a branch among a vine.

          Explaining my life right now is something I may have trouble doing, although I would like to try.  I may even be writing this post just so that I can observe my own life.  I will start off by stating that the pruning process of a relationship with Jesus Christ is painful, peaceful and joyful. It almost makes no sense that those adjectives can all describe the same thing. Though, it is true.
          I feel as though I am seeing more "layers" of my character than ever before; some of these layers are very ugly and through the Holy Spirit I am working on "throwing out" ugly traits. The painful adjective of this process is when you really see a flaw in your character and at moments it is immediately following a conversation or comment you made to, about or with someone. It pierces when you say or do something you truly wanted to have no part with. The other painful part of being "pruned" is that when you see a flaw you know you have to do something about it and when you don't it is like a wall you cannot see past.
        To explain why this is process is also peaceful is something I'm not sure everyone can or will relate to, though I hope you can.  It can be peaceful because I am seeing God work in, through and around me.  The only reason I am seeing my character flaws, or sins, is because God is allowing me to.  He is allowing me to see them so that I may walk away from the sins and live a more abundant life, for His glory. If I was not convicted for the sins in my life then I would have no proof of the Holy Spirit being at work.  I see it as God not letting go of me and caring enough to show me a more joyful life.
          I am grateful for my God and so happy to see Him at work in my life and I want to never do anything other than make him famous.

"when Satan came knocking with temptation... I sent Jesus to answer the door."

-unknown

the truth will set you free.

"And, while it is true that the mind and the heart are mutually enlivening, it is also clear that the mind is mainly the servant of the heart. That is, the mind serves to know the truth that fuels the fires of the heart."

-John Piper from "Think"

"the LORD bless you and keep you;

the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you,

the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."

- numbers 6:24-26

shot to the heart.

It is always an interesting thing when someone brings something up to you about your personality and it seems to rock your world.  Yesterday, while having a conversation with a friend he brought up a thing he has noticed about me.  He asked me about the wall that I have, why I don't always express my deepest opinion on subjects.  He explained to me that he could see that I always had more to say but he could see that I keep it to myself. When he said this, it felt like I got stabbed somewhere deep inside and felt a pain.  This pain felt brand new, though it also felt like it had been there all my life.

A wall? Truth is, when he mentioned I have a wall it felt like I looked up at wall that I had never seen, and it was stinking tall. This guy needs to be a therapist.

I'm not sure how he dug that out of me but he sure did.  I haven't been able to shake what he said.  It just keeps repeating in my head.  I have lost all focus since yesterday afternoon and feels like I am floating around. I feel so much that the current season of life [and all of life in general] is about faith in God.  Wait patiently Brett. Be still and know that God is God. The difficulty of this season is learning patience.  It only makes sense that if it is patience I would like to gain, then it is situations where I need to be patient that I will learn.

I'm just having to tell myself that I will look back on this season with gratitude.  I'm hoping to gain that gratitude in the present. 

no temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

the influence you can have.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

            -Philippians 4:8-9

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."

            -Ephesians 4:29

none but Jesus.

in the quiet, in the stillness, I know that you are God.

in the secret of your presence, there I know I am restored.

when you call, I know I wont refuse.

each new day again,  i'll choose.

there is no one else for me, none but Jesus.

crucified to set me free. 

now i live to give Him praise.

in the chaos, in confusion, I know you're sovereign still.

in the moment of my weakness, you give me grace to do your will

when you call, I know I won't delay

this my song through all my days.

there is no one else for me, none but Jesus.

crucified to set me free. 

now i live to give Him praise.

all of my delight is in you Lord.

all of my hope and all of my strength.

forevermore.

there is no one else for me, none but Jesus.

crucified to set me free.

now i live to give Him praise.

life.

         As of recent, life has been such a cool experience.  There are so many new things I have never experienced before happening all around me.  Emotions I have never known, victory I have never seen and a peace that goes past my understanding. There are new friends and old friends who mean more to me than I even could think of. This season is so new to me that sometimes it doesn't even feel real.

