Firm Foundations

When we set out to build a house, there are several factors that we need to take into consideration. First of all, we have to find the property where we want to build. At some point in the process, we’ll need to take a soil sample to make sure we’re building on solid ground.

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who builds his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who builds his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.-Matthew 7:24-27

He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.-Luke 6:48

Once we have the house built, it becomes a place of safety for us during the storms. Last year, we experienced our first hurricane since we moved to southwest Florida. Unlike the thousands that evacuated the state, we decided to stay put and weather the storm out at our house. Our home became a place of refuge and protection for us throughout the storm!

As we go through life, all of us will experience hurricanes in some form or another. The point is, that if we decide to build our house on the sand instead of the rock, then we’ll probably going to be swept away in the storm. None of us are exempt from the trials and tribulations that we experience while here.

Once we know the soil is good, we build a foundation. The foundation must be strong enough to support the weight of the structure.

If you’ve ever stood on the shoreline of a beach at the place where the waves are breaking, you realize how unstable the sand can be! The sand that you’re standing on washes away beneath your feet and then the wave hits you! Without Christ in our lives, we can experience a similar experience.

Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his, ” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”-2 Timothy 2:19

The analogy here is quite simple to understand, when it comes to building a house. But what happens when we look at our lives? Where are you building your spiritual house? Is it on the rock (Christ), or are you building it on the sand?

The words of this song pretty much sum it all up for me:

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame. But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ the solid rock I stand. ALL OTHER GROUND IS SINKING SAND! !!

The American Dream

Everyone of us is chasing after the American Dream. People from other countries want to come to America, so they too can experience the American Dream. They believe that there’s promises of unending riches awaiting them when they get here. We all want to be financially secure and never have to worry about a thing. We believe that money will solve ALL our problems. We earn more money, but still desire more. It never seems to be enough!

In addition, we’re always looking for the get rich quick scheme.

Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.-Proverbs 13:11

If we’re honest, everyone of us asks the question, “Why are they so successful?” From the outside looking in, it seems like the rich people are so happy! As the verse above states, it’s only by hard work that we generate wealth.

God’s word however, teaches us a totally different principle.

Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.-Proverbs 13:4

Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.-Proverbs 12:24

I have riches an honor as well as enduring wealth and justice. My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver! Those who love me inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries.-Proverbs 8:18-19, 21

How often in your life have you looked to God for your provisions? If you’re like most probably not often. Throughout the Bible, we see and learn that the things we chase after here, will only leave us in despair.

Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But those who miss me injure themselves. All who hate me love death.-Proverbs 8:34-36

The Greatest Commandment

In the book of Matthew 25:35-40

Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?

Jesus replied, ” ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

The first commandment is easy for me to grasp. However, the second one is harder to understand. What does it mean to “Love your neighbor as yourself?”

Let’s go back to the word, to find the answers.

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. -Leviticus 19:18

Love Fulfills the Law

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.-Romans 13:8-10

Now, I have a question for each of you that are reading this post. When it says “Love your neighbor as yourself,” what does that look like for you? In other words, how do you want people to love you? (please leave your comments below)

I believe the answers to this question, will give us all a better understanding of what people are looking for when it comes to love.

Apples anyone?

We’ve all heard the story of Adam & Eve in the Bible. I’ve always thought to myself, why did Eve eat that apple, when God gave her so many other choices? That one decision, changed the course for mankind! I believe that each one of us would have responded the same way. fullsizeoutput_cb2

As I thought about this, the Holy Spirit convicted me and said “How many apples have you eaten?” Ouch!!! If I’m being totally transparent; quite a few! Did any of my decisions change the course of mankind I thought? Probably not, but some of them effected my family, friends and those around me in a negative way. The point is, that none of us are perfect, right?

The Bible says that: ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

I have eaten so many apples over the years. Most of the time, I knew better; but believed that the apple would bring me pleasure!

It’s funny how quick I am to judge Eve for eating that one apple, when in reality I’ve done the same thing.

Daily, there are decisions in our life that we each must make. Some of those decisions bring God glory. Others, perhaps are just the opposite.

Peer fear plays a huge factor in many of these decisions. Often times we’re more concerned about pleasing man, than we are about pleasing our Creator!

I can seek the things of this world that will bring temporal pleasure, or I can chase after the things that bring eternal happiness.

What’s my apple? Anything that I put before my relationship with God.

