WEDNESDAY'S WORD - MIRACLE - SADELL BRADLEY - NEW LIFE COVENANT 2/11/15

A Miracle is a surprising, improbable or extraordinary  and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a Divine agency. The Latin word miraculum means 'object of wonder.'  US Airways Flight 1549 struck of flock of Canada geese during it's climb, lost engine power, and was landed by Capt. Chelsey Sullenburger on the Hudson River near Manhattan with no loss of human life.  It was called the "Miracle on the Hudson." God is in the miracle business...

After Peter and John healed the man lame from birth at the temple gate called Beautiful, Peter proclaimed to the onlookers and then before the tribunal of priests and Sanhedrin, that it was by the power of Jesus, the Messiah, that the man was restored. (Acts 3:16-20,4)  The Greek teras, a wonder or marvel, conveys the idea that a miracle is done to elicit a reaction from onlookers. It leaves an indelible mark on those who experience it, because it brings the power of Heaven to earth. The priests were disturbed by Peter and John's preaching and more importantly, DEMONSTRATING, that Jesus was not just the author of healing, but also of the resurrection of the dead; so they jailed them.

16"What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name."

In the midst of the attention and acrimony that came because they were the ones through whom the miracle as worked; Peter and John never lost sight of Who the real miracle-worker was. They were not deterred by their enemies, but sought the Lord to continue to astonish many with His mighty power in Jesus' name so that droves of people would believe.  (Acts 4:29-31)

29Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

31After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Part of the Great Commission is that signs, miracles and wonders would follow believers (Mark 16:17-8), not so that everyone can know how anointed or powerful we are, but so that those who do not yet know Jesus Christ will believe that He is Lord and King.  We should pray for, expect and participate in miracles: healing, financial, restoration, etc.  Lord, show Your power through us!!!

 

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - ANXIETY - 02/04/15 SADELL BRADLEY NEW LIFE COVENANT CINCINNATI

During a Q&A time after our sermon series on marriage, we were asked, "How do you deal with the anxiety you feel as you're addressing difficult issues in your relationship?" Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. Even when our anxiety is about doing something positive, the uncertainty can cause dis-ease.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the US, affecting 40 million adults 18 and older (18% of the population). They cost us $42 Billion a year. (ADAA -The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry) Interestingly, anxiety disorders are more prevalent in developed countries than in developing countries, and women are more prone.

Before all of these studies came into play, God, in His infinite wisdom knew we would experience times of anxiety in our lives and relationships.  The Apostle Paul gave us GOD'S remedy and action plan for anxiety in Philippians 4:4-9. If we would meditate and apply the action steps in this Scripture, we would experience the joy and peace we ALL long for:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your  gentleness (moderation, KJV) be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Rejoice, or JOY AGAIN always! When circumstances move you out of joy...JOY AGAIN in the Lord!! When anxiety hits, as a first option PRAY and PETITION- (meaning a SPECIFIC request), with thanksgiving, indicating you're praying in FAITH, and you will experience God's peace, even through dire situations.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you

God is a God of exchange. He doesn't just tell us, "Don't be anxious" He gives us what to think about.  I love the first category, "Whatever is TRUE..." The enemy is a deceiver. (John 8:44) He lies and suggests to get us anxious and distracted.  A practical step you can take before being overcome with anxiety, is to ask yourself this question, "How true is what I'm thinking right now...?" then follow the instructions given in this passage...it will change your life!! 

**If your anxiety issues are at a crisis level, seek help! Proverbs admonishes us to get counsel and advice in everything from our plans to waging war. (Prov. 11:14, 15:21-23, 20:18) A wise person heeds sound instruction and advice.**

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - FAITHFULNESS 01/28/15 - SADELL BRADLEY

  
Faithfulness is the concept of unfailingly remaining loyal to someone or something and putting loyalty into consistent practice, regardless of extenuating circumstances. In wedding vows, we pledge our faithfulness, "I plight thee my troth (loyalty)," affirming that we will be exclusive in love and intimacy with the one we have linked our lives to forever.  Faithfulness also expresses fidelity in more common things: a faithful customer at a store or restaurant, a faithful employee, or a faithful fan of a team or artist.  Finally, the phrase, "the faithful" describes those who have a strong religious belief that keeps true to its teachings or doctrines with a steadfast perseverance.  Paul describes us as "servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God," and emphasizes that "those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." 1 Cor. 4:1-2 

Mother Theresa founded the Missionaries of Charity with 4500 sisters  to run hospices and homes for people with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and leprosy, soup kitchens and orphanages, mobile clinics and schools for the impoverished and those who were forgotten of society. She said, "We are called upon not to be successful, but to be faithful."  Ironically, her faithfulness brought great notoriety as she fulfilled God's mission for her life.

