WEDNESDAY'S WORD - ENTANGLED - 03/30/16 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

Entangled means to cause to become twisted together or caught in. Figuratively, to involve someone in difficulties or complicated circumstances from which it is difficult to escape. An exasperating financial situation, a knotty life or career problem that is confusing, or a complex, perplexing relationship. We don't know what to do, where to turn or how to get out or even if we should. Could God be using this hard situation or person to develop or sift out a character issue in us?

After 400 years of bondage and 10 plagues that rocked Egypt, Pharaoh had finally agreed to God's command through Moses to let Israel go free. The Lord told Moses He would harden Pharaoh's heart and he would continue to pursue with his armies. "Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in." (Exodus 14:3) They're confused and wandering about aimlessly. They're hemmed in, so we're going to get our slaves back! This is the goal of the devil...to get his captives back! to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10), and to erase any progress we've made.  The Israelites were terrified
and blamed Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?" (vs. 11) They were immature in their faith in God and their trust of His leader. They weren't convinced by the Word of the Lord that they would be freed or that Moses was their deliverer. The 10 plagues, the saving of their first born sons in the Passover, the pillar of cloud and fire didn't assure them. Their emotions took over and they were willing to throw away their freedom for their fear!  They weren't really in danger or hopeless...it just looked and felt that way. God's love and intent was the same.

The Lord's expressed objective was to 'get Himself honor' through Pharaoh and this difficult situation, so that the Egyptians and the Israelites would know for certain that He was the Lord. (vs. 4) HE had led them into that helpless and trapped position, so that when HE got them out...they would believe. He directly addressed their emotions, "Do not be afraid, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord with you. The Egyptians that you see to day you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still." (vs.13-14) He asked Moses, "Why are you crying unto me? Speak to the children of Israel that they go forward." When we feel entangled and there seems to be no escape, the last thing we think we can do is keep going forward to see how GOD is going to work things out. Now we know that just at the point when they felt trapped, Moses lifted up his rod, and a miracle happened. So fight your fears and doubts and keep going forward.

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - BIPARTISAN- 03/23/16- Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

Bipartisan means of or involving an agreement or cooperation of two political parties that usually oppose each others policies. They cooperate by arriving at a compromise when deciding upon an issue.  Our teachers made us do that in elementary school. We were taught to settle our disputes and come to an agreement, often by making concessions. We learned that certain things were true regardless of what side we were on.  This type of compromise was hailed as a sign of maturity back then. Partisanship poses a stark contrast, an individual or party adheres only to their interests, and is unwilling to synergize for a greater effect in a particular cause.

I am struck by how easy it is to agree and cooperate for the sake of evil, both now and in Bible times. I'm reflecting on how the collaboration of opposing groups with differing agendas brought about Jesus' crucifixion. Jesus knew what was coming, "As you know the Passover is two days away-and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified." (Matt. 26:2)

The Chief Priests and Elders, led by Caiaphas, were plotting to arrest and kill Jesus secretly (vs.3-4) Judas, one of Jesus' disciples, was ready to betray Him for 30 pieces of silver. (vs. 14-16) This collusion, along with false accusations and a mistrial, (vs.57-67) was achieved through immoral and malevolent means by parties who came together on the surface...but whose motives were their own greed and revenge (sound familiar?) Peter and the other disciples
were unwitting accessories through their denial and abandonment of Jesus in crisis. (vs.69-75) Pontius Pilate and his soldiers were used to carry out the dirty work, though his wife plead for Jesus to be released because of His innocence (Matt. 27:11-26) Everyone knew what was and was not right. Everyone knew that Jesus was blameless. Yet the greatest good that was ever in the world was still slain! God knew what our sinful humanity would do, and in His wisdom would redeem us despite our wicked fraternization. I pray He does it again...and that we learn from this telling history.

Thank you! to all who participated in New Life Covenant's 3rd Anniversary Worship Night, Sunday Service, and 30 for $30 Campaign!!! If you forgot to donate you can still do so. DONATE HERE .

WEDNESDAY's WORD - TUNNEL VISION - 03/16/16 Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

Tunnel Vision is constriction of the visual field resulting in loss of peripheral vision.  It is a medical condition in which you can see things that are straight ahead of you, but not to the side. Figuratively, tunnel vision is extreme narrowness of viewpoint (narrow-mindedness), a tendency to think only about one thing and to ignore everything else that it affects. One might think single-minded focus on one objective would be a positive trait.  However, tunnel vision is actually a defect in sight that is limiting. To be narrow-minded means that you are unwilling to accept opinions, beliefs or behaviors that are unusual or different from your own; that you... "can't see the forest for the trees."

