Evil for evil anyone? I don't think so

David had just said, “It’s been useless—all my watching over this fellow’s property in the desert so that nothing of his was missing. He has paid me back evil for good.” 1 Samuel 25:21

Sometimes, we receive the opposite of what we expect, as our good deeds can encounter an evil response. Some of those we have served seem to have forgotten our faithfulness, and gratitude has faded from their memory. They forgot the fantastic fruit from our labors, and it has become all about what might inconvenience them. You were there for them at their point of need but now in your need, they reject your request. It seems like a cruel joke. How could they forget your loyalty and the investment of some of the best days of your life? Yet, this export of evil is just what you are experiencing. There is a relational trade imbalance, as you are the brunt of an evil inequity.

So what do you do when you are repaid evil for good? What is your response? Our flesh screams foul and our anger wants to attack. How could someone show their appreciation for our good will with apathy and disassociation? We want to instantly repay their ingratitude by inflicting some type of loss or pain. How you respond in this moment of deep disappointment will reveal your true character. Anyone can act like a Christian as long as everything is going his way. It is easy to be nice when everyone else is nice. However, when supposedly mature leaders let us down, and even respond to our requests with hostility, what we do next defines our true self. This is a test of our dependence on God.
   
When evil intent is injected into a relationship, we must resist firing back with equally evil actions. We cannot lower ourselves to this kind of schoolyard revenge. The question is not, “What is the right thing for them to do?” The question is, “What is the right thing for me to do?” You can reverse the force of the verbal jabs by returning good for evil. When you choose not to fight false accusations by accosting your accusers, you repay good for evil. You trust the truth will come out at the right time, in the right way. When you choose to forgive the malicious actions of insecure and mean men, you repay good for evil. When you pray for ungrateful souls to see God, you repay good for evil.
    
Above all else, anchor your hope for justice to be done by the Lord. The Lord can take care of the business of dealing with evil people and their actions. Wait on the Lord to settle matters as He sees fit, especially if you have the power to crush someone. Trust Christ to take them down in His timing. Your window of reprieve is their opportunity to repent, so be patient. You would want this same grace extended to you. Evildoers may never change, but they might. It is a heart issue between them and God. In the meantime, when you encounter evil, repay it with good and then trust God. The goodness of God trumps evil, for evil is no match for good.
   
The Bible says, “If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house”
(Proverbs 17:13).

Come worship with us and Shiloh Baptist church this Wednesday at 7pm for our Christmas prayer and praise celebration at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va.
--

 

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"

Listen to "Life Notes" with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at 11:55am on WBGRonline
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org

www.wbgronline.com

Those with Some

Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same. Luke 3:10

Those with none need those with some and those with some need to be generous with those with none. Our love for the Lord does not let us sit still when another needy soul is without. We pray for a need to be met, but we also offer our stuff in answer to our prayers. Like a holy offering to God we place our stuff on His altar of compassion. Christ can entrust more to those who hold an open hand. Our life is a canal for cargo ships of care to carry our stuff to others.

Instead of complaining of a single parent’s unkept yard, consider its anonymous care. Invest in a monthly bus or train ticket for a friend who needs transportation to look for a job. Take the children of a family out of work to buy school clothes and supplies. Create work around your house or at your work that gives others opportunity to work. Look up your local food bank and become a volunteer and/or contributor. Share your extra stuff with those in need in Jesus' name.

Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter,when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Isaiah 58:7

Helping hands are heaven’s call for those who have extra. How can we enjoy self indulgence and ignore one who has none? Thus, we pray for a couple we can give gift certificates to, so they can have their needs met. Those with none need our extra some.

Lastly, look to the Lord for who to help and how much to help. The Holy Spirit will lead you and your family in the creative care process. You could match every dollar a person invests to pay down their debt. Use your small investment in another to leverage a large feeling of being loved. A little bit of encouragement may be all another needs  not to give up and keep going for God. Jesus gave His all, so we could be forgiven of all. Those with none need those with some.

Come worship with us this Wednesday at 7pm for our Christmas prayer and praise Celebration at 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va.  Fellowship and refreshements afterwards.

--

 

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"

Listen to "Life Notes" with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at 11:55am on WBGRonline
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org

www.wbgronline.com

But God

We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. Acts 10:39-40

Jesus died on a cross, but God raised Him from the dead. Hope seemed to be extinguished, but God kept hope alive in a blaze of resurrected glory. Christ’s disciples deserted Him at His most critical time of need, but God reconvened them at Pentecost in the power of the Spirit. Peter was arrested and put into prison for preaching the gospel, but God answered the prayers of His people and Peter was set free. All can look dire, but God’s grace lifts us up out of our mire.

What are you facing that needs God’s tender care and encouragement? Has your vision died and is a candidate for the Lord’s resurrection? Perhaps your patience is challenged over an opportunity, but God wants you to learn to wait on Him. Maybe a child continues to follow hard after the way of the world, but God is calling you to unconditional love and compassionate prayer. You may feel out of control, but God has all things under His control.

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:11-12

Praise the Lord there is the conjunction ‘but,’ after your serious situation. You are single and feel alone, but Christ is there for you and He has just the right person to uniquely love you. His plan is perfect, so you wait on Him, discern His best and remain faithful in the inbetween time. You may feel the need to lower your standards, but God will bless you for holding high His expectations. Persevere through the pain of rejection. Christ’s acceptance will see you through.

Our physical facilities fail us at times, but Almighty God’s strength is consistent and forever. Our faith can feel fragile in the face of unrelenting fear, but the faith of our God is a bridge of belief for us to trust. Man punctuates uncertainty with a ‘period’ of doubt, but Christ adds a ‘comma’ followed by encouragement. The Lord is writing your story, so let Him hold the pen. We all have a sentence of death, but God will raise us to be with Him. His power always prevails.

 

Come worship with us Sunday (10:45am) and this Wednesday (7pm) December 18th for our Prayer and Praise celebration with Shiloh Baptist Church of McLean at 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va. 


--

 

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"

Listen to "Life Notes" with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at 11:55am on WBGRonline
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org

www.wbgronline.com

Use your gift

I wish that all of you were as I am.But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. 1 Corinthians 7:7

Our generous Lord uniquely gifts His children for His glory. It may be the gift of service, encouragement, teaching, mercy or administration. Regardless of one’s role, all gifts are necessary in the Body of Christ. One may quietly serve as a intercessor behind the scenes, while another may boldly proclaim truth through the preached/taught word in front of the faithful. Yes, the Lord specially equips individuals for His good works. God’s gifting is His distinctive stamp of value on each one of us.

What do you do well? How can you discover your sweet spot of service for your Savior Jesus? One way is to develop abilities that come natural for you and engage in activities that energize you. The Spirit wires you in a way that brings both of you pleasure when you exercise your gift. For example, a generous giver finds great joy in giving and an evangelist is ecstatic when they share the gospel. An administrator is not content until everyone and everything is in its place.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

You may be an analytical thinker who loves crunching numbers, managing data and interpreting trends from both. Your gift of linear deduction is critical for business, finance and engineering. Perhaps you are great with people. People love your company, because they sense you know, understand and care for them. Thus, your ability to network, convene and lead others is valuable for accomplishing a big vision or executing a strategic initiative. Yes, steward well God’s gift.

Moreover, seek to marry your passion with your giftedness. For instance, if you love to see someone encouraged, use your gift of writing to convey God’s love to their hungry heart. If you love children, use your ability to nurture and train, as a conduit for Christ’s truth. If you love sports, use your teaching gift to lead athletes in Bible study. If you love travel, use your aptitude for business to help entrepreneurs here and abroad. Be who God has uniquely gifted you to be and fulfill your purpose.

