Firm Foundation with Bryan Hudson

Reap Your Harvest: Provision, Favor, Changed Lives

Genesis 8:22 “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest,Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.”
John 4:31 Inthe meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32 But He said to  them, “I have food to eat ofwhich you do not know.” 33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Hasanyone brought Him anything to eat?” 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to dothe will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘Thereare still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, liftup your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that bothhe who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying istrue: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which youhave not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors
You are predestined to reap a harvest on three levels:
In blessing (provision)
In favor (access and influence)
In changed lives (making a positive difference in people's lives)
John 15:7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, youwill ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father isglorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
John 15:16, You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointedyou that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, thatwhatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17 These things Icommand you, that you love one another.
Jesus appointed us to go and bear fruit. Being fruitful is one ofthe objectives of life.
1 With respect to blessing and provision, that is connected tosowing and reaping. It's not just about provision for ourselves but provisionfor the purposes of God.
It's not hard to have to enough for yourself, it's more difficultto have a enough to serve God's purposes and to be a blessing to others.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure,pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
This is the problem with the lack of giving tithes and offerings,it's not that we lack but that we cause the house of God and his purposes tohave lack. Of course, if we don't give to God we will have more for ourselvesin the short run, but in the long run and for God's purposes, we will lack inways beyond monetary and material fulfillment.
Malachi 3:8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me!
But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes andofferings.
9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Eventhis whole nation. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there maybe food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If Iwill not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessingThat there will not be room enough to receive it. 11 “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that hewill not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bearfruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts;
12 “And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be adelightful land,” Says the Lord of hosts.
2 Concerning favor and influence, the apostle Paul experienced harvest:
Acts 18:9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by avision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am withyou, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in thiscity.” 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word ofGod among them.
Operating in the kingdom of God also produces a harvest offavor:
Romans 14:17For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peaceand joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things isacceptable to God and approved by men.
3 We also operate in the harvest of changed lives.
Matthew 9:37-38, Then He said to His disciples, “The harvesttruly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.Therefore pray the Lord of theharvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
Acts 18:10-11 shows the harvest of changed lives after leadingJustus and Crispus to the Lord.
7 And he departed from there and entered the house of acertain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door tothe synagogue. 8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lordwith all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.
10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you;for I have many people in this city.” 11 And he continued there a year and sixmonths, teaching the word of God among them.
Justus and Crispuswere two of the many people that God had in the city. I believe that God spokeprophetically concerning people in the city. God knows those who will acceptJesus, when the gospel is presented. But we don’t know. I called this the“Appointed Harvest”
Being prepared for the harvest requires receiving the rain, orthe word, of God. There is early and latter rain in your life.
JAM 5:7, Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of theLord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waitingpatiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.
When you live in theHarvest principle, you will have seasons of rejoicing in receiving yourharvest!
Isaiah 9:2 The people who walked in darkness Have seen a greatlight; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,Upon them a light hasshined. 3 You have multiplied the nation And increased its joy; They rejoicebefore You According to the joy of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide thespoil.
As gods people, we understand the principle of "first fruits"which is bringing your first and best to God.Leviticus 23: And the Lord spoke to Moses,saying, 10 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you comeinto the land which I give to you, and reap its harvest, then you shall bring asheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest. 11 He shall wave thesheaf before the Lord, to be accepted on your behalf; on the day after theSabbath the priest shall wave it. 

From Faith to Faith - Let Down Your Nets. Change Your Life

From Faith to Faith
Let Down Your Nets…Change Your Life
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for
it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew
first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed
from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
Luke 5:1 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to
hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two
boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were
washing their nets. 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and
asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the
multitudes from the boat. 4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon,
“Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 But Simon
answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing;
nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” 6 And when they had done
this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they
signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they
came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter
saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a
sinful man, O Lord!” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the
catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, the
sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not
be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 11 So when they had brought their
boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

"A Useful Vessel" by Patricia Hudson

"How to See Better & Live Better" - Pt. 5 "Set on a Firm Foundation"

