That Day

Isaiah 25:9, In that day the people will proclaim, "This is our God. We trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!"

This text is part of a prophetic praise that followed prophetic declarations of God's judgments in the earth.

While the context belongs to a different time, I am encouraged by its words today. Since God is same yesterday, today, and forever, we are blessed to see His divine character in this prophetic text.

The message is clear: God can be trusted to save us in every way that we need saving. This is what we will proclaim on the day we settle it in our hearts that God is utterly faithful!

Amen!

Act Like Men

1 Corinthians 16:13 (NAS) "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love."

During a recent devotional Bible reading, I became intrigued by this text within the larger context of the challenges face by believers at Corinth. Paul closed this first wide-ranging letter to the Corinthian church with words of exhortation and action.

Many paraphrased Bibles and a few translations steer clear of the word "men" to present the core idea as, "be courageous" or "be brave." This may be appropriate. However, the original text uses the Greek word "andrizomai" meaning, "to act manly."

Since Paul's statement was addressed to all believers at Corinth, it was intended to be received by men and women alike. There is something very positive to be "seen" and understood in the words, "Act like men." It is instructive to highlight the good qualities of both sexes. In this particular text, we are invited to consider "manly" instances of decisiveness, strength, valor, intensity, protecting others, as well as other good and godly traits of men.

I'm thinking about my father, both late grandfathers, and other men in my family who have inspired me by their example. We all know of men who are not living up to their calling and potential, but this does not change God's intention for men. Clearly, key women in my life have had an equally important influence on me, but in a different manner than the men

The words, "Act like men" should not be viewed as an affront to women. It should become a source of inspiration for all believers to take a mindset to operate with strength, resolve and intensity.

Paul's final statement reveals the most important mindset: "Let all that you do be done in love."

The Good Fight of Faith

James 2:15 (NKJV) If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

James 2:17 (Amplified) So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead).

On October 28, after a long wait, I received some good news regarding a major transaction for our ministry. In the midst of my thanksgiving to God, I reflected on the concerns I had about getting the deal done. All those concerns suddenly appeared to be unfounded. However, it just seemed that way.

The truth is: The change in the economic environment since October 2008 required a level of faith that not only believed, but that exercised "deeds and actions of obedience to back it up." I also thank God for His mercy!

We often use the word "faith" by itself. We say, "I have faith." In reality, faith is never alone. "Faith" is shorthand for something like, "Faith in God, according to His scriptural promises, with corresponding action." Just as the text indicates that faith alone would not benefit a person in need, faith in all areas should result in "deeds and actions of obedience." I see three keys to genuine faith:

• First: Our faith is in God, not in ourselves.
• Second: Our faith is based on biblical truth. What we need and want is consistent with God's will, God's word and God's plan.
• Third: Our faith leads to actions that correspond to what is believed. Faith is no leap in the dark. Real faith (or "Faith in God, according to His scriptural promises, with corresponding action.") looks like a plan.

To be clear: We don't invent actions to make it look like we have faith. The actions flow out of genuine faith and obedience to God.

The concerns I had about the transaction motivated us to take better corresponding actions in relation to our faith in God in the matter. It isn't always about, "Devil get behind me!" It is sometimes about, "Get your behind moving!"

Remember these words, "Fight the good fight of faith." (1 Timothy 6:12) A "good fight" is one in which we enter the arena prepared, take some hits, dish out more hits, and continue fighting based on the strength that God supplies.

The good fight ends with victory!

God's Unfailing Love and Faithfulness

Psalms 117:1 (NLT) Praise the LORD, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth. 2 For he loves us with unfailing love; the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!

This verse from Psalms 117 reminds me of how little God asks of us in contrast to how much more He gives us. It is not that praising God is little in terms of significance or that is the only thing required of believers. The whole Bible is full of admonitions and instructions.

