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"