Selecting wise leadership

Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.  Deuteronomy 1:13

 

The selection process of wise leadership can make or break an organization or church. We are constantly faced with this in our families, church, work, schools, civic groups, and professional associations. Wise leadership does not come about as a result of pride’s persuasion. It is not found in the “tick for tat” of politics. Wise leadership is not discovered through popularity contests or an assessment. Indeed, a red flag goes up when someone is clamoring to fill a position of leadership, and it should. A wise leader would rather be drafted by others than promote himself into a position.

           

So where do you look for wise leaders? A good place to begin is within the ranks of those who already exhibit wise leadership. You see those leadership traits in the open, authentic environment they create in their work and home, and by their own honesty around personal weaknesses and strengths. Wise leaders are excellent listeners. They listen with the intent to understand, not to respond. Wisdom desires understanding of what others are thinking and feeling.  They know what questions to ask. They challenge you to think, and offer counsel when appropriate.

 

Wise leaders are not gurus or know-it-alls. On the contrary, they are smart enough to understand the vastness of what they don’t know. Moreover, those who know them best especially respect wise leaders. If a leader fails to command the respect of someone in his or her inner circle, they will also lose the respect of those outside their immediate circle of influence. Respect comes over time by showing respect. It is the result of doing what you say and modeling integrity in living out what you say you believe. Consistent Christlike behavior invites respect. Wisdom and respect go hand in hand.

           

Wise leadership points others to God. Any infatuation with a leader as an individual is redirected to their heavenly Father as God always gets the glory since He is the one who provides us with wisdom. Wisdom will only remain in a humble heart. It is within the incubator of humility that wisdom germinates and flourishes. The Bible says, “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way” (see Psalm 25:9). So a wise leader exhibits humility with his heart for God. God can entrust wisdom to the humble of heart, but He is stingy in giving wisdom to the proud, for they cannot be trusted.

 

The application of wisdom matures relationships, facilitates faith, and grows business and ministry. Hear from the wise before you charge forward with a new opportunity. Ask your parents’ advice. Pray to God for wisdom about your next steps. Wise leaders do not always tell you what you want to hear. Listen anyway. Their words are sometimes hard, and at the time seem intolerant and insensitive, for wisdom makes foolishness uncomfortable. But wise leadership leads you beyond selfish satisfaction. Wise leaders lead you to grow in your relationship with Christ. So, follow wise leaders and be a wise leader. As the opportunity arises, prayerfully select and appoint wise leaders. Wise leadership promotes God’s agenda, and His agenda is wisdom.

 

Our prayer:  Father God grant us wisdom, as you said in your word if any man lack wisdom let him ask of God who gives freely.  As it is with your wisdom being active in our lives that we can make decisions that bring you glory, and led us to favorable outcomes.  In Jesus name Amen. 

--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ

Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Dealine Blessings

Elijah said, “As the Lord Almighty lives, whom I serve, I will surely present myself to Ahab today.” So Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him, and Ahab went to meet Elijah. 1 Kings 18:15-16

 

In my line of work we are always learning and working to set clear and attainable deadlines to drive decision making. Deadlines provide a sense of urgency and accountability internally for our team and externally for the community we serve. Deadlines are our friends. Prayerfully set deadlines drive us to make better decisions for God.

 

Elijah, the prophet of God, felt compelled to call out the false prophets of his day. So, he asked his friend Obadiah to set up a meeting with king Ahab, the authority over the prophets of Baal.  The king charged Elijah with being a troublemaker, which he denied. The prophet then accused the king of deserting Yahweh. He challenged Ahab to use his influence to immediately convene the pagan leaders. The king brought together 850 false prophets and Elijah brought with him the one true living God. A prayerful deadline unleashed the dramatic power of God’s glory (see 1 Kings 18:37-39).

 

Procrastination could delay a blessing the Lord Jesus has for your life. Low priority tasks may be more fun and easier, but high priority tasks bring the best long term fulfillment. School work can be tedious and onerous, but deadlines along the way enhance your education. Incremental understanding is much better than last minute mental memorization with little comprehension. If you put off today what you can do tomorrow, you may miss a God opportunity. Be faithful with a small unpleasant task today and trust the Lord with a larger pleasant possibility tomorrow.

