Learn Humbly: Building a Foundation That Lasts March 11, 2010

Learn Humbly:

Building a Foundation That Lasts

March 11, 2010

One Month to Live

30 days to a no-regrets Life

by Kerry and Chris Shook.

Principle 1: Live Passionately, Living each day as if it were your last.

Principle 2: Love Completely, showing others love that transcends and transforms.

Principle 3: Learn Humbly, growing through your problems and pain

Principle 4: Leave Boldly, Creating a legacy that will impact generations

Day 20, March 11, 2010—Building a Foundation That Lasts

Major losses in life are inevitable, but we a strong spiritual foundation we can remain standing and grow strong.

“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” – C. S. Lewis

“Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional. We cannot avoid pain, but we can avoid joy.” –Tim Hansel

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. [25] The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. Matthew 7:24-25 NRSV

He said to him, ” ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ [38] This is the greatest and first commandment. [39] And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39 NRSV

Accepting loss is life lesson that is difficult to learn. Losses can shake our faith to the core. Trials can force us to depend on God for comfort, peace, love and mercy. But it also can lead to anger, frustration, and disappointment. Remember, God never abandons us, even when we are angry. Jesus says, “I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” John 16:33 NRSV

Rock Solid

How can we strengthen our foundation to withstand the earthquakes of life? Turn to the Master Builder.

An unshakable foundation is the key to a meaningful life, a lasting marriage, and a strong family. First you need a solid center in your life. God wants to be the unshakable core of your life so you can stand as the world crumbles around you.

What does your life revolve around right now? Who or what is at the center of your life? In what ways are you vulnerable to circumstantial tremors?

Community Watch

We need people, a support system to helps us when our earth has moved. We need people who love us for who we are, not what we do or can do for them. You need friends who walk in when everyone else is walking out. We are to offer help as others need it and to gracefully accept help when we are in need.

Who has consistently encouraged, challenged, and caught you? If you had one month to live, what would you want to tell them?

Storm Shelter

Never forget that when you’re facing unexpected earthquakes, you have a shelter in the storm. If God hadn’t been there for me, I never would have made it. The minute I said, “I’m slipping, I’m falling,” your love, God, took hold and held me fast.  When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up. Psalm 94:17-19 MSG.

You may be in the middle of the biggest earthquake of your life right now, and you’re being shaken to your very foundation. You know you didn’t cause it, and you’re wondering why God allowed it. You may never know the answer on this side of eternity. But know that God will hold you in His arms and will never let you go. God knows, He cries, He understands, He guides, He heals and he changes us with his love. God has already given you his greatest blessing – himself.

Prayer: Almighty God, I want you to be my foundation, my fortress. Help me to see you in my daily journey, walking with me through the rubble of my life. Help me to lay a foundation that can withstand even the earth moving. Let your love flow out of me into the lives of those who are being shaken to their core even now. Amen.