Seduction

Posted on May 21, 2012 by Brittany

Repost from March 1, 2010
We’ve all heard the story. First girl in the garden walking by the tree of forbidden fruit. She’s obviously looking… who wouldn’t? It’s forbidden. Classic… to us; this was new back then. Maybe she’s wondering why it’s forbidden, maybe imagining what it tastes like.  God never gave the details; he just said no.

While she’s turning the beautiful snack over and over in her mind, the sleek muscled body of the serpent glides down from a nearby branch. Her contemplations are met with his easy reasoning and ssssweet half-truths about God and the fruit. Gentle, whispered assurances turn her disinterest into hunger and the innocence of mankind is stripped from the lips down with the first bite. Eve’s mind had consumed the curse before her body felt the effects but the first sin was precipitated by this carefully orchestrated seduction.

Ironic, isn’t it, that seduction is so popular today?  We even take it as a complement when someone says “that’s so sexy”. One could say it’s just a style but style is a form of communication. What are we trying to communicate?

The model’s slow, sensual curves sway on the way to the bar for a beer in one commercial; another one curls herself around the muscular guy who just shaved. These images dance at the limits of perceived social acceptability. For a while we subconsciously cringe at the audacity of public four-play but the discomfort turns to wonder, the wonder into hunger. Our mind takes us to the foregone conclusion before our body reaches the finish line but, according to the Center for Disease Control, this year, one in four young people under the age of 25 already has a sexually transmitted disease that could dramatically alter or end their lives. This says nothing of those over 25. We’re still reliving the first sin, pulled in one step at a time by the same silver-tongued serpent using the same tactics but this time, we’re the biter and the bait.

Satan is a counterfeit of God, sticking his long, forked licker in the ear of anyone who will listen. He’s been trying to use us and kill us since the beginning of time and, according to Revelation, it’s only getting worse. With vampires, witches, werewolves, sorcerers, sex, and gods on the upcoming entertainment menu of the year, it’s obvious he’s working overtime to hijack our thoughts. Satan has his copy for God’s original in every area as heaven and hell battle for our hearts. Unfortunately, unlike China or South America, the copied brands cost more.  We sell our souls in this bargain.

Imagine handing a guy on the street a counterfeit $100 bill; besides being really excited about it, he’s probably not going to know the difference between the fake and a real one. Unless he’s specifically trained to see the disparities between what’s real and what’s not, he’s going use it. The same is true of us. Do we know how to see the differences between the Truth and a lie?  You might hear every sweet word you’ve ever wanted whispered in your ear; you may see every effort made to please and “serve” you; the tender touch of lips against your hand will promise every dream fulfilled in life but the ultimate goal is total domination and possession beginning with your mind and heart. With those in hand, the snake already has control over you, body and soul.  Fortunately, while we live, it’s never too late to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12)

Seduction and lust is selfish, jealous, impatient, impassioned, physical, and isn’t love. Real love by contrast is pure, innocent, and deeply committed. Jesus cites it as the mark of a disciple. “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35) It’s interesting. The gospel, put very simply, is the concept that real love, in its purest form, is the remedy for that sexy snake bite, its Satanic counterfeit; just like the Truth is the only cure for a lie.

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With or Without Romance

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Brittany

Hello ladies. How are you? Fantastic. Have you ever noticed how much we’re pressured, manipulated, and handed ultimatums by society, our peers, and sometimes even our families about the relationships we’re supposed to have? Have you also noticed that it’s all just about as intangible as the steam from your shower? We’re not happy because we think we’re missing something that we desperately need: namely, a man.

I see it every week. Many of you languish in your desire for romance. Even those of you who are in relationships right now hang your every hope and dream on whether or not he calls you or talks with you in a given day. Your statuses on Facebook cry out for the attention I know you’re craving. My heart breaks over and over every time I read “what’s on your mind.” I know you struggle with insecurity because you’re not dating but it’s better to be single with high standards than to be in a relationship that’s mediocre! You may not think so but we chose to follow a destiny that was bigger than us (and any man we may meet in this life) when we gave our hearts and lives to Jesus Christ. What man can possibly compare to the passionate, all-consuming love of the Almighty Creator of the Universe?  He made you priceless… with or without a man. Your worth is not about who you’re with; it’s about WHO YOU ARE.

