WEDNESDAY'S WORD - WISDOM - Sadell Bradley - 02/05/2025

WEDNESDAY'S WORD WISDOM 02/05/2025 "By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third, by experience, which is the bitterest." —Confucius - Chinese Philosopher CLICK TO RSVP HERE AND PAY $10.00 FOR BREAKFAST         "The only true wisdom is knowing you know nothing." —Socrates - Greek Philosopher I quoted some well-known philosophers today. The Greek word philosophia means "lover of wisdom." Philosophers study the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. They develop theories about the guiding principles of human behavior. WISDOM - is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; of being WISE (responding sensibly or shrewdly to specific situations). Wisdom goes beyond developing a theory to applying what you know and understand. It takes discipline to be wise. We all could use some wisdom right about now. Here's an example—we can KNOW smoking is bad for one's health and may result in lung cancer, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - constricted airways), or emphysema (damaged lungs that leave one breathless). We can UNDERSTAND that if we were to smoke, a negative health outcome like these could ensue. If we are WISE...we will apply what we know and understand, and choose not to smoke. The same holds true for other negative or positive interactions. If prudence tells us what to do or not to do...wisdom follows through. The Old Testament instructs, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10) Job reiterates this truth and goes further toward application, "And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.” (Job 28:29) Paul differentiates Heavenly wisdom from earthly wisdom. For Christ-followers, the main consideration is the Gospel, the Good News of God's Kingdom. Jesus Christ is the King. God's only begotten Son chose to die for the sinful state of humankind. This was a powerful act of love, humility, and surrender that defied and was counter-cultural to secular, worldly motivations. The Cross, an expression of God's wisdom, was meant to save us from sin forever and offer us eternal life. Paul explains: 18The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 19As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”20So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. 21Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know Him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. 22It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. 23So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.24But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength. 26Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 28God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 29As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. 30God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. 31Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.” (1Corinthians 1:18-31, NLT) The Apostle James gives us insight on what the world's/devil's wisdom looks like in contrast to the Lord's wisdom. This simple passage makes the two easily identifiable and allows us to choose between them. He asks: 13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:13-18) Which wisdom are we seeing and walking in these days? The word Selah in the Bible means "pause and think about it." I invite you to read the passages above again and do just that.

 

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - VENGEANCE - Sadell Bradley - 01/29/2025

WEDNESDAY'S WORD VENGEANCE 1/29/2025 "The highest hallmark of a civilized society is not the rapidity with which it exacts vengeance, but its ability to hold victim and victimizer in its compassionate heart." —Greg Boyle, American Clergyman CLICK TO RSVP HERE AND PAY $10.00 FOR BREAKFAST     "Vengeance is the act of turning anger on yourself. On the surface it may be directed at someone else, but it is a sure fire recipe for arresting emotional recovery." —Jane Goldman, English Writer VENGEANCE is punishment inflicted or retribution exacted for an injury or wrong. The Old French vengier means to avenge. The Latin vindicare is to vindicate (to clear someone of blame or suspicion, to show or prove to be right, reasonable, or justified). Webster's Dictionary says vengeance is punishment given in return for an injury or offense. There is a difference between avenge and revenge. To avenge is to inflict harm in return for an injury or wrong previously done to oneself or another; or to inflict harm on behalf of oneself or someone else previously wronged or harmed. Revenge is the action of inflicting hurt or harm on someone for an injury or wrong you have suffered at their hands; or the desire to inflict retribution. All these words have the same root, but different motives. In the example in the attached photo, avenging is action that is motivated by a desire for justice (just behavior or treatment; the quality of being fair and reasonable, and the administration of the law or authority in maintaining this), while revenge is motivated by anger or malice. Paul wrote in Colossians 3: 1If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 5Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. 8But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. (Colossians 3:1-11) True Christ followers are to put away anger, wrath, and malice. Our motive is never to be revenge. Vengeance has an owner, and it is not us. When we step into retribution, we're in God's territory, as Paul told the Church when they were under occupation by the Roman Empire: 9Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9-20; cf 1 Samuel 24) A disciple of Jesus' highest desire is to be conformed to the image of Christ. Kindness in the face evil is a counter-cultural, Christlike offering of sacrifice that is redemptive. Peter wrote, “When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23). These are hard words to write, and they are even more difficult to live out in the midst of times of uncertainty, tribulation (great trouble or suffering) and persecution (hostility and ill-treatment). No matter who we are...when we take on a posture of vengeance and not blessing, we are violating the tenets of King Jesus and His Kingdom. It was Jesus who, while dying on the Cross for the sins of those who hated Him said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." The rulers sneered, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” (Luke 23:34-35) It wasn't that Jesus was not who He said He was, nor that He could not have avenged Himself in that moment. He could have fought back...and would have won. When Jesus was being betrayed by Judas to be arrested, Peter tried to execute his own brand of vengeance by cutting off Malchus' ear. Jesus rebuked him, "Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and He would send them instantly?" (Matt. 26:53) Jesus didn't ask God to destroy His enemies because God's purpose was to save them through Him. Humanity's redemption would not be fulfilled if Jesus did not go to the Cross... so He decided to die to save you and me. Jesus left vengeance to is rightful owner, His Father. In doing so, won for us the ultimate victory forever!