         As I think about the events around me that are so cool I am happy to say that it is all glorifying to my God. Yesterday a group of new friends left for Haiti on a trip that is about two weeks long.  The excitement and joy that these people have in them and around them here in Atlanta is so encouraging and I have no doubt that they will bring so much hope to the people of Haiti. I am so thankful to know them and so excited for the future of these friendships. A victory for Atlanta has been happening over the last year in the growing of a new church, Passion City. A day of celebration, I'm sure, happened on Sunday as they moved into their first building.  I am not a "part" of this church but I sure do feel and see so much of what God is doing through them. My church home is going through many exciting changes and just to be a part of it is extremely humbling.  The influence that God has allowed it to have on this city is undeniable and HUGE. God has almost completely renewed the way that I feel about my church, for the better. The staff are unbelievable people who are extremely gifted and so graceful. I get to see and hear about life change every single week.

         When I think about the last 5 months of my own life I can only look up to God and thank Him for the people, the wisdom and the victory He has allowed to be a part of it.  There are so many sweet moments I have experienced and I am so expectant that God has a big work continuing over the next year.  I promise you that God is for you if you will allow Him to be.  He has plans for your life that are for prospering and not for harming. If you will be intentional with your words to him, He WILL hear you.  He hears the cries of His people and is faithful to respond. As I mentioned before, sometimes life doesn't even feel real... or possibly life feels so real that I'm not used to it.

         The brothers I have around me are so encouraging.  The past year of getting to know them deeply has been incredible.  Their hearts are all about seeking God and learning to understand His will for them in this season.  They're desperate for God's wisdom and desperate for God's presence. I'm always praying that Jesus would be famous in their lives and loving watching this happen. My new friends are such peaceful people and I enjoy so much leaving them feeling encouraged every time. The relationship with my sweet girlfriend Morgan has brought nothing but good into my life. She walks around carrying the peace, joy and love of Christ everywhere she is. I am so excited to see what God does in her life and am so thankful that I get to be a part of it.

         I trust that God is delivering me from the season of depression and anxiety that I was in. This post is testimony of God and his heart for his people. These events that I described are "kingdom events." Ones that will effect this earth for eternity's sake. Jesus' fame is written in, on and around them.  These friends I described are a huge part of bringing God's kingdom here and now. I have to let you know that the riches of God's love will always be enough.

         

a post taken from another blog.

From the blog "Reaching For The Robe"

By: Donna Taylor 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

 God's Whispers Over Honey on my Biscuit

The honey came so slowly from it's little plastic container. The hot biscuit steamed, the melting butter teased me  --- my mouth watered. But the honey was in no hurry at all. Steve, my husband, laughed at my dilemma and commented on the reality of life we can see even in the slow but steady flow of honey. And I pondered it as I waited...
Waiting ---- when we are in God's hands --- so often the word w-a-i-t is like an umbrella covering us isn't it?
If we refuse to wait --- if the "umbrella" is removed because we will not hesitate and remain under it --- then "less" is ours (we get soaked from the rain) -- and the "more" that could have been is missed (a dry walk in the midst of a deluge).

I could have opted to quickly squeeze a packet of grape jelly on my wonderful, warm biscuit. After all, grape jelly is yummy as well. But Steve and I enjoyed hearing God in the lesson over our biscuits. The jelly would still taste good --- and it would certainly come more quickly. Golly - I could have already had two good bites in my mouth in the time it took for the golden honey to begin it's slow progress towards my biscuit. But then I would have been settling. The honey may be slow --- but without question, it is the healthier choice. It is fully natural -- the grape jelly is not. My body will respond in healthy ways to the honey. And while I might enjoy the grape jelly --- it would bring nothing healthy with it.
(I know - you laugh at me - choosing "healthy" honey over "unhealthy" jelly --- for my VERY unhealthy buttered biscuit --- I'm laughing at myself too.)

Still - even in the goofy, silliness of my world --- my good, good God speaks to me. Yes -- even --- over a biscuit.
And so --- to have the healthy, good honey --- to choose the "good part" --- to receive the best of the choices given  ----  I must w-a-i-t.

