Season 1

Episode 191: Matthew 24

Today's meditation is on Matthew Chapter 24
Even though deception runs rampant, I will not be misled. Already, there have been people who claim Christ's authority -- some even claim to be Jesus himself! Sadly, they have led many astray. 
As Jesus predicted, there are wars and threats of wars and revolutions, but I will not panic or give in to fear. The breaking apart of the world's systems is destined to happen. I know that these things must take place. But it isn't the end yet, it is still unfolding.
Nations go to war against nations, kingdoms against kingdoms. There are terrible famines, earthquakes and horrible epidemics in many parts of the world, just as Jesus said. But this is just the first of the birth pains, with more to come.
In many countries, Christians are arrested, persecuted, and killed. I know there will be those who hate me, because I follow him. And some Christians will turn away and betray their brothers and sisters. We are already seeing this happen. False prophets will also appear and will deceive many people. 
There will be an increase of lawlessness. Sin will be rampant everywhere--in fact, it already is. And those whose hearts once burned with passion for God and others are growing cold. But I will hold my hope firmly and endure to the end and I will experience life and deliverance. 
Through it all, I will continue to do my part to spread the gospel about the Kingdom, providing others with a demonstration of the reality of God, so that everyone in every nation will hear the good news of heaven's kingdom. Then, the end of this age will arrive.
The day is coming when we will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about—the disgusting destroyer taking its stand in the Holy Place. When these things happen, it will be time to flee to the hills. I won't even take time to pack. If I'm out in the field, I won't return even to get a coat. 
This will be a time of great misery beyond the magnitude of anything the world has ever seen or ever will see. But God, in his mercy, will limit those days for the sake of his chosen ones so they can survive.
If anyone tells me ‘Look, he has returned,' 'the Messiah is over here', or 'the Messiah is over there,' I won’t believe it. I know that there will be imposters falsely claiming to be the Lord. They will even perform great signs and miracle wonders to lead astray, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. Jesus has warned me about this ahead of time so I will be prepared and not led astray.
If someone tells me, ‘Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,’ I won’t bother to go and look. Or, ‘Look, he is hiding here,’ I won’t believe it! For when Jesus returns, it won't be a secret, hidden event. His appearing will burst forth with the brightness of lightning shining rom the eastern sky to the west. But all these signs indicate that the end is near, just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby.
Then, immediately after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
Then at last, the moment that I long for, the sign that the Jesus is coming will appear in the heavens. Those who refused to believe will mourn deeply. I will see my Savior coming on the clouds of heaven with mighty power, great splendor, and glory. He will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and I will be gathered with the rest of his chosen ones from all over the world from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.
Just like the fig tree, when spring arrives it sends out its tender branches and sprouts leave and I know that summer is near. It will be the same when I see all these things taking place. I will know his return is very near, right at the door. The end of this age will not come until all that Jesus spoke comes to pass. The earth and the sky will wear out and fade away before one of his words loses its power or fails to accomplish its purpose. 
I do not know the day or the hour when these things will happen. Not even the angels in heaven or Jesus himself know. Only the Father knows.
His return will be like it was in Noah's time. People went on with their lives enjoying dinners and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. They didn’t realize the end was near until the flood came and swept them all away. That is how it will be when Jesus comes.
Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, and the other left.
So I stay alert and keep watch, because I don't know what day he is coming. I make sure that I am ready at any time, because he will come when least expected.
I will be a faithful, sensible servant whom Jesus can depend on to responsibly manage what he has entrusted to me. When he returns and sees that I have done a good job, he will reward me. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 190: Matthew 22-23

the wedding feast of the Lamb. The invitation has been extended to everyone, but few respond in excellence. I will wear the robe of righteousness provided by Jesus.
In my life, I have been so concerned with making sure I fulfill my earthly obligations. But I now bear the image of God, so I will give back to God all that belongs to him. I will offer myself as a living sacrifice to Father God, who adopted me into his family.  
Jesus has taught me that all of God's commandments can be reduced down to just two. So I will love the Lord my God with every passion of my heart, with all the energy of my being, and with every thought that is within me. And, equally important, I will love my neighbor in the same way I love myself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are contained on these two love commandments.
I follow the teachings of those who practice what they preach, and will follow my spiritual leaders example only as they follow Christ. I will not be crushed under the burden of religious obligation, for that is not what God requires. Rather, he has asked me to cast my burdens onto him. 
I do not do things for show, or crave a place of honor. I don't desire a title of respect or to be called a teacher. I have only one teacher -- God. I consider myself equal to my brothers and sisters, not above and not beneath. And I don't refer to anyone on earth as Father, for I have only one Father, and that is Father God in heaven. 
I humble myself as a servant. I choose to have a modest opinion of myself. If I am to be honored, let God be the one who honors me, and not myself. 
I will do everything in my power to open the door of the Kingdom of Heaven for others, and invite them to enter in. And I will do everything in my power to follow the path that God has set before me. I am careful to tithe on all of my income, while not neglecting the most important duties of all: to walk in the love of God, to display mercy to others, and to live with integrity. I place first things first.
I know that outward cleanliness means nothing, if I do not also make sure that I am clean on the inside. I rid myself of greed, self-indulgence, unforgiveness, and anything that would hinder my faith. I know that if I am clean on the inside, the outside will become clean too.
I do not compare myself to others and think that I am in the least bit better or more righteous than they are. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. 
As a mother hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, Jesus has gathered me to himself. Blessed is he who came in the name of the Lord and provided complete salvation.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
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Episode 189: Matthew 19-21

