Day 30 - Furniture in a Field | Final Day of Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Tuesday, October 30, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



Proverbs 24:3, By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; 4 through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
It has often been said that “Knowledge is Power.” According to Proverbs, knowledge can fill “rooms” with many wonderful things, which may be desirable. But knowledge alone is not enough.
Can you imagine a room full of things without a house? How useful would it be to arrange furniture on an empty lot? Knowledge without wisdom and understanding looks like furniture in a field, without a structure or purpose.
Wisdom is the ability to know what to do and where and when to take action. Understanding is knowing the meaning of things.  Knowing the "what, where and why" of life must come before simply acquiring material possessions. 
Therefore, power is really found in possessing wisdom and understanding!
As always, the Word of God teaches us the best way to live!

Reflection Question: What do you understand after reading the Scripture and this lesson that you did not know before reading it.

Key insight I gained today:


Today’s action item based on insight:

Day 29 - The Path Principle | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Monday, October 29, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments




Proverbs 7:6, While I was at the window of my house, looking through the curtain, 7 I saw some naive young men, and one in particular who lacked common sense. 8 He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman, strolling down the path by her house…21 So she seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery. 22 He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap, 23 awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart.  He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life.

 Solomon used various methods to communicate the same message of gaining understanding and wisdom. Chapter Seven uses a first person narrative to describe someone he saw out of his window.  He says, "I saw some naive young men, and one in particular who lacked common sense." 

 What made this young man naive? The definition of naive is, “showing a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment.” He also lacked common sense. Why did Solomon regard this young man in this manner? This young man was walking down a path that led past the dwelling of a well known immoral woman. This is called “The Path Principle,” a term I first read in a book by Pastor Andy Stanley.

 Your path determines your destination. Your intentions and wishes do not determine your destination more than the path that has been chosen. The young man in the story did not know his day would end in sin and destruction because he was seemingly unaware of where his path led.

 The message of the story is to recognize the necessity of choosing our paths well. For example, hanging out with people who are up to no good is not just “hanging out,” it's a path! Spending time studying the Bible is not just reading. It's a path. Again, since every path has a destination, experiencing prosperity God's way begins with understanding our activities as paths leading to good or bad outcomes.

 Reflection Question: What  “good intentions” have you mistaken for a good path? What path (s) are you actually on?

 Key insight I gained today:

 Today’s action item based on insight:

Day 28 - Scattering Seed to Increase | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Sunday, October 28, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



Proverbs 11:24-25, There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. 25 The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself. 
Giving and generosity have always been a part of prospering God's way. This is another action that seems illogical: As we scatter our seed, God causes us to increase.  If we withhold too much, it leads to decrease. Giving to the Lord does not cause lack, and failing to give does not help one prosper.
Most everything that relates to living involves the principles or cycles of sowing and reaping. 
Genesis 8:22, (NKJV), While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, And day and night shall not cease.
There is a principle working in the earth called "Seedtime and harvest."  This can be understood as, 1) Seed, 2) Time, 3) Harvest. The Scripture also indicates that life has cycles and seasons. When give of our three “T’s” (Time, Treasure, & Talents), its like putting good seed into good soil. After a period of time, we can expect a harvest.
I have witnessed the benefits of this promise for my whole Christian life, over and over again, “...He who waters will also be watered himself.”
We should not be focused on clinging to what we have (which God gave us) or finding a way to get something from others. We should be more focused on “watering” or nourishing and refreshing others. This habit and lifestyle leads to tremendous blessing at all levels of life.
Reflection Question: What is the status of your giving of Time, Treasure and Talents? Are you giving all three to the Lord?

Key insight I gained today:


Today’s action item based on insight:

Day 27 - The Value of Wisdom | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Saturday, October 27, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments




Proverbs 9:7 Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt. 8 So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you. 9 Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more. Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. 11 Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. 12 If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit.  If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

Wisdom and understanding are most appreciated by those who embrace it. People who mock the things of God will likely not accept correction. Such persons need prayer and the saving message of the Gospel of Christ. We would like to think that we can help or “cure” anyone. But the fact remains that the Holy Spirit must help a person become receptive—something the Lord is quite expert at doing!

Wisdom is a virtue best shared among believers in Christ. The “righteous” are people who will honor God and rejoice in His ways. According to Ephesians 4:15-16, the body of Christ “edifies itself” in love. That is, we build each other up, not for selfish reasons, but to become more effective as a community and in reaching our generation for the Kingdom of God.

Verse nine says, "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom." Foundations are vitally important to buildings, especially tall ones. Laying a good foundation is the beginning to any successful building project. The "building project"of our lives requires understanding and living out the principle of the fear of the Lord. I define the fear of the Lord as "A deep desire to please and never displease the Lord." 

