Day 2:  Why is a foundation important?

As a child, did you build a tower with blocks?  It is a "given" that you begin at the bottom and work your way up! Any "block tower builder" knows the importance of choosing and configuring the first blocks for the base. The types of decisions made to start the building process will be directly related to whether or not your structure will come crashing down! Thus, the foundation layer can "make or break" a successful tower!

Spiritual growth means we must be sure our foundation is solid. If we don't feel secure in what we believe and why we believe it, we will be tossed and upended when our faith is challenged. The New Testament book of Ephesians tells us that a solid foundation anchors us in our faith, enabling us to become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:14 says, "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming."  

Do we take the foundation of our faith seriously and realize its critical role in our spiritual maturity?
How can we begin to see our faith as central to our life's foundation? 

Prayer: "Dear Jesus, not only do I desire to have YOU as my faith foundation, but I need help in realizing how important this foundation is in living out my faith. Help me prioritize Your truths, so that I know my faith foundation is rock solid and critical in my spiritual growth. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."

Day 1:  What is a foundation?

There are many dictionary definitions of the word "foundation."  Many of us have donated to a charitable foundation that we are passionate about and want to support.  The make-up aisle is full of foundation products women can use on their face.  Homeowners know the importance of a home built on a solid foundation.  One dictionary defines "foundation"  this way: "A foundation is the structure below the surface of the ground which supports a building."

As we kick off our 21 Days of Prayer, let's ponder another foundation. Can we reevaluate the basis of our faith and assess the solidity of what lies beneath our beliefs, words, and actions?  1 Corinthians 3:11 tells us, "For no one can lay any foundation, other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ."  

For you and me, does it all truly start with Jesus?  
Over the next 20 days, am I open to allowing my life to start with God? 

Prayer: Lord, help me to recognize YOU as the basis of my faith. May my feet stand on Your Lordship, Your sacrifice, and Your eternal Truth. Open my eyes to see anything that waters down the solidity of my faith. May this day, this week, this upcoming year, start with my feet upon You, as my solid Rock and Savior. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Day 21:  How can our faith foundation leave a legacy for those left behind?

The lives of very few end up in a history book or biographical section of the library.   However, this does not mean our lives cannot make an impact on those we leave behind.  In losing a loved one, there is insurmountable grief that can often be eased by wise estate planning.  The ones left behind are cared for financially, and family heirlooms are passed down and treasured.  In the same way, a spiritual legacy lives on, long after a believer dies. The firm foundation of faith he/she has built, will be paid forward to the next generation.  Every spiritual discipline the loved one modeled, every note written in his/her Bible, every teaching from God shared, can be impactful for those left behind, if our firm foundation is in Jesus.  Thus, even though we “go down to the dust,” Psalm 22:30:  “Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord.  They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, for he has done it.”  Psalm 89: 1: “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness know through all generations.”  

Many of us have seamlessly carried on the faith foundation of our parents.  If we did not grow up in a Christian home, we may never know what person in a preceding generation prayed for our spiritual foundation.  Or we may be embarking on the first spiritual foundation for our families. We can be excited knowing that the faith foundation we are building now can generate new believers long after we’re gone.  This is true in our bloodline families, as well as in the family of God.  

What steps can you take to ensure your faith foundation will stand the test of time and impact the future?

Prayer: Dear Lord, these last few weeks I have been made aware of breaches in my faith foundation. Help me to build up any weak areas, so that my faith legacy can leave a positive impression for future generations.  It’s in Jesus name I pray, Amen

Day 20:  What is the role of prayer in my faith foundation?

Anyone who’s played a musical instrument can tell you the importance of keeping it tuned.  Factors, such as humidity, moving the instrument, or a change in temperature, can affect the sound quality and the pitch. It is important to check the tone daily to ensure the notes are pure and sound!  

