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Holy Lightbulbs

~Read for some encouragement~

I have a notebook in Evernote called 'Dear Heavenly Father', and it's basically a prayer journal on my computer. I don't write in it often, and it's usually too personal to share with the whole world, but I figured I would share today because if I need these words and this revelation, then chances are that someone else does too. Remember, I love you and Jesus loves you even more!

~ KING OF MY HEART ~ 

Let that be my cry, and my life

Philippians 2:15 "that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”

Heavenly Father, I need you. My heart knows that I need you. But after a slightly stressful week, I loosen up. Too much. My mind starts going places that it shouldn’t. The strengthening of my mind is a slow and painful process. My actions do not line up with my heart as much as I want. You are cheering me on, encouraging me to change, to grow, to come closer to you. Grace calls me by name. When I refuse, it doesn’t back down. It brings me into a love I cannot understand.

“Grace bid me in, called me by my name. Brought me to a table to eat. I said Lord I cannot, guilty as sin and dust. … Love is that liquor so divine. My Saviour tasted blood, I only tasted wine.”

May faith become a light to my feet. “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” ~Lamps do not show the whole road. They only show your next step.~ Being rooted in the Word and understanding its life changing power is that difference between a “good life”, and a “God life”. Being rooted in the Word has generational impact. Many choices have generational impact, and I desire that my generations bear fruit for the Kingdom. That puts a responsibility on my part to plant that seed of conviction and righteousness and holiness. A Holy Lightbulb. In Philippians 2, it says that we “shine as lights in the world” when we are without blame and fault in this crooked generation.

Its important that my relationship/faith with my Heavenly Father is not a) circumstantial, and b) more desperate when I sin. My passion, prayer life, desire to seek Him should be the same in good times and bad. When I praise Him and when I need His forgiveness. It’s cliché, but its true. “Don’t only run to God when things are rough” “You need God just as much in the good and the bad times” So I purpose myself to live to that. It is for freedom that You set me free. It seems redundant and obvious, but it makes sense, and its true! I was not set free when I accepted Jesus in my heart as my Lord and Saviour only to fall back into the chains of sin!

#jesus #encouragement #devotions #christian #God thoughts #bible

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NEW VIDEO

#YOUTUBE #film #short film #film maker #daniel brown #daniel brown films #nightlight #sydney #sydney australia

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Thoughts of the Lost... and Found: 1

That’s just it. I’m not lost anymore. “He who is in Christ is a new creation.” I’ve been a Christian basically my whole life. I prayed the sinners prayer when I was 5, grew up in church, “born in the pews”, if you will. I am so thankful that this is the case, that my parents always put the highest value on God and church. For the longest time I was kind of jealous of all the people who had wild salvation stories of how they found God after living totally for themselves for years. Ya know, gangs, partying, all of the things that “the church” deems as sin. And I’m not discrediting those stories, because they are just as important as every other testimony, but I’ve come to be happy with my testimony, never going through a crazy phase of rebellion, drugs, sex, and rock n’ roll. 

Be that as it may, I’ve still had to go on my own journey to discover what God means to me. What my relationship with Jesus looks like. How the Holy Spirit outworks in my life. 

So now, being in Bible College, my walk with Jesus has been sky-rocketed to new heights. However, I still need to make the choice to walk with Him everyday, despite being in this God-saturated environment. I’ve had revelations, God-encounters, and special moments since being here, but I’m writing this post to highlight one that literally just happened (May 12, 2017). It’s so incredible that God can work in literally whatever way He wants, and He will! 

I was thinking about writing another blog post, but I wasn't sure what about. Then He dropped in my spirit the name that I’ve given these posts: ‘Thoughts of the Lost’, and the word that stuck out to me was “lost”. God reminded me that I am not lost anymore, and although there is a legitimacy to remembering where we’ve come from, if we are in Christ, we are new creations and therefore not lost anymore. I am found in Him. I find my identity in Jesus. That’s who I am. Being found in Christ identifies who I am as much as my name, or fingerprint, or DNA. 

So from now on, these will be called ‘Thoughts of the Lost and Found’. Thanks for reading. 

