Brian "pb" Brijbag

God don’t make no junk.

We sometimes call someone who is in love with himself a narcissist. What you may not know, though, is the story from Greek mythology from which we get that word. There are actually two Greek characters in the myth – Narcissus and Echo. As the story goes, the goddess Hera got angry with Echo and cursed her by saying that she was doomed to repeat whatever she heard anyone else say.

One day Echo was hiding in the woods when the young man Narcissus was hunting and got lost. He called out to his friends, “Where are you?” Echo was forced to say, “Where are you?” He said, “I’m over here.” Echo said, “I’m over here.” So Narcissus started toward her and she got scared and ran away. Every time he called out to her, she answered.

She ran until she came to a clearing with a pool of water. When Narcissus came to the pool, he looked down and saw his own reflection for the first time and immediately feel in love with the beautiful young man he saw. He said, “I love you.” Echo who was hiding said, “I love you.” Narcissus thought it was this young man calling back to him. He wanted to be with him, so he jumped in the water, dove to the bottom of the pool and drowned.

The Bible has much about pride and about having too high an opinion of ourselves. But I suspect that more Christians struggle with the opposite problem – not thinking highly enough of themselves.

When Jesus taught in Luke 10:27Luke 10:27
English: World English Bible - WEB
27 He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”

which we should love ourselves. In fact, it may well be accurate to say that we’re going to have difficulty loving others if we don’t have a proper respect and love for ourselves to begin with.

James Dobson once took a survey of women and concluded that the number-one source of depression among women is low self-esteem. Studies indeed seem to show that women suffer more from low self-esteem than men do but it’s certainly a problem faced by both.

Low self-esteem, simply stated, is the inability to feel good about yourself. It is usually characterized by feelings of inadequacy, worthlessness and a lack of self-confidence.

People with low self-esteem feel inferior and just simply don’t feel good about themselves. It is wondering why other people have so much more talent and ability than you do. It is feeling incredibly unattractive. It is disliking everything about yourself and wishing, constantly wishing, you could be someone else.

Which of us, men or women, have not experienced some of those feelings?

We need to develop a high self-esteem.

Now, what I mean by high self-esteem is not a boastful spirit or a self-righteous attitude.

It is simply a feeling of self-worth.

It is self-confidence in your abilities or talents, whatever they may be.

You are someone special.

You were created in the image of God. He knows you by name and loves you. He loved you enough to die for you – that makes you worth a great deal. If you’ve been feeling inadequate and worthless, may God grant you the strength today to turn that around.

While all humans are born in the image of God, those who are Christians are born again in the image of God and have even more reason to have a high self-esteem. We are the children of God. Now, that doesn’t make us any better than anyone else, but it does give us an even greater sense of value.

Maybe you’re not a Christian. Maybe you feel like, “If I could just start over. If I could only put my mistakes and my sins behind me and start things out right.” In II Corinthians 5:17, Paul said, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Here’s your chance. Repent of your sins, be baptized into Christ and begin a brand new life.

God thought you were worth dying for? Do you think today he’s worth living for?

Transcript of our interview with Tim McTague from Underoath

Interview with Tim McTague from Underoath

PB: Tim! Thanks for taking the time to speak with Fire Escape Radio! Let’s get right into talking about the music. So, tell me about the song “Desperate Times, Desperate Measures.”

T: Uh, yeah, we actually started writing this song in Hawaii, and we were just at sound check and started playing around with it and, uh, yeah, it’s crazy to think five months later here it is, and this is the finished product.

PB: Another one I love is “Too Bright to See, Too Loud to Hear”. It seems to have it’s own feel off the new album. What is the message behind that song?

T: Well, it is on our record Lost in the Sound of Separation. Um, this is probably one of my favorite songs on the new record just ‘cuz it’s slow tempo and the lyrical content kind of having a one-on-one with God and just speaking of being lost and hoping that God will still take you back and just the forgiveness that lies with every personal relationship therein so, I think it’s uh, really one of the more uplifting and positive songs off of the new record.

PB: “Writing on the Walls,” We play that a lot, everybody loves that one!

T: Yea! It’s from our record Define the Great Line. Um, this is a song that we’ve been playing for a couple years now, and it’s still just as fun as when we first started playing it.

PB: One of the things I’m interested in is the whole concept of being salt, you know, how Christ calls us to be salt out in the world and you guys are a great example of that. Underoath seems to take the band members faith outside of the church and make it apply to your daily lives including the Hot Topic crowd and such.

