“There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, [26] men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. [27] Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD with power and great glory. [28] But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Luke 21:25-28 NASB
For the past week we have been looking at the the importance of a foundation to the overall structure of a spiritual building, either an individual or a local assembly. In Revelations 3:7-13 Jesus spoke to the church in Philadelphia about a temptation that will try the whole world, regardless of each mans status and He promised to keep them. This was a church functioning on a higher realm than all the other churches, they had brotherly love. It is clear that the Lord wants us to expect the difficult times and prepare for it. One of the signs of the end is world wide commotion. These commotions will have expressions in various ways in the earth. The world is still passing through health issues now with Covid 19. We are also having global security issue where nations are buying ammunitions to destroy one another. We have economic issue as well with economic decline. We have environmental disasters as well, with the issue of climate change. In Luke 21:26, Jesus said that mens heart will fail them for the many things coming on the earth. Daniel 9:25, however, says that the way shall be built in troublous times, so we know that the storms are intentional. While all these commotions are making men afraid, the men of the Kingdom should not be afraid because Jesus warned us already. Jeremiah 12:5 says that if we are weary while contending with footmen, what will we do when the horsemen come?
Matthew 7:25-27 shows that the type of foundation a man has would determine his state after the storm hits. In Psalm 11:3, we are told that if the foundation is destroyed, there is nothing the righteous can do. There are three major reasons a physical foundation is examined from time to time. A primary reason is because of age. Spiritually, the more you grow in the Lord, the more your foundation needs to be revisited. One of the reason why many servants of the Lord who have known the Lord for many years fall is because they take things for granted. Another reason the foundation is examined is because of a regular maintenance schedule. No serious engineer or organization will build a a tall building and have no maintenance schedule. They must check regularly to ensure everything is in place, especially the foundation.The third reason is when signs of failure are seen in the structure, like cracks. There are times where a honest believer see failures in their lives. By the time a serious believer begins to do certain things that are a shock to him and those around him, he needs to revisit the foundations. This also applies to local assemblies. One of such faults in a congregation is false teachings or unbiblical doctrines. Another is when sin and carnality is becoming common. This shows that there is a problem with the foundation the church rests on. We do not need to wait for a disaster before we examine our foundations. Rather, we examine our foundations to prevent a disaster.
In today and tomorrows meditation, we will consider four things to check while inspecting the foundation. These four things affect individuals and the local assembly. Today’s mediation will focus on the first point, which is maintaining a daily communication with God. Relationship with God as individuals or as a local church is a foundational matter. The reason is because coming to Christ is one thing, remaining in Christ is another thing. If we start a race and do not continue or finish the race, we are losers. Peter says those who turn back are like dogs returning to their vomit, 2 Peter 2:22. Why would a believer start well, but finish poorly. Why would churches gather together and after a scatter? We see this all around and this is a sign of a faulty foundation. The scripture admonishes believers to check themselves every day, 2 Corinthians 13:5. Each congregation also needs to perform regular checks. Doing this involves:
- A daily study of the Word of God. Psalm 19:7 says the law of the lord is perfect converting the soul. One of the things that God uses to bring us back to shape. When approaching God, come with praise and pray in other tongues, before approaching the Word, then your heavens will be open and you can hear God clearly via the Word.
- A life of prevailing daily prayers daily. Ephesians 6:18 says we should pray all manner of prayers in the Spirit. Prayer is communication with God. No husband will like if their spouse is home but would not talk to them. Prevailing prayers involve prayers that are made with every attention and passion in you and concentration. James 5:16-17 says that our prayers must be effective and fervent. Praying in other tongues is very effective and of course with a regular life of fasting.
- The Spirit of repentance. This means being very ready to repent whenever God shows us that we are wrong. The bible says whoever covers his sin will not prosper.
- Living like a child of God and not as the gentiles (unbelievers). Consecration to God is not a choice but a must for anyone who will weather the storms coming.
- Serving God with everything He has given you is a sign of a devotion to God. Everything we have comes from God and we must serve and worship Him with it. This means that your money, house, etc is for the glory and use of God.
- Being ready to preach the gospel at all times.
Doing these will ensure your foundations run deep and can weather any storm.
Prayer for today: Lord Jesus thank You for sending Your Word to me today. Help me not to be slothful, but diligent in ensuring that I touch base with You every day for my daily bread. Your Word said in the parable of the tares that while men slept, the enemy sowed unwanted plants. Help me to stay awake and watch. Lord keep me from the storm and trial that will try all the World. Hide me in the secret place until the indignation be over past. Amen
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