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Thoughts of the Lost: 3

“Finally. I’ve been just waiting for you to say that! Thank you.” 

The words of my Heavenly Father to me when I sought Him in prayer this morning. 

A common Christian belief and foundation of our faith is that prayer is supposed to be like a conversation with God. A two-way, two-sided thing. As much as we talk to Him, we should listen more. He is our Father, he wants us to come to Him and tell Him things, ask Him things. He also wants to respond, wants us to listen, wants us to understand what He is saying to us. Often times that’s where we, where I get it twisted. I feel that my prayer life isn’t the strongest part of my walk with Christ, and sometimes I get frustrated, but I usually just try to keep on praying. Practice makes perfect, right? 

Today, I really felt like the Spirit was flowing, I was feeling good. Like my Biblical name-sake: at my window, seeking God. I was able to spend sometime journalling a prayer, then I felt that I needed to start using my voice, and actually talk to God. Getting on my knees, I got to it. Then I told him something that has been on my heart, a desire that I fully believe He put there, something that I’ve told some of my friends, but never God. How does that make sense? Anyway, as soon as I told Him, I felt a weight lift off my life, a Joy rush into my spirit, and I felt Him say to me, “Finally. I’ve been just waiting for you to say that! Thank you.” 

I couldn’t shake that feeling. It was amazing. Indescribable. I felt no shame for not bringing it to Him sooner, but a release and relief that I finally did! It just confirmed that this thought, this desire, was truly from God. 

So friend. Never underestimate God. Keep praying. Keep seeking Him. And if theres something you’ve been telling everyone but Him, I think it’s time to change that. Talk to Him. He wants to hear from you. You might just hear back. 

Daniel Brown

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Thoughts of the Lost: 2

“Where does my joy come from? My joy comes from the Lord, maker of Heaven and Earth.”

Joy. A Fruit of the Spirit. Happiness. Not a Fruit of the Spirit. I think a lot of times we think that our joy is as shallow as how “happy” we are. I realized that I’ve been struggling with this a bit lately, having joy. And it was coming from a place where I was comparing, instead of celebrating. I could be happy in situations that were exciting, but was I feeling joyful? And what was I thinking to myself afterwards. That’s when it gets dangerous.

True joy comes from Jesus, much like most or all good things in this world. So I had to dig deep, and think about the amount of joy that I was feeling. Being a spiritual being, and having the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ living inside me, I have the joy of Christ in me at all times. I am the joy of Christ. But that needs to be realized to release it. The way I tap into that joy is by talking to God, and just thinking about Him, and His Goodness. Just who He is. Who He is, is enough. Before I think about all that He’s done for me, I think about who He is. That alone amazes me, and fills me with joy. I think about His Love, Grace, Mercy, amazing vision and plan for me that is INFINITELY BETTER than anything my petite brain could muster. That fact that He is all that I need, just thinking about Him makes my smile! Being in this mindset allows me to experience almost a giddy, silly joy that just makes you do a stupid grin. It’s genuine though.

Christ is my Saviour, and my Joy.

I love Him. And He loves you.

ps. Please tap into that joy. It makes life so much more enjoyable. You are beautiful, worth it, and loved.

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Thoughts of the Lost: 1

I was given a Holy Spirit inspired word by a friend at church a few weeks ago, and amidst the words he said, there was something that stuck out enough to share.

I was able to spend time with a fellow college student today exactly when he needed it. God literally put him into my path, and I got to encourage him. I encouraged him with a thought that I got from the word my other friend spoke to me. And it’s very simple. Like, this isn’t gonna be a long post.

The thought is this: Fear is the lack of trust in God. When we fear, we are believing the lies of the enemy. Fear and trust in God cannot co-exist. It’s not possible. It’s one or the other. So choose trust.

Daniel Brown

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Who is Creation?

