WEDNESDAY'S WORD - DISORIENTED - Sadell Bradley -12/28/16 - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

"Change is always tough Even for those who see themselves as agents of change, the process of starting a new thing can cause times of disorientation, uncertainty and insecurity. "-Joyce Meyer I went home for Christmas to visit my mother who has been ill. I made arrangements to take her to church for the first time in months, and to attend the family dinner in New Jersey, about an hour away from Philadelphia. It was a daunting task, but praise God it was accomplished. Leaving from the church versus our home, I found myself on a new highway. Philadelphia was familiar, but the road I was taking was uncharted. I was DISORIENTED -which means to make someone lose their bearings or sense of direction; to make someone feel confused or lose the sense of time, place, or identity. I attempted to calmly navigate the change as the cars zoomed by or rode my bumper trying to make me go faster. My internal panic was not helped by my mother's, "Are you lost?"  I was relieved to find that the new highway was linked to a familiar one. Once I got to I95, my breathing relaxed and we arrived safely at our destination. This time of year invites change.  We make resolutions about the future. Proverbs 4:25-27 encourages us to "ponder the path of your feet and let all your ways be established." Though we ponder what we plan to do, we rarely consider how it will feel to actually DO it. If we really DO what we've set out to do, or GO where we've never gone before...we will at times feel disoriented.  Even if our surroundings are familiar but we're taking a fresh approach, or doing the same thing with different people, we'll deal with temporary awkwardness until what is uncomfortable becomes our comfort zone. Then we'll have to adjust and transform again. Now that I've driven the new route, next time it won't be disorientating. I HATE to feel bewildered and adrift, but I LOVE growth and change. Old Testament scholar Walter Bruggemann described the Psalms as depicting three experiences we as humans face in relation to God: orientation, disorientation and reorientation. Cool Blog on This We first experience the Lord and are filled with awe, wonder, and worship, "When I consider the heavens, the moon and the stars thou hast ordained..." (Psalm 8:3-4) Our faith is tried when we are faced with our limitations and are required to put our hope and trust in God; groping in unseen, unfamiliar places. "How long wilt Thou forget me, oh Lord? Forever?" (Psalm 13:1) Then we gather ourselves, finding His steadfast love and faithfulness no matter what we experience, and realize His goodness. "Whom have I in heaven but thee?...My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:22-28) I'd love say you're never going to feel disoriented in life. That's just not how this thing works. Disorientation is temporary. You will get through it and get your equilibrium back. Happy New Year! and Happy New You!!

THIS SATURDAY JOINT NEW YEAR'S SERVICE Tryed Stone New Beginnings 5550 Reading Road 10:00 PM THIS SUNDAY NEW YEAR'S DAY SERVICE 11:00 AM Worship The Great Room at Wyoming Presbyterian 225 Wyoming Ave., 45215 For information 513-212-1131

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - OVERTHINK - Sadell Bradley- New Life Covenant Cincinnati

"The sharpest minds often ruin their lives by overthinking the next step, while the dull win the race with eyes closed." - Bethany Brookbank - Write Like No One is Reading I didn't know OVERTHINK was even a word! It means to think about something too much or for too long, in a way that is not useful. Gallup developed the Strengths Finder assessment.  When Sherman and I took the test, he scored high in Activation, while one of my strengths was "Intellection." So he likes to act, and I enjoy thinking. Gallup said, "You are introspective. In a sense you are your own best companion, as you pose yourself questions and try out answers on yourself to see how they sound. (Intellection) does not dictate what you are thinking about; it simply describes that you like to think." Happily, when our strengths are combined it is wonderful! The caution is for him not to act without thinking, and for me not to just think without acting. By overthinking you can lose time and opportunities. OVERTHINKING can be motivated by control, fear, perfectionism, or distrust of your own, others or even God's decision-making. Paul warns against this kind of anxiety in Philippians 4:6-9, admonishing us to pray specifically when we're worried and to think on things that are good, just, pure, honest, virtuous and praiseworthy. The person whose thoughts are fixed on the Lord will have "perfect peace" because they trust His sovereignty, everlasting strength and wisdom. (Isaiah 26:3) Overthinking invites stress: physical, emotional and even mental illness. Fearing making a wrong choice, we let PERFECT become the enemy of good. I'm embracing that I just like thinking for thinking's sake. It's a gift that comes in handy when problem solving, coaching, leading and counseling. Intellection helps me with the Holy Spirit's guidance to decipher knotty situations and bring clarity. Thinking is my comfort zone, maybe that's true for you. The challenge is acting on some of the things we've thought and considered. That's where faith comes in. We've scrutinized it, but just being convinced alone is dead without corresponding action. (James 2) When we overthink, time passes and we don't get to harvest the fruit of our thoughts. When caught in the paralysis of analysis, what can we do? Be aware: Catch yourself and redirect your thoughts, especially if they are anxious or negative. Use gratefulness. Ask yourself, "What am I thankful for in this moment?" It lifts your countenance. Do something...ACT! Get away from thinking all together for a moment. Sometimes it's better to use your brain less. Don't judge your action, even if it doesn't turn out perfectly. Your goal is to stop overthinking. Give your brain a rest and trust God.

