Build Your House on the Rock

"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 the 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 the house, and if fell with a great crash."
Matthew 7:24-27

We've all heard this story many times.  Many of you can probably sing the children's song that is word for word this parable.

Don't miss the meaning of this parable just because it is familiar.

1) We must build our lives on the rock (Jesus' words).  We do this through hearing AND obedience.  We cannot just know what the Bible teaches and the Holy Spirit speaks into our souls; we must be doers.  When we do build a foundation on the rock we have security.  Building on the rock is not done in the hard times; by then it may be too late.  I love the quote, "Adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it."  We build on the rock on a daily basis for the hard times.

2) The rain falls on everyone.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PP4F3G8L41Y  Being built on the rock doesn't mean life's storms won't come.  It does mean that your life will be there when the clouds part and the sun pokes out again.  The sun comes again.  Really it does.  Will your house still be standing when it does.

If you want to read a story about a man and family that did this I encourage you to read Sacred Acre about Coach Ed Thomas and his family.  You will be wowed and encouraged by the grace and strength God gives the ones He loves in the midst of the storm.

Build your life on the rock of Christ Jesus' teachings today.