WEDNESDAY'S WORD - IRRATIONAL - 10/23/19 Sadell Bradley

   

"Rational anxiety is when you're aware of the source of your anxiety. Like, if I have to host an award show or talk to millions of people on the radio, I'm going to feel anxious, and I know why. Irrational anxiety is when I'm leaving CVS, and there's a car behind me, and I'm wondering if he's following me home."  -Charlamagne Tha god - American Radio Personality  

 

Last year, Sherman and I visited Oakland, CA to see the Warriors play the Lakers. We didn't know how close San Francisco is to Oakland. When we found out, we took an excursion over the

	Nob Hill

Bay Bridge. I'm not a fan of bridges or heights, though I fly all the time. And... we kept getting lost on and off the exit to the bridge and had to go over it multiple times. I thought, "The LORD is proving me to rid me of my fear."  If you've been to San Francisco, you know there are steep and winding hills; the most notable of which is Nob Hill on which their infamous Trolleys ascend and descend. I was too chicken to go up and down the hills in the car. Thank the LORD it wasn't necessary for us to get around. So when I had to go back to San Francisco for work, my first question was, "Is my hotel gonna be on one of those hills?" My host said, "Those hills are supposed to be inspiring!" Inspiring, or terrifying?

 

Many would say my fear was not IRRATIONAL- meaning not logical or reasonable. I mean, look at that hill! But the anxiety I felt prior to getting on the plane was palpable as I braced myself for the worst...that never happened. My hotel was not even on a hill. My fear, however, had ascended to disturbing heights - to the point that I dreaded the trip. Huffington Post said that 85% of what we fear never happens, yet irrational fears stall our dreams, hinder our relationships, and postpone our callings. How many times have you not made a move because of fear? Jesus said that one of the signs of His return would be, "men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken." (Luke 21:26) It makes me wonder how many health conditions are a result of the underlying fear of the present or the future.    

 

"I sought the LORD and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4) Sometimes the only way to challenge an irrational fear is to face it head-on. So as soon as I got to my hotel, I headed straight to Nob Hill and got on the trolley. I'm not a great photo taker but here's a photo. None of it was nearly as traumatic as my fears had been, in fact, it was rather calming. The sight (not faith) and fear of heights I was walking in did not serve me well. Metaphorically, I've often felt similar anxieties about certain aspects of ascending to heights in my life and calling. It's time to face those head-on too.

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - DAILY - 10/16/19 - Sadell Bradley

"Truth is, I think, if God just gave us our daily bread, many of us would be angry. 'That's all You're going to give me? You're just going to give me enough to sustain me for today? What about tomorrow or next year or 10, 20, 30 years from now? I want to know that I'm set up.' And yet Jesus says just pray for your daily provisions."  -Francis Chan  

 

Yesterday at a local church, I glanced at their welcome table and saw a very familiar sight. Some of you might be familiar 

with the "Our Daily Bread" devotionals. They have been published and distributed monthly for over 75 years. The ministry was started in Grand Rapids, MI by Dr. M.R. DeHaan to connect people (now millions) every day with God and the life-changing wisdom of the Bible. My mother was a faithful distributor of these booklets. She sent them to family and friends and she was serious about that mission. Honestly, just seeing those little books brought comfort and fond memories of my mom, who literally got on her knees by her bed and prayed DAILY - which means done, produced, or occurring every day. 

 

Many of us have prayed, recited or even sung 'The Lord's Prayer.' With this simple instruction in Matthew 6, Jesus taught His disciples: to pray in secret so that God could reward them openly (vs. 4); to pray privately, not to be seen by people, but to go into their secret closets to petition the Father, who openly dispenses rewards (vs. 5-6); and not to babble on with vain repetitions like heathens who think that many words will get them to the Father's heart because...God knows what you need before you ask Him (vs.8) Then Jesus showed them the model prayer with which we're all familiar:  

     

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matt. 6:9-13) 

Now we have jobs, budgets, savings plans, pensions, investments, a 401k retirement...why do we need to pray for God to give us daily bread? Francis Chan exposes our craving for control and challenges our need for long term security. Are we trusting in God or in our assets and ingenuity? These practices, though certainly not all bad, can lead to a less faith-filled, prayerful, and God-dependent life. In fact, some of us are doing all that we can to avoid placing ourselves in any position that requires total reliance on the LORD for what we daily need.  

 

God told the Children of Israel through Moses that He'd led them through the wilderness to humble and test them, to know what was in their hearts - whether or not they would keep His commands. (Deut. 8:1-3) He humbled them with hunger and then satisfied it with just a DAILY provision of a food He created called 'manna' (meaning 'what is it?'). He did this to rid them of their pride and self-reliance - so they could understand that they did not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.   

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - CONTROVERSY - 10/09/2019

    

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy."  -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

Certain events each year bring us to intense debate.  None have been more sensational than the sentencing of police officer Amber Guyer in the shooting death of Botham Jean, a 28-year old accountant. His brother Brandt's request to hug the 

	Botham Jean & Amber Guyer

convicted officer was a display of mercy and forgiveness in his closing statement at the jury trial. The Hon.Tammy Kemp, the African-American judge, hugged Guyer and gave her a bible. Joshua Brown, the main witness, was shot and killed almost immediately after the sentencing. All of this has sparked great public CONTROVERSY - disagreement, typically when prolonged, public, and heated. On social media and in-person forums, people are wrangling over their thoughts and feelings.

 

An African-American community weary of unwarranted police brutality and corruption, marched through the streets of Dallas, TX after the September, 2018 shooting of Botham Jean, an innocent man shot in his home. I'm still not really sure why. Our community is all too accustomed to trials of officers not returning convictions. This case was different in that the defendant was found guilty and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Normally, that would have rendered a "FINALLY" sigh from us...until we heard the words of young Brandt Jean, stating that he "didn't even want her to go to jail," but "wanted God's best for her, which would be to accept Christ into her life." These  statements started a maelstrom of controversy with Christians about forgiveness, justice, and mercy. How could he forgive her? Why did he have to hug her? How could the judge hug her? How could Brandt state he didn't want her to go to jail? Some pastors were furious, even though the Gospel of Jesus Christ is all about forgiving even the most undeserving, which makes Brandt Jean's words and actions truly remarkable. If we could not imagine ourselves being that full of Christ's Spirit, we'd still have to believe that it was right...AND...Jean's mother, Allison's calls for justice and the end of corruption are also right. These are complexities Christ-followers must master.

    

"In a controversy the instant we feel anger, we have already ceased striving for the truth, and have begun striving for ourselves." It seems to offten we cease to promote the cause of Christ and the supernatural cross-life He calls us to lead (Matt. 16:24), and we begin to struggle and fight to hold on to our carnality. The Apostle Paul warned Timothy his protege about entering into these types of arguments. 

23Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. (2 Timothy 2:23-26, ESV)

  upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hand       

Praying we will do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God. (Mic. 6:8)

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - SCAFFOLDING - 10/2/2019 - Sadell Bradley

   

"A schedule defends from chaos and whim. It is a net for catching days. It is scaffolding on which a worker can stand and labor with both hands at sections at a time."  -Annie Dillard  - American Author 

 

SCAFFOLDING is a temporary structure inside or outside of a building, made usually of wooden planks or metal poles used to support a work crew and materials to aid in the construction, maintenance, and repair of buildings. Scaffolds are used to get access to heights that would otherwise be hard to get to. Scaffolding is also employed in adapted forms for grandstand seating, concert stages, access/viewing towers, exhibition stands, ski ramps, half pipes and art projects. If you've ever roamed the streets of a big City, you've probably walked under scaffolding. In 2 Chronicles 6:12-13, after King Solomon erected a temple for the LORD, he blessed and dedicated it and offered up a prayer from a platform of scaffolding he'd erected:   

 

And he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands: For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven... (KJV)

 

