Episodes
Sunday Dec 28, 2014
The Power Of God's Plan
Sunday Dec 28, 2014
Sunday Dec 28, 2014
Masterpiece: a work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship. An artist's or craftsman's best piece of work.
A masterpiece does not happen by accident. It is not the result of something random. A masterpiece is the result of an inspired plan.
We usually relate a masterpiece to artwork or some other work of an artist, whether literary, or music or architecture. Basically, a masterpiece is anyone’s best work. Not “best” in relation to someone else’s work, but only in relation to your own work.
It has been said that the new birth is greatest miracle that we’ll ever experience. I agree. There is no underestimating the significance of the new birth, especially when you consider the plan of God behind it and the level of power and sacrifice required to make it happen.
Most importantly is the reality that, according to the Apostle Paul, believers in Christ are God’s masterpiece. Everyone has great value and dignity because every person is made in God’s image and likeness. However, the idea of being God’s “workmanship” and “masterpiece” is related to our re-creation or re-birth in Christ.
From the Garden of Eden, to Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, to Rahab’s hiding.
I marvel at the few manmade masterpieces I’ve seen in person such as some of the art of Michealanglo, the Hoover Dam, St. Paul’s Cathedral in London (1708). Cecil B. Demil’s “The Ten Commandments” is a masterpiece film. A masterpiece makes you say to yourself, “How did they do that?” People look at the pyramids and think that aliens or some superhumans must has built them because we can imagine people building it.
There is no underestimating what inspired people can do when they have an exceptional plan.
Masterpiece works come from a plan, a lot of work, and a lot of suffering to stay with the plan amid challenges.
Sunday Dec 21, 2014
Kingdom Best Practice
Sunday Dec 21, 2014
Sunday Dec 21, 2014
Definition of best: Of the highest quality, excellence, or standing: the best work; the best students. most advantageous, suitable, or desirable: the best way, most productive of good : offering or producing the greatest advantage, utility, or satisfaction
Definition of 'Best Practices: A set of guidelines, ethics or ideas that represent the most efficient or prudent course of action. Best practices are often set forth by an authority, such as a governing body or management, depending on the circumstances. While best practices generally dictate the recommended course of action, some situations require that such practices be followed.
All the important professions and careers in our society our guided by best practices. As believers in Christ, how much more should best practices guide our actions?
Kingdom best practices:
1. Following: Proverbs 16:20, Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
Praying: Philippians 4:6, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
2. Caring: 1 Corinthians 12:24 But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.
3. Serving: Galatians 5:13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
4. Giving: Prov. 3:9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase
5. Honoring: Romans 12:9, Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord
6. Preaching: Luke 9:6, So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
7. Humility: Philippians 2:2 Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Sunday Nov 23, 2014
How to Be Strong: Ingredients for Strength
Sunday Nov 23, 2014
Sunday Nov 23, 2014
Ingredients of strength
If you’re taking notes, write down the letter “M”
1. Message (Word) Doers of the Word and not only Hearers (not deceiving ourselves)
2. Mindset: As a man thinks, so is he. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind).
a. Being strong requires a mindset and a transformation of resources.
b. When the country was preparing to enter World War Two. Items like aluminum were used to build airplance. Because men were going off to war, women working in factories.
c. Joel 3:9 Proclaim this among the nations:“Prepare for war! Wake up the mighty men, Let all the men of war draw near, Let them come up. 10 Beat your plowshares into swords And your pruning hooks into spears; Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’”
3. Material: There is something for us to do or to bring to God. In about 2 1/3 years, we are going to own this building free and clear) Matt 14:28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
4. Mouth: So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. Doers of the Word Faith come by hearing
Manifestation: God reveals what was done when we asked by faith
Sunday Nov 16, 2014
How to Be Strong: Defy the Odds. Renew Your Strength.
Sunday Nov 16, 2014
Sunday Nov 16, 2014
How to Be Strong in Times of Weakness
Part 2 | Defy the Odds. Renew Your Strength.
Isaiah 40:28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.
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.
What David Teaches Us About Strength.
David has a lot to say about life. David had many experiences in his life. He was a man of unusual gifting and ability. He served as a Prophet, priest, king, warrior, and musician. David gained extraordinary confidence of his accomplishments. From this, you would think he was strong. Gifting and ability does not necessarily equal strength.
But he also suffered tremendous setbacks and made horrible mistakes. Like the old ABC show, “The Wide World of Sports” David experienced the thrill of victory and the of agony of defeat.
David’s most important accomplishment is that he was considered to be “A man after God’s own heart.” This is what we remember about David more than anything else, because he learned how to embrace weakness in a manner that enabled him to become strong.
David experienced both weakness and strength. He learned how to walk in strength by embracing his weakness in a very unique way.
We’re all shaped by the circumstances that impact our lives. This shape will be constructive if we let grace or destructive depending upon the grace of God in our lives and how we respond to God.
What shaped David’s life was how the handle weakness or being assigned a lesser status. Time and time again, David embraced his weakness only to find great strength in God, and in himself.
Sunday Oct 05, 2014
House of Wisdom: How to Live in the Overflow
Sunday Oct 05, 2014
Sunday Oct 05, 2014
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.
Sunday Sep 28, 2014
Intro to the “House of Wisdom” 30-Day Devotional
Sunday Sep 28, 2014
Sunday Sep 28, 2014
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.
Sunday Sep 21, 2014
Facts of Life in the “House of Wisdom”
Sunday Sep 21, 2014
Sunday Sep 21, 2014
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.”
Sunday Sep 14, 2014
Wisdom For Your Life in a Confused World
Sunday Sep 14, 2014
Sunday Sep 14, 2014
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.”
Monday Sep 01, 2014
Heart+Treasure: How to Be Rich in God
Monday Sep 01, 2014
Monday Sep 01, 2014
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.
Tuesday Aug 26, 2014
Why People Pout | Understanding Conflict. Overcoming Offense.
Tuesday Aug 26, 2014
Tuesday Aug 26, 2014
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.”