 

Furthermore, see deadlines as the Spirit’s way to show you the best direction. What would you do differently if you only had one year left to live? Take those ideas that come to mind and prioritize them around helpful deadlines. Short deadlines can keep tasks simple, while long deadlines may bring too much complexity. Focus on one problem at a time and do not be overwhelmed by a dozen things at once. Also, be flexible when a faith opportunity arises. Deadlines drive decisions, but be willing to adjust based on the Spirit’s leading. Be decisive, act and trust God.

Our prayer:  Father help us to accept deadlines in our lives, and see the blessing that they are in our lives to prioritize our day In Jesus name amen.
--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ

Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

You matter

For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession. Deuteronomy 14:2

You matter. You matter because you’re made in the image of God. You are a blueprint birthed out of heaven. Your physical makeup is beautiful because the eye of your beloved beholder is your heavenly Father. Your intellectual capacity is attractive because in Christ you know the mind of Christ. Your emotional energy is engaging because you are accepted and loved by God. You matter because Jesus says you matter.

You matter because you are chosen by the Lord, you are His treasured possession. Jesus wants you to be with Him like a coach who recruits athletes; He has picked you to be on His team. He calls the plays and He expects you to excel in the position best suited for your skills, gifts, and experiences. You matter most to the Lord. Since Jesus Christ thinks the world of you, He laid down His life for the world on your behalf. You have been given much in your faith journey, so God expects much. Thus, you matter in helping others know they matter.

Our prayer:  Father thank you for your love, and the expression of your love in that you died on the cross for me to be a constant reminder that I matter, and I matter to you.  Thank you for the great lengths that you go daily to assure me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. In Jesus name Amen.
--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ

Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Love requires action

We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:19-21

 

What does it mean to love God? In Christian circles, this phrase is used so frequently that we often take its meaning for granted and give little thought to its application in our daily lives.

 

Do we love God by giving mental assent to Christian faith and belief? Is it through our emotions or desires? Or is our love for God shown in our physical choices and actions? To each of these beloved, the answer is “yes.”

 

On the one hand, we as disciples must be faithful to deepen our knowledge of God as revealed in Scripture. In the business of work, school, sports, and other life pursuits, it is essential that prayer, Bible study, fellowship and worship are a priority. These are God given gifts to each of us that help deepen our knowledge of God’s great love for us. As we grow in our understanding we also grow in our love for God.

 

However, when we encounter the love of God shown in Jesus, the Spirit awakens in us a deep and profound desire for God’s presence. When you pursue God, do you do so out of a feeling of duty, obligation or guilt, or does it flow from a genuine desire for the nearness of God’s presence? We must not content ourselves with a passive faith that mentally agrees with Christianity. Instead, let us continually nurture a living, vibrant faith with the living God who loves us passionately.

 

If we look at Jesus, we see true love in action. We see that he came, not simply to change people’s minds or to stir up religious affection, but to give himself fully for the life of the world ( see John 6:51). As His disciples, we likewise must be willing to share God’s love with the world around us in thought, word, and deed.

 

Renewed minds and transformed hearts must always lead to obedient actions.

God desires a faithful and consistent unity between our head, our heart, and our hands. If we say we love God and desire him in our hearts, then let us prove this love to be true through lives of selflessness, compassion, and grace.

 

Our prayer:  Father through the power of your Spirit continue to work in me that my service and ministry is birthed out of love for you.  Give me a heart to know you more deeply that my service might be more impactful for your Kingdom In Jesus name Amen. 

--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ

Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Enlightened Prayer

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people. Ephesians 1:18

 

The fervency of our prayers for others is an indicator of our heart’s condition. If we are nonchalant and unengaged in our petitions for people, our spirit is probably distant from the Holy Spirit. Prayers of faith for family, friends, the saints, and the lost to have faith keeps our faith passionate in our service for the Kingdom. So, we have to be intentional to slow down and seek the face of God on behalf of family, the saints, the lost, and friends. We pray their hearts will receive clarity from Christ about His calling on their lives. The Lord’s will is bountiful riches waiting to be experienced by God’s people. Prayers for others bring clarity to my own heart.