THIS SUNDAY
CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE
11:00 AM Worship
The Great Room at Wyoming Presbyterian
225 Wyoming Ave., 45215
513-212-1131
NEW YEAR'S EVE SERVICE
10PM Saturday,
December 31st
NEW YEAR'S DAY SERVICE
11AM January 1st

WEDNESDAY'S WORD- ADVENT - Sadell Bradley - 12/14/16 New Life Covenant Cincinnati

"Into this world, this demented inn in which there is absolutely no room for Him at all, Christ comes uninvited." - Thomas Merton "Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus." - Neal A. Maxwell ADVENT means the arrival of a notable person, thing or event. In Christian Theology it is both the season of the year leading up to Christmas- the celebration of Jesus Christ's arrival; and the anticipation of the second coming of Christ. The Latin advenire means "to come."  The account of Joseph and Mary traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem is familiar. Across this Country and around the world nativity scenes will grace many homes and establishments commemorating the arrival of the baby Jesus. Carols will be sung, pageants will be held, gifts will be presented, and there will be feasting. Thousands of years later, millions are now aware of what an auspicious occasion it was. Then, it was an humble and ignoble birth in a smelly manger with animals. The event in Luke 2, though lauded by the Angelic Hosts in Heaven, was barely acknowledged on earth save for some Shepherds in a field, a few wise men following a star, and jealous king Herod attempting to prevent a coup. The arrival of a Kardashian baby would garner more attention than our reception of the Savior of the world. Paparrazi stalk celebrities for a glimpse at a newborn. Royal births are greeted with public fanfare (E.g. Prince William and Princess Kate's children). It is unfathomable that the appearance of the King of Glory: who would forgive the sin of mankind, restore us back to God, bring peace and healing to the wounded and broken, release the captives and proclaim favor to the lost, (Isaiah 61:1-2; Luke 4:18-19) would be cloaked in obscurity, anonymity and seeming insignificance. Our ways and thoughts are significantly lower than God's. (Isa. 55:8-9) Advent sets in motion His plan to confound the wisdom of men by using the death of Jesus on the Cross of Calvary to redeem mankind. Then He uses the foolishness of preaching by the most unlikely vessels to inform the world! (1 Cor. 1)  What if the innkeeper had known who he was turning away? It is sure that he would have displaced the most significant man in the best room available for Jesus. What if WE were to realize that we're turning away Jesus for Santa, shopping, trees, decorations and lights, vacations and food? Would we find the time for Him? Would we MAKE room?

THIS SUNDAY 9:30 AM Class Youth Room  11:00 AM Worship The Great Room at Wyoming Presbyterian 225 Wyoming Ave., 45215 513-212-1131

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - TENTMAKING - Sadell Bradley- 12/7/16 New Life Covenant Cincinnati

