The Building Building the Building

Wow! Say that three times fast! Seriously, what could a saying like this possibly mean? Well, according to scripture, it is actually an assignment given to us all by God. Here is how it works…

In Ephesians 4:29 the Paul tells us that we need to control the communication that comes out of our mouth. What should come out of our mouth should be stuff that is positive, that strengthens and builds us and others up. The word edification here means to build. This is the same word used of prophecy in 1 Corinthians 14:3, explaining that words spoken in prophecy in the language of the hearer result in the hearer and the speaker being strengthened or built up in God (exhortation, edification, and comfort). Paul also says this is the job of he and the other apostles. In Romans 15:2 he further tells everyone to build up his/her neighbor. So this is the middle “Building” in the title. But what about the other two? Good of you to ask!

The Greek word oikodomē (reminds me of okie-dokie!) which is the word translated edification is also frequently translated building, as in the structure. Jesus used it this way frequently when referring to the buildings in Jerusalem. Paul also uses it this way. In 1 Corinthians 3:9 he says we are God’s building (how cool is that!) referring to the physical building and being built up all at the same time. Perhaps the most interesting use by Paul is in 2Corinthians 5:1. Here he says we are just a tent (a temporary dwelling place) but that when that passes away we will have a permanent building in the heavens with God. So what does it all mean?

Next time you are about to say something, stop and think, will this build us up? What am I making better with my words? And if you need building up yourself, you can do that too! Tell yourself out loud that God loves you and that you are about to have an amazingly blessed day!

Prayer
Father, thank You for letting us be on your team. Thank You for the honor of helping those around us with the words we say. Thank You for putting power in these words, that we might change the lives of others (and ourselves) for the better. You are such a great God!!! In Jesus name. Amen.

Life is a lot about choosing. I get this from reading the scriptures, and of course from life itself. In the scriptures we find choices by people who did well, like Abraham, Moses (eventually), Jesus of course, and others. These choices serve as an example to us. Others, not so much, like Saul king of Israel, Lot (and his wife), Judas and others. Their choices also teach us something. But what?

In Psalm 119 – don’t worry, I will not cover it line by line – there are numerous messages. One that stood out to me this morning when I read it was this idea of choices. The Psalmist is calling out to God, telling Him that he is clinging to those things which God has spoken, His words. He tells God that he is glad for the affliction that he has suffered because it caused him to learn the statutes (ways and things of God) which he has learned is better than gold. So why are the these words of God valuable. There are two reasons. The first is they teach him the way to life, both now and forever (in verse 85, for example, the proud are oppressing the Psalmist which is not allowed by the law). The second is the One that spoke them – God. If God promises something, it never goes astray but always…ALWAYS comes to pass.

Prayer
Father, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I am so blessed to have You watching over me, ready to make a way where there is no way. Thank You for the life You have given to me. Please now deliver deliver me from those that are proud and do not keep Your word, that I may declare Your word and Your testimonies before kings and rulers, and that the poor, the afflicted, and the fatherless might be delivered from the wicked one. May Your name be praised forever more! In Jesus name. Amen.

Have you ever had someone say just the right thing to you at a time when you needed it most? It can be easy for me to get very caught up in the day-to-day struggles of life. Issues with work, with family, with bills – they can be overwhelming. Today as I was letting these run through my mind, I read a short message someone sent me. He said “God has a calling on your life. Be at peace and ask Him to reveal His way.” Somehow reading that message from another human being caused me to pause and see God in His words.

God uses us in each others’ lives, if we will but let Him.

Prayer
God, thank you for reaching out to me through others. Thank you for letting me say something that builds up another brother or sister. Thank you for planning our future and providing light to our feet. Thank you for just being in charge and loving us every step of the way. Amen.

Each day that we walk with God, we have opportunity to have a better life. And how can it be better? What can we do to participate in our life getting better? Perhaps one of the best and most rewarding ways is the simplest of all – help someone else. Jesus said, “Come unto me all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28. When we draw near to the Messiah, we experience His rest. If we take someone to Him, we will also be near Him, and again, we experience His rest. Would you like today to be better? Reach out to someone in need, and help them see the Master.

Prayer
Jesus, today seems like it is tough. Please let me help someone that is looking at a rough day. Let me help them draw closer to You. Me too. Amen.