On the firm foundation of godly fear comes "good judgment" (to make wise decisions and choices), long life, and other benefits as God's purpose for our lives may determine.


Reflection Question: In what way(s) can you honor God and value His wisdom?

 Key insight I gained today:
Today’s action item based on insight:

Day 26 - Raising Hope and Removing Fear | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Friday, October 26, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



Proverbs 10:24, The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled; the hopes of the godly will be granted.

Fear and hope are strangely related. A lot of the negative things that happen to people are often attributed to fate, to the devil, to other people, and even to God.

While there is certainly no such thing as “mind over matter,” there is the reality of “mind over self.”
Hopes and fears move us to action both extrinsically (outward) and intrinsically (inward). Hope and fear also motivate us consciously and unconsciously.

Hope and fear are related because both are based in expectation. Hope expectsa good outcome. Fear expectsdanger and harm. People who live in fear will take unusual measures to guard against imagined threats and dangers. People who have hope will take measures to secure their dreams and bring to pass what they see in their hearts and minds.

Our Scripture text refers to the fears of the “wicked.” Is it possible for the godly to have fear? The answer is yes, and the godly won’t experience better outcomes if operating in fear.
We should only focus on the hopes that God wants to grant to the godly. So trust Him and live a godly life through Christ.

Reflection Question:What are 1-3 hopes you expect to be granted?

Key insight I gained today:
Today’s action item based on insight:

Day 25. - Your Bright Path | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


Proverbs 4:18-19, The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.

 The path of the righteous is full of light. The path of the wicked is dark. Paths are bright or dark, not because of the person walking the path, but because of the light of the Lord -- or a lack of of it.

 1 John 1:15 reads, "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all."

 As a teenager, I remember going down to the basement of our house one evening. The light switch was located at the top of the stairs in the landing. One of my parents turned the light off not knowing I was in the basement. The darkness was total and any path to walk among the various items stored in the basement was lost in that darkness. As our text states, "...They do not know what makes them stumble."

 There are many good reasons to walk with Christ in the light, but the best reason is this: There is no better alternative. Not only do we have the opportunity to walk the paths of life in God's light, we enjoy the blessing of more light or greater clarity as we walk with the Lord.

 Reflection Question: In what areas of your life do you need the light of God?

 Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

Day 24 - Four Ways to Become Wiser | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Wednesday, October 24, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



Proverbs 13:20, Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.
It has been said that a person can be known by the company he keeps. After our relationship with the Lord, our relationships with other people makes the greatest impact on our lives. Walking with the wise should be our objective, but achieving this is not as easy as it sounds. 
How can you identify wise people in your life? The first step is to avoid acting foolishly or connecting with foolish people. Foolish means, “resulting from or showing a lack of sense; ill-considered, unwise, a foolish action, a foolish speech, lacking forethought or caution.”
In a world consumed with darkness and deceit, simply avoiding foolishness is wise. However, spiritual growth and progress don’t come only by “not doing,” but it is a good place to start. It is better to be “pro-active,” which means, “Tending to initiate change rather than reacting to events.”
Four ways to walk with the wise and become wiser:

 1. Listen to, or read books from, people who do productive work and help others improve. 

 2. Ask good questions of people who are experts. Don’t be intimidated by people who know more than you. This is how we all learn

 3. Read the Bible and listen to the Lord. Who’s wiser than God

 4. Be prepared to change your mind and change your opinions when better information becomes available.

Reflection Question: Who are 1-3 wise people in your life whom you should listen to more than you do?

Key insight I gained today:


Today’s action item based on insight:

Day 23 - How Wisdom Makes Choices Easier | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Tuesday, October 23, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



Proverbs 2:10, For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. 11 Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.

 Sometimes people struggle with options and choices. They have difficulty deciding which way to go. This is especially true when options and choices appear to be mostly good. We’ve heard the saying, “Everything that seems good is not necessarily good for you.” What people consider “good” is usually driven by what friends and popular culture embrace. If everyone were driving a white car, then a white car would seem to be the good option.

 Because God’s wisdom and understanding are “holy,” these are not subject to the whims of people or popular culture. The best definition of the word “holy” is “other than.” The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the ultimate being (one God) existing as “Other Than” – absolutely nothing and no one can compare. Believers in Christ are called a “holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9).

 As partakers of holy wisdom and understanding from God, options and choices are narrowed by excluding everything that motivates people who lack wisdom, understanding, and divine purpose. When we operate on God’s resources, we experience true joy. Within that domain, you can only take the best option and make the correct choice.
 