Green Pastures

I have always been drawn to green pastures and still waters. I spent a lot of time fly fishing the rivers of Colorado before we left. It was during these times that I heard so clearly from the Lord. There’s something about these places that draw me in. Usually, when I think of these types of places, my mind immediately goes to a place of seclusion, calmness, tranquility and peace.

It’s during these moments, that God speaks to me. God desires a relationship with each one of us. Much like the relationship that we have with our closest friend. If I’m totally honest, I know that there are things in my life that I’m not comfortable sharing, even with my closest friends. totally honest, each of us knows that there are things in our life that we’re not comfortable talking about; even with my closest friends.

This is where God comes into the picture. He is always there for me and wants to be my comforter during the good times as well as the bad!

So, how do we hear from God? It will never happen, unless I make time for Him. It’s impossible for me to hear from God, when I’m trapped in the busyness of my day. God loves it when I break away from the routine and spend time with Him.

The good news is that we don’t need to go out into the wilderness to hear from God. Our wilderness might be the spare bedroom, garage or back porch. Basically, it’s any place I can go to be alone with Him. For some, it might be during our commute time in the car.

God wants us to be free from the distractions of our day, so we can clearly hear him speak!

In Psalm 23, we’re told that He makes me lie down in green pastures. Why? Because he wants to speak to us. He wants us ALL to slow down and make time for him. It says in scripture that He’ll use this time to refresh our soul.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.-Psalm 23:2-4

Dwelling Place

I debated on whether or not to post this, but really feel led by the Lord to share it. Let me take you back to a time in my life, before I knew the Lord. I can remember a few times when people would share Christ with me. I remember being so turned off by them, as most of the time it was the old turn or burn gospel message. I don’t want to come across like the guy on the street corner telling people they’re going to hell.

Last week, I felt the Lord tell me that I am to share this with those in my center of influence. I really struggled with it, as it can be such a sensitive subject. Eventually, I decided that if I believe the Bible in its entirety, than I need to share everything; not just the good stuff.

Everyone of us has a place we call our home. A place where we reside for the short time that we’re here. Each of us has big dreams about our future. We begin to plan our lives and write down our goals for this life. One day, however, each of us will take our last breath and pass into eternity.

How is it that we can spend our entire life making plans for our future, but are not even concerned about where we’re going to spend eternity?

Society tells us that if we’re a good person and we do enough good deeds, that we too will spend eternity in heaven. Unfortunately for us, there’s no mention of that in the Bible.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. -Psalm 23:6

How long is eternity or forever? An endless or seemingly endless period of time; duration without beginning or end.-Dictionary.com

The bottom line, is that every one of us is going to spend eternity somewhere!

Imagine if you will, spending eternity without God. Some might think, that’s not a big deal. “I don’t want anything to do with him now, so why would I want to spend eternity with him, they ask?”

I think it’s important to meet people where they’re at and show them what the love of Christ looks like. Too many times, I’ve witnessed people make a decision for Christ, but years later they walk away from the faith.

If I believe what the Bible says, than it’s important for me to let them know that there is a consequence for their decision.

I’ve heard comments over the years like, “All my friends will be there, so I may as well join them!”

God gives each one of us the choice to accept him or deny him. If we accept him here, than we’ll spend eternity with him. On the other hand, if we deny him here and live in darkness, than we’ll spend eternity in darkness; separated from him.

“But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.-Matthew 10:33

This day in age, it’s easy to share the gospel message to those around us. The Bible refers to the gospel as the Good News. Unfortunately, if there’s good news, there’s usually bad news as well. When sharing Christ with people, we usually only talk about the good news and never mention the bad news.

This is problematic, as people believe they can take or leave Christianity; without any repercussions. The truth is, there is a huge repercussion that awaits you, if you deny Christ.

It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life.- 2 Peter 2:21

If a righteous person turns from their righteousness and does evil, they will die for it. -Ezekiel 33:18

“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”-Matthew 25:46

The wicked go down to the realm of the dead, all the nations that forget God.-Psalm 9:17

Hell is not going to be a big party, where you can hang out with your friends. Hell is a place of eternal darkness, where you’ll be eternally punished. How long will it last, you ask? Forever!!

And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and it’s image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.-Revelation 14:11

“There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, for you will see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, but you will be thrown out.-Luke 13:28

Weeping is obvious, but what do they mean by gnashing of teeth? Imagine being so mad, that you grind your teeth in disgust. Kind of like slamming your finger in a car door, or smashing it with a hammer. Think of a time in your life, where you made a huge mistake and were so mad. You grit your teeth, because you made the wrong decision. This will be the reality of many in this world.

