WEDNESDAY'S WORD - SECURITY - 05/25/16 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

SECURITY means the state of being free from danger or threat. It is the safety of a person, state or organization against criminal activity such as terrorism, theft, or espionage, or procedures put in place to ensure that safety. Security is the state of feeling safe, stable and free from fear or anxiety  The Latin securas means "free from care." We spend time, money and energy on making our homes and possessions secure with locks, keys, passwords, identity theft services, etc.  We've lined up savings, retirement, long-term care and other insurances to protect us against possible eventualities. We work to make sure our marriages and families are physically and relationally secure, and that our jobs and reputations are invulnerable. For some, anxiety is constant, and the threat of danger seems ever-present.

I don't know that we can ever be totally free of the possibility of peril. Satan, the thief's, purpose is to kill, steal and destroy. (John 10:10) His name diabolos means to slander, falsely accuse, defame, malign or unjustly criticize to hurt, and condemn to sever a relationship. We live daily with forces set against us that influence situations and the behaviors of frail humans who inadvertently or intentionally hurt us. They may or may not actually have ill-will toward us. The devil is the father of lies. (John 8:44) Kingdom citizens are not struggling against flesh and blood, but against powers and spiritual forces in heavenly places (Eph. 6:12),  especially when you're doing God's work. So how do I protect myself? Sometimes you can't. God has to do it for you!

Proverbs 14:26, NLT states, "Those who fear the LORD are secure; He will be a refuge for their children."  The psalmist encourages us to, "Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken." (Psalm 55:22, NIV) Peter admonishes us to "Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares for you." Whatever you're going through today, God sees you, He knows, and He's working it together for your good. (Rom. 8:28) Relax. Security is found in Him.

WEDNESDAY'S WORD-WAX COLD - Sadell Bradley- 05/18/16 - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

WAX COLD is a biblical phrase used only in Matthew 24:12. The Greek word psugestetai from the root psucho means - to breathe cool by blowing, to grow cold. One scholar describes it as "spiritual energy blighted (spoiled/damaged) or chilled by a malign (evil) or poisonous wind." -(M. Vincent) In Matthew 24, Jesus' disciples asked, "What will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?" (vs 3) He answered with a litany of signs, including the destruction of the temple, false messiah's, wars and rumors of wars, famines and earthquakes, His follower's persecution for His name's sake, personal betrayals and false prophets (4-10) His opening was,"Watch out that no one deceives you." We're not sugarcoating what's about to happen here. Then Jesus said, because wickedness and evil will run rampant, the LOVE of MANY will WAX COLD. Coldness takes on different forms: 1) feelings of fear or horror.  While perfect love casts out or dispels fear, (1 John 4:18) cold love invites fear, and fosters distrust and isolation from others.  2) lacking affection or warmth of feeling; unemotional. "Cold-blooded" means without emotion or pity; deliberately cruel or callous.  In modern day, the phrase, "I'm cool" can mean, "You've disappointed me. It's too late. You're cut off." When we give people 'the cold shoulder,' we reject them or are deliberately unfriendly.  All of these responses are the antithesis of the LOVE that is to identify Christians (John 13:34-35). This God-kind of love is described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 AMP as patient, forgiving, and kind through long-suffering, not egotistical or inflated with pride, not jealous or envious, not rude or unmannerly, not easily provoked, overly sensitive or easily angered, taking NO account, grudge or record of the evil done to it, not selfish or insisting on its own rights or way, not rejoicing in unrighteousness but in truth, believing, hoping and enduring ALL things. THIS LOVE never fails. Though sin is multiplying all around us and has even repeatedly injured us... We must watch out that our love doesn't wax cold! Help, LORD!

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - GRIT - 05/11/16 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant CIncinnati

