178/365: A Life That Stands Against The Storms

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. ~ Matthew 7: 24-25

We guys may be able to assemble a swing set or change a set of brake pads without instructions... but going through this life without consulting our Lord's teaching is not smart.

Jesus is clear about the importance and clarity of His instructions. Love God, Love others and do it with integrity and purpose.

Be wise. Build your life on solid foundations which can't be shaken. Follow the manual. Don't skip a step if you want a life that can withstand the tests.

GO DEEPER: Isaiah 66:1-2

Next Step: Have you skipped any steps in building your life of faith?

Sandra chibuike

on 06/29/2023 at 12:52 PM

For He will command His angles concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Psalm 91:11 God is called our Father, and part of a father's job is to protect his children. Our heavenly Father is no different in this regard. He watches over and protects His people. When you are frightened or need to feel Him near, pray and know that He is there. He will keep those He loves safe and will not let them suffer without reason. When you are going through dark times, know that God will protect you and that He has a plan for you. Even during the most difficult of times, there are angels on your side.

on 06/28/2023 at 10:24 PM

we need to build our life on Jesus cause he is the foundation and no matter what we go through in this life we will never break and our faith in him,and we will be safe from storms of this life. when we develop the character of Jesus we will be able to with stand all the attacks and traps that the devil has planned for us. God created everything as he himself said everything was done by him so if you are meant to walk through something make sure he is your foundation because he will be there with you and your spiritual house will not break when the storms come.

Jake C. Martin.

on 06/28/2023 at 05:13 PM

this verse really speaks to me not only as a follower of christ but as a father. I havent always been on the right path but the more i put my faith in jesus the more i find that my life is more full of joy and I have strength, my relationship with my wife is better and teaching my kids is easier. Me and my wofe have been doing bible studies with our kids for about 2 weeks. just a chapter or 2 every night but my kids are enjoying it and so are we, and I feel our strength in the lord os growijg as a family/ household. I pray that who ever reads this finds wisdom in this and puts there faith in the lord build your strength on the father and watch your life chamge for the better. Walk with GOD my brothers and have a blessed day 🙏

Brandon Pembleton

on 06/28/2023 at 02:51 PM

Day two indeed as Ash said. Might just be God saying hey guys you may want to spend some extra time and effort on this one. It’s pretty doggone important. Plus putting in effort to read devotionals with the intent to write about them is one of the cornerstones of my houses foundation. So I’ll write to that specific cornerstone. I know that for me as well as many others that dedicated time in the morning with just God is of the utmost importance each day. With this reading being around building a house I think about my own house. It’s in good shape right now but if I do nothing it will slowly weather away and exponentially break apart the longer it goes without routine maintenance. Our very souls are no different to me. Without daily routine maintenance of the house of our soul it too will weather away. One can feel it when there’s a loose shingle. Something bothers me that shouldn’t. Instead of barreling through it I make time to repair meditate and pray to see what type of repair is needed. Then take action and repair it. It sounds like a grindy life but it’s actually pretty beautiful to stay that focused on the work and make the work my happy place. Thank you God for everything as always. I love you amen 🙏

Trenton miller

on 06/28/2023 at 02:50 PM

First time here, loving the app so far, from Cocoa Beach Fl . Father of 2, husband, and business owner. Working on building our foundation on Jesus and being disciple makers with our children :)

Ashley Jarvis

on 06/28/2023 at 02:38 PM

Day two on this one I guess :) In rereading this, I’m reminded how essential it was that I didn’t rush in after my house collapsed and begin throwing bricks back up on my own. As Michael said, my fall was substance related, “thankfully”, so there were 12 step programs to help structure my rebuilding. I chose a sponsor and asked him to walk me through those steps. I learned in the beginning more about what NOT to say and do each day rather than what to begin doing. In order for me to put out the many fires I’d started, I first had to stop lighting fires! This takes time, one morning at a time, starting EVERY morning in prayer and asking humbly for God’s will to be done, NOT mine. Once I stopped lighting fires, with the foundation still smoldering, we began looking at each brick, and praying on whether God would have me keep it or throw it out. When I get rushed, I try to remember I have no idea what God wants for me specifically, only that I want nothing to do with my will ever again 🙏🏻

michael f vinning

on 06/28/2023 at 01:34 PM

Great posts guys! Yeah Rob, it’s sad that you’ve never had a mentor, even in the tiny town I live in I’ve had 3 or more over the years-but called them sponsors at first. I was blessed with an addiction to damn near everything I touch so it forced me to seek out help, thankfully these men were around to offer it bc they had been through the same struggle! Now all these years later I found myself slipping, so the book not a fan was God’s gift to straighten me right out. I had started comfort seeking bc I figured I have worked hard enough, suffered long enough, served long enough, etc etc-so I began sitting in front of the tv a bit too much, playing the mobile game a bit too much…so deleted the games, limit tv to 1 hour a day, now back to reading, praying, serving to honor the God who saved my life all those times all those years ago!!

