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  • From Bitter to Blessed: Naomi

    From Bitter to Blessed: Naomi
    2025/07/08
    Introduction• Have you ever experienced a loss to painful that you feel you have lost your direction and future? If you have, God has a message of hope for you. The pain of grief and loss can slowly transform into a sense of hope and the confidence that God is on your side.• I’m Brent, and this is episode 44 of The Bible Unplugged. We begin a 4-part series on people in the Bible who experienced grief and how God showed His grace and love in the middle of the pain. If you know someone who needs this message, please feel free to share these episodes with them.• Please take a minute to look at the show notes for this episode at PowerLoveandMiracles.com under the Podcast tab.Naomi’s Story• In this episode we look at Naomi, one of the central figures in the Book of Ruth. These events took place in the time of the judges of Israel. It was an era of moral confusion and instability that threatened the existence of the nation.• The Book of Ruth opens with a famine in that caused Naomi and her husband Elimelech and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, to move from Bethlehem to Moab. It’s ironic that “Bethlehem” means “house of bread” in Hebrew.• Within a short time, Elimelech died leaving Naomi a widow. The two sons married women from Moab, Orpah and Ruth. About 10 years later, Mahlon and Chilion died. Naomi was now without family and without any means of support. Widows at that time had no inheritance and depended on charity from others to survive.• Naomi planned to go back to Bethlehem and send her daughters-in-law back to their families. While Orpah and Ruth offered to stay with Naomi only Ruth went with her.• Naomi had encouraged Ruth to go back home, but Ruth’s reply is something we often hear in a wedding ceremony. The Book of Ruth chapter 1:16-17 Ruth said, “Don’t urge me to leave you, and to return from following you, for where you go, I will go; and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried.”• When Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem, the people there were excited to see them. Naomi, though, told them, “Don’t call me Naomi. Call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and Yahweh has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since Yahweh has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?”• The word “mara” in Hebrew means “bitter” and we can understand why Naomi felt that way.• She was so immersed in her grief that she believed her life would not get better.• Naomi wasn’t aware that God had already started a process to help her. Ruth, who stayed by Naomi’s side, committed to finding a means of support for both of them.• The rest of the story unfolds quietly.• Ruth follows after the farmers to pick up leftover grain in the fields to provide for them. It was a common practice in that time to allow the poor to gather up grain leftover from the harvest.• In doing so, she caught the attention of Boaz, a relative of Elimelech.• Boaz shows kindness and protection. He instructed his helpers to leave a little extra in the fields for her and to be sure she was safe.• Eventually, Boaz married Ruth through a complicated process called levirate marriage. This restored Naomi’s family line and provided support for her and for Ruth.• I encourage you to read at least chapters 3 and 4 to see the sophisticated process involved in arranging Ruth’s marriage to Boaz. There’s a lot of conniving and planning on both sides of the relationship.• Ruth gives birth to Obed, who was the grandfather of King David.• In a beautiful twist in the story, the women of Bethlehem tell Naomi, that Ruth is more valuable than seven sons would have been.What Do We Learn from This?• We find the grief experience of Naomi to be like our own today. In the middle of pain and loss we may feel that God has abandoned us, and we have no hope. What we learn is that God is already at work for our good even when we may not see it. God was already moving:• In Ruth’s loyalty in spite of her own grief• In Boaz’s kindness and love toward Ruth• In the reward of continuing ordinary work. Ruth’s gleaning to find food led to her marriage to Boaz.• More importantly, God was at work in the birth of Ruth’s child who would be part of the Messianic line of Jesus.• We also learn that God works beyond our expectation and understanding. Naomi’s grief was cancelled, erased, and more than equally compensated. God’s movement led to Naomi’s redemption. God doesn’t always remove the pain, but He does transform the meaning.What Do We Do with This?• When you experiences grief and loss, trust that God is already at work for your good. Watch for subtle signs that God is moving. It may be the words someone says, a surprisingly beautiful sunset, or a passage of Scripture you read with a whole new meaning.• Ask yourself: ...
