What Happens in the Mountain of the Lord

Wednesday, September 26, 2012 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


Isaiah 2:2 Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it. 3 Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

In an unstable and shaky world, the "mountain of the Lord's house" is the place of stability. Isaiah prophesied that in the latter days (today) people would decide to "flow into" God's house saying, "He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.”

People are hungry for answers. People want to make sense of life. As Christ's church we have a golden opportunity to change a generation. God has positioned us as "mountains," which are unmistakable landmarks in any landscape.

Everyone is looking. Let's show them what Jesus can do!

Undeserved Privilege, Rights, Responsibility, and Revocation

Monday, September 24, 2012 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory." ~ Romans 5:2 (NLT)

We are living in a society that feels entitled to things that must be earned and maintained through diligence. To be sure, God wants to bless people with the necessities of life such as shelter, food, health, and education. These are foundational to life and stability.

"This place" of which the Apostle Paul speaks, in a specific context can represent places such as ministry office, leadership over people, and recognized authority in Christ's Church. These are not  "places" to which we have a right.

These are places of "undeserved privilege." With privilege comes great responsibility and necessary accountability. In the absence of these, the privilege must be revoked.

However, when we humbly accept our places of undeserved privilege and serve with faithfulness, under proper authority, we will partake of God's promise to share in the measure of God's glory which He gives to fulfill His purposes.

Become Complete

Friday, September 21, 2012 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


2 Cor 13:11 (NJKV) Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.

Some of the Apostle Paul's greatest insights came at the end of his letters. While reading this benediction, as part of my morning devotions, two words stood out from this text:

"Become complete" 

The King James Version reads, "Be perfect." The New International Version reads, "Strive for full restoration."

The statement, "become complete" in the original Greek means this:
1) to render, i.e. to fit, sound, complete
2) to mend (what has been broken or rent), to repair
3) to fit out, equip, put in order, arrange, adjust
4) to fit or frame for one's self, prepare
5) to make one what he ought to be

Becoming complete must be our aim, more than finding fault in others, and more than worrying about what you don't have. Becoming complete is part of the firm foundation on which we live.

Here's a powerful prayer, "Lord, help me become complete. In Jesus' Name, Amen!"

Loyalty

Tuesday, September 18, 2012 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments

View this Article at:
http://www.bryanhudson.com/2012/09/the-lost-art-of-loyalty_7725.html

The Good Fight of Faith

Tuesday, September 18, 2012 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


James 2:15 (NKJV) If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

James 2:17 (Amplified) So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead).

We often use the word "faith" by itself. We say, "I have faith." In reality, faith is never alone. "Faith" is shorthand for something like, "Faith in God, according to His scriptural promises, with corresponding action." Just as the text indicates that faith alone would not benefit a person in need, faith in all areas should result in "deeds and actions of obedience." I see three keys to genuine faith:


  1. First: Our faith is in God, not in ourselves.
  2. Second: Our faith is based on biblical truth. What we need and want is consistent with God's will, God's word and God's plan.
  3. Third: Our faith leads to actions that correspond to what is believed. Faith is no leap in the dark. Real faith (or "Faith in God, according to His scriptural promises, with corresponding action.") looks like a plan.

To be clear: We don't invent actions to make it look like we have faith. The actions flow out of genuine faith and obedience to God.

Sometimes concerns motivate us to take better corresponding actions in relation to our faith in God in a matter. It isn't always about, "Devil get behind me!" It is sometimes about, "Get your behind moving!"

Remember these words, "Fight the good fight of faith." (1 Timothy 6:12) A "good fight" is one in which we enter the arena prepared, take some hits, dish out more hits, and continue fighting based on the strength that God supplies.

Do You Have a Critical Spirit? (by Dr. Dale A. Robbins)

Thursday, September 13, 2012 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


