Living Lesson: Preparing for the Storms - Church Bulletin Article for Nov 3rd, 2013

Preparing for Storms:  As many of you know, a few weeks ago we had a significant amount of water come into our downstairs den and laundry room during a heavy rainstorm. After getting the flow of water stopped and sopped up, it became apparent that we were going to need to do a little damage control, such as drying out the carpet. To pull up the carpet, we had to remove the wood paneling that was resting on top of the carpet edges. Guess what we found when we peeked under the surface? Damaged drywall and rotting 2"x4"s – not what you want to see in your walls.

What began as a small project has turned into nearly a complete gutting of a room and an investigation into the water flow around and under the house. It appears that mistakes made 30 years ago in regards to the land grading may have caused water to seep into the house for decades. Combine those mistakes with small maintenance issues like improper guttering and you have a real problem.  When the sun’s shining, the problems aren’t noticeable, but when the storms come, the damage becomes evident.

It’s made me think about how we function as believers. We’ve got to be diligent about laying proper spiritual foundations in our lives AND maintaining ourselves spiritually.  If we don’t, it’s easy for sin to seep into our lives and do a lot of damage. We might appear “fine” on the surface, but that damage will be seen and felt when the storms of life come.

Now it’s time to ask ourselves about our foundation and our maintenance.  Have we laid the proper foundations of believing, confessing, repenting, and being baptized?  Are we continuing good maintenance practices with personal Bible study, group Bible study, regular prayer, regular communion, tithing, and serving the sick and broken-hearted?  Remember, without good foundation and maintenance, the storms will cause problems. 

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on 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 on 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.”- Matt 7: 24-27