Because ofour faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilegewhere we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharingGod’s glory." ~ Romans 5:2 (NLT)
2 Thessalonians3:3, Yet the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and set you on afirm foundation... Amplified
What is "thisplace" for you? How is it connected to the firm foundation?
We have beenblessed with many places of underserved privilege. I think my place first andforemost, as a child of God in the place of salvation in the kingdom of God. Ithink about my place as a father and husband. I also have been brought into aplace of Gospel Ministry and as a pastor, where I have served for 34 years. Ialso have places of being a spiritual father, mentor, media consultant tochurches, and college professor.
What are yourplaces? How well do you stand in those places? Are you strongly connected tothe firm foundation?
The foundationon which we stand was not built by us, but every generation becomes responsibleto keep honor it and keep it strong. There are many foundations such as:  Faith, Family, Fathers, Finance,Freedom,
The ApostlePaul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:9, 9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you areGod’s field, you are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which wasgiven to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and anotherbuilds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For noother foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

"How to See Better & Live Better" - Pt. 4 "Complete, Not Incomplete"

See Better and Live Better
Part 4, Complete, Not Incomplete
Romans 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 
Colossians 2:4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. 6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power
Sometimes we use poor examples from life to describe our lives. A jigsaw puzzle seems like a good example where in we see ourselves as incomplete persons going through life looking for our missing parts. In Christ, you are "complete." Your are NOTHING LIKE a jigsaw puzzle!
You might say, "I'm missing some things I need." You are only missing what you have not discovered. You have it, you just haven't seen it. If there is something needed, God will impart in connection with His purpose for your life.
The fullness of the Godhead dwells in Jesus AND you are complete in Him.

"How to See Better & Live Better" - Pt. 3 "See God Bigger"

The bigger you see God, the more He can do for you and the more you can do for Him. 
Amos 4:13 He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth-- the LORD God Almighty is his name.
When you have seen the greatness of God you will not be as impressed by lesser things.
The devil tried to impressed Jesus and gain his attention and loyalty. It didn’t work!
Luke 4:5 Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. 7 Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” 
8 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan!For t is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve 
God develops both transcendent and immanent aspects of His nature. The transcendent nature is not like people and infinitely above people. The immanent nature is intimately present with people and among people. God’s transcendence places Him beyond the limits of time and space. His nature as uncreated and separate from His creation is a fundamental concept distinguishing a biblical understanding of God from other philosophical or religious theories, such as pantheism or monism.” (Faithlife Study Bible)
We use a lot of big words when we talk about God. 
Omnipotent. Omnipresent. Omniscient. He is all-powerful, all-present, and all knowing 

"How to See Better & Live Better" - Pt. 2, Change Your Perspective

"How to See Better & Live Better" - Pt. 2, Change Your Perspective
Trouble can be a opportunity for greater focus 
2 Cor 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Psychologists did a study of elite athletes who were struck with injury or adversity. They initially felt isolated and developed doubts about their abilities. In the time, they gained a desire to help others and realize greater strengths in themselves. It called "adversarial growth" or "post traumatic growth." We say, "That which does not kill me makes me stronger." 
The struggle against an obstacle propels a fighter to a new level of functioning. After Simone Biles almost fell off the balance beam, she came back the next day and earned an almost perfect score.
Action is commonplace, correct action is not commonplace. Everything must be done in the service of the greater purpose.  In life, it doesn’t matter what happens to you or where you came from. It matters what you do with what happens and what you’ve been given. And the only way you’ll do something spectacular is by using it all to your advantage. (Ryan Holiday)
Through good perspective, we can always greet our obstacles:
with energy with persistence
with a coherent and deliberate process
with iteration and resilience (Like Thomas Edison finding better filament for light bulb)
and an eye for opportunity and pivotal moments
What seems to be failure is just “feedback” giving you precise instructions on how to improve (Ryan Holiday)
God offers you higher thoughts and higher ways to help change your perspective
 ”Isa 55:8-9: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts

"How to See Better & Live Better" - Pt. 1, The Power of Healthy Perception

How to See Better & Live Better
Pt 1 The Power of Good Eyes
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" – Matthew 6:23-24
How we see or perceive is one of the important keys to victorious living, success, and fruitful ministry. 
"Perception is how we see and understand what occurs around us—and what we decide those events will mean. Our perceptions can be a source of strength or of great weakness. Faulty perceptions lead to misdirection & disconnection. We participate in creation and destruction of our obstacles.
So what are your perceptions today?" (Ryan Holiday, The Obstacle is the Way)
There things in life that we can and cannot control. Our perception is one of the things we can control. We want to have "healthy eyes," which is seeking things as they are and through the Word of God. Bad perception taints our world and our reality. As Jesus said, when your eyes are healthy, your whole body (life) is full of light. On the other hand, when you eyes are unhealthy, your body is full of darkness.
One key to healthy perception is to be objective. 
Definition: not influenced by personal feelings, interpretations, or prejudice; based on facts; unbiased. Intent upon or dealing with things external to the mind rather than with thoughts or feelings, as a person or a book.
Unhealthy perception often comes from being subjective:
Based on feelings or opinions rather than facts; Pacing emphasis on one's own feeling, mood, attitude, and opinions
[Simone Manual gold medal performance: http://www.newcovenant.org/Simone.mp4]

Fight the Good Fight of Faith: Doing Good, Not Growing Faint

Fight the Good Fight of Faith
Doing Good, Not Growing Faint
1 Tim. 6:11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses
2 Cor. 2:14, Now thanks be unto God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the fragrance of his knowledge by us in every place.
2 Timothy 4:6, For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
Sometimes you want to win because of who is watching. That is the value of living in the light and letting people see your good works. 
We don't fight the good fight of faith to win. We fight the good fight because we have already won. That's why is a GOOD fight!
Have you ever recorded a basketball game to watch later, only to have someone tell you the score before you had a chance to watch the recording? When you found out that your team lost, your don't want to watch it. Why? Because a good fight is when your team wins.
We fight a good fight because in Jesus Christ, WE WIN! 
When you watch a recording of the game in which your team won, the outcome was not in doubt. As a matter of fact, if I record a game, I prefer in advance to know if my team won. For me, know that my team fought a good victorious fight, and watching it, is more enjoyable.
Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith
The good fight of faith is not about fighting for what you already have or already see. The good fight is about not growing weary while doing good. 
The good fight of faith is all about continuing to do good, knowing that in due season you will reap....if you don't faint or lose heart

True Worship: The Lifestyle of Spirit & Truth

True Worship: The Lifestyle of Spirit & Truth 
 2 Cor. 13:5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. 6 But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified. 
Timothy 4:1, Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron 
 John 4:23 "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24] God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." 
 Deuteronomy 26:8 'So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm, with great terror and with signs and wonders. 9] He has brought us to this place and has given us this land, "a land flowing with milk and honey"; 10] and now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land which you, O LORD, have given me.' Then you shall set it before the LORD your God, and worship before the LORD your God. 11] So you shall rejoice in every good thing which the LORD your God has given to you and your house, you and the Levite and the stranger who is among you. 
 Worship is an all encompassing, all inclusive experience. It is both spiritual and physical; temporal and eternal. It involves the total person, spirit, soul, body and even our possessions. We must challenge ourselves to worship God in fullness and in the release of everything to Him. 
 It is human nature to worship according to our own preferences and pleasures—like the Samaritan woman. However, the problem with such worship is that it is unbalanced and conveniently neglects that part of worship which is undesirable. 
 God requires that we worship Him at two levels at all times: “In Spirit” and “In Truth.” 
 a. “In Spirit” addresses the supernatural dimension of our walk with God and the transcendent nature of His presence 
 b. “In Truth” addresses the practical, everyday actions we engage in obedience to the Truth. Jesus said, “Your Word is Truth.” 
 ROM 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service (“your act of spiritual worship” -NIV).