I AM clean....

I wrote this blog on Easter morning 2012....I finally "GOT IT"  This has been the greatest discovery of my life....God's unfathomable and inexplicable grace....I finally understood the truth about God's radical grace and just in time! I had become suicidal because of the wrestling match inside of me and a couple months after writing this I decided to be true to myself and I accepted my sexuality and came out. That is when I discovered that God's grace was different from "man's grace" God's grace is unmerited, infinite, and free but the grace that people extend is limited, costly, and it usually involves work. Give me God's grace, because I can't afford man's--Bb


But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.”--Acts 10:15

Peter was in a trance, God had given him a vision...Showing him all the things that under "religious" law were unclean. Then He told Peter to eat them, and Peter, once again, argued with God, as he piously said NEVER have I eaten anything that would make me unclean!!! Peter was, once again, corrected by the Lord...He said DO NOT call something unclean if I have made it clean--

God was giving Peter a revelation about the Gentiles the people whom Jews considered an abomination, or unclean. Jesus was showing Peter just how inclusive, impartial and powerful His grace really was and He was calling him out of religion and into that grace. He  then sent Peter to the house of Cornelius and there at his home the Gentiles experienced their very own Pentecost! Jesus taught Peter to extend grace as He does...without bias, cost, or reservations, after all it wasn't Peter who died so that the Gentiles or otherwise could have grace!

Peter was so caught up in "religion" and the law that grace had no place. God had to shake him and stretch him so that we, the Gentiles, could receive Christ as our own. I sometimes get caught up in the same spirit of religion...Not toward a specific people or group, but in myself! I forget, in my passion for God, about His perfect grace! I get so driven toward being "Christlike" that I become a religious NUT! Wrestling with my own "cleanliness". I often get twisted up in religious ritual, because the guilt that is entangled in my flesh rises up and says, do this or do that, in order to be righteous! 

I was reminded of this very flaw just the other day when a very good friend of mine called me a "zealot" and I took it as a compliment. Zeal is a good thing, I said... Zeal IS a good thing--- that is very true, but I have this personality where I have to do things 200% or not at all... Zeal, by definition, means to pursue something with fervor and intensity, which truly sums up my personality in a single word-- 

BUT.... what am I pursuing. Why am I going through the motions of religious ritual? I was forced to examine my heart, am I a zealot, for religion or for relationship...LOVE? The enemy had planted a seed of guilt in me and somehow convinced me that I was "unclean" and I must follow a precise religious regimen in order to regain favor--I have been in the SAME wrestling match since the DAY I got saved! 

I had been hearing about all this RADICAL GRACE...and I, a former drug addict, refused to fully accept grace for fear that it would become an out...an excuse...an ENEMY!! I needed religion to hold me accountable, and KEEP ME CLEAN!!! I believed that grace was for EVERYONE else, but it was something that I couldn't embrace for myself--

WOW! All this time I thought I was free, but the truth is I just stepped out of one prison (addiction) and into another (religion)! I have been trying to "impress" God with my holiness...trying to prove just how much I love Him!! HE ALREADY KNOWS!!! I was trying to be the BEST CHRISTIAN!! Any one who knows me, knows that I HAVE to be the best (I'm a tad competitive)...I was so busy trying to be the best "zealot" or fanatic, if you will,  that I forgot how to LOVE Him by way of loving people... ALL people...wow how humbling.

I can just hear Him saying to me, "Sweetie, stop trying to gain my favor...it's already yours. Just come to My table and sit a while with Me. I made you clean, and what I have made clean you must not call unclean! You are Holy only because of Me.You are the reason that I died, and I did that so that you could have an abundant life; a relationship with Me, not RELIGION! NOW you go and extend that love and grace in the same measure as it has been given to you"

I feel like He is saying to us (The Church) "If you want to be like Me, LOVE like me...and don't try to be Me by decided what is "clean" or "unclean... When I said, "It is finished" I meant it!" 

Grace... unmerited favor-- It only took me 8 years to really get it!

Just Bb

Boxing with God?

But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” -- Acts 5:39 

We have been called out of this slumber to do a great work--NO MORE CHURCH AS USUAL--and I truly believe that we are on the verge of an amazing end time revival! I have been blessed to be able to watch the parable of the "great banquet" (Luke 14 at bottom) become a reality-- I believe that God is pulling His Church out of the ditches and the low places. The "highways & hedges" 

I am surrounded by miracles; men and women who have came from the ditches and have stepped into  pulpits in the jails, the dark places and in the very ditches from which they themselves were saved! Many people reject the very idea that a former junkie, or a felon could possibly be called to do the work of God, and so often we feel the punch of rejection and disapproval. 