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    6 分
  • The God Who Sees Me

    The God Who Sees Me
    2025/07/01
    Introduction• Have you ever felt invisible? Do you ever feel that you don’t matter to anyone and that nobody sees your struggles or your pain? That was the experience of Hagar, the slave to Sarai and Abram in Genesis. What she learned the hard way gives us hope for our difficulties today.• I’m Brent, and this is episode 43 of The Bible Unplugged. We take a look at the name Hagar gave to God found in Genesis chapter 16 and what that name means to us.• Please take a minute to look at the show notes for this episode at PowerLoveandMiracles.com under the Podcast tab.Hagar’s Story• The story of Hagar can be confusing to modern readers, but everything that happened in this story is rooted in Near Eastern culture and the Covenant God created with Abram.• Sarai, Abram’s wife, could not conceive a child. They both knew that God promised to make a great nation of their descendants. Not being able to have a child at that point, Sarai took matters out of God’s hands and tried to solve the problem herself.• That culture accepted a barren wife giving her maidservant to her husband to have a child. That’s what Sarai did with her slave Hagar. When Hagar got pregnant, trouble started.• Hagar developed an attitude and felt better than her mistress. Tension flared to the point that Abram told Sarai to do whatever she wanted to do about the conflict.• Sarai was harsh with Hagar. Hagar ran away to the wilderness to get away from the mistreatment.• Scripture tells us that Yahweh’s angel, which we find to be a physical manifestation of God himself in this story, appeared to Hagar and told her to go back home. God promised that he would take care of her and her offspring.A New Name of God• Hagar was so overwhelmed with God’s grace that she created a new name for God. Genesis 16:13 says, “She called the name of Yahweh who spoke to her, “You are a God who sees,” for she said, “Have I even stayed alive after seeing him?”• The name Hagar created, “The God Who Sees Me,” is the English version. The Hebrew named is “El Roi.” “El” is the shortened version of “Elohim,” the most common word translated “God” in the Hebrew Bible. “Roi” comes from the Hebrew word “ra’ah.” We find that word elsewhere in the Bible. In Exodus 3:7, God sees the affliction of His people in Egypt. The word translated “see” is “ra’ah.”Hagar’s Unique Experience• Hagar is the first person in the Bible to create a new name of God.• Hagar was a foreigner, a woman, and a slave. In Hebrew society, she was at the very bottom of the social ladder. And yet, she becomes the first person in Scripture to name God.• Hagar is also the first person to be visited by the angel of the Lord. And she’s not even part of the covenant family, but she is important to God.What Do We Learn from This?• This tells us a lot about God’s character and His love for His creation.• God doesn’t only care about the chosen patriarchs. The righteous are not the only ones God pays attention to.• God sees the oppressed, the abused, and the forgotten. He met Hagar in the wilderness—a place that symbolizes chaos, isolation, and often, desperation. The wilderness, though, is also a place where God reveals himself in new and compassionate ways.• Several prominent Bible characters encounter God and receive divine inspiration to continue God’s will for them.• Moses saw God in a burning bush while tending sheep.• Elijah fled into the wilderness to escape Jezebel’s wrath and found a gentle and compassionate God.• Jesus overcame temptation after many weeks in the wilderness alone.• John the Baptist grew up and lived in the wilderness before he proclaimed the coming of the Messiah.• A complete list with Scripture references is at the end of the show notes if your are interested.• What we learn from this something profound about God’s nature. He is not a passive observer. God is intimately present with those who suffer and are alone. The name Hagar gave to God reminds us that:• God sees you in your own personal wilderness.• God sees the part of your story that others overlook.• God sees your pain even when you can’t articulate those feelings yourself.• Most of all, we see that you matter to God.What Do We Do with This?• Take some time when you can focus without distractions. Think of the times in your life you have felt alone, unsure, or afraid. How did God intervene and what was the result? God has a plan for your good, but sometimes we have to feel the discomfort before we see the goal.• When you have some idle time during your day—whether driving, in line at a store, or waiting for an appointment—try to imagine God watching over you then. Let El Roi, the God Who Sees You, become part of that experience.• When you experience difficult times—when you feel you are invisible or don’t matter—allow God’s presence to overcome the discomfort and reassure you.•...
