It has taken me several years and many long nights to be able to write this today.  So many people ask me from time to time how I got to Athens, Georgia and how I became a worship leader at Athens Church.  I decided to write this blog and explain in detail how God did it all. 

Let’s go back to the year 2007.  I had been in full time church ministry for awhile in Chickamauga, Georgia serving in student ministry roles and worship leading roles.  I had an amazing job and a great life with incredible friends.  However, throughout that year I had an emptiness inside.  I was in a season of not knowing what to do next.  I felt that my time in Northwest Georgia was coming to an end.  But I did not know what that meant.  I had spent many days and nights praying and pleading with the Lord to do something in me.  I had become miserable.  But throughout the whole experience God had been faithful.  Through different people and circumstances, God would reveal to me to “bloom” right where I’m planted and when it was time for me to move on, HE would do it for me.  It wasn’t easy, but it was definitely worth the wait. 

After 6 years of full time student/music ministry, I stepped out on faith in December of 2007 and put my notice in.  I felt peace about my future even though I had no clue where I was going.  I interviewed with two different churches in Atlanta and both doors closed.  I looked into moving to Nashville and that door shut as well. 

It was a weekend in January of 2008 that I traveled down to my old hometown of Commerce, Georgia to visit my best friend and his wife.  It had snowed that weekend and the roads were a little icy but drivable.  We had went to lunch that Sunday after church when my friend told me that I should apply for a teaching job at Prince Avenue Christian School in Athens.  So, the next day I did just that.  To my surprise, I was interviewed the next week and hired the week after that.  God moved quick on that one. 

I was so excited to be moving back to the place I grew up.  I looked forward to hanging out with all my old pals and experiencing a brand new life in dawg country.  Well I got moved in and had all my plans figured out…I’m sure God smiled at that one.  My plans were to get involved at my friend’s church out in the small country town of Colbert, Georgia which is what I did for a few months of living here.  I thought that would be the best fit for me and that I would do perfectly fine there.  But, God has something else planned….

This is where Athens Church comes into play.  I had heard about AC a few years before moving back to Athens because I was very familiar with North Point Community Church (which AC is a part of if you didn’t know).  It was April of 08’ when I had a friend invite me to go with him and his family to AC one Sunday.  I thought to myself “I’ll go, but it’s definitely not where I want to attend on a regular basis”…

I remember the day I stepped foot into AC.  I enjoyed the service and the music was amazing.  As we were getting ready to leave, a gentleman from the church asked me if I was a worship leader (the reason he asked is b/c the guy I was with told him)…I said “yes sir, I am”…He then proceeded to tell me that AC was having auditions for musicians and worship leaders in a couple of weeks…..HERE IS WHERE THE STORY GETS A LITTLE FUNNY =)

I kid you not, the whole time this guy was talking to me about auditions all I could think about was getting out of there and going to lunch with my friends.  So, when the conversation was coming to an end (or at least I thought it was), the gentleman said “let me introduce you to Mike”…he works with our musicians.  AHHHH….I didn’t want to go but I did.  I apologized to my friends who were waiting on me and they said “don’t worry, it’s fine”…I met Mike and he was really cool and nice and gave me his email address and told me a little about the auditions…but, the whole time he was talking to me I was thinking “I’m really not interested, I don’t want to audition, it’s not for me!”…but I never voiced that to Mike…I just smiled and said “thanks!”….Well as soon as that conversation was over, I was ready to go to lunch!  BUT, OH NO…it wasn’t near to being over…The gentleman who was showing me around said “You should meet our Student Pastor Charles.”  By now, I’m thinking to myself “You’ve got to be kidding me”…All I want to do is leave this building and go eat lunch…Seriously guys, I couldn’t make this story up if I tried!  Ha.  Well, as the minutes roll on, I go to the Foundry Building behind the Classic Center to meet Charles Ficken.  I remember it very well…He was super nice to me and I could tell he had a very out-going personality.  Like minutes before, all I could think about was leaving the place and going to lunch…Funny how God works huh??  Well, Charles asked me right then and there to go to lunch and talk.  So we exchanged information and a week later we had lunch at Aqua Linda Mexican Restaurant.   Finally, I leave the Classic Center and we go to lunch!  Little did I know but the Holy Spirit started something that day in my heart that would lead me into a dream and vision from years before.  I’ll explain that later…So remember ok?  =) 

By now, I bet you’re so captured by my story right??  Ha.  Jk.  But for real, the story gets really good.  So stick with me!  Ok, so we meet up at Aqua Linda and we had a great conversation.  This is probably when the Lord started stirring my heart towards AC.  Charles bought my lunch which I thought was really awesome and didn’t expect.  He talked to me about coming one Sunday and leading worship for “Xtreme” and “Inside Out”…I did think that would be a cool thing no doubt. 

So, now comes the audition.  After a couple of weeks of AC stirring in my brain and much prayer, I decided to audition to be a worship leader.  The process was pretty stressful for me.  I was NERVOUS beyond belief it was all that I could think about.  I practiced the songs they wanted us to audition with over and over and over.  I made sure I knew them inside and out.  The “audition” email gave us two songs to learn and then to have an extra song to sing in case. 