"After these things he (Paul) left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome.  He came to them, and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and they were working, for by trade they were tent-makers. And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks." Acts 18:1-4  These days most think of clergy as a paid profession. Preachers teach that the Levites had no business inheritance and were set aside to be wholly devoted to the Lord. (Deut.10:8-9) Catholic priests and nuns with vows of poverty and chastity lead neighborhood parishes. There are full-time denominational and megachurch pastors. But 59% of America's churches have 100 members or less and 94% are under 500 members. (Hartford Institute for Religion Research) So MOST clergy are bi-vocational. They shepherd their flocks and have other jobs to meet their family's needs. I've been on both sides of this equation, and both present challenges. There is a struggle with work-life balance. We are torn between the demanding commitments of the day-job and leadership responsibilities. On the other side, it's easy to lose touch and empathy with parishioners' experience if you've never worked in a secular job. The Apostle Paul was a bi-vocational minister, as were Priscilla and Aquila, two other prominent teachers. Now we associate Tent-making with missionaries who go overseas and teach English or do another job in a clandestine fashion to open doors for the Gospel in closed countries. Paul was working a regular job, but he also believed in material compensation for spiritual work (1 Cor,9:11-14; Gal. 6:6) He worked and he received support from the churches. In certain circumstances, he committed to working as an example, or he didn't want to be a burden to the churches in a region, (2 Thess. 3:7-8) but he made tents. The other day one of our members, who happens to work with me proclaimed, "your Jesus never goes off!"  What a glorious thing to hear! (wish it were 100% true, lol!) Se eing me be the same in a secular setting said what we teach in church is real and not just conjecture or for show. Tent-making is NOT a second-class ministerial status. We are ALL to be preachers of the Gospel in our spheres of influence! Perhaps more pastors might consider this example, if even for a short time. Sure, sometimes I long to devote all my time to leading and caring for the flock. Then I recall that my leader, Jesus the Carpenter, was a small business owner!

THIS SUNDAY
9:30 AM Class
Youth Room 
11:00 AM Worship
The Great Room at Wyoming Presbyterian
225 Wyoming Ave., 45215

513-212-1131

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - XENOPHOBIA - Sadell Bradley 11/30/16

"In worshiping their nationhood men worship themselves and scorn others, and that is no healthy thing. " C.J. Sansom Dictionary.com has deemed XENOPHOBIA the 2016 word of the year. Events like the recent US election, Brexit, and issues on immigration were cited as reasons for the prevalence of this word. XENOPHOBIA a word that first appeared in English during the 19th century, is a noun defined as "fear or hatred of foreigners, people from different cultures, or strangers. It can also refer to fear or dislike of customs, dress, and cultures of people with backgrounds different from our own." Other dictionaries include the ideas of having or showing an intense or irrational dislike, hatred or prejudice of people from other countries - or a fear of what is perceived to be foreign or strange. These divisive attitudes toward 'the other' are nothing new. It seems in our sinful state we are constantly looking for reasons to 'pedestalize' ourselves and express hostility at worst or at least a mild aversion to those unlike us. That's why Scripture is replete about how we are to engage 'the other' and 'one another.' God has command us to love.  "'When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God." (Leviticus 19:33-34). Unless you're Indigenous Indian in the US, we are all immigrants." Cursed is anyone who misleads a blind person on the road...Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow." Then all the people shall say, 'Amen!'" Deut. 27:18-19) Jesus taught about the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. The compelling question, "Who is my neighbor?" is met with the answer, "The one who showed mercy." This man picked the poor and wounded stranger off the street, bound up his wounds and paid his bills during his recovery. Jesus identified Himself with "the least of these" in Matthew 25: those who hunger and thirst, the stranger that needs to be invited in, the naked, the sick and the prisoner. In fact the distinction between the sheep and goats: those who will inherit eternal life vs. those who are destined for eternal punishment, is whether or not they love 'the other.'  Christ commands His disciples contrary to the practices of popular culture: do not retaliate or even resist an evil person. Turn the other cheek. Go the extra mile. Love your enemies and pray for your persecutors. In this way we show ourselves sons of God. (Matt. 5:38-45) Jesus lived and died for his haters. But Sadell, it's dangerous. I don't know what 'they' are going to do. I don't either. But if I decided to live xenophobic as an African-American woman in this racist and misogynistic environment, I would just hold up in the house. Scripture is preeminent. Our citizenship is in Heaven. (Phil. 3:20) We are foreigners, strangers and pilgrims in the earth. (1 Peter 2:11) Our affections, worship and attention are to be set above and not on the earth (Col 3:2). Paul and Peter had to deal with their personal issues with 'the other' in the conflict between the Jews the Gentiles.  Peter required 3 visions from the Lord to be able to engage the 'unclean' Gentiles. (Acts 10:9-16) Paul's life had to be transformed to write in Ephesians 2 that God's ultimate intent through Christ was to end the ethnic hostility by dying on the Cross, speaking peace to each side, and unifying those who were formerly opposed to create One New Humanity. Unless you were born Jewish, that would mean you and I would automatically be excluded from the covenant of promise through Jesus! but we're included!  Aren't you glad God is NOT XENOPHOBIC!

