Priorities: Seeking First the Kingdom of God

Finishing School.. Going to Work.. Driving the kids from here to there.. Making sure your family has the latest trends and technology.. Trying to squeeze in a moment with God.. There's so much to do; so much that fills our time, spends our money, and steals our energy. Sometimes we need to step back and take a look at the bigger picture. We need to decide what's really important. 

In Matthew 6:33a, the Bible tells us to FIRST seek the Kingdom of God. Take a look at your priorities. What are you filling your time with? What are you spending your money on? What in your life is stealing your energy? Are you seeking God first, above all else? Are you seeking HIS plans for your life above your own? I know this is something I struggle with. It's hard being honest with ourselves. 

As humans, we tend to live our lives with a sense of entitlement. We feel as though we deserve to do whatever makes us happy, or whatever boosts our status among piers. But, as Christians, we must take a different standpoint. When we get saved, Christ becomes sovereign in our lives. HIS will takes the place of ours, and we must trust Him to work things for our good. 

According to John 3:30, we must decrease, so that He can increase. Does your life reflect that? I want to challenge you to take a moment to make a list of the things that fill your days, weeks, and even months. Talk with God about each activity, and cross off anything that takes away from your relationship with Him. Make a game plan. How does each activity left serve a purpose? What can you do to make the most of your time, money, and energy to "seek first the Kingdom of God?"

Beaming for Jesus, 

Brooke Elaine

Picture credit: http://www.prioritiesmichigan.org

Called and Capable!

A few weeks ago I was asked to play keys in the elementary school band this week for The Grove's 25 Year Celebration of Bible Time. My first thought was, "I can't... I've never played the keys, or the piano, or anything really." But, after praying about it, I felt like the Lord wanted me to say yes. I thought if I just dedicated a few minutes of practice in everyday, then I could totally do it, right? So I said yes. 

But, I had totally forgotten about the long road trips ahead of me.. I would have no access to a piano for a good 80% of the time leading up to Bible Time, and I was going to miss almost every practice. Why would the Lord call me to play the keys in front of so many kids if I couldn't even prepare? 

About 3 days before the last rehearsal, I was finally able to sit down and try to figure out the chords I was supposed to play. I honestly felt hopeless. I just needed to call them and tell them to find someone else. I'm just not a piano player. But once again, I was reminded that God called me to do this. I might embarrass myself and mess everything up... But I would do it, because I know God told me to. If I was going to play, God was going to have to help me. And I'm glad to say, that's exactly what He did. When I felt dumb and like I was going to be in the way, the other band members loved and encouraged me until I was able to learn my part. When I thought there was no hope in me learning the songs, the Lord guided my thought and my hands to focus on the task ahead of me. 

Tonight, after I played, I thought about Moses, and how God called him to go to Pharaoh and ask that he let the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses immediately thought God had made a mistake.. Remember, Moses had a speech impediment, and wasn't able to speak clearly. Yet, even through his weakness, God equipped Moses with the tools and guidance he would need to get the job done, and to lead the Israelites out of Egypt safely. 

I know you've heard it time and time again, but today, I just want to encourage you! When God calls you, He will equip you!  Don't be afraid to step out in faith when God has called you to do something! Trust Him and go after the goal with all your heart! He will provide your needs, whatever they may be. YOU are an important piece to God's big puzzle, and needs each of us to do our part! Not only are you called, but you are capable with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

Beaming for Jesus,

Brooke Elaine <3

I Serve A Mighty God!

"You are Lord of Lords! You are King of Kings! You are mighty God, Lord of everything! You're Emmanuel! You're the great I Am! You're the Prince of Peace, who is the Lamb! You're the Living God! You're my saving grace! You will reign forever! You are ancient of days!! YOU ARE ALPHA, OMEGA, BEGINNING, AND END! YOU'RE MY SAVIOR, MESSIAH, REDEEMER, AND FRIEND! You're my Prince of Peace, and I WILL live my life for YOU!" 

"What a Mighty God we serve! What a Mighty God we serve! Angels bow before Him. Heaven and Earth adore Him. What a Mighty God we serve."

It's 2AM, and as I sit in the back seat heading home, I can no longer contain my worship! I know get this from my parents. Just like my mama, I get so excited about what God is doing that I start to act giddy and silly... And just like my daddy, I sit here in awe as my eyes pour tears of pure worship. It's a weird combination, but my goodness, I sure do love it when I feel so ON FIRE for Jesus! 

He has already done so much, and I know He's getting ready to do even more! I cannot thank Him or praise Him enough for just simply being Sovereign in my life! I pray right now that whoever is reading this will feel this same excitement, and share it with others. Isn't that what this life is all about anyways? Moments like these put everything in perspective for me. I know I may seem silly. But I really don't care. God is good, and I will never be ashamed to say that! 

Beaming for Jesus,

Brooke Elaine <3 

Prayers for the Lost

Sometimes I wish I could go back to when my prayers were this simple. When the most I had to worry about was whether Santa Clause was real or not.. It all seems so silly now. 

Today, most of my prayers are filled with tears- of thankfulness; of brokenness; of sincerity...; For those hurting and in need; for myself.. 

And most recently for a lost friend. The worst hurt I have ever known is knowing that someone I love doesn't truly know the Lord. The Lord has given me a heart for the lost. Most of the time, I am so grateful for that, but hurting for others isn't always so easy. I have invested what feels like a thousand tears into praying for the salvation of my dear friend. 

