WEDNESDAY'S WORD - REPRIEVE - Sadell Bradley - 07/27/2022

 

WEDNESDAY'S WORD REPRIEVE 7/27/2022 “Sometimes, when you are worn down, day after day, relentlessly, with no reprieve for years piled on years, sometimes you lose everything but the ability to cry.”  - Leila Sales - Author T TONIGHT at 7PM WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY CREATE SERIES SKILLFUL HANDS Our vacation is sadly coming to an end. It has been a fantastic time of fun, closeness, and celebration of the 20 years the Lord has graciously allowed us in marriage. It has also been a reprieve, not only from work, but from serious circumstances over the years that had left us drained. In this sense the word REPRIEVE means a temporary escape from an unpleasant situation or an undesirable fate. At other times when we hear reprieve we think of cancelling or postponing the punishment of someone, especially someone condemned to death. In the US, inmates on death row awaiting execution can request a reprieve from their state's Governor. Stories recount their fear of dying and their relief when a reprieve comes. It releases them back to prison, giving an extended time not only to live, but to embrace family and friends, and in the case of the innocent...to fight false imprisonment or receive a pardon. A reprieve is grace and a gift. There are times when we need a reprieve. Paul described one such time for the church at Corinth. In 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, he wrote, 8We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. 9Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many."  Have you ever found yourself in a very stressful situation? where physically, spiritually, emotionally, relationally, financially or vocationally, you thought you would not make it? You were burdened and overwhelmed—seemingly beyond your ability to endure. I've been there. At times it feels like you're literally going to die, but you don't. You might cry till there are no more tears left, or do the silent scream in a pillow. Perhaps you become depressed; you can't sleep or get out of bed. You may stop eating, or try live in isolation. Or some folks medicate themselves with food, work, sex, substances, shopping. binge watching TV, partying—or whatever gives a temporary fix. We try to be self-reliant at times when we should call on the Governor of our souls. He doesn't put band-aids on heart surgery; He offers us a permanent reprieve. Paul went directly to God for deliverance. He also sought the prayers of the saints. What have you been doing? and to whom have you been going? I'm not sure what you're experiencing, but today I'd like to encourage you to set your hope in the LORD Jesus Christ. The same God who has helped you endure or has brought you out of difficulty in the past is here to deliver, comfort, and keep you now. And if you happen to be stressed, frazzled and at your wits end from overextending yourself —it might be time for you to take a reprieve.

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - ADVENTUROUS - Sadell Bradley - 07/20/2022

 

WEDNESDAY'S WORD ADVENTUROUS 7/20/2022 “It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no security in what iis no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life and in change there is power. ”— Alan Cohen - Businessman While on vacation celebrating our 20th anniversary, I drove a jet ski on the ocean. The first time I was on a jet ski about 15 years ago, I rode on the rear of the one Sherman was driving. This time, I said to myself, "I think I want to drive." So, I signed us both up as drivers. For weeks I toggled back and forth in my mind as to whether or not that was a good decision. I'm not a speed-loving person in cars, and surely not in water. I can only swim across a pool, not an ocean. What if I fall off the jet ski and hurt myself, or there are sharks in the ocean? The negative possibilities seemed endless. When I got on the cruise ship I thought, I can just just go to the excursions desk and get my money back. I don't even have to ride, I'll just stay on the beach in comfort and safety. No, you can't be a chicken, Sadell! When it became too late to cancel or turn back, I asked Sherman too many questions, Lol!. On the dock I watched as other groups got on their jet skis. When I saw how far out into the ocean they were going, fear started to rise. By the time we got into the training session the guide put me last in line because he jokingly said I looked terrified..and I was. All the other wives were riding. But there was a grandmother there driving her granddaughter for the second time in three hours, so I thought; if she can do this, surely I can...so I did...trembling. It wasn't about how fast I would go, or about developing an expert ability to navigate the jet ski around turns and over waves— though you had to do that. It was all about conquering my fear, and I did that too. Jet skiing caused me to become more ADVENTUROUS - willing to take risks or to try out new methods, ideas, or experiences; full of excitement.   As I was on the jet ski in the last position struggling to keep up, I was filled with joy. i once heard Bishop Jakes say if you're number 1 in a group from 1-10, you 're not growing. To become an 11...you have to be courageous and humble enough to sit in a room with 20's. Just get into that next level room so you can learn and grow from people more experienced than you are. I was the last one in a next level jet ski room. I'm so grateful I reserved my place, didn't cancel beforehand, or quit during the journey when at times I was lagging behind, even when it wasn't due to my own failure, but the slowing of the 7;s and 8's before me, The trainers gave us a guide called 'the Chase,' (the Holy Spirit), who would get us back on track and in line so we wouldn't get lost. That'll preach. In the middle of the Ocean, which they said was in the corner of the Bermuda Triangle (glad they said that at the end)...I had a singular thought about Peter from Matthew 14:22-33. Riding my jet ski in position 9 of 9, watching the wives clinging to the backs of their husbands; I said to myself over and over again...PETER was the only one to get off the boat. I reflected on the number of times the LORD has called me out to do something no one else was willing to do, and the amount of time I've spent in TOTAL discomfort, often fear, and sometimes failure while doing it—and I was extraordinarily grateful. Via jet skis, God is preparing and inviting me to be even more adventurous. Rabid explorer Christopher McClandless said, " So many people live with unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a live of security, conformity, and conservation, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality, nothing is more dangerous to the adventurous spirit."

