Thursday, October 29, 2015

Great Expectations

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
 
I love the quote that says, “Never put a period where God puts a comma.” It’s a constant reminder for me to stay flexible to God’s rule, way,  and to submit to His sovereignty over my life. This can be especially difficult when I have got big plans or hopes that have led to great expectations.
 
Expectations can be awesome. They have the potential to bring us great joy when fulfilled and focused energy when we need to complete a particular task. They also have the potential to usher in great disappointment when they are dashed. It’s then that we must remember to “never put a period where God puts a comma.” We must submit to His will if we want to live with joy. To continue to demand our way only leads to internal frustration.
 
There have been times in my life when my expectations haven’t lined up with God’s will: like when I wanted to receive a particular job offer. I have to admit there have been times when I have wanted to shut down hope, silence expectations, and never dream again when the pain of unfulfilled expectations pierced my heart. But a better way is to surrender to Christ and His way.
 
Surrender doesn’t mean giving up; it means giving in. It means giving Him control, and heeding His directions/guidance. We put our plans in His hands as we work. We give Him our children as we raise them. We surrender the outcome of our job search as we look. And, when things don’t go as we planned, we do not live as those who have no hope and become cynical and tell themselves, “Don’t dream because you’ll just be disappointed.” No, we remember that God has a plan, and it’s always a good plan, even if it’s not our plan.
 
Our Prayer: Father help us daily to put our trust in you, and to lay all our dreams and expectations at your throne, knowing and trusting that when we take on your plan for our lives you will always do exceedingly and abundantly above all we ask and think and can imagine Amen. 

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Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ
Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown
Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Bringing out the best in others

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10
 
Some people bring out the worst in us. If they are insecure, we can feel insecure. If they expect perfection, we can feel disapproval. If they are demanding, we can feel guilty, even manipulated. But there are those who have the ability to bring out the best in us. If we are tired they give us energy. If we are discouraged they affirm who we are in Christ. If we forget the awe of God they remind us of His awesomeness. Yes, those who elevate our faith help us rise above our fears and bring out our best. Here are four ways we can help bring out the best in someone else:
 
Strengthen Strengths
When we strengthen others we strengthen ourselves. As disciples we are the body of Christ. So, to support one part of the body brings health to the whole body. For example, a person gifted in exhortation needs encouragement. A merciful person desires compassion. We strengthen another when we treat them how they prefer to be treated. Strengthen their strengths with words and deeds that encourage.
 
Forgive Weaknesses
People regularly disappoint. They show up late to a meeting. They back out of a commitment. They are dishonest. They are not thorough. They overcommit. They are ungrateful. They forget. They are insensitive. So, how will we respond to another’s weaknesses? Forgiveness doesn’t mean we enable bad behavior. We can still kindly discuss character flaws. Love lets go of resentment and offers another chance. We forgive. We allow opportunities to rebuild trust as that is what forgiveness is all about.
 
Serve Selflessly
Service shows we care. When we cook a meal, clear the table or clean the car we free another to engage in something they enjoy. A servant spirit does not wait to be told what to do, instead we look for opportunities to meet a need. We give a gift. We network colleagues. We mow a neighbor’s lawn. We sit with a sick friend. Indeed, the person served feels valued, appreciated, and loved. Service is contagious, as the one being served desires to pass on the blessing to others.
 
Pray for The Heart
When a person knows we pray for them, they know we love them from the heart. We pray for their heart to be joyful in the hope they see in Jesus. We pray for their heart to be guarded by the peace of God found in Christ. We pray for their heart to understand and experience the riches of God’s grace, mercy, and love. We pray for their heart to be led by the Holy Spirit. Heartfelt prayer for other hearts brings out their best. 

Our prayer:  Lord help me to be an encourager by admonishing others in their strengths, forgiving others for their weaknesses as you have done for me so many times, give me a heart and eye to serve others and my community and give me a heart to pray for others continually amen.


--
 
Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ
Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown
Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Our Refuge

Blessed are all who take refuge in Him. Psalm 2:12
 
Outside of Christ we are refugees in need of a refuge. Our soul seeks asylum in God. Our spirit is on a search for security and peace. Our deepest innermost desire is refuge in God. Otherwise we wander around earth un-tethered to truth. We need a secure place and Jesus is our sanctuary.
 
Even if our faith is as slender as a spider’s thread we can still trust in Jesus. It is the object of our faith that matters more than the amount of our faith. His refuge is not just reserved for the robust of faith but is especially available to those of us flailing away in faithless fear. We have lost our way and we need a wise weigh station to ferret out our faith. It is in refuge with Him that we are blessed with clarity. 
 