This struck me again a few days ago when, after only a short while of “talking” with a guy this week, kissing -and how it feels and where it leads- suddenly came up in conversation. I felt flashes of insecurity and insane discomfort at his pro “go-for-it” stance. He was attractive, fit, claimed to be a Christian, and had a decent list of “good” qualities, including a good job, a nice Christian family, and continued pursuit of further education.  But physical desire was written all over him. The moment I began to feel like less because I’ve made a stand for purity was the moment I felt moved to rise up against another mental and emotional attack. I know what God has called me to be! Once again, I had to remind myself that it doesn’t matter how long you have to wait for God’s best, DON’T SETTLE!

Ladies, if a guy isn’t a spiritual leader now, YOU can’t change him! We’re wired to be responders. If he’s always pushing the boundaries in your relationship, he’s in essence saying “I don’t respect you” and “I’m not interested in protecting innocence if I can get something I want.” How can God touch him when he’s so distracted by touching you or the idea of touching you that he can only think of one thing? If your relationship doesn’t reach any further than the next physical encounter, spiritual goals obviously aren’t a consideration in his mind (maybe not in yours either – check your motive. Where’s it driving you?).  Just because he says he’s a Christian doesn’t mean he is. Demand proof. If he wants a Christ-centered relationship with you, you can’t keep forgiving what he’s still living!

Praise God for the hope I read in the faces and declarations of the teenage young men I talked with after church today. I can’t tell you how proud I am to have such amazing brothers. Cody told me today that he “doesn’t want a girl that’s given everything away to another dude” because “he’s saving everything.”  Sky told me the same thing. Even though these guys have already been propositioned, pressured, and enticed by predatory girls who wanted to take them down, they’ve made a hard stand to protect their bodies, minds, and hearts for the pure, beautiful, committed one God will put in their lives someday. My brothers, Brent and Bryson, are passionate about this too, even though I know all these young men have struggled at times with their thoughts. Being ready to fight for God’s best should be the top criteria we look for and hold up as an example.

We’ve got a tough job; so do our guys.  Let’s make it easier for all of us by remembering who we are and what we’re here for. Wear your heart for Jesus Christ on your sleeve; treasure your hopes and ideals for a pure, beautiful romance with Prince Charming in your back pocket. Hold out for a REAL man who pursues a high standard (and pursues you) with all the respect and discipline of a diligent, skilled soldier of God’s. “Someday,” I guarantee, will be worth waiting for.

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Divide and Conquer

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Brittany

This past week, I talked to a couple people on separate occasions about the same topic (you know who you are).  I’ve had to explain my reasoning on this subject often enough that I thought it was worth blogging.  It’s not an issue of right or wrong but it’s a choice we all have to make in our teens or twenties. It’s no more a moral issue than choosing a career. However, most people see it as a normal part of growing up and establishing one’s self as a respectable member of society. In fact, a lot of people think it’s NOT respectable to oppose the norm.  I happen to be one of those people that doesn’t follow the norm.

So, here it is. The accepted standard in the United States is that by the time you graduate from high school, you either work or go to college. Increasingly, college is the favorite way to get ahead (or party for four years).  It’s not a matter of IF you are going to get out on your own; for a responsible young adult, it’s a matter of WHEN and WHERE.  If you don’t, you’re considered co-dependent and/or dysfunctional. Knowing me, you realize I’m as independent as they come. Moving out was definitely something I had planned… along with all four years of college, two of grad school, and decades of an upwardly-mobile career.