The day had come.  The time had come.  The moment had arrived.  I went to Nuci’s Space that evening and as I walked through the door someone was there from AC with a sign in sheet.  I sat there and waited a few minutes before they called my name.  I took my guitar into a closed room.  As I walked through the door I saw three people sitting behind a table.  Sound familiar?  Yeah, it definitely reminded me of Simon, Paula, and Randy a.k.a. American Idol auditions.  HA.  But seriously I was intimidated to say the least.  I was in a whole new world.  I was now playing a different ballgame folks. 

Well, I sang both of the audition songs and the “judges” talked to me for a few minutes about who I am and what I do…you know, the usual.  After that, I asked them if they wanted me to sing and play the “extra” song that mentioned in the email.  They said “you’re the first person to ask that, so yeah let’s hear it”…The song I had planned to sing was “Unchanging”…the slow more intimate version of the Chris Tomlin song.  I finished the audition and left the room and got into my car.  Now, pay attention to this next part.  I remember sitting in the parking lot and feeling absolutely sick to my stomach and miserable.  I told God right then and there “That was the worst I’ve ever done”…I felt that my audition was terrible!!  However, when God pours out FAVOR on you, then BIG things happen.  Two weeks later, I get a phone call from Mike (AC staffer) and he said we would like to invite you to come and lead worship for us in May.  I about fainted when he said that.  I couldn’t believe my ears!  I was blown away and so excited. 

Now, are you ready for some chill bumps??  Here they come.  A little while after the phone call I was by myself when the Holy Spirit spoke very clearly to me.  The Holy Spirit brought up a memory from a few years back when I was at a North Point Community Church event.  The memory consisted of me sitting out in the audience and I was worshipping  and at the same time in “awe” of the whole experience of NP.  I was so overwhelmed by the excellence in their worship leading and in their amazing production.  The memory also consisted of this:  I sat there in my seat at NP that night and told GOD  a desire of my heart…you ready guys??  HERE IT IS:  I told GOD “God, I want to be a part of something like this one day”….THE Holy Spirit reminded me of that desire I told GOD a few years back.  The doors to my soul blew wide open right then and there in that moment.  GOD gave me the desires of my heart!  Psalm 37:4 tells us to “delight ourselves in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart”…It’s so true.  Even though it took a few years, God blessed me with my desires.  I’m so thankful it was in HIS timing because I was NOT ready when I first told God my heart’s desires. 

Friends, God gives us dreams and visions for our lives.  Think about it.  What has HE given you to dream and focus on?  How have you pursued it?  Are you walking daily in that vision He gave you?  Are you working at it?  Who are you surrounding yourself with that is helping you achieve your dream? 

People ask me all the time how I got to Athens Church and I get to share my GOD-SIZED story with them.  I also get asked at least every week if not more “Brit, what do you want to do with music? Or, I get told “Brit, I wish something HUGE would happen for you with music”…..My answer is always the same…I tell them things like: ”It already has happened, or It’s happening now, or I’m actually doing what I want to do now”…I tell them “I get to sing at Athens Church which was a desire of my heart, or I get to travel all over the place singing already.”  You see my point?  I’m living out my dream now…now…and  it’s an amazing place to be.  I’m very grateful for where I’m at.  Trust me on this…if you spend your days wishing for something else to happen…well when it does, you’ll only wish for something better to happen.  LEARN to BLOOM right where you’re planted and GOD will work and open up doors you never thought possible.  I’m excited about the next chapter of my life whatever that maybe.  But I know that I’ll be taking it day by day and not worrying about it.  Taking matters into your own hands will always lead to a road of poison.  I’ve learned that GOD will put you where HE wants you when HE wants you to be there.  In other words, “I’m very satisfied and happy because I’m living out my dream.  I’m walking in the vision God gave me.”   In the past 4 years of being at Athens Church, open doors of opportunity have flooded my doorstep.  I’ve recorded two records and God has blessed me in ways unthinkable.  I have seen firsthand Ephesians 3:20 come to life “²⁰  Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us”  GOD had these plans for me with AC long before I was formed.  He is in CONTROL.  I rest in that each and every day.   I’m so thankful for my pastor and his leadership, Sean Seay.  I get to play and lead worship with some amazing musicians and worship leaders.   I’m overwhelmed by my community of friends as well.  It’s a great life! 

God has went FAR ABOVE AND BEYOND all I’ve ever asked for.  I consistently declare favor over my life and music…and friends, I see it every day.  I walk in the favor of the Lord.  I tell you all this to encourage you with my story.  If you have a dream, chase it.  Declare favor over it.  Surround yourself with people who will encourage you.  Develop your talent and abilities whatever they may be.  God has a purpose for you.  It’s a unique purpose that only you can walk into.  Don’t compare yourself to others in your field.  You are who you are and GOD will do it through you. 

I hope you’re encouraged by this story of purpose and destiny.  I love sharing it because it all points back to JESUS.  Walk into the favor filled life you were meant to walk in.  Blessings my friends!

In His Grip,

Brit

: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

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

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bulldog-saturday-single/id460180560

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

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

In His Grip,

Brit Jones

Blessings,

Brit

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

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