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - TODAY - Sadell Bradley - 01/22/2025

WEDNESDAY'S WORD TODAY 1/22/2025 "For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I'm about to do today.' And whenever the answer is 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something." —Steve Jobs  CLICK TO RSVP HERE AND PAY $10.00 FOR BREAKFAST       "Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It is already tomorrow in Australia." —Charles M. Schulz - Cartoonist Like many churches, The Warehouse began 2025 with prayer and fasting. Corporately and individually, we invest this time to deny our flesh, humble ourselves, and set our minds and spirits to hear from the LORD. Isaiah 58 talks about fasting as an opportunity to loose the chains of injustice, to set the oppressed free, to share food, clothing, and shelter with those in need, and to restore our relationships. It is a chance for our light and righteousness to shine. When we call on God, He will answer. There is trouble all over the world. Some wars are ceasing—others are in full engagement. There is political turmoil here and abroad, and natural disasters are everywhere. I mean... it's snowing in Texas! Folks are becoming filled with anxiety about their personal and professional lives, as well as what is going on in the culture. One verse of the LORD's prayer asks, "Give us THIS DAY our daily bread."  (Matthew 6:11) The words 'this day' and 'today' have been ringing in my mind. TODAY - means on or in the course of this present day; or at the present period of time. I felt reassured by the truth that you can only live THIS DAY...really this moment. As much as we want to prognosticate about what will happen in 2025, over the next four years, or how our children and grandchildren will be affected in the future...all we can live out is TODAY. We've seen in just a few short weeks how lives and livelihoods can be dismantled and destroyed in a single day by fires, or by someone somewhere turning off an app platform. Proverbs 27:1 tells us, "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." James called moving too far off in our predictions prideful and presumptuous: 13Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” 14How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. 15What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” 16Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil. (James 4:13-16, NLT) I was struck by how much I'd begun to trust in my own plans: goal setting, retirement, insurance, etc. If we've learned anything over the past few weeks, it's that so much is beyond our control. That's why we need the LORD and each other. After Jesus taught His disciples about prayer and fasting; He told them (in the midst of exile under Roman rule)...not to be anxious about anything. Don't worry about food, clothing, shelter, or supply. Don't try to accumulate and store up treasures on earth, but store them up in Heaven.Jesus said concerns about tangible things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your Heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God first (above all else), and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. (Matthew 6:19-33) I remember a time before I got so smart...when I lived closer to this kind of reverence and dependence...do you? At the end of Matthew 6, Jesus encouraged His followers, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today." (v. 34) ENJOY TODAY...tomorrow is not promised.

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - COMPASSION - Sadell Bradley - 01/15/2025

 

WEDNESDAY'S WORD COMPASSION 1/15/2025 "As I get older, the more I stay focused on the acceptance of myself and others, and choose compassion over judgment and curiosity over fear." —Tracee Ellis Ross, American Actress     "True compassion means not only feeling another's pain but also being moved to help relieve it." —Daniel Goldman, Psychologist & Author  The devastating fires in California have gripped the Country with alarm and concern. It seems unfathomable that such destruction could engulf such a large swath of territory in such a short time with relentless ferocity. The dire situation is compounded by insurance companies withdrawing coverage from homeowners in the region. I can't imagine the grief and loss, helplessness, frustration, and even anger these citizens are feeling. I hope we are all praying that the weather would relent and there would be some relief for the thousands of families, leaders, and emergency assistance personnel who have been affected. Our initial human reaction is to find someone or something to blame. Sadly, there has been finger-pointing, a rumor mill, a lot of political posturing, conspiracy theorizing, and some less than scientific surmising about how, why, and through whom this disaster has come. I love Tracee Ellis Ross' admonition for us to choose compassion over judgment and curiosity over fear. Rather than jump to conclusions and rhetoric, we could remember the wisdom of Mr. Rogers who said, "When I was a boy and would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'" Firefighters from around the world have come to assist in California. Relief organizations, churches, families, friends, and neighbors have come alongside the hurting with COMPASSION - sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. The Latin compassio, is from the root compati ‘to suffer with.’ People are doing more than merely offering 'thoughts and prayers,' they are getting involved and divesting themselves of their own money, clothing, and resources through relief organizations like Matthew 25 Ministries to assist to those in need—to suffer with them. In the New Testament, the Greek word for compassion is splagchnizomai, which the Lexicon says conveys a deep, visceral feeling of compassion or pity. It describes an emotional response that moves one to action, often in the context of mercy or aid. In the Jewish context compassion was a significant virtue, reflecting God's own merciful nature. Splagchinzomai refers to the "inward parts" or "entrails," which metaphorically refers to the seat of emotions. In the New Testament, it is frequently used to describe Jesus' response to the suffering and needs of others, highlighting His empathy and readiness to help. 35Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” (Matthew 9:35-38) We pray the LORD of the harvest will send compassionate laborers into His fields—and not just in California. There are so many places where empathy, mercy, and kindhearted benevolence are needed in this season.