The sight of scaffolding in construction is exciting because it denotes progress, creativity, and new beginnings. You may have heard that our congregation will be moving before the end of the year into a location at the former Nast Trinity Church on 1310 Race Street in the Over the Rhine, right across from Washington Park. The church's name will change to "The Warehouse," describing God's transformation of the raw material of our lives into His individual masterpieces. (Eph. 2:10, NLT) The structure, built in the 1800's, is being renovated with paint, wood restoration, carpet, audio and visual components. The process is fascinating, especially since to restore it, some things had to be torn down. To the left, painters are using scaffolding to gain access to the ceilings. The scaffolding will not be a part the finished work, but is necessary for the process.     

 

I love the metaphoric use of a schedule as scaffolding for life and work. Whether you use a to-do list, planner, or an app to bring structure to your days; that framework supports your visions and dreams. Once your vision has been accomplished, the scaffolding is removed because it is no longer necessary. It has served it's purpose and has now been replaced by the permanent structure. Dating and engagement are a type scaffolding for marriage. Charts and Sheet Music are scaffolding until musicians and singers master the song. Temporary jobs can provide scaffolding for permanent opportunities, and certain seasons in our lives that we've attempted to hold on to were really just scaffolding for a more enduring legacy.   

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - DELIVERANCE - Sadell Bradley - 09/25/19

"The more I am in a position to be tried in faith with reference to my body, my family, my service to the Lord, my business, etc., the more shall I have the opportunity of seeing God's help of deliverance; and every fresh instance, in which He helps and delivers me, will tend towards the increase of my faith."   - George Muller      Last Wednesday, I attended the Habitation Conference, a convening of worshippers, pastors and leaders in the presence of the LORD in Orlando, FL. The weeks approaching the event were filled with stress. I was weary and looked forward to the times of refreshing that come from the presence of the LORD. (Acts 3:20) Habitation is an immersion experience - for three and a half days, about a thousand people bask an an atmosphere of worship, the Word, prophetic impartation, signs, wonders, healing and deliverance ministry. DELIVERANCE is the action of being rescued or set free; or to provide what is promised or expected. I experienced deliverance throughout the days of the conference as answers, guidance, and direction were dispensed. Relief, peace, and joy overflowed in an atmosphere of God's love and grace.       Deliverance is another word for salvation. I love the image above of someone reaching up for rescue and being met by a strong hand to save. The person to your left doesn't have the strength to reach for help, but is still rescued, despite the fact that just their cry may have been heard. God hears and answers us. In Psalm 3, an aged king David is in flight because of a coup attempt by his son Absalom. He cries out in his distress, "O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me! Many say of me, "God will not deliver him." Selah. But You, O LORD are a shield around me, my glory and the One who lifts my head." David speaks of the LORD's faithfulness to sustain him when he can't save himself, "From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people." (vs. 8, NIV)      George Muller, is an English Evangelist who cared for 10,024 orphans during his lifetime: educating them and changing their futures. Muller established 117 schools that taught 120,000 children. He raised the equivalent of $141 million dollars for these ventures. He never made formal requests for financial support, nor did he go into debt. Many times, he received unsolicited food donations only hours before they were needed, further strengthening his faith in God.  George Müller was in constant prayer that God touch the hearts of donors to make provisions for the orphans.In his autobiographical entry for February 12, 1842, he wrote: "A brother in the Lord came to me this morning and, after a few minutes of conversation gave me two thousand pounds for furnishing the new Orphan House ... Now I am able to meet all of the expenses. In all probability I will even have several hundred pounds more than I need. The Lord not only gives as much as is absolutely necessary for his work, but he gives abundantly. This blessing filled me with inexplicable delight. He had given me the full answer to my thousands of prayers during the [past] 1,195 days." Müller never sought donations from specific individuals and relied on the Almighty for all of his needs. He trusted God for deliverance in every area of his life and ministry. May we all be boldly encouraged to do the same.

