Category Archives: Foundation

Battles, Bible, Established, Foundation, Scripture, Storms, Winds

ROOTED AND GROUNDED

EPHESIANS 3:17

“so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,”

When we lived in Florida, we had the distinct pleasure of living through several hurricanes. The power of those storms is amazing. But what is even more amazing is the strength of some types of trees to withstand the 150+mph winds. We had three large oak trees in our yard that had roots that were deep and wide. When the winds came, they lost a lot of leaves and some smaller limbs, but the trees themselves withstood the torrential rain and wind that lasted for hours.

In verse 17 today, Paul continues his prayer for the Ephesians (and us). He is praying “that Christ may dwell in” our hearts. He also prayed for us to be “rooted and grounded in love.” Just like those huge oaks trees in our Florida yard, we need to be rooted and grounded in the love of Christ so that nothing can shake us. Come what may, we are solid. We can withstand the onslaught of evil because Christ is our foundation.

APPLICATION

The Greek word translated as “rooted” is rhizoó, which literally means to fix firmly. We get our word “rhizome” from it. A rhizome is “a rootlike, often thickened, and usually horizontal underground plant stem that produces shoots above and roots below.” You can just picture that, can’t you? A strong network of roots running deep and wide.

It is used by Paul over in Colossians 2:6-7. “6 Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.”

The word Paul uses for “grounded” is themelioó. This word is used in Matthew 7:25 when Jesus is talking about the house built on sand and the house built on stone. The house built on stone was themelioó, grounded on the stone. The word is also used over in 1 Peter 5:10. “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” Go deep with Jesus. Let Him be your foundation.

Father, we praise You for helping us be rooted and grounded in You.

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Bible, Eternity, Foundation, Messiah, Purpose, Scripture, Strength

THE CORNERSTONE

EPHESIANS 2:20

“having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone,”

Just what is a cornerstone? Well, it is a stone placed at the corner of a building. Thanks a lot, Carl. You are so smart. I’m not trying to be funny, but that is what it is. It is used to connect two walls and is used by the mason to make sure the walls are plumb. That cornerstone may be square or another shape but is still a very important foundational stone for any building.

Christ is the cornerstone. It says so right here in today’s verse. What does that mean. He is the stone that holds the two walls of the Gentiles and the Jews together. Together they make one building for God’s kingdom. Our people are connected through Jesus. As Paul says “the foundation” is important. Without that firm foundation, the building will crumble. All will fall. That is not possible with Jesus as our cornerstone.

APPLICATION

The Greek word that is used for “cornerstone” is used here and just once more over in 1 Peter 2:6. “For this is contained in Scripture: ‘BEHOLD, I AM LAYING IN ZION A CHOICE STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNERSTONE, AND THE ONE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME.’”

This quote comes from Isaiah 28:16. “For this is contained in Scripture: ‘BEHOLD, I AM LAYING IN ZION A CHOICE STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNERSTONE, AND THE ONE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME.’” This forthtelling of Jesus is just one of the over 300 Messianic prophecies. Jesus was always God’s Plan A.

How does this apply to us? We must place our trust in Jesus and then trust He is able to handle anything. That cornerstone has been established for eternity. That cornerstone can withstand any storm that comes against it. That cornerstone cannot be removed. It is permanent! Believe that! Trust that! Amen?

How firm a foundation is our Lord. Thank You, Father, for laying that cornerstone.

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Age, Belief, Bible, Blessing, Chosen, Devil, Eternal Life, Eternity, Foundation, God's Will, Redemption, Salvation, Satan, Scripture

BEFORE ANYTHING

EPHESIANS 1:4

“just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love…”

Can you remember your life before it began? Of course, you can’t. No one can. Our finite minds are limited to our degree of consciousness. We cannot comprehend a time before we could think or act. What is your first memory as a child? I remember growing up in Southwest Georgia and playing with my siblings in the yard. I remember this red, metal tractor that we used to pedal around the yard. My life before that is only remembered through photographs.

Paul refers to a time in today’s verse that existed before anything, “the foundation of the world.” When was that? Well, it was literally before anything. Why would Paul bring this up? To show us that God’s eternal plan of choosing us has always existed. There has never been a time when we weren’t on His mind. Can you imagine? Our life has had a purpose that long. So, how can we ever doubt His love for us.

