December 8: Weekly Reading- Teaching on the Wise and Foolish Builders; The Wise & Insight Post by Kim Feld

  -   December 8, 2025

Building on the Foundation of Jesus’ Teachings: Jesus teaches that those who hear His words and put them into practice are like wise builders who lay their foundation on rock. A strong spiritual foundation is built on obedience to His teachings, ensuring stability in times of trial.

Monday Verse

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have in Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11 (NLT)

Monday Questions

Is my life built on the firm foundation of Jesus’ teachings, or are there areas where I am relying on something else? In what ways can I ensure that my spiritual foundation is solid, anchored in His teachings to withstand the trials of life?

Monday Insight Post
by Kim Feld

Rusty used the first verse from this week’s reading in Luke in yesterday’s message. Here it is:

“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?” Luke 6:46 (NLT)

In this passage, Jesus says that following His teaching is like building your house on a solid foundation. Not following His teaching is like building on sand. As I ponder this verse, I realize there are layers of this in my life. If doing what Jesus says is the test, my foundation has some soft spots.

Jesus knows my human limitations and makes a way for me to reboot and recharge by taking a weekly time to disconnect and observe a day of Sabbath. Following the Sabbath is one of the Ten Commandments (See Exodus 20:8-11), yet I struggle to make it a reality in my life. My Sabbath track record is not stellar.

Here are a few other things God teaches that we are to do that give me an opportunity to evaluate my foundation:

• Love others (see John 13:34)
• Forgive others (see Matthew 18:21-22)
• Servant leadership (see Matthew 20:25-28)
• Make disciples (see Matthew 28:18-20)
• Give generously to the poor (see Deuteronomy 15:10)
• Don’t judge others (see James 4:11)
• Love your enemies (see Luke 6:35)
• Get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander (see Ephesians 4:31)

Building a firm foundation requires me to evaluate how well I am following Jesus’ teaching. The few that I have listed above give us a place to start. Following Jesus’ teaching is a lifelong process, but we should regularly evaluate ourselves to see how we are doing. Am I growing in these areas? Am I more loving than I was last year?

Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach 

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org