In the same way, prayer is the “tuning device” for Jesus followers.  With prayer, we can keep our faith foundation in check, repairing the cracks in a timely way, and strengthening every weak spot.  1 Thessalonians 5:16 says it best: “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Psalm 32: 6: “Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you, while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.”  A relationship with God is cemented daily by talking and listening to Him through His Word and through his creation.  Jesus has given believers His Holy Spirit, so our access to God is ongoing, personal, and essential!  

How often do you incorporate prayer in your daily schedule?  What can you do to foster more of this communication with God in your life? Maybe it’s carving out time during a morning walk, or on your way to work.  Maybe it’s journaling before you go to bed.

Prayer: Dear Lord, just as you often prayed by yourself and with others, help me to develop this spiritual discipline, in order that I may stay in tune with You and Your will for my life.  It’s in Jesus name I pray, Amen

Day 19:  How does our present faith foundation impact our future foundation?

There are structures that exist all over the world, that have stood the test of time, and have great historical impact.  You can go to Europe and see churches, castles, and museums.  Even in our country, we can visit homes of former presidents, the Alamo, even the remains of Jamestown! The persons who built the foundations of those structures are long gone. Yet, we, of the future, can visit and enjoy and appreciate their significance and value! 

When we stand on a firm foundation of faith, we have already ensured an eternal foundation that we can’t even imagine. Just as the builders of the historical structures could not fathom their future impact, we cannot fathom what joy we will have, when we face eternity with Jesus.

If your faith foundation is in Jesus, your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life.  (Revelation 22:5). The entire chapter of Revelation 21 describes the new Jerusalem, where we will live and dwell with Jesus. V. 4:  “He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.“ v. 23: “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light and the Lamb is its lamp.” Revelation 22:3 “No longer will there be any curse.  The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.”  

What part of Heaven excites you the most?  Because of your faith foundation in Jesus, you have NO idea how wonderful it will be!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for encouraging us in our faith walk, by sharing with us glimpses of Heaven in Your word.  In the down times, help me to fix my eyes on the future home I have with you, and what joy it will be to live in Your presence!  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Day 18:  How can I help others find a firm faith foundation?

Think of the last time something exciting happened to you.  You probably picked up the phone and told somebody about it.  Maybe the next time you saw friends, you shared the experience with them.  The experience was so amazing that you couldn’t keep it to yourself!   So many things in life are meant to be shared and celebrated!

The Bible has many instances, where amazing things happened, and Jesus said, “Go and tell!  John 4:29 references that a woman was so amazed by her encounter with Jesus, she “left her water jar, and went back to the town and said to the people, Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did.  Could this be the Christ?” In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands his disciples, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I commanded you.”  In Luke 8:39, after Jesus healed a demon-possessed man, He said, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.”  

So we can see that the best way to help others build a faith foundation is to TELL others about what God has done for you!  YOU and your story can be the first building block to set in motion someone else’s faith journey!  If they receive and believe, you have been the conduit through which that person can now develop his/her own foundation of faith!  

How can you share what Christ has done for you with others?  Who can you invite to church or to your home, where they can be introduced to a newfound faith in Christ?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me to see the importance of modeling my faith to others, both in words and actions.  Show me who lacks a faith foundation, in order that I can speak truth into their life and introduce them to Jesus!  Help me to be an accurate reflection of who you are.

Day 17:  How can worship strengthen my faith foundation?

John Piper, a prominent theologian, describes worship as “a valuing and treasuring of God above all things.”  What is something you value above anything else?  God needs to be elevated above even that!  Piper stresses that true worship is more than what comes out of our mouths.  Matthew 15: 8: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.  They worship me in vain, their teachings are but rules taught by men.”  True worship involves a heart grasp of God’s supreme value.  John 4:23-24: “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”  In other words, there is a deep place in our hearts, where the truth of God and what He has done for us naturally translates into glorifying him.  We recognize our unworthiness, and we magnify His worthiness.  Solidifying our faith foundation involves a desire to worship and praise God with others, putting the supreme God on display, 

We can also worship through our actions:  Hebrews 13: 15-16: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name.  And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices, God is pleased.”

