The Overwhelming Wisdom of Building One’s Life on the Strong Foundation that’s Jesus!

28 Sep 2026 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Today’s Scrip-Bit   28 September 2026   Matthew 21:42a.

Matthew 21:42a.         Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner (chief corner stone):

And then it was Monday… So what else is new came the sullen reply. Nothing really, just another day in the life, where one is expected to get up and make one’s way to a job so you can keep life and limbs together in a fairly reasonable manner. (smile) Yes, we all know how it feels to get up oh so early on a Monday morning, after two wonderful days of sleeping in, and join the other aggravated souls making the long, slow trek to some distant point to earn a day’s wage. And though the early morning commute was somewhat disrupted by some cloud and drizzle, at midday it’s mostly sunny and dry.

Now, it might not be the best scenario, but it’s the best we have right now, so let’s learn to live with it, using our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as the corner stone for our lives, knowing that in the long run, the Lord’s promised to work everything out for our good. (Rom. 8:28) And what does building our lives on the foundation of Jesus mean? According to this overview: ‘Building your life on the foundation of Jesus Christ means anchoring your daily choices, values, and faith in His teachings rather than shifting cultural trends.’

And why is Jesus such a great choice on which to build our lives eh? Because as He points out in the parable of the vineyard. ‘Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner (chief corner stone): this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?’ (Matt. 21:42)

There Jesus is referring to the words of Psalm 118:22-23, which prophesy about a stone rejected by the builders becoming the most important part of the building, the corner stone, which in ancient building, was the largest, strongest, and most carefully placed stone. Everything else was carefully aligned with it. Psalm 118:22 therefore signifies how Jesus was rejected by human builders yet chosen and exalted by God as the supreme foundation of faith. And believe me friends, there is no better foundation to build our lives on than Jesus.

Listen to the case Bruh Paul makes for it in his first letter to the Corinthians. ‘For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble (straw); Every man’s work shall be made manifest (become evident): for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try (test) every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide (endures) which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved: yet so as by (through) fire.’ (1 Cor, 3:11-15)

Yuh see mih bredrin, we must build strong works from strong stuff, like silver and gold that will endure the fire of the judgement day, so we can be well rewarded. As the scholars explain: ‘Fire is figurative for judgement, more specifically, the absolutely righteous judgement of God. Fire is used here to denote, not enlightening power, but consuming power. Of the six types of material mentioned, three are incombustible (silver, gold, precious stones) and three are combustible (wood, hay and stubble).

As per Reward (wages; cf. 3:8) And the “wages” mentioned here are entirely a gift of grace (cf. 1. Cor. 9:17; 2 John 8; Rev. 11:18). As per Saved: Such a one does not suffer the loss of his salvation, but the loss of reward. The stress in this entire passage is not on a person’s relationship to Christ, but on service to Christ.’

And to help us understand the situation a little better, we shall quote the first reference verse from the Reward section above. ‘Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.’ (1 Cor. 3:8) Meaning that you will only be judged on your own labour, not someone else’s.

And as per the other references, 2 John 8 says this: ‘Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought (worked for), but that we receive a full reward.’ That means we have to be careful and build on strong, incombustible material and then make sure we don’t do anything to lose our full reward.  

Now if you’re still uncertain about all we’ve said so far, then here’s some practical advice from Jesus on the subject, where He explains about the wisdom of two builders. ‘Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a (the) rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a (the) rock.

And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.’ (Matt. 7:24-27) Oh friends, Jesus is there reassuring us that He is indeed the Rock, and we’d be wise to build our lives on Him! And for divine help to aid in doing that, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn.

Altogether: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise and thank You this Monday morning for our jobs; jobs we sometimes don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose; keeping lives and families together. We also thank You Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm You’ve wrought in our weary souls over the weekend. It’s that rejuvenation of spirit which now allows us to sally forth with confidence into the evil and ungodly world, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s evil schemes.

But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing Your powerful, protective spiritual armour! We surrender our all to You, and humbly ask that You allow Your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit to lead and guide all Your servants, as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, thereby furthering Your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Amen!

And now, having been divinely inspired, let’s get out there and diligently and proudly spread the good news of Christ’s gospel to all we meet and thus turn our world around! Much LOVE!

…anything you build is only as strong as its foundation…and there’s nothing stronger than the Rock…that’s Jesus… 

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien    

Today’s Scrip-Bit   10 December 2023 Matthew 7:25.

10 Dec 2023 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew 7:25.       And the rain descended, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a (the) rock.

