The Leverage of Love – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute for March 1, 2023

Tuesday, February 28, 2023 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


 The Leverage of Love 





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LEVERAGE: Importing & Exporting Breakthrough, Part One

Monday, February 27, 2023 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



LISTEN TO PODCAST



2 Corinthians 9:8, And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

Micah 2:13, He who opens the breach goes up before them; they break through and pass the gate, going out by it. Their king passes on before them, the Lord at their head.

God provides what we need to IMPORT, to breakthrough in our lives.
God also gives us grace to EXPORT breakthrough for others.

HISTORY IS HIS-TORY

YOUR HISTORY IS HIS-STORY

Your ancestors & predecessors
Your family
Your spiritual lineage
Your education
Your experiences
Your nation

GRACE IS LEVERAGE
2 Corinthians 9:8, God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

LOVE IS LEVERAGE
Colossians 3:14, But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

THE BODY OF CHRIST IS LEVERAGE
Ephesians 4:16, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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FINAL DAY 21 – Daily Bread is More Than We Realize | 21-Day Devotional on Jesus’ Beatitudes and Sermon on the Mount

Tuesday, February 21, 2023 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


  Daily Bread is More Than We Realize 



Text of the same lesson from the audio

Matthew 6:11, Give us this day our daily bread

God is a God of provision and detail. Jesus stated that the hairs on our head (or lack thereof!) are numbered (Luke 12:7). This is a saying meant to convey God’s deep concern for His children.

This part of Jesus’ instruction to His disciples on prayer was very simple, but there is profound truth behind it. Some of explanations of this text include
(From William Barclay’s Commentary on the New Testament):

1. The bread has been identified with the bread of the Lord's Supper.

2. The bread has been identified with the spiritual food of the word of God. Taken to be a prayer for the true teaching, the true doctrine, the essential truth as our food.

3. The bread has been taken to stand for Jesus Himself. Jesus called himself the bread of life (John 6:33-35)

4. The bread has been taken to be the bread of the heavenly kingdom. Luke tells how someone said to Jesus: “Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!” (Luke 14:15).

“Daily” Bread Has a Special Meaning

The Greek word “daily” is only used here and in Luke’s Gospel of the same prayer: ἐπιούσιος – epiousios

In the early part of the 20th Century a papyrus fragment (a material which people used for writing) was found with the Greek word, ἐπιούσιος, on it. The papyrus fragment was actually a shopping list! It was a note to remind the person to buy supplies of a certain food for the coming day.

From this context, the literal meaning of “daily bread” is: “Give me the things we need to eat for this coming day.”

This simple prayer for our everyday needs reveals FIVE truths:

1. We understand that God cares for our bodies. Jesus showed us that; he spent so much time healing men's diseases and satisfying their physical hunger.

2. We understand to live one day at a time, and not to worry and be anxious about the distant and unknown future.

3. Praying for daily provision puts God His proper place in our lives.

4. This pray reminds us of how prayer works.

5. Jesus did not teach us to pray: “Give ME my daily bread.” He taught us to pray: “Give US our daily bread.”

The problem of hunger in our world is not a lack of provision. There is enough to go around. The problem is a lack of distribution. This prayer teaches us never to be selfish in our prayers. 

It is a prayer that we can help answer by being obedient to God and showing the same level of concern/detail for the needs of others as for ourselves. This prayer is not only a prayer that we may receive our daily bread; it is also a prayer that we may share daily bread with others.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

How has your understanding of Give us this day our daily bread been expanded? What will it change in your lifestyle?

ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:



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DAY 20 – Your Kingdom Come. Your Will Be Done. | 21-Day Devotional on Jesus’ Beatitudes and Sermon on the Mount

Monday, February 20, 2023 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


  Your Kingdom Come. Your Will Be Done.  


[Text of the same lesson from the audio]

For these final two days of our 21-day devotional, we're going to look at a couple of statements from the “Disciple’s prayer,” that we mistakenly call the “Lord’s prayer.” This was the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples to pray.

Today, we will consider Matthew 6:10, Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

In our final lesson, we will consider Matthew 6:11: Give us this day our daily bread.

Throughout His time on the earth it was evident that the Kingdom of God was central to the message of Jesus.

Jesus said, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” (Luke 4:43)

To be in the Kingdom is to obey the will of God. The Kingdom is in fact the most personal thing in the world. The Kingdom demands the submission of my will, my heart, my life. It is only when each one of us makes his personal decision and submission that the Kingdom comes. (Barclay)

Given this understanding, it certainly makes sense that part of our daily prayer would be for God to make his kingdom present and active among Christ followers. We live within systems of our society, such as our economic systems, political systems, and educational systems. We are also citizens of God's kingdom which affords advantages that are not available to civil kingdoms. This would include righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17-18).

