Tag Archives: grace

Be careful how you treat God’s children (Jeremiah 51:1-19), August 26, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Jeremiah 51:1-19

Set – Jeremiah 51; 3 John

Go! – Jeremiah 50-51; 3 John

Jeremiah 51:1-19
1The Eternal has this to say regarding Babylon:
Eternal One: Watch as I stir up a destroying wind
against Babylon and the people of Chaldea.
2 I will send outsiders to sift through this nation,
separating the wheat from the chaff, laying waste this land.
They will fight her from every side
on that fateful day of Babylon’s reckoning.
3 Do not let the archers draw back their bows.
Do not let them put on their armor!
Do not spare the life of one young soldier.
Destroy her army completely.
4 They will all fall dead in the land of the Chaldeans;
her streets will be full of the dead and dying.
5 For Israel and Judah have not been forsaken
by their God, the Eternal One, Commander of heavenly armies,
Even though their land is awash with the guilt of their sins
against the Holy One of Israel.
6 Get out of Babylon! Escape with your lives!
Do not be caught up in Babylon’s punishment,
For this is the time for the Eternal to avenge His people.
He will pay Babylon what she deserves.
7 Babylon has been a golden cup in the Eternal’s hand,
intoxicating the whole earth.
Yes, the nations drank her wine,
which is why they went mad.
8 But now Babylon—cup of God’s wrath—has fallen and shattered.
Weep for her, if you can!
Give her something for her pain;
perhaps she may still be healed.
9 Exiles: We would like to have healed Babylon,
but she was beyond our help.
It is time to leave her and go home before it is too late,
before we get caught in her coming judgment.
Look, even now it fills the skies, rising up to the clouds.
10 The Eternal has vindicated us;
come, we must tell those in Jerusalem
What the Eternal our God has done!
11 Enemies of Babylon, sharpen your arrows
and fill your quivers. Get ready to attack!
For the Eternal has stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes
to accomplish His purpose against Babylon.
He will exact His vengeance for what the Chaldeans did to His temple.
12 Raise up the battle flags around the walls of Babylon!
Reinforce the guard. Station watchmen along the way.
Prepare to make a surprise attack, for the Eternal will see His plan carried through
against the people of Babylon.
13 You who live by the great river
with the comforts of your abundant treasure,
The end has come, and you will lose it all.
Your time has run out.
14 The Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies, has sworn by Himself.
Eternal One: I will cover your land with enemy troops
the way a swarm of locusts covers a field.
And they will shout victory over you.
15 God alone is powerful enough to create the earth.
He alone is wise enough to put the world together.
He alone understands enough to stretch out the heavens.
16 His voice thunders through the heavens, and the waters gush from the sky.
He summons the clouds to build up over the earth.
As the rain falls, the lightning flashes at His command;
the wind rushes in from where He alone can store it.
17 All of humanity is stupid and bankrupt of knowledge.
Those who make idols are shamed by their creations.
What they fashion out of gold are imposters—breathless, lifeless frauds.
18 Their idols are worthless, the work of their hands an embarrassing mockery.
They are doomed to perish under God’s judgment.
19 The portion of Jacob is not like any of these.
He was not fashioned by human hands.
Instead, it was He who made all things and appointed Israel to inherit it all.
His name is the Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

I used Babylon to punish the nations who turned against Me. I enabled them to conquer every nation they came against. Judah was one of those nations because My people forgot Me. They turned to idols instead of worshiping Me, so I used Babylon to destroy the kingdom they thought so mighty and important. Babylon came in and crushed Judah and their capital city of Jerusalem in short order.

Babylon became arrogant, though. They became drunk with their power and thought their power came from their hand instead of Mine. Nebuchadnezzar thought himself king of creation because of his exploits. So I had Jeremiah remind him that I was still in charge. I reminded him I would rule over creation and all the nations of the world as I see fit. The Babylonians would find themselves defeated and destroyed the same way they destroyed others.

