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What is a foundation?
According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary the definitions go something like this:
1: the act of founding = (1: to take the first steps in building 2: to set or ground on something solid : base)
2: a basis (as a tenet, principle, or axiom) upon which something stands or is supported
4: an underlying base or support; especially : the whole masonry substructure of a building
5 a: a body or ground upon which something is built up or overlaid

I like all the definitions I included. Each speaks toward the need of a base, a foundation upon which to found (ground) our beliefs in. Jesus even talked about foundations in the following 2 passages:

Matthew 7:24-27
24-25"These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.
26-27"But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards."

Luke 6: 46-49
46-47"Why are you so polite with me, always saying 'Yes, sir,' and 'That's right, sir,' but never doing a thing I tell you? These words I speak to you are not mere additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundation words, words to build a life on.
48-49"If you work the words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who dug deep and laid the foundation of his house on bedrock. When the river burst its banks and crashed against the house, nothing could shake it; it was built to last. But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a dumb carpenter who built a house but skipped the foundation. When the swollen river came crashing in, it collapsed like a house of cards. It was a total loss."

So if we are in need of words to guide our lives, what words do we rely on?

I rely on the words found in the Bible. I wanted to say my Bible, because I have one Bible that I am well acquainted with. I have had my Bible for over 25 years and have been reading and re-reading and studying it throughout that time. It is the Bible I pick up when I want to find any passage, verse or story. It is because it is an intimate relationship I have with this Bible, these words, that allow me to say I can rely on God’s words and it is My Bible that helps me find the right words to live by.

So what are the words that create the foundation of your life? Last week I shared the words that are the foundation of my church. If you don’t belong to Gentle Spirit Christian Church – what are the verses/words that form the foundation for your church? I believe every church should have the bible as their foundation. Does your?

Remember from last week what my church’s foundation verse is? Matthew 22:34-40

34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37 Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Can you think of another reason to found a church? Out of love, love for God, love from God and love for all others. Out of love all ministries should arise. It is unconditional love that allows us to be there for those that are less fortunate. It is out of love that we reach out and “touch someone”. It is out of love that most people seek others in their lives. Family is where unconditional love is suppose to start, but it doesn’t always start there.

What is this unconditional love that we seek and that God gives? It is the full acceptance of an individual with full support for all their decisions and choices in life. NO MATTER WHAT!! No matter what you think is best for them, no matter what your thoughts about the decisions or choices. There aren’t many of us that can do that for another person. We seem to think we should help but in our own way. Can you do that for your partner or children or friends? It is NOT easy for any of us. BUT God, God makes it look easy and does this for each of us every day.

I hope you can lay your foundation on God’s words and with the example God has set before us.
I am trying to, but … Thank God, God is here with me to help me to continue to try.

More next week on the columns that support the roof structure of my church.

I do wish to apologize for the lateness of my post. I have been suffering from a migraine, and have not been able to type. I am better, Praise God.

Alyce Keener- aka the Vicar of Woodstock

email: vicarofwoodstock@aol.com