We have also experienced straight up sabotage; or shall I say attempts to sabotage  our ministry or even our integrity...but they are only boxing with God! I have watched God rise up and fight every battle that comes our way. It took me a little while to stand back and let someone else fight my battles, I was raised to defend myself at all cost, then I met God and He said that the battle was not mine but His...

Unfortunately, some people (NOT ALL) don't like success unless it's their own so they attempt to tear it down...but take heart; if God built it there is NO MAN that can destroy it! So if you see me standing on the sidelines with my hands lifted in surrender, don't celebrate too quickly, I am simply allowing God to step into the ring...and if you're foolish enough to box with Him have at it!!!

Be encouraged--It may feel like you are surrounded by enemies, but if it's from God no one will be able to stop you!!! Step back and let God fight for you--I promise HE WON'T LOSE!!! 

Pastor Brandiilyne

Then He said to him, “A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’  But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’  And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’  Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’  So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.’  And the servant said, ‘Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.’  Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compelthem to come in, that my house may be filled.  For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.’” Luke 14:16-24

Peter...the rock

Peter is my favorite of all the 12 disciples....Jesus described Peter as, "the rock" on which He would build His church upon. (Matt 16:18) I have often wondered why Jesus referred to him as "the rock" and I have looked at it from many angles

1. Could it be because of his stability?

 Stability? well...Peter was probably the most unstable of all the disciples! He was quite emotional and ALWAYS said what he was thinking! He never thought before he spoke, his zeal often outweighed his wisdom, or lack there of. For example: Right after Jesus referred to Peter as "the rock" He almost immediately called him a stumbling block, because Peter had the audacity to rebuke Him--(Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” Matt 16:22-23)


2. Could it be his solid commitment?

Committed? well...Do you remember Peter was asleep when Jesus was agonizing over His purpose in prayer in the garden of Gethsemane--(“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”  Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Mark 14:34-37)
And who can forget the day that Judas betrayed Jesus, only moments after Peter was sleeping in the garden, Peter betrayed Jesus by denying Him. Peter went so far as to curse.--(While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by.--- When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said. But he denied it...He began to call down curses on himself Mark 14:66-68 & 71)


3. Could it be his unmovable faith?


Faith? well... There was the time that Peter sank LIKE a rock... (But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Matt 14:30-31)


4. Could it be his awesome education?

Education? well...Peter was an uneducated fisherman...When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13


So why did Jesus call Peter a rock?

1. Peter was probably the MOST emotional of all the disciples but...He was also the MOST PASSIONATE!!!!

2. Peter was also somewhat wishy washy, but he was the only one who tried to defend Jesus when the Pharisees came to arrest Him in the garden (John 18:10)

3. Peter may have sank like a rock, but he was the ONLY disciple to get out of the boat as a matter of fact Peter was always the first to get out of the boat! If you will recall he jumped from the boat when Jesus appeared after His resurrection, and on both occasions the other disciples remained in the boat! (John 21:7)

4. Peter may have been uneducated but he had more boldness and he KNEW what and Who he was  was talking about! He stood and spoke infront of multitudes, and because of his boldness he revolutionized  the world! He preached the VERY first revival, and over 3,000 people were saved!!!  (Acts 2:14-41)

Peter is my favorite disciple because I believe he's the most like me...he was EXTREMELY passionate which often came bubbling out as irrational emotional outburst!!! He protected those that he loved with reckless abandon...and he was always the first to jump in head first!

So why did Jesus call Peter "the rock" I have come to the conclusion that it was because of his hardheadedness!! Peter was hard headed, tenacious, and resolute beyond that of the others...He had a resolve like flint, UNBREAKABLE! He was uneducated yet bold--overcoming his shortcomings by the power of the Holy Spirit!

Yes Peter had some flaws, but just like a diamond, the strength and beauty outshine the flaws! 

Pastor Brandiilyne

The winds of change...

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...Ecc 3:1 

Seasons...Webster says seasons are a time characterized by a particular circumstance or feature. Here in South MS the seasons are not so clearly defined, as a matter of fact we haven't seen a Winter in quite some time. Despite the weather I feel a new season coming, the winds of change are blowing. I have an urgency to make some pretty hard changes to adjust for this new season. God is calling me up to a new level, a new place, a new glory (2 Cor 3:18) 

Most people, myself included, are not fans of change but God is calling me and my ministry to a new place, a new level, a new glory! I will go where God calls me. Change is typically not easy, nor is it always fun but the results are always rewarding IF you don't quit. I feel like God is not only calling me to a higher level but He is calling His church to RISE up...

