Firm Foundation with Bryan Hudson

Day 21 — Salvation Belongs to the Lord By Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin LINK TO ALL LESSONS IN THE DEVOTIONAL   Psalm 37:39–40, “But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, And save them, Because they trust in Him.” Key Thought: God is always our refuge and deliverer. Prayer: I trust You, Lord. As we conclude this 21-day devotional through Psalm 37, let us remember this is a wisdom psalm, not a lament. David is not “venting” or expressing frustrations. He contrasts the temporary flourishing of the wicked with God's plan and provision for the righteous. Verses 39–40 serve as a summary of the entire psalm. Some key themes we learned from Psalm 37: •  Do not fret because of evildoers (vv. 1–2) •  Trust in the Lord (v. 3) •  Delight in Him (v. 4) •  Commit your way to Him (v. 5) •  Wait patiently with expectation (v. 7) •  Meekness is not weakness (v. 11) •  The wicked will perish (vv. 9–22) •  God knows our days (vv. 18-19) •  Generosity Reveals the Heart (vv. 21-22) •  Our steps are ordered by the Lord (vv. 23–24) •  The righteous are upheld (vv. 23–24) •  God's justice prevails (vv. 27-29) David closes this psalm by reminding us who is in charge, what God will change, and where we are headed. Our identity and security are rooted in Christ. “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) “The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord” David emphasizes the true source of salvation: It is “from the Lord.” Salvation does not originate: •  From personal strategy •  From retaliation •  From political advantage •  From accumulated power Systems, people, politicians, programs, and religions all promise some form of salvation—power to lift people to a better place in life. All of these may help in one way or another, but enduring salvation only comes from the Lord. The Hebrew word for “salvation” means deliverance, rescue, victory. God's salvation is both temporal and eternal, with benefits now and the blessing of a new reality after this life. We are not limited to only longing for the “sweet by and by." God can grant some earthly heaven before heaven in the afterlife. Do not underestimate God's ability to empower victorious living while we are still living among all the perils of the wicked. Consider the words of the Apostle Peter: Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:10–11) The “entrance” is experiencing heaven on earth while on the way to God's heaven. Note the responsibility to “make your calling and election sure,” which simply means to lean into God and His kingdom. We read in Psalm 23:5, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.” New Testament Scriptures Confirm God's Delivering Nature: Romans 8:31,  “If God is for us, who can be against us?” 2 Timothy 4:18, “The Lord will deliver me from every evil work…” “He is their strength in the time of trouble” The Hebrew word for “strength” מmeans fortress, stronghold, and a place of protection. We don't only focus on what God does, but who God is. He is not merely a rescuer; He is a refuge. We don't have a transactional relationship with God by seeking “a blessing” when we need it. We live in a covenantal relationship with God, day by day. “He shall deliver them from the wicked, And save them, Because they trust in Him.” Remember: •  Salvation originates from God alone. •  God Himself is the refuge of the righteous. •  Trouble does not cancel covenant protection. •  Deliverance is certain, though timing may vary. •  Trust is the foundation of divine rescue and progress going forward. Psalm 37 ends where it started: “Trust in the Lord.” I trust that you were inspired, encouraged, and educated through this 21-day journey through Psalm 37! It was a joy preparing these lessons and having contributions from Patricia Hudson, Stacy Williams, and Pastor Lee Robb. “Every good thing happens on a Firm Foundation!” Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min. New Covenant Church   Reflection question: What are some takeaways from this devotional that have become foundational to your life going forward? Key insight I gained today: Today's action item based on insight:   LINK TO ALL LESSONS IN THE DEVOTIONAL

MESSAGE SUMMARY Learning to Trust God with the Desires of My Heart By Patricia Hudson, M.S. 1) Opening prayer and purpose of the message Patricia opens by thanking God for the day and asking Him to help her speak words that are “seeds”—words that will touch hearts and produce fruit in the lives of both in-person listeners and livestream viewers. Her prayer emphasizes that God's work is corporate and individual: He is speaking to the whole church, but also to each person's specific life, struggles, and calling. She thanks Dr. Bryan Hudson for the opportunity to minister, connecting her message to the church's yearlong focus: “Delight in the Lord, desires of the heart fulfilled.” She references an earlier teaching (Dec. 28) titled “Joy is Delight, Bent for God,” which becomes the foundation for how she develops Psalm 37:4. 2) Starting with the Day 4 devotional: Delight means “bent” With Pastor Hudson's permission, Patricia begins by reading the Day 4 devotional, “Delight in the Lord.” The devotional's key idea is that: God reshapes desires before He fulfills them. “Delight” biblically means to take pleasure in, to incline toward, or to bend. What we delight in is revealed by what pulls us, shapes us, motivates us, and “bends” us—either positively or negatively. This introduces a crucial lens for the entire sermon: delight is not a feeling only—it is a direction. Delight means your inner life is being shaped, inclined, and formed. She stresses that because “to delight is to be bent,” we must pay attention to our desires and discern whether they come from God or from something else. As we delight in the Lord—His character, presence, and promises—God forms us into a “shape” that pleases Him. 3) Relational, not transactional: God gives transformed desires Patricia repeats a major refrain: life with God is relational, not transactional. In other words, Psalm 37:4 is not a “deal” where people delight so God gives a wishlist. Instead: Delighting in God reshapes the heart. What God fulfills is not merely personal ambition, but desires that have been transformed by relationship with Him. She quotes Pastor Hudson's idea that what comes from being “bent” through relationship with God is being granted, bestowed, and entrusted with genuine heart desires. She also highlights another phrase: Jesus refines, aligns, and “calibrates” the heart, so what we increasingly desire reflects God's will. 4) The “bend” metaphor: transformation can be uncomfortable Patricia explains why “bend” matters to her: bending changes shape, and bending is not always comfortable. Depending on age, bending can be easier or harder, but the point is spiritual: Being bent toward God may not feel easy, and the shape we start with may not be the shape we end with, because God is bending us for His purposes. This becomes a pastoral encouragement: discomfort does not mean God is absent—it can mean God is shaping you. 5) The guiding questions: where do desires come from? Patricia invites the Holy Spirit to guide listeners through several reflective questions: What (or who) is the source of my desire? Are there desires of the soul (mind, will, emotions) and desires of the flesh? (Yes—but they are different.) Is “desire” the same as “desires of the heart”? Do desires of the heart come from God? Are heart desires only meant to bless me—or also to bless others? Her direction is clear: this teaching is not merely about getting what we want, but about understanding purpose. 6) Word study: “desires of the heart” as petition flowing from delight Patricia introduces a word study to emphasize that Psalm 37:4 is specific. She explains that the Hebrew term she's focusing on carries the sense of: a heartfelt plea, a request, a petition toward God. She says this word appears only twice in the Old Testament (Psalm 20:5 and Psalm 37:4), which for her underscores that the phrase is purposeful and weighty. Her takeaway: true desires of the heart become petitions God is willing to satisfy when they arise from delight in Him. So she urges people to watch how they use the word “desire”—because we can want many things, but “desires of the heart” in this sense are the kind that rise out of communion with God. 7) Continual desires: God isn't done with you One of her most encouraging points is that the “desires of the heart” concept implies something ongoing—not finished, continual. That excites her because it speaks directly to people who wonder, especially later in life, “Lord, is there still more?” Her answer is yes: as you continue delighting in the Lord, God continues shaping desires and giving zeal and passion to finish your race and fulfill purpose—regardless of age. 8) Abraham and Sarah: a case study in trust, waiting, and purpose Patricia then turns to Abraham and Sarah to show how this works in real life. She frames their story as a living example of learning to trust God with heart desires. a) Genesis 12 — Called to go without knowing God calls Abram to leave his country and go to a land God will show him. Patricia imagines the human reactions: “Where are we going? What are we going to do? Are you serious?” Yet Abram trusts God and goes—at 75 years old, emphasizing again that it is never too late for purpose. b) Genesis 15 — God promises an heir Abram voices concern: “What good are blessings if I have no son?” God responds with the promise of a son and descendants as numerous as the stars. Abram believes, and God counts it as righteousness. c) Genesis 16 — Sarah tries to “help God” Patricia highlights the emotional realism: Sarah is barren, years pass, hope fades, frustration grows. She calls it a picture of what people still do today: desperate people do desperate things. Sarah proposes Hagar as a workaround, and Ishmael is born. Patricia emphasizes that human solutions can create complications and conflict—because it wasn't God's plan. d) Genesis 17 — God reiterates: “I said what I said” This becomes one of Patricia's repeated phrases: God reaffirms His promise. He changes Abram and Sarai's names to Abraham and Sarah, and specifies that Sarah will bear the promised son Isaac. Her point: God has not changed the original promise, even though time passed and mistakes were made. e) Genesis 21 — Isaac is born after 25 years Isaac is born when Abraham is 100 and Sarah is 90—a 25-year wait from the initial promise. Patricia contrasts this with how impatient people can be: we pray today and struggle to wait even days. But she stresses: waiting is not empty time—something is happening in us. God is preparing people to carry what He promised. She states it plainly: circumstances don't change the promise, and delays don't cancel God's purpose when we remain delighted in Him. 9) Genesis 22 — The test: will you trust God with what you love most? After Isaac arrives—the heart's desire—God tests Abraham: offer Isaac. Patricia frames this as the ultimate picture of her theme: Will you obey God with the desire of your heart? Can you trust the Giver even with the gift? Abraham prepares to obey, declaring in faith that God will provide. God stops him and provides a ram. Then God reaffirms the covenant again: blessing, descendants, and worldwide impact through Abraham's offspring. Patricia's conclusion from this scene: Abraham learned trust over time, and the test revealed where his heart truly rested—in God, not merely the promise. 10) Bigger than personal blessing: prophetic purpose fulfilled in Christ Patricia then lifts the story to its larger meaning: Abraham's longing for an heir was not only personal—it was prophetic. Through Isaac's line comes Jesus Christ. God's promise that Abraham's seed would bless the nations finds fulfillment in Christ. She reads from Romans 4 to emphasize that Abraham's faith was recorded for our benefit, so believers today can trust that God keeps His promises and counts faith as righteousness through Christ. 11) Modern illustrations: “the this” and “the that,” and purpose that blesses others Patricia brings the message into contemporary life through two examples: a) Jan Mitchell's testimony (Jan. 18) She shares Jan's lesson: “You need the this to get to the that.” The journey (“the this”) may be uncomfortable, but it is often necessary for what God intends (“the that”). Patricia highlights the idea that if God gave some things immediately, they would bless only in the moment—but God's goal may be larger: overflow for the world, not just private relief. b) Ophelia Wellington and Freetown Village Patricia describes how a desire to teach African-American history grew into Freetown Village, reaching over one million people through programs. Her point: God can take a desire and unfold it into a life purpose that touches generations. There are “bumps, bends, drop-offs,” but purpose matures through perseverance and trust. 12) Closing invitation: partner with God, don't perform for God Patricia closes by returning to Pastor Hudson's framing: as we delight in Him, we will see the desires of our heart fulfilled. She calls the congregation to accept God's invitation: trust Him do good dwell in the land feed on His faithfulness delight in the Lord commit your way to Him And she clarifies: these are not fleshly works to earn something; we are laborers together with God.     

