Teenside Daily Devotional

 4/25/20
Read Matthew 7:24-29.

The response that we have to Jesus’ words matters. If we make what he says the foundation of our lives, then we will be able to stand firm against any “rain”, “floods”, or “winds”. These can take the form of many things in this world: loss, depression, lust, stress, etc. Knowing Jesus and doing what he says won’t make these things go away. They will still attack, they will still creep up every now and then. What Jesus promises is that you’ll make it through and you’ll stand firm on the other side. And he’ll be there with you the whole time.

The alternative, as usual, is not desirable. Jesus says that not hearing what he says nor doing it is essentially like building a house on sand. When the storms come, it falls, and its fall is “great”. He doesn’t say here that if you don’t listen to him, he’ll replace the rock you built your house on with sand so that it falls. He’s saying that you will have done this yourself by not listening to him. This can be avoided simply by pursuing Jesus through God’s Word! Listen to the words that he has said so far in the book of Matthew, write them on your heart, and live them out!

Finally, we come to the authority of Jesus. The crowds were “astonished” at what Jesus was saying. However, this is a reaction, an emotion. There is nothing here that says they began following Jesus. We don’t get a sense that they were committed to him. They were just wowed. How will you react to the authority of Jesus? Will you simply say “Wow, that’s cool, I guess”? Or will you heed his words, commit your life to following them, and pursue him with everything that you have? For he doesn’t fake his authority as their scribes would have back then. He doesn’t parade fake authority as some people in our world do today. He’s got real, divine authority. And the wisest choice we can make is to listen to him.

Questions:
*Take a moment to journal these questions. Write down your thoughts, questions, and concerns. Then date your entry. One of the coolest things is being able to look back and see how God came through for you.*

1. How steady is your foundation? When the rain falls and the flood comes does your foundation feel like it is falling out from under you or does it remain firm? 

2. How can you build a life centered on God’s truth and promises?

3. What authority are you listening to? Does the authority you listen to (whether that be your friends, music, or our culture) have merit? Is it true authority?

Prayer: Spend some time praying about the things you journaled. Pray that you would be able to stand on a firm foundation through any adversity. Ask God to show you how to build your life on this unshifting foundation. Thank God for His truth and authority in your life. Pray that you would have clarity to see the voices you have given authority in your life.


Song: Build My Life- Housefires

Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/169Fs68hROYRdS362T8D9w