 

Why does Paul pray for the Ephesian Christians to know the hope of their calling? Hope facilitates faith. It produces love. It takes the allure out of temptation. It comforts sorrow and  anticipates answered prayer. Hope is heaven’s reminder to remain faithful for there is much more beyond this life and your present circumstance. Hope lives obedient in the present and trusts God with the future. Paul knew if they cherished hope their praise and worship of the Lord would be uninhibited and full of glory. Like a microscope, hope sees the Spirit at work in minute ways and like a telescope, hope is able to focus on the vastness of God’s handiwork. Prayerful clarity comes from trust in Jesus.

 

Perhaps our prayers for our loved ones include their college, career and calling. Help them to seek understanding about their giftedness and passion. God’s calling I have found normally aligns around an individual’s interests, passions, energy and what they do well. Pray for the Lord to send mentors into your loved ones life who are good examples and disciples of Christ.   

 

Most of all, pray for others to seek clarity from their heavenly Father in their own prayer life. Our faith walk with Jesus facilitates sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading. When we are still, we are able to hear the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. When our heart is dialed in to God we know what to do next. We trust Him with the next right thing and we wait patiently on future decisions. Clarity comes to Christians who wait on Christ. Eyes of the heart are able to see the Lord’s heart.

Our Prayer:  Father ignite our hearts to pray on the behalf of others.  Give us a heart of prayer like Christ who always made a point to pray for the needs of others before He prayed for His own needs In Jesus name Amen.
--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ

Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

War Room

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

 

 

Paul speaks of spiritual weapons not of this world. Like dynamite destroys hardened objects, so the divine power of Christ demolishes strongholds in our soul. The stronghold of fear is crushed by trust in Christ. The stronghold of lust melts away under the heat of selfless love. The stronghold of greed is abolished by generosity.  The power of God within us imprisons lies and converts disobedient thoughts to obedient action. The Holy Spirit already knows the winning strategy for the saved. Yes, the Spirit’s power fills a humble, submitted soul (See Isaiah 11:2).

 

Our first step in biblical thinking is to take captive thoughts from the culture that are contrary to Christ. The tension to live in the world, but not of the world never goes away, until we get to the next world. Furthermore, prayer is the divine process that protects us from ourselves. When we read God’s Word it renews our mind with right thinking. One effective way to confront lies is to crowd them out of our conscience with truth. A mind full of wisdom has no room for foolishness. Like life-giving water oozes from an oasis, so scripture seeps into a thirsty soul. It refreshes and protects us from a mirage of vain imaginations. Prayer is our righteous war room.

 

 Our Prayer:  Father gives us a passion for prayer that tears down the strongholds of our lives, and the strongholds of those in need.  Father let our first response to all things be to fall on our knees that you might provide us with truth and wisdom to lead us through the day.  In Jesus name Amen.

--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ

Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Good servant

He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ Luke 10:34-35

What does it mean to be a good servant? It involves giving time and resources. We roll up our sleeves and do whatever it takes to meet the need in front of us. Our head assesses the situation and diagnoses the need while our heart engages our calendar and our checkbook. Good servants understand the correlation between serving and greatness (see Mark 10:43-45).

 

Good servants have the gumption to get involved and even get dirty if needed. They initiate service to others in the name of the Lord. They don’t wait for the needy to come to them, instead they are quick to show up and serve. It may mean leaving someone an anonymous gift to relieve pressure from huge medical bills. Perhaps the Lord is calling you to short or long-term missions to love the poor and needy.

 

It could be keeping the lawn of a neighbor who travels a lot, or paying a mechanic to repair the car of a single mom. Being a good servant could involve opening your home to a prodigal  who is trying to find their way, but desperately needs an environment of love, hope and acceptance. Good servants have the ability to look around, and like a radar, lock onto those who need a helping hand.

The Lord Jesus could have demanded to be served, but on the contrary served. He did not use His position for Himself, but for others (See Philippians 2:7). 