He is our refuge when hope seems extinct. He is our refuge when financial requirements are ravishing our resources. He is our refuge when people we depend on are nowhere to be found. He is our refuge when health issues hound our heart. He is our refuge when fear knocks at the door to bully our courage. He is our refuge when our marriage hangs in the balance. He is our refuge when work pressures pulsate in our mind awakening us at night. He is our refuge when all seems to be going wrong. He is our refuge when all seems to be going right. God is our refuge.
 
We are blessed when we find refuge with our Creator. The Lord aids us with wisdom and understanding when we take the time to listen to His instruction. Our prayer over His Word provides illuminating insight. This place of refuge holds up truth and casts out lies. Stability is another blessing from resting in His refuge. Our world rocks around us. But we have a rock in our Lord. 
 
Our prayer:  Thank you Lord that you are a refuge that provides strength, peace, encouragement, healing, shelter, and comfort for our souls Amen. 

--
 
Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ
Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown
Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

He reigns

God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. Psalm 47:8
 
God reigns over the entire earth. He is not just the God of the east or the God of the west. He is the God of the north, south, east and west. The arm of the Lord reigns over everyone. The sun never sets on the omnipresent shadow of our Lord. He is the greatest in power, high and lofty in dominion, and extremely eminent in wisdom. He reigns in war and in peace. He reigns in crisis and in calm. He reigns in economic catastrophe and in economic prosperity.  He reigns over evil and good. He reigns over nations and over individuals. 
 
He reigns from His holy throne. His is not a throne soiled with corruption and self-serving. His throne is full of grace, mercy, peace, love and truth. His throne is marked and defined by holiness. It is a throne that has never been stained with sin, corrupted by cover-up or defiled by injustice. God is seated on His holy throne. He never sits dismayed or in a dilemma, and nothing ever takes Him by surprise. God does not wring His hands in worry. He sits in serenity, for He knows His own power and sees that His purposes will not miscarry. He sits on a throne where He dispenses truth and wisdom. Therefore, approach His holy throne boldly but reverently.
 
He reigns over the human heart. It is here that we can submit to the Lord’s authority. We are wise to jettison the latter. It is in submission to our reigning King that we come to know His will for our lives. Obedience leads to opportunity. Because our God reigns, He can be trusted. His rules are for our good pleasure. His rules are inviting when we are in right relationship with our reigning King. It is when we resist Him that we foolishly push back from His gracious guidelines. Therefore, love Him and you will love to follow His statutes. He reigns in love and holiness. It is easy to follow an unconditional lover. He reigns lovingly.
 
Therefore, we have reason to celebrate Christ’s reign. His kingship brings praise and worship to our lips. Our Lord reigns. We have no real reason to worry or stress out because He reigns. We can put the kibosh on our complaining and murmuring because He reigns. We can rest in a peaceful sleep at night, not tossing and turning in distrust, because He reigns. We can let go of control and not be controlled because He reigns. We can give Him our grief, sorrow, and sin because He reigns.
 
He reigns for the purpose of His glory and His glory alone. It is all about Him and His eternal aspirations. He reigns for righteousness’ sake. He reigns for the sake of the gospel. Live like He reigns. Live free and by faith. Tell all whom you have earned the right to tell He reigns. Validate your words with your life of faith and faithfulness. He reigns. He reigns now and for evermore.
Our prayer:  Father God we give praise to you because you reign.  Help us to continually submit ourselves to your loving reign, and declare continually the goodness of our King Amen.
--
 
Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ
Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown
Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

Monday, October 19, 2015

Learning Leaders

Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman. Proverbs 7:4
 
Leaders are learners, but when they stop learning they cease to lead wisely. Education is an enlightenment for leaders who think ahead and are engaged in effective management and stewardship. If a leader does not assess the facts of a situation and operate in reality, he loses any advantage he might possess. 
 
A leader continually asks questions like the following: “How can we better understand what the customer wants and needs?” “How can I get out of the way as the leader, supporting the team to be successful?” “How can our organization go from good to great by integrating and sustaining industry-best practices?” Leaders who learn ask the right questions, get the most accurate answers, and are able to make the wisest decisions.
 
Furthermore, leaders learn by listening to the Lord and to the wisdom found in His Word. Indeed, it is not a one-time educational event but the ongoing purging of pride, pretense, and prayerlessness. Wisdom becomes a beloved sister to whom you go for counsel. Humility grows into a trusted friend with whom you can confide. The Holy Bible is your defense and armor against the assault of unwise thinking.
 
