Thriving in the Storms

We’ve all been captured recently by storms -- Hannah, Ike, the storms on Wall Street, at the gas pumps, and in the mud that is slung in political campaigns. These storms often leave us scratching our heads and asking, “Why?” They can also leave us shocked at the fear and character abrasions we detect in ourselves in these times.

God’s been telling us it would happen ever since man first started making choices against Him!
Only stands to reason that if something isn't cared for in the way it was designed by the Creator...well....! Yes, God loves His creation. But because the absolute holiness of God cannot coexist with the sin of this world, and because, by and large, the majority of this world have chosen to ignore His plea for us to walk with Him, the effects of these choices will be devastating. He loves us so much that He gives us free reign over our mental faculties and decisions. Unless love is chosen, it's not love at all. Every day we see the results of ignoring the Creator's way.

-Matt. 5:45 -- He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Matthew 7:24-29 -- "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."
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

So rather than "putting it into practice" -- practicing the presence of Jesus we tend to just build SAND CASTLES....
-Sand is easier to work with ..... quicker satisfaction
-Instant results
-I can easily manipulate sand to look like anything I want it to -- on the surface; just like building sand castles
-Arrogantly, I can take it into my own hands; relying on my talents and abilities to carry me through.
-Culturally, we can make it all about "me"; our laws and even our leaders have shown us that the it’s “ok” to ignore God, be promiscuous and go with the "feels good" moment! But soon the house falls flat!
-We can even appear spiritual -- go to church and enjoy the “program” yet fail to join the blessing and empowerment of authentic "followership" or accountability in our lives.....and then the house falls flat!

The foundation is all important!
When the storms come (and they will) and I'm built on the foundation of THE ROCK....
-It's not as easy to work with and manipulate as sand. I'm not the one in total control on the rock. And I must go to where The Rock is already firmly planted. I can't just choose to build "any ole place" like I can with sand. But neither does it crumble and wash away in the storms of life!

Just a thought...with more storm clouds looming...