Firm Foundation with Bryan Hudson

Matthew 11:28, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

This is one of the greatest promises in the Bible!

Connecting with Christ eases our burdens and brings “rest for your soul.” The only “catch,” is that we accept the “yoke” or partnership with Jesus. A yoke is a device that joined two oxen so that they could work together to pull a plow.

Being joined with Jesus is the best possible partnership! I call it “The Rest Connection.” To “rest” means to “use the power of another.”

We all have responsibilities and things to do that are sometimes difficult. We don’t have to go it alone and wear ourselves out. Partner with Christ and let the power of God help you.

"The Stand" Performed by Joni Lamb and The Daystar Singers
by Hillsong United
Writer(s): Lester Mendez, Jewel Kilcher

Lyric Video graphics and titles added by Bryan Hudson

You stood before creation
Eternity in Your hand
You spoke the earth into motion
My soul now to stand

You stood before my failure
Carried the Cross for my shame
My sin weighed upon Your shoulders
My soul now to stand

So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You

So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You

So I'll stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it all

So I'll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered

All I am is Yours

__________

Writer(s): Lester Mendez, Jewel Kilcher
Copyright: Emi Blackwood Music Inc., Emi April Music Inc., Wiggly Tooth Music, Apollinaire Music

"Desert Flower" from www.inspirationimages.zenfolio.com

Genesis 26:1 There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, in Gerar. 2 Then the Lord appeared to him and said: “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. 3 Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you…..12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him. 13 The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous;

My daily Bible reading today reminded me of one of the greatest principles I’ve ever learned: Obedience brings provision regardless of circumstances.

There are few circumstances worse than famine, which is scarcity of food. Famine is the result of conditions such as natural disaster, warfare, crop failure, and drought. All these bad conditions contribute to the circumstance of famine.

The best way to deal with famine is to leave the place of lack and look for better conditions. We’ve seen in the news the movement of hurting people from desperate places seeking refuge, provision, and safety. Thankfully, not many of us in America have endured such misery, but we can imagine what Isaac must have been thinking and feeling.

Remembering the danger and desperation of the “first famine” in the days of his father Abraham, Issac made preparations. This is the reason he went to Gerar to meet with Abimelech. The Philistines were no friends of Israel, but Isaac was willing to work with them, because of the famine. He was seeking provision for himself and his family. Perhaps he was gathering resources to make the 260 mile trip down to Egypt.

In the midst of Isaac’s concern and worry, God appeared to him and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you.”

This was a radical test of obedience. This command from God defied both Isaac’s survival instinct and his reasoning. The command was followed by a promise: “Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you”

Well, it does not get any more important and better than God’s command and promise! Isaac obeyed and did something very strange. He did something that must have looked utterly ridiculous to observers.

“Then Isaac sowed in that land…”

Isaac sowed into land and into conditions that seemed incapable of producing a provision of harvest and food. However, Isaac was not simply sowing seed into soil, he was sowing obedience and faith in God’s promise.

He obeyed God and we read, “Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him. The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous.”

Here is the moral to the story: The conditions and circumstances that we see do not define all the possibilities and outcomes. When God reveals His will and plan, new conditions are established. Better conditions create better circumstances.

Obedience to God changes the conditions of circumstances. This is how Issac could sow in a time of famine and reap blessings. This is how you and I will survive and thrive at all times!

Learn obedience and obey God!

Bible Study "Power of God's Plan: You Are God's Masterpiece"
Scripture Text: Ephesians 2:10
Recorded January 7, 2015

by Pastor Bryan Hudson

www.NewCovenant.org
www.BryanHudson.com

Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Jesus came into the world saying, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). After gathering His disciples Jesus began to transfer responsibility by teaching them, “YOU are the light of the world.” Jesus said that His people are like a bright light and a city on a hill. We are destined to be seen and to provide the light of encouragement, truth, and examples of “good works.”

Of course, it may feel preferable to withdraw from public life, avoid unknown people, stay out of the limelight, and retreat into the comforts of home and friends. The problem is: These actions are in direct contradiction to the teachings of Christ and God’s will for our Christian lives.

Serving others and offering hope are not just nice things to do, it is central to our mission and core responsibility. In a culture full of selfish motivation, self-indulgence, and the promotion of darkness, Jesus has commissioned us to "Love our neighbors," “Go into all the world and make disciples” and “Let your light shine.” We don't hide. We promote hope.

Your light is Christ within. Your light is your God-given gifts and opportunities to interact with others. You are destined and designed by God to shine, not for yourself, but for the Lord.

Just shine!