Both Paul and Peter were completely socialized in Jewish customs and traditions before Jesus got a hold of them. On the road to Damascus in Acts 9, Saul had previously been threatening and murdering Christ's disciples for heresy. His extreme narrowness of viewpoint was challenged and changed by Jesus: "As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?...Who are you, Lord? Saul asked, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting, he replied." (vs. 4-5) Never in a million years would Saul have thought his viewpoint was anything less than absolutely right...much less that he was hurting the God he'd given his life to serve. He thought he was protecting the Lord's reputation when he was ruining it. He had a call to love and minister to the very people he'd rejected.  

In Acts 10, Peter's tunnel vision was confronted. God spoke simultaneously to him and to an Italian named Cornelius that they were to meet despite the fact that this association across racial and religious lines was forbidden. Upon the group's arrival Peter said, "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate or visit with a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean." (vs. 28) "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right." (vs.34-35) Peter preached Christ to those he had previously shunned. While he was still speaking the Holy Spirit came upon them all, (vs. 44) they were baptized and filled with God's Spirit.  Are you open to God challenging and changing your tunnel vision about something/someone if it fails to agree with His Kingdom purposes?

New Life Covenant's Annual 30 for $30 Campaign ENDS on SUNDAY, our 3rd Anniversary. We are asking friends and family to support our local missions projects for 2016 with a donation of $30 or more.  CLICK HERE TO DONATE

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WEDNESDAY'S WORD - ASSIGNMENT - 3/9/16 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

An ASSIGNMENT is a task or piece of work appointed or designated to someone as a part of a job or a course of study.  We were given homework assignments to help to track our retention of the material.  Some assignments were individual. The responsibility rested solely on us. In group assignments we received a grade based on the full participation of each group member. If one person lagged in the assignment, the others suffered. Ever had an assignment from the Lord that you didn't want and wished to transfer? or been affected when others failed to do their part?  Assignments involve God's choice, not ours. Jesus told His disciples, "You did not choose me, I chose you..." (John 15:16) God assigned the Levites charge of the music in the tabernacle. (1 Chron. 6:31-32) Paul and Silas were set apart by the Holy Spirit for their missions and apostolic work. (Acts 13:2) Jesus's earthly assignment from the Father was to destroy the devil's work and bring liberty to sin-oppressed captives. (Acts 10:38; Luke 4:18-19).  Spiritual soldiers do not control the location, timing or object of God's assignment. They just obey. Sometimes we reject assignments for various, we believe legitimate, reasons. Moses felt inadequate to fulfill God's assignment because of his birth history, criminal record, and speech impediment. (Exodus 3-4)  Jeremiah disqualified himself because of his youth. (Jeremiah 1) Jonah hated the people God called him to. He didn't want to see them saved.  He tried to avoid his assignment and jeopardized his and others lives in the process. (Jonah 1-3) The Apostles in great peril were assigned to establish the New Testament Church. Through threat of imminent torture and death they completed their assignment. The Lord's assignments require a deep relationship of trust, courage and perseverance. They cause us to be found in the most uncomfortable situations with unfamiliar people in uncharted territory - often behind enemy lines. God's assigned work calls for vulnerability, humility and sometimes anonymity. Because it is the Lord's work, He is in charge of outcomes, and He is to receive all the glory, honor and praise. In this season, you may be facing the challenge of an assignment that only YOU and CHRIST can accomplish. All He wants is a YES.   New Life Covenant's Annual 30 for $30 Campaign is starting!  For the next 30 days up to our 3rd Anniversary, we are asking friends and family to support our local missions projects for 2016 with a donation of $30 or more. CLICK HERE TO DONATE  At CAIN (Churches Active In Northside)  Ministry, we served 117 people 191 meals including carry out and seconds!

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WEDNESDAY'S WORD - KINGDOM CITIZENSHIP - 3/2/16 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

A Kingdom is a country, state, realm or territory ruled or controlled by a monarch. In Christian terms it is the realm and the reign or authority of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. John the Baptist stated and Jesus reiterated,  "Repent (turn from your wicked ways back to God) for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand (it's near). (Matt. 3:2; 4;17) Christ followers prioritize Kingdom citizenship, statutes, principles and values; God's rule over their lives.
 
When the Pharisees asked about the coming Kingdom, Jesus explained that it would not come with signs to be observed, because the Kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:20-21) Allowing God to reign is an inward work.  Paul told the Romans
to stop passing judgment on one another (in matters of what was clean or unclean). Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,  because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (Rom. 14:13-19) We would do well to observe this right about now...

Even when being questioned by Pilate before his crucifixion about His Kingdom, Jesus was very clear, "My Kingdom is not of this world. If My Kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My Kingdom is not of this realm."  (John 18:36) Sons and subjects of Christ's Kingdom are aware that "many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their appetite, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.  But our citizenship is in Heaven. (we are legally recognized subjects of Christ's commonwealth) And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. (Phil 3:18-21) Isaiah said, "Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end." He will reign over His Kingdom, establishing it in justice, fairness and righteousness throughout eternity! (Isaiah 9:7) In this tumultuous political season, please remember who and whose you are, where you're from, and what you represent and believe.

