As we enter New Year 2015, on what
foundation do you build your live on? We are told in Ephesians:
“You are . . . fellow citizens with God’s
people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles
and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” Ephesians
2:9
Obviously from this verse, the ultimate
foundation on which to build our lives is Jesus. We build our lives on Jesus
because this sinful world does bring problems and death, and we need the
forgiveness and life that only come through Jesus.
According to Ephesians, God builds us on
Jesus through the apostles and prophets, through his word. So, using Scripture
through worship and personal devotions is a way to build our lives as children
of God.
In addition, we build relationships with
others when we spend time with someone and when we talk and share with them. Our
relationship with God is also built when we spend time with our Lord through
prayer.
So, as we begin the new year and seek new
opportunities and blessings, there are some simple practices we can follow that
can build us up.
Are you regular in worship with God’s
people? One person reminded me on Christmas Eve that God’s word tells us, “Let
us not give up meeting together.” Hebrews 10:25
When God’s people gather around the word
and sacraments in worship we are pointed to Jesus, and we are built up in Jesus
who is the cornerstone of our faith. We are built up for lives that receive
health and blessings in this world of sin and death. That is why I like another
verse that talks about worship even more. Psalm 122:1 says, “I rejoiced with
those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD.’”
Since we are built on the foundation of the
apostles and prophets, on the word of God, will you take time for Bible class
and a regular devotional life in the coming year? Regular, personal time in
God’s word also helps build our faith in Jesus.
Since we hope to face a new year with the
love and blessings of our Lord, will you be regular in your conversations with
the Lord? Will you go to him in praise and thanks, with your fears and your
hopes? Will you go to him for yourself and others? Prayer builds our
relationship with Jesus.
Perhaps you have made resolutions for this
year. Why not consider these three habits of faith: faithfulness in worship,
faithfulness in Bible study and devotional life, and faithfulness in prayer?
These may not sound life changing. But, these behaviors will build us up on a
firm foundation on Christ Jesus.
In Jesus we will know the blessings of
God’s love in this year, even in the midst of this world’s
trials.
I pray your Christmas brought you peace and
joy and love through worship and through family time as you again received the
gift of God’s love in Jesus.
I pray that in the year 2015, you may build
on this gift of Christ Jesus as God reveals him in the prophets and apostles, as
we find him in God’s word and through prayer.