strong foundation

A strong foundation is key to keeping your footing during all that this world tosses in your way.  I find that it is ultimately important to remind myself each day where I get my identity.  I am very thankful that God is the rock on which I have built my house.  My wife reminded me of Mathew 7:24-27 this weekend when we were hiking with our boys near Sparks Lake in Central Oregon and spotted a tree growing straight out of a rock.  It is not the easiest place to put down roots, but  once planted in solid rock, this tree will not be moved or shaken. 

 

Mathew 7:24-27

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.  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. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

anointing

Today I am praying about walking the path that God has prepared for me. He has anointed each of us in unique ways to serve. It takes effort to grow deep roots in Christ. Without being rooted in Christ it is impossible to bring forth fruit in his name. My prayer today is that I would allow God an all access path to use the gifts that he has given me so that I might serve others in his name.

1 John 2:24-27

No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us–even eternal life.

I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit–just as it has taught you, remain in him.

Lead by example

My wife took this photo last week at the beach.  My boys and I were headed for the waves and had no idea she was snapping the picture.  Viewing it later made me stop and think about all of the opportunities I have to speak into my boys lives with actions and not just words.  It is my prayer today that I would be intentional in the actions that I model to my boys, and that as they grow up they will know and understand the direction, purpose, and strength that comes from following Jesus.

Proverbs 22:5-6

⁵ In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares,
    but he who guards his soul stays far from them.

⁶ Train a child in the way he should go,
    and when he is old he will not turn from it.