BUILDING ON A FIRM FOUNDATION

“For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are… God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”  (1 Corinthians 3:9-11 NIV)

When a building is designed, a foundation to match the structure is also designed. A grass hut needs no foundation, a modest house a basic foundation, and a large complex a deep and wide foundation.

In the case of our lives, God has already prepared the foundation that we are to build on. Our foundation in Jesus Christ is deep and wide. We must build our lives accordingly. No grass huts on this massive foundation. Our lives must be vast complexes that both reach up to God and out to our neighbors. 

We are co-workers in God's grand design, His hands and heart on earth. Just as an architect plans a building, our actions and decisions shape the spiritual structures within us and around us. Paul reminds us that Jesus Christ is the only true foundation upon which we should build our lives. Each moment, each decision is a brick in the edifice of our faith. Let us build with care, ensuring our efforts are anchored in Christ's teachings and love.

May God guide our hands and hearts as we contribute to building His kingdom. May we build our lives on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ, striving to reflect His grace and His wisdom in all we do and say.

-- Rev. David T. Wilkinson, SOUND BITES Ministry 

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EXPRESSING PRAISE IN WORSHIP

“Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord. May the Lord bless you from Zion, He who is the Maker of heaven and earth.”  (Psalm 134:2-3 NIV)

Our entire being is fashioned as an instrument of praise. Just as a master violin maker designs an instrument to produce maximum aesthetic results, so God tailor-made our bodies, souls and spirits to work together in consonance to produce pleasing expressions of praise and worship. When we use body language to express praise, that which is internal becomes visible.  

-- Lamar Boschman in “A Heart for Worship” 

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THE MOTION OF BLESSING GOD

“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”  (Psalm 103:1-2 NIV)

You can lift up your hands regardless of how you feel; it is a simple motor movement. You may not be able to command your heart, but you can command your arms. Lift your arms in blessing; just maybe your heart will get the message and be lifted up also in praise. We are psychosomatic beings; body and spirit are intricately interrelated. Go through the motion of blessing God and your spirit will pick up the cue and follow along. 

-- Eugene Peterson in “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society”

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