”Gifts of Goodness & Abundance” – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #98 for December 27, 2023
Gifts of Goodness & Abundance
Donate to Bryan Hudson: https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
Donate to New Covenant Church: https://cash.app/$newcovenantindy
God's Greatest Gift
LISTEN TO PODCAST
Donate to New Covenant Church: https://cash.app/$newcovenantindy
Sow seed to Pastor Bryan Hudson, https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
Sow seed to Pastor Bryan Hudson, https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
”The Greatest Gift” – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #97 for December 20, 2023
The Greatest Gift
Listen to the Teaching From Sunday, December 17
Donate to Bryan Hudson: https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
Donate to New Covenant Church: https://cash.app/$newcovenantindy
Healing of the Soul – Part Six Conclusion, ”How Your Soul Prospers"
LISTEN TO PODCAST
Key text – 3 John 2
NKJV Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
NIV Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
NLT Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.
In this letter, The Apostle John is not writing specifically about the human soul.
The word soul can be understood as the expression of a quality of life.
NLT uses the phrase, “Strong in spirit.”
NIV, “Even as your soul is getting along well.”
Bible dictionary definitions for “prosper:” εὐοδόω, Transliteration, euodoō
To grant a prosperous and expeditious journey, to lead by a direct and easier way
To grant a successful issue, to cause to prosper
• How do you journey in your life?
• What help do you need as you journey through life?
• It has been said that life is not a destination, it is a journey.
Donate to New Covenant Church: https://cash.app/$newcovenantindy
Sow seed to Pastor Bryan Hudson, https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
Sow seed to Pastor Bryan Hudson, https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
”The Blessing of Giving” – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #96 for December 13, 2023
The Blessing of Giving
Donate to Bryan Hudson: https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
Donate to New Covenant Church: https://cash.app/$newcovenantindy
”Perfect Peace” – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #95 for December 6, 2023
Perfect Peace
Listen to the Teaching From Sunday, December 3
Donate to Bryan Hudson: https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
Donate to New Covenant Church: https://cash.app/$newcovenantindy
”Healing of the Soul,” Part Five, ”In Christ: Nothing Missing, Nothing Broken"
LISTEN TO PODCAST
Colossians 2:10 NLT, You are also complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
Strong’s NT Dictionary Definition of Complete:
πληρόωplēróō (plēroō ) from G4134: To fill out, (literally) to cram, level up, to furnish, to finish and verify
Donate to New Covenant Church: https://cash.app/$newcovenantindy
Sow seed to Pastor Bryan Hudson, https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
Sow seed to Pastor Bryan Hudson, https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
Thankful! – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #94 for November 29, 2023
Thankful!
Deuteronomy 5:16
‘Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well with you on the land which the Lord your God gives you.
‘Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well with you on the land which the Lord your God gives you.
Donate to Bryan Hudson: https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
Donate to New Covenant Church: https://cash.app/$newcovenantindy
"The Strength of Giving Thanks" – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #93 for November 23, 2023
The Strength of Giving Thanks
Listen to the Teaching From Sunday, November 19
_________________________________
Jemond & Crystal Daughtry Conversation
Jonas Daughtry Charitable Fund
Donate to New Covenant Church: https://cash.app/$newcovenantindy
”Healing of the Soul,” Part 4: ”Giving Thanks is Good for Your Soul!”
LISTEN TO PODCAST
1 Thessalonians 5:18, In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Giving thanks opens you spirit, soul, and body to receive STRENGTH
Psalm 29:11, The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.
God’s “strength” is not only spiritual but material and physical.
Hebrew word: עֹז, ʿōz (Pronounced “oze”)
Psalm 29:11, The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.
Giving thanks and Having Gratitude has ACTUAL, PHYSICAL benefits!
