{"id":496,"date":"2014-06-03T15:32:02","date_gmt":"2014-06-03T15:32:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/safeplacewithruthgraham\/?p=496"},"modified":"2014-06-03T15:32:02","modified_gmt":"2014-06-03T15:32:02","slug":"foundations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/safeplacewithruthgraham\/2014\/06\/foundations.html","title":{"rendered":"Foundations"},"content":{"rendered":"

I was recently privileged to spend 3 nights in a log cabin way up in the mountains of Tennessee – not far from Gatlinburg. Now I grew up on the side of a mountain and am used to mountain roads. But this was something else! It seemed like I was driving to the backside of nowhere. And there were several hills as I crested I could not see beyond the hood of the car and wondered \u00a0if I was going to drop off…<\/p>\n

It amazed me that the \u00a0state allowed \u00a0roads to be built with such a steep grade – but it was private property so I guess that was OK. It was a bit scary – even for me.<\/p>\n

The point for me to be there was to be quiet and alone. I was. Not another cabin in sight! Just miles and miles of mountains. Wonderful views.<\/p>\n

“My” cabin was perched over the side of the mountain and behind my cabin was another one – again perched on the side of the mountain. I became interested in the foundations of these structures. What kept them there?<\/p>\n

You can see what I mean!<\/p>\n

\"photo<\/a><\/p>\n

Which house looks more secure?\u00a0\"photo<\/a><\/p>\n

Reminds me of Matthew 7: 24-27\u00a0\u00a0<\/sup>\u201cAnyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. \u00a0<\/sup>Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won\u2019t collapse because it is built on bedrock. \u00a0<\/sup>But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

And the hymn that says,<\/p>\n

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
\nIs laid for your faith in His excellent word!
\nWhat more can He say than to you He hath said\u2014
\nTo you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?<\/p>\n

\u201cFear not, I am with thee, oh, be not dismayed,
\nFor I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
\nI\u2019ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
\nUpheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen through the deep waters I call thee to go,
\nThe rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
\nFor I will be with thee thy trouble to bless,
\nAnd sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
\nMy grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply;
\nThe flame shall not harm thee; I only design
\nThy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe soul that on Jesus doth lean for repose,
\nI will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
\nThat soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
\nI\u2019ll never, no never, no never forsake.\u201d<\/p>\n

How firm is your foundation?<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I was recently privileged to spend 3 nights in a log cabin way up in the mountains of Tennessee – not far from Gatlinburg. Now I grew up on the side of a mountain and am used to mountain roads. But this was something else! 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