Therefore read, study, and apply the Word of God regularly to your life. Read books that highlight bright examples of leaders worth emulating. Learn by listening to teachers who communicate truth with clarity and conviction. Learn from your mistakes, and do not repeat them. Learn forgiveness from your family, service from your friends, and love from your enemies.

Our prayer:  Father help me to grow in my discipleship of being a life long learner, and to embrace all the lessons you have for me this day to grow me and cause me to be effective in my leadership amen.
--
 
Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ
Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown
Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Vision becoming reality

So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. So make yourself an ark… Noah did everything just as God commanded him. Genesis 6:13-14, 22
 
It takes time for a vision to become a reality. God had a fresh vision for His people. Disturbed by their violent and disobedient behavior, the Lord drafted Noah to be the project manager over a new idea yet to be experienced by humanity. It was a God-sized vision that took two generations to fulfill. Noah was already a righteous man who walked with the Lord. He had been faithful with the everyday matters of life, so now he was called to build a safe haven for his family to persevere through God’s coming judgment. The reality of a vision is built over time by faithful disciples. Faith works and walks with God.
 
The vision of a mature marriage is defined at the wedding, but is built over years of serving, forgiving and loving. The vision of having a child starts at conception, but is built over decades of parenting. The vision of a work culture that is relational, respectful and profitable starts with energy and enthusiasm, but is built one engaged employee at a time. The vision of a church that loves and obeys Christ grows into a grace filled reality by Bible teaching, worship, prayer, service and missions. Vision is what can be. Reality is what is. Keep building a life for God.
 
Vision is hard. If we quit in fear or fatigue we may miss out on the fruit of faithfulness. Obstacles will come and the vision may morph into a different outcome. Regardless, stay in the process: trust and obey. Better to thoroughly build one thing than bounce around ending with only fragments of incomplete work. In one sense the work is never done. In another sense our work will be done. Remain faithful in the ordinary so you are qualified for the extraordinary. Stay the course in your faith, family and career. What you build with and for the Lord will outlast you.

Our prayer:  Father help us to be faithful to the vision you have given us Amen.


--
 
Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ
Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown
Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

Friday, October 9, 2015

Salt & Light

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:17
 
We live in interesting times. A quick look at the news headlines from recent days and weeks reveals the speed and intensity with which the world is changing or has already changed. At times, these changes may bring with them great social advances or developments. Yet they can also bring confusion, frustration, and anxiety.
 
As disciples, how are we meant to respond and engage the world around us?
 
When we look at the life of Christ we see our Lord enter into a world that was at times hostile towards Him. We see a world that had turned away from God’s original design and rejected His plan for them and the whole of creation (See Genesis 1:26-27). Jesus didn’t come to the world because it was flourishing and simply needed his divine affirmation. No, He came into a world that was sick and in need of His healing. When He came, and walked and served among us, He didn’t come with hatred or disdain, but with compassion and love.
 
If we are to live out our Lord’s word to be salt and light (see Matthew 5:14-16), it is vital that we have his same heart of love for the world around us. We must remember that it was in our brokenness, when we were the most unlovable, that God showed His great love for us. We must remember that our Lord Jesus was accused of being “a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (See Matthew 11:19). Do our lives reflect the heart of our Savior for the lost that someone might make the same accusation of us?
 
When we see our culture departing from moral and ethical truths, there is a temptation to fight and dig in our heels. Yet we can get so caught up in fighting and defending the faith that we lose sight of our primary call as disciples: to love as Christ loved us (See Ephesians 5:2).  Jesus never shied away from calling people to repent (reconsider their way in light of the Gospel) and embrace the transformative grace of God, yet His invitation was always preceded by hospitality and love.
 
Jesus came not to condemn but to love the world, and for those of us who follow him, we must pray for the strength, grace, and courage to go and do likewise.

Our Prayer:  Father give us a heart like yours to serve others with humble compassion, hospitality, and love.  By the power of your Spirit provide us with the power to make changes in our lives, homes, friendships, and work places as we love others as you have loved us Amen.
--
 
Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ
Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown
Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Faith on Trial

These [trials] have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:7

Faith comes by the grace of God, and trials prove its authenticity. Fire exposes faith forgeries. So is your current challenge a test in faithfulness? It may be hard to hold your head up in faith because of the difficulties we are experiencing. It seems sometimes as if our Savior is on sabbatical, but we still must seek Him.  Fill in the blanks by faith, and love Him even though you cannot feel Him or trace His activity in the present moment. It is faith that facilitates fervent love for the Lord, so continue to believe in Him even though we are unable to see Him.

