WEDNESDAY'S WORD - FRUGAL - 08/01/18 Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

"Without frugality none can be rich and with it very few would be poor." -Samuel Johnson   

 

The Greek philosopher Plato said, "The greatest wealth is to live content with little." For the last two days at my job at MORTAR, a business incubator for aspiring entrepreneurs, our current classes experienced a 3-hour personal finance session. It was fascinating to hear how history, family mores and values...along with decisions...had positively and negatively impacted areas like work, debt and credit, taxes, saving and investing.  As the instructor and our staff meted out best practices and wise philosophies, it was as if a veil was rent in their minds and more consideration was given to how currency flows. We were challenged to use money as a tool toward our goals...and not to just spend it frivolously. To be FRUGAL means sparing or economical with regard to money or food. That's a story for another day as gluttony is truly a societal ill in the US. FRUGAL also means simple, plain and costing little. It derives from the Latin frugalis, from frugi, which means economical or thrifty.

    

In our society, most people squander their wealth and income. That's why our savings rate is only 3% and 47% of Americans can't cover a $400 emergency. Too numerous are the accounts of athletes and entertainers who amass a fortune and somehow end up bankrupt or in debt. Even more incredible are stories of people like Theodore Johnson, a UPS Worker who never made more than $14,000 in his 45-year career, but invested 20% of his money over that time and grew it to over 70 Million dollars!  He then donated 36 million toward an educational scholarship fund. The Bible speaks about those who live a frugal lifestyle,"There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up." (Proverbs 21:20) Only a fool spends every dollar that comes through their hands. What's your personal savings rate? 

 

God gave Joseph both the revelation and grace to act frugally and wisely. By saving and storing to leverage a time of plenty against an upcoming famine, he was able to save not only his family but the realm of Egypt and surrounding nations. In Genesis 41:34-36, at Joseph's advice and warning, Pharaoh instructed his supervisors to gather and put in storehouses 20% of what was produced in the seven good years and guard it so that there would be enough for the seven lean years. Is that where Theodore Johnson got his savings percentage? Maybe that could be a goal. Frugality is a choice.    

 

At times we wonder if we should spend on an item or experience. Financial gurus advise sleeping on the decision  to avoid impulse spending and find out if we really need the thing we so desire. Often the answer is no. Emotional spending (and eating) are all too frequent. It is a prudent exercise of self control to have the practice of saying NO to ourselves. Wisdom says, "When in doubt...do without."  

Join us SUNDAYS 9:30AM Class 11:00 AM Worship Service 225 Wyoming Ave. Cincinnati OH 45215 mynewlifetoday.com

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - OPPRESS - 07/25/18 -Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

"He that overvalues himself will undervalue others, and he that undervalues others will oppress them." - Samuel Johnson      I was in a discussion on the increasing income and wealth inequality and decreasing mobility in the US economic system. The top 10% of the Country take in 47% of the income (CBS news). The top 1% take in 20% of US income! America ranks 2nd for income inequality in the developed world. The income of the bottom 50% was just 13%. The share of the top 1% overtook the bottom 50% back in the 1990s. This disparity also negatively affects people of color. Native Americans, Latinos and African-Americans are not only impacted by general downward trends, but centuries of racist banking practices, redlining (the 'ghettoizing' of neighborhoods), etc. It's a bad state of affairs that is hurting most Americans and too many are lulled to sleep.     Those with power have the potential to OPPRESS those without it - to  keep them in subservience and hardship, especially by the unjust use of  authority. Whether we're talking about human trafficking, slavery, or other money and power motivated societal ills; oppression is prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control that brings mental pressure or distress. It may not seem like it, but financially we're only a few iterations away from the stories you'd find in dystopian novels like The Hunger Games. Unfortunately, many who come out from the bottom to a level of wealth become just like their predecessors. King Solomon advised in Proverbs 3:32-33, "Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous. The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just."     If we want to find out underlying motives for wicked and oppressive practices, follow the money tree. "10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:10) Christians, Paul cites generosity and the divestment of goods as the antidote to escape a life of self-interest and avarice - extreme greed for wealth or material gain. "17Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."  As Kingdom citizens, we understand the reason for wealth is to be a conduit of blessing to others, not a means to oppress them. Christ's Kingdom is counter-cultural, and is meant to be a beacon of light in the world.

