Tag: #eyesonjesusandshine

Get Excited For A New Thing.

~ Lisa Brittain

God says He’s doing a new thing. He’s asking us, “Do you not perceive it?” Then even before we know how to answer, God simply begins to explain what He’s already causing to happen in the EARTH.

You might feel like resisting this message. I know we’re all still sore from 2020, and 2021 hasn’t exactly felt like the antedote for which we were hoping. So may I challenge your vision just a bit?

Look deeper. Look closer.

Ask Holy Spirit to help you see beyond the obvious.

Maybe just stop. Sit still.

Look again.

Can you see it?

The sprouts are beginning to pop up out of the ground. The seeds planted long ago, lovingly watered, prayed over and believed for…


These sprouts, they all have names. They are our children – sons and daughters. They are our grandchildren. Do you see it?

Do you see that these are they? These are the ones with whom God is doing a new thing in the Earth.

Will you trust God for the new thing He is doing? Will you ask Him to fill you with faith? Love? Courage? Belief?

We older ones who have walked this journey a bit longer; we are the ones who need to look and look again. We are the ones who need to catch a vision of what God is doing in our sons and daughters. Because we are the ones who will contend for them.

Unfortunately, our young ones have not learned to contend in prayer for themselves. Sadly, we’ve not diligently taught our sons and daughters how to encourage themselves in the Lord. The depths of God’s word have not yet been stirred by the youngest among us.

Do you remember Elijah praying with his head between his knees? Interesting reading in 1 Kings 18. {Go. Read it for yourself.}

Elijah was travailing in prayer to our Lord God Almighty to bring rain in a drought. In the middle of crying out to God, Elijah sent his servant to go look for any sign of a cloud.

The servant went and looked. He brought back a negative report. Undeterred, Elijah continued to send his servant back with the admonition to look again.

Finally, on the 7th trip out, he saw a small cloud like a fist coming up from the sea. Don’t you know how ecstatic he was to bring a good report to Elijah?

I beseech you. Look again.

Look with faith eyes. Ask God to remind you of all the dreams you’ve had for your children. Remember God’s promises to you as you cradled that babe in your arms. Recall in faith the hope of life and believe that God is Redeemer.

Restorer. Resurrector. Healer. Deliverer. Mighty to save!

Thus, it is up to us to look up and scan the heavens for the tiniest semblance of a cloud, and declare out loud that we will trust God for the new thing He is doing in our sons and daughters.

God’s doing a new thing in the generations… Do you perceive it?

Eyes on Jesus and Shine,

~Lisa

Who wants to get clean?

Featured ~ Lisa Brittain

Many are fasting at the beginning of the year. I’m one of those who doesn’t love to fast, but loves the cleansed, purified feeling after the fast.

I’m choosing to consecrate myself through a 21 day fast because it’s the best way for me to stay focused on Jesus right now. Intentional fasting is the best way for me to focus on what He is asking me to do this year. {Watch. Weep. Whisper.}

The process of consecration is hard, not pleasant and generally not my idea of a fun time to schedule on my calendar. However, I have submitted to the process enough to now realize the amazingly, glorious benefits.

Kind of like scheduling a teeth cleaning with my dentist. I can’t say that I love the teeth cleansing process. I do love my dentist and I do love his wonderful staff. Yet, they are not motivation enough for me to submit to the process.

What is motivation enough is the end result. You see, I have submitted to the process enough that I fully understand what I will receive at the end. And I absolutely love the fresh results of having my mouth thoroughly cleansed.

Furthermore, because I am of a mature age and experience, I’ve learned that when I take better care of my mouth in between cleanings, the process is not nearly so difficult.

So, I choose to fast from certain foods during these 21 days. More importantly, I am choosing to look at Jesus during these days. I am choosing to watch for Him. Weep with Him. And whisper my gratitude for His goodness.

I trust that this consecration time will remind me of His purity and how good it is to stay right up close to Jesus. In a dark and scary world, He’s my nightlight. He keeps me at peace, settles my nerves, and helps me sleep through the night.

How are you doing? I know it’s a scary time for so many. Exciting too, which comes with it’s own feelings and pitfalls. Would you like to have peace? Do you need a nightlight? How about drawing near to Jesus who never sleeps and never abandons His own?

Would you like to spend 21 days of focus on Jesus? I hope so. Let me know you are joining in and I will pray for you in the process. I know you will be ecstatic over the results.đź’–

Eyes on Jesus and Shine,

~Lisa

Steadfast

~ Lisa Brittain

Psalm 11

Lord, don’t You hear what my well-meaning friends keep saying to me: “Run away while you can! Fly away like a bird to hide in the mountains for safety. For your enemies have prepared a trap for you! They plan to destroy you with their slander and deceitful lies. Can’t you see them hiding in their place of darkness and shadows? They’re set against you and all those who live upright lives.”

But don’t they know, Lord, that I have made You my only hiding place? Don’t they know that I always trust in You? What can the righteous accomplish when truth’s pillars are destroyed and law and order collapse? Yet the Eternal One is never shaken — He is still found in His temple of holiness, reigning as Lord and King over all.

He is closely watching everything that happens. And with a glance, His eyes examine every heart. For His heavenly rule will prevail over all.

He will test both the righteous and the wicked, exposing each heart. God’s very soul detests those who love to resort to violence. He will rain down upon them judgment for their sins. A scorching wind will be their portion and lot in life.

But remember this: the Righteous Lord loves what is right and just, and every godly one will come into His presence and gaze upon His face!