The great cities would fall. Nebuchadnezzar’s enemies would trample his great wonders into dust. Just as he carried off prize possessions and the healthiest and wisest into captivity, so would the Medes and Persians carry away all the spoils they chose and put into chains anyone they decided. Because Babylon and its leaders thought themselves more important than Me, they would feel the brunt of My wrath.

So you might ask, “What’s the point of this story for us today? Why include these verses for our study?” My answer is, be careful how you treat My children. Who are My children? All My creation. Everyone I breathe life into has a living soul I long to answer My call for salvation. I know that not all will, but you don’t know who will and who will not. Be careful how you treat My children. All of them are Mine. I don’t want you to end up like the Babylonians. 

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

He came with grace and gifts (John 1:1-28), July 30, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready -John 1:1-28

Set – Isaiah 62; John 1

Go! – Isaiah 60-62; John 1

John 1:1-28
1Before time itself was measured, the Voice was speaking.
The Voice was and is God.
2 This celestial Word remained ever present with the Creator;
3 His speech shaped the entire cosmos.
Immersed in the practice of creating,
all things that exist were birthed in Him.
4 His breath filled all things
with a living, breathing light—
5 A light that thrives in the depths of darkness,
blazes through murky bottoms.
It cannot and will not be quenched.
6 A man named John, who was sent by God, was the first to clearly articulate the source of this Light. 7 This baptizer put in plain words the elusive mystery of the Divine Light so all might believe through him. Some wondered whether he might be the Light, 8 but John was not the Light. He merely pointed to the Light. 9 The true Light, who shines upon the heart of everyone, was coming into the cosmos.
10 He entered our world, a world He made; yet the world did not recognize Him. 11 Even though He came to His own people, they refused to listen and receive Him. 12 But for all who did receive and trust in Him, He gave them the right to be reborn as children of God; 13 He bestowed this birthright not by human power or initiative but by God’s will.
14 The Voice took on flesh and became human and chose to live alongside us. We have seen Him, enveloped in undeniable splendor—the one true Son of the Father—evidenced in the perfect balance of grace and truth. 15 John the Baptist testified about Him and shouted, “This is the one I’ve been telling you is coming. He is much greater than I am because He existed long before me.” 16 Through this man we all receive gifts of grace beyond our imagination. 17 You see, Moses gave us rules to live by, but Jesus the Anointed offered us gifts of grace and truth. 18 God, unseen until now, is revealed in the Voice, God’s only Son, straight from the Father’s heart.
19 The reputation of John was growing; and many had questions, including Jewish religious leaders from Jerusalem. 28 So some priests and Levites approached John in Bethany just beyond the Jordan River while he was baptizing and bombarded him with questions:
Religious Leaders: Who are you?
John the Baptist: 20 I’m not the Anointed One, if that is what you are asking.
Religious Leaders: 21 Your words sound familiar, like a prophet’s. Is that how we should address you? Are you the Prophet Elijah?
John the Baptist: No, I am not Elijah.
Religious Leaders: Are you the Prophet Moses told us would come?
John the Baptist: No.
Religious Leaders: 22 Then tell us who you are and what you are about because everyone is asking us, especially the Pharisees, and we must prepare an answer.
23 John replied with the words of Isaiah the prophet:
John the Baptist: Listen! I am a voice calling out in the wilderness.
Straighten out the road for the Lord. He’s on His way.
24-25 Then some of those sent by the Pharisees questioned him again.
Religious Leaders: How can you travel the countryside baptizing people if you are not the Anointed One or Elijah or the Prophet?
John the Baptist: 26 Baptizing with water is what I do; but the One whom I speak of, whom we all await, is standing among you; and you have no idea who He is. 27 Though He comes after me, I am not even worthy to unlace His sandals.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Many are familiar with the description of My Son John gives in the opening verses of his gospel. It’s good to hear it every once in a while, though, and just be reminded of what He did for you in coming to live among you. I know it’s difficult to understand how I can exist as three persons in one godhead, but I do, Father, Son, and Spirit. Here since the beginning of time and I will exist as a triune godhead throughout eternity.