It is amazing that we are the recipients of God's "unfailing love" and a divine faithfulness that endures forever. If you have ever been on the receiving end of "failing love," you know what I mean. If you have ever witnessed people make lame excuses, break their promises, or walk out of your life, you have experienced failed love and unfaithfulness. Of course, if someone's love has failed, faithfulness doesn't have a chance. Selfishness weakens human love, causing it to fail. At the same time, we must examine ourselves in this regard.

You are also blessed to know people who love you with God's unfailing love.

These circumstances serve to remind us in Whom to place our ultimate confidence. It's okay to trust people, but that trust should never exceed our confidence in the One whose love absolutely never fails, who never offers excuses, and who will never walk away from you.

If you are thankful to the Lord for His unfailing love and enduring faithfulness, take a little time right now and do what David said, "Praise the Lord!"

Why the Seasons Sing

Isaiah 55:12 (NKJV) For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Yesterday, I took some time out to do something I thoroughly enjoy, taking photographs. A photograph captures a narrow slice of time and preserves it for later reflection and sharing with others. All the beautiful trees in their fall colors will be bare in a few weeks. The same trees will glisten with snow and ice sickles during winter time.

Many of us dread the onset of winter because the weather deprives us of many outside activities. I remember carrying that bad attitude until I decided to take photographs after a snowfall some years ago. I realized that the snow made drab landscapes beautiful and reflected light in unusual ways.

Every season has its "song." The text states that God's creation "shall break forth into singing" right in front of us. Usually, we don't stop to notice this "singing" because the challenges of life tend to dominate all of our senses. I am not suggesting that we ignore the business or challenges at hand. I am suggesting that we make room in our hearts for the words of God through Isaiah to his generation and to ours.

If we daily "go out with joy" and "be led out with peace," we will see everything differently. Even the trees, hills and snow will seem to clap their hands in praise to God. No, this won't pay the bills, but it will be a source of encouragement and will help keep us in faith to receive God's best.

Wake Up and Live in the Light

1 Thessalonians 5:5 For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don't belong to darkness and night. 6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be sober. 7 Night is the time for sleep and the time when people get drunk. 8 But let us who live in the light think clearly, protected by the body armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.

There are few metaphors more powerful to describe spiritual living than "light" versus "darkness." 1 Thessalonians Chapter Five is an admonishment concerning preparation for the "Day of the Lord," which is the season of Jesus' return and judgment of a sinful world.

We are "children of the light." It is the nature of light to be separate from darkness, because darkness is the absence of light. Paul writes, "We don't belong to darkness and night." Think about that statement and look at your life. What are you doing? Where are you doing it?

Sometimes, believers fall asleep in the light. Sometimes, we stumble around like drunk people who have no clear direction or purpose. We need to be alert and sober and all times. I don't want to be under the influence of anything more than the Spirit and Word of God: Not on personalities, not on sports, not on technology, not on music, not on "bigness" or "smallness," not even on teaching/preaching styles. Sometimes we just get caught up in things, but are not really doing the Word or work of the Lord.

As Paul said, it is time for us to "think clearly," stay clothed in the "armor of faith and love," and protect (as with a helmet) our confidence in God's saving power.

Wake up, sober up, and live in the light everyday!

A Worthy Ambition

1 Thessalonians 4:11 This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. 2 As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs.

Paul wrote these words to the believers at Thessalonica, which was a thriving, wealthy port city at that time. As with any big city, it was a place where one could cultivate a good or a bad reputation.

In this text, Paul counseled the Christians to do three things:

1. Live a quiet life: This is a life lived faithfully, consistently and with integrity. Scandalous living attracts negative attention and casts a bad light on the church.
2. Mind your own business: Spectators are criticizers. One day while watching a broadcast of a football game being played on a bitter cold day in Chicago, I expressed my displeasure at a receiver for not catching the football. Immediately, I remembered playing football on a cold day as a young man. I remembered how my hands felt stiff and painful. It's easy to criticize another, without considering his/her conditions. It is certain that we have enough unfinished business and unmet challenges to occupy us.
3. Work with your hands: We should make the most of our God-given abilities and training. We should strive to do quality, original work. In our society, to many activities and businesses are based on taking advantage of the misfortune of others. A large part of the Wall Street collapse in 2008 had to do with people gambling with other people's money. We can all prosper the old fashioned way: By producing high quality goods and services.