GRIT is courage, mental toughness and resolve; strength of character.  When used as a verb, it means to clench the teeth, especially in order to keep one's resolve when faced with an unpleasant or painful duty- hence the colloquial phrase, "Grit it." This manager is gritting it by taking on painstaking, but necessary paperwork. Grit is required when we must tackle things that are not easy, but would be beneficial to our lives and goals.  When a deadline is fast approaching. When a bill or taxes must be paid. When we don't feel like exercising, studying, attending a function or following through on a project, plan or dream...we sometimes have to just grit it!  Willingness to grit says this is important. The Bible is FULL of situations where people had to grit it.  Jonah didn't want to go to Ninevah to warn the people to repent, but was forced to grit it after his whale experience. Esther didn't want to risk death to ask the king to save her people, but resolved, "If I perish, I perish." Ananias didn't want to heal Saul, who was killing and persecuting Christians. Many prophets where given Words to Israel that were unpleasant at best, and filled with judgment at worst. God had crazy ways to communicate His message.  Hosea had to marry and stay with Gomer, an adulterous prostitute, just to reflect God's eternal and unconditional love. Now, that's some grit! Even Jesus had to grit it. If HE had to, why do you think you don't?  Preparing to go to the cross, in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, "If it be possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not mine." (Matthew 26:39) He decided, as an innocent man to take on and forgive the sins of the entire world forever. Now that's True Grit. This meme says G.R.I.T. is guts, resilience, initiative and tenacity.  In Christ, it also takes Grace, Resolve, Integrity, and Trust to do the thing and become the person God is calling for when times are hard, you're struggling with doubts and your strength is failing. If that's you, don't give up, just GRIT IT.  SUNDAY WORSHIP 11:00 AM The Great Room SUNDAY CLASSES  9:30 AM Youth Room  225 Wyoming Ave       Cincinnati OH 45215 (Presbyterian Church of Wyoming) 513-212-1131

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - COVETOUSNESS - 05/04/16- Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

COVETOUSNESS -means having or showing a great desire to possess something, typically belonging to someone else. Surprisingly, I can't remember hearing a lot of sermons on covetousness. Perhaps it's because the US is a capitalist and consumption oriented society whose advertising dollars go toward making us feel like what we have is not enough. We are conditioned not only to want more, but to endlessly compare ourselves, find ourselves lacking, and yearn enviously for what others have.

Isn't that what social media is about? We share our best accomplishments, wax wise with other people's quotes, post pretty vacation photos, then evaluate our social status by likes, loves and wows.  We watch entertainment news and envy the riches of sports figures, movie stars and moguls. Reunions are more about who's accomplished what and who has aged the best, than reminiscing.

It would seem in Christian circles we'd hear more about coveting. I mean this sin did make God's top ten list! In fact, it was His last commandment, and He went into great specifics."You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbors wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."  (Exodus 20:17) Jesus instructed His disciples, "Take care and be on your guard against covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." (Luke 12:15) Be grateful for God's blessing.

Covetousness reveals itself in more than material things. We covet the status of others. We covet the favor and attention one sibling, co-worker, pastor, church soloist, etc. gets.  We desire the opportunities and education someone else has achieved, or wish we could have their looks or physique. Coveting is a slippery slope of pride and insecurity. Paul listed it among the vices we are to put to death (Col. 3:5). He challenges us to "let your conduct be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have, for He has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) Stop looking over your shoulder at what others have or are doing. Be faithful to what He's called you to do and stay in your lane, that is enough!

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - RESIDUE - 04/27/16 Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

 

SUNDAY WORSHIP 11:00 AM
SUNDAY CLASSES 9:30 AM

225 Wyoming Ave
Cincinnati OH 45215

The Great Room

(Presbyterian Church of Wyoming)

513-212-1131

RESIDUE - is a small amount of something that remains after the main part has gone or been taken, or used.  Ever try to get the price tag completely off of a new shoe? You scrape and add water, but you're no match for the stickiness of that stuff!  Your foot adheres to the shoe as you walk. The price tag is ostensibly gone (means apparently, but not actually). The drink is finished and it seems as if the glass is fully clean...but there's still residue. It's frustrating and annoying because something persists that should have been washed out.  Do you have residue from a past relationship or situation?  Do you carry just a little anxiety, distrust, frustration, or bitterness? Do you have faith but a tiny bit of doubt? Do you desire to move on... but there's just this one lingering issue. "I've almost entirely forgiven..." myself or someone else, but I've got a twinge of regret, or a bit of anger. We're moving to a new place but we can't shake the history of the old one.  Transitions require cleaning up residue to move forward to a NEW day!

