Firm Foundation with Bryan Hudson

Prisoners of Hope

 
Zechariah 9: 2
Doom is certain for Hamath, near Damascus, and for the cities of Tyre and Sidon, though they are so clever. 11 “ As for you also, Because of the blood of your covenant,  I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.  12 Return to the stronghold, You prisoners of hope. Even today I declare That I will restore double to you. 
Everyone is a prisoner, So you may as well be a Prisoner of Hope.
In a world were many are defined by hopelessness, we are people defined by our hope.
Prisoners of hope never stop seeing the best. Prisoners of hope cannot be bound by prisons of this world or captive circumstances created by people.
Acts 16:24-26 
Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.
Prisoners of hope are believers in Jesus who recognize the limitation in their circumstances, but refuse to be limited in their expectations and actions. We have faith in a God who can do anything.
Too many people look at their circumstances and make the decision that they can do no more, or become no more than what they see. Like Jeremiah, those persons have to learn to “See well.”
Hebrews 6:19 
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, 20 where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Jesus is our “forerunner,” going first where He expects us to follow.
Hebrews 6:19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, 20 where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
People of hope...
Focus on the promises of God more than focusing on the conditions and circumstances around us
Understand that the world is full of darkness, but know that they are full of light
Keep their love warm even in a cold world
Are not distracted from serving God by the pressures and activities of this world
Have high expectations of good things to come
Follow the example of our father of faith, Abraham, who hoped against hope and fulfilled God’s purpose in his life. Like Paul and Silas
Have hope as a refuge and anchor for our souls. We are steady and steadfast in all conditions because Jesus has already entered the presence of God for us.

No Longer a School Teacher, But an Educator for a Lifetime

This is a very special week in the life of my wife and best friend Patricia Ann Hudson. On yesterday, May 24, she said goodbye to her students for the school year. Every teacher knows that feeling.
 
Not only did she say goodbye to students she has educated since last August, she also said goodbye to a 41 year teaching career at Indianapolis Public Schools.
 
It occurred to me today that while she said goodbye to being a school teacher, I know she will continue to educate at one level or another. Educators are lifelong learners and communicators of knowledge and understanding.
 
This fruitful career was her journey, but Patricia did not travel alone. I was blessed to share in that four decade journey. We met and fell in love when she was an education student at Ball State University. We were married as 22 year olds and began to raise our first child, Michael.
 
Patricia's first teaching assignment was four grade at Henry W. Longfellow Middle School #28. At that time we lived in far Northwest Indianapolis and the school was in Southeast indianapolis. Every day, with one car in the early days, we made that long drive to take Patricia to her school, our son to his grandmother was babysitting, and I went to work. We reversed that journey every week day in the late afternoon.
 
41 years later, we are blessed to have four children, all through college and in careers, and three grandchildren. One of our children, Jonathan, is an educator. Patricia also has hundreds of other children that she has loved and nurtured one year at a time. God has been faithful to her and to our family!
 
The last two weeks have been full of tributes to my wife from educators, friends, family, New Covenant Church family, and students. It's very difficult to find the words to fully express the positive impact she's had on the lives of children and future educators she has mentored.
 
I've shared with family and friends photos and videos of Patricia's career and in person tributes from the past two weeks. These are now memories and a legacy that will live in the hearts of minds of students, many now all grown up, for a lifetime.
 
Well done Patricia and THANK YOU!
 
God Bless and be Encouraged!

Higher Thoughts. Higher Ways. – How Thinking Leads to Good and Tragic Outcomes

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Isaiah 55:8, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”A lot of things, occasions, and holidays were designed to influence our thinking and actions. • Do you know why the National Anthem is sung at sporting events? 
• Do you know why “In God We Trust” is on our currency?
• Southern Baptist Convention was founded in 1845 in support of slave-owning church members. James Boyce, the SBC seminary’s first president and a slave owner. He was chaplain to the Confederate Army.
• The “Lost Cause” and Confederate Monuments were establish to re-cast Confederate defeat as a moral victory. 1,747 monuments erected to honor defeated Confederate rebels and portray them as heroes, affirming white supremacy.
• Anti-Critical Race Theory actions are another example of influencing thinking. People brand CRT as “Marxist” There is work to “sanitize” (re-write) history and ease “guilty” feelings.Critical Race Theory is an academic concept that is more than 40 years old. The core idea is that race is a social construct, and that racism is not merely the product of individual bias or prejudice, but also something embedded in legal systems and policies. https://alsoacarpenter.com/2021/06/06/crt-commonplaces/2 Peter 1:3, As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.The “knowledge of God” as a relationship opens all kinds of doors.  Things that pertain to “godliness,” come from relationship with God.Some Higher Thoughts (From The Obstacle Is the Way - by Ryan Holiday)
 