 Reflection Question: Which options or choices would be easier if you excluded every prideful, worldly, or marketing influence?

 Key insight I gained today:

 Today’s action item based on insight:

Day 22 - Learning to Listen To Wisdom’s Words | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Monday, October 22, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


Proverbs 4:10 (NLT), My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. 11 I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths. 12 When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble. 13 Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.

 Listening to wisdom is the key to success and safety. We learn through listening. We become skillful through listening, following instructions, and gaining expertise through practice.

 When I was a college instructor, I re-discovered the truth that students whom people consider to be “smart” are mostly very committed listeners and followers of instruction. The habit of listening closely, as to be able to accurately represent what was said, is a talent for some, but something everyone can learn.

 The wisdom listeners’ promise of living a “long, good life” is not only a spiritual promise, but a practical reality. The simple, wise admonition of “buckle your seat belt” has saved many lives in auto accidents. Ignoring that practical wisdom has also, sadly, resulted in injury and loss of life.

 Wisdom is not simply listening to good suggestions. Living in the “House of Wisdom” is about enriching and saving our own lives, and the lives of others. We all know that life is full of obstacles. To these challenges, wisdom says, “When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble.” We overcome obstacles, not because we had a wisdom “pep talk.” We overcome because wisdom provides the understanding, knowledge, and skill to rise above those obstacles through the grace of God through Christ.

 When we take God’s wisdom seriously, Verse 13 takes on a new weight and meaning, “Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.”
Reflection Question: What is God’s wisdom speaking to you right now?

 Key insight I gained today:
Today’s action item based on insight:

Day 21 - Seven Everyday Blessings of Wisdom (6-7) | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Sunday, October 21, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments

6. Wisdom has friends. One of those friends is financial prosperity 
Proverbs 8:12 (NLT) “I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment. 13 All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech. 14 Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine.15 Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees.16 Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments. 17 “I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me. 18 I have riches and honor, as well as enduring wealth and justice. 19 My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver! 20 I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice. 21 Those who love me inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries."

7. Wisdom teaches us about the blessings of sowing and being generous. 

Poverbs 11:24-25 (NKJV), There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. 25 The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself. 

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:


Day 20 - Seven Everyday Blessings of Wisdom (4-5) | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Saturday, October 20, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



4. Wisdom teaches you how to guard your heart and focus forward. You learn to become less and less distracted
Proverbs 4:18 (NLT), The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. 19 But the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over…23 Guard your heart above all else,  for it determines the course of your life…25 Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27 Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

The cost of being constantly distracted from God's will is a price too high to pay. Verses 25-27 offer crystal clear guidance: 1) Focus forward, 2) Mark out or chart your path through prayer and planning, 3) Stay on good paths, 4) Don't let people or circumstances pull you aside, 5) Never follow evil.

5. Wisdom teaches us about the power of success through diligence. You learn valuable lessons from almost everything in life.
Proverbs 6:6 (NLT)  Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! 7 Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, 8 they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter. 9 But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up? 10 A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— 11 then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.

Proverbs 21:5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

Kenya Update from Pastor Bryan Hudson (360 Video)

Friday, October 19, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


CLICK ON PHOTO TO WATCH 360 VIDEO ON YOUTUBE



Day 19 - Seven Everyday Blessings of Wisdom (1-3) | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Friday, October 19, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


1. Wisdom gives you a firm foundation. You have a place on which to build or re-build your life.
Proverbs 1:1 (NLT) These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. 2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. 3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.  4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. 5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.  Let those with understanding receive guidance 6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. 

 2. Wisdom keeps you thirsty for God’s best. You learn not to settle for less when God wants you to have more.
Proverbs 2:2, (NLT) Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. 3 Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. 4 Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. 5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.

 3. Wisdom shows us how to listen, overcome obstacles and major on the majors. You develop an appreciation for the best things in life.
Proverbs 4:10 (NLT), My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. 11 I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths. 12 When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble. 13 Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.

 Proverbs 16:20 Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful.

 Key insight I gained today:
Today’s action item based on insight:

Day 18 - Practical Wisdom to Stay on Your Pathway of Life | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Thursday, October 18, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



Proverbs 10:17, People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.
The book of Proverbs often refers to a preferred pathway. In this text it refers to “the pathway of life.”
In our language there is a word called “pragmatic.” Being pragmatic is about looking at the practical consequences of actions before actions are taken. The person who is pragmatic first considers what is best and then builds a plan to achieve it. For example, if being out of debt is the best objective, a pragmatist will not use a credit card for consumer debt.
A person on the path of life is someone who does not have a problem accepting correction from God and wise people. Sometimes people are so concerned about hurt feelings that they refuse to give or receive correction. Don't let your emotions get in the way of receiving what you need to stay on the path of life. Whatever consequences or emotions that may follow correction cannot be worse than straying off a good pathway.