How can you bless God with your worship today?  How can the treasured worth of God be a reality in your heart and manifest itself through your words and actions?

Prayer: Dear Lord, I magnify your Name above all names.  Thank you for who you are, what you have done, and what you will do.  You are worthy of all my praise.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Day 16:  How do acts of service fit into my faith foundation?

Are you an armchair quarterback?  Maybe you played a certain sport in high school, got older, and now have become a spectator.  You find yourself yelling at the players, because you see what they’ve done right or wrong, and you want to throw out your own coaching tips from the comfort of your sofa!  You wish you were out there, playing the game, being a part of the team, and feeling that unity in working together toward a common goal----the victory!

Too often we find ourselves as spectators in our faith walk.  We love to sit back and receive ministry, make judgments on how things should or shouldn’t be, and seem content in a comfort zone of complacency, allowing others to pick up the ball and run with it.

But the church’s solid foundation depends on its members to have serving hearts.  Every gap or crack is there, because there is a need and a role that needs filling.   Serving in the body of Christ is also essential in growing our faith and the faith of others.  Was Jesus a spectator in His ministry? 

Matthew 12: 28: “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

1 Peter 4:10:  “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others faithfully, administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 

Ephesians 4 refers to the unity and peace we achieve as we serve together; everyone has a role to play: verse 12:  “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of god, and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

Are you a spectator or an active part of the Body of Christ?  What steps can you take to plug in and be part of the team?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, show me how to use the gifts you’ve given me to fill in ministry needs in my church home.  Help me to step up and fill in any gap, to ensure RCC is built on a solid foundation, which translates into growing in my faith foundation. Help me to be a productive member of the body of Christ, and to feel that joy and unity that comes from serving alongside others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Day 15:  How does the practice of generosity factor in our faith foundation?

We’ve all heard stories on the news about generosity. A professional athlete donated thousands to a charitable organization. A famous movie star gave a restaurant server hundreds of dollars in tips.  A multimillionaire financed a children’s wing in a local hospital.  Hmmm, are rich people the only generous ones?  Does generosity always mean financial blessings bestowed on others?  In 1 Timothy 6, Paul clarifies other aspects of generosity.  He admonishes the “rich” not to put their hope in money, but in God.  Verse 18: “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.  In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life!”    

In other words, generosity is more than just giving money away.  It can be sharing any resource you have, without expecting anything back.  It can be a gift of time, listening, or setting aside one’s own agenda, to meet the needs of others.  Generosity firms up our faith foundation, not only in this life, but in the “coming age!”  Future treasures await those who practice generosity!  

Are you open-handed in your generosity to others?  How can you be more generous?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your generosity to me, and thank you for the generous people you have placed in my life.  Show me what I can do to be more generous, and by doing so, bring glory to your Name!  Help this to be a daily discipline, as I build my faith foundation.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Day 14:  Does our inability to forgive jeopardize our faith foundation?

The southern climate in which we live can wreak havoc with the foundations of our home and driveways! A local walk around the neighborhood will probably reveal some driveway cracks that need repairing, and many of us have experienced some ruptures in our floors and patios! We all know the importance of staying on top of these breaches with caulk or adhesive, lest these gaps result in even worse damage!

Likewise, sin can cause a crumbling and shattering of our faith foundation. One leading contender is unforgiveness. When we’re hurt by others, we can hang on to bitterness and anger, resulting in disruptions in our faith foundation. Yet, we are commanded to forgive each other, as God forgave us. Colossians 3:13: “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Psalm 103:12: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” 

When we feel hurt and broken, we often think that forgiveness is not within our reach. If so, we need to get to a place where we understand the depths of God’s forgiveness for us. When we understand the depths of God’s forgiveness, we can give our grudges and bitterness to Him, and let it go. Forgiveness is the “cement” that can repair the cracks in our faith foundation and lead us on the road to peace and a vibrant faith walk.  

