Truth. Not a Trend.

 

     Okay, so the above T-shirt is a little cheesy, but I think it speaks an honest point. So often in Christian culture we try to make things trendy and relatable. I think it is important to practice faith in a way that is exciting and unique to different people, but it's even more important to focus on 'what' instead of 'how' in light of the content being presented.
    As Christ-followers, our job is simple, Matthew 28:19: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. The Bible says nothing about participating in the newest, most 'hipster' ministries that seem radical and exalted. I speak with conviction when I say that we seem to often get caught up in the trendy ways of doing ministry, the 'Christian hipster ideology', and we judge peoples' hearts based on these things. Let's be honest, it's pretty easy to target 'the home-schooler' in a group of people and think how they're in their own little world. Hmm, they don't donate to that African well-building charity? They don't listen to the new Passion CD? These thoughts are a bit exaggerated, but hint at a reality.  
   To be Christ-like is to be completely unbiased and loving to people of all social groups, all ages, majors, etc. After all, the power of the cross transcends every boundary constructed by people. Jesus isn't a trend. To say and act accordingly is almost insulting to his character. Being exclusive was not something he was about. In our feeble attempts to be like him, it seems obvious that we should strive to reach those especially outside the 'in crowd'. With Easter approaching, I simply can't get over the fact that Jesus died and rose again. For me. For all of us. Talk about perspective. Despite the cultural spin we put on the gospel, the truth is profound, sufficient, and absolutely beautiful. I want to challenge myself and others to step out of focusing on maintaining a trendy faith. Don't pull a Pharisee; that's no good. Try sitting next to someone who is alone and doesn't own a pair of Toms, or look into ministries that don't provide coffee or sweet v-necks. Once again, I do not want to condemn being trendy, I mean, who doesn't love a good v-neck? I just don't think it's right to let these things blur the vision of Christ we are called to share.
     I really hope this little rant is encouraging in some way to you all. It is something that has been on my heart for a while now. I struggled many times to get the right words in order to not sound anti-hipster or critical, that's not my goal. I'm still not entirely sure if I've captured exactly what I want to share, but I would love to clear up any confusion in the comments section.
P.S Also, I've been obsessed with the band All Sons & Daughters recently. Their song 'All the Poor and Powerless' has had me undone, often times in the middle of a 7 page paper...but seriously, listen to the lyrics(Not sure what the video shows..)and reflect on what God has done for you. In turn, think of what you can do for others, whether you bond over French-press coffee or not. ;) The link is below.
Thanks for sticking with me,
Brittney


All the Poor and Powerless:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6fheuBf0Pk

Yes, that's the book for me...

   I have a thing with repetition, I don't know if that's my English major being revealed, or if I am just super sensitive to events, words, or ideas that persist. On that note, whenever I become aware of something echoing in my life, it becomes important and powerful. It seems that every recent church service or message I've heard has been so adamantly focused on one topic. One single, simple truth. It just so happens to be a truth that I have been ignorantly craving in my everyday life for quite some time. This truth is something we as Christians know in the deep of our hearts, but often misuse and neglect. I am speaking of reading, meditating, and living by God's word. Scripture. 

   Speaking of my personal experience, it is fairly easy to read daily devotionals or some mind-blowing C.S Lewis literature. As an avid reader, I get sucked into anything that annotates Christianity, or shares inspiring stories that make me want to change, so, basically any Christian writing! I also believe they can aide in maintaining a healthy relationship with God. We can easily take those words and apply them to our lives because they speak to us, which can be beneficial.There is a point, though, where we must turn away and get back to focusing on the word of God. The value of those man-inspired words with some (often) out-of-context verses become fleeting in light of the God-breathed, inspired scripture we have the freedom to study. It is the authority in all situations. The answer to all questions. It is all we have to learn about Jesus, the man we are called to be like-minded with. I cannot even express how important this is. I know that I have heard the Sunday-school command 'Read your Bible!' for years. Like I said, it's a simple truth. 

   Starting a new semester at Cedarville has given me an excuse to begin new journeys in my life. Instead of trying to grow and focus on the Writings of Oswald Chambers, C.S Lewis, or Eldredge, I will base my devotion on scripture, first. I never knew how much I needed it until I felt like I was stuck. Like I wasn't growing from reading other types of books. I was yearning for something more solid, more consistent. Praise the Lord for 'duh' moments. Soon after this longing began, the reoccurring sermons came.  It may sound redundant, but we always have something to learn from scripture. Pray about it and see where you end up, what God is telling you. It's the beginning of a new year, take this opportunity to challenge yourself. Use God's word as the authority it's meant to be and be held accountable. I pray that I can do the same.

