Join Us for a 30-Day Devotional, "Principles of Empowerment" October 1-30!

Monday, September 25, 2017 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments

This devotional is designed to help you take hold to principles of empowerment. Empowerment is something you already have, and it is something of which you could always use more. Order your book or ebook from Amazon through my website www.VisionBooksMedia.com


Empowerment is like good nutrition and health, you can never get too much. The word empower means to give strength, ability, and capability. It comes from two words, “em” meaning “in, into, on, onto” and “power” meaning “ability and strength to act.” You have already been empowered through experi- ences such as your elementary, high school, and college educa- tion. You may have received special training such as universal precautions, first aid, or military training.

Everything you know and do have come because you’ve been empowered by others. There are many occasions when life and new opportunities require additional education and training leading to empowerment. There’s also the necessity to pay attention to our spiritual lives which provides the foundation for everything else that we are doing.

It is not that success in life is impossible without a strong spiri- tual life. It is that success without acknowledging God’s grace, and goodness, with generosity is empty and self-centered. In the book of Joshua, the Scripture speaks of something called “good success.” (Joshua 1:8) It is success inspired of God.

One of the benefits of a strong devotional life is that our hearts become trained to never forget God and to give him glory for all the good things He has empowered us to do and become. We can avoid the condition described in this text, “But when they had grazed, they became full, they were  lled, and their heart was lifted up; therefore they forgot me.” (Hosea 13:6)

A daily devotional time with the Lord is one of the best ways to remember and honor him. This book is a collection of previously published blog posts, contents from sermon notes, and newly written articles.

How to use this devotional:
After each reading, complete the following:
1. Respond to the Reflection Question.
2. Write down any insights you gain from the Scripture read- ing and commentary.
3. Write down any action items based on what you have read.
4. Continue your prayer and devotional time as the Lord directs you.


Order your book or ebook from Amazon through my website www.VisionBooksMedia.com





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The Gift of Limitation and the Grace of Becoming

Thursday, September 21, 2017 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments





Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

On the surface, the title “Gift of Limitation” might seem negative. In fact, it is a very powerful and liberating principle. We need to reframe our thinking about limitation. Accepting what you can’t change pushes you to focus on what you can change.

Understand the difference between limitations of design from the false limitation of what is determined

A limitation of design is like this: Your laptop computer cannot make pancakes. This sounds silly, but the point is clear! 

A false limitation of what is determined is like this: A person who has a talent and training to sing or play an instrument but has “determined” that he cannot do it because someone questioned his ability.

It is one thing to not be able to do omething because you’re not designed to do it. It is altogether different to DECIDE you can’t do something,

Let’s consider at what Romans 12:3 is saying:

1. Paul wrote, “I say through the grace given to me…” The Scriptures are coming from a place of Grace, which is God’s ability, His operational power, and everything He has made available to you.

2. “Not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think.”  Thinking of yourself more highly than you should is simply a waste of thought, time, and energy. Thinking outside of your design is not helpful. For example, thinking that I can sing like Marvin Gaye is a waste of time.

3. “Think soberly.”  The biblical root of this word means, "To be of sound mind, to be in one's right mind, to exercise self control, to curb one's passions." The same word is used in this passage from Mark 5:15, “And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind.

4. “…As God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” You want to think within the domain of your faith. You should think on things and possibilities of what God has promised and what you believe.  Thinking in this manner is actually more effective than thinking more highly of yourself.

Because you have “grace to become” you can accept limitations. Again, accepting what you can’t change pushes you to focus on what you can change.

To learn more about this principle, listen to my teaching,“The Gift of Limitation and the Grace of Becoming" on the Firm Foundation podcast.

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NCC Mortgage Burning 2017: Our Journey of Faith and God's Faithfulness

Sunday, September 17, 2017 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


Philippians 1:6, Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

On Sunday, September 10 the members, leaders, and friends of New Covenant Church burned the mortgage on our church facility after paying off the mortgage on August 14 and becoming a debt free ministry!

It was a exciting and fulfilling occasion for our ministry, but it was much more! Paying off and burning the mortgage was both an encouragement and a prophetic declaration to everyone connected with New Covenant Church. When we give to God, support His work, and empower His kingdom, it is evidence of His provision and empowerment towards us. Watch this video excerpt from the "Free Indeed" mortgage burning celebration.

Watch below part of the celebration where made declarations and burned the mortgage document:



Here is a video I created telling part of our story, "Our Journey of Faith and God's Faithfulness."

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Join us this Sunday for a Mortgage Burning and "Free Indeed" Worship Celebration

Wednesday, September 06, 2017 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments

Join us this Sunday at 10:30am and 5:30pm for a Mortgage Burning and "Free Indeed" Worship Celebration! New Covenant Church, 4625 N. Keystone Avenue. www.NewCovenant.org

 

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