When we see that this is a simple prayer for everyday needs, we understand the following:
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 the unknown future.
When Jesus taught his disciples to pray this petition, He likely remembered the story of the manna in the wilderness (Exo.16:1-21).
The children of Israel were starving in the wilderness. and God sent them the manna. the food from heaven; but there was one condition--they must gather only enough for their immediate needs. If they tried to gather too much, and to store it up, it went bad.
We know that God is not against us making plans, but we need to become more appreciative of the day in which we live. As the Pslamist said, “This is the day the Lord has made, we shall rejoice and be glad in it.”
Jesus said in Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
3. Praying for daily provision puts God in His proper place in our lives.
We are reminded that it is from God we receive the food which is necessary to support life. No man has ever created a seed which will grow.
4. This pray reminds us of how prayer works.
If a man sat back and waited for bread to fall into his hands, he would starve.
“You do not have because you do not ask God.” James 4:2
5. Jesus did not teach us to pray: "Give ME my daily bread." He taught us to pray: "Give US our daily bread."
This prayer teaches us never to be selfish in our prayers. This prayer is not only a prayer that we may receive our daily bread; it is also a prayer that we may share our daily bread with others.
Mike Pence and the Error of the "Christian Nation" Narrative
Friday, August 28, 2020
Bryan Hudson
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Andrew Harnik | Credit: AP
(Listen to This Article Read by a Digital Voice)
You have often heard that the United States is a “Christian Nation.” Certainly, we are a nation in which the majority of citizens say they are Christians. Whether or not persons actually have a relationship with Jesus Christ is another question. Others go much further to assert that the United States was founded on the Bible as a Christian nation––something that cannot be shown within the Constitution or the Bill of Rights. Furthermore any notion that America was founded as a “Christian” nation was nullified by the institution of slavery––unless one is a Christian who believes that enslaving Africans was biblical (something which many Christians believed).
On August 26, 2020, during the Republican National Convention, Vice President Mike Pence made this comment near the conclusion of his speech,
“So let’s run the race marked out for us. Let’s fix our eyes on Old Glory and all she represents. Let’s fix our eyes on this land of heroes and let their courage inspire. And let’s fix our eyes on the author and perfecter of our faith and our freedom. And never forget that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. That means freedom always wins.”
This was an example of twisting Holy Scripture (2 Peter 3:14-18) and conflating America, our flag, his political party, and this president with the Kingdom of God. It fits within the narrative that America is a “Christian nation,” not merely a nation comprised mostly of people who say they are Christians. Sadly, people in our nation have a long history of using the Bible to justify unbiblical purposes and ungodly beliefs.
Pence told people to “fix their eyes” on the flag (“Old Glory”). The Bible says to fix our eyes solely on Jesus. What Mike Pence supported, whether or not he was aware, is an old spirit of error called “Dominionism” and “Manifest Destiny.” (You can research those terms). There are people who believe Christians should run government and be in charge of every institution. This is part of the so-called "Seven Mountains" philosophy, in which Christians seek to control the domains of Education, Religion, Family, Business, Government/Military, Arts/Entertainment, and Media. (https://www.gotquestions.org/seven-mountain-mandate.html)
One of the massive problems with this flawed concept is that it relies on “Christians.” Not every person who identifies as a Christian is a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not every person who identifies as a Christian knows what the Bible teaches. Not every person who identifies as a Christian is well educated and professionally competent. Not every person who identifies as a Christian actually practices the faith. There are a great many versions of religious Christianity. Which one is the one?
To be sure, “Christ Followers” (a term I use to identify Christians who are faithful to Christ in word, deed, and doctrine) are indeed the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.” Christ Followers offer Jesus Christ, hope, truth, help, and promote justice for all. Our influence in this sinful world is most impactful when we maintain our spiritual integrity, our independent prophetic voice, and hold political leaders as well as civil servants (such as police officers) accountable to our state and federal constitutions/laws. One of the finest civil servants I know is my U.S. Representative Andre Carson, (D. Ind.) who is a Muslim.
