Serve God Only – Subdue All Enemies (Including Self)

Monday, April 07, 2025 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments




Look at the outcome of God's people putting away "strange gods" and "serving God only:"

1 Samuel 7:3 And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. 4 Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the Lord only.

The Philistines showed up to test God's people:

7) And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel....

However, THIS TIME God's people were able to defeat the Philistines BECAUSE they served God only.

10) The Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the Lord thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel. 11 And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Bethcar.12 Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.

Moral to the story: Only serve God and your enemies will always be subdued by the hand of the Lord. The greatest enemy is self.

13) So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel

"God Takes Care of His Own" - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #162 for March 19, 2025

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


“God Takes Care of His Own”

  


Listen to the Message From Sunday, March 16, 2025

Podcast Summary: God Takes Care of His Own

In Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute (Talk #162), Dr. Bryan Hudson explores the theme that God takes care of His own, drawing from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. He explains that being a follower of Christ is more than adopting a religion—it is an invitation into God's family.

The message highlights the concept of redemption, emphasizing that believers were bought at a price—the life of Jesus Christ. This transformation is not achieved through human effort or religious rituals but through a change of ownershipfrom darkness to light, from sin to righteousness, and from the devil’s possession to belonging to God.

Dr. Hudson reminds listeners that glorifying God is not just a spiritual act but involves how we live daily—our habits, thoughts, and actions. He draws a parallel between how people care for their own possessions and how God, as our owner, lovingly takes care of us.

Referencing 2 Corinthians 5:18, he highlights the ministry of reconciliation, explaining that just as believers have been reconciled to God, they are called to share the gospel and help others return to God. The power of salvation lies in the message of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

The episode closes with an invitation to listen to Dr. Hudson’s New Creation Realities, Part Three: Your Ministry of Reconciliation, available via his blog and YouTube.




________________

Donate to New Covenant Churchhttps://cash.app/$newcovenantindy
Sow seed to Pastor Bryan Hudson, https://cash.app/$BryanIndy

Total Lunar Eclipse of March 15, 2024 - "The Heavens Declare the Glory of God"

Monday, March 17, 2025 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments

 


The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Psalms 19:1)

Many who follow my blog are aware that I am a photographer and an astrophotographer. I do professional services through Vision Communication Media LLC and enjoy photography as a hobby, especially the astrophotography genre.

Early morning on March 15, I have the joy of witnessing a total lunar eclipse, also called a "Blood Moon." A lunar eclipse is 
Earth's shadow passing over the moon. Looked like a red/orange ball hanging in the night sky. The color is from the sun behind the Earth refracting (changing direction) through the atmosphere shining on moon, causing orange/red light to blanket the moon in phases.

On April 8, 2024, I experienced the total solar eclipse, which is the moon's shadow passing over part of the Earth.  These events, and all the wonders, I see through my telescope at night, reminds me of the Majesty and greatness of God. We do not make the mistake of worshiping the creation, more than the Creator, but it's always an awesome site to look at what God is done in the universe!

During the early morning hours of March 15, the lunar eclipse started out with clouds, I was concerned that I might miss out on the eclipse. I asked the Lord to let me see it, and the skies opened! I'm sure I wasn't the only person asking the Lord to let us see this celestial event.

What I saw reminded me again that the God we serve regulates the universe and still watches over you and me. As the old folks used to say, "God sits high and looks low."

______

Click here to view my astrophotography gallery, which is more for enthusiasts of astrophotography as it contains technical details about each image.

Click here to view my Inspiration Images gallery, which contains all of the photos I have shared publicly. You can also purchase prints from this gallery.

Enjoy!

Bryan Hudson






New Creation Realities, Part Three: Your Ministry of Reconciliation, by Bryan Hudson, D.Min.

Sunday, March 16, 2025 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments




2 Corinthians 5:17-18 – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.”

Key Themes:

1. Reconciliation Begins in Christ

◦ True transformation happens in Christ—not through good works or self-effort.
◦ God reconciled us to Himself through Jesus and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.