1. See the opportunity within your obstacle: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”2. Failure shows us the way—by showing us what isn’t the way. 3. Everything we do matters4. Think progress, not perfection. 5. Can we see that this “problem” presents an opportunity for a solution that we have long been waiting for? 6. Nothing can ever prevent you from trying. Ever.7. We don’t get to choose what happens to us, but we can always choose how we feel about itP8. ersistence is an action. Perseverance is a matter of will. One is energy. The other, endurance. And, of course, they work in conjunction with each other.

Sharpen Your Saw | Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute for May 18, 2022

Have you ever woke up feeling tired? Do you feel tired and tense over all?Ecclesiastes10:10 reads, "If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but wisdom brings success." Imagine if you needed to cut wood with an ax or a saw. A dull tool would make that task more difficult and tiring. We know what it is like to use a dull knife in the kitchen, which can be a little dangerous. There was a dialogue between two people that went like this: “How long you been sawing that tree?" "A long time!" "Why don’t you sharpen your saw?" "I’ve been too busy sawing!”Sharpening your saw, resting well, and taking care of yourself, is one of the best things you can do to overcome the feeling of tiredness and tenseness. As Solomon said, "If the ax is dull, then he must use more strength." What we need is the strength of better habits and God's grace helping. We read in Psalms, "He makes me lie down in green pastures." Think about this as an invitation, not something we have to do because of a crisis. As Solomon said, "Wisdom bring success." Sharpen your saw. Some things you can do to help yourself includes getting good rest and developing better habits. For your encouragement, I've included a link to my teaching entitled "Habit: The Faithful Servant - Seven Key Habits"

Habit: The Faithful Servant - Seven Key Habits

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Your Constant Companion
“I am your constant companion. I am your greatest helper or your heaviest burden. I will push you onward or drag you down to failure. I am at your command. Half of the tasks that you do you may just as well turnover to me and I will do them quickly and correctly. I am easily managed, you must merely be firm with me. Show me exactly how you want something done. After a few lessons I will do it automatically.” 
I am the servant of all great people, and alas, of all failures as well. Those who are great, I have made great. And those who are failures, I have made failures. I am not a machine, but I work with all the precision of a machine plus the intelligence of a person. You may run me for profit or run me for ruin, it makes no difference to me. Take me, train me, be firm with me and I will lay the work at your feet. Be easy with me and I will destroy you. Who am I? I am called habit. Habit is my name.” (author unknown)
"A habit is the intersection between knowledge, skill and desire.Common sense is not always common practice."
Stephen Covey,  “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”
"Habit is either the best of servants or the worst of masters."    ~ Nathaniel Emmon
Having an appreciation of time is a good habit. chronos (clock time) and kairos (opportunity time)Ephesians 5:15-17 NIVBe very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise,  making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 
SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLEBy Stephen Covey
1. Be proactive, not reactive2. Begin with the end in mind3. Put First Things First4. Think Win Win5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood6. Synergize7. Sharpen the Saw"If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but wisdom brings success. "Eccl. 10:10

Inspired by Mothers and Mother-Like-Ones

Mothers are so inspiring! On Mother's Day in our service, we listened to reflections from mothers and adult children about their mothers. Here is a YouTube link to those talks. We also reflected on those whom we call in our community, “mother-like-ones.” Those are aunts, grandmothers, and mentors will fill the voids in a child's life who did not have the presence of their mother.My mother, Gaynell Hudson, passed away 20 years ago, at what we now consider the young age of 65. As I shared last week, she was a towering figure of compassion and love, with this words, “Be Encouraged!” Last November I celebrated my 65th birthday. 
 
