House of Wisdom: How to Live in the Overflow

This is one of our favorite Scriptures to motivate people to give money to the Lord through our ministries and local churches. It is appropriate for that purpose, but there is much more to it.
It is actually a Scripture that addresses the quality of our giving that leads to the quality of our harvest of blessings. Jesus said it this way, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38)
These Scriptures seem to focus only on the amount given, but the quality of giving is more important than the amount. For example, if a person is complaining while giving a large amount, it is neither the “best part” nor a “good measure.” While the church that receives the offering will certainly be glad to receive it, the giver may not receive much of a return. In other words, that unwilling giver might receive “wine” (some provision), but not receive “good wine” (maximum or strategic provision).
A person who cannot give a large amount of money (or some other kind of offering), yet offers the “best part” and “good measure” taps into the resources of God’s kingdom and grace in a special way.
For example, the best part of our financial offering comes before paying taxes and bills. Giving to God what is left over after taxes and bills is far from the best part. This way of giving to God cannot be easily explained, but it is easily proven by those who practice it!
The key words in this text are “Honor the Lord.” The word honor literally means “a valuing.” The picture is one of something valuable, precious or weighty, such as gold. Other definitions include: appreciation, esteem, favorable regard, respect.”
Much more than what you give to the Lord is the value, esteem, respect, you have towards God when giving it. Anyone you honor will notice it. God does not need honor from us, but because He is honorable, you can only receive blessing from giving Him your “best part” and “good measure.”
Honoring God in our giving brings blessing, 10 Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.

Intro to the “House of Wisdom” 30-Day Devotional

Proverbs 24:3-4, Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
Welcome to the 30-Day “House of Wisdom” devotional based on the book of Proverbs!
Why Proverbs?
The book of Proverbs is a compilation of wise sayings. a general truth, fundamental principle, or rule of conduct. The Hebrew word translated "proverb" is also translated "oracle" and "parable." Most proverbs are short, compact statements that express truths about human behavior using contrasts or direct comparisons. Many proverbs describe the consequences of a particular action or character trait. (Read full summary on the book of Proverbs: http://www.biblestudytools.com/proverbs/)
The opening chapter of Proverbs explains the purpose of this book written mostly by Solomon: “Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young.” (Prov. 1:2-4 NLT)
In a world that has lost sight of principles and unchanging foundations, Proverbs offers a steady view of life, structure for living, and a path to life, prosperity and security....like being in a house. Jesus, through His life and resurrection, has become our wisdom:
1 Corinthians 1:30 But because of Him are you in Christ Jesus, who from God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness, and sanctification and redemption,
We only need to discover how wisdom works and apply it to our lives. Let’s go into the “House of Wisdom” designed by God!
Before October 1, Pastor Bryan Hudson will provide you a brief "House of Wisdom"commentary to a daily reading from Proverbs and some from the Gospels.
After each lesson, there will be a brief exercise to apply what you've read:
1. Respond to the Reflection Question
2. Write down 1-2 insights gained,
3. Write down key decisions and action items for the day as the Lord leads you.
The "House of Wisdom commentary will be available as a PDF e-booklet for an offering of any amount. You will notified about availability of the resource.

Facts of Life in the “House of Wisdom”

Proverbs 8:1 Does not wisdom cry out,And understanding lift up her voice? 2 She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet. 3 She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors: 4 “To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men. 5 O you simple ones, understand prudence, And you fools, be of an understanding heart. 6 Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, And from the opening of my lips will come right things; 7 For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 8 All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them. 9 They are all plain to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge. 10 Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold; 11 For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. 12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And find out knowledge and discretion. 13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. 14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength. 15 By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice. 16 By me princes rule, and nobles, All the judges of the earth.[a] 17 I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me. 18 Riches and honor are with me, Enduring riches and righteousness. 19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, And my revenue than choice silver. 20 I traverse the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice, 21 That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, That I may fill their treasuries. 22 “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old. 23 I have been established from everlasting, From the beginning, before there was ever an earth. 24 When there were no depths I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills, I was brought forth; 26 While as yet He had not made the earth or the fields, Or the primal dust of the world. 27 When He prepared the heavens, I was there, When He drew a circle on the face of the deep, 28 When He established the clouds above, When He strengthened the fountains of the deep, 29 When He assigned to the sea its limit, So that the waters would not transgress His command, When He marked out the foundations of the earth, 30 Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman;[b] And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him, 31 Rejoicing in His inhabited world, And my delight was with the sons of men. 32 “Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways. 33 Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it. 34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. 35 For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the Lord; 36 But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; All those who hate me love death.”