Gather round friends, gather round! Let’s fill the Lord’s sanctuary this Sunday morning for fellowship and worship, to give Him the glory and honour He so assuredly deserves. It’s the best way to refresh and rejuvenate our souls, bodies and spirits at the end of another long and tiring week of work. There’s nothing like the gathering of the saints, as we mix and mingle and encourage each other in the Lord. 

As the scriptures tell us: ‘Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised😉 And let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto LOVE and to good works. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.’ (Heb. 10:23-25) Oh my fellow believers, we need to keep meeting regularly, not like some others do, because Christian community and perseverance are of the utmost importance, as the writer of Hebrews stresses. 

And furthermore, we need to stand firm in our faith because God is faithful and needs us to encourage each other in LOVE and good works, even more as we see the day of Christ approaching. And believe me, that moment draws closer with each passing day. God does not expect or intend for Believers to stand alone. And having acknowledged the importance of fellowship, let’s break out in praise and worship, with this Christian hymn written by the British author Edward Mote around 1837, most appropriately titled ‘My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less.’ 

The story goes that apparently ‘Mote only wrote one hymn. And “My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less” was just as much an anthem of his own testimony as it has become for believers all over the world. Having grown up knowing nothing of God or His existence, Mote first attended church and became a Christian as a young adult. While still a new believer, he was compelled to try his hand at hymn writing. Thus, Mote wrote from a basic, yet profound understanding of his salvation. 

Later that same week, he visited a married couple at the wife’s sickbed. Without a hymnal handy to lead them in a song of worship, Mote produced a folded-up piece of paper upon which he had worked out four verses and a chorus. Together, they sang the hymn now known as “My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less” for the first time, blessed by the truths of God’s Word in the lyrics.’ And who says that our great God doesn’t move in mysterious and miraculous ways eh! Just imagine a new believer writing such a wonderful hymn! Only through the auspices of the Holy Spirit! 

And now, as we sing it, we’ll realize that it’s the gospel truth! So, let’s offer up sacrifices of praise in a rich, up-tempo, scintillating version showing our joyful sincerity, because it’s a song that’s meant to make us joyful. Singing: ‘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. (Refrain: On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.) When darkness veils his lovely face I rest on His unchanging grace In every high and stormy gale My anchor holds within the veil. 

(Refrain) His oath, his covenant, his blood Supports me in the ‘whelming flood When all around my soul gives way He then is all my hope and stay. (Refrain) Not earth, nor hell, my soul can move; I rest upon unchanging LOVE. I trust his righteous character, his counsel, promise, and his pow’r. [Refrain] When he shall come with trumpet sound, oh, may I then in him be found, dressed in his righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne. [Refrain: On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand. On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand. Oh thank You Lord…You solid rock…’ 

And is our God ever a great and immovable rock! That’s for sure! He’s solid, steadfast, faithful, unchanging with all the attributes we expect of a big rock! That’s why there are so many scriptures portraying Him as such. Listen to Moses, who should know that more than most, seeing that he had such a long and intimate experience with God. He writes in Deuteronomy: ‘He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgement (justice): a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.’ (Deut. 32:4) You could not want or get, a better short description of our marvelous God. 

And Bruh David said it thus in Psalm 18: ‘I will LOVE thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength (rock), in whom I will trust; my buckler (shield), and the horn (strength) of my salvation, and my high tower.’ (Ps. 18:1-2) Wow! What a mighty God we serve my brethren! Any God who is all those things must be powerful, unmovable and a source of safety and refuge! That’s why Bruh David could say in the next verse: ‘I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.’ (Ps. 18:3) 

Now that’s exactly what we need to do with Jesus – call on Him to save us, for He is the ONLY ONE capable of doing that! His precious shed blood and righteousness are the only things that stand between us and hellfire and damnation! And that’s the major reason He came into the world. In His own words: ‘For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.’ (John 3:17) That’s why He went to the cross and sacrificed His sinless life on our behalf. So that we could be saved, be reconciled back to the Father by accepting him as Lord and Saviour. 

Consequently, as he told the disciple Thomas: ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father but by me.’ (John 14:6) And if I were you, I wouldn’t try to prove Him wrong nuh. (smile) Oh friends, Jesus is the great pilot of our lives. He guides us through all the storms of life to safe shores, if we allow Him to. He is the epitome of all that’s true and wonderful and strong; a most fitting and worthy representative and representation of the Father! And since we’re running out of space and time, we can’t get into all the other rock references to Jesus, but we do know what He meant when He said in Matthew: 

‘Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house on a (the) rock: And the rain descended, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a (the) rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.’ (Matt. 7:24-27) 

Let’s hope we all recognize that Jesus was there talking about Himself as the Rock on which all wise people will build their lives! Much LOVE!

…Jesus is the ONLY safe, secure and steadfast place to build one’s life…all else is merely sinking sand… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