{From The Passion Translation}

Steadfast. I want to be steadfast in faith. Steadfast in love I want to follow after You, Jesus. And then on some days I am weak in persevering.

Thankfully, Father, always is steadfast. Forever faithful. He is eternally true.

I praise You, Jesus, that You are steadfast in love and persevering in Your pursuit of us. Thank You for never wavering on Your promises, and for always forgiving.

I feast upon Your word and I am rejuvenated. Your living water refreshes my soul. Your steadfast love for us endures forever.

May I learn to live steadfast in love as I come into Your presence and longingly gaze into Your face. May it be said of me that I have been with You, my Lord. Steadfast and true!

Eyes on Jesus and Shine,

~Lisa

Bye bye, American Pie?

Featured ~ Lisa Brittain ~ 4 Comments

This is a “no judgment” zone. These words below are worthy of being shared. Gary and Patricia are my parents. They are elderly, and have lived more of history than I, and maybe you.

I’m sharing this very small platform with my parents because they matter, and their voices are important. We have somewhat lost the wisdom of learning from our elders, and our society is the worse for it. If you choose to read their story and mine, please do as my parents taught me.

“If you have nothing nice to say, keep your thoughts to yourself.”

However, should you desire to engage in respectful and honoring dialogue, please let us know. And thank you in advance!

Before a word is on my tongue, You, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and You lay Your hand upon me.
Psalms 139:4‭-‬5 NIV

Gary & Patricia Milford                                  October 19, 2020

Here’s our story….

A few weeks ago my wife was having a conversation with a Christian neighbor / friend.

During the course of that conversation the subject turned to the upcoming 2020 election and our friend made the following comment; “I believe this election will be the most important election of my lifetime and I further believe that if Biden / Harris win this election, it will be an indication that GOD has turned His back on America.”  (I don’t know if that’s true or not, but this is what I do know………..)

Later, as my wife was telling me about that conversation my mind went immediately back fifty years to a young man, Don McLean who in 1971 wrote, recorded and performed his now famous song, “Bye Bye Miss American Pie”.  The long version of that song is about various events (some tragic) that had occurred in America and how those events impacted the young man’s life.  The last verse, however, is about a future event which had not yet occurred.  He could not foresee the event, but evidently some foreboding caused him to write it down and include it as the final verse in his song.  

  • “I met a girl who sang the blues
  • And I asked her for some happy news
  • But she just smiled and turned away.
  • I went down to the sacred store
  • Where I’d heard the music years before
  • But the man there said the music wouldn’t play.
  • In the streets the children screamed
  • The lovers cried and the poets dreamed.
  • But not a word was spoken 
  • The church bells all were broken
  • And the three men I admire most
  • The Father, Son and The Holy Ghost
  • They caught the last train for the coast,
  • The day………….the music………died.
  • And they were singin’…..
  • Bye bye Miss American Pie
  • Drove my Chevy to the levee
  • But the levee was dry
  • And them good ol’ boys 
  • A drinkin’ whiskey and rye
  • Singin’ this’ll be the day that I die.” 
  • Bye Bye Miss American Pie

Final verse; Don McLean 1971

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.
Psalms 139:16 NIV

The next generation of American Pie.  By Lisa Brittain

Hopefully, you’ve read Mom and Dad’s story, and I hope you will take a moment to read mine from the point of view of the next generation.  My hope and desire is not to persuade you; rather to cause you to ponder before God. I hope you will ask Him all your deepest and most relevant questions.  You, in the next generation, please will you write your story? I pray we, people of all generations, will continue to share our stories even when we disagree regarding the bigger picture of life on planet Earth.  

Our stories are unique.  My parent’s story is their story.  It is part of history, and God always meant for Mom’s story and Dad’s story to be single threads in the fabric of the greater portrait of God’s design.  My story is unique as well, and my story is a thread also.  Your thread is important.  Please receive this truth.  Your thread, your story is unique and important.

So, with that… here I go… jumping in the deep end!

Even though American Pie was released by Don Mclean in 1971, most likely you’re fairly familiar with this song.

Bye-bye, Miss American Pie”
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
Them good old boys were drinking whiskey ‘n rye
Singin’, “This’ll be the day that I die”
“This’ll be the day that I die.”

Dad started singing it while we worked in the shop weaving a new seat on a chair. He stopped singing, and proclaimed, “It’s almost 50 years old, you know? That song came out when you were 9.”  These memories of our shared days gone by are precious to me.  I love stories!  I love true life stories, especially the ones which contain a part of my family history.

Often times, the truth from God’s word mixed together with life experiences and distant memories mingle together with a glistening in Dad’s eyes. Sometimes, as we both get older, the stories are more animated with emotion, and many times shared from a place of growing grace and gentleness.

I can usually tell when a story is about to come forward. His hands get still, and he’s quiet for a moment. The story begins in his eyes, and I can tell that what I am about to hear is important. I want to listen and learn from Dad’s hard earned wisdom for as long as possible.  So, together, we take a moment.  He talks and I listen.

“I remember that old song,” I agreed.   

And I do. American Pie in the fullness of it’s 8+ minutes is etched in my childhood memories. There’s a whole soundtrack of Eagles, Beatles, the Mamas and the Papas, Simon and Garfunkel, and the like; which play behind all the memories of warm days and breezy nights, bikes and trees, the sun and surf of my South Florida childhood. Isn’t it interesting the way a particular song can take you right back to a moment in time?

