Firm Foundation with Bryan Hudson

"Press Forward & Up" – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #191 for October 15, 2025

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.

Your Kingdom, Power & Glory: Quietness + Confidence = STRENGTH

Summary of the Message:“Kingdom, Power, Glory: Quietness + Confidence = Strength”by Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min.
I. INTRODUCTION: THE DISCIPLE’S REQUEST AND THE KINGDOM CONTEXT
A. The Request: “Lord, Teach Us to Pray” (Luke 11:1; Matthew 6:9–13)
Jesus models prayer for His disciples—not the Lord’s prayer, but our prayer.
The prayer closes with a reminder of divine ownership and sovereignty:“For Yours is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory forever.”
B. Meaning of the Three Realms of God
Kingdom – God’s rule and authority.
Power – God’s ability to accomplish His will.
Glory – God’s majesty and divine presence.
These belong to God alone; not to governments, politicians, or human systems.
Believers operate in a higher kingdom, with higher power, for the glory of God.
II. THE KINGDOM IS LIGHT IN A DARK WORLD
A. The Bright Light of God’s Kingdom (Matthew 5:14)
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world; a city on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Christ has transferred His light to His followers.
Application:
You are already visible—so shine.
Others are already watching, so be the light.
“You may as well shine!”
III. THE KINGDOM IS TRANSFORMATIVE
A. The Call of the Disciples (Matthew 4:18–20)
Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Transformation begins when we follow; God makes us.
The Kingdom changes identity and purpose.
B. Cooperation with God’s Transforming Power
Transformation requires yielding, not striving.
God’s kingdom forms new purpose, power, and personhood.
IV. THE KINGDOM IS FULL OF STRENGTH
(Isaiah 30:15–16)
“In returning and rest you shall be saved;In quietness and confidence shall be your strength;But you would not…”
A. The Prophetic Context
Judah sought political alliances (Egypt) instead of trusting God.
God rebuked them: “You take counsel, but not of Me.”
The warning: reliance on worldly systems leads to weakness and dependence.
B. Worldly Systems vs. God’s Kingdom
Earthly systems concentrate power and wealth among a few.
God’s kingdom strengthens, uplifts, and liberates people.
True strength is found only in God’s rule.
V. THE FALSE STRENGTH OF SPEED AND STRIVING
A. The Futility of Running Faster
“We will flee on swift horses…” — but “those who pursue you shall be swift.”
You cannot outrun anxiety, distraction, or fear.
The faster you run, the faster your troubles seem to chase you.
Principle: The answer is not speed but stillness.
B. Modern Application
People try to fix weakness by posturing strength—pretending to be powerful.
Strength doesn’t come from acting strong but from quietness of heart and confidence in God.
VI. TRUE STRENGTH ILLUSTRATED: HARRIET TUBMAN
A. Example of Spiritual Strength
Physically small (about 5 feet tall), formerly enslaved, but mighty in faith.
Escaped 90 miles to freedom and returned to rescue ~70 others.
Served as a scout and spy during the Civil War and later as an activist.
B. The Source of Her Strength
Quote: “I prayed to God to make me strong and able to fight.”
Her strength came from God, not size or status.
True strength is moral, spiritual, and rooted in trust and courage.
VII. RETURNING, RESTING, AND KNOWING GOD
A. Returning and Rest (Isaiah 30:15)
Returning = repentance — turning back to God.
Rest = tranquility and settledness.
Deliverance comes through surrender, not striving.
Rest is not inactivity—it is trusting the power of another (God).
B. Quietness and Confidence
Quietness: Calm heart; stillness of spirit.
Confidence: Assurance in God’s character and promises.
“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
You know only after you be still.
Stillness allows God’s presence to fill the heart.
C. Results of Quiet Confidence
“The work of righteousness will be peace” (Isaiah 32:17).
When God is with you, you can move without fear.
If you are still fearful—sit back down until peace returns.
VIII. THE HUMAN TENDENCY TO MOVE FASTER
A. God Says: “Rest.” Humanity Says: “No.”
Israel said, “We will flee on swift horses.”
Principle: The human reflex is to move faster rather than trust deeper.
Lesson: You need stillness, not speed.
B. Trust in God, Not in Systems
“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses,but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7)
Wealth, systems, and networks can change—but God remains faithful.
Even abundance (money, success) is no substitute for trust in the Lord.
IX. THE POWER OF STILLNESS
A. Stillness Is Productive, Not Passive
God’s kingdom is productive—just not busy.
Stillness reorders priorities and aligns you with God’s presence.
It helps you reframe life’s situations through faith:
“It’s bad, but God’s got it.”
“It’s chaotic, but God’s got me.”
B. Illustration: Captain “Sully” Sullenberger
During the “Miracle on the Hudson,” he acted calmly under pressure.
His stillness allowed his training—and God’s grace—to work.
Lesson: You can’t perform CPR, pilot a plane, or save a life while frantic.
Stillness lets knowledge, faith, and grace operate effectively.
X. THE INVITATION TO REST IN CHRIST (Matthew 11:28)
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
A. God’s Offer vs. Humanity’s Resistance
Many hear this call but refuse it—choosing “swift horses” instead.
Jesus invites us to stop striving and receive His rest.
XI. APPLICATION AND RESPONSE
1. Return to God Daily
Repent, realign, and rest—make it a daily rhythm.
Don’t wait for crisis to return; stay aligned continuously.
2. Seek Strength Through Quiet Time
Prayer and meditation on God’s Word.
Meditate—turn truth over and over until it shapes your heart.
3. Value Stillness with God Over Speed Without Him
Resist the culture of hurry.
Strength grows in quiet confidence, not constant motion.
4. Trust That When You Stop Striving, God Starts Moving
Let surrender activate divine strength.
Faith rests, and rest becomes power.
XII. CONCLUSION AND PRAYER
Summary Statement:“Quietness + Confidence = Strength.”God’s kingdom is not built on noise, speed, or display—but on returning, resting, and trusting.
Closing Prayer Highlights:
Thank God for His kingdom, power, and glory.
Ask for grace to practice stillness, repentance, and confidence.
Celebrate examples of spiritual strength (like Harriet Tubman).
Reaffirm trust in God’s rule: “Yours is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, forever.”

