WEDNESDAY'S WORD - SATIETY- Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati - 10/28/15

Satiety is to satisfy a desire or appetite to the full with as much or more of something than is desired or can be managed -from the Latin satis - meaning 'enough.'  In Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie is a boy whose family is so poor he cannot buy candy at the candy store.  The eccentric owner, Willy Wonka, announces that he has hidden 5 golden tickets in his candy bars, which are found by four spoiled and bratty children.  Charlie finds the fifth ticket and he and his grandfather go on a journey through the factory, where Wonka and his umpa lumpas put the children through various character tests. The first four children failed - they were ill mannered, greedy, complaining and never satisfied.   Charlie and his grandpa fail as well, by stealing a fuzzy lifting drink for fun, but then Charlie returns to Wonka and apologizes - passing the character test!  He is then chosen not just to win chocolate forever, but to be the heir to Willy Wonka's factory and fortune.

 
The movie reveals that even as children, we are acculturated against satiety.  When given all the candy they could eat...they wanted more.  Have you reached the point where what you have is enough? Are you ever satisfied? Do you even connect with the concept or possibility of 'fullness'? 

  God warned Israel to Remember Him when they entered their promised land - a land without scarcity or lack. "When you have eaten and are full/satisfied,  (some of you didn't know that was possible) Praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you." (Deut. 8:10) God reminded them about their long trek through the wilderness, when He rained down 'just enough' daily provision of Manna for them.  Or when in His disgust after their complaining and hounding Him for meat, He sent enough quail to choke them! (Exodus 16) Have you ever been a brat like the children in the chocolate factory or the Children of Israel? God blesses daily but it's never enough, there's always the next thing you want or 'need!'

Ironically, the LORD made it so that earthly things would never be enough.  We will never find true satiety in anything or anyone but HIM!  Jesus described Himself as The True Vine in John 15, our Source of nourishment. El Shaddai - (the Almighty, All-Sufficient God, Multi-breasted One who is more than enough), revealed Himself to Abraham in Genesis 17.  In John 6 Jesus calls Himself the Bread of Life. If we consistently feed on Him we will never hunger or thirst again. He will satisfy our cravings for more.... love, peace, mercy, wisdom, forgiveness, and for His presence. In fact, David sang, "You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever." (Psalm 16:11) Are you experiencing the fullness that is found in Christ? Or is the test you're going through revealing that you are still looking for more in something or someone else?

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - SELF-DOUBT - Sadell Bradley - 10/21/15 New Life Covenant Cincinnati

Self-doubt is a lack of confidence in oneself and one's abilities.  The word doubt means a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction. It derives from the Latin word, dubitare, which means hesitate.  When riddled with self-doubt, we are less bold in decision making and action...sometimes to crippling procrastination. Self-confidence, on the other hand, is the feeling or belief that you can trust your own abilities, qualities and judgment. Some folks don't war at all with self-doubt; I am not one of them.  But that's OK! God graced many heroes of the faith to overcome their self-doubt. I believe He will do the same for us!

Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 that God intentionally chooses weak, poor, unlearned, lowly and despised people, orphans and others of ignoble birth to use for His purposes! Not many who are wise or influential by human standards, but those who are unknown, "so that no one may boast before Him." Our only boasting will be in the Lord! This runs counter to our culture of pride and meritocracy.  We'll have to say GOD did it, not us!

We know the Lord's upside-down choosing is a real phenomenon. That is of little consolation to our feelings of inadequacy when God calls. Like Gideon when the Spirit says, "The Lord is with you, Mighty Warrior!"  we reply, Who me?! "If the Lord's with us why has all this bad stuff happened?" (Judges 6:12-13) Then we put our test fleeces out to see if what we heard God say in picking us is really true.  Or we're like Moses, an orphan abandoned at birth. He messed up his call the first time to be a deliverer by unjustly murdering an Egyptian oppressor. (Ex. 2)  When God called him again, he was a criminal in self-exile because of guilt and needed a burning bush experience to call him out.  If that weren't enough, he had a debilitating speech impediment - and God called him to be Israel's spokesman! The great leader future leader Moses was petrified!  He also needed signs and his brother to come along! (Ex. 3 & 4)  Perhaps you're like Abraham and Sarah. God promises that you're going to be exceedingly fruitful, but you're looking at your old age laughing and questioning because it seems impossible. (Gen. 18:12)  Or conversely, you're like Jeremiah saying, "I'm too young, I cannot speak." (Jer. 1:6-7) We all have self-disqualifying reasons...

