I just finished reading an amazing book by Rob Bell called Sex God, and thought the following passage was so powerful and spirit-breathed that I just had to share it with you. Allow the words to build up your soul and warm your heart:
"You don't need a man by your side to validate you as a woman. You already are loved and valued. You're good enough exactly as you are. Do you believe this? Because it's true. You have limitless worth and value. If you embrace this truth, it will affect every area of your life, especially your relationship with men.
You are worth dying for.
Your worth does not come from your body, your mind, your work, what you produce, what you put out, how much money you make. Your worth does not come from whether or not you have a man. Your worth does not come from whether or not men notice you. You have inestimable worth that comes from your creator.
You will continue to be tempted in a thousand different ways not to believe this. The temptation will be to go searching for your worth and validity from places other than your creator.
Especially from men.
But you don't have to give yourself away to earn a man's love. You're better than that. You're already loved.
When you give too much of yourself away too quickly, when you show too much skin, you're not being true to yourself. When you dress to show us everything, then in some sense we have all shared in it, or at least been exposed to it. There is a mystery to you, infinite depth and endless complexity.
As the woman says in Song of Songs, "My own vineyard is mine to give." In the ancient Middle East, a vineyard was a euphemism for sexuality. She is saying that she doesn't give herself to just anyone. She is fully in control of herself, and she is not cheap and she is not easy.
Your strength is a beautiful thing. And when you live in it, when you carry yourself with the honour and dignity that are yours, it forces the men around you to relate to you on more than just a flesh level.
You are worth dying for."
(Sex God, Copyright 2007 by Rob Bell)
Love Brooke
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Magnificent Obsession
Have you ever talked with someone who is obsessed with sport? Or schoolyard gossip? Or computer games? Every conversation you have with them, they end up turning it around to their favourite topic, regardless of anyone else's interest. Can get old fast, can't it?!
How about you - do have something (or someone) you're obsessed with? Some celebrity or star whom you constantly think about? A dream for the future that colours every decision you make?
Did you know God has an obsession as well? Yep - He has one all-consuming thought that has actually changed the course of history...
You
It's true. The Word tells us that God's thoughts towards us outnumber the sand (Psalm 139:18) - wow! He doesn't just think about you from time to time, but deeply cares about every little aspect of your life. Everything He does is bless you and draw you closer to Him. In fact, he is so obsessed with you and your wellbeing that He sacrificed His own son to pay your debt of sin.
You might say that's a Magnificent Obsession! (A term I have admittedly borrowed from Lloyd C Douglas' novel - a great read!)
While we might sometimes wonder if God even notices us and the problems that plague our lives, be assured that we are not only on His mind, but forever planted in His heart. We are His everything, just as He desires to be to us. And when we fully understand this truth, obsessions with celebrities, sports, social status or calorie counting will become an unimportant thing of the past.
Love Brooke
How about you - do have something (or someone) you're obsessed with? Some celebrity or star whom you constantly think about? A dream for the future that colours every decision you make?
Did you know God has an obsession as well? Yep - He has one all-consuming thought that has actually changed the course of history...
You
It's true. The Word tells us that God's thoughts towards us outnumber the sand (Psalm 139:18) - wow! He doesn't just think about you from time to time, but deeply cares about every little aspect of your life. Everything He does is bless you and draw you closer to Him. In fact, he is so obsessed with you and your wellbeing that He sacrificed His own son to pay your debt of sin.
You might say that's a Magnificent Obsession! (A term I have admittedly borrowed from Lloyd C Douglas' novel - a great read!)
While we might sometimes wonder if God even notices us and the problems that plague our lives, be assured that we are not only on His mind, but forever planted in His heart. We are His everything, just as He desires to be to us. And when we fully understand this truth, obsessions with celebrities, sports, social status or calorie counting will become an unimportant thing of the past.
Love Brooke
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Friday, November 23, 2012
Back on Board
Hi all!
I know it's been quite a while since I uploaded a new post, but I'm finally back and I have exciting news:
I'm a Mum!!
Our beautiful cheeky daughter was born on 6th September and we are loving every minute with her. As you might imagine, I have been quite distracted by her and the whole experience over the past few months and consequently writing has been the last thing on my mind. But we are now settled into our new lives and my thoughts once again turn to you guys - the youth I love and are called to serve. I'm looking forward to getting back to sharing more thoughts, dreams, challenges and inspiration with you all.
And to celebrate, here is a little glimpse of the cuteness and beauty that I am so blessed to be surrounded by every day now...
Love Brooke
I know it's been quite a while since I uploaded a new post, but I'm finally back and I have exciting news:
I'm a Mum!!
Our beautiful cheeky daughter was born on 6th September and we are loving every minute with her. As you might imagine, I have been quite distracted by her and the whole experience over the past few months and consequently writing has been the last thing on my mind. But we are now settled into our new lives and my thoughts once again turn to you guys - the youth I love and are called to serve. I'm looking forward to getting back to sharing more thoughts, dreams, challenges and inspiration with you all.
