Brett and Nicole Bradley

Dec23

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Life Lately

Posted in: Life, Misc., Personal, Photos & Fun, Uncategorized

So we haven’t been the most consistent bloggers. Bear with us! We’ll get better. Here’s what’s been going on with us recently…

A Break from the Nomadic Lifestyle.
Earlier this month, we moved into an apartment in Longwood. This is a huge blessing for us as we prepare for the coming of our baby boy. For the last 10 months, we have been living with family so that we could save money and work full-time at raising our financial support. We are so thankful for our family for being so supportive of us, and for helping us get to Italy as fast as possible. However, with our boy on the way, we felt the need and desire to have a place of our own once again. God has provided a place that more than meets our needs at an incredible price. He is so good to us.

28 weeks.
Nicole is now 28 weeks pregnant. Our boy is strong and healthy, and Nicole is the cutest mama that I have ever seen. Our boy has been kicking and punching like crazy. I like to think that he’s giving me high fives, and giving his legs a workout to prepare himself for soccer in Italy. It’s crazy to believe that we only have 12 more weeks, and then he’s here. We’re pumped!

Modifying the game plan.
When we started this journey to Italy back in January, we decided that I would work full-time at raising our financial team of partners in order to get to Italy as fast as possible. It has proven to be a good plan, giving me the opportunity to meet with potential investors during the day, as well as the freedom to travel outside of Orlando. However, we did not foresee our financial support slowing as much as it has these past few months. Therefore, we have decided to change up the game plan. We are right near 50% of our funding, and Nicole will stop working in late February due to the baby. I’m currently looking for a full-time job that will both provide and protect our family’s finances as well as offer the flexibility to allow me to continue to gather our team of ministry partners. Please pray that God provides a great opportunity!

Band of Brothers
Roughly two weeks ago, I participated in a weekend retreat with a few men from my church. Rob Farnsley hosted the retreat at his home in St. Cloud. The required materials were my Bible, the book ‘Wild at Heart’ by John Eldredge, the ‘Wild at Heart’ Field Manual, and the most elusive material of all…my heart. Wild at Heart played a significant role in my walk with God back in 2003, so I was excited to revisit Eldredge’s book, and go deep once again with a group of Godly men. Although I found myself disagreeing with Eldredge on a number of statements, his ideas once again had a profound impact on my heart, my passions, and my identity as a man made in the image of God. But the weekend was more than just a book study. It was fellowship. It was vulnerability. It was an opportunity to take off our masks, and talk about our fears, our wounds, and our failures. And it didn’t stop there either. It gave courage. It provided a group of men to fight along with in this battle for my heart.

Below are some pictures from the weekend. If anyone is interested in doing something like this with a group of men, contact me or Rob Farnsley (321-663-6947). It is most definitely worth it.

“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.” - Theodore Roosevelt
Dec4

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Hunting Tiger Woods

Posted in: Culture, Media, Sin, Sports

I debated in my mind whether or not I wanted to post anything on here on Tiger Woods. I initially decided against it because, honestly, I’m not all that interested. I’m sad for him, his wife, and for his two children, but I don’t want to hear all the juicy details as this whole thing plays out. And I definitely don’t want to add to the database of gossip conversations for more people to bring to work, coffee shops, golf courses, etc. Then I read an article posted by C.J. Mahaney on his Sovereign Grace Ministries’ Blog. I found myself completely agreeing with Mahaney that the latest updates of the controversy do not (and should not) entertain me. I was reminded by his article what the proper response should be from me and anyone else who knows the name Tiger Woods:
1. Fight off self-righteous pride.
2. Have the humble awareness that but for the grace of God, I would do the same.
3. Search your own heart and life for any “hidden sins.”
4. Pray for Tiger Woods and his family.
5. Point to Jesus. (For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. – 2 Cor. 5:21)

Hunting Tiger Woods
by C.J. Mahaney

Tiger Woods wants his privacy back.

He wants the media entourage to disappear from his life.

He wants to be left alone so he can manage his personal problems in private.

Not a chance.

The story began unfolding in the early hours of last Friday when he crashed his Cadillac Escalade into a tree and a fire hydrant near his Florida home. He refused to speak with the police about the incident, raising curiosity about the circumstances. The story has now escalated into allegations of marital infidelity, and that generated a blog post from Tiger that stated, “I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart.” This statement by Tiger has led most to believe
that the allegations of infidelity are true.

Hunted by the Media

As expected, the allegations of adultery involving a public figure are attracting a media pile-on. This is a big story with a big audience and it’s a story that will not disappear soon. Tiger Woods is being hunted by the media.

But let us make sure we do not join the hunt. A Christian’s response to this story should be distinctly different. We should not be entertained by the news. We should not have a morbid interest in all the details. We should be saddened and sobered. We should pray for this man and even more for his wife.

And we can be sure that in the coming days we will be in conversations with friends and family where this topic will emerge. And when it does, we can avoid simply listening to the latest details and speculations, and avoid speaking self-righteously, but instead we can humbly draw attention to the grace of God in the gospel.