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    6 分
  • The Beatitudes as a Spiritual Map

    The Beatitudes as a Spiritual Map
    2025/06/24
    Introduction• In the Beatitudes found in The Gospel of Matthew chapter 5, Jesus teaches us some of the qualities of life in the Kingdom of God. But what if those qualities aren’t just a list? What if they are a roadmap for spiritual growth? When we see the progression, purpose, and path of the Beatitudes we find a journey that begins with emptiness and brokenness and ends with and eternal purpose.• I’m Brent, and this is episode 42 of The Bible Unplugged. We conclude our series on The Beatitudes of Jesus where we find a path for our spiritual growth.• Please take a minute to visit the show notes for this episode at PowerLoveandMiracles.com under the Podcast tab.The Beatitudes aren’t Random• When we read the Beatitudes individually, they may seem disconnected and random. When you step back and look at them as a whole you see a progression.• Jesus describes the progressive transformation of the human soul. They aren’t rules to follow, they present the character God develops in citizens of His kingdom.• Here’s a summary of the meaning of the Beatitudes:• Progress starts when we recognize our need for God.• We grieve the brokenness we see in ourselves and in our world.• We surrender control and power to God.• God instills in us an intense craving for God’s justice in the world.• We show compassion to those who have met injustice and cruelty.• Our inner lives become clean and undivided.• We help bring others to God and away from spiritual conflict.• As a result of all this, we may endure rejection for living out this life, but God has blessings in store for us when we do.• We see that this is not a list of random virtues. It’s a spiritual staircase.The Beatitudes as a Map• Let me give you three of my observations about the Beatitudes as a pathway to spiritual growth.• Spiritual Formation:• The Beatitudes are sequential. You don’t become a peacemaker before you have shown and received mercy. You don’t feel a deep craving for righteousness until you’ve grieved your own spiritual emptiness.• The qualities of kingdom citizenship are both descriptive and prescriptive. They show us what God blesses and they show us the way to grow closer to God.• A New Mount Sinai• Just as Moses received the Law from God on Mount Sinai, Jesus is on a mountain giving the disciples and his other followers a new understanding of how we should live.• Moses received laws carved in stone. Jesus gives us blessings engraved on our hearts.• In Exodus, the Ten Commandments shaped the behavior of God’s people. In Matthew chapter 5, the Beatitudes shape the character of His people.• This is a new covenant lifestyle. A revolution of love, humility, and holiness.• Echoes of Isaiah 61• Isaiah chapter 61 includes a passage that will be familiar to those who have read the Gospel of Luke. That chapter reads in part, “The Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor... to bind up the brokenhearted... to comfort all who mourn… to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.”• Jesus quotes this passage in Luke chapter 4 to announce His mission to the world. What Jesus presents in the Beatitudes is the unfolding and progression of His mission and ours as well.What Do We Learn from This?• The Beatitudes are not a list of “nice ideas.” They are a spiritual blueprint for a blessed life. These qualities go against common culture and may cause some backlash against use.• They begin and end with the mission to proclaim freedom and grace to those who need to know God.• We find that the blessings of God are not about worldly success, but spiritual depth.• And, Jesus is forming a new kind of people who are meek warriors, merciful prophets, and joyful sufferers.What Do We Do with This?• Reflect on where you are on the journey of the Beatitudes. What qualities do you see in your life and how can you demonstrate Kingdom citizenship to those who are hurting?• Pick one Beatitude you need to live out more intentionally this week. Maybe it’s mercy, or perhaps it’s peacemaking. You might even experience the need to rejoice in rejection. Ask God to develop the characteristics in you that Jesus laid out for us.• I challenge you to live in the pathway Jesus gave us. Let the Beatitudes guide your prayers, shape your relationships, and fuel your purpose.The conclusion• And yes, the music means my time’s up for this episode. But I’ll be back with more next time.• I hope this has been helpful. If so, take a second to give this podcast a high rating and share it with someone who feels the weight of the world as they strive to live for God.• In the next episode, we will conclude this series by examining the Beatitudes as a spiritual map. God has blessings in store for us as we follow the path of spiritual transformation and live out that transformation for our world to see.• I’m going to ...