And to celebrate, here is a little glimpse of the cuteness and beauty that I am so blessed to be surrounded by every day now...
Love Brooke
Friday, April 13, 2012
Heroes in History
Whether or not you are an avid reader, no doubt there will come a time (school project, youth group presentation, personal study) when you will have an opportunity to learn about a famous person and their impact on history.
Rather than the usual picks of Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela or Abraham Lincoln (who were all great men and we should know their stories regardless), may I suggest a few lesser known but equally fascinating men and women, who not only loved Jesus but also made a difference along the way:
C.S. Lewis
Peter Marshall
Smith Wigglesworth
Martin Luther
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
William Wilberforce
Corrie ten Boom
Charles Spurgeon
Amy Carmichael
These are just some of my personal heroes, people who inspire and encourage me. If you don't know their stories, start a Google search today!
Feel free to add to the list - who do you admire and love to learn about?
Love Brooke
Rather than the usual picks of Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela or Abraham Lincoln (who were all great men and we should know their stories regardless), may I suggest a few lesser known but equally fascinating men and women, who not only loved Jesus but also made a difference along the way:
C.S. Lewis
Peter Marshall
Smith Wigglesworth
Martin Luther
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
William Wilberforce
Corrie ten Boom
Charles Spurgeon
Amy Carmichael
These are just some of my personal heroes, people who inspire and encourage me. If you don't know their stories, start a Google search today!
Feel free to add to the list - who do you admire and love to learn about?
Love Brooke
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
The Last Days?
If you're around Pentecostal churches for any lengthy period of time, sooner or later you will probably hear someone say "we are in the Last Days".
Whether or not its true that we are almost at the end of our current history or not, we are commanded, as followers of Jesus, to live each of our days like it is our last on Earth.
Our lives are not to be wasted or spent on our own selfish pursuits as if we have all the time in the world, says Romans 13. The moment of salvation, that end point that seems to invisibly hang over the human race, is closer now than it has ever been before. Paul proclaims "... it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of day... put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts."
Each moment we are given is a gift from God, to be used in bringing Him glory. And while it can be easy to loose focus on our overall purpose, lets be young people who are aware that every second is bringing us closer to the day when we will stand face-to-face with our Savior, and on that day we want to be a generation who can look in His eyes and say: I have loved You with my whole life.
Love Brooke
Whether or not its true that we are almost at the end of our current history or not, we are commanded, as followers of Jesus, to live each of our days like it is our last on Earth.
Our lives are not to be wasted or spent on our own selfish pursuits as if we have all the time in the world, says Romans 13. The moment of salvation, that end point that seems to invisibly hang over the human race, is closer now than it has ever been before. Paul proclaims "... it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of day... put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts."
Each moment we are given is a gift from God, to be used in bringing Him glory. And while it can be easy to loose focus on our overall purpose, lets be young people who are aware that every second is bringing us closer to the day when we will stand face-to-face with our Savior, and on that day we want to be a generation who can look in His eyes and say: I have loved You with my whole life.
Love Brooke
Friday, March 23, 2012
Romance in Reality
I am a huge fan of period dramas. You know - Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Elizabeth Gaskell; those sort of authors. The kind of weepy, sappy, romantic stories that the BBC love to dramatize and men everywhere love to roll their eyes at!
And growing up, all my dreams of the "perfect guy" looked a lot like Mr Darcy, Mr Knightly, Mr Wentworth & Mr Thornton. I was always fantasizing of the day that I would meet my ideal knight-in-shining-armour, complete with perfect manners & poetic declarations of undying devotion.
But like all girlhood daydreams, it wasn't long before that dream was forced to fade in the harsh light of reality.
Have you been in that place before? When you suddenly wake up and realise that life is NOT like the movies?! Did you feel tricked? Betrayed? I'm sure girls everywhere have asked at one stage or another "Why did they get our hopes up that such men exist in the modern world when I see no evidence of it?" It can be very disheartening, and if you're not careful, can lead to despair and hopelessness.
If you feel like this sometimes, I wish you were sitting right next to me now, armed with some tissues and a mochacchino (!), so I could share some truths with you...
When we believe in and base all our hopes on the romance portrayed in the media, we are settling for a very distorted half-truth. While qualities like honour, chivalry, selflessness and affection are real and relevant expectations for us to desire in a man, those qualities can only exist in a real, flawed man - not a Hollywood-painted version of a man with no faults and sin. Anytime we are lucky enough to meet a man who displays some of the character traits we dream about, chances are they will be equally coupled with other less favourable traits that we're not so fond of. That special someone might be the kind of guy who buys you flowers "just because", but at the same time would rather watch the footy with his mates instead of taking you out to a romantic date. This situation doesn't have to dash your hopes of ever finding "The One". You might just have to revise your expectations of what The One looks like.