2. You Belong to God

◦ 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "You are not your own; you were bought at a price."
◦ Many people try to add Jesus to their lives rather than fully surrendering to Him.
◦ God doesn’t do "timeshares" with our lives—He wants everything, not just a portion.

3. God Provides What He Requires

◦ Everything God asks of us, He also provides the grace to fulfill.
◦ Just as in education or training, high expectations come with high investment.
◦ Salvation is by grace through faith plus nothing (Ephesians 2:8-9).

4. With Reconciliation Comes with Responsibility

◦ Reconciliation not just a personal benefit; it’s a calling to extend it to others.
◦ We are reassigned after being reconciled—called to help restore others.

◦ The message must be shared, not just received.

5. Seeing People as God Sees Them

◦ Don't look away from the broken, hurting, or lost—see them, engage with them.
◦ True reconciliation requires recognition:
▪ Recognizing God's nature and human nature.
▪ Understanding that all people are created in God’s image (Imago Dei), even if they don’t yet reflect it.

6. Conciliation Before Reconciliation

◦ Reconciliation requires addressing what caused the division.
◦ No reconciliation without recognition and repentance.
◦ Applies to racial issues, family conflicts, and most importantly, our relationship with God.

7. Understand Human Nature

◦ The human heart is deceitful and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9).
◦ People want a god that serves them, but the true God is the one they must serve.

8. Indicators of the true God:

• Is from everlasting to everlasting
• Known to Adam, Abraham, Moses and the even the pagans of every generation
• Has the power to create, destroy, heal and reform
• Passes final judgment
• Knows the motivations of the heart
• Has purpose that transcends self-serving interests of people
• Manifests His presence in the earth through the Holy Spirit
• Has a son name Jesus Christ, who is God the Son

9. The Power of the Gospel

◦Salvation only comes through the message of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
◦The gospel itself is the power of God to salvation (Romans 1:16).
◦Our role is to preach Jesus, not just share opinions or impress people.

10. The Prodigal Son: A Picture of Reconciliation (Luke 15:11-31)

◦God eagerly watches for people to return to Him. When the prodigal son came to himself, he repented and returned. The Father welcomed him back with open arms, showing God’s heart. Don’t be jealous when God restores others—join in the mission of reconciliation.

Final Charge: Be Ministers of Reconciliation

• Recognize that all people belong to God.
• Share the gospel because salvation only comes through hearing and receiving it.
• Help bring prodigals home to God.
• Understand that God does not throw people away—He restores them.

This message emphasizes the blessing of believers to be reconciled to God and to actively extend "the ministry of reconciliation" to others. The message challenges listeners to fully surrender to Christ, recognize the power of the Gospel for salvation, and help people find their way back to God, their Creator.

Donate to New Covenant Church: https://cash.app/$newcovenantindy
Sow seed to Pastor Bryan Hudson,
https://cash.app/$BryanIndy

"All Things of God" - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #161 for March 12, 2025

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


“All Things of God”

  


Listen to the Message From Sunday, March 9, 2025

Summary: "All Things of God" – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #161

This talk emphasizes the biblical truth that when a person is in Christ, they become a new creation—old things pass away, and all things become new (2 Corinthians 5:17-18). The speaker highlights that believers do not have a “timeshare” relationship with God; rather, He owns our entire lives because He has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ.

Key points include:

• Total Ownership by God: Salvation, blessings, grace, and provision all come from Him. Believers belong fully to God, as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

• The Price of Redemption: Jesus gave His whole life to save us, so in return, we should fully dedicate ourselves to Him.

• Understanding Our New Creation: The greatest blessings, purpose, and provision come when we accept that we belong to God and trust Him fully.





________________

Donate to New Covenant Churchhttps://cash.app/$newcovenantindy
Sow seed to Pastor Bryan Hudson, https://cash.app/$BryanIndy

New Creation Realities – Part Two: All Things of God | Bryan Hudson, D. Min.

