I was reading a devotional and a sentence stopped me in mid sentence…, ‘If you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a dumb carpenter who built a house but skipped the foundation’ (v.49, MSG). This is from Luke 6:45-49
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”
Luke 6:46-49 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/luk.6.46-49.NIV
This was very eye opening for me. I have read it several times over the years and even sang the chorus about the wise and foolish man in Sunday School (singing it now lol). This time though it was very apparent that I was guilty of being the foolish man; just listening not hearing or doing, not praying before I committed to a ministry or small group, not following through with something I said I would, running off thinking I was prepared for this thing or that meeting, not reading scripture because I already had it, said yes to everything and the list can go on and on. I have spent many hours under many pastors, teachers and peers and heard the words of God and thought I got this Lord, I am yours, but in reality I was just giving lip service.( I was more head knowledge than heart knowledge in reality.) Don’t get me wrong I love the Lord and I had wanted more than anything to be someone He could count on, but in my heart I was half heartedly eager. I have done my share of listening to the Lord and making excuses why I could not do this or that. I even developed anxiety in large groups and had become afraid of doing. I felt I was never good enough or smart enough, all lies by the way. The Lord has been working with me recently and I am better about groups and I am slowing down before I commit to anything and I am not afraid of saying I am sorry, but I can not do this right now. This was and is so freeing and gives me the foundation I need to weather the storms of life and it gives me the stability in life that is necessary to follow Jesus. There are several times Jesus say “those who have ears let him hear”. Are we hearing, listening and then get so moved that we can’t wait to do and put it into practice and fulfill a calling God has put in our hearts. I am striving to do this. For many years I strive to get up and read my Bible early on Sundays and spend time with the Lord in the quietness of the morning. The stresses of getting family up and ready to get out the door can ruin any day let alone Sunday, the day we set aside to worship together and encourage each other. Father forgive me for not hearing and doing what You have set before me. I won’t be a dumb carpenter anymore, but I will go forward strengthening Your foundation and build a strong fortress to withstand all that goes on around me, even those that are seeking to destroy that foundation.
We need each other always to be able to help when our foundations are struggling and crumbling. We can stand with those who need help understanding and building a strong foundation. Don’t be afraid to ask for help in understanding, in finding your heart for God and in serving God. He has given us each other and not to judge, but to encourage. Thank you Father for showing me Your word and I have heard and I am doing what You have prepared for me to do. Have a blessed Holy Week this week. Remember Friday’s here, but Sundays coming. Hallelujah He is risen.