Building on the Rock (Introduction to Spiritual Practice)

Life throws punches. Hiding won't help. Jesus, in Matthew 7, compares life to building a house: on rock (His teachings practiced) or sand (hearing only). Storms test our foundation.

"Hear and do" is key. Many hear, few practice. Like athletes training, we must practice faith. Love your enemy? Don't judge? Live it. Practice prepares us for storms, not avoids them.

Hardship tests faith. Without practice, we falter. Following Jesus is challenging, but His yoke is easy with practiced faith.

We build on the rock through prayer, Scripture, service, community, and fasting. These aren't to earn salvation, but to prepare for life's inevitable storms: heartache, pain, a broken world.

Are we prepared? Practice, not just hearing, builds a strong foundation. We'll explore these practices in the coming weeks.

#Wordle 1,303 4/6*

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The #OldGal popped a 4 today as well.

A weird week of #Keyword.

Good morning! May you embrace community and connection today. #MorningMug

A cozy living room features a lit fireplace, a sofa with a colorful blanket, an armchair, and a mug in the foreground.

Good morning! Love well today! #MorningMug

A hand is holding a mug with the word "AROHA" printed on it multiple times, in a cozy living room with a lit fireplace.

#Wordle 1,302 4/6*

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The #OldGal scored a 3 today! Could there possibly be a two among the #YoungPups?

I worked hard in 2024. I am excited to eclipse these numbers in 2025. #Discipline2025 a

A digital badge from Fitbod Flex 2024 shows completion of 230 workouts, indicating the user is in the top 5% for completed workouts, with a bar chart of monthly workout frequency.A fitness tracking summary shows 210 hours of exercise in 2024, highlighting a milestone of being in the top 5% for time spent training.A fitness app display shows a total of 94,381 calories burned from January to December, with a highlighted achievement of being in the top 5% for calories burned.A fitness app summary shows a total volume of 1,395,901 pounds lifted in 2024, highlighting monthly progress and ranking in the top 30% for volume lifted.

This is such an excellent way of thinking. I appreciate that Micro Blog is taking this tack.

Manton Reece - Hachyderm and Threads

To pastor is to study. Yes.

To pastor is to be fully present with people. Yes.

I wonder, is to pastor well the ability to figure out how to do both well?

#Wordle 1,301 4/6*

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The #OldGal with a 4 as well. Hopefully, a #YoungPup comes through with a 3!

Good morning! May you smile today. #MorningMug

A hand is holding a mug of coffee in a cozy living room with a lit fireplace in the background.

#Wordle 1,300 6/6*

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The #OldGal was victorious over me with a 5 today. My streak lives. I am closing in on 500!

How did the #YoungPups fare?

Good morning! May your day be one that brings you a little joy today. #MorningMug

A cozy living room features a warm fireplace, a comfortable chair, and a mug with a National Baseball Hall of Fame logo.

Bacl to back threes for me and a 4 for the #OldGal. Victory is sweet! How did you #YoungPups do?

#Wordle 1,299 3/6*

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Good morning! May you pursue what brings you joy today. #MorningMug

A cozy living room scene features a patterned chair, a fireplace, and a cup with the word "AROHA" printed on it in the foreground.

I forgot to post today!

#Wordle 1,298 3/6*

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The #OldGal popped a 4! Victory!!!

Good morning! I hope that today you can see something good and beautiful in the world. #MorningMug

Cozy scene with a warm fireplace, a person relaxing under a blanket, and holding a mug.

#Wordle 1,297 3/6*

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The #OldGal and I both scored 3s today. Hopefully a #YoungPup posts a 2!

Good morning! May you take a tangible step toward becoming the person you know yourself to be today. #MorningMug

#Wordle 1,296 6/6*

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The #OldGal scored a 5 and just like that she can talk smack all day.

#Keyword | 6 guesses | 0:29 | Bonus 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Perfect score!

Play today’s game 🔑 www.washingtonpost.com/games/key…

This week I had seven perfect scores and one 7. It was a great start to the new year!

Good morning! May you connect in community today. Oh, Go Lions! #MorningMug

#Wordle 1,295 4/6*

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Both the #OldGal and I score 4s on January 4.

Good morning! May you have clarity of purpose today. #MorningMug

#Wordle 1,294 3/6*

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Threes all around today for the #OldGal and I.