Believing Jesus

Scripture – Matthew 7:24-27: ²⁴“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. ²⁵The 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. ²⁶But 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. ²⁷The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Hearing the words of Jesus is, of course, very important. Putting them into practice lays a foundation that will be firm and unshakable. True faith involves actions. It calls me to live as though the words of Christ are true. So I turn the other cheek, not because I think that will stop someone from hitting me again, but because that’s what Jesus said to do. Often I will get hit again. As I learn to redefine the meaning of “treasure” my life becomes freer. The foundation of my life moves from sand to rock.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) What specific words of Jesus will I put into practice today? I’ll answer that question and, with intention, I’ll do that.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, open my ears to hear your words today. Open my heart to trust you. Open my way to live in your truth this day.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting tomorrow morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

Reading for November 25:

Scripture – Matthew 7:28-29: ²⁸When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, ²⁹because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.