 

Come worship with us Sundays (10:45am) fellowship breakfast every 2nd and 4th Sunday, Tuesday (11am), Wednesday (7pm), and every 3rd Friday (7:30pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook located at 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va.  Also tune into www.wbgronline.com for the best in Christian and Gospel programming.

--

 

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"

Listen to "Life Notes" with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at 11:55am on WBGRonline
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org

www.wbgronline.com

Teachable

“Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying God is one and there is no other but him.”   When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him,
“You are not far from the Kingdom of God…”    Mark 12:32, 34a

Jesus affirms a teachable heart, for He knows it has potential to learn and understand the things of God. Thus, a teachable heart is positioned to receive truth, and has an attitude with more questions than answers.
   
However, a teachable heart does recognize truth when it comes knocking. It invites truth in to be examined, understood, and applied. Truth invigorates the teachable heart, and there is a rush of spiritual adrenaline when it intersects with an open mind and heart. Pride plateaus in its learning, but a teachable heart continues to scale the mountain of truth. Thus, when God discovers someone who is teachable, He calls him wise. Wisdom comes from God; therefore, a teachable heart learns the ways of God.  God is not offended by being teachable, though there is a tension that arises when truth begins to facilitate changes in behavior and attitude. This change of heart seems somewhat innocuous from the outside looking in, but most of us do not like to be told what to do.
   
Change doesn’t come easily, even as you understand that God has your best interests in mind. But the transformation is telling. Your character and behavior fall more in line with Jesus' and your friends, loved ones, and associates notice something different; your patience, rather than your intimidation, becomes dominant; your bad beliefs are replaced with good ones; so let your teachable heart start first with God.
    
God is one. He is not many gods, but one God. He is not a mini-god, but the great and glorious living and true God. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are all one God. His oneness is to be worshipped and celebrated. Thus, our love relationship with the one true God is not to be rivaled by any other gods. Any acceptance of other gods is unacceptable to God. He is jealous for you. Our love for anyone or anything will pale in relation to our love for Christ.
   
To love God is to make room for God in all aspects of your life. You love Him when you love others, when you give sacrificially, when you strive for excellence in your work, and when you pray for and forgive others. Love is action; therefore, love Him and allow Him to love you.
   
Let His expectations mold yours, because what God thinks trumps any other thinking. The Holy Spirit within you has the answers to the questions that consume your thinking. Follow His internal promptings, not the external clamor. What you believed yesterday will be dwarfed by what you learn tomorrow. Know God, love God, and learn of Him. He affirms a teachable heart as one who fears the Lord.  As the word of the Lord declares, “Assemble the people—men, women, and children, and the aliens living in your towns—so they can listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and follow carefully all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 31:12). Stay teachable in your understanding of God.

Come worship with us Sunday (10:45am) breakfast served every 2nd and 4th Sunday, Tuesday (11am), Wednesday (7pm) and every third Friday (7:30pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va.

--

 

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"

Listen to "Life Notes" with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at 11:55am on WBGRonline
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org

www.wbgronline.

Inadvertant Sin

“If the entire Israelite community sins by violating one of the Lord’s commands, but the people do not realize it, they are still guilty.” Leviticus 4:13

Unintentional sin still has very real consequences. For example, I can forget to report extra income to the Internal Revenue service, but I still owe the taxes and interest on the overdue obligation. Or, I can make a flippant remark to my spouse or children as a weak attempt at humor  not realizing how badly I hurt their feelings. My good intentions mean well, however the consequences of sinful actions still need genuine forgiveness.

It’s not enough to say, “I didn’t mean to”, or “That’s not what I meant”. Inadvertent actions that bruise relationships, question our integrity, or violate the Lord’s commands require a response of confession and repentance. It’s woefully inadequate to blame memory loss or ignorance on behavior that assumes things are ok when sin is present.

“In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30).

This is especially true with children for they need behavioral boundaries. Parental love defines and enforces limitations with their little ones (soon to be big ones!). Children need to understand in their formative years that respect, honesty and obedience are rewarded but disrespect, dishonesty and disobedience are punished. Grace gives good guidelines.

Perhaps with your older children you draw up a one page “contract” that clearly defines appropriate attitudes and actions. Access to their cell phone and car can be contingent on carrying out the commitments outlined in the agreement. Other family members can witness what’s written down with their supportive signature and prayers. Indeed, intentional actions that create clarity and accountability impede unintentional sinning.

“Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4, Amplified Bible).

Furthermore, what intentional guidelines do you have in place to preclude unintentional sin in your life? Educating yourself in the ways of God is fundamental, as defined in His word. Spend time listening to the Lord and to friends who hold you accountable with caring questions like, “Is your company compliant with government regulations?”  “Are your motivations in alignment with God’s agenda? Be intentional to be right

Come worship with us Sundays (10:45am) breakfast fellowship every 2nd and 4th Sunday, Tuesday (11am), Wednesday (7pm), every third Friday (7:30pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va.  Also tune into www.wbgronline.com for the best in Christian and Gospel programming.
--

 

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"

Listen to "Life Notes" with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at 11:55am on WBGRonline
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org

www.wbgronline.com

Spirit fueled

So he said to me, ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel.’ Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Zechariah 4:6

 

The Holy Spirit is God’s fuel for living. He leads, convicts, comforts and gives courage. On the other hand the world promotes power and might. The world’s approach is forceful: If the door is closed knock it down, if you have the power and authority use it to make things happen.

On the contrary, Spirit led living is about dependence. It is dependence on God rather than any other form of reliance. Money, might, and power are cheap imitations of God dependence. These temporal fortresses are fleeting. When all is said and done, they are undependable. Money, control and your title can be here today and gone tomorrow.

But the Spirit of God wants you to grow in His awareness and follow His lead. Like a hurricane that gains strength as time passes, so does God’s Spirit. You cannot accomplish His best without the leadership and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. He may even lead you to places of discomfort as His desire is to place you in positions of dependence.

The Holy Spirit led Jesus to the wilderness to be tempted by Satan, but the Word of God became Christ’s defense. He deflected the darts of the devil with the truth of God. It was an exercise of faith and obedience that drew Him closer to His heavenly Father. Instead of driving Him from God, it drew Him to God. The Holy Spirit’s goal is to get us to God.

“Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him” (Matthew 4:10-11).

Submission to God revives the Spirit of God. Come under the authority of God and you have a source of strength that is limitless and energizing. God’s Spirit also produces fruit and creates character. This is another benefit of Spirit led living. It is not about techniques and tactics. It is first and foremost about the character of Christ transforming your life.

Power explodes from within your heart rather than exploiting others with threats. There is quiet confidence that comes from a deep abiding in Christ. Spirit led individuals pray more than they worry. Anxiety is replaced with abiding. We must do our part and trust God to do His part.

Spirit led living is all about engrafting the Word of God into your life. The Holy Spirit ignites the fuel of God’s Word into a blaze of obedience. This is the power that changes lives and communities for the greater good of God. This exhibition of power may only make the headlines of heaven. Wait on God, Be Spirit led, Watch His power prevail.

“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life” (John 6:63).

Come worship with us Sundays (10:45am), Tuesdays (11am), Wednesdays (7pm), and every third Friday (7:30pm) at 1740 Kirby rd. McLean Va. First Baptist Chesterbrook.  Also tune in to www.wbgronline.com for the best in Christian and Gospel programming.
--

 

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"

Listen to "Life Notes" with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at 11:55am on WBGRonline
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org

www.wbgronline.com

Bond Servant

“The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 2:24-25, NASB

We are all a servant to something, either a servant to the light or a servant to the darkness. Satan is served or the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is served, there is no middle ground. The wise and humble servant serves the Lord with a grateful heart. It is much better to be bound by the grace of God than enslaved by the lies of the devil.

