It takes a lot of patience to build a house or pyramid made out of cards! And isn't it obvious why? Cards are flimsy and slippery. They don't stack up well. Just when you think you've got a good foundation or even one or two good layers built up, a breath or tiny shake topples the whole structure down! Such is faith. Having the right foundation is key! More than that, having the right building materials is essential! We all want a faith that stands not just against a breath of hurtful words or a trial that shakes us a bit, but that will stand against the fiery temptations of the devil, his crafty tools in the world, and the pitiful weakness of our own sinful flesh. Even more than that, we want, we need -a faith that will stand even in the midst of the tests of God Himself! How often we fail! How often we try to build on our own! Thank the Lord that His Word is not flimsy or slippery, but gives us the perfect building materials we need against the changing winds of reason and philosophy this world proudly blows against us! Paul warned "that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head -- Christ --" (Eph. 4:14,15). Thank the Lord that He gives us a concrete foundation - Jesus Christ, who didn't just pave the way for us... but built a perfect, impenetrable house for us to dwell in now and into eternity! That house is built on God's undeserved grace. That house is built on Christ's mercy for sinners like you and me! That house is ours... right now by faith in Christ our Savior! Just as Peter both warned and encouraged, "Therefore, to you who believe, He (Jesus Christ) is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone..." and "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (1 Pet. 2:7; Acts 4:12) So may the Lord teach us to build on the concrete work of Christ and build together with His Word alone. That building project will bless all the work we do on this earth to the glory of our God! +++ Tomorrow is Friendship Sunday and we will talk about trusting in God's building plan for our salvation. We will be looking closely at His covenants and promises to His people throughout time. Plan to join us... and bring a friend! LM Building project: -REMINDER: Following church tomorrow we have our INFORMATIONAL voters meeting to briefly discuss the building plan and financing. All are welcome to attend and ask questions. The council is not asking for any vote at this meeting. Come! Get informed on what's happening in your church! Pastor's Call to Messiah, Eau Claire -Tomorrow morning for Bible class you are invited (as always) to study briefly what a divine call is and how a called worker should examine it. We will also be examining greater details of the call material sent from Messiah, Eau Claire in calling me as their 3rd full time pastor. I'd like to discuss it with you! May the Lord continue to teach us all how to trust in Him as we work with Him in Building His Kingdom! In His service, -- Neal Radichel Pastor, Luther Memorial Fond Du Lac, WI "But these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name." -John 20:31 (NAS) Video www.fdllutheran.com www.CLCLutheran.com www.LutheranMissions.com www.WhatDoesTheBibleSay.Org