It's a beautiful thing the way God uses the time encapsulated in our waiting.

For, "He knows the plans He has for us... they will bring us hope... a future". Jeremiah 29:11

I've thought on this much of late --- and stuttered at trying to put it into words. But God has kindly reminded me, that He too waits --- but He never wastes the time while waiting.

God is at work in the "wait" --- working to prepare the way for our walk of faith, waiting to see if we will trust Him, obey Him, surrender to Him --- put our hand in His -- fully. He, Jehovah, waits to see, if we will again insist on our own way, or if we will give ourselves over to Him and wrap ourselves in His robe. He wonders --- "must it look the way you want it to, or this time, will you allow it to be the way I choose for you?"

God holds Himself back from coming to take us home ---- as He waits for the souls who have not yet come to know Him. He longs for them - His love is beautiful -- He waits.

To ponder on this -- causes me to love Him more deeply. For in the transforming work of becoming more like our Christ, our Father asks us only to do what He Himself is doing.

To remember this --- is to realize His holiness in the waiting.
Holiness is too easily lost in humanness. Therefore, we must choose to remember.
To choose to remove our focus from our frustration in the waiting - and instead put our focus on the Holiness of His waiting. John 3:30 To increase Him and decrease me -- by choice.

So may we wait for the golden honey's unhurried pace,
----wait for the transformational work,
----wait and prepare to receive what is being birthed in the waiting.
May we wait patiently --- in, on, and with the Lord.

"Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
   therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
   Blessed are all who wait for him"
Isaiah 30:18 (NIV)


"But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always."
Hosea 12:6

"But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me."
Micah 7:7

"For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed."
Romans 8:19


"And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised."
Hebrews 6:15

"...and since that time He waits for His enemies to be made his footstool."
Hebrews 10:13

encouragement for the day.

"tear down the walls see the world,

is there something we have missed?

turn from ourselves

look beyond

there is so much more than this.

look to the skies hope arise

see His majesty revealed

more than this life there is love

there is hope and this is real."

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;

in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

- Psalm 5:3

Psalm 4

1 Answer me when I call to you,
my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 Tremble and do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
and trust in the Lord.
6 Many, Lord, are asking, "Who will bring us prosperity?"
Let the light of your face shine on us.
7 Fill my heart with joy
when their grain and new wine abound.
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.

LOVE.

LOVE

is patient.

is kind.

does not envy.

does not boast.

is not proud.

does not dishonor others.

is not self-seeking.

is not easily angered.

keeps no record of wrongs.

does not delight in evil.

rejoices with the truth.

always protects.

always trusts.

always hopes.

always perseveres.

"Love never ends."

 - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 
  

"So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

- 1 Corinthians 13:13  

"and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord."

-Ephesians 5:10

"If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end: if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth -- only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin with and, in the end, despair."

-C.S. Lewis

Keep your eyes only on Jesus.

The Good Shepherd

"So Jesus again said to them, Truly, truly I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

- John chapter 10 verses 7 through 11

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

- Jesus in John chapter 16 verse 33

His story.

Six years ago, on Easter, my father, step-mother and I walked in through the doors of Northpoint Community Church for the very first time. I was a lost teenager who had found an interest in things of the world at a young age.  I knew about this God that my mom had taught me about as a child but never imagined the relationship I would end up having with Him.

Today, I had the opportunity to open the doors for the Saturday 6:30pm Easter service at Northpoint's northernmost campus, Brownsbridge Community Church, as a part of their staff and as a follower of Jesus Christ. Why do I tell you all this?

Jesus saves. He is good. And His arm is not too short to save.

"there is a light that burns brighter than the sun, it steals the night and castes no shadow.

there is hope, should oceans rise and mountains fall, it never fails.

so take heart, let His love lead us through the night.
hold on to hope and take courage again."

His wounds, our redemption, His glory.

"how merciful the cross,

how powerful the blood,

how beautiful, Your arms,

open for us.

no greater Love, God's only son,

Jesus.

no other name, so strong to save,

Jesus.

by Your wounds we are healed,

and you have conquered the grave,

in your rising we will rise,

to carry Your name,

above every name."

