You Are God's Masterpiece Because of the Power of His Plan

Wednesday, December 31, 2014 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments

 from http://inspirationimages.zenfolio.com
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

A Masterpiece is defined as: a work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship. An artist's or craftsman's best piece of work.

A masterpiece does not happen by accident. It is not the result of something random. A masterpiece is the result of an inspired plan. We usually relate a masterpiece to artwork or some other work of an artist, whether literary, or music or architecture. Basically, a masterpiece is anyone’s best work. Not “best” in relation to someone else’s work, but only in relation to your work and potential.

It has been said that the new birth (being created “anew” in Christ) is the greatest miracle we’ll ever experience. There is no underestimating the importance of new life in Christ, especially when considering the power of God’s plan and what Jesus sacrificed to make it happen for us. 

According to the Apostle Paul, believers in Christ are God’s masterpiece. Every person, including non-believers, has great value and dignity because every person is made in God’s image and likeness. However, the idea of being God’s “masterpiece” is related exclusively to our re-creation or re-birth in Christ. There is no masterpiece lifestyle without the life of Christ.

I marvel at some manmade masterpieces I’ve seen such as the art of Michelangelo, the Hoover Dam, St. Paul’s Cathedral in London (completed 1708), the music of Mozart, the writings of Maya Angelou, and more.  Here in Indianapolis, the Soldiers and Sailor’s monument downtown on the "circle" is a masterpiece of sculpture and architecture from 1891. 

A masterpiece makes one say, “How did they do that?” There is no underestimating what inspired people can do when they have an exceptional plan.

Masterpiece works come from a plan, extraordinary effort, as well as “suffering” to stay with the plan amid challenges. There is nothing easy about producing masterpieces. 

What Jesus did for you and me was extraordinary! You are a masterpiece because of His work!

All great plans, including God’s plans, begin with purposes and promises. Reading and hearing plans builds hope, faith, and high expectations. Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Many centuries ago, when God wanted to build the hopes and faith of his people who were captives in Babylon, He instructed Jeremiah to write a letter:

Jeremiah 29:1 Jeremiah wrote a letter from Jerusalem to the elders, priests, prophets, and all the people who had been exiled to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar...4 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: 5 “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. 6 Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! 7 And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”
10 This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

This letter, like other writings in the Bible, are designed by God to impart hope, instruction for victorious living, and faith to do God’s will.

This is the POWER of God’s plan for your life! Develop a "Masterpiece Mindset" and your best work!

 ~ Bryan Hudson

 ____________________________

Subscribe to Firm Foundation Podcast

 Read this excellent article by John Maxwell, "Without a Plan, You're Growing Nowhere"

Kingdom Best Practices

Saturday, December 27, 2014 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments

Definition of best: Of the highest quality, excellence, or standing: the best work; the best students. most advantageous, suitable, or desirable: the best way, most productive of good :  offering or producing the greatest advantage, utility, or satisfaction

Definition of 'Best Practices: A set of guidelines, ethics or ideas that represent the most efficient or prudent course of action. Best practices are often set forth by an authority, such as a governing body or management, depending on the circumstances. While best practices generally dictate the recommended course of action, some situations require that such practices be followed.

All the important professions and careers in our society our guided by best practices. As believers in Christ, how much more should best practices guide our actions?

Kingdom best practices:
  1. Following: Proverbs 16:20, Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
  2. Praying: Philippians 4:6, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
  3. Caring: 1 Corinthians 12:24 But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.
  4. Serving: Galatians 5:13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
  5. Giving: Prov. 3:9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase
  6. Honoring: Romans 12:9, Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord
  7. Preaching: Luke 9:6, So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
  8. Humility: Philippians 2:2 Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 


Jesus: The Promise Keeper

Wednesday, December 17, 2014 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments

Matthew 4:13 And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:  15 “ The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles:16 The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.”

Jesus fulfills prophetic promises made by God the Father. The statement, "that it might be fulfilled," indicates an action taken by Jesus in direct fulfillment of some promise or purpose of Scripture. In this instance from Isaiah 9:2 , "…The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light…" 

The need for this "light" to shine upon people in darkness was revealed in Isalah 8:19-20 (NLT), "Someone may say to you, “Let’s ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.” But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead? 20 Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark."

God saw the problems of His people, and all humanity, due to their own sin and willful ignorance. In His love and kindness, the Lord decided to address their (and our) problems with a promise:

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace there will beno end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

God's promised solution, then and now, is the same: Jesus Christ!

Today, we need to reflect that same light in shining on our generation who sit in darkness.

Sunrise & Sunset. Two Oceans. A Picture of Hope and Renewal.

Wednesday, December 03, 2014 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments

http://inspirationimages.zenfolio.com
On Wednesday, December 3, I had the privilege to watch sunrise out of the Atlantic Ocean and sunset into the Gulf of Mexico. It was a wonderful experience and a reminder of God's power, goodness, and steadfastness.

As an artist and Bible teacher, I find something very significant in watching the sun "rise" and "set." Of course, we know that the sun is not orbiting the earth, so the rising and setting of the sun is a matter of our perspective as inhabitants of planet Earth. For me, the experience is humbling. It is a picture of hope and renewal.

Every sunrise and sunset represents one day in life. Each day presents an opportunity to rejoice, reflect, and renew. We rejoice in the gift of life. We reflect on God's power to carry us through each day. We renew our dedication to love God and love others.

The first "time lapse" video was filmed in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea which is a town on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean about 10 miles north of Ft. Lauderdale. This 30 second video represents about 20 minutes of time.



I drove west about 100 miles across Florida to the city of Naples. The second video was filmed on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico (which technically is an ocean "basin").

While the Atlantic coastal waters are often boisterous and noisy, the waters of the Gulf of Mexico are usually more calm. It is an interesting contrast that reminds me of life, which is often a mixture of both tumult and serenity.



From a technical perspective, these YouTube videos are available in "4K" or Ultra High Definition (UHD) resolution. UHD (3840 × 2160) is four times higher resolution than HD (High Definition 1920 x 1080).

The stunning clarity of the video can only be seen on a 4K/UHD "smart" television (connected to YouTube), or 4K/UHD computer display. However, you will enjoy viewing it on a HD or whatever display you have.

Be encouraged and inspired!

Bryan Hudson,
December 3, 2014


Subscribe to: Posts ( Atom )