Matthew 7:24-27
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!”
Reflection
This is one of my favourite scripture stories, remembering it from childhood. Today I invite you to consider two things:
1) What are the Bible stories that you remember from your childhood? Sometimes they are stories of comfort that reassured you of God’s presence and your value in God’s eyes. Sometimes the stories we remember inspired us in how we might live and how walking with Jesus could shape our lives. Sometimes the Bible story we most remember are ones that have been detrimental to our faith lives, when they were taught in a way that portrayed a punitive, judgemental God. Today, reflect on one of those stories. How does it give you life today? How does it draw you closer to God? If it is a story that still causes you pain, perhaps God wants you to discover a new story that brings you healing and life.
2) In thinking of Jesus’ words in Matthew (above), what is the foundation upon which you build? We are all too aware right now that the storms of life surround us. What are the rocks upon which you need to build in this storm? What is holding you strong?
Prayer
O God, your Word can bring life. Help me to spend time in your Word today, so that I might deepen my relationship with you and build upon a faith-filled foundation. In the storms, help me to trust in your presence. Amen.
To Listen (We have heard this one previously -it bears repeating)