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    6 分
  • The Beatitudes: Persecuted and Promised

    The Beatitudes: Persecuted and Promised
    2025/06/17
    Introduction• In the Beatitudes found in The Gospel of Matthew chapter 5, Jesus teaches us the qualities and the blessings of being a Kingdom citizen. You might expect that living a life marked by mercy, purity, and peace would win you applause. But Jesus says something that still shocks us today: when you live like this, expect pushback.• I’m Brent, and this is episode 41 of The Bible Unplugged. We’re continuing the series, “Kingdom Culture: The Beatitudes of Jesus.” What we will learn is that when we reflect the qualities of godliness, others don’t always react well.• Please take a minute to visit the show notes for this episode at PowerLoveandMiracles.com under the Podcast tab.The Beatitudes: a Progression• The Beatitudes begin with inner transformation, move to outer expression, and now end with worldly reaction.• These final verses are not an afterthought. They are a warning—and a promise.• Jesus concludes the Beatitudes with these words:• “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”— Matthew 5:10–12 (WEB)Persecuted for Righteousness• Jesus tells us that there is a blessing awaiting those who have face active opposition because of their faith.• The key phrase is “for righteousness sake.” This doesn’t mean you're blessed when people dislike you for being rude, loud, or self-righteous. It means you're blessed when you suffer because you pursue justice, mercy, and godliness.• Jesus used the word righteousness previously as something we should crave and desire for ourselves. Living a life of righteousness means we pursue justice and faithfulness with God and with others. But others don’t always reciprocate• What Jesus tells us here is that when you live out God’s justice, you may provoke the powers that benefit from injustice. And when that happens—you’re in good company.Blessed when Insulted• Jesus didn’t say that everyone will be persecuted. In the next Beatitude he shifts from “those who” to “you.” He makes this personal.• In the next Beatitude Jesus describes three forms of rejection:• Reproach, which refers to verbal insult and public shaming.• Persecution, which harassment and may be violent.• False accusation: lies spoken to discredit your character.• This isn’t theoretical. This was the lived experience of Jesus, the apostles, and the prophets. And in many parts of the world, it still is.• The word “falsely” enters the English language as “pseudo,” or something that doesn’t reflect reality. Jesus says that the accusations against us, if we are living the kingdom lifestyle, doesn’t match the reality of how we live.• Jesus adds a kicker to this Beatitude. He says, “for my sake.” We are persecuted because we follow Jesus, not a personal preference or any kind of agenda. We are persecuted because we follow Jesus.Rejoice• Jesus finishes this Beatitude with a profound paradox. He says, “Rejoice!” The Greek word here means take delight. Not only that, but Jesus adds, “be exceedingly glad.” This literally means to jump for joy. Why?• Because that’s how people treated the prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Elijah. They all suffered for telling God’s truth. You are not alone. You are in a long and honored legacy and tradition.• Jesus finishes with, “your reward in heaven is great.” The blessings of living the kingdom lifestyle benefit us now, but we have so much more to look forward to when we all get to heaven. God sees us, God remembers, and God rewards us.Old Testament Echoes• This beatitude echoes:• Psalm 37:12–13 – “The wicked plots against the righteous… but the Lord laughs at him, for He sees his day is coming.”• Isaiah 51:7 – “Do not fear the reproach of men, nor be dismayed at their insults.”• Jesus is not sugarcoating the cost. But he’s also not backing down from the promise either.What Do We Learn From This?• True righteousness attracts resistance and harassment. Not everyone wants the light of truth to shine on them6• Following Jesus will cost us something, but it’s worth everything to us.• We learn that insults and persecution that results from following God is a sign that we’re walking in the footsteps of Jesus.• Our real reward, not the reward the world values, but our real reward is a God-given promise. We may lose status and even friends now, but we gain standing in heaven.What Do We Do With This?• Evaluate your loyalties. Are you seeking the approval of others. Do you live for applause and accolades? Real kingdom living means we look to God for blessing and approval.• We can expect to be misunderstood. Watch for signs, ...
