Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Image awards

If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.  Philippians 3:4-7
 
What is image? It is the motivation to make sure we appear as we want others to think about us. The exterior of who we are becomes more important than the interior of who we are in Christ. We are concerned, consumed and in some cases obsessed over how we look, what we wear, what we drive, what school we attend, and where we work and live.
 
However, maintaining an image can be and is exhausting because it is never quite satisfied. Jobs have to be a little more prestigious, cars a little more luxurious, homes a little more opulent and status a little more admirable. The curse of portraying an image is subtle, because it can be confused with godly ambition, which is good. The difference is the first is about striving for self, while the latter is about dying to self. Godly ambition does its best and trusts the Lord.
 
Image control suffers from a sense of superiority, prompted by pride. Jesus describes a religious leader afflicted by his condescending attitude and lofty self-image, “The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, robbers, evildoers, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get” (See Luke 18:11-12). Humility lifts up Jesus, not self.
 
If we are not halted by humility we become like Narcissus peering into a prideful pool, loving an image that is a figment of our imagination. Instead, as Spirit-filled followers of Jesus, we see ourselves as precious but peculiar people who are pilgrims just passing through, not encumbered by the weights of worldly expectations, but on our way to heaven. As we journey for Jesus we want our simple life to point others to our Savior.
 
So, who is in control of your image? Have you surrendered your self-image to  Christ? Let go of the shallow sense of worth from the world and embrace your eternal value in the Lord. God has already defined you as holy and acceptable to Him in Christ Jesus, as you are fearfully and wonderfully made.
 
Our prayer:  Father by your Spirit continually remind us that we have been created in your image according to your likeness.  Let us find satisfaction and joy in becoming who you have created us and called us to be Amen. 
 

--
 
Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"
Posted by at No comments:

Thursday, February 11, 2016

The Lord's call

“Come follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.  Matthew 4:19–20
 
Disciples of Jesus are called by the Lord to minister in their homes and in the marketplace. However, Christ does call some of His followers to vocational ministry. It is a calling that comes to ordinary men and women who accomplish extraordinary results as the Spirit of God works in and through them. Whom does He call? Christ’s call comes to those who have a hungry heart for God.
 
Like Paul, you might have been suddenly hit by a revelation of Jesus as Lord, or perhaps you were like David, who gradually went from feeding sheep what was perishable to feeding God’s people the imperishable. Wherever Christ calls, His first command is to love God and people. A calling without love is like a car without gasoline and an engine. It may be attractive on the outside, but it is not going anywhere. Thus, love large where the Lord has called you.
 
Furthermore, He has called you to endure hardship. Disciples are not immune to conflict; in fact, your faith invites difficulty at times. So do not seek to shelter your life from adversity, but rather position yourself in obedience to Christ’s calling. It is out of our regular routine of serving Him that we will see what He has in store next.
 
Make sure you minister first to your household. Do not be like the cobbler who has no shoes for his family. Your creditability for Christ is seeing your faith lived out with those who know you the best. What does it profit a man if he saves the whole world and loses his family? A calling to family first frees you to evangelize and disciple with God’s favor. His calling aligns with His commands; so service for Him is seamless.
 
Above all, the Lord is looking for those already engaged in His Word, growing in their character, and active in sharing their faith. His calling comes to disciples who desire the Holy Spirit to conform them into the image of Christ. Our humble imitation of Jesus comes out of our intimate walk with Him. He calls those whom He can trust. So do not look for your calling. Look for Christ, and He will reveal His calling to you.
 
Our prayer:  Lord make your calling sure in us Amen. 

--
 
Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"
Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Respected leadership

Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.  1 Timothy 3:2–3
 
Respectability invites respect. You may say, “I cannot get any respect.” If so, on what do you base your expectations? Is it your charm, charisma, or ability to converse well? None of these mean you are respectable; in fact, they can repel respect and garner disrespect. Skills, gifts, and talent require character to garner admiration and the respect of others.
 
Respect is earned, not demanded. It is sustained by influence, not position. CEO's, preachers, teachers, counselors, managers, and parents are given respect for their position, but if they consistently underperform or lack integrity, respect is lost. It is not a right of the irresponsible but a privilege of the dependable. Respectable leaders get right results in the right way.
 
Respectable leaders also rise to the occasion and do the right things. They persevere and provide stability instead of panicking and creating chaos. They take responsibility by espousing the values and vision of the organization, not by gossiping and blaming others. There is a depth of character that runs deep within the souls of good respectable leaders.
 
Lastly, respectable leaders are well thought of when their track record is one of trustworthiness, honesty, and follow through. However, the goal is not for people to like you. They may not like you when you lovingly hold them accountable, but they will respect you. They may not like your discipline, but they will respect your consistency. They may not embrace your beliefs, but if expressed in humility they will respect you. Perhaps you ask, “Am I respectable?” If so, you can expect respect.
 
Our prayer:  Father continue to through the work of Your Spirit develop and build our character that our leadership may be reflective of the virtues you have instilled in us through Your word, and Your Spirit Amen. 

--
 
Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"
Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Come close

Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. Psalm 24:3-5
 
Sincere worshippers of God long to be close to Christ. Beloved this is our end game as a disciple. This is and should be the outcome we crave. Closeness to Christ that places us in proximity for Him to wipe away our tears, and continually establish our joy. It is closeness to Christ that reveals our sin and leads us to repentance. It is closeness to Christ that instills the best perspective for life. It is closeness to Christ that calms our heart and engages our mind. The holy hill of the Lord is ascended by steps of repentance. 
 
Closeness comes from cleanliness. We came from the dirt. We started out unclean. Dirt in our heart throws dust in our eyes. We struggle to see God when we have not cleansed our heart. The pure in heart see God. But the impure of heart are like blind bats fluttering around in futility. We are from the dirt in the valley and He is high atop His holy mountain. The snow capped mountain of God is pure and clean. We daily must ask the Holy Spirit to clean us so we can ascend.
 
So we approach the holy hill of the Lord with clean hands and a pure heart. It is an outward and inward purification that we pursue. Our behavior and our beliefs both need sanitizing. Closeness to Christ comes when we align both our actions and our attitudes. We would not expect a server to bring our meal with soiled hands. Nor are we to serve our Lord with the dirt of denial and doubt under our fingernails.
 
God trusts those whom He holds close. He trusts them because they are nearby to hear His instruction and obey His command. They are hungry for His heart and thirsty for His trust. Closeness continually communes. It is not like the adult child who only comes home when they need something. There is intentionality in intimacy. God blesses those who are close by. Stay cleansed and close to Christ.

Our prayer:  Father I desire to be close to you and live daily in your presence.  By the power of your Spirit create in me a clean heart, and right Spirit that I might daily ascend to your Holy hill that you might impart all of Your goodness, power, revelation, instruction, love, and grace into my life in Jesus name Amen.


--
 
Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"
Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)