WEDNESDAY'S WORD - SECRET - Sadell Bradley - 02/19/2025

WEDNESDAY'S WORD SECRET 02/19/2025 "Anybody who succeeds is helping people. The secret to success is find a need and fill it; find a heart and heal it; find a problem and solve it." —Robert H. Schuller - American Clergy CLICK TO RSVP HERE AND PAY $10.00 FOR BREAKFAST       "Three can keep a secret, if two of them are dead." — Benjamin Franklin A SECRET is something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others. It is also something that is not properly understood; a mystery. Finally, a secret is a valid but not commonly known or recognized method for achieving or maintaining something—like when we ask, "What's the secret to a long and healthy life?" We all have secrets we'd rather not share, things we hold close to the chest. Families have secrets. Workplaces have secrets. Governments have secrets. There's even a US department called the Secret Service. Some secrets are held to protect the guilty. Others are kept to shield the innocent. There's a lot of secrecy going on. Can you imagine what would happen if everyone's secrets were on display? When we do or say something, "in secret" it means we do it without others knowing. Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 6 that they were not to do pious deeds to be seen by people. When they gave charitable gifts, they were to do so in secret, not sounding a trumpet, because that would be for the glory of men. Their Heavenly Father would reward what was done in secret openly. (Vs. 1-3) When they prayed, they were to go into their rooms, shut the door, and pray to the Father in secret, and He would reward them openly. (vs. 5-6) When they fasted, they were to anoint their heads, wash their faces, fast in secret, and not look sad so they would not appear to others to be fasting. God the Father, whom Jesus said not only sees in secret, but dwells in the secret place...would reward them openly. (Vs. 17-18) This hidden, secret, righteous life of Believers insulates us with humility, focuses our attention on the LORD, and weans us from the craving to be seen, applauded, and acknowledged. Not only does God the Father live in the Secret Place...He invites us to dwell there with Him. This Hebrew word sether means a shelter, a hiding place, a covert or cover, (like the tail feathers of a bird). David said he would hide and take refuge under the shelter of God's wings until the danger and calamities passed. (Psalm 57:1) He wrote this as he hid in a cave fleeing from a jealous king Saul who was pursuing and trying to kill him. Psalm 91 is a profound writing on the Secret Place. It is comforting for any troubling time: 1He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” 3Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. 4He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. 5You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, 6Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. 7A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. 8Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked. 9Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, 10No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; 11For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.12In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone. 13You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot. 14“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.15He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. 16With long life I will satisfy him,And show him My salvation.” The LORD is inviting all of us to the Secret Place.

 

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - CHARACTER - Sadell Bradley - 02/12/2025

 

WEDNESDAY'S WORD CHARACTER 02/12/2025   "When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost;  when character is lost, all is lost."— Billy Graham CLICK TO RSVP HERE AND PAY $10.00 FOR BREAKFAST   "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." — Helen Keller   My hometown team, the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl in convincing fashion on Sunday. FLY EAGLES FLY! It was a glorious victory that put all the elements of their precisely crafted team on display. This Friday, "The City of Brotherly Love" will celebrate the win with a parade on Valentine's Day. I can't help but note that Jalen Hurts, the team's quarterback, was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP). In the weeks prior to the big game, commentators and prognosticators criticized Hurts. They said he could not throw the ball well enough to win. They said he was a good player, but not elite. They believed it was inevitable that Hurts and the Eagles, though the better all-around team, would lose to their rivals the Kansas City Chiefs. I watched Hurts calmly engage his detractors at press conferences and then confidently enter and exit the arena a victor on game day. Did you know there has never been a Super Bowl winning quarterback who came from a fatherless household? Jalen Hurts was coached as a child by his father, perhaps that's where his discipline and cool demeanor comes from. I first saw him as a starting quarterback in the College Football Championship representing the Alabama Crimson Tide. Hurts was a Junior who had led his team to their 2nd consecutive championship game, but was benched at half-time and replaced by second string Freshman, Tua Tagovailoa. Tua led the Tide to a comeback victory and is now the Miami Dolphins' quarterback. Even in that humbling moment, Jalen Hurts demonstrated an uncanny grace, kindness, and team spirit. He celebrated Tua and did not knock his coaches for the decision. He watched as Tua received the accolades and attention for a team he had carried for two years. Jalen Hurts has been a class act in the midst of it all. He once said, "I keep God at the center of everything. I give Him all the praise, I lean on Him all the time. And I know that everything unfolds the way it’s supposed to." They say reputation is who others think you are, but CHARACTER is who you really are. CHARACTER is defined as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. The Greek kharakter is 'a stamping tool,' a 'distinctive mark,' a token, feature, or trait.’ One definition of character is moral excellence and firmness. I wish we valued that more these days. Jalen Hurts had his father to emulate. We have our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:    1Imitate God, since you are the children he loves. 2Live in love as Christ also loved us. He gave his life for us as an offering and sacrifice, a soothing aroma to God. 3Don't let sexual sin, perversion of any kind, or greed even be mentioned among you. This is not appropriate behavior for God's holy people. 4It's not right that dirty stories, foolish talk, or obscene jokes should be mentioned among you either. Instead, give thanks [to God]. 5You know very well that no person who is involved in sexual sin, perversion, or greed (which means worshiping wealth) can have any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6Don't let anyone deceive you with meaningless words. It is because of sins like these that God's anger comes to those who refuse to obey him. 7Don't be partners with them. 8Once you lived in the dark, but now the Lord has filled you with light. Live as children who have light. 9Light produces everything that is good, that has God's approval, and that is true. 10Determine which things please the Lord. 11Have nothing to do with the useless works that darkness produces. Instead, expose them for what they are. 12It is shameful to talk about what some people do in secret. 13Light exposes the true character of everything 14because light makes everything easy to see. That's why it says: "Wake up, sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."15So then, be very careful how you live. Don't live like foolish people but like wise people. 16Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days. 17So don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants. (GWT) God allowed Jalen Hurts' character to be built through trials. What are the troubles you're facing right now building in you? The life of a person of character is the same in the darkness as it is in the light.