Jesus.

 

"Jesus AND." by: Michael Gungor

taken from Gungor's blog post on April 19:

Jesus AND

In this holy week, I am thinking of Jesus and what must have been going on inside him as he moved towards the cross.  In John 17, we find an intimate prayer between Jesus and his Father only moments before he was arrested.

In this prayer, these epic, last moments before he is killed, he prays for those of us who would believe in him in the future.  Jesus.  Praying for us in these final moments of what must have been tremendous fear and agony.  This is pretty amazing.  And what does he say?

^"20…I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ²¹ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²² I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— ²³ I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."

Unity.  That’s what Jesus seemed to want for us more than anything else.

Unity under what?  That we would all believe the exact same doctrines?  That we would all have the same opinions about the afterlife?

Is the foundation of our faith Jesus AND our thoughts about the Bible and salvation and miracles and heaven and hell…etc  Or is the foundation of our faith Jesus and Jesus alone?

Are we unified by Jesus and whether we speak in tongues or Jesus and our thoughts about the priesthood of believers?  Are we unified by Jesus and our views on women in ministry and whether or not we believe earth is six thousand years old or six billion?  Is our foundation both Jesus and our thoughts about whether hell is a literal place or not? Is the absolute bedrock of our faith both Jesus and our thoughts about transubstantiation, or human sexuality, or predestination or free will or whether clergy should wear robes in church rather than suits and ties?  What is the absolute FOUNDATION of our faith that should hold us together whether we disagree about the finer points or not?

Is it not simply that Jesus is Lord?  Is it not the Word that became flesh and walked among us and was crucified and rose again and shall come again?  Is it not simply and always and only Him that unites us, and is that not enough?

one.

"there is one great Love, Jesus."

"There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call - one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and all in all."

Ephesians 4:4-6 

I will not fear.

all my fountains.

Anyone of you who is close to me or has spent some time reading my blog posts would know that I struggle with feeling like I am a "good person." I have somehow, over my almost 21 years, trained myself to think that I am no good. 

Somewhere over the last 8 months God swept in and began showing me who and what I really am. It has been a process and I'm not sure if I will ever fully understand who I am until I meet with Christ face to face in heaven. But I, with the small capacity that my human mind can handle, have begun to understand the way God thinks of me.

I have struggles that I may never fully overcome while on Earth. The difference from 8 months ago and now is that those struggles no longer define who I am. The over-thinker who could think himself into any number of negative situations that are destructive to himself and those around him... is not my title.

No, instead it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me. Christ, being my identity, is good. All previous ways of thinking that I am not good have to take a step out of my life. Christ did not die on a cross so that Brett would continue to live defeated. He died on a cross so that all people would have the opportunity to live in peaceful harmony with their creator. He died on a cross so that no matter what we do with or think about ourselves.. we remain good in him.

So I, in the closing of this post, would like to share with you something from the Bible and a few sentences that C.S. Lewis wrote in his book Mere Christianity.

"For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life."

- Ephesians 2:10 

"The Christian is in a different position from other people who are trying to be good. They hope, by being good, to please God if there is one; or - if they think there is not - at least they hope to deserve approval from good men. But the Christian thinks any good he does comes from the Christ-life inside him. He does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us." 

-- C.S. Lewis 

"we will not be shaken,

we will not be silent,

sin is powerless,

our God is for us.

we will not be broken,

he won't be defeated,

death is powerless,

our God is for us."

their heart for haiti.

Friends, looking for a place to support someone for missions? There is a group of awesome girls going to Haiti this summer and they could use your help! Click on the following names to go to their page where you can submit money.

Morgan Blake

Alex Park

no not one.

recently i've been doing my best to stay quiet and trust fully in God.

choosing to let him speak for me and to me.

allowing Him to tell me who I am.

hoping for His glory.

not my own.

"He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved."

Ephesians 1: 5-6

"In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory."

Ephesians 1: 11-12 

"there will never be a name above, no not one."

know nothing.

"And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."

-1 Corinthians 2: 1-2

       

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

-Ephesians 2:10

today.

