he is our rock foundation in the storms of our lives and like the greatest sports teams and armies in the world, the right preparation, attitude, and belief will make you withstand the onslaught and prosper.

Jesus instructions are based on the counter intuitive. You must die to live. The first will be last and last will be first.  Jesus states, it’s not enough to have intellectual knowledge of whom he is, otherwise he will spit you out.  Second, tribulations and storms are guaranteed to come into your life, so Jesus, like any other loving parent, wants to give you a rock-solid foundation to survive and flourish.

Let me tell you about two brothers named Mark and Bennie who are close in age. As teenagers they were two peas in a pod being mischievous, aggressive, funny, smart, and troublesome.  The father loved both his sons and tried to steer them away from harm.  Mark went into the army and learned to channel his energy constructively while Bennie got into sales, drugs, and fast living. 

As time progressed Mark became a believer in Jesus Christ.  He opened his heart to the Lord and became teachable to His ways.  Mark got married, had several children, and became a newspaper journalist. Life was not always easy for Mark as the internet crushed his career forcing him into unemployment five years out of ten. But, by being dependent on the Lord he always had money, good health, and a devoted family.  Knowing and behaving as a son of God, great favor was blessed upon him.

Meanwhile, Bennie was less fortunate. Being opinionated, stubborn, and rebellious, Bennie refused to be taught the character virtues for a successful life. When the storms of life came upon Bennie it crushed him.  He went into bankruptcy twice while his health deteriorated to the point of death.  Sadly, he had no family to console nor nurse him.  The outcome of his choices led him to disaster.

Jesus once said, “The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but I have come to bring life, and bring it abundantly.” John 10:10

I learned a lot from Mark.  He told me the greatest thing he ever did was open his heart to Jesus, so he could be loved.  By knowing how much God loved him, Mark lived in life union with Jesus.  He made sure the word of God was always in his mind and in his heart.  God’s Word breathe life into him, and he found himself naturally doing the things God wanted him to do.  Mark explained it was not an overnight transformation, but a gradual change over many years. His favorite verse was, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7 

Mark explained that being dependent on Jesus allowed him to live out his God given virtues.

Mark pointed out the difference between living a life union with Jesus versus an intellectual knowledge of Jesus.  A life union with Jesus developed tremendous virtues and character traits within him, while the intellectual Christian rationalized his decisions by claiming his conscious overruled God’s Word.  Hence, the reason Christian intellectuals support abortion and sexual immorality, thereby unconsciously becoming the rebels against God; which is the reason Jesus did not know them and spitted them out.

Jesus is naturally the rock foundation for Christians to stand their life on.  The Apostle Paul wrote in Colossians Chapter 3, the framework to develop and apply our holy character.  By memorizing the verses, Mark said that every day some event would occur, and a verse came to mind for him to use.  By having God’s Word living powerfully within his mind and heart Mark developed the virtues of Obedience, Love, Mercy, Understanding, Compassion, Kindness, Patience, Forgiveness, and Repentance. 

Mark’s most used verse was, “Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ.” Col. 3:13 (TPT)

It turned out fellow Christians could be the most difficult people to deal with.  Most Christians were on a path from pride to humility, from self-centeredness to selflessness, from self-hatred to self-acceptance, from holding grudges to forgiveness.  Beneath the façade of many Christians was a lot of toxicity that God was slowly healing out, but in the meantime had to be confronted.  Mark admitted he was a difficult and sometimes toxic Christian too.  But God gave him the grace to see people like the father of the prodigal son, whereby the person was far more important than the behaviors they exhibit.  Jesus was able to teach and encourage Mark to apply the virtues as a healing tool for himself and for others.

Mark learned people didn’t care what you know, they wanted to know you care. By living with Jesus, compassion and service to others will help heal the wounds that the storms of life inflicted.

We know the storms of life will always rise again in our lives.  I too learned that a life union with Jesus while having his Words alive in my heart provides the best rock foundation to survive and prosper through storms.  Below are Mark’s favorite scripture verses, or holy virtues, on building a rock solid foundation in your life.

You are always and dearly loved by God!

So, robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy.

Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all.

Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others.

Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ.

If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them.

