Worry:  : to afflict with mental distress or agitation : make anxious .

:to feel or experience concern or anxiety.

We tend to worry about so much from day to day.  Worry causes stress and stress will lead to other problems.  When we worry about a particular situation, what are we accomplishing?  Nothing!  Worrying will not change your situation or problem.  It only poisons your mind and life.  Worry will bring you down and cause depression to set in.  Worry is a tool of the enemy.  The enemy will put thoughts in your mind that will bring you down and cause you to overthink a problem.  Let’s look at what the scriptures teach on worry.

  ²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

(Matthew 6:25)

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life ? (Matthew 6:27) (in other words, can worrying about something change anything? NO!)

Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

A few years ago I had a HUGE breakthrough in the area of WORRY.  The Lord showed me through His word and through certain people that HE is in absolute, total control.  I learned what a “SOVEREIGN” God was.  Look at this definition of “Sovereignty”

*controlling influence

*Supreme power or authority.

God is the authority.  He has the final SAY.  He is the controlling influence in my life.

When I embraced my God as Sovereign and when I realized what that meant, my life was completely changed.  I can truly say that Worry disappeared.  It was a weight that was lifted off of me completely. 

I understood for the first time that Worrying will not change my situation or problem.  I started confessing and declaring this verse over my life on a consistent basis: 

1 Peter 5:7

⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (NIV)

⁷Casting the ^[a]whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, ^[b]once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you ^[c]watchfully. (AMP)

(love the AMP version of this verse!)

So, when I’m in the middle of a problem or disturbing situation, I immediately CONFESS and DECLARE 1 Peter 5:7!  Trust me, it’s a powerful confession! 

Whatever you’re facing today, know that GOD is in control.  He loves you more than you could ever imagine.  Maybe for the first time, God is saying to you….”Cast this problem on me because I care for you”….Let HIM take it from you.  Quit carrying this burden around on your heart.  WORRY is a POISON that will ruin your life, ruin your relationships, and will cause a depressed mind.  You are more than that!  You are more than a CONQUEROR!!  NOT JUST a conqueror, MORE than conqueror!  Believe and EXPECT great things to happen in your life.  Quit worrying.  TRUST.  Whenever a HINT of worry comes into your mind about your situation, just say “Lord, I rebuke this worry; I refuse to be poisoned by worry; I give this “worry” to you because You care for me and YOU GOD are in total control!

Blessings,

Brit

I love the word FAVOR.  I especially love it when it deals with the love of the Father.  Check out the following meanings:

Our heavenly Father shows us so much favor everyday.  For one, He gave us GRACE which is a HUGE meaning of favor and act of extreme kindness.  I’m going to share with you today how my life is affected by the FAVOR of GOD. 

I am constantly walking in an awareness of the favor of God.  When I wake up in the morning I start confessing scripture.  As I’m getting ready for work, I’m still in a constant state of making declarations based on the WORD of God.  What does all of this mean?  I’m glad you asked. 

When I learned that the WORD was a powerful force, my life was dramatically changed.  For one, I daily confess out loud Psalm 5:12 which says “For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
    you cover him with favor as with a shield”

In other words, I pray that verse on a regular basis over my life by saying something like this “God, you bless me…I’m righteous b/c of Jesus.  I have a shield of favor all over me.”  Then I picture a shield all around me.  I know that whatever comes my way that day, I will be highly favored by God almighty.  Confessing biblical truths like Psalm 5:12 are what has shaped my walk.  My faith has increased because I’ve seen firsthand the power of confessing and declaring favor over my life in daily situations. 

Other verses that I speak over my life and change into a prayer are the following:

Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature^[a] and in favor with God and man. (if Jesus increased in wisdom and favor, then I want to do the same!) 

Psalm 119:58 I have sought Your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to Your promise.

Proverbs 3:1-4 (really good verses to memorize and confess!)

My son, don’t forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commands;
² for they will bring you
many days, a full life,^[a] and well-being.
³ Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you.
Tie them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
⁴ Then you will find favor and high regard
in the sight of God and man.  (notice how verse 4 ties in with Luke 2:52!)

Friends, be encouraged.  It’s so easy to get caught up in the routine of daily life.  However, I’m a firm believer that if you discipline yourself to be in a constant state of CONFESSING and DECLARING the scriptures over your life, you will see VICTORY in so many different areas.  I’m living proof. 

Believe that you have a SHIELD of FAVOR all over you from God Almighty.  Everywhere you go and everything you put your hands to will be blessed.  Expect great things to happen.  REFUSE the lies of the enemy.

Blessings!