It no longer matters what happened yesterday: how the place you used to be in treated you for good or bad; what you failed at, or could have done by now; what you did or didn't get from your parents, etc.  Paul said the thing that he focused on was "forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead." (Phil 3:13) He instructed the Ephesians not to grieve the Holy Spirit. To "Let ALL bitterness and wrath, and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with ALL malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:30-32)

Jesus told His disciples that their message would not be received well everywhere. "If any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them." (Mark 6:11) Residue happens when we just can't let it go...Freedom comes when we can and do! The book of Luke admonishes us to "Remember Lot's Wife." (Luke 17:32)  God had rescued her family, pulled them out of a terrible place that He was judging and instructed them not to look back.  Sadly, residue from the past drew her attention away from God's promised future. Looking back cost her life. She turned into a pillar of salt (Gen 19) and was left right there to forever stare at her former situation. Last week we said it's time to MOVE! Today we're all being urged to release ourselves from any residue and proceed forward into God's plan!

THIS SUNDAY, May 1st,  New Life Covenant is MOVING! You can read about it here.  We are honored to join forces with Pastor Edward Goode and the congregation at
the Presbyterian Church of Wyoming (PCW)  To the left is a photo of the Great Room where we will gather on Sundays at 11am.  We will have 9:30 AM Class in the Youth Room (lower level) and will have a Nursery available and lessons for small children.  PCW is graciously helping us 'nest' and grow to our next phase, and we are strategizing ways that we can serve and bring the Gospel the Cincinnati Region in partnership together! 
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU SUNDAY as we embark upon this next leg in the journey!

New Life Covenant's LIFE Worship Team at   Fountain Square  520 Vine Street Downtown Cincinnati 45202 Urban Outreach's Hope at the Fountain Thursday, April 28th at 7:00 PM  Come out and bring your family, friends and neighbors!

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - MOVING- 042016- Sadell Bradley- New Life Covenant Cincinnati

MOVING - is the process of changing one's place of residence or work. To move means to go in a specified direction or manner; to change position. It can also mean to change from one state, opinion, sphere, or activity to another.  When one moves, it is an action that is taken usually because we are moved - influenced or prompted to do something. Positive moves entail making progress, developing in a particular manner or direction. As an imperative command, MOVE! means get going! hurry up! come on! Stop being stagnant!  At times we must shift internally to have the gumption to make a move God is calling for. He has been requiring a move from some of us for some time. Moses and the Israelites had crossed the Red Sea and were set toward the wilderness. They were circling around Mount Seir for a long time when the LORD spoke, "You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north..." Deut 2:3 Make a move! decide and act upon another direction leading to your goal. If you are just celebrating that you made it out of bondage in Egypt and got through the Red Sea, you'll get stuck there. If you stay murmuring and complaining in the wilderness, you'll never see your ultimate destination - the promised land. On Sunday, May 1st, New Life Covenant will be MOVING another step closer to our promise. For the past few years, Sherman and I have participated in a pastors consortium called Mosaix Cincinnati Network: a group of leaders who see the value in establishing and supporting multi-ethnic churches.  These pastors are considering or desire for their congregations to look like Heaven on Earth. We have discussed how beneficial it would be for our churches, most of which are currently mono-ethnic like 86% of US Congregations, to join forces in some way to experience worshiping Jesus and serving Him together. We are taking steps to bridge the racial divide and lovingly walk out One New Humanity like Paul described in Ephesians 2:14-15 between Jews and Gentiles: For He Himself (Jesus) is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace...This is so important for the credible witness of the Body of Christ in America and in our City/Region.  The identifying mark of Christians is the love we have for one another (John 13:34-35). The unity of believers nationwide and worldwide opens the way for pre-Christians to believe that God loves them and sent Jesus (John 17:20-23). We are honored to join forces with Pastor Edward Goode and the congregation at the Presbyterian Church of Wyoming (PCW), in MOVING together by taking a baby step toward the Kingdom Vision of One New Humanity. To the left is the Great Room, the space New Life Covenant will gather Sundays at 11am starting May 1st. PCW is graciously helping us 'nest' and grow to our next level, and we are strategizing ways that we can serve and bring the Gospel the Cincinnati Region in partnership together!  Please pray for our congregations and consider where you need to MOVE!! New Life Covenant's LIFE Worship Team will minister at Fountain Square Downtown at the the Hope at the Fountain event by Urban Outreach Thursday, April 28th at 7:00 PM - Come out and bring family, friends and neighbors!   New Life Covenant Cincinnati Sunday at 11:00 AM  OUR LAST SUNDAY AT Urban Artifact 1660 Blue Rock Street Cincinnati OH 45223 Visit Our Website