A New Life Covenant's Annual 30 for $30 Campaign is starting!  For the next 30 days up to our 3rd Anniversary, we are asking friends and family to support our local missions projects for 2016 with a donation of $30 or more. CLICK HERE TO DONATE  At CAIN (Churches Active In Northside), we served 117 people 191 meals including carry out and seconds!

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WEDNESDAY'S WORD - NO - Sadell Bradley 02/24/16 - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

The question in the meme is loaded! NO packs a lot of punch for a two letter word! It can mean none or hardly any; or the opposite of what is being specified, "It was no easy task." It can forbid a behavior, "No Smoking." NO is powerfully used in exclamation. It is a one word sentence that conveys a negative response or decision. Jesus taught us, "All you need to say is simply Yes, or No: anything beyond this comes from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37) No can be used to express agreement or disagreement, shock or disappointment.  "No can do, no longer, no more, no place, no sooner than, no two ways about it, no way!" Do you have trouble taking NO for answer? Is it hard for you to say NO without explaining or feeling guilty?  No is sometimes a difficult word to say, and to hear. Life would be simpler if it were used more. Try saying NO when needed this week!

Does God say NO?  We were discussing praying the will of God yesterday. 1 John 5:14-15 says, "This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him." (NASB)  If...then  clauses are a favorite because they bring clarity.  This one says there is a possibility that we may be out of God's will when we pray. If that is the case, the answer will be a straight out NO! not a yes, or a wait.  Doors will close shut and favor will not be granted, despite your many requests and attempts to swing things open. James 4:3 reiterates, "And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong--you want only what gives you pleasure." (NLT) Because it's not often preached, many Christians are unaware that NO is a potential answer to prayer. Sometimes we stubbornly hold on too long to desires/dreams/plans/people and things that God has refused.

Like any good parent, the Father loves us, and even His NO is always working together for our good...though it doesn't feel that way sometimes. (Rom. 8:28) Maturity means being able to receive NO from others, say NO when necessary, and hear NO from the LORD when His thoughts and ways differ from our own.

New Life Covenant's Annual 30 for $30 Campaign is starting!  For the next 30 days up to our 3rd Anniversary, we are asking friends and family to support our local missions projects for 2016 with a donation of $30 or more. CLICK HERE TO DONATE  Our first event was Monday at CAIN Ministry, we served 117 people! Glory to God!!

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WEDNESDAY'S WORD - PONDER - 02/16/16 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

Ponder means to think about something carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion; to consider, weigh, reflect on.  In Hebrew, palas - to roll flat (i.e. to prepare a road). In Proverbs, the book of wisdom, King Solomon wrote that rashness should be avoided, and that focus, wisdom and careful consideration should guide our affairs: "Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil." (Proverbs 4:25-27)

At times we are at a crossroads, having to choose between two or more life altering alternatives.  A path is the course, conduct or action that a person will take. Life is frail and short. Too often we leap and act without 'counting the cost' before we build, or making sure we're prepared for the fight. Jesus said that even the price of following Him in discipleship must be carefully weighed. (Luke 14:25-28) We are to give vigilant consideration to ALL of our ways: not just the path itself, but ponder our methods, character, and habitual behavioral patterns. "Is the way I'm going where God is leading?" "Is the way I AM helping or hurting my getting there?"

Signage in companies says, "EST." and a date - when the company was ESTABLISHED.  It's no
longer just an idea in the founder's mind: the paperwork has been filed with the State, a building has been secured, employees have been hired, the shelves have been stocked, a grand opening has taken place and it's been around for a while. The entity has been brought into an incontrovertible existence: one that cannot be denied or disputed.  The Bible is speaking to us about our lives, families, plans and visions. This establishment process is in 5 Phases according to the Lexicon:

1. Formation - initial planning or Vision.
2. Actionable Preparation for a future event. It is not enough to have an idea, if it is never acted upon.
3. Establishing or Fixing - having it under control. The goal is accomplished. The entity is created and functioning well.
4. Establishment of a Dynasty - future perpetuation, inheritance or legacy.
5. Satisfaction - a sense of well being that we can go on to the next thing because this one will be taken care of.

For some of you, this may be one of the most important life-guiding things you'll ever read, and I hope follow! Here are three closing thoughts: 

• "Every minute you spend planning saves 10 minutes in execution; this gives you a 1000 percent return on energy."- Brian Tracy 
• "Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work."Peter Drucker
• "A good plan violently executed NOW is better than a perfect plan executed next week." - General George S. Patton

Take some time out today to look at your life and ponder the path of your feet...

 

New Life Covenant's Annual 30 for $30 Campaign is starting!  For the next 30 days up to our 3rd Anniversary, we are asking friends and family to support our local missions projects for 2016 with a donation of $30 or more. CLICK HERE TO DONATE  Our first event is this Monday, February the 22nd serving dinner for 100 people at Phil's Community Meal at CAIN (Churches Active In Northside) Ministry.

 

 

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