What does this mean? “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Contrary to the false ideas and idolatry of Christian nationalism, that seeks to integrate their views of the Bible into every aspect of government and society, Kingdom living is mostly a matter of our devotion to God and behavior toward others. People who try to insert the Bible into civil laws and culture neglect the reality that unsaved people cannot obey the Scriptures––something only possible by the help of the Holy Spirit. (John 14:17) It seems that some people wish to impose a Christian form of Muslim sharia law. God’s kingdom is not of this world, though we are salt and light to the world.

I suggest that God’s will being done “on earth” must first happen in “earthen vessels”–– you and me. There are those who believe that God’s will being done on earth is essentially advocating a Christian “take over” of systems of this world.

The truth is this: Everything in this present order will be destroyed, not preserved and presented to Jesus when He returns:

“Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (2 Peter 3:10-13)

Jesus did not advocate a “take over.” He preached the Gospel of the Kingdom which is God’s love, righteousness, joy, Christ-like character, and good works infused in our lives and lifestyle.

I believe this is the more biblical understanding of “Your Kingdom Come. Your Will Be Done.”

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. How is kingdom living different than a desire to “take over” systems of this world?

2. What does doing God’s will “on earth” look like to you?

ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:



_______________

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DAY 19 – Make It Plain. Add Nothing To It. | 21-Day Devotional on Jesus’ Beatitudes and Sermon on the Mount

Sunday, February 19, 2023 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


  Make It Plain. Add Nothing To It.   


[Text of the same lesson from the audio]

Matthew 5:33-37, You have heard that it was said by the people of the old days: You shall not take an oath falsely, but you shall pay your oath in full to the Lord. But I say to you: Do not swear at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God, nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet, nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King, nor by your head, for you cannot make one hair black or white. When you say, Yes, let it be yes; and when you say, No, let it be no. Anything which goes beyond that has its source in evil.

We live in a world where people have used the phrase "alternative facts” or attempt to justify their actions with a phrase like, “Well, the depends on what the meaning of ‘is’ is.” A more recent response on the part of George Santos now famously lying about being a Jew: “I didn’t say I was Jewish, I said I was Jew-ish.” We live in a world where you can go into an electronics store and ask for something, only to be told, "Yes we have it…what does it look like?” Rather than say, "I don't know,” many would rather create an illusion of knowledge.

The other side of that coin is when people discover that someone was faking knowledge, all credibility is lost. When this happens at an institutional level, institutions become untrusted.

As people, we have surprising little actual power. We can mix things together, like the ingredients for a cake, but we don’t actually invent things like wheat to make flour or chickens that provide eggs.

It is far better to “under-promise and over-deliver” than “over-promise and under-deliver.” Swearing to (or committing to) actions that require powers we do not possess is foolish, not to mention doomed to fail. Jesus taught His disciples and others listening in to “make it plain.” Let “yes” be yes and “no” be no.

I am amused by people who offer me something to which I may say “No, thank you,” followed by the response, “Are your sure?” Sometimes my response is, “I already answered the question.” We live in a world where people are conditioned not to accept your answer because are not clear with our answers.

There is also this worthless response to an invitation, to which some people respond, “I will try” or my favorite, “I might try.” Just say, “no,” if that is your intention.

It is interesting that in His Sermon on the Mount Jesus dealt with these matters which seem quite trivial. But the reality is that small things in life, added together, become the sum total of our lives.

So, make it plain and add nothing to it.

REFLECTION QUESTION:

What vague and evasive behaviors or habits do you need to stop and replace with brief, honest responses?

ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:




_______________

Listen to the Teaching


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DAY 18 – The Day Religion Died | 21-Day Devotional on Jesus’ Beatitudes and Sermon on the Mount

Saturday, February 18, 2023 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


 The Day Religion Died   


[Text of the same lesson from the audio]

Matthew 5:17-20, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Over the history of humanity, among people who claim to follow God, there has been a tension between what and who is right or wrong.

There have always been religious leaders who have placed themselves over people as the standard for all others and doing so while claiming God’s permission and a superior station in life. But those people, like the Pharisees, have always been the wrong ones.

This became clear when Jesus entered the religious scene of his day. He made a distinction between God’s intended purpose, and what religious leaders were actually doing. Yes, God did give the Ten Commandments and other statutes to Moses on Mount Sinai and they were designed to be understood, and followed by God’s people. However, we know from Paul’s writings that the Law was intended to reveal the futility of trying to obey the Law in one’s own strength (Rom. 8:3–4) as well as point the people to Christ. (Galatians 3:24)

Paul wrote, “The Law is good” (1 Timothy 1:8), but the problem was the sin nature and weakness of humanity as revealed in their (and our) inability to consistently do what God wanted. We know in history that religious leaders added 600+ lesser rules and man-made “commandments.” In all of this, religious leaders gave (and still give) people a false sense of security, that if they do what was told them, they would be “right with God.”

