Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone,
chosen of the Lord, and precious,
binding all the Church in one;
holy Zion’s help for ever,
and her confidence alone.

These words from a 19^th century hymn, sung to the majestic tune of Westminster Abbey, came to mind as we set foot on our deck shortly after all the boards had been replaced. (You can listen to it here)

The expression “sure foundation” comes from the Old Testament: So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.” (Isaiah 28:16)

As we saw in yesterday’s DWOD, Jesus is named as the foundation on which we build (I Corinthians 3:10). Jesus is also the cornerstone. (Ephesians 2:20).

When we know for sure that we build on the sure foundation/cornerstone of Jesus Christ, then we “will never be stricken with panic.” In other words, we will have a confidence that cannot be shaken.

Getting back to our deck…when Bruce Ingram assured us that the framework on which the boards were bolted down was solid, then we could go ahead and replace them, knowing that the deck would withstand any pressure applied to it.

We could host a party with a dozen people standing on the deck. There would be no reason to worry, let alone panic. Because we have a sure foundation!

The apostle Paul says in his second letter to Timothy, chapter 2 verse 19: 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.”

Once again, we see a reference to the confidence that comes from a firm foundation.

The first and foremost reason for this confidence is our identity. Our heavenly Father knows that we are His. And we know that we are His.

Secondly, we can be confident when we confess the name of the Lord Jesus. We are sealed by the covenant of His blood. We bear His name. (Christians=little Christs).

Thirdly, our confidence comes when we make a conscious choice to turn away from wickedness. This is not a reference to the turning around (repentance) that precedes confessing the name of Jesus as Lord. This is about repeatedly turning away from wickedness when we are faced with the temptation to give in to it—by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Dear DWOD friend, do you walk through life with confidence no matter what the circumstance? You can, if you base your confidence on these three foundational truths.

1. The Father knows who you are and you know that you are His.
2. Jesus Christ is the Lord you confess.
3. Holy Spirit is in you helping you turn away from wickedness.

Now you can continue to step out boldly towards your destiny, because you have a sure foundation.

The deck just outside the patio doors was in bad shape. The wood had rotted in certain spots. The prospect of someone putting their foot right through it was not exactly a pleasant thought.

Bruce, a member of our church surveyed the damage. He felt that we would likely get no more than another year’s use out of it. He also said that he could simply replace a board or two and make the deck safe for now. We told him to go ahead.

The only unknown was the condition of the framework on which these boards rested.

When Bruce took a couple of boards off, he remarked that the base was still in great shape. This meant that we would simply need to replace all the boards on the surface. We did a quick estimate, decided that our budget could handle it and proceeded to put new boards down.

We were grateful to previous owners who had ensured that the framework had been put up properly with quality materials and workmanship so we didn’t have to tinker with it.

In I Corinthians 3, the apostle Paul says: “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire…” (vs. 11-13)

Although Paul is using the metaphor of a house, his message is similar. As long as the basic structure is safe and secure, then you have a number of options to build on top of it, all the way from gold and silver at one end of the spectrum to hay and straw at the other end–that which is enduring to that which is easily removed and replaced.

The good news is that when the framework is strong and sturdy, then you can replace the surface materials without having to mess around with the support structure all over again. I learned that it would actually cost quite a bit more to replace the framework than it did for the surface boards.

Holy Spirit began to point out to me how this has been true of my life. My parents gave me the structural stability on which I could build and grow in faith. The boards with which I started are not there anymore—for example, traditions that were no longer needed or doctrines that had outlived their usefulness.

But, praise God, the framework is still solid, so that new boards could take their place—spiritual disciplines such as fasting and soaking, healing of the heart, unrestrained worship, gifts of the Spirit such as prophecy and healing—to name a few.

He wanted me to examine the framework that Sulojana and I have been building for our children. Is it solid enough for them to replace the boards when the time comes?

He has also been prompting me to modify the framework of ministry—from being pastor-led to the five-fold designed by Jesus for the Church in Ephesians 4:11.

Dear DWOD friend, perhaps this is a time for you also to examine the framework on which your life has been built—whether by your birth parents or spiritual father/mother or Mother Church. Let this also be a reminder of the framework you are building for the future generations.

As you advance towards your destiny, replacing boards is inevitable from time to time. It is in those moments that you will realize how much the framework matters.

“We are careful to be honourable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honourable.” (2 Corinthians 8:21)

The Senior Pastor summoned the volunteer leaders of the youth ministry to his office and told them that they were being asked to step down.

The couple was totally shocked at this unexpected development and wondered why.

He replied: “It has come to my attention that you have bought a house together and moved in months ahead of your upcoming marriage.”

“But, Pastor”, they protested, “We are not sleeping together. We are simply living under the same roof. We are totally honouring God in this relationship.”

“I am by no means questioning the purity of your relationship,” he replied. “But your decision has jeopardized your ability to lead our impressionable youth. Therefore unless you are prepared to change your living arrangements, I am not prepared to let you continue serving as youth ministry leaders.”

The couple did not see anything wrong with what they were doing. After all, they were doing nothing wrong. So, they chose to relinquish the leadership of the ministry rather than reconsider their decision. Eventually, they stopped being part of that church altogether.

If you were the Senior Pastor facing the same situation, how would you respond?

Although he did not state it explicitly, he was simply following the principle laid out by the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 8:21: “We are careful to be honourable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honourable.”

Paul took his calling very seriously. In the first place, he would not compromise his standing with the Lord by doing something that would be dishonourable. But he would not stop there. He would just as carefully ensure that it was apparent, obvious, visible, transparent to everyone else that he was beyond reproach.

That is a lofty standard to set for oneself, wouldn’t you say?

In this specific instance, Paul was talking not about sexual conduct, but financial stewardship. He had been entrusted with taking a huge gift from the Macedonian churches to Jerusalem. It was quite a responsibility.

Paul, of course, was going to be honourable before the Lord in handling other people’s money. But he was also going to make sure that it was evident to those travelling with him. He did not want to even put himself in a position where anyone could accuse him of some kind of impropriety.

We are not told what specific steps he took, but that he took them is an undeniable fact.

Sadly, many ministries today are reluctant to be transparent with their finances. When troubling reports surface about how the money that has been entrusted to them is being spent, there is usually an attempt to justify the expenditure or a simple “no comment.” Or worse: “That is a private matter.” Rarely is there total disclosure.

We are not judging whether someone is pure before the Lord or not, but wouldn’t it be better to also let others see that everything is above board?

Dear DWOD friend, as you keep on advancing toward your destiny, you will also reach higher levels of success. You too will be entrusted with more fiscal, moral, ethical and social responsibility.  Would you make sure that transparent accountability is an integral part of your life in all areas?

Then you too can hold your head high and declare as did the apostle Paul: “We are careful to be honourable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honourable.”

Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” (Genesis 2:8-10)

Raj, a six week-old beautiful Golden Retriever came to us as a wedding gift from the Davidson family who were breeding them just outside of Ponteix, Saskatchewan.

Sulojana was used to having a dog for a pet. I was not.

Needless to say I needed a crash course in raising a dog, especially home-schooling him in Obedience Training. Enter a book from the local library by Barbara Woodhouse, whose famous axiom was: “There are no bad dogs, only bad dog-owners.”

As much as I worked at using her techniques to raise him as a God-fearing and Jeeva-obeying dog, I must admit that once in a while I would discipline him according to the Biblical injunction: “Spare the rod and spoil the puppy.” (Proverbs 13:24, JSV—Jeeva Standard Version)

So, while on the one hand, he would obey me, you could clearly tell that he loved Sulojana. Whenever he saw me, he would still wag his tail and be friendly as he sauntered toward me at celebrity pace.

But when his beady eyes spied Sulojana, it was an altogether different story. He would immediately turn on the after-burners and run to her at breakneck speed, licking her all over and going “woof, woof, woof” followed by a prolonged moan. (Rough Translation from the Caninese: “I just love you to pieces and adore you to bits, Mommy dearest!”)

It was also neat to see what Raj would do when he did do something wrong, such as the time he clearly extended himself, stood on his paws and made sure that there was not a lick of leftover roast chicken for the rest of the family.

He would not dare come near his dog-father, but he would still run to Mommy, snuggle up against her ankles, and look at her with the saddest eyes you ever did see, accompanied by a soft whine, as if to say: “You’re not going to let Big Meanie over there hurt me, are you, Mama?”

