Brandon Foster's blog

Do you have faith or do you simply believe?

2011-09-06T12:33:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Given my track record, I didn't think I would have something to post on here so soon! But here I am writing what God has laid on my heart. It has been challenging for me to think through and it is challenging me daily in what I do believe. I think it will have a similar challenge to you all, so I'm sharing it with you!

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend LifeLight festival south of Sioux Falls, SD. This was my sixth time attending the festival, and I always enjoy it. But this year was better than years past. When I've gone in the past, I've never been challenged in my faith - usually, I end up worshiping God but also enjoying music. I thoroughly enjoy music, but I needed something a little more this year. Funny how God will provide what you need when you ask Him!?!

This weekend I had the opportunity, once again, to hear Francis Chan preach to us. I love Francis and his heart for the people of God to truly love God. Along with that, I also had the opportunity to hear one of my favorite pastors in the Sioux Falls area, Pastor Eric Verhulst, who also happens to pastor my aunt & uncle's church, Shalom CRC. It was great to hear these two orators present truths of faith and hand out spiritual meat to chew on. In this post, you will hear some of my chewing and digestion of what they presented.

Both preachers shared about faith. Faith has become an ambiguous word in our society. "Do you have faith or do you simply believe" is the question that resounded through both their presentations.

So, to share more on this, I thought I'd start with the definition of faith. In Hebrews 11:1 is that "faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (emphasis mine) What we see from this definition is that faith is knowledge. It's not blind and something ethereal. It comes from actually knowing something, and knowledge comes through experience. When we have true faith, we have tasted something utterly divine and are stirred to continue finding satisfaction in that source. Our faith is in God, the one who absolutely and totally fulfills our every longing. That's what faith is.

But too long, we have defined faith as belief. Belief is such a huge word because it can mean firm commitment, or it can mean wishful hoping. More often than not, it's the latter that stands for what we mean when we say it. For instance:

"I believe today will be a good day."
or
"I believe that tacos at (such and such a place) are really good."
or
"I believe that there will be a judgment day."

All these statements are fine, but if they're not backed up by solid experience, they're just words. And words are not something we're to toss around lightly.

Now, in contrast:

"I believe that Jesus has forgiven all my sins."

"I believe, without doubt, that I will go to heaven because I believe in Jesus."

There's a difference between having faith and simply believing. Faith based on knowledge is always more powerful than faith based on airy words. True faith saves us and does not let us turn into cowards and run when we get scared. (See Hebrews 10:39) True faith is powerful and that's what gets us through every situation!

One passage of Scripture that I love that God has given me to (it was a part of the passage God used to call me to ministry) is 2 Corinthians 5:7. This verse is one that I feel too many have abused (in the wishful thinking sense) rather than taken to heart (in the way of knowledge). The verse says this:

"We live by faith, not by sight."

This verse speaks of what we are to live by - faith - and that faith is built on certainty and assurance, not blindness. Now, in regards to this world and the things we see, we're not to live by them. They make sense. They make a lot of sense. But they're not for us.

Now, this also doesn't mean we can always see the path. There are times where we have to take leaps that seem blind. But are they blind if we're resting on the hope and promises that God has laid out before in His word? I don't think so. But often, many do not know or trust the promises God has made in Scripture. We're Bible illiterate and it hurts us so substantially. We lose our power to walk in full assurance that God has our every move a part of His plan.

Why do we do this? Why do we not love His Word as we should? Why do we neglect that certainty we can have for our every path.

When we live this way, I would safely say we're actually living by sight and not in accordance to God's word. True faith lives out what's promised, even if our eyesight is dim.

I know I'm preaching to myself when I write and reread this. Too many times have I relied on my own sight to guide me through affairs rather than trust God. I worked all in my own strength and I don't know my God to the extent that He lovingly wants me to. And I really hate it. I want to love Him so wonderfully and He's provided so many times for me to love Him more.

I want to stop this. I want this true, soul-firm, committed, powerful faith. Lord, will you call me once again to it? Will you put me in situations where I have to trust you more? Lord, I want to love you with everything in me. Lead me to you Lord.

I want to challenge you all to pray that. Seek Him and ask Him for real, genuine faith and not wishful thinking.

Love you all,

Brandon

Oh music!

2011-09-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

I love music! There's no doubt about it! One of the best ways I express my joy to God is by singing. I know I'm not the only one who thoroughly enjoys music, but I'm going to share how it moves me anyway! :)

Music has always been a big part of my life. I've been singing since I can remember, and I even remember when I first got hooked. Yup, I was 5 and my sister and I decided (completely with the help of our mom) that we would buy my dad a video cassette of "The Judds Fairwell Concert."

Do you know how amazing the Judds are?!?!?

Let me tell you - they are AMAZING! I'm still in love with their music! I remember when we gave this to our dad, he thought we should watch it together. My sister and I were both captivated. However, for my sister it was enjoyment. For me it was life! Wynonna's voice just changed my mind in such unfathomable way! My memories of music up until that point were of my mom singing us the hymn "We Gather Together" as our lullaby (which is a fantastic hymn - you should definitely check it out! I'll even give you a link to a great rendition - http://youtu.be/Y0JVqR8KnF4).

When I heard Wynonna, my whole world changed and that's when music really made a new impact on my life.

Since then I've been obsessed. :)

Maybe not obsessed, but heavily involved. I sang in high school choir and loved it. I still sing and I still love music.

After I became a Christian in 2004, Christian music became a much bigger part of my life. I actually wanted to learn hymns and praise songs so I could do that - praise the wonderful God who saved me!

But I struggled to understand how I could enjoy other genres of music and still praise God. I like pop music, I like country music, I like rap music! But a lot of music does not honor God. How do I reconcile this?

God spoke to me the other night on this issue. My wife and I went on a double date with some friends to a concert by Gaelic Storm - check them out too! (http://www.gaelicstorm.com/) Gaelic Storm does not record Christian music. They're musicians who play Irish pub music - which is good! Don't y'all knock! And they're fun! I had not seen musicianship like this ever. It was fantastic, beautiful, and so moving!

But their songs did not honor God. At all. (They weren't vulgar - which I immensely appreciated!) And I was stuck in this katzenjammer.

So, what did I do?

I asked God. Specifically, I asked Him to show me how to honor Him while listening to this music. And funny thing, God answered. I love when He answers in simple ways because frankly, I can't always handle the deep about Him.

He told me to enjoy the music and to take joy in what I get to experience as they share their gifts. Wait!?! Just sit back, listen, and watch. Yup.

In that moment, I felt God approached me with an answer based on the state of my heart. I wanted to enjoy this music, but I wanted more to honor God. And in that, He responded because of my desire to honor Him more.

I was reminded by God's Spirit of Colossians 3:17:

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

In that moment, I chose to give thanks to God for allowing me to hear this extremely wonderful musicianship and to be able to experience it with such joy. And you know what? My heart was wrapped in worship of God for how richly He blesses us all. Some have musical gifts, some have other gifts. But this was His pouring out on His creation for the enjoyment of His people. And I enjoyed it!

I believe that's what God is calling us all to - we're to worship Him in everything. Whether that's listening to music by relaxing and enjoying the melodies, or eating a huge feast with family and friends and enjoying their company, we can worship God in every moment.

I want to worship God in all moments - and many of those moments will be filled with music! I actually can't wait until we get to heaven to sing His praise for eternity! Oh that will be magnificent!

Think about how you can worship God now in this moment. Turn your heart to Him and let Him work wonderfully in you! He'll turn you to Him because He greatly loves you. Enjoy your settings and what's displayed around you. God longs for you just to see Him and love Him more!

Love you all!

Brandon

Comfort

2011-07-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

I was reading out of 1 Corinthians 15 this morning, and I found immense comfort and hope in these verses, so I would like to share them with you:

"Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed - in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortalk with immprtality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."
"Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?"
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (verses 51 - 57)

As I sat reading these verses, I was reminded of what will happen when Jesus comes back. It filled me with such joy to see that day and I found myself resting deeply in the comfort of His amazing love! Do you feel that too and you read this?

I also saw a photo of my grandpa that I have on my desk after I read these verses. My grandpa passed away four years ago, very suddenly. Although he did fight, ultimately, God had control over his life, and it did end here on earth.

As I sat reminiscing about my grandpa, I thought of the things he used to say. Ha! I can still hear his voice! I remember the funny way he would act (he was such a goofball sometimes); or the way he would just go to the bathroom whenever he had to, wherever he had to; or some of the sad times when I saw him stumbling drunk. But I remember his joy most of all. He was proud of his wife, his sons and daughter, and the rest of his family. He loved being a farmer and I don't think if he had the opportunity, he would have done anything else! He loved being on the land and caring for God's creation.

He always went to church. He was always dressed nicely, usually in slacks and a button-up shirt, with a sweater vest over it - didn't matter if it was hot and humid summer or the bitter cold of winter. He always shaved for church and had cologne-strong cologne. And of course, Brylcream! Who could forget the slicked comb-over!

I don't know what my grandpa ever got out of church. He never said much about it, but he never missed. I always knew church was important to him.

The day he passed away I was shocked. It was one of those things you knew would eventually come, but when it does, you're just caught in awe. That's where I was when I found out he died. And yet, God took care of me and my family! A wave of peace filled my heart that day - a peace I could have only found from the Holy Spirit's presence. He was speaking to me of where my grandpa's heart was and who it belonged to. My grandpa was far from a perfect man, but the Holy Spirit comforted me in such a way that I have never doubted his soul's eternal state.

Yeah, death hurt. Death had a sting that day on my heart, but it does not have the victory! My Jesus does! "He [God] gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." My heart rejoices!

The other thing I thought of was all that he hasn't gotten to have with us - and that was God's plan. He didn't get to see me meet and marry the love of my life! He will miss much of my cousin's lives. He will not be around to become a great-grandpa. And that's okay with me. He's in a better place, and God is extremely good in all circumstances of our life. He had my grandpa's life in His hand, and He has yours and mine.

Death is not fun to write about, but it's comforting with Jesus at our side. If you're fearing that time, turn to Jesus and trust Him. It's only a respite from the ache and toil of this world to the changing and glory of eternity with the Father! He loves you - give Him that fear and let your life be made so beautiful by His grace!

All for His glory!

Brandon

recounting the Lord's mercies

2011-06-09T09:28:00.001-07:00

Hi all,

I hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather that the Lord is giving us. It is a beautiful day here in Fargo and the Lord reminded me this morning about how I am to enjoy Him. So, I wanted to share with you a little of what He showed me this morning from Scripture and what it means for all of us!

I was reading in Isaiah again this morning and chapter 63 revealed the Lord's voice to me. Starting in verse 7, it says:

I will tell of the kindness of the Lord,
the deeds for which he is to be praised,
according to all the Lord has done for us -
yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel,
according to his compassion and many kindnesses...

In his love and mercy he redeemed them;
he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. - Isaiah 63:7;9b

Our God has been good to us.

In these verses Isaiah does tell of how the people of Israel have grieved God and turned on Him, but he is calling all of us to remember how good He is to us. He is faithful, though we are often not to Him.

Have you recounted lately how good God has been to you?

Have you taken the time to think about all He has brought you through? Do you see His goodness at work in your life?

Do you trust Him to be that good to you?

God is calling all of us to think about Him. He is not working for evil, but for good. He wants us to turn to Him and think about all He has done for us, and for this world. There are immensely good things going on in this world! But, there are hard things.

I know this in my own life. I want to take immense joy in God because I have known how good He has been to me. I struggle with being joyous in Him and remembering though. And then when I look at the world and all the hurt and it's hard. I see the circumstances around me and not what the big picture is.

I have to fight for my joy in Him. I have to fight to remember His compassions in my life. But He is calling us to fight! If we truly enjoy Him and all He has done for us, we will fight! The fight is intense, it's hard, but it's for our good. I have to remember that all that comes into my life is passed through His sovereign hands and Jesus is always working for good in my life. He is not plotting evil, and I need to take stock in recounting the Lord's mercies.

I'll start now with what He has done in my life:

1. I am alive and can speak (or, in this case, write) about His truths.

2. I have access to His word and I can read it.

3. He has brought me into a relationship with His Son, Jesus.

4. He has given me a job that I love and enjoy doing.

5. He has given me relationships I don't deserve all so I could see Him more.

And that's just the start! How wonderful God is! I love the title of the Kirk Franklin song "It Would Take All Day" and what the song speaks about. This is to be the heart of all Christians. We are to enjoy God and tell of how great He has been to us.

What a good God we serve. Truly, He is good.

If you're struggling with joy and you need help loving Him, read on in Isaiah. I'll close with Isaiah's prayer in Isaiah 63 - 64, and just ask that you pray it by yourself. This is a powerful prayer and God will do wonderful things as He opens your heart to joy as you turn to Him.

In His Love,

Brandon

Look down from heave and see
from your lofty throne, holy and glorious.
Where are your zeal and your might?
Your tenderness and compassion are withheld from us.
But you are our Father,
though Abraham does not know us
or Israel acknowledge us;
you, O LORD, are our Father;
our Redeemer from of old is your name.
Why, O LORD, do you make us wander from your ways
and harden our hearts so we do not revere you?
Return for the sake of your servants,
the tribes that are your inheritance.
For a little while your people possessed your holy place,
but now our enemies have trampled down your sanctuary.
We are yours from of old;
but you have not ruled over them,
they have not been called by your name.
Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down,
that the mountains would tremble before you!...

Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand. - Isaiah 63:15 - 64:1;8

a prayer

2011-06-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

I don't have anything to blog about, and yet, I just wanted to share with you. So, I'm just going to share a prayer and hope that it blesses your heart. You can feel free to pray it with me.

Father, you are good.
Everything you do is perfect and wonderful.
I do not know fully, but you do.
Because of your wisdom, I am left in wonder at your mystery
Lord, you beckon me to your heart
I want to know you fully.
Help me go deeper with you than just covering over sins
You're not just saving me from my sins, but you're saving me from me.
Pierce me Lord and go to the depth of my need.
If I really look, it's for you.
Lord Jesus, I want more of you in my life.
Move in me to desire to be like you, to hate sin, and to depend on you fully.
Jesus, you have power. Holy Spirit, you have power.
Be my strength and renew me in joyous hope in you.
Father, reveal your fullness so that my heart will irresistibly respond to your call.
Jesus, your cross is my boast, although small.
Build in me a groaning in me so that that boasting would increase and loudly proclaim the glory of you.
JESUS, the name above all names! JESUS, the precious, all-satisfying name.
Be more real to me today and increase my passion and desire for you.
I pray for your glory to extend and grow in this world.
I am before your feet for I do love you.
For your precious glory, I alone pray. Amen.

