Pressing Forward. Moving Upward. Pt. 1, Getting Clear for the New Year - (Audio)

Sunday, December 30, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments




Listen to teaching on Podbean: https://bryanhudson.podbean.com/e/pressing-forward-moving-upward-pt-1-getting-clear-for-the-new-year/

Listen to the teaching on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/firm-foundation-with-bryan-hudson/id81271386?mt=2

Download "Getting Clear" Worksheet: http://www.newcovenant.org/Pressing_Forward_Worksheet.pdf

Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already attained or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 

A new year is an opportunity, if you are focused on making progress and making a difference. If your focus is on settling, a new year is just another day.

Charles Dickens “A Tale of Two Cities” which I never read, begins with a famous sentance set in London and Paris during the French Revolution in the late 1790’s.

Dickens's famous opening sentence introduces the universal approach of the book:

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way—in short, the period was so far like the present period,”

It is always easier to remember the “worst of times,” but I challenge you to think about the “best of times.” You always have a choice, so choose wisely.

It is very important that you not focus on the “worst of times” even though you may have to deal the aftermath.

Champion athletes have the ability to forget about losses and mistakes, while learning from it. They quickly detach themselves from those things and focus forward. (Show Scanlon Video)

This is why Paul said: “But one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead…”

You too are a champion in God’s Kingdom!

Fear is the expectation of danger and harm. FEAR False Evidence Appearing Real 

“God has not given me a spirit of fear, but power, love, and a sound mind”

Three Keys for Getting Clear for the New Year: POWER, PERSPECTIVE, PRIZE

Paul reminded us a about POWER = “…That I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me..” 

You were designed by God to possess everything he designed for you to have.”

Paul gave us a PERSPECTIVE = I am not perfected, but I press on. I don’t focus on what I cannot do, I focus on what I can do. I am reminded of the manager who would not take his pitcher out of the game, even though he been pitching poorly. A couple of inning later he caught fire and began to strike out batters. In the post game, a reporter asked him “why did you leave him in the game when do was doing poorly.” The manager said, “I was not looking at he was not doing. I was looking at what he was going to do.”

Paul gave us a PRIZE = The upward or high call of God. This is kind of like the Christmas season as a child. Whatever else may have happened, the child looks forward to Christmas day and opening of gifts. It is kind of prize for the emotions.

What to Get Clear for the New Year:

All of this can be done through prayer and a quality decisions to act by faith.

A quality decision is the thing that gets done because you are committed to it. Like I also tell you, if someone ask you to do something and you say, “I’ll try” or “I might try” that is a non-quality decision. The Bible says “let your yes be yes, or no be no.” Matt 5:37, Just say a simple, 'Yes, I will,' or 'No, I won't.' Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

1. The hindrance of self-imposed limitations resulting from broken principles and neglect of the Kingdom of God. Much of what impedes our progress has to do with neglecting a key principle or tolerating a condition that we can change. Not praying. Not giving. Not serving, etc.

2. The pain and disappointment introduced by difficult and draining situations

3. The shackles of low expectation introduced by “apparent” failure
The residue of bad encounters, disrespectful, and missed opportunities

4. The feeling of worthlessness resulting from a lack of engagement with the Lord and with your purpose

5. The sense of being drained by debts and unnecessary expenses. Form your plan to retire debts and eliminate unneccessary expenses
Determine to move straight ahead. Beware of situations that demand you to not run "straight ahead.” Philippians 3:14 So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above. (Good News Translation)

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Out of the Margins and Into Purpose

Thursday, December 27, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


The marginalization of people in our society is a problem that we can resolve. "Marginalize" means, "To treat a person or group of people as insignificant or peripheral; To put or keep someone in a powerless or unimportant position."
If it has ever happened to you, then you know the necessity of encouraging and honoring others. This is the essence of walking in love.
Philippians 2:3, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself."
Mark 12:30 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Even better, we can help others “Press Forward and Move Upward” as the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

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Jesus' Gift to the World: Good Tidings of Great Joy!