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - RETRACTION- Sadell Bradley - 07/13/2022

 

WEDNESDAY'S WORD RETRACTION 7/13/2022 “I can't think of a major story that we have broken that was incorrect. But we have had to correct some things that were false: we have had to retract things.”— Mary Hart - Journalist JOIN US TONIGHT AT 7PM!! WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY CREATE SERIES: MASTERPIECE IN THE MAKING! @warehouseOTR Facebook & YouTube Yesterday, ESPN announced they had relayed a story from a satire site reporting that popular NBA star Ja Morant had made a statement that Michael Jordan, who is arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, would be 'just another superstar' in today's game. Ja Morant never said this. If you've ever watched sports news, you know that across all media channels—this untrue statement was repeated over and over again...as an array of experts gave their opinion on Ja and his alleged 'statement.' Toward the end of the show we were watching, the ESPN commentator issued a RETRACTION which means to withdraw a statement or accusation as untrue or unjustified. I thought about how the one line statement, We regret it, were wrong, and we take it back, can never compare to the intensity and damage of a 24-hour worldwide raking over the coals.   I'm wondering if...over the history of your life...there might have been words, statements, texts, or emails you wish you could retract. In the heat of the moment, perhaps led by your emotions, you said or did something you wish you could recant. You want to take it back...but you can't unsay what you said, or rescind the contract you signed, unsend the text or email, or have a do-over. You might have apologized...but the damage was already done. Newspapers usually print retractions the next day at the bottom of the page where few if any people see them. So, in the example to the left, the entire town will continue think musician Eric Lyday was on drugs versus on drums. Funny...not funny. We generally say retractable words when under stress or trial. This happened to Job in his affliction after the loss of his children, his fortune, and his health. Not understanding that the trial was meant to demonstrate his faithfulness in worshiping God; he levied accusations and misunderstood what the Lord was really doing in and through his life. God strongly corrected Job in chapter 41, stating on verse 34b "Everything under the heavens is Mine; therefore, who can have a claim against God?" Then Job waxed sorrowful and apologetic declaring: 2“I know that You can do all things, And that no thought or purpose of Yours can be restrained. 3“[You said to me] ‘Who is this that darkens and obscures counsel [by words] without knowledge?’ Therefore [I now see] I have [rashly] uttered that which I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. 4‘Hear, please, and I will speak; I will ask You, and You instruct [and answer] me.’ 5“I had heard of You [only] by the hearing of the ear, But now my [spiritual] eye sees You. 6“Therefore I retract [my words and hate myself] And I repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:2-6 Amplified) Have you ever levied a false accusation against God? Sometimes we blame God for what Satan is doing. Or we misunderstand the ultimate purpose of our trial. We get angry with God over what other people decide to do or say that negatively affects us. Maybe you've been like ESPN? You heard an untrue report about someone, believed it, and repeated it...letting it spread without finding out if it were true. What did you do when you found out you were wrong? Did you apologize? Did you retract what you said? Whether you are the accused or the one who is backtracking... retractions are almost never as powerful as initial words.