My Joy

2011-05-31T15:39:00.000-07:00

“You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat…Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.” – Isaiah 25:4, 9

I write to you all this afternoon from a heart that has needed the Lord and who has found hope in Him. He has been a source of life and delight to me and I’m sorry for not sharing my praise with you over the past few months.

Today, I read these verses about God and my heart was filled with immense joy at what He has done in my life. I can’t say that the past few months have been easy, but through it all, I have found a great hope. I’ve seen how helpless I am and how the storms of life continue to rage on.

“The storms of life” you say. Yeah, they are furious. Even I know the power of them.
My storms have been focused on the sin in my life and the man that I am not. It’s not easy to confess that I am such a broken person sometimes (okay, a lot of the time). I desperately need grace, but often don’t seek after its work in my life. I know the gift, yet I don’t receive it. And my soul is embittered. It’s broken and it’s wounded. All of this by my own accord.

Sometimes I just want to scream at how much it hurts. I want a “silver bullet” to end the sin in my life. I am broken and lost and driven to the point of despair. Oh, what a frail creature I truly am. What a mess I have made of myself.

I love the words of the Switchfoot song, “Mess of Me":

I am my own affliction/I am my own disease…I’ve made a mess of me/I wanna spend the rest of my life alive

It defines me. I am a man of sorrow and shame. This, my friends is what we call in theological terms, depravity. In our own hands, in our own strength, in our own efforts, we make messes.

I’m afraid I’ve been making messes. I’ve wanted what is not mine or what God has designed for me. I have wanted my own designed faith and life. And it frustrates me. My own sin, which gets me into my own messes, frustrates me to the point of humility. God, there is evil in my heart! Does anyone else feel the depth of how human we are?!? Gosh, we are empty, pathetic things. How destructive and abominable we are.
This frustration, as you can tell, is what my hearts battles. Hard is an understatement for what I’ve contemplated.

And in this all, I have kept to God’s word. And how good He is to show me Himself just at the point when I’d be sick of myself. It’s here that I’ve found Him. In me, I’ve come to the place of extreme need. And He is a refuge. He is a place of safe – keeping. He is not punishing me for getting caught up in my sin and myself. He is not abandoning me to the cold recesses of hell. No, He is beckoning me to come and find shelter in Him. He is calling me to take shade and He will be deliverer.

So, that’s it? I just have to come and He takes care of it?

That’s what He promises.

“But, it’s so simple. That can’t be right!”

But it is.

In my frustration, even before it began, God sent His Son Jesus to live perfectly, to die perfectly, and to rise perfectly. He saves us, not by any good in us, but because He chooses to. He still chooses to. My frustration, my folly, my neediness is nothing compared to how great of a sacrifice He made. That’s a true peace that is beyond understanding.

I’ve trusted in Jesus with my life. I’m still trusting Jesus with my life. He truly is a good God, no matter what my circumstances. I forget this, but He never does, and He waits for me.

I will rejoice and be glad in His salvation of me. I beg to celebrate in His salvation of you.

Today, I’m resting in His promise to be more than I can imagine and to be the place where I find constant comfort. Will join me in finding refuge in Him?

For His glory,

Brandon

Are you willing?

2011-01-20T08:33:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone! It is a beautiful, albeit VERY COLD, day today. But it is a gift and a blessing to be alive, and so I rejoice that God has given me another day to do the things I love and to serve Him.

I have been having a good start to the new year. There have been lots of exciting things happening, and it is great! One thing that has been a part of my new year is owning a home! I officially am a homeowner! That's a little scary, but it is very exciting! Right now, we are in the process of painting and I am hoping to move in tomorrow. I don't have much stuff, so that's really nice! I have a feeling it will be interesting living in my own home. But I'm very happy about the home and am looking forward to starting family life there in a little less than six months!

Onto what I want to share with you all today (and challenge you with too!). Over the past week or so, I have been reading Psalm 51 daily. It has been a wonderful psalm and it challenges my heart reading it every time. David, the author of the psalm, is in a very broken spot, and his words of confession and remorse strike a fatal blow to anyone who has struggled with sin (which, in case you didn't know, is all of us. No one is getting out of this one.).

The words of this psalm are very evocative of how greatly David had fallen, and how he realized it. He knew what he had done wrong - he had actually committed three very blatant and despicable sins (adultery, murder, and coveting). He knew that before God, he was as guilty as they come. The funny thing about this now, as I have been reminiscing, is that at this point, many other people who have looked at a woman lustfully or hated their brother would not have considered themselves committing these despicable sins. Yet Jesus says otherwise. That makes me guilty. However, David actually committed these sins. And he knew the only one he had to answer to was God.

This is where David's confession stems from.

As I have been reading this psalm, there has been one part of the Scripture that really broadened my thinking and the way I come to God when I repent. In verse 12, David declares, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit."

There are two things that I really like about what David says. He says, in essence, "Give me, once again, the joy I had in you before. Help me to revel in your salvation of my soul. I need you to bring me back and help me know I'm forgiven by you." When we confess, do we ask God to do the same for us? I know, that while this is what I'm intending, it is not what I am asking of God. When we confess, we must want unbridled union with Christ again. Our hearts must be set on savoring the divine glory of our Savior. If this is not what we are after, then why do we confess? Is it just to have a clean slate so we can live a lifestyle of sin again? If that's the case, do you really even know our Savior? Are you really living in a right relationship with Him? I would say you are not.

This first part is a challenge to us. We need to look at our motivation for going to God and seeking Him to forgive us. It should be to draw nearer to Him and to become more like Him. As I write this, I write to myself as well. I need to be more like Jesus than anything else in my life. We all do.

Now, the second part carries off of what I wrote just a moment ago. David asks God to give him a willing spirit that wants God more and more. This spirit is one of complete surrender and obedience to God so that the sins he has committed will not reoccur. These are powerful words from this man who has been rocked by his infidelity. As I read these words, I, too, am stirred to the core of how I don't desire this in my confessions.

I have found myself asking the question, "When I confess, do I plan on committing the same sin again?" Do I think that God can uphold me from this sin in my life from happening again and again? Though I have not thought about this in depth before, I live like this. And each time I confess the same sin pattern over and over again to God, I look back and know I haven't wanted a willing spirit to stop this and walk accordingly in obedience to God.

I have doubts in what I believe God can do in my life. I have limitations on Him. I confess before you all how flawed my thinking of our great God is. I fail. But David didn't think this way. He believed God could grant him that sustaining spirit. He trusted God to carry him past and on toward His glory. That's what I want. That's where I am. And as I seek the God of my hope and salvation, I look at these verses and say with all I am, "Yes, Lord, I want you to remind me again of your salvation and uphold me with a spirit that honors you alone." Our God is worthy. Our God is great. Our God can do anything!

Where will you let Him work in you? Will you ask Him to sustain you with a willing spirit of obedience? I implore you to do so. Ask Him to reveal Himself in this way. I'm finding Him to be faithful. David (and countless others) did so too. Our God is good. He will not fail you.

Gracious Lord, you are worthy. You are holy. You have given us your beloved Son, Jesus, and He is more than enough. Lord, forgive me when I limit you. Forgive me when I seek to satisfy myself through my so - called appeasement that I think happens when I come to you. Forgive me for abusing the grace you have abundantly provided. God, I want you to uphold me with a willing spirit. I want to be endlessly devoted to you an to serve you in radical obedience. Guide me there Lord. Implant your Holy Spirit more deeply into my heart that I may walk in closeness to you alone. Transform me more into the likeness of your faithful Son. It's Him whom I love. It's Him whom I trust. It's in His name I pray all this. Amen.

Love you all.

Brandon

New Year, New Verse

2011-01-05T15:34:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! It is the 5th of the year today and I hope everyone is enjoying the start to the new year!

Resolutions - this seems to be the topic on everyone's mind. Constantly, we're trying to figure out what our goals are for the new year, how to keep them, and the benefits we will achieve when we meet those goals. These are great. Goals are what we are meant to be setting and accomplishing. If we don't set goals, we lack motivation, and we remain stagnant (not very good).

It's wonderful to make resolutions, and I have made some myself. My one health resolution that I've made this year is to drink more water. I do enjoy drinking soda - in fact, root beer is my absolute favorite! And root beer, for the most part is a really good soda to drink (no caffeine, light on the sugar, low in calories). However, I like to drink soda more than I should. I will often have two a day (which, I know, is nothing compared to what some people drink...). As I reflected over the week leading up to the new year, however, I was reminded that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and I need to take better care of it. So - soda, is being limited. I'm not totally giving it up though. I have a system - for every 1 12 oz. soda I drink, I must first drink 100 oz. of water to make sure I'm hydrating myself. Soda is not good at hydrating or cleansing the body - water is. So, this has been my goal. I've done wonderful some days (today has been exceptional!) and I haven't had a soda on others. That is going to be my resolution, and I want to keep it. I, who have no children, want to make sure that is not what my kids think of me. I want them to see that I am healthy and treating my body accordingly. I know of so many people who's children can say things like, "That's mommy's pop!" I, myself, can remember one specific thing about my dad concerning soda - he loves Coca-Cola(R)! He always drinks it - and he's not always healthy.

As a Christian, I need to take a different look at things. I need to be devoted to God and serving Him. This includes how I take care about my body.

But body issues is not what I wanted to address in this post. I wanted to share another resolution: to know God more.

Do you desire to know God more? If not, why not? If yes, how are you doing at it?

God longs for us to draw near to Him, to love Him, and obey His commands with love and passion. He longs for us to be sold out to His plans, and be active in seeing them accomplished. Is this what you want?

Truth be told, there are times where my agenda conflicts with God's and I don't want to know Him more or follow Him. I don't like this, and I falter in my devotion to Him. I don't want to live like this anymore. I want to be steadfast in my devotion always for God's plans. He is worthy.

2011 is going to be a big year for me. As I mentioned in a previous post, I am getting married and I just bought my first home. As I look forward to leading a family, I think to my agenda. Is it aligned with God's? Is it flexible, if He should choose to change it? Is He going to be the real leader of my family? Will I let Him?

These and other questions are ones I continually contemplate. I want to be sure that my family is recklessly abandoned to God's will, but I know I'm a broken man prone to sin. I know this about me. Thanks be to Jesus Christ my Savior.

I know my hope is found in my surrender to Jesus. I know I will find the answers and the ways as I commune with Him. And I want to be devoted to Him. I want us to see Jesus as enough and the only One worthy. He is the one I worship and I want us to worship. This is a call for me to step up my game. This is a call for me to be more devoted, to be continuous in prayer, to be set on His standards and to not compromise. And that is not tough. But I believe Jesus is worth it. I really want you to see and believe that too. He does "ruin our lives" completely for our good. And I believe there is reward for sticking to Him. He is pulling us closer as we turn to Him. And as we do this, we live out eternal life here and now (see John 17:3).

So, as I have done in previous years, and continue to do again, I have chosen a verse that represents how I want to emulate my life to Christ. The verse I've chosen really reflects the man I want to be. I have chosen 2 Timothy 2:15 as my theme verse this year. This is what I want to be following, and to be my truth. It says:

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."

Be blessed in 2011 all of you! I hope it is a wonderful year filled with joy, hope, and increasing love for Jesus Christ. I love you all more than you know.

Brandon

Joy

2010-12-29T10:47:00.001-08:00

Good afternoon everyone!

What a great day it is to be alive! God has indeed been good to us! It is for our joy that we are alive today and will be for our joy to revere Him for all He has done. Celebrate our great Lord this day!

"Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." - John 17:3

This morning I woke up with great joy to be a child of God and I wanted to share this with you all today. God has been so rich in His mercy toward us, and we cannot begin to praise Him enough for His goodness to us. We need His mercy wrapping around us.

As I started this day, I read in Revelation 11 - 14. Revelation is a scary book - no doubt - especially these chapters. And there is much I don't understand about this vision given to John. But as I read, I was drawn to worship, and had to remind myself that this is the purpose of the book. We are to turn from our ugly sinful ways in repentance back to our First Love, Jesus Christ. He will be victorious in the end, and our hope must be firmly on Him. It was really good for me to read these chapters once again.

In these chapters, I began to focus on my eternal life, which I am living out now, as reflected in the verse above. I thought about how I am protected by Jesus Christ Himself and how that will be enough to overcome Satan. He is one scary dude, but our God is greater and will punish Him for His assaults.

Okay, I know I've just discoursed on a lot of thoughts. Here is what ran through my mind as I read these chapters: I thought of a beautiful September day three years ago. It was a day when the leaves were changing and the weather was perfect. The sun was out, and I was walking home from the campus of NDSU. I was praying, and the greatest sense of peace fell over me. I was so enveloped in the love of God as I walked in those moments. The breeze fell on my face, and I teared up. I was so in love with God. This was a piece of the joy that I would know in heaven, when I would be face to face with the Lord. I am blessed to remember this once again.

And I was brought to the present moment. I needed to be reminded of that moment. In the still, small quiet, I was reminded of how much my God loves me. He is for me and His joy is great over who I am. His love for me has produced abundant joy in me. And I praise Him for this moment. As I mentioned yesterday about all the wonderful things God has done in 2010, I thought about where I was a year ago in my walk with God. I have seen the God of a divine plan and story this past year, and I am thankful to be a part of His Story. I also know this is but the fringes, and I'm right on the edge of that string. Can you imagine when we will know fully!?!

How is God producing joy in you?

Have you been enjoying the love of your God in our days?

Has He been preparing you for eternity, and helping Him know you in the early stages of our eternal lives? Are you asking Him to?

Our God longs that we know Him and Jesus Christ. He longs to indwell us with the Holy Spirit and change us for His glory. He longs for us to love Him in return. He desires that we find utmost joy in Him. Our God loves us so much - and He has never given up in that love.

Turn to Him today and just thank of Him. Reflect on all the ways He has worked in your life "up to this point." We have much to be grateful for. We are so abundantly blessed, and we are placed where we are for the very reason of bringing Him glory. How can you do that today? Long for Him in abundance today, and He will fill your need. He loves you. He is overjoyed that you have decided to follow Him. Let His joy fill you to the utmost.

Jesus, you have been a faithful and devoted friend. You are so great to us. You love us and you always stand to intercede for us before the Father. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You - Jesus - you, are ALL we need. Thank you for thinking of me when you were on the Cross. Thank you for knowing me from the beginning of time and for caring enough to come to this earth so that I would be reconciled to the Father. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to indwell me and for bringing such wonderful joy to my life. I am alive because of your mercy and because of your grace. Thank you for covering me. I love you. Help me to see you today more and more. Fill me with all your joy that I would be a more faithful and fruitful disciple. Continue to prepare me my eternal home and give me fervor with eternal perspective to share the joy I have in you. Lead me in my eternal walk right now. To the glory and honor of your precious name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Love you all.

Brandon

Arrogance

2010-12-28T08:41:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year! I believe it will be a fantastic one. I thought, before I lay on you what I've been reminded of and thinking about, I would recap this last year!

So, first of all - this year has been one of changes. I feel like I've grown so much and yet, there is so much more I have to learn. I want to know God more and I am realizing how much He has blessed me and called me for.

This year, I started dating a beautiful woman and just like that, I knew. I knew why she was in my life, I knew what we were meant for, and I knew I loved her. I had never felt this way about another person before - and my life changed. I am smiling because it is so beautiful what God has done. So, after 6 months of dating, I asked her to be my wife! And she said yes. A year ago, I was only thinking about her, and not much for that matter, and now I'm going to be her husband! Wow. My breath is taken away.

Another change that happened this year was a big purchase. I already told you about the ring that I bought, but I also purchased a home for my bride and I. We close next month and I'm very excited for all the memories we will make in this home.

Along with that purchase, I also started seminary and am pursuing, albeit very slowly, the plan God has placed on my heart in ministry.

This, and so much more, has happened in this year. There have been so many memories that have been made and that will be cherished throughout my life. God is so good and I have been so very blessed.

Thanks for working with me through that! Okay, onto the good stuff! :)

Last night, my fiancé and I were watching P.S. I Love You and a line just stopped me. I'd seen the film previously, but this time something resonated with me very deeply. The title of this post has come from the thoughts that stem. In the scene, Harry Connick, Jr. and Hilary Swank are on their first date. They stop for a corned beef sandwich by a memorial to the Irish. In the moment, Hilary Swank looks over and sees and old couple and says, "Now, that is an honest to goodness couple." She adds a little more. Then Harry Connick, Jr. rebuts "We're so arrogant. We try all these things to stay young and we take for granted the privilege it is to grow old - and with someone, who doesn't make you want to commit murder or something."

It's a cute moment in the film, and provides for a good laugh. The line that struck me most was, "We're so arrogant." I was blown away by the profundity of this little statement. We are so arrogant. Human beings have this inept ability to choose themselves over any other. We take so many simple blessings for granted.

In the film, Harry Connick, Jr. speaks to our attitude toward aging, and this is a good thing to consider. In America, we are taught how to provide for ourselves. We are delight to do things on our own. We have a very self-focused and selfish way of life. None of us are immune. I think it stuck so well with me, because I'm so guilty of living like this.

As a Christian, I am called to be a part of a community. I am called to build up the body of believers through encouragement and to share the word of Christ with all. I am to make disciples. Yet, often, I REALLY DO think, "What's in it for me?" How arrogant I am. I spit in the Maker's face with the way I want things done, and do not follow after how He has designed them. I'm afraid I'm not the only one who thinks like this. And I work in ministry.

I continued to think about this attitude and I began to notice how prevalent it is in America (in general) and in the American Church. The one place I noticed it the most, however, is the area of homosexuality. I do not normally discuss this topic, because I have my opinions, but as I am discoursing on my own sin, I need to call out sin. Sin is sin before God's eyes. We have NO excuse. Absolutely none. And if we claim to know Jesus Christ, we are called to conform to His image - His holy, perfect image and to turn from our sin and walk in a new life. I'm not saying this is easy, because the Lord knows how I struggle with sin. I am not writing this to condemn the sinner, but the sin. There must be an end to tolerance.

As I was writing, the arrogance we all have deals with our attitude that we're right and God designed it wrong. Now, the Bible is very clear that the act of homosexuality is an abomination. It IS sexual sin, which takes different forms for all kinds of people. This is not the way we were designed by God. We were made man for woman and woman for man! This is His grand design - we cannot change this! Scripture must be looked at completely, not in pieces. No one piece is meant to be exalted over the other. They are all God - breathed, and useful for teaching, rebuking, and correcting so that we may be throughly equipped. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ longs for us to love Him in return. And He longs for us to be free from stain, free to Him, and beautiful in His sight.

This comes through repentance. And that is why I write this. I write so that we would repent and turn back to our first love. I want to be like Him. I want the church to be like Him. I want us to step away from our arrogance. We are not right. We are sinners and we need redemption from our sin. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. The Holy Spirit will change you.

I want 2011 to be a year to remember and I long for us all to seek after God with a new heart and a new mind. Jesus is working for our benefit, interceding so that we will be free! Turn now, and choose to live for His glory.

I leave with a verse I have chosen to be my theme for 2011. I pray that it will benefit you as well.

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15

Love you all.

Brandon

The Body

2010-11-23T09:26:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! It's been a little while since I last posted, but to be honest, if you were living in my October, you would completely understand! I'm just finishing catching up! But here I am - and God is so strong in all my life!

A lot has happened since I last posted. One, I got engaged! It is very exciting to know that God has given me a woman to love and care for for the days of our lives. And I am very excited! Two, I have been wedding planning. Enough said there. Three, I have been working with young men and women, and helped 39 make a profession of Christ as their Savior in October. Usually, this means that they've graduated from church - but what is even more wonderful is the number of them that want more of Christ! I can for sure count on 25 of those kids on a regular basis and know that they desire to be disciples and not just mere Christians. It is so amazing!

Well, I'm in the week of Thanksgiving, and I have much to give praise for! It is so wonderful to be alive and to be working for God's kingdom and seeing that kingdom grow! I am blessed, and I know there has been a specific calling on my life. I do not take that for granted, nor use that to boast; but I say this, and know that I am humbled before a mighty God and thankful to be His servant and disciple.

This morning, I share with you what God has been laying on my heart. I'm jamming to Lecrae and I'm just excited! God has been so good to us and He is showing Himself in great ways. I titled this post "The Body" because this is what I am to be about, as are all Christians. Coming next week, I am teaching on the song "City on our Knees" by TobyMac, and as I prepare, God is showing me I have to be completely focused on building His body on this earth.

I start writing this with the words of Paul to the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 19 - 20:

"And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe...For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus, when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy."

I read these verses again this morning and was so blessed as I remembered my job and my duty as a follower of Christ. We are called to rejoice and cover those who accept God's Word in prayer. We cannot be simply kept at how they have turned to Christ, we have to move them closer to the Lord. That happens through our prayers to God. I know that when I have seen this in my life, I have been so filled with joy in the Lord - but I know that there is more work. We must remember that. But more are joined together and the bride becomes more beautiful as more come to faith in Jesus.

But the second part is really the gem in this passage. When Paul writes that his joy and hope and crown is in the people, I first got a little confused. As I dwelt more on what Paul is writing, here is what I came up with. We will be rewarded for what we do for Jesus. We will be given crowns, which (even more awesome that we get to do) we will leave at Jesus feet for His glory. But, we still can see that reward. When Paul writes this, I believe he says that the faith and commitment to Jesus are a reward he receives for being faithful with his calling. And Paul prays for the people, presenting them to Christ continually, and leaving "his crown" before Jesus. But he still gets to see that crown. He rejoices in the body of Christ.

This is what we get to experience as disciples of Christ. We get to see others grow and fall in love with Jesus. This is our "glory and joy." But we have to leave it before Jesus, and continue to work for Him. We are called to rejoice in the body of Christ! Those we lead to Christ and make disciples are our crown, but we have to leave them before Christ.

However, in order to do this, we must be faithful to Christ first. The body is beautiful - very beautiful - but in order to make disciples, you have to be a disciple first. God longs for you - and He will use you - but He loves you so much.

Turn to Him! God yearns for us to be the body and to love as He loves! We will one day be a "City on our Knees!" Let's move that forward to come soon!

God bless you all and I love you so much!

Brandon

Heavenly Father, you are glorious! You are worthy of all praise! You are calling us to be the body - living, moving, breathing, caring, sharing - just as you are. Lord, we are so blinded though. We cannot be the body without your Spirit. So pour on us your Spirit. Revive us Lord to you and for your glory! Call us unto you Lord that we would glorify the Mighty Jesus! It is Him we live for and it is Him I praise! Lead us Glorious King! Amen.

Lost Fathers

2010-09-14T12:43:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon everyone!

I have had such a refreshing 24 hours! I have been so burdened to be praying and contending for the people of the world and for my church. So please know, if you attend my church, that you are being covered in prayer.

I love prayer, getting close to the Father and really seeing His heart. Along with this, being burdened to humble myself and depend on God. I have found myself wanting nothing more than to get on my knees and spend periods of time. Today, I have just been reinvigorated to have a heart of prayer. Thank you Lord for turning me around! PTL! (For those that do not know acronyms, PTL means Praise the Lord!)

But aside from this, I do want to address something that has bothered me a little bit and its just going to come out. In my meeting this afternoon, we prayed for a single mother and her child. We also prayed for her father, but also mentioned how he is nowhere to be found. As I read this, my heart grieved.

Earlier today, I read from Colossians (I've picked the book up again) and 2 verses stuck out very blatantly to me. They both are commands to men and their roles. The first is Colossians 3:19, which in the NIV reads, "Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them." The second verse is Colossians 3:21, "Fathers, do not embitter your children or they will become discouraged."

As I reflect on these two verses, I just see a high importance on the role a man plays in the life of the people around him. First, God commands us to love our wives. The wife is a person who has committed to a life-long walk with this man. This is a person who was designed to be unashamed with her spouse and viewed as of utmost importance. When we love them, we are not harsh with them, for we will treat them dignity and respect. But loving a woman is not an easy task. That might be why God commands it of us - because it is worth it!

Secondly, fathers are not to embitter their children. First, a father has to be around his children in order to play a role like this on their child's life. Children needs their dads - so much research shows this, and fathers do have a responsibility to their children to love them in the best way they can.

But our society is showing something else. As I mentioned earlier, we prayed for a mom and her daughter where the father is absent, and it just grieves my heart. This is not how God meant it to be and it is not how it should be! This is becoming WAY to common in our area and it is so sad.

Fathers, do you not realize what a significant role in your child's lives? You have to turn from thinking about yourself to thinking about your children. They need you. I am not a father, but I know it is not easy. But that should never be a reason to give up! If that was the way it was with God and He gave up on us, what would we do?

Men, let's change what we're doing to this society and this next generation. Your presence means so much more than you can even imagine in the lives of your children. Be there for them, pay attention to them, and love your wife. I plead with you to change the way we've let our society become.

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7

Heavenly Father, we need you. God, I plead and petition you now to do a work in your children in this world. Lord, we live in a broken and hurting world, and gradually and more gradually we see a generation growing up with a male father figure. Lord, you can change this. Lord, I know that the way children are fathered is how they view you - and I want nothing less for the generation to see you as a loving, nurturing, caring, strong Father. Lord, do not let them be dismayed, but encouraged to know the deep love you have for them. Lord, I pray for all the single mothers and ask that you would give them wisdom, love, and immense strength in the task they have in raising their children. Guide these women Lord to depend on you and love you more. God, I pray for the dads and ask you to fill these men with joy and love for their wives and their children. Lord, would these men be filled with encourage to pour that on their children and love them. God would you give them immense love for their wives. Thank you so much Lord for the gift of fathers in our lives, only to reflect the true nature of You, our Heavenly Father. Lead us men Lord, to take a stance that glorifies you as well Jesus in all our ways. Help us to set our priorities, with you first, our spouses second, and our children third. Guide us after your heart Lord and fill us with your Holy Spirit. I ask all this in the glorious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Christ in you, the hope of glory

2010-09-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon all!

I hope this post finds you well and celebrating newness in your walk of faith. I have exciting things to share as well!

I'm going to begin this post with a prayer.

"God, we need your grace. Our hearts are broken. We are cisterns that cannot hold water. Our own efforts do nothing and we must repent for trying to think they would. Bring us to our knees and whisper truth to us now. Jesus you are the only hope we can proclaim. We are aimless without your guidance. Stand firm to strengthen and transform your children after your beautiful heart. Thank you Jesus for your love and faithfulness. We turn to you now."

I have been listening to a young woman by the name of Sarah Reeves for a little over a year now, and she has one powerful song that is so beautiful. It's called "Come Save" and just about every time I hear it, I am pushed to worship.

The song talks about how much we need God and we need to depend on His saving work. This afternoon I heard the song and I was so moved to turn and repent. I was turned back to God for the ugliness I see in myself. I beat myself up so many times because of how I fail to obey God. I hate that I don't love Him as much as I should. I hate that I lack in self - control of my body in many ways, and I know how depraved I am in myself.

As I heard this song, I was reminded to turn to God. So, this post begins with a confession, one that I must say over and over - I'm not perfect. This heart of mine is broken and is contrite. But I am reminded from Psalm 51 that this is what God desires, not sacrifice. He is full of grace and can accomplish all that I cannot. He is so good.

I jumped into my Bible at this time, and a few weeks ago, I started to read Colossians. I decided to come back to this book and I looked at one verse I had underlined. It's Colossians 1:27. It says, "To them God has chosen to make known...the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." This verse powerfully speaks of what matters most and what God has placed in us by His own choosing - our hope. It is Christ alone. He is living inside us. He is the one who gives me any righteous standing before God at all.

Do you realize that when God looks at us He sees His Son Jesus inside of us, and He alone makes us righteous to stand before the God of all the Universe? It is Jesus alone that allows us to approach the Father and have a relationship with Him. And not only God, we have access to the Holy Spirit and to Jesus. We are called into communion with all three and we are so blessed.

I believe many of us have forgotten this, or continually forget it. We are saved to a glorious redemption, never dependent on ourselves. It is our duty to depend and trust in the Father. Our sin should never overwhelm us to the point of death, because that's how much bigger and mightier God is. He is cleansing us and purifying us for a glorious heaven.

And if I am to judge, there is a lot of refining He has left to do on me. But I have hope that He is working. And I will continue to press in and assure myself in His heart. I am a child of the mighty King of Heaven, and He calls me to a new life, one that I continue to envelop myself in.

Lord Jesus, I am amazed at your redemption of my heart and the hearts of your people. I bow before you for your excellencies and worthiness. You are the King. And you have opened my heart to see you. Yes, Lord, I ignore looking at and to you sometimes. I apologize for my acts and I ask that you would once again cleanse away all that separates us. I know much of the road blocks have been self - induced, and some from the enemy. Lord, it doesn't matter. Lord, you are righteous. Lord, I want to love you more. Draw me near, and all your children, to you and your heart. I pray in the powerful name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Spiritual Power

2010-07-28T14:57:00.000-07:00

I have just one quote to share with you today, but it is a very good and profound one. I have been dwelling on it and thinking about the way God works. I hope it blesses y'all. It is from a book I have been reading lately called, "Called to Lead" by John MacArthur. And he writes:

"God is still bypassing the elite. He's leaving the proud intellectuals in universities and seminaries, and He's looking for clay pots who will carry the treasure of saving truth with humility. By using frail and common people, God makes it clear that the power is His, not ours. The fact that God can make spiritual leaders out of such unsightly clay jars is proof of the greatness of His power. Spiritual power is not the product of human genius or human technique. The power is from God.
"And the wonderful thing is that our weakness doesn't prove fatal to the cause of truth...knowing our weakness isn't a disadvantage; it is essential to what we do as leaders." (pg. 114 - 115)

I don't know about you, but that is powerful to me! It signifies to me how it is not about us. It is completely about God and His glory. We can just get in the way - but His power is beyond us!

We are clay pots, and yet there is a beautiful treasure hidden in us if we belong to Jesus Christ. It is our job to let that shine through, even in our frail bodies.

God does crazy things! His power is made perfect in our weaknesses and He uses you and me to be His vessels to carry His message and to shine His light in dark places. He involves us, not by our own volition, but because He wants to. He wants us and we can play a role in the greatest thing in this universe.

I hope you're blessed today and I pray that blessing over you!

Love you all more than you know!

To Him Be The Glory!

Brandon

response

2010-07-19T09:20:00.001-07:00

Good morning!

Just have a little bit to share today, but I'm excited!

The past few weeks I have been reading through the Gospel of John and this morning I read through John 13. In this chapter Jesus and the disciples get ready for the Passover meal - also know as the Last Supper. John depicts this night very clearly and expands it to many chapters of Jesus' final teachings and exhortations. It is a very profound and great reading. There is so much to learn!

As I stated earlier, I read through John 13 this morning, and the famous footwashing ceremony occurs here. There is such beauty in reading and recreating the scene in my mind. I love thinking about how the Savior gets on His knees to bless His disciples. It completely challenges me and how I respond to people.

As I read the verses I was struck by what Jesus did. Jesus knew how this would all go down, and He also knew how He was going to be betrayed. He knew what Judas was going to do the whole time. He knew that the Cross was coming soon and He willingly stepped forward to take on my sins. I look at this moment when Jesus cleanses His followers feet and I think of the moment He washed Judas' feet. I look inward and think of how I would wash his feet. Would I scrub hard with much force? Would I gracefully touch them with a veneer of cynicism?

I don't know how I would respond. But I don't think I would respond the way Jesus did. He touched the feet lovingly. He washed them just as He would wash anyone else and He cared for Judas. Judas was one of His closest friends - He had deep care for who this man was, and yet, He knew the failings of this man. Sometimes, I think we think Jesus never trusted Judas and that He looked down upon this one that Satan chose to use for his evil plan. I was shown this morning that this was not the case. Judas was a friend of Jesus. And he betrayed Him.

I don't think we're much different sometimes.

I think we are friends with Christ, and we still betray Him. I say this because I do it. I don't think I'm the only one.

Where are you at? Do you respond to those you know could betray you with the same love Jesus did to Judas? Do you respond to your enemies with that kind of care?

Honest confession reveals the place our heart is at and how God can transform us. I want Him to transform me. I am not always responding to His call of love, grace, and forgiveness the way I should. I fail. And I want God to change this. My human condition is broken and ONLY repaired by the grace of God.

And His grace is calling to me. It is desiring me. God wants me. He is for me. He wants me to love Him and His children the same way and sacrificially. I love that thought of being desired by the Most Holy God. And I want to respond His way.

God, you call me out of my defeat, out of my ugliness, out of my despair. You call me and you love me. Lord, I don't respond as I should to my friends, my enemies, or to you. I want a new way of thinking and I want to respond the way you desire. God make me new once again. Forgive me as I confess and repent, as I turn to you, to walk as the man you call me to be. I want your integrity, to walk in your boldness, and to surround my heart only in your goodness. You are ever faithful and you love me. You are for me and I praise your Holy Name. I love you Jesus. Amen.

The goodness of God

2010-07-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

Today, I was planning on blogging, and I was going to take a look at and share what I have learned as I have meditated on a verse. Right before I decided to blog, I thought I would preview a curriculum DVD I recently purchased and then go after this writing. As I watched the DVD I was blown away and want to talk about something I learned instead.

So, let's jump right into it! The DVD I watched was on stewardship, and the lesson I watched was based on Matthew 25:14 - 30, also known more commonly as the Parable of the Talents. This parable is one on work and working for God.

In the passage, we learn about 3 workers who are given a sum of money by a nobleman, or their master, who was leaving for a period of time. The nobleman ordered the servants to invest the money for him as however they saw fit, but to do something. Two of the servants were faithful in investing their money. The nobleman, after discovering what they had done with the talents told these two men to "enter into the joy of your master." (verses 21 & 23) The third worker, however, did not do anything with what he was given.

The response the third worker gives goes like this, "Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours." (verses 24 - 25)

As I was watching the DVD, they pointed out the obvious things in the parable, such as God is the nobleman, or master, and we are the workers. They also pointed out that God equips us all with certain attributes and things to control. We are to work for God and bring Him glory - things most people hit on when they hear this passage preached. But they made one astute observation, and it dealt with how the third worker responded to the master. When the servant answered the master, the DVD stated that this worker did not trust in the goodness of God and therefore, was complacent with what God gave him. WOAH!

Think about that - this man did not trust in the goodness of God. The whole of the Gospel revolves around the belief that we think of God as good and working for our good. The Bible is full of this truth, and for many, this is not what they believe. And many of these people are ones who claim Christ as their Savior.

The Bible calls ALL Christians to action - not complacency. God calls us to be good stewards, which means we must work. And in our work we need to rely on God's goodness.

I thought more on this, and looked around at many people I see in church who see it as a piece of their life, and not interconnected. Are people missing that God is good? I think this might be a bigger problem than I completely realize and I think there might be an immense amount of truth to this thought.

Even in my own life, I look at the things I struggle with. Am I seeing that God is working this for good in my life? Do I believe God to be good and that when I work for Him that I will be blessed because of my investment? Do I trust in His goodness?

We who do trust in God's goodness can spout it out for as long as we have breath, but God's goodness cannot be captured in our words; it must be experienced. We must challenge our congregants to seek out God's goodness in their lives. We also must be calling on God to display His goodness to them, and partly, through our lives.

I also think about my life right now. I will use this as an example, even though I think I might have beaten it a little bit to an extreme. Still...I currently am in a relationship and it is fantastic! And this is SO exciting for me! I was single for many years and I always wondered when it would happen. I trusted God to do what He wanted to do, and now I am getting to experience something better than I could have ever imagined.

The same is true with a friend of mine. She has been single for a little while and has been waiting to find someone, and now someone is entering into her life and it is very exciting! She has trusted God to do what He wants and she is getting to experience something wonderful too! We are blessed!

I know those words can be hard to hear - especially if you have wanted a relationship for a long time. God does work for good for those who trust Him and wait on Him. And He wants us to be faithful.

This parable also ties into our faith. It's all about our faith. And our faith is tied to our work. Our faith is about a man named Jesus, who was completely God, and He entered into humanity to show us the Father's heart. Our faith rests on Him dying on a cross for our sins and rising to life again to give us new life. Our faith completely lies on what He accomplished. And that new life is what we get to have now!

Turn to God now, and if you haven't trusted in His goodness for your life, ask Him to show you it. Ask Him to reveal to you who He really is and all that He is about in a profound way. I bet He will answer in a more amazing way than you could believe! Trust in Him, I speak with my life that He will never turn on you.

God you've been so good to us. I pray that you would use these words to show others how wonderful you are! God would you work in a profound way to show all your children that you are good? Remove their fears that tell them differently. God be so evident. You are good to me Lord and you have shown me your goodness. Thank you Father. I know that you are for me! =D Lead me in the way everlasting. I love you Lord. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

Brandon

Today is the Day

2010-06-28T11:27:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I hope you all are fantastic and enjoying the beautiful weather outside! Today is a grand day and it is great to be alive! The Lord has filled us so joyously with His grace. He is good!

I wanted to spend a little bit updating you all as to what I have been up to. Let me tell you - it is a lot! I started seminary a month ago and it has been difficult, time - consuming, and good. I have learned lots in the class I am taking on God's heart for the world through missions and I have been blessed by what I have learned. I pray that I will not be complacent with what I've learned, but use it to bring God glory.

Also, I have traveled a lot over the month with my beautiful girlfriend. We have been to a wedding, my parent's place, and her parent's place all in the matter of three weeks! Wow! But it has been so much fun and we have had some wonderful talks. God is doing some great things in our relationship, and I just wanted to share how wonderful the past four months have been with her! :)

Over the weekend, God opened my eyes to some of the ways I have been unfaithful to him. He has shown me my depravity and how my own personal efforts without Him fail miserably. It was good to be reminded, but it broke my heart to know how I'd hurt the Father. With that, He also showed me how my faithlessness and sin affects so many people around me. I'd always heard that our sins affect others, but never has it been more clearly revealed to me than the other day. And that was hard.

A week ago I read a book by Marilee Pierce Dunker, the daughter of World Vision Founder Bob Pierce, called Man of Vision, and in it she writes how her father began the organization. As he was on a trip to China, he shared the Gospel with a group of girls and then told them to go tell their moms and dads that evening. When he came back in the morning, one of the girls was kicked out of her home and severely beaten by her father for proclaiming Christ. In that, Dr. Pierce wrote about how he had never been responsible for the message he was sharing or the way he was living it out. He had a moment to decide what to do from there, and in it World Vision was born.

I bring this up because I too had never realized the message that I am proclaiming and how it affects my witness. When I don't live like I am proclaiming, I dishonor God, first and foremost, and that message that I send has deep affects. I too had to come to a decision.

God brought this even more clearly before me yesterday in our worship service here at Atonement. Pastor Becky shared about how we can have "one day" moments, such as "one day I'm going to read the Bible." As I sat listening to her, the Holy Spirit revealed to me that what I was doing wasn't going to cut it. I either had to decide to follow hard after him and renounce the ways I was walking, or I was going to be defeated.

I have decided. Christ is worth it. I am in a process of changing the way I'm living and I'm through with being lukewarm. I want the heart of a lion that roars ferociously for the Living God. I want Jesus Christ to always be revealed out of life - in ALL that I say and do. And I want to be concious of what I'm doing, for it has affects on all the people I come into contact with. As a man, desiring to be one of integrity, I have to leave behind the sin that has so easily entangled me and choose the better portion. I am choosing Jesus Christ.

I don't know if this is a struggle for others, but I plead with you to leave it behind, leave it in the ruins, and press hard after God. He is the glorious, worthy One. He is worth. I pray the Scriptures will show you that as you spend time in them.

Today is the Day! A brand new day! It is a day of life and it will glorify God! I will not have it any other way!

Love you all! God's blessings.

Brandon

God's heart

2010-05-24T15:47:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon everyone!

So, today has been a beautiful day in the city of Fargo and it has been a day to help me see God in such amazing ways. I have been able to recount my blessings and I am so joyous. I am happy, but more than that, I want to worship God and thank Him abundantly. Along with that, I have been doing some reading and studying. One of the things I have been studying is the Lord's Prayer.

The Lord's Prayer impresses me. It draws me into the beautiful heart of God and how He longs for us to call on Him. In this prayer, we find God and so strongly. We feel Him and recognize that He is what we need most of all. He surrounds us and excites us! He loves us lavishly!

Along with studying, I have been reading on God's heart for this world. He longs to be worshiped. His desire is to be lifted up - He is jealous for His name and longs to be the devotion of our hearts. John Piper's book, "Let the Nations Be Glad!" says it greatly:

"With all his heart and soul and strength and mind he delights in the glory of his manifold perfections. The most passionate heart for God in all the universe is God's heart...'the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.' (Westminster Catechism)" (pg. 39 - 40)

God yearns for us to rejoice in Him. Even though we only glimpse the fringes of His absolute glory, this is what is supposed to draw us in. Just think, He knows this is all we can handle of His glory - and we experience an amazing amount!

My desire to just rest in God's abundance and to recount that abundance to Him has been the cry of my heart today. I am so thankful. That stems out of devotion. God longs for our devotion to be to Him. And with that, I'm putting in another plug (hehe!), but I have been also listening to a cd titled, "The More I Seek You - Songs of Devotion." This cd is what it is all about - singing about God's devotion to us and how that transforms us to love Him. When we see His devotion toward us, that turns us to be devoted to Him. We see Him as He truly is. There is one song in particular that spoke this truth to me today and so I post the chorus. It's beautiful. The name of the song is called "Stay Amazed" by Kirsten Takape.

O Holy God, I stay amazed
You are so much more than words could ever say
O Holy God, I pour out my praise
On the One who never ceases to amaze

What a great God. God's heart is for He to be worshiped! And as we grow in obedience and love toward Him, we see His beautiful heart even more radiantly. And doesn't this world need to see that? Oh you are lying if you say no.

Lord, you teach us how to stand, to walk, to run, all toward You. You call our names and invite us in to see You, to know You, to love You. Lord, how simple and beautiful it is to the soul to say, 'I love You,' and these are the only words my soul wants or desires to echo. Lord, let that devotion to You spill out to this world. Help me not to hoard that but to splash and drench this world with that good news! Jesus, You are the friend who sticks closer than any other human. You have loved me in the most powerful way. You become my joy! Lord, I will rejoice, I will praise, I will glorify You. You are the best thing. I love You Savior. I love You. I want that to be the complete reflection of my entire life. Let that be so. To you be the glory! Amen.

Life in the Spirit

2010-05-10T12:36:00.000-07:00

Hey Y'all!

Hope you are all excellent and enjoying life in abundance. It is great to be alive. Every moment we have in this life is on purpose and we can know that God wanted and needed us to have this moment to learn about Him. We are alive in this moment for a purpose. Sometimes, we don't understand that purpose, but we are here on purpose anyway!

Isn't it a huge blessing just to know that every moment of your life has a purpose!?! It is on purpose! Maybe it's just me, but knowing that this moment has purpose and it is not coincidence elates me.

And a tear comes to my face because there are so many that don't see life that way. In fact, at this moment, I know so many young people who are scared because they can't see purpose at all to their life. They can't find hope and choose ways to hurt themselves, or worse, end their lives.

