(Prov 24:3-7 GNB) It takes wisdom to build a house, and understanding to set it on a firm foundation; It takes knowledge to furnish its rooms with fine furniture and beautiful draperies. It's better to be wise than strong; intelligence outranks muscle any day. Strategic planning is the key to warfare; to win, you need a lot of good counsel. Wise conversation is way over the head of fools; in a serious discussion they haven't a clue.
This morning we continue our series. There is too much in this passage to cover it all in one day, so I am going to break this up into three parts: the home, the battlefield, and leading. We will start with 'the home' today.
I will address this topic from the natural and then the spiritual. Naturally speaking, it does require wisdom to build a house well. Solomon describes a house that is well designed, solidly erected, seated upon a firm foundation, and beautifully furnished.
The house is a representation of the thoughtful planning, tireless labor, and care of it's owners. Yes, it does take a certain level of wisdom to have a beautiful house, and moreover, it takes the wisdom of God to make the house a Godly home. When you have a Godly home it serves as a sanctuary and refuge from the hustle and bustle of life. Within its walls you find rest, your hope is restored, your body is rejuvenated, your mind is at ease, and your heart is at peace. It is here that your children are nurtured, educated, and corrected; your family bonds are strengthened, and the fire of your marriage is rekindled.
This is a description of a natural home that is dedicated to God as an edifice where He is welcome, where He is acknowledged as Lord, and where He communes with a family who enjoys communion with both their God and one another. I pray that I just described your home. Actually, it's the home I want, the home my husband and I strives to establish, and the home I believe the Father wants us to live in. Yes, it takes divine wisdom to establish this type of home.
Spiritually speaking, one could interpret what Solomon is describing as our own life. It takes divine wisdom to build a solid life, one set upon a firm foundation. Most of us are familiar with the story of the man who built his house upon the rock and the one who built his house upon the sand. Jesus described how both faced "the storms of life." When the rail fell, the flood flowed, and the winds blew, the house that was built upon the sand came crashing down, but the house that was build upon the rock stood and it stood strong! So you might ask: how do we build our house upon the rock? Jesus answered that question by saying that we must hear His words and then put them into practice. If we do so, we will be wise and our house will withstand any storm we face in life.
So what does this mean? Two things:
1. Naturally: Pray for divine wisdom so that you can build a home that will serve as a sanctuary for both you and your family. You need a place where God can minister to you, you can minister to Him, and where you and your family can find rest, peace, encouragement, restoration, and rejuvenation from the rat-race of life.
2. Spiritually: Ensure you are building your life upon the rock of the Word. Don't just read God's Word (countless people do that), but settle in your heart the fact that you will live what you learn. This way you can be sure that you are prepared to withstand the storms of life and to continue to grow into the person the Father has destined, designed, and desires for you to be.
Father, both naturally and spiritually, I build my house upon a firm foundation. Naturally, I establish an altar in my home, making it a place where You are always welcome and where You reign as Lord. When my family and I come home we are able to enjoy supernatural rest. Within the walls of our home dreams are encouraged, hopes are nurtured, passions are fed, faith is grown, and discouragement is displaced. Our natural home is awesome and we thank You for it. Spiritually speaking, I am committed to build my house upon the Rock of Your Word. I read, listen to, receive, and apply Your Word daily. Your Word is the foundation upon which my life is established and because of it, I am able to withstand the storms of life. No matter what comes my way, I am ready to take it and to triumph over it - by faith. In Jesus' name. Amen!
This is Today's Word! Apply it and Prosper!
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