A snap shot of hell: Forever tormented, unending rest, goes on day and night; forever, where the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched, while you spend eternity in eternal darkness. There are NO second chances in hell! Does that sound like a place where you want to be for eternity?

Some may say that they don’t believe in hell. The fact that you don’t believe in it, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Someone could say they don’t believe in gravity and step off a tall building, to their death.

There are countless verses in the Bible, that speak of the reality of hell.

And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.-Matthew 13:42

Please, don’t follow the way of the masses! Go the opposite direction that everyone else is! Choose to be different and make a difference in the lives of those around you!

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.-Matthew 7:13-14

God’s desire is that none would perish and that each and every one of us would have eternal life!

As surely as I live, says the sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live.-Ezekiel 33:11

If you want to read more information about what the Bible has to say about hell, check out Ezekiel 33.

If you are moved by this post, I would encourage you to share it on your feed. I also welcome any comments below.

Moving the ball forward

No matter what I do in life, it’s important that I’m constantly moving forward. The object in the game of football, is to constantly advance the ball down the field; until we score a touchdown.

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The game of football, serves as a perfect model for our lives as well.

Whether it’s our family, our career, our marriage, or most importantly; our walk with God. If we want to go anywhere in life, we have to step out of our comfort zone and start taking steps to get us where we want to be.

We advance in life, by adopting these simple little disciplines. These disciplines serve as stepping-stones that are designed to take us to our goal.

A person crossing three stepping stones on a river

If we repeat these disciplines over and over, we’re rewarded at the end.

Inch by inch, life’s a cinch! Yard by yard, life’s hard! Mile by mile life’s a trial!

Football Field

What are your goals? What disciplines can YOU adopt now, to drive you towards them?

I’ve always tried to learn as much as I can about different areas and aspects of the industry that I work in. This day in age, there’s so many resources, right at my fingertips.

I try to take advantage of the these resources and use them for my benefit. One of the best resources available is the internet. Everything pertaining to my industry, is right here; for my benefit.

A life goal of mine, is to be the leader in my industry. I want to be the guy they call when they have questions pertaining to the industry. The last thing I want, is for my client to call the competition.

You’ve heard it said that: “Time is of the essence!” Isn’t that true! There’s only so many hours in each day, so it’s important that we spend our time wisely.

There’s a saying that says “If you wait for all the street lights to turn green, you’ll never go to town!” How true is that? Often times in life, we wait for everything to be perfect, before we move ahead. When we delay in making a decision, we miss the opportunity.

Occasionally in life, we throw a “Hail Mary” pass and reach a goal! But most of the touchdown’s in life are scored by advancing the ball, one play at a time.

In addition to adapting these disciplines, it’s so important to have the right mental attitude. You’ve got to be focus-driven and keep your eyes on what’s ahead; instead of what’s behind you!

Work harder on yourself, than you do on your job.-Jim Rohn

I treat my walk with Christ the same way. I want to learn as much as I can about Christ and the best way to do that is by reading the Bible.

Bible Study A chapter or two per day is all it takes! Just like in my career, I need to take what I read and apply it to my life. If all I do is read it, without applying it, then it’s just head knowledge.

God’s not looking for religious people; he’s after a relationship with you! Think of him as your best friend. As problems arise, reach out to the one that created you. He knows you better than anyone, because he created you! His word will get you through ANY situation that life throws at you!

I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.’-Hosea 10:12

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me-the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. -2 Timothy 4:7-8

Are you looking forward to his appearing?

Love to read your comments…

Fitz

Food vs. Sin

One of the most difficult addictions to overcome in our lives, is the addiction of food. I have always been a sucker for sweets! One of my fondest memories growing up, was Mom’s homemade pies! At an early age, I developed an addiction to these babies! Some of my all-time favorites include: cinnamon rolls, pies, donuts, sweet rolls, etc. All in all if it’s sweet and made with flour, I love it!

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If I allow these cravings to take over, than it’s just a matter of time before I’m having issues buttoning my pants. In addition, the likelihood of developing obesity and diabetes, is increased. A few Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies can’t be all that bad, but when I eat the entire sleeve; it’s problematic! Oh how I miss the days of my youth, when I could eat a half a pie and not gain an ounce of weight!

Everyone of us knows what foods we need to eat, to maintain optimum health.

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Unfortunately for us, the nutritious foods don’t taste as good as the healthy ones do. Let’s see, an apple or a Pop Tart. I think the choice is obvious!

Sin in our lives, has the same effect. Often times, we think what’s the big deal, it’s only one little sin.