Is there someone you need to forgive today, so you can repair this crack in your faith foundation?

Prayer: “Dear Lord, I feel so hurt and angry over a situation and by an individual. I find it difficult to forgive and move on. Yet, Lord, please give me the strength to lay this issue at the foot of the cross and forgive, as you have always forgiven me, time and time again. I don’t earn or deserve it. Because of that, I can forgive others who have hurt me.  May the Holy Spirit give me the strength to forgive. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.”

Day 13:  How does love fit into my faith foundation?

Even before we began a relationship with Christ, we knew how to love. Many people in our lives are easy to love. But sometimes, certain people are simply hard to love. And sometimes, it’s even hard to love ourselves! What kind of love does Jesus want us to model to the world? Jesus’ own words can offer us a glimpse: In John 13:34, Jesus had just finished humbling Himself by washing the feet of his disciples. He says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  Mark 12:30: “Love the Lord our God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength, and “love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus’ description of love is a sacrificial love; an emotion that requires action and intentionality! 

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 expands the above definition of love: “Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Wow, there sure are a lot of boxes to check when it comes to evaluating the love aspect of our spiritual foundation!

Which boxes can you check?  Which aspects can you work on nurturing?

Prayer: “Dear Lord, show me where I am falling short in my ability to love others. Help me to cultivate a genuine love for others, so that I can love others as you have loved me.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

Day 12:  What is the role of “hope” in my faith journey?

Is there ever a time when it’s OK to give up hoping? At times, we pray for prayer requests, and God does NOT answer the way we want or expect. Deep inside, we have desires and heart cries that often seem to fall on deaf ears. Two sisters probably felt the same way.  John 11 tells us the story of Jesus’ friend, Lazarus, who became very ill.  His sisters, Martha and Mary, sent for Jesus. In verse 3, their message was, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” They loved and knew Jesus, and they knew he was a healer.  Their hope was that Jesus would come and heal Lazarus. Instead, Jesus delayed His visit, and the worst possible outcome prevailed. Lazarus died. In lieu of a miraculous healing, their prayer was answered in the form of comfort and compassion. Jesus then said something to teach them that hope does not die…with even the worst outcome. Verse 25: “Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’” In other words, what she thought was a “done deal” Jesus used as an opportunity to show that hope can be ongoing, even past a devastating result! Jesus raised Lazarus after four days, and all who witnessed this had the opportunity to put their hope in Jesus, no matter what! He can bring hope when all hope is gone. There’s always that next step, that next opportunity, that next horizon!

Likewise, in Lamentations, the author describes himself as being “deprived of peace, afflicted, downcast, and trampled in the dust.” Verses 20-24 show an ongoing hope, despite what he has experienced: “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:  Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for him.”

Where have you given up hope? (In case you were wondering, we’ve all been there!)  
Which of the above verses can you cling to as you resurrect your hope because of your foundation in Jesus?

Prayer: “Dear Lord, let my faith foundation be marked by you, Our Living Hope. As you resurrected Lazarus, after his death, I pray you resurrect my hope, for it feels dead and final. If you are the Resurrection and the Life, I can always put my hope in you!  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.”

Day 11:  How important is my family in building a strong faith foundation?

Growing in our faith is all about connections. In John 15:5, Jesus referred to Himself as the True Vine, with His followers being branches connected to the Vine. Here we can envision a tree of sorts, with many branches working together to bring nutrients to the entire plant. It’s kind of like a family tree! What a perfect word picture for the body of Christ and all its parts! Anyone who studies the human body knows the importance of how each part relates to the other, each performing specific functions integral to the harmony of the entire person. 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 captures the interdependent relationship among all parts of the body of Christ. What good is one little eye rolling down the street? Can a hand function by itself? Is it healthy to try to grow our faith alone, without the support, encouragement, and accountability of others?  

