Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Bigger always follows better

According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:10-11
 
A wise and patient process is required to build a quality life, organization, or ministry. Everything begins on the foundation of Jesus Christ. His glory, His salvation, His teaching and His model of life are all foundational for a better life and a better company, church or ministry. Values that flow from the Lord focus on excellence, work done as unto the Lord. The customers of a company will demand they become bigger, if the business focuses on becoming better. Bigger always follows better.

Are you proud of your work and your workplace? Is there a culture of excellence over expedience where you are employed? If so, you are blessed to have the opportunity to be the best in your industry or field of expertise. Be patient because good things come to those who wait on God, not compromising quality over the pressure to produce. Quantity follows quality.

So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic. Isaiah 28:16

The same can be said for our relationships. Relational equity takes time, trust and intentionality to build up between each other. It is much better for us to have fewer, but more in depth relationships, than a larger group of acquaintances, who we only relate to superficially. Why settle for shallow conversations when we can go deep around our commitment to Christ. We can share how we really feel and not fear rejection from those who authentically love and care for us.

Furthermore, with your family and friends focus on knowing and being known. Seek to comprehend what makes them click: their needs, their fears and their dreams. Your influence grows with those who feel like you really know them. Yes, keep Christ the cornerstone of your conversations and He will steer you into genuinely caring interactions. Remain committed to better serving and understanding as Better love grows into Bigger love

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Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd. Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Sundays at 10:45am
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Monday, April 29, 2013

What do you want?

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian? Acts 26:28
 
Wishes come from a naive delight to become something one day. I wish to be a movie star, astronaut, teacher, fireman, engineer or preacher. “I wish” originates from a romanticism that makes me feel good about going there; but a nice desire without a committed will, and discipline is simply wishful thinking. However, my wants have a way of bending my will towards a clearly defined outcome. My will follows my wants until the goal is accomplished. Agrippa may have wished to be a Christian one day, but clearly he did not want to be converted in the moment. Wants work to engage the will.

So, how can we move our wishes to wants? It is the motivation of our heart that makes mere wishes freely submit to the reality of wants. Moreover, it is more than just learning a principle; we can understand a truth and still have our will unmoved. But when we encounter the Truth, the Lord Jesus Christ, He compels us to want what He wants. A close encounter with Christ moves a wishful feeling to a prayerful plan which then blends our will with God’s will.

If anyone is willing to do His will. John 7:17, NASB

When your heart wills to do the will of God, He works with you at your place of faith. Indeed, as you worship and praise Him in the splendor of His glory, you see Him high and lifted up. Worship takes your wandering heart and brings it back home to do His bidding. The more the Lord increases in stature and the less you are concerned with your cares, Christ takes your wants and molds them into His desires. Your desires and God’s desires become one.

So delight in the One who is the most delightful. Rest in the reassurance that your righteous God has got it, whatever “it” may mean for you. Be wise to not wish away this season of life with self pity or regret, rather see this moment in time as a prayerful process, in which the Lord converts your creative ideas into His action plan. Look into the eyes of Jesus with your eyes of faith and say yes to Him. God gives you what you want, when it's what He wants for you.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Building capacity

“To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability” (Matthew 25:15).

Capacity is the ability Christ gives us to carry out His commands. Capacity varies from person to person. Some can get by on five to six hours of sleep while others require seven to eight or even more (SMH). Where we get out of balance is when we compare our capacity with someone of greater capacity. Indeed, capacity is meant to provide guardrails, not guilt.

So how can we use capacity to our advantage instead of our disadvantage? How can we understand our limitations and trust the Lord with the results? It starts by being honest about how God has made us. If we can only execute one project with excellence, then we limit ourselves to one. If we only have the time, money, and love for two children, then we accept this as the responsible decision. Honesty about capacity is freeing.

But isn’t there a way to build capacity at work, at home, and in relationships? Yes, indeed! As you remain faithful with small responsibilities, the Lord and others can trust you with additional tasks. When you manage a small amount of money on a budget, you can be trusted with more resources to steward well. When you treat one individual with a full complement of grace and truth, you build relational capacity for more quality friendships.

Furthermore, you are over capacity when cash in your bank account is overdrawn or when you have written a relational check your emotions cannot cash. Therefore, monitor your capacity in prayer before Jesus. Ask Him for courage to say no to something new so you can say yes to current obligations. As in weight lifting, you can increase your mental, emotional, financial, and relational capacity, but it takes time, focus, and discipline.

