GPS-Outer Banks

AUG10 / Sunday Read Matthew 7:24-27

Overview: The Outer Banks in North Carolina have been there throughout history, but the actual sand is always shifting and moving. It never stays the same…unlike God, who never changes.

11 / Mon – Foundations are critical  |  Read Psalm 40:2 / Psalm 18:1-2 / Luke 6:47-48

The foundation of a building will determine its stability. It is possible to build a house directly on the ground, but it will only last temporarily. To stand the test of time, the builder must dig down deep and lay a foundation on bedrock or concrete footings. What are the foundational beliefs your life is built on? What core values guide your decisions? Take a few minutes to jot down those beliefs and values. Where do they come from? Are they standing the test of time?

12 / Tue – Character matters  |  Read Isaiah 46:9 / Psalm 145

One component of a strong foundation is an accurate view of God’s character. Anything less and your foundation can warp and crack when life’s storms swirl around you. What has God declared Himself to be? Do you truly believe that He is perfect in knowledge, all-sufficient in strength, unfailing in character, and unconditional in His love? This is the key that allows you to fully trust Him for your future, regardless of any troubles that come your way.

13 / Wed – Ineffective without action  |  Read Luke 11:28 / James 1:22-25 

Hearing, reading, and understanding the words of Jesus and not doing anything about them is like going to the doctor, getting a diagnosis, and then not taking the medicine he prescribes. It doesn’t make sense. When you read Jesus’ words today, ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what you need to do in response. Will you commit yourself to personalizing Jesus’ teachings and to putting them into practice in your own life? Where will you start today?

14 / Thu – Guarding your relationship  |  Read 1 John 1:9

Another component of a strong foundation is to stay alert for anything of which you need to repent. It can be easy to slip into complacency, taking your relationships for granted. Has that happened to you? But when you love someone, you take their words seriously. You do things that demonstrate how much you love them and are quick to ask pardon for what hurts your relationship. It is the same way with Jesus. Be sensitive to what the Holy Spirit shows you and be quick to respond. Forgiveness is always freely available.

15 / Fri – What is your current condition?  |  Read Proverbs 24:3-4 / James 1:5

If your life was a house, how would you describe its current condition? These important words from Proverbs mention three things we need: wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. It is tempting to start with knowledge, not a bad thing, but consider that the Pharisees and Sadducees knew the scriptures, yet failed to recognize Jesus as Messiah. Where do you need understanding right now? Is there a situation where you need wisdom? Just ask.

16 / Sat – A rock-solid foundation  |  Read Isaiah 33:6

When life gets rough and you feel you are floundering, this is a promise you can stand on. HE is the foundation of your life, a solid foundation, no matter what is going on around you. In Him you’ll find a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge. The key to this treasure? Reverence for the Lord, holding Him in higher esteem than you do yourself. When you acknowledge He is greater than all things, you can trust Him to the point of obedience. Will you make this the goal of your day?