Wisdom For Your Life in a Confused World

Seven Blessings of Wisdom
1. Wisdom gives you a firm foundation
Proverbs 1:1 (NLT) These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. 2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. 3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. 4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. 5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance 6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles.
2. Wisdom keeps you thirsty for God’s best
Proverbs 2:2, (NLT) Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. 3 Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. 4 Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. 5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.
3. Wisdom shows us how to listen, overcome obstacles and major on the majors
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.
Proverbs 16:20 Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful.
4. Wisdom teaches you how to guard your heart and focus forward
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.
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.
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.”

Heart+Treasure: How to Be Rich in God

Treasure: Accumulated or stored wealth. Something valuable that is hidden or kept in a safe place. Something that is very special, important, or valuable. A person who is greatly loved or valued especially because of being very helpful.
Luke 12:13 Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
14 But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” 15 And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” 16 Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. 17 And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ 18 So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’21 “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” 22 Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. 23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? 25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 26 If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? 29 “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. 32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Why People Pout | Understanding Conflict. Overcoming Offense.

Colossians 3:13 "Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

No Other Foundation…

1 Corinthians Chapter Three which addresses the immaturity of believers as summed up in the statement, "For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal?” (v. 4)
The Apostle Paul showed how rather than having “favorite” leaders/preachers, we should see the necessity of unity in ministry work and collective purpose.
1 Cor, 3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one...
Paul emphasized that we have only one foundation--Jesus Christ. No one can lay another foundation in the church that would be authentic. 1 Cor. 3;11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Having favorites and operating contrary to these principles leads to the “defiling” of God’s “temple," which is the church collective. (vv. 16-17)
In the last verse of the chapter, Paul provides the best and correct perspective: 1 Cor. 3:21 Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. 23 And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.
Listen to the lesson and be blessed!

From Pain to Power: Dealing with Pain Victoriously

Isaiah 53:3,5 Jesus is acquainted with pain and griefs: He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief…and by his wounds we are healed.
What is pain?
1. The physical feeling caused by disease, injury, or something that hurts the body
2. Mental or emotional suffering: sadness caused by some emotional or mental problem
3. Someone or something that causes trouble or makes you feel annoyed or angry
4. Physical pain, in its simplest form, is a warning mechanism that helps protect an organism by influencing it to withdraw from harmful stimuli (such as fire).
Parallels of physical pain to “life-pain”
Physical suffering associated with a bodily disorder (such as a disease or injury) and accompanied by mental or emotional distress.
Pain avoidance can lead to self-destructive behaviors. The most potent pain-relieving drugs are opium and morphine also happen to be the most addictive.
We have something called “Pain receptors.” These are found in the skin and other tissues, are nerve fibres that react to mechanical, thermal, and chemical stimuli. Pain impulses enter the spinal cord and are transmitted to the brain stem and thalamus.
Life-pain receptors are not physical. Emotional or mental pain is difficult to define. The perception of physical pain is highly variable among individuals. Just as people have high and low thresholds of physical pain, They also have high and low thresholds of life-pain. Some people feel pain if someone does not say “hello” to them. Some people, like me, would not feel pain if you called me “stupid.” Now I certainly wouldn’t be running around with anyone who called me stupid, but it would not stop me from doing anything I’ve been doing.
And this is the main issue when experiencing “life-pain”: What stops you from doing what you are supposed to do? While the physical pain mechanism wants to influence you to withdraw or protect yourself, life-pain, such as emotional pain, should be addressed, not avoided.
From Pastor Joel Brooks: Some of us have way too high of a tolerance for pain. Pain is not the enemy, but evidence that one exists.
Pain is a message to you that:
1) something in your life is out of place.
2) something or someone is in your life that shouldn't be there. 1 Peter 2:20, For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.
3) something in your life is under attack
4) You are being tempted.
The problem is that we tend to treat the pain rather than the cause, thus allowing the source of the pain to remain in our lives way too long. Jesus bore your pains and so know that the pain you feel (whether in your body or in your heart) is not something you were meant to live with but simply a signal to you of an area in your life that needs attention. Pain is telling you something needs to be adjusted, removed, or resisted. Decide today to lower your tolerance for pain.
James 4:7 "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you"
Keys to dealing with life-pain:
1. Don’t deny the pain. Don’t hide your pain from Jesus.
2. Know that most people cannot handle your pain because they don’t have the Spirit of Christ in this measure.
3. Identify the source
4. Know that some pain is self-inflicted:
5. Cast your cares on the Lord because handling your pain in the covenant that Jesus made.
6. Stop the pain. Life-pain is essentially noise, so go to a quiet place. “Be still and know that God is God.” (Psalm 46:10)
7. Ultimately all pain has to register in the mind. So focus on something else. Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
8. Don’t withdraw. Don’t stop doing what you are supposed to do.
9. Repent: Change your mind. Go in a different direction.

Identification: Becoming the Best You, pt. 4 | How To Do Anything

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

Identification: Becoming the Best You, pt. 3

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10