Good morning, Lord Jesus. Good Shepherd of my soul, lead me step by step along the journey of my day. ...
"'Everyone then who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 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. 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. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell -- and great was its fall!' Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes" (Matthew 7:24-29).
Lord, give me discernment to hear Your words and wisdom to act on them in faith. Give me humility to embrace Your authority and courage to stand firm and follow through in trusting obedience.
It's wisdom to build my house before the storm. And it's wisdom to build my house on rock. What is the "rock"? ...
As I wait and listen, it seems I hear in my heart: "Your relationship with Me is your rock. You build your relationship with Me when you seek Me in prayer, when you honor Me in worship, when you obey Me in faith." ...
Yes, Lord. And what is the "sand"? ...
I believe You're saying in my heart: "The sand is depending on your own strength, your own wisdom, your own ways apart from My ways. It may seem fine at first, but it will not withstand the storms. Only what's built on the rock can withstand the storms. And there will always be storms -- some more severe than others. But you can withstand any storm as you hold fast to your relationship with Me. Those who are wise will build thier relationship with Me before the storms. Those who are foolish will not. And they will not withstand the storms."
Yes, Lord. Draw me near. Hold me close. Help me hear. Teach me to learn to discern Your voice and trust Your ways. When I look back and see all the storms we've weathered together, I know I'd be foolish to waste a day of not seeking to draw closer in relationship with You.
You draw near to those who seek to draw near to You (John 15:4; James 4:8). By the power of Your grace, may I draw nearer to You every day. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
My family, I pray you may draw nearer to Jesus, steadily building your relationship with Him every day, that you may withstand every storm that comes your way, in Jesus name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!
As we read through the New Testament, I can not post a reflection on an entire chapter, but what verses stood out to me. I would love for you to post what stood out to you or your thoughts/reflections from the days chapter reading with myself or others using the comment box below. Thank you!
Begin 2025 by resolving to partner with us!
I want to ask you to resolve this year in partnering with my wife, myself, and One Direction Community by supporting our ministries! We begin a new season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over this. If you click on the link below you can easily set up a weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly auto donations in the amount you desire. . We would be so grateful for your help. You can also give a one-time donation on the same link. Thank you!