Today's meditation is based on Matthew Chapters 19-21
The Kingdom of Heaven is composed of beloved ones like little children. I cannot enter the kingdom realm of heaven unless I become like a child. Oh to have childlike faith, knowing that all of my needs will be met abundantly by Father God. I could sell my possessions and give the money to the poor, knowing that I will have treasure in heaven that far outweighs any treasure this world can offer. 
It is difficult for the rich to enter the Kingdom Realm. You cannot get there by trusting in earthly riches. It would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle. Humanly speaking, it is impossible, because I cannot save myself. But what seems impossible to me is never impossible to God. With him, all things are possible.
There is an age of restoration coming. When this world is made new, and Jesus sits upon his glorious throne. As a faithful follower, I will rule and reign with him. And anything I gave up in this earthly life to follow him -- houses, family, property -- I will be repaid a hundred times over and will inherit eternal life. But those who push themselves to be first will find themselves last. I do not strive to be the greatest in this life. I know that even if I may seem unimportant now, God recognizes my true value. I was so valuable in his sight, that he sent Jesus to die in my place so that I could live forever with him.
God is more than generous. His mercy is beyond compare. To him, we are all equal. Whether I have followed Christ my entire life, or made him Lord moments before leaving this life, the reward is the same -- eternal life with him. In God's system, the last will be first and the first will be last. And he has made an open invitation for everyone, but few choose to accept it. 
While the rulers in this world lord it over their people, ruling oppressively like tyrants over those under them, this is not our calling. In God's system, it's completely different. The greatest will live as one who is called to serve others, because the greatest honor and authority is reserved for such as these. So all the work that I do, I will do with the heart of a servant. For even Jesus came not to be served, but to serve others -- even giving his very life as a ransom for mine. 
He could have ridden into Jerusalem on a horse with power and a host of heavenly angels. Instead, he came humbly, riding on a donkey. 
Praise God, for such a wonderful king! Blessed be Jesus who came in the name of God to save me. 
Even children and infants praise his name.
Jesus is the cornerstone that was rejected as flawed by the religious leaders. And the Kingdom Realm of God was taken away from them and given those who submit to him and follow him. Those who yield the fruit that faith produces. 
I will not doubt God's power, but will speak out of faith's fullness. I will speak to the mountains in my life and command them to move. And it will be done. Jesus has promised that everything I pray for with the fullness of faith, I will receive. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 188: Matthew 17-18

Today's meditation is based on Matthew Chapters 17 and 18
Jesus said that if I have faith even as small as a mustard seed, I can speak to the mountains in my life and they will move. He promised that nothing would be impossible. All of my needs are met in him. 
I know that in order to enter the Kingdom Realm, I have to dramatically change my way of thinking and become teachable as a little child. So, I continually humble myself and cultivate a childlike faith, not jaded or defiled by life's circumstances, but believing every word spoken by my Father. 
I tenderly care for and advocate for children, knowing that they have a special place in the heart of Jesus. I guard them and guide them away from sin. 
Temptations are inevitable in this world. Troubles and obstacles to my faith will come. But tempting others and causing them to stumble will cause great devastation. So I cut out of my life anything that might cause me to sin. There is no thing in this world that is worth trading for the promise of eternal life; nothing is worth being thrown into the fires of hell.
I do not look down on children or consider them less than myself. Every life is precious to the Father. And their guardian angels are always in the presence of Father God, interceding for them. 
This is how much God loved me: Jesus came to give life to all who are lost. Like a shepherd with a hundred sheep, when I wandered away from the flock and was lost, he left the 99 and came to find me. And what rejoicing there was in heaven when he saved me! It is not God's will that even one of his children should be lost. 
Father God expects the same kind of compassion from me. If a believer sins against me, rather than turning it into a public spectacle, I go to the person privately and point out the offense. If he listens and confesses his error, I have won that person back and our bond of friendship is strengthened even more. 
If I'm unsuccessful, then I take one or two other believers with me and go back again. In this way, everything I say can be confirmed by witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, then I take my case to the church. If he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, then I cut off all ties with them.
Jesus has given me the keys to the Kingdom realm, and whatever is forbidden in heaven, I have the right to forbid on earth. And whatever is loosed in heaven, I have the right to loose in the earth.
If there is a circumstance I don't feel confident about, then I reach out to a fellow believer and ask them to intercede on my behalf and stand with me in faith. Jesus has promised that if two of us agree here on earth concerning a request, that Father God in heaven will hear our symphony of prayer do what we ask. Where two or three of us gather together as followers, in Jesus' name, he is here with us.
And I know that when I pray, I also have to be walking in forgiveness. When I compare the offenses of others toward me, they pale in comparison to what Jesus suffered for my sake. Yet, he forgave my tremendous debt. So I release forgiveness from my heart toward my brothers and sisters. I show mercy to others as it has been given so freely to me. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 187: Matthew 16