Thursday, December 27, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



Saturday, December 15 witnessed our 28th Community Christmas Celebration. Many individuals and families received gifts, food boxes and heard the Christmas Story about Jesus Christ! One person came forward to receive Christ as Lord and Savior! On December 14, we reached out to serve incarnated women at the Indiana Women's Prison in collaboration with Friends Fellowship Ministry.

We were also pleased to share gifts with Faith Center Church and Jesus Inside Prison Ministry, who distributed gifts to others in need.

Here is a slideshow of activities:


Sharing the Love of Christ continued the week of December 16 with taking a family to shop for shoes as well as visiting mothers and children at the Craine House. THANK FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT!

Watch this Christmas message about the power of JOY! “Good Tidings of Great Joy.” 


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Keep People’s Reality Above Your Ideals

Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Bryan Hudson 2 Comments



“Ideal” is defined as, “A standard of perfection; One's conception of what is most suitable.

Following is my response to an article I read that lamented the lack of fathers in the home and the absence of men in children’s lives from an evangelical perspective. The article highlighted negative aspects of “minority” communities by citing bad statistics, which were factual, but not enlightening.

Unfortunately, this article like others I've read did not offer solutions, only an ideal standard––with which I agree in principle. However, focusing on solutions is more helpful than lamentation. I think it is helpful to begin with "ideas" rather than "ideals" which are very differing things. An idea encourages me to first consider the need and understand people. An ideal begins with my concept of people and their needs.

I grew up in the inner city and experienced my share of trouble and foolishness as a non-Christian. I prevailed through the grace of God and the guidance of a father and mother who were married for 48 years until my mother's death (they would have been married for 63 years had she lived). I married a beautiful woman also from the inner city, whose living parents have been married for 65 years. In March of 2019, we will have been married for 40 years! We raised two sons and two daughters. So I completely understand the ideals of father and family, having been surrounded by good, godly, and great men all my life.

That said, I think it is important to keep people’s reality above our ideals. 

Regarding the ideal of the importance of having a father in the home, the availability of good men who can become good fathers is very limited in many communities. We can debate all the reasons, but it does not change the reality that people experience. Pregnant women who do not abort and choose life (which is what we Christians advocate) to become single mothers have even less prospects for a man wanting to marry them and raise someone else’s child. 

Sometimes, because of desperation or outside pressure, some single women think they "need a man” so they allow a boyfriend to move in and become “dad.” From our biblical perspective, this is not acceptable and it does not work for many reasons. In many cases the reality is that the biological father is unfit or unavailable. As followers of Christ, we teach and expect people to serve God, live holy, and practice abstinence until marriage — but that’s another ideal that many fail to achieve. However, many young people live biblically or otherwise avoid pitfalls -- but unfortunately there are no statistics for positive outcomes in our communities. We only focus on the bad outcomes and the related statistics.

I suggest that a practical scenario and “best practice” within difficult and unfortunate situations is for single mothers (single dads too) and their children to become committed members of churches where men at the church provide support. For many urban churches, this is what we do and we consider it our obligation. Men in the church cannot replace a father in the home, but we can do an immeasurable amount of good! 

This is what I have seen during the 18 years I operated a summer media camp for youth. One of the young men, William (not his real name), I mentored since he was 11 years old.  He was raised by a single mother. William was married last May. He and his wife are expecting their first child in February! William is a credit to his dedicated and loving mother, his biological father, and other family in his life, but I was blessed to play a part. Many other young men and women come to mind -- some with less biological family support.

This model of church community and engaged men has empowered single mothers (and single fathers) to raise boys and girls who become successful adults. I’ve seen a lot of good outcomes over my 36 years of pastoral service. Yes, there have been bad outcomes, but the bad results were not worse than bad parenting from a mother and a father, poor choices, or unavoidable circumstances.

In addition to churches and men making the choice to mentor others, organizations in Indianapolis like 100 Black Men, Urban Intiative, Dad’s Inc., Young Men, Inc., the Black Men’s Group, Ross Foundation, Multimedia in Focus, Community R.U.L.E., Raising Others People Kids, Stop The Violence Indianapolis, New Life Development Ministries, and others, that have been empowering single parents and mentoring young people for many years.