Christians, as a group, know that God is the one we want to serve. When we accept His control in our lives, we trust and dedicate our lives to Him. But if we’re serving God, there’s opposition… an enemy. This is really elementary stuff but bear with me… some people like to minimize the idea of “spiritual” warfare (we can’t see it but we believe it – I’m just reminding you). The enemy is out to kill you and he’ll pull every trick in the book to make you vulnerable spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

In The Art of War, Sun Tzu says, “Take advantage of the enemy’s UNPREPAREDNESS; travel by unexpected routes and strike him where he has taken no precautions.” With that in mind, what do you think happens when we choose to move away from home, completely uprooting our lives for the sake of space? (Who wants dad or mom to drop in before a date arrives or show your friends baby pictures, right?)  Space has its price just like everything else.  College or a new job in a city far from home puts you in unfamiliar surroundings.  You have to walk it out to learn about the place and people.  Until you do, you really don’t have your bearings.  Even the strongest of us are somewhat unsure during these transitions. Do you think the enemy doesn’t know this or doesn’t care?  How can we be naive enough to think he isn’t going to take advantage of our “unpreparedness”? I’ve found that I usually face the strongest offensive lines when I’m not familiar with the playing field. I’d get creamed every time if it weren’t for the strength and faithfulness of my teammates.

“Divide and conquer” has been an effective tactic against families. We’re not on our own turf and we don’t have the wisdom of parents, grandparents, or church family. Some of this is basic, beginning-of-the-book stuff. (“The Lord said, ‘It’s not good for man to be alone…” Genesis) Sure, we have our relationship with Jesus Christ but sometimes we need that tangible support from people who really know us – this especially goes for those of us with Christian family and/or Christian friends who have known us for many years.  If they’re not with us, how involved can they be? Even a phone call a day isn’t the same as physically surrounding yourself with trusted, time-proven allies.  Please don’t make the mistake of believing a life-long friend is waiting for you at college or a new job.  You’ll find most to be paper-thin relationships of convenience or temporary fascination.  They’ll disintegrate in ash and smoke when they’re held to the fire. People you can trust are not as common as you might think.

Hebrews 10 puts it this way: “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart… and let us consider how we can spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together… but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day of the Lord approaching.” So it’s really an accountability thing. Who would you trust to keep you accountable to a high standard spiritually? And, ultimately, do you want to be accountable? If you’re interested in distancing yourself from every knowledgeable source of accountability in your life, you need to ask yourself why.

In No Man is an Island, Thomas Merton points out, “The soul that picks and pries at itself in the isolation of its own dull self-analysis arrives at a self-consciousness that is a torment and a disfigurement of our whole personality” (Merton, 34).  It’s not good for us to figure out ourselves and our experiences alone.  An inward, solitary individual endures, as Merton says, “a disfigurement” of his “whole personality.”  A well-adjusted, successful individual seeks answers and wisdom outside himself, not inside himself, seeking help from strong, faithful teammates.  If you don’t have the discipline or interest in accountability from other mature believers in Jesus Christ, it’s time to pray God gives you His mind on the matter. You may not think you need the help but, last you checked, you’re still human, right?

Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” Yes, individualism and loners are lifted up as pillars of society; but if they’re the pillars, we’re not standing on much.  Self-reliance and arrogance have been our down-fall.  The families in upper and middle class society are fragmented and failing.  I’ve seen too many college friends lose their way and even physically die because they cut themselves off at the roots (it’s suicide, quite literally).  As strong as a person can be, it’s too easy to believe lies and make mistakes that change your future forever.

This perspective doesn’t sound glamorous to us based on what we’ve been fed by individualistic media and society but a majority of the challenges we face in life we should never try to handle alone.  You may not make the same choices I do but I hope you can at least grasp my reasoning.

Individuals and loners who aren’t working hard to protect themselves are easily eliminated.  This is why I live at home.

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Celebrating Life

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Brittany

My family has had a challenging week but it has been an amazing opportunity to reflect on the life and heritage of a beautiful grandma who loved and served her family and Jesus Christ with all her heart.  I talk a lot about innocence on fieryhalo because it’s something I value. I was noticing this week that one of the precious attributes my grandma passed down to her children and grandchildren was a passion for child-like faith and living wholeheartedly in the moment. This is probably one of the  reasons it’s a primary theme in everything I write.

