Morning Meditation:
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice in like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matt. 7:24)
Build your house on the sand or build it on the rock of God’s word. Jesus gave us a choice. Chaos occurs in everyone’s life, but those who have built their lives on the rock of God’s word come out on top, their house does not fold under the pressure.
Jesus’ promise excites us, but all too often, we do not see the results we long for. What’s the problem? It seems that we are too easily self-deceived. We are under the impression that because we have heard God’s word, and maybe even done some in-depth study on a particular subject that we will automatically enjoy the expected benefits.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice in like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matt. 7:24)
Build your house on the sand or build it on the rock of God’s word. Jesus gave us a choice. Chaos occurs in everyone’s life, but those who have built their lives on the rock of God’s word come out on top, their house does not fold under the pressure.
Jesus’ promise excites us, but all too often, we do not see the results we long for. What’s the problem? It seems that we are too easily self-deceived. We are under the impression that because we have heard God’s word, and maybe even done some in-depth study on a particular subject that we will automatically enjoy the expected benefits.
James, reflecting Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:24-27, writes, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.... But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.” (Jas. 1:22-25)
Hearing is obviously only the first link in the chain. We cannot make the mistake of equating hearing with completion. We have to continue on to the doing of the matter. It is only when we believe and obey the word we have heard that it yields its fruit to us. Do not stop mid-stream, move on to the other side where the blessing lies.
To Consider:
Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Are you diligently seeking God by reading, studying, and meditating in His word day and night? (Josh. 1:8; Psalm 1:1-3; II Tim. 2:15)
a) Are you doing your best to put God’s word into action in your daily life? (Matt. 7:24-28; James 1:22-25)
a) Are you doing your best to put God’s word into action in your daily life? (Matt. 7:24-28; James 1:22-25)
Evening Reading:
Psalm 119:97-104
מ Mem
97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. 98 Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. 100 I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. 101 I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. 102 I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. 103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.
מ Mem
97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. 98 Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. 100 I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. 101 I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. 102 I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. 103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.
1 comment:
God calls, we answer.
He provides the means to build a house for him to dwell in,so we need to use these materials as directed. Don't look for shortcuts or hurry the process, it can only leave you with a house that is made wrong. My prayer for the body of Christ at New Life, is to use what Christ has provided to get the results that God wants.If God has sealed us with His Holy Spirit, then we have the means to know what God has provides for us to build the house in which He dwells. God let us be your house.
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