Sunday, March 09, 2025 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments




Summary of "New Creation Realities" 
Part Two: "All Things of God"

by Pastor Bryan Hudson, D. Min. (Summary by OpenAI)

Key Scripture:

2 Corinthians 5:17-18 – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.”

1. All Things Are of God

  • Salvation and new creation realities come from God alone—not from people, religion, or traditions.
  • God is the initiator of reconciliation; He designed people to be with Him, and through Christ, He restores that relationship.
  • There is no reconciliation without Jesus—He is the only way back to the Father.

2. God Owns Our Whole Life

  • Being a new creation means everything in our lives belongs to God—not just a portion.
  • Some people treat their relationship with God like a timeshare, giving Him only part of their lives, but God demands full ownership.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body and spirit, which belong to Him.”
  • Partial commitment leads to defeat; full submission leads to transformation.

3. Transformation Requires Letting Go of the Old

  • Becoming a new creation is not about improving the old, but replacing it completely.
  • Many people struggle because they hold onto old habits, mindsets, and religious traditions.
  • Just as old technology cannot be integrated into a new system, the old self must be completely surrendered to God.
  • Jesus didn’t come to “fix” Judaism—He established a new covenant.

4. Unlocking Greater Purpose Through Faithfulness

  • When we recognize that all things are of God, greater purpose is unlocked.
  • Luke 16:10 – “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much.”
  • Many people want big responsibilities in life, but they ignore small acts of faithfulness (prayer, giving, serving).
  • God watches how we handle the least things before entrusting us with more.

5. Reconciliation Leads to Reassignment

  • God reconciles us so that we can help reconcile others—this is our ministry of reconciliation.
  • Being saved is not just for personal benefit; it carries the responsibility of sharing the gospel.
  • The reason God allows the world to continue in its brokenness is to give people time to repent (2 Peter 3:9).
  • If believers don’t share the message of reconciliation, many will never hear it.

Final Call to Action

  • True Christ-followers, not just churchgoers, must embrace their new identity and mission.
  • God wants full ownership of our lives—not a part-time commitment.
  • When we take our purpose seriously and remain faithful in small things, God entrusts us with greater things.
  • Old things have passed away; all things have become new.

Closing Prayer:

  • Thanking God for reconciliation and transformation.
  • Asking for a renewed focus on purpose and faithfulness.
  • Acknowledging that God has full ownership of our lives.
  • Committing to the ministry of reconciliation and sharing the gospel.


Donate to New Covenant Church: https://cash.app/$newcovenantindy
Sow seed to Pastor Bryan Hudson, https://cash.app/$BryanIndy

A New Creation In Christ - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #160 for March 5, 2025

Wednesday, March 05, 2025 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


“A New Creation In Christ”

  



Listen to the Message From Sunday, March 2, 2025

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Summary:
Being in Christ is the foundation of transformation. This verse is a statement of fact, hope, and a solution to life’s struggles. In programming terms, it’s like an "if-then" statement—if anyone is in Christ, then they are made new.

This transformation isn’t just an improvement of the old but a complete renewal, similar to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. Though outwardly the same, a believer's heart and spirit are regenerated, leading to a new way of living.

• Thank God for making you a new creation.
• Let go of old habits, sins, and mindsets that have passed away.
• Embrace and focus on the new spiritual reality in Christ.


________________

Donate to New Covenant Churchhttps://cash.app/$newcovenantindy
Sow seed to Pastor Bryan Hudson, https://cash.app/$BryanIndy

New Creation Realities - Part One: All Things New | Bryan Hudson, D.Min.

Monday, March 03, 2025 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments




Summary of "New Creation Realities" 
Part One: "All Things New"

by Pastor Bryan Hudson, D. Min. (Summary by OpenAI)

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”  18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation

Dr. Bryan Hudson’s sermon, "New Creation Realities," is based on 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, emphasizing the transformative power of being in Christ. The central theme is "All Things New," which highlights how a believer’s identity and reality change upon salvation.

Key Themes & Takeaways:

1. Being "In Christ" is the Core of Transformation
2. The phrase “in Christ” is the foundation of the believer’s new reality.
◦ • It signifies hope, a factual change, and a solution to life’s struggles.
◦ • All true solutions begin in Christ, as opposed to worldly affiliations or ideologies.