Brit

Hello friends!  Speak the Word.  What does this mean?  Well here are some thoughts to encourage you and to help you overcome the enemy.

How do we overcome the enemy when the world seems to crash in on us?  What do we do when we can’t seem to get a hold on sin in our lives?

1.  To overcome the enemy, first you need to realize who you are.  At the moment that your heart was taken by Jesus, several supernatural things took place.  So when you are faced with temptation or just going through some crazy stuff, confess the following truths out loud!

a.  You became a child of God (I’m a child of the Most High God)

b. You became Holy (even if you don’t feel Holy, You are!  Don’t trust your feelings, trust what the Word says!  “God I’m Holy because of You”)

c.  You became Righteous  (Lord, even though I messed up, I’m still Righteous.  You are on my side)

d.  You became a new creation (No matter how old you are, No matter how bad you mess up, You are still brand NEW!  That doesn’t change!  The Old has gone and the NEW has come!  Believe it!)

e.  Your sins were wiped away for good!  (This is so good and so true!  Confess that!  Lord, my mistakes/sins are gone!  They are washed away!  My slate is clean!  You forgive completely and forget!  Thank you Jesus for not holding my sins agains me.—isn’t that great news??)

f.  You are justified (Lord, I’m justified.  You took my place.  You did it all.  I’m free!  I’m free!  I’m free!)–Great to confess everyday!

g.  You are Delivered  (Whenever you fall, and we all do, confess “I’m delivered from this mess!  I’m free from this sin!  I don’t have to be held down by my mistakes!)

h.  You have the authority of the Word to fight off Satan! (You and me have the authority of the Word!  Stand on the Truth.  The Truth is Jesus, and The TRUTH will set you free!)  Confess and Believe and Expect BIG things in your life!  He has so much HE wants to do with you!

*For me, I try to memorize certain scriptures and then I’ll confess them out loud depending on the situation I’m in.  For instance, If I’m in need of favor from God, I’ll confess Psalm 5:12 which says:    ¹²For it is You who ^(A)blesses the righteous man, O LORD,
You ^(B)surround him with favor as with a shield.

*If I’m overwhelmed with burdens (no matter what they are) I’ll confess 1 Peter 5:7 which says “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

*You get the point I’m making?  It’s pretty simple.  Whatever it is you are going through or in need of, It’s in the Word.  Search for the scriptures that deal with what you are going through.  God will meet you right where you are.  He will deliver,comfort, love, and heal.  Everytime Jesus was tempted in the desert by Satan, what was His response?  THE WORD!  Jesus would quote scripture everytime He was tempted.  So, be encouraged.  Be Strong.  Be Courageous!  Dare to remember Scripture and fight off the enemy with the most powerful weapon….The WORD!

Blessings,

Brit

How many of us want a breakthrough in certain areas of our life? Some of you need a breakthrough in your health, some with finances, some with hearing God’s voice. Whatever the situation is, know this: God wants to give you your breakthrough. He is willing. He is more than able. Here are a few truths for us to soak in today:

1. Know what the Word says. Whatever your situation, there is scripture that you can declare over your life. Speak the Word and believe God for a breakthrough. Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

2. Believe and Expect your situation to turn around. The more you dwell on the negative, the more guilt and condemnation you’ll experience. Jesus freed you from all of that. You don’t have to walk around feeling guilty all the time. Believe that God delievered you and move on. Believe that God changed you from the inside out and move forth! Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
Whatever your situation is, commit it to Jesus and watch Him move.

3. Keep Seeking truth. Keep knocking on the door. Keep asking….Don’t GIVE UP! “Jesus is the HOPE that’s burning bright”…that’s so True! The enemy wants you to give up. He doesn’t want you to get a breakthrough. He doesn’t want you to grow in your relationship with Jesus. The enemy prowls around like a roaring lion waiting on someone to devour! Don’t let that be you. Pick yourself up off the floor and pursue the ONE who pursued you first. It’s time to start living. It’s a brand new day. AND, it’s always BRIGHT outside when God is your Focus!

Well, I hope these 3 points will encourage and challenge you today as you walk in His ways. Remember, He understands what you’re going through. He will Deliever. Scriptures to speak over your life today:

2 Samuel 22:2
He said: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
Psalm 30:2
O LORD my God,I cried to You for help, and You healed me.

Blessings,

Brit

The title of today’s Blog post is the same title of a song recorded by “Bon Jovi” with guest vocalist Jennifer Nettles. This song actually describes my life in many ways. It really does hit home for me on so many levels (as cheesy as that may sound). For ten years from 1998-2008, I lived a good distance from where I was raised. For that decade, I grew, I learned, I loved, I failed, I conquered, and I rose. I became a new person in so many different ways. I realized what it meant to have a real relationship with Jesus, I understood how to rise above obstacles, and I pressed into new beginnings.

