The Upper Room Daily Devotional in Nashville Tennessee United States for Friday, 29 June 2018 "Standing Firm" by Marti Williams (Tennessee) Matthew 7:24-29

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The Upper Room Daily Devotional in Nashville Tennessee United States for Friday, 29 June 2018 "Standing Firm" by Marti Williams (Tennessee) Matthew 7:24-29
Jesus said, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.” (Matthew 7:24 (NRSV))
Following years of declining health, Daddy’s death was not unexpected, but it felt like the earth had shifted under my feet. I felt as if I were no longer standing on firm, level ground.
The funeral took place in the church Daddy attended all of his life, the same church where he and my mother raised four children. When I entered that familiar building, I remembered how — decades before — my father had helped move massive amounts of earth, making the ground solid and level for an expansion of the church. This thought helped me to stand with renewed confidence that the physical ground beneath me was solid.
Then other memories from my childhood filled my mind — scenes of Daddy reading his Bible, praying, listening, asking questions, helping a neighbor in need. So many thoughts reminded me that my father built his life on a foundation of faith. Like the wise builder of the parable who builds his house on solid ground, we can put our trust in God. With such trust we can find comfort and assurance, allowing us to stand with confidence through the challenges of life.
TODAY'S PRAYER: Dear God, strengthen our faith. Help us trust in you and abide in your love even during times of struggle. Amen.
TODAY'S READING: Matthew 7:24 “So, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on bedrock. 25 The rain fell, the rivers flooded, the winds blew and beat against that house, but it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a stupid man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain fell, the rivers flooded, the wind blew and beat against that house, and it collapsed — and its collapse was horrendous!”
28 When Yeshua had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at the way he taught, 29 for he was not instructing them like their Torah-teachers but as one who had authority himself. (Complete Jewish Bible).
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: What do my words and actions reveal about my faith in God?
PRAYER FOCUS: Those grieving the loss of a parent
READ MORE: Link2Life - June 29

Link2Life - June 29

JUNE 29, 2018 BY MARTI WILLIAMS (TENNESSEE)

RELATED DEVOTIONALS: STANDING FIRM

Marti, age 5, with dad, Fielding Williams 

Marti’s dad, ten years ago. This is one of the machines he would have used to level the ground in preparation for the church mentioned in the devotional.

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