WEDNESDAY'S WORD - CONSECRATE - 01/09/19 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

"It does not take great men to do great things; it only takes consecrated men."  - Phillips Brooks - American Clergyman    The lyrics of the Hymn, "I Am Thine, O Lord" are ringing in my Spirit today:   "I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice  and it taught Thy love to me,   But I long to rise in the arms of faith and be closer drawn to Thee.      Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord to the Cross where Thou hast died.   Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord, to Thy precious, bleeding side.  Consecrate me now to Thy service, LORD  By the power of grace divine Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope And my will be lost in Thine   CONSECRATE means to make something sacred; to dedicate formally for a Divine purpose. Churches set aside times of consecration - services with prayer, fasting and worship. Some people retreat for a time apart to commune with God in silence and solitude. With so many distractions, our inward ambitions, and cravings for entertainment; it can be a challenge to consecrate ourselves to the LORD. Consecration, the separation of our lives to God for His purposes, was not ever intended to be a segmented period of time, but a way of being. The LORD commanded the Levites, "Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the LORD your God." (Leviticus 20:7) Consecration was not just for the clergy. Before entering the land of promise, "Joshua told the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.'" (Joshua 3:5)    Perhaps Fanny J. Crosby, the writer of "I Am Thine, O Lord," was able to connect more closely to God because she was blinded at 6 weeks of age. Crosby became a teacher, an important advocate for the blind, and a friend of several presidents. The power of God's grace did indeed help her to flourish. Her consecration caused her to bear much fruit, writing over 8,500 gospel songs from age 6 to her death. She and her collaborator, William Doane, talked about the nearness of God in their lives. Stanza three exclaims, "When I kneel in prayer, and with thee, my God, I commune as friend with friend!"     The Scriptural reference for "I Am Thine, O Lord" is found in Hebrews 10:    "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God...Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."  (Hebrews 10:19-23)    How would your life look different if it was consecrated to the LORD? What would you do more of, or not do at all? What would you focus on, or not watch at all? How would your thoughts, attitudes and speech differ? How would you treat your body? or your decisions? How would you treat others? A consecrated life is a gift to God, a response to His loving gift of Jesus.

Join us! Services Sunday at 10:00 AM with the Church of the Living God 434 Forest Ave. Cincinnati OH 45229

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - SHEPHERD - 01/02/2019 -Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

   

"When we are fearful and worried all the time, we are living as if we don't believe that we have a strong and able Shepherd who is tenderhearted toward us, who only leads us to good places, who protects us and lovingly watches over us. "  - Joseph Prince 

 

"The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake." (Psalm 23:1-4) Almost every Christian has memorized this entire Psalm.  A SHEPHERD is a person who tends and rears sheep. This word is also used to describe a member of the clergy who provides spiritual care and guidance for a congregation. Jesus described Himself in John 10 as "The Good Shepherd." He describes His characteristics:

• His sheep listen to Him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. He goes ahead of them and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice. They will never follow the voice of a stranger, because they don't recognize a stranger's voice (vs. 4-5)
• He will lay down His life for His sheep. He cares for the sheep and will not abandon them in trouble.
• His sheep know Him, just as the Father knows His Son, Jesus. 

I am struck by where the LORD as Shepherd leads His flock and what He makes us do. David said, "He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters." Phillip Kellers seminal book, "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" reveals:

   

"The strange thing about sheep is that because of their very makeup it is almost impossible for them to be made to lie down unless four requirements are met. 1) Owing to their timidity they refuse to lie down unless they are free of all fear. 2) Because of the social behavior within a flock, sheep will not lie down unless they are free from friction with others of their kind. 3) If tormented by flies or parasites, sheep will not lie down. Only when free of these pests can they relax. 4) Lastly, sheep will not lie down as long as they feel in need of finding food. They must be free from hunger. It is significant that to be at rest there must be a definite sense of freedom from fear, tension, aggravations, and hunger.  

 

The unique aspect of the picture is that it is only the sheepman himself who can provide release from these anxieties. It all depends upon the diligence of the owner whether or not his flock is free of disturbing influences. It is actually he who makes it possible for them to lie down, to rest, to relax, to be content and quiet and flourishing. A flock that is restless, discontented, always agitated and disturbed never does well. And the same is true of people."  Selah...

   

In 20 9, as one of the LORD's sheep and as an under-shepherd, I'm glad to know that I can apply this Scripture to better trust God's care and discern His guidance.  As I make decisions the LORD reminds me of the reputation of His name, Jehovah Rohi - God my Shepherd. I look forward to a great New Year!    