For love is supreme and must flow through each of these virtues.

Love becomes the mark of true maturity.

Let your heart be always guided by the peace of the Anointed One, who called you to peace as part of his one body.

And always be thankful.

Colossians 3:12-15 (TPT)

Remodeling

Ephesians 2:14-22

Have you ever been part of a complete home remodel? When the old structure isn’t working, a new plan is needed which sometimes includes firming up the foundation.  Without a solid foundation whatever’s built on top may crumble and fall.

Unfortunately, I know a little something about this.  I have cracks in my 2^nd floor bedroom wall that are the result of miscalculations in the framing on the first floor.  The cracks have been patched over but keep coming back.  I’ve been assured the place isn’t going to collapse – thank goodness - but have been told if I want the wall permanently fixed, they’re going to have to redo a lot of stuff.

I think that’s what today’s passage is about…Jesus came to redo a lot of stuff.  He came to create something new because what they had was crumbling.  The laws that people were holding onto were creating hostility.

Jesus came to tear down the walls of division and rebuild the Kingdom with a new foundation - Himself.  He also used the apostles and prophets to create a foundation that would withstand generations and generations of “wear and tear.”

But Jesus’ work isn’t complete.  He continues to build his Kingdom one brick at a time.  And we are those bricks.  Each person plays an important role in the new dwelling God is creating.  Some of us make up the kitchen, while others the entryway, bathrooms, bedrooms, study, living room, etc...  Together we create God’s holy house.

Father, thank you for sending your Son to redo the stuff that isn’t working.  May we be open to a revised floorplan that better suits the life you want us to lead.  Amen.

Luke 6: 43-49 The Tree and Its Fruit/The Foolish Builders

Being an eternal optimist of sorts, I attempt to see the positive and potential in things, situations, and people. It gives me hope in difficult times. It brings me peace when defeat attempts to take over my thinking. 

Today's reading includes two separate stories but in my mind, one common theme. Hope.

It may be true that "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit." Luke 6:43
However, I immediately wonder why is the tree bad? What caused its leaves to shrivel and weakened its branches? If it were attended to, pruned, given the proper fertilizer, water and sunshine could it not recover? Could it not one day become the most beautiful and fruit bearing tree in the orchard? God's word is that nourishment for us.


Likewise, "The one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete. Luke 6: 49 As this man's life is in chaos due to the storm and his poorly established shelter, those who build on a firm foundation stand strong. There is hope for the broken man however when those who live in the knowledge of the word walk along side him and show him how to build on the proper foundation, on THE ROCK.

Jesus uses this analogy to warn us against building our lives on a foundation that isn't rock solid. Will our current belief system stand up to the test of life? Jesus promised that those who ground their lives upon a relationship with him and in line with his words will be able to withstand any storm. 

Today's children are tomorrow's hope. Helping them know and understand the value of God's Word is essential. It is our mission to help our young people learn what the firm foundation of God really means. 

Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it."

For this reason I conclude with a children's song. A great lead into discussion about the strength and promise the Lord brings to each one of us when we know and trust in Him. 

Watch and listen to: THE WISE MAN

Read/Listen to: Luke 6:43-49

Nehemiah 2:1-8 Prayer First

Perhaps it is best to read these 8 verses in Nehemiah, before going any further. It may sometimes seem as though we are backtracking or repeating as you read the Daily Bible Blast, however there is meaning and purpose in the progression. This link will bring you to the new BibleGateway.com. There you can read, or click the speaker button to simply listen to: Nehemiah 2: 1-8

 

With great respect to God and the king, Nehemiah made his request to go to Jerusalem. He did not immediately blurt out to King Artaxerxes the burden that was upon his heart when the king inquired. He instead "prayed to the Lord of heaven," and then replied to the king, beginning with "If it pleases the king...."

Nehemiah did not immediately flee from his responsibilities as the cup-bearer to the king, and return to Jerusalem to begin his plight as re-builder of the wall. Though he likely longed to arrive as quickly as possible to get the restructuring under way and protect his people, Nehemiah viewed all of his work as labor for the Lord as the bible calls us to do in Colossians 3:23. (NIV) “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as for the Lord….”