My childhood years were not peaceful days as we sometimes want to remember the “good old days”. There was much contention and unrest in the 1960’s & 70’s.  Our view of the past generally becomes dulled by time and age.  However, the songs of a culture tell the story of the culture and the signs of the times. When we choose to remember honestly, we have to acknowledge that generations of people were anxious, frustrated, angry and afraid because of the destructive atmosphere invading America during those two decades. People of all ages and cultures were desiring peace and love – seeking hope and unity.

The current atmosphere of division, hate and destruction with all the emotions that go with it, are not new. Unfortunately, we have been here before. Maybe there’s more to learn…

The evening news of my childhood contained graphic pictures of the Viet Nam war, civil rights marches, destructive protests, and a president under investigation.  Hatred, bloodshed, and division invaded our home through the television during my childhood. Current events are not new. And so American Pie was one of those songs that gave people living in that era a ballad with which to express their emotions, questions, and angst.

Suddenly, my Dad pondered out loud, “What if these words are for now?” He was specifically reflecting on the last verse of the song – American Pie

I met a girl who sang the blues
And I asked her for some happy news
But she just smiled and turned away
I went down to the sacred store
Where I’d heard the music years before
But the man there said the music wouldn’t play
And in the streets, the children screamed
The lovers cried, and the poets dreamed
But not a word was spoken
The church bells all were broken
And the three men I admire most
The father, son, and the holy ghost
They caught the last train for the coast
The day the music died

We wondered together: What if this young man wrote, prophetically, of a time when God would actually give up on America? Perhaps in 1971 it seemed to the young song writer, as it seemed to many Americans then, that the fabric of our land was irreparably torn. It’s a relevant question, and I’m so glad Dad brought the question out into the open air.  We rolled the question about – tossing circumstances back and forth. 

Yet, in the end we strolled confidently back to the truth we both know.  He and I both have built our lives on the foundation of God’s truth – the solid rock – and that’s exactly where we landed.  We walked right back to Psalm 139 – the scripture we are currently memorizing together – and stood there smiling in the assurance of God’s love for us.

Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:7-10 NIV

Dad pondered the question…  “What if the upcoming 2020 election results decide whether God (Father, Son and Holy Ghost) gives up on America?”  I honestly do not know the answer to that question.  No one knows the answer to that question, except well, God Himself. However, it is a good and honest question.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalms 139:23‭-‬24 NIV

This I do know.  Whether God ever gives up on America, He will NEVER give up on His children.  He has promised to never leave us or forsake us.  His promises are trustworthy and true. (Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:5)

It would be awful to live in America if God should choose to take His hand of favor from our land. Dad, Mom and I are not the only people asking these questions.  We’re all asking, seeking, and knocking in search of the TRUTH.  Just as in the days of my birth and youth – the turbulent 60’s and 70’s or the war torn years of WWII, into which my parents were both born –many today are asking the same questions again and again. 

Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate His rule with trembling. Kiss His Son, or He will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for His wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him. Psalms 2:10‭-‬12 NIV

Have we as a country gone too far? 

I personally believe that is the wrong question. I believe we’re suffering in our country because the family of God is broken. The bride of Christ has been caught in adultery. The children of God are sleeping. The Church of the Living God has been unaware, uninvolved and selfishly looking for Jesus to step out of heaven signalling the eternal exit route.

Have we, in America, crossed the point of no return? Or has God’s family become so lukewarm that we’ve lost our first love?

God’s greatest commandments are to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Second is to love our neighbor as ourselves. We’re not seeing a whole lot of love in our country right now. The Church should be leading the love parade, but many churches are closed, hiding in fear, and just as divided in speech and action as the unbelieving world around us.

People of God, wake up! Come alive, dry bones! Awaken to the call of God on your life. All of the unbelieving world, in one way or another, are still seeking and longing for peace, love, unity and truth. (Matthew 7:7–8, Jeremiah 33:2–3)

Why aren’t we taking them by the hand, loving them where they are and introducing them to Jesus? Why aren’t we obeying the commands of God? Why aren’t we loving the One who saved us from ourselves?

What if 50 years ago a young man was inspired to write an 8+ minute song, so that all these years later awakening hearts would remember and begin to pray? Do you know Don McLean was told that his song was too long? He was told American Pie would never get radio time. It was just too long and people wouldn’t listen. Yet, fifty years later this song is still getting air time, and another generation knows the words by heart.

Do you know that God called many people such as Noah, Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah (just to name a few) to proclaim a message of truth and salvation to the people of the world?  God has spoken His message through faithful servants throughout all the years of history, but the majority of people didn’t listen.  The message was discounted and scoffed at, but the messengers sent it forth anyway in obedience to God’s calling. I’m worried about being called “weird”; but truly, many people have paid for their obedience with their lives.

Do you know that God sent forth another messenger; this time His very own Son?  The Son of God left His Throne in heaven and put on the lowly flesh of our humanity to proclaim the good news of God’s deliverance.  He came into our world to love and heal, to declare truth and to redeem the broken, and the people He created and breathed into life killed Him for His message. 

Jesus came with a message from His Father that we could, if willing, be adopted into God’s family.  Jesus said that His Father would be our Father.  He would love us as the Father and Son love one another.  Jesus promised that if we were adopted into God’s family we would be united with God as Father and as Son, and that the Holy Spirit of God would come and dwell with us until the end of the age. (Ephesians 1, 1 John 3:1)

I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:23

So, is it the end of the age?  I don’t know.  Are the three we admire most – Father, Son and Holy Ghost – about to take the last train for the coast?  I don’t know. But I have some thoughts…

Here’s where I’ve landed after this whole American Pie pondering…

Curious about the song from 1971, I went to Google. Interestingly, I found a verse which had been written in the song writer’s notes, but never included in the recording. This deleted verse, I think, is more important than those included in the recording. Reading the verse below, I recognize a reminder that God is a God of second chances and more. 