Filling up.

"You can't see tomorrow with yesterday's eyes." -Ryan Adams

"A stronghold is anything that pretends to be stronger than God."

holding my world.

Trusting that my future is secure.

Believing that God is for me.

Seeing that He is here.

Knowing I'm in Christ.

Your name and renown, God, is the desire of my heart.

 

Passion Ft. Worth

Today, college students are gathering in Ft. Worth, Texas for Passion 2011 [part 2]

Would you pray for them? Jesus is going to be famous there, his Holy Spirit has gone before and was there before anyone set foot at the venue. The volunteers and leadership need your prayers for strength and rest as they will be serving non-stop for three days. The students need your prayer for peace and attentiveness to God's Spirit.

I'm expectant that God has already been doing great things, is doing great things and will continue to do great things in the lives of everyone who is involved in Ft. Worth.

God is for them.. what could stand against?

prayer request.

i hate to ask you guys to pray about this because it is so small in comparison to many other things, though it is an annoyance in my life.

Some of you know about the situation with my eyes and I've even mentioned it on here before.  I have something called convergence insufficiency, basically my eyes don't work well together.  Even with glasses I still am not seeing to the fullest potential.  The reason I ask you to pray about it is the first round of looking for a way to fix it seems to have failed. Insurance won't cover the treatment, plus the treatment would have taken two years. it would be very expensive  So, needless to say, I haven't started treatment.

I am about to start researching ways that I could go about working through this to make my eyes stronger.  I can't tell you how excited I am for the day I will get to see with my fullest potential.  Before I even get a chance to "complain" I'll end my post here.  It could be far worse, at least i can still see well. Just a thorn that I would love to have out of my side! Thanks for reading.

You guys rock,

Brett

your patience.

   The patience that people show me is a big part of what allows me to grow so much.  I'm really enjoying how patient the people in my life are.  As I work through self-esteem issues I've been encouraged so much by these people. Truly seeing community happen in front of my eyes and being able to be a part of it has changed my life.

Like the proverb says in my previous post, "A friend loves at all times.." 

  Thank you all for showing me the truth in that and also teaching me how to be that kind of friend.You truly all are extraordinary people. Hope you believe that about yourself! Enjoy your Wednesday evening, hope to run into you soon!

-brett 

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity."

- Proverbs 17:17

adopted.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundations of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved."

Ephesians 1:3-6

 Choosing to believe today that I am an adopted [chosen] child of God by way of Jesus Christ. I hope you can too. Love you guys.

the riches of Your love will always be enough.

"Lord I come, I confess,

Bowing here I find my rest,

Without You I fall apart,

You're the one that guides my heart.

Lord, I need You, oh I need You,

Every hour I need You,

My one defense, my righteousness,

Oh God, how I need You."

       There are all sorts of things that I try to find fulfillment in everyday, all day long.  There are acts that I do to try and find this and people that I put the pressure on to fulfill me. Every time,  I feel just as empty after trying to fill a void with something as I did before I tried.  Actually, most of the time I feel even more empty.

       What is it that I am learning about this? Nothing will ever be able to fulfill me that is "in" this world. Period.

       I know for a lot of you that read my blog you know in your heads that Jesus is the only fulfilling thing you could ever find.. but my question is, do you believe it? The disconnect between the heart and the mind is a big deal. I'm in a place where I am asking God to help my unbelief.  "Lord, I know in my head that I am your Child, an adopted son, but my heart isn't there yet. Would you help my unbelief?"

       My hope for all of you and myself is that we would have a genuine faith in Jesus.  REAL faith. Never doubting who we are and knowing very well where we are going. Christ in us being our strength and boasting in our weaknesses. 

       I am so extremely thankful for the people God has placed in my life who are so encouraging. You are the greatest friends to me. You all are so wonderful and such gifts to me.  None of you need to be so uplifting and yet you still are, thank you for loving me.  It's the most encouraging. Thanks for growing with me and walking along side with me.

 

here & now.

"Let the songs of adoration rise,

Our God is reigning up on high,

He's worthy,

To receive the praise and the glory."