This week celebrates two full years that I’ve been back home. Two full years of new days, great success, and dreams coming true. I’m a totally different person than I was a decade ago.

So, it’s real ironic that the title of this Blog is the title of the song I’ll be singing at church this coming Sunday. Yes, I’m singing a Bon Jovi song at Athens Church this week! It fits perfect! It’s as if God is causing me to reflect on where I’ve been, where I am now in this moment, and where He is taking me. The first line says “I spent 20 years tryin’ to get out of this place”….and now I’m back….Home.

God has shown me lately that He will make my paths clear…He will make a river in the desert when I’m thirsty. He and Only He will make a way. It’s a dream come true for me to be back Home…for several reasons. I pinch myself sometimes to make sure I’m awake b/c I’m actually leading worship at Athens Church. Wow. I’ve released a CD recently which is another dream come true…and to top it all off….The Lord is allowing the title song of the album “It’s You My Heart is After” to be played on various stations in the states of Iowa, Kansas, Florida, and now a station here in Georgia! He is doing BIG things with my ministry. Things that can only be described as GOD things! Dreams do come true. So, where would I be if I wouldn’t have come home two years ago? Therefore, I end this blog encouaraged and challenged and pondering the thought::::::WHO SAYS YOU CAN’T GO HOME?

Blessings,

Brit

The theme of my “song leading” last night for a group of students in Colbert, Ga. was “God will make a way”….He will make a way in your desert and a path in your wilderness. It was so cool to see those kids going after God last night! So, that brings me to my blog for this week. The Scripture I’ll be talking about comes from Isaiah 43:18-19. Here it is:

18(A) “Remember not the former things,
nor consider the things of old.
19(B) Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
(C) I will make a way in the wilderness
(D) and rivers in the desert. (ESV)

The Message parapharse put it this way: “Forget about what’s happened;
don’t keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.
It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?
There it is! I’m making a road through the desert,
rivers in the badlands.

***God is up to something BIG in your life. I love these words of Isaiah. I embrace them today for my life. I declare these rich verses over you and me right now. Think about it: God is doing a new thing. He wants you to forget about the past…Forget about the mistakes you’ve made. Forget about the wrong decisions you taken part in. He wants you to lay it all down at His feet. He is telling us He will make a way!

***How many of us can think of something that seems impossible in our lives today? How many of us can say “That just seems too difficult for God”? Well, these rich words of the prophet Isaiah ring true for us right now::::HE will make a way in the wilderness and a river in the desert. When things look impossible, God can make it possible.

***What does your desert look like that you’ve been wandering around in? You may have experienced some difficulties. You may have had some things happen that you just can’t explain. Here is the HOPE:::Jesus. Jesus loves you so much…He has a purpose for you to fulfill. A destiny for your life. Walk into a new day today knowing He will provide and bless you far beyond what you’ve ever imagined! Our GOD is a BIG God…He has a plan for you. Maybe He’s calling you to “Surrender” right now. There’s nothing better….

He will make way when it seems impossible,

Brit

What are you passionate about? What are the dreams you’ve held onto forever? What are your desires in life? Where do they come from? Psalm 37:4 says to Delight in The Lord and He will give you your heart’s desires. How do you delight in Him? Well, the best way to DELIGHT is to SOAK yourself in His Word. It’s His Word that will change Your perspective on your dreams and desires. His Word has promises from HIM that will guide your every decision and help make your dreams more clear. Until you soak in His Word, I’m not so sure you should be following your desires and dreams. When you are passionate about His Word, then I think you can trust your passions/desires. When you are in TUNE with HIM, your dreams will be HIS dreams for your life. GOD is good. You can trust Him. HE loves you alot. He wants the best for you. HE wants to chat with you through His Word. I hope this blog will challenge you to stretch your faith. I pray that your dreams will come true::::but more importantly, I pray you put HIS WORD first and then the dreams will take shape into what HE wants you to be dreaming.

Things to Read:

Psalm 119 (very long chapter but full of rich verses)
John (a beautiful picture of the Life of Christ)
A Prayer for Today:

Father, I love You and I need You. I desire to desire Your Word. Give me the hunger and thirst that I need to go after You in Your Word. Make my dreams and desires what You want them to be. I know You have BIG things in store for me and my life. I know You have a Purpose and Destiny for me to fulfill. I’m Yours. Take me and do whatever YOU want. In Jesus Name-Amen.

Blessings,

Brit