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - BROODING - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

"You must always be open to new experiences; by this means, your physical and etheric bodies will be brought into a condition which may be compared with the contented mood of a brooding hen." - Rudolf Steiner     Last week I attended a conference called "Conspire," an assembly of Christians called to deal particularly with injustices (racial, economic, etc.). The worship band sang a song entitled"Canopy," which has still been ringing in my spirit. The lyrics were both unique and soothing, "May we dwell in Your tent, O Lord. May we dwell in Your tent, O God. Harbored by brooding wings, held in Your wide mercy, under Your canopy of love."  I was swept away by the music, and the idea of God as a harbor - a place of refuge, was just what I needed. The word BROODING was not only a word you don't normally see in a song, but it's generally used to imply deep unhappiness of thought that appears dark or menacing. But another definition for brooding is a bird, sitting on eggs to hatch them, or a hen nursing chicks under her wings.        King David, in his psalms, cried out to the LORD in his distress. In Psalm 17:8 he asks for protection, "Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings."  When he fled from king Saul into the cave, "Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by." In Psalm 61, the basis of "Canopy", he prays, "From the ends of the earth I call out to You whenever my heart is faint (overwhelmed); Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been my refuge, a tower of strength against the enemy. Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings." (vs. 1-4)     The image of the brooding hen ensuring the safety and protection of her young, is a powerful one. Yet the same word describes both the negative attention we put into our worries and concerns...and the strong surveillance with which God takes care of us as His children. Imagine the 'wings' of God's love safeguarding and defending you! Psalm 91:4 reassures us, "He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection."

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - INERTIA - 09/04/19 Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

   

"So many fail because they don't get started - they don't go. They don't overcome inertia. They don't begin." - Ben Stein   

Have you heard? Sitting is the new smoking. The Mayo Clinic cites a number of health concerns that derive from sitting too much. We use less energy than when we stand or move which causes: obesity, increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess fat around the waist, and lower metabolism. Lack of movement seems to increase the possibility of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer. The Clinic surveyed more than 1 million people and found that 60-75 minutes of physical activity per day countered the effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Respondents saw increased muscle tone, movement, and mental well-being, especially with age. They recommended taking a break from sitting every 30 minutes, and standing or even walking on a treadmill while talking on the phone or working at your desk. Moving increases your quality of life. The Apostle Paul told his protege Timothy, "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:8)

 

INERTIA is the tendency to do nothing or remain unchanged. In physics, it is a property of matter which continues in its existing state unless that state is changed by an external force. As is true for our physical bodies, spiritual inactivity is deadly. James said, "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds. Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds."" (James 2:17-18, NIV) Too many are in a condition of spiritual atrophy. They live degenerated lives that are in a decline of effectiveness or vigor due to under-use or neglect. They say they dream of movement, but love comfort and routine. They desire to get ahead in their thoughts...they say they want fulfill God's call and do new things...but their wishing, wanting, and even hating on others, doesn't move them to real action. Writer Elbert Hubbard wrote, "The reason men oppose progress is not that they hate progress, but that they love inertia."   

 

Sometimes it takes an outside force of Divine intervention to make us shift and make forward progress. Often what initiates transformation is a crisis or adversity that God allows - something that shakes us up and calls us to change our ways. The law of inertia says we'll keep doing what we've been doing (nothing), and things will be as they have been (comfortable and complacent) until an external force changes our focus, speed, or direction. The more immovable we are, the more force it will take for us to budge, grow and develop. Have you been cuddling up with inertia lately? It's a life-killer.   

  

 

 

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - CONCEALED - 08/28/19 -Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

 

"A fraudulent intent, however carefully concealed at the outset, will generally, in the end, betray itself." - Livy - Roman Historian   

When I looked for a photo to describe the word CONCEALED, images displaying individuals with concealed guns popped up. That was interesting, and a sign of the times I guess. I was actually thinking more about hiding internal issues, not deadly weapons. Sometimes there's not a whole lot of difference, at least figuratively.  To CONCEAL means to keep from sight, or to hide completely; to keep something secret; to prevent it from being known or noticed. Certainly, most who carry concealed arms have a self or other-protective intent. The same could be said for many who hold secrets, sins, and deceptions, but, "God can't heal what you won't reveal."  