Christians, why have we let this happen? I am guilty as the next person for not speaking the message of hope to all. But why have we sat idle on this issues? These struggles are real, and it disheartens me.

God give us understanding! Holy Spirit, speak to us! Give us the counsel we need to minister to so many people and draw them into the hope we have in your Son! We need your words; please help us to rely on your strength. We need your words and your strength. Guide us Blessed Savior!

For too long, we have relied on ourselves. I include myself in this.

This past week I have taken a good look at my relationship with the Holy Spirit. I need the Holy Spirit and I need to acknowledge His presence in my life. I need to build my relationship with the Holy Spirit and I need to rely on Him. He is the One who allows me to have faith - He gives me the gift of faith! - and He allows me to see Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Only One who can save, and I would not know that without the Holy Spirit.

He lives inside us. It is a process to know and understand that we walk with Him. It is something we need to voluntarily pursue this relationship and it is something that is not always experiential. It is also a continual act.

I read a devotional by Chris Tiegreen, and today's devotional spoke on how the Holy Spirit lives inside us, and this is what we need to guard. We need to treasure the Holy Spirit and when we do, we won't even look for things to distract us from God. We won't pursue sin. He writes, "Treasuring the wellspring that God has birthed in your heart will leave little room for the corruptions you once obsessed over." (C. Tiegreen, Walking with God, pg. 130, 2004)

Christians, we need to stop living like God is not existent or a part of our lives. He must be displayed. We must actively pursue this - ME included! We need to turn and start treasuring the Holy Spirit that lives in us and in turn live a life of love that glorifies the only God who can give life!

Join with in reforming this world! Pray for the change and the revelation of the Holy Spirit!

Jesus, you are my Savior - and you have given me such hope! Everlasting hope! I am so happy to be called your child. But I want to live a life that honors you so fully! I want to walk in the Spirit always and live a life in the Spirit! Guide me to the Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit, pour out yourself on my life. Let me eyes see you so clearly. I know your presence and have felt that so wonderfully. But I am greedy - I want more of you in my life! Guide me in all wisdom and speak so powerfully through me to the honor of the GLORIOUS KING! Holy Spirit, I want more of you overflowing so exuberantly out of me. Glorify the Holy Name of Jesus in my life! To you be all honor, power, and glory!

Everlasting Father, you draw me into your arms. Transform this world! Continue to sanctify your children. And let us know that you are doing it! We want to play a role! Show us how you may be magnified - made huge!!! Show us Lord, take our hand, and teach us to call you Father! We need you. To you be praise always! The honor and glory all belong to you! In the powerful name of Jesus I lift this pray to you. Amen.

Brandon

I'm A Saint!

2010-04-19T12:25:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I hope you are all well as you read this today! What a glorious day it is?! It is so beautiful here in town! I love it - kinda makes you wonder what I'm doing sitting on a computer huh?!?

I had a thought this morning and I'm going to develop it a little more for you all. I hope it doesn't bore you. And I also can't take credit for the thought - it originally came from a book called "Walking in Freedom" by Neil Anderson and Rich Miller. It is a great devotional that is helping me understand my freedom in Jesus Christ.

So, here was the thought that Anderson and Miller had me think through today - God is holy. Wow - just dwell on that! It is so cool!

Okay, after that, I thought through this a little. God is holy and no sin will enter His presence. It cannot. That is why we all need Jesus because He is the satisfaction of God's wrath and the perfect high priest that enters God's presence to intercede for us. All forgiveness starts with the cross of Jesus Christ.

When we understand what Jesus has done for us and how we are forgiven only through His sacrifice, there is a transfer that occurs. We are born again, into a sainthood. So, as I worked through the thought that I am a saint, I started to realize who I am in Christ.

Only through Him am I forgiven. And only through Jesus can I know that I will be preserved by God and the Holy Spirit unto eternity. The devotional also had me look at who I am now. I am a saint - not a sinner. I often think of myself as a sinner, but I am a saint who is capable of sinning still. There is a difference. There is no hope for sinners (the Bible is clear on that), but for saints - that's a different story!

Anderson and Miller then had me take a gander at 1 Corinthians, which is written to "those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called as saints." (verse 2) The book then goes on to address very un-saintly behavior. So, those who are called saints are still capable of sinning.

Isn't that cool to know that we are saints and we are becoming more like Christ based all on how we trust Him. There is a deep reliance we need to have in Christ, but in Him we are made into a new person.

I think Satan likes to remind us that we are sinners and we have a natural inclination to the negative aspects associated with sin. That drags us down. But when we see ourselves as saints, there is a change that occurs in our thoughts. Maybe it is just me, but the thought that I am a saint persevered by the grace of God alone really astounds me.

And with that, I am made more and more into the likeness of Christ and that changes how I can pursue after Him. Knowing this gives me deeper passion to know Him more and know that He keeps me. That astounds me how I am eternally kept by Jesus Christ Himself. What a wonderful Savior we have! What He has bonded nothing will loose.

Glory to Jesus! Bless His Holy name! Praise belongs to Him alone!

Blessings to y'all!

Brandon

Integrity

2010-03-25T09:20:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone! I hope you all are doing well!

Okay - scripture right away for you - "Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place." (Psalm 51:6)

Lately God has been opening up the thought to me about being a Christian of consistency. That means, being a person of integrity. What I say and how I live are according to how I believe. This verse was part of my devotionals today - yes, two of them that I read both talked about this topic (think God's trying to tell me something?) :)

When I read this verse I look at how God wants my life to reflect my deep down faith in Him. He wants me to be a consistent Christian, not a part-time one. This a full one, every day in and out blessing on my life. And it revolves around my obedience.

Oh, how I kinda hate that word. Obey. Do you know how hard being obedient can be sometimes?!? It is difficult! It is not easy being obedient!

But that is the great thing about integrity - you do the right thing, especially when it is hard. And Jesus had told us that our life will not be easy. In fact He tells us that persecution is a sign of being identified with Him.

I got a good picture of this last night. I watched "The Passion of the Christ" with my youth last night and it impacted them profoundly. I am so glad they got the opportunity to see a very real depiction of what Jesus endured to make His sacrifice perfect for us. Anyway, as I was watching the movie, I really was moved by the scene where Simon the Cyrene helps Jesus carry His cross up the hill. Simon was with his daughter, and as the Roman soldiers order him to help Jesus, he first says that he is not acquainted with Jesus and he wanted the people to know that he wasn't. He knew that people would associate that and they would look down on him for that. But as they continued together, Simon gets a real glimpse of who Jesus was and how innocent He was. I tried putting myself in the place of Simon, standing next to the bloodied Savior, helping Him carry His cross. Simon eventually becomes identified with Christ. As they continue, (and part of this is the elaboration of the director - which I do really like this part) Simon utters something very prophetic. Jesus cannot go on and Simon says to Him, "Almost there. It is almost finished." Simon encourages the Savior and identifies myself with Him.

Would I have done that? I don't know. Following Jesus at that time was much different then it is now, and it makes me wonder why that is. We do not face the same kind of persecution. I can still live a life of complete safety and be a follower of the LORD.

Am I failing as a follower of Christ? Is my faith lacking?

I want to live boldly for the LORD. And I know that the world has changed; but I want to be a man of integrity. I want my life to strongly reflect all my hope in Jesus Christ. I want people to know without a shadow of a doubt that I am identified with Christ. And only Christ can claim that on me - that's an act of His grace - not anything I can do.

So, I submit and want Christ to change me. I want Him to transform me and let my faith move in a way that only brings glory to the Father. I want to be all about that. I want to be a consistent Christian - I'm tired of this inconsistency in the world. I submit and surrender to Him. He knows what is best.

Is there anyone else that wants to start a revolution. Is there anyone that will join me?

God's blessings to you all. Love you.

Brandon

music

2010-03-09T09:47:00.000-08:00

The other day I was in the gym. I normally have my iPod going with a mix of upbeat songs, all ranging from 80's hair metal to country to pop to contemporary Christian music. For some reason, I decided to go with a different mix, my "worship" mix.

I started my workout on the elliptical and was really enjoying the songs. I continued onto the free weights and started lifting. Now, when I lift and work out - I tend to sing along, not loudly, but I do mouth the words. I start my workout with squats. I began my lift and was singing along. I finished my first set and rested the normal 30 seconds in between. About this time, one of my favorite hymns started going in my ears, "Holy, Holy, Holy."

I found myself starting my next set and as I did, I was unable to sing along. I just listened. As I listened, I found myself being invigorated and strengthened. It was such a cool feeling that is so unexplainable.

I was having an intense week and it was stressful, and so working out was a way that I was relieving my stress. I found as I just listened, I was finding comfort and rest in the Only One who could provide it.

On another note, I found it ironic that as I was strengthening my body, He was strengthening my soul. He was reminding me who was in control and putting me in a place to hear Him profoundly. It is wonderful to hear God speaking! I love hearing His voice and I long for Him to speak more.

Well, if I must continue, I will then! After the workout, I had a busy weekend with work and it was good - but God started stirring in my heart about some issues. As He was doing that, He started peeling away some sin that I had kept. I have never known myself to be a self-righteous person, and yet that is what He is showing me. It stinks to see that but it is what He is showing me. And as I read through Proverbs, I find myself convicted and really seeing myself for the fool I am.

There is sin that He wants to work on in this heart and so, I trust it to Him. I leave it before Him to let Him do a work. I can't say that sanctification is always fun, especially in moments like this, but I know it is worth it.

I came to this realization after a few things that I have been quick to say recently that I have immediately regretted. I am quick to judge people and situations - and that dishonors God. My role as His child is to love and offer forgiveness so abundantly as He has done for me. And I fail at this so profoundly.

I have repented, but see that God wants to change my heart in these moments. Please pray for me that I would be diligent to follow after Him, fix my eyes on Him, and trust Him as my complete refuge.

Thanks for reading my ramblings. I hope you are blessed this day!

Brandon

2010-02-22T12:46:00.000-08:00

1 John 3:1 - "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"

What profound words these are. And how wonderful they are to the redeemed soul.

Yesterday, our sermon focused on the immense, "crazy love" God has for us who He has called His own. As we opened up the Scriptures, my pastor called me to notice the word "lavished."

Lavished. Lavished! Lavished? Has an interesting, yet inviting sound to it. And God has done this to us. Lavished - what does it mean to be lavished?

I love words, so I'm gonna let the dictionary do it's job. Lavish - to expend or give in great amounts or without limit. Wow! As we are made God's children, He pours out without limit His love for us. We are loved by the God of the Universe! WE ARE LOVED BY THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE!!! WOW!

In Jesus Christ alone will I glory! It is only and all because of Him that I am loved. I know love only because He gave His life for me and for us! How richly we are blessed! How deep the Father's love!

And with that, we are "fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:14a) Yesterday, it also occurred to me as to what being "fearfully made" means. When I look at the gift I have been given with a body, I am to stand in awe of God for the magnificence of what He can do. I am made to fear Him, but moreso, I am made to praise Him and give Him the reverence He is due. He is my Maker - and because He loved me so infinitely, He created me for this moment and time in life. God blows my mind.

Yet, I give Him leftovers of my life. My pastor asked us why that is so. Think about it - is God the source of your every thought? Is He the One that infests your mind? Why not?

I don't want to live a life that only gives God the leftovers - the pieces that are too hard for me. That's not what He wants. He wants my all. I want Him to have my all.

How about you?

Brandon

a quick thought...

2009-09-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

First off,

I am having a few problems typing this afternoon so I apologize if I spell a word and it doesn't show up as I mean it to.

It's been a little while since last I posted on here, and this last month has been good and fun. But it has also been really busy! Really busy! But I am taking a chance to tell about what I've learned a little from some time in the word and with the Lord.

I have recently been thinking a lot about Fargo - if I should be here, how much road construction there is and if it will ever be done, the area that I live. You know, some simple things. God has spoken to me a lot over that first area especially. Anyway, I love Fargo no matter what. This IS a great city! It is so much fun to be here and there is always another intersting person to meet and a story to hear. I'll take last night for instance. I was out and I went to this place called Teaberry. It's located downtown and, I have been there a few times but never heard about it got started, heard a great story of making a good city better andmore interesting to introduce different people and draw them into relationships. (Sounds a little like what Christianity is supposed to look like...)

Well, this morning, I was reading my devotional as I was making eggbake and te passage this morning was from Jeremiah 29:1-14. Most of us know this passage for its often quoted verse of God's blessings to the Israelites (Jeremiah 29:11). And that was the message of the devotional today--that God has big and wonderful plans for us all as we seek and trust Him. He reveals more of His greatness to us as we diligently pursue Him, and that turns us to glorify Him even more.

That's not exactly what I pulled out from the passage - I did pull that out, but for the purposes of this post, that isn' what I pulled out. The verse that really stuck with me is Jeremiah 29:7, which says:
"But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."
Isn't that a great passage?! When Jeremiah spoke these prophetic words from God to the Israelites, they were under captivity by the Babylonians. They could have let their situation get the best of them - they actually probably were! Nonetheless, God used Jeremiah to speak a different message to the Israelites, one that resonates to us today. We need to enjoy and invest in the city where we are - God has placed us there for a reason, and we need to best glorify Him in those situations. He calls us to pray for our city and to make it a better place for all.

This is a message for me and a message for all people. We need to be seeking ways to invest in the city where we're at and build up all Christians in the process. I have recently been looking for ways to reach into the city of Fargo with the young adult group at Atonement and recently connecte with the Salvation Army branch that is here. Our group is going to be doing a few things with them and build some greater community ties for our group. Its a start and I know God will bless our efforts - nothing done for His glory is done in vain. But there is even more that can be done in this city. There are so many needs, and we can only do so much, but that little bit that we can do might mean the world to someone. And if that draws them closer to Jesus Christ, then I will praise God for using me.

His working an Holy Spirit is profound and wonderful. I am choosing to follow after that and work toward making my surroundings the best they can be. I am praying for this city to come to know Jesus Christ and letting Him shine in my life so brightly. I will praise Him and choose to honor Christ no matter how hard the work gets or how difficult the world makes things. I will praise Him. Will you join me?

Heavenly Father, thank you for this day. Lord, you are good and wonderful and so powerful! You are worthy of all praise. Father, do a work in my city. Lead the people to know you. Shape this city Lord, speak through the power of your Holy Spirit, and fill us with such great joy in your Son's working. Let Jesus shine, nd may our lives be that sweet, sweet sound in your ear that you so long to hear, and we long to play to you. Jesus, you are our Redeemer, our Righteousness, and our friend! We love you and long to serve you better and more. Guide us to your heart and let your Light shine and move us out of the way so that your will is accomplished completely. It's in Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Ok, so I wasn't GOING to do THAT!

