What Are You Building Your Life On?
Build on Him, and It Will Never Be Destroyed.
“The [mournful, inspired] oracle (a burden to be carried) concerning Damascus [capital of Aram (Syria), and Israel’s defense against Assyria]. “Listen carefully, Damascus will cease to be a city And will become a fallen ruin.” Isaiah 17:1 AMP
The Warning of Damascus
Isaiah 17:1 gives us a sobering reminder of how even the greatest cities and fortresses can crumble. Damascus, once a powerful city, was prophesied to become a ruin. This isn’t just a historical event—it’s a spiritual lesson. What are we building our lives on? Are we trusting in things that are temporary, or are we investing in what lasts forever?
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” So, Just as Damascus fell, the material things we rely on—wealth, status, possessions—are vulnerable to decay and destruction. Material things are not bad but if they are the main focus, these destructable and vulnerable things will corrode your character. Jesus teaches us to focus on storing up treasures in heaven—things that are eteneral and untouchable by earthly decay. This leads me to examine: where do we place our hope?
To celebrate 1000 views and to share with you how God has helped pour into my eternal hope every day, I would love to give you my morning routine! Today is day 100 of running every day, too! You can follow that journey on my social platform if you want daily motivation (link in bio).
How I Wake Up: Anchoring My Day in Eternal Hope
My alarm goes off at 3 AM. I sit on the edge of my bed, open my hands skyward, and say two things: “God, thank You for my daily bread (Your provision for today), and I give up my right to have my way” (practicing humility and surrender, even if it means not having the last word).
I put on headphones and listen to a 10-minute recording I made. It’s filled with what God says about me in Scripture, along with a few affirmations grounded in truth. (Working to make you one as well!)
While my identity gets lit up talking to Jesus, I quietly make my half of the bed (so I don’t disturb Sleeping Beauty😂), then brush my teeth.
When the affirmations are done, I listen to more Scripture—usually through a Bible plan—while preparing my morning electrolyte drink, protein shake, and taking my vitamins.
I sit in my broken blue recliner and write down my goals for the day. I include three top things I want to accomplish, then write three things I’m grateful for, and anything I feel I’ve fallen short on. I confess those areas to God and repent.
Afterward, I pray, open His Word, and journal.
Finally, I warm up while listening to worship or Scripture, then hit the road for my run. On the road, I keep listening—either to Scripture or audiobooks related to my school (I’m working on my Master’s in Apologetics and Evangelism at Dallas Theological Seminary).
Was I always this disciplined? Absolutely not. Is this exhausting? Not at all—it’s life-giving. All of this is accomplished before my children wake up, which allows me to father them well, intentionally serve my wife, and step into the world prepared and grounded.
Your schedule may not look exactly like this, and that’s okay. But I promise, if you put God first and ask Him for a powerful morning with Him, you’ll experience purpose and joy throughout your day!
Never Finished Challenge
Don’t wait to start your morning routine with God—start right now! Even if you miss your usual time, take a moment at your desk, open the Word, and spend time with Jesus before work begins. Your employer might not be accepting of it at first, but when they see the fruit of this time (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control), they might just start opening the Bible themselves.
Are you new to the Bible? Start in Genesis, where it all began and where you’ll learn about your origins. Invite others to join you and encourage questions! Everyone has questions, but few people are bold enough to ask them.
Are you a veteran? Challenge yourself to read through the entire Bible. I personally love listening to Proverbs, Psalms, and the Gospels—they keep me grounded and inspired—while reading through the whole Bible.
For your pocket: Daily time with Jesus frees us.
P.S. Thank you for sharing this journey and for reading!
What does today say about God?
If material things somehow could go with us what would that say about God’s character? It might make us look cheap. Instead, I feel more valuable than words can express. God sees my heart and loves me. Talk about a loving creator! Thank you, Jesus!