During Jesus’ time on earth religious leaders imposed rules such as “Sabbath ay’s journey” in which now now was allowed to travel more than 2/3 mile, or mandating practices such as ritual hand washings, and much more.

What is noteworthy is that Jesus routinely broke their laws, while always being true to Moses’ and God's law. One day He healed a man on the Sabbath and told him to pick up his bed and walk, which was “work” and forbidden on the Sabbath. Think about it: To be critical of a man being healed a significant disability because it was done on the WRONG DAY!

On another occasion, Jesus and his disciples were condemned for eating without doing ceremonial washing of their hands––something related to man made rules, not God’s law.

As I write this during Black history month, I'm reminded of the civil disobedience of the people of Rev. Dr. King’s era. They sat at lunch counters that were “whites only,” thus breaking laws. Dr. King said, “It is just to obey a just law and it is unjust to obey an unjust law.” We see that Jesus practiced a form of religious civil disobedience. You could say, He protested religious injustice.

Jesus said, “Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus undermined religious systems while paving the way for hearts to be changed by the Holy Spirit though something called the “New Birth.” (born of the Spirit) There are spiritual disciplines, things we do such as regular prayer and serving others, which may be considered as “pure religion” (James 1:27), but nothing we do is for the purpose of gaining God’s favor and “earning” His righteousness.

A highly education, respected, and religious-establishment man named Nicodemus received a lesson from Jesus about a new reality:

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

During his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus forever changed the paradigm for what it means to be righteous and to walk with God, but religious leaders wanted to hang onto the old ways, maintain control over people, and present themselves as gateways to God. Sadly, we see this same behavior until this day.

As a pastor, I am a spiritual (or “religious”) leader, but I know better than to present my righteousness above the righteousness of God as revealed in Christ. We don't need to follow the example of “Pharisees,” when we have Jesus, the Scriptures, and the Holy Spirit. Our job today is to lead people to Christ, then “shepherd” them in their relationship with God and understanding of the Word. We are are all equal in God’s sight. Our purpose and roles differ, but the Body of Christ is designed to edify, or “build up,” one another.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. How did religion die when Jesus presented a new reality with His Sermon on the Mount.

2. Why is trying to live by man-made rules ineffective as compared to the being “born again" and following Christ?

3. Why is the righteousness of trying to keep manmade rules lesser than the righteousness of God of Christ

ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:


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DAY 17 – Being Light as God Intended | 21-Day Devotional on Jesus’ Beatitudes and Sermon on the Mount

Friday, February 17, 2023 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


Being Light as God Intended  


[Text of the same lesson from the audio]

Matthew 5:14-15, You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.

For many of us who are not naturally outgoing, and even somewhat introverted, the concept of being a light to the world, goes opposite our nature.

But Jesus made it very clear that what He gave us was not only for us. The life, peace, and joy that we possess was designed by God to be shared. It is part of the purpose for which he created us. What we don't need to see is a show or any kind of a spiritual circus act–bringing glory to self, and not to God. There are many ways to let your light shine without treating it like a spotlight meant for performing.

Jesus said, "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world" (John.9:5). When He said to His disciples, "You are the light of the world," it was a call to rearrange their priorities
to serve God's greater purpose. We always have our privacy, but we dishonor God by allowing our light to be hidden.

Jesus did not say, “You are the light of the Church.” He said, "You are the light of the world.”

Three purposes for your light:

1. God designed light to be seen
. This is why we hold public meetings, publish works, use social media, and more. Just because some people do things the wrong way, does not mean we should do nothing. That would dishonor Jesus. 

2. Light is a guide. In our world of bright lights, we could not imagine existing in darkness, living only by candlelight at night as people did for centuries. When we shine our light, we help people. When we do not allow our light to shine, we permit the hurt and pain of people to continue.

3. Light can be a warning. Just as light can show the way to good places, it can also provide advance warning of dangers ahead.

So let your light shine by making the best of the opportunities God has provided.


REFLECTION QUESTION:
1. In what ways is your light, your good works, seen by others?
2. How is your life, as a light, guiding others?
3. In what ways does your life, as a light, help others avoid dangers?

ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:




_______________

Listen to the Teaching


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DAY 16 – The Salt Principle: INFLUENCE | 21-Day Devotional on Jesus’ Beatitudes and Sermon on the Mount

Thursday, February 16, 2023 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


The Salt Principle 


[Text of the same lesson from the audio]

Matthew 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men.”

