WEDNESDAY'S WORD - LATE BLOOMER - Sadell Bradley 10/29/14

A bloom is a flower, especially one cultivated for it's beauty.  It is also the state or period of the flower's greatest beauty, freshness and vigor.  The Middle English word blomi also means prosperity. To come into bloom, means to produce flowers; figuratively it means to become radiant and glowing or to come into or be in full beauty or health; to flourish.

Late Bloomer: a person who matures and flourishes at a specified time. When describing children or adolescents, it is a person who develops more slowly than others in their age group but eventually catches up and in some cases overtakes their peers.  In adults it is a or a person whose talents and capabilities are not visible to others until later than usual, or whose talent or genius in a particular field only appears later in life, in some cases only in old age.

In September, I attended the Habitation Conference sponsored by Christian Recording Artist, William McDowell, a friend who hails from Cincinnati.  It was one of those seminal moments as the presence of God was powerful amongst worshipers of Jesus who were gathered with that single focus.  During our time together, several prophetic Words were spoken specifically to 'Late Bloomers' whose dreams not yet been realized.  The Lord through His prophets said that we were wondering, "Do I still have it?" and thought in our hearts, "My youth has passed me by and God hasn't given me the promise."  Some of those over 40 were encouraged that God still had work for us to do, and that He also wanted us to spiritually parent, support, impart and pour into the next generation.  You can't imagine the relief and joy that I and others gathered had at the love and care of our Father to quiet the noise of doubt and reassure us that He was not done with us yet!

Caleb and Joshua, were the two spies out of 12 who scouted out the promised land and gave a good report. They were confident that God would allow Israel to possess what He had promised, despite the giants that they'd have to fight.  Because of their faith, Caleb and Joshua received their inheritance in their old age while the other spies died in the wilderness.  Joshua even led the Israelites in the battle for God's promise.

Caleb said, "Here I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as I was on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war" (Joshua 14:10-11)  He didn't limp into his promise.  He was just as strong, vigorous vital and ready to fight as he was in his youth.  I pray that Bible account, and the list of late bloomers below will be an encouragement to you and to me!

• Nelson Mandela -became President of South Africa at age 74 after 27 years in prison
• Martha Stewart - launched Martha Stewart Living Magazine at age 49 after catering a lunch for her ex-husband's publishing firm.
• Stan Lee didn't start writing his most well known comics until age 43.
• Julia Child didn't learn to cook until her 40's and her famous TV show was in her 50's.
• Colonel Harland David Sanders opened Kentucky Fried Chicken at age 65.
• Anna Mary Robertson Moses -  Grandma Moses the famous American painter, started painting when she was 75
• Wallace Amos, Jr. - started Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Co. at age 41 
  
• Theodore Seuss Geisel - Dr. Seuss- didn't write his famous children's books until his 40's
• Laura Ingalls Wilder -  became a journalist in her forties, and was 65 years old when she started the Little House on the Prarie series.
• Actress Kathryn Joosten, who won 2 Emmys for her work on"Desperate Housewives" moved to Hollywood (and in with her son) at age 56 to become an actress.  
• Raymond Kroc met Maurice and Richard McDonald at age 52 and they opened McDonald's
• Susan Boyle was 48 when she was discovered on "Britain's Got Talent" with her rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables and became an international star.
• Joyce Meyer started Life in the Word radio ministry at age 42 and at age 50 started her television program Enjoying Everyday life.

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - DILIGENCE - Sadell Bradley 10/22/14

Diligence is careful and persistent work or effort; having or showing care and conscientiousness in ones work or duties.  Diligent derives from the Latin diligens meaning 'assiduous - showing great care and perseverance' from diligere to "love, or take delight in." We might call a diligent person industrious, thorough, dedicated, committed or hard- working.  A person without diligence would be deemed lazy: unwilling to work or use energy; characterized by lack of effort or care; idle or slothful.