The Reality of the New Creation

3. Old things pass away, and all things become new in Christ.
◦ • This isn't just an improved version of the old self, but a complete transformation.
◦ • The "if-then" condition: If someone is in Christ, then transformation occurs.

Living Out the New Creation Reality

4. Believers are no longer defined by past failures, sins, or mindsets.
◦ • A shift must take place: Stop holding on to old habits, relationships, or mindsets that contradict the new life in Christ.
◦ • The "behold" in the passage calls for awareness and recognition of this remarkablechange.

Transformation is Like a Caterpillar Becoming a Butterfly


5. Just as a caterpillar undergoes metamorphosis, a believer experiences a profound change.
◦ • The outward appearance might seem familiar, but the nature and capacity havechanged.
◦ • This transformation is an ongoing work of renewal, restoration, and rebirth.

Each One, Reach One – An Inclusive Gospel

6. The message of salvation is for anyone who comes to Christ.
◦ • Christianity is not an exclusive club, but a body where all are welcome.
◦ • Avoid religious elitism—true faith is about relationship, not just religion.

Applying the Reality of the New Creation

◦ 7. Being new in Christ means not carrying old baggage into the new life.
◦ • The church must reflect inclusivity and not build unnecessary barriers.
◦ • Faith, not feelings, should define identity—believers must trust in what they believeover how they feel.

Encouragement to Embrace Transformation

8. Let go of old things—mindsets, habits, even certain relationships that hinder growth.
◦ • Recognize that God doesn’t just give new things; He makes all things new.
◦ • Trust in the continuous work of God’s transformation in your life.

Final thoughts:

Dr. Hudson calls believers to fully embrace their new creation identity, let go of the past, and live in the renewed reality of Christ’s transformation. The change isn’t just superficial—it is a complete reformation of the heart, mind, and life.



Donate to New Covenant Church: https://cash.app/$newcovenantindy
Sow seed to Pastor Bryan Hudson, https://cash.app/$BryanIndy

FINAL DAY #21 Canceling Complacency - February 21-Day Firm Foundation Devotional: “Principles of Empowerment”

Friday, February 28, 2025 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments




FINAL DAY #21:  Canceling Complacency

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.
  
One of the great dangers for Christians is complacency. Complacency is defined as: “A feeling of contentment or self-satisfaction, especially when coupled with an unawareness of a need.” 
Paul offers a powerful parallel using the word “sleep.” When we sleep we are unaware of our surroundings, oblivious to others, and unable to respond. 

Christians do not want to be “asleep in the light,” but alert and ready to serve God. While Christians do not have darkness inside of them, we do not want to operate in darkness by failing to work with Christ or letting God have His way. Sometimes the works of darkness we need to cast off are simple distractions to living in God’s light. Simple things like watching a lot of television, engaging in a lot of leisure, or even constantly interacting on Facebook can put us to sleep spiritually. None of these activities are wrong, but anything can become darkness when we fail to see the light of what God wants us to do.

The “armor of light” is a beautiful phrase putting us in the mind of being clothed with the power and grace of God. We are all wearing armor that both protects and empowers us.

REFLECTION QUESTION: What are 1-3 ways that you need to “wake up?”

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:


SUBSCRIBE to the Firm Foundation blog to receive weekly insight and encouragement to your email in box

Visit and save this link to enjoy other Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute Talks.

 

Send a gift to Bryan Hudson: https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
Donate to New Covenant Churchhttps://cash.app/$newcovenantindy

Day #20 Basic Instructions - February 21-Day Firm Foundation Devotional: “Principles of Empowerment”

Thursday, February 27, 2025 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments




DAY #20:  Basic Instructions

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; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

When the Spirit of Christ abides in you, God’s grace shapes your lifestyle. When the Bible provides direct instructions on how to live, understand that everything God requires, He has already provided. We are recognized by our faith and lifestyle. As Jesus said, “A tree is known by its fruit” (Luke 6:44) and we are the “planting of the Lord.” (Isaiah 61:3)

God does not ask you to do anything that is not already part of your character in Christ. If this were not true, you would not be able to do what He asks. For example, in our own strength, it is not possible to be “kindly affectionate with brotherly love.” This is a virtue, like all the others, that comes from the grace of God within us.