 

Join us!

Services Sunday at 10:00 AM

with the Church of the Living God

434 Forest Ave.

Cincinnati OH 45229

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - INCARNATION - Sadell Bradley - 12/25/18 - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

   

"The Incarnation is the medicine of the soul, undoing the Fall and bringing man to the Tree of Life, and the office of a priest is to administer this medicine in the sacraments. "  - Arthur Middleton 

 

INCARNATION  means a person who embodies in the flesh a deity, spirit, or abstract quality; it is also one of a series of forms which a person reflects on earth.  In Christian theology, The Incarnation is the embodiment of God the Son in human flesh as Jesus Christ. Though December was probably not Jesus' birthday (scholars believe it was actually Spring), the Incarnation is what many celebrate today. As we gleefully open gifts and share experiences with family and friends, let's not forget that God's PRESENCE is His PRESENT to us. When the angels approached Joseph and Mary, their salutations were the fulfillment of prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."  Immanuel means God with us. Jesus Christ was not just an historical figure whose life we can read about. He was not just another baby being born into humble circumstances.  He was and is the King of all other kings and Lord of all other lords. He is the glorious Ruler of the universe. Paul said, "For in him dwells the fullness of the Godhead (the Father, Son & Holy Spirit) in bodily form. (Col. 2:9)  

 

As in the quote above...Jesus, whose name means Savior, the Christ - the One who is anointed or empowered, came to rescue us from the eternal penalty and consequences of sin and the Fall. He came to restore us to a right relationship with God the Father and to offer us the free gift of an eternal quality of life as we identify with Him. Joseph was encouraged to maintain the engagement to his mysteriously pregnant future wife because, "the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, (Yahweh is salvation)  because He will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:20b-21) This same Jewish baby boy who was born in a manger would one day be crucified, die, be buried, and resurrect from the dead. He will one day soon return as Lord and King of His Heavenly Kingdom. 

 

Many people experience sadness and loneliness during this season. They wonder if they are really loved. Somehow the Christmas songs, trees, gifts, and even the presence of other people leaves us wanting. It's supposed to. We have a God-sized hole inside that only Jesus Christ can fill.  So, I want to reassure you today of God's love for you. Whether you are rich or poor, young or old, no matter your ethnicity, culture or background...it doesn't even matter what you've done...the Bible says that the Incarnation both proves and demonstrates God's love for us.  "9God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10This is real love-not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins."(1 John 4:9) This is a gift you won't want to return. The gift of God's presence is one that will not break, rust, fade, tear or wear out.  It's a gift that all the money in the world can't buy. It's a gift that we can never work for nor repay. As you celebrate today, I pray you will take a moment to thank the LORD for His indescribable gift. Merry Christmas!

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - GRATIS - 12/19/18 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

   

"Justice, however, never really was administered gratis in any country. Lawyers and attorneys, at least, must always be paid by the parties; and, if they were not, they would perform their duties still worse than they actually perform it. "  - Adam Smith

 

GRATIS is a word that is not often used. Why? because it means without charge; free; as a grace or kindness; given or done for nothing. This is where we get the word gratuitous - given or done free of charge; given freely and spontaneously. Gratis is not often used because it's not often done. When someone gives to us gratuitously, because of our historical wounds and cynicism (an inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest), we look for hidden, usually negative, reasons or motives. We think, "Surely they couldn't be doing this just because they're kind..." It is sad that kindness, ostensibly a fruit/manifestation of the Holy Spirit in Christians, is such a rarity that we are suspect when it shows up. It is possible, and should be probable for Believers to love freely and spontaneously. In fact, Jesus commanded in Matthew 6:35:

"But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High. For he is gracious to the ungrateful and evil. Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful." (CSV)  

 

MERCIFUL - another word we don't often see in action. It means to bring someone relief from something unpleasant. Mercy and compassion are not just to be felt, but shown. Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." (Matthew 5:7) Proverbs 11:25 states, "A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Mercy is given to those who don't deserve it, and to those who give it away. God's demonstration of mercy also means we didn't get what we deserved, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23) 

   

No strings attached. That idiom is used to show that an offer or opportunity carries no special conditions, restrictions, rules, obligations or arrangements that must be made. Whatever is happening is occurring solely because of the benevolence of the giver...who expects nothing in return. There is no manipulation nor power-play involved, and no repayment expected. In commissioning His disciples, Jesus instructed, "And as you go, preach, saying, 'The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.'"Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:7-8) When we give, share and do a kindness GRATIS, it announces that we are both under God's rule and bringing the rule of the Kingdom of Heaven near to a broken person or situation. Remember when God's mercy and grace met you GRATIS? Be a conduit of that same blessing to others. 

 

 

CHRISTMAS SERVICE 

Sunday, December 23rd at 10:00 AM

with the Church of the Living God

434 Forest Ave.

Cincinnati OH 45229

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - INHERITANCE - Sadell Bradley- 12/12/18 - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

"The best inheritance a parent can give his children is a few minutes of his time each day."  - Canadian Scientist, Orlando Aloyisius Battista    The Lion King is one of my all-time favorite movies. Disney is doing a live remake of this cartoon classic. I'm excited about another generation receiving strong revelatory images of fatherhood, family, destiny and leadership succession. To our delight James Earl Jones is still the voice of king Mufasa. One of the themes of the movie is INHERITANCE. In the photo above, Mufasa shows the entire kingdom, called the Prideland, to his son and heir Simba. He informs his successor, "All this will be yours." Simba is so excited that he dances around the other animals singing, "Oh, I just can't wait to be king!" Simba thinks he's going to inherit the kingdom and its power quickly. He doesn't realize that though he is entitled to all of his dad's inheritance, he's nowhere near ready to possess it. These are big paws to fill, Lol! Paul explained it this way in Galatians 4:1-2  "Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father."  We watch as Simba is prepared to lead via the trials and challenges of life and the schemes of others who would try to take the throne...until he is mature and equipped enough to rule. Selah.      "Today is the day of your inheritance." I was awakened yesterday to that strange phrase. I'm still not sure of its ultimate meaning. Today is an interesting word in Scripture. It does not just refer to chronological time, but to kairos (appointed or opportune) moments and seasons. "God again set a certain day, calling it Today...Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart..." (Hebrews 4:7) When the LORD says Today, it could be a literal time (in this case Tuesday), or a spiritual moment, i.e. God's NOW..."Now, is the acceptable time, Today is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2)     Was God saying to me like Simba...now you're equipped enough to rule. For decades, I like some of you, have been in the LORD's training process in various places and positions under lots of leaders, enduring the trials of life and faith. God has allowed me over that time different spans of authority. He has challenged me with every one of them. Will you lead this group of 10, 50, 200..inter-generational, mutli-ethnic, multi-class, of varied educational backgrounds? Can you manage  in this business, non-profit, family, or ministry environment? I am introverted, generally surprised by, and usually shy away from leading roles. God and I often wrestle over my hesitance. Leading is hard. Still, He has confirmed over and over that for some strange reason He's chosen me to lead and to inherit what He has for me. Psalm 37:11 says that "The meek (humble and gentle) shall inherit the earth and delight themselves in the abundance of peace." Jesus affirmed this in the beatitudes, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5)  Is it possible that God wants you to lead, but He has to mature you first to make you more meek? Or could it be that the next level of leadership and your inheritance is ready for you to possess Today?

Worship Service Sundays at 10:00 AM through December 31st with the Church of the Living God 434 Forest Ave. Cincinnati OH 45229

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - QUERULOUS - 12/5/18 -Sadell Bradley -New Life Covenant Cincinnati

"That some are poorer than others ever was and ever will be: And that many are naturally querulous and envious, is an evil as old as the world."  

- William Petty 

Adding to our vocabulary today. ; ) You might want to slide QUERULOUS into a conversation this week. The person(s) you're addressing might have to look it up later to get it, LOL! QUERULOUS means complaining in a petulant or whining manner. Petulant means childishly sulky or bad-tempered. Whining is a long, high-pitched complaining cry. The Apostle Paul gave a strong command to the church at Philppi:     

Do everything without complaining and arguing so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.  (Philippians 2:14-16) 

   

Everything, how is that even possible? What makes us prone to whining? In the quote above, querulousness is tied to envy - a feeling of discontent or resentful longing arising from someone else's possessions, qualities or good fortune. The children of Israel are well known for complaining throughout their Exodus. They expressed a longing for the leeks and
onions they were given as slaves in Egypt. (Number 11:5) They griped about being hungry AND about the LORD's provision of Manna and Quail in the wilderness.(Ex.16) They grumbled against God, Moses, and Aaron even when they were about to enter the promised land, ""If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! 3Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn't it be better for us to go back to Egypt?" 4And they said to each other, "We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt." This murmuring sparked God's anger and brought severe consequences:

26The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: 27"How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites.28So tell them, 'As surely as I live, declares the Lord, I will do to you the very thing I heard you say: 29In this wilderness your bodies will fall-every one of you twenty years old or more who was counted in the census and who has grumbled against me.30Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. 31As for your children that you said would be taken as plunder, I will bring them in to enjoy the land you have rejected. 32But as for you, your bodies will fall in this wilderness. 33Your children will be shepherds here for forty years, suffering for your unfaithfulness, until the last of your bodies lies in the wilderness. (Numbers 14)

  

We don't believe that our QUERULOUS attitude and speech will bring repercussions, even to our children, but it does. We think we're just sounding off, but a constant diet of negativity repels bosses, spouses and friends... and it disgusts the LORD. I wonder if He asks, "How long will (insert your name here) grumble and complain against Me?"  Are you missing out on God's promises because you're querulous?   

Worship Service Sundays at 10:00 AM through December 31st with the Church of the Living God 434 Forest Ave. Cincinnati OH 45229

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - PORTION - 11/28/18 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

   

"A daily portion is really all we need. We do not need tomorrow's supply, for that day has not yet dawned, and its needs are still unborn." -

Charles Spurgeon  

Benjamin Franklin wrote,"Who is rich? He that rejoices in his portion." When we think about PORTION we usually think - a part of a whole; an amount, a section or piece of something divided between two or more people; or a part or share of an estate given to an heir. When going to worship God in sacrifice at Shiloh, a man named Elkanah would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and all her sons and daughters, "But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the Lord had closed her womb." (1 Samuel 1:5) Though Elkanah's gesture of love was nice, Hannah sought God fervently in prayer for a child. The LORD opened Hannah's womb and gave her a son, the prophet Samuel. Isaiah 61:7 prophesied, "Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance." The recompense of a double portion for your hardships is pretty nice, isn't it? 

 

There is another meaning for this word that is even more satisfying. PORTION means a person's future as allotted by fate; one's destiny or lot in life. The psalmist Asaph declared:

 

21When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, 22I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. 23 Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand. 24You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. 25Whom have I in heaven but You?And earth has nothing I desire besides You. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:21-26) 

 

God is my PORTION or chalaq (Hebrew): my tract - an area of indefinite extent, my territory, my legacy, my inheritance, and my reward. Abram had just rescued Lot from Sodom when God made this pronouncement, "After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward." (Genesis 15:1) Abram and Sarai had been barren into their old age. He cried out his longing for an heir to the LORD. God not only promised that He would be his portion, but that his reward would be very great. Someone from he and Sarai's own flesh and blood would be the heir...and he would not just have one, "5He took him outside and said, "Look up at the sky and count the stars-if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." 6Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness." (Genesis 15:5-6)   

 

Sometimes we feel barren, ashamed, rejected and alone.  It is a blessing  to know that despite the circumstances or how we feel...God sees us, He cares, and He Himself will be our PORTION.  He will bless us beyond what we can imagine, ask or think!

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - UNTHANKFUL - 11/21/18 Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

Tomorrow is the Thanksgiving Holiday. In the United States we set aside a day to express our gratefulness for the bountiful blessings bestowed upon us. These benefits are not just food, clothing, shelter and transportation. We also celebrate love and friendship as we gather together over a meal with anyone with whom we can share our appreciation. UNTHANKFUL is not a word that is used too often this week. It means not feeling or showing pleasure, relief or gratitude. Did you realize thankfulness is a pleasurable and relieving virtue? Gratefulness takes the pressure off and brings joy. Unthankfulness is a negative characteristic of carnal people in the last days:   This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy... (2 Tim. 3:1-2) I'm not sure we see our complaints, discontent, and lack of gratitude as manifestations of the flesh. The LORD has given us a beautiful gift called life, but our insatiable appetite makes us look at it with disgust exclaiming, "It's not enough," because we didn't get what we expected. In the US we compare, compete and possess so much, yet we're never satisfied. Thankfulness can curb our disgruntlement and restlessness.    The holidays can be difficult. Those who have lost loved ones experience grief. Others may feel forced to engage folks they don't know or like. Jesus understands. He gave His life for people who were at enmity with Him. Christ loved and served those who worship this world more than God. (James 4:4) Jesus instructed His disciples how to treat even those who are hostile toward us:  But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. (Luke 6:35)

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - LIFT - 11/14/18 Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

"I'll lift you and you lift me, and we'll both ascend together."  

- John Greenleaf Whittier    

 

Tomorrow night we celebrate our monthly Thursday night worship, prayer and prophetic service at the home of a sister church in Cincinnati  We'll also be worshiping with them this Sunday. (See flyers below) We call our Thursday service LIFT - which means to raise to a higher position or level; to move one's eyes or face upward to look at someone or something; to increase; to raise a person's spirits or confidence. We believe as we lift up our eyes to the LORD Jesus - focusing our attention on Him, we will be elevated in the Spirit. As we lift our hands and our voices in praise, the spirit of heaviness will disappear. As we ascend into God's holy hill, His grace and mercy will increase us in every way. As we bask in His presence and love one another, burdens will be lifted and yokes will be destroyed. The Bible says:  

 

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.

For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.

(Ecc. 4:9-10)

 

In Psalm 24, King David speaks of ascension into the presence of the LORD which requires clean hands, a pure heart, and the removal of all idols from our lives. (vs. 3-4) This lifting of the entire person toward God, seeking His face not just his hand, will bring both a blessing and vindication from Him (vs. 5-6) Scholars suppose that this psalm marks the carrying of the Ark of the Covenant into the City of Zion. Upon reaching the zenith, the following was chanted to open the doors wide for the King: 

 

7Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. 9Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 10Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty, He is the King of glory. (Psalm 24:7-10)  

 

Now, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor. 6:19-20) We can open wide our hearts to receive the weight of Christ's splendor. His glory, and reputation is displayed though His Word with miracles, signs, wonders, salvation and deliverance as we worship. When we lift Him up, El Shaddai - the LORD God Almighty, sets a guard against our enemies. Jehovah Sabaoth, the LORD of Hosts, the captain of angelic armies favors and fights for us.  As we call on the resurrected (lifted) Savior Jesus Christ, He will draw all men to Himself. (John 12:32) We hope to see you at LIFT tomorrow night!  

 

   

   

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

"The real secret to success is enthusiasm." - Walter Chrysler       I don't remember anyone telling me this stuff.  Perhaps it's because I'm a Gen X'er raised by sisters who were a part of the Greatest Generation and the Silent Generation respectively. They'd endured the depression, suffrage, world wars, Jim Crow and many other atrocities. These generations are characterized by their self-sacrificing nature. They grew up experiencing and expecting a hard life. ENTHUSIASM -intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval was often not available in spades. Larry David, a popular comedic writer, advocated for you to... Curb Your Enthusiasm. That's just a TV show, but it reflects back to us that enthusiasm is something that we culturally want to restrain or keep in check. People who display excessive enthusiasm are deemed  'crazy.' There are few things that evoke this emotion in me, which is a bit sad. I have been inbred with more than enough skepticism, cynicism and evil forebodings. Can others tell when we're enthusiastic? or do we hold back those feelings in case something goes wrong? If enthusiasm is the secret to success, our thoughts and expressions need to be retrained to embrace this very valuable emotion.    I was reading the book of Haggai about the remnant of exiled Israel's God-ordained project to rebuild the Temple. Haggai describes that for an extended period of time, Israel had allowed God's place of habitation to be neglected while they built and attended to their own houses. There were some who remembered the Temple in its former glory. For them, the decay of this glorious edifice represented Israel's departure from prioritizing the LORD in worship and brought feelings of dismay and grief.  They had reaped consequences for abandoning the LORD: disconnection, loss, and a lack of fruitfulness. God, who is a jealous God, had allowed them to receive the negative result of their idolatry. The small remnant of Israel who were left heard the LORD's voice, repented from their wickedness, and were ready to rebuild the Temple. They were promised that God would be with them, that He would fight for them, and that He would use other nations to amply supply what they needed. As I read Haggai 1, a single verse stood out:   14 So the Lord sparked the enthusiasm of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the enthusiasm of Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the enthusiasm of the whole remnant of God's people. They began to work on the house of their God, the Lord of Heaven's Armies...(NLT)    Spark means to ignite a sense of liveliness or excitement. It was God who provided their eagerness and passion for this challenging work despite the imminent opposition. The Greek word enthousiasmos actually means possessed by God, but after a lengthy time of loss and uncertainty, sometimes it's hard for us to regain enthusiasm. There's good news. God can and will set an unquenchable fire within us that enables us to effectively do His will!

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