An Ending and a New Beginning | A Quick Word of Encouragement


“An Ending and a New Beginning” 

A Quick Word of Encouragement



#40dayemphasis #devotionalreading

(From Today’s BibleGateway Reading)

1 Corinthians 12:20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

Today, September 1, we at New Covenant Church conclude our 40-day emphasis on daily Bible reading, fasting, prayer, and walking in unity/agreement of purpose and practice. The value of such a season of emphasis is that it helps us retrain ourselves and form new habits. So while the dates of the 40 days mark a conclusion, our commitment to Bible reading, prayer, fasting, and agreement continues. New patterns have been formed—or revived—that we will carry forward.

Today’s reading highlights the strength of the body of Christ. We are not islands unto ourselves. Scripture declares, “And the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’; nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’” (1 Cor. 12:21) 

Just as there is no insignificant part of the human body, there is no insignificant part of Christ’s body. If you stub your smallest toe, your whole body feels it. We are neither fully independent nor fully dependent—we are interdependent. 

Together, we are a holy temple: “From whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” (Eph. 2:21-22)

We live in a Western and American culture shaped by the phrase, “I think, therefore I am.” By contrast, the Eastern and African cultures—out of which the Bible was written and from which many of us draw our heritage—are better expressed by, “We are, therefore I am.” This perspective reflects the character and mission of Christ, who said, “On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matt. 16:18)

Finally, we are reminded: “The members should have the same care for one another.” (1 Cor. 12:25) This is the high value and responsibility of every covenant community. It extends beyond those we know personally. When we give—sowing love and care into the lives of others—we also reap the same.

New Covenant Church 
Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin

Commanded Blessing for People Dwelling in Unity | A Quick Word of Encouragement


“Commanded Blessing for People Dwelling in Unity”

A Quick Word of Encouragement



#40dayemphasis #devotionalreading
(From Today’s BibleGateway Reading)

Psalms 133 
1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!
2 It is like the precious oil upon the head,
Running down on the beard,
The beard of Aaron,
Running down on the edge of his garments.
3 It is like the dew of Hermon,
Descending upon the mountains of Zion;
For there the Lord commanded the blessing—
Life forevermore.

"Brethren dwelling together" refers primarily to Israel as the covenant people of God. In the ancient Near Eastern setting, family unity was essential for survival and identity. In the New Covenant, this extends to the unity of believers in Christ (John 17:21; Eph. 4:3).

As the community of God and the Body of Christ, there is nothing more essential than functioning in unity—difficulties and challenges notwithstanding. Unity and agreement in purpose are God’s design for Christ’s followers who comprise His church. To disregard it is self-defeating, counterproductive, and ultimately proof of rebellion against God.

"Running down" is repeated twice, emphasizing abundance. The blessing of unity flows from the “head” (leadership, covenant, and God Himself) down to the whole body (community).

Key Points:
• Unity as Sacred: Just as oil consecrated Aaron, unity consecrates the people of God as His dwelling place.
• Unity as Abundant: The “running down” imagery highlights that God’s blessings flow richly where there is oneness.
• Unity as Life–Giving: Like dew in a dry land, unity brings refreshment, fruitfulness, and hope.
• Unity as Eternal: God promises that His commanded blessing is not temporary but culminates in everlasting life with Him.

God is kind and merciful to all of us, but "commanded blessing" does not come upon individuals, but upon communities in Christ.

"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, [b]beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:1-6)

New Covenant Church 
Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin

Liberty vs. Responsibility | A Quick Word of Encouragement


“Liberty vs. Responsibility”

A Quick Word of Encouragement



#40dayemphasis #devotionalreading

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being. (1 Corinthians 10:23-24)

Paul was writing to the Corinthian church, which struggled with issues of liberty, idolatry, and community life. In 1 Corinthians 8, he addressed the question of eating food sacrificed to idols, showing that Christian freedom must be exercised with regard for others’ consciences.
Believers were using their freedom in Christ as justification for behaviors without considering consequences. Just because we CAN do something does not mean we SHOULD. Personal privilege and liberty must be balanced with considering others.

“Not all things are helpful” (or “expedient”). The Greek word used here means “profitable, beneficial, advantageous.” Freedom must be weighed against whether it produces spiritual or moral good.

This is a key phrase for Christ-followers who are not self-centered: "Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being." We should be about edifying others. The Greek word means “to build up, strengthen, promote growth.”

This should be our aim and culture—not "me," "myself," and "I."

New Covenant Church 
Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin

Surrounded and Unshakable | A Quick Word of Encouragement


“Surrounded and Unshakable”

A Quick Word of Encouragement



#40dayemphasis #devotionalreading

"Those who trust in the Lord Are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever." (Psalms 125:1-2)

“Those who trust in the Lord”
The word "trust" in Hebrew means confidence, reliance, and resting in God's security. It is not casual belief but a steady leaning upon God in the face of uncertainty.

“Are like Mount Zion”
Mount Zion was not only a physical hill in Jerusalem but also a symbol of God’s dwelling and His unshakable kingdom, of which we are a part.

“Which cannot be moved, but abides forever”
Mountains are enduring landmarks, and Zion was associated with God’s eternal covenant. The point is that trust in God gives stability that circumstances, enemies, or time cannot uproot.

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem”
Geographically, Jerusalem is encircled by higher mountains such as Mount of Olives. This natural fortification provided protection.

“So the Lord surrounds His people”
God’s protection is not partial or temporary but complete, encompassing us on every side.

“From this time forth and forever”
God’s protection is ongoing and eternal. Unlike systems in our world or trust in people, God's surrounding care is permanent. This reflects God's covenant faithfulness—He will never abandon His people!

This psalm provides confidence amid instability. Political turmoil, personal trials, betrayals, or policy shifts in our society may shake everything else, but those who trust in Christ remain unshakable!

New Covenant Church 
Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin

Greater is Christ in You than You in the World – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #184 for August 27, 2025

“Greater is Christ in You than You in the World”

LISTEN


1 John 4:4, You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Corinthians 4:8-9, We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed
Subscribe to: Posts ( Atom )