Picture Scripture : Week 3- House (Architect/Builder)
Week 3: House
Monday, September 17th
Picture: House ( Builder/Architect)
Scripture: Psalm 127:1; 1Chronicles 28:11-12;
Jeremiah 29:11-13; Hebrews 3:1-6.
Write any phrases from selected Bible verses that speak to you.
Post: Working on the design of houses is part of what I do so this is not an unfamiliar process to me. I have had the pleasure of working with expert architects and expert builders. What I have learned is the meticulous plan laid out by the architect is the first essential element in the building process. Sticking to the plan, which is the builder's responsibility, will determine the outcome of the project. Architects are very detailed people. They are investigators and question askers. I've heard directives like "Measure the shampoo bottle so we can make sure we design the niche inside the shower the correct size". Questions like " Do you want to pursue options and establish the additional inputs required to optimize your building's performance to achieve zero energy inputs, healthy materials, or other sustainability goals?". I think you get the picture. These people (sometimes person) are the team leader(s) and have our best interest at heart. They are the creators of the plan. When you are lucky enough to work with great ones, these architects and builders are experts in designing our homes to meet needs we may not even know we have or will have in the future. And if that's not enough to convince you of how important this job is, try imagining building your dream home with no plans what so ever: total chaos , futile, and hopeless.
Today, Jeremiah 29:11 really spoke to me. "For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope." That's it: The perfect architect and builder. He goes on to say in Jeremiah 29:12-13, " Then you will call on Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." He LISTENS to us (listen is my word for the year, by the way). He cares enough to hear what we have to say. At the same time, as the "team leader", He sets us on the right path by directing us to seek Him. That's essential for us to stay with the architectural plan. SEEK Him- stay with the plan He has already laid out to meet our needs we may or may not even know about.
Close your eyes and visualize the detailed architectural plans of a residential home. Much like these plans, God has laid out every detail of our lives, start to finish. Just as God spoke to Kind David in regards to the physical temple that was to be built, He speaks to us through His word concerning our daily lives.
Here are some topics to ponder and journal about during your quiet time. Do you consider your Builder trustworthy or do you have plans of your own? Explain. Ask yourself, what are some specific life plans that God has revealed to you as you have trusted His word? Write these in your journal.
Heavenly and Gracious Father, we come to You today humbled with the knowledge of doing this life without Your plan will not yield good results. We know we must come to the end of ourselves and surrender before Your plan can begin. So we ask you now, redirect us where we are off track. We praise you for knowing exactly who we are and what we need. Make the desires of our heart to follow You and give us the trust to do so. Let us never forget You are the GREAT Architect and Builder of our lives. Reveal the part of the plan we need to know daily and help us stay Your course. Amen