Robert McFaddin

on 06/27/2023 at 05:44 PM

@michael f vinning read that book. It was truly an eye opener. HIGHLY recommend it to all. Another great one is “Radical” by David Platt. I cannot recommend those books highly enough.

Robert McFaddin

on 06/27/2023 at 05:43 PM

I agree with all that as well. I will say that idk if this is a “step” or not, but I’ve been a follower of Christ a long time. NO one has ever come alongside me to disciple me. Mentors have been extremely few and extremely far between. I’ve had accountability at times. Been in a group for a few years now. Still, no one has been much of a mentor to me. I’ve been learning on my own. I’m 57 years old. Been on this path since 1976. I’ve stumbled and sinned all over the place, but I can see now that God has NEVER abandoned me. I’m NEVER alone!

on 06/27/2023 at 05:31 PM

Grace and Mercy

Ladd Paulson

on 06/27/2023 at 04:03 PM

I first read Brian's question and was formulating an answer in my mind. Then, in reading Ashley's answer, realized I could not do better than that. Good job, Ashley.

Rick Donka

on 06/27/2023 at 03:47 PM

So well said Ashley!

Ashley Jarvis

on 06/27/2023 at 02:37 PM

Brian, that’s an excellent question! For me, I had to follow the fear. Any negative emotion, is rooted in fear, and fear comes from the enemy and is not of God. When scripture says to Fear God, it’s meaning in that context is a respectful fear, a healthy and warranted fear, kind of like being in awe. My journey has been a cycle of honestly and thoroughly searching myself of what I’m currently fearful of, and then speaking Gods truth and promises over that fear in prayer and meditation. The Holy Spirit will direct you, and help your mind focus in on the next right thing to do. Maybe it’s a habit or addiction you’ve been justifying for years that it’s time to take to God, and humbly ask Him to remove from you. Maybe it’s a resentment in your past that it’s time to seek amends and heal from. Maybe, it’s simply devoting the first hour of every morning in prayer and meditation to grow a closer relationship with Him, so that the Holy Spirit grows louder in your ears. The good news, is wherever we are on the journey, that the journey IS the destination while we are in this world. Walking with God, no matter where we are on the journey, is exactly where we are suppose to be. It matters not how old you are, you haven’t wasted any time, you’re exactly where you’re suppose to be at this moment in time. The journey isn’t over, until we take our last breath, and until that day God has much good He wants to do with us 🙏🏻

Brian Hester

on 06/27/2023 at 02:20 PM

This may be an over simplistic, stupid question but when it asks if we have 'skipped any steps'....how can I determine that if I don't know what the steps are?

Elliott

on 06/27/2023 at 02:16 PM

Good morning, brothers. for all my life, I have always wanted to put my foundation in the most beautiful materialistic area. my Fondation was never on soild rock. So, after every storm, I had to rebuild my foundation. today, I walk by faith, not by sight, and my foundation is still there even after a EF-5 tornado. my life has had a drastic change from a year ago. today I can say that I am a follower, not just a beliver. God speed, brothers!

Brandon Pembleton

on 06/27/2023 at 02:12 PM

I have found if I want my “house” to truly be built on the hardest toughest foundation it must have a purpose higher than happiness. Happiness is great and amazing but it is fleeting and not very permanent. Something that is potent and much sturdier is service and responsibility. Those two things give me reason that goes beyond serving myself. It’s reason to really reach to be good. Now there may be times when it seems no one needs my help or service. That’s ok and doesn’t mean I’m no longer useful. It just means I’m supposed to be training really hard all three fronts mental, physical, and most important spiritual. Always and I’m going to stick with always on this, it will come into play to help someone even if it’s a long gap of time where seemingly no one needed anything. I must always train everyday to be ready and vigilant to serve God. To be a bright light shattering the dark. I am so grateful to You God for another day to live on earth where I can serve You and others. That’s where the real J.O.Y. (Jesus Others Yourself) is at. I love you God amen 🙏

Ethan Rogers

on 06/27/2023 at 02:06 PM

Jesus's instructions are the most amazing thing I have ever read and internalized. This is such a wonderful truth that God can love us that much. It is impossible to deny that this is how the Father, our creator, intends us to live. We were not made to suffer but to experience, learn, and choose. I fall short of the obediance to the Glory of God, yet He still offers more than I can comprehend in my worldly mindset. However, the Spirit is available to instill in me to strengthen my spirit and undergo transformation to believe in His will. The body is weak, but the spirit is willing. Praise our God of mercy, grace, and revealation.

Boyce Moses

on 06/27/2023 at 01:52 PM

On Jesus Christ the Rock I stand, all else is shifting sand! Constantly build on your relationship with Christ. The benefits are amazing and everlasting. Love you Jesus! 🤎💙🧡❤️

michael f vinning

on 06/27/2023 at 01:05 PM

If you get a chance to read the book called Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman, please do, but be ready to take a serious look at yourself to determine if you are a true follower of Jesus or just an enthusiastic admirer, a fan…learning quickly that I fall in the middle, half follower, half fan. Thank you Jesus for pointing it out to me! I want to be all follower!

178/365: A Life That Stands Against The Storms

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