Faithfulness is a God-like characteristic. Jesus is described as Faithful and True.(Revelation 19:11) Paul said that in Christ's faithfulness He will protect and deliver us both from the evil one, and from wicked people. (2 Thes. 3:2-3)  Proverbs 28:20 promises that, "A faithful man will abound in blessings." Jesus urged His disciples about faithful stewardship in Luke 16:10-12:

“He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. “Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you? “And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?

 

When I meet the Lord the one thing I want to hear is..."Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come share in your Master's happiness." (Matthew 25:21)

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - RESILIENCE - 01/21/15 SADELL BRADLEY

Resilience is the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape; elasticity. It is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulty; toughness. I admire those like this soldier, who for the sake of a greater call, have suffered great losses and set backs. They possess an indomitable spirit: one that is impossible to subdue or defeat.  Where most would have given up and quit, they continue on to do what seemingly could not be done. 

Nelson Mandela, endured 27 years of what was meant to be a will-crushing imprisonment, fighting against the injustices of apartheid in South Africa. He was locked up at age 46 and released at 73. Most of us would have emerged with our spirit broken, just grateful to be alive and free, and certainly resentful of our captors.  Not Mandela, he arose with strength and grace, with a forgiving heart, and the will to lead not only those who had battled with him, but those who fought against him. President Mandela  said, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Resilience.
 

Jesus, suffered the greatest agony ever known to be our atoning sacrifice: the anxiety of the Garden of Gethsemane, an unjust trial, and the cruelest death by crucifixion. He was not only marred physically until unrecognizable; He carried the entire weight of sin for the whole world, past, present, and future. He felt the separation from His Father that sin brings, "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" (Matt. 27:46)  Jesus was not only left for dead; He was dead, and buried. But on the third day, He bounced back! rising from the dead with a glorified body, appearing to His disciples many times, showing them his wounds, and even walking through walls!  Jesus emerged not as a suffering Savior, but as God and King! and the same power that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us!

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.(Romans 8:11)

We can bounce back from sin, faults and failures. When we die, those who have received Jesus as Lord and Savior will live again eternally with Him!  Even now in this earth, if we have a spirit of resiliency that is willing to go through whatever it takes... we can recover! What was dead can be raised! What was hurt can be healed! The broken can be restored! What was lost can be found!

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - INFLUENCE - 1/15/15 - SADELL BRADLEY

Influence is the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something. It is the power to shape policy or ensure favorable treatment from someone, especially through status, contacts, or wealth.  It derives from the Latin influentia "to flow," and also describes 'imperceptible or indirect action exerted to cause changes.'

Each year, Time Magazine reveals it's list of the 100 most influential people in the world.  They are separated into five categories: Titans, Pioneers, Artists, Leaders and Icons.  There are great names like Pope Francis, Robert Redford, and Beyonce, who have impacted the lives and culture of so many on a public stage. Still, there are many others who wield just as much influence incognito: engineer Tony Fadell - the father of the ipod, Ertharin Cousin from the South Side of Chicago, who is responsible for bringing food to more than 100 million people around the world as the head of the U.N.'s World Food Programme, or Robert & Kristin Lopez, who wrote "Let it Go,"the theme song to the hit movie Frozen.

Jesus Christ is easily the most influential person in history.  His life and teachings have shaped the laws of governments, and set the standard for the character of individuals.  He is singularly loved, worshiped, and respected - even in other religious circles. Our calendar has been set with A.D. & B.C. signifying His birth as the most significant day in history.  The book about Him is the best-selling book of all time. His powerful yet humble mission to leave His throne in Heaven and come to earth, live spotlessly and die on a cross to save billions of undeserving sinners, showed God's love to the world He created. It is the greatest show of love and grace the world has or will ever know. (Phil 2) None of us have actually seen or spoken with this figure of historical record face to face... yet His Words wield a power that influences our mores, values and decisions to this day.  We yield ourselves to His revealed purpose and attempt to model ourselves after His Divine personality.  John Maxwell simply states, "Leadership is Influence."