Documented in research studies with people:
National Institutes on Health
University of California at Berkeley
Donate to New Covenant Church: https://cash.app/$newcovenantindy
Sow seed to Pastor Bryan Hudson, https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
”From Bitter to Better” – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #92 for November 15, 2023
From Bitter to Better
Listen to the Teaching From Sunday, November 12
”Healing of the Soul,” Part 3: ”How to Maintain Peace in Your Soul”
LISTEN TO PODCAST
How to Maintain Peace in Your Soul – ACTION WORDS
Stay
Think
Sell Out
Get Help
Let Go
Rejoice
Donate to New Covenant Church: https://cash.app/$newcovenantindy
Sow seed to Pastor Bryan Hudson, https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
"Guard Your Heart" – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #91 for November 8, 2023
Guard Your Heart
Listen to the Teaching From Sunday, November 5
Healing of the Soul – Part Two: ”Self-Awareness: A Key to a Better Self”
LISTEN TO PODCAST
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV), Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
What is Self-Awareness?
• It is the ability to examine yourself and be honest with yourself.
• Self-awareness is a mindfulness that gives you the ability to recognize and understand yourself.
• You are capable of observing your thoughts without being your thoughts. (Paul Scanlon)
What is Self-Awareness?
• Self-awareness is a mindfulness that gives you the ability to recognize and understand yourself.
• You are capable of observing your thoughts without being your thoughts. (Paul Scanlon)
What is Self-Awareness?
• Ability to be aware of motives, actions, inclinations, and source of your beliefs.
• Self-recognition, Self-Perception, Self-Monitoring, Self-Regulation, Self-Editing (Internally auto correcting), Mindfulness, Awakeness (woke)
• You also become aware of people who are not self-aware. Shown in being inconsiderate of others.
• Self-recognition, Self-Perception, Self-Monitoring, Self-Regulation, Self-Editing (Internally auto correcting), Mindfulness, Awakeness (woke)
• You also become aware of people who are not self-aware. Shown in being inconsiderate of others.
Donate to New Covenant Church: https://cash.app/$newcovenantindy
Sow seed to Pastor Bryan Hudson, https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
Healing the Soul – Part One, ”Who Are You?”
LISTEN TO PODCAST
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV), Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
God’s Design For You
Genesis 1:26, Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.
Unite Your Heart – Become Undivided
Psalm 86:10, For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God. 11] Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. 12] I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forevermore.
Reflection Questions
1. Why is your heart worth guarding above all else?
2. How are you Imago Dei?
3. What is Sanctification? How is it working in you?
4. Why is it essential to unite your heart?
2. How are you Imago Dei?
3. What is Sanctification? How is it working in you?
4. Why is it essential to unite your heart?
Donate to New Covenant Church: https://cash.app/$newcovenantindy
Sow seed to Pastor Bryan Hudson, https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
Pay Attention for Prosperity of Spirit, Soul, and Body – DAY #21: Firm Foundation October 21-Day Devotional
Pay Attention for Prosperity of Spirit, Soul, and Body
In His discourse about parables, Jesus taught that it is essential to pay attention to how we hear. On many occasions Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
We have all had the experience of listening to someone talk, or listening to instructions, but not paying attention. A lack of attention leads to poor performance on examinations, improper handling of equipment, missed appointments, and more. Listening and paying attention pays dividends!
Last spring, I had a diagnosis of arthritis in my back. It was not severe or debilitating, but very uncomfortable. My doctor prescribed therapy. This was something I DID NOT want to do since it didn't make sense. I was thinking, "Moving my back makes it hurt!"
However, I trusted the expertise of my physical therapist, paid attention to the instructions, and did the things I was asked to do. All of the insights and movements were beyond my understanding. Over a period of three months my back pain dramatically improved! The prescribed movements released natural lubrication and developed muscles related to my spine. A lack of lubrication and a lack of muscle development is one of the effects of arthritis.
When Jesus said "for whoever has," I believe He talked about having faithful hearing. The apostle Paul wrote, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)
As you consider your future life of prosperity of spirit, soul, and body, remember Jesus' words and make it your aim to pay attention, faithfully hear, and take action based on what you hear. The outcome to faithful hearing is "more will be given." The outcomes of failing to pay attention are not acceptable, "Even what he seems to have will be taken from him."
Thank you for participating in this 21-Day Firm Foundation devotional and I thank the contributors who wrote lessons.
I pray you will continue seeking the Lord day by day, growing day by day, and prospering in all things just as your soul prospers!