The Lord has unlimited capacity for empathy, wisdom, and character. So go to Him for your capacity building. Make sure your character capacity keeps up with your success, and you will be able to handle success. Does your heart have the same capacity for humility as your mind does for truth?  Build capacity around Christ’s gifts to you.
 
Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Sundays at 10:45am
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Little becomes Much

Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches. Luke 13:18-19
 
The Lord loves to take a little and make it big for His Kingdom’s purposes. He takes a little faith in His provision and produces an ongoing supply, possibly even surplus. He takes a little love of family and grows a lasting legacy for the Lord. He takes little, but consistent financial investments and compounds them into recurring support for those who steward wisely. He takes a little obedience and multiples His influence globally. He takes a little vision and grows it into a God-size idea.

However, to grow something for God takes disciplined faith and obedience on our part. We can’t quit in the middle of the maturation process, otherwise we miss out on the Lord’s lasting outcome. Like a beautiful baby takes nine months to come full term, so the blessings of God gestate by grace, mature by prayerful obedience and are birthed by trust in His timing. Thus, we stay in the process with Jesus. In His good time, He grows our big vision that brings Him glory and honor.

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:36

Will you run away when things get rough? Or will you stay in the game by God’s grace? Anyone can quit, few are the faithful. The process is as important as the progress and the end product. Therefore, stay engaged with Jesus and enjoy Him as you journey though stages of life. Your consistent acts of obedience, as little as they might seem, lead to the Lord’s bigger opportunities.

Most of all, take a little time each day to spend with your Heavenly Father. The tap root of your trust in God deepens and expands, so the trunk of your life becomes like a broad and bold Sequoia. The sturdy branches of your beliefs are a safe place to sit and rest for those who need the sanctuary of your encouragement. Yes, you may have just started with an acorn of salvation, but God will grow you into His bigger oak tree of blessing. Grace keeps you growing in Him.

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Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd. Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Sundays at 10:45am
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Fruit bearing faith

Then He [Jesus] told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. Luke 13:6

The expectation of the Lord is for His children to bear fruit. Indeed, a life without fruit takes up space, instead of being an expression of God’s grace. Our Heavenly Father is patient, however He does draw a line in the sand of time and says to individuals, institutions, organizations, ministries, and nations, repent or lose My favor. A soul or society that is barren of fruitful faith will eventually see God move on to those governed by His principles and precepts. The fruit of faith flourishes in a heart cultivated by Christ and His word.
 
What fruit is your faith producing? The fruit of peace comes as you plant the seeds of trust in Jesus. Patience’s fruit appears as you prayerfully water the seeds of God’s grace. The fruit of perseverance is produced when you fertilize with faith in the goodness of God. Humility’s fruit blossoms when your Heavenly Father sows His loving kindness into your soul. Furthermore, a harvest of good deeds occurs when death to self brings to life your love, as we are called to deny self, and pick up our cross daily.
 
I [Jesus] am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. John 15:1-2
 
The mercy of the Lord does include a pruning process. Instead of immediately removing a fruitless faith He gives it time to grow by the shears of suffering. Yes, pain is meant to purge us from unhealthy habits and remind us of our undeniable dependence on Christ. Our Heavenly Father cuts back our branches diseased by sin. Jesus, our Vine of spiritual nutrients, feeds our faith. Then the Holy Spirit creates blossoms in our life by bearing the fruit and power of the Spirit.

Otherwise, if the compassionate and thorough work of the Trinity is ignored we are in danger of being cut off from the life-giving grace of God. Furthermore, we are commanded by Christ to spread the fertilizer of His mercy around the base of the unhealthy lives we influence. Yes, our service may smell repulsive to sinful souls, but our relentless love and forgiveness may facilitate fruit with the sweet aroma of salvation. Fruitful faith enjoys God’s favor.

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Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Sundays at 10:45am
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Monday, April 22, 2013

Seeds and weeds

The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. Matthew 13:24-25
 
God sows good seed in the world. We see the Lord’s good seed all around us: churches, ministries, hospitals, orphanages, schools, non-profits, families and individuals that love and obey Christ. Law abiding citizens, honest taxpayers, hard workers, generous givers and studious students all sprout from the good seed of our Savior Jesus Christ. Moreover, the sowing of God’s good seed never ceases. He will grow up preachers, missionaries, church planters, diplomats and executives for His glory.