APPLICATION

In John 17:24, Jesus refers to this time before time. “‘Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.’” God loved His Son before the foundation of the world. He loved us before the foundation of the world. He has loved us as long as He has loved His own Son. Wow! How can we doubt His love?

1 Peter 1:20 tells us, “For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you.” Jesus, who the Father loved before the foundation of the world and was known before the foundation of the world, had an eternal purpose before the foundation of the world. What was that? To come and die for us, to redeem us back to His Father.

Our salvation has always been the Father’s plan. There was never a Plan A and Plan B. There was only ONE plan – Jesus. Before you ever came into existence, God had you on His mind. Again, I ask you, how could we ever doubt His love for us. We only doubt because we listen to the evil one’s lies. Read this verse several times today. Better yet, memorize it and repeat it over and over. Never doubt His love. He loved us before anything!

Father, although I cannot imagine a time before anything, I believe You loved me that long.

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Bible, Foundation, Learning, Maturity, Salvation, Scripture

THE A, B, C’S

GALATIANS 4:3

“So we too, when we were children, were held in bondage under the elementary principles of the world.”

When I was in college I took Hebrew, Greek, Syriac and Aramaic. I love languages. I am learning Swahili right now. Each of these languages have basic fundamental principles. The above mentioned languages (except Swahili) all had their own alphabet different from the English, so I had to learn that basic foundation before I could begin to learn the language. There are some basic principles to learning.

Paul uses a phrase in today’s verse, “the elementary principles of the world,” that is much debated among the scholars. I like Myer’s New Testament Commentary which says this about this phrase. “The στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου are the elements of non-Christian humanity (κόσμος; see 1 Corinthians 6:2;  1 Corinthians 11:32, et al.), that is, the elementary things, the immature beginnings of religion, which occupy the minds of those who are still without the pale of Christianity.” Let’s talk about that.

APPLICATION

Religion is a good thing until it’s not. Religion can teach you to be moral and good, but not lead you to a saving knowledge of Christ. There are going to be a lot of morally good people in hell. The world loves religion – just not Jesus. The world’s religions want you to feel loved and accepted, but they won’t condemn your sin. Romans 12:2 says it well, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

It is not a matter of how “religious” you are. It’s about being filled with the Spirit and allowing that Spirit to control your eyes, tongue, actions, etc. In Acts 13:52 it says, “And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” The Spirit is the best teacher. He will grow you up beyond just the a, b, c’s of religion. He will show you what true faith is about.

I have been a believer for almost 47 years now. I have so much still to learn about submission to the Spirit and Spirit-filled living. But I want to learn. I want to grow into the perfect image of my Savior. I know that won’t happen until I reach Glory, but I will strive each day to learn more and grow more.

Thank You, Lord, for giving me a firm foundation. Help me grow to be more like You.

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Advocate, Battles, Bible, Defense, Encouragement, Foundation, Scripture, Security

HEAVY STONE

ZECHARIAH 12:3

“‘It will come about on that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will injure themselves severely. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it.’”

Sometimes you just have to move a heavy object. I have a piece of furniture in my home that is very heavy. When we moved into our current home, I enlisted several of my friends to help with the heavy stuff. I vividly remember several robust young men heaving this particular piece of furniture over the stair banister and lifting it up the stairs. It was a major effort. I think it will stay when we move.

The Lord describes Jerusalem as a heavy stone in today’s verse. It wasn’t that they were heavy. They were immovable. Jerusalem would also cause severe injury to all who tried to move it. In other words, God was protecting the city. It was not going to be moved by anyone. They were there to stay, secured by God. It was His power that kept it in place.

APPLICATION

The Lord is still keeping us secure. Did you know that? We are immovable because of Him. Our faith is secure. Ephesians 1:13-14 says, “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”

Just like Jerusalem was immovable, we are also because of His seal on us. Satan can buffet us and berate us, but we will not be moved. Don’t forget that. You may feel like you are falling apart, but you’re not. God’s got this. What He calls secure is secure.

I am so thankful for that security. Aren’t you? I am reminded of that security every time I read His Word. It is the anchor for my soul. Meditating and memorizing it brings me such confidence and peace. Have you experienced that? I hope so. If not, take some time today to dig into the Word. What you have just read is just a taste of what is to come.