To view other lessons, use the "Newer Post" and "Older Post" buttons below:
Physical Exercise: Is it worth your time
REFLECTION QUESTION: How is your hearing? Do you pay attention or become easily distracted?
ALL LESSONS:
DAY #1 – What Is The Will of God?
DAY #2 – Is Scripture Alone Enough For Healing?
DAY #3 – Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ
DAY #4 – Set Your Mind and Keep It Set
DAY #5 – Who is Your Partner for Life?"
DAY #6 – What to Do When You Feel Overwhelmed
DAY #7 – Pay Attention
DAY #8 – SHINE! Your Greatest Benefit to Others
DAY #9 – My Personal Trainer – Lesson by Corey Jones, M. Div
DAY #10 –You Are a Masterpiece: Live Like It!
DAY #11 – Mind Over Matter, Or A Good Attitude?
DAY #12 – Broken to Healed – Lesson by Min. Shawn Carter
DAY #13 – Nourishment for Your Soul – Lesson by Patricia Hudson
DAY #14 – Physical Exercise: Is it Worth Your Time? – Lesson by Elder Gaylan Owens
DAY #15 – Expect What You Pray For
DAY #16 – Honoring God With Our Physical Bodies – Lesson by Jonathan Hudson
DAY #17 – The Amazing Benefits Package God has for His Children – Lesson by Stacy Williams
DAY #18 – Our Heavenly Father's Health Plan – Lesson by Corey Jones, M. Div
DAY #19 – Who Are You?
DAY #20 – Who Helps You?
DAY #21 – Pay Attention for Prosperity of Spirit, Soul, and Body
_____________________
Who Helps You? – DAY #20: Firm Foundation October 21-Day Devotional
Who Helps You?
This is great wisdom from Solomon, a man who experienced the heights of wisdom and the depths of foolishness. This was advice offered during his wisdom stage of life.
"Two are better than one"
We obviously have to take responsibility for ourselves and do the things that we're supposed to do. But working with others is always better than working alone, especially for difficult tasks. I remember a time when even the great Michael Jordan would score 50 points in a basketball game and the team would still lose. No matter how good one is, a team will defeat him. In life, the opposing team we face is a combination of circumstances, unhelpful people, the devil, and most of all, our own bad habits.
"Woe to him who is alone when he falls"
The thing about burning bridges (relationships) is that when you need a bridge (people) over troubled water, you won't have one to cross. We don't build relationships just so that we can pull on people when we have a need. The idea is simply to serve others. God will see to it that help will come when you need it. You must then have the courage to ask for help.
"One may be overpowered by another"
We are out-matched at times. We are sometimes dealing with circumstances beyond our understanding and control. The healthy thing to do is to have enough self-awareness to realize that you are outmatched and need to reach out for help.
"A threefold cord is not quickly broken"
A rope is strong because it is not one strand, but many strands woven together. Never underestimate the power of getting help from people who know what they're doing. Sometimes that's the hard part, finding someone who really knows how to help. A mentor of mine used to say, "If you don't know, don't help me."
However, don't procrastinate and make the mistake of thinking there's no one "good enough" to help you. One of the reasons we serve God is to gain wisdom and be led by His Spirit.
In conclusion: From the words of my late mother, "Now, what are YOU going to do?"
REFLECTION QUESTION: Who are the people who can, or should, help you? Write those names down or get recommendations.
ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:
_____________________
Who Are You? – DAY #19: Firm Foundation October 21-Day Devotional | Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #90
Who Are You?
The most healthy thing you can do for your spirit, soul, and body is to know who you are. This is called "Imago Dei," which is Latin for "Image of God."
You were made in God's image and likeness. This means you don't look like the product of evolution, you don't look like your mistakes. You look like a divine, intentional, and purpose filled creation of Almighty God. The only created things or beings made in His image are people.
Being made in God's IMAGE speaks to His essence as persons who have the ability to commune with God and be aware of His presence. LIKENESS speaks how we "look like" God through our ability to do the things He wants us to do.
The next time you feel bad about yourself, or someone attempts to disrespect you or make you feel bad, remind yourself that you are a child of the Creator, made in His image, likeness, and full of power to take necessary action.
