Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Attitude of Gratitude

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. Luke 17:15-16

Gratitude cannot keep quiet, and will not keep quiet. Like a excited fan at their favorite sporting event, emotions explode in cheers over a well-executed play and score. Heartfelt thanksgiving has to escape and express itself to those who contributed to this cause for joy. If verbal gratitude is withheld, then those who remain silent miss out on bringing public praise to God. Ultimately, Jesus is behind every good gift, as ever good and perfect gift comes from above (often He uses His people in the process of blessing).

An outcast of society becomes an insider with God through thoughtful and verbal thanksgiving to Him. Do you still exhibit a humble attitude of gratitude, or have you graduated beyond gratefulness? In fact, the more you grow in the grace of God, the more thankful you become. You show up and speak up with thanksgiving. At work you thank your team leader for employment and trust God with opportunities for advancement. Open wide your mouth with words of thanksgiving, and watch the Lord do wonderful works around you. 

Make today a day of Impact for the Kingdom

--
 
Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Saturdays 6:30pm (come as you are), or Sundays at 10am.
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown
Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

Friday, January 16, 2015

Courage

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

It takes courage to wake up, get up and face the day. Issues and people may make us feel afraid, but with God’s grace we face our fears by faith. Fear is not absent in a courageous spirit, it’s just not in control. It may be a loud passenger in the back seat shouting concerns, but it is not driving the car, courage holds the steering wheel. Thus, we minimize our fears of the unknown and we maximize our faith in the known. Cowards are intimated into inertia, while courage carries on.

What barriers do you face that courage can help you overcome? Maybe you feel undervalued at work and it is time to ask for a raise. Perhaps you need to tell a friend ‘no’ and risk hurting their feelings, even jeopardizing your friendship. It may be your responsibility to lovingly confront a strong leader about their inappropriate conduct. Courage to continue your education, remain committed to your marriage or stand up to a bully are all noble pursuits. Bravery stays engaged.

Leaders can courageously find answers and take personal responsibility or in cowardice make excuses pushing responsibility on everybody else. This is why a decisive leader with average skills is superior to an indecisive leader with greater gifts. Courage causes the one in charge to move forward even when all the facts are not known. Courageous leaders know how to adjust as more data is discovered, but all the while they lead the team toward the goal. A leader with grit and guts doesn’t panic, but perseveres. They follow where the Lord leads even when it is popular or supported by the majority.

Above all, we are wise to gain our courage from Christ. He who modeled courage in the face of the most horrific circumstances gives us what we need to face our fears. His wisdom gives us insight to overcome ignorance. His grace gives us patience to outlast another’s procrastination or prevarication. His love gives us undaunted leadership to lead with compassion and clarity. Thus, we find courage to pray. We feel the support of God’s people and their prayers. Our courage, though imperfect, keeps us focused on Jesus. 

Make today a day of Kingdom Impact.  .

--
 
Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Saturdays 6:30pm (come as you are), or Sundays at 10am.
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown
Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Poor riches

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9

Jesus was poor. He owned nothing yet had everything He needed. He borrowed boats, donkeys, food, and lodging. He lived on what some would say was borrowed time, then He died and was buried in a borrowed tomb. The Son of God was born from a virgin womb and buried in a virgin tomb. Christ Jesus voluntarily gave up His riches in glory in exchange for the poverty of mankind on earth. Grace comes at the great expense of Jesus giving up all for all people.

The riches of God’s grace and forgiveness are true riches to the disciple. Any other riches that compete with Christ’s riches are idols of insecurity. Indeed, it is better for us to be poor in the eyes of the world and remain rich in the eyes of our Lord. It’s futile to chase the undependable wealth of the world when we can rest and revel in the riches of seeking first the kingdom of God. Christ’s simple life compels us to live simply for Him in all we say and do.

