Five Life-Altering Benefits of Giving Thanks

Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments




Giving thanks to God is one of the best things we do because it is inclusive of worship, prayer, faith, holiness, giving, and sacrifice.

Giving thanks to God is one of the best things we do because it is inclusive of worship, prayer, faith, holiness, giving, and sacrifice.

#1 “Giving Thanks to God is fundamental.” It’s one of those things we do that makes other things possible.

Psalm 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

God trained his people Israel very early about the importance of giving thanks by instituting the Law of peace offerings, also called thanksgiving offerings.

Leviticus 7:11-11 (NKJV)  ‘This is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings which he shall offer to the LORD: 12 If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer, with the sacrifice of thanksgiving, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers anointed with oil, or cakes of blended flour mixed with oil. 13 Besides the cakes, as his offering he shall offer leavened bread with the sacrifice of thanksgiving of his peace offering.

Lev. 22:29 And when you offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the LORD, offer it of your own free will. 

#2 Giving thanks helps keep our lives clear of anxiety, sin, darkness, deception. 

Romans 1:21, Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. 3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 

Philippians 4:6, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

#3  Giving Thanks is the container that allows us to hold blessings, benefits and responsibilities 

Eph. 5:15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. [Giving Thanks] 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

#4 Giving thanks puts us in a position to allow God to transform every weakness into a strength

2 Cor. 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

1 Timothy 4:4: For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;

Heb. 13:15 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. 

#5 Thanksgiving draws us closer to God and to others. 

Psalm 35:18, I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people. e.

Psalm 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

God trained his people Israel very early about the importance of giving thanks by instituting the Law of peace offerings, also called thanksgiving offerings.

Leviticus 7:11-11 (NKJV)  ‘This is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings which he shall offer to the LORD: 12 If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer, with the sacrifice of thanksgiving, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers anointed with oil, or cakes of blended flour mixed with oil. 13 Besides the cakes, as his offering he shall offer leavened bread with the sacrifice of thanksgiving of his peace offering.

Lev. 22:29 And when you offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the LORD, offer it of your own free will. 

#2 Giving thanks helps keep our lives clear of anxiety, sin, darkness, deception. 

Romans 1:21, Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. 3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 

Philippians 4:6, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

#3  Giving Thanks is the container that allows us to hold blessings, benefits and responsibilities 

Eph. 5:15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. [Giving Thanks] 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

#4 Giving thanks puts us in a position to allow God to transform every weakness into a strength

2 Cor. 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

1 Timothy 4:4: For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;

Heb. 13:15 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. 

#5 Thanksgiving draws us closer to God and to others. 

Psalm 35:18, I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people. 

First Reflections on 11 Days in Eldoret, Kenya

Wednesday, November 13, 2013 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


Heading home from Kenya in a few hours. Trying to get my head around this experience for the past 11 days. My heart will forever be knitted to the great people of Kenya. I will never forget the reality of what people are dealing with beyond my "bubble" of blessing. This was my fourth missionary journey to Africa. On this journey, I connected more deeply with the joys and sorrows of the everyday life of many Kenyan/African believers and children living without a social "safety net." I also better understand how poverty destroys people from without--and from within.

We should not underestimate or under-appreciate the benefits of what "We the People" have in America. It's not that believers and the church cannot be more impactful in meeting needs. It's that we are so focused on trying to get more blessing and be happier, that we can neither see nor commit ourselves to helping others. In Kenya the "haves" and "have nots" are almost completely separated, except for what believers in Christ are doing to make a difference. We must not allow that to happen in America or in our Christian lifestyles.

Let's stay connected to our neighbors and fellow citizens. Let's not forget those who are out of sight. Let's reduce our appetite and demand for personal blessing and look for ways to share our blessings with others. Let's find motivation and purpose beyond the things that make us feel happier. We preachers need to stop entertaining and "spoiling" folk and help them understand and embrace the "whole counsel of God." Remember this truth: "You are [already] complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power." (Colossians 2:10) 

~ "Bwana Asifiwe!" (Swahili for "Praise the Lord!)