You can always do what God says you can do!

REFLECTION QUESTION: How is God helping you to help others?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:


SUBSCRIBE to the Firm Foundation blog to receive weekly insight and encouragement to your email in box

Visit and save this link to enjoy other Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute Talks.

 

Send a gift to Bryan Hudson: https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
Donate to New Covenant Churchhttps://cash.app/$newcovenantindy

Day #19 How to Think About Yourself - Principles of Empowerment February Devotional - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #159 for February 26, 2025

Wednesday, February 26, 2025 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments




DAY #19:  How to Think About Yourself

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function.   


We are never in a position where we need to be conceited, brag, or try to “show off” to impress others. You are already exactly the person that God had in mind!
 
In a world where people are confused about their identity and sometimes seek to assume the identity of others such as celebrities, we have the opportunity to discover our unique “measure of faith.” Your measure of faith is the abilities, assignments, and opportunities God has made available to you. God has given everything you need to serve Him.
 
One of the great blessings of serving God is summed up in the phrase, “where God guides He provides.” It is truly amazing how God can provide faith and provision for everything He wants you to do. It is also amazing that our individual gifting results in stronger coordination and collaboration as the body of Christ. We are a team and a family, each having individual responsibility resulting in the fulfillment of greater collective purpose.

REFLECTION QUESTION: What is your measure of faith?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:



SUBSCRIBE to the Firm Foundation blog to receive weekly insight and encouragement to your email in box

Visit and save this link to enjoy other Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute Talks.

 

Send a gift to Bryan Hudson: https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
Donate to New Covenant Churchhttps://cash.app/$newcovenantindy

Day #19 How to Think About Yourself - February 21-Day Firm Foundation Devotional: “Principles of Empowerment”

Wednesday, February 26, 2025 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments




DAY #19:  How to Think About Yourself

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function.  

We are never in a position where we need to be conceited, brag, or try to “show off” to impress others. You are already exactly the person that God had in mind!

In a world where people are confused about their identity and sometimes seek to assume the identity of others such as celebrities, we have the opportunity to discover our unique “measure of faith.” Your measure of faith is the abilities, assignments, and opportunities God has made available to you. God has given everything you need to serve Him.

One of the great blessings of serving God is summed up in the phrase, “where God guides He provides.” It is truly amazing how God can provide faith and provision for everything He wants you to do. It is also amazing that our individual gifting results in stronger coordination and collaboration as the body of Christ. We are a team and a family, each having individual responsibility resulting in the fulfillment of greater collective purpose.

REFLECTION QUESTION: What is your measure of faith?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:


SUBSCRIBE to the Firm Foundation blog to receive weekly insight and encouragement to your email in box

Visit and save this link to enjoy other Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute Talks.

 

Send a gift to Bryan Hudson: https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
Donate to New Covenant Churchhttps://cash.app/$newcovenantindy

Day #18 Quiet On The Set | Lesson by Min. Corey Jones, M.Div. - February 21-Day Firm Foundation Devotional: “Principles of Empowerment”

Tuesday, February 25, 2025 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments




DAY #18:  Quiet on the Set
Lesson by Min. Corey Jones, M.Div.

1 John 3:17-19 NKJV, But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we [a]know that we are of the truth, and shall [b]assure our hearts before Him.

One of my favorite movie genres is action films. While I’ve never been part of a production team, the videographer in me enjoys fast-moving shots, high-speed drone footage, and the sound design that heightens the intensity of the plot. But before any scene is recorded, someone always calls out: “Quiet on the set!”

Life can feel just like an action film—full of twists, turns, acceleration, and unexpected plot changes. As we walk in Christ and strive to “love in deed and truth” (1 John 3:18), I want to encourage you to take a moment and say, “Quiet on the set!”  