It is not only possible, but probable that GOD does not see you, the way YOU see you. Look at the potential He saw in the misfits He chose to be His disciples! When God chose David he was the most unlikely candidate of 8 older brothers.  Samuel made a statement that we love when it applies to David, but we're not as sure of when it concerns us, "The LORD doesn't look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Sam. 16:7) Unfortunately, WE are the people judging and disqualifying ourselves! Stop doing that! He is choosing you! Walk boldly into His call! 
 

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WEDNESDAY'S WORD - WITCHCRAFT - Sadell Bradley - 10/14/15 New Life Covenant Cincinnati

This time of year many turn their thoughts toward Halloween - witches, costumes and candy, without any understanding of the holiday or what it represents. It's not my intent to go into that on this blog. If you're interested in learning about Halloween check out this video from Pastor Jackie Jackson. Like other churches, we offer an alternative...not sure that's the best either. But I want to go in another direction with this blog. Witchcraft is the practice of magic, especially black magic; the use of spells and the summoning of spirits for their assistance or authority.  Magic is the power to influence the course of events by using mysterious supernatural forces. I was traumatized when I first saw the wicked witch from the Wizard of Oz and those monkeys! sent to thwart Dorothy and her friends from saving the citizens of Oz and her safe return to Kansas.

I determined then that witches were definitely to be avoided! I didn't realize that in a certain way, I was one of them. 1 Samuel 15 tells of king Saul's disobedience to God's command to attack Israel's enemy the Amalekites and totally destroy all that belonged to them. (vs.3) He was to put to death their men, women, children, infants and all of their livestock. Saul attacked
them, but spared their king, Agag, and kept the best of the livestock, but everything that was despised and weak, he destroyed. (vs. 8-9) God told the prophet Samuel that He regretted making Saul king because he didn't follow His instructions fully. (vs.10) Saul even had the nerve to greet Samuel with glee declaring, "I have carried out the Lord's instructions." (vs. 13)  But partial obedience is disobedience to God - something I've often done.  Saul gave excuses, was in denial, and blamed his soldiers saying, "But I did obey the Lord..." (vs. 20) he even 'worshiped' and gave a good offering! Isn't that what we do to cover it up?

But Samuel replied,"What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king." 1 Sam 15:22-23   

Rebellion is an act of open or violent resistance to an established authority, government or ruler's control or instructions. That Latin root means to declare war against the authority. The number of times we've tried to use our own  powers to influence the course events cannot be numbered.  Nor can the number of times we've partially obeyed or tried to stall out God's commands. Not to mention trying to cover up our disobedience with good works and 'worship.' We're ready to protest Halloween...but are we ready to put to death our own rebellion, opposition and resistance to God's commands?

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Wednesday's Word - EXCERCISE - Sadell Bradley - 10/07/15 New Life Covenant Cincinnati

I just re-engaged my exercise routine after weeks off...ugh! I had to start all over again. It's almost as if I'd never worked out, and my body is feeling the pain! We're told that proper diet and exercise are keys to a good quality of life. EXERCISE is activity that requires physical effort, carried out especially to sustain or improve health and fitness. Exercise is also a task or activity done to practice or test a skill.  Most of us know the benefits of regular physical exercise include heart health, endurance, flexibility, and strength. These are also great internal qualities that require disciplined effort and undergoing specific life situations to develop and sustain. The bible says bodily exercise has limited value, but godliness profits us both in this life and the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8)  Paul reprimanded the Hebrew leaders about their deficiency in the arena of Spiritual diet and exercise.  They were under-developed and needed to start over. "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (Hebrews 5:12-14, KJV) This word for the exercise of these perceptive faculties is the Greek gymnazo to train, or exert intensely like a professional ancient Greek athlete in a sport.  It presumes the full discipline and effort necessary to be in 'top working condition' (full agility, skill, and endurance).  This is gained only from constant rigorous training with graduated resistance.  That's why lessons and trials at times are frequent and become increasingly difficult. They build our Spiritual muscles and give us strength, agility and flexibility for God's purposes. Paul, while being falsely accused and under trial of Governor Felix, was unmoved. Because of years of internal training he'd, "exercised himself to have and maintain a clear conscience, void of offense toward both God and man."(Acts 24:16) In trials he demonstrated amazing maturity.  What is being worked in or out of your life exercising in the Lord's Gym?    New Life Covenant Cincinnati Sundays at 11:00AM       Urban Artifact 1660 Blue Rock Street Cincinnati OH 45223 Visit Our Website                   Fall Festival Saturday, October 31st Taft High School  420 Ezzard Charles Drive, 45214  Movie, Food, Prizes - Join Us!

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - QUANDARY - 09/30/15 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

A QUANDARY is a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation. The word derives partly from the Latin quando or 'when.' To be perplexed means you are facing something so complicated that you feel completely baffled.  It has the idea of being entangled or interwoven, as the gentleman above. I'm sure there are times when you've not felt completely confident about a choice or direction.

The mental and emotional weight of uncertainty can be excruciating. The question of 'when?' while waiting even between two good choices is difficult. It would be easier to just quickly decide, but we want to make good decisions.  Not knowing what to do in a situation can be a drain to your hope - your expectation of a good outcome...and hope is what faith is made of!  In 2 Corinthians 4:7-10, Paul described enduring quandaries as a part of his life and ministry to bring the Gospel to the lost, challenge religious systems, and lead Christians to maturity.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

God is after our utter dependence on Him in difficult and complicated situations.  So rest! God has promised to instruct and teach you in the way you should go, to guide and counsel you with His eye upon you. (Psalm 32:8)  We are never alone, nor without hope if we are willing to follow His leading and die to our own will, so that Christ's life and desires might be displayed through us! 

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WEDNESDAY'S WORD - INDECISION- 09/16/15 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

Indecision is the inability to make a decision quickly. To decide means to come to a resolution as a result of consideration; to make a choice from a number of alternatives; to resolve or settle a question. Indecision also describes the excruciating delay involved in making up one's mind.  An indecisive person procrastinates a decision to the point of paralysis. American philosopher William James stated, "There is no more miserable human being than one in whom nothing is habitual but indecision."  The fear of making a wrong decision is so strong we make no decision at all. Indecision IS a decision that leaves unfulfilling and frustrating consequences for us and for those who are negatively impacted by our failure to decide.

Israel was often confronted about their indecision on worship.   Moses warned them to follow the commands of Jehovah and not to neglect worshiping Him when prosperity came in the land of promise. Their choice would impact their future legacy. "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live." (Deut. 30:19) Joshua reiterated this urgency to choose to honor God once they'd conquered their enemies, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." 

Elijah asked the Israelites a hard question, when king Ahab and queen Jezebel had introduced the worship of Baal and they were having trouble deciding whom to worship. "Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long are you going to be paralyzed by indecision? If the Lord is the true God, then follow him, but if Baal is, follow him!” But the people did not say a word." (1 Kings 18:21)

More often than I'd like to admit, my indecisiveness is directly related to worship and my obedience to God's revealed or prophetic Word.  I know the right answer and what needs to be done, but I'm telling God,"Let me get back to You on that..." as if I'm unsure of what to do. I'm really not. I'm just rebelling,  or I'm too scared to move.  That's what paralysis is - being partially or totally incapable of movement;  rendered unable to think or act because of panic or fear, or bringing things to a standstill that causes disruption or chaos. This FALSE feeling of powerlessness we give in to negatively impacts our relationships and stalls out our future. So...how long are YOU going to be paralyzed by indecision? 

