Undeniably Female...

I will be bringing the Word tomorrow nig

Elder Brenda Bradley — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 15:45:03 +0000

I will be bringing the Word tomorrow night at Christian Faith Center located @ 1130 South Broadway ! Service starts at 6:30 pm

I am preaching @ North Heights Christian

Elder Brenda Bradley — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 15:31:55 +0000

I am preaching @ North Heights Christian Church tomorrow for the morning service! Located at 3030 North Hillside! Service starts at 10:45!

It’s obvious…you should love ME!

Elder Brenda Bradley — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:45:12 +0000

Here is someone you don’t hear a lot about…Peninnah. She was one of two wives in a relationship. I sometimes think Peninnah is misunderstood because of her choice of actions toward Hannah. However if we look at what she was living in, I think we may understand, not agree with, but understand where she was coming from.
Peninnah was married to a wealthy, God-fearing man. He was generous with his wealth towards his wives and his children. She clearly lived well and did not want for anything. Her children were taken care of very nicely. Every year the head of the house led his family to worship. Now for most women, this would be a great situation. Not the two wives thing, but the wealthy, generous thing. However, both women were miserable.
Peninnah was in a relationship with someone she pledged her life too, unfortunately he was not in love with her. She was tied to him forever by the children, but he would never love her like she wanted. Can you imagine being married to someone who takes you in his arms and the embrace is empty? Who has obligation sex with you, but never make love to you? In biblical times, the woman’s ability to have children was her key to everything. Elkanah should have loved Peninnah like he never loved anyone else, yet there WAS someone who he loved more, his other wife Hannah.
Her inability to have children automatically put her in a serious situation. It was viewed as a curse not to be able to bear children, yet she was given more than Penninah and she had Elkanah’s heart.
What do you do when he should love you because you have everything he wants, everything he needs, yet he can not commit to you but on a surface level? How do you react when you would do anything to have him look at you the way he looks at her? Peninnah did what most of us would probably do…She took her frustrations out on Hannah. She probably looked at Hannah and wondered, “What is it? Why is he in love with you and not me?” Her anger at not knowing the answer caused her to “provoke Hannah sore.”
I think it would be rough living in this type of situation. Living with someone who wants you for what you can do, but never love you to his very soul…what do you think?

Come Join Me!

Elder Brenda Bradley — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 11:08:13 +0000

I will be at Wisdom Speaks Live Tour in Atlanta Ga at the Embassy Suites Hotel (Airport)!

“Wisdom Speaks” Live!
Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 1:00pm
Embassy Suites Hotel Airport

http://www.eventbrite.com/contact-organizer?eid=1341192543

Go to Divine Diamond Ministries for ticket information!

Want vs. Choice

Elder Brenda Bradley — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 14:00:06 +0000

Does anyone know where you can find some good heart tape? It needs to be strong enough to hold the heart together when it begins to break. Adhesive enough to hold the pieces in place as you put it back together. I believe that item would be a best-seller for DECADES!!! I would invest every dime I had in that product!

But until someone invents it, we need the next best thing to heart tape. That would be discernment and wisdom when we are in the midst of a relationship. I know, the last thing that comes into play is wisdom or even discernment. Because our heart begins to run things based upon what it feels, not what it knows.

For this reason, it is important that we know the difference between a man who “wants” us and a man who has “chosen” us.

What did you say? Want us? Chose us? What are you talking about? I will explain.

Wanting us and choosing us are two different events. One is based on short-term fulfillment, the other is based on a lifetime commitment.

In our relationships we have all cried over a broken romance. Either we have heard it said to us or somewhere in the back of our heads we have decided that the person who broke our heart did not “want “ us. I am here to let you know that he did want you. Every moment he spent with you was the fulfilling of a want. He wanted to call, he did. He wanted to spend time with you, he did. He wanted to come over late and leave early the next morning. He did that. He exercised every “want” he had for you. What you have to realize is that at best, to be wanted is a short-term, short-lived emotion. It has everything to do with what is happening right now. It has nothing to do with what will happen later.

When he chooses you, he is including you in his future. Every move today is about securing tomorrow. He begins to talk about his career choices, his goals, and his plans. When he presents a ring, he is securing you for every tomorrow. He has made the commitment in his heart and mind to cover you with his name, his love, his protection and his life. That is not done on a whim. Those are big picture decisions.

If you know who you are dealing with, your need for heart tape will lessen. You won’t need it. Your discernment and wisdom will increase. You don’t have to offer up your heart in something that is only for moments at a time. Save your heart for someone whose conversation is about a future…with you.

Stay tuned as we continue our discussion on how we can prepare for our Mr. Right, we’ll call him “Boaz”, and how to know who Boaz is!

Display your status as a Chosen Woman of God with this Signature Tee from Ellechor Publishing House! Stock up today, supplies are limited!!
Chosen Woman Signature Tee, $20

Valentine’s Day Projects

Elder Brenda Bradley — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:00:44 +0000

Ahh… love is in the air. Or least those cardboard box hearts filled with one or two good pieces of candy are on the shelves, which can only mean one thing. Valentine’s Day is coming!

