They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete. Luke 6:48-49. NIV.

When we were children we learned the song “The wise man built his house upon the rock” in Sunday School. I remember teaching it to my own children and those in our children’s ministry–complete with hand motions. My father was a contractor, and occasionally he would bring us to his build sites. The first trip wasn’t very impressive, because we didn’t see the blueprints. It was just the beginning of the foundation work. My dad had the vision, the blueprints and the dream that someday the home he was building would be sold and occupied by a family who loved it. They would be safe, because it was built on a sure foundation. It is the same with our spiritual lives. 

This past year, our church celebrated its 50th anniversary. As the leaders shared the humble beginnings of the church and compare it what God is doing now, I could only be grateful. They built the foundation well. We have had only three pastors in these 50 years. The founding pastor, Jim Cargill, his son, Marc Cargill and our current senior leader, Michael Hurley. Pastor Jim laid an amazing foundation, both spiritually and physically. Pastor Jim functioned as the contractor and the members physically built the building (or the parts they could). It stands strong today–with some adaptations. So we have a solid physical foundation as well as spiritual. We have grown, with 2,000 people naming Life Church as their home church.

God sent people who helped when the church was founded in 1975. Some were newly saved and grew into pillars that people lean on today. These folks endured the small beginnings and grew along with the church. Every church needs pillars. Believers who will stand in their place. There is a promise given to the church at Philadelphia, who in spite of their little strength, you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Verse 10 goes on to say: since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Revelation 3:10-12. NIV. Pillars must have deep foundations. Builders construct them to withstand weight and storms. Some tests and trials we go through are not about us. We go through them for two reasons. First, so we can comfort others. Second, so we can show forth God’s faithfulness in helping us stand strong. I so appreciate the early elders in our church who stood so strong in faith and endurance. My old neighbor was a member of the church during this building season. It wasn’t easy for them to set aside their lives, night after night, after a full days work to show up to build our building. Although not an elder, he truly was a pillar in the house. He is now with Jesus, and we miss him.

The good news is we can all become pillars in God’s house. Let’s revisit Revelation 3:12 in the Amplified version. He who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God. Other translations use the victorious. So learning how to live a victorious, overcoming Christian life is how one becomes a pillar. Pillars don’t just happen. In Luke 6:46, Jesus gives us great instruction on how we can build a good foundation. I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. He is quite straightforward. Go to Him, listen to HIm and then obey what He says!

So, my friends, I encourage us all to go to Him–in prayer, in the Word, and in worship. Listen to Him. Pay attention to what you hear, what you read and the Spirit’s promptings. If He says trust, we trust. If He says give, we give. If He says forgive, we forgive. Faithful obedience is the key not only to laying a good foundation, but to building on it. 

Whether your church is large or small, it needs pillars. The goal of God is to build the young ones to be in place as the elders move on. So, no matter how young or old you feel in the Lord, you can be a part of this progression. 

Father, I ask you to help us to be the pillars you are describing in Revelation 3:12. Your Church needs pillars. We choose to come to you. We listen to you and obey you. This is so we can become those pillars. Develop us into the pillars of your choosing and need, In Jesus’ Name, amen. 

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the works of your hands.Psalm 138:8 ESV.

I turned 76 a few days ago. It is a big number to many, but having two siblings in their 90s, I’m still trying to “grow up”! My body reminds me that I am not as young as my spirit and soul think I am. But this year I spent the morning of my birthday evaluating things in my life.

It is good to remember God knows my age! He scheduled my birth (ours in my case, I’m a triplet!) You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalm 139:16. NLT.

He wants to use the 7 decades I have been alive for His glory. He knows what life lessons I have learned (both the easy and the hard way!). All the historical changes that have happened in my life time have impacted me. I remember as a young child hearing about cancer and the fear it brought. No stores were open on Sunday due to the “blue” laws and it was really a day of rest. I remember the night, as a 9 year old, laying in bed asking Jesus to come into my life and be my Savior.

The 60s brought more cultural changes, including the Vietnam War with so many of our high school classmates having to sign up for the draft. My next step included the University of Washington. I lived through campus protests with armed police arresting students who barricaded themselves in a building. I remember the Civil Rights debates, and feeling puzzled at first why Rosa Parks couldn’t sit where she wanted to on the bus. Growing up in Washington state, I learned how ignorant I was. But through it all, God’s faithfulness was evident.

