House Built On The Rock

Matt. 7:25 …A wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

The measure of wisdom is determine on the source of truth. Jesus, the spoken word is the foundation of all that is true. The house we our building is the life we live in this earthen vessel. The choices we make in life will determine whether we have been wise or foolish. Does our “house” still stand when the testing of life assault us? If we have lived our lives in Christ, then we can be assured that our foundation will not crumble beneath us. He is the rock in which we have built our life on. Other foundations may look solid and have deceived many. Jesus, who the rock in which we build our house is the only sure foundation that will not crumble when the storms of life hit. Build your house on Christ, the solid Rock and you will not be sorry.

The Comforter

 John 14:18, 20 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you…At that day you shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you… you know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you.

The promise is given to believers. The Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to live in His word. For He is the Spirit of truth and lead us into a deeper relationship with Christ. He leads us to help us find who we really are. Our identity is found in the person of Christ. We have left the ways of the flesh. By the Holy Spirit, the flesh has been crucified and put to death. In the newness of life, The Holy Spirit dwells within us. He is not just with us, but He is the power that lives within us to give us power over sin and fear. He is the Spirit of love that will cast out all fear. This is the comfort given to believers, that Christ dwells in us and we in Him. 

Under His Wings

Psalm 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

The protection of God to them that love Him is shown to us in scripture by the way a mother bird protects their young. Shelter from the storms that come, and safe from predators, the mother bird wraps her wing around her own. The devil is out seeking to destroy God’s children in any way he can. God’s children, whether they be adopted in the family or His by creation, the devil desires to keep them from putting their trust in God. God does not play favorites, but to those who draw near to Him, seeking His wing, He draws them in. Under His wings we can know that we our safe, and no harm will come to them that put their trust in God. As a born again child of God, we can be assured that in Christ we our shielded and protected from becoming prey to the enemy of our soul. May we always abide under the feathers of His wings.  

Love One Another

John 13: 34,35  A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another… By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

The golden rule, the thread that is woven into the hearts of all believers. Love, the theme that is the hallmark of God’s word. Love the goes beyond mere affection, desire, and passion of the flesh. In a world that is filled with hate and selfish gratification for the things of this world, it is rare to see true love. This is how Christian are marked. The image of Christ is stamped in their heart, and the love of Christ indwells the believer through the infilling of the Holy Spirit. “…The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”(Roman 5:5) Such love is not possible in the flesh. The love of the flesh is limited and given to man by God, but God’s love goes deeper and is divine. This is the love that can only be found in Christ and through Christ. Let us live in Christ so that we may love as Christ loves.

Hold on to God

Heb. 10:23  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised.

Hold on to the Hand of God. Don’t let go! When doubts and fear surround us, and hope begins to dim, hang on. God has promise not to let go of us if we waver not in our faith. Believe that He is able to take us through our trails and tribulations. During times of testing and discouragement, He wants us to hold on in faith, that which we have seen and heard, that which changed our lives from darkness to light. He who gave His life, shed His blood that we may have newness of life. We need not travel alone, Let us unite together as one, hold each other up in prayer, and encourage one another in the most holy faith.

The Good Shepherd

Ezekiel 34:12, 16  As a shepherd seeks out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep…I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick:

All we like sheep have gone astray. The good Shepherd seeks out the sheep to gather them under His protection. The sheep are so easily lead away by other shepherds that don’t really care about the well being of their sheep. Satan tempts the sheep by showing greener pastures, but fails to reveal that there are wolves that linger near by.  Sin is enticing and gratifies and bring temporary pleasure to the flesh, but the end always ends up in destruction. The Good Shepherd in love and mercy will seeks out the lost, the broken in heart, those that have been trapped by sin’s allure. Let us hear the call of the Good Shepherd and let Him bind us and make us whole again.

Good Reputation

Phil 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

A good reputation is characterized by the good things people think of us. We mean what we say, and we say what we mean. Honest in business, and the willingness to treat others fairly.  A bad reputation is determine by the negative opinion that others have of us, normally based on the deeds and actions we do. The habits we form in life are seen by others, which form an opinion that can leave a good or bad reputation of our character. Making yourself of no reputation is to do what is right regardless what others may think of you. Jesus sat and ate with the Publicans, had no regard to his reputation. He was a friend to sinners, making himself of no reputation to the religious leaders of that day. It is important that we guard our reputation, but what others think of us should not hinder us from doing what is right. People may not always understand, but God who knows the heart, is pleased. Don’t worry what man thinks of you, but be concern what God thinks of you. We should always seek a good reputation in the sight of God.

Let All Bitterness Be Put Away

Eph. 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

People normally become bitter and full of malice when they are treated wrongly. It is the natural reaction of the carnal nature. It is difficult to understand the behavior of other people. Those who seek to hurt others do so out of self preservation or selfish intent. Desiring to fulfill or satisfy a personal need. The carnal heart cares not who it hurts, only thinking of self and protecting one’s ego, even at the expense of doing wrong or hurting someone else. Bitterness, a sin that destroys the very fiber of one’s character can easily begin to fester in the heart toward one who has wronged us. We feel it is our right to be bitter, or angry. Having ill will toward someone who is treating you unfair or hateful is what is expected. To the natural man, this is how we deal with people who don’t care and are self centered. How is it possible to let all bitterness be put away? How can we keep from lashing back in anger and speaking back maliciously? It is only by the grace of God and a heart purified by faith by the Holy Spirit that this is made possible. Even as Christ forgave us, He gives us grace to forgive and love others. “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”