 

It is bold and unnatural to make yourself nothing for the sake of others, but this is the way of Christ. He takes your nothing and makes it something of great significance. However, as you follow Jesus, you are on the track for greatness, because you will engage your time and money for others in His name. So break free from feeling like you can’t get involved and become great for God, by going where it’s messy to serve.

Our prayer:  Father create in us a servants heart, give us a sensitivity through the power of your Spirit to discern the needs of others.  Help us to be like your Son moved by compassion to serve sheep with no shepherd In Jesus name Amen. 

--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ

Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Making a household of faith

Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

 

Is there enough evidence in your home for you to be convicted of following Jesus Christ? This is a choice that God gives us: a choice to center our home around faith or facade. What happens behind the doors of your home? Is your home an incubator for faith? Our first ministry and calling begins at home. When your faith works at home, you have the credibility to export it to other environments. It is your laboratory for living.

 

This does not mean you are without problems, conflicts, and challenges at home. On the contrary, it is when your faith sustains you through family difficulties that it becomes a compelling reason for others to come into relationship and follow Christ. The question for the head of the home is: Are you the spiritual leader? As a single parent, father, or mother in the home, do you model prayer, worship, and Bible study? Does the fruit of the Spirit flow from your life? Are you involved with a fellowship of believers in a local church?

 

Belief in God is a choice, so what are some wise choices you can make to build your household of faith? Begin by developing an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Once you are born again you have a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to grow in your faith. Learn the Bible, apply it to life, and let God transform you from the inside out.

 

Challenge your family to do the same. Create a culture of prayer that becomes a catalyst for their time with Christ. Family devotions, small groups with other believers, and journaling are a few ways to feed the faith appetite of your loved ones. Take your family to church. This sets the stage for a week of faith and obedience.

 

Perhaps you read a chapter in Proverbs over dinner. Pray with your spouse. Turn off the television one night a week for thirty minutes, discuss God’s word, and pray for one another. Teach your children to pray for the sick, the lost, and the hurting. Model for them the joy of generous giving and serving.

 

Show them how to serve the homeless, orphaned, and elderly. This will galvanize their faith. Talk with your family about your own struggles and failures and God’s faithfulness to answer prayer and take care of you in spite of your mistakes. Your family needs to see you vulnerable as much as they see you confident. Facilitating faith in your home is a daily choice.

Our Prayer:  Father empower us with your Spirit to be models for you in our homes.  Help us to discipline ourselves to make the choice of making you the priority of our lives, and our homes In Jesus name amen.
--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ

Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Keep a steadfast heart

My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Psalm 108:1

A steadfast heart is secure in Christ, and not even the devil can drive it from its devotion and commitment to the Lord. Beloved, you can be steadfast because your Savior is steadfast. Markets may crumble and economies erupt in uncertainty, but a steadfast heart stays fixed on the faithfulness of God.

 

A steadfast heart understands its sufficiency is in Christ, so it goes there first by faith. Sometimes you climb to praise God by the ladder of prayer, and at other times you bless the Lord for the past, so in prayer you have faith to plead with Him in the present. The Holy Spirit seizes our steadfast heart so we can pray our way up to praise, or so we can patiently praise the Lord until we are ready for prayer.

You know the heart is steadfast when the allure of sin loses its luster in your life. You do not want to go to the playground of pride, because you know it will bully you into bad behavior. A steadfast heart sees the consequences of disobeying God and does not go there. Because you are anchored in the fear of God, He stabilizes you in the face of fear. 

 

Grace gives the gumption to tame our at times fickle nature, and it develops the discipline of a resolute and determined frame of mind. Your steadfast heart results in your soul exploding in joyful songs  of worship and praise to our God and King. Paul exhorted this high degree of faith focus when he said:

 

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58, KJV).

Therefore, do not waver in your commitment to Christ and your promises to people. Circumstances may have changed causing you great consternation, but you remain steadfast of heart. Stay true to what you said, for your faithfulness is not contingent on your circumstances but on the integrity of what’s right.