T: As far as Underoath’s concerned, we don’t really look at our ministry as a Christian ministry speaking to other Christians as much as a few Christian people being put in a situation where we’re probably the minority in beliefs and actions and really having a chance to kind of be a light wherever we can and not to say that you know we go to dark places or that we’re any more light or any more positive or better than anyone around here or on this tour but I mean, I just think it’s really important to kind of mix yourself up with people that aren’t like-minded with you and be able to share what you’ve been through and hear what they’ve been through as well. And I think, honestly, you know, I’ve had my life changed by as many non-Christians as probably a lot of Christians have changed lives so I think that every religion and every belief system has a lot to give, um, whether you believe that it’s the end-all be-all for salvation or not, I just think hearing other people is the first step to having them hear you and actually respect what you have to say. So, I mean, I think it’s really important to be in completely different surroundings than what you’re used to or what you’re comfortable in because I think, you know, that’s what Jesus would do if He was alive now because that’s exactly what He did back then and I don’t think that anything would have changed just the social situations are changed. We don’t have whores and tax collectors, we have dudes at bars and random people at random metal shows, so, I mean, it’s not necessarily any different except for the times, you know.

PB: Final thought. Do you have anything else you want to say to your fans?

T: Just thanks to everyone for coming out to our shows and supporting us for so long.

Trigger Happy

I am stressed.

And I am not alone.

As school nears the end it seems that those project due dates pile up and everyone seems to snap easier.  People seem to have quicker triggers that set them off.

We live in a very stressful or stress-filled society. And it effects all of us, not just politicians and elephant trainers. If you don’t believe me, let’s take a test. Let’s take a stress test, not for your heart muscle but for your heart of hearts. Answer these questions in your mind.

1. I feel overwhelmed and confused. Never, Sometimes, Often, Always
2. I have difficulty sleeping.
3. I find myself feeling worn out at the end of the day.
4. I have increased digestive problems such as heartburn.
5. I feel self-conscious or inadequate.
6. I have difficulty concentrating, making decisions or remembering things.
7. I feel depressed or I cry uncontrollably.
8. When things don’t go my way I get angry and aggressive.
9. I experience shakiness, trembling or nervous laughter.
10. I eat more food or drink to make myself feel better or more at ease.
11. I experience eye strain and/or have dark circles under my eyes.
12. I feel all wound up, tense or nervous.
13. I experience tension or tightness in the muscles of my neck, back or jaw.
14. I have arguments with my friends or parents.
15. Changes in my daily routine, living conditions or relationships cause me distress.

How do we relax our fingers off the trigger?

Ps. 121:1-2 “I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Our help comes from someone who can do it all! Someone whose wisdom is not wanting. Someone whose power is not puny or pint-sized. Someone whose love is not limited, provisional or conditional. He is God. He is our Creator and our Father.

Matthew 11:28Matthew 11:28
English: World English Bible - WEB
28 “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

I still believe the words of Jesus. I still believe He can do what He claims; not only save us from our sins but also soothe our hearts and minds. He is God in the flesh. He can do anything. He does nothing but good for us.

Life is not easy. We all go through periods of stress and strain. The only safe place in this life is on our knees. The only safe place is in the arms of God.

Speed Racer.

Clove Lake Park.

That is where I learned how to ride a bike.  It was one of those classic Schwinn Bikes.

Elongated seat.

Awkward handle bars.

Bright, firehouse red.

There was this hill with what is ideally a walking path that led down to the main park area.  The place where the water fountains you could jump around in where, the swings, the sunbathers and the sandpit.  Highly populated.

So my dad sets me on that top of that hill pointed directly at a family picnic. 

No training wheels.

No helmet.

First go at it alone.

He got me started and let go …

I barreled down that decline going at speeds I had no business going.

Women pushing strollers jumped out of the way.  There was a dog … well … it’s about time I apologize to that dog and it’s owner.

There had to be a letting go … from my dad to my training wheel to my fears … all of that had to happen for me to grow.

In the same way we have to let go of those things we are clinging to for safety and embrace all God has for us!

We can trust in God and have a comfort that he is always there with us.

Daniel knew that he was in good hands while he was in the lions den.

Job knew he was in Good Hands when his family and friends turned against him.

Gideon knew he was in good hands when it seemed foolish to have a few men and the horns and pitchers.