O Lord, You are my security. You make me immovable.

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Bible, Dependence, Foundation, Scripture, Security

TENT PEG

ZECHARIAH 10:4

“From them will come the cornerstone, from them the tent peg, from them the bow of battle, from them every tyrant, all of them together.”

Even though I don’t do it a lot, I really like to go camping. I love sleeping in a tent (as long as I have some good padding on the ground, lol). There is one thing about tent camping – you need to secure your tent to the ground with some tent pegs. This will prevent it from getting blown over in a storm. That is never a good thing when you’re trying to sleep.

Isaiah 22:23 says, “I will drive him like a peg in a firm place, and he will become a throne of glory to his father’s house.” This is what the Lord is referring to in today’s verse. Israel will be nailed down securely as a tent peg. Israel will be the cornerstone. Finally, Israel is going to be fixed and solid in their land and serve as fixture, set by God.

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes equates this verse to Jesus. “Christ is the nail fixed in the wall, whereby all vessels are supported.” I really like that. We are fixed with Jesus. The author of Hebrews tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 3:1). And then the apostle Paul reminds us to fix our thoughts on some things. Take a look at them in Philippians 4:8.

The point is we have an anchor to which we can fix ourselves. Jesus is not moving. He is set. He is secure. We can depend on Him. Isn’t it nice knowing that you can? When all of life fails you, you can depend on Him. That is so awesome. It should thrill your soul to know that. As a friend of mine used to say, “That is shouting ground.”

I have chosen to fix myself to Jesus. How about you? Are you fixing yourself to something else? I promise you it will fail you. Nothing is as secure as our Savior. If you have not fixed yourself to Him yet, do it now. Do it today. Give Him your heart. He will never let go.

I will secure myself to You, O God. You are the tent peg which is firmly attached.

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Abiding, Battles, Bible, Foundation, Scripture, Shaken, Trust

SHAKE IT UP

HAGGAI 2:6

“For this is what the LORD of armies says: ‘Once more in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea also and the dry land.’”

When I was a little boy, a new cooking product called “Shake and Bake” came out. It was a seasoned bread crumb coating originally marketed to mimic the flavor and texture of Southern fried chicken. It was introduced in 1965 by General Foods. I have got to tell you, it did NOT mimic Southern fried chicken. My mama’s fried chicken was the best. She tried that new product, but quickly went back to her recipe.

Now, how does that story tie in with our verse today? There is only One who can truly shake the heavens and the earth. Others may try to “shake things up,” but only God has that power. This shaking wasn’t about a physical shaking by earthquakes or volcanoes. This was a shaking of all that existed so that the shaken things would be dissolved and only what was solid would remain. Only what was of God was firm and unshaken. That was the message to the people. Get grounded. Stay firmly planted.

APPLICATION

I vividly remember a video I took of a woman in Liberia shaking off the chaff from the rice she had just pounded to break it up. She poured the pounded rice into a shallow wicker tray and would shake it and toss it into the air. The wind would blow away the husks and only the rice grain would remain. It was fascinating to watch.

That is the image I want you to see today as you read this verse. What are you – the rice or the husk? Will the winds of discontent blow you away? In Matthew 7 we are told the story of the two houses that were built on sand and a firm foundation. When the winds came in the storm, one house remained – the one built on a solid foundation.

How firm is your foundation? Shakings occur in our life. There are times when it seems everything around us will fall. But if we remain firmly rooted in Him, we can weather any storm. Dig deep. Pour a firm foundation. And when the shakings come, trust in Him. Only He can get you through.

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go, The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow; For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless, And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.”

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Abiding, Affliction, Bible, Destruction, Fire, Foundation, Judgment, Scripture

FOUNDATIONS

MICAH 1:6 

“For I will make Samaria a heap of ruins in the open country, planting places for a vineyard. I will hurl her stones down into the valley and lay bare her foundations.” 

I had the privilege recently to tour some ruins of a Roman bathhouse just outside of Estaban, Albania. When we arrived at the site, I could not see anything. There was a small path leading up from the gravel road past a house and through a small opening. There were some workers that had started clearing the overgrowth on the path. I could have driven right by that spot and never seen the ruins. They had been there for @2000 years but had no real value today. 

