As he takes a moment to reflect on the summer of 2024, a Washington-based pastor, husband, and father shares 24 things he believes he’s learned in life.
“These insights have shaped me, and I wanted to share them,” he told Fox News Digital. “My prayer is that others will be encouraged and empowered to live lives filled with purpose and passion.”
Bradley was previously a professional soccer player whose sporting career tragically came to an end due to serious health issues linked to medication he was prescribed whilst competing overseas.
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“I fought for a year to live,” Bradley said, “and it took me 10 years to fully recover. These are the things I learned in a deep, dark valley that I never wanted to walk, and could never walk alone.”
He said: “We are designed to receive and give hope every day. This is why we must reject the narrative of despair. The best is yet to come.”
“These insights shaped me,” the Rev. Jesse Bradley, pastor of Grace Community Church outside Seattle, Washington, and the father of four children with his wife, told Fox News Digital. (Pastor Jesse Bradley/iStock)
Bradley is the pastor of Grace Community Church outside Seattle. He and his wife have six children. He “Lighting up hope in seven days” He is a series author and motivational speaker.
He said, “Let that sink into your heart. God is the only One who can truly know and love us.”
Below are his 24 insights shared with Fox News Digital.
1. God renews our minds and ignites our souls. Our hearts will not be satisfied until we drink deeply from the fountain of living water that Jesus gives us. There is purity before God.
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2. Hope is confident, joyful trust. Because God is faithful, we can have an anchor for our souls in Jesus.
3. Hope is a habit. Be intentional about developing daily habits that increase your hope. Reject those who steal your hope. Make room for God in your life by praying, meditating, reading your Bible, giving, and forgiving.
4. Hope is relationship driven. Life is primarily about relationships. Love God and love people. We are made to be connected, not isolated.
Pastor Jesse Bradley is pictured here with his wife and four children. “The God of hope is always abundant and never runs out,” he says. (Wayne Jackson)
5. Hope is available to everyone at any time. God loves people of all nations and situations. The God of hope is always abundant and never runs out.
6. Hope may only be found once it is lost. God meets you in your most difficult times. Every day is a gift and we can always choose hope and gratitude.
“What you do is not who you are.”
7. Real hope isn’t a “maybe” or a wish. That is a “yes,” a sure and enduring hope. God keeps all his promises. Because Jesus overcame death, despair and darkness, we can face today 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 sense of security involves being at 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 spending time in His presence.” (iStock)
9. Pray more and scroll less. In a culture of so much distraction, it is so easy to waste time and energy on things that don’t matter. You will never regret seeking God and spending time in His presence.
10. Read or listen to the Bible every day. It’s your spiritual nourishment. We put too much emphasis on the belly and neglect the soul. God’s Word will change your life.
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11. Listen to others with the purpose of understanding. Ask questions. Being able to hear the other person’s story and perspective can help avoid unnecessary conflict.
12. Love Your Neighbor. Don’t just drive home and close the door. Find a way to bless them. Pray for them. Start a conversation. Meet one of their needs. Bring a gift.
“Pray before games. Pray about school. Pray about work. Pray for others together,” Rev. Bradley said. (Fox News/iStock)
13. Have an eternal perspective. The trials you are experiencing will pass. Heaven is our home. Tell people the reality of heaven and lead them to God.
14. Pray with your family. Yes, praying before meals is a great habit. Pray together before bed. Pray in the car. Pray before a game. Pray about school or work. Pray for others together. Celebrate and remember that God is answering your prayers.
“Buy a good bed and get a good night’s sleep. Listen to your body and don’t ignore the symptoms when something isn’t right.”
15. Take care of your body and don’t take your health for granted. What you eat is your body’s fuel. Choose wisely. Enjoy exercise. Take a vacation. Establish healthy habits. Buy a good bed and sleep well. Listen to your body and don’t ignore symptoms when something goes wrong. Find a competent and caring doctor.
“Enjoy exercise. Take vacations. Establish healthy habits.” (iStock)
16. Forgive everyone completely. The foundation is how Jesus forgives us all. Let go of any bitterness or resentment. Leave justice and the final say to God. The decision to forgive is a decision, but healing takes time. Try not to hold a grudge when you go to bed at night.
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17. When you gather in church, serve with zeal. Get out of the consumer mindset and passivity. Be part of the solution. Things are better because you were there. Allow God to work through your talents and be humble.
“Take responsibility and own what’s yours as you walk from darkness into light.”
18. Think about what you are thinking. If the first thought is selfish, impure, inaccurate, or fearful, recognize it and reject it.The power of the second thought comes 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. Jesus is God, sinless, and faithful to all of His promises. He died for our sins, rose again, and returned in glory. If you haven’t already, make the decision today to make Jesus your Lord and Savior. You will never regret it.
“Every child is a gift from God. Protect your children. Mentor your teens. Connect on the deepest level.” (Steve Liss/Getty Images)
20. When you make a bad decision, apologize and change your behavior. Repentance brings refreshing. It’s a 180 degree U-turn. Don’t live in denial. Don’t make excuses. Don’t shift the blame. Take responsibility and own it as you step out of darkness into the light.
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21. Know what mountain you’re willing to give your life for. Costs are high for the best purposes.
22. Know your purpose. This will allow you to say “no” to many opportunities that are sideways energy. Know your calling and run with all your heart and soul in the power of God. God will 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 your children and mentor your teenagers. Don’t come home from work with just the remains of your energy and passion. Connect on the deepest level. Care for orphans. Be the mother or father you never had.
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24. Have a strong sense of gratitude. Learn how to thank God even when you don’t feel like it. Don’t focus too much on your problems; God is with you and ahead of you. If you’re feeling spiritually dry, make a list of 10 blessings and praise God for all of them.