Whether you relate better to church as part of a “family tree” or part of a functioning “body,” it’s important to understand that your active participation is integral to growing a solid foundation of faith. We NEED each other. We LEARN from each other. We ENCOURAGE each other. We SERVE together. The healthiest church families have its members working together in unity to serve Christ here on earth. In 1 Corinthians 12:25, Paul shares the importance of every part of the body of Christ: “its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”

A faith journey is meant to be SHARED, and there is strength in working TOGETHER with others to strengthen our foundation!  

Are you a fruitful branch in the “family tree” that is RCC? Are you doing your part to serve and encourage others? Are you open to sharing your challenges with others, so you can also receive encouragement and guidance?  

Prayer: “Dear Lord, as I evaluate my role in the body of Christ, specifically in my church family, show me where I am lacking, and help me to mature in those areas. Help me to hear from you exactly what you want me to do next, and then obey!  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.”

Day 10:  What is the importance of believing, even though we don’t see?

Did you ever feel sorry for Thomas, the Apostle? Many of Jesus’ followers have legacies of faith and boldness. Poor Thomas will always be known for the guy that did not initially believe Jesus rose from the dead. When the apostles told him they had seen Jesus, he said in John 20:25, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.” A week later, Thomas saw the risen Jesus face to face. Jesus admonished Thomas in verse 29:  “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Was Jesus referring to future believers like us? If so, WE are the blessed ones!

2 Corinthians 5:11 tells us that we live by faith, not by sight. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  
Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”  Matthew 17:20: “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

God is filled with pleasure when His children walk by faith! God is pleased when we trust in Him, growing with each faith (and life) challenge along the way. To believe in what we don’t see demonstrates confidence in the provisions of our Heavenly Father! There is a line in a popular song that says, “Someday our faith will be our eyes!” Don’t you LOVE the fact that what we believe now will be clear and evident in our heavenly home!  A solid foundation built on faith pleases God and gives us hope!

How is your faith measuring up through the ups and downs of your faith journey?
How have you seen your faith grow over the last year? 

Prayer: “Dear Lord, help me have that “mustard seed” of faith that can “move mountains.” Help me remember how much it pleases you to walk by faith and not by sight! Even if I can’t see you, I know you’re there. Even if I can’t see you working, I know you are. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.”

Day 9:  How important is God’s Word in building our faith foundation?

Every appliance comes with an owner’s manual. The maker of the appliance gives us this resource that is superior to any other, because the maker of the product knows every part, every nuance, and how it’s put together. Therefore, these manuals are the ideal resource to understand how to operate our appliance, troubleshoot problems, and even how to maintain it.

Think of God’s Word in the same way. God, who created us, gave us HIS special “owner’s manual,” the Bible. In His Word, we learn how to live godly lives, how to troubleshoot when problems arise, and how to maintain a strong foundation of faith. Meditate on these verses:  

Psalm 119:105: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path.” 

John 17:17: “Sanctify them by the truth, for your word is truth.” 

Ephesians 6:17: “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” 

Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom……” 

Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

These verses emphasize God’s Word as “light” and “truth.” They are our best defense against worldly enemies. To be in God’s Word daily enables our bodies to be a dwelling place for God’s rich truth, which helps us stand firm in our faith foundation.

Which of the above verses clarifies the importance of God’s Word for you?
What would it take for you to begin to make all major life decisions based on God’s Word and not just your logic and intuition? 

Prayer: “Dear Lord, help me to realize how important it is to read your Word daily. Help me seek your light, your truth, and your wisdom, in order that my faith holds strong, as I walk with you. It’s in Jesus name I pray, Amen.””

Day 8:  What is the role of the Holy Spirit in our faith foundation?