"Stillness, Not Speed" – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #190 for October 8, 2025

Isaiah 30:15–16 (NKJV)
16 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.
16 You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.’ Therefore you will flee! You said, ‘We will ride off on swift horses.’ Therefore your pursuers will be swift!

"Thank You!" – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #189 for October 1, 2025

Two of the most liberating words in our language are: “Thank You!”
Hebrews 13:5 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.
Philippians 4:6, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
Psalm 35:18, I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people. 
In Psalm 107:22 "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.”

"God's Kingdom, Power & Glory In You" – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #188 for September 24, 2025

Listen to the Message by Patricia Hudson
"Seize the Day: Not What If, Choose What Now, What Next"
 
Matthew 6:13, “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” 
 

“Seize the Day: Not What If, Choose What Now, What Next” by Patricia A. Hudson, M.S.

Summary of Patricia A. Hudson’s message
“Seize the Day: Not What If, Choose What Now, What Next”
Introduction and Context
Patricia opened by explaining how the message arose from her reflections after retiring in May 2022, following 42 years as a classroom teacher. She described the sadness, uncertainty, and self-doubt that came with leaving a meaningful career—wondering if she had done enough, questioning paths not taken (such as becoming an administrator), and missing the validation that came with being a master teacher.
Through prayer, journaling, and devotion, she received the phrase:“Not what if, what now, what next.”This became her guiding principle for moving forward with peace, purpose, and renewed focus.
Theme: Moving Beyond “What If”
“What if” thinking reflects regret and focuses on missed opportunities or untaken paths. It breeds doubt and prevents progress.
Patricia realized she could not dwell on the past but instead needed to embrace the present (what now) and prepare for the future (what next).
She reframed her life’s work: mentoring students, training teachers, and serving in Christian education as a completed season of calling that now prepares her for the next chapter.
Honoring Her Pastor
Patricia honored Dr. Bryan Hudson, her husband and pastor, highlighting the grace and dedication of pastors who faithfully teach and lead while balancing life’s responsibilities. She credited his consistent teaching of God’s Word as foundational for her spiritual growth and for her ability to stand and minister.
Seize the Day: Biblical & Practical Insights
Patricia unpacked the phrase “Seize the Day” (Carpe Diem):
To take opportunity eagerly and decisively.
To embrace the present moment instead of postponing or worrying about tomorrow.
She identified four keys to cultivating a seize-the-day mindset:
Focus on the present instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
Take action on opportunities today.
Prioritize purposeful living aligned with God’s calling.
Embrace new experiences that bring fulfillment.
Scripture emphasized these truths:
Psalm 118:24 – “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Lamentations 3:22–23 – God’s mercies are new every morning.
Matthew 6:31–34 – Do not worry about tomorrow; focus on God’s provision today.
Using the Past Without Being Trapped by It
Patricia explained that the past can serve two healthy purposes:
Informing us of God’s faithfulness.
Correcting our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.
She shared a humorous and nostalgic family story about “Lucky,” their childhood dog, showing how past experiences can also provide joy, bonding, and spiritual insight about God’s fatherly love.
But she warned against allowing negative past experiences to dominate, creating regret and emotional “drama.” Forgiveness and God’s wisdom are essential to move forward into peace and purpose.
Biblical Case Studies
Patricia drew on two biblical examples:
Joseph (Genesis 37–50): Betrayed by brothers, sold into slavery, and imprisoned, yet he shifted from “what if” to “what now, what next”. His resilience positioned him to save nations during famine.
Paul (New Testament letters): Imprisoned for preaching the gospel, Paul didn’t dwell on “what if” but wrote letters that continue to strengthen believers today.
Both men turned adversity into purposeful action, modeling how God works through despair to fulfill divine purpose.
Application: Choosing What Now and What Next
What Now: Live fully in the present, trusting God’s provision for today.
What Next: Plan for the future, but rest in God’s guidance (Proverbs 3:5–6, Isaiah 30:21).
God knows each twist and turn; His mercy and wisdom equip us daily.
Seizing the day includes balance: purposeful living, joy, play, rest, and even celebration.
Closing Exhortation
Patricia concluded with encouragement:
“Give today. Love today. Rejoice today.”
Life is purposeful but also joyful—embrace both responsibility and enjoyment.
Trust God’s faithfulness, walk in His direction, and share His goodness with others.
She ended with a prayer of thanksgiving, urging listeners to reject the paralysis of “what if,” and instead embrace the freedom of “what now, what next.”
Core Message in One Sentence:Don’t be trapped by regrets of the past or anxieties about the future—seize today with gratitude, live purposefully in the present, and trust God for what comes next.

