Scripture Reading: Luke 6.46-49 Today's inspiration: The wise man builds his house on the Rock.

Good Morning.

About fifteen years ago, we bought an old home that had been in foreclosure and was rather sad from neglect--especially the front yard. We were barely unpacked when our wonderful new neighbors came over to help us design and put in landscaping, which included a flagstone path from the sidewalk to the front porch, which was not a short distance. Laying that path was the hardest part of the job. After digging the spot for each step, the ground had to be smoothed, sand poured and leveled, and then the heavy odd-shaped flagstones placed, and rocked back and forth until they were secure, with no wiggle. It was a big, back-breaking job, mostly because laying the proper foundation was critical for the viability of the stones, and whatever weight they would have to bear. . .

When driving through a housing development under construction, it is not unusual to see a concrete slab with rebar to reinforce it. Observing a big project downtown, like I've so often seen in San Francisco, there may be a noisy piledriving machine nearby. The size and type of foundation is obviously dictated by the 'thing' it is to support. The definition of foundation: The basis on which a thing stands, is founded or supported. I remember the Sunday school song that I sang about the foolish man building his house on the sand. . . when the rains came down, and the floods came up, the house on the sand went smash (that is to say, it collapsed!); while the wise man built his house upon the Rock, so when the rains came down, and the floods came up, the house on the Rock 'stood firm'. I can remember the motions to the words still. . . (ask me about it when you see me). . . all based on today's text in Luke 6.

Then, in the second hour of church, when I rejoined my mother, we sang the beautiful old hymns of the faith from a red hymnal that sits on my piano today. One song I remember supplies the answer to what the wise man's foundation would look like, and aptly says, 'how firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in His excellent Word! What more can He say than to you He hath said, to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled? Now, I was going to stop there, but the poet who penned these words in 1787 speaks straight to the heart of some of my friends who are facing heavy trials. . . so, to you, I say, please read these next words, and receive the salve of Jesus' words: "Fear not, I am with thee; o be not dismayed, for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid. I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand. When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply: the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine. The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to his foes; That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I'll never, no, never, no, never forsake!" Wonderful words, beautiful words of life. . . our foundation.

Okay, so let's consider Jesus' words right before He mentions the wise man's foundation: Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? I will show you what He is like who comes to Me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a wise man. . . It is my greatest desire to see people come to faith in Jesus Christ, and having done so, become strong, vibrant passionate believers. Therefore, this whole matter of what would make a strong foundation for the Christian is a worthwhile study; as a matter of fact, I'm not sure there is any more important element to discuss! Let us seek to know what is in God's Word, and then put it into practice... that is, obey it, and build for ourselves a sure foundation. See, it isn't IF the storms and rains will come, it is WHEN the storms of life will come. When life is calm, the foundation doesn't seem to matter. But when crises come, the foundation is tested. "The firm foundation of God stands..." (2 Timothy 2.19)

So, if you are in the midst of the storm, wondering if the waters will consume you, may I throw you two lifesavers? The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18.10 You see, you do not have to have the answers--just know who does, and run to Him! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43.2 He will never leave you alone--O, what a comfort!

Strength in this life comes from a sure foundation on the Rock--that foundation built in obeying His Word and trusting in Him. Once again, in these four short verses, our Lord eloquently paints a picture of the life that is fixed on Him, or not. . . a choice made by each of us.

Grace and Peace to you today,

Christine

1. What is the foundation in your life? What evidence is there to show that?

2. Do you have difficulty doing what the Lord says to do in His Word? (in short, obeying Him)

3. 'When you pass through rough waters' do you feel God's presence with you? How so?