“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.” ~ Luke 6:46-49
Who am I? Am I the wise one who hears and practices or am I the foolish who hears but then goes ahead to do my own will?
Do you ever get a feeling that God is telling you to do something? Sometimes, we are convicted to do things that are difficult and all we want to do is run away. But running away is only a temporary comfort. One day you will find running from God and what we know is His will is always a compromise. We want the benefits of a relationship with God, but when He asks us to obey Him, we are not willing to do the hard work. What area of your life is God convicting you to honor Him with?
Jesus says that he will show us what it’s like when someone comes to him, listens to his teaching, and follows it. It like a man who builds a house with a strong foundation.
Through listening to Christ teachings and following them in our lives, we can have a strong foundation in Christ. With Christ’s help, we can withstand whatever Satan throws against us. Jesus describes this as a house with a strong and deep foundation. When the storms and winds come, the house can survive. But a house with a weak and shallow foundation can not survive the storms and strong winds. Without Christ as our strong and deep foundation, we cannot survive the storms of life and the strong winds of Satan.
It is not an instant transformation but step by obedient step building of a strong foundation. As each step of obedience strengthens, each step of disobedience tears down and weakens our foundation. Some wonder why they are not receiving from the Lord or don’t feel as close to Him as they once did…here is a key. Are you following His instructions? I heard an interesting quote this week…
When we stop honoring people, we stop receiving from them. ~ Jeremiah Johnson
That really spoke to me and made me think this – if to honor someone includes listening and heeding words of instruction, encouragement and/or correction, then when we dishonor in our hearts and actions it is evident because we are not receiving from them. We ignore their Godly counsel and rebel. It is the same with God. If we have no honor for God and His instructions, encouragement, and correction then we go about feeling as though He isn’t speaking because we aren’t receiving…from Him or His chosen vessel. We rebel against what we hear, if our ears are even open to hear it. It is not the Word going forth that lacks instruction and revelation to build our foundation! Lack of honor has given us a deaf ear and hardened our heart. The wise man honors Jesus and His Word.
Father, help me to honor You by listening to your teachings and following them today. Help me to build a strong foundation. Your word Lord is so clear and I thank You because You do not leave me to try and keep Your commandments in my own power. You have promised Lord that with man it is impossible but with you all things are possible. You have promised to work in me both to will and to do Your good pleasure. Today Lord let me be like the wise man, help me hear and practice that which I read in Your Word. Let Your love and the power available through the Holy Spirit infuse me with obedience. Thank You for Your love and grace that saves me. It’s in Your name that I pray, Amen.
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