A Sure Foundation

It’s On My Heart...January 2010

I haven’t come across anyone who is sad that 2009 is finally over. 2010 was like a distant friend who we knew was coming and would bring better times. Now that it is here, we already are anticipating what the year might bring. Many think that whatever happens will be better than last year. Truth be told, it really does not matter which year we are in. Whether its 2009, 2010 or 2011. Regardless of the year or where we are in life, God has promised to be right with us. With God beside us, we are able to face life’s challenges, knowing that God loves us, cares for us, and will never abandon us. We have His word on it and His promises bring encouragement when all else seems to fail.

Our theme verse for the year is found in Psalm 127.1 “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” It is a solemn reminder that we need the Lord in all that we do. Each of us can build elaborate lives and ministries, careers and retirement security. If however, we do it all without the Lord we miss out on His guidance and direction. In the end we will be very much like Ebenezer Scrooge before his three visitors that changed his life. He lived for business and money and forgot the more important things in life. The most important thing is not a thing. It is a person. It is God. God is always inviting us in. If we’ve blown it, He still calls. If we’ve wandered away, He still welcomes us and embraces us warmly. As we study our theme through out 2010, it will be an opportunity for us to examine our lives from top to bottom. What is it that we are building our lives upon? What is our foundation? Are we really, truly leaning upon the Lord or are we leaning upon our own wisdom and strength?

One thing about building is that the structure is only as strong as the foundation it rests upon. Jesus told a parable about this. One man built his house on the sand, but when the storms came it washed away. The other built his house on the rock and stood firm. Psalm 127.1 then is a wake up call and a challenge. May we heed God’s call and take up the challenge to build our lives God’s way. For God’s way is always the best way. In the process, we’ll discover that there is no better foundation to build and rest our lives upon. May you be the one to build upon the rock!

Have a Happy New Year!
Blessings,
Pastor Pete