When LaVerne and I were married, I worked on a construction crew. I learned quickly that the first step to building a house that will last is to put in a solid foundation. It was pretty simple to understand.

Likewise, our Christian lives must be built on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ. The Bible says; “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). If we build our lives on anything else other than on Jesus, our spiritual foundation is faulty and will collapse when tests and storms come. If our foundation is strong, we will be able to stand, no matter how hard the winds blow.

I meet people in some parts of the world who think they are Christians because their parents are Christians or they live in a “Christian nation.” Being a follower of Jesus is not based on our family or ethnic background. It is based on a relationship. We cannot know God without having a relationship with Him. Christianity is simply having a relationship with the living God through Jesus Christ. “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3).

The Bible makes it clear; every person needs a foundation of a personal encounter with Christ. You may say, “Sure, I know that, this happened to me years ago.” But may I ask, “What about today? Are you having personal encounters with the Lord today?”

Jesus himself said; “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). As you read His Word today and pray in Jesus name, expect Him to speak to you. He wants to give you a fresh encounter with Him. It is that simple.