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer the righteous availeth much." (James 5:16)  This is one of the most well-known but difficult to apply scriptural instructions. Uncovering problem areas is excruciating, but it's a part of the Cross-life. It feels like we're going to die if we admit that something is awry in our lives or we've done something wrong. We take such pride in appearing perfect. We wonder if anyone will care for us or handle our flaws or sins graciously. So instead of disclosing the issue, we do what makeup artists have been instructing women across the globe to do every day. We apply CONCEALER to cover up any perceived flaw. Except we don't use commercial make-up; we wield distraction, deflection and projection. We use jokes, anger, tears, attacks, substances, and behaviors to prevent people from discovering the truth.      

"...everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open and every secret will be brought to light." (Mark 4:22)    

Jesus employed this statement several times, positively and negatively in the Gospels. He tells his disciples to be aware of the yeast or the growing negative influence of the Pharisees. Jesus assures His followers that eventually the deeds and motives of these legalistic Jewish leaders will be exposed. (Luke 12:1-2) However, in Mark 4:21-25 and Luke 8:16-18, Jesus uses the same phraseology to state that the light of the true Word of God and the light being held in its carriers will also not be hidden, but exposed to all the world. The mystery of Christ, the Good News of the Gospel, was not ever meant to be concealed, but revealed. Bringing all things that God wants to expose to light is a powerful tool for freedom, deliverance, and salvation. I pray that none of us are stifled or bound by what we conceal.  

 

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - ARMOR - Sadell Bradley 08/21/19 - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

   

"The military's own report says that one-third of deaths and casualties could have been avoided if proper body armor and vehicle armor had been provided from the start of the war." - John Olver - Politician  

 

ARMOR is defined as the metal coverings formerly worn by soldiers or warriors to protect the body in battle; or the tough metal layer covering a military vehicle or ship to defend it from attack. Outside of the US military, the coolest example of an armored vehicle I've seen is the Batmobile. At the push of a button or a spoken word, its strong defenses roll into place within just a few seconds and the hero is shielded from an array of bullets and grenades. The tail winged, technologically advanced motorcar is more than a high-speed pursuit vehicle; it is critical defensive and offensive weaponry of the highest form that saves. Bruce Wayne would be a goner without the body and automotive armor specifically designed for him. He would just be a regular vulnerable and defenseless bloke without that armor.  

 

It's hard to talk about AMOR without giving a nod to Ephesians 6:10-17. There, Paul instructs us to put on the full armor of God in order to stand when the day of evil comes. He emphasizes that our battles are not with flesh and blood. Our true warfare is against the powers of the world's darkness and against spiritual forces in heavenly realms. This is a great reminder when conflicts arise and we want to make them about people. If we do not see the higher reality and apply the ARMOR of God, we are susceptible to the enemy's attacks.   

  

In 1 Samuel 17, Goliath and the Philistine military, are taunting the armies of Israel to send an opponent to engage in a deathmatch. The Israeli soldiers were in fear, including king Saul and David's brothers. David accepts the challenge confident that with the LORD's help, he will defeat the 'uncircumcised Phillistine,' and gain a victory for Israel. In verses 38-39, Saul tries to help David by giving him his armor, "Then Saul clothed David with his garments and put a bronze helmet on his head, and he clothed him with armor. David girded his sword over his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. So David said to Saul, "I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them." And David took them off."  David proceeds to defeat the giant with his own clothing and simple weaponry: a slingshot, 5 smooth stones, superior skills, and the hand of the LORD.  

 

The Batsuit was designed to fit only Bruce Wayne. In the same way, David could not fulfill his assignment with another man's armor...not even the armor of a king. There are people whom you admire greatly, but they'll never be you. You want to have what they have and do what they do, but that might not be what God wants for you. Letting go of comparisons and being yourself will probably bring you great relief. Have you been trying to fight a battle or fulfill your assignment with someone else's armor?     