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. -James 1:14-15

When you’re in the middle of sin, it’s super easy to indulge in even more sin. It’s kind of like eating the entire sleeve of Thin Mints, right?

Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have recieved knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins.-Hebrews 10:26

We think that we can continue to sin and that there will never be a consequence. I can remember thinking that as long as I repent before I die, then I’ll be fine. The problem with that, is that none of us know when we’ll take our last breath here.

This verse pretty well sums it up:

Do not let sin control your puny body any longer; do not give in to its sinful desires. Do not let any part of your bodies become tools of wickedness, to be used for sinning; but give yourselves completely to God-every part of you-for you are back from death and you want to be tools in the hands of God, to be used for his good purposes. Sin need never again be your master, for now you are no longer tied to the law where sin enslaves you, but you are free under God’s favor and mercy. -Romans 6:12-14

As always, comments are encouraged…

Fitz

1st Place

From a very young age, we’re taught the importance of finishing first. Any competitive sport, keeps track of those who finish first. When I was in elementary school, I can remember there was always a race to be the first one finished with the test.

stock photo, trophy, motorbike, trophies, motocross

When I’m in line at the grocery store, I always look for the shortest line, so that I can get what I need and be the first one out of the store. Think about Black Friday and the countless people who line up to be the first one in the store. Additionally, each one wants to be the first person to own the latest, greatest, newest ____________.

For me, I spend countless hours on the road and can’t stand being behind slow traffic. I want to be the guy leading the group! Slow cars need to move out-of-the-way and let me through.

In the workplace, there’s always some friendly competition. Being in sales the majority of my career, there’s always a sales target or quota! Sometime’s we have sales contests with a grand prize for 1st Place. Win you finish 1st, you get bragging rights with all your peers!

The famous NASCAR driver; Dale Earnhardt says: “Second place is just the first place loser”

For the most part, the Bible teaches the opposite! So you ask, what should be first place in my life? Let’s take a look at what God’s word says:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.-Matthew 6:33

Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. -Philippians 2:4-5

When we put ourselves first, it’s easy for pride to take root in our lives.

Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall.

When we put others first, we take the attention away from us and give it to them! When we take the focus off us, it’s easier for people to see the love of Christ in us!

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. -Proverbs 11:25

“I will heighten my life by helping others heighten theirs.”-Les Brown

As always, feel free to comment below….

Fitz

Happiness

What makes you happy? Where does true happiness come from?

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When I was young, I believed that in order to be happy, I needed to have a big house, nice cars, a fat bank account, the list goes on. Group of stylish people playing in a casino

As I’ve aged, however, I’ve learned that none of these things bring true happiness.

Society teaches us at a young age, that the more we have, the happier we’ll be. Look at some of the commercials that we’ve seen on TV over the years. Cigarettes, booze, autos, exotic world destinations, etc.

Big promises for true happiness are laced within each of them. Fast forward to today and see millions of people dying of lung cancer, and sclerosis of the liver. A homeless population that tips the scales! The promises they made were only lies, that were designed to benefit the company and destroy you in the process!

Homeless man sleeps on the street in the shadow of the building. Today, we’re inundated with videos on YouTube that offer similar things. Infomercials of people standing outside their mansions promising the same for you, if you only follow their plan, you too will have these riches.

I can remember asking God for so many material things over the years. With each one, I thought; if I only had the boat, the car, the truck, the house, the vacation, the __________, then I’d be happy! I also remember being up to my ears in debt, and asking God how come I was always broke? The bottom line was God didn’t put me in that situation, I did! But how quick I was to blame God for it. The only reason I wound up there was due to my relentless spending, all the while thinking that my true happiness was right around the corner.

For most of us, our parents warned us about these things. We on the other hand, thought we knew it all, and decided to try it for ourselves. They say that history repeats itself, right? I think every generation, has struggled with these same issues.

Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. -Matthew 6:19

A few verse later, we’re told why we shouldn’t store up treasures here.

Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. -Matthew 6:21

The Bible was written over 2,000 years ago but the lessons learned are still so relevant today! King Solomon was the richest man alive in the world during his time. Solomon writes in the book of Ecclesiastes:

Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth-except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers! -Ecclesiastes 5:10-11

The chapter ends with a bit of wisdom from King Solomon.

Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.”-Ecclesiastes 12:1

Maybe you too, have struggled with these same issues. If so, let the words of this song minister to your soul!

The bottom line is, are we learning from our mistakes?

As always, I welcome your comments below….