“I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:17b-18).

What does it mean to be a bond-servant of Christ? It means owned by God. The lost stand on the slave block of sin waiting to be auctioned to the highest bidder. Halleluiah that heaven came down at the cross of Christ and purchased through His blood all who would believe. Purchase denotes possession, He is Lord of all or not Lord at all.

Therefore, we no longer live in bondage to bad habits and bad beliefs. A bond-servant of Jesus is set free to humble service on behalf of his owner/Lord. We are not ashamed, because representing God in righteous living is the least we can do as an expression of our gratitude and joy. We empty ourselves and are filled with God’s grace. It’s His agenda, so we listen patiently waiting to hear instructions from Jesus on what to do next.

“But emptied Himself [Jesus], taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:7-8, NASB).

True bond-servants invite being treated like a servant, as it models the way of Jesus. You volunteer for roles that require humble service, so you are not tempted to perch over others in pride. What responsibilities are you resisting that require being seen as a servant? Does it mean someone else will get the credit? Are you serving for an audience of One or to be seen by men? So, serve faithfully behind the scenes for your Savior’s sake. You are in good company, all respected saints saw themselves as bond-servants.

 

Come worship with us Sundays (10:45am), Tuesdays at (11am), Wednesdays (7pm), and every third Friday (7:30pm) at 1740 Kirby Rd. Mclean Va.  First Baptist Chesterbrook, and be sure to tune into www.wbgronline.com for the best in Christian and gospel programming.


--

 

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"

Listen to "Life Notes" with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at 11:55am on WBGRonline
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org

www.wbgronline.com

Peace of Mind

Peace of mind begins with peace with God. Inner peace is only sustainable when the created has made peace with its Creator. This peace with comes in surrender to the Lord. It is not a negotiation, compromise, or deal with God. Tranquility comes from trust, a complete reliance to Christ. Peace with God brings the peace of God.

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

Peace of mind is a gift Jesus gives to all who will receive. He bequeathed His bountiful blessing of peace before He departed back to His heavenly home. Part of the legacy our Lord left was one of quiet confidence based on the belief of His sufficiency. When we have Jesus, we have all we need for genuine fulfillment. Peace accompanies His purposes, so the more we walk out and work out His purpose (Matthew 28:19-20) of disciple making we find peace.

There is a pseudo peace of mind the world offers, but its slick packaged appeal quickly gives way to its destructive contents. It offers an alluring escape through artificial stimulants, busy schedules, material possessions, power, and control. However, these external facades of peace fade away; only the inner fortitude of the peace of Christ is lasting.“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

It is this bond of peace that enables believers to come together with courage and conviction to accomplish Christ’s plan. The enemy shrinks back when followers of Jesus forgo fighting each other and unify in prayer, love, spiritual warfare, the proclamation of the gospel, and making disciples. Peace of mind propels us forward by faith to serve Him.

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9).

Above all, allow the peace of Christ to rule your heart. Trouble and fear will tremble in the face of peace because they lose their grip to God’s grace. No longer are you whipped around by the cares of this world because your compass is Christ. You have peace of mind because you have Jesus. Submission to His Spirit produces real peace.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).

Come worship with us Sundays (10:45am), Wednesdays (7pm), and every third Friday (7:30pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va. 

Also make sure to tune into www.wbgronline.com, or get the app on your smart and android phone for the best in Christian and Gospel music.
--

 

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"

Listen to "Life Notes" with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at 11:55am on WBGRonline
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org

www.wbgronline.com

Clear Expectations

“Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the LORD had commanded. So Moses blessed them.” Exodus 39:43

Excellent work requires regular inspection. We all do better when others are watching, especially when it’s the Lord and those we respect. Work is an expression of the worker, so it's imperative the work is done intentionally and with integrity. If we resist someone looking over our shoulder to verify our efforts then we miss out on much needed accountability and possible assistance.

Do you have clarity in what’s expected of you in your role at work or ministry? If not, seek out your supervisor, pastor, or ministry head, and confirm his or her expectations making sure they align with your understanding. Like a team sport, you want to make sure you are both playing the same game and executing the same plays. Excellent execution requires alignment of expectations. Be grateful you have a boss who cares to look closely at what you do.

“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds” (Proverbs 27:23).

Do you serve in a position of authority at work, church, or home? Perhaps you supervise a small team at work, maybe you are a sole proprietor with only an assistant or are responsible at home to oversee the domestic duties. If you are a supervisor, do you lovingly supervise? A responsible manager takes time to instruct the team members in expected outcomes, define the process and then oversee the systematic implementation.

Organizations undisciplined in follow-up and follow through find themselves missing deadlines with inferior results. Wise are the men and women who understand up front and embrace the plan, and who regularly give a status report in their area of expertise. These are the conscientious ones who steward well their responsibilities at work.

Is your home in disarray or is there well-defined structure around who is responsible for what chores? Maybe you start with the husband proactively caring for the outside needs and the house maintenance, while the wife manages the inside tasks. Engage the children to keep their rooms clean and organized, while helping dad and mom. Review regularly who is responsible for what and reward good results done with a good attitude.

Above all ask, “What are the Lord’s expectations?” It’s an attractive attitude at work and home that flows from a faith that first seeks to follow Christ’s instructions. Make sure you lay your work before the Lord at His altar of excellence. Is He pleased with your productivity? Are you supervising His resources and relationships as His wise steward?

Come worship with us Sundays (10:45am), Wednesdays (7pm), and every third Friday (7:30pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va.  Also tune into www.wbgronline.com for the best in Gospel & Christian programming.
--

 

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"

Listen to "Life Notes" with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at 11:55am on WBGRonline
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org

www.wbgronline.com

Favored

“When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.” Genesis 39:3-4

The Lord’s favor rests on His followers who remain faithful to Him. It is humbling to know that God extends wisdom and grace to those who go hard after Him. Though someone is separated from loved ones by a long distance, the Lord is nearby to impart His calming presence and peace. Rest assured Jesus brings success to souls who submit to His will.

Understand, favor with God leads to favor with man. A heart connection on earth takes place when there has been a heart connection in heaven. People of influence are on the look out for those whom they can trust. It is not a small thing to delegate management and leadership responsibilities—hence those with character are entrusted with more.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” (Luke 16:10).

Therefore, stay faithful in your responsibilities as a servant leader at work, home, and play. It’s a joyful attitude in the middle of junk that Jesus blesses. Your boss may be unreasonable, your spouse insensitive or your child disrespectful, but the Lord and discerning people see your humble heart and will reward you with respect, rest and responsibility.

What are you to do when God prospers you and your family? What are His eternal expectations? Certainly the Lord looks for His glory to be revealed through a life that reflects praise and thanksgiving. When we smash the idols of materialism, sex and power replacing them with modest living, love and service—people want to know why. Questions about our “peculiar” lifestyle are meant to point people to Jesus.

“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us” (1 Peter 2:11-12).

So, instead of seeking the world’s favor—submit to God’s authority—and His favor will follow. Blessings become bountiful in a life that longs to love the Lord and people. As the moon is a reflection of the sun’s light, be a reflection of the Lord’s light—you will illuminate the Lord’s ways to worldly wisdom and to wayward souls. The Lord is on the look out to extend His blessings on those who fear Him, trust Jesus and love people.

 

Come worship with us Sundays (10:45am) Wednesdays (7pm) and every third Friday (7:30pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby rd. McLean Va.