While God is sowing good seed around you, Satan is sowing bad seed. He is creating evil influences that seek to thwart the plans of good. Evil will mingle with the righteous until Christ comes to separate the wheat from the tares. Thus, psychotic and/or demon possessed people rampage among innocent children with rapid and murderous gun fire, bombings, and other events that just make us shake our head and drop to our knees. The sons and daughters of disobedience look for ways to steal, kill and destroy. Bad seed grows among good.

In which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience. Ephesians 2:2, NKJV

Furthermore the bad seed resembles the good seed, its real nature is not revealed until it bears the fruit of its true intent. This is how two people can both attend church together, while one is going through the motions and the other is a dedicated disciple. You can be a church member, but not be a child of God. The good seed of salvation is sown along with the bad seed of hypocrisy. But we wait for Christ’s judgment and pray God’s grace has His transforming affect on the lost tares.

We are not the judge of someone’s soul, He is, but we can model what it means to be an authentic disciple of Jesus. For example, as we encounter conflict at church we can remain calm and express our concerns with a voice of reason and grace. Our role is to represent Christ in our conduct and conversion. It’s the Holy Spirit’s role to examine motives and expose evil intent. So, celebrate God’s sowing of good seed and prayerfully trust in Christ’s judgment of the bad.
Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd. Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Sundays at 10:45am
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Friday, April 19, 2013

A good heart

But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Luke 8:15
 A heart for God is nurtured by the word of God. Just like the stomach receives good food to grow the body, so a healthy heart receives nutritious morsels from a meal of Scripture. Indeed, the spiritual development process begins with a heart hungry for God, and a commitment to feeding your faith, as faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). A soft soul, like moist dirt, takes in truth and gives it time to deepen its roots in righteousness. Tests of trust come, but a humble heart stays true to its commitment to Christ. Faith perseveres and retains God’s word.

Beware of Satan’s attempt to snatch away the seed from your pathway of faith and obedience. Your acceptance of Christ by faith and your obedience to His commands by grace, hide the seed of God’s word from the snare of the enemy. Truth applied to your life cannot be taken by the devil. He trolls the surface of your thinking trying to steal away the Word, this is why we must make every thought subject to the word of God, as when you hide the word of God in your heart you are safe from the thief’s clutches see Psalm 119:11.

Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. 1 Samuel 3:7

Yes, the word of the Lord allows you to know the Lord. Therefore, pace yourself in the grace of God, so you continue to grow in your faith. It is not how early you start with God, but how far you go over a lifetime. Do not allow trials to take away your joy or faith in Jesus. You can still smile on the inside, even when you are suffering on the outside. The tests of your faith teach forgiveness, patience, appreciation, and grace. Life lessons learned make you more effective in how you love.

Cares of this world mustn’t block us from learning the Bible and becoming better followers of Christ. Worry can keep us from the Word of God, or the Word of God can keep us from worry. Therefore, it’s imperative that we quietly meditate on Scripture, so the Spirit can clearly speak to our heart with reassuring words of hope, wisdom and encouragement. Once rooted and grounded with a heart for God, our Heavenly Father multiples the fruit of our faith in other faithful lives. Check your spiritual diet and get your weight up leading to a healthy/good heart.

We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. Hebrews 2:1


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Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd. Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Sundays at 10:45am
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Witness Account

You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. Acts 3:15

Eyewitness accounts are compelling evidence for truth. These first hand witnesses bring creditability with their character. They are especially trustworthy if they stick to the facts even when it costs them their life. When Jesus was arrested by foes, Peter and John were arrested by fear. However, when Jesus rose from the grave, Peter and John’s courage rose with Him. They saw, touched, talked and ate with Jesus after He came back to life. God’s power empowered them, which led to them to mighty works for the Lord in advancing the Kingdom.

Yes, we were witnesses of this idyllic resurrection power when we were born again through the confession of faith in Jesus Christ. Once we were dead to faith, now we are alive to trust in Christ. Once we were dead to assurance of heaven, now we are alive to the security of eternal life. Once we were dead to the Son’s salvation, now we are alive to His grace. Once we were dead to our Heavenly Father’s love, now we are alive to His affection. Once we were dead to the Spirit’s help, now we are alive to His leading, and supply of power and anointing.

