“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” Matthew 8:24-27
Congratulations on completing the 31 Days! I hope that these last 31 days have allowed you to experience the Kingdom of God fully! You may be asking, "What do I do now?"
I want to call attention to the first sentence of this passage: “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock." The reality is that we may know the truth about the Upside Down Kingdom - that is the Kingdom of God - but it won't transform anyone's life until they obey it.
If you were to build a house, one of the most unreliable foundations you can build it on is sand. Why? Because it isn't stable - it moves, it shifts, it fluctuates based on the time of day, the weather, the season, the location, and so on! Similarly, when we build our life upon unreliable sources, such as money, emotions, jobs, people, seasons of life - all things that can change at a moment's notice - we are setting ourselves up for failure.
If you are going to build a house, you want a sturdy foundation, like rock. It never moves, shifts, or fluctuates based on the time of day or weather. Similarly, Jesus' teachings are 100% truth! And if the teachings of Jesus are the truth, then it is something that will never change. When we build our life upon the commandments of Jesus, we are setting up our life for success! Our foundation for our life is consistent, reliable, and never changes or moves.
So what do you do now after these 31 days? You take what you have learned from this devotional, and apply it to your everyday life. You will see some changes in your everyday life the more you apply His teachings - healthier mindsets, internal healings, more victories in the challenges of life, joy returning, and a closer and more intimate relationship with the Lord!
Now I will commission you to do the same thing that Jesus said to the Disciples before He ascended into Heaven:
'Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”' Matthew 28:19-20
As you apply Jesus' teachings in your life, share what you have learned with a friend! That is what it means to "make disciples" - take what you know about the Kingdom of God, and teach a friend what you know. You don't need to be a pastor or a missionary to preach the Gospel - you just need a Bible and the Holy Spirit!
Welcome to the Kingdom of God - now go share the Good News and expand His Kingdom!
Questions for Application
- What did God speak to you through these 31 days?
- How has your life changed since then?
- What are ways you are going to share the Good News and expand His kingdom?
Prayer
“Father, thank You for these last 31 days with You. Thank You for teaching me how to live for Your Upside-down kingdom, and how to follow You with my whole heart. Teach me how to continue to follow You no matter what, and to obey Your commands! I love you.”