Considering our topic today, I would invite you to answer this question: “Who are the people who have made a difference in my life?”

The answer to this question reveals the “salt principle." Historically and today, there were four uses for salt.

1. To Purify: Indicated by is brightness, ability to soften hard water and remove toxic metals

2. To Offer: As currency, and something required with offerings by the ancient Hebrews

3. To Preserve: As a chemical that retards decay in meat, allowing storage without refrigeration

4. To Flavor: As an enhancement to the taste of food

A single word that can best describe the function of salt is INFLUENCE.

In Leviticus 2:13, God gave a command to the Hebrews that included the use of salt;
“And every offering of your grain offering you shall season with salt; you shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your grain offering. With all your offerings you shall offer salt.”

God wanted His people to use salt, not for flavor or for preservation. He wanted the people to include salt with all their offerings because it represented God's influence in their lives.

Jesus said, for salt to lose its taste and saltiness, is equivalent to a loss of influence––not our influence over others, but God's influence in us. Jesus in Mark 9:50, Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”

This is an example of the salt principle at work inside the believer that can have the effect of bringing peace with others. We cannot hope to influence others positively if we are not being influenced by God.

As Jesus said, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

REFLECTION QUESTION:
How does salt represent God’s influence?

ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:





_______________

Listen to the Teaching


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DAY 15 – When We Hunger for God, All Other Hungers Subside | Lesson by Patricia Hudson | 21-Day Devotional on Jesus’ Beatitudes and Sermon on the Mount

Wednesday, February 15, 2023 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


When We Hunger for God, 
All Other Hungers Subside 
  

Lesson by Patricia Hudson

Matthew 5:6, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

“Blessed (happy) are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires; God will satisfy them fully! (Good News Translation, GNT)

Having retired from a 40+ year career in education in 2022, I found myself with an abundant amount of “free time.” To many people who were still employed, it was a dream come true and many were counting the days until their retirement. For me, it was, “What do I do now?” After a few months of feeling “thirsty” for finding purpose to replace the satisfying role of instructing students, I had a pivotal experience with the Holy Spirit. I realized and clearly grasped the opportunity available to me, to be able to use this time to “hunger and thirst” for the plans and purposes ahead.

The GNT translation of the verse reads, “Blessed (happy) are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires; God will satisfy them fully!”

After months of feeling empty and “thirsty,” my perspective was changed when I focused my heart to seek what this verse conveys. My priority became seeking to fill my days with what God requires for the next chapter. The time I greatly desired when I was working to be able to pray, read and study God’s Word became available. It was my time to hunger and thirst for God and make our relationship a priority. I began to look for opportunities to serve others. I am blessed to have more time with my husband and family.

There are lessons which we have all learned as Christ Followers. One of those lesson is learning to seek the Lord diligently with all of our heart. This is fundamental to our right standing with God. There should be no exceptions or excuses to making this principle a priority in our lives.

Our loving and merciful God knows when things in life attempt to divert our focus from Him. He wants us to realize, when we hunger for Him, He will make all other hungers subside.

“Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied. (Matthew 5:6, Amplified Bible)

REFLECTION QUESTION:
In what ways do your priorities reflect your hunger and thirst for righteousness? 

ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:


___________________________

RESOURCES:
• Message by Dr. Tony Evans, "Blessed Are the Spiritual Beggars" (Matthew 5:3)
https://go.tonyevans.org/tony-evans-sermons/blessed-are-the-spiritual-beggars

• Follow this link to a resource on the Beatitudes from BibleGateway:https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/08/what-are-the-beatitudes-why-are-the-beatitudes-important/

• Follow THIS LINK (or copy/paste) to a resource from Zondervan Academic: https://zondervanacademic.com/blog/beatitudes

• Follow THIS LINK (or copy/paste) to the web version of Barclay's Commentary on the New Testament: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dsb.html

THIS LINK is a downloadable PDF of Barclay's Commentary

_______________

Listen to the Teaching


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DAY 14 – The Blessing Of Getting Into “Good Trouble” | 21-Day Devotional on Jesus’ Beatitudes and Sermon on the Mount

Tuesday, February 14, 2023 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


The Blessing Of Getting Into “Good Trouble” 


[Text of the same lesson from the audio]

Matthew 5:10-12, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you."

We value a life free from difficulty. There’s nothing wrong with that desire, but life doesn’t always work that way.

