The Build In both the towns where I grew up in Colorado, my father designed and constructed buildings to be used as gathering places for the churches he pastored. With each of them, there was a necessary process of planning, obtaining the necessary materials, and then constructing, where several different skilled trades were required to complete the building in a way that would render it effectively functional. Although he did much of the work himself, there were specific areas of expertise, such as electrical, and plumbing where he obtained the necessary input and help. Also, as much as possible, each additional set of hands was most helpful in completing the work. Of all the work that was required, however, none of it would have been effective by itself, apart from its purpose in the overall design. Several days of hard work went into every phase of each project, but any effort extended was only effective as it contributed to the overall purpose. Although begun with only a plot of land in sight, with each day of labor given faithfully to the single vision of a completed building, the churches inspired in my father’s heart were completed with a kingdom purpose. There is a plan envisioned in the heart of the Father for the construction of His church in this coming year and beyond. To participate in that plan and be a part of His completed purpose will require more than just exerting effort that seems right to us for the moment. We may have a plan that we are excited about and are ready to work hard to complete. All of our individual efforts, though, will just be in vain if they aren’t part of the overall design and vision of the Father. The structures we are able to build apart from the foundation He establishes will be unstable and temporary compared to the forming of an eternal purpose as part of His temple. As we prepare to enter into a time of fasting and prayer, there is an opportunity to ensure that our efforts in the coming months are not in vain and that they are in line with the plans and purposes for what He has planned in these last days. As with my father’s construction projects, there is a period of time for each phase and a limit on participation in what He is building. How essential it is for our labors to not be wasted, but as they join with His, for each personal, family, and career purpose to be a part of His church’s greater one. Notes The Build Begins with a vision. Requires a plan. Quality is dependent on materials. The greater the structure, the more involved and extended the process. Each phase requires time and is not the completed work itself. It is possible to do everything yourself, but the time to completion and probability of giving up are greatly increased. God is a Master Builder, taking raw materials to steadily, over time, produce an edifice that is worthy of Him. God the Builder Hebrews 11:9-10 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. God the Builder Psalms 127:1-2 1 Unless the Lord builds a house, the builders’ work is useless. Unless the Lord protects a city, sentries do no good. 2 It is senseless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, fearing you will starve to death; for God wants his loved ones to get their proper rest. He has the plans Jeremiah 29:11-13 11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest. We are the materials 1 Peter 2:5-6 5 And now you have become living building-stones for God’s use in building his house. What’s more, you are his holy priests; so come to him—you who are acceptable to him because of Jesus Christ—and offer to God those things that please him. 6 As the Scriptures express it, “See, I am sending Christ to be the carefully chosen, precious Cornerstone of my church, and I will never disappoint those who trust in him.” We are the building. 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. To be in Him is to have Him in charge of our building. Hebrews 3:6 6 But Christ, God’s faithful Son, is in complete charge of God’s house. And we Christians are God’s house—he lives in us!—if we keep up our courage firm to the end, and our joy and our trust in the Lord. Overview Construction requires vision, a plan, materials, and skilled execution over time. God is a Master Builder with plans that are good for us as the stones in His temple. In order for our plans and labor to not be wasted, they must have Him in charge. Together we are His building for His glory in worship. There is great joy and fulfillment for us as we remain true to serving His vision and purpose. Prayer It is my great joy to submit to You as the Builder and Planner of my life, letting go of vain labor for complete trust in Your vision for me as part of Your temple. Reveal to me my part in Your plan so that my goals and efforts will be effective in Your building. I commit to holding firm to Your plan over where my own plans might take me. Declarations In receiving new life in Christ, I have been given a significant part in the building of His temple for His glory. As I am joined together with Him as the Cornerstone, I am a living stone of His dwelling. My life is no longer under my own plans, but has been submitted and released into the care of the Master Builder for His greater purpose. Because I trust in Him, I rest in the confidence that He is in charge and my labor is not in vain. I take great joy in yielding to the Master Builder for The Build of my remaining days to come.