A very great friend of mine reminded me last night that God hasn't given us his "seconds" or "leftovers," but that God has given us Himself. Who He is and all that He is.  That God's kingdom is in fact here on Earth now.

A common thing my friends and I are talking about recently is that God is already here with us. We spend some time asking for God to come be with us, over and over again. Yet, God has promised He will be with us until the end of the ages. I encourage you to look up and speak to God and not at God.  Believe in faith that He is with you here and now. Trust that His strength is enough for you. He truly is reigning up high, whether we choose to believe that or not. 

He's worthy. His value is not something we can fully comprehend. And that is what He has given us, right now. We have no idea what good He has in store for us as His children. Today I will choose to not worry, but to trust. I hope you can join me in that.

"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."

2 Peter 1: 3 & 4

past couple of days have been interesting. have felt very "on edge" & ready for some peace.

Lord, your peace goes beyond all understanding. Allow this to be the peace that consumes our lives. Nothing else will satisfy. amen.

you have not, because you've asked not.

"The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

- Philippians 4:5-7

       Do not be afraid to tell God your weaknesses.  He will be glad to show himself strong. You may have never seen God be strong on behalf of your weaknesses.  To that I say, have you admitted to God your weaknesses? Ask him to be your strength and his peace that is beyond anything you could ever comprehend will come into your life.

community. [a note to you]

I'm so thankful today for the people in my life.  I receive each of you as gifts. I want the best for all of you and you all deserve the best. I can't wait to see where God takes you, world changers. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives.

-brett

setting sail.

       It has been a while since I have posted a lengthy blog and I would love to update today as I have sometime today to do so.  I have no sense of direction on this post but I do hope you can see the Faithfulness of the God whom I believe in.  I hope to inspire you to feel comfortable to talk to God and see that He listens and is actually willing to help when we ask for it.
       I've realized so much recently how the practice of "taking your thoughts captive" can bring amounts of freedom into your life.  I find myself, many times in the car, talking out loud to myself when I think negative thoughts.  If I start to think that way I often speak up and say, "God I'm doubting how you think of me right now, I'm believing a lie that Satan has been telling me for 20 years and it is time to no longer do so.  God, show yourself strong right now as I am weak in lies. Because of Jesus, and in Jesus, I now need to believe that I am Holy and a child of God. Holy Spirit reign this truth on me. Amen."
       Do I feel instantly better? No, not always.  Are my days being filled with more freedom as a whole? Absolutely.  Scripture tells us to practice righteousness and not to instantly wake up and be it. Anyways, righteousness in us is Jesus.  To that I say, then, practice talking to Jesus the one who makes you righteous. I promise you if you admit to him your weaknesses he will be glad to show you how strong He can be in that.
       I am so thankful for the people God has placed in my life.  They bring me so much joy and encouragement.  I could never do anything to make-up for the love they show me. I'm believing for you and for me today that God is good, great and perfect enough for us. 

"We are no longer products of our past. We are primarily products of Christ's work on the cross." - Neil T. Anderson

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
- 2 Corinthians 5:17

Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more.
Where grace is found,
Is where You are.

And where You are,
Lord Im free.
Holiness is Christ in me.

good friday.

From the Passion City Blog:

Good Friday Celebration Tickets Available Now

In: Uncategorized

17 Mar 2011

Don’t miss this year’s Good Friday gathering at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park!  Tickets are on sale now at a reduced price through April 1.

Tickets and all the info here.

Come, magnify the Son, savior of the world, the hope for everyone.

Spirit fall.

AMEN.

All my fountains are in You.

works.

       The number of times I have been around homeless people and had a fear of them is a number I can't recall.  The scene is the same for a lot of us and if this isn't how it looks for you then I want to say, your courage is honorable.  
       Have you ever been walking around a city and wandered past a homeless person and thought to yourself, "what can I do," though continued walking? There was this uncomfortable feeling that came into place and instead of doing anything, did nothing. Like I stated this has happened to me more times than I would like to remember.
       Yesterday I posted a blog about how in order to be saved by Jesus Christ, we don't have to do anything. It is a common struggle for a person to feel the need to "do" things for God to save us. As I am learning that mindset upsets the heart of God, because when you or I think this we are battling with a free gift from God; free meaning God wants us to be his children and experience his love without making an action but by simply receiving.
       This morning I read something where James in the Bible talks about "works," or doing things. Please follow along with me as I do my best to explain how I seem to understand this passage.