The advice that Paul offered would garner both greater respect from non-Christians as well as put believers on a firm financial footing. I think we should take his advice today.

Controlled By Love

1 Cor 5:13 (NLT) If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. 14 Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life.

Why do we do the things we do? Is it because of fear, a religious spirit, for money, for the praise of others, or other factors? Love is the best motivator. Paul said, “Christ’s love controls us.”

We can only be fully controlled by love after the death of everything else. This is why Jesus died for all of us, so that all of our ungodly deeds and motivations could also be put to death.

1 Cor. 5:15 states, “He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.”

God gives us the power to be controlled by His love, which is evidenced by not being selfishly motivated, living for Christ, and serving God's purpose.

Being controlled by love has benefits:

• Purifies our motivations
• Sanctifies our actions
• Ratifies our decisions
• Clarifies our purpose

If I seem crazy sometimes, it's just that I’m radically committed to Loving God, Loving People and Serving the World!

A God Who Sits High, Looks Low, and Takes Action

Psalm 113:4 For the LORD is high above the nations; his glory is far greater than the heavens. 5 Who can be compared with the LORD our God, who is enthroned on high? 6 Far below him are the heavens and the earth. He stoops to look, 7 and he lifts the poor from the dirt and the needy from the garbage dump. 8 He sets them among princes, even the princes of his own people! 9 He gives the barren woman a home, so that she becomes a happy mother. Praise the LORD!

While reading this Psalm, I recalled a phrase that is sometimes used in public prayers and sermons that says, "God sits high and He looks low." It is a statement to which we can say, "Amen!" However, like many such statements, we often don't consider the greater and more edifying meaning of the words.

According to this text, God is obviously "enthroned on high." He also "stoops to look." But the "LORD our God" (His title of supreme sovereignty, power and provision) who sits high doesn't stop with simply looking "low." He takes action:

• The LORD our God lifts the poor from dirty places
• The LORD our God removes the needy from discarded places
• The LORD our God restores dignity by setting His chosen ones among princes
• The LORD our God gives barren women (or fruitless people) a "home," which is a place of blessing, healing and reproduction.

This is the nature of our God. This is why He is high above nations and whose glory is greater than the heavens. We should consider all this and remember that when the LORD our God looks at you and me, help will soon follow.

NOW PRAISE HIM!

The Devil Didn't Make Me Do It

James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

We all need the blessing that comes with enduring temptation. Enduring temptation is simply not doing the wrong thing we are tempted to do. In other words, we don't "cave in" to the pressure. We choose not to sin against God.

The "crown of life" is not salvation. It is a special reward or approval of God for believers who love Him enough to resist temptation.

It is human nature to make excuses or play the blame game when we come up short. When God confronted Adam about sinning in the Garden of Eden, he said, "That woman you gave me made me do this." In other words Adam said, "God, that woman has a problem and you have a problem." However, as James said, God is not the tempter.

If God is not the tempter, that would leave the devil, right? Wrong! Satan is a tempter only to the degree that he "sets up" people. The devil is like the bartender, he just serves up what people want.

You will note that in the entirety of James Chapter One, the devil is not mentioned at all. So the excuse of "The devil made me do it" is unacceptable. The text clearly states in verse 14, "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by HIS OWN DESIRES (or "lust") and enticed." Note the words, "his [our] own desires."

Now here is the ultimate slippery slope: If we let desire/lust "conceive," we will most certainly slide into a sinful act. Thoughts are not sin. If we continue to think a certain way, that thought gets planted into the hyper-fertile garden of our passions, desires, and carnal (fleshly) nature. This garden always and instantly "conceives" an action.

