Firm Foundation with Bryan Hudson

Watching a sunrise and meditating on the Lord in December of 2019

John 17:15, My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

Followers of Christ have never needed to escape from reality to find victory. We don’t need to live in denial or pretend that bad situations are not severe. Through the power of Christ, we are able to live in this world while being protected from the evil one.

As I write this post, there’s a lot of fear surrounding the coronavirus (Covid-19) Though it is not the worst condition that people presently face, fear has gripped the minds of many people. That’s not to say we should ignore this situation. More importantly we should face it with wisdom and faith in God. Ultimately, our condition is not determined by this world, because we’re not ultimately subject to this world. Again, we don’t act as if things in the world are not real, we live like the power of God overcomes the world.

Jesus had such confidence in God’s Spirit within those who belong to God that He sent His disciples into the world to preach the Good News. We are called to be “salt and light” in this world, having positive impact, and making a difference in people's lives.

Jesus made a remarkable promise in which He stated that we have been “sanctified,” or “set apart,” for God’s special use. It is God’s word working in us to make us distinctive in a world of commonality.

As in everything else, Jesus set the standard, made provision, and led the way. By setting Himself apart to become our Savior and the Giver of all grace, we are now in position to impact our community and world!

Reflection Question: How do you, or will you, impact this world for Jesus?

Action Item:

John 14:12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

These are astonishing words from Jesus Christ! All of the Gospels show us His power, His works, and His love in action. Here Jesus turned to His followers to empower them. To “empower” is to give someone authority or ability to do something one could not do before. Empowerment was the value of our education, mentoring, and training growing up. We’ve gained skills that would have never have been gained on our own.

Jesus said we will do “greater works.” Of course, we cannot do greater works in terms of the miraculous and divine nature of His work. We can do a greater quantity of work, because there are more of us Christ-followers than ever lived before. When He walked the earth, Jesus could only be in one place at a time. He certainly worked miracles in places beyond His physical presence, like healing the sick servant of the Centurion. (Matthew 8:4-6)

The message to Jesus’ disciples at the time He spoke these words, and to us who read those words today is this: We can do more of the works of Jesus in our community and around the world in leading people to salvation, to healing, to spiritual maturity, and much more. Jesus also promised to make provision by answering our prayers and petitions. He plainly stated, “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” Of course, “anything” is within the realm of God’s purpose and will...and we should ask!

Reflection Question: What are some of the “greater works” you are doing in representing Jesus in our day? What do you need to ask Jesus to do?

Action Item:

John 16:12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.

The Holy Spirit is our guide into truth. What is truth? There is the act of telling the truth or truth as facts. When Jesus spoke about truth, He was speaking about reality as God defines it. The dictionary defines reality as: The state of things as they actually exist. The biblical Greek definition is similar, Of a truth, in reality, in fact, certainly. (alētheia - ἀληθής, Strongs #G227)

There is considerable disagreement among people about truth in the highest sense. Many doubt the truth of Christ’s ministry, His words, and the Bible itself. Paul wrote of people,“Who changed the truth of God into a lie...” I've heard many strange statements coming from the minds and mouths of people who don't understand how biblical truth is as stable, provable, and effective as scientific laws such as gravity. There is a saying in our culture: “You are entitled to your own opinion, but you are not entitled to your own facts.”

However, there is no convincing people of anything who are closed to the influence of the Holy Spirit. People who are not under the guidance of God through His Spirit may imagine, believe, or say anything.

People who live under the influence of God are like the Holy Spirit Himself who “will not speak on His own authority.” The Holy Spirit is God, yet within the Godhead He is submitted to the Father. The Apostle John wrote that He will glorify Christ. We should do the same.

The guidance that Jesus provided to his disciples, and provides to us, can be summarized:

1. Things that cannot be understood presently will be made clearer through the influence and indwelling of the Holy Spirit
2. He guides into truth, reality, fact, and certainty
3. He gives insight into things to come -- not always specific detail, but clear direction
4. He glorifies Jesus which involves public and private worship
5. He delivers blessings and purpose designed for each of His disciples.

Reflection Question: List a few examples of the Holy Spirit working in your life as stated in the summary above.

Action Item:

John 14:1, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

This is one of the most encouraging Scriptures you will ever read! One of our greatest concerns involves the future. It is something we cannot know, we can only plan and hope. Jesus offers assurances about our present and future:

1. Don’t let your heart be troubled, because God is helping you manage your present and future circumstances.

2. The next life, which is coming sooner than we think, will include eternal presence and provision with God in our own “mansion.”

3. At this moment, Jesus is your Way, your Truth, and your Life!

4. Your present life will include protection and provision according to your faith. Matthew 14:13 reads, “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

Jesus provides some "heaven" to go to heaven in!

Reflection Question: How is Jesus your Way, Truth and Life?

Action Item:

John 2:5, His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Jesus mother, like others in his family, may have had their doubts about Jesus for a time (Mark 3:31-35). It may have been that they were overwhelmed by the magnitude of His words and His works once He began to operate in His ministry. Sometimes we struggle to relate to people we know, even family, when God uses them in unusual ways.

The brief season of Mary's concern passed. She became fully committed to her son, and her Savior. She gained full confidence in Jesus' purpose and power. By the time of the wedding at Cana, she knew Jesus could do anything.

When the wine ran out at the wedding celebration, Mary told Jesus about it. While He did not seem all that happy about having this brought to His attention, Jesus was willing to honor the confidence of his mother.

Mary sensed this and said to the people, “Whatever Jesus says, do it.” A miracle soon followed. Jesus turned water into wine, without using grapes.

I am blessed by Mary's example of placing public confidence in Jesus. I am also reminded that our Lord and Savior is willing to work with small things that can become a great witness to God's power.

Reflection Question: In what areas do you need more confidence in what Christ can do?

Action Item: