Redeeming Love and other greats! :)

Of all the books I've ever put on the shelf saying that I'd never read, I'm so glad that I pulled down Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers! Initially, I thought that it wasn't my type of book and that I would not be interested. My pastor's wife suggested it first and then my dance teacher, and then multiple people afterwards. Finally, I was convinced that I had to read this book to see what the hype was about.

My friend and I read it together....or rather I should say she started it and I decided I could beat her to finishing it and picked it up 2 days later! I was not able to put it down and had it finished in 2 evenings! WOW! What more can I say about such a story? That book is AMAZING! I was quickly hooked and went on to read The Atonement Child (Thanks to Mimi who knew I would love it and bought it for me! :D ) and The Last Sin Eater as well as some other Titles! I love these books!

And because I love these books, I believe that you should all check them out! there is also a contest going on and you can find out more about it here:

http://www.tyndale.com/blog/?p=1042

or on Francine Rivers' page on Facebook!

All the best!

~Brittany

What Are You Waiting For? Yada, Yada, Yada and Much, Much More!

When I first received this book, my first reaction was one of excitement. (I LOVE NEW BOOKS!) My second reaction was "Oh snap! Now everyone is going to know I read this!" But I am reviewing it nonetheless and I hope you stick around to hear what I have to say about this book.

Back in 2007 I went to one of Dannah Gresh's Pure Freedom events and ever since then, when I would hear the word "yada" my mind would instantly take me back to that event where I learned the true meaning of the word. It's not the equivalent of "blah, blah, blah" as I had initially thought, but it's real meaning is "to know, to be known, to be deeply respected." This is something that I have held onto ever since the Pure Freedom conference all those years ago.

In What Are You Waiting For? Dannah takes this word, "yada" and traces it from Genesis to Revelation shedding light on God's view and purpose of sex. (Oh I just said S-E-X. Are you feeing uncomfortable yet?) Well, if you are this book will be a hard read for you. 

This world has turned sex into something that is no big deal and something that "everyone is doing" and has completely disregarded the sacredness of it that God had intended.

What Are You Waiting For? also brings in several other topics including

-"Friends with Benefits"

-Masturbation

-Pornography

And other topics as well. In short:

Friends with Benefits - Not only is this a sin, but it's also impossible for both parties NOT to be hurt in the process. With the way God made us and because this is not in His plan for us, it leaves you broken, confused, and having "benefits" in there is a complete lie! There are no benefits.

Masturbation - This is addressed directly and as the sin that it is.

Pornography - To quote a friend of mine, "Pornography cheapens sexuality, objectifies the human body, reducing it to an object of gratification. " Dannah expands on this topic more in her book.

Other topics include homosexuality and other difficult sexual issues.

What Are You Waiting For? Is written in a blunt manner and could be an uncomfortable book to read. That much Dannah writes to you on the first page. As this is written to an older audience (mainly senior high and college girls) I would recommend it for the audience to which it is written and no younger than that. The direct style in which it is written is much needed in the world today. The main message in this book is abstinence.

Before you might have been thinking "yada, yada, yada" as in  "blah, blah, blah" but after reading this book, I know that when you hear "yada, yada, yada" it will have a whole new meaning to you!

SoulPrint - Discovering Your Divine Destiny by Mark Batterson

"There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal." - C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory


In SoulPrint, Mark Batterson takes you on a journey of self-discovery while exploring the life of King David and walking through his destiny getting a clear view of his soul print.

When I picked up this book, I knew it would be a good read - but it did not occur to me how it would change my own mindset on my divine destiny.

Mark takes you through this journey hitting on key points to help you discover your destiny. Some of these points include:

• Confidence
• Divine Delays
• Letting God lead
• Integrity
• Willpower
• Your Own Weaknesses
• Your Strengths
• And there are others!

Mark expertly takes you through and raises questions to bring you to a place where you must question your own divine destiny.

God created us uniquely. And each of us has a unique calling on our life and a different journey of getting to where we are called. Our calling and our journey make up our soulprint. But the purpose of our soulprint is to show the very prints of God himself as He has shaped us to be!

Consider SoulPrint a guide in taking your first steps towards self-discovery and to finding your soul print. What mark are you destined to leave?

This is a must read! You will be challenged, encouraged and blessed by the message that Mark Batterson shares in this book!

Fine Arts 2011 - "Compelled By Love"

Okay….so this will be pretty short because I am absolutely exhausted….But…I justs have to say…

CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE FROM NEW DAY ASSEMBLY WHO PARTICIPATED IN FINE ARTS TODAY!! YOU WERE ALL AMAZING! LOVE YOU AND VERY PROUD OF YOU!!!

To start our day off, Jodi did her vocal solo to Lead Me To the Cross and totally rocked it! :) She will be advancing to the district level for it! Way to go girl!

Then we had Lydia’s vocal solo to a song that I unfortunately do not know the name of….lol…But she totally rocked! AND she also was chosen to do her solo for everyone there at the awards at the end of the day. Way to go Lydia!! She has advanced to the district level. 