Day 8 — Waiting with Hope & Active Faith Psalm 37:9 — For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, They shall inherit the earth. Key Thought: God's purpose is our greatest asset Prayer: Teach me how to wait on what You are preparing “Evildoers shall be cut off” The Hebrew phrase “cut off” speaks of severance, removal, or loss of standing. In covenant language, “cut off” means exclusion from blessing. It does not necessarily mean death. The focus of this text the unsustainability of evil. The history of the world has seen many evil persons, governments (such as Nazi Germany), and evil deeds. Along with the blessings of God we see the perils of life and people of bad will. Biblically, “evildoers” are those who act unjustly, oppress others, prosper through wrongdoing, and benefit from manipulated systems. Evil involves willful participation in what harms others and dishonors God. Evildoers may flourish for a time, but their influence and works will not endure. This is not something we can simply pray away. It is something we work on as Christ followers, communities, and citizens. Sometimes Jesus helped people just for the sake of helping people (such as feeding and healing others). He was not always “evangelizing,” because His motive was loving and serving people. “Those who wait on the LORD” The Hebrew word “wait” means more than time passing. It carries the idea of hope, expectancy, patience, and active faith in God. We wait and expect because God's power is greater than our power. Our faith is expressed through endurance and obedience to His instructions. Waiting on the Lord is the antidote to fretting. Instead of overreacting to evil, we remain anchored in God's timing and character. From this place of strength, we can gain wisdom to know what to do. When you are at the airport waiting for a flight, technicians are preparing the airplane and making sure there is nothing impeding your route. When you are waiting, God is working. “They shall inherit the earth” “Inherit” is a covenant word. Biblically, inheritance is connected to continuity, belonging, and stability. Jesus said, “I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it” (Revelation 3:8). “To inherit the earth” is more than land ownership (which comes later). It is participation in God's ordered world, living within His purposes and enjoying what He provides. These things can happen while we are living on this earth, even among evildoers. Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). We do not want this earth in its present state forever. We want to make the best of the environments in which we live during our lifetimes. When it is all said and done, there will be a new heaven and a new earth in which we will live and reign with Christ. But our focus now is to serve God's purposes in our generation. Reflection Question: In light of this Scripture and lesson, what does waiting on the Lord mean?  

DOWNLOAD KEYNOTE SLIDES DOWNLOAD MESSAGE SUMMARY Sermon Summary: “The God of Your Days” Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min. Psalm 37 is a psalm of wisdom, not lament. It instructs believers how to live faithfully when injustice and wickedness appear to prosper. God's command to “do not fret” calls for courageous engagement without anxiety, fear, or spiritual distortion. “The LORD knows the days of the upright” affirms God's intimate involvement in every season of life—past, present, and future. God is the God of all our days, including times of joy, hardship, abundance, and loss. God's faithfulness extends across generations. Long before we were born, God was already at work, planting seeds through the faith, obedience, and integrity of those who came before us. Our true inheritance is not merely material but includes faith, character, courage, and purpose—things that outlast wealth and recognition. Remembering and preserving inheritance is essential. Forgetting history weakens identity, while intentional storytelling strengthens future generations. Above all, God Himself is our greatest inheritance. Unlike material possessions, what God gives cannot be lost, diminished, or destroyed. Because our hope is in Him—not in systems or people—we will not be ashamed in evil times. God preserves His people through both trust and action. Faith works through obedience, wisdom, and responsibility. Even in seasons of famine—spiritual or natural—those who remain grounded in God's Word will be satisfied. Final Affirmation: God is the God of our days. He knows the days of the upright. Our inheritance in Him is forever. We will not be ashamed in evil times. In days of famine, we will be satisfied.    

Greetings! Today we begin our 21-day journey through Psalm 37! Our theme is “Learning to Love God More.” We will go verse by verse and allow the Lord to speak to our hearts and minds. In addition to myself, other contributors include Patricia Hudson, Stacy Williams, Min. Bertha Fields, and Pastor Lee Rob. I will be writing the majority of the lessons, and I deeply appreciate the contributions of these fellow servants of God. Lessons will be posted by 5:30AM each day. I encourage you to incorporate these brief lessons into your regular devotional rhythm.   Would also like to invite you to join New Covenant Church for Corporate Prayer on Zoom Wednesday evening at 7:30 PM (EST).   If you'd like to do your own study in the book of Psalms 37, here are some resources:   Enduring Word https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-37/ Bible Gateway; (The paid version has many more resources) https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/ StudyLight https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dsb.html#google_vignette   _________________________________________   Day 1 — Do Not Fret   Scripture: Psalm 37:1, Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. Key Thought: Anxiety over evil drains the soul more than evil itself. Prayer: “Lord, quiet my spirit and anchor my trust in You.” It is no exaggeration to say that we are witnessing, in real time in our nation, workers of iniquity. This is not something new, but rarely has it been on full display at a national level among national political leaders. We are seeing despotism and dictatorial tactics in a nation where the Constitution says that “We The People” are the basis of our form of government—what Abraham Lincoln described as government “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” I share this because we have to be very mindful of not allowing ourselves to fret when we consider what is going on. Here in our state of Indiana, we are seeing situations that are harmful to people, especially the most vulnerable among us. As we are dealing with many grievous situations in our world, those of us who will not be silent must maintain balance. We must remain vigilant and active. At the same time, we must avoid strife or becoming obsessed with the deeds of evildoers. The Scripture plainly says, “do not fret.” As a matter of fact, in Psalm 37 the words “do not fret” appear three times. The third mention, in verse 8, states: “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm.” So while we who will not be silent, as many others are, must stay engaged. We also have to draw closer to God and keep our hearts clear of wrath, strife, and fretfulness. One way to do that is what we are doing right now—spending time in the Word, in prayer, and allowing the Holy Spirit to minister peace to our hearts. Jesus said in John 14:26–27, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Through this peace, we can steady our troubled hearts, and we will not fear the actions of ungodly people. REFLECTION QUESTION: "In what ways, specifically, do I need to stop fretting?" Key insight I gained today: Today's action item based on insight:

