Firm Foundation with Bryan Hudson

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.

Check Yourself! We are Still Children in God’s Sight - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute for April 27, 2022

The Gospel of Mark 10:15,“records these words of Jesus, "I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it." Verse 16 then reads, Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them 
 
We spend the first 21 years of our life growing out of childhood and into adulthood. It is interesting that Jesus said in order to enter the Kingdom of God, which is inclusive of Christ’s church and everything under His rule, we must receive it like a child. So why would you live your whole life just to become like a child?
 
Jesus was not talking about maturity level, He was talking about attitude.
 
On last Sunday we dedicated our 11-week-old grandchild, a beautiful little girl.   As an infant, she is totally dependent on her parents. Even when she grows and becomes less dependent, she will still have complete trust in her parents. As a child, she won’t complicate anything about life. She will take everything on face value, she will be sincere and assume everyone around her is also sincere and genuine.
 
So in all of our growing up and becoming mature, educated, and erudite, do not neglect to approach Jesus, and life, with the same attitude and disposition of a child. By this we will be able to get the most out of the kingdom of God. After all, in God’s sight, we are still children.
 
God Bless the Be Encouraged!
Bryan Hudson, D.Min

Jesus’ Resurrection Is An Everyday Blessing

Every year following Easter I like to remind myself and others that Jesus' resurrection is still relevant. Holidays are wonderful. The only downside is we tend to leave the meaning of the holiday behind once the holiday is over.
 
Easter or Resurrection Sunday is very different because what we celebrate is working for us every day. One of the Scriptures that brings this reality home is Ephesians 1:19, in which Paul wrote, "And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power  which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places."
 
There is something "exceedingly  great" working for you and me! It was activated when Jesus rose from the dead. Overcoming death was a game changer. Jesus has power over death and gives life.
 
God uses many elements in life to help us, from education, to medical science, to expert people, and more. Think of resurrection power as another element working on your behalf. As Christ followers, we find acceleration in the help and solutions that work on our behalf.
 
Another proof of the present day power of resurrection is Romans 8:11, "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you."
 
Let this sink in: The same Spirit of God that raised Jesus from the dead 2000+ years ago is working in you today as a Christ follower!
 
God Bless and Be Encouraged!

Risen! Rise! The Benefits of Resurrection Power Today!

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Philippians 3:10., That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Sometimes things seem “deep” and we end up feeling it is out of reach.  What Jesus did for you and me is not deep.Some things are more powerful than we realize 
Easter is not a celebration of religion. It is a warning to religion.
What would you do if you believed no one could hinder you? 
What would you do if you did not wait for someone to tell you it could be done? 
What would you do if you found out that Jesus gives you direct access to God and all His blessings?
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.”  (John 14:6)
What is Resurrection Power?
Ephesians 1:19 , And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
Jesus’ resurrection is not only a past event, but a present day power! 
That's why we say, "He IS risen," not he WAS risen. Jesus provided something that we could never provide for ourselves. Try to understand “Resurrection Life” as  a way of living.
“Resurrection” is from the biblical Greek word: “Anastasis” 
It is a combination of two words meaning:  “up” and “to cause to stand.”
Jesus will take you as you are and where you are. 
Jesus will raise you from spiritual death to new life. 
Jesus will show you the exceeding greatness of God power
Jesus will release that power in your life.
Jesus, the Last Adam, will reverse the curse brought about by the first Adam.
Jesus will introduce you to a resurrected lifestyle.
Jesus helps you, and gives you the power to STAND UP in every area of life!

Holy Week = Resurrected Life Every Day - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute for April 13

April 17, 2022 will be Easter Sunday, which I like to call Resurrection Sunday to place focus on Christ. There are “Easter Bunnies,” but there are no “Resurrection Bunnies.” I still don’t know where Easter bunnies came from! As with our other major Christ focused holiday, Christmas, we want to celebrate the core reason of the season, indeed every season, Jesus Christ. Part of the Easter Celebration includes what we call “Holy Week.” Tradition identifies each day of the week with special emphasis on Christ's path towards His sacrifice on the Cross. Friday represents Jesus crucifixion which we call “Good Friday.” Sunday is the day we celebrate Jesus' resurrection.I would like to suggest that whatever you do this week, Holy Week, in celebration of Christ and whatever you've done over the the past 40 days if you celebrated the Roman Catholic religious practice of Lent, continue doing in spirit and attitude every day. As people, we have the bad habit to jumping and jumping out of spiritual emphasis and focus. Sometimes religious practice reinforces jumping in and out because spiritual focus is temporary and people feel better or justified when “jumping back in.” The reality is this: “The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17), we don’t jump in and out by faith If Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection means anything, it means being raised to a new life. If you are a Christ Follower, challenge yourself to life a resurrected life everyday!
 
God Bless and Be Encouraged!
Bryan Hudson, D.MIn

Springtime and God’s Blessing on You - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute for April 6

Isaiah 55:10-12, “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 SO SHALL MY WORD BE that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."
 
Behind our home, looking through our kitchen and patio windows, one of the first signs of springtime are daffodils breaking through the soil and blooming in our neighbor's yard. There is also the change of color in our lawn as the grass seems to come back to life.
 