Join us SUNDAYS 9:30AM Class 11:00 AM Worship Service 225 Wyoming Ave. Cincinnati OH 45215 mynewlifetoday.com

WEDNESDAY'S WORD- REWARD - 07/18/18 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

 

"The reward of worship is God." - Pastor William McDowell   

 

In Genesis 14, Abram has just rescued his nephew Lot, who's gotten himself entangled in a war between two groups of kings. Lot, his family and possessions were seized. Abraham goes in with 318 men, routs Lot's captors and recovers his family and goods. Afterwards, Abram has an encounter with Melchizedek, the king of Salem (which means peace). The bible says that he was a priest of the Most High - scholars believe a type of Christ:

 

19 and he blessed Abram, saying, "Blessed be Abram  

by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.

20And praise be to God Most High,

who delivered your enemies into your hand."

Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

 

The king of Sodom, one of the kings on Lot's side, offered Abram the opportunity to keep all the goods he had recovered in the battle (vs. 21) Abram refused. "I solemnly swear to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, 23 that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, 'I am the one who made Abram rich.' 24 I will accept only what my young warriors have already eaten, and I request that you give a fair share of the goods to my allies - Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre."  In these two acts: his offering of the tithe, and his refusal to allow anyone to receive glory for His victories or riches but God; Abram established his character as a true worshiper of Jehovah.  

 

After these events, the Word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:

"Do not be afraid, Abram.

I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."

(Gen. 15:1)  

 

A shield is a person or thing that provides protection from danger, risk, or unpleasant experiences. A shield prevents you from being seen or detected. It can prohibit or reduce the escape of sound, light, radiation, etc. A shield separates or divides you away from what is harmful. After an extreme battle, God affirmed that He was the one keeping Abram safe and secure. He said I AM also your exceedingly great REWARD. A REWARD is a gift given in recognition of one's service, effort or achievement. It is fair return for good behavior that connotes being regarded or heeded. It's as if God says to Abram, "I see your worship, who you are becoming and what you're choosing. Your reward won't come through Me...IT IS ME...and there is no greater reward." We would do well to adopt Abram's posture before God. In life and ministry we too often seek money, fame, accolades, opportunities, notoriety and the praise of men, but HE is the reward of worship.

 

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WEDNESDAY'S WORD - NEIGHBOR- 07/11/18 -Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

"He alone loves the Creator perfectly who manifests  

a pure love for his neighbor."

- Venerable Bede, English Clergyman  

 

"It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, A beautiful day for a neighbor,  

Would you be mine? Could you be mine?

It's a neighborly day in this beautywood, A neighborly day for a beauty,  

Would you be mine? Could you be mine..."    

 

Caught you singing it! There's a documentary in theaters about Mr. Rogers, the beloved character so many of us grew up watching, called, "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" I haven't seen it yet, but I plan to. Did you know that Fred Rogers was an ordained minister? He used his platform, a children's program on PBS, so effectively to bring a more loving and Christ-like tone to our culture - particularly in difficult times. Rogers was a close friend of renowned Cellist, Yo Yo Ma. He said Rogers helped him navigate fame. Mr. Rogers told Ma that fame was not necessarily a bad thing and mentored him on how it could be used for good in the world. Ma's son, Nicholas (above), is the producer of the Mr. Rogers documentary.     

 

Mr. Rogers' message is perfect for the times in which we're now living. He was a beacon of light who consistently demonstrated respect, empathy and esteem for his neighbor. A NEIGHBOR is a person living near or next door. In  Biblical context a neighbor is any person in need of one's help or kindness. A neighborhood is not just a community within a town; it's the neighborly feeling you have about those in your sphere and your conduct toward them. Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself," is the second greatest commandment. He said that it's just as important as the first, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength."  (Mark 12:30-31) We, like Jesus' disciples, struggle with loving anyone outside of those that love us, are like us, or believe as we do. (Matt. 5:46-47). We're no better than the world, and we ask the same qualifying question they did,"Who is my neighbor?" 