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:4

If a case for Christ’s resurrection were presented in a court of law, a thorough jury would find Jesus guilty of being raised from the dead by His Heavenly Father. The compelling proof is on the side of the plaintiff Holy God. The devil is on the defensive, as all his arguments were destroyed in one fell swoop at the resurrection of Christ. Your risen Savior Jesus, rises above the arguments and evil taunts of Satan. The empty tomb empties the enemy’s arsenal of deception. Jesus lives.

You my friend stand on the solid rock of Christ’s resurrection, as experienced in person by His disciples and 500 other followers. You base His Story on the historical fact of Him going into the grave dead and walking out of the grave alive on the third day. Furthermore, your own faith experience with Jesus is your eyewitness evidence of engaging your risen Savior. You are His channel of hope to the sick, the lost, the disabled, the rich and the poor. You are a witness, now go tell it with assurance the glory of the Gospel.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Going up to the high places

The people, however, were still sacrificing at the high places, because a temple had not yet been built for the Name of the LORD. Solomon showed his love for the LORD by walking according to the statutes of his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places. 1 Kings 3:2-3
High places haunt, hurt, and hinder your relationship with God because they are direct competitors with Jesus. They are altars of worship from your past that you never completely destroyed or removed from your life. You are deceived when you think that they (high places of idolatry) can coexist with Christ and not bring you harm. You tolerate them; even thinking your love for the Lord allows you to have this mistress, who in fact, derails you into not finishing well. The wisest man in the world, next to Jesus, learned this the hard way. Solomon thought he was smarter than God (smh), and went to the high place of degrading marriage. But it blew up in his face by debilitating his family, anointing, and spiritual health. His high place of pride kept him from experiencing God’s best and from finishing well. No one is immune from sin’s insidious outcome.

Your high place may be the propensity to drink too much; as alcohol has become an altar of escape for many. Or you may be secretly serving the god of sex. The Internet with its streaming video or publications with their glossy photos have captured your affections in direct opposition to your devotion to Christ. Your high place may be the residue of salty language, eating too much, or exercise, either the lack of it or the obsession with it. High places are indiscriminate; they bring down celebrity Christians and everyday followers of Jesus. God’s remedy is to rid them from your life and destroy them before they destroy you. Paul described your need for and the ability to discard your old habits and put on new spiritual disciplines in Christ:

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).

Hunker down in your faith and ask heaven to help you obliterate the high places in your heart. Ask your spouse or a trusted friend to help you identify and define them. Then invite them to hold you accountable to a process of removing high places from your home and work. Your high place may be as obvious as anger or as discreet as undisciplined thinking. It may be necessary for you to add or uninstall software on your computer. The seriousness of its influence on your life may require a drastic step such as dumping your boyfriend or girlfriend or changing jobs. If it is the high place of money, ignore its allure by giving more away. Develop friendships that have nothing to do with finances, only an opportunity to grow a relationship without getting something in return.

Above all else, go to the low place of increasing your dependence on God and decreasing your dependence on yourself. He must increase and you must decrease (John 3:30 KJV). Your path to heaven, absent of high places, leads you into a life that finishes well. Beloved make sure you are running to finish well.
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Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd. Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Sundays at 10:45am
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

You better watch your mouth

“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36–37).

My words are a reflection of my heart. When Christ has my heart, and is enthroned on it, my words are measured and meaningful. A heart filled with the Lord’s purposes produces good fruit for its recipients. When my heart avoids the Lord’s instruction, my words become careless. They wound and bring harm to hearers who receive my insensitivity.
 
Beloved we communicate better when we understand the gravity of undisciplined speech. There is an accountability from God that one day gauges what we have said. No idle word will miss the microscope of our Master’s judgment. “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless” (James 1:26). The Holy Spirit bridles our tongues with words of great worth.  So does your speech represent your Savior well? Do your words incubate in a heart of intimacy with God and accountability with man? Like a thoughtful and creative artist, use your words to paint a picture that provides  understanding and instruction. Prepare your heart in prayer before you speak in a meeting or prior to anything you do. At home resolve to be respectful in all matters of conversation, and others will reciprocate.
 
Careless words are best corralled by Christ’s calming presence. When He seasons our speech with grace, there is a gravitas that gains the attention of the most unsuspecting souls. It is when the Lord speaks through us that we experience the best communication. Indeed, a humble heart full of Christ’s courage carries the right words at the right time. Speak with bold clarity, and trust God with the results. Convert careless words to kind ones.
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6).   