Today's meditation is on Matthew Chapter 16
I do not ask God for a miraculous sign from heaven as proof that his Word is true. His Word alone is my proof. It is all I need. His Word is revelation knowledge, and through it, I can interpret the signs of the times. 
But I am careful when I listen to teachings, to discern true teachings from those of deception. If they don't line up with God's Word, it is a lie and it is from the father of lies. 
So I study the life and the words of Jesus. He is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Upon the supernatural revelation knowledge of who he is, he built his church. Jesus is the bedrock foundation, and all the powers of hell will not be able to overpower his church.
Jesus has given me the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. So I forbid on earth whatever is forbidden in heaven. And I release on earth what is released in heaven.
While on earth, Jesus suffered many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the religious leaders. He was crucified like a common criminal, but on the third day, he was raised from the dead victorious.
From a merely human point of view, his death would have been the worst possible failure, but from God's viewpoint, it was all part of his miraculous plan of salvation to bring me back into right relationship with him. 
I am a follower of Christ. I have completely rejected and disowned my own life. I am willing to share his cross and experience it as my own, as I continually surrender to his ways. I do not try to hang onto my life, and keep it for myself, for if I do, I will forfeit what I try to keep. Instead, I give up my life and choose self-sacrifice for Jesus' sake. I live my life for his glory, and I continually discover true life.
There is no benefit to gaining the whole world with all of its wealth and power, if I lose my own soul. There is nothing more valuable than my soul. Jesus will come with his angels in the glory and majesty of the Father and will reward everyone according to what they have done.
How I long to hear him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 186: Matthew 13

Today's meditation is on Matthew Chapter 13
I have been given the intimate experience of insight into the hidden mysteries of the real of heaven's kingdom, as I study the teachings of Jesus with an open heart, and receive progressively more understanding and revelation knowledge. But for those who do not study his teachings with an open, teachable heart, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. They look but don't see. They listen but do not hear or understand. And they never fully perceive the message of Christ. 
But I carefully listen. I hear and understand. The eyes of my heart are open. My mind is quick to perceive. Jesus has healed me. And I have turned to him. 
Blessed are my eyes, because they see; delighted are my ears, because they are open to hear all these things. The prophets and righteous people of old longed to see the Messiah come. They longed to hear his teachings. But they didn't live to see or hear him. I have been favored to live in these days of miracles.
The Kingdom of God is like a farmer planting seed. The seed is the Word of God, the kingdom message. Some of the seed falls on the footpath; these are the people who hear the message about the Kingdom but don't understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. 
The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, their experience remains shallow and they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for the sake of God’s word, because the truth didn't sink deeply into their hearts.
The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by all of life's busy distractions, their divided hearts and their ambition for wealth. So no fruit is produced. 
Oh, but the seed that fell on good, rich soil represents those who truly hear and fully embrace God’s Word. Their lives bear good fruit and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted.
I will prepare my heart as good, rich soil to receive the Word of God. It will be like a mustard seed planted in a field. Although it is the smallest of all seeds, it becomes the largest of garden plants; growing into a tree, that the birds nest in and raise their families. 
The Word of God permeates every part of me, like yeast in dough, it will raise me up completely. I am a child of the kingdom realm, sown by Jesus. I will shine like the brightness of the sun in my Father's kingdom realm.
The Word of God is more precious than the greatest treasure. I would give up everything I own in exchange for it. I am a scholar of the scriptures, instructed in the ways of heaven's kingdom realm, my spiritual house is filled with treasures both new and old. And I experience mighty miracles in my life. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
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Episode 185: Matthew 12