DOWNLOAD KEYNOTE SLIDES Sermon Summary: “Delight: Learning to Trust God More” Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min. www.BryanHudson.com / www.NewCovenant.org This sermon introduces the spiritual theme of delight as both the 2026 vision emphasis and the foundation for a 21-day devotional journey through Psalm 37. Pastor Hudson teaches that delighting in the Lord is not passive emotion but an intentional, practiced orientation of life that results in deeper trust in God and fulfilled desires aligned with His will. Foundational Scriptures Psalm 37:3–5, Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.  Psalm 90:12 – “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” These texts frame the message by connecting trust, delight, wisdom, and stewardship of life. Numbering Our Days: Wisdom Through Awareness Psalm 90:12 teaches that life has limits, and those limits are a gift. Recognizing limitation brings clarity and focus, helping believers invest energy in what truly matters. Key insights: Limitation is not negative: It helps eliminate distractions and refocus purpose. Time is a stewardship: Time is non-renewable; once spent, it cannot be reclaimed. Wisdom values quality over quantity: As maturity grows, the goal shifts from “trying everything” to living intentionally. Awareness matters: Living “awake” to God's activity helps believers avoid taking people, opportunities, or blessings for granted. What Delight Really Means Delight is a simple word with profound spiritual significance. Delight reflects three things: Desire – what you want Disposition – your attitude and emotional posture Direction – where your life is headed Biblically, delight means to bend, incline, or shape. What a person delights in is what they are ultimately bent toward. Over time, delight forms character, priorities, and spiritual posture. If someone dislikes what they see in their desires or direction, God's grace allows for intentional change. The Power of Choice and Obedience God leads, but believers still choose. Personal power lies in decision-making aligned with God's will. Psalm 37 outlines repeated actions: Trust (in the Lord), Do (good), Dwell (in the land), Feed (on His faithfulness), Delight (yourself in the Lord), Commit (Your way to the Lord), Trust (in Him)  These are not one-time acts but repeated behaviors that train the heart. [WATCH VIDEO] Parable of Spiritual Formation: Learning Changes the Brain Using a scientific illustration of learning (neural pathways and muscle memory), Pastor Hudson explains that: Repetition creates pathways. Practice strengthens habits. What becomes “second nature” is the result of sustained discipline. Spiritually, obedience works the same way. Prayer, worship, generosity, faithfulness, and trust are learned behaviors that shape a believer's inner life over time. Christian growth is not transactional (“pray once and move on”) but relational and transformational. Delight Can Shape Us for Good—or Harm Just as hearts can be shaped toward God, they can also be trained toward foolishness. Proverbs 1:22, “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge. Culture often reinforces habits that produce spiritual immaturity.   The key question becomes: “How am I bent?” What a person practices repeatedly eventually defines their nature.   Do Not Glory in Gifts—Glory in Knowing God Jeremiah 9:23–24 warns against placing confidence in wisdom, strength, or wealth. Important truths: Blessings can become burdens if they replace trust in God. Success without spiritual grounding leads to misplaced confidence. True delight is found in understanding and knowing the Lord. Trusting God more requires trusting things less.   God Delights in His People David's testimony in 2 Samuel 22:19 shows that God delivered him because He delighted in him. Looking back over hardship reveals God's faithful support and deliverance into “broad places” of freedom. This echoes the old gospel lyric: “I look back and wonder how I got over.” God brings His people through—not because of perfection, but because of faithful relationship.   Seeking the Kingdom Is a Continual Practice Jesus taught that seeking the Kingdom is ongoing, not occasional. Delight requires consistent alignment, shaping believers so God can bless them without the blessing overwhelming them. Matthew 6:33, But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. God: Shapes before He gives, Trains before He entrusts, Aligns before He expands   Blessings are meant to be enjoyed and shared, not idolized. God's Pleasure Is to Give Luke 12:31, But seek [delight in] 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 [delight] to give you the kingdom. There is: No begging No striving No manipulation When hearts are aligned, desires become pure, motives mature, and requests reflect God's will.   The Promise of Alignment Isaiah 58:14 declares that those who delight in the Lord will: Ride on the “high places” of God's purpose Walk in freedom Live unrestrained in God's will This is not about fame or excess, but about living fully in God's intended design. Conclusion Delight is learned. Trust is cultivated. Faithfulness forms pathways in the heart. As believers are trained, shaped, and bent toward God: Trust deepens Desires align Blessings become sustainable Life reflects God's purpose The prayer of the sermon: “Lord, train me, shape me, and bend me into a form that pleases You. I am learning to trust You more.”

Matthew 18:1,  At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 

God's Word as the Calibration Standard Psalm 119:105, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Life must be aligned to God's Word to avoid drift, error, or distortion. 2 Corinthians 13:5, Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. We don't need to make assumptions or just operate on our feelings. The Bible gives us objective standards. Renewal of the Mind is like a Recalibration Romans 12:2, Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. The world introduces bias and noise; the mind must be recalibrated so perception and decision-making reflect God's will. Correction and Course Adjustment Proverbs 3:5–6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart… He shall direct your paths.” Serving 1 John 3:16–18, Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