 

Be steadfast in your heart by giving what you said you would give, by going where you said you would go, and doing what you said you would do. When your faith begins to flicker, go to God and He will reignite its bright flame. Christ creates and blesses a steadfast heart. 

Our prayer:  Father grant us the strength and unwavering faith to remain steadfast in the purpose and calling that you have placed on our lives.  Through the power of your Spirit makes us to be the influencer of our environments as opposed to being influenced by our environments.  In Jesus name Amen.

--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ

Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Pay attention

My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen well to my words of insight. Proverbs 5:1

 

Pay attention to the wise and discerning around you. They have perspective that penetrates  our bias and blind spots. If you ignore their admonishments you may miss God’s best, or at worst spend a long time recovering from a raw deal. Wisdom is a watchman that keeps us from entering into unfit relationships. Beware of those who only want you for their own needs with no regard for the needs of others.

 

Pay attention so you will not be sucked into a situation that requires prolonged effort down an unproductive path. Cut your losses quickly. Leave the consequences in Christ’s hands. For example, say no to an opportunity that does not seem right, even if the promised results are positive. Pay attention to wise counsel so you will not worry later whether you did the right thing. You maintain discretion and preserve knowledge as you take time to listen and learn.

 

Above all else, pay attention to the promptings of the Holy Spirit as He is the Almighty’s ambassador in charge of leading us to the way of wisdom. Therefore, watch for His confirmation of right and His conviction of wrong. Pay attention because the Holy Spirit waters wisdom with insight and understanding. Wisdom grows in a life submitted to the guidance of God’s Spirit.

 

Finally, pay attention to the teaching of your pastor, for they are called and appointed messengers of the Lord. Their role is to relay to you the truth of God; so make sure to attend a house of worship where Christ is worshiped and you are clearly and practically instructed from the Bible. Pastors who are gifted teachers and prayerfully prepare each Sunday present a spiritual smorgasbord so starving souls are satisfied by the wisdom of God. Pay attention to a pastor you respect, who teaches wisdom well, and whom God uses to transform your thinking and behavior.

Our Prayer:  Father heighten my spiritual discernment that I might make wise decision and seek wise counsel.  Father make me today even more sensitive to the promptings of your Holy Spirit that I might walk in accordance with your will and be in fellowship with those who grow me, and nurture me in my relationship with you.  In Jesus name I pray amen.
--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ

Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

The Knowledge of God

If you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:4–5

 

The knowledge of God is obtained by the wisdom of God, and the wisdom of God is found in the Word of God. Jesus is the Word (see John chapter 1); so when we see Him, we not only see our Savior but our God. Jesus became flesh and walked among us so He could, among other things, teach us the knowledge of God. So read the gospels of Christ. You will observe the knowledge of God lived out in your Lord.

 

You will learn obedience by understanding and applying His teachings. Obtaining the knowledge of God and applying it that you might experience life transformation is not a passive exercise. It comes from prayer, earnestly seeking to understand the words of the Lord. Knowledge of God is food that satisfies the soul. It is a divine diet of grace and truth.

 

Read and receive the Word of God so you can be transformed by the knowledge of God. Wisdom is the way to knowing God. It is discovered through toil and trust, industry and intimacy, hard work and heaven’s illumination. Like precious metals of silver and gold, the knowledge of God is found in the discipline and determination of mining truth that may be covered over by the dirt of unbelief.

 

Rise up early so you can meditate in the mine shaft with our Lord Jesus, and He shows you the way. As you humbly receive the knowledge of God, make known to others the richness of your discovery. Invest wisdom in others for the sake of God’s kingdom. 

 

Our prayer:  Father God stir in us a desire to know you more and more each day, and to commit to spending time with you that you might reveal yourself and your will to us daily.  In Jesus name amen. 

--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ

Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Belonging to Christ

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 1:1

 

I belong to the Body of Christ. I belong to the Northern Virginia Clergy Council. I belong to a growing family. I belong to a team of workers at the Fairfax County Health Department, and Reston/Herndon Little League as a manager. But most significantly, I belong to Jesus Christ. He is the Lord of my life, the master of my eternal fate and the focus of my devotion. It’s a daily battle to fight off competing owners of my life: the world, the flesh, and the devil.  