The negative statistics are indeed bad and they garner a lot of attention because people's lives are affected, but it would be a much worse situation without all these efforts. Also, statistics do not account for people who succeed despite the same odds and circumstances impacting those who have fallen. It is important to pay attention to every single person and not to view people through the narrative lens of “statistics.”

I think we need to focus on the practices that work. We need to focus on breaking negative cycles of all types. There have been many successes among young people and future success will require many years of good work to bear fruit. We maintain high expectations and motivate people we serve to reach for the best. Our ideals are good, but we start with serving people where they are.

We will need to measure success one person at a time and celebrate those persons. 

There are many more Williams out here looking for people to focus more on their realities than our lofty ideals.

Rev. Bryan Hudson

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Two Liberating Words: "Thank You!"

Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments




Hebrews 13:12, Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. 13 Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. 14 For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. 15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, [d]giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Two of the most liberating words in our language are: “Thank You!”

Just as John taught that love is shown in deeds more than words, even so “Thank You” is always connected to what we offer or give.

This is why we celebrate birthdays with cards and gifts, because we wish to say “Thank you” for someone’s life. That’s why we celebrate Christmas with gift giving and honoring our Savior. It’s all about saying “Thank You” to the Lord for the gift of life and new life in Christ. 

THANK YOU helps keep our lives clear of anxiety, sin, darkness, deception. 

Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. 3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather [do do something better] giving of thanks. 

Philippians 4:6, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

THANK YOU opens doors, releases gifts, empowers worship, and influences better decisions, and opens your heart to others. 

Eph. 5:15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. [Giving Thanks] 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

THANK YOU puts us in a position to allow God to transform every weakness into a strength

2 Cor. 12:9, And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

THANK YOU draws us closer to God and to others. 

Psalm 35:18, I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people. 

In Psalm 107 "Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy." (NIV)

THANK YOU  closes the circle of breakthrough in our lives. Lesson from the Ten Lepers: Ten were cleansed, but one was MADE WHOLE by saying "Thank You!"

Luke 17:11 Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 12 Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. 13 And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. 17 So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.”

Listen to the teaching on the Firm Foundation podcast:

On iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/firm-foundation-with-bryan-hudson/id81271386?mt=2


On Podbean: https://bryanhudson.podbean.com/e/two-liberating-words-thank-you/

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Too Blessed to Be Stressed (Video)

Monday, December 10, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



Some stress in life is normal, but excessive stress is dangerous. Jesus offered this very important invitation and promise: Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

What is stress? It is a state of mental or emotional strain, pressure, or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances. Allowing high levels of stress will adversely affect you. It is known that stress and worry cause harmful physical effects. All the more reason to accept Jesus’ offer to lift the burden of negative stress from our lives.

This teaching will help you manage stress and remind you that "You Are Too Blessed To Be Stressed!"

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How Good Change Happens in Your Life

Wednesday, November 28, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



James 1:17, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

Good change, even in the midst of bad circumstances, comes from paying attention to the "good" and "perfect" gifts that come from "above," from God. The term "Father of lights" helps you think about God as the most stable and positive relationship in your life. We live in a world full of shifting standards and profound uncertainly. However, we also live through the power of God in Whom there is no "variation" or "shadow of turning." The New Living Translation reads, "...He never changes or casts a shifting shadow."

Good change comes when you pay attention to what God is doing inside of you more than what is happening around you.

Philemon 1:6, That the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

Listen to the entire teaching from Sunday, November 25, "How Good Change Happens in Your Life." and be inspired! 


