"Building Your Life On A Solid Foundation.”

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES

(Isaiah 28:16) "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste."

(2 Timothy 2:19) "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."

(Luke 6:47-48) "Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:" (48) "He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock." (49) "But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great."

PREFACE SUMMARY

As I begin this message, I think of an old song that starts with, "Hold to God's unchanging hand, build your hopes on things eternal, hold to God's unchanging hand." One verse said, "When it looks like the sun will not shine anymore, hold to God's unchanging hand." This message is a call to action, an inspiration to build our lives on eternal values, knowing that this is the path to true transformation and fulfillment, knowing and understanding that our lives are not in vain.

As a teen, I helped my dad construct a foundation to support a structure we were attempting to build, which would become an oversized garage to maintain heavy trucks. He told me we needed to dig deep until we hit a solid rock or hard place in the dirt.

I remember that we would secure the digging measurements with wood to keep our concrete intact like a mold, which would be poured into its formation. My job was to get the sand and concrete mixed up with the right amount of water until it was ready to be poured into our foundation.

My dad emphasized the utmost importance of a solid and well-constructed foundation in supporting any building structure. It provides the essential strength and stability required to withstand a building's weight and the various forces acting upon it, such as gravity, environmental stresses, and seismic activities. He stressed that without a strong foundation, a building would be vulnerable to structural failure, compromising the safety and integrity of the entire structure.

He believed in taking every necessary step to ensure that the building was safe and secure. He would determine the structure's height and width and then calculate the required concrete. He would make sure that the concrete mixture was perfect, with the right amount of water and cement, to ensure that the foundation would be strong enough to support the weight of the building.

Beloved, the foundation provides stability and support for the entire structure; without it, the building would collapse. Did you know that Dad would carefully insert metal rods in our mold, saying to me, "Jerry, these metal rods will give our foundation greater strength, which will support the weight of the heavy trucks we intend to drive into our building for maintenance to be performed on them?"

Just as a house built on solid rock withstands storms better than one built on sand, people who have built their lives on a solid spiritual foundation are more likely to navigate life’s many disappointments better than others because those who understand that they do not have to brave them alone better understand their purpose and place in the body of Christ.

In conclusion, building our lives on a solid spiritual foundation can be likened to an unwavering anchor, providing steadfast support during life's inevitable trials and tribulations. A life founded on a secure and unyielding foundation gives us inner peace and moral clarity. It enables us to navigate life's challenges with resilience and strength and to confront and overcome the many heartbreaks and disappointments that may come our way.

“STEPS NEEDED FOR BUILDING ON A STRONG SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION.”

1. FAITH: Faith is fundamental in establishing and nurturing one's spiritual beliefs. It involves placing trust in God for divine guidance that surpasses human comprehension. This trust provides solace and strength during challenging moments, fostering resilience and inspiring optimism for what lies ahead.

2. PRAYER & MEDITAION: Incorporating prayer and meditation of the holy scriptures into your daily routine can profoundly impact your spiritual well-being and allow you to connect with your faith more resounding. This can provide a sense of peace and clarity even in the midst of life's many uncertainties. Whether it's through reciting scriptural prayers or simply reflecting on your beliefs, these activities can help you find solace and strength in your spiritual journey.