We are often aware that we are living below the fullness of that image and likeness. We see tragic examples of people in this world bringing misery to others. This is where Jesus makes the difference. Through His life and sacrifice, He granted to humans through the "New Birth" new capabilities that were lost though sin and defeat.
Embrace your true image and likeness!
REFLECTION QUESTION: Who are you?
ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:
_____________________
Our Heavenly Father's Health Plan – DAY #18: Firm Foundation October 21-Day Devotional
Our Heavenly Father's Health Plan
Lesson by Corey J. Jones, M. Div.
This is a beautiful conditional promise from the Lord to His children. Before the blessing is bestowed there is responsibility and accountability required of the child of God.
A choice and decision must be made to be obedient and do what the Lord requires of us. It is imperative that as Christ followers we do our part. We know that the Lord is always willing and able to do His part, according to His promises.
In this verse there are 3 specific points;
1) Obedience
2) Divine health
3) Healing
I'm going to focus on divine health and healing since I've already touched upon obedience. When the Father said He would put none of the Egyptian diseases upon His children, this can be interpreted as divine health. If you were able to avoid getting sick then healing wouldn't be required. So often we take divine health for granted, until sickness comes upon us. The blessing of being healed of sickness is a promise from our Heavenly Father. There is no shame in being sick, nor does it mean you have sinned, thus bringing sickness to come upon you. According to wisdom we should utilize everything at our disposal for our wellness.
Obviously, we seek the Lord for healing. However, we do ourselves a disservice if we don't make medical science a part of our treatment plan. Miracles happen every day, yet God also works through people. He gave mankind the ability to gain knowledge of the workings of the human body. God wants you to be well, but he also wants to walk in wisdom. Expect our Heavenly Father to be up to something good on your behalf. That includes divine health and healing for your bodies when you become sick. Jesus is Lord!
To view other lessons, use the "Newer Post" and "Older Post" buttons below:
Physical Exercise: Is it worth your time
1) Obedience
2) Divine health
3) Healing
I'm going to focus on divine health and healing since I've already touched upon obedience. When the Father said He would put none of the Egyptian diseases upon His children, this can be interpreted as divine health. If you were able to avoid getting sick then healing wouldn't be required. So often we take divine health for granted, until sickness comes upon us. The blessing of being healed of sickness is a promise from our Heavenly Father. There is no shame in being sick, nor does it mean you have sinned, thus bringing sickness to come upon you. According to wisdom we should utilize everything at our disposal for our wellness.
Obviously, we seek the Lord for healing. However, we do ourselves a disservice if we don't make medical science a part of our treatment plan. Miracles happen every day, yet God also works through people. He gave mankind the ability to gain knowledge of the workings of the human body. God wants you to be well, but he also wants to walk in wisdom. Expect our Heavenly Father to be up to something good on your behalf. That includes divine health and healing for your bodies when you become sick. Jesus is Lord!
REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you willing to embrace God's divine health & healing for your body?
ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:
_____________________
The Amazing Benefits Package God has for His Children – DAY #17: Firm Foundation October 21-Day Devotional
The Amazing Benefits Package
God has for His Children
Lesson by Stacy Williams
Psalm 103:2-4, “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion…”
Most companies usually have benefits packages that are provided to its employees. These benefits packages include benefits and privileges beyond an employee’s regular wage. Once you become an employed member of a company’s organization, you are entitled to the benefits that company offers.
Being a child of God comes with many benefits far greater than any company could offer. The sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross allows us to become children of God. If we are children of God, then we are entitled to all of the benefits offered to us in Christ. Psalm 103:2-4 lists some of the many benefits believers receive as children of God.
1) Forgiveness of sins – Christ’s death and resurrection paid our sin debt. As children of God, we have forgiveness for all of our sins.
Ephesians 1:7-8, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.”
2) Healing from disease – When Jesus died for forgiveness of our sins, he also provided for our healing.
1 Peter 2:24, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”
3) Redemption from the “pit” – Christ’s atoning death has bought us back (redeemed us) from death, destruction, and an eternity separated from Him.
Colossians 1:13-14, “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
4) Covering of love and compassion – Christ love and compassion covers and encircles us as a crown encircles one’s head.