So when you're thinking about your future partner and dreaming of the day you'll live Happily Ever After, remind your heart of what the Lord says to desire in love. Not a fairytale dream of white horses and golden carriages, but someone who will put your needs ahead of his in the big things and not sweat the little things. Someone who will stick by you regardless of how much you weigh or cry. Someone who will encourage you to grow closer to God, not him. And someone who is constantly seeking to be a better man, for you.
Because true romance (according to the Creator of Love) looks like this:
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
Now that's something to hold out for!
Love Brooke
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Kony 2012
Hi fabulous young people!
Ever feel like you want to make a difference in this world? Want to be part of history instead of just studying it? Want to feel like one person can stand up and be counted? Well... start here:
"Where a child is born should not dermine whether or not they live"
Let's get involved, not just because its the 'hype-of-the-moment', but because standing up for justice is always the right thing to do.
Love Brooke
Ever feel like you want to make a difference in this world? Want to be part of history instead of just studying it? Want to feel like one person can stand up and be counted? Well... start here:
"Where a child is born should not dermine whether or not they live"
Let's get involved, not just because its the 'hype-of-the-moment', but because standing up for justice is always the right thing to do.
Love Brooke
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
The Immovable Truth
I recently watched an old black-and-white film based on the WW2 war criminal trials in Germany. Apart from the superb acting of legends like Spencer Tracey and Burt Lancaster, the thing that struck me the most was the presentation of the ever-relevant struggle between what is legal and acceptable, and what is right and moral.
While I hope our planet never has to face another world war, I believe it is a subject that all people have to face within themselves at one stage or another: To act in accordance with what society (or the pressures of that society) says, or to act in accordance with what their conscience says.
As Christians, we have an added obligation to align our conscience with the truth of the Word of God, and stand in absolute conviction on that immovable standard. I know it isn't always easy to separate truth from personal belief, especially when personal beliefs are often motivated by heart issues; but God's laws stand alone in morality as they are based not on human understanding, logic or ethics, but on His very nature which is as unchangeable and immovable as the Creator Himself.
I am so thankful everytime I read in the Word of His steadfast ways and holy justice, because I know that means that not only am I freed from having to defend myself, but that I am also freed from having to decide on the guilt of others.
There is great comfort to be had in the thought of being a tiny speck in the hand of a good and just God, especially when I come to understand that He is a God who always desires the best for me - that tiny little speck!
We are not alone in our battles, or even responsible for the outcomes. The Lord will always bring about His will in a situation, in His own time & way, regardless of social pressures, laws of the land and human understand. So when God says that He causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him (Rom. 8:28), have confidence that its the Truth.
Love Brooke
While I hope our planet never has to face another world war, I believe it is a subject that all people have to face within themselves at one stage or another: To act in accordance with what society (or the pressures of that society) says, or to act in accordance with what their conscience says.
As Christians, we have an added obligation to align our conscience with the truth of the Word of God, and stand in absolute conviction on that immovable standard. I know it isn't always easy to separate truth from personal belief, especially when personal beliefs are often motivated by heart issues; but God's laws stand alone in morality as they are based not on human understanding, logic or ethics, but on His very nature which is as unchangeable and immovable as the Creator Himself.
I am so thankful everytime I read in the Word of His steadfast ways and holy justice, because I know that means that not only am I freed from having to defend myself, but that I am also freed from having to decide on the guilt of others.
There is great comfort to be had in the thought of being a tiny speck in the hand of a good and just God, especially when I come to understand that He is a God who always desires the best for me - that tiny little speck!
We are not alone in our battles, or even responsible for the outcomes. The Lord will always bring about His will in a situation, in His own time & way, regardless of social pressures, laws of the land and human understand. So when God says that He causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him (Rom. 8:28), have confidence that its the Truth.
Love Brooke
Saturday, February 11, 2012
In Love
February… the month of love!
The month that Hallmark makes it’s entire profit for the year in 2 weeks, the month that teddy bears & flashing novelty items become more than stocking-stuffers for kids, and the month that chocolate appears everywhere in heart-shaped boxes (not that we’re complaining about that last symptom!). Every year at this time, there are movies coming out that try to create a picture of what love looks like. According to the media, love means staying together only as long as you are ‘in love’, it means leaving your boyfriend for a handsome stranger, or sometimes it can even mean becoming a vampire to be together(!).
Let’s have a look at a different picture of love:
God Himself, in human form, sitting in a garden late at night, crying tears of blood in despair because of what He knew was to come, and yet willing to go through with torture, ridicule, betrayal, separation & death itself to be able to once again be with the one He loves—you. The Creator of the heavens and the earth sending the Ultimate Valentine, His only son, so as to be reconciled with his lost children—us.
Let’s spend some “date time” this month rereading His love letter to us: the Gospel, and delight in the love of our Lord, whose love knows no conditions, it simply is, regardless of our mistakes and sinfulness.