You may be a person of note in the City, State, Nation or World, or you may be a behind the scenes influencer whose conversation, wisdom and insights impact the decisions of a more public figure.  You may be raising, teaching, or mentoring a child or adult who will become a significant voice. As Christ followers, the salt and light of the world, we hold much more influence than we realize. Let's be prayerful to ensure that the direction of that influence is Godly and impactful.

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - REFINE - 1/7/15

To refine is to remove impurities or unwanted elements from a substance,  or to improve something by making small changes, in particular to make (an idea, theory, or method) more subtle and accurate. Synonyms for refine are to purify, treat or process. In ancient times, gold was refined with fire using a high temperature to bring it to its desired level of purity.

Refining with flame is one of the oldest methods of refining metals. Mentioned even in the Bible, refining by fire is the preferable method for larger quantities of gold. This form of refining involved a craftsman sitting next to a hot fire with molten gold in a crucible (as above -a ceramic or metal container in which gold was melted) being stirred and skimmed to remove the impurities or dross that rose to the top of the molten metal. With flames reaching temperatures in excess of 1000 degrees Celsius, this job was definitely a dangerous occupation for the gold refiner. (Ref. Gold Traders)

A crucible is figuratively a place or occasion of severe test or trial. It is also defined as a place or situation in which different elements interact to produce something new. Scholars suggest that the lamp that was held over a cross was called a crucible.  There is much association in the Bible between severe tests, fiery trials, and the refining or purification process of God's chosen: 

"He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness." Malachi 3:3

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart. Proverbs 17:3

For You, God, tested us; You refined us like silver. Psalm 66:10 

The Apostle Peter admonishes us that the use of fiery trials for refining is normal for the Believer, and it brings us closer to the likeness of Jesus Christ.  "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:12-13) We often question the fiery trial and ask for it to be brought to an end.  We want God to turn down the heat, not turn it up!  Little do we realize that the temperature is hotter and the flame higher because God is making us better and bringing forth purer and greater quantities of what is precious! James said we are to consider or count it joy when we face these varied trials. The result of the finished work of patient endurance, the trial of our faith, and the wisdom we gain along the way is that we'll be brought forth as mature and valuable saints who lack nothing! (James 1:1-4)

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - RESOLUTION - 12/31/14 Sadell Bradley

 At the close of one year and the beginning of the next, millions of people evaluate where they are and seek to make changes in their lives. Hopefully you've had time to express your gratefulness to God for all He's brought you through in 2014, the many blessings you've received, and the fact that you're still alive to thank Him! Gratefulness is important!

A RESOLUTION is a firm decision to do or not do something.  According to Forbes Magazine, 40% of Americans make New Year's resolutions, but only 8% of them keep them. They desire to make changes in vices, sins, bad habits, economic woes, and relationships, but 'resolution' means the quality of being determined or resolute; and the action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter.  It's from the Latin resolvere - to loosen, or release; to resolve.

What does it take to be firm, resolute, and determined? How do we make decisions, solve problems and bring conflicts to and end? Much of our growth is a matter of an inward work that manifests in outward action. Perhaps we fail because we're unwilling to do that inward work with the Lord, addressing deeper questions like, "What am I afraid of?" "Why am I emotionally eating?" "How did I become undisciplined?" "What beliefs do I have that cause these financial woes?" "Is this relationship really meant for me at this time?" "What will it take to forgive?" We often struggle because our thoughts, feelings and spirits are unsettled.

David begged the Lord, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10) He realized that major things inside of him were going wrong and manifesting behaviors and outcomes that were not just ungodly, but not who he really wanted to be.  He also knew that on his own, he was unable to change.  He needed God's creative power to give him what he could not give himself - a new heart, spirit, right motivations and grace for proper action.

As you embark on this year with hopes and desires to make changes in your life, don't neglect that the Holy Spirit's power and the application of the Word of God is what promotes true and lasting transformation. These gifts enable us to make prudent and wise decisions, give us insight and revelation to solve problems, and grace us to release and resolve relational issues. If you're looking for any of those things, I suggest you cry out FIRST to the Lord for His help.

 May Jesus' blessings be upon you as you resolve to live like HIM in 2015! 

