The Leaning Tower of...

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa. It is the third oldest structure in Pisa's Cathedral Square. Although intended to stand vertically, the tower began leaning to the southeast soon after the onset of construction in 1173 due to a poorly laid foundation.

Ephesians 2:20, “…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” God is building a house for Himself that is comprised of all His saints through the ages. If my knowledge of God is based on what has been built before me by the apostles and prophets; then I am building a foundation for others who will come behind me; particularly my family. My family will continue to build on what has been built by me. I must take the necessary steps in my own life to build a sturdy foundation for my family. When I prepare myself in the daily disciplines: prayer, Bible reading, and worship, then God will dwell in my midst and a strong foundation will ensue and my children can continue building strong foundations for future generations to come…

How to grow in grace

2 Peter 3:18, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”

How do I grow in grace? Grace is mercy and pardon. Perhaps by extending grace to others we can grow our “grace muscles.” Is there anyone on your heart and mind today that needs your grace, pardon, and forgiveness extended to them? Funny how the word grace is before knowledge; without learning how to extend grace to others we cannot grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ without learning how to extend grace is just an exercise in religion: dead, hollow religion. But extending grace is the real stuff, partnering with Jesus Christ, allowing Him to extend his grace and forgiveness to others through you, even when you don’t want to.

Grow in grace and the rest will follow…

What are you the father of?

In Genesis 17:5, God meets with Abram and changes his name, “No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.” From then on when Abraham would introduce himself, he would introduce himself as the “father of many nations.” God changed Abraham’s destiny, calling, and giftings when he changed his name. In order for Abraham to embrace his life’s change, God changed his name to reflect the changed calling on Abraham’s life.

 What are you called to do?

Abraham was called to be a father to many nations. In fact, in Matthew 1:1, the very first chapter and verse in the Bible we find Abraham’s calling has surpassed his life, “A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham.” Did you catch that, the son of Abraham? Not only was Abraham the father of many nations but his genealogy carried over into the very lineage of Jesus Christ, forty-two generations later.

Ask yourself the following questions:

 What will you do today that will outlive you?

 Which of your giftings will extend to generations to come?

 Look at your “to do list” what items will have a lasting, continual effect for generations to come?

 And finally…Are you fully engaged in your calling?