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    6 分
  • Kingdom Attitudes: Living Out Loud

    Kingdom Attitudes: Living Out Loud
    2025/06/10
    Introduction• Having right relationships with others begins with having a right relationship with God and yourself. In the Beatitudes found in The Gospel of Matthew chapter 5, Jesus starts off with how our internal reality should match what God wants for us. In the next part, Jesus tells us how those qualities should spill out into our relationships.• I’m Brent, and this is episode 40 of The Bible Unplugged. We’re continuing the series, “Kingdom Attitudes: The Beatitudes of Jesus.” What we will learn together is that what God desires for us is radically different than the values and goals we see in our world.• Please take a minute to visit the show notes for this episode at PowerLoveandMiracles.com under the Podcast tab.The Beatitudes: A Progression• In the last episode, we talked about the pattern Jesus gives us in this passage. So far, we’ve covered the internal qualities of a kingdom citizen:• Poor in spirit – I know I need God.• Mourning – I grieve over sin and brokenness.• Meek – I surrender my power and trust to God's timing.• Hunger and thirst for righteousness – I crave God’s will.• In this episode we look at what happens when that internal transformation becomes outward action.The Merciful• In verse 7, Jesus says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”• The word translated merciful refers to someone who shows compassion, not just in emotion, but in action.• In the Hebrew language a similar word refers to steadfast loyalty and deep feelings for those who are in pain and sorrow.• Jesus tells us that mercy isn’t optional for kingdom citizens. It’s also reciprocal. If you want to receive mercy from God and others, you must be the kind of person who gives mercy freely.• This echoes Jesus’ later words in Matthew 6:15: “If you don’t forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.”• Mercy is how the heart of God flows through us to others.Pure in Heart• Jesus goes on the say in verse 8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”• The word translated “pure” is the same word used in refining silver to remove impurities. This happens only when silver melts over a hot fire. Our hearts are refined when we face challenges and grow closer to God because of them.• This echoes Psalm 24:3–4 which says, “Who may ascend God’s holy hill?” The answer: “He who has clean hands and a pure heart.”• Purity of heart is about integrity learned through personal challenges and growth. Integrity means we are the same person in secret that we are in public. Jesus promises that those who have a consistent and undivided heart will see God. That’s more than a future reward. It’s the ability to perceive God now—to recognize His hand in your life.Peacemakers• In verse 9, Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”• The word here refers to someone who actively creates a peaceful world around them. They don’t just like or love peace, they create it.• The Hebrew phrase Jesus likely used is, “rodef shalom.,” which means someone who pursues wholeness, harmony, and well-being for themselves and others. This was a popular phrase among rabbis of Jesus’ time.• Peacemakers are like their Father in heaven. When we choose to build bridges instead of burn them, we reveal our family resemblance to God.• Jesus says that peacemakers will be called the children of God. Other people will see God shining through us and know that we are kingdom citizens.What Do We Learn From This?• Mercy is not a weakness. It’s the overflow of the grace we’ve received from God. When we actively show mercy, those around us will recognize God’s power in our lives.• Purity of our hearts isn’t about perfection. The word Jesus used refers to the process of purity, not the end result. We live in a world that challenges and devalues integrity. Overcoming those challenges leads to a pure heart before God.• We tend to think of peacemakers as being passive. What Jesus tells us is that actively pursuing peace in our world is one of our greatest strengths.What Do We Do With This?• Practice mercy this week. Ask God to show you someone in your life that needs a shoulder to cry on. Who do you know that need kindness, whether it’s deserved or not. Choose one person this week that needs more of God in their lives and show them the kindness and mercy that they so desperately need.• When you start your day in prayer, examine your motives from the day before. Where is your heart divided? What is competing with your desire to serve God? Include this prayer from Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.”• Is there a relationship in your life where you could be the bridge builder? Maybe it's time to make the first move. Create peace where there is none now and show others how great God really is.The conclusion• And yes, the music means my ...