TRANSCRIPT: Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute – Talk #204 Topic: The Value of Struggle Greetings and welcome to another Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute. This is Talk #204, and our topic today is The Value of Struggle. I'm going to spend a bit more time with this topic by reading from Genesis chapter 32, beginning at verse 24: “Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now, when He saw that He could not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip, and the socket of Jacob's hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, ‘Let Me go, for the day breaks.' But Jacob said, ‘I will not let You go unless You bless me.' And He said to him, ‘What is your name?' He said, ‘Jacob.' And He said, ‘Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with man and have prevailed.'” There are many lessons to learn from this text—not just what I've read, but the whole context. Today, we're focusing on the lesson of the value of struggle.   Struggle as a Divine Encounter We read that Jacob was alone with God. The text calls Him a man, but we know this was a pre-incarnate manifestation of Jesus Christ. This struggle was designed to take Jacob to another level. We sometimes perceive struggle as a hindrance, but the Apostle James made it clear that when trials and tests come, we should not think it strange. James said: “Do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you.” He compared it to gold being refined in fire. He also said: “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” And then he tells us that patience has a work—to make us complete and entire, lacking nothing. So there is value in your struggle, but you have to frame it that way. You have to see it that way in the grace of God.   Persistence in the Pain As Jacob and this Man wrestled until the breaking of day, when the Man saw He could not prevail against him, He touched the socket of Jacob's hip. His hip went out of joint. But even in the midst of Jacob's hip being out of joint, he continued to wrestle until the Man said, “Let me go, for the day breaks.” Jacob replied, “I won't let you go until you bless me.” One of the values we gain in struggle is not giving up—not quitting, not caving in, not making excuses. Because if you are in a struggle in the will of God, there is a purpose for it. God is doing something to elevate you. Again, as James said: “Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” So even though Jacob was in pain, even though his hip was out of joint, he kept wrestling until he prevailed.   Understanding Jacob's Name When the Man asked him, “What is your name?” he said, “My name is Jacob.” We often think of Jacob as the supplanter and deceiver, but I believe the greater revelation is this: When Jacob was born, he was the twin of his brother Esau. Esau came out first, and the Bible says Jacob had a hold of Esau's heel. When they pulled Esau out, Jacob came with him, gripping his brother's heel. The name Jacob literally means “one who takes the heel.” I've always considered this an attribute of Jacob— the tenacity, the sticking with it, the not giving up, the holding on to the heel. So when God asked him, “What is your name?” it was as if he was saying, “I am the one who takes hold of the heel and won't let go.” He proved his value and his purpose in that struggle.   From Jacob to Israel Then the Man said: “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.” Israel means “one who struggles with God” or “God strives.” It is a name that represents the value of struggle. The one who persevered—even sometimes to his own detriment—was elevated through struggle. God acknowledged him as one who struggles with God and prevails. When the Bible says the Man could not overpower him, it was not that God was weak. God allowed resistance to test him and to grow him. This was not a power struggle—this was a relational struggle. God wanted to elevate the relationship between Himself and Jacob, and that happened through struggle.   The Limp Was Repositioning, Not Punishment Jacob's limp was not punishment—it was repositioning. He could no longer walk in self-sufficiency. He could no longer identify as the one who “takes hold of the heel and won't let go.” That is self-sufficiency. He had learned to trust God, to engage God, and to stay engaged with God. One of the things about disability—or helping people with disability—is that it makes you recognize your need for help and assistance from others.   A Word for 2026 As we enter this new year, 2026, recognize the value of struggle—past, present, or future. Don't look at it as something to hinder you. Realize that no matter what happens, God is elevating you, and you will not be the same after an encounter with God. The most important lesson is this: You will be less self-sufficient and more God-sufficient.   Ministry Update As you may be aware, I am on a mini sabbatical for the month of January. I invited Pastor Lee Robb to minister at New Covenant Church, and he brought a very important message entitled “Desires That Don't Betray You.” Be sure to click the link in this blog to watch that message on YouTube and download the detailed summary. I appreciate Pastor Robb for being such a blessing. This coming Sunday, we will be blessed by the ministry of Jan Mitchell. God bless. Have a great day, and be encouraged.

Ecclesiastes 10:10, If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but wisdom brings success.

Message from Sunday, December 28 Joy is Delight – Bent for God Psalm 37:3, Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.

DOWNLOAD KEYNOTE SLIDES Psalm 37:3, Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. Dr. Bryan Hudson teaches that biblical joy is not dependent on circumstances but is a deep, settled gladness rooted in God's presence, promises, and purposes. Joy is defined as delight—being “bent” toward God in devotion, obedience, and purpose—rather than temporary happiness that comes and goes. Drawing from Luke 2, Psalm 37, Nehemiah, and Habakkuk, the message explains that true joy develops as believers delight themselves in the Lord, abide in Him daily, and remain committed to His will even in difficulty. Using Nehemiah's example, Dr. Hudson shows that joy is strengthened when people refuse to become comfortable in complacency, stay aligned with God's mission, and serve others faithfully. Ultimately, “the joy of the Lord is your strength” because a life bent toward God produces enduring resilience, purpose, and spiritual power.

Message from Sunday, December 21 "Good Tidings of Great Joy" Luke 2:8, Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

In Good Tidings of Great Joy, Pastor Bryan Hudson teaches that joy is central to God's redemptive plan and flows from living in God's presence. Drawing from Psalm 16:11 and Luke 2, he explains that joy is not the same as happiness—happiness is momentary, but joy is constant, like the air we breathe when we remain in God's presence. The angelic announcement of Jesus' birth reveals that the gospel itself is “good tidings of great joy” meant for all people. Jesus came to create the conditions for humanity to experience God's presence, receive new life, and live in sustained joy. Pastor Hudson emphasizes that rejoicing is the outward expression of inward joy, and believers are called not only to experience joy themselves but to share it with others through acts of love, service, and outreach—helping people encounter the lasting joy found only in Christ.

Listen to My Message from Sunday, December 14 God's Redemption Design: More Than a Personal Savior Part Two of Designed for Destiny TRANSCRIPT: Greetings, and welcome to another Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute. As a matter of fact, this is talk #200! Praise God! We began this series in January of 2022. I thank God for His grace that empowers me to bring you these inspirational talks. I trust you've been blessed and encouraged by them. Our topic today is “The Last Adam Solved Our Problem.” Reading from 1 Corinthians 15:45, “And so it is written, the first man Adam became a living being. The last Adam became a life-giving Spirit.” The problem we had was the disobedience of Adam in the Garden of Eden. He and his wife did not follow God's instruction. When they disobeyed God, death entered the world. There was first a spiritual death, and then humanity succumbed to physical death. They were not designed to die physically, but sin always brings death—both spiritually and physically. However, this did not take God by surprise. In that same moment, God made a promise that the seed of the woman would crush the head of the serpent, which is a type of the devil. Jesus destroyed the works of the devil.  While neither Adam, nor Eve, nor the serpent understood what God said at the time, we know in hindsight that this Seed was preserved all the way to the coming of Jesus through the Virgin Mary. Romans 5:15 reads: “For if by one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One.” Jesus, the Last Adam, became a life-giving Spirit. This text explains that by one man's offense, Adam's, death reigned through that one sinful seed. The Scripture goes on to say that those of us who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, we live in the gift of righteousness, and we reign in life over sin, Satan, and defeat. Amen! So the Last Adam, Jesus, solved our problem. Rejoice in that! God bless. Have a great day, and be encouraged.

DOWNLOAD KEYNOTE SLIDES In this message, Pastor Bryan Hudson teaches that while Jesus is indeed our personal Savior, God's redemptive design is far greater than individual salvation. From Romans 8:29 and Colossians 1:19–20, he shows that God predestined believers to be conformed to Christ, forming a collective people—His church—through whom He reconciles and influences the world. Salvation is not merely personal but part of God's broader plan to redeem humanity and creation. Dr. Hudson contrasts man-made design, shaped by sin and selfishness, with God-made design, in which believers are God's workmanship created for good works. He emphasizes that destiny is expressed through service, not self-service, and warns against reducing Christianity to private spirituality or political power. God calls His people to be “salt and light,” influencing systems with righteousness—not taking them over. Using the parable of the Good Samaritan, he explains that we do not choose our neighbors; love requires us to serve anyone in need, even those unlike us. Jesus transforms “neighbor” from a category into a calling. The sermon also traces the biblical design of redemption from Genesis, showing how Jesus—the “last Adam”—undoes the failure of the first Adam and restores humanity. Dr. Hudson concludes that believers “reign in life” (Romans 5:17) not as earthly rulers but through the shared authority and life of Christ. Salvation is personal, but not for personal ends. God's destiny for us is collective: a chosen, royal, holy people who fulfill His purposes together.

Listen to My Message from Sunday, December 7 Designed for Destiny: Created for Good Works Romans 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. As a visual communications major in college and a designer for almost 50 years, ever since high school, I appreciate God's intention as the ultimate designer. You have also been responsible for design in one way or another, whether formally or by making decisions about how your home looks and functions. On your job, through your volunteer tasks, planning a vacation, or working with others, design is always a vital part of any fruitful task. Design is the engine of purpose, or what we also call destiny. While the concept of destiny is large, the actions of destiny are comprised of consistent small steps—something we also call process. From the foreknowledge of God, our text states that we were predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son Jesus. That's a big concept, but it was manifested in many smaller steps. From God anticipating the fall of Adam and Eve, stating, “He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel”—foretelling of Jesus' death as a bruised heel, resulting in defeating Satan and the power of death, “a bruised, or busted, head.” From that beginning in the garden, God protected and preserved the messianic seed all the way to the virgin Mary. Here's the important thing about design: the designer is always paying attention to his or her design. Because it is an investment of time and resources, there's no way a designer will neglect the design. I say that to remind you that because you are designed by God, He pays attention to you. In the words of the Hebrews writer (2:6),  “What are mere mortals that you should think about them, or a son of man that you should care for him? Yet for a little while you made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.” Because you and I were designed or made a little lower than the angels and crowned with glory and honor, your Designer never stops thinking about you and adjusting His work in your life and in our lives together. Let that thought live in your heart and mind today.

