A Washington-based pastor, husband, and father shares 24 things he believes he has learned in life as he takes a few moments this summer of 2024 to reflect.
“I wanted to share these insights because they have helped me grow,” she told Fox News Digital. “My prayer is that others will feel motivated and empowered to live a life full of purpose and passion.”
Bradley, who was a professional footballer earlier in his life, saw his sporting career end tragically due to a serious medical problem related to medication he was prescribed while competing overseas.
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“I was fighting for my life for a year,” Bradley said. “It took me ten years to fully recover. These are the things I learned in the deep, dark valley that I never wanted to go through and couldn't go through on my own.”
He said: “We are made to receive and give hope daily. That is why we must reject the narrative of hopelessness. The best is yet to come.”
Jesse Bradley is the pastor of Grace Community Church outside of Seattle, Washington. He and his wife are the parents of four children. “These reflections,” he said, “have shaped me,” he told Fox News Digital. (Pastor Jesse Bradley/iStock)
Bradley is the pastor of Grace Community Church outside of Seattle. He and his wife have six children. He is the creator of the “Ignite Hope in 7 Days” series and is also a motivational speaker.
He said: “God is the only one who knows us and loves us fully. Let this penetrate deeply into us.”
Here are his 24 ideas shared with Fox News Digital.
1. God renews our minds and ignites our souls. Our hearts are not content until we drink deeply from the well of living water that Jesus offers us. There is refreshment in the presence of God.
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2. Hope is a confident and joyful trust. Because God is faithful, we have an anchor for the soul in Jesus.
3. Hope is common. Intentionally cultivate daily habits that increase hope. Reject the hope-stealers. Make room for God in your life as you pray, meditate, read Scripture, give, and forgive.
4. Hope is relational. Life is all about relationships. Love God and love others. We are designed to be connected, not isolated.
Pastor Jesse Bradley is pictured with his wife and four children. “The God of hope is always overflowing and never running out,” he says. (Wayne Jackson)
5. Hope is available to everyone at all times. God loves people in all nations and situations. The God of hope is always overflowing and never exhausted.
6. You may not find hope until you lose it. God will meet you at your worst. Every day is a gift, and we can always choose hope and gratitude.
“What you do is not who you are.”
7. True hope is not a “maybe” or a wish. It is a yes and a certain and indestructible hope. God fulfills all his promises. Because Jesus conquered death, despair and darkness, we face the present and the future with confidence in God.
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8. Move from a performance-based identity to a grace-based identity. What you do is not who you are. The deepest security includes peace with God through Jesus. Our ultimate identity is that we are part of God’s family forever as His sons and daughters.
“You will never regret seeking God and savoring time in His presence.” (iStock)
9. Let us pray more and move less. In a highly distracted culture, it's incredibly easy to waste your time and energy on things that don't matter. You'll never regret seeking God and enjoying time in His presence.
10. Read or listen to the Bible every day. It is your spiritual food. We focus too much on our stomach and underestimate our soul. The word of God will transform your life.
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11. Listen to others with the aim of understanding. Ask questions. When you can hear the other person’s story and perspective, you’ll avoid unnecessary conflict.
12. Love your neighbors. Don't just drive up to their house and close the door. Find a way to bless them. Pray for them. Start a conversation. Meet a need. Bring them a gift.
“Let's pray before a game. Let's pray for school and work. Let's pray together for other people,” Pastor Bradley said. (Fox News/ iStock)
13. Keep an eternal perspective. The trials you are going through will pass. Heaven is our home. Tell people about the reality of heaven and guide them to God.
14. Let us pray with our family. Yes, it's a good habit to have before meals. Pray together before bed. Pray in the car. Pray before a game. Pray about school and work. Pray together for other people. Remember and celebrate how God is answering your prayers.
“Buy a good bed and sleep well. Listen to your body and don't ignore the symptoms when something isn't working.”
15. Take care of your body and don't take your health for granted. The food you eat is your physical fuel. Choose wisely. Enjoy exercise. Go on vacation. Establish healthy routines. Buy a good bed and sleep well. Listen to your body and don't ignore symptoms when something isn't working. Find doctors who are competent and caring.
“Enjoy exercise. Go on vacation. Establish healthy routines.” (iStock)
16. Forgive everyone fully. The basis of this is how Jesus forgives us all. Let go of bitterness and resentment. Trust in God, who is just and has the final say. Forgiveness is a choice, but healing takes time. Make sure you don't hold a grudge when you go to sleep at night.
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17. When you gather together in the church, be eager to serve. Let go of the consumerist mentality and passivity. Be part of the solution. Make it better because you were there. Let God work through your talents and be humble.
“Take responsibility and own your own stuff as you walk from darkness to light.”
18. Think about what you are thinking. If your first thought is selfish, impure, inaccurate, or fearful, acknowledge and reject it. The power of the second thought is when you intentionally choose to think about what is true, noble, right, and good.
19. We need God and we need each other. You will become like the One you follow. You will never find anyone greater than Jesus. He is God, sinless, faithful in all His promises. He died for our sins, rose again, and returned in glory. If you have never made the decision, decide today that you want Him to be your Lord and Savior. You will never regret it.
“Every child is a gift from God. Protect them. Mentor a teen… Connect at the deepest levels.” (Steve Liss/Getty Images)
20. When you make a bad decision, apologize and change. Repentance brings relief. It is a 180-degree turn. Don't live in denial. Don't make excuses. Don't blame others. Take responsibility and own up to your responsibilities as you move from darkness to light.
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21. Know which mountains you are willing to die on. The cost is high for the best causes.
22. Know your purpose. In this way, you will be able to clearly say “no” to many opportunities that are lateral energies. Know your calling so that you can run with all your heart and with the strength of God. God does not give you a spirit of timidity, but power, love and a sound mind.
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23. Find ways to bless the next generation. Every child is a gift from God. Protect them. Mentor a teenager. When you come home from work, don't just carry the remnants of your energy and passion with you. Connect with them on the deepest levels. Care for orphans. Be the mother or father you never had.
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24. Choose courageous gratitude. Learn to thank God, even when you don't feel like it. Don't give too much importance to a problem. God is with you and goes before you. If you feel spiritually dry, make a list of 10 blessings and praise God for all of them.