For you I gave up the splendor of the heavenly realms and wrapped myself in human flesh to live alongside you. I wanted you to see Me and know Me. I wanted you to experience My grace and gifts first hand from hands of flesh and blood. I had tried to let you experience those gifts from My godly presence, but you rejected Me. I hoped by living among you, I would be accepted by you. Few of you did. Few of you do today.

Many today still baptize with water. I still baptize with My spirit and will fill you to the full if you will let Me. I haven’t changed. I remain the same from before time began until time finally comes to an end. For a short time I took on a physical body so I could share your pain and suffering in physical form. I am both your savior and your judge.

I still want to give you My grace and My gifts. You must accept them, though. An unaccepted gift just sits, useless, unopened, given but of no value to the receiver. You must accept the gift and with it My Spirit that guides you through your days. I will lead you where you should go if you will let Me.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Justice and wrath, the flip side of mercy and grace, it’s coming (Hebrews 12:14-29), July 16, 2015

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Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Hebrews 12:14-29

Set – Isaiah 24; Hebrews 12

Go! – Isaiah 22-24; Hebrews 12

Hebrews 12:14-29
14 Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, since no one will see God without it. 15 Watch carefully that no one falls short of God’s favor, that no well of bitterness springs up to trouble you and throw many others off the path. 16 Watch that no one becomes wicked and vile like Esau, the son of Isaac, who for a single meal sold his invaluable birthright. 17 You know from the stories of the patriarchs that later, when he wished to claim his blessing, he was turned away. He could not reverse his action even though he shed bitter tears over it.
18 You have not come to the place that can be touched (as Israel did at Mount Sinai)—to a mountain crowned with blazing fire, darkness, gloom, and a windstorm— 19 or to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of a voice—a voice and message so harsh that the people begged not to hear another word. 20 (They could not bear the command that was given: that if even a beast touches the mountain, it must be stoned. 21 The sight was so terrible that even Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”)
22 No, instead you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem, to heavenly messengers unnumbered, to a joyful feast, 23 to the assembly of the firstborn registered as heaven’s citizens, to God the righteous Judge of all, and to the spirits of all the righteous who have been perfected. 24 You have come to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant between God and humanity, and to His sprinkled blood, which speaks a greater word than the blood of Abel crying out from the earth.
25 See that you don’t turn away from the One who is speaking; for if the ones who heard and refused the One who spoke on earth faced punishment, then how much more will we suffer if we turn away from the One speaking from heaven— 26 the One whose voice in earlier times shook the earth now makes another promise: “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heavens”? 27 The phrase, “Yet once more,” means that those things that can be shaken will be removed and taken away, namely, the first creation. As a result, those things that remain cannot be shaken. 28 Therefore, let us all be thankful that we are a part of an unshakable Kingdom and offer to God worship that pleases Him and reflects the awe and reverence we have toward Him, 29 for He is like a fierce fire that consumes everything.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Have you every noticed what happens when My messengers, the angels come to visit the earth? People fall on their face. The ground shakes, earth trembles as they touch the ground. Fire consumes the things they touch. Armies find themselves defeated at the hands of a single messenger of Mine. Men and women are always awed by the power they wield and the magnificence of their presence.

My messengers, though, hold little power compared to Mine. I created each of them, just as I created all else in the universe. All in heaven and earth came about because I spoke it into place. The Israelites glimpsed My power at Mt Sinai in the fire and smoke and thundrous voice as I spoke to them in the desert. They saw a token of My power when I rescued them from their enemies and when I rescued some of My followers, like Daniel and David, from those who tried to destroy them.

Some saw Me create new eyes from a little mud. Some saw Me make limbs straight and whole. Some watched as I raised others from the dead. Some witnessed My power when they saw Me alive and communing with them after a brutal beating and death by cruel crucifixion. When I come again, the earth and heavens will tremble at My coming.