The key to victory over temptation is not in "fighting it," but it quickly moving our thoughts and actions to something godly and useful. Take the "escape" exit. Pray, praise, quote scripture, go cut the grass, clean the garage, or something.

Stay off the slippery slope and don't pretend that you are above sliding if you go there.

Remember these words from the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it".

New Media for Ministry Pastor's Roundtable 2.0, November 14 | FREE REGISTRATION!

New Media for Ministry Pastor's Roundtable 2.0, November 14 | FREE REGISTRATION!

Your Light Looks Like Dawn to Others

Matthew 4:12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: 15 “ The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: 16 The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.”

God is light. In every place that He is present, His light will shine. This is especially important for people who "sit in darkness." The best solution to darkness is always light. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

We want people to see our light so that they can see our "good works" and experience the presence of God. Since it is the "goodness of God" that leads people to repentance (Rom. 2:4), we have an opportunity to lead people out of darkness by showing them a positive, fruitful life.

The prophetic words of Isaiah 9:1-2 found fulfillment in Christ's ministry, but the fulfillment of the promise did not end there. We are far beyond the land of Zebulun and the Jordan. However, here in America there are no lack of people who "sit in darkness" and in the "region and shadow of death."

Let God's light shine through you today and everyday! To people in darkness, It will look like dawn.

Jesus Will Return to Reign

Revelation 19:11 Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. And the one sitting on the horse was named Faithful and True. For he judges fairly and then goes to war. 12 His eyes were bright like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him, and only he knew what it meant. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven, dressed in pure white linen, followed him on white horses.

With all of our concerns and challenges today, we need to remember that one day Jesus will return. Some Christians want to fuss about eschatological timing. People debate pre-tribulation vs. post tribulation, rapture vs. remaining, literalism vs. symbolism.

What is not in question is that when Jesus returns, He is NOT coming to suffer, die and resurrect this time. He is coming to reign and rule as Faithful and True. He is coming to finish the work he started during His first "visit." As Jesus said, "On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." (Matt. 16:18)

What he built was an "ecclesia" (meaning "called out ones") to proclaim the redemptive Word of God in the earth. One proof of Christ's Lordship are the "many crowns" on his head. Another proof of his Lordship are the "armies of heaven" that will accompany his return. Eyes like fire indicate His resolve to judge and wage war.

Now, I don't know exactly when or how we become part of God's heavenly army. Whether it is by rapture, or death and resurrection, doesn't matter to me.

I just plan to be wherever Jesus is and follow Him wherever He leads!

Three Benefits of the God Kind of Love

1 John 4:16-17 “God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. 17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.

In this text, I see three benefits of the God kind of love:

The first benefit: The God kind of love embodies the nature and character of God. When you have that love, it is because you have God in you. It is the kind of love that is always attached to the presence of God.

The second benefit: The God kind of love can grow and mature, or become perfected in us. Many things in life cannot grow and develop because there’s no life, personality or greater spiritual reality attached to those things. Because God is love and we abide in love and God abides in us, we are provided great opportunities for growth and development.

The third benefit: The God kind of love that gives us boldness. Boldness is not the same as arrogance. Arrogance is confidence in one’s self. Boldness is confidence in God. The greatest test of boldness comes in times judgment. Judgment is not mainly severe punishment from God. Judgment is God’s examination of the thoughts, intents, and behaviors of people. God’s judgment in this dispensation provides us an opportunity for adjustment and correction.

1 John 4:17 says, “As he is so are we in this world.” Think about that statement. Nearly 100% of our problems, bad perceptions, and bad outlook come from the fact that we do not see ourselves the way that God sees us in Christ.

Sometimes, We are so focused on "as the world is, so are we in the world," that are losing sight of, "as Jesus is, so are we in this world."

Live in the greater reality of God's love and provision.