[Deleted Verse]
And there I stood alone and afraid
I dropped to my knees and there I prayed
And I promised him everything I could give
If only he would make the music live
And he promised it would live once more
But this time one would equal four
And in five years four had come to mourn
And the music was reborn
(https://genius.com/Don-mclean-american-pie-lyrics)

When we’re afraid we’ve gone too far, when we feel all alone, and we feel we’ve blown it one too many times; there’s an opportunity to fall to our knees and pray. We might make a promise to give everything we have to give, but really all that is necessary is to give our soul in full surrender to God.

I don’t have all the answers for myself, my family or my land. I’m not quite sure what, if anything, all these words mean about yesterday or today or our future. And quite honestly, I’m not sure why God hasn’t given up on America, or me, way before now.  All I can surmise by His forbearance is that God is exceedingly gracious, merciful and kind.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good ; His love endures forever! Psalm 107:1

Has God turned away from America? Is He about to do so? I honestly do not know.  Nor do you.

What I do know is that if we, who bear Christ’s name, are simply looking for the escape route to heaven, we are living disobedient. We’re not following God’s command to love Him and to love our neighbor. If we’re looking for our way out of all this mess by hiding and staying silent, we’re not following Jesus’ command to go into all the world and proclaim His name. If we’re not healing the sick, clothing the naked, and feeding the hungry with the Bread of Life; we’re simply living disobedient. Why shouldn’t a good Father be upset about that?

God is good and merciful and long-suffering. And I know that whether God gives up on America or not, He will NEVER turn away from His children. He is a good Father, and so He does discipline His children out of His abundant kindness. (Deuteronomy 8:5)

God, our Father, Son, and Holy Ghost may simply be waiting at the coast for His children to turn and run into His loving arms of forgiveness.

Is it bye, bye to America as we have always known her?

Perhaps.

Is that necessarily a bad thing?

Maybe not.

However, Church in America, yes – I mean The Bride of Christ –  it is time for us to wake up and arise. It is time for us to wash the sleep from our eyes. It’s time to go out to the fields and joyfully, triumphantly, bring in the harvest of ripened souls.

It is time for us to purify our thoughts, our lips, and our hearts, our hands and our feet. It is time for the Bride of Christ to consecrate herself and dress for the wedding banquet of the Lamb.

It is time to prepare invitations and make them ready for those who will receive the good news of the Bridegroom. 

It is time for the music to be reborn. It is time to glorify our King, Jesus.

Great is the Lord , and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain.
Psalms 48:1 NIV

If you made it this far, thank you for reading my very long pondering message.  Just like Don McLean, I’ve most often been told, “Your stories are too long.  No one will ever read them.”  That’s okay because you just did.  

Thank you, and may God, our Father, His Son and our Redeemer, and our Comforter, Holy Spirit be glorified.  May Almighty God’s Name be magnified and made famous.  And may I spend eternity in Heaven with you, my friend, so that we can praise God and tell stories forever and ever.  Amen.

PS – I just completed 80 days of reading out loud the word of God from Genesis 1 through Revelation 22:21. Our Zoom community (Healing Strong) began reading on August 1, 2020, and we completed the reading on October 19, 2020.  I highly recommend this journey to all who have questions. 

The reading of God’s Word out loud in community is powerful.  God’s Word is powerful for transformation.  So, if we’re seeking transformation in our land, I recommend we start with personal transformation through the reading and declaring of the Living and Active Word of God.  Give it a try. Take God at His Word. See what happens.

May God bless you with all the richness of His Glorious Light; may you receive His healing and life abundant, and may you spend the rest of your life making His name famous! Amen.

Kindly Correction

Featured ~ Lisa Brittain

I love this verse so much. What if the people who speak to you honestly actually help you the most? Even better, a true friend loves you best by speaking the truth. What do you think about that?

One of the things I appreciate most in life is an honest conversation. Unfortunately, these are rare in today’s world. Rare things only increase in value, so there’s the silver lining, I guess.

Truth speakers help me grow in Christ, in love, in wisdom and in humility.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Taking a stroll down memory lane this morning. I’ve had many supervisors in my life. Many of these leaders had my best interest at heart, and some clearly did not. Yet, I learned valuable life lessons from each one.

One woman stands out particularly as I think back. She heard me (on the job) bragging to coworkers about my exceptional spelling skills.

{By the way, this was 1986 and well before spell check technology. We had no laptops or smartphones. Dictionaries, in hard copy, were part of our workplace resources. And our work was documented in pencil on paper. The large eraser was also our ever present help.}

Perhaps my supervisor had not heard the entire conversation. Several of us 20-somethings were enthusiastically discussing our strengths, but mostly weaknesses regarding the written English language.

Apparently, our supervisor agreed with my self-assessment regarding my lack of grammatical expertise, and so, she let that go. However, she did not hold back as I touted my spelling skills.

From the far end of the conference table her voice arose. I froze hearing my name like a child unaware of a parent’s listening ears. Charlotte corrected me in front of all my colleagues. She listed 2 or 3 words for which I was habitually guilty of misspelling.

