Kingdom Manna

Tasks

Matthew 7:26, “And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand.”

At first they remembered to move above the water line—that uneven pattern that separated the white section from damp hard-pressed sand. The wide section indented with tracks—birds—dogs—people—tires.

Walking back and forth with dripping buckets, they slowly built their castle. Complete with moats and ramparts, towers and archways. A masterpiece of creativity and co-operation.

Attentive now fully to details they didn’t see the encroaching water. Little lips of foam nipping at the walls. So absorbed they didn’t hear the roar of waves drawing nearer.

Wails. “Not yet-we’re not finished!” Frantic efforts to hold back the rushing water. Stop the tide. Earlier a joy—now a menace. Washing away all their efforts.

Absorbed in my own labors I also forget Your counsel Lord. That I need to look to Your ways first. Follow Your design. Only then can I be sure of success—of work that will last. Otherwise I too will sit and weep.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 28:5

Because they do not regard the works of the Lord,

Nor the deeds of his hands,

He will tear them down and not build them up.

Kingdom Manna

Tasks

Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of the Father in heaven.”

Plans crumble. Dreams dissolve. Projects crash. Like a seismic shock their rolling consequences shake our cores. We cry, complain, criticize.

Were our expectations unreasonable? Did we have uncontrollable opposition? Why? Why?? We work our way through the grief and the debris to start again—Maybe.

Israel had a plan firmly in place. With the foundation set by God Himself. They were a chosen people. Chosen to bless the nations with salvation, with a guarantee—Mercy.

If.

…,“If you obey the commandments of the Lord Your God that I am commanding you today;” A choice. A blessing and a curse before Israel.

When my desires disintegrate and my purposes shatter, I am so quick in my complaint to You, Lord. Do You not love me as You said? Am I not doing a faithful work? Patiently You hear my dismay and wait with me while I sort everything out.

Point me back to Your measures, Lord, before I moan and rage. Show me if I have placed my hope apart from You and am building on false presumptions. Keep my heart steadfast toward You.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 78:7

so that they should set their hope in God,

and not forget the works of God,

but keep his commandments;