Matthew 7:24-25 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,......
I can remember years and years ago wandering through one of my dad's job sites in total awe. He was building a church in Southern California. He was a concrete contractor, now retired, and had the awesome responsibility of building a sturdy foundation for this amazing building. Because California is "earthquake" country, the building codes hold to a much stricter standard which means deeper footings and much more material to ensure the buildings will stand and endure a major quake.
Anyway, he was halfway through this project and I remember standing in one of the ditches that were dug with a backhoe and reinforced with a framework of wood and iron in preparation to be filled with tons and tons of concrete. There were 20' deep tubes placed in the ground to also be filled with tons more concrete. I think you get the picture.
As I ponder this verse in Matthew and reflect on the storms in my own life, the down right "foundation crushing" quakes that have tested me and will most likely continue to test me, I realize that if I do not build up my "Spiritual Foundation" by putting into practice the Word(Bible)that I hear and read, I will succumb to the storms of life. The Word is my foundation. In the midst of the storms I can run to the arms of Jesus by opening his Word and clinging to promises, heeding his guidance and claiming his peace.
This takes "practice". Just like training the physical body. We need to prepare our body's also for the storms in life(IE:major moves, illness, caring for others, having children.lol) It is important to build a strong foundation before we attempt to build an amazing temple. I am talking about "Base Training or Periodization Training". You must walk a mile before you run a mile. If, like me, you have been sedentary and unmotivated, or you are coming off of an injury or illness, it is very important to start back at the beginning, the base, and build your way up. That is why I have encouraged just getting out there and walking. My "Worship Walk" is my way of establishing the habit of movement with out overdoing it. I said in the first post that it takes 21 days to create or break a habit. If we attempt to start back where we left off(the 30+ mile bike rides, 4mile runs, boot camp classes etc)we risk injury, illness, no weight loss and much pain. Our foundation is not strong enough to maintain that amount of activity. Even if you are not in the category of being out of shape, injured or ill, it is still very important, after a competitive season, to give your body a chance to heal, recover and rejuvenate. It is always good to go back to basics, if even for a short time.
My goal is to increase my physical activity after establishing a routine. Re-discovering the time in my schedule that I can "be active" with out interruption. Same goes for Bible Study and Prayer Time.
We so often set high expectations for ourselves this time of year with out a realistic plan and then we find that we are not meeting our own expectations. I am just promising myself that I will walk everyday. I have been able to find a time of day that works and that helps me to be consistent. Because my walk is not primarily "about me" but a time I have set aside to "Worship" I find myself much more motivated and enthusiastic about it. Then, with the combined play list, its like a "date with Jesus". He is there with me, inspiring me, guiding me, whispering knowledge and insight and loving me through my journey!
After I have "practiced" my new routine for a while, it will be time to step it up. My body will be ready to do more, wanting to do more. My schedule will be established and I can put a check mark next to the first part of my expectation of myself. VICTORY comes when we take it one step at a time, build our foundation one brick at a time. Even if it takes a lifetime")
LORD, I thank you for giving us a firm foundation upon which to stand. I thank you for loving us so much that you came away from your perfect throne in Heaven and walked this earth as flesh and bone. You know our struggles first hand and you have shown us how to overcome them. Fill us afresh with your love, with your Spirit. In Jesus name, amen.
Today's "Worship Walk" play list:
You Are My King Newsboys
God With Us MercyMe
How Great is Your Love MercyMe
Glory to God Forever Fee
Lifesong Casting Crowns
This is Who I am Third Day
Livin' for Jesus Third Day
Love Never Fails Brandon Heath
You are My Passion Jesus Culture
Mighty Breath of God Jesus Culture
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