A Firm Foundation

Friday, February 3, 2012
Pray: 
Pray that God will prepare you for his service today as You read his Word and spend time with him.
Read: 
LUKE 6:43-49

[43] "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. [44] Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. [45] The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. [46] "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? [47] I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. [48] He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. [49] But 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."

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Reflect: 
What does Jesus say we should do with my words?

Over recent years many places in Britain have been affected by devastating floods. People had to move out to hotels or mobile homes while their houses were restored. Others thought they had escaped damage but even two years later found that water had been silently working its destruction beneath the floorboards. The consequence was often the same heartache and disruption that others had already experienced.

Jesus talks about a flood causing devastation (49). In our lives we do sometimes experience this kind of sudden catastrophe--illness, bereavement or unemployment, for example. But perhaps more often we suffer the insidious damage caused by hidden water. A tiny lie, for example, can lead to bigger and bigger ones, with distressing consequences for all involved.

Jesus warns us that whatever we have in our heart will come to the surface (45). Perhaps there is just a hint of frustration in his voice as he again has to spell things out to his listeners (46). Are we ever guilty of hearing God's Word and ignoring it? Or even worse, going against it?

Apply: 
How can you make sure you've got the strong spiritual foundations needed to deal with the devastating parts of life?
Pray: 
Lord, make within me a life that's built on the sure, strong foundation of faith and obedience to You.
Through the Bible In One Year: 
Exodus 19,20 / Matthew 24

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