Make today a day of Impact for the Kingdom

--
 
Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Saturdays 6:30pm (come as you are), or Sundays at 10am.
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown
Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

He that hath an ear

The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. Acts 8:34-35

Disciples of Christ are always on the look out for those who will listen to Gospel. They believe the Lord is at work all around them in the hearts of men and women, boys and girls and everyone in between. Daily encounters with people are not accidents, but divine appointments as nothing happens by coincidence. The Christian life is an adventure of blessing others with the knowledge of the hope, love, and forgiveness found in Jesus. We can be confident that God is on the hunt for His own.

Philip, once tentative in his trust of Jesus is now,post resurrection, a flaming evangelist for the gospel. His angelic forerunner led him to converse with a prominent foreigner traveling home from his time of worship in Jerusalem. Philip explained the Old Testament passage that pointed to the New Testament messiah (Jesus Christ). The convicting power of God’s word immediately brought this man to faith. No longer a lost seeker, he was a found a convert to discipleship desiring baptism.

Is your spiritual antennae up throughout the day for those who need the good news about Jesus? Prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit, to prepare the way for you to show others the Way. Store clerks, restaurant servers, cashiers, garbage men, UPS deliverers, telemarketers, neighbors, work associates, vendors, customers, taxi drivers, friends and family can all use prayer and a chance to hear about the goodness, love found in Christ. Lovingly ask how you can pray for them. God uses prayer to draw precious people to Himself. Prayer breaks down barriers and blesses. It’s a bridge to God’s word.

Furthermore, take the time to lead receptive ones through a Bible study. Host it in your home or over breakfast or lunch. Study the life of Christ and ask questions like: Who did He claim to be? How did He define His purpose in life? How did God express His love through Jesus? What evidence was there of His resurrection? Pray for the Spirit to lead you to those in whom He is using life circumstances to draw them closer to Christ. The human soul wants spiritual answers. Lovingly share Jesus with open hearts to those desirous to hear.

Make today a day of Impact for the Kingdom.

--
 
Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Saturdays 6:30pm (come as you are), or Sundays at 10am.
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown
Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Evaluate every experience

I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw. Proverbs 24:32.

Experience can be an excellent teacher if we take the time to evaluate. Mindless activities create shallow thinking, while evaluated action broadens our perspective. We hone the skill of synthesizing a variety of ideas into the best idea. If we do not know the best approach, we still take a step toward what seems to be right and adjust as we go. The wise know how to objectively observe people and situations. They take mental notes and apply what they learn from another’s successes and failures. Life is a daily laboratory full of experiences we can learn and mature from. We observe, evaluate, learn and apply lessons.

For example, a friend’s mismanagement of money is painful to watch. What’s even more devastating is for us to repeat the same mistakes that crippled their ability to pay bills without going into longterm debt. A positive model would be moms and dads who confess to imperfect parenting, but by God’s grace see their child grow into a young adult who loves and obeys the Lord. Learn humble words from them like: “I’m sorry, please forgive me for speaking harshly.” Evaluated experiences of others can save us from the unintended consequences of our ignorance.

Evaluating every experience is a very good stewardship of our time. When we take the time to ask a coworker for their opinion, we are investing in the relationship and contributing to the health of the work culture. To increase the probability of solicited feedback, smart organizations put into place systems that routinely capture employee and customer ideas. It’s the collective experience from a diverse group of people that results in the most helpful data and opportunities for growth and development.  It is and can be time consuming to set up good processes in the short term, but saves time over the long term as they educate us. 

In this season of life, what lessons is the Lord teaching you? Perhaps you are learning patience while you wait on His perfect timing. Maybe you are growing in your capacity to receive constructive criticism (not to take it personally) and grow as a follower of Christ in the process. Make the decision to autopsy projects that succeed or fail, so a summary of what worked and what didn’t work can be documented and referred to in the future. Most of all, ask the Holy Spirit to frequently take an audit of your soul. An evaluated experience with God can grow you closer to His heart and the fullness of fulfilling purpose.

Make today a day of Kingdom Impact.

--
 
Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Saturdays 6:30pm (come as you are), or Sundays at 10am.
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown
Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org

Monday, January 12, 2015

Money matters

The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. Luke 16:8

Creating an economic structure around  vision, mission, passion and purpose can be a prayerful and godly goal. It could be converting informal free advice into a formalized fee for coaching, consulting, or counseling. It may mean engaging a hobby, such as painting, writing, or singing, and moving it into the market as a valued product. God gives gifts and skills to create a living. There are times to give away time and expertise, and there are times to monetize our mission.

