| Firmly Planted
At 2 am Friday morning (May
2), we were awakened to a deafening hum, the too-familiar sound of a train roaring through
the house. The weather experts are still trying to figure out if it was a tornado or
flatline winds. No matter which, the 80+ mph winds were devastating. We are thankful that
our loved ones, our houses and cars are safe. We asked for Gods protection, and He
granted it. People only blocks away lost their homes, businesses and possessions, while we
suffered only massive tree damage.
It is this tree damage that spurred
this months topic. As we surveyed destruction in the storm-struck area, we were
stunned at how many huge trees were completely uprooted. 50-200 year old trees were simply
pushed over, muddy roots hopelessly exposed. It is true that winds are destructive but the
damage was exacerbated by the condition of the ground. You see, our winter was
extraordinarily wet snow, rain, snow, rain, and a little more snow and rain. Then
Spring brought a lot more rain a lot more.
Because the ground was so soft, the
trees lost their footing. Their strong and numerous roots had nothing to cling to when the
storms came tearing through. During previous storms with nearly identical conditions,
trees fared much better when the ground was hard and dry.
How dandy it would be if believing
in Jesus exempted us from storms. As you well know, however, it does not. What we do have
as believers is a firm foundation upon which we stand. Jesus, our firm foundation, is the
cornerstone (capstone) upon which our faith is built. Firmly rooted, we can withstand the
storms of life. Those roots are grown with consistent Bible reading, prayer and fellowship
with other believers. When you allow Jesus words to intertwine with your actions and
attitudes, you will be amazed at how you can weather the storms that are most certainly
coming your way. Like a tree firmly planted by the water, you will not be moved!
When storms come your way,
dont curse God. Lean on Him. Allow Him to strengthen you and to comfort you. And be
prepared. Be aware of the warning signs. Take shelter when the sirens sound. Run to your
safe-haven. Remember, that shelter and safe-haven is God!! |
Guiding Scripture...
Be transformed by the
renewing of your mind.
Romans 12:2
May's
Scripture
(This month's scripture is taken from
an old hymn, based on Psalm 1:3.)
Like a tree firmly planted by the water, I shall not be
moved.
(Based on Psalm 1:3)
Write this scripture down
and post it in a frequented area so it will become a part of your mind, your heart, and
your soul. |
How firm a foundation is
Jesus Christ, our Lord!!
PRAYER
I try too often to
stand on my own knowledge, beliefs and experience. No wonder I often find myself on a
slipping, sinking or uprooted! Help me to know You more, to believe You more, to rely on
You more! Teach me to build upon my Firm Foundation -- Jesus!
AMEN! |
SCRIPTURE
CHALLENGE
Like a tree firmly planted by
the water, I shall not be moved.
(Based on Psalm 1:3)
(This month's scripture is taken from
an old hymn, based on Psalm 1:3.)
1. Memorize this scripture.
2. Personalize it.
3. Are you firmly planted in God's way?
4. Take steps to become more firmly rooted in your Firm Foundation -- Jesus! |
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