Hunted by Sin

But Tiger is being hunted by something more menacing than journalists. Tiger’s real enemy is his sin, and that’s an enemy much more difficult to discern and one that can’t be managed in our own strength. It’s an enemy that never sleeps.

Let me explain.

Sin Lies

The Bible in general, and the book of Proverbs in particular, reveals an unbreakable connection between our character, our conduct, and the consequences of our actions. These three are inseparable and woven by God into His created order.

Deception is part of sin’s DNA. Sin lies to us. It seeks to convince us that sin brings only pleasure, that it carries no consequences, and that no one will discover it. Sin works hard to make us forget that character, conduct, and consequences are interconnected. And when we neglect this relationship—when we think our sins will not be discovered—we ultimately mock God.

Sin Hunts

We’ve all experienced it: Sin lies to us. We take the bait. And then sin begins to hunt us.

One commentator on Proverbs articulated this truth like this: “The irony of a life of rebellion is that we begin by pursuing sin…and end up being pursued by it!….You can ‘be sure your sin will find you out’ (Num. 32:23…).”* In other words, sin comes back to hunt us.

In light of this fact, sin is an enemy Tiger can’t manage. He can’t shape this story like he does a long iron on a par 5. Tiger doesn’t need a publicity facelift; Tiger needs a Savior. Just like me. And just like you. And if by God’s grace he repents and trusts in the person and work of Christ, Tiger will experience the fruit of God’s promise that “whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).

Conclusion

Tiger cannot intimidate this enemy like he can Pebble Beach or any of the field of professional golfers. And there is no privacy he can claim from this enemy, regardless of his resolve, his silence, or the name painted on his yacht. It’s likely Tiger only perceives the press hunting him out of a vain “curiosity about public figures.” But Tiger is being hunted and hounded by a far greater foe: the consequences of his sin.

And this story should humble and sober us. It should make us ask: Are there any so-called “secret sins” in my life? Is there anything I have done that I hope nobody discovers? Is there anything right now in my life that I should confess to God and the appropriate individuals?

And this should leave us more amazed by grace because there, but for the grace of God, go I.
Nov26

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A Thanksgiving Proclamation

Posted in: Thanksgiving

Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation is the first in the unbroken string of annual presidential Thanksgiving proclamations, and is regarded as the true beginning of the national Thanksgiving holiday. It’s remarkable that this call to give thanks for the goodness of God came at arguably the most terrible time in our nation’s history: the Civil War. Below you will find the wise words of our 16th President.

The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful years and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the Source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they can not fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict, while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the field of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than theretofore. Population has steadily increased notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.

In testimony wherof I have herunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Abraham Lincoln
Nov19

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When Storms Come, Run Home

Posted in: Spurgeon, Trial

I love reading Charles Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening. Well, today I jumped ahead and already read the evening portion. It spoke particularly well to my heart.

“O that I knew where I might find him!”
Job 23:3

In Job’s uttermost extremity he cried after the Lord. The longing desire of an afflicted child of God is once more to see his Father’s face. His first prayer is not “O that I might be healed of the disease which now festers in every part of my body!” nor even “O that I might see my children restored from the jaws of the grave, and my property once more brought from the hand of the spoiler!” but the first and uppermost cry is, “O that I knew where I might find Him, who is my God! that I might come even to his seat!” God’s children run home when the storm comes on. It is the heaven-born instinct of a gracious soul to seek shelter from all ills beneath the wings of Jehovah. “He that hath made his refuge God,” might serve as the title of a true believer. A hypocrite, when afflicted by God, resents the infliction, and, like a slave, would run from the Master who has scourged him; but not so the true heir of heaven, he kisses the hand which smote him, and seeks shelter from the rod in the bosom of the God who frowned upon him. Job’s desire to commune with God was intensified by the failure of all other sources of consolation. The patriarch turned away from his sorry friends, and looked up to the celestial throne, just as a traveller turns from his empty skin bottle, and betakes himself with all speed to the well. He bids farewell to earth-born hopes, and cries, “O that I knew where I might find my God!” Nothing teaches us so much the preciousness of the Creator, as when we learn the emptiness of all besides. Turning away with bitter scorn from earth’s hives, where we find no honey, but many sharp stings, we rejoice in him whose faithful word is sweeter than honey or the honeycomb. In every trouble we should first seek to realize God’s presence with us. Only let us enjoy his smile, and we can bear our daily cross with a willing heart for his dear sake.

I pray that I would run to the Maker of the storms when they come, and seek shelter under His wings.
Nov9

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Thinking Rightly about Murderous Rampages

Posted in: Uncategorized

In light of the recent tragic events in Ft. Hood, TX and right here in our own backyard (Orlando, FL), Curt Heffelfinger has written a post outlining “Ten Ways to Think Rightly About Murderous Rampages.” I commend it to you.

