Have you been watching the wrecking crew working on the old buildings between FUMC and FBC near the water tower? It seems that in less than a week, these men and their 'toys' moved in and suddenly made the eyesores disappear. Now you can almost see the 'north pole'. Changed the whole appearance of that side of town. Now what? Who knows!

Remember the poem that describes a wrecking crew tearing a building down, right in the middle of town? With a hove, heave, ho, and shove....the old building was down, level with the ground. The boss man was asked by a passer by if he would hire these same men to build again: "No," he replied. "I will need skilled builders to put all the materials together to make it stand strong and through the years of toil and weather. These men tear down in a day what took master builders months to build."

Many a man has witnessed his life to be leveled to the ground, back to zero! We can look upon the situation in one of two ways: either we can view it as a life that is over, worthless, nothing but a zero! Or we can see it as God's way of reminding us He is in control of all things and is now giving us new opportunities to bounce back and rebuild my life on His promises and strength. We all are benefactors of the rebuilding process.

In the past each of us can see those times and places where our life was burning in flames of lust, jealousy or greed, or being destroyed by storms of passion or pride. Though some are not brought to the bended knee, we all know the disappointment of failure. The Biblical account of many experiencing these low points, gives us hope and encouragement for a brighter future.

Recently in New Orleans, we spent a good deal of time with a men's drug and alcohol rehab center. There were 70 men confined for a 6-months course to 'break the habits' and return to them to their homes and stations in society. All will eventually leave to seek to rebuild a new life. Many will return for another round. Just like in real life, sometimes it takes two or three tries to build a home with a strong foundation. But it is worth the wait and patience when strong storm winds blow again.

As we visited folks in the Lower 9th and 8th Wards, we witnessed many groping with their fate still several years after powerful Katrina. Many moved on; many stayed and are rebuilding. The 'never give up' attitude  seems to prevail around the city. With the help of many friends and total strangers, New Orleans will one day find itself a rebuilt city. True, it will be different than the city of old. But the spirit of New Orleans' folks will rise up and help rebuild the city stronger. Just like the inner strength of believers, when knocked down, will rise up and be a stronger follower of Christ.

Jesus had much to say about rebuilding lives on sound foundations. (Go thy way and sin no more; seek ye first the kingdom of God; deny self, take up your cross and follow Me, and many others) He contrasts the man who builds his house upon stone and sand. When storms began to howl and prowl, the house build on shifting sand is going to come tumbling down. Not so for the house built on a firm foundation. It stands firm regardless of the storms.

Some in our community need to take steps to rebuilt their lives. We can all try to help, encourage and pray. But it really depends on the individual. Each must answer questions like: Am I willing to work hard at this? Do I really want to lay my weaknesses down and embrace God's power to overcome them?  

It is possible!  The Holy Spirit will work wonders when we allow Him to do so!  The Master Builder desires to rebuild your shattered life.  Or if you know someone who needs a gentle touch, a strong word of love and encouragement, tell them about our Friend.

Rebuilding requires some framework, a portion of the foundation or roof as well. But in order to build a stronger life, better quality of timbers must be selected (sometimes we need help to do this); a Master Builder needs to be invited to lead the crew that puts the materials together in 'just the right manner.'  February is a good time to rebuild lives. Yours! Mine! Yes, instead of allowing the disposed building, the damaged foundation, or the weak rafters to stand and fight the elements of nature alone, invite Jesus to come in and rebuild the new life to glorify His Father in heaven.  "To each is given a set of tools, and a rule; and he must work ere life is flown; that he might be a stumbling block or a stepping stone."(edited)