DOWNLOAD KEYNOTE SLIDES Romans 8:29, For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Ephesians 2:10, For we are His workmanship [masterpiece], created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Summary Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min. teaches that every believer is designed by God with intention and created for a purposeful destiny, which Scripture calls “good works.” Drawing from Romans 8:29, he explains that God has predestined us—not by pre-programming our choices, but by providing a divine design we must willingly discover and walk in. Destiny is not a single large event; it is the consistent, faithful, everyday actions done in alignment with God's purpose. Pastor Hudson contrasts manmade design, which produces spiritual deadness and conformity to the world, with God's design, which brings life, identity, and transformation through His love, grace, and mercy. Believers are God's “workmanship”—His masterpiece—uniquely created like fingerprints, each with a distinct role that strengthens the collective body of Christ. Emphasizing that identity in Christ is both individual and communal, he reminds the church that we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God's special people. As such, we reject the “pandemic of self-service” and embrace a life of service to God and others. The sermon concludes by calling believers to walk in their God-given design, encourage one another, and live as salt and light in the world.

Download Keynote Slides Colossians 1:12, Always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the  inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.   1 Thessalonians 5:18, In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you In this message, Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin. teaches that thanksgiving is far more than a holiday—it is a foundational posture for a victorious Christian life. Drawing from Colossians 1:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, and other Scriptures, he explains that giving thanks is evidence of the inheritance God has placed within us and a continual practice that renews our minds, stabilizes our emotions, and keeps our hearts clear. Like the peace offerings in Leviticus—voluntary, heartfelt, and spontaneous—true thanksgiving flows from love, not obligation. Using the redwood tree's shared root system as an illustration, he shows that believers are rooted together in Christ and strengthened through collective gratitude. Pastor Hudson warns that withholding thanks leads to darkened thinking, while a lifestyle of gratitude brings joy, peace, and spiritual resilience even amid trials. Ultimately, giving thanks is a continual offering, the “fruit of our lips,” that keeps us in God's presence (coram Deo) and grounds our identity as accepted, blessed people who live in the light.

1 Peter 2:9–10 (NKJV) “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.”

Listen to my Message from Sunday, November 16 Ministry in The Margins: How Small Acts Have Eternal Impact   MESSAGE SUMMARY PDF     Proverbs 4:23, Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

DOWNLOAD KEYNOTE SLIDES DOWNLOAD SERMON SUMMARY   SERMON SUMMARY (by OpenAI) Ministry in the Margins: How Small Acts Have Eternal Impact By Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min. Matthew 25:31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'   1. Introduction: Jesus will separate those who served from those who did not. Dr. Hudson opens with Matthew 25, where Jesus describes the Son of Man returning in glory, separating people like a shepherd divides sheep and goats. This passage reveals how God evaluates lives—not by spectacle or prominence, but by compassionate actions taken toward “the least of these.” Jesus lists personal, human-scale acts: Feeding the hungry Giving drink to the thirsty Welcoming the stranger Clothing the naked Visiting the sick Ministering to the imprisoned The righteous are surprised—they don't remember doing these things for Jesus. But He replies: “Inasmuch as you did it to the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” This text reveals Christ's heart for people and His identification with the marginalized. 2. Two Levels of Ministry: Macro & Micro Dr. Hudson explains that Jesus operated at two simultaneous levels: A. Macro (Big Picture) The “40,000-foot view” God enthroned in heaven Christ coming in glory with angels The sweeping rule of God over all creation Jesus doing “big things”—miracles, world-changing acts This is the majestic, transcendent dimension of Christ's ministry. B. Micro (Personal & Individual) Jesus noticing one hungry person One thirsty person One stranger One sick or imprisoned person One woman touching His garment One boy with a small lunch The same King who rules the universe also sees individual people in need. "Jesus sees you right where you are.” Christ never stops seeing the person while seeing the big picture. The Problem With People Who Only See Macro Some people only want big, impressive ministry. They become “legends in their own minds.” But without micro-vision—tenderness, compassion, awareness—you cannot truly minister to people.   3. What God Actually Pays Attention To Dr. Hudson stresses that we live in a culture fascinated by entertainment, showmanship, and spectacle. But: God is not impressed with big platforms or big productions. God does not measure greatness the way people do. God pays attention to people and their conditions, especially those who are suffering. Illustration: Prison Ministry Prison ministry strips away props, technology, and fanfare. You can't take your laptop, phone, Apple Watch, or screens. You go in with: A Bible A simple watch Glasses A few notes And Jesus in your heart This is micro-level ministry—core, simple, compassionate. God pays attention to that. 4. A Big God Who Sees and Uses Small Things A. God Sees Small Things Luke 12:6–7 – God cares about sparrows and numbers every hair on your head. Jesus regularly highlights small acts of faith, not big personalities. B. God Uses Small Things Biblical examples: A boy's small lunch (loaves & fishes) Rahab's small but courageous lie to protect the spies David's sling and five smooth stones Samson's donkey's jawbone The woman's touch of Jesus' garment Gideon's 300 soldiers A man loaning Jesus his donkey All small acts. All with massive impact. C. God Uses Simple Things Especially in ministry to the marginalized—juvenile centers, prisons, people at the margins of society. Simplicity reveals Christ most clearly.   5. Ministry in the Margins: The Meaning of “Margins” The sermon uses the metaphor of a book: The text is the main content—where “most people” live. The margin is outside the center—where people feel unseen, unwelcome, or displaced. Some people live in the margins because: Society pushes them there They don't fit expected norms They experience hardship, injustice, or lack They aren't embraced by the “main text” Jesus, however, identifies with people in the margins. He says: “I was hungry… I was thirsty… I was a stranger…” He does not say “they were hungry.” Jesus dignifies the marginalized by identifying with them personally. Christ's Identification With the Marginalized Jesus Himself: Was never literally sick or imprisoned Was never homeless in the modern sense But He chooses to identify with those who are. Why? Because if you are trapped in the same condition yourself, you cannot lift someone else out. He identifies so He can elevate. 6. The Problem in American Christianity Dr. Hudson warns against a version of Christianity obsessed with: Power Privilege Proximity to the wealthy Cultural influence Celebrity preachers “Macro-only ministry” The Gospel calls us back to the heart of Christ—a heart that sees the hungry, thirsty, undocumented, imprisoned, and sick. As his grandfather preached: “You got what you wanted, but lost what you had.” 7. Macro & Micro Together in Scripture Examples: Proverbs 16:9 Macro: A man plans his way Micro: The Lord directs his steps James 2:14 Macro: Faith Micro: Works Both are required. 8. Sheep vs. Goats: A Call to Be a Sheep A. Sheep Characteristics Gentle Stay close together Easily follow the shepherd Respect boundaries Stay where God places them Ready to inherit the kingdom because they've been walking with the King B. Goat Characteristics Wander into danger Break boundaries Independent Do their own thing Resist leadership Not oriented to the flock Self-willed This explains the behavior of many people. C. Why Sheep Inherit the Kingdom Not because God “picked” them that day, but because: They were already aligned with Christ Their lives consistently reflected His compassion Their hearts were shaped by love, not self-service “Be a sheep and not a goat.” 9. Final Exhortation: God's Kingdom Is Love in Action Jesus separates people not by: Religion Church attendance Public image Size of ministry Amount of Bible knowledge But by compassion expressed toward others. Two realities: The unrighteous (goats) face judgment for indifference and self-service. The righteous (sheep) inherit the kingdom because they carry the King's heart. “Faith works through love.” — Galatians 5:6   10. Closing Prayer Themes Gratitude for the Word Correction and reorientation of our attitudes Desire to reflect the compassion of Christ Awareness that God sees even sparrows—and certainly sees us Thankfulness for people who care and serve quietly A commitment to be sheep, not goats A call to draw close to Jesus and His heart for the marginalized One-Sentence Summary This sermon teaches that while God is great and majestic (macro), He pays the closest attention to small, compassionate acts done for people in the margins (micro), and those who consistently walk in such compassion—His “sheep”—are the ones who inherit His kingdom.