Isn’t it true that the way we respond when we have sinned also depends on how we view our Father God? Way back in the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve chose to hide themselves, as they were overcome with shame. Fear of how God would respond made them run away from Him or at least stay out of His sight.

Contrast this with the attitude of King David who chooses to run into the arms of his heavenly Father and say: “Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight.” (Psalm 51:4)

He knew that God was the only one to whom He could run and find forgiveness.

Dear DWOD friend, how do you respond when you sin? If you are tempted to run away from God, that urge is from the enemy of our souls, who will do everything in his power to keep you away from your Father.

When you resist the devil and head in the general direction of your Father’s house, you will indeed witness an awesome sight. He is already running toward you! (Luke 15:20).

As Raj would say: “Woof! Woof!” (Ruff translation: “Yup, that’s the gospel truth, human!”)

“Do not turn away; let me see Your face; otherwise, I’ll die and be like all those who have gone to the grave”. (Psalm 143: 7)

 

Jeremy and Connie Sinott have served faithfully as Worship Leaders and Associate Pastors at the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship (now known as Catch the Fire Toronto) since it began in 1987. They are both incredible teachers as well.

I was used to seeing them from a distance as they led worship at virtually every Conference at this world-renowned center of revival. I did get an opportunity to get close to them when they taught and ministered at a Soaking School in January 2006.

Later that year, I became part of the Visiting Ministry Team, (which meant that I was authorized to pray with those who were on the prayer lines during Conferences). Quite often, I would find myself seated close to where they would sit after leading worship. We would be in one another’s line of sight on occasion.

They really had no idea who I was, what my name was or any other detail. Conversely, I had never really made an attempt to introduce myself to them either.

Once, when I was at a Conference, Jeremy was speeding down the aisle, guitar in hand, on his way to the parking lot. He smiled at me and simply walked on by with a twinkle in his eyes. This scene would repeat itself several times at subsequent Conferences. We still had not met formally. There had been no handshakes. No exchange of business cards.

But there was something about that glint of recognition that always warmed my heart. As a matter of fact, there were times when a smile from Jeremy was all it took to brighten my day and sometimes the entire weekend.

As peculiar as it may seem, the Lord was ministering to me through Jeremy’s eyes, especially when I was going through a difficult stretch in life when my ministry was not being recognized. In fact, it was being ridiculed and rejected.

The cry of David in Psalm 147 underscores the significance of knowing that God’s face is always turned toward us. Yes, it would be great to hear a word from God at any given time. But, in those moments when we are not hearing God’s voice, all we need is the assurance that God still knows that we exist, He knows our name, He cares for us in the midst of our troubles. A simple look is all it takes.

The Lord has been speaking to me about how important it is for us to be God’s face to one another as well. For we all have a need to be known, to be recognized, even simply to be acknowledged as a person of worth.

Everyone with whom we come into contact has the same need as well. Perhaps we are not sure about saying ‘hi’ to them or getting a conversation going (as we mentioned in the DWOD for Aug. 18).

Why not simply offer the gift of eye-to-eye contact? In our busy lives today, not everyone takes the time to even do something so simple.

That person walking by you could very well be at the point of simply needing some affirmation from another human being that they have value. They, like me at that time, may be going through a period of non-appreciation, even condemnation.

That connection could very well lead to conversation, resulting in transformation, as it did with Jesus and the Samaritan woman by the well.

But even if it didn’t go anywhere beyond the initial contact, you would’ve at least ministered to them with your eyes, as Jeremy Sinnott did to me. Amen?

 

“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?  And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:8-10)

Earlier this week the Bluetooth headset in my car decided to go AWOL.

As one who averages 2 hours a day in an automobile, I had gotten into the habit of getting a fair bit of work done over the phone while driving back and forth. Thanks to a  wireless plan that offered unlimited long distance anywhere in North America, I could not only keep in touch with members of our churches locally, but also with family, friends and ministry associates in Canada and the United States while I was on the road.

All of a sudden, that blessing was taken away from me. I tried using the speaker on the IPhone, but it was not the same. Road noise affected the clarity of the communication to the point where it was very frustrating. So I would let the calls go to Voicemail and return them when I got off the road.

