March 25

Deuteronomy 4:1-49; Luke 6:39-7:10; Psalm 68:1-18; Proverbs 11:28

Luke 6:46-49
46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

If you have lived long enough you know the question is not if but when the storm comes to your house. Recently, the tragedy in Japan has reminded us all how a flood can devastate the lives of many. We all watched in fear and awe as the powerful flood waters tore through neighborhoods and structures that I am positive were thought to be able to stand any storm. But who would have been able to predict the terrible earthquake that morning? Jesus. I'm not going to debate the question of God's sovereignty and if natural disasters are the Lord's hand of judgment. Let's decide to have that discussion in heaven before the throne, I would rather see us both get there and have better things to talk about.

In our New Testament passage today, Jesus reminds us that there is a solution to the storms of life for our house. That solution is that we not only "hear" His words but that we also put them into "practice." How many friends have we sat before and watched the tears roll down their face while they told us of the destruction in their lives? Maybe you have told your story to someone recently? Thankfully we all know of a God who can restore lives and heal the broken hearts of all who come to Him. May I encourage you today that the time to build a strong foundation is not during the flood, but before the waters arrive. To "hear" and "do" the word of God in our lives every day is like digging your foundation deep in the rock of salvation. Of course you already know this truth, reading the Word of God daily is what we are doing together as a church family and I love sharing this time with you all. So everyone at Hillcrest Church... dig family, keep on digging!

Blessings,

Pastor David