Built For Eternity

Monday, June 20, 2022
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "Grace Greater Than Our Sin"1 (Lyrics)

Arriving by boat at the welcoming shoreline of Kill Bear Park, my husband and I lowered our anchor and slipped gingerly into the shallow, cool water of Georgian Bay. Laughing as our feet wrestled with the shifting sand below, we slowly inched our way towards the dry ground, all the while precariously balancing our picnic baskets above our heads. It wasn't until we climbed onto one of the highest and flattest slabs of granite that we felt secure enough to spread out our blanket and enjoy our mini-feast.

This landscape reminded us of the building choices from which the wise and foolish builders had to select in Jesus' parable. While a beachfront home would be spectacular, one severe storm could destroy it.

Luke 6:48 – He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When the flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. (NIV)

As Christians, we know that life is full of trials. Jesus lived as our ultimate example. His teachings are a blueprint for how to live our lives. We both agreed that Christ is the Master Contractor. His foundation is built for eternity. Our discussion reminded me of the hymn by Edward Mote.

    On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
    All other ground is sinking sand.

Navigating the landmines of our society has become much more difficult for Christ-followers now than back when I was young and our school days started with the Lord's Prayer. Morals and values have radically moved away from God's standards. Almost every day, news items highlight the continual conflict between worldly ideals and God's standards. Christian families are being challenged from all directions, even from one church to another. Jesus' teachings have been watered down so as not to offend the masses. The joy that this verse once brought us seems to have faded.

    My hope is built on nothing less
    Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
    I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
    But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

As we left Kill Bear Park that day, our feet began to lose their grip as soon as we left the solid rock foundation. Like the foolish builder, I could hear Jesus' warning:

Luke 6:49 – 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. (NIV)

Such foolish people profess to adore God and yet continue living their lives of sin. But Jesus says, "If you love me, you will obey what I command." (John 14:15 NIV) Let us be sure to build our character on the rock-solid foundation of God's Word. Otherwise, we will be swept away.

Jesus is the ultimate example of godly living. "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 3:11 KJV)

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father,

    When darkness veils Your lovely face
    I'll rest on Your unchanging grace;
    In every high and stormy gale
    My anchor holds within the veil.
    On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
    All other ground is sinking sand.

Amen.

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About the author:

Lois Macdonald <loismacs5@gmail.com>
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Thanks for the encouraging thoughts, Lois.


    So true and a beautiful prayer. Thanks and blessings Lois!


    Amen Lois. Very true indeed.
    Blessings.


    Great message and reminder Lois.
    Blessings.


    A wonderful story. Beautifully written. Thank you for sharing. God bless.


    Thank you, Lois. Isn’t it amazing how we can see messages from God in every situation?


    Thank you, Lois, for this very mindful devotional today. Blessings for these special writings you do.


    Thank you for today’s message. It is very well written, and the message came through loud and clear … just what I needed this morning!


    Thank you, Lois, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. Yes, Georgian Bay is indeed one of God’s truly beautiful places. Blessings.


    Thank you, Lois, for such a timely message, and the lovely way of relating it to your shifting passage to solid ground. It is so true, even within our own family, that so many today do not want to follow God’s way, not even when it is almost too late.
    Blessings.


    Dear Lois,
    Thanks so much this morning for the reminder that Jesus is the only solid rock in the midst of the shifting sands of our society today!! And for all these wonderful hymns that He brings to our minds as we keep trusting Him!
    (Ontario)


    Good morning, Lois,
    In my Bible reading, I just read that passage from Luke. I believe when I hear something more than once, close together, God is trying to get my attention. I should reflect on the passage and ask Him for understanding where I need it.
    Thanks for sharing your view on this topic and the importance of being rooted in Jesus’ teachings as we continue on our journey of faith. Sounds like you and your hubby are faith buddies. Blessings.


    Good Monday Morning!
    Thank you for this devotion, based on one of my favourite parables and hymns. It has brought back the memory of the song with actions that I learned as a child, that being “The Wise Man Built His House upon a rock”.
    With Father’s Day just past, I am reminded of, and thankful for the faith of my parents set upon a solid rock. That faith has often helped me maneuver shifting sands.
    Keep up the solid writing and thank you again.
    (ON)


    Thank you, Lois, for your inspiring Devotional on this gorgeous crystal-clear Monday.
    When the high winds, and they do a lot, where are the solid rocks to cover the sand that even enters inside from windows? We prepared for the worst and accept what the Lord has for us.
    We had an earthquake 2 or 3 years ago! I’ve never seen a small town gather around to help each other like we experienced. I’m almost 98 now and was alone as my family were out of town. A neighbor pulled me outside, my Pastor came, other neighbors and great grandkids showed up and kidnapped me. It all happened so fast and in 2 hours I heard from all over making sure I was Ok. My kids got home the next day and we had no damage. With many retired ones here, we surely realized how much “stuff” we are stuck with that no one wants. We never are old enough to learn something new each day. God bless you in many special and surprising ways.
    (Ca.)

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