(God's) Perfect Love Casts Out Fear

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

People are tormented by fear because of the absence of God, who is love, dwelling in them. To be tormented is to experience repeated anguish over some fear from which we don’t feel that we can be free. Torment is the thought, the scenario, the drama that plays out in our minds over and over again.

Fear defined: Intimidation and agitation at the expectation of danger and harm; caused by many factors including fears about: safety, neglect, provision.

Perfect love, that is God’s perfect love that is in you, will cast out all fear. If there are things you need to do, but that you are afraid to do, God’s love and presence will remove all those fears. Rather than expecting something bad to happen, you expect something good to happen because your "Father” is right there with you!

Stop Wandering and Weeping, Listen to Your Teachers

Isaiah 30: 20-21 "...Yet your teachers will not be moved into a corner anymore, But your eyes shall see your teachers. 21 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.

I once heard it said, "Everyone goes through a teacher." It is a true statement. While we can learn a lot on our own, we learn best from those who are trained and gifted to teach. Preaching inspires us, but teaching trains us. You can run fast after great preaching, but you'll run long after good teaching.

Isaiah spoke a word of restoration to his generation, and we speak to our generation. Verse 19 begin by saying, "For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem; You shall weep no more." In order to dwell successfully in any place and to avoid the weeping that comes from our own errors, we need teachers.

We need Bible teachers as well as teachers who have knowledge and skill in our areas of need. Some of the worse teachers are your friends and non-parent family members, who are more committed to making you happy than telling you the truth.

As the text indicates, teachers often end up moved into a "corner" because they are not saying what people want to hear. It is foolish not to listen to a teacher who has walked the path you are attempting to walk, just because you don't like how the teaching makes you feel sometimes. A good teacher isn't as concerned about your feelings as your welfare.

Take Isaiah's advice, go find and listen to your teachers. When you hear their voice, you will also hear God's voice saying, "Here is the way, walk in it."

When you listen, learn and do, your wandering and weeping will come to an end.

The Love that Acts

1 John 3:17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 19 And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.

Saying "I love you" is really only significant when it is backed up with action. The true measure of love is not words, but deeds and truth. John went so far as to question the sincerity of those who love in words only: "...How does the love of God abide in him?"

Deeds are the things we do from the heart. Truth is the holy and biblical motivation behind the things we do for others.

According to verse 19, exercising true love draws us closer to God, strengthens our character, and more firmly establishes us in the truth (The Word of God).

Speak Out!

Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. 2 Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has saved you from your enemies.

(Click here to read entire Psalm 107)

Nothing could be clearer: If you know that the Lord is good, that He loves you, has redeemed you, and saved you from your enemies (including satan), then SPEAK OUT! There's nothing more convincing than a changed life.

Tell someone how good God is. Share with them how Jesus saved you and how God's faithful love is keeping you day-by-day. Here's the headline: "Jesus is Good News in a Bad News World!"

Share the Good News today!

Do you Love God? Are You Among "The Called?"

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

God is famous for working miracles and turning things around for His people. It is good to know that God can cause "all things to work together for good." What we need to remember is that this promise is specific to those who, 1) "Love God" and, 2) are "the called according to His purpose."

We know that love is the first commandment. Jesus confirmed this and added that we should also love our neighbor as ourselves. Without true love (the kind that acts and not just feels), our motivations are not trustworthy.

Being among "the called" is not merely acknowledging a personal call from God. It is laboring with others as the Body of Christ in order to collectively fulfill God's purpose. I have often said that, "We don't have our ministry, we are an extension of Christ's ministry through His church." Therefore, if we are not flowing with and through God's church, we are not functioning among "the called."

God's purpose is always bigger than ourselves. His purpose encompasses all believers and all people, all the time. God's wants people saved and in relationship with Himself.

Ephesians 3:10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Previous Insight and Inspiration posts available at http://www.bryanhudson.com)

For Such A Time As This

Esther 4:14 If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. What's more, who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for just such a time as this?"