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - THE INCARNATION- 12/24/14 -SADELL BRADLEY

Incarnate means to embody or represent a deity in human form, or to put an idea into concrete form: Latin 'made flesh.' The Incarnation in Christian Theology is the embodiment of God the Son in human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. The Apostle John states:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being...And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1: 1-3, 14)

The WORD or Greek logos, means a word as embodying an idea, or the expression of a thought.  Jesus Christ re-presents or embodies the idea of the Divine. "This is what God is like." Paul explains to the Colossians, "For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body."(Col. 2:9 NLT)  Luke confirms that Jesus Christ was no ordinary baby in his account in the gospels:

"Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means 'God is with us.'"( Matthew 1:23)

Isaiah prophesied that this sign would not just be the miracle of a baby being born to a virgin, but that GOD'S OWN SON would be sent by His Father in human form to rule and establish a reign of peace!  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isa. 9:2

John said Jesus Christ would show mankind the greatest love that ever existed. He would live a perfect life, minister to the broken, die as the ultimate sacrifice for all of our sin once and for all, and rise from the dead to give us hope for eternal life. He would not condemn us, but use His life as a ransom to save us!  (John 3:16-17) 

We are great at imagining the baby Jesus, and good with Christ on the cross.  But do we really believe GOD Himself is with us?  How would our lives change if we did? What if we believed He was not only WITH us, but IN us? (John 14:17) What if we are here to live out the incarnation as sons and daughters of God? to represent the idea of what God is like to the world!

A wonderful discussion to have with your family this holiday season! We pray that You will experience Him as IMMANUEL in your life today and always! 

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - CATALYST - 12/17/14

In chemistry a catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change.  Figuratively, it is a person or thing that precipitates an event: (E.G. the governor's speech acted as a catalyst for debate.) To catalyze means to cause or accelerate (a reaction) by acting as a catalyst, or to cause an action or process to begin.

At Sunday's Black Lives Matter celebration at New Life Covenant, we discussed the times and seasons of God. (Ecc. 3) Certainly the recent slayings of Eric Garner, Tamar Rice, and Michael Brown were the not the first or only incidents that have resulted in the death of an African-American male. Yet these incidents catalyzed a national and worldwide multi-ethnic, multi-class movement of protests, die-ins, media, and hopefully legislation to curb police brutality.  When Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus in the Jim Crow South, she was not the first young woman to do so. Her treatment on that particular day sparked the Montgomery bus boycott, which eventually led to the Civil Rights Movement. We are a better Country and people as a result of her bravery as a change-agent.

There are several ways the Bible refers to time, but here are two: 

CHRONOS - or chronological - time viewed in sequence, a succession of moments.  Time in duration in the physical space world - quantitative. (E.G. The time came for Elisabeth to bear her son Luke 1:57); and KAIROS - the fitting season,  time as opportunity to be taken advantage of - qualitative. It is when things come to a head, the right moment. Jesus said 'His time' was near, speaking of His destined work on the cross for our sins. (Matt 26:18)

Daniel worshiped and praised the God of wisdom and might who changes the times and seasons. He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to men of understanding. (Daniel 2:20-21 paraphrase)  1 Chronicles 12:32 describes the sons of the tribe of Issachar who understood the times and seasons and therefore knew what Israel should do...at the opportune time.  Oh, for us to have the wisdom to see, understand and act when Kairos moments present themselves.  Christ followers expect and anticipate seasons changing,  favorable opportunities, and Divine intervention in difficult situations.  Hallelujah!

With God, things can change in a moment.  We get stuck in chronos -thinking about how long it's been, but we're in league with the greatest catalyst the world has ever known. He inserts Himself into situations and people and they transform! Just like the chemical catalyst -  HE changes things...but HE NEVER CHANGES. (Heb. 13:8) 

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - TENACITY 12/10/14

Tenacity is the quality or fact of being able to grip something firmly; being very determined, continuing to exist; persistence. Tenacious implies keeping a firm hold of something; clinging or adhering closely to it. A tenacious person does not readily relinquish a position, principle or course of action. It derives from the Latin tenere - to hold.  A notorious example of tenacity is a dog or a pit bull locking it's jaws and gripping it's subject.  Metaphorically, it is an attitude or behavior that says, "I'm holding on for life," "I won't release this thing until it's done."  

Tenacity, determination and persistence are celebrated qualities in Scripture. Jacob wrestles with the angel so hard for so long that the socket of his thigh was permanently dislocated.  The angel cries out, "Let me go for the dawn is breaking," to which Jacob replies, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." (Gen. 32: 25-26)  The Angel changes his name and states, "Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed." (vs, 27)

Luke 18:1-8 is Jesus' parable of the Persistent or Importunate woman. She kept coming to the unjust judge, who was apathetic about God and people, for justice in her case. With tenacity she cried out again and again pleading to be avenged against her adversary. Initially he refused, but because she kept bothering him, he thought, "I'll see that she gets justice, so she won't eventually come and attack me." Jesus' intention in telling this parable was to show US that we should always pray and not faint or give up - specifically in our cries for justice.  