"Rest to Soar, Run, & Walk" – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #187 for September 17, 2025

Listen to the Message
RENEW: The Best Version of You
 
Isaiah 40:30, Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
 
Hebrews 4:10, For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His

RENEW: The Best Version of You

 “RENEW: The Best Version of You”
By Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min.
Theme: The sermon centers on the biblical principle of renewal—God’s continual work of making believers into the best version of themselves through inward transformation, endurance through shaking, and daily spiritual renewal.
Introduction
Renewal is necessary for personal growth, relationships, and the world at large.
Everyone has “different versions” of themselves across stages of life. God desires to bring out the best versionthrough His Spirit.
Key text: 2 Corinthians 4:16 – “Though our outward man perishes, the inward man is renewed day by day.”
Renewal Illustrated
Renewal parallels physical projects: tearing out old concrete, replacing screens, removing flags. Renewal often requires breaking up and removing old things before the new can be established.
Biblical principle: You cannot put new wine into old wineskins (Matt. 9:17).
 
Renewal in the Midst of Shaking
Text: Hebrews 12:26–29 – God shakes what is man-made so that what is God-made may remain.
Shaking exposes what is unstable or superficial.
Believers rooted in God endure shaking because they are God-made, not man-made.
Renewal involves cost, disruption, and difficulty, like construction work—yet produces lasting change.
Renewal Defined
Renewal = being made new, renovated, refreshed continuously.
It is God’s work, not human self-effort. Believers cooperate with God by trusting and yielding.
Renewal is daily, regardless of circumstances: “Don’t ask, How do I feel? Ask, What do I believe?”
 
Five Keys to Renewal (R.E.N.E.W.)
R – Rest and Repent
Rest = entering God’s finished work (Hebrews 4:10).
Repent = change your mind and position yourself to receive from God (Acts 3:19).
Rest includes physical rest—sleep is God-given and essential.
E – Experience Fullness
In God’s presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).
Joy is deeper than happiness—an inward assurance of being in God’s will.
Believers receive fullness from Christ (John 1:16).
N – Never Cease Prayer
Prayer sustains renewal.
“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:16-18).
Thanksgiving and prayer cultivate resilience in every circumstance.
E – Endure (Cast Cares on the Lord)
Endure hardship as a soldier (2 Tim. 2:3).
Do not become entangled with the world’s cares.
Cast cares on God because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:6-7).
W – Wait on Exchange of Strength
Those who wait on the Lord renew their strength (Isaiah 40:30-31).
Waiting = lingering in God’s presence, binding your life to Him.
Renewal involves exchange—our weakness for God’s strength, our struggles for His victory.
Practical Insights
Renewal is ongoing, disruptive, sometimes painful—but it leads to vitality, clarity, and endurance.
Renewal impacts spirit, soul, and body. Even physical practices like rest and good sleep are part of God’s care.
God uses challenges and even sorrow to lead us toward repentance and transformation.
Conclusion
Renewal helps us become the best version of ourselves—rested, filled with joy, prayerful, enduring, and strong in the Lord.
Renewal is God’s work, requiring our cooperation, humility, and willingness to embrace the process—even when it involves shaking or breaking.
Final encouragement: Trust God’s renewing work daily. Don’t measure by feelings—live by faith.

"The Riches of Wisdom" – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #186 for September 10, 2025

Proverbs 8:17 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.

"God Knows Your Path" – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #185 for September 2, 2025

Psalms 142:3, When my spirit was overwhelmed within me,Then You knew my path.In the way in which I walkThey have secretly set a snare for me.4 Look on my right hand and see,For there is no one who acknowledges me;Refuge has failed me;No one cares for my soul.