Radical by David Platt

Never have I stumbled upon a book that made me think so much about where I stood with Christ. Radical opened my eyes to what it really means to be a follower of Christ. David Platt's words are undisguised and say it like it is, bringing us to ask ourselves, "Am I radical? Or have a fallen into the trap of the great american dream?

"Radical" is defined in Websters Dictionary as "a person who holds or follows strong convictions" or "A person who advocates fundamental political, economic and social reforms by direct and often uncompromising methods."

So then, that being defined, who can say that they are Radical for Christ? Do you hold and follow strong convictions and do you never compromise? Is Jesus worth everything to you that you are willing to give up everything for Him?

This book challenged me to think about who Jesus is to me. Yes, He is my savior and I cannot fully express my gratitude to Him, but do I live like that? Do I live like He is everything to me? Would I be willing to give up everything in order to go and follow Him? This book made me think about that question, and in the process, changed how I live.

Being radical is not compromising. It is believing in something so strongly that you do not back down and you live in a way that shows and supports fully what you believe.

In reading this book, I learned that to be Radical, that means me pushing past my feelings and doing the work that God has called me to do. God has called us all to witness and to make disciples of all nations. This can be uncomfortable sometimes. But we should impact the world! We have this amazing gift from God, and it is available to all people if they choose to accept it! How can we not spread the Word!? It is time to step above the crowd and speak not only with our words, but with our actions that We are Radical for Christ and that we are taking our faith back from the American Dream!

David Platt challenges the readers of his book to participate in the Radical Experiment. This experiment requires that one does these things:

-Pray for the entire world
-Read through the entire Word
-Sacrifice your money for a specific purpose
-Spend your time in another context
-Commit your life to a multiplying community

I'm going to take this challenge, and I'm also going to challenge you to read this book. It is truly inspiring! In these last days we must remember, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few." Step up to the challenge, and show that Jesus is really worth everything to you by living radically!

In our age, it has never been easier to convert someone and yet harder to disciple.

The beginning starts at the end of ourselves. I highly recommend reading Radical: Taking Your Faith Back from the American Dream by David Platt. You will be challenged and you will be blessed.

All Things New - 2011

ALL THINGS NEW

Many people all over joined in the countdown that closed the year 2010 and welcomed the start of 2011. This is a new year we just hit – a new beginning and a fresh start that is laid out ahead of us. So many people see this day as a time to reflect on their life and to make a resolution to live better the next year. They resolve to eat healthier, exercise more or maybe to work harder in a certain area or to do anything to improve themselves or current lifestyle

These resolutions will soon be forgotten – possibly by the end of the month! What then, do these people do? They say, “Oh, well! Maybe next year I will stick with (put resolution here).”

With the New Year, people (generally speaking), start something new. But when they mess it up, eventually, a lot of them quit until the next year. There is just something about having a fresh start that motivates you to do your very best. Having a clean slate just makes you want to push forward.  

Well, this year, I’m not going to get into the typical New Year Resolutions that I’ll make, keep for a short time and break. No. What I am going to do this year is, when I wake up every morning, I am going to praise God that He makes all things new.

In Revelation 21:5 it says: “And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'"

I am not perfect. None of us are. That is why I praise God that He makes all things new. I am human. I will make mistakes. I will say things I should not. I will do things that would have been better not to be acted on. I will make wrong or bad decisions. I will fail at times. But God makes all things new. And when He does, we once again begin with a clean slate to work our very best on. “All things new” is having another chance over and over and over again to do what you know is right and true.  

                

“This is what the Lord says, ‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:16, 18-19.

               

“All things new” is putting the past behind and looking ahead, surrendering your life to Christ and moving forward with perseverance and purpose.

               

This year, I’m praising God for all things made new and I’m moving forward in Him. This isn’t something I’m just going to do today – but every day. I’m going to love more, hesitate less, and I’m going to give Him everything I got – everyday. We never know what tomorrow will bring, but of this we can be certain.

               

-Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever

and

 -God is always faithful.

               

This year, what will you do differently? If nothing else, I pray that it will be to put your hope in the one whose love never fails, and whose compassions are new every morning. I pray that you will put your hope in the one who never changes, and who loves you with an everlasting love. I pray that you look to the one who makes all things new – and that by Him, you will be made new. Look to Jesus Christ this New Year, and walk with him daily. He makes all things new. Put the past behind and move forward in Jesus.

               

What will 2011 be about for you? Don’t let this be just another year that passes by. This year is not going to be perfect. Hard times are going to come. But there will also be times of joy and peace. In all seasons, praise God – for He makes all things new.

                

               “And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new…”

- Revelation 21:5

              

Happy New Year everyone! Prayers, love and blessings to all! Have a Happy 2011 in the Lord!

Dancing in the shadow of His cross,

                Brittany L. Ketter (1 Peter 3:4)

FAVORITE EVENTS :D

View WorshipDancer900's profile on Eventful

Mary Did You Know - guitarrx3girl - Emily & Rachel Bt

These are friends of mine! They are awesome! Please watch, listen and be blessed!

NaNoWriMo - Getting there! :)

This is my lovely calender that shows the days I worked on my novel...Sadly there are 3 days that I did over the word count I needed....3 days I wrote a few hundred words, 1 day I wrote next to nothing and 11 days where I didn't write at all. Now the question is....will I reach my 50,000 and finish my book???

Well, you will have to wait and see. Regardless I will finish this book! However, there is much to do with it yet! So prayers would be appreciated! (As would a double mocha chocolate frap! Which have been my favorite drink this month! :D )

The book is entitled: Single Seasons: Becoming a Godly Lady-In-Waiting.

Something that is heavily on my heart, and that I hope to get published!

Well back to class, so that I can write more and then so I can go to work to come home to write more. I need to average 3,000 words a day to finish on time! Thanks everyone!

~Brittany L. Ketter (1 Peter 3:4)

Release Song - Brittany Ketter

Release - Brittany Ketter

November 2010

Verse 1:

Day after day

trying to hide

holding the hurt

deep down inside

Outside a stone

But drowning within

She wants to find healing

But doesn't know where to begin.

Pre-Chorus: Her heart is drowning in an ocean of tears unshed, 

leaving her to be swallowed by the sorrowful depths. 

Chorus:

Release the river

cast off the stone.

There is a healing 

when you let it all flow.

Let go of the pain

don't let it drown you within.

Find your freedom in learning to live

And release...release the pain.

Verse 2:

Don't know the way

how to get by?

She doesn't know that

crying isn't a crime.

Feeling alone

but doesn't want to forget

the one in her life

that was taken away.

Pre-Chorus 2: She doesn't know there is release in the tears.

And that when they come falling that I will be there.

Chorus

Bridge: 

Come my dear child

don't hold back the pain

let it all out and 

release it again.

Then stay at my side 

look beyond the sorrow,

You will see hope when I show you tomorrow.

Chorus1

Chorus2: 

You released the river

and cast off the stone.

You found there is healing 

in letting it flow.

You let go of the pain

you're not drowning within.

You found your freedom is 

learning to live...

Release the river

let my comfort flow through

I'll give you a peace beyond

what you ever knew

Hold tight to me

I'll carry you through

And I'll bring you home with me

when you finish what you're called to. 

Fading out with music:

My timing is perfect, though it might seem too soon,

I had greater plans beyond what you knew

Release....oh....release it all...

~~~~

Still needs a bit of work, but thats the frame for it! :)

~Brittany (1 Peter 3:4)

November 2010 Pure Freedom Update.mov

Dannah Gresh - Founder of Pure Freedom and Secret Keeper Girl shares a message! Please watch this 2 minute video! :)