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    6 分
  • Kingdom Attitudes: The Beatitude of Jesus

    Kingdom Attitudes: The Beatitude of Jesus
    2025/06/03
    Introduction• Many people believe that success is the result of hard work, confidence, and a heavy dose of audacity. But what if the path to real success begins with collapse, not confidence. What if spiritual fulness begins with spiritual poverty?• I’m Brent, and this is episode 39 of The Bible Unplugged. We’re starting a new series, “Kingdom Attitudes: The Beatitudes of Jesus.” What we will learn together is that the blueprint for the Kingdom of God is radically different than the one we try to build for ourselves.• Please take a minute to visit the show notes for this episode at PowerLoveandMiracles.com under the Podcast tab.What are the Beatitudes?• The Beatitudes are a series of eight blessings found in Matthew 5:3–12. This is the beginning of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. The word “Beatitude” comes from the Latin beatus, which means blessed, favored, or happy. But when Jesus says, “Blessed are...,” he’s not talking about success or good fortune. He’s announcing divine favor on those who live by God’s kingdom values.• While these Beatitudes may see random, there is a pattern and structure to what Jesus give us.• Each beatitude begins with “Blessed are…” Jesus begins with the end result instead of focusing on our condition to emphasize the promise of God’s care and support.• Jesus then gives a shocking reversal. The first beatitude begins, “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” We would fully expect Jesus to say, “Blessed are the rich in spirit.” That, however, is how we would think. Jesus has a better plan.• Each beatitude ends with and explanation and payoff for the condition. It’s a genius method for getting our attention and driving home the point.• Jesus organized the list of beatitudes as a progression.• Verses 3-6 focus on our relationship with God; what I call our internal heart posture.• Verses 7-9 shift to our relationship with others. This is our external world of relationships and social actions.• Verses 10-12 highlight the cost of living according to the values Jesus presented.• In this episode we will focus on the “vertical” Beatitudes that describe how kingdom living begins.Poor in Spirit• The first Beatitude in verse 3 says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”• The Greek word for “poor” here doesn’t mean “working class” or refer to those who live from paycheck to paycheck. This word means destitute, completely dependent, like a beggar on the street. This describes someone who has nothing and knows it. This goes completely counter to the values of our world.• Since Jesus spoke these words in Aramaic, the word he most likely used refers to those who are humble, lowly, and have a crushed spirit.• Isaiah 66:2 says, “I will look to the one who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at my word.”• Being humble and contrite in spirit means we come to God completely empty. No resume. No backup plan. We come to Him completely in need.• The shocker here is that Jesus says the Kingdom of God belongs to these very people. The Kingdom doesn’t belong to the powerful or the polished, or those who think they have to earn their way. God’s kingdom starts where self-sufficiency ends.Mourning• The next Beatitude is, ““Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”• The word translated “mourn” is the same word used to describe those who are grieving the death of someone they love. It’s a gut-level, painful word.• But what does Jesus say we are mourning? We are grieving the loss of our earthly identity and accepting our brokenness, our sin, and the separation from God caused by our pride.• Jesus is telling us, don’t stuff your sorrow. Bring it to God. Grieve what is broken.• The promise God gave us in Isaiah 61:2 says the Messiah will “comfort all who mourn” and give them “a crown of beauty instead of ashes.”Meekness• Jesus then goes on to say, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”• This is one of the most misunderstood and misinterpreted of all the beatitudes. The word here doesn’t mean “weak.” It refers to controlled and disciplined strength. It’s power held in surrender to the greater power of God.• Jesus is quoting Psalm 37:11 which says, “The meek shall inherit the land.”• In a world that rewards the loud, the strong, and the assertive, Jesus says that the earth belongs to those who have a gentle spirit. Those are the people who wait for God’s timing and direction and respect the value of other people.• Meekness isn’t about personality. It’s about our posture before God and others.Hunger and Thirst• The next Beatitude Jesus give us is, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.”• The word for righteousness here doesn’t refer to personal virtue. It refers to the virtue of following God’s design for justice, ...