On Podbean: https://bryanhudson.podbean.com/e/how-good-change-happens-in-your-life/

On iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/firm-foundation-with-bryan-hudson/id81271386?mt=2

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Final Report from Kenya Mission 2018 with Video and Photos

Tuesday, November 27, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


The march towards dedication of the new Living Faith Church facility

"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8

Allow me to share this final report from our November 2018 mission to Kenya. It was a powerful, humbling, and very fruitful experience! Christ was exalted and lives were changed. Thanks to our host Bishop Daniel & Jane Muiruri and Mary Bahati for opening the doors of their hearts and ministries to us. It was a joy and blessing to travel and work with Dr. Kenneth E. Sullivan Sr. and Pastor Kenneth Sullivan Jr. Pastor Sullivan's friend, Tony Duchene also joined us.

I can summarize our mission with two words: "exhilarating" and "exhausting!" Over the short time of two weeks, we boarded 12 flights covering 17,500+ miles, drove 300+ miles, some of which over very rough roads, walked 8+ miles (including airports), and I got sick (only one day thank God!) with food poisoning/diarrhea. However, all of this was a small burden to bear to get into position to help and bless hundreds of people!  Jesus was glorified and people were drawn to Him!

As the old saying goes, a picture is worth 1000 words, so I'll leave most of the commentary to the images and video clips (Flickr photo album here).


The most unusual part of the trip was our visit to a village called
Kakuma. The people there have been called "the forgotten people" because of the remote location where they live. However, since the 1980's Bishop Daniel Muiruri, our host, has worked into Kakuma in the Turkana region of Kenya, planting churches, raising up schools, and meeting the needs of people. 

Going forward, we look forward to doing the following:

• New Direction Church plans to erect buildings, provide food, and dig wells, for many of the churches. 

• Dr. Sullivan will provide a one-year ministry training program to 29 pastors/ministers who have signed up. I will contribute a unit to that curriculum.

• New Covenant Church will continue to support the GFE orphanage along with Mary Bahati and Dan Just who oversee the work. During this visit, I learned that many children who have grown up there have gone on to college and entered fruitful careers! I met such a young man.

• New Covenant Church will donate a 65" HDTV and stand to Bishop Daniel Muiruri and the Living Faith Church for displaying video lectures for the Bible school and other media content for the ministry. We will also contribute towards food for people in the Turkana region and provide generators for some of the church buildings.

Over the years, I have heard it said, "We have to help people at home before we can help people overseas." This is a false dichotomy. We can do both at the same time! The Bible says (emphasis added) "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, AND in all Judea AND Samaria, AND to the ends of the earth." We are directed think and act on the basis of "AND" not "OR."

I encourage you to plant a seed today towards the help that New Covenant Church will provide. Follow this link to make your donation (scroll to the bottom of the page).

Thank you and God Bless!
"Bwana Asifiwe!" (Praise the Lord!)
Pastor Bryan Hudson

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Five Life-Changing Benefits of Giving Thanks

Thursday, November 22, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



1 Thessalonians 5:17-19, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.

Some years ago there was a series of television pubic service messages about education. One of tag lines was, “Reading is Fundamental.” This is a very concise and accurate statement. If a person cannot read, he cannot function effectively in life or experience the best this world has to offer.

As believers, we live by many foundational truths from the Word of God. One of the most important is: “Giving thanks to God daily is fundamental.”

Giving thanks to God is one of best things we do because it is inclusive of worship, prayer, faith, holiness, giving and sacrifice.

Five Life-Changing Benefits of Giving Thanks:

#1 “Giving thanks to God daily is fundamental:” It’s one of the things that we do that makes other things possible.

Psalm 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

Heb. 13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

#2 Giving thanks helps keep our lives clear of anxiety, sin, darkness, deception.

Romans 1:21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools,

Philippians 4:6, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

#3 Giving Thanks is a container that allows us to hold blessings, benefits and responsibilities

Eph. 5:18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

#4 Giving Thanks puts us in a position to allow God to transform every weakness into a strength through Christ.

2 Cor. 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

#5 Thanksgiving draws us closer to God and to others for help and healing

James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Psalm 35:18, I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people.

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Ministry at Kakuma in Turkana region of Kenya

Thursday, November 22, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



Ministry at Kakuma in Turkana region of Kenya. This is a remote region that is difficult to reach because poor roads. Those who live in this area have been called the “forgotten people.”