My coworkers chuckled. My cheeks became hot and I am sure my entire face was as red as ripe cherry tomatoes. I was dumbfounded. And I was truly frustrated with my supervisor, but not for the reason you might be thinking.

When I was able to speak without tears choking my throat and stinging my eyes, I addressed Charlotte, “Why haven’t you told me this before now?” I sincerely wanted to know why she would know for a fact I was doing something consistently wrong, but had not enough care for me to correct me. Now she, Charlotte, sat dumbfounded.

I asked her to circle the misspellings on my workpapers. Once she returned the papers containing her red marks circling my errors, I grabbed my dictionary to find the correct spelling for each misspelled word. She was correct, and now I had the opportunity to make my own correction. I re-wrote my workpapers ( yes, pencil and paper) and submitted them back to Charlotte.

Since we were working out of town, Charlotte asked if I could visit in her hotel room after dinner. I went and we had a longer than expected conversation about the events of the day. Charlotte was still intrigued by my desire for truth and correction. Perhaps, she had counted on me being offended rather than grateful.

I explained to Charlotte that I had lived deceived regarding truth for the most of my life. However, in those 20-something years, I met a young man who was willing to be a true friend by telling me that my life was on the wrong path. He honestly and painfully addressed some of the reasons for my obvious sadness and frustrations with life. He was willing to challenge me to read the Bible.

Before I left, I thanked Charlotte for speaking up, and I asked her to address anything she saw in me that might need correction. I hoped she would do it from a sincere heart. And I challenged Charlotte to read the Bible for herself.

I’m not sure I ever worked under Charlotte’s supervision after that week. Honestly, I don’t know what ever became of Charlotte. However, I promise you, every time I begin to spell those certain words I think of Charlotte with a smile, and gratitude.

Thank You, Jesus, for the many people You allow to intersect my life’s path. Help me today to be a friend seeking truth, and sharing truth in love. I thank You, Jesus, for Charlotte, and pray she is now adopted into Your heavenly family. I thank You for every Charlotte I am yet to meet. Continue to grow me up in wisdom, truth, grace and humility for Your glory, and to exalt Your name in my corner of the world.

Eyes in Jesus and Shine,

~Lisa

God Breathed

Featured ~ Lisa Brittain

There’s not one current human issue that has not been covered in the Bible. Not one! God is not shy about discussing every topic under the sun.

RELEVANT:

Upon invitation from a dear neighbor couple, I linked my desire for God’s word with a local Healing Strong group, and we corporately began our journey from Genesis to Revelation on August 1, 2020. We have just finished reading through the book of Jonah.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Reading straight through the Bible in 75 days is exactly what I’ve needed during this strange year. It’s not too late to join in by Zoom.

There’s much discussion on all forms of media regarding the chaotic and divisive landscape of our American society. Each point of view seems to point the blame finger at someone else for causing such hostility, bloodshed and corruption. All the angst threatens to make us silent rather than enter into lively conversations with even our dearest and most loved ones.

Yet, for those of us who are reading together the God breathed scriptures it has become apparent that the current destructive chaos rearing it’s ugly head is not a new phenomenon in our world.  The same evil events are catalogued in the Bible from Genesis all the way through Jonah, to this point. The cause in history, as is now the case, resides with us – faulty and lustful human beings.

Only God is innocent. The rest of us are guilty. Every single one of us.

CONVICTION:

These words we read together in community are the words of the Lord God Almighty. These are the powerful life-giving words of a good Father who has seen and heard it all, and yet loves His children. He is ‘Father Knows Best’ and He is looking for each one of His children to turn toward home.

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Romans 3:23

Joshua Tree National Park, California

As I have been chewing on the inspired words of God’s chronicles unbound by time and space, I am freshly convicted. I recognize through the mirror of His perfecting word the compromises I have made because of the culture (even church culture) in which I have dwelt. The light of God’s magnificent glory is getting brighter as the scales of flesh are falling from my eyes.

The simple and yet disciplined act of reading God’s Word aloud in community has begun it’s work of exposing lies I have allowed to become subtly incorporated into my thinking. Unfortunately, I have simply, slowly over time, allowed the voices of the world to resonate louder than the voice of God in several areas of my life.

God’s word brings conviction because the Word of God is Jesus. When we, who were created in the image of God, stand in the mirror of His perfection we catch a glimpse of how muddied and tattered we’ve become. When God in His Triune nature created us in our mother’s womb we looked much more like Him. However, we were born in the flesh into a corrupt world, which scrapes, cuts, lies and injures the purity of His image in us until we can barely recognize that we were made for Him. And it’s not just corruption from the outside. Our flesh craves sin and we gulp it down of our own free will.

“Then they will know that I Am the LORD.”

God

Over and over, again and again, the Lord inspired Ezekiel to write example after example of God’s created people falling into the deepest pits of the flesh. It’s hard to read because it sounds just like the daily news feeds of our current American society. Yet at the end of each example, God declared that then they would know that He is God. It’s a hard truth, but for most of us it takes coming to the end of our self-sufficiency to bend our will to God’s all sufficiency and saving grace.

Comfort, comfort My People, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.

COMFORT

The living and active word empowered by the Holy Spirit of God washes over my open wounds. The word reveals my broken flesh, and points to my inability to save myself. Holy Spirit reaches in with cleansing and restoration as I submit to correction. Gloriously, the scriptures also expose God’s kindness and love. His grace is on display, and His goodness to create a rescue plan leads me and many others to repentance.