Money is not our motivation, but it is a by-product of producing value around what wakes us up in the morning. Why waste our lives just working for a paycheck when we can creatively come up with ways to channel our energies and experiences into an economic endeavor and be blessed through doing what you love. Christ commends shrewd servants of His who innovate new ways to make friends and influence people. Indeed, we are called to be creative for Christ’s sake. Your life is attractive when you live out your mission with passion and productivity. Trust God to give you the wisdom to make a living from living for His call.

Make today a day of Kingdom Impact.


--
 
Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Saturdays 6:30pm (come as you are), or Sundays at 10am.
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown
Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org

Friday, January 9, 2015

Do your best

She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.” Mark 14:8

God expects our best, nothing more nothing less. Our best plus God’s best is a productive combination. Indeed, we can fall into the false belief that God will take care of everything without our efforts. Or, we can on the unnecessary the stress of everything depends on us, without thoroughly trusting in the Lord. Neither is healthy nor right, He simply expects our best, He knows and understands our limitations.

Your stage of life, giftedness, experience, availability and wisdom all determine your capacity in your service unto the Lord. The ability of others will be more or less than yours, so let the Lord define what you can or cannot do. There will always be opportunities, but measure each engagement along side your ability to give it your best. Do not commit under duress knowing that your capacity to deliver is sorely limited. Instead, have confidence in God to say ‘no’ now in preparation for a ‘yes’ later.

Indeed, when you have given it your best, this is all that is required of God. You have done what you could. You can trust Him with this; so do not beat yourself up. Self-flagellation will not gain you points with God or people. They will replace respect for you with pity. On the other hand do not become puffed up over your best. There is always another person who has done or will do better. Thus, rest in the fact that you have glorified God in doing your best.  

Make today a day of impact for the Kingdom.  In the McLean Va. area come join us for our breakfast fellowship and worship starting at 9am Sunday.  The church is located at 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va.



--
 
Pastor Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Saturdays 6:30pm (come as you are), or Sundays at 10am.
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown
Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Soul food is delicious

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Our soul starves for blessing from our Lord. He made us to desire His blessing. God’s blessing is an affirmation of His love. It is a abiding sense that we are secure in His presence. The glow of the Lord’s glory reflects on a countenance blessed by Jesus. The child of God, blessed by God, rests secure in His favor. His delicious blessing feeds our soul.

Moreover, as followers of Christ, we are in the blessing business, as we are blessed to be a blessing. We can bless strangers with our kind words or curse them with our cutting remarks (life and death is in the power of the tongue). We can bless a child with a look of love or curse them with a glare. We can bless our spouse with a smile or curse them with a snarl. We can bless an enemy with a prayer of forgiveness or curse them with a prayer of retribution. We can bless a leader with an understanding of God’s wisdom or curse them for their worldly ways. Without our blessing, those who love us feel unloved. We love souls as we bless them in Jesus' name.

Furthermore, we are blessed when we seek to bless another. The blessing first comes from our Lord, the knowledge that we have pleased Him. Our soul is filled having filled our Father’s heart. There is no greater joy than for God’s people to be  bearers of His blessing. It is not just formal prayer reserved for Sunday, rather it is a moment by moment opportunity waiting for one sensitive soul to bless another sensitive soul. We become more like Jesus as we bless like Jesus.

Who needs to hear you pray a blessing over them? Perhaps a student going off to the school for the first time, a couple beginning the great adventure of marriage, an innocent infant with a lifetime ahead, or an elderly friend facing their final dance. Pray a blessing of hospitality over a new home or bless a family on their way to live in another city. A soul blessed by God is like a garden, tilled, planted and well watered. It bears a bountiful harvest of blessing beyond its influence.

Make today a day of Impact for the Kingdom.
--
 
Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Saturdays 6:30pm (come as you are), or Sundays at 10am.
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown
Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org