The hatred of one man, Haman, put the entire Jewish nation at risk of genocide. Haman's hatred for Mordecai, who refused the kimg's decree to bow down and worship before another man caused him to persuade the kimg to destroy all the Jews.

When Esther, who was both a Jew and the Queen, learned that Mordecai had been praying and fasting for God's intervention because of the kimg's death decree, she requested to see him.

Esther had obtained a place of high privilege as the queen. She did not need to involve herself in the plight of "lesser" people. However, because she was a Jew, she would have probably suffered the same fate as all other Jews.

Mordechai appealed to her to intercede before the king on behalf of her people, even though appearing before the king without an invitation could bring instant death. The challenge that Mordecai issued to Esther is the same for us today,"Who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for just such a time as this?"

We all must recognize that our lives were not given to only enjoy comfort and privilege. For Esther, it didn't get any better than being a queen.

I believe that there are occasions during our lives when the destiny and purpose of God requires of us to step outside of our comfort and privilege. In fact, our decision to risk everything in obedience to God is necessary to help and deliver others. It is not that we are the only persons that can do God's work. It is that if we do nothing when we have the opportunity to do so, someone else will suffer.

God is looking for people who recognize that they are alive "For such a time as this" and will follow the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

This is our time to take action!

Jesus Blood and Your Testimony

Rev. 12:11 (NLT) And they have defeated him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of their testimony.

The blood of Jesus purchased our freedom from sin, therefore we are free. Our testimony is the public witness of that freedom. When you have something and possess the confidence to share it anytime, nothing can defeat you.

Sometimes the things that seek to bind us are less obvious than sin and satan. There are a host of extrinsic (originating from the outside) and intrinsic (originating from the inside) factors such as discouragement, manipulation, fear, flaky people, and more. Anything that distracts from God's purpose and grieves your spirit needs to be overcome.

Since redemption through Christ's blood is a settled victory, the things we talk about (our testimony) should reflect our victorious attitude in every area of life.

Shine for Jesus Today!

Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.

God's light and glory comes to us everyday. Receive it and shine for Jesus today! Other people need to be encouraged by the light of God on your life.

Cleaning House

Nehemiah 13:11, I immediately confronted the leaders and demanded, "Why has the Temple of God been neglected?" Then I called all the Levites back again and restored them to their proper duties.

An important part of the restoration and revival that God brought to Israel under the ministry of Nehemiah was a fresh focus on worshipping and serving God. During the Old Testament era, the work of the Levites, or priests, in the temple of God was essential.

Because of unfaithfulness and corruption, support for the Levites was neglected and people like Tobiah were allowed to use the Temple of God for personal gain.

When Nehemiah saw this, he immediately threw Tobiah, his "crew," and all his stuff out of the Temple! (v. 8) He brought the Levites back in and commanded the people to resume bringing tithes that provided support for the Levites and their families.

In our day, there are times when we need to "clean house" as well. Together, we are the Body of Christ and God's Temple. Our "Tobiahs" look like disobedience, selfishness, stinginess, and other behaviors that are beneath our higher calling in Jesus Christ.

(Previous Insight and Inspiration posts available at http://www.bryanhudson.com)

Ask, Thank, and Activate

Psalm 104:13 You send rain on the mountains from your heavenly home, and you fill the earth with the fruit of your labor. 14 You cause grass to grow for the cattle. You cause plants to grow for people to use. You allow them to produce food from the earth.

The entirety of Psalm 104 shows God's provision and order for His creation and His people. He has set both natural and spiritual laws into motion.

Too often, we are standing still asking God to do something that He has already provided. If I need light in a house that has electricity, I don't need to ask and then stand around waiting for illumination. I need to go and plug in to the provision.

God is still sovereign, active and merciful, so He brings unexpected blessings. However, most of what we need is already available by asking, thanking and activating God's promises already provided in the Word of God, the Bible.