I followed Him as best I could in high school via youth group and my own attempt at having a “quiet time”. My father always had “Voice” magazines in his car–which had testimonies of God’s power in everyday people’s life. I grew hungry for that type of experience. My sophomore year at the UW I met some spirit filled believers. I had an encounter with the Holy Spirit, and I was changed. This was during the Jesus People Era, and change happened in so many ways. Hymnals gave ways to overhead projectors and new songs! Many of the new songs were straight from the scriptures–so we learned a lot. Pianos and organs were replaced with guitars and “worship bands” were created. It took place with much controversy.

Church attire also began to change. I remember wearing jeans to a Friday night service and feeling so free! This was also very controversial. So many changes, but God was moving in some marvelous ways. Hunger for the Word, fellowship and ministry was growing in many many denominations. The walls of separation between churches began to lower and cross fellowship began to take place. Believers began to understand the importance of both praise and worship. The person hood of Jesus began to be emphasized, then the Holy Spirit. Later on, an emphasis on the importance of faith, healing and the power of God began to be taught as well.

As I remember these changes, I am reminded He is not done. All these changes brought challenges. New things are coming, I am sure. I pray I will be open to any new move He wants to bring. In the meantime, I will continue to trust Him. My grandchildren will have their own stories to tell. Some of them were changed and challenged with the Covid pandemic. They don’t remember life without computers or handheld phones. They don’t hide under their desks as we were taught to do in case of a nuclear attack. Instead, they have lockdown practice in case of school shootings. Mental health issues, gender identity, and addictions are things they must navigate. But God has a way and they were born for such a time as this.

As long as I am here, I want to fulfill my gifts and callings. I want to demonstrate to them God’s ability to answer prayer and bring them through their own struggles. It is my prayer that Job 12:12 comes true for me. Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? NIV. My pantry of life lessons are filled with God’s grace, mercy and God stories that I pray will touch others, how about you? Unless we share them, they will stay hidden.

Father, help me remember all the changes that have taken place in my lifetime. I am so grateful for my season of life, and the hope it gives me that you will help my children and grandchildren navigate their season as well. You are so very faithful, and we can trust you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36. NLT.

My friends, have you or are you currently facing the undermining of your confidence in our God? It can happen with a direct attack. It can also be like a quiet erosion of your faith through weariness, constant battles, or distractions. When we walk in confidence (the state of feeling the truth of something) we stand taller, walk more firmly and lift our head high. Confidence changes the way we face both the difficult challenges of life and our expectations of how they will turn out.

The recipients of this book must have faced serious persecution. They were steadfast in their faith. Biblical scholars are not clear on the author of Hebrews. It might have been Apollos or Barnabas. However, it is clear he knew them. I love his encouragement to them. But remember the earlier days, when, after being [spiritually] enlightened, you [patiently] endured a great conflict of sufferings, sometimes by being made a spectacle, publicly exposed to insults and distress, and sometimes by becoming companions with those who were so treated. For you showed sympathy and deep concern for those who were imprisoned, and you joyfully accepted the[unjust] seizure of your belongings and the confiscations of your property, conscious of the fact you have a better possession and a lasting one [prepared for you in heaven]. Hebrews 10:32-34. AMP. These believers suffered a lot. I am sure they were wondering, is it worth it? Should I give up? Should we throw away our confidence in the Lord?

Have you ever been tempted to throw away your confidence? Or as the Amplified says: do not fling away your fearless confidence, for it has a glorious and great reward. My friends, many of you are facing some serious trials of life. Financial struggles, health struggles, along with relational struggles. Please, do not throw away your confidence in the Lord. For you have need of patient endurance [to bear up under difficult circumstances without compromising], so that when you have carried out the will of God, you may receive and enjoy to the full what is promised. Hebrews 10:36. AMP. Look up my friends, into the face of your Savior. Maybe you need to take communion and focus on what He endured for you. He felt it was worth it, even when we stumble, doubt and continue in our unbelief and sin. I feel someone needs to hear, “buck up, buttercup” you can do this. You can do the hard thing, because you are not suffering unto death. I am not saying it’s easy, but you can do hard things with Him, and isn’t that all that matters?

Father, please help your people as they struggle against Satan’s lies that they won’t make it. Give them the confidence to stand strong in you. You are able to keep them from stumbling and falling away so you can present us with great joy into your presence (Jude 1:24). In Jesus’ Name, amen.