A faith foundation built on salvation through God the Father, and Jesus, the Son, cannot be complete without the third component of the person of God. Today, we will meditate on how the Holy Spirit completes the perfect “trifecta” of God’s being, by indwelling each believer who has received Christ as Savior.  

At the Last Supper, Jesus told his disciples about his imminent death and removal from the earth. But He reassures them in John 14:26: “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”  Romans 15:13 references that the Holy Spirit puts an “overflowing hope in our hearts” as we love and serve Jesus. Galatians 5:16 declares that “living by the Spirit” keeps us from gratifying the desires of our sinful nature. Later in verse 22, the Holy Spirit gifts us with “fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Wow! The Holy Spirit is just the weapon we need to wield against any adversary who tries to shake the foundation of our faith!

The Holy Spirit enables every believer to live life on a firm faith foundation. He counsels and guides us; helping us to reorient our thoughts to the holy habits that help us prosper in the faith. Aren’t you thankful that we do not have to walk this journey alone? Walking in lockstep with the Spirit helps us stay on the right trajectory as we grow our faith.  

How are you yielding to the nudges of the Holy Spirit in your faith walk?
Looking at the fruit of the Spirit, which do you need God to help you exhibit more of?  

Prayer: “Dear Lord, thank you that you did not leave us to face our faith challenges alone. Thank you for the Holy Spirit that counsels and magnifies Your truths to us. Help me yield each day to the pull of the Spirit in order that I may overcome any breaches in my faith foundation. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”us’ name I pray, Amen.”

Day 7:  Why is knowing Jesus, the Son, so critical to our faith foundation?

Have you ever purchased tickets to a Broadway play or a major league game hoping to see the famous star you’ve always admired? You wait eagerly to catch an in-person glimpse, only to discover that an understudy has taken the role on the very night you were scheduled to go! Or the athlete was hurt and didn’t play. What a let down!  

But this is never the case with God the Father and God the Son! God sent His Son to earth as his mediator between sinful man and a holy God. Can you believe that those who saw Jesus were actually seeing the God of Heaven in human form!? In His own words, Jesus said in John 12:44: “When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me.”  Later in John 14: 9, Jesus tells Phillip, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! How can you say, show us the Father? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?”  

When we understand that having a relationship with the Son is the same as having a relationship with God, we feel joy! We CAN know God--who came in human form, suffered, cried, toiled, and related to everything a human can encounter! We build our foundation on God the Father, and Jesus, the Son, who commiserates with us, walks with us, and identifies with us! Without Jesus, our Savior, in our faith foundation, we walk on shaky ground!

Have you asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior?  
How does your relationship with Jesus help solidify your faith foundation?

Prayer: “Dear Lord, thank you that you sent your son, Jesus, into the world to be the mediator between us and you. Through Jesus, we can know YOU! Our relationship can grow and prosper because Jesus walks with us. And that means YOU walk with us.  Thank you that our hope can be built on nothing less than Jesus! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

Day 6:  What is the role of God, the Father, in my faith foundation?

Blessed are those of us with earthly fathers who model leadership, protection, and care in our lives. Those who lack that paternal presence in the home often long for a strong father figure to emerge-- many of us finding that person in our extended family or sphere of influence. We can all agree that a healthy father figure brings stability and structure to our lives. Our heavenly Father desires to be that leader for each one of us! Therefore, it’s important to ponder His attributes and their valued contribution to our faith foundation. Here are a few of the MANY verses that shed light on the person of God the Father:

Exodus 34:6: “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin.” 

Malachi 2:10: “Have we not all one Father?  Did not one God create us?”

Matthew 6:10:  “Jesus prayed to God, the Father, ‘Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.’”

Revelation 19:1: “Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments. “ 

Revelation 7:12: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever!  Amen!”

These verses are just a snippet of the impact of God as our Holy Father. His initiative in creation, and His power, wisdom, salvation, and compassion, are imperative to the foundation on which we base our faith.

Which attribute do you want to praise God for today, and why?