Thank you for reading!

Brittney

          

Unspeakable Joy

The word 'JOY' is often thrown around and reflected upon more around the holiday season. We think of happiness, simplicity, and peace as being factors of joy. However, there is something we experience as Christ-followers that succeeds all earthly understanding of joy. I am referring to unspeakable joy. The kind that overwhelms and satisfies your soul. I literally cannot explain this in words. Even as I was thinking of a blog topic, I realized that I probably would not be satisfied with a post about this joy because it comes across as entirely too warm-n-fuzzy. Sometimes the power of words is so weak when they are describing something so strong. My challenge to you is to not take these words at face-value. Doing that will only dilute the message I wish to share. Please think about this joy in your own life. What triggered it? The Holy Spirit fascinates me; when I can experience something so tangible and real and breathtaking, I am filled with joy.  Sometimes it's the 'PTL' (Praise the Lord) reaction, where I just can't stop praising with my words. Other times, it's the quiet, teary, soft moments when I am overcome by God's grace and love. Reading and praying over scripture is also a way God can quiet us to discern His joy. These are only to name a few. I pray that you have known this joy. As I said, there are hardly words to describe accurately. Psalm 139:23-24 says "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Speaking personally, there is nothing more freeing than completely surrendering and being known. Especially by God. The joy that comes solely from that is divine. 

I hope this has honestly provoked you to think about where your 'joy' is being derived from. Keep your eyes open and set on Him. 

Also, feel free to suggest new post topics in the comments below, I'd love to hear from my readers!

-Brittney

Silent Night

"Lord of my life. I sing to You

be with us now. on this Christmas night

let all be calm

and hearts be light

oh what a night. praising Your birth

light of my heart. shine down Your grace

to save the world

to You we praise"

If you have ever heard Lady Antebellum's version of 'Silent Night' then these words are probably familiar  to you. These lines are sung in an echo to the original words of the song. In light of Christmas I wanted to share. Go listen and focus on what a prayer this is! My new favorite Christmas song, for sure. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

-Brittney

A Prayer of David.

This past semester has been one of the most challenging, growing, and rewarding I've experienced yet. I feel like I am exactly where I am supposed to be in every aspect of my life. Not that this makes the rough times any easier, but it has given me a new perspective on how I handle my circumstances. Looking back, I think I have learned the most about how God works through consistent prayer and His provision in my life. There were so many times that I specifically prayed and asked God to provide exactly what I need, whether it was what I wanted or not. That kind of surrender is such a beautiful part of a relationship with Christ. It's vulnerability. I can recall being hit right in the face with his plans each time I prayed that prayer. His answers were SO incredibly clear and I could do nothing but sit back with an awe-smirk (Yes, I just made that up) and feel the tangible love of my God. Just to give a practical instance of what I'm speaking of, I recently needed to pay off a remaining balance before I could register for my next semester at Cedarville. It was a lot more than I had initially planned, so I immediately took it to God. By the end of the week I  had come up with literally the exact dollar amount I needed. To the dollar. Seriously, what are the chances of that? That my mom, or others who helped, didn't round up a few dollars to make it even, it was the most detailed amount. We serve a God that is so faithful. I know that money is an easy way for us to apply 'His provision' in our lives, but it doesn't end there. I will agree that it is a dangerous prayer to ask only for what you need, but what else more could you want? The creator of everyone and everything knows your deepest longings and how to satisfy you, let Him work! Also, Christians often abuse prayer and only pray for what God will provide. Re-evaluate the focus of your prayers, be sensitive to selfish nature. I find this easier to do when I journal; when I can physically see the words 'I', 'Me', 'My', on the page. This doesn't work for everyone, but it's definitely worth a try. I am truly blessed by every little thing that has happened in this season of my life and I'd like to thank you if you have been a part of it. To end my post, I would like to share Psalm 86, one of my favorites that got me through a lot this semester. It overflows with God's faithfulness. Thanks for reading!
-Brittney

Hear me, Lord, and answer me,
    for I am poor and needy.
² Guard my life, for I am faithful to you;
    save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; ³ have mercy on me, Lord,
    for I call to you all day long.
⁴ Bring joy to your servant, Lord,
    for I put my trust in you.