 

Paul in his letter to the church at Ephesus is writing to a group of believers who faced the challenge of competing loyalties. The love of money, immoral deception, worldly worship and sin’s allure all recruited  individuals into their belief system. In some ways modern culture looks tame compared to the openly iniquitous and secular society of the Ephesians. Yet, Paul highlighted those believers in Christ Jesus, who were  set apart for Him. Holiness begins with our proximity of belonging to God, for God. Our high standard of moral behavior flows out of faith in Jesus Christ and His high moral standard for living. All are saints who trust in Christ alone.

 

Security comes to those secure in their Savior. Because we are owned by God, no other prospectors can claim Christ’s claim on us. Our Lord has the deed to our soul and no one and no thing has the authority to take us away from Him. Our soul’s title insurance is trust in Jesus. Furthermore, the more we rest in God’s ownership of our life the more we are filled with joy. Our head knows we are His, but until our heart engages in an emotional uplift we remain unmoved. Faith is a fortress for our joy’s protection from anxiety. When we declare our belongings belong to Jesus, we fear no unnecessary loss. Joy rests secure in Jesus.

 

Furthermore, where we belong is what we become. Just like members of a club tend to take on the traits of other club members, so we become more like Christ as we understand and apply our membership of faith. We pay our dues in daily devotion of love for our Lord and people. We move from duty to delight the more we delight in God’s ownership over us. Christianity is not a compartment that contains the religious part of our life. Christ is our life. What He owns, He takes care of. Thus, because we belong to Jesus, we don’t belong anywhere outside His will. All our belongings are God’s for His purposes. We become like Jesus, because we belong to Jesus.

Our prayer:  Father God shine the light on the areas of our lives that we have not turned over to you, and through the power of your Spirit help us to trust you with our lives totally.  We give you the reins of our lives that we might experience fullness of joy and abundance of life in Jesus name we pray amen.

--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ

Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Limitless capacity

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13, NKJV

From time to time I have to admit to myself, “I am beyond my capacity.” I am beyond my financial capacity to spend any more money. I am beyond my relational capacity to add any more acquaintances. I am beyond my emotional capacity to care for more children. I am beyond my work capacity to add any more projects or people. I am beyond my spiritual capacity to engage in more volunteer activities. My capacity is limited, but my Lord’s capacity is limitless.

Paul seemed to have boundless capacity for God’s work, but his secret was allowing Christ to strengthen him and be his strength. Because he was a man of prayer, he could discern all things the Lord called him to do. He did not do all things, he only did things his Lord told him to do. Thus, for Paul, adversity became an opportunity to advance the gospel. When chained to a prison guard, he started a prison ministry. Expanded capacity comes to a life empowered by Christ and His Spirit. 

Are you overwhelmed by over capacity? Do you say “yes” to too many things? A good first step is to ask an objective friend to help you evaluate your activities. Since everything is for a season, it may be time to let go of something or someone. Perhaps you rotate off a board, hand off a work project to someone with a different skill set, postpone a trip or wait on starting a part-time job. Everyone suffers when you live beyond your capacity. Flight attendants are right, “Place the oxygen on yourself first, then take care of those around you.” Serve within your capacity.

Most of all, lean into the Lord for His strength and wisdom. The Holy Spirit can expand the spiritual stamina of your soul. He protects us from ourselves and He frees us to be ourselves. Your quieted soul is able to see God’s best and not get caught up in committing to an unfiltered “yes”. Better to speak a remorseless “no” now, than an impulsive “yes” you later regret. Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s best “yes” and gives us Christ’s confidence to say “no”. Thankfully our limitations are the Lord’s opportunities to accomplish more than we can. Grace grows capacity.

Our prayer:  Father God we like Paul submit ourselves to your direction.  Help us to say yes to those things which are aligned with you will for us, and be bold to say no for those things which are outside of the calling and purpose you have placed on our lives in Jesus name we pray amen.
--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ

Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

In the time of need

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.   Hebrews 4:15-16

 

Everyone has a time of need, some are intense times of distress, and some daily times of temptation, fear and frustration. The time of need can also be of gratitude, while experiencing the Lord’s blessing. Whatever the need requires, there is an ever-accessible throne of grace to approach.