Today's Meditation is on Matthew Chapter 12
God isn't looking for a sacrifice, but wants me to show compassion and mercy, and to know him intimately. 
God made the Son of Man Lord even over the Sabbath. It is always proper to do miracles, even on Sabbath, so I will not get into legalism and refuse to do good. 
I look toward Jesus as my goal. He is Father God's beloved, his chosen one. In him, God finds his delight. He breathed his Spirit upon him -- the same Spirit that Jesus sent to dwell in me. And this pleased the Father. Everything he does, pleases the Father. 
He didn't fight or shout or raise his voice in public. He did not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He didn't brush aside the bruised and broken, but was gentle with the weak and feeble. And through his victory over the enemy justice was released. His name is my hope and the hope of all the world. 
Any kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, but is reduced to ruins. A town or family splintered by strife will fall apart. Satan does not cast himself out. But demons are driven out by the power of the Spirit of God. Through Jesus, the end of Satan's kingdom has come and the Kingdom of God has arrived. Only Jesus, in his awesome power, could tie up the strong man and plunder his house and take possession of the keys of life and death.
I do not oppose Jesus, but work with him. And I do not blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, for that is a sin which will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come.
I am known by the fruit I produce, just as a tree is identified by its fruit. And this is how I determine the heart of others. I know that the fruit defines the tree. What I say is determined by what is in my heart. What I have stored up in my heart will be heard in the overflow of my words. 
So, I store virtue within my heart, and I produce good fruit out of the good treasury of my heart. I do not speak idle words, for I will have to give an account for every careless word I speak. My words will either acquit me or condemn me. 
I am not unfaithful to God, demanding miraculous signs and wonders. His Word is all the proof I need. There could be no more sure sign than the prophecies given and their fulfilment through Jesus Christ. 
I listen to his words, and fill my soul with his wisdom, leaving no space for anything else to enter. I am part of the family of God. I obey the Father, and that makes me part of his true family. Jesus is my brother, my savior and my Lord.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
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Episode 184: Matthew 11

Today's meditation is on Matthew Chapter 11
I thank Father God, Lord of heaven and earth, for hiding the great revelation of his authority from the proud and those who think they are wise. Instead, he has revealed it to the childlike. He chose this gracious plan to extend his kingdom. And it pleased him to do it this way.
The Father entrusted everything to Jesus, his son. And through him, I am able to intimately know the Father. For Jesus revealed the Father through his life here on earth. Because of Jesus, and his anointing, the blind see again, the crippled walk, lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised back to life and the poor and broken now hear the hope of salvation. The blessings of heaven come to those who are not offended over him.
The realm of heaven's kingdom is bursting forth, and I have passionately taken hold of its power. God's wisdom became visible to me when I embraced it. 
In Jesus, I find rest. He refreshes my life. He is my oasis. There is no reason for me to be weary, because I can cast all my cares upon him. I have joined my life with his, and committed myself to learn his ways. I have discovered that he is gentle, humble and easy to please. I find refreshment and rest in him. All that he requires of me is pleasant and easy to bear. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
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Episode 183: Matthew 10