When I was younger, my friends and I would have “projects”. If we did not have a boyfriend by Valentine’s day, we would at least have a date lined up to get something for Valentine’s day. I know that no one else does that.

It is the one night of the year where people go all out to be romantic and create a special evening. To do it right, you have to start the planning process way before Valentines. You start getting ideas in January, usually around about the 3rd week into the new year. Far enough away from Christmas and the money you spent during that holiday, but close enough to plan something really nice for the Day of Love.

The retail stores are great in the fact that they barely have the Christmas trees down before the store is full of hearts and candy. You take your time to look for that one card that really speaks to your relationship. Your dinner menu must be on point to create the mood you are looking for. Roses and candlelight are the order of the day. Depending on what part of the country you are in, a roaring fireplace provides two kinds of purposes, warmth of course and ambience for sure.

Now I am old school, but any decent romantic evening must have some music by Teddy Pendergrass, Barry White, Jeffery Osborne and the King… Luther Vandross! You are not serious if you don’t have one of them playing in the background.

All of those elements make for a wonderful and memorable Valentine’s day celebration. My only question for you would be this… are you the one doing all the planning or does he?

The Second Principle of Boaz

Elder Brenda Bradley — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:00:56 +0000

We are continuing our series on the “Seven Principles of Boaz” in preparation for Valentine’s Day and my book release, “The Boaz Factor: When You Are Ready for the Right One!”  In the book I talk about how to recognize Mr. Right, we call him “Boaz”, when he enters your life. We will go through all Seven Principles of Boaz on Monday’s and Wednesday’s between now and Valentine’s Day. Please comment, ask questions and most of all, enjoy!

Principle Two– Boaz notices when you strive for the best and are not willing to accept whatever, whenever.

When you have set goals for yourself, it requires you to come up with a strategy to get there. That strategy requires focus, determination and great discipline. Although those things start within, it will surface with noticeable action.

Ruth had one goal in mind: Find enough grain to keep her and Naomi fed. The Bible says that Boaz came to the field and noticed someone who he had not seen before. She was working at a pace that caused him to stop and take notice. Her focus and determination made him pause and inquire. When he asked his foreman who she was, he gained information about her work ethic. When he was told that she asked to work in the better part of the field, Boaz was impressed.

Something about you should cause a potential Boaz to stop and inquire about who you are. Not just because you are pretty, but because there is something different about you that stands out amongst everyone else. This something different has nothing to do with lips, hips, or finger tips.

Your “Boaz” will not only take a look at you, he will see you. Is there a difference? I believe there is. When someone looks at you they are looking over external things. When they see you, they are gathering enough information about you to get a picture of who you are. They are looking beyond the surface.

If this potential Boaz is really interested in you, he has been watching you for a minute. He has an appreciation for what he has seen so far. Your demeanor, your attitude and your focus and yes, your style!

The First Principle of Boaz

Elder Brenda Bradley — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:00:32 +0000

We are starting a new series in preparation for Valentine’s Day and my book release, “The Boaz Factor: When You Are Ready for the Right One!”   In the book I talk about how to recognize Mr. Right, we call him “Boaz”, when he enters your life. We will go through all Seven Principles of Boaz on Monday’s and Wednesday’s between now and Valentine’s Day.

Principle  One – He never looks like what we think, nor does he sound like what we are accustomed too.

The Bible takes the time to tell us that David was good-looking.  It also makes sure we know that Saul was in the same category as David, wonderful eye candy to look at.  But it never mentions that for Boaz.
We spend a lot of time on something that can change from moment to moment.  But don’t spend nearly enough time on the character of a person.  That is how you miss Boaz.  He is not Mr. Muscle man, or pretty hair man, or any other fantasy we have dreamed up from looking at pictures of models. He is the real  man who may be average  height, average build but is about something and trying to go somewhere.  By no means am I saying that your Boaz can not be the best looking man this side of Heaven.  What I am saying is that if that is the only criteria that has to be met.  You get what you get.

Example, someone I know has a major requirement that has to be met by ANYONE she dates.  He must be dark-skinned.   She has others as well, but this one requirement beats them all. She will not give them the time of day if he is not as dark as the night.  When the relationship fails, there is always a question as to why?  It was doomed to start with when the only real requirement is his hue.  Although he filled the requirement, as with everything, skin color does not measure the character or mindset of a person.

Your Boaz has a different  conversation.  He is actually interested in and listening  to everything you say. When I look at the dialogue between him and Ruth… he is not asking her about her measurements, and he is not asking her about hair.  He wants to know about HER.  Her history, her story, her life.  What she is doing and what is her plan for the future?  He has encouragement and blessings in his mouth for her.  Not condemnation or harsh criticism.  That can throw you when you are accustomed to someone who does not care anything about your history, your story, or your life.  If he is just trying to get with you for a minute, why would that be important?