Erica also had her solo, which once again, I don’t know the song, and I missed hers as we had an overlapping schedule. But everyone said she was great! She is also going to districts. 

Aaron did his guitar solo which was absolutely amazing!!! (Forgive me, my dear brother for saying this…) but He is so cute!!!! lol. He would play and look up and randomly smile here and there, but mostly focus on his playing. But he is so stinking cute! (Sorry Aaron, I just had to say it. LOL.) He has advanced to Districts! WHOOO!  (I couldn’t be a prouder sister. :D ) 

Erica and Lydia did a duet to Addison Roads “What Do I Know Of Holy” both playing guitars. They sounded awesome! And they are going to Districts! :)

Rosalie did a vocal solo to Natalie Grant’s “Human” which I heard she did very well! :) Go Rosalie!!! 

Lydia did songwriting and once again advanced to districts!!  (This I didn’t get to see, but heard it was awesome!)

Rosalie did a short sermon! She did great! And she is going to districts!!! WHOOOO!!!! <3

Erica did songwriting and advanced to districts!

Erica also did a dance solo to…well I don’t remember the song title, but she’s headed to districts!!

Rosalie also did a poetry entry which is going to districts!!! CONGRATS!!

SEND JUDAH FIRST (consisting of Eden, Erica Shaffer and Jodi) danced to “Beautiful History” by Plumb. They were awesome!! And are also headed to Districts! 

Sarah Fullerton did the most amazing stained class piece! It was absolutely gorgeous! You must see it!!! This is also going to districts!!! Congrats Sarah!

My apologies if I have forgotten something! If I did let me know. lol. But it’s been a long day and I’m exhausted. :D

So my final words - I’ll say CONGRATULATIONS to everyone! You were all amazing and I love you all! It is such a privilege to watch you use your gifts to glorify God. Over the years it has been so amazing to participate with you, but this being my first year sitting back, I love how I actually get to see what you are doing and that just really blessed me! Love you all!! Couldn’t be more proud! 

Blessings to you and wishing you the best at Districts!!

WE’RE GOING TO HERSHEY!! <3 

D.I.E.S.E.L - Fueled by the Spirit!

DIESEL Youth

Brittany Ketter

February 13, 2011

D.I.E.S.E.L – Fueled by the Spirit - Short Sermon

So I’ve been thinking a lot about this youth group as of late. And originally I had a message that went along with the compelled by love theme with Fine Arts, which seemed like it would fit quite nicely considering tomorrow is valentines/singles awareness day. Either way you see it – spread the love.

But anyways, last week God changed my message up a bit and so tonight I’m going to be talking about what this youth group is and what it means to be a DIESEL. I’ve been in this youth group long enough to see a lot of changes come about. One that stands out to me the most right now is the last winter retreat I went on with you guys – remember Wayne Northup – well that week everyone came back so on fire for God! And so pumped! And youth group was so amazing there! You all came with an attitude of expectancy – you expected God to be here when you came and you expected God to move in mighty ways. And He did. There were healings and baptisms in the Holy Spirit and deliverances. And it was so amazing! It is so awesome to see that and to have that in this youth group…and I can’t say I know what changed, but I believe we need to be stirred up and to get that fire blazing again.

Tonight, I want to talk to you about what I see that it means to be a DIESEL.

Our name says that we are “Fueled by the Spirit” and our verse is Acts 1:8 which says:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

I believe that being a DIESEL means to be radical for Christ. And that’s not just this youth group, but any Christian.

In Revelation 3:15-16 it says:

“¹⁵ I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! ¹⁶ So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

A lukewarm Christian is half-hearted and almost going through the motions. They are apathetic and are not wholly devoted to Christ. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be lukewarm. I want to be hot. God would rather you be cold than to be a lukewarm Christian. But ultimately he wants us to reach repentance and to be devoted to him. We should be on fire for God. Do we really live like we believe what we do? You are a Christian. What does that mean to you? What makes you that? “Christian” actually means “Christ follower.” It isn’t over when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior – that is only the beginning. There is more for us. We are called to follow Christ at any cost. We are called to be Radical.

What does that mean for us as DIESEL youth?

Being radical is not compromising. It means believing in something so strongly that you do not back down and you live in a way that shows and fully supports what you believe. Being radical means pushing past our feelings and going out to do the work that God has called us to do. It means to be on fire for God – and to live like it.

I’ve taken our name – DIESEL, and I have made something out of it to show what I feel that it means to be a DIESEL – and to be radical.

D – Die to self.

            Matthew 16:24 says: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."

            ~We need to put to death the desires of the flesh and take up our cross to follow God.

I – Invite the Holy Spirit to Interrupt.

            So often we can get stuck in routines. Sunday is church. Youth group Sunday nights. Church on Wednesday nights…sometimes we let it become a routine and those days we are here are the days we are here to listen for God’s voice and for some good fellowship with each other. But every other day of the week when you’re at school and work and everywhere else you’re hanging out. Are you expecting to hear God? We need to get in tune with the Holy Spirit and when we wake up in the morning we need to invite the Holy Spirit to interrupt our routine. It could be anything – even just a prompting from the Holy Spirit to go talk with someone who might be hurting or that is having some problems or to give an encouraging word to someone or to pray for them. It could be something that you really don’t want to do…or that will take you out of your comfort zone, but God has given you the power by His spirit to do that. So don’t pass those moments up. Pray for them to come.