Nehemiah covered all of his bases so to speak. He prayed, sincerely summarized his dismay, and then requested permission to follow through with what he believed was his calling from God. “And because the gracious hand of God was upon me, the king granted my request.” Nehemiah 2:8

From there, the journey was difficult, but because Nehemiah took his time establishing a firm foundation before beginning his mission, he was able to comfortably carry on. He had the approval of the king, and the blessing of the Father.

Dear Lord, your love and grace are far beyond our understanding. We praise and worship you for being such a perfect and awesome God.Though through our imperfection we make mistakes and fall short of what we are called to be, please continue to be patient when we do not go to you first but instead attempt to change and fix things on our own. Nehemiah is an amazing example of how to prioritize and plan. May our hearts be reminded to turn to the ways of those like Nehemiah as we build and rebuild our own Jerusalem. Amen  

It's all in the Foundation - Matthew 7:24-29

Every once in a while I hear a speaker talk to their audience with authority and wisdom.  There is nothing like hearing a really good motivational speaker address a topic with knowledge and passion.  I want to hear them speak again and again.  Their words touch my heart and make me feel like I could live as they suggest.

There are many Christians speakers I have heard who move me like this.  They speak a line that reverberates with me so deeply I can recall their words even weeks following the event.  Beth Moore is one who has this gift, as well as all members of the Graham family; Franklin, Anne Graham Lotz and their father, Billy Graham; and many more.

The Scripture story today speaks about a time Jesus addressed a crowd.  Can you just imagine what that must have been like!  Jesus, speaking and encouraging His listeners to hear the Word and to live accordingly.  "These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on." (Matthew 7:24 MSG)

What I wouldn't give to hear Jesus speak on His word, explain its meaning and provide pertinent application to the text.

We are called to stand on God's Word as our foundation.  Until we see Jesus face to face, we must Grow Up Strong in God's Word, read our Bibles and live the life commanded on those pages.

Read the Matthew 7:24-29 text here.

Fire Proof- 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

Do you have a fire proof safe in your house? We don’t but we want to get one. There are important documents that we want to keep protected incase a fire destroys our home. Many of us prepare for unforeseen disasters, we buy insurance for our homes, our cars, and even ourselves so that those we leave behind will be okay. But have we made sure our next destination is secured?

Our scripture passage today talks about a builder who needs to build on a sure foundation. Paul explains that the only foundation that can hold up is Jesus Christ. He then explains that we need to choose wisely the building material we use when building.

If Christ is our foundation that is great, next we need to take a look at how we are building on him. Do our actions each day mix well with the foundation of Christ or are we trying to pour a concrete roof on a house made of straw?

When I get to heaven I know that some of my building material will probably burn up through the fire of God’s judgment, but I hope I have served Christ well in this life. I pray that with Christ as my foundation I have been able, through God’s grace, to bless others through my time and love.

Read today’s passage at Biblegateway 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

Matthew 21:23-46

My grandfather was a formidable man.  He was six foot five and always stood tall.  People respected him even though he was a meek and humble individual.  I grew up in an unstable and sometimes volatile environment making life often feel unsettled and unstable.  Thankfully my grandpa lived directly through the yard from me.  I could run over to his place anytime I needed to feel safe and secure.   

Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:
   “‘The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
the Lord has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes’? (Matthew 21:42)

The word 'cornerstone' in this passage it reminds me of my grandfather; it reminds me that we all need this cornerstone, a strong, binding, and certain force in our lives; an underpinning  Now that I am a believer I am even more drawn to a Cornerstone concept.  

When questioning this analogy one time, it was explained to me that a cornerstone is a foundation's strength; dug deep into the earth, it is the sustaining platform upon which an entire structure is built and upheld. When strong winds and fierce storms strike, this firm foundation will sustain the structure. Sounds like Jesus to me.  No wonder He is compared to a cornerstone, a capstone.  When life's storms batter our beings, Jesus is our strong foundation, the strong footing that keeps us together.

Do you need a Cornerstone in your life today?  Do you know someone who does?  Is there a storm brewing that will challenge your foundation?  All we need to do is call upon "the stone the builders rejected," for safety, for our salvation.

To read the text for today go here.