The problem is not the storm!

Have you noticed that when the storms come, it also rains upon the righteous and the unrighteous. Storms hit us all. Jesus said in Matthew 7: 24-27, that the storm descended upon those who built their homes upon the rock and upon the sand. Everyone experiences storms. So the correct mindset is to always be prepared for the storms, not to hope that we never encounter storms. How we respond to storms determine whether or not the storm will destroy us. Jesus taught that those who build  on the rock are the ones who will not suffer destruction. Building on the rock consists on being rooted in the solid bedrock of God’s principles. As we abide in His principles, it creates a barrier of protection around us. When the enemy comes in like a flood, our faith will continue to be immovable. Contrast that with the one who builds on faulty principles, when the storms come, it will destroy them. In this parable, it wasn’t the home or the storm that allowed destruction. It was the decision to either build on rock or sand. So if you have suffered loss in the past, determine where you built your previous home, (beliefs, actions, mistakes, errors, failures), ask God for forgiveness, and begin again. This time however, build your future on the rock (His word, His principles, His love, His grace, His forgiveness). Next time the storm comes, you will be able to endure and overcome anything the enemy throws your way.

Matthew 7: 24-27 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

Mom said: “wash your mouth out with soap!”

Our words are more powerful than most people realize. Words carry pictures, feelings, intentions and the ability to affect other people’s viewpoints and emotions. Words can help to communicate our needs and feelings. Words can frame our future and destiny. Words can also harm, wound and destroy. Matthew 12:37 says: “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” God holds us responsible for our words, because our words reveal the content and decisions of our heart. Our words reveal our real intentions and agendas. In Numbers 14:28, God declared to Moses and Aaron that the Israelites would be judged according to their very own words. Proverbs 13:3 says: “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.” Today, the Lord reminds us of the power in our words, and our responsibility to guard our mouths. Take some time to listen to your words. Do you bring glory to God with your words? Are you building others up and encouraging them? Or are you using your words to tear others down?

Proverbs 12:18 “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.”

Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”