 

To answer this, Jesus used the worst possible relational scenario: two cultures whose hatred for one another was fierce and long-standing- the Jews and Samaritans. The Jews regarded the Samaritans as the worst of the human race. They were foreigners and idolaters with whom some Jews had inter-married. Priests had to be sent in to teach them God's ways, but then it became religious mixture. Samaritans were considered half-breeds, and the differences seemed irreconcilable. When Jesus engaged the Samaritan woman at the well she was shocked because, "The Jews had no dealings with Samaritans." (John 4:9) But Christ came to preach the Gospel of Peace to the very ones the Jews hated. He revealed through the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) that their perceived enemies were also their neighbors. There is potentially good in the ones we hate or fear the most, and Jesus intends to save us all. Mr. Rogers embodied this sentiment by bringing everyone: people of all cultures, boys and girls, rich and poor, able bodied and disabled into his neighborhood for friendship and love. So he asks us again, "Won't you please? Won't you please? Please won't you be...my neighbor?"  

Join us SUNDAYS 9:30AM Class 11:00 AM Worship Service 225 Wyoming Ave. Cincinnati OH 45215 mynewlifetoday.com

WEDNESDAY'S WORD- FREEDOM - 07/04/18 - Sadell Bradley -New Life Covenant Cincinnati

"May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right." - Peter Marshall

 

According to the dictionary, FREEDOM is many things: 

• the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.
• the absence of subjection to a foreign domination or despotic government.
• the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.
• the state of being physically unrestricted and able to move easily
• the power of self-determination attributed to the will; the quality of being independent of fate or necessity
• the unrestricted use of something
• familiarity or openness of speech or behavior

Those definitions give me great pause due to the climate in which we currently live. I think about the five Capital Gazette journalists gunned down in a targeted assault in Annapolis, MD. It was a terrorist attack not just on them as individuals, or on the paper...but on freedom of speech itself. I observe our recent associations with, and affinity for, despotic rulers who hold absolute power, and typically exercise it in a cruel or oppressive way. I watch as legislation passes and appointments are made that could strip away my rights and freedoms as an African-American and a woman. In 1776, remember neither African-Americans nor women were free, both were chattel.  

 

Since I am an orphan, I understand the post traumatic stress that occurs when children are separated from their parents under 'normal' circumstances. I cringe at the detention of thousands of boy and girls in mass incarceration at the border of this Country. Yes, I know what their caregivers chose was illegal, but our handling of it is immoral. Many of the children are not even at decision-making age. What happened to these words emblazoned upon our Statue of Liberty? "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden door." - Emma Lazarus The US doesn't have to uphold principles of love and justice, and it hasn't historically. The Kingdom of God is bound to higher standards for the treatment of strangers, orphans, prisoners, and the poor. In these times, Christians are called to differentiate ourselves from the government.

 

 

"When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God." Leviticus 19:33-34 "'Cursed be anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.' And all the people shall say, 'Amen.'" Deuteronomy 27:19  

 

Believers know that true freedom is found in the LORD Jesus Christ, and it is not something we should take for granted. WE are free from the tyranny and domination of sin and its deathly consequences and penalties. We have been freed from our former cruel and selfish nature to live the life of LOVE that represents Christ to the world. If the Son has made us free, we are free indeed. (John 8:36) In the New Testament, Jewish Believers struggled with God's plan to engraft the Gentile 'others' into His Kingdom (Eph. 2) We, as modern-day Christians have to ward against displaying similar biases and fears to keep out those God is trying to save. Some will say I'm conflating two issues. There really is only ONE issue, that's the redemption of those for whom Christ has died. We will not win them through cruelty. If I have to choose between the US and the KINGDOM...America will lose every time. "For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love." (Galatians 5:13)   

 

Please keep these things in mind around your BBQ grill and fireworks.