Grasping at Straws

[Jesus speaking] Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 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 bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.

Matthew 7:24-27 NLT

Grasping at straws is defined as being willing to do, say, or believe anything that offers even the slightest hope in a desperate situation, even though you think there is almost no chance for success.* When in a drowning situation - real or metaphorically speaking - we will grasp at anything that might provide a way up and out. The question is, will we compromise our Christianity to try to save ourselves? Before you answer, remember that Peter did...

It's not just hearing the teaching, it's obeying that completes it. We need a solid foundation in Christ or we will not be able to withstand the world's onslaught, let alone that from the enemy of our souls. When we stand on the solid Rock of our salvation, the tried and true Cornerstone, we will not collapse. It's in His strength, not ours, that we can withstand the storms of life.

In Isaiah 41:10 NKJV, God says, Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

If you want to grasp at something with a chance to succeed, grasp God. He's solid, He's faithful, and He never fails.

Prayer:

Father,
           Forgive us when we look to anything else for help besides You. You are our Refuge and Strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Let Your Word rise up within us to comfort and to guide us on our journey, to give us wisdom, and to show us which way to go. Father, we walk by faith and not by sight. Lead us in Your Way everlasting. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

*according to Idiomsonline.com

A Sure Thing

Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 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 bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.
Matthew 7:24-27 NLT

The storms are brewing. There's an underlying, palpable sense of unrest. People don't know who they can count on and not sure who they can trust. That's what happens when people put their trust in man and government instead of God.  

In a world that is constantly changing and keeps proclaiming "unprecedented" times, we need to know what God spoke through Isaiah the prophet (in chapter 28:16-17a The Message), 

Watch closely. I’m laying a foundation in Zion,

a solid granite foundation, squared and true.

And this is the meaning of the stone:

A trusting life won’t topple.

I’ll make justice the measuring stick

and righteousness the plumb line for the building.

While the world as we know it may crumble around us, Jesus is a solid foundation - the chief cornerstone on which we can build, knowing it will stand. We find in 2nd Timothy 1:12 (NKJV) that Paul writes,  ...for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

God's Word assures us in Hebrews 13:8 NKJV that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  He declared about Himself in Malachi 3:6 NLT, I am the Lord, and I do not change. And further down in that same chapter, God promises if we return to Him, He will return to us. He is a sure thing.

Prayer:

Father,

          Open our eyes to see where we have misplaced our trust. Set our hearts on fire for more of You. Help us to see clearly what Your purpose is for our lives. We choose to return to You, Lord. Return to us as You promised. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

* Foundation to Stand

[Jesus speaking] Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 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 bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.

Matthew 7:24-27 NLT

Anyone who has ever had to have foundation work done to their house knows how difficult, how expensive and how necessary it is to have your foundation sure. In houses that are built with pier and beam, there is much more opportunity to feel the lean. When the weather extremes happen - be they flood or drought - the ground is affected, which in turn affects the foundation. If there is a solid foundation - such as a poured concrete foundation - the house will usually stand. It definitely is not bounced around. We all know that.

We also all know that Jesus Christ - as the Cornerstone of our foundation in life  - renders us immovable, unshakable  steadfast, and sure. We know because it is written in the Word. Why is that important? Read our text again, and notice. The rain and floodwaters and wind hit BOTH houses. BOTH houses suffer the onslaught against them. Only one stands...

Which will you be?

Prayer:

Father,

         For all that You've done, for all that you're doing, for all that You will do, we give You praise and offer our hearts of thanksgiving to You. Lord, we want to be the ones who listen and follow your teaching. Make us wise, so that at the end of the day - at the end of the Age, we're still standing on You, our Solid Rock. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen