Today´s reading:
OT: Genesis 20, Genesis 21, Genesis 22
NT: Matthew 7:15-29
Ps: Psalm 9:1-12
Pr: Proverbs 2:16-22
Today´s notable verse:
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 9:10 (NIV)
The One Year Bible Blog notes:
Matthew 7:25 I think is an important verse for us to meditate upon in our own lives - "Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse, because it is built on rock." I never paid too much attention to this verse - I always focused on verse 24 and building a strong foundation on solid rock. But, I had lunch with a friend recently and he shared with me that this verse 25 - and verse 27 too - should be a reminder to each of us that storms will come in our lives...So, then, the key becomes if we know storms will come, we really should pay attention to verse 24 and build up a strong foundation of faith during the times of calm. It's kind of like the idea of saving for a rainy day - the day will come when it rains. So let us build up our faith and love in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit today! So that when the storms of life come our way, we will not collapse, but will remain faithful to the beautiful end.
First, I can certainly attest that the storms do come! It is vitally important that we face those storms with Christ as our foundation. However, I don't think we can "sav[e] for a rainy day" with respect to our faith. We establish the foundation of our faith in Christ, but our faith cannot truly grow, develoop, and deepen until we face the storms. Just as a muscle cannot grow without resistance, faith cannot grow unless it is challenged. Praise God for the storms we face - and overcome through Him! (James 1:2-3)
Comments from you & Question of the Day - Based on the knowledge that storms will come into our life, what are you doing in your life to build a firm foundation of faith? Reading the Bible regularly? Going to church regularly? Being part of a small group or community group or Bible study with other Christians regularly? Praying regularly? What else? Do you think that storms will come to your life? Have you experienced storms in your life in the past where your faith has been your firm foundation and has gotten you through the storm? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?
I believe the key to weathering the storms of life is three-fold: 1) The Word, 2) Prayer, and 3) the Church. The first part - the Word - is our foundation. We must know, believe, and live the Word. We must know the nature and character of our God, and His promises to us, and the principles by which He would have us live. The second part - Prayer - is our lifeline. We must stay connected in intimate relationship with our God and Savior, who ministers to us through His Spirit, and who guides us in our daily lives. The third part - the Church - is our buttress. We are members of the body of Christ, to support, encourage, and sharpen one another. We agree with one another in prayer. We lay hands. In short, we carry out the physical work of Christ in the earth - including supporting one another when we face the inevitable storms of life. I cannot overstate the vital importance of close Christian friends. All the things you mentioned: reading the Bible, going to church, participating in community groups/Bible studies, and praying, all help us weather our storms, but only insofar as they develop our relationship with God, and with each other. Simply "putting in time" at church, Bible study, or in prayer will accomplish nothing.