Matthew 25:31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

Hebrews 1:1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

John 15:12–13, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.”   Listen to the Message from Sunday, October 26 What Do You See? Fulfilling Purpose, No Excuses Breaking “Christian” Strongholds   

Summary: “What Do You See? Fulfilling Purpose—No Excuses” Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min.  Primary Texts: Jeremiah 1:1–12; Esther 4:13–14; John 18:36; 2 Cor. 10:3–5 DOWNLOAD THIS SUMMARY Jeremiah 1:3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month. 4 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified[a] you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” 6 Then said I: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” 7 But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,' For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. 8 Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord. 9 Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. 10 See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant.” 11 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see a branch of an almond tree.” 12 Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word.”   Thesis: How you see—with Spirit-given vision, not just physical sight—determines how God can use you. Vision silences excuses and activates purpose right where you already are. 1) Vision vs. Sight Opens with Dr. Myles Munroe's line: sight is with the eyes; vision is with the heart. We act out of what we see internally; no one acts beyond their beliefs and understanding. Best motivator of action: God's purpose and love of neighbor. Worst motivator: self-interest. Greatest enemy to purpose: accepting limitations and making excuses. 2) Jeremiah's Context and Call Jeremiah ministers in a divided kingdom (Israel & Judah). Israel already fell; Judah still “with God” yet drifting into idolatry and injustice. God's word to Jeremiah (Jer 1:4–10): Before birth—God knew, formed, sanctified, appointed him. Jeremiah's excuse (“I'm too young / can't speak”) is dismissed by God. God gives a threefold redirection: Command: “You shall go…and speak.” Prohibition: “Do not fear their faces.” Promise: “I am with you to deliver you.” Provision: God touches Jeremiah's mouth, putting His words there—empowerment. Assignment: “Root out, pull down, destroy, throw down”—then “build and plant.” 3) Inside the System, Yet Unconformed God often uses people already inside systems if they refuse to be conformed. Jeremiah: born into priestly establishment, yet called to confront corruption. Esther: positioned in power and tempted to silence; Mordecai reminds her she's there “for such a time as this.”She risks comfort to challenge an evil decree. 4) Two “Kingdoms”: Counterfeit vs. Christ's Dr. Hudson contrasts “Christianity without Christ” with the Christianity of Christ: Manifest Destiny and the Doctrine of Discovery (historical justifications for conquest and displacement) and chattel slavery are cited as religiously-coated systems that harmed people—ends never justify means. Frederick Douglass is quoted distinguishing the pure Christianity of Christ from the hypocritical religion of his time. “I love the pure, peaceable, and impartial Christianity of Christ; I therefore hate the corrupt, slaveholding, women-whipping, cradle-plundering, partial, and hypocritical Christianity of this land. Indeed, I can see no reason, but the most deceitful one, for calling the religion of this land Christianity. I look upon it as the climax of all misnomers, the boldest of all frauds, and the grossest of all libels.” (Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave) Contemporary Christian nationalism seeks to wield state power to impose religion. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36); the Gospel changes hearts, not by coercive law. Christians hold dual citizenship: we preach the Gospel, love neighbors, pursue justice, and elect competent public servants, but we do not try to “Christianize” worldly power. 5) Excuses vs. God's Plan God ignores excuses—they only “work” for the one making them. Inadequacy is real, but not a hiding place; the God who formed you increases capacity. Expect trouble for obedience; God already factored it in and promises presence and deliverance. 6) Weapons and Work of the Kingdom Our warfare is not carnal (2 Cor. 10:3–5). We pray, speak truth to power, show up, help people, and support leaders who serve the common good rather than self-interest. “Rooting out” includes exposing deception; “building/planting” means constructive actions that bless people and communities. 7) “What Do You See?”—The Almond Branch God asks Jeremiah what he sees (1:11–12). Almond branch—earliest to bloom—pictures God's watchfulness and swift action. Key: Jeremiah didn't need full interpretation to obey; he only needed to see what God showed. When Jeremiah saw God's adequacy more than his own inadequacy, God declared, “You have seen well… I am ready to perform My word.” 8) Applications & Practices Confession: Renounce excuses; receive assignment where you are; refuse fear; trust God's presence. Act where placed: Identify your sphere (home, work, school, civic board, ministry team). Two moves each week: One “tear down” act (truth-telling, intercession, challenging injustice). One “build/plant” act (mentoring, proposing just processes, starting prayer/helps initiatives). Discernment: Judge by fruit, not labels; avoid fruitless arguments; invest in people with ears to hear. 9) Closing Appeal & Prayer Place hope in Christ, not systems. Worldly empires fail; God's kingdom endures. Ask for grace to discern counterfeit religion, to shine light without anger, and to participate in God's change by changed hearts leading to changed conditions. Call to salvation, consecration, and immediate obedience—letting the “light turn on” and walking out purpose with no excuses. Bottom line: Seeing with kingdom vision—not merely with natural sight—positions you to confront lies, build what blesses people, and walk confidently in the assignment God prepared before you were born.

James 1:17, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.   1 John 1:5, The Apostle John wrote, “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.”  John 1:4–5, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”  

"The Light That Blinds: When Power Creates Darkness –  Moral Clarity in an Age of Injustice" by Bryan Hudson, D.Min. This is audio of an article read by a digital voice. To read the article VISIT THIS LINK on my blog.

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.

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.”

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!

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.”

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.”   

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.

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” 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.

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.

Psalms 142:3, When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew my path. In the way in which I walk They 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.

Bible Study at Jesus House Lesson by Pastor Bryan Hudson "The Good Fight of Faith." PowerPoint Slides of Lesson Jesus Inside Prison Ministry  www.JIPM.org 1 Timothy 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

Listen to the Message from Sunday, August 24, 2025 The Spirit of Faith, Part Two – The Good Fight of Faith     1 John 4:4, You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. Corinthians 4:8-9  We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed 

DOWNLOAD SLIDES DOWNLOAD AFFIRMATION OF GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH   Pastor Bryan Hudson's message "The Spirit of Faith, Part Two: The Good Fight of Faith" emphasizes that faith in God is not only for crises but a consistent lifestyle of belief and action rooted in God's Word.  Faith in God is an active, results-producing conviction that connects us to God's promises and must be developed like a muscle through discipline, consistency, and endurance.  A “good fight” of faith is assured victory because God fights our battles, while a “bad fight” comes from unpreparedness and inconsistency. Believers must look to Jesus, lay aside distractions and sins, exercise patience, and run with endurance to avoid spiritual fainting.  Regardless of the situations we face, a lifestyle of faith, and "fighting the good fight of faith" enables us to remain undefeated and triumphant because God's treasure lives within us. Summary of Message (Generated by OpenAI: The Spirit of Faith, Part Two: The Good Fight of Faith     1. Foundation of the Message Key Texts: 2 Corinthians 4:13 – And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak 1 Timothy 6:11–12, 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” Review from Part One: Faith is more than a tool for crises—it is a lifestyle. God has placed His treasure in “earthen vessels,” showing both His confidence in us and our responsibility to live faithfully. 2. What is the Spirit of Faith? A disposition or attitude aligned with the Word of God. The human spirit infused by the Holy Spirit producing bold, enduring faith. Not only belief, but a lifestyle that reflects faith in thought, conduct, and endurance. 3. Faith Defined Faith in God is an active, results-producing belief, that involves applying God's Word, taking action based on His promises. Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Weymouth's translation: “Now faith is a well grounded assurance of that for which we hope, and a conviction of the reality of things which we do not see.Analogy: Faith as a key fob—even when the car is not seen, possession of the fob guarantees its reality. The Amplified Bible, “Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see and the conviction of their reality - faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses.” 4. The Good Fight of Faith A good fight: one where the outcome is already assured because God fights for us. A bad fight: when unprepared, careless, or inconsistent (e.g., cramming for a test, showing talent without discipline). Consistency—not just talent—earns trust. Faith is inseparable from faithfulness.   5. Lifestyle of Faith Faith must be developed like a muscle—strengthened through use, testing, and endurance. A lifestyle of faith is evidenced through: Consistent good works. Excellence in daily living. Spiritual disciplines (prayer, Bible reading, fasting, agreement in community). Without faith as a lifestyle, believers risk “fainting”—losing heart due to lack of spiritual nutrition. 6. How to Fight the Good Fight Look to Jesus – the Author and Finisher of faith (Hebrews 12:1–2). Lay aside weights and sins – not only obvious sins but unnecessary burdens. Run with endurance – not just soaring or sprinting, but faithfully walking without fainting. Exercise patience – faith and patience work together; they are “power twins.” Avoid weariness – consider the perseverance of Jesus, family, and others who endured. 7. Dangers of Fainting Physical fainting comes from lack of oxygen/nutrition. Spiritual fainting comes from lack of connection to Christ, lack of Word intake, and lack of consistency. Remedy: Re-focus on Jesus, nourish faith through obedience, and draw strength from faithful examples. 8. Marks of a Good Fight 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 – We may be hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down, but never crushed, in despair, forsaken, or destroyed. 1 John 4:4 – Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. The difference lies between external pressures and internal strength through Christ. 9. Affirmation of Faith (Confession) DOWNLOAD The sermon concluded with a powerful declaration: I have the spirit of faith and a lifestyle that supports it. I fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life. My faith grows daily through God's grace in both good and bad times. I endure with patience, will not faint, and triumph in Christ. 10. Core Takeaways Faith is not situational but a lifestyle of faithfulness. A “good fight” is already won because Christ secures the victory. Preparation, discipline, and patience make faith durable. Believers must avoid fainting by staying spiritually nourished and focused on Jesus. The spirit of faith ensures we triumph—even under pressure—because God's treasure lives within us.