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - BITE THE BULLET - 04/13/16 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

Bite the Bullet - I know, it's a phrase...one that I have been saying a lot lately. It means to decide to do something difficult that one has been putting off or hesitating over. It is to endure a painful or otherwise unpleasant situation that seems unavoidable. The phrase was first recorded by Rudyard Kipling in his 1891 novel, "The Light that Failed." Historically, it derives from the means by which a patient coped with the extreme pain of a surgical procedure without anesthetic -by biting a bullet or a leather strap. The latter seems more feasible to me, but the former makes for great story telling! In philosophy, bite the bullet means to accept the unpleasant consequences of one's assumed beliefs...(Wikipedia) I know, that's deep! Sometimes our pain is really only as deep or excruciating as we imagine it to be. We think doing this thing, or having this conversation is just going to kill us...but that's only because we anticipate it.

Queen Esther bit the bullet- finally summoning up the courage to go before her husband, King Xerxes, to plead on behalf of her people.  She faced potential death for going without being called first. Esther's distress was so great that she asked all of the Jews in Susa to pray and fast for her for 3 days without eating or drinking. Then she said, "When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." (Esther 4:16, NIV) Now, thousands of years later, we read and celebrate Esther's courage, and the triumph
of the Jewish people over Haman and their enemies.  The evil forebodings and misgivings that were in her heart and mind prior, had caused her to procrastinate in her role as the deliverer. Her cowardice was confronted by her uncle Mordecai,  "Indeed, if you are silent at this time, relief and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. Who knows but that you were brought to the kingdom for a time like this?"  (Esther 4:14, ISV) Esther's assumption that she would perish if she did the hard thing kept her stalled. She could not do what the Lord had called her to do, or become the deliverer she was meant to be until she bit the bullet. The outcome she thought would result, was really only a figment of her imagination. Not only did she NOT perish, but she has been celebrated as a heroine throughout all history ever since! Releasing control of the outcomes actually liberated Esther and her people!

There are times when God is requiring that we bite the bullet.  The negative ways that we have assumed that things will turn out may be emotionally charged fabrications. Sometimes the only way we'll know is to take that bite!

New Life Covenant Cincinnati Sunday at 11:00 AM Urban Artifact 1660 Blue Rock Street Cincinnati OH 45223 Visit Our Website

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - ALWAYS - Sadell Bradley - 04/06/16- New Life Covenant Cincinnati

ALWAYS- means at all times; on all occasions. Sometimes it means throughout a long period of the past, "She had always loved him." In other cases it means for all future time; forever.  Always means repeatedly and at times annoyingly, "We always have broccoli for dinner!" Finally it is used to convey a last resort; failing all else, "We could always move if this doesn't work out."

I don't know about you, but in my marriage the use of the words ALWAYS and never are fighting words that automatically get push back! Even if 85 to 99.99% of the time we've done or said the thing we've been accused of (and we know it); we cling to that one time or that .01% and say, "I don't ALWAYS do or say that!!" Maybe that's why we're conditioned to devalue the positive impact and consistency of the word always...except when Walmart uses it, "Always low prices...Always, lol!"  The idea that we could constantly be good, loving, reliable, predictable, steady and unchanging is a bit unsettling.  ALWAYS seems impossible, maybe even compulsive...but it's Biblical! 

Rejoice in the Lord, ALWAYS, and again I say, Rejoice! (Phil 4:4) Come on! Seriously? I'm always supposed to be filled with joy? I'm always supposed to be so conscious of God's grace and favor toward me that it fills me up and I joy again?! Yes, Ma'am or Sir! ALWAYS - at all times, on all occasions, repeatedly and sometimes annoyingly to others. Lord, help ME!  Paul affirmed the Philippian church because they had, "always obeyed" whether he was present or absent from them, and urged that they continue to work out the
salvation of their souls. (Phil 2:12)  Always obeyed?!  Really? Peter told the saints to always be ready to give a reason for the hope that was in them. (1 Peter 3:15) The Corinthians were admonished to "be steadfast, un-moveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Cor. 15:58)  At the  NCAA Basketball Tournament this year, teams wore gear that said they were "ALWAYS Reppin!" representing their allegiance to their school. We're ALWAYS Reppin too! re-presenting Christ to the world.