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - WISDOM - Sadell Bradley - 02/05/2025

WEDNESDAY'S WORD WISDOM 02/05/2025 "By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third, by experience, which is the bitterest." —Confucius - Chinese Philosopher CLICK TO RSVP HERE AND PAY $10.00 FOR BREAKFAST         "The only true wisdom is knowing you know nothing." —Socrates - Greek Philosopher I quoted some well-known philosophers today. The Greek word philosophia means "lover of wisdom." Philosophers study the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. They develop theories about the guiding principles of human behavior. WISDOM - is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; of being WISE (responding sensibly or shrewdly to specific situations). Wisdom goes beyond developing a theory to applying what you know and understand. It takes discipline to be wise. We all could use some wisdom right about now. Here's an example—we can KNOW smoking is bad for one's health and may result in lung cancer, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - constricted airways), or emphysema (damaged lungs that leave one breathless). We can UNDERSTAND that if we were to smoke, a negative health outcome like these could ensue. If we are WISE...we will apply what we know and understand, and choose not to smoke. The same holds true for other negative or positive interactions. If prudence tells us what to do or not to do...wisdom follows through. The Old Testament instructs, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10) Job reiterates this truth and goes further toward application, "And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.” (Job 28:29) Paul differentiates Heavenly wisdom from earthly wisdom. For Christ-followers, the main consideration is the Gospel, the Good News of God's Kingdom. Jesus Christ is the King. God's only begotten Son chose to die for the sinful state of humankind. This was a powerful act of love, humility, and surrender that defied and was counter-cultural to secular, worldly motivations. The Cross, an expression of God's wisdom, was meant to save us from sin forever and offer us eternal life. Paul explains: 18The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 19As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”20So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. 21Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know Him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. 22It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. 23So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.24But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength. 26Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 28God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 29As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. 30God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. 31Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.” (1Corinthians 1:18-31, NLT) The Apostle James gives us insight on what the world's/devil's wisdom looks like in contrast to the Lord's wisdom. This simple passage makes the two easily identifiable and allows us to choose between them. He asks: 13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:13-18) Which wisdom are we seeing and walking in these days? The word Selah in the Bible means "pause and think about it." I invite you to read the passages above again and do just that.

 

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - VENGEANCE - Sadell Bradley - 01/29/2025

WEDNESDAY'S WORD VENGEANCE 1/29/2025 "The highest hallmark of a civilized society is not the rapidity with which it exacts vengeance, but its ability to hold victim and victimizer in its compassionate heart." —Greg Boyle, American Clergyman CLICK TO RSVP HERE AND PAY $10.00 FOR BREAKFAST     "Vengeance is the act of turning anger on yourself. On the surface it may be directed at someone else, but it is a sure fire recipe for arresting emotional recovery." —Jane Goldman, English Writer VENGEANCE is punishment inflicted or retribution exacted for an injury or wrong. The Old French vengier means to avenge. The Latin vindicare is to vindicate (to clear someone of blame or suspicion, to show or prove to be right, reasonable, or justified). Webster's Dictionary says vengeance is punishment given in return for an injury or offense. There is a difference between avenge and revenge. To avenge is to inflict harm in return for an injury or wrong previously done to oneself or another; or to inflict harm on behalf of oneself or someone else previously wronged or harmed. Revenge is the action of inflicting hurt or harm on someone for an injury or wrong you have suffered at their hands; or the desire to inflict retribution. All these words have the same root, but different motives. In the example in the attached photo, avenging is action that is motivated by a desire for justice (just behavior or treatment; the quality of being fair and reasonable, and the administration of the law or authority in maintaining this), while revenge is motivated by anger or malice. Paul wrote in Colossians 3: 1If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 5Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. 8But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. (Colossians 3:1-11) True Christ followers are to put away anger, wrath, and malice. Our motive is never to be revenge. Vengeance has an owner, and it is not us. When we step into retribution, we're in God's territory, as Paul told the Church when they were under occupation by the Roman Empire: 9Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9-20; cf 1 Samuel 24) A disciple of Jesus' highest desire is to be conformed to the image of Christ. Kindness in the face evil is a counter-cultural, Christlike offering of sacrifice that is redemptive. Peter wrote, “When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23). These are hard words to write, and they are even more difficult to live out in the midst of times of uncertainty, tribulation (great trouble or suffering) and persecution (hostility and ill-treatment). No matter who we are...when we take on a posture of vengeance and not blessing, we are violating the tenets of King Jesus and His Kingdom. It was Jesus who, while dying on the Cross for the sins of those who hated Him said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." The rulers sneered, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” (Luke 23:34-35) It wasn't that Jesus was not who He said He was, nor that He could not have avenged Himself in that moment. He could have fought back...and would have won. When Jesus was being betrayed by Judas to be arrested, Peter tried to execute his own brand of vengeance by cutting off Malchus' ear. Jesus rebuked him, "Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and He would send them instantly?" (Matt. 26:53) Jesus didn't ask God to destroy His enemies because God's purpose was to save them through Him. Humanity's redemption would not be fulfilled if Jesus did not go to the Cross... so He decided to die to save you and me. Jesus left vengeance to is rightful owner, His Father. In doing so, won for us the ultimate victory forever!