We all face difficulties and challenges related to our purpose and tasks. If you are into customer service, you know what it’s like to be personally criticized for something that was not your doing. People are often frustrated and feel the need need to vent to whomever seems to be closest to what frustrates them. If the mail carrier delivers an overdue bill, some people become angry at the person who is only doing his or her job. If one did not study well and then fails an examination, being angry at the teacher does not make sense. There are things about human nature that are irrational and illogical, but this is the reality of human nature.

I remember when I was in art school as a 20 year old, I had a professor who was strict. He seemed to always be critical of my work. One day I called him a racist thinking that he was singling me out because I was Black. His response was “Bryan, you are delivering substandard work. I expect better and you can do better.” I felt that I was being persecuted, but in reality my professor only objectively identified where I was coming short of the standards of this prestigious art school.

Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake…”

In this statement, He was not talking about everyday life. Jesus spoke specifically to those who were serving God's purposes, not their own. Persecution is suffering in the service of doing God‘s will. Because many people are at odds with God and living opposite His values, they lash at those who represent God’s purposes and values.

Persecution can take many forms. Apart from martyrdom (death), which is obviously the worst form of persecution, all other forms are intended to inflict some level of emotional pain, mental distress, with the aim towards discouraging further activity in His name. Examples include:
• Physical attacks
• Abusive words
• Rejection of one's message
• Refusal to support
• Slander and speaking negatively to others about the person serving God

But as we like to say, “Don’t get it twisted!” Peter explained:

“Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.” (1 Peter 2:20, NLT)

Getting in trouble for doing wrong IS NOT persecution! When you suffer for doing good, THIS IS persecution.

As Paul instructed Timothy, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)

So, the blessing of being persecuted for righteousness sake is that we are in the “good company” of Jesus Christ and all those who suffered doing God’s will. From another context, we remember the late, great John Lewis, who famously said, “Speak up, speak out, get in the way. Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.”

We should do the same and more for the Gospel of Christ!


REFLECTION QUESTION:
For God’s purposes, what “good trouble” have you experienced?

ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:


___________________________

RESOURCES:
• Message by Dr. Tony Evans, "Blessed Are the Spiritual Beggars" (Matthew 5:3)
https://go.tonyevans.org/tony-evans-sermons/blessed-are-the-spiritual-beggars

• Follow this link to a resource from Zondervan Academic on the Beatitutes:
https://zondervanacademic.com/blog/beatitudes

• Follow this link to a resource on the Beatitudes from BibleGateway:https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/08/what-are-the-beatitudes-why-are-the-beatitudes-important/

• Follow THIS LINK (or copy/paste) to the web version of Barclay's Commentary on the New Testament: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dsb.html

THIS LINK is a downloadable PDF of Barclay's Commentary

_______________

Listen to the Teaching


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DAY 13 – A Matter of the Heart | Lesson by Chaplain Delores Epps | 21-Day Devotional on Jesus’ Beatitudes and Sermon on the Mount

Monday, February 13, 2023 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


A Matter of the Heart  

Lesson by Chaplain Delores Epps 

Matthew 5:9 (ESV) "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." 
                                                                                                                    
If you are a Christian, you are called to be a peacemaker. It is not our idea. It is Christ who compels us. The admonition to "go and be reconciled…” (Matthew 5:24) is the call to reflect the very heart of God in our lives. The Gospel is the greatest message of peacemaking.

We are reconciled to God through Christ. The Gospel is our foundation for reconciliation with other people. God is the author of peace. and Jesus is the ultimate peacemaker or as stated in Isaiah 9:6 "the Prince of Peace."

Peacemaking is a work in progress, it is difficult, complicated, and often painful. It takes time and effort. However, knowing we have Holy Spirit present with us at all times will give us strength and enable us to meet the challenges we face. We are motivated and encouraged to "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bon of peace." Ephesians 4:3.

What is this peace that Christ compels us to live? In the Hebrew language it is the word shalom, meaning everything which makes for man's highest good. Peace that can also be defined as total or complete well-being, both personally and communally.

Is peace always possible? No. Are there situations and circumstances where shalom might not exist? Yes. In Romans 12:18 Paul wrote, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." Even though situations might not end peacefully, as disciples of Christ, we must always strive for peace. It is the direction in which we should be headed.

As Christ-followers, we need to be mindful of these words from Ephesians 6:12 "We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil…"

A peacemaker is one who has come to a place of inner peace and has united with God to bring others to this end.

REFLECTION QUESTION:
How are you doing as a peacemaker?

ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:


___________________________

RESOURCES:
• Message by Dr. Tony Evans, "Blessed Are the Spiritual Beggars" (Matthew 5:3)
https://go.tonyevans.org/tony-evans-sermons/blessed-are-the-spiritual-beggars

• Follow this link to a resource on the Beatitudes from BibleGateway:https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/08/what-are-the-beatitudes-why-are-the-beatitudes-important/

• Follow THIS LINK (or copy/paste) to a resource from Zondervan Academic: https://zondervanacademic.com/blog/beatitudes

• Follow THIS LINK (or copy/paste) to the web version of Barclay's Commentary on the New Testament: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dsb.html

THIS LINK is a downloadable PDF of Barclay's Commentary

_______________

Listen to the Teaching


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DAY 12 – What It Means to be Meek | Lesson by Elder Gaylan Owens | 21-Day Devotional on Jesus’ Beatitudes and Sermon on the Mount

Sunday, February 12, 2023 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


What It Means to be Meek  

Lesson by Elder Gaylan Owens

Matthew 5:5, Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Of all the beatitudes, in my view, this one speaks directly to the full character of Jesus as a man and as God manifested in the flesh. When Jesus came into his ministry, He knew exactly who He was and the power he possessed in his humanity as well as His limitless power as the Son of God.

The beauty of His meekness is that He was always submitted and yielded to the will of the Father. This was a demonstration of His humility and ability to be taught and instructed by his Father.

In Matthew 26:52-54, Jesus rebuked Peter after he cut off the Centurion’s ear in a vain attempt to “defend” Jesus. Jesus said “Do you think that I cannot pray to My Father and He will provide Me with twelve legions of angels?” Jesus not need Peter’s protection.

Jesus knew who He was and what He was capable of. He faced death, yet he was still sold out to doing the will of the Father. The meek shall inherit the earth because they have demonstrated their ability to follow Jesus. Not because they are weak and passive, but because they have self-control and power over their instincts, passions, and emotions.

These same meek Christ Followers have shown an affinity for order and a willingness to yield to godly authority. They have willingness to receive instruction as well as give it. They are also willing to led.

This honor would certainly not have been bestowed upon an individual who was weak or passive.


REFLECTION QUESTION:
Do you have a firmer grasp on meekness? What did you gain?

ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:


___________________________

RESOURCES:
• Message by Dr. Tony Evans, "Blessed Are the Spiritual Beggars" (Matthew 5:3)
https://go.tonyevans.org/tony-evans-sermons/blessed-are-the-spiritual-beggars

• Follow this link to a resource on the Beatitudes from BibleGateway:https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/08/what-are-the-beatitudes-why-are-the-beatitudes-important/

• Follow THIS LINK (or copy/paste) to a resource from Zondervan Academic: https://zondervanacademic.com/blog/beatitudes

• Follow THIS LINK (or copy/paste) to the web version of Barclay's Commentary on the New Testament: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dsb.html

THIS LINK is a downloadable PDF of Barclay's Commentary

_______________

Listen to the Teaching


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DAY 11 – Are you a Peace Lover or a Peace Maker? | 21-Day Devotional on Jesus’ Beatitudes and Sermon on the Mount

Saturday, February 11, 2023 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


Are you a Peace Lover or a Peace Maker? 


[Text of the same lesson from the audio]

Matthew 5:9, Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called children of God.

In Greek, the word for peace is eirēnē (εἰρήνη), and in Hebrew it is shalom. In Hebrew peace is not simply the absence of trouble. In the Bible peace means not only freedom from all trouble, it means enjoyment of all good.

Jesus did not say, “Blessed are the peace lovers.” He said “Blessed are the peace makers.” It is not enough to desire peace, but take no action to help bring it about. The spirit of peacemaking is being willing to act to bring about a better state for people.

William Barclay wrote, “The peace which the Bible calls blessed does not come from the evasion of issues; it comes from facing them, dealing with them, and conquering them. What this beatitude demands is not the passive acceptance of things because we are afraid of the trouble of doing anything about them, but the active facing of things, and the making of peace, even when the way to peace is through struggle.” (Barclay's Commentary on the New Testament:)

As I write, we are celebrating Black History Month in the United States. The work of leaders such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was an excellent example of being a peace maker. Dr. King was not just a peace lover, he did actual work to bring peace to others. Ironically, the efforts of brave Americans and Christ followers in that era revealed the hatred of white supremacists as well as the indifference of people who were content to “love peace,” but do nothing.

“We must find new ways to speak for peace… for justice throughout the developing world, a world that borders on our doors. If we do not act, we shall surely be dragged down the long, dark, and shameful corridors of time reserved for those who possess power without compassion, might without morality, and strength without sight.” (M.L. King, The Trumpet of Conscience, 1968)

The ultimate work of peacemaking, is helping people become reconciled to God, casting off their hostility to truth, rejection of light, and violence against the Holy Spirit through rebellion.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:14-16, For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation…so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace

Jesus' life became the testament of breaking down barriers that separated people from God. Jesus is the ultimate peacemaker.