Micah is telling the people of Israel that God is about to make Samaria into “a heap of ruins.” The great city which they were so proud of would be reduced to rubble. He would expose the foundations for generations to come, just like those Roman bath house ruins. God’s judgment is real. 

APPLICATION 

On what are you building your foundation? On whom are you resting? If you are building on anything other than Jesus, your walls will crumble. Those stones that were laid 2000 years ago for that Roman bath house were laid bare for all to see. I literally walked on stones that the Roman soldiers walked on. But those stones were good for nothing. They had crumbled through the centuries. 

However, when we build our life on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ, we can withstand all time and trials. No wind or storm or rain or fire can tear down walls built by Jesus. When we set Him down as the chief cornerstone in our life, all the rest of our lives are resting on Him. 

My life has had some challenges. For the sake of time, I will not enumerate them. But at the age of sixteen, I placed my trust in the One who cannot be torn down. He has kept me through all these years. I may have some chipped stones in my building, but my foundation is strong. Praise Jesus! 

Thank You, Lord, for giving me a sure foundation in Jesus Christ. 

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Accountability, Advice, Advocate, Belief, Bible, Confession, Destruction, Foundation, God's Will, Judgment

DEMO TIME

AMOS 7:8

“And the LORD said to me, ‘What do you see, Amos?’ And I said, ‘A plumb line.’ Then the Lord said, ‘Behold I am about to put a plumb line in the midst of My people Israel. I will not spare them any longer.’”

When a wall is found to be out of plumb, there is only one thing to do if you can’t get it into plumb. You have to tear it down. Sometimes you can pull it back into plumb. That will take some pulleys or belts. You won’t be able to pull it back and set it straight by yourself. You may have to resign yourself that you have to tear it down and start over.

God is telling Amos in today’s verse that Israel is so out of plumb that He is going to have to tear them down in order to build them back up. It won’t be pleasant. There would be pain involved. People may question it. But God knows it has to be done.

APPLICATION

How far out of plumb are you? If God held a plumb line up against you, what would He find? That’s why it is so important to come to Him daily (for me, minute by minute) and confess our sins. By doing that, we are essentially “replumbing” our spiritual lives. We need that constant rebuild.

But when we have gone too far, God has to resort to a more severe method. He may just have to tear you down to build you up. None of us want that, do we? We want it to be a pleasant experience.

I only want to be plumb. I want to meet God’s standards for my building, not the world’s. I could be collapsing, and the world would say I am fine. Wow! Don’t trust the world’s architects and contractors. Trust the One who knows how to use the plumb line.

Thank You, Lord, for holding Your plumb line against me. Reshape me in Your image.

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Bible, Choices, Cleansing, Completeness, Consequences, Destruction, Disciplemaking, Discipline, Encouragement, Foundation, God's Will, Judgment

PLUMB LINE

AMOS 7:7

“So He showed me, and behold, the Lord was standing by a vertical wall with a plumb line in His hand.”

My dad was a great carpenter. I have mentioned that before. He had the ability to build just about anything. He was meticulous. He never hurried a project. When building a wall, he made sure the walls were plumb. He used a level most of the time, but he had a plumb line that he occasionally used, just to make sure.

The Lord used a plumb line in this vision He showed Amos. You see, God is a perfectionist. He will only allow to stand what is perfect and whole. Israel had gotten out of plumb. They were leaning the wrong direction. The Lord knew He had to tear them down in order to build them back straight.

APPLICATION

He will do the same to us. If we claim to represent Him, He demands that we stay in plumb. We can’t lean crooked. When we do, we put the whole structure in danger. If we lean too far or too long the rest of the building can collapse. We are part of a larger structure than just ourselves.

People are watching us. They see how we live our lives. If we lean out of plumb, we endanger them. We could cause them to reject the teachings of Christ because of the way we live. Our leanings could crush them.

O beloved, we are called to be God’s workmanship. 1 Corinthians 3:10 says, “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, but someone else is building on it. Each one should be careful how he builds.” There you are. We have to be careful. Use the plumb line. Make sure your walls are stable.

Lord, help me to build straight and true. Let whatever I build be built on You.

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