What vastness is this? What majesty is this? Go to the edge and look around you. Take it in. Make your way into the midst of it and look up. Infinity. Infinitely grander than you, and yet. Despite your convictions, despite the truth of your very nature, there is a Truth, another Nature that reminds us of the unthinkable. That we are here as part of something beyond ourselves, that we are another piece. Fear not though, for it doesn’t end there. For as much as you were created, just like the mountains you cannot scale, the ocean you cannot harness, the trees you cannot climb, the animals you cannot run, fly, and swim with, you were never made to. We marvel at the indescribable beauty of that which came and stands before us. We either ignore the True Painter behind the brush, or we praise Him. Should we do the former, the very mountains, the very oceans, this very dirt, grass, and rock you trample cannot. They cannot ignore their Creator, due to the purpose for which they exist: To display the eternal genius, power, and authority of Elohim, Yahweh, God. There is joy in this; should we do the latter, we are putting ourselves into our rightful place. We seek after Nature because it reflects our Creator, when deep down inside we know that it also reflects us. For '"They will be made in Our Likeness."' So this Truth that Nature reminds us of is that, though to the human eye we lack appeal compared to the rest of Creation, to the Eternal Heavenly eyes we are the most desirable. The Truth is that we were made with something more. We were made with a spirit and soul inside this body. The very breath of God. We were made for one purpose that is greater than all the vastness before you: To be one with God. To be united, in relationship with the One who made you. The rocks do not have this privilege, but they also know full well how worthy He is of praise. Should we be silent that the rocks cry out? Should we ignore our calling of praise, forcing the mountains to bow down and melt like the wax of a burning candle? Should our devotion cease thus inflicting more expectation on the sea, already in an endless lap upon the shore, proclaiming His authority? To revere Nature is to acknowledge Christ, to acknowledge Christ is why we live, and our lives long to be connected to this Grand Painter. The One with many names, each one equal and greater than the last. But the one used to identify Him to Pharaoh, to someone who didn't know Him, is the most appropriate name to use. That is, 'I AM'. 'I AM' is in everything, with everything, is EVERYTHING.  

#ozziedb #Coogee beach #creation #thoughts #writing #nature #ocean

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I Moved to Australia!

On January 14, 2017, I picked up *almost* all my possessions in 2 very heavy suitcases and went to the airport at 7 in the morning. Together with my family and my closest friends, we braved the cold of that Canadian winter, and made the small journey that begins the bigger journey.

Going to the airport is very emotional. Either someone is leaving, or someone is arriving! As someone who doesn't travel by plane too often, I get this fun feeling when I go to the airport of, “Oh, let’s just buy the cheapest ticket and go somewhere!” I’m sure you know the feeling. But this time I actually was going somewhere! And it wasn’t just for a little getaway...

2.5 years ago, in the (Canadian) summer of 2014, I was introduced to a side of Hillsong that I never knew existed. I’ve listened to their music for years, and knew a little bit about the College they have. However, I just thought it was a Pastoral and Music school, because everyone I knew that had gone did one of those two things. One of these people -his name is Ian- I came to know in May 2014. He went to Hillsong College for Music, but I met him because he was directing a documentary that my church was involved in. As this documentary came to a close, I saw on Instagram that Ian had said something about how doing this directing made him want to go back to Hillsong College to take their TV & Media Stream. Being into filmmaking and videos and cameras myself, it instantly peaked my interest. I had no idea that Hillsong College offered a TV course! I went to their website and starting researching this course. Seeing the website, it instantly hit me, “This is it. This is what you have to do.”

Okay, so what do you do with that? I was 17 at the time, I still had to finish Grade 11, and was just about to go into Grade 12. So I had bigger things to think about, like just getting good grades and finishing High School. But at the same time, the very real reality that Graduation was coming quick was staring me in the face. 

For a little while, it was all I could think about. That summer, I told my parents. Despite me springing it on them by quite literally telling them as we were about to sit down for supper, they were very supportive and excited! That’s been a huge blessing for me my whole life, is that my parents have always believed in me and had my back. I think it’s partially why I felt I could do this, because I knew I had such a strong support system at home. They never once, before or after telling them, told me that I HAD to go to school and do something “real”. They trusted me, and more importantly, God, enough to let me dream and chase after what ever passion was on my heart. So the weeks and months carried on, and I actually kind of forgot. Well, not actually forgot, but I got busy, so it was put on the back-burner. But, like, the one thats so cold it might not start. My mom would bring it up now and then, and I would sort of shrug it off. Not wanting to answer, or think about my future. She didn't nag me about it, but as time went on, she was still bringing it up, so I started thinking about it more, and realized that there was nothing else that I wanted to do. Even though I had left it alone for awhile, I was still so sure that this was it. So Grade 12 carried on, and as everyone was stressing about applying for Universities and all that, I was able to truly enjoy my last days in High School, because there was nothing that was gonna persuade me away from Hillsong College. I knew this was God’s plan for my life. 