Today's meditation is on Matthew Chapter 10
Through the Great Commission, Jesus has given his followers the authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. I am a follower of Christ, so this includes me. Freely I have received the power of the kingdom, so I freely release it to others.
I do not hesitate to accept hospitability; because I work, I deserve to be fed. When I am accepted by others, I give them my blessing. If I am not accepted, I shake the dust from my feet as I leave. It is not worthwhile for me to take any feelings of ill-will or strife with me. So I leave it all behind and continue on my way. 
As a follower of Christ, I am sent out as a sheep among wolves. So I am as shrewd as a snake, but as harmless as a dove. When I am mistreated and questioned, I use it as an opportunity to tell unbelievers about Jesus. I don't worry about how to speak or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will give me at that very moment the words to speak. It won't be me speaking, but the Spirit of Father God speaking through me.
I know that in these last days, brothers will betray brothers, fathers will betray their own children, and children will rebel against their parents. I will be hated by some for my beliefs and my loyalty to God. But I know that if I endure to the end, I will experience life and deliverance. And these are all signs that Jesus is returning soon. 
I am not greater than my teacher, and I am not greater than my Lord. But I strive to be like my teachers as they imitate Christ, and being Christ-like is always my ultimate goal. If Jesus was mistreated here on earth -- and he lived a perfect, sinless life -- how much more should I expect to have trials. 
I am not afraid or intimidated by others, for God will bring everything out into the open and every secret will be told. The revelation truth that God speaks to me in the dark, I will repeat in broad daylight. And what I hear in a whisper, I will announce publicly. I will shout it from the rooftop for all to hear.
I am not afraid of those who can kill only the body; they cannot touch my soul. I fear and reverence God alone, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 
Sparrows are cheap and can be easily bought. But I know that not a single sparrow falls to the ground without my Father knowing it. And I am more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. So I don't worry. God cares deeply about even the smallest detail of my life.
I will openly and publicly acknowledge Jesus here on earth, and he will freely and openly acknowledge me before Father God in heaven. But whoever denies him on earth, he will deny before Father God in heaven.
Many expect life to be easy and peaceful when they follow Jesus. Instead, friends and family members are set against each other over their differing beliefs. Within my own family, I have found enemies.
I love my father and mother, and I love my son. But I love the Lord more than my earthly family. If I loved anything or anyone else more than Jesus, I would not be worthy of being his. 
So, I will follow in his steps, and take up his cross and experience it as my own. I do not cling to my life, but I give it up for true life. I let go of my life for Jesus' sake and surrender it all to him. And in so doing, I have found eternal and more abundant life in him. 
Anyone who receives me, receives Jesus, and anyone who receives Jesus, receives the Father who sent him. When I receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, I am given the same reward as a prophet. And when I receive righteous people because of their righteousness, I am given a reward like theirs. And when I show hospitality to other Christ-followers -- even a cup of cold water -- I will surely be rewarded.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 182: Matthew 7

Today's meditation is on Matthew Chapter 7
I do not criticize or show bias toward others. I know that I will be judged by the same standard that I use to judge others. So, when it is necessary for me to use judgment and discern right from wrong, I use God's Word as the standard. I do my best to treat others fairly, for I know that most people will treat me the way I treat them. 
I do not focus on the flaw in someone else's life and fail to notice the glaring flaws of my own. For I have enough of my own to keep me busy. I work on correcting my own failings and blind spots first, and then if I am able to help someone else, I will. 
I use wisdom in sharing revelation, and don't give holy things to the depraved. It would be like giving pearls to swine. They would just trample them and turn and attack me. 
My Father, God, is generous. I know that if there is anything I need, all I have to do is ask, and he will give me what I ask for. When I seek, I discover what I'm looking for. And when I knock, he opens doors that no man can shut. God treats all of his children the same. Everyone who asks persistently, receives. Every persistent seeker, discovers what he longs for. And everyone who knocks persistently will one day find an open door.
It makes perfect sense. Even in the natural, if a child asks his father for a loaf of bread, he won't be given a stone. And if he asks for a fish, he won't be given a poisonous snake. If we humans, with all of our faults and failings, know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more ready is Father God to give wonderful gifts when his children ask.
The law of Moses in a nutshell is that I should do for others what I want them to do for me. 
Yet, sometimes it's easier said than done. The Kingdom Realm can be entered only through the narrow gate. But the highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide enough for all the multitudes who choose its easy way. Oh, but what wonders are mine when I find the Gateway to the abundant, God-kind of life. It is small, and the road is narrow, but there is no other path I would rather take.
I am constantly on my guard against false teachers who come disguised as harmless sheep, appearing to be genuine. On the inside, they are like wild, ravenous wolves. But I can spot them by the way they act, just as I can identify a tree by its fruit. I don't ever confuse grapevines with thorn bushes or figs with thistles. Because I can quickly identify different kinds of fruit trees by examining their fruit. A variety that produces delicious fruit never produces an inedible kind. And a tree producing an inedible kind can’t produce what is good. So the trees having the inedible fruit are chopped down and thrown on the fire. I can identify a person the same way, by the fruit of their lives and ministries.
I know that not everyone who sounds religious is really godly. And though some people may refer to Jesus as "Lord", they still won’t get to heaven. For the decisive question is whether they obey Father God in heaven. At the Judgment, many will say to Jesus, ‘Lord, Lord, we told others about you and used your name to cast out demons and to do many other great miracles.’ But he will reply, ‘You have never been mine. Go away, for your deeds are evil.’
So, I listen to Jesus's instructions and apply them to my life. Like a person who builds a house on an unshakable foundation. And even though the rain comes in torrents, and the floods rise and the storm winds beat against the house, it won’t collapse, for it is built on rock.
But those who hear Jesus's instructions and ignore them are foolish. They are like a man who builds his house on sand. And when the rains and floods come, and storm winds beat against his house, it collapses and is swept away.
I will build my life on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ, and that foundation will allow me to weather any storm. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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