Dana Point, California

If you need encouragement today, open the God breathed scriptures, and read. Let the breath of the Lion of Judah warm your face as you take in His nourishing truth.  Taste and see that the Lord is good. Give thanks to our Father for He is good and His steadfast love endures forever.

You will find in His word the answers you are seeking in these frustrating and fretful days of 2020. You will, if you seek in God’s word, and you ask for wisdom. Jesus wants to uncover His mysteries of love and life to you. If it was true of His encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, it will be true for us who are willing to meet with Jesus, The Word.

But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8

Understandably skeptical, the woman who met Jesus at the well in the middle of the day heard these words from the mouth of Jesus, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.” (John 4:10)

Today, I want to offer you water. I know you’re thirsty. I know you are feeling parched. It’s just an offer. It’s an offer because I care. The cup of cool water is held out simply because I have experienced for myself the relief, the healing and the life received when I turned to the Lord’s glorious solutions for everything I feel and need.

I bless you to take a chance with Jesus today. Take just a sip. Like the woman at the well who sipped and then drank deeply from the cup that is life. Don’t let your doubt, fear or stubborn will keep you from fullness of life and joy. I could be wrong, and I don’t have the answers you so desperately need.

But I know the One who does. Let me have the joy and honor of introducing you through the God breathed, living and active Word. Jesus is The Word, which has endured throughout all of history, and has covered every topic currently discussed in our society. He is not wrong or without victory.

Eyes on Him… You’ll shine!

~Lisa

“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst again.” ~Jesus

Ponders:

1. Be honest with yourself for a moment. What is it that keeps you from receiving a cup of living water? Is your solution to your thirst satisfying and providing fullness of life and joy?

2. Read John 4 and put yourself in the place of the skeptical woman. What’s your response to Jesus?

3. Join HealingStrong.org and finish reading the God breathed, living and active word of the Lord in community with us. You’re welcome!

4. Take time to read the Psalms daily or one of the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah or Ezekiel alongside the book of Romans. What do you read of history that looks, sounds, and feels like it is written from today’s news?

5. I’m praying for you from Psalm 37:1-8. May you meet with Jesus with all your questions and concerns today and find His peace. May you be comforted like never before. May you find yourself feasting at the LORD’s banquet table and experience complete healing and restoration for His glory and the fame of His Name. Amen.

The Power of Words

Featured ~ Lisa Brittain
Picture credit: @YouVersion Bible App

One of the first scripture verses I memorized in my toddling steps following after Jesus in my early twenties was 1 John 4:18.

I was tired of being fearful. A good friend and co-worker recommended that I memorize this scripture. This friend encouraged me to turn God’s word into a prayer – into a conversation with God.

I was desperate for relief from overwhelming fear and anxiety so I was willing to take his challenge.

In the darkest of storm clouds, God shines through. Picture credit: Lisa Brittain

I wrote this verse on an index card, and found myself saying this verse every few minutes the first few days. I carried my index card to work, kept it in my car, and memorized it in my heart.

Over the length of a month I recognized the power of God’s Word to transform my thoughts. Fear was taking a backseat to God’s love for me.

I still felt fearful and anxious many times. Don’t imagine I’m speaking of a magical incantation. The accuser did not immediately run away never to return.

A rainbow after the fiercest storm clouds. Picture credit: Lisa Brittain

However, the more I used the word of God as a sword in prayer, the more my thoughts were transformed. As my thoughts became transformed toward the mind of Christ, the more freedom I experienced.

All these years later, in world and personal circumstances I could have never forseen, this all time favorite scripture truth wields power and clarity in my prayers.

If you have a friend who sends you to the Word of God and challenges you to memorize, pray and study for life transformation, thank God for that friend right now. Thank You Father for giving us brothers and sisters who remind us to go back to Your Fatherly wisdom.

Picture credit: @YouVersion Bible App

If you don’t have such a friend, let’s ask Holy Spirit and Jesus to connect you with a Bible friend today. I know Father has a son or daughter near you and wants to introduce you. So be on the lookout for a new friend who loves God’s word and wants to help you  gain strength, courage and wisdom.

Lord Jesus, Father God, Holy Spirit, thank You for giving us Your word and for connecting us with brothers and sisters in Christ who challenge, love and sharpen us for Victory in living a life that brings honor to Your name!

Standing on tiptoes to see how You are going to answer our requests…

Eyes on Jesus and Shine,

~Lisa

#eyesonjesusandshine #wordofGod #swordofthespirit
#nofear #love #transformation

Refreshment

Featured ~ Lisa Brittain

Are you needing some refreshment? It’s only the middle of the week, but it feels like a full week of stuff.

Although I have no idea what stuff has overwhelmed you lately, I imagine you could use some refreshment. I need some too. This word of God from Jeremiah 31 has been the best bread to chew on while I drink my coffee this morning.

Refreshment brings to my mind thoughts of peace. Symbolic of peace, doves are one of my favorite visual reminders. So it didn’t escape my notice when doves began to appear on the power lines in front of our home. I recognized them as significant and a refreshing assurance of Father’s peaceful presence.

He is with me. His Holy Spirit dwells in me. And the Prince of Peace rules and reigns right where I live.

As the virus became a threat and our world shutdown, I began to pray for peace on our street, especially for our elderly neighbors. Daily as I walked and prayed for those behind the windows and those behind the masks, doves began to show up on the power lines. Doves seemed to follow me; one on this street. Two waiting around the corner, and then down into another cul de sac, I spied three more.

So obvious and significant has been their daily presence that I intentionally turn my eyes to acknowledge their presence. I say right out loud to them, “I see you doves of peace!”