Needless to say I searched in the usual spots where one would expect it to remain hidden. The glove compartment? No. The all-purpose storage cavity that houses the cigarette lighter? No cigar! The much deeper armrest storage space with the CD’s. Nosiree.

Perhaps it fell on the floor. I lifted up the floor mat on the driver’s side. Not there. Ditto for the passenger’s side. No Bluetooth.

Did I bring it into the house to get it charged? The sight of the poor charger curled up all by its lonesome disproved that theory in a hurry. Was it accidentally left in one of my shirt or pant pockets? No luck there either.

It had to be in the car, for sure. But where? I even got down on my knees and searched under the seats. Still no sign of the prodigal headset.

One day went by. Two days. Three days. I am now seriously contemplating the possibility of procuring a replacement. Then I sensed a nudge to go look again under the car seats yesterday afternoon.

On the passenger’s side I saw something I hadn’t noticed before–a gas receipt that had fallen down. I figured I might as well pick it up and take it into the house. No sooner had I started to remove it than I noticed the Bluetooth. It had been under that receipt all along. Finally earlobe and headset were reunited. And there was great rejoicing!

The entire experience reminded me of a recent DWOD entitled: “Not Lost, Just Not Been Found Yet.”  You may recall reading about our experiences with a Treasure Hunt, where we sought and found God’s treasures according to the clues He had given us.

This morning, as Sulojana and I sat with our good friend Peter Kumar at the breakfast table, he talked about how many Christians get so excited about supporting missions initiatives in nations other than their own. He ministers in at least 30 countries a year and confirmed that this is true of the “western” church for the most part.

Many Christians are not all that excited about reaching out to their neighbours in the “local village.”  They would rather write a cheque for someone else to fulfill the Great Commission by proxy!

But the fact remains that there are millions in our own backyard who still need to be reached for Christ. Are we perhaps simply travelling along life’s road blissfully unaware that these “head-sets” are hidden at arm’s length? Yes, it takes extra effort to find them. Yet, what price tag can we place on one who “once was lost, but now is found?”

Dear DWOD friend, would you ask the Lord to make you like the woman in Jesus’ parable who simply would not rest, but swept and sweat until she found the precious lost coin?

There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham…Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him. The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous…(Genesis 26:1, 12-13)

Virtually everyone understands the law of sowing and reaping. “We reap what we sow.” (Galatians 6:6)

Whether the seed is money, love, forgiveness, kindness, time…we know that in God’s scheme of things there is always a harvest!

Conversely, when a handful of hatred, unforgiveness, cruelty, apathy, injustice, etc. is sown, we can be confident that the same law will produce negative consequences by the bushelful.

We all know that it works, but there are times when the choice to sow or not to sow is not exactly easy to make.

A farmer has no problem planting seed when the ground is moist, the soil is rich and the forecast is favourable. The challenge comes when these healthy indicators are absent, when it might seem unwise to invest money, time and resources in the seeding process.

In Genesis 26, Isaac is faced with such a predicament. There is a famine in the land. Many locals have moved to Egypt to escape the harsh conditions. Most of those left behind have chosen not to waste their seed.

But Isaac practises the principle of contrarian investing. Why? Because God had appeared to him and said: “Do not go down to Egypt…Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you…”

All Isaac needed to sow was to know that God said so. Because he knew that when God made a promise, no matter how bad it looked, God would make it all come out good!

Sure enough, he reaped a hundredfold and became so wealthy that the king told him: “Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we.”

Have you ever been faced with the choice of having to sow in a time of famine?

•   To tithe or not in the middle of a recession?

•   To be kind to the offender when everyone else was heaping judgment?

•   To stay with your church when it was clearly in decline?

•   To keep on loving your spouse/child when you were repeatedly rejected?

•   To be persistent in sharing the gospel, even though there were no takers?

•   To keep on forgiving when the other party showed no sign of repenting?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Or, in this case, the seed hits the soil.

To sow or not to sow when there is no guarantee that it will grow. That is the challenge.

Isaac trusted in God’s promise. He had faith in God’s ability to make the law of sowing and reaping work. And he was rewarded.

How about you, dear DWOD friend? Have you ever sowed in a time of famine? What happened? Please share your experience with the rest of your DWOD family.