E – Evangelize.

            The great commission – you probably all know but I’m going to read it anyways.

            “Then Jesus came to them and said, all authority on heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

            Reading this we see we are commanded to go and make disciples and to witness. And you have a promise here that Jesus will be with you always. He gives us the power and the authority to evangelize. In our age, it has never been so easy to evangelize and yet so hard to disciple. Like I said earlier, accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior isn’t the end. So in bringing someone to Christ, you don’t just stop there. Discipleship is important! We have so many means of evangelizing these days. Radio, TV, Internet etc. But we need to remember discipleship.

S – Step Out.

            Sometimes it’s hard to step out because it’s not a comfortable thing to do. But being radical means that we need to step out – and step out of our comfort zone. This stretches our faith and I have found it to be a place where I completely rely on God. It is time to step out of the crowd and speak not only with words but with actions that we are radical for Christ. Stepping out takes faith. But God will lead us in it. It won’t always be easy and sometimes it can be scary. But it says in 2 Timothy that God has not given us a Spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.” It’s time that we step out of our comfort zone. Personally, I’ve found that when I do that – God moves in such amazing ways – even in me.

E – Expect God to move.

            An attitude of expectancy is something that we should always have. In Acts 1 Jesus commands that the disciples wait for the promised Holy Spirit and they did wait. While they waited, they chose a disciple to replace Judas and constantly prayed. When we continue to Acts 2 we read that:

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. And Suddenly, a sound like the blowing of violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them where filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them to.”

We see here that they waited and even though they were doing other things, their hearts were prepared with an attitude of expectancy as they waited for God to move. We continue in Acts 2 and read how Peter preached a message and about 3,000 were saved that day.

If you come here and expect God to move – He will.

Anywhere you go, if you’re living with an attitude of expectancy – You will see God moving.

L – Love.

            Jesus commands in John 13:34:

“Love one another as I have loved you. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

People will know we are Christians by our love. This is what I desire us to be like. What we have here as a youth group is special. I know you all love each other. You know its love when you can insult each other and not be offended. But really, we have something different here. And the way that you love each other is very apparent. We need to take that love we have here out there and show this love to the world.

            “God is love and he who abides in love abides in God and God in Him.”

This here is what I believe a Diesel to be. It means we

Die to Self.

Invite the Holy Spirit to Interrupt

Evangelize

Step Out

Expect God to Move

Love

I want to challenge you tonight to really think about this. Think about what it means to be part of DIESEL and to be radical and on fire for God.

Where were we as a youth group when we came back from winter retreat last year? What has happened that people aren’t being saved? What has happened that we don’t pray with each other anymore? What has happened that people aren’t being baptized in the Spirit? Have we become lukewarm? I think it is time to stir up that fire and I believe that tonight we need to have a new vision for ourselves as a youth group.

We want to see salvations.

We want to see healings.

We want to see baptisms in the Holy Spirit.

We want to see what it is to be a youth group that is on fire and fueled by the Spirit again.

We want to see God move in this place.

I think it is time that we step out of the familiar and push for the supernatural. It is time again that we come together…When we stop compromising, and when we will start living like we really believe what we believe, that I think is when we are going to see God move in supernatural ways. 

Cailee Singing Sweet Sweet Sound :)

:)

31 Days of Power = A Lifetime of Walking in Spiritual Victory

Book Title: 31 Days of Power: Learning to Walk in Spiritual Victory
Author: Ruth Myers with Warren Myers
Rating: 4/5

Are you ready for some warfare? Well, whether you are or not you are in the midst of an all out war daily - one that has been going on for ages. This spiritual battle wages in the heavenly realms and not just amongst us. Even more, this battle is over our very souls. Ephesians 6:10 says:
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood; but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

31 Days of Power walks you through God's promises that He is victorious and that through Him we have spiritual victory! And we will be, "more than conquerors" (Romans 8:37)

Through these 31 days, you will learn to live in "dynamic triumph God offers us in Christ" (Ruth Myers, pg.3) Through prayer, praise and crucial biblical truths, you will learn to approach spiritual warfare in a positive way.

Our goal in warfare is not to defeat Satan, but to serve Christ and bring as many to Him as possible - meaning we must learn to resist Satan and his attacks and to focus on God.

When I first picked up this book, I expected something a bit ore on warfare - what it is and not so much ] how to walk through it. But on reading this, it walked me through prayer and truth to keep in the victory that we have in Jesus.

31 Days of Power gives you insight to Spiritual warfare, and shows you the blessings of learning to walk in God's victory.

I found this book to be uplifting and an easy-to-read devotion. I devoured the truths that were so eloquently written in a matter of hours.

Praise God that the victory is His! And if you agree with me, read this book, read the Word and learn to live in the spiritual victory that God has given us.