The demonstrations of My power are real. Some will try to tell you My word is only a collection of stories. But you’ll find that as archeologists make new discoveries to try to disprove My word, they only serve to find new evidence that My word is true. The things of the past being true, you can trust My promises for the future are just as true. I’m coming back. Until then, it’s best to do what I ask.

I am a God of mercy and grace, but a time will come, when you will see the other side of grace, justice. Those not for Me are against Me and will feel the wrath I have held back to extend My mercy as long as possible. I am a God of mercy and grace, but I am a holy God. As such, I will deal with those who have not set themselves apart for Me. Remember My words in Hebrews, without holiness, you will not see Me. Take advantage of this era of mercy and grace before I decide it’s time to unleash My wrath. It won’t be long.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

God’s grace is enough (2 Corinthians 12:1-10), Apr 12, 2015

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Today’s Podcast


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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Set – 1 Samuel 13; 2 Corinthians 12
Go! – 1 Samuel 13; 1 Chronicles 2-3; 2 Corinthians 12

2 Corinthians 12:1-10
1Boasting like this is necessary, but it’s unbecoming and probably unavailing. Since you won’t hear me any other way, let me tell you about visions and revelations I received of the Lord.

2 Fourteen years ago, there was this man I knew—a believer in the Anointed who was caught up to the third heaven. (Whether this was an in- or out-of-body experience I don’t know; only God knows.) 3-4 This man was caught up into paradise (let me say it again, whether this was an in- or out-of-body experience I don’t know; only God knows), and he heard inexpressible words—words a mortal man is forbidden to utter. 5 I could brag about such a man; but as for me, I have nothing to brag about outside my own shortcomings. 6 So if I want to boast, I won’t do so as a fool because I will be speaking the truth. But I will stop there, since I don’t want to be credited with anything except exactly what people see and hear from me. 7 To keep me grounded and stop me from becoming too high and mighty due to the extraordinary character of these revelations, I was given a thorn in the flesh—a nagging nuisance of Satan, a messenger to plague me! 8 I begged the Lord three times to liberate me from its anguish; 9 and finally He said to me, “My grace is enough to cover and sustain you. My power is made perfect in weakness.” So ask me about my thorn, inquire about my weaknesses, and I will gladly go on and on—I would rather stake my claim in these and have the power of the Anointed One at home within me. 10 I am at peace and even take pleasure in any weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and afflictions for the sake of the Anointed because when I am at my weakest, He makes me strong.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Never ask to be like someone else unless you ask to be like Christ. You never know the shoes someone else must wear or the burdens they must bear despite the face you might see from day to day in public. Paul is a good example.

I hear many of My disciple say, “If only I could be like Paul, then I could overcome the obstacles in my path and become what God wants.” It’s not true. If you can’t become what I want of you as you are, you could never carry Paul’s burdens and become what I want of you. I allowed Paul to get a glimpse of heaven for a reason. I knew what lay ahead of him. I knew the road he would take to spread My word to distant lands and become the spokesman for developing the theology on which My church stands.

But with that vision of heaven came unbelievable burdens that few can carry. He endured more hardship than the twelve disciples. Yes, some were martyred for their faith in cruel ways. So was he. He was also beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, and carried what he called a thorn in the flesh for many years. I’ll let you ask him about it when you see him in heaven some day.

It’s true of everyone you see. The perfect life is never so perfect as it might seem. There are always things not told. Burdens My followers carry silently upheld by the knowledge I am with them through their deepest problems. The pain is real. The suffering is often intense. The longing for relief is there, too. But, like Paul, they know that My grace is enough. They will make it through and can count their burdens as part of their weakness and recognize that I am there. They can boast that I am the reason for their strength and success in their weakness.