A sloth a slow-moving tropical American mammal that hangs upside down from the branches of trees using its long limbs and hooked claws. Because of its lethargic nature, the word slothful was made to describe a person who is reluctant to make an effort.  We've all known those people...sometimes we've been those people.  The bible has much to say about diligence vs. laziness and the blessings that are available to the persistent:

Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. Proverbs 10:4 The diligent person will rule/lead, but the slothful will become a slave/laborer. Proverbs 12:24 The slacker craves, yet has nothing, but the diligent is fully satisfied. Proverbs 13:4 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want. Proverbs 21:5

Our growth, movement and success is directly related to our diligence. Sometimes the promotions we see on our jobs, schools, or in ministry do not have to do with nepotism or favoritism, but the dedicated efforts shown by those who love and take delight in what they do, and show by their enthusiasm by their effort.  Lazy people are rarely promoted, chosen or entrusted with more responsibility.  Diligence in work, in financial stewardship, even in creativity yields the fruit of success in our lives. The Bible also instructs us to use diligence to guard or set a watch over our emotions, decisions and choices. A diligent tracking of where we are can preserve us in difficult situations.  Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23

It is not enough for us just to have ideas, visions and dreams if there is no diligence. James made it clear that faith without works is dead being alone. (James 2:18; 20; 26) We are to show our full persuasion of belief in the calling, purpose and destiny God has given us by our diligence.  We demonstrate our worship, trust and love for God by seeking and coming to know Him with a diligence that will eventually pay off: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Is diligence the missing ingredient to your success?

 

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - FLOODGATES -SADELL BRADLEY 10/15/14

A floodgate is a gate that can be opened or closed to admit or exclude water.  The floodgates are a last restraint holding back an outpouring of something powerful or substantial. In the book of Malachi, the Israelites and the priests in particular, questioned the love of God for them.  God responds by stating that their love for Him has waned and they have defiled and robbed Him in these ways:

• In Worship: by offering blind, lame and impure offerings and sacrifices on the altar. (Malachi 1:1-14)
• With False Teachings: that caused many to stumble, showing partiality and not following God's laws. (Malachi 2:1-9) Their blessings were cursed because they dishonored God. They were despised and humiliated by the people losing the Covenant of Peace promised to Levi. 
• Through Divorce: the literal adultery of the priests and the figurative adultery of Israel against the Lord.  Though they covered the altar with tears, God had witnessed their unfaithfulness to their wives. They did violence to the ones they should be protecting.  (Malachi 2:10-16)
• Through Injustice: they wearied the Lord by saying that all who do evil are good in the sight of the Lord, and where is the God of justice? (Malachi 2:17)
• By Speaking Arrogantly Against God: saying it's futile/useless to serve God and follow His requirements when evildoers are prospering and getting away with it. (Malachi 3:13-14)
• By Withholding Tithes and Offerings: He calls for them to repent/return to Him and stop robbing Him in tithes and offerings.  Dishonoring God as their priority in worship led to lack in God's  storehouse and brought a curse of devouring to the entire nation. (Malachi 3:6-10)

He says, put Me to the test by bringing ALL the tithes and offerings back to My house, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates or windows of Heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." He also promises protection, "I will prevent pests from devouring your crops and the vines in your fields will not drop the fruit before it is ripe. And all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land, says the LORD Almighty."

There are floodgates in Heaven that open and close at God's command.  They are the last restraint before the outpouring of God's substantial blessing!  There is also a restraint in the earth: our disobedience to God's commands and whether we will worship Him.  When our gates are closed, we prohibit God from opening His gates of favor and power.  Could you be blocking your blessing?