Furthermore, our faith under fire inherits inexpressible joy through prayer. That seems strange to the uninformed. People may become curious about or a little perturbed by the persistent peace and assurance that travels within the depths of soul that maintains and deepens its connection in the midst of the storms and trials of life. But you know you are saved by the grace of God, for this is your foundation of all things pertaining to God and His kingdom.

Because you have entrusted Him with eternity, you can trust Him with this present trial. Because you trust Him with your soul, you can trust Him with this situation. Do not fret that your faith is under fire and on trial, for this affliction is meant to stoke the fires of your affection for Christ. Turn the tables on trouble by diving deeper into your devotion. It takes trouble to tear off encumbrances to your eternal perspective. Lukewarm living tends to create cataracts in your spiritual eyes.

When you start out as a new disciple, your faith is fresh but you have infantile intimacy. You discover that growth in your faith (like all relationships) comes from resistance. Sometimes life pushes back with pressure and prickly circumstances. When Christ comes into your conflict, your faith increases. Your faith is the most valuable asset you own. Your money may move you closer or further away from faith but it cannot acquire it. Jesus purchased your salvation on the cross. Therefore, the currency that Christ accepts is faith. Yes, give generously to good works, but do not depend on your benevolent acts as a surrogate for belief. 

Your faith either diminishes or compounds in worth. Allow your current crisis of belief to increase your faith. As it grows in your mind and heart, its value increases. If your only faith experience is your salvation, then your faith is stunted. Stunted and immature faith is no match for the inconvenience and injustice of this world. God wants to grow your faith. His revelation is most compelling under pressure.

Therefore, see these tough times as a transition into deeper spiritual maturation, discipleship, and faith. Genuine and expanding faith can be the fruit of fiery trials. Moreover, your strong and authentic faith will be a springboard of comfort to others. Effective ministry is one incredible outcome of adversity. But genuine faith is God’s ultimate goal. Genuineness is like gold. It’s valuable, compelling, inviting, and everlasting. Above all else, it glorifies God.
 
Our prayer:  Father thank you for the trials and tribulations of life that are being used for the trying and developing of my faith.  Supply me with good cheer as I go through, that when I come out of these light afflictions which are but for a moment will produce in me a faith that is pure like Gold.  Amen. 


--
 
Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ
Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown
Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Shaken yet secure

When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken." O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. Psalm 30:6
 
Security rests in our Savior Jesus Christ not our stuff. Stuff comes and stuff goes it’s unreliable. But when Christ comes to dwell in our hearts He remains forever. Because He is secure we are secure. But we must beware lest we believe security resides anywhere other than with the Lord. Our security is not based on feelings, but faith. If our security depends on feeling secure we will be shaken by circumstances. But if our security rests on faith in Christ, no situation can shake us, as Christ will provide us with peace for every storm, trial, and tribulation. 
 
If our confidence is based on pleasant circumstances our security is at risk. Our life becomes a roller coaster of reactionary responses. If we feel good we are secure. If we feel bad we are insecure. If people like us we are secure. If they do not like us we are insecure. If we have money we are secure. If we lack money we are insecure. If we are healthy we are secure. If we are unhealthy we are insecure. We eventually grow weary and wither under the whiplash of insecure living and thinking.
 
Moreover, do not place your security in success or failure. The fumes of success can smother your faith as fast as failure can extinguish your hope. It is the security we find in Jesus that never changes. He is our rock and our refuge (see Psalm 62). He never moves. He is not shaken. Critics could not rattle Christ with their mockery and viciousness. Indeed suffering displayed His secure, peaceful, and pure behavior. Resurrection hope warmed His heart with calm assurance and peace.
 
When left to our own efforts, we are anxious people. Anytime the self seeks assurance outside of Christ it becomes uncertain and restless. The search for security results in insecurity when we marginalize our Lord. Relationships come and go, but our relationship with Jesus is to remain intact forever. Doubt arises when we add anything to our faith in Christ. Therefore, develop your fidelity of faith. You are secure because your security rests on the eternal. Shun earthly securities and embrace heaven’s. Faith in Jesus needs no outside help. By God’s grace and love the faithful are secure even when shaken.
 
Our prayer:  Father God you are our security and peace.  When the trials and tribulations of life seem to overtake us, Father give us the strength through your Spirit to deepen our connection in you and find peace by keeping our mind stayed on you Amen.


--
 
Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
10am every Sunday
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ
Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown
Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org