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Day 30 - Furniture in a Field | Final Day of Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Tuesday, October 30, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



Proverbs 24:3, By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; 4 through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
It has often been said that “Knowledge is Power.” According to Proverbs, knowledge can fill “rooms” with many wonderful things, which may be desirable. But knowledge alone is not enough.
Can you imagine a room full of things without a house? How useful would it be to arrange furniture on an empty lot? Knowledge without wisdom and understanding looks like furniture in a field, without a structure or purpose.
Wisdom is the ability to know what to do and where and when to take action. Understanding is knowing the meaning of things.  Knowing the "what, where and why" of life must come before simply acquiring material possessions. 
Therefore, power is really found in possessing wisdom and understanding!
As always, the Word of God teaches us the best way to live!

Reflection Question: What do you understand after reading the Scripture and this lesson that you did not know before reading it.

Key insight I gained today:


Today’s action item based on insight:

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Day 29 - The Path Principle | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Monday, October 29, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments




Proverbs 7:6, While I was at the window of my house, looking through the curtain, 7 I saw some naive young men, and one in particular who lacked common sense. 8 He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman, strolling down the path by her house…21 So she seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery. 22 He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap, 23 awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart.  He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life.

Solomon used various methods to communicate the same message of gaining understanding and wisdom. Chapter Seven uses a first person narrative to describe someone he saw out of his window.  He says, "I saw some naive young men, and one in particular who lacked common sense." 

What made this young man naive? The definition of naive is, “showing a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment.” He also lacked common sense. Why did Solomon regard this young man in this manner? This young man was walking down a path that led past the dwelling of a well known immoral woman. This is called “The Path Principle,” a term I first read in a book by Pastor Andy Stanley.

Your path determines your destination. Your intentions and wishes do not determine your destination more than the path that has been chosen. The young man in the story did not know his day would end in sin and destruction because he was seemingly unaware of where his path led.

The message of the story is to recognize the necessity of choosing our paths well. For example, hanging out with people who are up to no good is not just “hanging out,” it's a path! Spending time studying the Bible is not just reading. It's a path. Again, since every path has a destination, experiencing prosperity God's way begins with understanding our activities as paths leading to good or bad outcomes.

Reflection Question: What  “good intentions” have you mistaken for a good path? What path (s) are you actually on?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

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Day 28 - Scattering Seed to Increase | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Sunday, October 28, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



Proverbs 11:24-25, There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. 25 The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself. 
Giving and generosity have always been a part of prospering God's way. This is another action that seems illogical: As we scatter our seed, God causes us to increase.  If we withhold too much, it leads to decrease. Giving to the Lord does not cause lack, and failing to give does not help one prosper.
Most everything that relates to living involves the principles or cycles of sowing and reaping. 
Genesis 8:22, (NKJV), While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, And day and night shall not cease.
There is a principle working in the earth called "Seedtime and harvest."  This can be understood as, 1) Seed, 2) Time, 3) Harvest. The Scripture also indicates that life has cycles and seasons. When give of our three “T’s” (Time, Treasure, & Talents), its like putting good seed into good soil. After a period of time, we can expect a harvest.
I have witnessed the benefits of this promise for my whole Christian life, over and over again, “...He who waters will also be watered himself.”
We should not be focused on clinging to what we have (which God gave us) or finding a way to get something from others. We should be more focused on “watering” or nourishing and refreshing others. This habit and lifestyle leads to tremendous blessing at all levels of life.
Reflection Question: What is the status of your giving of Time, Treasure and Talents? Are you giving all three to the Lord?

Key insight I gained today:


Today’s action item based on insight:

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Day 27 - The Value of Wisdom | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Saturday, October 27, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments




Proverbs 9:7 Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt. 8 So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you. 9 Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more. Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. 11 Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. 12 If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit.  If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

Wisdom and understanding are most appreciated by those who embrace it. People who mock the things of God will likely not accept correction. Such persons need prayer and the saving message of the Gospel of Christ. We would like to think that we can help or “cure” anyone. But the fact remains that the Holy Spirit must help a person become receptive—something the Lord is quite expert at doing!