My mother’s entire family made a pilgrimage from all over the world (one cousin even came from France with her little girl, Anastasia, who just turned 4) to be at the log cabin my grandparents bought in the backwoods of Wisconsin a number of years ago. The only explanation any of us can think of for such a bizarre retirement move on their part is that their Norwegian roots beckoned them to the colder climate; it’s the nearest to heaven on earth they could imagine… until now. On February 28th, 2012, we had a memorial service for my grandma, Donna Murk, who died the day before Valentine’s Day. It was a time for music, memories, family, and food – all the things Grandma loved most consolidated into two wonderful hours.

Remarkably, this week was the first time my mom’s family had all been together like this since I was a little child. Our relatives from that side of the family have been scattered abroad my whole life and travel often, as do we. It was also the first time I can ever remember hearing my mom play her cello with her brother and sisters (who are all violinists). There was so much life and music and celebration at that memorial service that one can hardly believe that my grandma’s gone. The light and excitement that she embodied was

personified in the brilliant smiles and happy tears on the faces of her children and grandchildren. This is her legacy: an adoring husband, 5 children, 15 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren (and another one on the way) all serving Jesus Christ – 11 of that number in full-time ministry.

We all had plans this week but enjoyed the blizzard that kept us cabin-bound under 12 inches of snow along the banks of the frozen Chain lake. With so many people in one cabin, there were times (especially mealtimes) it felt like mass pandemonium in here but the sounds were like the music of heaven: sharing stories, roasting marshmallows over the fire, back-rub trains, children laughing, snowball fights, walks on the lake, stargazing, painting nails, chopping wood, cooking, spilling, slipping, hilarious outbursts of laughter, games of chess, and on and on. We all agreed this is a foretaste of the heaven Grandma is already enjoying.

The past two nights have been late as we’ve all cuddled up by the fire, wishing time would stand still just a little bit longer.  It’s not Christmas but we could realistically sing “the weather outside is frightful but the fire is so delightful and since we’ve no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.” With the roads cleared, however, our excuse is now gone. So this morning, after 48 hours of precious moments, recounting family memories and jokes and making new ones, a couple of the families said goodbye. This afternoon, a few more said goodbye. And finally, tomorrow, we say our goodbyes even as Grandpa lays his hands on each one and prays God’s blessing and protection over his family.

The last time we were here, it was difficult to focus my heart and attention on celebrating life when the smell of death was hanging in the air (you may remember when I posted Moosetracks & Memories). This time, the freedom in the air was palpable and sent everyone tumbling out into the snow to play and enjoy the warmth and fun of family. I love every reminder that life is short but it’s what we’re here for. The Bible put it this way, “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:13-15).

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Posted on February 11, 2012 by Brittany

Brittany's avatarFieryhalo

I realize today is a tough day for a lot of people…

It’s the lovers holiday,

Valentine’s Day,

Single’s Awareness Day,

Market-to-saps Day, or whatever you happen to deem it.

I’ve heard it called just about every name in the book in the past several hours. There are very few people really DO feel loved.  Maybe you’re one of them. For people that don’t have anyone, THIS IS the pain of life… a day devoted to dredging up and throwing in one’s face the fact that love doesn’t exist for them… that there’s no one out there who would defend them or die for them like that of a passionate Romeo-and-Juliet romance.  Does it make sense to you then that more than half of teenagers growing up in the U.S. go through a “gothic” stage where they embrace death and hate the world?  I realize on a regular basis how blessed I’ve…

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Tempted

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Brittany

The hammering goes on like a splitting headache. We take it over and over again. We think this battle is of our own making, an addiction or mental disease we contracted because we were just too stupid to say NO. Now it’s killing us every day.