_______

Link to photos from our mission to Kenya, Africa: http://inspirationimages.zenfolio.com/f660557373

Greetings and Blessings from Eldoret, Kenya!

Thursday, November 07, 2013 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments

I am writing today from Eldoret, Kenya, which is about 200 miles northwest of Nairobi. We have travelled to Kenya to hold a leadership conference and Gospel Crusades.

I taught two opening leaders/pastors sessions on Wednesday morning, after 33 hours of travel and arriving Tuesday evening. Felt totally refreshed after a full night of sleep and had no "jet lag!" I taught using an interpreter who translated into Swahili. The pastors from Eldoret and Kisii (Kenya) said they were blessed and greatly encouraged!  ForWednesday late afternoon, our outdoor crusade was cut short due to rain and wind.
Teaching with an Interpreter

This morning, November 7 begins day two of our mission.

We are the guests of Pastor Allan Mugoha and the Restoration Vision Centre, which serves people in an impoverished part of the city. Eldoret is the second largest city in Kenya. It has thriving small businesses and a number of colleges and training centers. Eldoret is also home to a training center for Kenya's world class distance runners. Most people are self-employed as vendors of various goods and services, from fruits/vegetables, to fabrics, to handmade furniture such as bed frames and wicker chairs.
Furniture makers
Kenya is reported to have an 80% Christian population. As in the USA, this certainly does not indicate that 80% of the population are born again Christians. However, indicators of identification with Christ are impressive. Many shops and minivans used as taxis carry Christian graphics and names such as "Glory" or "Blessed by God." Unlike other African cities like Lagos, Nigeria, where Islamic prayers can be heard blaring over loudspeakers every morning, Eldoret is more influence by Christianity and less by Islam.

That said, it seems clear that many people, and especially children, need to know Christ as Savior and Lord. The poverty we've seen outside the central city is overwhelming. While hunger does not appear to be a major crisis because of the richness of agriculture and livestock, many people are living well below poverty, and some live in squalor.

Eldoret Downtown traffic
Our team is staying in at a Christian owned Hotel and Conference facility on the outskirts of the city called the Noble Center. It is a beautiful facility with manicured landscaping, flowers and excellent accommodations. Everyday, I've seen prosperous Kenyans enjoying breakfast and gathering for business meetings at this conference center. I certainly have more in common with these folks, in terms of lifestyle, than our host Pastor and the people we are ministering to everyday. However, my heart is joined to those in need.

As in the USA, I am concerned that the prosperous Christian community here in Eldoret may be isolated from their impoverished fellow citizens and believers in Christ. I certainly cannot conclude anything from a few days in country, but the disparity between "haves" and "have nots" seems to be much greater than in the USA.

Giving prophetic word to pastor
Though some American Christians want to criticize "big" government and pretend that people in poverty should simply "pull themselves up by the bootstraps," our practice of public/private partnerships in helping one another and sharing our blessings with people who are less fortunate is a reflection of our Christian love and generosity.

Every bad road we have travelled for our brief time here, every open sewer running past the homes of people, and every uneducated child, reminds me that our Christianity cannot be confined to our churches and privileged lifestyles.

We are looking forward to continuing in ministry to pastors and Christian leaders in the mornings and holding Gospel crusades in the afternoon through Saturday. Thank you for your prayers!

Pastor Bryan Hudson

What Grace Teaches Us

Friday, November 01, 2013 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.

God's grace (underserved favor and operational power) saved us and teaches us how to live soberly (a sound mind), righteously (doing what is right, the right way), and godly (reflecting Christlikeness). And we can do all that TODAY and everyday, even though we live in the midst of people and influences that run opposite to God's way.

We face a lot of pressures to compromise, not be accountable to others, and put personal gain over the greater good. Being Christians, ministers, or church members does not grant automatic understanding of the lessons of grace. Believers, more than all others, have the privilege to be taught and benefit from God’s grace, which is His underserved favor and operational power!
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