Life is short
I received news that my aunt Mary-Louise went to be with Jesus at 3am Sunday morning. I know that being sad is alright. But as I get older I am getting more sad as I get the news of people dying. I know God rules over death. In fact the Bible says in Romans 6:9-10, "knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin, once for all, but the life that He lives, He lives to God." Jesus rules over death. He conquered death once for all. So even though I may get sad it's okay. Jesus got sad. He even cried at the news of the death of his friend Lazarus (John 11:35). So when you receive news of someone's death, take courage that Jesus knows about it and He even conquered it for you. Life is short but Jesus rules over death.

Two Houses
Jesus tells the parable of two homebuilders. One builds on the foundation of rock. The other on a foundation of sand. Torrential rain, rising floodwaters, and strong winds buffet each house. The house on the rock stands firm. The house on the sand collapses.

The main point here is what distinguishes the consequences. Jesus says in Matthew 7:24, "Anyone who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock." Those who hear and obey Jesus' teachings is wise. Those who refuse to hear and refuse to obey are foolish. The end is determined by the means. You listen and follow God's words then your house or life will stand the thunderstorms, the flashfloods, and the strong winds of life. I trust you will decide to obey what you know about God. I know that I will try harder.