Each time we try to get away from the temptation, we’re assailed again. It’s in front of us wherever we go, threatening to suck the life away from us each time we give-in… another drink, another glance, another hit, another draw, another bang, another lie, another bite. So we go to therapists who talk circles around our issues and wrap up nice little ‘solutions’ that never work; we open up to friends and family who hug us, tell us it’s no big deal, and try to help us forget (even though we never can); we even take medications, wear patches, or wear religion (make a show of cleaning up) but we can’t save ourselves from ourselves. The problem is wedged in that space between our ears where no one else can fight the battle with us, where we fight the most viral demons… alone…

…until, out of exasperation and hopelessness, we cling to the throne and throw up, begging God to intervene as we spill our insides out on the floor. We wallow in our own vomit, a quivering, pitiful heap, when suddenly, flashes of hope appear all around us in the middle of our pain and fear; the light comes with a soft, still voice we never used to hear before. But now, finally, we’re listening. We look down at ourselves with disgust even as the light sparkles with love. Our issues are ugly; they scream at us under the light as we stretch everything out on the operating table before God. Every gaping gash in our flesh we dug with our own teeth in ignorant cannibalism. The wounds then filled with crawling, hissing parasites that burrow even deeper.

As we lie there, helpless and whimpering at the horrific ugliness, Jesus then slowly and gently sucks the poison and parasites out of each wound and swallows everything. The effects kick-in instantaneously, as He writhes in agony, bleeding, and crying with searing pain for hours. Finally, he dies in front of us, reaching for our hand as he gasps, “It’s finished.” His lifeless body lay before us as we kneel and cradle our heads in our hands begging God to forgive and change us.

Again our fear is ripped down the middle, like the curtain torn in two in Matthew 27:51, as Jesus’ chest expands with the breath of life. In explosions of light, the truest, most beautiful and powerful man in the universe stands, walks up behind us, and steps into us. Our life joins his as our hands and feet and even our wounds now radiate the glow of the light of Love. It’s the most pure and powerful existence we’ve ever known.

Now, it’s time to live like it! If you’ve experienced this transformation, you know the exhilarating, flying feeling of spiritual freedom.  After we’ve gone through the process of turning our lives over to Jesus Christ, who designed us and knows us, he tells us how to handle our heads and hearts in this battle we call life. He promises to give us the weapons we need to deal with the ugliness, not just in ourselves but in our environment and in others. Our trust in Him, obedience to His Word, complete honesty, and humility put our heads to rest and our heart in the hands of the healer. If we don’t have these characteristics, we’re still whimpering and helpless, watching the parasites eat us alive.

We’re told to be “Innocent about what is evil and wise about what is good” in Romans 16:19. Innocence is our power and key; we can’t develop much wisdom about what’s good unless we go back to that drama-free childlike faith and the purity of new life. Wisdom about what’s good is our high-powered rifle; it’s for our defense and for the purpose of gaining ground, bringing others into the clean beauty and light of Love. Without it, we’re dead. If we have access to it but don’t know how to use it, we’re still dead. I’ve said many times, if you don’t know how to use God’s Word, Satan will use it as a noose around your neck. Get into your Bible, it’s our source of wisdom. If you don’t, you’re going to get sucker-punched in the face over and over again by your own issues.

In I Corinthians 10:13 we’re promised, “There is no testing overtaken you but what is common to mankind; but God is faithful who will not allow you to be tested above what you’re able to bear but will with the testing also make a way of escape that you will be able to bear it.” In Matthew 4:4, Jesus himself was tempted. His body was weak, he was frustrated with the bull-headedness of people, and he was hungry. Satan used every point of weakness as bait to get him to bite. Jesus set an example for us in dealing with testing like this; He used memorized scripture to get rid of the pest.

It may feel like we’re simply dealing with people when we’re pressured or bullied or just given an another opportunity to do something we know is going to hurt us. It’s so much more than that. Ephesians 4:6 says “We struggle 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 realms.” You, your friends, or even your family can be used as pawns in this battle. Jesus’ heart must have broken when he had to tell one of his best friends, Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Matthew 16:23) It’s time for us to look beyond what we see with our physical eyes and understand that there is so much more going on. We’ve got a fight on our hands and it’s time to decide whose team we’re on and start training hard.

I Corinthians 9 puts it this way, “All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”

Guido Reni - The Archangel Michael defeating Satan

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Posted on January 24, 2012 by Brittany
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