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Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Sundays at 10:45am
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Monday, April 15, 2013

Keep it 100

“Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of a man who gives gifts.” Proverbs 19:6

Do you act differently when you are in the presence of power? Are you able to be yourself and not become pretentious because of someone’s position? Leaders need people around them who will tell them what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. If you are intimidated or awestruck by wealth, prestige, and stature, you will tend not to tell the truth for fear of rejection or punishment. Bold believers bow down to no one but the Lord God.

Fake followers of Jesus are in it for what others can do for them. Faith is replaced with favors. Receiving is valued over giving; self-service is sought over sacrifice. Casual Christianity is an affront to the Lord our God, because it creates an inauthentic culture. If there is no confrontation or hard discussion, then life is being lived in a bubble of denial and disillusionment. Someone needs to speak up and be real.

Leaders can preclude pretense by deflecting any air of superiority. Your transparency over loss and disappointment gives the team permission to express their anxieties. Take time to confess your struggles and inability to trust Christ at times. People in positions of influence have an obligation to invite honest evaluation. When was the last time you asked your family, friends, colaborers in Christ, or team how you can serve them? What disappoints them?

Lastly, are you willing to lose a friend for the sake of being real? Genuine grace-filled followers of God are like gold. They are valuable, and wise leaders seek to retain them for their honesty and no-nonsense counsel. Do I have secure people around me who will tell me the truth? Do I honor honesty and appreciate authenticity? Loyalty longs to be around a friend who only seeks favor from the Lord Jesus Christ.
 
Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd. Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Sundays at 10:45am
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Friday, April 12, 2013

Gotcha Back

Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions [at least 60,000] of angels? Matthew 26:53
Angels are at our Heavenly Father’s beckoning. They are poised at His prompting to support, protect and care for His children. Jesus could have called on a company of heavenly help, but He resisted and remained in the crucible of the Cross. He had an out for His suffering, however His great love led Him to sacrifice His life, so He could save all of us from sin. God’s angel armies are His agents who minister to our needs, but they may not necessarily deliver us from evil.

Your Father in heaven has His angels assigned to your well being. They constantly experience the glory of God, so they can surround you with His glory. Since your angels see the face of the Lord, they are your support to face your difficulties. You have no need to fear, because the God of angel armies stands beside you, in front of you, behind you, above you and below you. You are covered by His host of angels. Thank the Lord of Hosts for His help in your time of need.

See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:10

Also beloved, beware of bad angels who have fallen from the presence of God (Demons). Their pride drove them to displace God, because they wanted to be God. Lucifer lost the Lord’s favor and was cast into hell. Therefore, seek discernment to expose these impostors of angelic light. Oppose those who are counterfeit leaders, who lead unscrupulously in Jesus' name. These angels of darkness have dark motives that seek to darken our minds with selfish desires. Beware of bad angels!

Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15

Above all, look for the angelic armies of Almighty God to defeat Satan’s forces on the spiritual battlefield. Like Job, your Heavenly Father’s strategy may be to use your faithfulness in the middle of suffering to disarm the devil’s plan to discredit your faith. Your obedience is oxygen to your spiritual lungs. Moreover, your angels adore the Lord with praise. Their example of genuine worship is worth emulating. Yes, your angels have God’s authority to support His will for you


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Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd. Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Sundays at 10:45am
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Game of Thrones

When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder. Luke 11:21-22

Every life is ruled by self, Satan or a Savior. The desire for  control crowns self, the believer of lies crowns the devil, and faith in Jesus Christ crowns a Savior. Self and Satan are strong. They can sit on the throne of a man or woman’s heart, but the Lord is stronger. The only competent ruler of a life is God, because He is the originator, giver, and sustainer of life. He is all wisdom and understanding. Above all, the Lord deserves all worship and glory as the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is as Charles Jenkins says "Awesome".

If I try to reason what to do without God’s perspective, I lose the ability to make the best decision. I can seem strong as my possessions increase and I become smarter from evaluated experience. However, there is One stronger, and He is the Almighty God. It is foolish for me to crown myself king of my life when I am not qualified to do either: crown myself or be king. The enemy whispers vain suggestions of self sufficiency, but this is his plan to pull the strings of my pride.
 