1 John 3:1, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”
Psalm 103:2-4, “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion…”
Most companies usually have benefits packages that are provided to its employees. These benefits packages include benefits and privileges beyond an employee’s regular wage. Once you become an employed member of a company’s organization, you are entitled to the benefits that company offers.
Being a child of God comes with many benefits far greater than any company could offer. The sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross allows us to become children of God. If we are children of God, then we are entitled to all of the benefits offered to us in Christ. Psalm 103:2-4 lists some of the many benefits believers receive as children of God.
1) Forgiveness of sins – Christ’s death and resurrection paid our sin debt. As children of God, we have forgiveness for all of our sins.
Ephesians 1:7-8, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.”
2) Healing from disease – When Jesus died for forgiveness of our sins, he also provided for our healing.
1 Peter 2:24, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”
3) Redemption from the “pit” – Christ’s atoning death has bought us back (redeemed us) from death, destruction, and an eternity separated from Him.
Colossians 1:13-14, “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
4) Covering of love and compassion – Christ love and compassion covers and encircles us as a crown encircles one’s head.
1 John 3:1, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”
REFLECTION QUESTION: What other “benefits” can you praise God for today?
ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:
_____________________
Honoring God With Our Physical Bodies – DAY #16: Firm Foundation October 21-Day Devotional
Honoring God With Our Physical Bodies
Lesson by Jonathan Hudson
Corinthians 6:19-20, Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
The focus Scripture states, “Our body is a temple” and we should “honor God with our body." The question is: How do we honor God with a physical body that has limitations, ailments, and at some point will no longer function?
Try to think of honoring your physical body like buying a brand new vehicle. A vehicle is a depreciating asset - it will, over time, lose its value and eventually cease to operate. But, we still make the effort (or we should) to get oil changes, rotate tires, get car washes, respond to recalls, and get repairs to maintain the vehicle. In that way we honor our purchase, and showcase good stewardship.
We were bought at a price, more valuable than a vehicle because of Christ. We should be good stewards of our bodies, because unlike a vehicle, we cannot buy another physical life. This means exercising, eating well, resting well, going to the doctor, and treating your physical body like it has been paid for, as our Scripture alludes. It is a daily mindset of personal growth. Because when the body prospers, the spirit and the soul can too.
Luke 22:39 says, “Jesus left the upper room with his disciples and, as was his habit, went to the Mount of Olives, his place of secret prayer.”
Doing something as simple as taking a walk, God can provide insight and revelation for your life. Jesus knew that in His place of prayer (which we can assume was a remote mountainous destination with a challenging uphill hike) He could be alone and hear from God.
I am truly grateful for my body that Jesus has paid for. The body that allows me to ride a bike, run, swing a tennis racket, a golf club, hike, and just enjoy God’s creation in nature and receive insight and revelation.
Our physical bodies are a gift, and should be honored as such.
Corinthians 6:19-20, Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
The focus Scripture states, “Our body is a temple” and we should “honor God with our body." The question is: How do we honor God with a physical body that has limitations, ailments, and at some point will no longer function?
Try to think of honoring your physical body like buying a brand new vehicle. A vehicle is a depreciating asset - it will, over time, lose its value and eventually cease to operate. But, we still make the effort (or we should) to get oil changes, rotate tires, get car washes, respond to recalls, and get repairs to maintain the vehicle. In that way we honor our purchase, and showcase good stewardship.
We were bought at a price, more valuable than a vehicle because of Christ. We should be good stewards of our bodies, because unlike a vehicle, we cannot buy another physical life. This means exercising, eating well, resting well, going to the doctor, and treating your physical body like it has been paid for, as our Scripture alludes. It is a daily mindset of personal growth. Because when the body prospers, the spirit and the soul can too.
Luke 22:39 says, “Jesus left the upper room with his disciples and, as was his habit, went to the Mount of Olives, his place of secret prayer.”
Doing something as simple as taking a walk, God can provide insight and revelation for your life. Jesus knew that in His place of prayer (which we can assume was a remote mountainous destination with a challenging uphill hike) He could be alone and hear from God.