He's breathing on you, and saying YOU WILL LIVE!!! (Ez 37) He is speaking to your souls saying Talitha Koum (Mark 5:41) The winds of change are blowing... Will you rise up and walk or will you remain in the valley of dry bones? 

A Big THANK YOU to EJE Student Council

Friday March the 2nd was an emotional day for a couple of reasons. First of all it was the birthday of our beloved Zac Ainsworth who's tragic death inspired the Z.A.C Project (Zeal And Compassion for Women)

Secondly Denisea, Zac's mother & my dear friend, cooked breakfast and brought gifts for the ladies who are living in the Z.A.C Center. Despite her sickness, she walked in and blessed us with her act of kindness and love. Thank you Denisea, we love you very much!

Last but certainly not least Denisea presented me with a check for the Z.A.C Project! This donation came from the East Jones Elementary Student Council. This School got together and raised funds for this ministry. Apparently they sold hearts for .25 cents each and they raised $600.00...thats a lot of hearts and even MORE LOVE! I cannot begin to tell you how much this blessed me personally! You guys are helping to save lives, and I want to thank you from the bottom of MY HEART!

What a humbling experience...THANK YOU Ms. Denisea and East Jones Elementary May God bless you a hundredfold!

Pastor Brandiilyne

Cracked Waterpots

 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.
Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.
Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”
The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep...

The woman at the well was completely shocked when a Jew had the audacity to ask her for a drink of water. First of all the Jews never associated with Samaritans and she knew that He would be considered unclean if He drank from her waterpot. I'm sure she probably assumed the worst about His motives for even speaking to her. As soon as He asked about her husband I'm sure her countenance fell as she was instantly reminded about her past; all then men who had come and gone. 

This woman had obviously been trying to fill a void in her life with men. She had five husbands, the Word doesn't say what happened to those men, but they had left her nonetheless. She was now "shacking up" with a man outside of wedlock and Jesus told her all about it! Something began to stir inside of her; she perceived His anointing and her heart opened up to Him. It was then that Jesus filled the void inside her with "Living Water" and verse 28 says...She left her waterpot. 

SHE DIDN'T NEED IT ANYMORE!!

She was full--filled to the overflow!  She had found what she was looking for!!! This woman, who had lived a life of apparent sorrow; her heart had been broken over and over again! Then that day by that well, Jesus came and replaced her cracked & broken "waterpot" with a heart overflowing with His perfect love! 

Come to the Well & leave your waterpot and let Him fill your heart <3 

Pastor Brandiilyne

He came to steal...to kill...& to destroy

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”--Matt 3:16-17

 A word straight from God, an affirmation from the Father. The Holy Spirit came and covered Him...WOW what a beautiful moment for Jesus. Talk about REVIVAL!!! 

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him...(Matt 4:1-3) 

Then comes the enemy--he wants to steal that word, destroy the affirmation, and kill Jesus!

 The enemy is always waiting to pounce and steal what God has done in our lives. He wants to take the Word and destroy what God has just blessed us with. A fight ALWAYS follows illumination--Satan wants to cast shadows on the revelation with which God has just enlightened you. Anytime you have an encounter with God and experience Him in a new powerful way, you must be prepared to encounter an enemy who is out to destroy ALL the great things God has just accomplished in your life. 

...But I have a GREAT NEWS!! Because of what Christ did on the cross you have ALL authority over that enemy. When Jesus was being tempted by Satan, He always cut him with the Word. He defeated the  lies of the thief with the Truth! God gave us a very POWERFUL weapon to combat our enemy, He gave us authority to use it, and His Spirit to EMPOWER us and make this weapon deadly! 

We just had an amazing encounter with God, and we had a life changing experience. God really SHOWED up and lives were changed, people were filled with His Spirit. Some were set free from lifelong bondages, and the enemy is itching to steal, kill, and destroy what God has done-- But there's no need to fear because HE that is in you is GREATER than he that is in the world! 

Don't allow the enemy to come in and take what God has given you! Hold onto it, and HIDE it in your heart! YOU ARE VICTORIOUS!!! 

Pastor Brandiilyne