This passage in Leviticus, including the surrounding text, is specifically dealing with the pagan religious rituals of the people living around the Israelites. The focus here is prohibiting worldly, ungodly worship and witchcraft. God forbids his holy people to engage in idolatrous, pagan worship and sorcery which imitates the ungodly. He does this out of protection, because he knows this will lead them away from the one true God. It’s interesting to observe verse 26, “Do not eat meat that has not been drained of its blood,” and verse 27, “Do not trim off the hair on your temples or trim your beards.” Well, certainly many Christians today eat non-kosher meats and get haircuts without participating in the forbidden worship of pagans. Back then these customs were associated with pagan rites and rituals. Today they are not.

Also you could be thinking “according to Christ Himself, we must follow the whole law if we choose to follow the law at all.” Well in that case we must also kick our wives out of the marital bed during their monthly periods, and all men should grow beards. Think about it. Christ came to abolish such things, and spent a good portion of His ministry speaking out against the Pharisees, who oppressively enforced Levitical law upon a people who Christ was seeking to redeem.

As a committed (and tattooed) Christian man, I have encountered a bit of criticism from the older Christians. In my opinion, it is extremely short sighted to be hung up on something that is a very personal issue. What was Christ’s commission to the disciples upon leaving this Earth? To take the gospel to the whole world – not just to the inside of whatever church you find yourself in on the weekend.

Tell me – who will take the Gospel to the outcasts of society; the bikers, the prostitutes, and the so-called rock stars? I can nearly guarantee that a superchurch pastor will get nowhere with these particular groups. However, as Paul states, and maybe this is a stretch, going to a group of people as one of them (though in the world and not of it) is a very effective ministry tool, as has been my experience and many doors of opportunity have opened up to share my love for Christ with my tattoos.

Think about it.

I’m just laying in bed exhausted from our 5 hour drive from Boise, Idaho to SLC, Utah, listening to a great mix of music including Keane, Athlete, The Album Leaf, Imogen Heap, Jeff Buckley, Death Cab, Jeremy Larson and many many more.

I’m getting more and more excited each day for September to roll around so I can be on the road doing what I love to do, and more importantly, what Gods called me to do.

I’m also sitting here thinking about my next addition to my tattoo! I got a quote on it and it’s a lot cheaper than I thought! I’m hoping to make the appointment in the next few weeks.

Well as of now I’m falling asleep very quickly but will be back soon with some more random nonsense!

Goodnight (or morning depending on where you are)

//Brittain//

Let me give you a few pithy thoughts on what’s been happenin in my life since my last post…

Anger, confusion, sadness, neglect, and feeling forsaken. These are not words that would typically describe my relationship with Christ. I recently went through a very rough season of life and I felt alone, and even rejected by God.

I was in California, in a hotel room, when I decided to be real with God, I explained my frustration, anger, an feelings of rejection with Him. I was quickened to a verse that has seemed to follow me my entire life…

” No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.”
-1 Corinthians 10:13

It’s funny how God will repeatedly tell you something an yet you don’t believe Him. Much like how He told the disciples he would be crucified and would rise on the third day. It’s easy to look back and think “why didn’t you just believe Him at His word?” but during the circumstance it seems like the furthest thing from your mind.

After that night I felt a new connection with God and I felt a reconnection with Him. Since then things seemed to start falling into place, old friendships were renewed (and are far better than they were before), I had a $2,000 guitar just given to me by an anonymous friend who just wanted to bless me, I have gotten two jobs, one of which is working for Apple, and my day to day life is the best it’s been.

I’m not gonna get too heavy into anything in this blog because if I did that you’d be waiting for another blog for a few months

One lyrical phrase that’s always continually challenging me is “this is your life, are you who you wanna be?”. And I can honestly say for the first time, I am.

I’ll be back to write some more soon, until then, just remember that although today is a winding road the path you walk is set out by the one who has your best interest in mind.

You are loved.

//brittain//

The beginning of this last week was very frustrating for me because I had all these song ideas running through my head and everytime I would sit down and try to pen out my ideas on paper it would come out sounding like a mixture of vanilla ice & peter, paul & mary. (Which by the way I was completely NOT aiming for that sound).

In a prayer meeting I was led to the book of Psalms (as I have been many times before) but something struck me this time that I hadn’t before seen. In a lot of the Psalms there is a reference to worship, praise, and shouting (I had noticed this before but there was a new revelation this time). I finally realized that the book of Psalms is the greatest song book in the history of mankind.

Lately I have been disecting, and studying the book of Psalms like I never have before! A few that have really stuck out to me are Psalms 2:11 “Worship God in adoring embrace.” Psalms 30:4 “All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God!” Psalms 89:1 “Your love, God, is my song and I’ll sing it! I’m forever telling everyone how faithful you are. I’ll never quit telling the story of your love.”

These are my inspiration and these are what my songs will be based on. I can’t explain what’s happened in my worship life since I have gone over these Psalms!

I should shortly (and I use the term “shortly” loosley) I should have a brand new song up for you to read!

Stay tuned for more updates!

So I’m currently at work and choking on the smell of second-hand smoke, which is less than appealing; it seems to be the natural smell of this store lately. Yes the store is all decorated for Christmas so the looks are better than the smell. (Which is true for quite a few things like, caramel covered ants, fish tacos, and smelly french cheese).

Just got done selling an Epiphone Prophecy to a guy who asked me “Who is Death Cab for Cutie?” and “I don’t think Coldplay is very talented.” Kind of a harsh statement for a guy who listens to bands like David Kelly Metal Band, Waking the Cadaver, and other noise makers that create migranes.

Oh! On the brighter side of things my new guitar should be in next week! For those of you who don’t know I just ordered a 1972 Thinline Telecaster!

Isn’t she a beaut?!

So she should get here sometime next week. I still need to give her a name, so if you have any ideas on names that would be fantabulous!

Anyways that’s all that’s on my mind as of this moment!

Well to start off I have been blessed with an amazing job at Sunset Music in Meridian. It’s pretty much a perfect fit for me. Interns is going good, just got done with learning about Sexual Character, and this week we go onto Eschatology. Kind of a weird combination?

Anywho. Christmas is coming up soon! (YAY) and I actually have money this year which is pretty exciting because I actually get to buy some people gifts! It’s kinda cool being able to buy things for people!

I’ve been thinkin bout maybe selling some stuff that I really don’t need or have a use for anymore. Like…I’ve got this little crummy practice amp (which I guess if I really wanted to sell it I wouldn’t have called it crummy), and I possibly might sell my white Epiphone Les Paul. Maybe…I dunno.

Oh! And as of late ping pong is my new favorite thing (well favorite thing next to music, all things musical, friends, Lost, cold sunny days, finding a pot of gold, wired, thai food, twitter, and maybe pirates.)

I feel like I’m just blabbering on now…

I’m done now, see ya in a few months! (hopefully sooner)

And apparently Leeland, Jack, Jake, and Matt from the band Leeland say I look like this guy…

It’s your call…honestly I don’t see it, but apparently enough people do. Otherwise I wouldn’t have been stopped 4 times already in DC of people telling me how much I look like David Cook. That and all the looks I get and double takes…however they might just see the white trash Idaho boy within. I guess I’ll never truely know!

//brittain//

//brittain//

P.S. Thanks Meagan for the heads up about what to get at Cosi! Turkey+Brie+Super oven melting powers = happiness!

Have a blessed day!

//brittain//