Occasionally they are absent, and I am prompted to prayer. I want to know why they’ve left. I have wondered with God, “Did something happen here to break the peace.” Wondering why the doves are hidden can lead me to ask Jesus to search my own heart and bring to mind any offense needing forgiveness. I end my ponderings by asking Father to call the doves back and restore to me the tangible presence of His peace.

You might think all of this odd. It’s not strange to me at all. This communication style exemplifies the relationship I have had with my heavenly Father since I was a little girl.

Even before I surrendered my whole heart and life to Jesus, I experienced a unique way of seeing God’s interaction in my life, and subsequently developed my own way of communicating with Him. He spoke my child-heart language then and still grabs my attention decades later.

God doesn’t find His unique communication styles odd. But then again the very essence of God is wholly other. He is holy. There’s none like Him.

If you read through the Bible, you will find some amazing and rather interesting encounters God has with His creation. Check it out for yourself. God spoke out of a burning bush, in dreams and visions, through a donkey and by way of angelic messengers – just to get you started. He’s creative. He’s God!

My Creator knows me personally, and I have come to trust that He is highly personal. He designed me to understand Him in a way that is as individual as my fingerprints. My relationship with the Holy Trinity is not odd. It’s simply unique, personal and consistent.

Peace, unfortunately, has not been consistent over the many months of this strange year. Just in our tiny corner of the world we’ve experienced some of the most bizarre situations, which have threatened to pit neighbor against neighbor. However, the doves keep showing up to remind me to pray, and to remind me that my Prince of Peace is here.

Peace, I’m learning is not the absence of conflict; it’s a determined resolve to be controlled by it. Trouble is guaranteed this side of heaven. Jesus said so.

Jesus also said He would be with us always. He stands holding a firm grip on me when the storm winds howl. He’s never leaving. Jesus is never turning away. Even when chaos threatens our community, Jesus speaks, “I am here. Do not be afraid.”

I’m receiving His refreshment today. I’m watching for doves in my neighborhood. I’m thanking Him for being here.

You’re invited to receive His refreshment. Join me below for some of your own ponderings.

Eyes on Jesus and Shine,
Lisa

Ponders:

1. From what do you need refreshment? Are you willing to tell Jesus how undone you feel and why?

2. What visual or what other of your five senses helps you recognize God’s presence? What symbolizes the peace of God for you?

3. If this very personal form of communication with God is a new concept, are you interested in experiencing more intimate interaction with your heavenly Father? Why not ask Him today to speak your heart language?

4. Schedule time for your favorite form of refreshment. Invite Jesus to come along. Expect to experience His presence.

Receive or Reject

Featured ~ Lisa Brittain
From YouVersion Bible App. Daily devotional story – 8/13/20.`

This is a gift! Freely offered. The best gift. God loves us and cares about us. He LOVES you! He LOVES me!

Yet if we don’t stop. Settle our thoughts. Take a minute. Calm our emotions. If we don’t press pause in His presence while His hand is extended, we won’t truly receive His love.

Have you ever wanted to give something to someone that you just knew would bless their socks off? Have you experienced that feeling that you might just burst before you could extend your gift to the one you love?

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.” John 4:10

But what happens to your heart when your gift is taken by an unknown person at the door and left in a pile of other gifts. What happens when you hand your gift to your person and they set it aside for later?

What happens when your person is in a hurry to get to the next gift? What happens to your heart when the one you so wanted to bless is distracted, unaware, and unable to receive your blessing?

A dear friend, the kind that’s willing to look into my dark hiding place, asked me possibly the best question I have ever received. “What will it take for you to believe that I love you?”

Her question stopped my swirling-twirling emotional tornado. Like Jesus commanding the wind and waves. Suddenly everything got quiet. I had no answer for her question.

Intellectually, intuitively I knew she loved me. She was my friend. What other reason would she have for weathering my personal storm?

I mean really who does that?

But I could not answer her question. She spoke again her love and concern for me. She asked me to seek out a counselor who could help me sort, identify, clean out the clutter and become emotionally restored.

I didn’t know how to receive her love at a heart level. However I did receive the gift of her hand and chose to step toward the entrance of my pit. It wasn’t an easy journey. In fact I would say that year of Restoring Your Heart counseling was one of the top five most painful experiences of my life journey.

Good news though. The journey through the weeds was well worth it. The gifts extended toward me by God through loving people became tangible to me. I could see. I could hear. I could think the best of others. I could receive.

Like stepping out of darkness into sunlight.

God is Bigger than emotion. He’s mightier than mushy feelings. God is Almighty and powerful. Jesus is expert at pulling people up out of a pit. He can start or stop anything with a word. And God is especially great at raising dead situations, relationships, and people to life.

Yet, God is also Creator and Father. He loves His creation. He loves you. He desires for you to stop for a moment. Sit. Take a deep breath. And another.

Calm and quiet. Look into His eyes. Hands out.

Now with a little more clarity of mind. With a peaceful heart melted in His presence receive His gift. He loves you. He loves you and gifts you through people with skin on.

You are loved!

Ponders:

First, if you are hurting, but can’t identify the source, please reach out. Call/text someone to come sit with you. Ask for help.

If someone close to you is just not functioning as the person you know them to be, stick your nose in their emotional business. An inkling that “something’s not right” is enough to start a conversation or take action.

1. Of what are you afraid to see if you should you give yourself permission to stop, breathe for 5 minutes, and look at Jesus in His face? Read John 4:39 {the woman’s testimony} slowly. Think about her words as your words. What emotions well up? “He (Jesus) told me everything I ever did.”