So, never wish you could be like someone else. My grace is sufficient for you, just as it is sufficient for them. But I can guarantee that you do not want to trade lives with anyone. It won’t be what you think…ever. Just know that I’m enough…always.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Pay it forward when you can (2 Corinthians 9), Apr 9, 2015

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Today’s Podcast


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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – 2 Corinthians 9
Set – Psalms 72; 2 Corinthians 9
Go! – 1 Samuel 6-7; Psalms 72; 2 Corinthians 9

2 Corinthians 9
1 There’s nothing further I could add about your efforts for God’s people in Judea. 2 I know you are ready. I bragged on you throughout Macedonia, telling them how the people in Achaia have been prepared since last year; and your passion has been contagious. 3 Still I thought it would be best to send these brothers and sisters ahead to help you finish the final details so all my bragging wouldn’t be for nothing. 4 If some of the Macedonians decide to travel with me, all of us would be more than embarrassed if we arrived and you weren’t ready to give after the way we’ve been going on about you. 5 So to help you get your previously promised gift ready, it made sense to me to ask the brothers and sisters to go on ahead so you will have all the time you need to put it together as planned and so it doesn’t look thrown together or coerced.

6 But I will say this to encourage your generosity: the one who plants little harvests little, and the one who plants plenty harvests plenty. 7 Giving grows out of the heart—otherwise, you’ve reluctantly grumbled “yes” because you felt you had to or because you couldn’t say “no,” but this isn’t the way God wants it. For we know that “God loves a cheerful giver.” 8 God is ready to overwhelm you with more blessings than you could ever imagine so that you’ll always be taken care of in every way and you’ll have more than enough to share. 9 Remember what is written about the One who trusts in the Lord:

He scattered abroad; He gave freely to the poor;
His righteousness endures throughout the ages.
10 The same One who has put seed into the hands of the sower and brought bread to fill our stomachs will provide and multiply the resources you invest and produce an abundant harvest from your righteous actions. 11 You will be made rich in everything so that your generosity will spill over in every direction. Through us your generosity is at work inspiring praise and thanksgiving to God. 12 For this mission will do more than bring food and water to fellow believers in need—it will overflow in a cascade of praises and thanksgivings for our God. 13 When this mission reaches Jerusalem and meets with the approval of God’s people there, they will give glory to God because your confession of the gospel of the Anointed One led to obedient action and your generous sharing with them and with all exhibited your sincere concern. 14 Because of the extraordinary grace of God at work in you, they will pray for you and long for you. 15 Praise God for this incredible, unbelievable, indescribable gift!

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

The people in Jerusalem didn’t know about Paul’s mission to bring funds and needed supplies back to them. Paul sent emissaries ahead of him on his journey to tell of the offering he would take back to those struggling against the powers of Rome and the leaders of Judaism trying to destroy the fledgling congregation in the city. They needed help and needed it badly.

Paul intended to enlist the help of those who had extra and could still gain funds and needed supplies to help the Christians in Jerusalem survive. Persecution from Rome had not yet spread across the entire empire, but was very heated in this constantly rebellious area called Israel. The people refused to bow to Caesar. They refused to recognize the gods of the Roman people. They failed to make necessary sacrifices to the pagan gods of the nations that defeated and occupied their tiny nation. The Jews were a stubborn people who believed only I could help them.

Now the rebellion spread further with the preaching about Jesus rising from the dead. The Jews had someone to blame the rebellion on and didn’t hesitate to name the band of Christians as the culprits leading the revolt against Rome. They knew it to be false, but it was a way to get rid of this band of believers… Or so they thought.

Paul persecuted these same men and women earlier. He was part of that pack of leaders standing around Stephen approving of his stoning. His transformation at My hand on the road to Damascus was genuine, though. He saw the errors of his past. He wanted to make restitution for the wrongs he committed and so used his influence to raise funds on his mission trips to help those persecuted in Jerusalem.

