Dear Brothers and Sisters,

1 Corinthians 3:14 "If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward."

Many of God's people are not afforded some of the opportunities others have.  Some grow up in poverty, but by the grace of God and hard work, they overcome the ghettos and slums of the city, or the meek existence of a nonproductive rural or farm life, or a rough environment by and of the sea.  If they are blessed by God to see the truth, they maintain a life of humility and thanksgiving to God for all that they might have. 

The hardships and tribulations a child of God goes through are not designed to break him.  They are designed to give him a foundation of experience and learning.  Romans 5:3-4 "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:"  Many are the times that frustration and a desire to just give up enter into the heart and mind of one who is pressed so hard to get by.  But because he has that hope, he presses on.  Ever working toward the life-goals in his heart. 

The child of God is given a foundation by God with which to work.  We are lively stones built up to make up the house of God.  (1 Peter 2:5)   Each stone also has a house to build on the foundation that God has given him.  Every day he goes to work to apply the materials provided by his Master Builder to his own personal house.  This personal house is ever under construction by each child of God.  When a person is seen who has had some harder times, and his house seems not to have had too much construction on it, this does not necessarily mean he is not a lively stone or a child of God.  Because of some hardships, tribulations, or rough weather, he may have had some delays in the construction of his house.  

God is the perfect provider.  There can be no question about that.  He created all things, and has all things at His disposal.  He can choose to give whatever He deems necessary to any of His children when they ask.  He can also choose not to give what is asked for if He sees that the asking is not done correctly, or He sees that what is asked for is not beneficial at the time.  God is in charge.  When we are blessed with the needed material from God, we can build or do anything.   (Philippians 4:13   I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.)  

With the necessary tools and supplies given (Philippians 4:19) But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.), each individual child of grace can work daily upon his own house (Philippians 2:12-13  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.)  Remember the foundation, floor plan, design, labor, and material lists are all according to God's pattern.  Though we need no sign saying who is working on our house, like the construction contractors have displayed on the site of some building being constructed, our work and life as we construct our house proclaims loudly the glory of our Heavenly Father who has so provided us with the desire to build to the honor and praise of His holy name.

In this life our house is never completed, because Paul says that we cannot reach that perfection in our existence on earth, but we ever strive for it.  (Philippians 3:13  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.)  Each one of us must consider daily: our floors (foundation), our walls (discipline), and all areas of our house to make sure after we have work on them that they are maintained on a daily basis.   We do this by starting early every day with a thankful heart, a praying mind, and a godly willingness to carry out His purpose for each one of us in this life.  And ever may God be glorified in all our Godly endeavors.

Your Brother in Christ, I hope,
Carl