And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?  I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

Jesus equates faith with prayerful persistence and tenacious action.  He wonders out loud, if He will find anyone on the earth whose jaws are so locked that they will not give up until they see justice for His chosen ones.  The season that we are in requires this kind of tenacity.  Isaiah said the consequences of our sin and rebellion against the Lord affect our ability to administer and receive justice, "So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter." (Isaiah 59:12-13)

Christ followers are not unfamiliar with unjust trials. Our Savior Jesus, suffered an unjust trial: betrayal and abandonment by His closest companions, clandestine arrests and tribunals by night, falsifying of testimonies, fear of His rising influence authority and power, collusion and back door dealings from parties that were opposed but came in cahoots. He endured mocking, scourging, flogging, and questions surrounding His identity and purpose.  (Luke 22-23; Mark 14-15)  Through most of this...He answered not a word.  Isaiah said He was led like a lamb to the slaughter (Isaiah 53) only affirming that 'It is as you said," when asked if He was the Messiah.  Pilate didn't want to convict Him, his wife had warned him not to.  Through the deception, spin and propaganda of the religious leaders the people were put into a frenzy - persuaded to crucify an innocent man and let a known murderer and insurrectionist, Barabbas, go free.

If this type of injustice and corruption occurred in Scripture with our Lord, it is not implausible for it to happen today. Though there are many just and righteous proceedings... unscrupulous men and women still exist. Prosecutors and defense attorneys are paid to skew 'facts' to  determine outcomes. We are constantly being spun by politicians and media. We REALLY are not privy to ALL of the truth.  All the more reason whether looking nationally at a case like Eric Garner's, or locally at a case like Judge Tracie Hunter's (btw...the most tenacious person I've ever known): to cry out to the LORD and plead with the powers that be, day and night for justice!  but when Jesus comes, will He find that kind of faith in us?



  

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - COUNTERFEIT - SADELL BRADLEY 12/3/14

Counterfeit - to make in exact imitation of something valuable or important with the intention to deceive or defraud; to pretended to feel or possess an emotion or quality; sham; a fraudulent imitation of something else; a forgery. From Old French contrefait - to make in opposition. Counterfeit products are fake replicas of a real product.  They are cheaper, less quality imitations that may even include toxic elements.

Abram and Sarai received a PROMISE from God that they would bear children in their old age. Up to that time, they had borne no children and had no heir. Abram had intended to use his servant Eliezer as a substitute heir, but God said NO, a son from your own flesh and blood will be your heir.  Abram believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. (Genesis 15:1-6)  However, many years passed and what God had promised still had not happened.  Sound familiar?

God was too slow and she wasn't getting any younger... So Sarai, Abram's wife suggests a surrogate.  'Let's start the family through my servant Hagar,' she told her husband.  He agrees to the counterfeit. An 86 year old Abram sleeps with Hagar and she conceives a son, Ishmael. (Gen. 16) This action to fraudulently imitate God's promise through human means sets in motion jealousy, mistreatment, exile and hostility for Hagar and her son Ishmael for perpetuity. (Gen. 17)  God also puts Abram and Sarai and their promise on the shelf for another 13 years, then returns and calls for Abram to "walk before me faithfully and be blameless."  He reiterates His first promise (Gen. 12:1-3) to greatly increase his offspring. Abram, now 99 years old, agrees and enters into an everlasting covenant initiated by God for generations that includes the promise, a name change to Abraham, and the promised land!  Sarai is 90 and she will have her PROMISED son Isaac, her name will change to Sarah, and Isaac will continue the legacy of covenant with God. 

I have a situation or two...or 5, where my promise from God is taking too long and I'm not getting any younger.  In my creative ingenuity, I have looked into and I almost devised a plan to help God along to fulfill HIS PROMISE with a faster and certainly easier way of handling the situation. As I reflected on the course of action I was about to take, something in my spirit didn't set right and I had to admit...I'm afraid what God said might not work out.  I, like Sarai want to see God's promise, but my faith is not where it should be. The only way I saw it happening was if I help God out a little - surely that would be ok. The set up seems good, and after all, what I'm devising is close to what He said...NO, it's really a counterfeit.  Thank you, Holy Spirit, for saving me from myself by revealing this before I engaged it further. I don't want any more shelf years!!  I will wait for the legitimate, authentic, valuable  promise I have from You!!