REFLECTION QUESTION:
How is being a peace-maker more than being a peace-lover?

ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:


___________________________

RESOURCES:
• Message by Dr. Tony Evans, "Blessed Are the Spiritual Beggars" (Matthew 5:3)
https://go.tonyevans.org/tony-evans-sermons/blessed-are-the-spiritual-beggars

• Follow this link to a resource from Zondervan Academic on the Beatitutes:
https://zondervanacademic.com/blog/beatitudes

• Follow this link to a resource on the Beatitudes from BibleGateway:https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/08/what-are-the-beatitudes-why-are-the-beatitudes-important/

• Follow THIS LINK (or copy/paste) to the web version of Barclay's Commentary on the New Testament: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dsb.html

THIS LINK is a downloadable PDF of Barclay's Commentary

_______________

Listen to the Teaching


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DAY 10 – Would You Ever Want to Be Poor? | Lesson by Stacy Williams | 21-Day Devotional on Jesus’ Beatitudes and Sermon on the Mount

Friday, February 10, 2023 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


 Would You Ever Want to Be Poor?  

Lesson by Stacy Williams

Matthew 5:3 NIV, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

This verse from Matthew’s Gospel is the first of a teaching from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) known as the Beatitudes. Jesus had gone up on a mountain before a crowd of people. Once there, His disciples/students gathered around Him. Jesus had previously called these men as His disciples – His followers and students. His sermon was addressed specifically to His disciples, but a crowd of people was present. He spoke to followers who had purposed to learn of His ways and pattern their lives after His example. Today, Jesus' words are also directed to those of us who are His disciples/students.

The phrase, “Blessed are the poor…” seems counterintuitive and oxymoronic. Blessedness and poverty do not seem to make sense as two conditions that can coexist. Living in a blessed state is typically associated with happiness and impregnable joy. It is a persistent condition that comes from what God has bestowed upon us. When we think of poverty, we think of an unpleasant condition where one lacks the resources needed to live and thrive. While some associate physical poverty with a “holy” state of being, the Bible does not actually teach this. In this verse, “poor” is used more as a frame of mind and attitude of the heart rather than a physical state of being characterized by lack.

We should consider ourselves “poor in spirit.” We should recognize that from a spiritual standpoint, we are in constant need. We cannot help ourselves and have no resources to offer God. From a physical standpoint, a person in abject poverty tends to be desperate regarding material things. This desperation stemming from physical/material lack is not “blessed.” However, there is a type of desperation in a spiritual sense that is blessed.

We recognize ourselves as spiritual paupers seeking after what only God, Our Provider, can give. Having this humbled mindset that strongly seeks God, knowing that we are spiritually destitute without Him, is a blessing. This mindset removes pride and arrogance, placing us in a position to continuously receive what is needed from God and live victoriously in His Kingdom.

REFLECTION QUESTION:
How can being poor in spirit be beneficial?

ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:


___________________________

RESOURCES:
• Message by Dr. Tony Evans, "Blessed Are the Spiritual Beggars" (Matthew 5:3)
https://go.tonyevans.org/tony-evans-sermons/blessed-are-the-spiritual-beggars

• Follow this link to a resource from Zondervan Academic on the Beatitutes:
https://zondervanacademic.com/blog/beatitudes

• Follow this link to a resource on the Beatitudes from BibleGateway:https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/08/what-are-the-beatitudes-why-are-the-beatitudes-important/

• Follow THIS LINK (or copy/paste) to the web version of Barclay's Commentary on the New Testament: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dsb.html

THIS LINK is a downloadable PDF of Barclay's Commentary

_______________

Listen to the Teaching


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DAY 9 – Attitude Check! | Lesson by Min. Bertha Fields | 21-Day Devotional on Jesus’ Beatitudes and Sermon on the Mount

Thursday, February 09, 2023 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


Attitude Check!  

Lesson by Min. Bertha Fields 

Matthew 5:8 (NLT) God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.

The pure in heart will be blessed to see God. How wonderful for believers and followers of the Lord God Almighty! The prophet reminds us in Isaiah 33:17 (NKJV),“Your eyes will see the King in His beauty; they will see the land that is very far off.” This is our hope and a powerful reason to check ourselves about being pure in heart.

Another equally important reason is to “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” (Proverbs 4:23 NLT) The words we speak and the actions we take come from the desires and attitudes of our heart. The changes that the Holy Spirit begins in the heart of a person when Jesus is accepted as Lord and Savior must continue to develop us into strong believers.