--

 

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"

Listen to "Life Notes" with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at 11:55am on WBGRonline
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org

www.wbgronline.com

Forgiveness

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

The forgiveness of God is far-reaching and without limitation to anyone who believes. He forgives the worst of sinners and the best of saints. Atheists, adulterers, murderers, liars, the hot-tempered, and the mild-mannered can all receive the forgiveness of the Lord. The good, the bad, and the ugly are all candidates for God’s grace.

Jesus Christ’s death on the cross bought us back or redeemed us from the penalty of sin. By faith in Him we no longer have to be burdened by our own indiscretions against  God. All sins of omission, commission, and ignorance can be laid at the foot of the cross and left for our Lord’s pardon. Have you been freed by His forgiveness?

Will God forgive years of religious neglect? Yes. Will God forgive a life that lives for itself alone? Yes. Will the Lord forgive divorce, irresponsible living, and laziness? Yes. Will he forgive my chronic complaining, my bad attitude, and my tendency to gossip? Are my pride in my good works and my self-sufficiency covered by Christ’s blood? Yes, God will forgive anything that is an enemy of His grace. His death gives peace and forgiveness of sin.

“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:19–20).

Forgiveness is free to all who believe, but it came at a great cost in Christ’s death. God gave His Son for our salvation from sin. So have you personally appropriated faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord? If so, since your salvation do you regularly bow to Him in confession for the cleansing of your heart? Unconfessed sin clouds clear thinking.

Since you have believed, you are rich in God’s grace and have a robust remedy for sin. Do you take advantage of your Lord’s forgiveness? As a Christian, do you sit daily at the feet of your Savior and receive freedom through His forgiveness? At the cross you were set free from the eternal penalty of sin, and now His forgiveness frees you from the guilt of sin. Jesus said, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Come worship with us Sundays (10:45am), Wednesdays (7pm), and every third Friday (7:30pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby rd. McLean Va.
--

 

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"

Listen to "Life Notes" with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at 11:55am on WBGR
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org

www.toddabrown.blogspot.com

 www.wbgronline.com

Patience

Be patient in affliction. Romans 12:12

Affliction can draw us closer to Christ or drive us away from Christ. It can be a tool of the Lord's to build our trust in Him or it can be a wrecking ball of belief in His goodness. Whether a heavy or light malady, we accept disruptions as either a blessing or a curse. Sometimes pain is produced in circumstances totally out of our control, other times our unwise decisions create cruel consequences. Either way God uses our afflictions for His glory and brings us sweet comfort.

Those who fight against affliction exhaust their energy, but those who embrace difficulties endure. To embrace difficulty does not mean we like pain or enjoy suffering, but it does mean we trust God to work out a good outcome for His glory. He is full of mercy, grace, love, and compassion in the middle of physical upheaval and emotional exhaustion. Thus, we are patient to pray for God’s grace to give us the will to wait on Him and to rest in Him. Prayer perseveres.
As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11

What are you facing that has your face focused on the Lord? If disease, make the most of conventional medicine and natural remedies, but mostly go to the Healer Jesus for care, comfort and healing. If divorce, lean into the Lord for Him to reconcile you to Himself and for you to be reconciled to severed relationships. If death of a dream or dear one, pause to grieve and get to know yourself and God at a deeper level. Hard times require a mature patience.

Above all, follow the steps of Jesus as He dealt with detrimental circumstances. He wept, yes, but He resolved “Thy will be done,” not “My will be done.” He cried out in the night but eventually experienced the day break of His resurrection. In His most intense time of pain He forgave ignorant acts and invited a repentant sinner to be with Him in paradise. Jesus was patient in affliction so He could save us and offer us a remedy for our pain, His enduring grace.

 

Come worship with us Sundays (10:45am) breakfast served at 10am, Wednesdays (7pm), and every third Friday of each month at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va.

--

 

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"

Listen to "Life Notes" with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at 11:55am on WBGR

Hope

Be joyful in hope. Romans 12:12

God makes us excited when we think of the amazing grace He has poured out over our soul, mind and heart. Like a warm spring bubbles up from an otherwise cool, quiet creek, Christ’s hope relaxes and replenishes our life with joy. He is joy. His hope is a handmaiden who offers the Holy Spirit’s help. His joy is a journeyman who takes us to a peaceful place. Hopeful joy is not reserved for certain temperaments, even the melancholy and the morose can experience joy in Jesus. 

Too much religiosity can create the unintended consequence of an excessively somber soul. If our convictions restrict us from rejoicing in the righteous acts of the Lord, we may be more pious than the Lord intends. A spiritual discipline that does not lead us to enjoy God and others is suspect of self reliance. Moreover, hope in Christ is an excuse to exercise the freedom to be happy in Him. Jesus gives us hope to enjoy life’s journey. Salvation alone is enough for the saved to smile.  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Trust in God precedes hope in God. Indeed, faith is the foundation of a spiritual life built with windows of hope. So take time to peer out of prayer’s portals into the Lord’s work. His Spirit releases those captured by crime, seduced by success and trapped in sin. The work of God is global and massive in influence: new converts, new churches and new Christian leaders populate the planet. Yes, joyful hope supported by belief in Jesus is sustained by the Holy Spirit’s power. 

Therefore, be a channel of Christ’s hope. Like a refreshing river brings life to vegetation and trees along its banks, so out of your surrendered life flow rivers of living water that grow joy and hope along the banks of your being. Hope breeds joy. Hopelessness kills joy. Hope brings peace. Hopelessness feeds fear. Hope perseveres. Hopelessness gives up. Hope trusts. Hopelessness distrusts. Yes, faith fuels hope. Praise be to God who offers a lively hope in His son Jesus Christ.

 

Come worship with us tonight for Free flow Friday a time of Spirit-filled, Spirit-led worship tonight at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va.

--

 

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"

Listen to "Life Notes" with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at 11:55am on WBGR

What really counts

Keeping God’s commands is what counts. 1 Corinthians 7:19

What counts in the Kingdom of God? What counts most in the Kingdom is obeying Jesus. He has all authority and power to do what’s right and just. He never rules unrighteously or unwisely, so wise are we to submit to His Lordship and His reign over our lives. The starting and ending point for a believer is to keep His commands. Obedience is evidence of our love for Him. Our spiritual linage is established by knowing and doing the Word of God.

Your life counts when you do what counts to Christ. Thus, when you invest time in prayer, you do what counts. When you hear, understand and apply Holy Scripture, you do what counts. When you help a helpless child, you do what counts. When you sacrifice for your family, you do what counts. When you work as unto the Lord, you do what counts. When you are grateful and generous, you do what counts. When you lovingly share the gospel of God, you are doing what counts.  Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother. Mark 3:35

What counts is not your denominational label, but who you are as a new creation in Christ. Institutions can expect more than is required by the Lord, so discern what He is saying before you add additional obligations. What counts is how your service for God flows from your devotion to God. Yes, your inner character development means much more than outward religious rituals. Do what counts to God and He will make your life count to the utmost.

Do you feel your life counts for something significant? In Christ you are incredibly valuable. You count because you are counted among those called by God. You count because you are a new creation in Christ. You count because you are a daughter or son of the Most High God. You count because you can count your many blessings. You count because Jesus died on the cross for your sins. You count because Christ is coming back for you to reign with Him in glory.  Beloved you count.

 

Come worship with us at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va.  Sundays (10:45am),  Wednesdays (7pm), and every third Friday (Free Flow Friday Worship) of each month (7pm).  Also take the time to listen to www.wbgronline.com "We Believe God Radio" 

--

 

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"

Listen to "Life Notes" with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at 11:55am on WBGR

He will lift you

“When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. ‘Get up,’ he said. ‘Don’t be afraid.’ When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus” (Matthew 17:6–8).

