170 Years – Our Buildings

08 / Sun  | Read Psalm 145:4

Overview: From the temple of Jesus’ day, to cathedrals, to Resurrection’s church structure, buildings have played a central role in worship and community life. But the most important dwelling isn’t built by us.

09 / Mon – Newbies  |  Read 2 Corinthians 5:17 / 1 Peter 4:9

Moving into a new place is exciting,  a lot of work, and the unknowns are, well, unknown. It is stressful not knowing anyone while also having to learn where everything is and getting familiar with the streets. Then one of your new neighbors appears with a smile, a warm welcome, and maybe cookies. Have you been welcomed in this way before? How have you welcomed a newbie to your neighborhood, community, or church? Do unto others…God will bless your effort.

10 / Tue – Build Community  |  Read Acts 2:46-47

Have you ever attended a block party? They can really bring a neighborhood together. We reconnect with neighbors, meet newcomers, and share a communal meal to which everyone has brought a dish. There’s something about sharing a meal that strengthens our bonds with each other. Who in your neighborhood would you like to know better? Might you have them over for a meal? Or invite them to church? Pray about it and give it a try. God will be with you and bless your time.

11 / Wed – Veterans Day  |  Read Joshua 1:9

Some people relocate frequently, sometimes not by choice. One example is military families. It’s their job to be where they are told and to be ready to be sent elsewhere, either as a family or alone on deployment. It is difficult, to say the least, for parents and children to have that built-in shadow of uncertainty as to where they might be at any given time and for how long. God is a certainty always. Will you pray for our military and their families today? If you are or were in the Armed Forces, we thank you.

12 / Thu – Shaky Foundations  |  Read 2 Corinthians 12:6-10 / Philippians 4:13

A house of cards is a structure or situation that is insubstantial, shaky, or in constant danger of collapse. Try building one, and you’ll soon see. Sometimes we ourselves have a shaky foundation, such as a bad habit, a poor relationship, a sin we keep returning to, or any number of things. If we’re honest with ourselves, we know what it is. Is there something you’re doing or thinking that weakens your faith? Will you give it to God and ask Him for mercy and to strengthen you? He’s waiting for you to ask, and He will.

13 / Fri – In The Trees  |  Read Psalm 78:4 / Matthew 1:1-17

Working on the family tree is an adventure, discovering where you came from. How grateful we are for the people who kept records and wrote down their experiences so we can reach back in time for a clear picture of our own earthly foundation. The Bible stresses the genealogy that led to the birth of Jesus and the faith journeys of many people. Church records show us how our faith community developed into what it is today. Have you shared your history in writing or recorded it? Pray about it and bless your descendants with this information.

14 / Sat – Foundations  |  Read 1 Corinthians 3:11 / Proverbs 24:3

Buildings come and go. A well-loved eatery in St Paul was recently razed and is now a parking lot. The house you grew up in doesn’t look the same. Weather, age, and poor construction affect buildings, too. There are ruins of famous, majestic, solid structures that the builders of the time likely thought would last forever. In the midst of ruins, who do you turn to? What is your foundation made of? God is solid, trustworthy, and never changes. Remain grounded in Him. He is unshakeable even when you aren’t.