The Framers of the Constitution, some of whom were slave owners and not Christ followers, had the wisdom to draft the nation’s founding document to intentionally avoid making our government subject to the church or to Christians in particular. They understood the importance of recognizing God as Creator, but they did not include references to Jesus or Scripture in the Constitution. Their experience with King George III of England and its state/church form of government motivated them against allowing the same for what would become the United States.
Mike Pence misused Hebrews 12:1-3 which reads “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
He also misused 2 Corinthians 3:16-18, “Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
Regarding heresy in the last days (which is part of our time) the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 4:1, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” Dominionism, Manifest Destiny and the Seven Mountains are all examples of doctrines born of fleshly and demonic influence (including those coming from “Christians”).
Vice President Mike Pence crossed a bright biblical line in comparing devotion to our flag (“Old Glory”) with our Lord and Savior. For many Christians this has become an all too common error. It highlights a problem as old as our nation, regarding America as the Kingdom of God to a greater or lesser extent. Patriotism has its place, but it should never be confused with devotion to God. We embrace the Pledge of Allegiance, but a Scripture infused veneration of anything or anyone other than the living God is idolatry.
The Apostle John wrote, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21)
Matthew 6:5 And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you [c]openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
The Fruits of Bad Education, Bad Theology, and a Missed Opportunity
Friday, August 21, 2020
Bryan Hudson
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The statement below represents the kind of reasoning and words under which many people were badly educated. Poor education has trained Christians to be silent on racial oppression, embrace bad theology, and remain complicit regarding ungodly aspects of our national history:
"Many of America’s forefathers owned slaves, but they loved them and developed good working relationships because they looked to the positive example of slavery outlined in the Bible." (From "The Bible and the Constitution," https://www.thetrumpet.com/17040-the-bible-and-the-constitution)
Note: The Trumpet was founded by Herbert W. Armstrong and the cultish Worldwide Church of God. This online publication is embraced by many evangelicals and politically motivated Christians today.
There is no Scripture cited in the US Constitution, only allusions to the "Divine." The absence of Scripture in the Constitution was intended by the Framers to afford freedom of religion and prevent the oppression of a "state church," which was one reason for seeking independence from England. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/religion_and_the_constitution
Unfortunately, for all the wisdom of the Constitution, it is my view that they should have abolished slavery (i.e., owning, exploiting, and selling people) when the nation was established. They should have also dealt justly with Native Americans. Not doing so resulted in immense misery, suffering, and ungodliness, including the Civil War and bigotry until the present day.
Latest Teaching on Firm Foundation Podcast: "Wisdom & Words From Above"
Sunday, August 16, 2020
Bryan Hudson
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“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17
A discussion about Romans 13:1-7 in light of its literal relevance to modern day America and other governments of the world.
Was America founded on Christian principles or did the Founders design a government free from religious control in order to maximize freedom for all forms of religion?
"The Power and the Peril of the Tongue" - Firm Foundation Podcast
Tuesday, August 04, 2020
Bryan Hudson
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Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. James 3:2 (NLT)
2. In your life: spirit, soul (mind, will, emotions), body
3. In your circumstances
James 3:1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect [brought to its end, finished, wanting nothing necessary to completeness] man, able also to bridle [to lead by a bridle, to guide, hold in check, restrain] the whole body.
Small things control big things
James 3:3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great [great not in “good” but as is exaggerated or overblown] things.
Taming the tongue begins with taming and the heart
James 3:5, See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles [stain or soil] the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.
Last Essay by John Lewis Read by Morgan Freeman
Saturday, August 01, 2020
Bryan Hudson
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August is Here! It is a Good Month for a Daily Devotional.
Saturday, August 01, 2020
Bryan Hudson
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August is here!
It is good month for a daily devotional. Consider getting one of my 30-day devotional books in print or Kindle edition. Each one is edifying and an easy read. Start each day with the Word of God! Available on Amazon and www.visionbooksmedia.com