The world if you let it can get us down, but God gets us up. The cares of this world can choke out our motivation to move forward like a weed does a beautiful flower, but Christ is close-by to release the pressure and resuscitate our resolve. What has you down today or this week? Is it finances, faith, family, foes? Is it a deal gone south or a relationship that has gone awry? Whatever has you down, the Lord can lift you up.

“But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head” (Psalm 3:3).

We bow down in humility and reverence to the almighty Lord so we can get up, full of grace and power, to go on our way in confidence. It is humble worship and praise that brings us back to the foot of the cross in gratitude to God for the gift of His only Son Jesus Christ. We kneel at the cross overwhelmed by the forgiveness of our Savior Jesus, and we get up to forgive and to press on in the power of His Spirit.

“But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself” (John 12:32).

If fear has you down, get up and walk by faith. If regret has you down, get up and go make restitution. If a relationship has you down, get up and initiate interest. If your job has you down, get up and go after excellence. If misunderstanding has you down, get up and clarify your concerns through clear communication. If life in general has you down, get up and live a life for God that you might experience the joy of the Lord.

Jesus continually through His word instructs us to lift our eyes off our circumstances and onto Him. So first get up and go to God trusting His way and will. Ask Him for directions, and He will lead you in the way you should go. How do you get to your next destination in life? Ask the Lord. How do you solve your most pressing problem? Ask the dispenser of wisdom. It is from your humble posture in the low place that He lifts you up to see His face.

Come worship with us at Sundays (10:45am) and Wednesdays (7pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va.  Also take the time to listen to "We Believe God Radio" WBGR Online, giving you the best in in Christian programming, music, and entertainment. 
--

 

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"

Listen to "Life Notes" with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at 11:55am on WBGR

Be Hospitable

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

The needs of those around us can be overwhelming: sick children, aging parents, unemployed friends, prodigal teenagers and acquaintances crushed under the weight of life's pressures. Their needs are like a noose around their neck, ready to choke out their joy, happiness, and peace. If we are not intentional in helping others, we usually end up doing nothing. We hold back when we feel like we can’t do something for everyone. Everyone’s responsibility becomes no one’s responsibility. So love one, and be like a peeble thrown in a pond that creates a ripple effect that changes the entire pond.

Yes, it's better to do for one what we wish we could do for everyone. As the wise woman on her walk along the seashore picked up one marooned starfish and tossed it back into the ocean, she rescued and refreshed one. She saved one life and trusted other caring souls to do the same. Thus we nurture one infant’s life who may become a mayor, missionary or medical professional. We tutor one troubled teen who finds forgiveness in a loving relationship with Jesus. Hospitality takes the time to love and care, by putting others needs before our own.

Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us. 2 Kings 4:10

Hospitality can be a simple, small, practical room filled with warmth and love. Let your guest set the schedule that serves them best, but be there as a silent supporter. Certainly, if they want to engage in conversation, do so with discretion and discernment. The ability to make one person feel loved and at home is priceless compared to doing nothing for the needy multitude. Your model of hospitality inspires even introverts to open their home as a sanctuary for the Savior.

Lastly, look to the Lord’s people for a place to stay. Better to be in the presence of people who care for you than alone in a hotel hounded by sin’s allure. You save money, you bless others and you protect your testimony when you free a friend to practice hospitality in your honor. Because it is more blessed to give than receive, you allow others to be blessed when you accept their invitation to stay with them. Christian’s care for their own. Hospitality is an extension of heaven’s gentle hand.

 

Come join us for worship Sundays (10:45am) and Wednesdays (7pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va.  Also you can catch me on WBGR Online at 11:55am daily on "Life Notes"

Spiritual Passion

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:11-12

Spiritual fervor is evidence of faith that is alive. It is vibrant and joyful in expectation of an encounter with God. The commitment of a zealous follower of Jesus is contagious. They lift the faith of other believers by simply believing what the Lord says is true, and  adjusting their behavior to His commands. Like a match stick ignites a fuse of dynamite, so someone’s spiritual spark can enflame an entire community for Christ. Spiritual fervor burns brightly in service to God.

For example, a person who passionately prays influences other prayer partners to earnestly pray. Your prayer life is revived when you pray with someone who is and has a passionate heart towards crying out to heaven. What area of your Christian life has cooled off? If your generosity has grown cold then hang around a generous giver who  liberally shares their life and money. If you have become mute in sharing the gospel then accompany a bold witness for Jesus. Zeal for Christ is as much caught as it is taught look at the disciples all of who they became was a direct result of hanging around Christ. 
He (Apollos) had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately. Acts 18:25

Spiritual fervor comes from sitting at the feet of Jesus and learning His ways. The Holy Spirit will instruct you accurately about Jesus and His great love for you. Learn from the Lord and you will have fervor for the Lord. Also, engage as a student of Holy Scripture under the teaching of gifted Bible teachers. Scripture applied to your soul is like pouring gasoline on a campfire. You are combustible for Christ when the Spirit ignites your heart with God’s truth.

Lastly, make sure by God’s grace your knowledge keeps up with your zeal. Ignorance on fire can bruise relationships and even alienate those who want to know more about Christ. As a Spirit-filled passionate follower of Jesus you can be confrontational without being combative. Understand God’s grace is sweet to the lips of the lost, but self righteous speech is sour and distasteful. Stay humble before the Lord and your spiritual fervor will be a life giving fragrance to all you influence.

Come Worship with us Sundays (10:45am) and Wednesdays (7pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va. Also tune into to WBGR Online Radio to hear Life Notes by Pastor Brown Monday through Friday at 11:55am.
--

 

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"

Keeping an undivided heart

Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. Psalm 86:11

The way of the Lord is an ongoing education in eternal matters. It is a lifetime of study and learning from the Holy Spirit. Even the most fully developed disciple has the next stage of spiritual maturity to aspire to, as we are to move from glory to glory in Christ. Many lessons learned from the Lord are progressive and contingent on each other. The course of study Christ teaches His child this semester builds on what they learned last semester.

The core curriculum for a child of God is to rely on the faithfulness of God. The amount of time it takes for us to trust God with a troubled situation is an indicator of our growth in grace. A divided heart of distrust is created when we are offended, frustrated or hurt. The quicker we learn to thank God, forgive and rely on His faithfulness, the quicker we enjoy the grace, power, joy, and peace of the Lord. Our trust in the character of God builds His character into our life.  
Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5

We can be made weak when our heart is divided by forces competing with faithful living. Our lives can resemble a powerful river with surging water guarded by two river banks, or be severely weakened like scattered tributaries that barely trickle forth water. Pride divides, humility unites. Fear divides, faith unites. Anger divides, forgiveness unites. Selfishness divides, selflessness unites. Harshness divides, kindness unites. Hate divides, love unites. An undivided heart has a focused faith in and upon Jesus Christ.

Lastly, the fear of the Lord is the fruit of your undivided heart. Your life unencumbered by the world’s trappings is free to love, worship, praise, pray, serve, and revere God. Our whole heart dedicated to growth in godliness is an influential instrument in the hands of the Lord. The Holy Spirit uses our daily quiet time to keep noisy diversions at bay. Yes, guard your heart with the glue of God’s grace that fills any areas of unfaithfulness. Our undivided heart fears the Lord’s name and unites around His love

Come worship with us Sundays (10:45am) and Wednesdays (7pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va. 