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Therefore, we are wise when we surrender to the authority and power of God, as all power belongs to God. We crown Him as King over our life when we submit to His rule over our attitudes and actions, this is a byproduct of spending time in His presence and word. Since Jesus suffered under a cruel crown of thorns for our sins, we can crown Him as our Savior and Lord. Oh, the gratitude and praise that flows from our hearts to think that our King would die for us. Indeed, King Jesus has no equal. He alone rules us with grace, truth, love and holiness.
 
Have you completely and totally capitulated to Christ? Is every ounce of your being, being transformed by the truth and grace of God? It is in death to self that you find true life. It is in surrender to God that you find freedom in faith. It is out of respect for your Lord that you respect yourself. It is out of love for God that you love yourself and others. Bow, even lie prostrate at the foot of your Heavenly Father’s throne and He will lift you up strong in Him. He is your King and His rightful place is on the throne of your heart, mind, and soul.

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Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Sundays at 10:45am
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Servant Leader

Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. Acts 15:37-38

Sometimes a critical circumstance requires the leader to assert influence for the good of the whole. There is no time for collaboration, since what’s best for the mission can’t be jeopardized. Good people can disagree, but the leader is responsible to do what he or she thinks is right. The risk of a failed project takes precedent over the risk of relational rejection. Hopefully there is eventual relational restoration when a leader wisely serves by saying no and clarifying the course.

Yes, leaders lead. It is a disservice for the one in charge to not give direction when a situation is sticky. God places us in positions of authority to serve others by leading them down prayerful and productive paths. Followers look to leaders to instruct with integrity and intentionality. So, even if our ill timed decision meets the disapproval of someone we respect, we still move forward by faith. We serve by leading in doing the next right thing and trusting the Lord for His results.

And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. Psalm 78:72

You serve by leading when you reassess a person's past failure in light of lessons they’ve learned and their current faithfulness to the task at hand. Grace gives you permission to extend a second chance, working to restore someone’s youthful indiscretion that tarnished their integrity. Perhaps you take this occasion to bring a coworker back into good standing, so they have an opportunity to prove their trustworthiness. You serve by leading when you lead a friend back into faith’s fold.

Lastly, you serve by leading when you lead others into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. You lead well when the goodness of God wells up within you like the iconic geyser Old Faithful, intermittently boiling forth the refreshing fruit of the Spirit. The human heart is waiting for another human to lead them into an understanding of the Lord’s great grace. Indeed, the Spirit is interceding on behalf of the unsaved, God will use you to introduce others to His Son Jesus

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Balancing Leadership and Friendship

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Proverbs 27:6 (KJV)

Lead first and be a friend second, for an effective and efficient enterprise understands that leadership trumps friendship. As the old saying goes, “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.” Wise and intentional leadership is necessary for the health of the organization;leadership is watered down when friendships dictate strategic direction. Friendships should forge the team but not unduly dilute excellent outcomes based on courageous leadership decisions. If a leader is preoccupied with what a friend may think or do, then he risks diminishing his decision for the sake of sparing someone’s feelings. Politics are not the plumb line. The values and principles of the organization are the standards by which leadership decisions are made.
   
Friendship can become a fruit of wise leadership but it is not meant to drive wise leadership. Indeed, loyalty to friends is an important and valued attribute of an effective leader. But do not allow loyalty to cloud your rationale of what’s best for the team. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for the team and your friend is to either fire him or reassign him. Be sure your leadership is grounded in principle so your friendships will not get in the way of doing what’s right. Let a friend know up front how much you value him, but not to the detriment of what’s best for the business or ministry.
   
Friends can be the hardest or the easiest to lead. It all depends on the expectations of the parties involved. Does your friend perceive you as a partner or a boss? Is your perception of your friend one of high value or just one of expedience that gets results? Lead first in humility, courage, and clarity. Let your friends know up front what you value as a leader and how they fit into the big picture of vision and the success of fulfilling that vision. Always ask, “What’s best for the team?” instead of “What does my friend want?, or how will this affect my friendship?” You lead first by defining the role of friendship on the team, and you keep leadership a priority by not playing favorites. This stragtegy promotes teamwork and defuses jealousy as everyone is treated fairly.
   