By Dr. Dale A. Robbins (From http://www.victorious.org/critical.htm)
Romans 14:10 “Why do you criticize and pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you look down upon or despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God.
(12) And so each of us shall give an account of himself - give an answer in reference to judgment - to God.
(13) Then let us no more criticize and blame and pass judgment on one another, but rather decide and endeavor never to put a stumbling block or an obstacle or a hindrance in the way of a brother.” (The Amplified Bible)
The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines criticism as “an act of criticizing; to judge as a critic; to find fault; to blame or condemn.”
As we have read, the scriptures tell us not to tear down our brethren through criticism or judgment, as this can pose a serious stumbling-block and cause irreparable damage to their faith.
Among God’s warnings to us in scripture, there are none more somber or serious than His warning to not become a stumbling block to His followers. “...whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt. 18:6).
There’s an old saying that “We tend to judge others by their actions, and we judge ourselves by our intentions.” The truth is, we cannot rightly judge anyone else, because we do not know the contents of their heart. We should be content to judge only ourselves and seek to bring our own lives in alignment with God’s Word (1 Cor. 11:31).
What Exactly is a Critical Spirit?
A “critical spirit,” is an obsessive attitude of criticism and fault-finding, which seeks to tear others down — not the same thing as what is sometimes called “constructive criticism.” The only criticism that is ever constructive is that which is expressed in love to “build up,” not to tear down — it is always expressed face-to-face, never behind their back. 
The person with a critical spirit usually dwells on the negative, seeks for flaws rather than good. They’re a complainer, usually always upset, and generally have a problem or a complaint about something. They often have little control over their tongue, their temper, and have tendencies for gossip and slander, which Paul said were sins “worthy of death” (Rom. 1:29-32).
What Causes a Critical Spirit?
1. Negativeness - A bad attitude and a negative view of life. A person may have unconfessed sin in their life (Rom. 2:1), or may harbor unforgiveness or bitterness toward someone who may have offended them (Heb. 12:15).
2. Insecurity - Criticism is often a subconscious means to “elevate one’s own self image.” By putting others down, they are inwardly trying to feel more important or that “they know more.” Jealousy toward the spiritual victories of others is often the cause of criticism and belittling comments. Popular ministers of the Gospel are often the target of such tactics.
3. Immaturity - Believers must always keep their focus upon Christ and His Word, not man, who will often fail (Heb. 12:2). The young or immature believer who has not progressed very far in their own faith, remain overly dependent upon the faith of those within the body of Christ. Unfortunately, when they begin to notice the flaws in their brethren, subconsciously, this becomes a threat to their own sense of victory. Criticism becomes a reaction of disappointment, because their expectations in others have been crushed.
4. An Unrenewed Mind - Put-downs, making-fun-of, criticism, sarcasm are the world’s ways of reacting to the faults of people. However, as Christians we don’t behave this way. Our thinking and attitude should be renewed by the Word of God, which teaches us to bear the infirmities of the weak, to love, and show compassion and encouragement (Rom. 12:2).
5. The Devil - As we may realize, the Devil specializes in influencing obsessive behavior. He may use any or all of the above channels, or other techniques, to influence a complaining or critical attitude to stir up turmoil and strife within the body of Christ (Eph. 6:12). We must be on guard that none of us would be used as a tool of the Devil to bring harassment or discouragement upon our brothers or sisters through continual criticism, as the Bible warns us not to “give place” to the Devil (Eph. 4:27). Remember that Satan is specifically called “the accuser of the brethren” (Rev. 12:10). Are you an accuser of the brethren?
The Bible says that the reason that we are to come together as a church is, not to criticize, but to “exhort” (encourage) one another (Hebrews 10:25). “Cursing the darkness” won’t change anything, but we must light a candle and “expose the light” of God’s Word. By sharing the truth of God’s Word, and encouraging people to live in its truth, people will change. Love and encouragement is a “motivational force.” 
If we ever hope to bring improvement in others, we need to become people of encouragement. This is the only attitude that will change people, and our actions and words must be devoted to encouraging the spiritual progress of our brethren. 
The Christian’s tongue should never be used for anything but good. “Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word, nor unwholesome or worthless talk (ever) come out of your mouth; but only such speech as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it” (Eph. 4:29 The Amplified Bible). 
Prescription For a Healthy Mind
A number of years ago, Dr. David H. Fink, a psychiatrist for the veterans administration, wrote an article for Coronet Magazine, entitled, “Release from Nervous Tension.” In his article, he outlined his research into the causes of mental and emotional disturbances. 
From over 10,000 case studies, he discovered that there was a common trait with all his patients who suffered from severe tension. They were habitual fault-finders, constant critics of people and things around them. Those who were free from tension, were the least critical. His conclusions were that the habit of fault-finding is a prelude or mark of the nervous, or the mentally unbalanced. Those who wish to retain good emotional and mental health, should learn to free themselves from a negative and critical attitude. 
Remember this, the Bible doesn’t promise peace to those who dwell on the faults of others! It says that the Lord will keep them in perfect peace, whose minds are stayed on Him! (Isaiah 26:3).

How to Have Clarity of Thought

Thursday, September 13, 2012 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments

Proverbs 16:3 Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established.

Clarity of thought follows committing your works and plans to the Lord. Good works brings good thoughts, because you were created by God to do good works. (Eph. 2:10)

Sometimes, being unclear in your thinking in an indication that you are on the wrong track.

Follow peace all the way to the right track!

Nuggets of Truth to Live By

Wednesday, September 12, 2012 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


God's word speaks to our lives, values, and circumstances like nothing else! Let these nuggets of truth from my daily Bible reading today speak to you. (Proverbs 13-15, 2 Corinthians 5)

Prov. 13:7 There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.

Prov. 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.

Prov. 13:20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.

Prov. 14:14 The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied from above.

Prov. 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

2 Cor. 5: 9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men...

2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 

Don't Let Perception Become Your Reality. Reach Higher!

Tuesday, September 04, 2012 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


Psalm 145:17, The Lord is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works. 18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. 19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. 20 The Lord preserves all who love Him,

It has been said that "perception is reality." Actually, this is not true. "Reality" is another word for "truth." In His prayer recorded in John 17:17, Jesus said, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."

Whenever you read and believe the Word of God, you are discovering God's reality. From Psalm 145:17-20, Here is the reality that you discover:

Your God is:

  • Righteous in all His ways
  • Gracious in everything He does
  • Near when you call upon Him in truth
  • Fulfills your desire when you fear Him
  • Hears your cry
  • Saves you
  • Preserves you when you love Him
Regardless of whatever you may see, or may be dealing with, let THIS be your reality. Don't live by how you feel or perceive. Live by faith in what God says. Become "sanctified" or "set apart" by God's power, plan and purpose for your life.

TRUST HIM and watch your reality change for the better!