Prayer: “Father God, you are the one who is in Heaven. You are on the throne ruling with all power and authority. Help me to stand on your character and realize that every measure of you is perfect, complete, and integral to understanding the faith to which you have called us. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

Day 5:  How do I build a foundation that lasts?  (Part 2)

Yesterday, it was mentioned that the Holy Spirit is the “contractor” we need to build the best faith foundation. How and when does the Holy Spirit enter our faith journey? It begins with an understanding that we need a Savior, because our sins separate us from God, and that Savior is Jesus!  How does this relationship occur?  

Jesus has already done His part.  Since a holy God cannot tolerate sin, Jesus became sin for us.  He paid the price for our sin on our behalf, so God can now see us through our relationship with Christ.  A just God must punish sin.  A loving God found a way to do it.  God is both loving and just.  Jesus is His instrument to provide all we need to begin our walk of faith.  Our part is to acknowledge Jesus as our Savior from sin, and to receive His gift of grace.  Our invitation opens our hearts to His indwelling spirit, thus the “contractor” has now been internalized in us, so we can “get to work!”

Jesus Himself tells us in John 14:16: “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever, the Spirit of Truth………….But you know him for he lives with you and will be in you.”  

Can you sense how the indwelling Spirit enables you to build a lasting foundation?
How have you felt the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life? 
In this season, what is the Spirit leading you to do or surrender? 

Prayer: “Dear Lord, thank you for your Lordship in my life. Because of that, the Holy Spirit is always with me. Help me to allow the Spirit to guide me to the right tools and resources in my journey to build a stronger foundation of faith. Amen.”

Day 4:  How do I build a foundation that lasts?  (Part 1)

Houses are under warranty for a short period of time, giving the owner an “out” should issues arise. Well-respected builders with solid reputations ensure that every area of construction proves stable and solid over time, long past the warranty stage. The most solid structures are built with the right materials, using an expert contractor, who knows the best place to begin and how to create quality craftsmanship all the way through the process. A thorough builder does not skimp on labor or materials, paying attention to every detail of the building process.  

Likewise, to build a strong faith foundation, we must use the best materials, (the Word of God), the right place to grow (the local church), and the best contractor (the Holy Spirit), to oversee the process. Other faith leaders and mentors will help us along the way, but each of us, ultimately, must make the right decisions to maximize the growth in our faith journey.

1 Corinthians 3 tells us that a lasting foundation requires care and intentionality. With Jesus as our foundation, we are reminded in verses 12-15:  “If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light.  It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.”

Will our faith building process stand the ultimate tests ahead?  
What could be done today to improve our faith building process? 

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be mindful of the tools I need to build my faith. Help me use the best materials and anchor myself in a healthy support system, in order that I may withstand any challenge ahead. Show me what else I can do to build a firm and lasting foundation. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Day 3:  What is my current foundation?

It’s easy to say, “I put God first in my life.” But we often find ourselves immersed in bank statements, busy schedules, and social media. The fact is, we must consistently evaluate the basis of our faith and how we are demonstrating this faith to those around us. As our spiritual “block tower” raises itself higher and higher, our “builder’s eyes” must also be fixed on the foundation, as well as the topmost part. If there is a wobbly part in the foundation, a steady adjustment is in order! 

Today, let’s be honest with ourselves. How are we doing with our spiritual foundation?  Matthew 7:24 reminds us, “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!”

If we feel a little shaky and unsteady in our present circumstances, we need to get back to God’s Word, internalize it, and put it into practice! We can stand on the firmness of God’s Word when we keep it in our hearts and model it to the world.  

Is God’s Word secure in your spiritual foundation today?
What could I do to strengthen my spiritual foundation? 

Prayer: “Dear Lord, help me to see any breach in my spiritual foundation. Show me where I have diluted this foundation with worldly concerns. Help me solidify these breaches, so that I can withstand whatever comes my way. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”