A ROCKY FOUNDATION

                           Max Lucado, tells the story of a missionary in Brazil who discovered a tribe of Indians in a remote part of the jungle. They lived near a large river. A contagious disease was ravaging the population; people were dying daily. A hospital was across the river but the Indians would not cross it because they believed the river was inhabited by evil spirits. To enter its water would mean certain death. The missionary took them to the bank and placed his hand in the water. They still would not go in. He walked into the water up to his waist and splashed water on his face. It didn’t matter, they were still afraid to enter the river. Finally, he dove into the river, swam beneath the surface until he emerged on the other side. He raised a triumphant fist into the air. The Indians broke into a cheer and followed him across. The night before he went to the cross, Jesus told his disciples: “I came...

  Voltaire was an infidel of the most pronounced type. He wrote: “I wish I had never been born".Lord Byron lived a life of pleasure if anyone did. He wrote: “The worm, the canker and grief are mine alone.” Jay Gould, the American millionaire, had plenty of wealth. When dying, he said “I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth.” Lord Beaconsfield enjoyed more than his share of both position and fame. He wrote: “Youth is a mistake; manhood a struggle; old age a regret.” Alexander the Great had great Military Glory, he conquered the known world in his day. Having done so, he wept in his tent, because he said, “There are no more worlds to conquer.” In Psalm 37 David a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22) is old (Ps 37:25) . Thus, he speaks wise words of a person who has spent much of his life dwelling in the presence of God. He says “ delight yourself also in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart” (Ps. 37:4). To delight is to take great pleasure i...

  In his poem “Sermons We See” Edgar Guest writes: “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day. I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way. The eye is a better pupil and more willing than the ear. Fine counsel is confusing, but examples are always clear. To see good put in action is what everybody needs. I soon can learn to do it if you'll let me see it done. Your lecture is very wise, but I'd rather get my lessons by observing what you do.   I might misunderstand your advice, but there's no misunderstanding how you live. When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind. When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man stays behind, Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me, to become as strong and caring. One good man teaches many; men believe what they see. One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told. Right living speaks a language which is clear to everyone. Jesus told his disciples “it is better for yo...

                   During a terrible storm on the ocean, a small passenger ship rolled precariously in the roaring tempest. The passengers were confined to their bunks for their own safety. Many on board thought the vessel was doomed. Finally, a passenger who was determined to find out if there was any hope for survival set out to see the one who was in command. He made his way to the wave-lashed deck, up a ladder and into the wheelhouse. He noticed that the ship was nearing land and was between some jagged rocks. It became apparent that the captain was trying to reach the safety of a calm bay up ahead. Knowing he could not make himself heard above the roar of the wind and waves, the captain just turned wordlessly to the worried passenger and smiled. Reassured, the man returned to the others and said, “Don’t be afraid. All is well. I’ve seen the captain’s face and he smiled. Psalm 37 was written...