Reflection Question: What practical discipline should you apply to your life now to avoid a future problem?
Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

Day 17 - Planning to Succeed | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



Proverbs 16:1(NLT), We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.
The old saying is true, “People do not plan to fail, they fail to plan.” God will not do our planning for us simply because developing a plan is our responsibility, not His. We have delegated authority from the Lord, but not delegated action. We need God’s “answer” to the many options that good planning creates. This is the value of “waiting on the Lord,” (Psalm 27:14) which is not waiting for God to do something that is our responsibility.
Proverbs 16:3 Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.
After we have consulted with God about our plans, we seek wisdom about next actions. It is not enough to commit to what we've already planned to do. We need to submit those actions to the Lord so that He can perfect them and give us specific wisdom on each item. It is in the committing of action plans to the Lord that we discover grace for success.
Planning is an interactive process that includes the elements of: vision, time, information, financial resources, other people, tools suited to the task, and more. Because there are so many moving parts to a plan, we rely on God’s wisdom to sort everything out.

Reflection Question: For which of your action plans, do you need to slow down and fully commit that plan to the Lord?
Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

Watch "Healthy Mind = Healthy Life" Mental Health Awareness Video

Tuesday, October 16, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



Watch replay of "Healthy Mind = Healthy Life" Mental Health Awareness Workshop. Outstanding speakers and panelists covered a wide range of key topics related to mental health and wellness. 

Speakers and Panelists included: 
Dr. Gwendolyn J. Kelley, Ph.D., Educational Consultant
Mr. Stephen M. Jackson MSW, District Social Worker, MSD of Wayne Township
Ms. Tonia L Richards, LMHC, LCAC, Community North Hospital
Ms. Janelle Owens, Janelle Owens, PA-C, Hospitalist, Kindred Hospital
Ms. Sabrena Suggs, B.S., CYSP, CRS, CHW Mental Health & Recovery NAMI Educator/Advocate
Mrs. Stacy J. Williams, (Not Pictured) MSW, ProKids, Inc., Central Indiana First Steps

Day 16 - How to Deal With Enemies | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Tuesday, October 16, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



Proverbs 16:7, When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.
We spend too much time in conflict with people and too little time focused on pleasing God. An “enemy” is something or someone that creates hardship for your progress. It is something or someone that devalues, rather than values you.
Now, before you conjure up the faces and names of people who can be classified as “enemies” remember this Scripture, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age.” (Ephesians 6:12)
We don’t overcome enemies by focusing on people and circumstances. God’s ways often seem illogical. This is because His power does not rely on our understanding. We should be focused on pleasing the Lord and living victoriously in the spiritual realm, which is the framework for your natural life. For example, if we provide good consistent maintenance for our automobiles, we won’t have to think about all the things that could go wrong.
Pleasing God is another way of saying, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33)
When we please God, every enemy is disarmed!\
Reflection Question: What can you do now to please God rather than fretting about your enemies?
Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

Day 15 - Come Into the House of Wisdom | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Monday, October 15, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments




Proverbs 9:1(NLT) Wisdom has built her house; she has carved its seven columns. 2 She has prepared a great banquet, mixed the wines, and set the table. 3 She has sent her servants to invite everyone to come. She calls out from the heights overlooking the city. 4 “Come in with me,” she urges the simple. To those who lack good judgment, she says, 5 “Come, eat my food, and drink the wine I have mixed.6 Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live; learn to use good judgment.”

 Bible commentators suggest that Proverbs Chapters 1-9 are the introduction to the book, since Chapter Ten begins with the words, "The Proverbs of Solomon."

 It is fitting that Chapter Nine summarizes the message of the necessity of embracing wisdom, as well as the dangers of rejecting wisdom. In this text, we see wisdom portrayed as a "good" woman, in contrast to other narratives of the "immoral woman" to describe the condition of persons who lack wisdom.

 What is remarkable about this text is the portrayal of wisdom as a house possessing the following characteristics:  Stability ("seven pillars"), Provision ("banquet prepared"), Inclusiveness, (Servants sent to invite persons needing wisdom), and Satisfaction, ("Come, eat my food").

 I think of this as "The House of Wisdom." The message is, "Come into the house where wisdom is present." In a similar invitation, Jesus said, "Come unto me all you who labor…I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28).  The message is an invitation to come and dwell with God in His House of Wisdom.