"If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

James 2:15-17

       What does it mean? Faith without works is considered dead, though other parts of the Bible tell me I don't have to do anything to have Faith. It's confusing right? I think a common mistake I have made in the short time I have been a Christian is that I haven't always taken the Bible as literal.  When I have chosen to read it as it is things are much more clear.

       James talks often about doing things for God.  If I understand correctly though it is not in the context of being saved.  It is in the context of having Faith in God. These verses from James are not saying, "if you don't do things, you wont be saved."  He is stating that the Faith we have in God is showing nothing to anyone if we do not take action because of it.

       Does that make sense?  It is because of being saved and called children of God that we should do things that are good.  It glorifies God for us to do righteous things for him.  It'd be like doing something for a friend that you know would mean a lot to them because you know what makes their heart happy.  Though if you didn't do it for your friend it doesn't necessarily mean they wouldn't be your friend anymore. It is obviously much more than that but I hope you can understand what I mean.

       I encourage you to read the Bible so that you can see and know more about God's heart.  This will help us understand what we can do for him. Just one other thought.. if you have wanted to show someone who God is and they just aren't buying it by the things you have said, then we should stop talking and start showing them love.

       This post has felt a bit like a ramble, though I hope you can understand what I mean by all of this.  I am digging through it this morning and trying to understand myself.  If you have any thoughts please post them in the comment area or email me: 

BrettJamesShields@gmail.com

From the blog "writing a better story." 

 

i will not fear the war, i will not fear the storm. my help is on the way. oh my God, He will not delay, my refuge and strength, always. i will not fear. His promise is true. my God will come through, always.
 

Unreal - Before & After photos from Japan

Click this link and then scroll over the pictures and the slider will go back and forth from before to after.  This is insane how much the Tsunami has changed the land there.

Jesus, You're all we'll ever need.

       God knows that we struggle with His acceptance of us. He has said that if we ask for Jesus to be who we live for that we become a child of his and more than that.  He says we become holy [meaning good, right and perfect] and that we are saints in the Kingdom of Heaven. All through Jesus Christ.  This is why God sent his most loved son to the world to live with us and then be killed for doing nothing wrong.  This is why Jesus rose from the dead: to allow us to see the glory of God and then receive the free gift of being called his children.

       Like I said though, God knows that we struggle with this.  We grew up learning that we have to act to gain things. When we got our first job we learned that we had to work for two weeks to gain a paycheck.  In school, that we had to study and do the homework to gain the good grade. The list continues on from there. Unlike anything we have ever experienced before.. this is not how God shows his love for us.  

       We do nothing. And we gain everything.

       

       The Bible teaches that we are God's children and that through Christ we are holy because of Jesus dying on a cross.  All the work was done there over 2000 years ago for us.  The Bible also teaches that just like our struggle today, people struggled then with being accepted as children of God.  Many writers of the Bible said things about having a struggle that was like a thorn sticking in their side or wrote about praying to God and saying things like, "I do the things that I hate and don't do the things I want to do."

       Over and over again God's response was the same to each person.  And I am choosing to believe that God is still saying to us today the very same thing:

 "My grace is sufficient."

       There you have it.  I don't know why I haven't chosen to embrace this in my life.  I don't believe God could ever be more clear on what he thinks of us here on Earth. If you have a hard time believing that there even is a God and that even if there is a God, why does this matter? I would ask you to say something out loud, as weird as it feels.  Just ask, "Jesus, if you truly are a reality, show me who you are. Amen." I will also be praying with you that Jesus would show you who he is and the same for me.

Paul, concerning the "thorn in his side:"

"Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

2 Corinthians 12:8-10

      

"You are stronger, You are stronger,

sin is broken, You have saved us,

it is written:

Christ is risen,

Jesus, You are Lord of all."

the ocean.

