Natural disasters, epidemics, and storms of life can discourage us and even cause us to doubt our purpose. In this message, we talk about a work in progress.
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Watch the video for this message at https://www.celllifechurch.tv/a-work-in-progress/
Message
Natural disasters, epidemics, and storms of life can discourage us and even cause us to doubt our purpose. Just like those in Kenya who are battling the floods. We must stay focused and realize that we are a work in progress.
When disasters come, damage happens. Whether it is an earthquake, flood, raging storm, or a pandemic. The disaster may be economic or emotional. Other times it is physical like destroyed buildings or damaged streets.
Storms and disasters can be anything like financial setbacks, relational problems, sickness, or emotional problems. Much of the risk of damage in a natural disaster comes from the building practices used when constructing the building. Using builders who have the right tools, knowledge, and wisdom to build your house can go a long way when disaster strikes.
Our life is no different. Each day we build part of our life. We are constantly building it. We are constantly expanding it. We build our lives by the choices we make. As we build our lives, we need to do it in such a way that we can not only survive but thrive amidst the storms and disasters that come our way.
But how do we build our lives in a way to withstand these storms of life? How do we face the disasters that are thrown at us by the enemy of our soul?
Let’s read Matthew 7:24-25
Matthew 7:24-25
(24) Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (25) The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
Jesus is concluding his sermon on the mount. He has been teaching the gathered crowd for some time on several subjects. This is his summation at the end of the different subjects he has taught.
Jesus says that everyone who hears his words AND puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Jesus knew construction. He was the son of a carpenter and worked under his adoptive dad, Joseph, for many years learning carpentry. That is what makes this illustration even more powerful.
In Matthew chapters 5 through 7, Jesus tells us that the wise man will hear his words AND put them into practice. He compares someone who does that to a man who builds his house on a rock. That is a strong foundation. Floods, wind, rain, and fire are not going to do much to a rock.
A house built on a rock can withstand a lot. A life that is built on hearing the words of Jesus AND putting them into practice is a life that can face difficult times. To build our lives so they can face the storms of life, the rising flood waters of chaos and uncertainty, and the shifting ground of society, we must have the wisdom, teaching, and protection of Jesus.
It is not good enough to just hear or read Jesus’ words. It is not good enough to just go with what someone else says or is doing, even though they are reading and hearing Jesus’ words. We each must listen to Jesus and read His word and put His teachings into practice. This is all necessary to survive all the calamity that Satan is going to throw at us.
Imagine having all of the right tools to build something, but you don’t read the instructions how to use them. Imagine building a house and having all of the right tools and materials, but you ignore the blueprints. You just start cutting wood and nailing it together. That is not a house I want to live in.
I assure you that the devil will try anything to destroy your life and invalidate your testimony. He wants the storms of life to destroy you. To keep that from happening we must study the Bible and put what we learn into practice in our daily lives.
Psalm 119:11 says:
Psalm 119:11
(11) I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
This means to study God’s word and make it a part of who we are. We must pray the Bible, recite verses, and talk about the stories and themes.
Jesus’ teachings are powerful and practical. Jesus teaches in such an encouraging and loving way, but you must spend time reading his words to know that.
We want to encourage you today to spend some time studying the Bible and then applying what you study to your life. As you read each passage of scripture, pray and ask Jesus how it applies to you and your life. Build your life on the rock, Jesus. Learn how to use his tools, the Bible and faith. Learn how to spot the storms coming while they are still far off. These are the wise things that you will learn as you study the Bible and put what you learn into practice into your everyday life.
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