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

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - DISCIPLESHIP- Sadell Bradley- 11/09/16- New Life Covenant Cincinnati

Jesus said to the people who believed in Him,"You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:31-32 NLT)

As a pastor, few things are more gratifying than when your student says your teaching has positively impacted their choices or outlook in a crucial situation. That happened last night in the throes of the presidential election. They said, "I'm not allowing fear to shape my mindset, but I'm choosing joy, hope and gratitude instead. Thank you, Healing is a choice!!" I immediately felt peace not only about what I would write; but about our continual teaching on the Sovereignty of God, the priority of His Kingdom, the Christian's call to service, faith, rejoicing, inner healing and the cross life, forgiveness and the ministry reconciliation to Christ and to one another. When tests come, we find out if we are really Jesus' disciples or if we're following other ideologies. Sadly, it seems many have succumbed to dogma that excludes the two greatest commands: to love God with our hearts, minds, souls and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. (Matt. 22:36-40)

A DISCIPLE is a personal follower of Jesus; a disciplined student or learner of His philosophies.  DISCIPLESHIP describes the mission of making disciples. Discipline in Christianity is the practice of training people to live and love within the code of conduct that Jesus Christ prescribes-despite external circumstances and internal feelings. True disciples of Christ are commanded: to love, bless and pray for enemies and persecutors; (Matt. 5:44; Luke 6:27) to pray for kings and those in authority; (1 Tim 2:2) to be armed with a disposition to suffer; (1 Peter 3:14) and to make Jesus and His Kingdom priority over family, possessions, power, position, and yes, country no matter the cost.

Jesus said, "If you want to be My disciple, you must hate (or love less) everyone by comparison - your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters -- yes, even your own life. Otherwise you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26-27) He admonishes us to count the cost to see if we are really ready to take on that mantle...and if we'll train others to do the same.

The breach that has been created within the Christian community in this season will be difficult to repair, but sincere followers of Jesus Christ are called to demonstrate the identifying mark of discipleship, "By THIS all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have LOVE for one another." (John 13:35) It is better to be reconciled than to be right.

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 ON THURSDAY - UNSTOPPED-11/03/16- Sadell Bradley- New Life Covenant Cincinnati

The eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. The lame leap like a dear and the mute tongue shouts for joy. Isaiah 35:5-6 UNSTOPPED means to be freed from obstruction. We use this term to describe removing things from a sink or other plumbing. UNCLOG is a similar term that means to remove accumulated matter. At an event I was agitated over what's happening with the 'multi-ethnic' worship.  I wondered, why is this upsetting me? Through discussions with leaders, I was challenged that I have some contribution to make to this issue. It was odd, because I knew it to be true, but couldn't get a firm faith grasp on it. I somehow wasn't able to spiritually hear this challenge. So...   I had a dream. In it, I was a teacher about to administer a test.  I was cleaning my office, about to write the test out, but made a detour to the dining room. I sat down and felt something in my ear.  It was an entire tube of toothpaste. I pulled it out and immediately all kinds of things started to come out of BOTH my ears! like toys and jelly beans, until there was a pile of things at my feet and my ears were finally clear. Then I was free to go and teach and administer the test. When I awakened from the dream, I felt a sense that my own ears had been unstopped. I immediately recalled a pastor 20 years ago prophetically saying that, "I would teach worship, not just the techniques but teaching people to worship God." "So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God."   (Hebrews 10:17) Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you can't see, without it we cannot please God. (Hebrews 11:1;6)  Faith is also the ability to believe God and be persuaded about His Divine Truth. The Apostle Paul declares that this persuasion and confidence comes through our ability to hear, and hear the Word of God.  The message about Christ and His salvation, and the proceeding Word that comes from the Holy Spirit and prophetic voices bolsters our faith. If other things are clogging our ability to hear, we are not able to walk and live by faith. Jesus taught the disciples that the cares of life and the deceitfulness of riches can choke the Word and make it unfruitful. (Mark 4:19) Our insecurities, past failures, long-term stress, poor self-perceptions, distractions, and other things can have us to the point where God is speaking, but we can't hear Him.  That's probably why He says over and over, "He that hath an ear, let Him hear what the Spirit is saying..." It was obviously time for me to get my ears UNSTOPPED.  How about you?

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