   

 

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - BOLDNESS - 08/14/19 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

"It is better by noble boldness to run the risk of being subject to half of the evils we anticipate, than to remain in cowardly listlessness for fear of what might happen."  - Herodotus - Greek Historian    "The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion." (Prov. 28:1) A BOLD person shows an ability to take risks; displays confidence, courage and a lack of shame. I love this quote from author and theologian Mike Yaconelli,  "Boldness doesn't mean rude, obnoxious, loud, or disrespectful. Being bold is being firm, sure, confident, fearless, daring, strong, resilient, and not easily intimidated. It means you're willing to try what you've never tried, and willing to trust what you've never trusted. Boldness is quiet, not noisy."  It's interesting that this word batach in Hebrew is the same word for trust. A person who is righteous is inwardly secure and outwardly bold because they trust in God.     In Acts 3, Peter and John healed a lame man at the temple by the power of Jesus' name and had many converts. They came under the scrutiny of the Elders and Scribes. The leaders of the synagogue wanted to know in what name the miracle had been performed. The Apostles answered boldly. "Let this be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed." The Bible says in verse 13-14, "When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus. And seeing the man who had been healed standing there with them, they had nothing to say in response." The Jewish leaders warned Peter and John not to speak or teach in Jesus' name. "But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to listen to you rather than God. For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard." (18-20)    Sadly, boldness is a somewhat scarce character trait in Christians these days. We are too often intimidated in situations that require bravery. Neither the confrontation nor its potential dangers dissuaded Peter and John. Despite the fact that this all occurred in the same city where Jesus was conspired against, falsely accused, and tried; instead of running away they prayed:   "And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus. After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly." (29-31)   Let's pray for the same boldness.

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - EXODUS - 08/06/19 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

"You know that Moses was spinning like crazy in Exodus 14-17 when the Jewish people wanted to go back and become a place again because tramping through the desert was a bit too hard." - Joe Klein - American Journalist    On Monday I heard the song "Deliver Me - This is My Exodus" by psalmist Donald Lawrence featuring soloist Leandria Johnson. The song discusses how God is able to heal the holes in our souls that exist because of painful events in our past. The soloist's lyric begins, "Lord, deliver me, 'cause all I seem to do is hurt me. God rescued me from myself...from my overthinking." Throughout Deliver Me, Lawrence speaks the Word of God over listeners toward healing, freedom and release. Then Johnson and the choir rise to a powerful repetitive declaration, "THIS IS MY EXODUS!" stating emphatically that they will no longer be bound or enslaved to the past. An EXODUS is defined as a mass departure of a people, in the Old Testament of the Jewish people's escape from bondage to their Egyptian captors. Exodus means 'out of the way.' So 'Deliver Me' personalizes this sentiment, 'My Exodus' is that I'm now deciding to get out of my own way - and I need God's help to do that. That's very powerful, and not just for Leandria Johnson who has endured many things in her life, but for us as well.       We generally see an EXODUS as breaking free from a shackled or bound existence. But it's also the fulfillment of a promise God made to Abraham in Genesis 15:13-14. "Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and that they will be enslaved and mistreated there. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions." When the fullness of time arrived, the LORD held true to His Word bringing immediate restoration to millions simultaneously. Luke tells the ultimate result of this deliverance in Acts 7:7 'But I will punish the nation that enslaves them,' God said, 'and afterward they will come forth and worship Me in this place.'    The Children of Israel experienced the same circular, repetitive, struggle in the wilderness that the songwriter describes in 'Deliver Me'. Every time they wanted to do right, as the Apostle Paul said, "evil was present." (Rom. 7:21) For the Jews, it took a new generation and a few faithful leaders to purge out fully their inbred past bondage so that they could wage war for their future inheritance. When we sing a song or make a proclamation like, Deliver Me, This is My Exodus! we are invoking God's rescue, deciding to break free, believing what He's promised, anticipating restoration, committing to worship Him fully, and preparing to go to war for our inheritance.