THIS SUNDAY
9:30 AM Class
Youth Room 
11:00 AM Worship
The Great Room at Wyoming Presbyterian
225 Wyoming Ave., 45215

513-212-1131

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - GRATITUDE- 11/23/16 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Colossians 3:17, ESV  GRATITUDE is the quality of being thankful. This week, gratitude changed my outlook. I was sharing data similar to this 2010 study by G. William Domhoff of the University of California concerning wealth inequality in the United states. It shows that the top 20% of Americans hold the vast majority of the country's wealth and net worth, while the bottom 80% struggle. The top 1% own over 40% of the nation's wealth, and the top .1% of that one percent hold the real power (Buffet, Gates, etc.).  As I shared the information, the faces of class members ranged from shocked through depressed to determined. We also realized that some of the other things we're fighting over like race might actually be a distraction as most of us are in a similar boat, but I digress. It's hard to be grateful when you're at the bottom of the totem pole. That realization normally brings a sense of sadness and frustration.  But then, I told them that over half of the world's population exists on $2 per day or less! Even someone who lives at the poverty level in the United States is richer than most of the people in the world. We have readily available food, clothing, shelter, hot running water, and various means of transportation. So when Jesus and Paul address the rich in Scripture...they're talking about US! Don't believe me? Check where your income or wealth stands on this website: GLOBAL RICH LIST   Now, all of a sudden, from this vantage point; we're NOT at the bottom...we're at the top! Oh, My! What many of us spend on the holidays, personal grooming, a night out, a sporting event, vacation, golf clubs, a flat-screen, game-boy, cell phone, shoes or purse...could change the trajectory of someone's family tree forever! So, I decided to commit again to use my blessings for God's glory through intentional acts of financial kindness. What about you? Paul framed gratitude this way, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength."  (Phil 4:12-13) Didn't know that was the context of that verse, did you? It's crazy to grasp that we can be both poor and rich at the same time!  Just goes to show...It is not happiness that brings us gratitude, it is gratitude that brings us happiness.

THIS SUNDAY
9:30 AM Class
Youth Room 
11:00 AM Worship
The Great Room at Wyoming Presbyterian
225 Wyoming Ave., 45215

513-212-1131

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - EMPATHY - Sadell Bradley -11/16/16

Share each other's burdens and in this way obey the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2, NLT) EMPATHY is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Maybe it is a child-like quality we've lost. Very special people who have developed this heart and skill, are invaluable in relationships. Why did I say skill? because you not only need the desire to understand before being understood, but you must also have the active listening skills to ensure that you've really comprehended what a hurting person is trying to convey. If you're interested in learning empathetic relating skills, I highly recommend: Equipping Ministries International   In case you hadn't noticed, A LOT of people are really hurting right now, and it's MUCH MORE than 'winning' or 'losing' an election. The politics of the season, including such issues as: sexism, objectification and abuse of women, feelings on immigration, the pipeline in North Dakota, the economy, abortion, increasing racial tensions, and now the appointment of certain cabinet members; has negatively affected more than half of the nation's citizens (if the sample of election results is an indication.) The maelstrom (state of confused movement or violent turmoil) of events has MANY concerned, if not down right afraid for their PHYSICAL, mental, emotional, relational and financial safety. For it to be 'ok' for such hatred, vitriol and malevolence to exist and even flourish in our country on all sides and particularly in the Church should be unsettling to any true Christ follower. Sadly, the prevailing notion is that many Christians and their leaders don't care...or even are in league with what's going on. The hardest part is that ideologies are often kept secret. If half the population is agreeing, ok with, or at the very least willing to live with this climate, those of us who are women and people of color never know whether we're in safety or danger. That can be terrifying, but if we jump to conclusions and judgments on each other, we'll do more damage. Many of our true Caucasian friends and Christian family may feel misunderstood, attacked and needing to defend their positions. Some might also think they're in harm's way.  If ever there was a time for EMPATHY, it's now! Here's a really cool video from Dr. Brene Brown about empathy: Christians are supposed to be expert at 'one anothering.' Jesus commanded, "love one another as I have loved you." This love is supposed be the identifying mark of Christ followers. (John 13:34-35) Paul instructed us in Galatians 6:2 to "bear one anothers burdens." I don't know what the burden is, unless I hear from my brother or sister. God rarely just deals with one side. The Word requires us to, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:31-32) Frankly, we've failed on these commands and more, and the Church must heal itself first so we can regain credibility with the world. So find someone not like you, listen and EMPATHIZE today!

THIS SUNDAY 9:30 AM Class Youth Room  11:00 AM Worship The Great Room at Wyoming Presbyterian 225 Wyoming Ave., 45215 513-212-1131