2. What has happened to your heart when a sincere gift seemed to be set aside or rejected? Tattle to Jesus. He doesn’t take sides. Ask Him to help you see the full picture.

3. Do you think God feels His love for you is being rejected? Do you know why you can’t believe you are loved? Take a deeper look at John 4:10. Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.” John 4:10 Is it okay to ask Jesus if He feels His gift is being rejected by you?

4. Will you take all your ponderings to Jesus? Will you ask Him to untangle your emotional snares? Will you let Him receive your brokenness so He can give you wholeness?

Take a walk outside. Breathe. Look at creation. Talk out loud. Sit and journal. Do something as a first step to healing. Write your decision down somewhere and date it as a memorial stone of remembrance and a reminder to keep going.

I’m praying for you now.

Father, please help this dear one who is reading this message. Take this broken heart in Your Creator hands and breathe a new heart. Take this dear one’s hands and lead them out of darkness. Bring counselors, a grief community, alongside this precious child of God, an image bearer of Christ so that restoration can begin. Jesus, Light of the world, shine into the pit and carry this dear one to safety. I trust You Lord to rescue, restore and redeem all the pain on behalf of the one reading and for Your Glory.

I give thanks to You Father for You are good and Your steadfast love for Your children endures forever. So be it. Amen.

Eyes on Jesus and Shine,

~Lisa

#eyesonjesusandshine
#psalm131
#daysofpsalms #gethelp #askquestions
#calmandquiet
#receive #giftgiver #youareloved

Born for This

Featured ~ Lisa Brittain ~ 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing a moment with Nahum. He is not a popular read; however, what I know about Nahum is that he was born specifically for his time on Earth. Nahum is a shining part of the great cloud of witnesses, I feel sure of it. {Hebrews 12:1}

Nahum, a man considered a minor prophet, but only by men. Oh, did he live in a wicked time.

Have you ever read Nahum? He wrote about the fall of a wicked kingdom, of oppressors and bloodthirsty rulers. He wrote of the good news that God does not take lightly the shedding of innocent blood.

Nahum. He knew what it meant to trust God. To shelter under God’s goodness in times of trouble. He lived it. Nahum stood on God’s side.

His instruction pamphlet on how to live well in troubling and dangerous times was an important read in his day. It seems to me, Nahum has some sage advice for us in 2020 as well.

More about Nahum

In uncertain times, those of us who are called by the name of Jesus Christ, must herald good news. We must learn to calm and quiet ourselves because our trust and faith is in God Almighty rather than man or science or government.

We must be the light shining and the voice calling out the way to salvation. We must declare the good news of Jesus. We must be the ones who run into danger and care for those who are wounded and lost.

We who are the blood-bought children of God must be salty. We must be bold for sure, but our love must be even more bold than our speech. Our eyes must be turned toward Jesus with our gaze fixed on Him. Our hearts must be tuned to the sound of His voice.

We must be fitted with His armor. The armor He made specifically for you and me to wear as we head out into the world. {Ephesians 6}

Voices from all sides shout, “It’s dangerous out there! Stay in and stay safe!!” Nowhere in the New Testament of the Holy Bible do I read that Jesus commanded us to stay in and stay safe, except for the loving admonition to stay in Him.

In fact, Jesus told His followers the absolute truth. He warned us that we would have trouble in this world if we wear His name, serve Him, and carry His cross. He informed us that we have an enemy, that we would face many trials, and that we should be ready to walk with Him through the valley of the shadow of death for the sake of making His name famous. Jesus told His followers to count the cost. Finally, Jesus commanded us to go and to be His witnesses around the world.

So, why must we live counter-culture? We could never repay Christ for His redemption. Yet, we do have the honor and the privilege of representing Christ as His witnesses. The marching orders have been issued, and we are His soldiers deployed on the Earth to spread God’s Good News message of resurrection life for all who will receive.

In the historical records, my name won’t be great. No one will read of my adventurous exploits in the name of Jesus. My name won’t become a book nor a movie. None of that matters because I am known by God in Heaven. If one day I should meet even one person in Heaven who would say that I introduced him or her to Jesus my minor life will have counted for much.

I am His and He is mine. The Living Word of God tells me that I am His daughter sealed by His Holy Spirit. The opinion that we are living in extraordinarily wicked and volatile times seems to be shared by most in my circles. My Savior is worthy of calling me up, and I will obey His call.

For such a time as this, I was created in the image of God. Born for adventure, my Creator designed me. Extremely honored am I to get to live salty, exemplifying bold love in a dark and dangerous world. I won’t stay in and stay safe. Like Nahum, I was born for more!

Ponders:

1. Have you spent a concentrated time recently examining the idea that you were meant to live on planet Earth for such a time as this? Would you be willing to schedule a dedicated time this week to ponder your place in history?

2. What questions do you have for Jesus a) regarding our world? b) His call on your life? How about scheduling a lunch date with Jesus so you can enjoy a lengthy conversation with Him?

3. Have you ever counted the costs of following Jesus through the darkest valley? Are there aspects of your spiritual maturity that you would like to dedicate to God’s transformational power?

4. Will you take time daily over the next 21 days to write a short note to Jesus thanking Him for the places you witnessed His presence? Then will you take time to listen to His heart for you in those moments? Will you receive His care and love for you?

Eyes on Jesus and Shine,

~Lisa

https://bibleproject.com/videos/nahum/