Solitude is a powerful tool in our spiritual journey. In the midst of life's noise, we can silence notifications, turn off the music, pause the news, and spend intentional time with our Lord and Savior. Since love is truly the ultimate action word, let’s carve out moments of stillness, allowing God to put His love into action in our lives.  

Take time today to be still and let His love move through you.

Reflection Question: 
What keeps me from spending quiet time with the Lord?

Prayer: 
God I’m on borrowed time, help me to see the importance of saying quiet on the set. Bless my alone time with you. Give me wisdom and discernment to make adjustments to my schedule to be available to soak in your presence.  In Jesus name, Amen."

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:


SUBSCRIBE to the Firm Foundation blog to receive weekly insight and encouragement to your email in box

Visit and save this link to enjoy other Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute Talks.

 

Send a gift to Bryan Hudson: https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
Donate to New Covenant Churchhttps://cash.app/$newcovenantindy

Day #17 Be a Living Sacrifice - February 21-Day Firm Foundation Devotional: “Principles of Empowerment”

Monday, February 24, 2025 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



DAY #17:  Be a Living Sacrifice

WATCH

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.  

In this text, the apostle Paul, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, summarized our blessing and responsibility in the Lord. 

In the Old Testament, animals were offered for sacrifice. They were sometimes tied down to the altar before being slaughtered. The death of the animals was a result of the sin of the people. It was the penalty of sin transferred to animals, and it had to be repeated many times because people continued sinning.

This is what Jesus did for us, with the important difference that His solution was not temporary, but permanent. 

Today, because of Jesus, we don’t offer sacrifices of animals. We can offer the living sacrifice of our lives in service to God. 

In the summer of 2024, the Olympic games were held in Paris, France We saw athletes who worked and trained the previous four years, and longer, just for the opportunity to offer their abilities as a living sacrifice in the international arena of the Olympic games. That training required “not being conformed to the world” in order to be prepared to compete. Depending upon the sport, the athlete had to change his thinking, his diet, and his lifestyle to develop his skills to the highest possible level. 

Christians have a similar task within a much different context. All of our work is done through the empowering grace of God. Make no mistake, we have responsibility to follow God. Obedience and willingness to follow God results in becoming God’s “athletes” who can do great things in our world!

REFLECTION QUESTION: What does it mean to be a living sacrifice?


Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:


SUBSCRIBE to the Firm Foundation blog to receive weekly insight and encouragement to your email in box

Visit and save this link to enjoy other Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute Talks.

 

Send a gift to Bryan Hudson: https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
Donate to New Covenant Churchhttps://cash.app/$newcovenantindy

Day #16 Know that God Knows All - February 21-Day Firm Foundation Devotional: “Principles of Empowerment”

Sunday, February 23, 2025 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments



DAY #16:  Know that God Knows All

Romans 11:34, “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?” 35 “Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?” 36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. 

I am amazed and amused at how some people seem to convey a greater understanding of God than all others. It is certainly true that we can learn of the Lord and share His word with others, but no one person knows everything. No one helps God! No one knows the mind of God, just like no one can know your mind.

The entirety of Romans 11 addresses many profound topics such as God’s dealings with His chosen people Israel and the mystery of how He has “grafted in” Gentiles (non-Jews). The chapter is dense with theological truth and doctrine. At the end of the chapter, Paul concludes by writing the following: “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” (v. 36)

In our lives, it is appropriate to think, ponder, and seek to understand God’s words and God’s ways. But there comes a time when we reach an end of our thinking and understanding. At that time, the best thing we can do is trust God and worship Him as the one who knows all things!


REFLECTION QUESTION: What should you do when you come to the end of your understanding?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:


SUBSCRIBE to the Firm Foundation blog to receive weekly insight and encouragement to your email in box

Visit and save this link to enjoy other Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute Talks.

 

Send a gift to Bryan Hudson: https://cash.app/$BryanIndy
Donate to New Covenant Churchhttps://cash.app/$newcovenantindy