Lovers of our legs, smile, personality and talent last but a moment, but the Lover of our soul will continue to desire us long after the focus of the world turns away from Valentines Day. Which is better than a Hollywood storyline any day!
Love Brooke
Friday, February 3, 2012
Giggles
What makes you laugh?
When there seems to be no other way to get out of a slump, brighten a dull day or shake out of lethargy, a good laugh is a great response to an otherwise negative outlook.
Some things that I love to laugh at are:
Bill Bailey comedy
My brother's wisecracks
Bill Cosby recordings
Silly photos of my nieces and nephew
Playing the Paper Game
So, if you haven't had a good laugh in a while, or just haven't felt like smiling today, here's a little fun to brighten your day:
:) Love Brooke
When there seems to be no other way to get out of a slump, brighten a dull day or shake out of lethargy, a good laugh is a great response to an otherwise negative outlook.
Some things that I love to laugh at are:
Bill Bailey comedy
My brother's wisecracks
Bill Cosby recordings
Silly photos of my nieces and nephew
Playing the Paper Game
So, if you haven't had a good laugh in a while, or just haven't felt like smiling today, here's a little fun to brighten your day:
:) Love Brooke
Friday, January 27, 2012
A New Perspective for A New Year
Hi awesome young people!
I know I've been slack not writing for over a month, but I'm back now for a new year and a fresh point of view.
I hope you can take the journey with me this year...
One of my commitments for 2012 (which is a term I prefer to 'resolution') is to focus on God in difficult situations, rather than the situation itself. Easier said than done, I know! I am determined, and praying for the Holy Spirit to help me in asking this one question each time I am faced with something that overwhelms, frustrates or upsets me this year: "Where are you in this, God?" And then listening for His guidance rather then falling down into my usual habit of panicing, doubting and quitting.
Because, for me, I want 2012 to be a year of understanding - understanding where God is moving, how He is moving, and where He wants me in the midst of His plans. And isn't that where we all want to be - right in the middle of God's will and favor?!
Join me in looking forward to the bigger picture, 'cos things are going to get exciting!!
Love Brooke
I know I've been slack not writing for over a month, but I'm back now for a new year and a fresh point of view.
I hope you can take the journey with me this year...
One of my commitments for 2012 (which is a term I prefer to 'resolution') is to focus on God in difficult situations, rather than the situation itself. Easier said than done, I know! I am determined, and praying for the Holy Spirit to help me in asking this one question each time I am faced with something that overwhelms, frustrates or upsets me this year: "Where are you in this, God?" And then listening for His guidance rather then falling down into my usual habit of panicing, doubting and quitting.
Because, for me, I want 2012 to be a year of understanding - understanding where God is moving, how He is moving, and where He wants me in the midst of His plans. And isn't that where we all want to be - right in the middle of God's will and favor?!
Join me in looking forward to the bigger picture, 'cos things are going to get exciting!!
Love Brooke
Friday, December 23, 2011
Eternal Hope
I am reading C.S. Lewis's theological classic 'Mere Christianity' at the moment (well, have been at it for a while now - it's not a quick read!), and was really encouraged as I was reminded where, as Jesus followers, our hope should be focused.
Lewis writes : "The Christian says, "Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exist... If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing. If that is so, I must take care, on the one hand, never to despise, or be unthankful for, these earthly blessings, and on the other, never to mistake them for the something else of which they are only a kind of copy, or echo, or mirage. I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to that other country and to help others to do the same.""
During this festive season, lets not allow retail marketing and social pressures to sway our focus from what really matters, as no diamond braclet, iPad2, new boyfriend/girlfriend, giant Christmas feast, or any earthly thing will ever truely satisfy our eternal longings. Jesus is not only the Reason for the Season, He is also the Answer for the Season.
Merry Christmas!
Love Brooke
Lewis writes : "The Christian says, "Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exist... If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing. If that is so, I must take care, on the one hand, never to despise, or be unthankful for, these earthly blessings, and on the other, never to mistake them for the something else of which they are only a kind of copy, or echo, or mirage. I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to that other country and to help others to do the same.""
During this festive season, lets not allow retail marketing and social pressures to sway our focus from what really matters, as no diamond braclet, iPad2, new boyfriend/girlfriend, giant Christmas feast, or any earthly thing will ever truely satisfy our eternal longings. Jesus is not only the Reason for the Season, He is also the Answer for the Season.
Merry Christmas!
Love Brooke
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
From the Heart the Mouth Speaks
"The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart."
Luke 6:45
When my radio alarm clicked on this morning, the program presenters were having a conversation about how a new law was going to be passed in Pakistan banning certain cusswords from being used in text messages, and how outraged Australians would be if such a bann was enforced here. Their main point of contention was that Aussies love to swear and as a free-speech country we should be able to say whatever we want.
This point of view makes me sad not only because the Word says we definately cannot say whatever we want (Matt. 12:36), but because it shows a scary lack of understanding of what is really at the heart of the matter.