Joshua marched around Jericho, to the scoff of onlookers, but he knew he was in God’s Hands.

Instead of thinking your in good hands, lets change it to your in God’s hands….but it doesn’t happen till you release control to God.

The communist Lennon who once said, “With a handful of dedicated people who will give me their lives, I will control the world”

Just imagine if you and I give God total control of our lives, what could happen to our family, our neighbors, our community, our town, our state, our country, and ultimately the world.

Are you ready to let go and be in Good Hands with God?

I made it down that hill. And besides that dog, no injuries were reported. Of course … stopping. Different story.

A Heavy Load.

When a man sees a woman carrying something, it is considered gentlemanly for him to offer to carry it for her. He doesn’t really think about it; he just does it because that’s the way ‘Pop’ taught him.

Even between men; if a man sees a friend picking up boxes and carrying them from one place to another, he will generally step up without a word and begin helping with that chore.

Bearing a burden for someone else is an entirely self-sacrificing, unselfish thing. You’re generally doing something you have not been obligated to do, it takes your time and your effort, and it relieves the load entirely or almost entirely from someone else.

“Let us not become…” (Gal 5:26Gal 5:26
English: World English Bible - WEB
26 Let’s not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.

)

 So obviously, the list that follows is of characteristics that should not be found in one who is living by the Spirit and walking by the Spirit.

The list: Conceited. Provoking. Envying each other.

Very concisely, Paul has encompassed all the behaviors that are diametrically opposed to the spirit of humility and unity and brotherly love in a church.

1. Building up one’s self in one’s own estimation
2. Belittling others around one’s self
3. Trying to bring others down to one’s own level.

No one manifesting these attitudes, one or all three, is likely to bend to lift anyone’s burden. In fact, the example of the Scribes of Jesus’ day was that rather than lifting the burdens of the common man, they were placing added burdens on their shoulders; for which they received sharp rebuke from Jesus.
Paul says, “Let’s not be that way”. You are saved. You have the Holy Spirit in you (individually) and among you (as a collective body of believers), so live and walk and treat each other accordingly.

As brothers.

That’s why he opens his very next line, addressing them as such.
“Brethren…”
How important it is for us to be mindful of that relationship we share; and how easily we tend to forget. That is why we should remind ourselves and each other often.

Brethren.

Brothers.

Sisters.

Family.

And Paul goes on to present the biggest test …

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.” (Gal 6:1Gal 6:1
English: World English Bible - WEB
6 ¹ Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted.

a)

Restore, is “katartizo”. It means to mend. To make complete or whole.

Ok, here’s the reality, in most cases.

Someone in the church is caught red-handed in sin. Judgment takes place.

If we take the congregation and line them up around the walls of the sanctuary, and give them nametags and felt-tip pens so they can label themselves, then, going around the room we’d generally find these people:

Gossip
Destructive criticism
Harsh judgmentalism
Self Righteousness
Gloating
Indifference
Condoning
Non-involvement
Refusal to correct out of inability to confront

Unfortunately, we often would not find one nametag with “Restoration” written on it.
The outcome? Well, that should be obvious. Condemnation, anger, rejection, loss of a brother from the church and maybe from any church.

Restoration means returning to true spiritual health. Heaven rejoices at the restoration of the fallen.

“I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance”
Luke 15:7Luke 15:7
English: World English Bible - WEB
7 I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.

Because, believers, obeying this admonition to restore in gentleness a brother caught in sin, is to have an opportunity to act more like Christ than almost any other Christian experience.

We were entirely in sin, spiritually dead, lost and undone, without God in the world. Caught, red-handed.

Yet He took our burden and carried it all the way to Calvary’s cross.

“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

And that is carrying a burden.

TI Lunch Menu for Saturday!

2009 Teens Involved MENU at
1st  Baptist Church New Port Richey

 Salads -$3.00 (Will be like a small Chef Salad)
Barbeque Pork Sandwich – $1.50
Hot Dog – $1.00
Assorted Chips – $.75
Assorted Candy – $.75
Soda 20 oz. – $1.00
Bottled Water – $1.00

Realfest 2009!

Youth Service

You all did a great job last night!  Lots of hard work went into everything from all the music, drama, reading and preaching!

Thanks for all you do and I know you will do great at TI this week!

Parents, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to go through this journey with your students!

I love you guys!

– PB

March Madness

We had a great time at March Madness down at Word of Life!

Thanks to all who went!  Pictures are up under my Facebook account!