 

You can also receive a daily word of encouragement from me on www.wbgronline.com Monday-Friday at 11:55am on my segment "Life Notes" with Pastor Brown starting this Monday November 4th.  If you have a smart phone download the free WBGR app and listen daily.
--

 

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"

Keeping vision clear

Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me”? And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Romans 11:3-4

We tend to exaggerate our plight when we feel alone and distant from the Lord and His followers. The half full glass of water looks half empty, when we are empty of the grace and mercy of God. Elijah struggled with spiritual amnesia. He forgot the thousands of faithful believers who had not capitulated to the idol of Baal. His aloneness blurred his judgment. Like the sun’s rays burn away morning mist, so clarity comes from prayer time with Jesus.

Those who feel lonely need community and the closeness that comes from another who understands. We are all vulnerable to the trap of fatigue that fuels our fears.  This misguided state of mind fosters a feeling of abandonment, however the truth is many others experience what we experience. We are not alone in our genuine commitment to the Lord. Yes, there may be a closet Christian at your work waiting for you to offer them a prayer. Look for other lovers of the Lord.  Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city. Acts 18:9-10

Do you need to regain your big vision of God and His extraordinary work in you, through you, around you and across the planet? He has reserved for Himself millions of righteous saints who have not wavered in their love for Jesus. Like a warm blanket of comfort the world is encircled by believers with a big vision of God.

Yes, sin abounds, but grace abounds even more. Evil grabs the headlines, but good still seeds the majority of stories less read. For every terrorist who thumps their chest in contempt, thousands bow a humble knee in prayer to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Regain your vision by renouncing a victim mindset and reengage in church, fellowship, worship, and a life of prayer. Celebrate ten blessings before you take one concern to Christ. Embrace God’s global vision of hope . Hope in Him.

 

Come worship with us Sundays (10:45am) and Wednesdays (7pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean.

--

 

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"

Listen

“While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’” (Matthew 17:5).

What does it mean to listen well? Think of those you admire as good listeners. What are some of the traits they exhibit which mark them as excellent listeners? Perhaps it is their engaging eye contact, their conversation, or an empathetic ear. You feel understood and valued. Good listeners affirm what you say by repeating what you say with an illustration or an example from their life. They listen to learn, affirm, and instruct.

Those who learn good listening skills develop great relationships. They embrace an “others first” way of thinking that places their own need to be heard down the priority list. Like a rare and exotic flower, they open themselves up in a beautiful way that invites you to smell the brilliant colors of their character. Indeed, good listeners are magnetic in the way they attract the good and the bad into their sphere of influence. If you are a good listener, be wise by investing in those who really want to change and follow after the Lord.  “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance” (Proverbs 1:5).

You can be assured that the Lord listens to you and the desires of your heart. He is not preoccupied with problems or people;  you have His full attention. He is always available to hear your cry for wisdom, healing, and direction. The Lord’s attention is focused on His children who come to Him by faith. His listening ear is near and dear.

Furthermore, make it a daily habit to listen well to God’s heart. He sent His Son Jesus to teach us the truth about life and death, heaven and hell. We listen to the Lord Jesus because He was God speaking in the flesh. Why was the Lord so pleased with His Son that He admonished us to listen to Him? Jesus modeled listening to His heavenly Father, so God gave Him the words to speak on His behalf. The Lord is pleased with good listeners. He gives discernment and insight into His solutions to human needs.

So listen well by first listening well to the Lord. He will instruct and teach you in the way you should go. Once you have heard from Him, humbly listen to others, discern their needs, then connect them to Christ and His ways. Indeed, good listeners lead others to love God and listen to His heart. Listen well, and watch God go to work.

 

Come worship with us Sundays (10:45am) and Wednesdays (7pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va.

--

 

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

Helping can hinder

But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Jeremiah 18:4

Those who follow Jesus are shaped by the hands of the Lord. He is a perfect potter who takes a cracked or shattered pot marred by sin and forms it into a precious pot of redemption. It becomes precious because the fingerprints of God mold the moist clay of surrender into a form that seems best to Him. His best is beautiful, radiant, and full of His glory. The rough edges of rejection are smoothed over by the Lord’s sweet acceptance. The air of insecurity is worked out and replaced by the breath of God’s grace and Spirit.

Our loving Lord uses fiery trials to temper our trust in Him. The heat of heart break, breaks our will to mold it into His will. Weepy eyes look to the Lord for relief and refuge. We are shaped and made secure by Christ during fiery trials, and like the three Hebrew boys we come forth from the flames stronger in the faith. Yes, we may momentarily lose our happy face when challenges occur, but we can count it all joy for our lesson in perseverance, and maturation in faith.  Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3

Furthermore, it is important we not obstruct the work of the Holy Spirit in the unformed faith of those developing on the potter's wheel. Helping can sometimes hurt if we temporarily rescue another from a trial meant to make them more dependent on the Lord and not codependent on us. Our benevolent efforts may make us feel better, but backfire by prolonging a backslidden lifestyle. God’s growth process removes impurities and replaces them with His fired glaze of grace.

Helping hurts when short sighted sympathy trumps eternal empathy. Short sighted sympathy wants to fix a person or problem before a prayerful problem solving process is employed while eternally motivated empathy takes into account that God is at work all around us to accomplish His purposes in our lives. Thus the best remedy may be not to  offer a remedy, but to wait on the Lord to work out His outcomes. We are called to help, only if it helps bring glory to God.

 

Come worship with us Sundays (10:45am) and Wednesdays (7pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd.

Love: My motivator

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

Love is the highest and best motivation. Like any type of format that has contestants, faith and hope accompany love as the top three finalists, but love is crowned the winner. It reigns because it brings out the very best in the lover and the one being loved. Similar to an invisible force field, love protects us from ourselves and compels us to give ourselves to others. It generates goodwill and garners trust. Yes, love is the pinnacle of the Lord’s expectations because it points to Christ.

Love is loyal when most are disloyal. Love steps up when some step away. Love believes the best and doesn’t think to assume the worse. Love looks out for the interests of loved ones above its own needs. Love loves when unloved, love loves when lonely and love loves when loved. Love loves the unlovely, the unconcerned and the underutilized. Love looks for potential where impatience sees disappointment. Love is the Lord’s lubricant causing relations to run smoothly.  The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Galatians 5:6

What is your primary reason for relating to people? Is it to be loved or to love? Fortunately, when we are free to love without expecting anything in return, we are fulfilled by love’s fruit. Indeed, the glorious grace of God does not stand still when you run to love one starved of compassion.Your gift of love invites the Holy Spirit to shed His love across the landscape of your heart and soul.

Furthermore, make sure your motivation for love is inspired out of your intimacy with the Lord, as you commune with Christ. The more consistent your love relationship with Jesus, the more capacity you have to love others as you are loved. To the extent you are loved well by the Lord, you will love well. The world’s noise drowns out the gentle words of Jesus, “I love you,” but in your daily quiet time you hear and feel His presence. God’s love motivates you to love with intentionality.

 

Come worship with us Sundays (10:45am) and Wednesdays (7pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. Mclean Va.

--

 

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"

God's will

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

The fortitude to press forward in the face of resistance is the mark of a steady saint. God’s will is momentarily celebrated on the mountain top, but most of the time is lived climbing a rocky face or regaining balance along a slippery slope. Traversing up or down requires perseverance. Yes, it’s reassuring to walk with someone who has plodded along a similar path. They know when to go boldly and when to wait patiently. God’s will normally works out in a round about way.