 

The throne of God’s grace is good. It is not a throne of condemnation, but of forgiveness. It’s not a throne of rejection, but of acceptance. It’s not a throne of control, but of freedom. The Lord’s throne rules with righteous judgment and justice for all. His throne glistens with trust and never tarnishes for lack of integrity or soiled character. It is simply and ever so, an accessible throne of grace to receive His mercy.

 

Those saved by grace have immediate and intimate access to the Lord’s throne of grace. It’s a safe place to confidently confide in Christ, so bring your hurts and heartaches to Him. It’s a sure place of renewal for a fatigued faith, so leave with Him doubts and fears. It’s a place of restoration for the burdened, so offer crushed emotions to the Lord for His repair. It’s a powerful place for those hounded by the demons of hell, so let God’s word fight for you.

 

Do you feel guilty for going so often to receive from the Lord at His trusted throne of grace? If so, reject this self-condemnation and replace it with Christ’s commendation. He empathizes with your extreme pain and temptations. His comfort is the energy you need to engage the world with confidence and compassion. All other seats of power fall powerless to the internal spiritual gumption that only God can give you.

 

Therefore, with humility and consistency bow to Christ in reverent fear and worship. It’s out of your praise and adoration from a hurting heart that He hears and answers prayer. Your time of need is His time to lead. Your time of need is His time to prove once again His faithfulness as a loving Father. Thus, graciously receive in your time of need.

Our prayer:  O Lord give us the confidence to come to your throne daily to receive of your grace that we might receive all that we need in our times of need.  In Jesus name we pray amen.
--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ

Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Self-Assesment

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Romans 12:3
A proper perspective of oneself fosters sound judgment, which  begins with surrender and submission to Jesus. However, an enlarged ego clouds our judgment, like an early morning drive over a fog covered bridge we have a limited, even skewed view of reality. If we speed up, we are destined for an unpleasant outcome. It is when we see our capacity larger than the Lord sees our capacity, that we tend to follow the temptation of trusting in our abilities over faith in Him.

 

Ego forgets God’s word and foolishly embraces counsel contrary to Christ. We make decisions based on our limited emotional view without inviting the wisdom of two or three objective advisors who know our situation and us well. Unsound judgment seeks only the answer it is looking for and ignores wise warnings. Indeed, an enlarged ego entangles itself with insecure thinking and feels the need to be the center of attention.

 Sound judgment does just the opposite. It is fearful of forging advice from friends who do not fear the Lord. Sound judgment sees itself as an instrument of God’s grace. It understands that Christ is the conductor over the orchestra of opportunities vying for our attention in everyday life. This is why faith in the Lord and staying under His authority is the pathway to making wise decisions (See Proverbs 3:5).

 

Jesus complimented a military leader who illustrated his sound judgment with statements like, “I am not worthy”, and “I am a man under authority.” Jesus followed up with a phrase of affirmation, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel” ( See Luke 7:6-9). Sound judgment listens to the truth, understands the truth, applies truth, and is transformed by the truth, all by faith.
Lastly, don’t flagellate your faith with false humility. Paul describes those who try to sound spiritual, but ironically are prideful in their thinking, “Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions” (See Colossians 2:18). They talk a lot about God, but they do little for God. Thinking too lowly of oneself is as unhealthy as thinking too highly of oneself.

 

Instead, see yourself as Christ sees you, forgiven and forever His child. You have nothing to prove when you rest in Him. You can be confident that you are Christ’s and you are free from the guilt of sin. Appropriate His grace by faith and He will give you sound judgment.  Motivated by grace, you will instinctively invite input from others and act accordingly. Sound judgment surrenders to Christ and submits to authority. By God’s grace have a modest self-assessment of your gifts and abilities.

Our prayer:  Holy Spirit search us and reveal our motives and intentions that we might align them with God's will and continually be submitted to His guidance and authority daily.  In Jesus name amen.
--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ

Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

www.toddabrown.blogspot.com