2009-08-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

Bet you're wondering what that's about, huh?

It's not exactly that bad. I bought new furniture! I didn't NECESSARILY need it, but I was in the buyer's market and kinda wanted another sofa. What I ended up getting was a very nice, new sofa and loveseat set. And for a bargain I might add.

When I set out on Friday afternoon with my roommate and his new fiance(!), I was only LOOKING and did have a set amount to spend. To start with, actually, I was looking for an endtable. That is why I even went out with them to look at furniture. Then I saw it. And boy, was it ever beautiful, and not completely out of my price range. I knew I kinda had to act now, and so I did. It was $100 more than I originally wanted to spend, but it will come in handy. I've already had one great conversation on it, with many more hopefully to follow soon!

Well, moving from there, that conversation I had really sparked a great thought in my mind. In this conversation, we talked about the dynamics of the Christian faith. There are many differences and nuances to it, along with understanding of the faith. On a side note, I'm also finishing up a decent book called "The Faith" by Chuck Colson. One overlying theme to our conversation the other day, was how narrow-minded some Christians can be. We discussed the Catholic church the other day. Now, once again, I am NOT Catholic, but there are aspects I do appreciate about the church. And they are CHRISTIANS.

What heated our conversation is that there are so many Christians around my age, who were once in the Catholic church and have found Jesus outside of it. First off, I say "Hallelujah!" because they found Jesus! That is the most praiseworthy thing! But flowing from that, they have left the Catholic church and have even bad-mouthed it. Then there are Christians who don't understand the Catholic church and bad-mouth it anyway. Christian men and women, shame on you.

Now, as stated previously, I am not Catholic, nor ever will be. There is a lot I do not understand about the Catholic church, and I need to study up on it. And that is what each Christian is called to do too, I believe. We are supposed to know where we stand in our faith, and defend it--and if that be by being Catholic or Calvanistic, be that to the core of your being. But don't knock your brother or sister. We are called to build one another up in love, not tear one another down.

On another note, I am catholic! The word "catholic" represents the universal body of Christ, it means we are together, working for God's glory! And that is what Scripture has called us to be! That is what the body needs to be. So, let's be it! For the sake of this broken world, let's not fix our eyes on stupid denominational barriers, but let's look at what we have together, JESUS CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED AND RISEN, and let's let that be our battlecry! Let's put Him first and watch Him move through us to bring God's children to repentance and relationship with the Savior!

"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law." (Romans 13:8)

Soli deo Gloria!

F.E.E.D: Episode #4--The Battle At Hand

2009-08-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

A new episode for you! Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20; 1 John 2:1-2; Romans 8:33-38

Gabcast! Mission Work #9

summer love

2009-08-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

So, if you did not know before, I will now fill you in. I have started being in weddings this summer and a wedding is not an easy thing. It can be hard process. Believe me, I have now learned.

This past weekend, I celebrated with two friends their nuptials, and it has been an honor for me to be there. This was also the last wedding I am in this summer. I can praise God for that! :)

But more than that, I have learned so much. I have been to weddings in the past, and each of these weddings this summer were all a little different. All were focused on the union being a gift from God and something that binds the couple together and to God. And that is beautiful.

God has done a work in His children and I want to share a little about this past weekend. I was in a wedding in St. Cloud this weekend and it was in a traditional Catholic church. Now I am not Catholic, as I'm sure I've stated that before, but I was blown away by the simplicity and desire for tradition to be proclaimed. There are many things I do not understand about the Catholic tradition, but I can respect and honor that among my brothers and sisters.

One of the most beautiful parts of their ceremony was when the couple exchanged rings. They said a very simple traditional vow, but the power of what they said was breathtaking. The words they said were to the effect that each ring was a symbol of faithfulness between one another and they were making that vow to each other only by the strength of the Holy Spirit, in unison alone with the Triune God. Wow!

And the love these two have for each other was so radiant! I have seen a lot of in love couples, but these two shined so wonderfully, and I was reminded that only God can do that. Only when He is the center and author of the relationship can any couple experience a deep, profound, excellent love like that. And I praise God for showing that to me!

What a summer it has been! But through it all, I have been so reminded of the greatest love that loves me-Jesus Christ! He is the one I celebrate and know that without Him, I would never be blessed to see God working in so many ways! His great love blesses us all, and He gives us the eyes to see that magnificent love affecting us! Praise be to Him!

Jesus as King

2009-08-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

1 Peter 3:15-16 says "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."

I just got back from a mission trip to New York City. It was an interesting trip, but saturated by the Holy Spirit's presence. It was praiseworthy and for that I am grateful.

I learned many things on the trip and I saw God work in so many unfathomable ways in the students that went on the trip. I was so greatly blessed to see God move. I was definitely looking forward to seeing God do a work in them more than I was in seeing the sights of NYC.

AND HE DID! I was so drawn to tears for a few of those nights because all I could do was praise Him for revealing Himself. And He still is. I am now praying for those students for further shaping of their hearts by God. I pray that it wasn't momentary but lifelong. And I know that God is so faithful that it will be lifelong!

I wrote our daily devotions for the week. The Scripture above was one I had chosen for the students to think about and read. The day we discussed this Scripture, we talked about letting Christ be our all. But more than that, remembering He is our friend. One of the students in my group even pointed out (so profoundly, I might add) that we can get wrapped up in spending time worshiping Jesus, but forget spend time being relational with Him. We can spend a lot of our energy singing to Him and doing good things while forgetting that He desires a relationship with us, where we do sing to Him, but we also give our hearts and fall in love with Him.

I was moved by the way these young people really grasped that. I desire Jesus to be my King, but also my friend. And He is. But I need the reminder so often. The day we did this devotional, I saw God work in the most profound way I have in a long time in these young people. He really did a work. He brought them before His throne, where their souls were naked before Him and let Him do a work. I cried for the power of God moving. I am so thankful He brought us all to that place.

It's only by grace that I can proclaim Jesus as King. It's only by the favor that God bestows upon me. I know it is not easy to understand, but it is truth. I can only stand and move because of His Holy Spirit's empowerment.

I am a child of the most High God! I am an heir with Jesus! My Lord is my friend! What power love has to transform our hearts and lives! That power is the power that we must carry with us always to transform this world.

I pray these words move for God's victory and bring Him the most glory. To Him be all my praise.

Brandon

2009-07-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

Good morning! I have been on the road for an hour and a half now on my way to New York City! We have put on our first movie of the day-"Cars."

And already I'm tired! Are we there yet?

I will celbrate though! God is good! I do love looking out the window and seeing creation. It is beautiful out right now. And I am terribly excited to be in New York City. There is so much there I have never seen or experienced. I have a message of absolute truth and power to share! And I am so blessed that I get to bless others! I am excited for the change God wants to do on my heart and I pray that God reveals more of His beautiful heart to me!

And that is my prayer for these kids and chaperones too. I pray that we really see God moving and working-and I hope that shapes us so substantially. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling...be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." (Psalm 46:1-3;10-11, ESV Translation)

Please pray for us on our trip this week! Praise be to God for His rich blessings on our lives. God be with you all also!

Blessings!

the faithfulness of God

2009-07-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered where God is in so many situations? Have you ever contemplated your place in Him or had to battle against demons you didn't even recognize?

I feel I'm stuck in a battle lately, one that I do not understand. I have had so many moments lately where I feel I have forgot I am a Christian. I have forgotten God on many levels and have failed brilliantly at loving Him. I wallow in the mud of my self-pity and dross.

I have felt broken and stolen. I have been rocked and brought so dearly to my knees.

Moments in my life over the past few weeks have changed me though. God has shown up in my eyes and heart, though I was never searching for Him. He has reminded me of Himself.

Last week, I led a mission trip with jr. high youth. It was challenging on many levels. One thing we did throughout the week was called "Yay, God!"s, where the students had an opportunity to share where they had seen God working in the day. When I was drained from lack of sleep and pushed to the limits, I had a "Yay, God!" moment. My group had gone to a nursing home and I worked with this woman named Lois one afternoon. Lois and I shared some ice cream and then she asked to go outside for a little while. I pushed her into this little courtyard and we stopped and looked and smelled roses. Then Lois turned her eyes up to the sky and she said, "Sometimes you just have to look up and let the wind blow around you." She noted that she always loved turning her eyes upward for that was enough to help her through. It was a sweet and tender moment that reminded me to turn to the Lord. Her words were so profound.

After that, Lois and I headed up to the chapel. They had a service right at the end of our volunteering time, and so I wheeled her there a few moments early. Lois and I were the only ones there, except the chaplain, who came over and told Lois the songs they were to sing. She mentioned the hymn "Holy, Holy, Holy" was one they would sing that day. This was Lois' favorite hymn. She took extreme pleasure in singing it to the Father. At that moment, she started singing the melody to herself and began tearing up. What a searing memory that is in my mind. I had much to learn from this little moment about God and my walk with Him from Lois.

I was exhausted from the week with the kids, and this past weekend did not make catching up any easier. I continued to wrestle with some of the thoughts and questions I was having. This morning, God brought some Scripture to me. My devotional reading this morning was Lamentations 3:19-24. That Scripture says:
"I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my sould is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.'" (TNIV Translation)

I have sinned. I have transgressed. I have also confessed my iniquity to God and I have hope in the forgiveness brought into my life by Jesus Christ. Hebrews tells us that God is faithful, though we are not, because for Him not to be, would be against His character and being.

I praise the LORD that His is always faithful, will never part, though I wrestle in this "body of death." I am thankful that He has called me mine and will never leave or forsake His covenant with me. "How deep the Father's love for us."

Blessings.

Dependency on Grace...and MJ

2009-07-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

I'm writing this morning from my hotel room in Eagan, MN. I have found it to be nice to have nothing more to do than read and hang out. It is a gorgeous bedroom, in fact my bed is a king-size. It's huge! This is also the first time I, as an adult, have stayed at a hotel by myself and paid for it all. It's exciting for me, albeit only me.

I finished a book called "What's So Amazing About Grace?" by Philip Yancey this morning, and it was very moving. Parts of it I didn't grasp the direction he was going, but it was good. One thing he did write on that really spoke to me was about legalism. Taking in John 7, when Jesus talks about people coming to Him and saying they did all these things for Him, yet He answers "I never knew you" was so grappling. The point Yancey really makes is it is not knowing Jesus, but Jesus knowing you.

How do we do that? I believe it is what grace is all about. It is taking away from our self-dependency and relying on a gift that only Jesus Christ can give us. When we do not try to do all these things for Jesus, but we do things through Him, we depend on Him and allow His power to do all the work. But I do not know the answer. I'm left in a state of doubt. I just have to depend on Jesus and what He has already accomplished for me.

One thing I do know--Romans 8:33-39 says "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then can condemn? No one. Christ Jese who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: 'For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.' (Psalm 44:22)
No, in all things we are more than conquerors throuhg him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (TNIV translation)

Trusting in Jesus Christ has to be (and is) my hope. His grace needs to be my addiction. But I need help with that dependency. I need to seek that fix. I have to believe that God does hold me. He does know me, I have to be sure. God grant me your strength and your let your grace shine so very radiantly in my soul, for I need that now.

On a side note, I have been a little sad that Michael Jackson passed. (I know the whole world has been talking about this...I'm not traipsing new ground.) I am blown away by the enormous amount of people that have "bevied" to his memorial. And with good reason, he was phenomenal. I'm not even upset that people would rather go to this than to church or to hear about Jesus Christ.

What bothers me, is the message that so many are preaching about him and his family. They are Jehovah's Witnesses. THIS IS NOT CHRISTIAN. The message that will be translated will be a message from this church--and that is not cool with me. I pray that God would speak a different message to the people through it--that the devil will not use his evil schemes to turn people away from God.

I don't know where Michael Jackson stood with God. I know he was raised as JW, but if he turned when he was older, or if he left God completely, I don't know. I would love it if he did, but I don't know.

I pray that Jesus Christ would be glorified through this event, and throughout this day. God's blessings to you all.

Brandon

Love on restriction

2009-06-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

Good morning!

I have been reading this really intriguing book called "The Reason for God" by Timothy Keller and he explains the thoughts and patterns of the current post-modern society. He writes on their skepticism and doubts toward God and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The chapter I read last night was very moving and piqued by curiosity. The name of the chapter was titled "Christianity is a Straightjacket." Talk about a title first of all! Uffda! The chapter deals with the exclusivity associated with Christianity and how there are certain standards that we adhere to and not everyone fits into them--primarily because they choose not to fit into them. (I want to be clear, as did Dr. Keller, that the message of Christianity is for everyone and is meant to be available for all. However, some choose to reject the claims of Jesus Christ, remain unregenerate, and then persecute the church for being "narrow-minded." These are the skeptics addressed in this chapter.)

Out of Dr. Keller's argument, he argued that love, which is infinitely found in Jesus Christ Himself, must contain discipline. In fact, Dr. Keller states that any freedom is only found when there are restrictions applied to that freedom. To make his case, Keller gives an illustration of a fish. A fish is only free when it is restricted to water. If you were to put this fish on the grass it would not be free for it would die. Hence, restrictions lead to freedom.

With a love relationship, persons must also adjust to one another for their love to grow. (This makes sense.) So in order for that love to grow, there must be other restrictions placed the relationship so that freedom with your significant other can develop. Keller states this is the same with Jesus Christ. We are asked to restrict and conform ourselves, but we can wonder, what about God? Well, He has already done it. He came as Jesus, restricted Himself to a human body, and took on our sins to give us life and freedom in Him.

I finished reading this and was blown away. It has been awhile since I have been absolutely floored by a message, but this one did. In order for us to be free and attain the freedom we so desperately need, we have to restrict ourselves because it is for our good! Otherwise, God would have found another way. God is His infinite wisdom once again strives to set us right with Him, and He did in the only way that would completely renew us, and that is through Jesus Christ.

Friends, if you haven't accepted that great message of Jesus Christ, please do so now! In Him you will find all the strength and freedom you could ever desire. I promise this life won't be easier, but following Jesus never has been. BUT the sacrifice of yourself will give NEW life to you and bring you to the utmost joy and experience this life can even offer. Let the restrictions take hold of you--You will know the unsurpassing love that contains us all so completely.