Jesus tells us that the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart, so what does it say about our spiritual state when we use language that makes grandmothers blush and little children gasp? There is a reason that He commands us to guard our hearts - it contains the wellspring of life, the very essence of who we are. And the words we speak not only communicate thoughts and sentiments, but life and death. Far from being accepted symbols of culture or personal expressions of individuality, what swearing really is is a verbal indicator of moral decay.
OK. Not meaning to get too heavy here! So lets backtrack a little...
If everyone could see inside of you and see the health of your spirit, what would you want them to see? Would you act (and talk) differently if you knew that everything you do is broadcasting who you are underneath? Well, our speach is doing this, even if it is a gradual process - because, lets face it, some people are very skilled at wearing masks and hiding behind perceptions. But the truth is that all people eventually reveal who they are at a heart level by what comes from their mouths. In those unguarded moments that we love to push aside with a "just kidding" or a "no offense" excuse, we show the world the side of ourselves that God knew all along.
So we see that as much as parents and teachers try to enforce one, a blanket rule of 'No Swearing' is never going to fix the problem entirely. The root of the issue is much deeper, is much slower and is more significant.
God is, and always has been, after our heart. To grow in us a transformed spirit that dwells on "... whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute... anything of excellence and worthy of praise" (Phil. 4:8). When we are focused on those things, swearing seems like such an unnecessary and undesirable response, doesn't it?
Love Brooke
Luke 6:45
When my radio alarm clicked on this morning, the program presenters were having a conversation about how a new law was going to be passed in Pakistan banning certain cusswords from being used in text messages, and how outraged Australians would be if such a bann was enforced here. Their main point of contention was that Aussies love to swear and as a free-speech country we should be able to say whatever we want.
This point of view makes me sad not only because the Word says we definately cannot say whatever we want (Matt. 12:36), but because it shows a scary lack of understanding of what is really at the heart of the matter.
Jesus tells us that the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart, so what does it say about our spiritual state when we use language that makes grandmothers blush and little children gasp? There is a reason that He commands us to guard our hearts - it contains the wellspring of life, the very essence of who we are. And the words we speak not only communicate thoughts and sentiments, but life and death. Far from being accepted symbols of culture or personal expressions of individuality, what swearing really is is a verbal indicator of moral decay.
OK. Not meaning to get too heavy here! So lets backtrack a little...
If everyone could see inside of you and see the health of your spirit, what would you want them to see? Would you act (and talk) differently if you knew that everything you do is broadcasting who you are underneath? Well, our speach is doing this, even if it is a gradual process - because, lets face it, some people are very skilled at wearing masks and hiding behind perceptions. But the truth is that all people eventually reveal who they are at a heart level by what comes from their mouths. In those unguarded moments that we love to push aside with a "just kidding" or a "no offense" excuse, we show the world the side of ourselves that God knew all along.
So we see that as much as parents and teachers try to enforce one, a blanket rule of 'No Swearing' is never going to fix the problem entirely. The root of the issue is much deeper, is much slower and is more significant.
God is, and always has been, after our heart. To grow in us a transformed spirit that dwells on "... whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute... anything of excellence and worthy of praise" (Phil. 4:8). When we are focused on those things, swearing seems like such an unnecessary and undesirable response, doesn't it?
Love Brooke
Thursday, November 17, 2011
History Makers
I was listening to that classic Delirious song "History Maker" this morning (which I think is one of the greatest Christian anthems of all time!), and it got me to thinking... what does it take to be a 'history maker' as young people in the world today?
In our current culture of Self is King and Pleasure is the Goal, the answer is still the same as it's always been throughout history - Stand Up in Jesus. As the song proclaims, "I'm gonna stand, I'm gonna run into His arms". When our focus is on Him and not ourselves, when we stand up for His truth and not our own rights, when our identity is found in the Lord and not in material things, we won't be able to help but affect and influence the world for the better.
Because the huge role of changing the world for Jesus starts with the small (but equally challanging) role of changing ourselves from the inside out for Him. God wants to transform our hearts to be a reflection of His heart, so that we become passionate about the things that He is passionate about - justice, mercy, righteousness, love. Once we have that Holy Fire on the inside of us, we can stand up in confidence and become the Speakers of Truth that He has made us to be... and the world will never be the same again!
I want to challange you today to listen to "History Maker", and allow the Lord to speak to you through it - what is He calling to you to work on today that will be a step towards changing the world tomorrow?
Love Brooke
In our current culture of Self is King and Pleasure is the Goal, the answer is still the same as it's always been throughout history - Stand Up in Jesus. As the song proclaims, "I'm gonna stand, I'm gonna run into His arms". When our focus is on Him and not ourselves, when we stand up for His truth and not our own rights, when our identity is found in the Lord and not in material things, we won't be able to help but affect and influence the world for the better.