This deeper interest in your life may not manifest itself in a first date conversation.  However, if you have been seeing each other for a while and you nor he has any more information about the other than you did on your first date… you more than likely do not have your “Boaz”.

Are You A Woman “Boaz”?

Elder Brenda Bradley — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:00:01 +0000

Strong, decisive, initiative and able to bear the brunt of the load…those are adjectives that you will usually find attached to a successful woman. Visionary, able to see the big picture are components necessary to compete in the market place. But what happens when those strengths becomes your weakness in a relationship?

The question may arise…”How can those things become a weakness?” The answer to that question would be, “very easily.”

In support of our man, there are times when we take the lead. We see the potential in our mates and decide within ourselves that if they just had the right atmosphere and the right support system that they would do amazing things.   For that reason, we often look past the weaknesses that are evident. What do I mean by that? We go behind them and redo things because we want them to look good. We handle the money for the house, because we know they are not that great about getting the bills paid. We pick out their clothes because if we left it up to them, they would   wear tee shirts and jeans everywhere. We plan the family trips because if we don’t, we won’t go anywhere. If there is an opportunity that is coming his way, we make sure everything is in place for him to make the most of said opportunity. Sounds like a lot work on a daily basis. Are you doing it?

The “Woman Boaz” takes the lead in her relationships. She is the guiding force for what takes place in the relationship. To her detriment, she acts as the safety net , follow thru and pick up the slack agent when things are not going well. When she does this, she inadvertently moves herself out of the place of receiving and ends up on the always giving end.

Ruth started out as a “Woman Boaz” with Naomi. Ruth had to move into the place of lead for her mother in-law who at the time was emotionally spent. Devastated by huge family losses, Naomi had grown bitter and despondent. Ruth took the initiative to go find work so that they could both survive. The Lord led her to the field of Boaz.

Upon seeing Ruth working in his field, Boaz asked the foreman who she was. Once he knew, he began to set some things up on her behalf in order to move her forward.

Gave her a permanent place to work. “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here.

Gave her instruction about work. Stay here with the women who work for me. ⁹ Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women.

Gave her protection at work. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. Do not rebuke her.

Gave her provision through work. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.” At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.” When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some left over. ¹⁵ As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, “Let her gather among the sheaves and don’t reprimand her. ¹⁶ Even pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don’t rebuke her.”

Boaz has the power and the authority to make some things happen on Ruth’s behalf. He saw her action and did what he could to maximize her outcome. He slowly started moving her back into a place of receiving. She continued to work, but he continued to give.

That is where we lose it at. The “Woman Boaz” acts solely from the potential aspect of her mate. So while she is constantly giving, he is constantly receiving.   However, she is not receiving anything close to what she is giving out. So frustration sets in. Instead of pulling back and assessing what is going on, the Woman Boaz tends to dig in deeper and try harder.

If I am describing you and your current situation, let’s talk about it. Let’s dialogue! There is an answer to this dilemma.

Pages from the Haters Handbook

Elder Brenda Bradley — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 02:13:22 +0000

Whenever the Lord has something for you to do, one thing you can always count on is “Haters.” Nehemiah had them too. For every person stepping out on the word of God, here are a couple of pages from the Haters Handbook…

Talk About Their Vision

1. When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews 2. and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?”

The Haters are never happy about anything you do. As long as you are in a mess, they are fine. But the minute you began to do better or want better for yourself, here they come.

Recruit Others To Help You Destroy The Vision

7. But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the men of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry.

On any given day, Haters, really can’t stand each other. But they will put their differences aside to take down someone else.

Try To Scare Everyone Who Is Working On The Vision

8. They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.” 11. Also our enemies said, “Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.”

Be prepared that everyone is not as strong as you are in your vision. Fear will always come to visit something that has never been done before. Send it on it’s way.

Divide and Conquer…Use People They Know

Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, wherever you turn, they will come and attack us.

Side Note: If these measures are giving you minor results in destroying the work of the Vision, start working on the leader.

Get The Leader To Come Away From The Vision — Don’t Give Up On The First Try!

2. Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” 4. Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer.

Start Lies and Rumors About The Leader and The Vision

“It is reported among the nations—and Geshem says it is true—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king 7 and have even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem: ‘There is a king in Judah!’ Now this report will get back to the king; so come, let us confer together.”

It is amazing what haters will come up with when they put their imaginations to it!

Finally, Have Someone Ready To Plant The Suggestion Of Quitting/Running Away

10. One day I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was shut in at his home. He said, “Let us meet in the house of God, inside the temple, and let us close the temple doors, because men are coming to kill you—by night they are coming to kill you.”

Throughout the entire process, no matter what was thrown at Nehemiah, he continued to pray to God and KEPT WORKING. We will always have haters, no matter what. Either they can motivate you or get you to stop. It just depends on what you are made of. Remember, the same sun that melts butter, hardens brick.

*Published in the June 2010 issue of Divine Inspirations Magazine, copyright mine.