As I reflect on my lifetime from a child to a mature adult, I recall some of the people and the significant emotional events that the Lord used to challenge and change my heart. As a child, I benefitted greatly from the real life examples and encouragement of family members, Sunday School and elementary school teachers, and other people in the community to continue to check my attitude in many different circumstances of the segregated south of the United States.

Leaving home to attend College, live and work in other states, and especially during the years of my professional working career, I experienced many challenges and had to make important decisions. The Lord has taught me from the Holy Bible and from my times in prayer with Him to surrender my heart to His will and his ways. Each time that I surrender my way to His will, I experience understanding and insight, a revealing of Him like I have never seen before.

It is my desire to serve the Lord with all my heart, to be used by Him to change the lives of people, and to live in His presence forever.

REFLECTION QUESTION:
What heart issues do I need to allow the Lord to help me with right now?

ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:


___________________________

RESOURCES:
• Message by Dr. Tony Evans, "Blessed Are the Spiritual Beggars" (Matthew 5:3)
https://go.tonyevans.org/tony-evans-sermons/blessed-are-the-spiritual-beggars

• Follow this link to a resource from Zondervan Academic on the Beatitutes:
https://zondervanacademic.com/blog/beatitudes

• Follow this link to a resource on the Beatitudes from BibleGateway:https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/08/what-are-the-beatitudes-why-are-the-beatitudes-important/

• Follow THIS LINK (or copy/paste) to the web version of Barclay's Commentary on the New Testament: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dsb.html

THIS LINK is a downloadable PDF of Barclay's Commentary

_______________

Listen to the Teaching


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DAY 8 – Why We "See" God or Not | 21-Day Devotional on Jesus’ Beatitudes and Sermon on the Mount

Wednesday, February 08, 2023 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


Why We "See" God or Not 


[Text of the same lesson from the audio]

Matthew 5:8, Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

All the Beatitudes are lessons in basic living and possessing core character attributes. Being “pure in heart” is essentially operating with good and godly motivations, which answers the question: “Why am I doing what I do?”

We are all motivated by something: Items such as the desire for money, security, fame, fear of rejection, adoration, being helpful, controlling others, fulfilling a “hidden agenda,” pleasure, or other motivations. The whole reason for being a Christ follower and becoming a “new creation in Christ” (2 Cor. 5:17) is to experience a change of heart and motivation. In Christ, motivations should revolve around pleasing God, learning His ways, handling our responsibilities, loving/serving people, and doing His will as we understand it.

As a 19 year old, before becoming a Christ follower through the “new birth” at age 21, my motivation was to go to church, not to hear the Word and grow in Christ, but to see young ladies and “hang out.” We now call that behavior “church-wise,” which was akin to being “street-wise” – knowing just enough to “get over” and survive, but not to change for the better.

I was not pure in heart, and did not fool discerning adult believers who were paying attention. All that changed on July 8, 1978 when I had a genuine encounter with the risen Christ! (No time to share details here). All of the Beatitudes, which I had heard, but did not understand, became reality in my life.

The Greek word for pure is katharos (καθαρός). It is defined as: Clean, free from corrupt desire, sincere, genuine, blameless, innocent.

Nothing in us, apart of Christ, can achieve purity. That is not to say that people cannot be good and productive, but there are things only God can do with the human heart.

Again, Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

It is not that God forbids access to people who are not pure in heart, or hides himself. It is more that, any person controlled by motivations that are not genuine cannot see God because He is unrecognizable to them.

We’ve all had the experience of looking for something, but looking in the wrong place. The heart that is fundamentally impure either searches in wrong places, such as man-made religion, or is not interested in seeking God at all.

Being or becoming pure in heart is not something we can “work at,” it is a state of being like water being in a state of solid, liquid, or vapor. Only God can change the state of a person’s heart, and only a relationship with God through Christ will open that door.

REFLECTION QUESTION:
In addition to your ideal core motivations as a Christ follower, what other real motivations control you? What needs to change?

ACTION ITEMS BASED ON TODAY'S LESSON:


___________________________

RESOURCES:
• Message by Dr. Tony Evans, "Blessed Are the Spiritual Beggars" (Matthew 5:3)
https://go.tonyevans.org/tony-evans-sermons/blessed-are-the-spiritual-beggars

• Follow this link to a resource from Zondervan Academic on the Beatitutes:
https://zondervanacademic.com/blog/beatitudes

• Follow this link to a resource on the Beatitudes from BibleGateway:https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/08/what-are-the-beatitudes-why-are-the-beatitudes-important/

• Follow THIS LINK (or copy/paste) to the web version of Barclay's Commentary on the New Testament: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dsb.html

THIS LINK is a downloadable PDF of Barclay's Commentary

_______________

Listen to the Teaching


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