Below is an excerpt from that post:

Beware the temptation in human arrogance to think that somehow others who suffer some terrible tragedy must have deserved it more than you because of their relative degree of sinfulness. Jesus warns us not to think that way. Twice He says, “Unless you repent, you will likewise perish.” Sin has left us all in the same condition. We deserve judgment. It will come sooner or later to all of us. The only hope, the only right way to think in the face of murderous rampages and collapsing buildings, the first choice that honors God in the face of apparent senseless tragedy, is to repent of our own sinfulness and place our hope and trust in the power of the gospel. He who knew no sin became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Cor. 5:21). Start here and we will think rightly about this world full of murderous rampages and other consequences of its suicidal rebellion.

Read the whole thing here.
Nov9

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OGC Mission Statement & B.R.I.D.E.

Posted in: Uncategorized

Two Sundays ago on OGC’s 18th Anniversary Sunday, Pastor Curt unveiled our church’s revised mission statement:

Engaging peoples everywhere to pursue ultimate satisfaction in Jesus.

Sweet! My favorite part of this new mission statement is the word ‘engaging.’ That is precisely the responsibility of the church. Engage. Go after. Pursue.

I love it.

I love even more the acrostic that Deacon John Gjertsen created to describe how OGC is going to engage peoples everywhere. For someone who doesn’t particularly like acrostics, John does a pretty good job of created them!

B.R.I.D.E.

B – Building Bridges to share the gospel by moving into the lives of people within our various locales (places where we live, work, and play. – Col 4:5-6).
R – Reproducing Churches to multiply congregations near and far which share our mission and values, and cooperating with others who do the same (Matt. 16:18).
I – Interceding in Prayer to see God raise up laborers for a spiritual harvest and bring many to Christ among all people groups of the world (Matt. 9:36-37; 1 Tim. 2:1-2).
D – Developing Disciples to achieve spiritual maturity through participation in comprehensive training for all aspects of the Christian life (2 Tim. 2:2).
E – Evangelizing Peoples to further the completion of the Great Commission around the globe through strategic sending and going (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).

To sum up the heart behind this vision, I’ll leave you with a quote from our pastor: ”We do not exist for ourselves.”

The whole sermon from OGC’s 18th Anniversary Sunday is not yet up on the web, but once it becomes available, I will post it here. Check back in a few days!

Then, come here at 10:45 AM on Sunday!
Nov3

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Piper on the Prosperity Gospel

Posted in: Prosperity, Suffering

John Piper explains why the so-called “prosperity gospel” is not the gospel.
Oct29

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East Coast Tour

Posted in: Ministry, Salerno News, Uncategorized

Alright…get ready east coast of Florida. You’re about to have an opportunity to partner with God’s work in Salerno, Italy!

I (Brett) will be traveling along the east coast of Florida starting down in Ft. Lauderdale on November 14th, and working my way up to Jacksonville by November 22nd. The primary purpose of this trip is to meet with people who are excited about an opportunity to hear about our ministry to Italy. So far, there has been a good response from people (almost 60 individuals/families have committed to partnering with us on a monthly basis, and hundreds of others have committed to supporting our ministry through prayer). The journey continues, and once again you have the opportunity to help out. How?

By thinking of people in Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Ft. Pierce, Melbourne, Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, and Jacksonville. I’ll be working my way through these cities, so please let either Nicole and I know of anybody you think of.

We are unbelievably grateful. Go team!
Oct12

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It’s a Boy!

Posted in: Creation, Family, Personal, Photos & Fun

Nicole and I have been keeping a secret for some time now. We can’t hold it in any longer…

We’re having a baby! And this morning we found out that we are having a son! So far, he and Nicole are both as healthy as can be. Rejoice with us in our answered prayer and precious gift. See what God has done!

Below are some of the ultrasound photos we have of our baby boy so far. The first four are at 13 weeks. The last five are at 19 weeks. (Click on the photos to see them larger)

We could not be more excited for the arrival of our son!

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” – Psalm 127:3

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!” Psalm 139:13-17
Oct8

3 Comments

A Man Who Fears the Lord

Posted in: Family, Personal

“Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.” – Psalm 128:1-2

My brother, Scott, flies out to Scottsdale, AZ tomorrow to begin his new job with Brown & Brown. I couldn’t be more proud of him.

Scott is a man who loves and fears the Lord. His faith is solid. God used my brother to bring me to a knowledge of Him. As a blessing, God is allowing him to “eat the fruit of the labor of his hands.”

As a man of unique wisdom (for his age), I have always benefitted from the counsel of my brother. As a man of deep character, I have always had a close example of what it looks like to honor God with my actions. As a man of integrity, I have always been encouraged by him to hold onto my principles, and not be swayed by the world’s whispers. As a selfless man, I have had a visual example of what it looks like for a husband to lay his life down for his wife (bear with me Nicole). He has blessed my life in more ways than I can count.

Congratulations, Scott. You deserve it (even though you’ll say you don’t) and I’m really proud of you.

Enjoy Phoenix!