I began to get more and more interested in filmmaking, and got a random job here and there. I was also fortunate enough to get a steady job at the University of Alberta Bookstore a month out of High School. It’s funny, I didn't want to go to University as a student, so I worked there instead. That job was awesome, and probably the best non-video related job I’ll ever have. During High School, and a bit during the summer, I was able to build my Freelance portfolio a bit, but I got too busy with the Bookstore and wasn’t able to take any jobs while working there. Then the job ended at the end of January, and I was lost. That’s probably the closest I’ve ever gotten to depression. Even though I had all the time in the world to make any video I wanted, I had no drive to do so. Some days, I barely got out of bed, let alone make a video for myself or a client. I spent my days at home with my mom, looking for jobs online that I didn't want, and wasting time on my computer, not getting any real work done.

It wasn't until late March or April until I started getting out of the house more. Guess where I spent most of my time outside of my house? My church. It’s my second home, and I was able to work on some video stuff for my church during that time. Doing this work got me back in the spirit of filmmaking, and in early May, I reached out to an old contact that I knew was in “The Biz”. I showed him my film reel that I was able to edit during that time off, and we met for coffee. I knew he was working on and releasing a documentary, so I offered my services for whatever they needed. At this coffee meeting, we were able to chat and share and connect so naturally, despite not seeing each other in about 2 years. We had barely known each other to begin with. Our friendship being so strong was honestly God. He knew that this was what I needed, and Joses (the guy) also needed the help. I started volunteering as a second editor at their Production Office the following week, and that carried on through the summer. It was so much fun, and I was able to be part of some really awesome stuff, and do some things that I’m proud to put my name on.

An opportunity came to go back to the University of Alberta to work, and being in the position of need some more stable finances, I took it. This time, the job was in Parking Services. Basically, I walked around the University campus looking for people who hadn't paid for parking. Yeah, I was “that guy”. It was the perfect job for the time I got it. I knew I needed something to help me out before I came to Australia, and this was it. It was good pay, but I’m glad it was just for that short season. I don’t think I could see myself there for the long haul. It just wasn't me. So that took me right up to Christmas 2016. I had an amazing, relaxing break with friends and family, and started to get prepared to move. There were a lot of things that I had to take care of over the course of the year to make moving a reality, so in January all I had to do was pack. The first two weeks of January 2017 flew by, and the 14th came, and this crazy adventure began. 

If there is something specific you would like to know more about, or just have something to say, feel free to contact me! Thank you so much for reading this, and I hope you got something out of my story. God bless you.

Daniel Brown - 2017

#I moved to australia #aussie #the land of oz #story #testimony #hillsong #hillsong college #sydney #sydney australia

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Hockey on the Lake

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how rare, and truly beautiful it is, that we exist.

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Check out this video I made. Pretty proud of it!

#danielbrownfilms #dbf #summer vacation #summer 2016 #youtube #edit

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Stars are cool.

#daniel brown #danielbrownfilms #dbf #stars #space #canon

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Guys, exciting news! I’m starting to piece together my Film Reel - a compilation of all my work and footage I have thus far- and I get to use this song!

I’m super pumped, and you need to check this EP out, its amazing!

#ADV3N7UR35 #music #ep #phantoms #film reel #daniel brown films

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GUYS! CHECK OUT MY NEW WEBSITE!!!

#website #new #new website #squarespace #cover page #video #youtube #vimeo #instagram #facebook #danielbrownfilms

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I feel good.

I’ve got a good life. Not everything is clear right now, but I’ve got a good:

Group of Friends, Church, God, City, Healthy Body, List of Dreams

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NEW VIDEO! A little short film I made with a bunch of pill bottles.

#youtube #video #short film #short #film #sketch #skit #funny