Overcoming Feeling Overwhelmed (Repost)

Thursday, July 29, 2010 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments

Psalms 102:27 (NLT) But you are always the same; your years never end. 28 The children of your people will live in security. Their children's children will thrive in your presence."

This Psalm of David began with the words, "A prayer of one overwhelmed with trouble, pouring out problems before the Lord..." (v. 1) David reflected the pressure he was feeling back to God. David, as a shepherd, was also carrying a burden of care for the people he served. In another era, Peter said, "Cast all your cares on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

In God's presence, we need to tell Him everything that is on our hearts, including our concern for others. This is not to inform the Lord, because He knows all things. We "cast" it so that we will not continue to carry that pain, disappointment, or pressure after spending time with the Lord.

Problems don't cease to exist after we give them to the Lord, but the absence of feeling overwhelmed makes it easier for you to find answers and see solutions.

The closing words of Psalms 102:27 shows David's resolution and encouragement as he ended his time with the Lord by recognizing that God alone offers stability, security and future success.


(Repost from October, 2009)

Plans that Stand

Friday, July 23, 2010 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments

Psalms 33:10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations
The Lord sees the plans that nations and people make. All those plans that do not place His purposes at the center, are plans in which God is not interested. These plans may not be evil in nature and may only serve a temporal purpose. 
We serve an eternal God who knows the end from the beginning. We serve a God who has put eternity in our hearts. While all of us must attend to temporal matters, or matters pertaining to our life in this present world, we also must pursue those purposes that have eternal value. These are the plans inspired of God that will stand forever. The most significant feature of such plans is that they express his heart by not being limited to our lifetimes. God's plans span the generations. 
So the key for aligning our plans with the plan of God is to understand his generational purposes. From my understanding of the Scriptures, what I have seen from the Garden of Eden, to Abraham, to Moses, to Israel, to our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the emergence of the church, is that God wants a family. And He wants His family to grow together, walk in love, and then share that love with those who do not know Jesus Christ.
Those plans that involve edifying God's family and encouraging others to know Christ are the plans that will not be thwarted, but will stand forever.

Let God solve it

Wednesday, July 21, 2010 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


Let God solve it
Saturday July 17 2010
Posted by Rick Warren

But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord's victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out there tomorrow, for the Lord is with you! 2 Chronicles 20:17 (NLT) 

"You can relax in faith, trusting that God is able to run things without your help."

What God tells Jehoshaphat in this passage, and what he would remind us today, is this: "The battle is not yours; it's mine. You don't have to fight in it."

In other words, it's God's problem. Let him solve it.

The fact is if you are God's child, then your problems are his problems. And he's much better at fighting your battles and solving your problems than you will ever be. Your job is to trust him to work it all out. Perhaps the reason we have so many tired, fatigued, and discouraged Christians is because we think, "It all depends on me."

The day you resign as General Manager of the Universe, you're going to find that it doesn't fall apart. You can relax in faith, trusting that God is able to run things without your help.

Twice in this passage it says, "Don't be afraid," and "Don't be discouraged." When you face a seemingly impossible situation, don't be afraid and don't be discouraged. Has God ever lost a battle? No. He doesn't lose battles.

God tells Jehoshaphat, "Take your positions and stand firm." What does it mean to stand firm? It means to have a mental attitude of quiet confidence.

You stand firm on two things:

  • The character of God - He's faithful. He does not bring us this far just to let us down. He doesn't bring you out on a limb and then cut off the limb. Have faith in the nature and character of God.
  • The truth of his Word - God's Word is faithful. You can count on the promises found in the Bible.

Mighty Words to Live By

Saturday, July 17, 2010 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


While doing my devotional reading this morning from Psalms 19, I began to take an excerpt of the text to share an exhortation for my blog. I quickly realized that this Psalm, like many others, provides its own best commentary.

Read prayerfully and thoroughly. These indeed are mighty words to live by!


Psalm 19

     1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
       the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

    2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
       night after night they display knowledge.

    3 There is no speech or language
       where their voice is not heard. [e]

    4 Their voice [f] goes out into all the earth,
       their words to the ends of the world.
       In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

    5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
       like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

    6 It rises at one end of the heavens
       and makes its circuit to the other;
       nothing is hidden from its heat.

    7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
       reviving the soul.
       The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
       making wise the simple.

    8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
       giving joy to the heart.
       The commands of the LORD are radiant,
       giving light to the eyes.

    9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
       enduring forever.
       The ordinances of the LORD are sure
       and altogether righteous.

    10 They are more precious than gold,
       than much pure gold;
       they are sweeter than honey,
       than honey from the comb.

    11 By them is your servant warned;
       in keeping them there is great reward.

    12 Who can discern his errors?
       Forgive my hidden faults.

    13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
       may they not rule over me.
       Then will I be blameless,
       innocent of great transgression.

    14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
       be pleasing in your sight,
       O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

"New Media for Ministry" now Available!

Thursday, July 15, 2010 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments

Yesterday, my new book, New Media for Ministry, was released. I am excited about sharing my insights and thoughts on media and new media as it relates to ministry. The book is available in print (122 pages), Kindle ebook, and PDF formats. As both a Kindle and iPad owner, I appreciate the convenience of enjoying book content on these devices. However, I still think that printed, or "dead tree," books continue to be an excellent, easy to use "technology" for the majority of people in our world.

I decided not to take an overly technical approach with the content, since new media professionals already know the tech stuff. The book was written to help pastors, organization leaders and Christian workers better understand processes and techniques related to media for ministry.

As a book dealing with new media, I thought it was also important to provide an online companion resource for discussion and idea exchange. Visit newmediaforministry.com/book/Contents.html to visit the companion website and interact with content from each chapter. Your insights and comments are welcome.

I hope you will consider purchasing my book and sharing this exciting news with your friends and associates!

Bryan

When you pray, EXPECT to see the blessing of God!

Saturday, July 03, 2010 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments

Acts 12:12 When this had dawned on him, he went to lthe house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. 13Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. 14When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, "Peter is at the door!" 15"You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel." 16But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.


The prayer meeting at Mary's house was well attended. The people prayed fervently. They cried out to God and asked Him to deliver Peter from jail.

The was only one small problem: When the Lord delivered Peter from jail and brought him to the house where the people were praying, they did not believe that God had actually answered their prayers.

Someone even told Rhoda, "Girl, are you crazy! How can Peter he at the door and we are still praying for him?" Another prayer warrior told her that she only saw Peter's angel at the door. Now that's harder to believe than God breaking Peter out of jail!

The lesson is simple: When you pray, start expecting to see God's answer, while you are praying.

This text also reminds us that God is doing much more than we often realize or recognize.
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