Lastly, wise leaders make hard decisions, even when it adversely affects a friend. This protects the integrity of the organization, church, or business. Paul felt this tension when he decided that his friend, John Mark was not mature enough for the responsibility of a mission trip: “Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work” (Acts 15:37-38). Balancing leadership and friendship isn’t always easy, but it's necessary.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Love reaches others

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34–35).

Love is irresistible for those in search of a Savior. Everyone whose heart aches for authentic relationship will take notice when seeing Christians love one another, and others. Parents who encourage and build up their sons and daughters are a magnet to their children’s friends who live lonely lives in discouraging and disruptive home environments.

Have you thought of your home as a sanctuary for seeking souls? Every time a neighbor drops by, a friend stays overnight, or you host a party for your child’s team, you have an opportunity to model the love of Jesus toward those you know and to those whom you meet for the first time. Leverage love for the Lord, and He will draw people to Himself.

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13).

Being a disciple of Jesus has benefits, and being loved is at the top. When you placed your faith in Christ, you became a giver and receiver of the love of God. So do not resist the righteous care that disciples extend on your behalf. Be glad you model the love of God’s children that can melt the hearts of outside observers. “Why,” they ask, “do people give so much, expecting nothing in return?”

How do you intentionally love your brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you share relationships, money, your vacation home, your primary residence, or your car? It may be showing up during a health issue, praying for a job interview, babysitting their little one, or assiting on a project. Unbelievers take notice when believers love each other.

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13).

Our capacity to love is limited only by the Lord’s capacity to love us, to love in us, and to love through us. His love removes our insensitive heart and replaces it with sensitivity. The Almighty’s agape love arranges our priorities around the needs of others first and ours second. His love first comforts pain in people waiting for the appropriate time to administer truth. This level of unconditional love is a conduit for the lost to know Christ.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Give yourself a break

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
Have you forgiven yourself? Have you really forgiven yourself? We know we have forgiven ourselves if we are free from guilt and self-condemnation. Otherwise we are stuck in the crazy cycle of re-living bad decisions that are done and cannot be changed. It is impossible to continually guilt our conscience in order to make up for past mistakes.

When we do not release ourselves from previous indiscretions and sins, we try to make up for them by overcompensating in the present. Perhaps you neglected your child in their early years, and now as an older teenager you’ve tried to make up for your absence by enabling their poor decisions. Instead, they need to experience the consequences of bad behavior while they are with you, so they can learn and grow into responsible adults and citizens.

Jesus tells the story of a loving father who allowed his son to hit bottom, and as a consequence the son came to realize and take responsibility for his reality: “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death. I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you (Luke 15:17-18).

Forgiving yourself begins by embracing the truth that your heavenly Father has forgiven you. The grace of God is in abundant supply; no one is beyond the reach of grace (Thank you Jesus). The Lord loves you unconditionally, there is nothing you can do so horrible that will prevent God from loving you outside of blasphemy against His Spirit, and because He loves you so much He forgives the objects of His love beloved which is you. Has the grace of God seeped deep into your soul, so you know in your heart and mind that you are set free from the guilt and shame of sin? If not, forgive yourself and trust the Lord to make up for lost time.

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ephesians 1:7).

When you forgive yourself, you are able to forgive others. Self-forgiveness is a key to unlocking real relationships. Authentic community with Christ and Christians comes from forgiveness from your heavenly Father, forgiveness from others, and forgiveness from yourself. What have you not released yourself from in forgiveness? Lay it at the altar of God’s grace and He will extinguish it with His eternal fire of forgiveness and love.

Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd. Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Sundays at 10:45am

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Living the best of life

New wine must be poured into new wineskins. Luke 5:38

The new wine of grace grows in a life made new by life in Christ. The old life of self absorption cannot contain the new life of selfless and committed service. The Spirit’s fullness leaks out of a vessel that is still suspicious to full surrender to its Savior Jesus Christ. A genuine follower of Jesus replaces old thinking with new and renewed mental categories that is a result of having the mind renewed according to Romans 12:1-2. Heaven replaces hell. Humility replaces pride. Faith replaces fear. Truth replaces lies. Generosity replaces greed. Salvation replaces shame.

Yes, the fermentation of faith expands influence over our lives and the way we live them. We cannot hold onto bad habits and augment them with good habits. The good totally takes the place of the bad. Christ’s covenant of grace has no peers. Indeed, the past covenant of the law cannot refrain our liberation in the Lord Jesus. This is why the joy of new believers is infectious, as they are spiritually transformed by the Spirit’s influence. In Christ we are free to be His beautiful creation of goodness.