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WEDNESDAY'S WORD - RESISTANCE - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati - 09/09/15

Resistance is the refusal to accept or comply with something; or the attempt to prevent something by action or argument. Resistance can come in the form of armed or violent opposition, like secret agencies or movements against governments. Individuals like Kim Davis, the Kentucky county clerk who recently refused to give marriage licenses to same-sex couples, can resist what they believe is an unjust law and suffer the consequences of breaking it. Resistance can mean impeding, slowing, or stopping the adverse effect exerted by one thing on another.  To resist means to withstand the action or effect of something by ignoring or by struggling.
  
We often choose what's called "the path of least resistance."  We want the easiest course of action because we desire to avoid any and all difficulty or unpleasantness.  Most of us are especially resistant to change in all its forms because it's uncomfortable. Jesus said the gateway to life is narrow and strait and few find it. Strait means characterized by a specified degree of trouble or difficulty; close, strict or rigorous. The road to destruction on the other hand, is broad and wide and most people choose that easier route. (Matthew 7:13-14) Christ followers are not to resist -  but embrace difficulties.  The Apostle James tells us to, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)

The other day, the Lord told me to, "Stop resisting your life, and start resting in it."  I was internally arguing with, struggling against, and stonewalling (delaying or blocking with evasive replies) what God has ordained for my life.  All of what is going on is not bad, just very challenging. Scripture tells us where our resistance should really be, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7) In my resistant posture about God's will, I have unwittingly been submitting to the devil and resisting the Lord.  I wonder if that's ever happened to you?

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - INGEST - Sadell Bradley 09/02/15 New Life Covenant Cincinnati

   

Ingest means to take food, drink or another substance into the body by swallowing or absorbing it.  Ingest is also used to describe absorbing, taking in or assimilating information, ideas, time, resources, attention, or experiences. There is an old saying, "You are what you eat." We are also what we view and mentally or spiritually ingest.  I grew up in a simpler time when options were limited. There were 3-5 TV stations and no remotes; no smart phones, video games, personal computers or microwaves. We drove cross country without seat belts. Because of the free love and political influences of the 60's and 70's, Christians were cautioned to be careful what we took into our minds and spirits. I would NEVER have imagined the deluge of images/ideas we now experience!

In Ephesians 5, Paul admonishes us to live as children of the light, and have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness. As the light in the world, we are to expose the darkness, not participate in it. (vs. 9-13) He encourages us to walk in love and to not even allow a hint of sexual immorality, greed, impurity, idolatry, foolish talk, coarse jesting or obscenity to be named among us. Nor are we to associate with those who participate in these behaviors. (vs. 2-7) Most of us get that evil companions will corrupt good morals (1 Corinthians 15:33), but how much of our mental and spiritual intake via media, books, blog and posts, conversations, movies and music violates this admonition? Have we become desensitized to what we were intended to repel? Are we now corrupted?

King David said, "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me." (Psalm 101:3) The NIV renders this verse, "I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it."  Is this our sentiment, or do we 'wink' at sin and indulge it? and in our failure to cut it off from us silently approve what we know brings damage and destruction to our own and others' lives. Is what you ingest in conversation, social media or other means adding to your life or detracting from it? Does it promote faith or fear? Do you trust God or love people more or less? Does it bring hope or despair?

We ALL could remember this bit of wisdom, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."  (Prov. 4:23 NIV)

New Life Covenant is a multi-ethnic, inter-generational and multi-class community.  We are a church for the hurting...because everybody wants to be F.R.E.E!

11:00 AM 

SUNDAY WORSHIP
at

TAFT HIGH SCHOOL
420 Ezzard Charles Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45214
Enter through the rear parking lot

 

For information call 513-212-1131
or

Visit New Life Covenant's Website