James put it this way: "But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:25)

The Unleavened Bread of Sincerity and Truth

1 Corinthians 5:7 Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

In Paul's day, the Corinthian church had many problems. This text highlights Paul's rationale for dealing with a believer who was flaunting his sexual immorality by openly living in sin (v.1-2)

Paul's primary concern was not the sinning person, but the integrity of the Body of Christ. Leaven is yeast. Yeast is the additive that makes bread rise and look impressive. Yeast does not create more bread, it only provides the illusion of more substance. We live in a culture where inflated personalities and false spirituality are the norm. The smiles of too many only mask their hidden contempt.

Paul used the occasion to remind the Corinthians, and us, that God wants us to get leaven out of our lives and churches. Nothing in Jesus is pretentious or phony. He is completely sincere and true, and we should reflect the same.

Are we examples of the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth, or not?

The definition of sincere: Being in reality what it appears to be; having a character which corresponds with the appearance.

Overcoming Feeling Overwhelmed

Psalms 102:27 (NLT) But you are always the same; your years never end. 28 The children of your people will live in security. Their children's children will thrive in your presence."

This Psalm of David began with the words, "A prayer of one overwhelmed with trouble, pouring out problems before the Lord..." (v. 1) David reflected the pressure he was feeling back to God. David, as a shepherd, was also carrying a burden of care for the people he served. In another era, Peter said, "Cast all your cares on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

In God's presence, we need to tell Him everything that is on our hearts, including our concern for others. This is not to inform the Lord, because He knows all things. We "cast" it so that we will not continue to carry that pain, disappointment, or pressure after spending time with the Lord.

Problems don't cease to exist after we give them to the Lord, but the absence of feeling overwhelmed makes it easier for you to find answers and see solutions.

The closing words of Psalms 102:27 shows David's resolution and encouragement as he ended his time with the Lord by recognizing that God alone offers stability, security and future success.

Public Thanks and Personal Praise | Psalms 100:4

Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. Psalm 100:4

Entering God's gates with thanksgiving is the public expression of our devotion to Him. Smoke and incense filled the air surrounding temples and offerings of Old Testament priests. This was the public evidence of God dwelling among men. Today, as New Covenant believers, our thanksgiving publicly testifies to God's work in our heart and lives. Jesus' blood purchased our redemption!

Thanksgiving is the price of admission to enter God's court, or throne room. In His court, praise is very specifically focused on the Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Our praise is specific because we know no other source of life and blessing.

Thanksgiving and praise is not a ceremony, it is a "do-a-mony." So do it today and everyday!

Light, joy, happiness, and praise Psalms 97:11

Psa 97:11 Light shines on the godly, and joy on those who do right. 12 May all who are godly be happy in the LORD and praise his holy name!

Light, joy, happiness, praise. These are words, and realities, that belong in the life of the believer. The Bible says that God is light, in him there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). Darkness is a condition resulting from the absence of light. There is no reason for us to ever live in darkness.

This text shows us that our decisions, in cooperation with the grace of God, brings many benefits. Living godly causes God's light to shine on us at all times. Doing right produces a sense of joy. Happiness, which is a temporary state, is a byproduct of godly living.

The definition of "godly" in the Strong's concordance is "faithful, kind." This helps us understand that godly living is not some super spiritual state. It is our willingness to be faithful to God and his Word. It is a disposition of kindness.

Psalms 4:3 states, "...The LORD has set apart him that is godly for himself."

Today and always, light and joy and happiness and praise are yours!

The Bright Path, Proverbs 4:18

Proverbs 4:18, But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble.

The "Principle of the Path" states: It's not our intentions that shape our lives, it is the path that we choose to take. Every path, or road, leads somewhere. Poor choices put us on a path leading towards darkness and heartbreak. Good choices put us on a path towards greater light and fruitful purpose.

When you are on God's path, you might even start out in a place that looks dim. Because you are committed to serving His purpose and keeping covenant with God's family, your path will grow brighter day by day.

Pastor Bryan Hudson