 Verse Six is especially powerful: When we come into the House of Wisdom, we should make the choice to "Leave [our] simple ways behind, and begin to live." Coming to God provides an opportunity to leave behind the baggage of ignorance and foolishness. When we gain wisdom from the Lord, we must not go back to pick up our old ways. For example, I used to feel compelled to have the "last word." But after spending some time in the House of Wisdom, I left that simple-minded behavior behind years ago.

 Accept the invitation and learn how to prosper God's way.
Reflection Question: What will you gain in the House of Wisdom?
Key insight I gained today:
Today’s action item based on insight:

Day 14 - Is Your Cart in Front of Your Horse? | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Sunday, October 14, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



Proverbs 24:27, Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house.
Ambition is a powerful emotion and motivator.  Ambition defined: An earnest desire for some type of achievement or distinction, as power, honor, fame, or wealth, and the willingness to strive for its attainment.
Wanting to build and live in a very nice house is an ambition. It is something to dream about and tell others. We all have ambitions, but ambition without purpose and godly vision can only lead to arrogance. 
We use phrases like “putting the cart before the horse” or “major on majors” to express something similar to our Scripture text. 
I remember asking God about some property I considered buying. It was as if God said to me, “What about it?” I wanted God to give me a “yea” or “nay” on buying it. He wanted me to do what Proverbs 24:27 said, “plan and prepare.” Ultimately, raw ambition is little more than a form of dreamy laziness. Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan once used the phrase, “Irrational exuberance” to describe unrealistic investor attitudes.
Allow hope to sketch an outline of where you want to go, but spend your time planning, preparing, and exercising wisdom. 

Reflection Question: What is something you feel ambitious about that needs better planning to make happen?
Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

Day 13 - Raising Hope and Removing Fear | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Saturday, October 13, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



Proverbs 10:24, The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled; the hopes of the godly will be granted.
Fear and hope are strangely related. A lot of the negative things that happen to people are often attributed to fate, to the devil, to other people, and even to God.
While there is certainly no such thing as “mind over matter,” there is the reality of “mind over self.”
Hopes and fears move us to action both extrinsically (outward) and intrinsically (inward). Hope and fear also motivate us consciously and unconsciously.
Hope and fear are related because both are based in expectation. Hope expects a good outcome. Fear expects danger and harm. People who live in fear will take unusual measures to guard against imagined threats and dangers. People who have hope will take measures to secure their dreams and bring to pass what they see in their hearts and minds.
Our Scripture text refers to the fears of the “wicked.” Is it possible for the godly to have fear? The answer is yes, and the godly won’t experience better outcomes if operating in fear.
We should only focus on the hopes that God wants to grant to the godly. So trust Him and live a godly life through Christ.

Reflection Question: What are 1-3 hopes you expect to be granted?
Key insight I gained today:
Today’s action item based on insight:

_______________

Kenya Mission 2018

Day 12 - Full Barns. Overflowing Vats | Wisdom Becomes You Devotional

Friday, October 12, 2018 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments




Proverbs 3:9, Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. 10 Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.

This is one of our favorite Scriptures to motivate people to give money to the Lord through our ministries and local churches. It is appropriate for that purpose, but there is much more to it.
It is actually a Scripture that addresses the quality of our giving that leads to the quality of our harvest of blessings. Jesus said it this way, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38)
These Scriptures seem to focus only on the amount given, but the quality of giving is more important than the amount. For example, if a person is complaining while giving a large amount, it is neither the “best part” nor a “good measure.” While the church that receives the offering will certainly be glad to receive it, the giver may not receive much of a return. In other words, that unwilling giver might receive “wine” (some provision), but not receive “good wine” (maximum or strategic provision).
A person who cannot give a large amount of money (or some other kind of offering), yet offers their “best part” and “good measure” taps into the resources of God’s kingdom and grace in a special way. 
For example, the best part of our financial offering comes before paying taxes and bills. Giving to God what is left over after taxes and bills is far from the best part. This way of giving to God cannot be easily explained, but it is easily proven by those who practice it! 
The key words in this text are “Honor the Lord.” The word honor literally means “a valuing.” The picture is one of something valuable, precious or weighty, such as gold. Other definitions include: appreciation, esteem, favorable regard, respect.
Much more than what you give to the Lord is the value, esteem, respect, you have towards God when giving it. Anyone you honor will notice it. God does not need honor from us, but because He is honorable, you can only receive blessing from giving Him your “best part” and “good measure.”   God takes note of being honored.

Reflection Question: What are 1-2 examples of your “best part” that should be given to God?
Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:
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Kenya Mission 2018


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