God promises to send His Messenger, who is coming to clean house. He's going to put them on trial. He's going to refine, wash and purify them for: defrauding the laborer in their wages, oppressing orphans and widows, depriving foreigners of justice, and having no reverence for God. (Malachi 3:1-5) But there was a remnant in Israel who still feared the Lord, and spoke to one another and God listened to them.  God remembered them and promised to spare them on the day He would act in judgment.  He would put a distinction between the righteous and the wicked.  (Malachi 3:16-18) To those who revered His name, the Sun of Righteousness (Jesus) would come with healing, restoration and covenant renewal in His wings. He would restore their joy, judge the wicked, cause them to triumph over their enemies and bring reconciliation between fathers and children, and children and fathers.  (Malachi 4:1-5)

So much of Scripture involves conditions of If... and Then.  Isaiah told Israel, "If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land. But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." (Isaiah 1:19-20) We want God to bless us without restraint, but what are we holding back?

 

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - ACTIVE - Sadell Bradley 10/08/2014

ACTIVE - means engaging or ready to engage in physically energetic pursuits; moving about
vigorously or frequently; doing things for an organization or cause rather than simply giving it one's support; working, operative and in continuous use.  It is the sense of preferring action -doing something to achieve an aim,  to contemplation- looking thoughtfully or planning something for a long time.   

Have you ever purchased an exercise video or gym membership, but never used it?  Or Maybe you just watched the infomercial and wished that abs would suddenly grow on your body by osmosis! LOL!  Not likely. Nike said it well, "Just Do It!"

Sherman and I took a personality test called the Strengths Finder and found out one of his gifts is Activation and mine was called Intellection.  It is the perfect combination when it works well, but at times there's tension: he wants to act before something's been thought through and fully believed, or I want to contemplate too long without acting - which turns to procrastination.  James said this:

What good does it do, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith but does not prove it with actions? This kind of faith cannot save him, can it?  Suppose a brother or sister does not have any clothes or daily food and one of you tells them, “Go in peace! Stay warm and eat heartily.” If you do not provide for their bodily needs, what good does it do? In the same way, faith by itself, if it does not prove itself with actions, is dead. But someone may say, “You have faith, and I have actions.” Show me your faith without any actions, and I will show you my faith by my actions." (James 2:14-18, ISV) 

If I look at your actions, will I see your faith? Can I trace them back and see what you're believing God for without you even opening your mouth? We need to both BELIEVE & ACT!!! It is not sufficient for us to just  do one or the other.  Sometimes it's not enough to just cheer and tell your friend/family member/boss/co-worker/or even your pastor "Go for it! I believe in you. I'm with you in spirit! I'm praying for you!" Sometimes you need to DO something(s) that show your support. 

Have you ever met the guy who is always talking about his latest idea and what he's 'bout to do....Or the lady who has started a bunch of projects, businesses or ideas...but nothing ever sticks. Acting without thinking, planning and being fully persuaded is presumption.  Just thinking, believing, planning and meditating without acting is lifeless and barren. ^"For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without actions is also dead." (James 2:26) This might be the time to integrate these essential parts of our personality and see God successfully accomplish through us many things that have been on hold....and that's exciting!!

My Thoughts on Atonement...Since it's the Day of Atonment

Atonement, the 2007 movie starring Kiera Knightley, James McAvoy and Vanessa Redgrave detailsthe story of a young woman Briony, who has a crush on Robbie, the son of a family servant. Robbie is in a heated love relationship with Briony's older sister Cecilia.  Long story short, Briony catches them in a tryst and in a jealous rage, later falsely accuses Robbie of a crime - the raping of her cousin Lola in a nearby field. Robbie is sent away to prison and ultimately to war to die.  This separates him from his only love, Cecilia. Briony, a budding and soon to be famous author, devotes the latter part of her life to making amends by re-telling the story in fiction so that the two lovebirds end up happily ever after despite her jealousy, lies and deceit. Through her writings she works to atone for the wrong she has done...at least in her imagination.  The movie's tag says..."Joined by love, separated by fear, redeemed by hope."

