Thursday, March 31, 2011

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

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

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

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

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.

Monday, March 28, 2011

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.
 

Friday, March 25, 2011

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

Thursday, March 24, 2011

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.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

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.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

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

Monday, March 21, 2011

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

Friday, March 18, 2011

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

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.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

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

Spirit fall.

AMEN.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

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



Monday, March 14, 2011




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. 
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
      

Sunday, March 13, 2011

"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."

Saturday, March 12, 2011

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.

Friday, March 11, 2011

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.


Thursday, March 10, 2011

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 


Wednesday, March 9, 2011

No greater love, God's only Son.

Jesus.

I will carry Your name.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

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 

little bits.

i was reminded this morning that the coffee I have been drinking this week is called "eros."
for someone who struggles with accepting love.. there sure is a lot of it this week.
enjoying learning how to feel it!


Sunday, March 6, 2011

thankful.

understanding this word today.

thankful for gifts.. gifts that mean more than the physical things they are.

both from people and God.

thank you.

be the church.

       What better to do at 1:30am when you're wide awake than blog?  I should also mention my alarm is set to wake me up in four and a half hours. Yikes!
       Rather than share some crazy thought that Brett is having at this hour [actually none, unbelievable] I figure I will share with you something I just read about.  It is from chapter five in David Platt's book Radical.  It is titled "The Multiplying Community," and the comment underneath the title reads, "How all of us join together to fulfill God's purpose."
       The idea of discipleship was planted in my head a few years ago while I was spending time in the country of Estonia.  At the time a man whose name is Chris began taking the role of discipling me, and that was the extent that I understood discipleship.  I now understand that Chris was not discpling me for his pride or even so much for the "betterment" of me. He was fulfilling a commandment of Christ in making a disciple out of me so that I could go and make disciples out of others.
       I want to share with you what I believe discipling to be. If you've spent any time in the "church" you've probably heard of discipleship.  A lot of you understand what this means and some of you, like me for a long time, just know of the word.
       Jesus spent the majority of his time [during the years recorded in the Bible] with twelve men. They were his "small group," for those of you who are hip with the modern church.  Many traditional churches call this a discipleship group.  In the time he spent with them he taught them everything he knew about his father, God, and the ways of living a righteous life.  He taught them much about loving God and loving others.  He showed them that as humans we have flesh and how our flesh desires things that ultimately lead to death, or things that will not last forever.  He explained how important it was to have a relationship with God, the Father.  He poured every ounce of wisdom he had into these men.
       As Platt brought up in the chapter I just read, Jesus spent more time with these men than any one else in the whole world.  Now, these things that Jesus was teaching them.. what was the point?  He was discipling them, that they would see the glory of God and that they would glorify God in what they do.  Even more then that Jesus was training them, not so they would hold onto all of this information and keep it for themselves. But, so that they would go and tell others about Jesus and His Father in Heaven.
       After Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, he went to visit these men, now eleven of them.  In his time spent with them he said to them this,

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded [or taught] you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." 
 
       Jesus' time spent with these men comes full circle right there.  What Jesus is saying is, now that I have taught you all these things, GO! and teach others. Do so in Jesus name and in the Father's name and by power of the Holy Spirit.
       This is what I believe to be discipleship.  The responsibility isn't on our pastor.  It is on us as followers of Jesus!  It isn't something that is produced in a program or a great sermon, those times are meant for teaching so that we may go and teach others. It takes time and it means spending time in community with others. It means that we in fact are the Church and not the building that we do or do not go to on Sundays.
       This is rocking me and I am excited for the opportunities that we get to have as brothers and sisters to carry the name of Jesus to others. We are the Church.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

"here for you" March 8


Get it on pre-order! Won't be upset with this purchase, if the Deluxe Edition is too much buy the regular version! If you still don't want to do that, let me know; I will buy it for you.  Believe in this album so much!
"You can understand dependence
When you know the maker's hand"
                              - mumford & sons

Friday, March 4, 2011

"love will not betray you, dismay or enslave you...
it will set you free."

                       -mumford & sons

lift them up.

       If you are one who prays.. you're needed! I'm not great with praying for others, sadly most of my prayers are self-centered. [im learning] In that learning I want to share with you over the next days people who are out in the world and also people that are right here who we can pray for!

With that:


Phil and Anna Sanders!
  • After a long wait these two are finally making it over to Haiti! They have wanted to go since the devastation that happened over a year ago. I'm so excited for them.  With that said, they could use our prayers!
  •  Their web page [will most likely contain incredible pictures from their time their] three pennies     
Kuldar Kaljuste and the Young Leaders of Estonia
  • I know that the majority of you do not know who these people are or even what the country of Estonia is, but they could use a ton of prayer this weekend!
  • There is a conference going on in the capital of Estonia, Tallinn, called "The Burning Bulb."  At this conference about a hundred young Christian leaders will be gathering from all around the country.
  • The prayer that is requested from them is that during the three days of the conference, Christ would light up their hearts so that they would be disciple makers in their families and communities.    
  • The majority of leaders that will be there live in a completely secular community, where unlike the "Bible Belt" of the South even their families do not know who Jesus is.
  • I'm sure most of these leaders are extremely tired from having a day job and on top of that being a church leader, pray for strength and a fresh rejuvenation from Christ in their lives.      


Thanks for taking the time to hear about these people.  I hope together we can pray for them. 

       Above all in your prayer requests, pray that Jesus Christ be famous. I'm positive Phil, Anna, Kuldar and the young leaders of Estonia would say that they want to bring Glory to God in what they do!                 

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Night of Worship

 If you are free this evening, come to Browns Bridge!

From Browns Bridge [webpage]:

Night of Worship
March 3, 2011

Join us for our first Night of Worship in 2011 on Thursday, March 3 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Browns Bridge. Each Night of Worship includes music, communion, and prayer. There is no cost for Night of Worship, and no childcare is provided.

2011 dates for Night of Worship: March 3, June 16, and September 15.

Browns Bridge Community Church | 3860 Browns Bridge Road Cumming, GA 30041

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed." 1 Peter 2:24

Today, I'm struggling with this.

passion.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

I think when you are passionate about something you miss it when you can't do it.

Just sayin'

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

words of wisdom.

"A relationship is never something to accomplish. A relationship is something to grow and develop."
- Casey Ross

[in the context of never treating a relationship like a task]