A Blueprint for Blessings (Faith in God)
Topic: Faith In God:
Jesus assures us that the only way to live a righteous life is by not only hearing His words, but obeying them also. It is in the section of the book of Matthew that Jesus tries to convince the listener to grasp the importance of faith in Christ. It is through Christ that our righteousness is obtained. It is through Christ that salvation is assured. It is through Christ that we obtain the blueprint for blessings. In Matthew chapter 7 verse 24 Jesus is saying whoever hears these sayings of Mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock; 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.
There is a difference between the Christian and the counterfeit. In Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus points out there are at least three ways that the people tried to get by without obeying the word of God. 1: Claiming a love of and a loyalty for Jesus in word only, 2: Performing wondrous signs by casting out demons, and 3: Claiming to do it in the name of Jesus. The blueprint for blessings does not include any shortcuts. The blueprint for blessings does not allow for inferior material to be used. The blueprint for blessing demands that the specifications are followed "to the T."
Blueprint is defined by Webster's dictionary as a detailed plan of action. God's word is a detailed plan of action. It was God's word that called for Moses to go to Pharaoh not once, not twice, but several times to have Pharaoh let God's people go. It was God's word that called Abram out of his own country to a land that God would show him.
It was God's word that transcended time, for God is the same today, yesterday, and forever. When the blueprint is followed, life is full of blessings and favour of God. Even in the midst of tragedy, there is blueprint for blessings. Even in the midst of calamity, there is a blueprint for blessings. Even in the midst trial and tribulation, there is a blueprint for blessings. God's word ensures that we have an answer to the question, what do I do now?
How many times have we tried to assemble something only to have a screw or two left over at the end. The structure was standing; it worked, it even looked like the picture. But there was still a part leftover. Life is the same way. When we try to make it through without following the blueprint, we make it look good on the outside; we may even make it through life for awhile. But at some point, we find ourselves missing a part.
The text helps us understand that while there are a whole lot of people hearing the Word, it will be those who hear and do who will be blessed by the Word. 99 % just would not do. We must give God all. When we pray, wait for an answer. When we seek Him, do not get tired and give up. When times come where it seems as though nothing is working and we are confused, keeping doing what the Word tells us to do.
Scripture of the Day:"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. {25} 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. {26} But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. {27} 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