He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 2 Corinthians 3:6

You are free to be who you are in Christ. You can be yourself, because He has saved your self. In Christ you are good. In Christ you are accepted. In Christ you are a new creation. In Christ you are a child of God. In Christ you are gentle. In Christ you are secure. In Christ you are loved. In Christ you are patient. In Christ you are peaceful. In Christ you are gracious. In Christ you glorify God. In Christ you are free from sin and Satan’s control. In Christ you are free to be you beloved.
 
Therefore, live your resurrected life in Christ and do not attempt to resuscitate your old man of the flesh. Your new wine of grace beautifully fills your new wineskin of salvation in Christ alone, but it bursts the old wineskin of the law. The old wine of legalism may be tasty to lazy thinkers with immature habits, but it is bitter to those who have tasted the sweet grace of God. You are a new creation in Christ, the old has passed and the new has come. You are free indeed

--
Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Sundays at 10:45am
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Built to last

As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. Luke 6:47-48

The foundation of a well built life is the Lord. All other starting points are only shifting sands of security, but Jesus is a secure rock of salvation. Wise life builders begin with faith in Jesus. Once this foundation of faith is laid, then the structure of wisdom, integrity, honor, humility, and obedience can be erected. Yes, God is the architect of a life submitted to Him. His design is elegant and eternal. What the Lord builds no one or nothing can shake.

Furthermore, it is necessary to make sure your beliefs are genuinely built on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Yes, the subtle chaff of false faith infiltrates some who are religious instead of relational with the Savior, even those who are consistent church attenders can lack a proper foundation, as church attendance doesn't equate to experiencing the fullness of God, when the heart of the attendee isn't coming to see and seek God. Your name may be on a church membership directory, but is it engraved in the Lamb’s Book of Life? Examine your life to see if your faith is real or if it is a weak substitute. Obedience follows faith.

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? James 2:14

Indeed, when we put into practice Christ’s commands and integrate Biblical principles into our behavior, we could be convicted in a court of law for being a Christian. Obedience to God is a lifetime process of growing in grace, humility and love. Tests of faith will come and go, but the loving care of Jesus stands with us in our suffering. He is dependable in keeping us from becoming desperate in economic downturns. In success our Spirit filled life gives Him the glory.

Question, is your life being built with the wise construction materials provided by your Master Builder, Jesus? Keep Christ as your Building Contractor so you will not be displeased with His design. Talk over with Him in prayer the very real punch list of your concerns. He will clarify His purposes that are all good. Your life is beautiful with its floors of forgiveness, walls of gratitude, windows of love and roof of grace. Your well built life will withstand shaky circumstances cause your have built your house on the solid rock of Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

In hot pursuit

The Lord detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness. Proverbs 15:9

What does it mean to pursue righteousness? We pursue happiness. We pursue financial security. We pursue a husband or wife for marriage, but what is the pursuit of righteousness? It is a standard of behavior that is morally right or justifiable as God defines it. We pursue righteousness when we determine to understand what the Scripture outlines and says ss right, and good.  It is the adherence of the soul to the principles of God's word, that is displayed in the fabric of our lives.  It is the conscious effort of integrating it (righteousness) into our behavior. It is intentional living for God (Colossians 3:23).
 
The pursuit of righteousness begins with the pursuit of God, for He is the Righteous One. He detests the way of the wicked but loves those who pursue righteousness. He loves those who pursue Him for righteousness sake. So we seek Him because we need Him to transform us into the likeness of His Son Jesus. We become  what we pursue.
 
“The Righteous One takes note of the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin” (Proverbs 21:12).
 
It is the path of the righteous He makes smooth, not without bumps along the way, but with clear direction for living. Perhaps you ask, “How do I know God’s will for school, marriage, or work?” Pursue righteousness, and He will direct your steps. Do not worry and fret over step fourteen; instead, by faith focus on the next step. “The path of the righteous is level; O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth” (Isaiah 26:7).
 
Without your Lord and Savior Jesus, your “righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Indeed, it is not what you do for Jesus, but the work of His Spirit in and through you, to produce the fruit of righteousness. Remain in Him, and He will make you righteous, not holier than thou, but humble and loving. Your pursuits are what you become; thus, wise are you and loved by the Lord when you pursue righteousness.