In the Book of Isaiah, God's purpose of prospering is compared to rain nourishing plant life in providing both seed and bread. Cycles of nature are a reminder of the reliability of God's Word and promises. As Spring unfolds, signaled by flowers emerging and trees blooming, remember that God keeps all His promises, especially as you emerge from a long winter season in life.
 
Not only does God give you seed to sow, He blesses everything you have sown. Know that whatever "thing" you need, God assigns and provides resources to cause your purpose to prosper. These are not options or suggestions, these are facts of life for Christ followers.
 
Only be specific about the things you expect and need.
 
God Bless and Be Encouraged

e Law Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, Part 2 - Two Kinds of Freedom

Romans 8:1, There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law [religion] could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Think of God’s systems/laws as you think about the law of gravity. It is everywhere on the earth, all the time. It works for you and can work against you––but it was designed for work for you.
“Made Free” Happens at Two Levels:
LEGAL (Formal): Salvation is a gift. You did not earn it. You have freedom through nothing you’ve done.
PRACTICAL (Everyday life): You have it, but then you learn to walk in it.
What we don’t do is seek to change things we don’t understand or that make us feel uncomfortable. What we do is learn and change.
Everyone has thought at one time or another that the Bible is wrong. Like anything in life that is highly developed, tested, and proven over a long time, it is infinitely more likely that we don't understanding something than something is actually wrong.
2 Peter 1:21 (NIV), For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Never place your speculation above proven knowledge and experience.
Seek to understand. Don’t presume.
Decide to have faith in God and His Word, or not.
Feed your faith. Starve your doubts.

I’ve Lived Long Enough to Know – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute for March 30, 2022

David wrote in Psalm 37:25, I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.
 
This verse, which I've heard my whole life in Christ has more significance today.  When I was younger, it was just something David said. Now it's something I have both lived and seen.
 
We had a visit last week from our son, daughter-in-law, and new granddaughter. As I looked at her and held her, I thought about the goodness of God in our family. I reflected on her future and all the blessings that lie ahead.
 
I wondered what my grandparents thought about me when I was born. As a minister, my grandfather, Ray Elijah Hudson knew of these words from David. His life was certainly much more difficult than my life, coming from rural Tennessee. My father talk to me about his challenges growing up but never complained or lost sight of the blessings of God. My grandfather and father had never seen the righteous forsaken or their descendants begging for bread, though they had seen hard times. They were part of the Great Migration of Black families who moved north in search of a better life, which they found.
 
So my wife and I look at our children and grandchildren in the same light of God's blessing that our parents and grandparents looked at us.
 
I want to remind you that you have come from people who knew God, who prayed for you, and walked in the light of God. Continue to teach your children, grandchildren, and others to love God and walk in His blessing and favor.
 
God Bless and Be Encouraged!
Bryan Hudson, D.Min

The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ – Stronger Than the Law of Gravity

Romans 8:1 
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law [religion] could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Think of God’s systems/laws as you think about the law of gravity. It is everywhere on the earth, all the time. It works for you and can work against you––but it was designed for work for you.
Psalm 119:89-93
Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations;You established the earth, and it abides. They continue this day according to Your ordinances, For all are Your servants. Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction. I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have given me life.
It is important to understand the use of the word “law” in the Book of Romans 
Greek, νόμος  “nomos” 
Anything established
A precept or principle
The law Moses (Mosaic Law)
NT covenant principle
The word law is used in the book of Romans in three primary ways: 
Referring to the Law of Moses 
A principle - The word law is also used to describe a principle such as the “law” of sowing and reaping and other laws related to nature. 
NT principles - The word law is also used to describe New Testament and Christian principles, or the Christian faith, such as the “law of the Spirit of life in Christ.” (Rom. 8)
Psalm 37:25
I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread.

The Secret to a Long Good Marriage

On March 24, 2022 my wife Patricia and I celebrate 43 years of sharing the Covenant of Holy Matrimony. I use those words to describe our marriage because I'm convinced it was God who joined us and has kept us all these years.You might ask: “What is your secret to staying together happily for 43 years?” Well, here is the secret: “God has been good to us, we have been good to one another, and we didn't move the landmark.”A friend offered congratulations on my Facebook page and stated that for 43 years my wife and I had learned to trust each other and trust the Lord. I was appreciative, but my reply was that we’ve never had a problem trusting God or trusting each other. I know there are trust issues in some marriages, but Covenant is trust, Jesus created the Covenant, and we started out in Him. All of our challenges have been related to either selfishness or needing to adapt to one another. God being good to you is something He wants to do. Being good to others is something people choose to do, and some people don't make that choice.Our Firm Foundation is God‘s faithfulness to us and our faithfulness to one another. I think about the verse that reads, “Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers set.” (Proverbs 22:28) I'm thinking about my wife's parents who were married for 68 years before her father passed away in February. I'm also thinking about my parents who were married 48 years before my mother passed away 21 years ago. Our parents set a landmark for my wife and I.Again, the not-so-secret, secret to a good, long marriage relationship is: 
1) Let God be good to you,  
2) Be good to each other at all times,
3) Don't remove the landmark or the legacy and standard placed in your life.
 
God Bless and Be Encouraged!~ Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min.
 
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