What is the will of God for you right now? You can’t go wrong doing the next right thing. Don’t be overwhelmed with what needs to happen six months from now, rather focus on living today to its fullest. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with faith and wisdom for today. Daily obedience leads to weekly goals, leading to monthly objectives, leading to quarterly milestones and finally leading to annual accomplishments. Doing God’s will today leads to doing God’s will tomorrow.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. Romans 8:27

For example, if you are a husband or wife begin each day praying for your spouse to feel loved by God and loved by you. If you are a parent pray the same for your child. If you are single ask the Lord to give you a singular focus to trust and obey. Stay pure by being washed daily with the cleansing power of prayer and the word. If you are a supervisor at work ask those you serve how you can help them. God’s will is fully obeying Christ’s commands. 

 

God sympathizes with your tension over two conflicting options. He wants you to use this test to lean into His heart and mind. Maybe there is a third option He wants you to discover through the wise counsel of a trusted confidant and more importantly His Spirit. Make sure your motivation is not to run away from a problem or conflict, but to persevere as the Holy Spirit reveals what to do next. As you wait out an uncomfortable circumstance the reward of God’s promise awaits you. You do God’s will by doing the next right thing. Walk close with Christ and He will lead you in His will

Come worship with us Sundays (10:45am) and Wednesdays (7pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby rd. McLean Va.
--

 

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"

Staying Sharp

If an ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success.  Ecclesiastes 10:10

Life is not meant to be full of endless activity and busyness, without pause it loses its edge. A life worth living is one that takes the time to sharpen its skills. Skill-sharpening is an investment that will serve you well the rest of your life. Do not settle for mediocrity, by God’s grace seek to be the best in all the roles of your life. Your commitment to sharpen yourself is much like that of a farmer. A wise farmer will use his seasonal down time to upgrade, replace, and repair his equipment. He literally sharpens the tips of his plow, rebuilds the tractor engines, and upgrades and cleans his equipment.

A prepared farmer will not only survive, but will thrive with this type of motivation to always improve. In the same spirit, there is a time to execute and a time to regroup and sharpen yourself for the next initiative. A person with sharpened skills is an effective tool in the hand of God. He wants to use you to your full potential. Your part is to continually improve. Your activities and work will produce more lasting results when you take the time to hone God’s gifts.
   
God wants to use your life to cut through life’s issues the way a sharp knife slices through a juicy ripe tomato, or a hot knife through butter. A skilled concert pianist practices the piano. A skilled writer searches out new words and becomes engrossed in sentence structure. A skilled speaker learns how to understand his audience and communicate his point in a variety of ways. A skilled mom quizzes other moms on how to become a better mother. A skilled ball player continues to hit, field, shoot, catch, and throw balls way after the tournament/game ends; he works the skill into the night. So, seek out new ways to keep your mind sharp and engaged in new ideas.
   
Read about and learn from wise leaders of the faith whose writings have stood the test of time.  You can attend seminars, workshops, conferences, or pursue a graduate degree. Use a variety of tools to stay sharp. Sparks fly when steel is sharpened, which means there will be some discomfort and growing pains. You are either moving forward or shrinking backward; there is no standing still. As you sharpen your skills, you are moving forward. You are stewarding God’s talents and gifts to their fullest. Swinging at issues with a dull life will lead you to the brink of giving up.

Sharpen your mind with the Word of God. Nothing sharpens a mind like wisdom from above. God’s principles are like a rock on a battered blade. He smoothes out the jagged edges of your roughed up life. Like an axe that has become chipped and blunt over time, your life is refurbished by God till it regains its radiant and shiny edge. Discover your skills through assessments and the counsel of others. Here is a little secret to help you: when you operate within your skill set, executing the plan is almost effortless. Stay sharp, and your skills may swing open some impressive doors.

Come worship with us Sundays (10:45am) and Wednesdays at (7pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va.
--

 

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"

Jesus our mediator

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25, NKJV

Jesus sits at the right hand of His Father, ever interceding on behalf of His followers. Because of His sinless sacrifice for the human race, followed by His glorious resurrection, He is qualified to mediate between God and man. Christ is positioned in heaven to help all who call on His name. Indeed, just as He selflessly served as the son of man, so He still serves in heaven on behalf of His servants on earth. Jesus is an advocate to God for those who need mercy and grace.

Praise God, our Heavenly Father looks over to His son Jesus instead of looking down on unholy human beings. In Christ, the Lord sees forgiveness not guilt. He sees sinlessness not sin. He sees acceptance not rejection. He sees life not death. He sees wisdom not foolishness. He sees healing not hurt. He sees grace not law. He sees mercy not judgment. He sees love not hate. Yes, we have entered into a covenant relationship with Christ, thus He represents us to God in purity.  Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:34

Where do you struggle? Who has hurt you? Lay your sorrows, fears and pain at the feet of Jesus and He will represent your needs to our loving Heavenly Father. Don’t concern yourself with what might be appropriate or inappropriate to ask of the Lord, because Jesus filters your prayer requests in His righteous wisdom. He will only give over to God what is worthy of the grace of God. 

Therefore, petition Jesus with bold belief from a pure heart. When you are unsure what to request in prayer, trust Christ and the Spirit to communicate to our Heavenly Father on your behalf (this is why we have been given a spiritual language). Most of all listen to the Lord and what the Spirit is saying to your spirit. The closer you walk with Christ the closer your will align with His will. Prayer becomes a quiet affirmation from the Holy Spirit, as you become one with Jesus. Hallelujah, He lives in heaven and appears for you in God’s presence

Come worship with us Sundays (10:45am) and Wednesday (7pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va.
--

 

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"

Spiritual formation

In him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us, With all wisdom and understanding, He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment--to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. Ephesians 1:7-10

Spiritual formation is the process of Christ conforming us into His image and likeness with the ultimate goal of perfect unity with Him (one as the son and Father are read John 17). At conversion a new believer is an infant in the faith; totally needy and totally dependent. They grow from the milk of God’s word to ingesting and digesting the meat of Holy Scripture. Salvation to ministry (service) is a common and necessary step in spiritual formation, but there is much more. Beyond doing for the Lord is being who we are in Christ. To be is to know Him.

So we grow past adding on the next volunteer opportunity and take the time to get quiet before our Lord. The spiritual disciplines of prayer, meditation, and worship become a regular part of our routine as we wrestle with God’s will. We learn to love the Lord, others and ourselves in an unselfish way. We grow to know Jesus as a friend and a lover. Humility and grace begin to govern our every thought and action as we become more like Christ. Maturity grows up.  But when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:10-12

Furthermore, there are days of darkness on our spiritual formation path leading to oneness with Jesus Christ. As in marriage, what is sometimes painful can be the most productive. What feels bad to the body and emotions can be good for the soul. Communication with Christ in prayer may seem suspended, but this season of silent suffering is meant to strip away all our attachments. Our lover Jesus is jealous for 100% of our affection. Spouses grow old together, looking increasingly like each other in appearance. Thus, by grace, we grow to look like Jesus.

It is comfortable to cease growing spiritually and settle into a service mindset. However, your Father desires for you to do like Martha and to be like Mary (Luke 10:38-42). Progression in your spiritual formation requires both works and faith. It is a matter of emphasis and motivation. You are a branch in God’s garden who produces fruit because of the Gardner, the Vine and the Rain. The Father, the Son and the Spirit. You remain in Christ and the Trinity spiritually forms you into a fruit bearer. So, stay engaged in the growth process with God; you become better

 

Come worship with us Sundays (10:45am) and Wednesdays (7pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. Mclean Va.
--

 

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"

Sacrifice

By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. Hebrews 11:24-26

To sacrifice is to give up something for a purpose greater than ourselves. Moses gave up status for servanthood. He gave up the fleeting pleasures of sin for cruel mistreatment with the masses. He gave up fame and fortune in disgrace for the sake of his calling in God. Moses gave up rewards on earth as he looked ahead to his rewards in heaven. Yes, examples of sacrificial living energize others to sacrifice. The sacrificial spirit of past saints give inspiration, as do sacrificial givers of today.