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - TITHE - Sadell Bradley - 07/6/2022

 

WEDNESDAY'S WORD TITHE 7/6/2022 “The tithe simply is not a sufficiently radical concept to embody the carefree unconcern for possessions that marks life in the Kingdom of God. The tithe is not necessarily 'evil,' it simply cannot provide a sufficient base for Jesus' call to carefree unconcern over provision. Perhaps the tithe can be a beginning way to acknowledge God as the owner of all things, but it is only a beginning and not an ending.”— Richard Foster -Theologian

JOIN US TONIGHT AT 7PM!! WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY CREATE SERIES: GOD... WHAT ARE YOU MAKING? @warehouseOTR Facebook & YouTube

On Monday, my social media feed spread the news that televangelist and prosperity gospel preacher, Creflo Dollar—who once asked his congregants to buy him a 65 million dollar jet, was admitting he had misled them with his teachings on tithing. A Black Enterprise Magazine article reported that Dollar announced during a sermon entitled "The Great Misunderstanding," that "Today, I stand in humility to correct things I taught for years and believed for years." What is tithing? The dictionary defines TITHE as one tenth of annual produce or earnings formerly taken as a tax for the support of the Church and clergy; a tenth of a specified thing. In the Old Testament's agricultural society, Jewish people gave 10% of their crops and livestock as an act of worship, to support the Levites (clergy), and as a tax for the Jewish state. Judaism was not just a religion, but a nation. They also at times paid tithes the way Uncle Sam withdraws 10-37% in taxes to offer us basic services and care for the poor.   Leviticus 27:30 states, “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD." If individuals or families withheld the tithe, it was considered 'robbing God,' (Malachi 3:8-12) which caused a curse or suffering for the entire nation— like some believe wealthy folks making billions not paying taxes hurts all Americans. According to Nonprofit Source, only 5% of Americans tithe. 80% only give 2% of their income. In any church only 10-25% of the parishioners tithe. Yet some are so devoted they leave entire estates to God and the church. The Levites were not allowed secular work or land ownership. They received portions from the people's tithe to care for their families. They also tithed as worship to God, "Moreover, you shall speak and say to the Levites, ‘When you take from the people of Israel the tithe that I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall present a contribution from it to the Lord, a tithe of the tithe." (Num. 18:26) This continues today as many clergy tithe back into the storehouses of their churches. Contrary to popular opinion, 99% of us are not in the position of Creflo Dollar. 26% are bi-vocational, and growing numbers pastor more than one congregation. Churches are a benefit to their members and the community. Their work requires funding just like any other non-profit. I began giving tithes and offerings and living generously before becoming a pastor, and that will continue. I really wish I could give 90% and live on 10%. Still...some church leaders are corrupt. This was true even in Jesus' day, He said in Luke 11:42. “What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things." I didn't say that, Jesus did...it's in red, and in the New Testament. Even more, the writings on New Testament generosity actually exceed a 10% tithe. In Luke 3:11, John the Baptist said anyone who has two coats should offer one to someone in need and whoever has food should do the same (that's 50%). The church in Acts 2:44-45 was founded on sharing "all things in common," selling their possessions and distributing to anyone in need. Acts 4:32 says, "The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned." That's 100% but most aren't going there... The Apostle Paul was a bi-vocational minister— a tent maker who chose to preach for free. Yet he said the LORD prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the Gospel. (1 Cor. 9:14) He commended the Macedonian church, who were much like Black churches who proportionately give more than their more wealthy counterparts, "2They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 3For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do." (2 Cor. 8: 2-5) Giving of yourself and the goods you've been entrusted is an act of worship. Paul instructs it should be done cheerfully, willingly, and not grudgingly or of compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7) Jesus shared in Mark 12:41-44 about a widow who gave two mites, the smallest coin in Judea, into the offering. While others gave from their wealth, she from her poverty worshiped God with all she had, 100%. Jesus gives us free will to love and worship Him...or not. So everyone can, and obviously has been deciding weekly (1 Cor 16:2) how much and with what spirit they want to give to God in worship. In 2 Corinthians 9 verse 8, Paul writes, "And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others." This is my testimony and that of many who have chosen to tithe and offer to God, give alms to the poor, and live generously. There are more Biblical admonitions about how we can handle finances. We look for rules and laws, but the Father seeks worshipers (John 4). The woman in Luke 7 broke open an expensive alabaster box of perfume at Jesus' feet in worship, receiving much ridicule from the religious leaders. Jesus told them, "the one who has been forgiven much loves much." Author Jim Gorge puts our choice plainly: “The basic question is not how much of our money we should give to God, but how much of God's money we should keep for ourselves.”