A ROCKY FOUNDATION

    When you go to buy for a diamond, a wise salesman at the counter will take the diamond and place it under just the right light, but on top of black velvet, as he shows it to you. Why? Because for you to more fully appreciate the beauty of the precious stone it has to be presented in contrast to something dark. Against that black, light-absorbing velvet that diamond will sparkle and shine all the more beautifully to the eyes of the customer. In Philippians 2:15–16 Paul tells the Philippians believers to “do everything without complaining or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation   in which you shine like stars in the Universe”. Paul uses the words blameless and pure to define the holy live of a believer. A believer who goes through life without complains and arguments become blameless (external purity) and pure (internal purity) . The word “pure” is also translated as innocent or harmless. All th

                                     A park ranger at Yellowstone national park was leading a group of hikers to a fire look-out. The ranger was so intent on telling the hikers about the flowers and animals.   He considered the message on his two-way radio distracting, so he switched it off. As the group neared the tower, the ranger was met by nearly breathless look-out. He asked why the ranger had not responded to the messages on his radio. A grizzly bear had been seen stalking the group and the authorities were trying to warn them of the danger (Craig Brian). In Psalm 23:5 David’s metaphor of God shifts from a shepherd to a host. The images shift from the sprawling countryside to a home, from green pastures to a full dining table, from still waters to an overflowing cup. But despite the shift in these vivid images, he maintains the theme - God cares for his people and abundantly provides for them. David says “he anoints my head with oil”. In the Bible oil is associated with jo

                            In 2002 Lisa Beamer was interviewed by a writer of Today’s Christian Woman. She was asked what happened to her on 9-11. She said “as soon as I heard that it had been my husband’s flight I cried out “no!” and crumbled to the floor. I spent the rest of the day huddled on my bed. Later friends, church and family came to be with her.   “I didn’t break down crying hysterically or scream; God already was giving me an incredible peace. My greatest struggle now is living in grief and hope which are both realities for me.” Lisa had a choice to either accept or complain about God’s providential will for her life. She chose to accept. In Philippians 2:12-14 Paul wrote “work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to do his good purpose”. This verse assures us that God provides the desire to do His will. God calls us to obedience and then gives us the power to obey. Spiritual growth does not solely depend on ou