Because the huge role of changing the world for Jesus starts with the small (but equally challanging) role of changing ourselves from the inside out for Him. God wants to transform our hearts to be a reflection of His heart, so that we become passionate about the things that He is passionate about - justice, mercy, righteousness, love. Once we have that Holy Fire on the inside of us, we can stand up in confidence and become the Speakers of Truth that He has made us to be... and the world will never be the same again!
I want to challange you today to listen to "History Maker", and allow the Lord to speak to you through it - what is He calling to you to work on today that will be a step towards changing the world tomorrow?
Love Brooke
Monday, November 14, 2011
Is God still a good God when He allows pain & suffering in the world?
To understand and know an invisible God, all we can look at is the evidence of His hand - the world He created and the person He fashioned after Himself - Man.
When looking at the two, we must bear in mind that the picture we see now is a broken one, an imperfect representation of the Master's original masterpiece. Before sin entered the world, creation worked in harmony with its Creator and man lived in perfect innocence and communion with God.
He gave us free will because it wouldn't be real love if we were forced to love Him and not be able to choose Him of our own accord. The down side of free will is that we now have the ability to choose the wrong thing, to make the wrong decision, to go against God's laws. And thus, sin entered the world and we were never the same again.
So now, we live in a fractured state, seperated from our maker, existing in a world that no longer functions as it was originally intended to. Nethertheless, this does not alter the nature of God. Just as one bad painting does not change the fact that the painter is still the painter, so God is still God, is still good and still desires us to live in perfect fellowship with Him (i.e. His goodness being displayed in the beauty of life back in the Garden). All good things come from the Lord, and the painful, unjust things are only part of the broken world we live in. Rather than asking "Why?", a better question is "How?"... How does God fix the problem of seperation that our sin causes?
He fixes it with an offer - receive the sacrifice of my son in place of your sins and be reconciled to Me. The price that our disobedience demands has been paid on our behalf, and the freedom of righteousness is available to all who choose Jesus as their saviour.
Pain and suffering come to all - following Jesus doesn't exclude us from this - but what it does offer us is a comforter who walks besides us, a friend who sticks closer than a brother, and a God who understands all we go through, because He has been through it all, for us.
And the eternity that we have all been made for, for which our spirit longs, is where our ultimate focus should be - on that glorious day when all tears shall be wiped away and ever hurt and pain healed forever.
Love Brooke
When looking at the two, we must bear in mind that the picture we see now is a broken one, an imperfect representation of the Master's original masterpiece. Before sin entered the world, creation worked in harmony with its Creator and man lived in perfect innocence and communion with God.
He gave us free will because it wouldn't be real love if we were forced to love Him and not be able to choose Him of our own accord. The down side of free will is that we now have the ability to choose the wrong thing, to make the wrong decision, to go against God's laws. And thus, sin entered the world and we were never the same again.
So now, we live in a fractured state, seperated from our maker, existing in a world that no longer functions as it was originally intended to. Nethertheless, this does not alter the nature of God. Just as one bad painting does not change the fact that the painter is still the painter, so God is still God, is still good and still desires us to live in perfect fellowship with Him (i.e. His goodness being displayed in the beauty of life back in the Garden). All good things come from the Lord, and the painful, unjust things are only part of the broken world we live in. Rather than asking "Why?", a better question is "How?"... How does God fix the problem of seperation that our sin causes?
He fixes it with an offer - receive the sacrifice of my son in place of your sins and be reconciled to Me. The price that our disobedience demands has been paid on our behalf, and the freedom of righteousness is available to all who choose Jesus as their saviour.
Pain and suffering come to all - following Jesus doesn't exclude us from this - but what it does offer us is a comforter who walks besides us, a friend who sticks closer than a brother, and a God who understands all we go through, because He has been through it all, for us.
And the eternity that we have all been made for, for which our spirit longs, is where our ultimate focus should be - on that glorious day when all tears shall be wiped away and ever hurt and pain healed forever.
Love Brooke
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Hanging onto The Stuff?
Was watching this clip this morning, and it helped remind me that unless I make surrendering to God a daily practise, all my efforts to control my own life just turn into heavy, depressing baggage.
How long has it been since you turned all your "stuff" over to God, and allowed Him to not just be a helpline but the Lord (in control) of your life?
He's always willing to take our baggage & replace it with joy... just ask Him.
Love Brooke
How long has it been since you turned all your "stuff" over to God, and allowed Him to not just be a helpline but the Lord (in control) of your life?
He's always willing to take our baggage & replace it with joy... just ask Him.
Love Brooke
Saturday, October 15, 2011
If not now, when?
When I think about the dreams I have for the future and the plans I have for my life, sometimes I find it very hard to be patient and wait on God's timing.
I mean, He has placed such exciting desires in my heart that I can't wait to get started on, but then He asks me to wait... and wait... and wait! Patience has never been one of my strengths, so the little I have gets tested - a lot! I guess that's partly why He requires it of me so much - so as to build patience into my character.