Who comes to your mind as an example of sacrificial living? A mother who sacrifices her comfort to comfort her children? She sacrifices her leisure time to serve the disabled, the elderly or the chronically ill. A father who sacrifices his career for a focused season of service to his family? He sacrifices his hobby so he is able to volunteer at church, attend school events and serve on a board. Soldiers sacrifice for their country. Teachers sacrifice for their students. Civic leaders sacrifice for their citizens. Pastors sacrifice for their flock. And spouses sacrifice for their spouse.  Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1

Where is Jesus calling you to sacrifice? Vocationally, you may need to give up an advancement opportunity and status for availability and humility. Spiritually, you may need to give up an unhealthy habit for a righteous routine. Relationally, you may need to give up a fertile field of temptation for guardrails of accountability. Physically, you may need to give up excessive food intake for smaller portions. Financially, you may need to give up accumulation for distribution.

Above all else, think and pray often on the ultimate sacrifice of life Jesus gave so we could have life in Him. He laid down His life to lift ours up in abundance. He took on the form of a servant so we could be free to serve Him. He gave up the accolades of a conventional teacher so we could become students of His unconventional teaching. He sacrificed for our sin so we could be forgiven and free not to sin. He gave up His life so we could give back our life on His behalf.

 

Come worship with us Sundays (10:45am) and Wednesdays (7pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va.

--

 

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"

Nourishment

At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. Daniel 1:15-16

There is a stewardship of feeding a healthy body which God desires for His children. The Creator of the body has defined dietary guidelines that prove themselves beneficial to physical wellness. Who would know better what to put into the mouth and ingest into the stomach than the God who made us?  The original designer of an all natural diet is the God who commands fruits, nuts and vegetables to grow. A return to natural food is a return to the way the Lord expects us to steward this body He has given us.

For many of us in our youth we had the physical capacity to eat more variety and quantity of food, however, as we grow older and gain wisdom (and weight! LOL) we can make more educated decisions about our food choices. Safe to say, whatever stage of life we find ourselves we are smart to be very selective in what and how much food we eat. Normally if we plan a menu in advance and dine at home, we have more control over our consumption of calories and nutrition.  Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own. 1 Corinthians 6:19

Yes, partake in your Master’s diet and He will make you healthier than if you follow a haphazard approach to healthy eating. For example, focus on small portions of lean protein such as chicken or fish accompanied by a fresh salad, vegetables and fruit. Moreover, God may call you to be a vegetarian for a season to slow down your intake of meat. Temperance tames your appetite. But be cautious as food obsessions make the menu an idol. So, start by simply consuming small amounts of fresh food. When you manage well the Holy Spirit’s temple (your body), you manage to feel better.

Lastly, limit the intake of beverages other than water. Any excessive drinking of soda, alcohol, coffee, tea or juice will add too many calories eventually contributing to obesity and disease. Liquid calories and nutritional values should be monitored with equal resolve as solid. In addition, keep an eye on your intake of sugar and sodium, as they are two unhealthy culprits from dining out at restaurants. Most of all, see yourself as a wise physical manager of Lord's  body. Check out God’s specific guidelines in Leviticus 11:1-47 and in Acts 10:9-16. Be like Daniel, keep your appetites under the Spirit’s control so the world desires to ask you why.

 

Come worship with us Sundays (10:45am) and Wednesdays (7pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va.

--

 

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"

Spirit led prayer

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

Hallelujah, the Holy Spirit is our lead in making known our prayers to heaven. Just as a pace car leads other high octane automobiles around a racetrack, so the Spirit of God is out in front to make sure our revved up activities follow a sustainable pace.  Spirit led praying is intimate and engaged with the Lord. It avoids tipping God with meaningless mumbles, but instead seeks to communicate Christ’s heart to our heart. Our prayers are made strong and effective by the Spirit.

Furthermore, we need not feel frantic or afraid when we are unsure what to pray. The Spirit discerns what is necessary for our heart and mind and what is nonessential. Spirit led praying is like standing waist deep in a crystal blue swimming pool. We hear the outside world with all its competing noise, but when we softly lay back our head under water it becomes a quiet sanctuary. So, the Spirit immerses the ears of our soul under the interceding water of His wordless groans.  The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, Abba, Father. Romans 8:15

Your will meshes with God’s will as you pray in the Spirit. Holy alignment occurs with God’s agenda for your life. The sweet prompting of the Spirit resonates with affirmations and warnings. Like a smoke detector sniffing out any dangerous fumes, so by faith the Holy Spirit discerns any unholy heart alliance and warns you to exit from its influence through the act of repentence. Yes, embrace those who follow the way of Christ and graciously let go of those who fail to bring God glory.

Therefore, pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. The Spirit of the Lord is sensitive and creative to communicate prayers of thanksgiving and prayers of grief. He accepts your petitions poured out on behalf of a poor soul suffering through sickness. He invites your prayers for those enjoying success whose character needs to keep up with their accomplishments. Keep on praying for all God’s people with Spirit led promptings

Come join us for worship and word Sundays (10:45am) and Wednesdays (7pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va.
--

 

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"

Joined at the hip

“God is with us; he is our leader. His priests with their trumpets will sound the battle cry against you. Men of Israel, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your fathers, for you will not succeed” (2 Chronicles 13:12).

I am either for God or against God. There is no in-between. If I ignore God, I am against Him. If my words honor God but my actions do not follow, I am against Him. If I am against those whom God is with, I am against God. Resisting God is not a smart place to be. It is much wiser to join God than to resist God. Joining Jesus brings joy to our life.

We prayerfully discover where God is working and join Him. We resign ourselves from resistance to God and instead align with His will. There is no better place than to be partnered with God and His people. He is the pilot, and we are the co-pilots. He is the owner, and we are the managers. He is the King, and we are His servants. He is our heavenly Father, and we are His children. He is with us as He sends us out on His behalf.  After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them” (Acts 16:10).

Join Him at church and worship Him with his people. Saints and sinners alike will welcome you. We are all fellow strugglers on a joint mission with Jesus. Join Him in your marriage. No marriage has ever regretted placing Christ as the focal point. He is the stabilizer and perspective needed for a husband, wife, and child to flourish.

Join Him while you are stretching your mind in college. As you love Him with your mind, His wisdom will impregnate your thinking with good, pure, and productive thoughts. You will be wise beyond your years for His purposes. Join Him in your business pursuits. You will be surprised how He can lead you to the right deal and help you craft and execute the perfect plan. Join Him in a vision much bigger than yourself. Pray for a vision that, unless God pulls it off, it certainly will not happen. Joint venture with Jesus.

Stop meddling with mediocre projects that man can pull off without the Lord. Ask instead, “Where is He working?” Join Him. By faith you can ride the wave of His wonder. Wake up and do not waste His precious time. You may be fighting a battle He has already won. Or you may be laboring in a field He has already left. Boldly go where no man has gone but where God is gathering a critical mass of like-minded disciples.

Our prayer is not for God to be on our side but for us to be on His. He is working in ways far beyond what we could envision, imagine, or figure out. Through intense prayer and with His faithful followers, let’s join together and watch Him work. Otherwise, we are sleeping with the enemy and messing around biding our time. Seek out divine endeavors, join Him and hang on for the ride. There is nothing like the Lord’s leverage one hundred fold who can influence an entire world for Jesus Christ. So by faith join Him in the work of making a kingdom impact.

Come join us at 10:45am this Sunday for our women's day worship service and fellowship.
--

 

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"