Tuesday November 3, 2020

Begin this new day by praying this prayer out loud. As you are able, consider kneeling as a physical expression of your commitment to Jesus as Lord of your life and the one you desire to lead you this day. Alternatively, you might consider placing a hand over your heart as you pray this prayer.

God of rescue and restoration, thank You for Your great and beautiful mission in the world. Here I am Lord, fill me with Your Spirit and send me.

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, 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 that house, and it fell with a great crash.
Matthew 7:24-27

For a few days in August, you could have seen me struggling to set up a sunshade on the beach in Port Aransas. As far as steps, the process is simple and straightforward. Fill the bags in the four corners full of sand. Stretch out the material making an X. Then, insert the two poles propping up the front-facing the ocean. Easy enough, right? Well, me being the morning amusement for folks taking a morning walk or jog says otherwise. The wind was fierce. The bags of sand kept sliding. I couldn’t insert the poles long enough without them shaking and the bags sliding to the point that the sunshade collapsed on me.

Our lives without Jesus are like my failings to set up the sunshade, pulled apart, and collapsing. His life and His word are a firm foundation that we can rest upon. And more than rest, we are able to stand firm and withstand the storms of life. We will not be shaken when we live by the word of God. How’s your foundation? What might be causing cracks?

When you are finished with your time of reflection, close out this time with this prayer.

Father, help me to live this day to the full,
being true to You in every way.
Jesus, help me to give myself away to others,
being kind to everyone I meet.
Spirit, help me to love the lost,
proclaiming Christ in all I do and say.
Amen.