Heavenly Father, I am grateful that you have spoken. Speak now and reveal your glorious heart to this world, that they may know you and honor you. Father, you have restricted us so that we could find absolute freedom. Thank you. Father, turn this world upside down with your ridiculous, crazy, unfathomable love. Great is the power of the Cross, and I thank you for it everyday, Jesus. Renew me in your promises and strengthen me by your truths. Great are you, Holy Spirit, who I long to be under your complete control. You are amazing Great God! Amen.

one minute apologist

2009-06-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

After a wonderful, awesome weekend of sunshine (minus the rain on Saturday night), we are once again seeing the dreariness of the clouds. And it's Monday.

But instead, it's a great day for celebration! We are alive, God's grace and mercy are flowing in unsubstantiated amounts, and I am crippled by the power of His love. How wondrous the Father's love truly is toward us!

Over the past few days I have been reading up on apologetics. It is great stuff, but articulating it has not always been my strong point. Out of this reading, I continue to have great comfort in knowing about the character of our great God. And I love Him more knowing that I see Him anew. But a piece of my heart hurts too. I see all this great information, and yet I feel a dichotomy between knowing about God and knowing Him. When I personally get on my knees and bow before the Creator, I know His character in such a new light. I am not displacing apologetics, because I have learned so much more about God and fallen in love because of some works. But I am calling out to be personal with God and seek Him in quiet time.

Sorry about that little rant. Anyway, the reason I was reading up on apologetics is because I shared with my youth group going to NYC answers to questions they had about God. What I did was have them write out any question they had, then answer it as best I could. One thing I really hate (yes, hate) about the culture shift that is going on is that EVERYTHING is so fast paced. I had to be a one minute apologist last night and that was hard. I had to be very concise with what I said and I couldn't develop these points in a deeper fashion. It was hard, but I know some did benefit from my sharing.

Paul encouraged Timothy about this issue and being open to always sharing the truth, and I take great comfort in these words: "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teacher to say what their itching ears want to hear." (2 Timothy 4:2-3) I know the truth and I have God's word written on my heart. While these verses very much reflect American society, they also are a call for us to remain steadfast to our message of Jesus, the truth and the only way!

One last Scripture that's been burning in my mind lately is 2 Peter 1:16: "We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty." I love how Peter lays out how true the Word is--it is not a fairy tale, but actual documents of real life situations! It is for our power that we get to read these words, to encourage us and lead us in the ways of a life that reflects Jesus!

Get to know your Bible, spend time with God, and don't forsake that. How can we ever be a witness if we don't take the time to seek to know the One we are proclaiming?

God's blessings to you on this day!

created anew

2009-06-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

"Beauty for ashes
A garment of praise for my heaviness
Beauty for ashes
Take this heart of stone and make it Yours, Yours

I delight myself in the Richest of Fair
Trading all that I've had for all that is better
A garment of praise for my heaviness
You are the greatest taste
You're the richest of fair"

The stings of this life can be brutal sometimes. I've experienced a few in my little 23 years. But I have a hope. Jesus has given us new life in Him.

In John 3, Nicodemus, a Jewish Pharisee, comes to Jesus in the middle of the night and asks Him about the eternal kingdom. He questions how this life is entered into and Jesus tells Nicodemus he must be born again of the water and of the Spirit. Jesus declares that nothing begins or can be made new without the Holy Spirit's working. The water represents baptism and the cleansing of our sins.

How interesting these verses are, but how profound also! I am continually amazed at how things spoken are so profound to me, but I constantly need the reminding of God's amazing power at work in my life.

I've gone through issues that I don't know how to settle and yet the Lord stands by me because I have been born again in Him. He has exchanged my rubble and brought an offering out of that for His glory. I am far from perfect and I still need to be reminded of His grace. I stumble so often it just amazes me and how disgusting I really can be. God is wonderful! How amazing His grace is!

The song above is called "Beauty for Ashes" by Shane & Shane. It has been playing on my iPod consistently for about a month and I cannot get over the utter simplicity of the melody and the weight it puts on my heart as it pounds God's truth over me.

I was also reminded of another song this morning, as I have been pondering about my inconsistency and God's utter satisfaction and perfection, and that is "Sea of Forgetfulness" by Helen Baylor. God has taken my sin as He has made me new in Him and placed those sins in the sea of forgetfulness. In the song, Helen relates that it is "me who keeps reminding you over and over again." God has forgotten our sins. He has completely forgotten it because He sees His Son instead-His perfect and holy Son! And how my mind and heart need that reminder so much. I praise God that He has made me new. And I praise Him for the struggles because they make me more like Jesus. That's who I want to be like. I need Him.

Be blessed that He is making all things new-including you. He will transform each and every situation to bring Him glory. There is nothing that He does not know or see, and for that, He is good. (Hebrews 4:13).

Thank you, Lord, for your unending grace-your grace that is so sufficient beyond my finite mind. Thank you Lord that you work beyond my limitations to do the unimaginable in my life and surpass all I could ever understand. I thank you for being a BIG God, but never too far to reach in and speak to me. Thank you for your faithfulness Jesus. Guide me, sustain me, lead me to the eternal victory. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Tradition

2009-06-16T16:13:00.000-07:00

Hello all on this rainy evening. Hope everyone is great!

I just got off the road and back home from a long car ride to Rolla, ND. It is there that I buried my great aunt today in a very beautiful service. It was great celebrating her life and I am so glad I went.

The sermon the pastor gave today was on John 14:1-6. Jesus' words in this tell of what He has prepared for us in heaven if we believe and trust only in Him. Then He reminds us "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." What powerful words these are!

The funeral for my great aunt was held in this quaint, small town Lutheran church. The outside of the church was nothing to behold, but the inside--WOW! Absolutely breathtaking! I felt in the presence of God there! I can't say I felt that ultimate presence from walking in a rural church in a long time, but it was nice.

I stood back and thought of the amazing years of tradition that this church is built upon. We Finns know what we're doing! =) (Just sneaking that one in there...hehe) But more than that, the words of Jesus were proclaimed. These words are what we base our entirity as Christians upon! We come only to know God through Jesus Christ and that is what we must to stand upon!

Tradition on the Bible must be our proclamation! Let's let it be so.

Quietness

2009-06-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

Why must we maintain busyness?

I have pondered this question in the past few days and inoculated it's grandness and depth. What is the point of being busy? How it ever disturbs us from desiring and seeking God!

A few days ago I read from "The Way of the Heart" by Henri Nouwen. A section of this book deals with prayer. In the book, Nouwen looks at our common notions toward prayer. Often seen as time of talking to God, we forget to listen. Delving into this, Nouwen writes of the Desert Fathers desire for more contemplative time with God, allowing communion with Him to be time of communication rather than speaking at God with all we have to say and letting that be the end of it. As I have heard from other authors as well, we finish with saying "In Jesus' name" and it's like we're casting a spell on God and it must be done because we said those magic words.

What a shame it is that some believe that.

I have been challenged in reading this though. I know that what I pray, when I close with those words, is my trust completely relies on Jesus, no one else. He is my hope and my light and it is only because of Him THAT I CAN come to God and communicate.

Obviously God is bigger than we are and we can share everything on our mind to Him in prayer! Yes He is! But where is the rest in between of waiting on Him, not only wanting Him to speak, but expecting Him to?

These thoughts have been burning in my mind and are taking effect in my life. I desire for God to lead--not pushing all my "prayer needs" on Him and expecting Him to just do. I want God to have total effect on all those I name before Him, but I desire to hear Him.

Maybe I don't pray right. Maybe I don't seek God correctly.

Or maybe this is how we need to.

I am choosing quietness. I am choosing to serve Him and wait for Him. I am choosing to shut off my mind so that He maybe have my full attention. The new prayer I scream from my heart is that my eyes would be fixed on Him and I would keep abiding in Him so that I may bring Him fruit. (Thanks for your help on that Jeremy Riddle!)

May the blessing of the Lord surround you this day! Soli deo gloria!

Brandon

Okay so it's been a little while...

2009-06-08T13:14:00.000-07:00

"Jesus/King of Salvation/...King of the Broken"

Hey all,

Hope you are well! It's been awhile since I've posted on here! Aah!!! Sorry! I've been a little busy moving this past week and felt like I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off! Uffda!

I just bought two cd's last week that are so excellent. The first is "Life Light Up" by Christy Nockels. I have been a fan of Christy's for a few years, back when she was a part of Watermark, with her husband Nathan. Her new album in great! I love all the songs. I have been challenging myself to really spend time with each song on the record. I have this horrible habit of skipping through songs if I'm not necessarily in the mood for them. But all the songs on this album, even if I want to skip the beginning part, have such great melodies and lines deeper in the song. And they are excellent and I love praising God with the music.

The line above and the one below both come from some new songs off the the "CompassionArt" cd. It has a various number of artists and the songs are powerful! I have been listening to in the office and I am so blessed and challenged to love God more thoroughly and to love His children more completely. Highly recommended tunes!

I have been reading Romans lately, and I love all that I am learning. I am leading a Bible Study too on Sundays in between services and we last studied Romans 3. When I was preparing for Bible Study, there was a componet that really struck my fancy. Paul is countering an argument made by the Jews about God's righteousness. Read it here--Romans 3:5-8:
"But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrat on us? (I am using a human argument.) Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? Someone might argue, 'If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?' Why not say--as we are slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say--'Let us do evil that good may result'? Their condemnation is deserved."

When I was reading a commentary, one author brought up this would be the case Judas Iscariot would bring up against God, believing that what he did was part of God's plan anyway and that should earn him eternal rest with God because he fulfilled what God had in store for him. However, Paul is also looking at our motives toward God. Were Judas' motives toward Jesus pure? We all know they were self-seeking, giving him sin. And God does not tolerate sin at all.

I found this to be very interesting! God is wise. Later on, Paul also continues to tell of the atoning sacrifice made by Jesus Christ! This is the gospel and it is so powerful! We are saved by His blood! I am reminded that I can never question God because of my sin and His own purposes. His ways are higher, and I am glad they are.

Be blessed all! Soli deo Gloria!

"So great/So great/And your love endures forever/To the end/of the age/Oh, your love endures forevermore"

a moment of weakness...

2009-05-25T10:02:00.000-07:00

Hosea 1 is the account of God's call to Hosea to take a wife, who would later be unfaithful, have children, and be an example to the Jewish nation of their unfaithfulness to God. It is a powerful statement in the Bible, not only to the people of that culture, but also to us now.

This was the reading for my daily devotional this morning. In my devotional, the writer, author Chris Tiegreen, wrote about how God had to use such graphic examples of His love and His pure jealousy for us in order for us to understand it. Later, he also brings into view our satisfaction in God. When we transgress against our most Holy Father, we are not satisfied in Him.

When Tiegreen stated this truth, I immediately wept in grief over how I dishonor God when I let other things get in the way of Him. I was bereaved over my transgressions, knowing that His perfection is enough to satisfy me, yet I still let my eyes wander. Why does He not seem to be enough for me sometimes? Why has sin had it's way over my heart and led me astray? I am a sinner, transgressor, and broken.

I do not understand God. I wrestle with those doubts of how He orchestrates things and why the path is so different from what I assume it to be. I am self-centered and secretly strive for my own will. How foolish of me.

Jesus Christ brought about a perfect redemption. Not only to the glory of God did He die to satisfy God's perfect and just wrath, His blood cleansed me, and washed my sins and transgressions away. Then He gave me the promise of eternal life. To add further to this, God saw Jesus' sacrifice as the perfect satisfaction and raised Him. That is Gospel! And it's good news I need to remind myself of more.

Later this morning, I read Romans 4. Abraham lived out a perfect example of being tested so explicitly, yet his faith endure as he hoped more on the God who blessed beyond our imagination. God gave me a vivid expression of His love (a quote I would stumble on even later in the morning.) Verses 24b-25 sum up so wonderfully the hope I do have in Jesus, albeit, still imperfect in my body. "It wil be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification." His goodness surpasses my weakness. The Holy Spirit has convicted me. I have recently prayed for a new, deeper knowledge of the Lord, and He has shown me Himself. I pray that I will take that on and not let His revelation remain idle in my life. I long to be sanctified and perfected only in Him, and with my hope secure on Him, I know His promise will not fail.

I end with two quotes I read today that were uniquely profound to me. May you be blessed by them as well.

"The distinguishing mark of a Christian is his confidence in the love of Christ, and the yielding of his affections to Christ in return." -Charles Spurgeon

"A single vivid experience of love will advance us much farther, will far more surely protect our souls from evil, than the most arduous struggle against sin." -Alexander Elchaninov

To Jesus be all the glory.

Brandon

Coming back to it

2009-05-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

What a gorgeous day it is in Fargo! And here I am, sitting on the computer again...something must be wrong with me!?! =)

So, just a little thought (by the way, I say 'so' A LOT; it's a little ridiculous. Please bear with me.). Today in church, my pastor talked on the importance of being good stewards with what God has blessed us with. The sermon focused mainly around monetary, but it applies to a number of areas. The main teaching Scripture Dale (my pastor) used today was Proverbs 30: 7-9. A little funny for me, 1) because I blogged on it about a month ago after reading it and 2) I have been praying this exact Scripture over my life for the past few weeks.

I think it is so interesting how God is working! And so I'm bring you all back to this Scripture as well. Proverbs 30:7-9 says: "Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say 'Who is the LORD?' or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God." (ESV)

Once again, I reiterate what I have said before, in that I love what Agur asks of God. He does not ask for a comfortable, pleasant life. He asks God to keep him steadfast in his pursuit of Him; he begs God to help him be a man of integrity; and he prays that God would only fill him with what is necessary, that in all he does, he may bring praise and glory to the Father. What a prayer! And that is why I am praying it for myself. That is what I beg of God to do--to pour His strength in me so that I would stand tall in Him! So that I would be a man on fire and living to bless His name alone. These are hard words to put into practice, but they are definitely full of meaning and a worthy pursuit (I believe THE only worthy pursuit) to push after.

Another thing happened today that reminded me of this prayer and, very ironically, tied very well to Dale's message. If anyone was wondering, I am not the most stable financial person. I will be very clear on that. I am 22, and just out of college, and working on some debt. But today, I wrote out some checks to pay my bills. After I finished that this morning, I looked at what would be in my bank account after those bills went through. I found I had a substantial amount of money left over. As I was driving to church this morning, I very much felt God telling me to be wise with these funds. I will say that when I have an abundance of money, I tend to spend it very easily. I believe that the responsibility I have for the rest of this month is to be wise with those funds in how I use them, so that I honor God. After reflecting a little more, I posed the question to myself if this was God, in a way, honoring/answering this prayer by providing for me now, that I might be responsible during this season of my life, and prepared for one to come. Just a little food for thought.