Do you have wrongs you can make right? Do you need to make restitution for things in your past? Can you reach out with your influence to come to the aid of others and pay forward for the grace I’ve extended to you? That’s what Paul did with his collections for the Christians in Jerusalem. Many have followed his example through the centuries. How about you?

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Do you judge or forgive? (Luke 6:36-49), Jan 6, 2015

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Today’s background scripture comes from Luke 6:37-49.

It is so easy to condemn others. To judge their words when you don’t even know what they mean. Men and women today have become so sensitive to the words people speak and assume they know their hearts. They don’t. Only I know the hearts of people. Only I understand the intent of the words that come out of someone’s mouth.

Do you think I enjoyed the prayer of the Pharisee at the altar of My temple? His words often spoke highly of Me, but only so others could hear what he thought were beautiful prayers. His selfish words were meaningless to Me. On the other hand, the tax-collector spoke gruffly, almost vulgarly, afraid to approach My altar because of his sins. His prayer of repentance touched My heart and I heard his prayer. His sins I forgave.

I know men’s hearts, men do not know each other’s hearts, though. You cannot see inside each other’s soul to see what lives there. Over time, what is there bursts through in moments of anger, fear, or selfish desire. Man cannot contain what is in his heart forever. Whether good or evil resides there, it comes out when you react in the heat of the moment. But I see your heart all the time. I know what you think every moment.

So how can you best serve Me and others? Forgive in the same measure I forgive you. Give grace and mercy to those that wrong you. Recognize you cannot know their heart and so forgive them. Do good for everyone you meet. Don’t assume you know them. You don’t. Don’t assume you understand the problems they face or the struggles they have. You probably don’t understand their problems as much as you think you do.

Just extend grace and mercy and forgiveness. Lend and helping hand. That doesn’t mean to always coddle people. Sometimes tough love is necessary to lend a helping hand. But tough love always includes grace and mercy as well. When you jump to judge, remember I forgave you without extending My justice toward you. I extended grace and mercy instead. Follow My example and do the same.

Ready – Luke 6:37-49
Set – Genesis 15; Luke 6
Go! – Genesis 15-17; Luke 6

Luke6:37-49
If you don’t want to be judged, don’t judge. If you don’t want to be condemned, don’t condemn. If you want to be forgiven, forgive. 38 Don’t hold back—give freely, and you’ll have plenty poured back into your lap—a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, brimming over. You’ll receive in the same measure you give.

39 Jesus told them this parable:

Jesus: What happens if a blind man leads a blind man? Won’t both of them fall into a pit? 40 You can’t turn out better than your teacher; when you’re fully taught, you will resemble your teacher.

41 Speaking of blindness: Why do you focus on the speck in your brother’s eye? Why don’t you see the log in your own? 42 How can you say to your brother, “Oh, brother, let me help you take that little speck out of your eye,” when you don’t even see the big log in your own eye? What a hypocrite! First, take the log out of your own eye. Then you’ll be able to see clearly enough to help your brother with the speck in his eye.

43 Count on this: no good tree bears bad fruit, and no bad tree bears good fruit. 44 You can know a tree by the fruit it bears. You don’t find figs on a thorn bush, and you can’t pick grapes from a briar bush. 45 It’s the same with people. A person full of goodness in his heart produces good things; a person with an evil reservoir in his heart pours out evil things. The heart overflows in the words a person speaks; your words reveal what’s within your heart.

46 What good is it to mouth the words, “Lord! Lord!” if you don’t live by My teachings? 47 What matters is that you come to Me, hear My words, and actually live by them. 48 If you do that, you’ll be like the man who wanted to build a sturdy house. He dug down deep and anchored his foundation to solid rock. During a violent storm, the floodwaters slammed against the house, but they couldn’t shake it because of solid craftsmanship. [It was built upon rock.]

49 On the other hand, if you hear My teachings but don’t put them into practice, you’ll be like the careless builder who didn’t bother to build a foundation under his house. The floodwaters barely touched that pathetic house, and it crashed in ruins in the mud.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.