 All the inspiring reflections caused all who were gathered together, and who watched on live stream, to reflect on our mothers and motherhood. One major blessing of having been mothered, is a deeper sense of care and compassion for others. There is also the strong sense feeling protected and, and the willingness to do anything for your child, and for other loved one. One of our young mothers reflected on the parallel between how a mother loves her child and how Christ loves us. She shared how much more clear God's love became after giving birth to her own child. Maya Angelou wrote: “To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.”This captures the almost indescribable impact of mothers, and mother like ones. We love our mothers and their memory.God Bless and Be Encouraged!~ Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min.

Mother’s Day Message for All: The Song of Mary - What is Your Song?

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Luke 1:46, And Mary said:“My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.   48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.  49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name.   50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.   52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly.   53 He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty.  54 He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy,  55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.”
Mary’s “song” (also called the “Magnificat”) was her testimony of praise and thanksgiving to God. 
What is your song?
Your experiences and God’s dealings in your life are part of your song.
What are the elements of Mary’s song that made it special? What can we learn?
Rejoicing - “My soul magnifies the Lord”\
Regarding - “He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant”
Reflection - “He who is mighty has done great things for me”
Recognition -  “As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.”
My Song:
I Rejoice in: 
I Regard (my present state):
I Reflect on:
I Recognize (God’s covenant promises):
What I will Renew:

How to Stay Encouraged - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute for May 4, 2022

This is my 17th weekly Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute since January. I trust it has been an encouragement to you! I close every talk with the words "Be encouraged!" Those two words were spoken to me often by my late mother, Gaynell Hudson. As a matter fact, if you had any relationship with her you probably heard those same two words from her.
 
Encouragement is a major theme in the Bible.  The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
 
We find these words in the book of Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
 
We are all presented with a package labeled "Discouragement."  Let me encourage you to neither accept nor sign for that package. The reason God made encouragement a command is because He knew no one can be encouraged and avoid discouragement by oneself. That’s why we read in Joshua the God promised, “The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
 
Whatever God requires, He provides. It always seemed to me kind of unreasonable that God would ask me to do something that I cannot do. The good news is: Included with the command to be courageous, strong, and to not be discouraged, is God’s plan to partner with you in helping you to be courageous and strong.
 
Maya Angelou wrote:
 
“Thinking last night
How to find my soul a home
Where water is not thirsty
And bread loaf is not stone
I came up with one thing
And I don't believe I'm wrong
That nobody,
But nobody
Can make it out here alone.”
 
Because you are never alone, I again say to you, Be Encouraged!

Be Encouraged! How to Thrive.

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1 Thessalonians 5:11, Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Joshua 1:9, Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
 
Definition of Encourage
To strengthen; To grow strong; To prevail; 
To make firm; To support; To repair; To hold, contain; 
To strengthen oneself; 
To put forth strength, use one's strength; 
To withstand;  To hold strongly with
 
Discourage Defined: 
To deprive of courage, hope, or confidence; dishearten; to obstruct by opposition or difficulty, To hinder 
To express or make clear disapproval of; frown upon
 
Overcoming discouragement does not come from fighting it. 
Overcoming discouragement starts with agreeing with God who said, “Be strong and courageous.”
 
Success in any struggle doesn’t come from what you can or cannot do. 
Success in any struggle comes down to who is with you. (God and people)
Again Paul said, Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thess. 5:11)
 
Keys to Encouragement
Fill your heart with hope. It’s like carrying an umbrella when rain in threatening
Encourage others, because you reap what you sow
Never feel attacked. Recognize that there are always more broken hearts than hard hearts. Hurt people, hurt people. Don’t take it personally
Surround yourself with encouraging voices and sources. You will need this to help discouraged people.
Look at beautiful things. Things that speak to you. Things that cannot be diminished. (Examples from nature)
Remember that courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is doing the right things even when you are afraid. 
Always know that God is for you. 

The Blessings of Dedication: Position. Protection. Provision.

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Mark 10:13-16 New Living Translation (NLT)One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.Six Types of Prayer Supplication - Questions, specific requestsIntercession - Prayer for othersAgreement - Two or more personsThanksgiving - Worshiping God, giving thanksDedication - Set apart for God’s purpose Prayer of Faith - For healing and major needsThe purpose of the prayer of dedication is to ask God to bless and set apart a person for His purposes. We can also offer prayers of dedication over facilities and anything used for God’s purpose.Our responsibility is to never get between Jesus and children, but to train them to love God and recognize Him.
We all start out living on the faith our our parents. We learn how to live in the grace of our own faith in God.Position, Protection, and Provision are the Blessings of Dedication.