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.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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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.

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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.
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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.
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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"

Got Hope?

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

Faith creates hope, so where faith is conceived hope is birthed. Yes, hope is the daughter of faith. Those who profess to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior possess hope. Hard times try to hinder hope’s comforting company, but it is unhindered where faith in God is the focus. Those who hold on to hope are happy. Where faith peers hope makes clear. Where there is a wall, hope finds a door. Where there is darkness, hope looks for a light. Hope expects Christ to come through.

What is hope? It is confidence in Jesus Christ, period. Confidence He is faithful. Faithful to follow through with His promise to provide us peace in the middle of our storms, trials, and tribulations. Faithful to answer our prayers in His most productive process. Faithful to give our children what they need as long as they look to Him. Faithful to facilitate financial resources when we steward well what we already have. He is faithful by His restorative grace to heal relationships and bodies severed by sin. Hope bursts forth in possibilities when we embrace the promises fulfilled by the Lord’s faithfulness.  You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. Job 11:18

Since our security is in Jesus who has conquered sin, sorrow and death, hope is our wise weapon. Our Lord holds us in the palm of His hand, therefore nothing can reach us lest our divine protector gives permission. The Holy Spirit is our guide, thus we have a trusted leader who directs our path. “Your hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness.” Your two-handed grasp of God includes His double fisted hold on you.

When hope is deferred avoid rejecting God and giving up. Wait on the Lord and hope in Him. He helps you when you feel helpless. He empowers you when you feel powerless. He encourages you when you feel discouraged. He gives joy when you feel joyless. Hope never disappoints. It gives life and a reason to live. If you let go of hope, your gracious Lord doesn’t let go of you. Like Mount Everest, your hope is unmovable, so hold unswervingly to your living hope: Jesus

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

Disconnect to Reconnect

“When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns” (Matthew 14:13).

There are times when the crowds crowd in on us. we need relief, relief from the routine, relief from responsibilities, relief from relationships, or relief from the raw pain of losing a loved one. Jesus felt this intense emotion as John the Baptist, His friend and spiritual confidant, was brutally beheaded. The pain of severe loss led Him to be alone.

Are you on the edge of complete exhaustion? Is your tolerance for any more trouble at the tipping point of chronic fatigue? If so, it is time to disconnect from distractions so you can reconnect to your relationship with the Lord. You preclude coming apart emotionally and physically when you come apart relationally with your Savior Jesus.

Our private investment in solitude gives our public service sustainability. If we are always available to everyone, then we are not effective with anyone. A soul that is always exposed to the light of life is unable to discern the desperate state of hurting humanity. So we schedule time on the calendar with Christ in seclusion, and He empowers us.

Your responsibilities will not rest while you rest, but trust the Lord to take care of any crisis that may arise. For you to disconnect from your duties means you prepare ahead of time to transition from your tasks while you are away. Do not be ensnared by your ego that always wants to be wanted. Let others learn what you know so you can go away and grow. We grow stale if we reject retreats, but we are energized when we engage them.

When we disconnect, we trust God to get things done through others in spite of our absence. Your break from work and home is an opportunity for a colleague to step up and be blessed with a new opportunity to be stretched. Why keep all the challenging circumstances to yourself? Let go so others can gain invaluable experience. Once you have truly disconnected from your phone, enjoy your soul reconnecting with Christ

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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"