I am truly grateful for my body that Jesus has paid for. The body that allows me to ride a bike, run, swing a tennis racket, a golf club, hike, and just enjoy God’s creation in nature and receive insight and revelation.
Our physical bodies are a gift, and should be honored as such.
REFLECTION QUESTION: What can I do daily to honor God with my body?
ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:
_____________________
Expect What You Pray For – DAY #15: Firm Foundation October 21-Day Devotional
Expect What You Pray For
The prayer meeting at Mary's house was well attended. The people prayed fervently. They cried out to God and asked Him to deliver Peter from jail. There was only one small problem: When the Lord delivered Peter from jail and brought him to the house where the people were praying, they did not believe that God had actually answered their prayers.
Someone even told Rhoda, "Girl, are you crazy! How can Peter be at the door if we are still praying for him?" Another "prayer warrior" told her that she only saw Peter's angel at the door.
The lesson is simple: When you pray, start expecting to see God's answer!
Whatever the circumstance, whether something only a miraculous intervention can change, or something in the physical world such as material provision or health, BELIEVE when you pray. God has unlimited resources in heaven and earth, so we don't need to always concern ourselves with exactly how God will do it.
Remember that God is doing much more than we realize or recognize. Your part is to believe, obey God's directions, and walk in wisdom. God's part is to open the door, like He did for Peter.
REFLECTION QUESTION: What things have you prayed about that you need to expect? Be specific.
ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:
_____________________
Physical Exercise: Is it Worth Your Time? – DAY #14: Firm Foundation October 21-Day Devotional
Physical Exercise: Is it Worth Your Time?
1 Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV, But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
I think firstly we have to put in context the relationship of Paul the writer and Timothy the recipient of the letter. Paul is an older, more mature man whose days of youth were behind him. He has the benefit of having lived through that time thus enabling him to reflect and advise the young man that he's mentoring. Timothy is a young man, probably extremely healthy and in great physical shape. Since he is a meek young man, he's able to receive instruction and glean wisdom from his mentor, Paul.
Based upon the relationship of these two men and the Scriptures, I see two life directives: Priority and Balance.
It is of greater priority to sow to your spirit man and to your soul than to your body by exercising. Exercising ourselves towards godliness will increase our stature in the kingdom of God. Educating and training oneself sets an individual up for a lifetime career of earning a living.
I think firstly we have to put in context the relationship of Paul the writer and Timothy the recipient of the letter. Paul is an older, more mature man whose days of youth were behind him. He has the benefit of having lived through that time thus enabling him to reflect and advise the young man that he's mentoring. Timothy is a young man, probably extremely healthy and in great physical shape. Since he is a meek young man, he's able to receive instruction and glean wisdom from his mentor, Paul.
Based upon the relationship of these two men and the Scriptures, I see two life directives: Priority and Balance.
It is of greater priority to sow to your spirit man and to your soul than to your body by exercising. Exercising ourselves towards godliness will increase our stature in the kingdom of God. Educating and training oneself sets an individual up for a lifetime career of earning a living.
We know that as we age our body declines, muscle mass and bone density decrease as well as many other things that occur as part of the aging process. The balance act of physical exercise is a lifetime commitment. Although the Scripture says bodily exercise only profits a little, it does profit.
When we tailor our exercise and activities to our age we make our bodies stronger, improve our circulation and maybe even lose or maintain our weight. Anyone who has been an athlete will tell you it's best to stay in shape, as opposed to always trying to get in shape. We know that if the Lord delays His return, our physical bodies will eventually fail us or we will die, but until that happens we should choose to exercise our bodies in appreciation to our Heavenly Father for the vessel He blessed us with.
REFLECTION QUESTION: Faith without corresponding action has no value at all. What action(s) aligns with your prayer of faith (what you have asked God for)?
ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:
_____________________
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)
"Building & Re-Building Men" Forum
Watch the Replay!
Biblical & Social Justice, What Is It?
Donate to New Covenant Church
Firm Foundation Podcast on iTunes
Principles of Empowerment Devotional
Print & KIndle eBook Editions Available
Book/Ebook, "House of Wisdom"
Inspiration Images by Bryan Hudson
Get the Book "Morning Light"
"'Morning Light" 30-Day Devotional