I may enrage some people when I say this, but I've never been a huge fan of Dave Crowder's songs.  I find it funny that I woke up this morning with a line from one of his songs.  I find it even more humorous that the song that I've been wrestling with the past few days is one of his new songs from the Passion: Here For You album.

"It's your love that we adore, it's like a sea without a shore,

Don't be afraid,

Just set your sail and risk the ocean,

there's only grace."

I guess you could say I'm walking into a season of life where I am learning how to set sail.

yes.

this should ease any tension you have today!

if you get bored scoot the video to 2 minutes and watch from there.

in awe of the relentlessness of the water in Japan.

not sure how to react yet.

Jesus, be famous through it all.

Tsunami

A City Engulfed

continues.

remember a few posts back I mentioned this week has been full of gifts?

remember when I said I was grateful for gifts that meant more than the physical things they are?

I received another gift today, a book.  and the question I was asked when I was handed the book was, "would you allow me to invest into your life?"

yes. i will. i was never meant to do life alone. 

I am so thankful for the people [new and old] that have been placed in my life by God.

 

stuck under fear.

       I would say this week is draining me.  Not because it is busy, just because.  Hang with me as it may seem like complaining. Not 100 percent on the direction of this post, though I need to blog as it has been a few days since a longer post. 
       I have been living in fear all week long.  Under the chains of myself.  I won't pretend that I have it all together as that takes too much energy. Lies abundantly being believed.  This very thing being what is draining me. Guilt of flesh sitting on my shoulders.  

Welcome to my biggest struggle: ME.

      I won't go completely into what I'm living in fear of.. because it's not necessary.  Though I'm sure some of you can relate.  Receiving love is so tough for me.  I live almost hiding from it.  It is so undeserved to be loved, but is not that the point of a gift? Undeserved, though so worth it for the person [or God] who is sending it our way.  
      Some of you know about my tattoo on my foot, "We Are More Than Conquerors."  It has been almost three years since I got it and I think I am understanding now more than ever why I have it.  It's almost like God is saying, "Brett, this is going to be your biggest struggle in life, here is a reminder: Nothing can separate you from Christ... you are more than a conqueror." If some of you are into metaphors the crazier thing about having it on my foot is.. we stand on our feet everyday.  It is a foundation for our body.  I didn't have that in mind when I got it I really just thought it was a cool spot for a tattoo. 
       With that said, I need to stand on this truth today for my sanity. I need to be lost in the freedom Jesus has for me.  It will bring him glory and it helps weigh the importance of the cross in my life.  I do not ever want to loose sight of Jesus dying on a cross and God's never-ending grace.
       I've always said I would be transparent with you on this blog so that is where my thoughts are this morning; selfishly thinking about my sanity but still wanting to bring Jesus fame and glory that is his to have.

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose."

- Galatians 2:20 & 21 

No greater love, God's only Son.

Jesus.

I will carry Your name.

request.

       On Thursday my step-father, Dave, and 50+ other men will be going to prison... sounds funny right? What did he do?
       Well, nothing.  Dave and these men are going to be with the prisoners, not A prisoner.  They are spending time with them to show these prisoners Jesus.  Carry His name into their cells. Dave is a wise man with a lot of knowledge in God's word.  Him and the other men need our prayers.
       The fear of judging the prisoners is at hand because of the crimes they have committed.  I would say one big request of prayer is that the love that his been shown to these men would carry through to the prisoners NO MATTER what they have done in their past.
       I'm believing that God's hand is not too short too reach the prisoners.  So, would you pray for them? The men, for physical protection while they are in the prison for the weekend.  Also for the men that they would only love and not judge as that temptation WILL be there.
       For the prisoners, that their hearts would be softened and prepared to meet Jesus.  Doubts that they could ever be forgiven, I'm sure, are in their mind. My hope is for these prisoners to stop believing the lie that they could not be forgiven and allow Jesus to love them.

Here is a video that shows a little bit of the weekend to be...

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient towards you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."

2 Peter 3:9