But what about when our dreams never seem to come about? Is God saying No for now, or No for ever? Sometimes I want to let out my inner-5 year old and scream at the sky "If not now, WHEN??!!" (As if tantrums and tears ever accomplish anything!) What do we do when we feel the Lord gently reminding our spirit "for My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways"?
For myself, I have found it helpful to remember 3 things...
- There is always something I can do today to bring tomorrow closer
Rather than focusing on what I don't have and where I wish I was, I can choose to find something to do right here and now that is a small stepping stone to future dreams. That picture of being a published author can be brought one day closer when I practise my writing skills and upload a new blog post. That vision of being a good mother someday starts now by eating healthier and looking after my body in preparation.
- Turn my attention off myself and bless someone else
When I am constantly thinking about myself, I overlook the fact that there are many other people out there that God desires to bless, maybe even by using me to help bring a dream of theirs into being. God's love is all about passing it on, and when we allow ourselves to walk in acts of service and humilty, we get to be part of the much bigger picture that God is orchestrating. Which is always better than the tiny little worlds we make for ourselves anyway.
- Keep reading
When I first read Isaiah 55:8 I must say that I found it rather discouraging - what hope do I ever have for knowing God and His plans at all if His plans and thoughts are higher than mine?
But when I kept reading, I felt a wonderful peace knowing that its a good thing He's in control:
"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seek to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."
So when the Lord says that the plans He has for us are good and prosperous, rest assured that goodness and prosperity are on their way - its as guaranteed as God's word, which is always true. He is never late, but never early either.
In the meantime, we're all here waiting together (!)...
Love Brooke
I mean, He has placed such exciting desires in my heart that I can't wait to get started on, but then He asks me to wait... and wait... and wait! Patience has never been one of my strengths, so the little I have gets tested - a lot! I guess that's partly why He requires it of me so much - so as to build patience into my character.
But what about when our dreams never seem to come about? Is God saying No for now, or No for ever? Sometimes I want to let out my inner-5 year old and scream at the sky "If not now, WHEN??!!" (As if tantrums and tears ever accomplish anything!) What do we do when we feel the Lord gently reminding our spirit "for My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways"?
For myself, I have found it helpful to remember 3 things...
- There is always something I can do today to bring tomorrow closer
Rather than focusing on what I don't have and where I wish I was, I can choose to find something to do right here and now that is a small stepping stone to future dreams. That picture of being a published author can be brought one day closer when I practise my writing skills and upload a new blog post. That vision of being a good mother someday starts now by eating healthier and looking after my body in preparation.
- Turn my attention off myself and bless someone else
When I am constantly thinking about myself, I overlook the fact that there are many other people out there that God desires to bless, maybe even by using me to help bring a dream of theirs into being. God's love is all about passing it on, and when we allow ourselves to walk in acts of service and humilty, we get to be part of the much bigger picture that God is orchestrating. Which is always better than the tiny little worlds we make for ourselves anyway.
- Keep reading
When I first read Isaiah 55:8 I must say that I found it rather discouraging - what hope do I ever have for knowing God and His plans at all if His plans and thoughts are higher than mine?
But when I kept reading, I felt a wonderful peace knowing that its a good thing He's in control:
"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seek to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."
So when the Lord says that the plans He has for us are good and prosperous, rest assured that goodness and prosperity are on their way - its as guaranteed as God's word, which is always true. He is never late, but never early either.
In the meantime, we're all here waiting together (!)...
Love Brooke
Monday, September 12, 2011
Love Song
There are so many songs out there that try to define love. Songs about falling in love, losing love, what we'd do for love, the beauty of love... all trying to capture something that can't be described, only felt.
There is one song that talks about a love that can be more than felt, it can be lived. This song really touches my heart every time I hear it and reminds me that that One Love is always on offer to me and has the power to change my life, if I'll let it...
"I See Love"
Some see a teacher
Standing on a hill
Speaking words of wisdom
Some see a healer
Reaching out his hand
To give sight to a blind man
Some see a dreamer
Wasting his life
On what can never be
Some see a fool
Dying for his dreams
But I see love
I see love
Light of heaven breaking through
Well I see grace
I see God's face
Shining pure and perfect love
When I see you
I see love
Some see a prisoner
Alone before his judge
With no one to defend him
Some see a victim
Beaten and abused
With all the world against him
Some see a martyr
Carrying his cross
For what he believes
Some see a hero
Who set his people free
But I see love
I see love
Light of heaven breaking through
Well I see grace
I see God's face
Shining pure and perfect love
When I see you
With your last breath
I see love
Through your death
I see love
I see peace in the eyes of the King
I see hope in your suffering
I see a calm in the centre of the storm
I see a Saviour
I see love
I see love
Light of heaven breaking through
I see grace
I see God's face
Shining pure and perfect love
When I see you
I see love
When I see you
I see heaven breaking through
See God's face
Shining pure and perfect love
When I see you
When I see you
When I see you
I see love
I see love
When I see
Some see Him walking from an empty grave
Some love, huh? More than a feeling or a song - a person.