⁵ You, Lord, are forgiving and good,
    abounding in love to all who call to you.
⁶ Hear my prayer, Lord;
    listen to my cry for mercy.
⁷ When I am in distress, I call to you,
    because you answer me.

⁸ Among the gods there is none like you, Lord;
    no deeds can compare with yours.
⁹ All the nations you have made
    will come and worship before you, Lord;
    they will bring glory to your name.
¹⁰ For you are great and do marvelous deeds;
    you alone are God.

¹¹ Teach me your way, Lord,
    that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
    that I may fear your name.
¹² I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;
    I will glorify your name forever.
¹³ For great is your love toward me;
    you have delivered me from the depths,
    from the realm of the dead.

¹⁴ Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God;
    ruthless people are trying to kill me—
    they have no regard for you.
¹⁵ But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
    slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
¹⁶ Turn to me and have mercy on me;
    show your strength in behalf of your servant;
save me, because I serve you
    just as my mother did.
¹⁷ Give me a sign of your goodness,
    that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,
    for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

Bloggy Mcblogster

Over the summer, a great friend of mine introduced me to a blog. She told me I had to read this one post about being 'normal and single, so what's wrong with me?' So I subscribed to the blog, followed the author on Twitter and Instagram, and called it a day. Little did I know that this woman's words would have such an impact on my life. Her name is Ruthie Dean, a young, Christ-following, non-cheesy, REAL woman who shares her advice and life experiences on an array of subjects. She wasn't married until after college and often struggled with issues that Christian ladies go through in pursuit of affirmation, acceptance, and love. Her latest post was 'God doesn't want you to fake it.' which you can imagine, is pretty convicting. I live by the saying 'Our injustices are small' and to never let anything get in the way of the power of the cross, but that doesn't mean we aren't allowed to feel, it's dangerous to put everything in God's hands and not truly trust and believe he will work.That, my friends, is faking it. We often go about our lives and are encouraging, reading the word, and even witnessing Christ to others, all while not being completely honest and real with God. Ruthie wrapped it up in the following quote: 

"We have the message of the Bible all wrong when we think we have to pretend our lives have a perfect bow wrapped around them–when Jesus  calls us to tell the world that despite heartache, addictions, broken families, and all the tragic circumstances–that we have hope. We don’t hope in happiness, but we place our hope in joy."

Let this be a challenge in your week. Be real. God desires nothing less than vulnerability in order to romance you. 

Also, PLEASE check out Ruthie's blog, you will not regret it! The link is below!

http://ruthiedean.com/

Show.Us.Christ.

Being back at Cedarville is incredible. I love it here. And there is nothing better than living and feeling like you are EXACTLY where you're supposed to be. I'm overwhelmingly blessed. Not only with friends and people here, but the Fall Bible Conference that I'm required to attend twice a day this week. There's something especially divine about worship at CU and the messages are real, unsweetened reminders of the Christ we proclaim. I seriously couldn't be anywhere more full of truth, grace, and simplicity. We sang a song  at the conference one night and it struck me hard. The lines are solid, and the melody is pretty moving itself. So I thought I'd share what's been on repeat in my dorm room and mind all week. Meditate on Him this week. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit living and working inside of you. REACT to God's hand in your life. Be boldly humble and have confident hope, as Rob Tuner says. Don't be afraid to be still and HEAR. Work hard. Repent often. This is my prayer for this semester. These words yearn for Christ to be revealed, we deserve Hell and receive Grace. How insane is that. Sorry for the holy rant. I attempt to hold myself to these principles, as well. Hope this can speak to you, somehow.
-Brittney

'Show Us Christ'

Prepare our hearts, O God
Help us to receive 
Break the hard and stony ground 
Help our unbelief 
Plant Your Word down deep in us 
Cause it to bear fruit 
Open up our ears to hear 
Lead us in Your truth 
 
Show us Christ, show us Christ 
O God, reveal Your glory 
Through the preaching of Your Word 
Until every heart confesses Christ is Lord 

Your Word is living light 
Upon our darkened eyes 
Guards us through temptations 
Makes the simple wise 
Your Word is food for famished ones 
Freedom for the slave 
Riches for the needy soul 
Come speak to us today

Where else can we go, Lord 
Where else can we go 
You have the words of eternal life.

****Here's a link to the song!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gk2Y7WoM4h4