2 Corinthians 4:6, For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

DOWNLOAD SLIDES DOWNLOAD AFFIRMATION OF THE SPIRIT OF FAITH   Summary of the message (Generated by OpenAI) The Spirit of Faith: Part One – A Lifestyle of Provision and Favor By Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin Main Text 2 Corinthians 4:13 — And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak Paul roots the teaching in faith as a lived reality: believing, speaking, and embodying Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:3, But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. Key Themes and Teachings 1. Treasure in Earthen Vessels God has placed His treasure (His presence, power, and favor) in us. This makes ministry possible: it's God doing the work through us. God has confidence in His people, just as we have faith in Him. Recognizing this treasure should influence our choices, attitudes, and lifestyle. 2. The Spirit of Faith Defined as a disposition or attitude that aligns with God's Word. Not simply belief in a moment, but a permanent posture shaped by the Holy Spirit within us. Like any human disposition (mood, attitude), the spirit of faith becomes the way we live and respond. Key principle: “I believed, therefore I spoke” (Psalm 116:10). Faith is honest—acknowledging struggles while declaring God's promises. Faith does not require denial of reality, but trust that God transforms reality. 3. Faith vs. Fear Both involve belief in the unseen: Fear imagines unseen dangers. Faith embraces unseen promises. If we can believe in fear, we can believe in faith. Example: Faith is like a key fob—evidence of what you don't yet see (the car). 4. Renewed Inwardly Outwardly, we may age or decline, but inwardly the Spirit renews us day by day. Faith focuses on unseen realities: God's ongoing renewal and strength. Comparison to maintaining a car: what's inside sustains and renews the outside. 5. Light Afflictions vs. Eternal Glory Paul calls his sufferings “light” compared to God's eternal glory. Faith reframes difficulties by viewing them against eternal realities. Affliction is temporary; God's work in us is weightier and eternal. 6. Example of Abraham & Sarah God promised them a child at 75 and 65, but fulfillment came at 100 and 90. Lesson: Faith requires lifestyle consistency over time, not momentary belief. They had to maintain the spirit of faith for 25 years. Faith does not deny barrenness or age—it believes God's promise beyond them. 7. Lifestyle of Faith True faith is not about one-time victories but a sustained way of life. Like athletes: a single good performance isn't enough; lifestyle determines consistency. Faith requires daily walking (“walk and not faint”), not just occasional soaring. Lifestyle supports faith's manifestation—holiness, prayer, Scripture, perseverance. 8. Seeing the Unseen 2 Corinthians 4:18 — “We look not at things seen, but unseen.” Physical circumstances are temporary; God's promises are eternal. Faith involves shifting vision: Seen reality: problems, lack, age, struggles. Unseen reality: God's provision, renewal, promises. Believers must choose what they focus on. 9. Faith Is Honest, Not Denial Faith doesn't call sickness health or deny problems. Faith acknowledges reality but affirms God's greater reality: “I may be sick, but I am healed through Christ's stripes. Application Guard your lifestyle: choices, attitudes, and disciplines matter. Sustain faith: don't quit during delay—promises often require waiting. Focus on unseen realities: God's promises outweigh temporary troubles. Walk daily: consistency in prayer, obedience, and trust reflects true spirit of faith. Provision and favor follow when the spirit of faith becomes lifestyle, not just an occasional act. ✅ Summary Statement: The spirit of faith is not a momentary belief but a sustained lifestyle of trust, obedience, and perspective rooted in God's promises. By recognizing the treasure within, aligning attitudes with God's Word, and walking daily in faith rather than fear, believers experience God's provision and favor—even amid affliction, delay, or unseen circumstances.   An Affirmation of the Spirit of Faith By Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin I have the Spirit of Faith, which is a proper disposition and attitude aligned with the Word of God. By the grace of God, I live a lifestyle that supports the Spirit of Faith. I walk in provision and favor because God is faithful and helps me be faithful to Him. I have God's treasure in this earthen vessel called my life. God entrusts His treasure to me, and I will live a lifestyle that honors Christ and continues in covenant relationship with God and my fellow believers in Christ. I embrace realities that I do not see. Though outward things are perishing, my inward person is being renewed day by day. The afflictions that I endure are light compared to the glory that is being revealed. I don't call things that are as though they're not. By God's grace, I call things that are not as though they were. God keeps His promises. The Spirit of Faith allows me to maintain the type of lifestyle that will allow God to manifest His provision and favor in my life. I don't have to look at the things that I see, because there's more to life than what my eyes can see. Through the Spirit of Faith, I see God's promises and purposes fulfilled. I have the Spirit of Faith and I am living a lifestyle of provision and favor

Romans 13:11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts

Matthew 17:14, And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him. 17 Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me." 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

