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Matthew 7:24-27 - Building A Firm Foundation.

Matthew 7:24-27 (NLT) [Jesus said,] Anyone 
who listens to my teaching and follows it is 
wise, like a person who builds a house on solid 
rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the 
floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, 
it won't collapse because it is built on 
bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't 
obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a 
house on sand. When the rains and floods come and 
the winds beat against that house, it will 
collapse with a mighty crash.  

COMMENTARY PEARL

   I took three of our grandchildren to 
Doran Beach near Bodega Bay and led them onto the 
white sand. We carried our buckets, hand rakes and 
trowels, energy bars and Gatorade until we found the 
perfect spot: warm sand a hundred feet from the wet 
sand and ocean waves. I relaxed and watched the 
children run. One brought back treasures of shells, 
driftwood, and other flotsam. Naturally, they were 
tempted by the sand-lapping waves. The Pacific is 
cold, and they screeched like seagulls when their 
toes first touched the salt water. Soon they were 
ankle-deep, then knee-deep. 
   A few minutes later, one grandchild ended 
up knocked over by an incoming wave. Another 
grandchild came to the rescue before I could get there. 
We were all in the shallows, but sand has a way 
of getting into your clothing. The fallen child 
rinsed off in the surf, we rolled up the pant legs, 
and she was back to exploring. 
   Sand and waves are a dangerous 
combination. 
   When you stand on sand and the waves go 
out, you can feel the ground beneath your feet 
being pulled away. If you stand long enough, you 
get stuck; the waves keep pounding and you sink 
further in the wet sand that grips your legs. Or you 
could be knocked over and swept out to sea, maybe 
carried away by the current or pulled beneath the 
surface by an undertow. When you're standing on 
shifting sand instead of solid ground, its easy to 
lose your footing. 
   Jesus' brief parable in Matthew 7 vividly 
shows the difference between those who base their 
lives on His teaching and those who ignore it. 
People who don't heed His words will see their 
houses (lives) collapse "with a mighty crash" (v. 
27) at the first sign of a storm. Only those who 
have Him for their foundation will stand firm 
when trouble comes. 
   I don't want to stand on the 
ever-shifting sands of the world's philosophies and 
man-made religions. I want to stand on the solid 
teachings and promises of God through Christ Jesus who 
lived, died, arose, and is coming again. 
   Lord God, You alone are my firm 
foundation. I don't want to experience the insecurity 
that comes from trusting in ideas or people that 
are constantly changing. Teach me to place my 
trust in You. Then I know I will not be shaken, no 
matter what storms come my way. [Earth Psalms by 
Francine Rivers] 

CLOSING THOUGHT

God doesn't want you to simply be a silent 
partner. To have a faith that's lasting, you can't 
just talk the talk you've got to walk the talk. 
The apostle James puts it another way: "But be 
ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, 
deceiving your own selves" (James 1:22). God promises 
your faith will be stronger if you really live 
your life for Him. [Daily Bible Promise Book By 
Barbour Publishing] 

MUSICAL SPECIAL ON THIS PASSAGE

The Solid Rock (My Hope is Built): 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bWjb_6MzwY 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE

Matthew 7:24-27: Building on Rock or Sand? 
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2015/20150109-1040.html 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo 

Seeking God Made Real: 
http://vimeo.com/31489782 

Prayer Made Real: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE 

Importance of Choice: 
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]  

Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David 
DeRose, MD, MPH: 
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart 

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES 

Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: 
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/ 

Amazing Facts Bible Studies: 
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx  

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: 
http://www.bibleresearch.info/ 

LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS

The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug 
Batchelor: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK 

Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657