Wisdom is a virtue best shared among believers in Christ. The “righteous” are people who will honor God and rejoice in His ways. According to Ephesians 4:15-16, the body of Christ “edifies itself” in love. That is, we build each other up, not for selfish reasons, but to become more effective as a community and in reaching our generation for the Kingdom of God.

Verse nine says, "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom." Foundations are vitally important to buildings, especially tall ones. Laying a good foundation is the beginning to any successful building project. The "building project"of our lives requires understanding and living out the principle of the fear of the Lord. I define the fear of the Lord as "A deep desire to please and never displease the Lord." 

On the firm foundation of godly fear comes "good judgment" (to make wise decisions and choices), long life, and other benefits as God's purpose for our lives may determine.


Reflection Question: In what way(s) can you honor God and value His wisdom?

Key insight I gained today:


Today’s action item based on insight:

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Day 26 - Raising Hope and Removing Fear | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Friday, October 26, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



Proverbs 10:24, The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled; the hopes of the godly will be granted.

Fear and hope are strangely related. A lot of the negative things that happen to people are often attributed to fate, to the devil, to other people, and even to God.

While there is certainly no such thing as “mind over matter,” there is the reality of “mind over self.”
Hopes and fears move us to action both extrinsically (outward) and intrinsically (inward). Hope and fear also motivate us consciously and unconsciously.

Hope and fear are related because both are based in expectation. Hope expectsa good outcome. Fear expectsdanger and harm. People who live in fear will take unusual measures to guard against imagined threats and dangers. People who have hope will take measures to secure their dreams and bring to pass what they see in their hearts and minds.

Our Scripture text refers to the fears of the “wicked.” Is it possible for the godly to have fear? The answer is yes, and the godly won’t experience better outcomes if operating in fear.
We should only focus on the hopes that God wants to grant to the godly. So trust Him and live a godly life through Christ.

Reflection Question:What are 1-3 hopes you expect to be granted?

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Day 25. - Your Bright Path | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


Proverbs 4:18-19, The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.

The path of the righteous is full of light. The path of the wicked is dark. Paths are bright or dark, not because of the person walking the path, but because of the light of the Lord -- or a lack of of it.

1 John 1:15 reads, "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all."

As a teenager, I remember going down to the basement of our house one evening. The light switch was located at the top of the stairs in the landing. One of my parents turned the light off not knowing I was in the basement. The darkness was total and any path to walk among the various items stored in the basement was lost in that darkness. As our text states, "...They do not know what makes them stumble."

There are many good reasons to walk with Christ in the light, but the best reason is this: There is no better alternative. Not only do we have the opportunity to walk the paths of life in God's light, we enjoy the blessing of more light or greater clarity as we walk with the Lord.

Reflection Question: In what areas of your life do you need the light of God?

Key insight I gained today:

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Day 24 - Four Ways to Become Wiser | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Wednesday, October 24, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



Proverbs 13:20, Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.
It has been said that a person can be known by the company he keeps. After our relationship with the Lord, our relationships with other people makes the greatest impact on our lives. Walking with the wise should be our objective, but achieving this is not as easy as it sounds. 
How can you identify wise people in your life? The first step is to avoid acting foolishly or connecting with foolish people. Foolish means, “resulting from or showing a lack of sense; ill-considered, unwise, a foolish action, a foolish speech, lacking forethought or caution.”
In a world consumed with darkness and deceit, simply avoiding foolishness is wise. However, spiritual growth and progress don’t come only by “not doing,” but it is a good place to start. It is better to be “pro-active,” which means, “Tending to initiate change rather than reacting to events.”
Four ways to walk with the wise and become wiser:

1. Listen to, or read books from, people who do productive work and help others improve. 

2. Ask good questions of people who are experts. Don’t be intimidated by people who know more than you. This is how we all learn

3. Read the Bible and listen to the Lord. Who’s wiser than God

4. Be prepared to change your mind and change your opinions when better information becomes available.

Reflection Question: Who are 1-3 wise people in your life whom you should listen to more than you do?

