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My 23 year old single daughter had a brand new house built over the summer. Since Elisa was coming home when school ended in May, she told the project manager before she left, “Everything is in your hands—see you in two months”. He promised to build her a high quality home using the best materials around. Elisa took him at his word and left for Toledo.

The first of August, Kirk and I went back with Elisa to South Carolina to help her move in. The very first thing that was on our agenda was to go inspect Elisa’s new house. Since Kirk and I always had new houses built, we have an eye for quality construction.

We held our breaths as we walked in, but was more than pleased with what we saw. After viewing the house, we understood why the builder received a national award in 2007 for “best quality builder”. Elisa is thoroughly enjoying all 1300 square feet of her house, and we are so proud that our daughter has become so independent.

Many times building a house is a nightmare instead of a blessing. Kirk and I have experienced both. We had one house that began falling apart immediately after moving into it. (That was before we acquired that eye for quality construction) Then we have owned other houses that have passed the test of time.

However, there is one thing we have always known. That is, the most important part in the construction phase is the foundation that is being laid. That is rather ironic since this is the part that you cannot see. In fact, Kirk and I did not even examine that part of Elisa’s house when we made our final inspection. We trusted the builder had enough integrity and good sense to start with a sturdy foundation. We figured since they offered Elisa a 10 year warranity this was something we did not have to check out.

You know the Bible talks a lot about foundations. Not physical foundations, but rather spiritual foundations that we build our lives on. It urges us that before we begin building our lives, we should make sure that we have a sturdy foundation that can take the weight of the world if it has to.

But the sad truth of the matter is…there are many people who are not aware of this. They have allowed themselves to believe that their careers, or their good families, or some other false security, is the only foundation that they need in order to build a successful life. And nothing could be further from the truth.

The foundation that is talked about in scripture is not something we have to do ourselves. No, it was poured out for us over 2000 years ago when Jesus took our place on the cross. 1Corinithians 3:11 says it like this: The foundation has already been built. No person can build any other foundation. The foundation that has already been built is Jesus Christ.

The best part about this foundation is you don’t even have to worry about things like Hurricane Ike. This foundation can hold you up regardless of any storms that come into your life. Oh yeah, and another perk…instead of a 10 year warranty, you get an eternal warranty. Now that is a sure foundation!

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and puts them into practice,

is like a wise man who built his house upon the rock.

The 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 upon the Rock.

But 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. The rain came down, the streams rose,

and the winds blew, and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Matthew 7:24-27

"Today's Little Lift" from Jim Bullington

Mercy and not Sacrifice (Sept. 30, 2010)