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    8 分
  • God's Peace is Beyond Rational

    God's Peace is Beyond Rational
    2025/05/27
    Introduction• It’s one of the most quoted passages in the Bible. We see it on mugs, T-shirts, and social media posts:• “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”• But what does that really mean? What kind of peace goes beyond understanding? And how do you experience it when your life is falling apart?• I’m Brent, and this is episode 38 of The Bible Unplugged. Today we’re talking about Personal Peace—not the kind that comes from everything going right, but the kind that shows up when everything feels wrong.• Please take a minute to visit the show notes for this episode at PowerLoveandMiracles.com under the Podcast tab.Setting the Scene: Philippians• This passage comes from the Book of Philippians. This was a letter written by Paul around 61 or 62 A.D.—and not from a beach resort. Paul was in a Roman prison at the time.• He’s writing to the first church he ever planted in Europe—Philippi—a mostly Gentile group of believers who were under pressure from the Roman system and struggling to stay strong.• Despite being imprisoned, Paul’s letter overflows with joy, humility, and peace that we can find even in adversity. Which brings us to our focus:• Philippians 4:6-7“In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”What is Paul Telling Us?• Paul is telling us a lot here, so let’s take this verse apart in detail:• “Be anxious for nothing…”The Greek word for anxious is merimnao, which means “to be pulled in opposite directions.” It’s like your soul is being torn in two. Paul isn’t shaming us for feeling anxious – he’s giving us a pathway out of it.• “…but in everything by prayer and petition…”• We have a misunderstanding of prayer. The word for prayer here means, “an exchange of wishes.” You give God your anxiety, and He gives you His peace. We tend to think of prayer as “talking to God” but real prayer is a relationship.• Paul also includes petition with prayer. This word is a cry that comes from deep personal need. This is the kind of prayer that happens when your voice cracks and you’ve run out of answers.• “…with thanksgiving…”Paul shifts gears here when he says do this with thanksgiving. That might be the most surprising part. Paul says to thank God before the answer comes. Thankfulness isn’t just about being polite – it’s an act of trust. When you thank God in advance, you declare: “God, I believe You are already working on this.”• “…and the peace of God…”Paul tells us the result of prayer and petition with thanksgiving says the peace of God will come. Not just peace from God, but the peace of God – the same divine calmness that sits at the heart of God’s own being.• “…which surpasses all understanding…”The word here means to “outrank” or “rise above.” This is peace that doesn’t play by the rules of logic. It’s not irrational – it’s beyond rational.• “…will guard your hearts and minds…”Paul says that this peace will guard your hearts and minds. The word for guard is a military term. It means to defend. God’s peace doesn’t just reassure you—it defends you.• Paul uses some interesting Greek words in this verse. I’ve included a list and links for further study in the show notes if you’re interested.Why This Matters• We tend to think peace comes when our problems go away. But what if peace comes when our focus shifts?• Anxiety happens when we obsess over what we can’t control. Prayer is the move that hands control back to God.• Peace is not the absence of pressure—it’s the presence of wholeness. That’s what the word peace means in Greek. It’s the Hebrew equivalent of shalom which means total well-being, spiritual integration, restoration of fractured pieces.Old Testament ConnectionsOne of the things we find is that Paul is connecting a lot of ideas from the Old Testmant.• Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You.”In Hebrew, the shalom would be repeated, meaning perfect peace, or peace to the second power.• Numbers 6:26 – “The Lord lift up his countenance on you and give you peace.”The priestly blessing didn’t wish people a peaceful life. It called down the peace of God for reassurance to their soul.• Psalm 23:3 – “He restores my soul.”God doesn’t just help you cope—He puts you back together.What Do We Learn From This?• Paul gives us a spiritual vaccination against anxiety. Here’s the process:• Recognize the anxiety. Don’t pretend it’s not there.• Pray and pour it out. Let your heart cry out with honesty.• Thank God in advance. Anchor your heart to God’s character.• Watch peace ...