What do you see when you look at Him?
Love Brooke
There is one song that talks about a love that can be more than felt, it can be lived. This song really touches my heart every time I hear it and reminds me that that One Love is always on offer to me and has the power to change my life, if I'll let it...
"I See Love"
Some see a teacher
Standing on a hill
Speaking words of wisdom
Some see a healer
Reaching out his hand
To give sight to a blind man
Some see a dreamer
Wasting his life
On what can never be
Some see a fool
Dying for his dreams
But I see love
I see love
Light of heaven breaking through
Well I see grace
I see God's face
Shining pure and perfect love
When I see you
I see love
Some see a prisoner
Alone before his judge
With no one to defend him
Some see a victim
Beaten and abused
With all the world against him
Some see a martyr
Carrying his cross
For what he believes
Some see a hero
Who set his people free
But I see love
I see love
Light of heaven breaking through
Well I see grace
I see God's face
Shining pure and perfect love
When I see you
With your last breath
I see love
Through your death
I see love
I see peace in the eyes of the King
I see hope in your suffering
I see a calm in the centre of the storm
I see a Saviour
I see love
I see love
Light of heaven breaking through
I see grace
I see God's face
Shining pure and perfect love
When I see you
I see love
When I see you
I see heaven breaking through
See God's face
Shining pure and perfect love
When I see you
When I see you
When I see you
I see love
I see love
When I see
Some see Him walking from an empty grave
Some love, huh? More than a feeling or a song - a person.
What do you see when you look at Him?
Love Brooke
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
What is Your Life's Blueprint?
This is one of my favourite speeches from Martin Luther King Jr, and I thought you might like it too...
"I want to ask you a question, and that is: What is your life's blueprint?
Whenever a building is constructed, you usually have an architect who draws a blueprint and that blueprint serves as the pattern, as the guide, and a building is not well erected withour a good, solid blueprint.
Now, each of you is in the process of building the structure of your lives, and the question is whether you have a proper, a solid, and a sound blueprint.
I want to suggest some of the things that should be in your life's blueprint. Number one, in your life's blueprint, should be a deep belief in your own dignity, your worth, and your own somebodiness. Don't allow anybody to make you feel that you're nobody. Always feel that you count. Always feel that you have worth, and always feel that your life has ultimate significance.
Secondly, in your life's blueprint, you must have as the basic principle the determination to achieve excellence in your variuos fields of endeavour. You're going to be deciding as the days, as the years unfold what you will do in life - what your life's work will be. Set out to do it well...
And when you discover what you will be in your life, set out to do it as if God Almighty called you at this particular moment in history to do it. Don't just set out to do a good job. Set out to do such a good job that the living, the dead, or the unborn couldn't do it any better.
If it falls your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets life Michelangelo painted pictures, sweep streets like Beethoven composed music, sweep streets like Leontyne Price sings before the Metropolitan Opera. Sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry. Sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will have to pause and say: Here lived a great street sweeper who swept his job well. If you can't be a pine at the top of the hill, be a shrub in the valley. But be the best little shrub on the side of the hill.
Be a bush if your can't be a tree. If you can't be a highway, just be a trail. If you can't be a sun, be a star. For it isn't by size that you will win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are."
This inspires me every time I read it, and I hope it encourages you too. Go out and be GREAT!
"I want to ask you a question, and that is: What is your life's blueprint?
Whenever a building is constructed, you usually have an architect who draws a blueprint and that blueprint serves as the pattern, as the guide, and a building is not well erected withour a good, solid blueprint.
Now, each of you is in the process of building the structure of your lives, and the question is whether you have a proper, a solid, and a sound blueprint.
I want to suggest some of the things that should be in your life's blueprint. Number one, in your life's blueprint, should be a deep belief in your own dignity, your worth, and your own somebodiness. Don't allow anybody to make you feel that you're nobody. Always feel that you count. Always feel that you have worth, and always feel that your life has ultimate significance.
Secondly, in your life's blueprint, you must have as the basic principle the determination to achieve excellence in your variuos fields of endeavour. You're going to be deciding as the days, as the years unfold what you will do in life - what your life's work will be. Set out to do it well...
And when you discover what you will be in your life, set out to do it as if God Almighty called you at this particular moment in history to do it. Don't just set out to do a good job. Set out to do such a good job that the living, the dead, or the unborn couldn't do it any better.
If it falls your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets life Michelangelo painted pictures, sweep streets like Beethoven composed music, sweep streets like Leontyne Price sings before the Metropolitan Opera. Sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry. Sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will have to pause and say: Here lived a great street sweeper who swept his job well. If you can't be a pine at the top of the hill, be a shrub in the valley. But be the best little shrub on the side of the hill.
Be a bush if your can't be a tree. If you can't be a highway, just be a trail. If you can't be a sun, be a star. For it isn't by size that you will win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are."
This inspires me every time I read it, and I hope it encourages you too. Go out and be GREAT!
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