Day 3 – Secure the Foundation (Phase #2)
Before you build your house, you build a solid foundation. With FAITH as your foundation, you will begin to build a balanced life. A man who builds his life on solid rock will PROSPER and weather adversity, but a man who builds his life on sand will COLLAPSE when the storms of life strike.
Matthew 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.”
Both houses look great until the STORM comes, but only the wise builder weathers the storm. Be a wise builder. Build your life on solid rock by giving attention to spiritual disciplines.
GOD’S WORD (Read and Study) - Of all the disciplines, none may be more important than reading and studying God’s Word. Only through the instruction of the Bible can we understand the ways and the will of God. Without God’s Word, we cannot hope to grow spiritually.
PRAYER (Communicate with God) - Jesus taught many things about prayer. Jesus also modeled prayer for us in his actions. He frequently sought to get away from the crowds to pray in solitude and silence. We are to pray boldly, persistently, and faithfully.
SOLITUDE – (A fight to discern God’s plan, Matthew 11:28-30) – Solitude requires intentional planning. Choose a place and time where you can be alone with God and free from distractions. While silence almost always requires solitude, solitude does not necessarily require silence. You can pray, worship, run, walk, sit or lay down.
JOURNALING (Thoughts, emotions, what God is saying, prayers) – Journaling helps your mind focus, process thoughts and record growth. The Psalms of King David could be considered private journal entries as he reflected on his relationship with God and the Scriptures.
SERVICE (To others with your gifts, talents and resources) – The discipline of service is a director assault on our pride. Service requires humility. We humble ourselves before God, and take on the posture of a servant, putting God and others ahead of ourselves. There is no greater example than Jesus. God gives men different gifts to serve others.
What spiritual disciplines need more attention? What is God asking you to do with your faith? Write your thoughts, observations and take-a-ways on the attached PDF or on a sheet that can be kept with your assessment.
