Kingdom Living Blueprint: Build on the Word

Kingdom Principle: The Word of God Is Our Foundation: Equipping Families to live the Kingdom Life!

There is a foundation for every home. What is yours built on? Jesus told us in Matthew 7:24–25 that there is only one foundation that will stand the test of time and the storms of life: “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”   Matthew 7:24–25

As parents and spiritual leaders, our first responsibility is to build our lives upon the Word.  Before we can disciple our children, we must model what it means to love and live a biblical lifestyle. When our children see the Word shaping our choices, calming our storms, and guiding our decisions, they will learn to anchor their own lives that way too.

Parent Application: Lead Your Family in Scripture Daily

You can’t give what you don’t have. Family discipleship begins when parents make the Word of God the daily foundation of their home. Whether it’s reading a verse at the breakfast table, praying together before school, or sharing a story of how God’s truth helped you through a challenge – these simple, consistent moments sow seeds of faith that will bear fruit for generations.

The key is not perfection, but consistency. You don’t need a degree in theology to lead your family in the Word. You simply need a heart that says, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

To help people build their life on the Word, I use a simple pattern based on the acronym SOAP. It’s a practical and powerful way to meditate on Scripture and let it transform our daily lives.

S – Scripture:  Begin with a passage of the Bible. Choose one verse or section that stands out to you. Read it slowly, aloud if possible.
Example: “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24

O – Observation:  Ask yourself, What is God saying here?

Look for key words, promises, and truths. Notice who is speaking, what is happening, and what lesson is being taught.
Observation: Jesus reminds us that wisdom is not just hearing His words but doing them. Obedience builds stability that stands firm through life’s storms.

A – Application

Make it personal. Ask, How does this apply to my life or my family today? The goal is transformation, not just information.
Application: I will build my home on obedience to God’s Word by taking the time to share a Scripture verse with my family and live it out together that day.

P – Prayer

Close your time by praying over what you’ve learned. Ask the Holy Spirit for grace and strength to live it out.
Prayer: “Lord, thank You for Your Word that gives life and direction. Help me to be a doer of Your Word, not just a hearer. Let my family stand strong on the rock of Your Truth.”

When people practice this SOAP method of unpacking scripture, the Word moves from the page into the heart. It becomes not just something we read, but the very foundation we live on daily so that our home is built on the unshakable truth of God’s Word.  I have been using this method of going deeper in God’s word for many years. I am currently reading through the Gospels with my 15-year-old grandson. I send him my SOAP thoughts, and he makes comments, and we get together once a week to unpack what God is doing in his life.

Family Devotional: “What Does God’s Word Say?”

Every week, take time as a family to ask this powerful question: “What does God’s Word say about this?”  Whether it’s a conflict at school, a decision at work, or a question about life, this simple question turns hearts toward truth. It teaches children that Scripture is not just a Sunday topic – it’s the guide for every day of the week.

You might open your Bible to Matthew 7 and read Jesus’ story of the wise and foolish builders. Discuss what it means to build your life on the rock instead of sand. Then, make it practical.

Ask:

• What does it look like to obey God’s Word today?
• What happens when we ignore it?
• How can we remind each other to stay grounded in truth?

Activity:  Build on Sand vs Rock Illustration

Here’s a simple but powerful family activity: 

• Gather two trays one filled with sand and one with small stones. Using building blocks, let your children or grandchildren build a small “house” on each tray. Then pour water over both. Watch what happens.
• The sand foundation will shift and crumble, while the rock base will stand firm. Use this as a teaching moment:  When we build our lives on what is false or untrue, it’s like building on sand.  But when we build on what God says is Truth, we stand strong no matter what happens.

This hands-on lesson will stay with children far longer than a sermon. They’ll remember that what they build on determines how well they stand.

Strong Families Are Built on Strong Foundations

Storms will come. Life will test every foundation. But the family that builds on the solid rock of God’s Word will not fall.  In every generation, God is looking for families who will take His Word seriously, those who will not just hear it but live it. As we teach, train, and bless our children, we are shaping not just their future, but the future of the Kingdom.

We encourage you to take the Kingdom Blueprint Challenge and start discipling your family this week. Open the Word at your table, read it aloud, talk about it, and let it be the anchor that holds your family firm.  When the rain falls and the wind blows, your home will still be standing built on the Rock of Truth.