Okay, that turned into a very long post! Feel free to comment in anyway! I love seeing comments on here!

Be blessed by His amazing grace!

2009-05-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

Well, hello on this beautiful day in Fargo! It's nice to see the sun again, even if it is only for a few more hours...

So, to say the least, I have had a really good week. It has been enjoyable but all the busyness that is ahead is soon to be here. And I don't quite know if I'm prepared! :S

Yesterday, I undertook another endeavor. Along with writing a vision statement and coming up with a plan for the young adult program here at Atonement, I also volunteered myself to direct a Bible Study on Sunday mornings over the book of Romans. Romans is an excellent book and we are studying it all over the summer at our church. There is so much to explore and I'm excited were offering an opportunity for depth and growth in our church like this. I am way excited. And at the same time, I have to rely on God to lead me through this.

God is doing some great things too here at Atonement! I am really excited for how He is stirring up revival in the hearts of the members of our congregation and it will be awesome to see how that plays out.

I was reading in Genesis this morning about Jacob and Esau's reunion, and I still am flabbergasted at Esau's answer to his estranged brother. He runs to him, embraces him, and loves him so completely. I can believe Esau went through terrible ordeals to get over his pain at his blessing (or the blessing he thought was his, but not God) being stolen, and yet he is full of mercy and forgiveness. I love the picture it paints of our Heavenly Father doing the same for us. Though we have bashed Him, lied to Him, flat-out denied Him, He still covers us in His grace and out of what His Righteous Son did on our behalf on the cross, we too are overwhelmed in His mercy. He can run to us and allow us pardon for all our sins! What a gracious God we serve. Love Him! =)

Hope you all have a very blessed day! God's peace.

THE 7TH of MAY!!!

2009-05-07T11:47:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

So the 7th of May, huh?! [That's totally just so I can snicker at how corny I am! (please laugh, it'll make me feel better!) ] =)

Well, today is absolutely gorgeous (again!) and as typical, I'm stuck inside working! Ugh! I tell ya! But God is still good! Very good indeed!

So today, I started going to a new small group. In this group, we're going to read the book "Axiom" by Bill Hybels, and I am really excited. The one thing that is interesting though is I'm the only one under 25. Oh, how I've missed being the young one in a group (can't you tell I drip with sarcasm...sorry). But I have heard many things about this book, all good. And that really gets me pumped! Some of the men in the group I've recently gotten to know very well, and one of the biggest things I am overjoyed about is learning some of the leadership developments these men have put into place in their lives. I love intergenerational learning and it energizes me to get the opportunity to "pick" these guys' brains. I'm weird, I know.

I want to share a little piece of Scripture I've been praying the past few weeks and this one has really sharpened me. It has been my benediction every day, and I love it. Ephesians 3: 20-21 says, "Now to him who is able to do immeasureably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen." (NIV, italicis mine) That little piece dramatically spoke to me this morning, as I was reminded that while I pray (and I believe I pray boldly), I want God to do immeasureably more than I even ask in the lives I lay before Him! I want Him not only to meet that which I pray for, but to exceed it beyond all I could even understand, all according to His will. And I know He can! I know He can! He is that big of a God in my eyes and my heart, and I long for that to be so in the lives of those I pray for and those I meet and know!

To Him be the glory! In Jesus we live!!!

Brandon

CINCO DE MAYO!

2009-05-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

Hope you again are having a beautiful day! God sure is good and His grace anoints each and every moment of our being. What a wonderful, merciful God we serve!

So, this past weekend I went to Sioux Falls to see my cousin give her profession of faith! That was so cool and I am so proud of her! However, on the way down, I didn't know if I was going to even live! My dad drove us in my grandma's new car, and I really wonder if he just wanted to see how good the brakes were. But boy, did they work well! All 9 times he used them!

And the funny thing about that is the things he was braking to were little, indifferent things, such as someone using their turning signal and then pulling into his lane...while being 20 feet ahead of him! I've decided I'm not letting my dad drive in a big city with me as a passenger for a long while! Bless his heart, I love him, but he cannot drive in big cities to save his life! Woo.

On to other things, (you all are probably wondering me true affections toward my dad now...), God really opened my eyes to a very cool verse. I'm just going to share the verse here as I don't want to ruin the surprise for the kids I'm teaching Bible study to this week over this verse. But be ready to learn what God spoke to me in these verses. Ephesians 2: 8-10 says "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

It is by God's grace that we are alive! It is solely by that alone that we know this new life in Christ and what He desires more from us! So, until next time, I'm just going to leave you with that! Hope you all have a very blessed evening and enjoy God's provision!

In Jesus,
Brandon

MAY DAY!!!

2009-05-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! It's May Day--and it is GORGEOUS here in Fargo! Woo! Always exciting when the weather is beautiful out! =)

Well, it has been a long week, but it has definitely been a lot of fun! And the weekend will be here shortly!!! There are two things I am definitely REALLY looking forward to--hanging out with my roommates (a little roommate date) and going to Sioux Falls to attend my cousin's profession of faith!!! A little bonding time with the family is always good! =)

So, as I enter into the month of May, yesterday I really contemplated my life over the past year and over the past few months. The one exceedingly great thought that was drawn to the forefront was God's passionate love for me and His complete provision! Almost a year ago, I was looking for a job and couldn't find one. And then, I got two! I worked for half a year at a Christian bookstore and as a server in a restaurant. Then God opened another door for me to have the job I currently work at. It has been so awesome and I love this job!

Another way God provided was giving my roommate Scott and I another awesome brother and roommate--James. It was a year ago that a friend of ours came to us and told us he and his brother would like to live with us. Then, that guy got another sweet job and moved out, but we had his brother. And what a fun roommate James is! God is good!

I've seen Him work in so many fantastic ways over the past few months and I am just perplexed and in awe of how wonderful He is. I look at the challenge Paul poses in 1 Thessalonians 4:1 which says, "Finally brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more." (NIV) I am blown away by my call to persevere, yet I know and can testify that God has and will continue to protect me in His care. He has never abandoned me, nor will He ever. And that, indeed, is amazing grace.

So today, I just praise God for His blessings and look forward to the next year to come. What a wonderful God we serve. Be encouraged and be blessed by Him!

2009-04-27T08:38:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

What a blessing it was to go the conference in Chicago! I had an excellent time and I just wanted to share some thoughts from the speakers I heard.

God has a relentless passion for us. This is evident in Scripture. We look at it and know that His love has infused each and every part of us, never letting us go, but ALWAYS sustaining us. We know that He has kept us and draws us to Him by His own goodness and mercy. And through that we can know that even though passion and fire may wane toward Him, we are never put out!

When at the conference, I heard two very important speakers address the Holy Spirit in their sermons. The first man, Francis Chan, talked about the difference between the church in Acts and the church now. I was so blown away but his candid revelation of the church today. In Acts, that church was unstoppable because they allowed the work of the Holy Spirit to do what It wanted to do and accomplish. In comparison, the church today is stoppable, utterly and totally. And what a sad, sad thing that is. Where is the fire? Where is our desire to be activated by the Holy Spirit? Francis Chan is right in saying that we've forgotten it.

Another preacher delved deeper into this topic. Harvey Kerry is a pastor in the poorest area code in the nation, Detroit, MI. Pastor Kerry said that the reason the church is so stoppable is because we don't know who we are, we've forgotten the power we have, and when that has happened, we've lost the power. "Changed people change people" is a quote he left us with, nothing that when the power of God encounters us, we are never the same, and that is what we cannot forget. Even further, he said (and I love this) "You can't change others until the change has happened in you."

So, church of America, have we forgotten to encounter God in our daily lives? Since when did He only become available on Sunday? We, the called and faithful, need a new declaration! We need to be witnesses, no matter how much we love our comfort. Get out of that complacency! If we want a world to change, we must remember the power of God dwelling in us to relate that change to the world. We need to seek God, we need to fast, we must continue casting vision, and rely on His strength and provision! Where have our hearts forgotten this?

I am filled with passion to transform the faith of our generation and the ones to come! Who will join me? Ask God to give you that passion! Future generations need our passion for the Gospel! And it indeed is good news!

Be blessed y'all.

2009-04-20T16:25:00.000-07:00

"Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say 'Who is the Lord?' or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God." Proverbs 30:7-9 (ESV)

Hello again! Just wanted to say a quick word--plus I hope you all had a blessed Easter!

I read this prayer this morning and it really spoke to my heart. It talks about being a truthful person, always subservient to God. I love what is written about being neither rich nor poor. I long for this prayer to be the one that I pray continually.

I am so excited for this week! I am going to a conference in Chicago and I think it will be phenomenal. The teachings I am going to look exceptional and they should be great.

But that's all I got for now! Sorry it's not much!

God bless!

Brandon

2009-04-13T11:02:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone!

Uffda! It's been awhile since I've posted on here! I hope everyone is doing great!

Today, I've been working on curriculum for an awesome opportunity for the youth and young adults of Fargo/Moorhead for this summer. It's called FEED and I believe it will be awesome! I'm so excited that we're going to do something like this in Fargo! I hope people come and are really stretched in their faith!

Also, today, I've been listening to country music...I have to say that I believe there is nothing better! :)

Well, along with fighting a flood over the past few weeks, I've been catching up on some reading. I guess catching up isn't the right phrase to use; more like getting into some deeper reading. I have recently finished a wonderful book called "The Pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer. It's an excellent read, and I highly recommend it. I also started a new book by John Piper called "Finally Alive." It's very interesting so far, but I really am enjoying it too.

And, of course, I'm still running and training for the marathon. This weekend I'm set to run 20 miles--Woo! But I'm excited! I love running!

Well, I hope everyone is doing well and you all had a blessed Easter! Christ is risen indeed! God bless you all!

Romans 7: 4-6

Brandon

2009-03-20T13:03:00.000-07:00

Hey All!

It is another gorgeous day in Fargo--I'm so loving the weather and am getting used to it sticking around! :)

But on a sad note, my Bison lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament. :( They played a great game, but just were unable to overcome the national champs!

Other than that, I am NOT looking forward to this pending flood. We are already in a warning stage and UGH! I'd just rather not. The one bad thing about living next to a river and having no hills on an entire half of a state.

So I was reading one of my devotionals this morning and it was about our distractions. The reading was from Isaiah 44:3-8, where God was telling Isaiah about the idolatry of the people. They denied God His ability to work in them. Then in brought up how we become distracted and failed to put God always first. It struck a nerve in me. There are many things I feel I need and want, yet they stop me from completely pursuing the Father.

I quickly ran to the grocery store after reading this, and I did the usual thing I do, start turning on the music and pumping the jams. In the mornings, I'm almost always listening to contemporary worship or music of that sort. This morning I turned it on, and thought, "why do I need this? Shouldn't I be talking with God?" I quickly turned off the music and started pouring my heart out to the King. I know I am a work in progress, and prayer is what I need--that constant communication with my Savior. I was glad that I took the time to open up to God, even if it was just a few moments.

I am trying to contemplate more what drags me away from God. Though these things are not inherently bad, they do draw me away, when God created them to draw me near.

But God is faithful. He knows my weaknesses and downfalls, and still He loves me. He sees only His Son when He looks at me. And that is power.

Have a wonderful weekend! God bless!

2009-03-16T17:43:00.000-07:00

First off, can I say that today was an absolutely gorgeous day!?! Wow! It was beautiful!

God is so wonderful, and my heart has definitely been receiving a lot from Him.

I'm still reading the book "One Month To Live" and in it there was a question a few weeks ago about the area in our life that we're at. I was thinking this over and today with the beautiful weather, I noticed a heart change from when I first read this.

Yesterday was a bummer day for me, at first. I was just in the mood to be with people, but God needed me with Him. I started to get down that I was by myself, but God set me straight. I was listening to some worship music and I felt a deep sense to just praise Jesus. And so I did. I spent an hour just worshiping Him. I let the tears flow, even though I did wonder where they came from, and felt such sweet release. After that, I opened the gospels up and felt such a fire for them. What wonderful words are written in the Bible!

And today it seemed to be true as well. I was just excited! I bought a new cd today full of country gospel and I cranked it up and had the windows down (it was 40 degree weather, so not bitter cold) and just sang praise. Never so recently have I experienced such freedom, and its all stemming from my love of my Savior. "I just keep falling in love with you over and over, all things pass, all things brand new, my lips shall praise thee, joyfully give you glory, while lifting my hands in your due, I just keep falling, falling in love with You!" (Check out CeCe Winans "Falling in Love")

Man our Saviour is great! I keep falling in love with Him. Wow! Thanks be to Jesus for this wonderful weather--a new spring is here!

2009-03-13T13:50:00.000-07:00

There are signs of spring! I am so excited!!!

I have to run 17 miles tomorrow for the marathon! It is going to be so wet-but I don't care, SPRING is almost here!

Ok, enough of my ranting, I'm just so excited. I think it is going to be a wonderful spring!

Have a great weekend all! God bless!

2009-03-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I hope everyone is doing well. Just wanted to say how much I am loving reading the book "One Month To Live." It has been challenging to me, but very rewarding.

I wanted to share the experience I had yesterday after following the calling and challenge from day 7 of the book. In that day it talked about actually kick-starting our lives into gear and really living passionately for God. One of the challenges at the end of the chapter asked us what would we be doing if we knew we couldn't fail for God and we didn't have any barriers stopping us. I immediately thought of preaching! I wanted to do that and I knew that was what God had been putting on my heart.

Well, as you all know here in Fargo, the weather was beyond terrible--it was downright nasty! So, I knew we would not be having drama practice that evening. However, I was wondering what or if there would be a service that night. So I took a chance. I had written a sermon a while ago and I decide to ask Dale, our senior pastor, if I could give that message. He let me.

So last night, for the first official time, I gave a sermon to a congregation about our need to feel younger, to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ as children, and to walk boldly in faith with confidence in God and His plan. And I feel it went well. It felt very cool engaging the audience and getting them following along. I planted some seeds last night. I don't know if I'll ever see them come to fruition, but I did it.

While I would have gotten the place of where that first time would come, I know God wanted me submitted to Him and listening to Him in order to let that chance come. I'm really glad He humbled me into reading this book and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I hope all of you get the chance to be challenged and be rewarded for your faith! We are meant to humbly trust Christ and know that what is beyond is the better. "So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen, eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)

God bless!

2009-03-06T14:34:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! This is my first post--I've never blogged before, so I thought I'd just say hi for this first one! Excited to see everyone else's posts! :)

God bless!-