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    6 分
  • The Cross in the Old Testament

    The Cross in the Old Testament
    2025/05/20
    Introduction• From the garden arrest to the empty tomb, John’s Gospel presents the final days of Jesus not just as historical events – but as the climax of a much older story.• I'm Brent, and this is episode 37 of The Bible Unplugged. In this episode, we continue our Easter Unplugged series with a deep dive into how John chapters 18 through 21 are filled with Old Testament echoes, symbols, and fulfillments.• Please take a moment to check out the show notes at PowerLoveandMiracles.com under the Podcast tab for scripture links and study resources.Enter you email to receive notifications of new episodedWhy John Is Different• In this series we’ve focused on how John is different. Matthew, Mark, and Luke focus on what happened. John focuses on what it means. He weaves the passion and resurrection story with themes from Genesis, Exodus, the Psalms, and the prophets.• In John, Jesus isn’t just giving up his life. He’s fulfilling a very sacred pattern, from Passover lamb to temple priest to the new Adam.• Let’s walk through some of the key events and uncover the ancient layers underneath all this.Jesus Arrested in a Garden• In John 18, Jesus is arrested in a garden across the Kidron Valley. That small detail has a wealth of meaning:• In Genesis chapter 3 Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden.• 2 Samuel 15, where King David crossed the Kidron valley weeping when his son betrayed him.• When Jesus crossed the Kidron Brook on his way to the garden, the brook carried the blood of the lambs who had been sacrificed in the Temple. This echoes Jesus as the ultimate Passover lamb.• When the soldiers arrived and said they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus says, “I AM he”—echoing the divine name from Exodus 3. John wants us to know that Jesus is no helpless victim. This is the I AM who surrendered willingly, just as the Passover lamb was brought to slaughter in the Temple.Peter’s Denial in the Courtyard• While Jesus is interrogated inside, Peter stands outside by a coal fire and denies knowing Jesus three times. The location is ironic. This is the high priest’s courtyard. Peter is failing his priestly moment.• And that rooster crowing? It was more than a wake-up call. In the temple, the rooster crow marked the changing of the night watch. A new day was breaking – piritually and literally.• Jesus would later restore Peter by a coal fire by having Peter confess his love for the Messiah three times.Trial Before Pilate• After Jesus is interrogated by the Jewish leadership they bring him before Pilate, the Roman Governor.• Pilate interrogated Jesus on what John calls the Day of Preparation – when lambs were being inspected for sacrifice. Pilate declares, “I find no fault in him,” unknowingly confirming Jesus as the spotless Passover Lamb.• Even the mocking of Jesus – the robe, the crown of thorns – fulfills Psalm 2, where kings and rulers rage against God’s anointed.• John isn’t just recounting the cruelty. He’s unveiling a universal coronation of the Messiah.Crucifixion: Fulfilled to the Letter• We come to the crucifixion account in chapter 19. This is a masterclass in prophecy:• Soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ tunic, fulfilling Psalm 22.• The tunic, made of one piece, matches the robe of the high priest from Exodus 28.• Jesus on the cross says, “I am thirsty,” fulfilling Psalm 69, and is offered vinegar on hyssop – the same plant used to apply Passover lamb’s blood.• No bones are broken, fulfilling Exodus 12 and Psalm 34.• A soldier pierces his side, echoing Zechariah 12:10.• John ends with Jesus saying, “It is finished” meaning Jesus is not just “done,” but “fulfilled, completed.”• This is the final sacrifice. The Lamb, the Priest, and the Temple have all come together in Jesus.The Empty Tomb: New Creation Begins• Chapter 20 opens with Mary Magdalene discovering the empty tomb on the first day of the week. That’s creation language. Genesis 1 begins the same way, and God is beginning a new creation.• John is telling us: this is not just a resurrection. It’s a new beginning. The curse of death has been reversed. Jesus, the new Adam, is walking in a garden again.Mary and the Gardner: A New Eve• Mary sees Jesus but mistakes Him for a gardener. That’s not a coincidence. The first woman, Eve, was in a garden but encountered a serpent and brought death. Now, Mary meets the risen Jesus and receives the message of life.• She did not recognize Jesus until he says one word, “Mary.” In the Gospel of John chapter 10, Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” This echoes what we read in Psalm 23: Yahweh is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing.”• Jesus then tells Mary not to cling to Him. Why? Because He’s not returning to the old life. He’s ascending, and so is His mission.• And then Jesus commissions Mary to tell the others. In that moment, Mary ...
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    8 分