There's a line in one of my newest favorite songs, "Just Be Held" by Casting Crowns, that is so special, and that holds so much meaning! It's "Not a tear is wasted. In time, you'll understand. I'm painting beauty with the ashes. Your life is in my hands." I'm learning that God uses every tear, and that not only does He hold my life in is hands, but He is holding onto my lost friend too. I have to trust that He knows exactly what He is doing. 

Tonight I am also saying a special prayer for each of you reading this. 1. That you would know the Lord, and live for Him, and 2. For the salvation of each person you have been praying for. 

Galations 6:9 says "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Our prayers are not in vain! Don't give up! Let's all stand together and pray for this lost and hurting world!! 

Beaming for Jesus,

Brooke Elaine <3

Seeking Attention

I came across a photo this morning on my Facebook news feed, and immediately pressed the 'Share' button. It said "Decide this minute to never again beg anyone for the love, respect, and attention you should be showing yourself." As I sat there thinking about what to say about it, I realized how wrong it really was. 

So many times, I have 'begged' for the attention of my teachers, former boyfriends, friends, and even my parents.

And so many times, I felt like a failure. Attention from another human will never be enough.

Even so, the world wants to tell us, that the quote above is true, and even though it is important to love yourself, I now realize that total satisfaction will NEVER come from myself. Loving myself will never be enough. 

It doesn't matter how beautiful a boy tells me I am. It doesn't matter how beautiful I think I am. It doesn't matter if that teacher thinks I'm smart. It doesn't even matter if I know I'm smart. 

What matters is that I know- without a doubt, that Christ loves me! And OH HOW HE LOVES US! Jesus Christ looks at us and sees every flaw, every insecurity. He knows how little we are worth. Yet, in HIS eyes- We are beautiful inside and out. In HIS eyes- we were worth dying for.. THAT is the love of God. And THAT is all that matters. His love is the ONLY love that will ever totally satisfy us. It will even do SO much more than satisfy us! It will complete us. It can make us NEW. So, let's change this up. SHARE THIS PICTURE INSTEAD! "Decide this minute to never again beg anyone for the love, respect, and attention that Christ already gives you."

WE ARE CHRISTIANS!

I just wanted to share something I posted on my personal Facebook with you all today..

"Wow... Just watched a video poking fun about how people say 'Jesus, take me instead' at funerals. Then in the video, a man dressed up like Jesus walks in and -in my opinion- almost perverts certain things Jesus said in the scriptures..

Personally, this video made me feel very uncomfortable, the way it was  portraying Jesus...  I don't know exactly what it was that seemed so perverted about it, but I felt the discernment of God telling me it was wrong the whole time I watched it.. I went and read the comments to see if I was the only one feeling that way... And ofcourse I wasn't, because there were other Christians that felt that same discernment. However, the MAJORITY of 'Christians' didn't see any problem with it! They were defending the video, saying it was just a funny video, and that it wasn't anything personal! Several people commented with 'I serve Jesus Christ and I still think this is hilarious! Stop being so sensitive!' However, one comment stood out among others... And it pierced my heart like never before... It read, 'R u christians happy with that? I really don't get how you think this is funny.... In Islam we don't insult our God like that even if it was a joke.....'

Have we lost that much sensitivity to our faith that we could be compared to Islam?! How sad! And yet, we cannot disagree.. Have you ever seen a Muslim poke fun at Islam or their 'Allah'?? Or have you ever heard of Muslims picking and choosing what they want to believe out of the Quran? I haven't... 

We are christians!!! And we serve THE ONE TRUE LIVING GOD, JESUS CHRIST! How much MORE should we strive to respect and serve our Father? 

Romans 12:2 says, 'And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.' We have to stop accepting what this world has to offer, and start standing up for what is right. #FIGHTFORWHATSRIGHT"

Link to video here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TyJbR8xHCx8

Beaming for Jesus,

Brooke Elaine <3

Trust.

Hey everyone... Been a very long time since I posted on here, but I'm glad I've kept this blog, and didn't take it down the several times I thought about it...

I'm not quite positive what today's post is about... I don't even know why I felt led to come write. But maybe someone will take the time to read it. And maybe it will serve a purpose..

As I'm getting older, I'm beginning to realize that this world is a crazy place... It really really scares me sometimes. And so often, I question.. Why did God create me? What is my purpose? WHY does God love me, love us?! And why is this all so confusing? Why can't I walk with God the way Adam did?! Why did God allow His perfect creation to mess up? And why doesn't He come back already?! Why do more and more generations continue to come to endure this suffering?! So many questions!! And most of them I will never know! I don't understand God's perfect plan. I don't understand it at all. Not one bit... I search the scriptures.. I pray for answers. I ask others for advice, in understanding all of this... And you know what? I always come to the same conclusion. And as difficult as it is, I'm learning to accept it. The only answer, is trust. Jesus wants me to TRUST Him. Its the most difficult thing I've ever done. I have to have FAITH, that Jesus Christ loves me.. I have to trust, that I wasn't an accident. God has a perfect plan. One that each of us is apart of. And even though we don't now, one day we really will understand that He really did know what He was doing! And so I guess I come to the conclusion, that even though life doesn't make ANY sense to these little brains of ours, everything really will work together for the good to them who love God, to them who are called according to His purpose! I hope each of you have a blessed night, and please feel free to contact me!!! I'd love to pray for you! I pray that I have encouraged someone! Goodnight <3