Atonement means reparation for a wrong or injury. In religious contexts, it is expiation: to appease by a sacrifice for sin.  Teachers illustrate by separating it to AT-ONE-MENT - a sacrifice that puts relationships between God and man, and individuals back together in unity again after a sin or transgression.  The restoring of relationships is called reconciliation.  When we reconcile, we are stating that, "God is not counting your sin against you... and neither am I." (2 Corinthians 5:19)

Today, Jews around the world observe Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement, which celebrates the

forgiveness God extended to Israel through Moses' intercession, after they created the idol of the golden calf while Moses was receiving the Law on Mount Sinai. (Exodus 32) It is the yearly sacred day when Jews, after having settled accounts with one another, bring their wrongs before God for His forgiveness through repentance.  It is a day of strict rest. The High Priest entered the Most Holy Place only once a year to atone for his own sins and the sins of the people with the blood sacrifice of an animal to cover their transgressions and appease God. (Hebrews 9:7) According to the Law, everything was purified and cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins. (vs. 22) 

When you look at a picture of an animal sacrifice, it is hard not to think of the anguish of the innocent lamb led to the slaughter for the sins of people he does not even know.  It is also difficult to escape the gory bloody mess that is created to atone for sin.  We can almost imagine the shrieks of the lamb and the stench of the blood and guts as they are torn from him.  It's important to think about these things to grasp just how filthy sin is and how much it costs to right what's wrong.

We begin to understand what the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary's Cross really meant for us. This forgiveness is not something for which we could ever work! Jesus mediated for God to forgive us just like Moses did. Paul writes in verses 12-14:

He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!...

Thank God that Jesus, the precious Lamb of God, didn't have to do it yearly!  Jesus Christ has appeared once for all the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself (vs. 25b)  He suffered the greatest anguish and was marred more than any other man in order to redeem us! We don't have to make up a story to ease the guilt of our consciences for the wrongs we've done.  We have HIS STORY that not only covers, but has removed all of our sin and it's eternal penalty forever!! So thank God today for the indescribable gift of ATONEMENT through Jesus Christ!!

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - STRENGTH - SADELL BRADLEY 10/1/2014

Strength is the quality or state of being strong:

• Physical: having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks or actions well and powerfully. Like these triathletes.
• Internal: able to withstand great force or pressure; not easily affected by disease or hardship; not easily disturbed, upset, or affected.
• Motivational: showing determination, self-control and good judgment.

Strength is not just physical power and energy but the emotional or mental qualities necessary to deal with situations or events that are distressing or difficult with grace and wisdom.

We hold being strong in very high esteem.  From physical feats like triathlons, yoga, and body-building, to emotional bravery such as teaching little boys not to cry when upset...we value at least the idea of being strong.  "Never let them see you sweat," is the admonition we give to mask any vulnerability we might be feeling. Having weakness is undesirable; showing weakness is deplorable. Christ-followers have a different perspective on strength. The psalmist wrote:

"God IS (emphasis added) our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah." (Selah means pause and think about that) [Psalm 46:1-3]

God does not just have strength.  He does not just give us strength. He IS our strength.  He IS our ability to withstand pressure without being easily disturbed.  He IS our capacity be determined and demonstrate good judgment and self-control through arduous circumstances.  Without Him, we would give way to fear and pressure in the time of trouble. With Him as an ever-present help, we can stand and endure.

Paul faced a difficulty that he would have to suffer long-term.  He called it 'a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet' him so that he would not become prideful about the greatness of revelation he was receiving. A thorn is a regular source of pain, discomfort, irritation or annoyance, or an obstacle that won't go away. It was something God was allowing, though Paul asked Him three times to be relieved of the humbling issue. The Lord's reply was NO! (yeah, that happens). He told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  

Paul's response to this NO was so counter-cultural to human nature, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."  (2 Cor. 12:9-10)

Instead of shunning his weaknesses and trying situations, Paul celebrated them! This posture displayed his utter dependence on Christ for power and strength. We can adopt the same conviction when we face Satan's assaults. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." (Ephesians 6:10-11)