DOWNLOAD KEYNOTE SLIDES Summary of Message by Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min. “Developing Mountain Moving Faith” Part Three from the series, “Lord, Teach Us to Pray” Scripture Foundation: Matthew 17:14–21 The message centers on the account of a father who brings his tormented son to Jesus after the disciples failed to heal him. Jesus rebukes the demon, heals the boy, and rebukes His disciples for their unbelief—despite their intentions and prior efforts. He then teaches that “this kind” (of challenge and deliverance) only comes through prayer and fasting. Main Theme: Faith Must Be Developed to Move Mountains Dr. Hudson emphasizes that faith is not automatic or instant; it must be cultivated, prepared, and developed over time, just like any skilled profession. This sermon explores how true faith—faith that produces results and moves mountains—develops through process, prayer, fasting, discipline, and refining trials. Key Points and Lessons 1. Faith Needs Development Faith is not a switch to flip but a process to grow. The disciples believed they could help the boy but lacked the spiritual development to meet the challenge. Just as craftsmen hone their skills over time, believers must grow in faith through experience and learning. “You don't start moving mountains. You start moving molehills.” 2. Understanding Unbelief Unbelief is not the absence of belief, but the lack of preparedness to meet a spiritual demand. Like a trained athlete who stops training and fails despite past success, the disciples failed because they were not ready. Unbelief = underdeveloped or unfocused faith. 3. Faith as a Mustard Seed Jesus didn't say “faith the size of” a mustard seed, but “faith as a mustard seed”—meaning faith that grows. Mustard seed faith starts small but is planted, nurtured, and grows into something powerful. Growth can happen quickly when we are willing to lean into God and walk away from distractions. 4. Two Types of Faith Faith (noun): Beliefs, doctrine, lifestyle (Jude 3). Faith (verb): Belief in action—obedient steps based on God's Word (Matthew 17:20). “You cannot have active faith without sound doctrine. Faith comes by hearing the Word.” 5. The Power of Prayer and Fasting Prayer and fasting are not about moving God—they move you. They shift your attention away from self-centered routines and help you focus on God. Fasting is not merely about abstaining from food; it's about setting aside personal pleasure and self-satisfaction to align with God's will. “You can't focus on yourself and focus on God at the same time.” 6. Hindrance to Faith: Offense and Bitterness Harboring offense or bitterness blocks faith development. Many offenses are not even sins—just preferences or misunderstandings. Scripture (Proverbs 19:11, Matthew 18:15) instructs believers to let go of offense or address it directly if it's a true sin. “Don't let anyone live rent-free in your mind and hinder your faith.” 7. Faith Must Have Corresponding Action (James 2:14–20) Faith without works is dead. Words alone are not enough. True faith produces change—in your heart, life, and lifestyle. Faith is not a transaction, but a lifestyle aligned with the will of God. “Faith is a habit—a consistent way of living and trusting God.” 8. Faith Will Be Tested by Fire (1 Peter 1:6–7) Trials are part of faith development. God uses refining fire to purify and strengthen our faith. Gold becomes more valuable after it is tested by fire—and so does genuine faith. “You won't burn up. You'll come out better, stronger, purer.” Key Quotes and Reflections “Faith is developed, not downloaded.” “Prayer and fasting don't move God—they move you.” “Unbelief is not disbelief; it's unpreparedness.” “Mountain-moving faith grows through molehill-moving obedience.” “Let go of offense—it's not worth stunting your faith.” Final Prayer and Exhortation Dr. Hudson concludes by thanking God for the process of developing faith. He encourages believers to embrace: The disciplines of prayer and fasting The necessity of letting go of offense The value of genuine, tested faith “Lord, thank You that our faith grows like a mustard seed—from a small beginning to something great and fruitful.” Summary Statement Developing mountain-moving faith is a journey of spiritual growth, intentional focus, disciplined habits, and grace under fire. Faith doesn't just appear; it is formed in the presence of God, shaped by the Word, tested by trials, and manifested through love, obedience, and action.

Psalm 52:1, Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The goodness of God endures continually. 6 The righteous also shall see and fear, And shall laugh at him, saying, 7, Here is the man who did not make God his strength, But trusted in the abundance of his riches, And strengthened himself in his wickedness. But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever. 9 I will praise You forever, Because You have done it; And in the presence of Your saints I will wait on Your name, for it is good.

Philippians 3:16 (NKJV), Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. NLT,  But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. AMP,  Only let us stay true to what we have already attained

Listen to the Message from Sunday, July 13, 2025 Lord, Teach Us to Pray, Part Two – Kingdom, Power, and Glory Forever   1 Corinthians 1:10, Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. What is God waiting for? For believers, especially in the local church exercise the power of agreement in purpose and practice, Matthew 18:19, Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” 1 Corinthians 3:9, For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. Without agreement in purpose and practice, There is no laboring together, there is no field, there is no building.

Message Summary (by OpenAI) Title: “Lord, Teach Us to Pray – Part Two: Kingdom, Power, and Glory Forever” Speaker: Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min. Main Text: Luke 11:1 | Matthew 6:9–13 Introduction Dr. Bryan Hudson continues his teaching series based on the Disciples' request to Jesus in Luke 11:1, “Lord, teach us to pray.” The message narrows in on the concluding phrase of what is commonly known as the Lord's Prayer: “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:13) Rather than a line to recite, this statement is a declaration of divine ownership, authority, and purpose. Dr. Hudson emphasizes that believers are called not only to pray this truth, but to live in it, sustain it, and ultimately become kingdom. I. Immersed in the Kingdom of God Not just experiencing the Kingdom — Believers are called to become Kingdom. Like language immersion makes one fluent, immersion in God's ways makes believers fluent in the Kingdom. Jesus taught us to prioritize God's reign: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”(Matthew 6:33) Key Statement: “If you seek the Kingdom, things will find you. You don't have to chase after blessings.” II. How to Sustain God's Kingdom, Power, and Glory in Your Life Dr. Hudson identifies four foundational principles that sustain a life infused with God's presence and purpose: 1. Faith in God Trusting God's character and promises. Root of spiritual stability and resilience. 2. Prayer Ongoing, intentional communication with God. Modeled by Jesus and commanded to His disciples. 3. Quality Decisions Definition: A decision made with clarity, alignment to God's Word, with no retreat. Quality decisions reflect maturity and purpose. They allow believers to move forward without being hindered by past mistakes. Examples of Quality Decisions: Moses choosing to suffer with God's people (Hebrews 11). Ruth choosing loyalty to Naomi, leading to her place in Jesus' lineage. Jesus choosing God's will over His own in Gethsemane. Examples of Poor Decisions: Esau trading his birthright for temporary satisfaction. Saul disobeying God and offering unauthorized sacrifices. Judas betraying Jesus. 4. Agreement The power of walking in unity with others in purpose and direction. Dr. Hudson explains Amos 3:3 as “agreement to walk together,” not “agreement on everything.” True agreement requires shared purpose and relational unity, not identical opinions. III. The Power of Agreement A. Biblical Agreement Matthew 18:19–20: Jesus promises to be present where two or three are gathered in His name. Agreement brings authority: binding and loosing — declaring what is proper or improper according to God's will. Agreement leads to divine presence and intervention. B. Misused Agreement: Tower of Babel (Genesis 11) The people were united, speaking one language, and agreed to build a tower to glorify themselves. God intervened by confusing their language, breaking their agreement, because: They were united in self-exaltation. The principle of agreement was valid, but the purpose was wrong. Key Insight: “Right principle, wrong people, wrong purpose.” IV. Biblical Unity and Corporate Purpose A. 1 Corinthians 3:9 “For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building.” Without agreement in purpose and practice, there is no fruitful ministry. The church must function in unity, not uniformity. B. Psalm 133 Unity is compared to oil flowing from the head of Aaron — symbolizing divine blessing and anointing. Unity is the place of commanded blessing. V. Application to Life and Ministry A. In Marriage and Relationships Agreement doesn't require total sameness, but commitment to shared purpose. Dr. Hudson uses humorous examples from his marriage to illustrate mutual compromise and unity. B. In Church Life God's power is available, but we must come into agreement and unity to access it. No agreement = No blessing. The power and glory of God are not “awaited” — they are present and available when we are aligned with His kingdom. VI. Confession of Faith, Unity, and Purpose The sermon concluded with a corporate confession, reinforcing the message's themes. Believers affirmed that they: Walk in purpose Live in divine power Make quality decisions Serve with unity Are becoming “kingdom” through immersion in God's ways Are fellow workers, fields, and buildings of God “Forever starts today.” Agreement with God and one another allows believers to experience His kingdom, power, and glory in their lives now, not only in eternity. Final Charge and Prayer Summit Invitation Pastor Hudson invited the church to a corporate prayer summit, underscoring the importance of gathering in agreementas a church body. He exhorted believers to show up physically, not just spiritually, emphasizing that God is waiting on us, not the other way around.

LUKE:11:1 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” Summary of "God's Will Be Done in Me" – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute by Dr. Bryan Hudson Dr. Bryan Hudson explores the meaning and personal impact of the Lord's Prayer, particularly the phrase: “Your kingdom come, your will be done in earth as it is in heaven” (Luke 11:1-2). He emphasizes that this is not just a general prayer, but a call to become immersed in God's kingdom and aligned with His will. He explains that the "kingdom" refers to the King's domain—God's rule within us—drawing a contrast with earthly kingdoms like that of King Charles in England. Importantly, Dr. Hudson notes that America does not have a king, so biblical references to kings don't apply to the U.S. presidency. Using his travel experiences, especially driving in England, he illustrates how adapting to a new culture requires acclimation—just as entering and living in God's kingdom requires a transformed mindset and immersion. The central message is that when we are fully immersed in God's kingdom, His will naturally becomes our desire and way of life. The more we live “kingdom-minded,” the more we will live out God's will here on earth, just as it is in heaven. He concludes by encouraging listeners to seek full immersion in God's kingdom and to listen to the related Sunday message: “Lord, Teach Us to Pray, Part One: Your Kingdom Come.”