Re: POWER of PRAYER- No Matter Which Faith You Follow=GOD is With You
Building on a Strong Foundation
"And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, "For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel." And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid." - Ezra 3:11
After seventy years of exile, the Israelites returned to the promised land filled with hope and gratitude. As they lay the foundation of the temple in, they sang and praised God. Friends, as the Israelites celebrated the beginning of a new chapter, we must recognize our own need for a firm foundation in life.
I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. For those that don't know, the city is located below sea level. When construction workers begin constructing new houses and businesses, it takes them weeks, or even months, to prepare the land. The builders haul a large pile-driving machine to the site, and pilings are hammered into the ground before the slabs are shored up and poured. This process allows homes to sit above the ground. Despite these efforts, yearly attention must be given to the foundation to manage sinkage.
Today, it is much more common in Louisiana to see homes built on pilings, elevating them above the ground to withstand flooding and storm challenges. I believe this offers us an image of our spiritual lives. Just as those pilings, both seen and unseen, provide stability and protection in constructing homes and businesses, our faith in God should serve as the foundation of our lives. Together, let's immerse ourselves in His Word and put our faith in His promises -- the only sure foundation that can withstand the storms of life.
Friends, as you consider Ezra 3:11 and the attitude displayed by the Israelites, I pray that you will approach your days with gratitude. We need to show that having a heart of praise and thanksgiving is not merely a reaction to our circumstances but a declaration of our trust in God's goodness. The testimony of acknowledging God's love and faithfulness strengthens the foundation of our lives, leading us to rise above life's challenges.
May the Holy Spirit guide you in examining your heart and considering how you are building your life. Are you reaching for the fleeting things of this world that falter, or are you anchoring your hope in God's eternal love? I encourage you to sing praises to the Lord and thank Him for who He is and what He is doing in your life, just as the Israelites did. Commit to God and to yourself to build your life on the hope and foundation of Jesus Christ. Even when the storms of life roll against you, you will stand firm.
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I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
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