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Day 23 - How Wisdom Makes Choices Easier | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Tuesday, October 23, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



Proverbs 2:10, For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. 11 Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.

Sometimes people struggle with options and choices. They have difficulty deciding which way to go. This is especially true when options and choices appear to be mostly good. We’ve heard the saying, “Everything that seems good is not necessarily good for you.” What people consider “good” is usually driven by what friends and popular culture embrace. If everyone were driving a white car, then a white car would seem to be the good option.

Because God’s wisdom and understanding are “holy,” these are not subject to the whims of people or popular culture. The best definition of the word “holy” is “other than.” The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the ultimate being (one God) existing as “Other Than” – absolutely nothing and no one can compare. Believers in Christ are called a “holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9).

As partakers of holy wisdom and understanding from God, options and choices are narrowed by excluding everything that motivates people who lack wisdom, understanding, and divine purpose. When we operate on God’s resources, we experience true joy. Within that domain, you can only take the best option and make the correct choice.
 

Reflection Question: Which options or choices would be easier if you excluded every prideful, worldly, or marketing influence?

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Day 22 - Learning to Listen To Wisdom’s Words | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Monday, October 22, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


Proverbs 4:10 (NLT), My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. 11 I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths. 12 When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble. 13 Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.

Listening to wisdom is the key to success and safety. We learn through listening. We become skillful through listening, following instructions, and gaining expertise through practice.

When I was a college instructor, I re-discovered the truth that students whom people consider to be “smart” are mostly very committed listeners and followers of instruction. The habit of listening closely, as to be able to accurately represent what was said, is a talent for some, but something everyone can learn.

The wisdom listeners’ promise of living a “long, good life” is not only a spiritual promise, but a practical reality. The simple, wise admonition of “buckle your seat belt” has saved many lives in auto accidents. Ignoring that practical wisdom has also, sadly, resulted in injury and loss of life.

Wisdom is not simply listening to good suggestions. Living in the “House of Wisdom” is about enriching and saving our own lives, and the lives of others. We all know that life is full of obstacles. To these challenges, wisdom says, “When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble.” We overcome obstacles, not because we had a wisdom “pep talk.” We overcome because wisdom provides the understanding, knowledge, and skill to rise above those obstacles through the grace of God through Christ.

When we take God’s wisdom seriously, Verse 13 takes on a new weight and meaning, “Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.”


Reflection Question: What is God’s wisdom speaking to you right now?

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Day 21 - Seven Everyday Blessings of Wisdom (6-7) | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Sunday, October 21, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments

6. Wisdom has friends. One of those friends is financial prosperity 
Proverbs 8:12 (NLT) “I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment. 13 All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech. 14 Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine.15 Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees.16 Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments. 17 “I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me. 18 I have riches and honor, as well as enduring wealth and justice. 19 My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver! 20 I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice. 21 Those who love me inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries."

7. Wisdom teaches us about the blessings of sowing and being generous. 

Poverbs 11:24-25 (NKJV), There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. 25 The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself. 

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Day 20 - Seven Everyday Blessings of Wisdom (4-5) | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Saturday, October 20, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



4. Wisdom teaches you how to guard your heart and focus forward. You learn to become less and less distracted
Proverbs 4:18 (NLT), The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. 19 But the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over…23 Guard your heart above all else,  for it determines the course of your life…25 Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27 Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

The cost of being constantly distracted from God's will is a price too high to pay. Verses 25-27 offer crystal clear guidance: 1) Focus forward, 2) Mark out or chart your path through prayer and planning, 3) Stay on good paths, 4) Don't let people or circumstances pull you aside, 5) Never follow evil.

5. Wisdom teaches us about the power of success through diligence. You learn valuable lessons from almost everything in life.
Proverbs 6:6 (NLT)  Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! 7 Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, 8 they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter. 9 But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up? 10 A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— 11 then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.

Proverbs 21:5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

Key insight I gained today:

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