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

www.wbgronline.com

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

www.wbgronline.com

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

www.wbgronline.com

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

www.wbgronline.com

Don't let gossip deter the Gospel

Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. Proverbs 26:20

Gossip is the go to behavior for those who want to get back at someone. Maybe they were hurt and this is their passive way to inflict pain. Or, motivated by insecurity, they feel the need to build themselves up by putting others down. Gossip only exposes the immature heart of the one initiating the gossip. Misinformation by the misinformed leads to confusion at the least and clouds character of others at its worse. It is by God’s grace and the working of His Spirit that we refrain from fueling the fires of gossip.

Indeed a discreet heart pauses before it is tempted to tickle ears with gossip. There is a noble commitment to create conversation around ideas, not to discussions that demean and tear down people, as God has given us the power to build up people not tear them down. When we operate with discretion it protects our souls from entanglements that later prove to be untrue. For example, we may talk about someone’s long lunches at work not knowing they visit their elderly parent in a nursing home. Discretion is a diligent fact finder that is slow to find fault. 

Furthermore, how can we be discreet as a recipient of gossip? First of all, we recognize it is as a deterrent to a healthy culture at home, ministry, and work. It creates factions, contributes to mistrust and disloyalty, and it erodes productivity all things that the enemy of our souls loves to see as it makes us ineffective for the Kingdom of God. When we dismiss discussions based on hearsay, we say to the gossiper, you do not have control over me or the person you are dishonoring. Instead of keeping quiet we say in love, “I’m surprised, I’ve always known her to finish the job.”

Above all else, we seek the Lord for wisdom and discretion. Discretion is embedded in a heart of wisdom. Without discretion we are not wise, but foolish. Yes, the ability to avoid causing offense by revealing sensitive information is the fruit of wisdom and grace. We become a trusted confidant when our total trust is in Christ. Gossip is an ignorant foreign language to a faithful disciple of Jesus. 

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

www.wbgronline.com

Reason to celebrate

A large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead...for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him. John 12:9, 11

We can live a ‘drive thru dining’ life that rushes from one activity to the next, or we can live a ‘sit down dinner’ life that enjoys the caring company of others. It's especially meaningful to celebrate special occasions: graduations, anniversaries, birthdays (both physical and spiritual), work promotions and successful surgeries, to name a few. We celebrate life when we show our gratitude for the Lord’s blessings. We take the time to honor God for His bounteous provision and healing.

Mary understood how to celebrate the gift of life. She took her best, her all, and gave it to Jesus. Her glee and gratitude could not be contained for her brother Lazarus was alive, raised by God. Without inhibition and in the face of fierce criticism from a family member, she lavished her love on the Lord. The death and resurrection of Lazarus became the harbinger of her symbolic anointing of Jesus for His burial. A celebration of life points to the giver of life; Jesus Christ.

A life lived well celebrates well. What has the Lord done in your life that invites a celebratory occasion? Perhaps you use this time to tell your story of God’s faithfulness, as recounting Christ’s blessings blesses others. Open your home to honor a friend who has been healed, or pay tribute to a new believer who has been raised to walk in newness of life in Christ. Life celebrations memorialize God's favor.

Some will scoff when we spend time and money to commemorate Christ. But their small view of God misses the point of creating unique ways to glorify God. For out of our great gratitude to the Lord, others are drawn to the Lord. Just as many believed in Jesus because of Lazarus’ testimony, so many will believe in Jesus because of our testimony. Others take notice when we celebrate our life blessed by the Lord. We anoint Jesus as our Lord when we give all we have to Jesus. Christ is our celebration. He is the reason we are rowdy with joy. 

Make today a day of Impact for the Kingdom.  In the DC metropolitan area I invite you to worship with me at First Baptist Chesterbrook located at 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va.  Saturdays at 6:30pm or Sundays at 10am.

--

 

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

www.wbgronline.com

Only trust Him

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.  Isaiah 12:2-3

Total trust in the Lord is available to every disciple of Jesus. It means you give up total control, and the Lord’s assurance replaces your fear and worry with peace and faith. You cannot figure it all out but you do have the capacity to trust Him totally. It is a trust issue, and if He is who He claims to be, He can be trusted. If you can trust Him with the salvation of your soul, you can trust Him with the temporal control of your life.

If you can trust Him with the big things, you can trust Him with the small things. If He led you to the right spouse, He will give you the opportunities to provide. If He led you to a new career, He will give you the wisdom, finances, and relationships to be successful. If He led you to be a missionary, He will build bridges across the cultural barriers to allow you to engage with the people. If He led you to have children, He will provide for the needed resources to be successful parents.
   
Wherever God leads He provides. What God initiates He completes. His part is provision and your part is trust. Don’t fall into the trap of trusting Him with some things and not trusting Him in ALL things. Distrust in God is distasteful and insulting to His integrity, the good thing is it reveals where our faith must grow. How can God not be big enough to handle any situation? Health, war, teenagers, money, conflict, prosperity, relationships, and people can all be placed into His hands. God can be trusted because He is trustworthy. The well of His salvation is infinitely deep. You have limited capacity to bear burdens. However, His character and resources are unlimited. Without the support of a sympathetic Jesus, you will be immobilized even crushed, under the weight of worry. Jesus understands and is saddened when  you do not yoke up with His support.
   
There is no need to root around and search for answers when He already has it figured out. There is no need to sacrifice your health with worry and overwork when He offers peace and options you have yet to discover. There is no need to rush through life and then ask Him to bless your efforts after the fact. He can be trusted to lead you even before you put a prayerful plan into motion. Trust in God does not mean you act irresponsibly and seek forgiveness later. Trust in God means you patiently walk with Him in your decisions and choices. Slow down, look up, trust Him, and watch Him reap extraordinary results. Partial trust leads to frustration and worry.

Make today a day of impact for the Kingdom.  If your in the McLean Va. area I would love to worship with you Saturdays at 6:30pm or Sundays at 10am at First Baptist Chesterbrook we are located at 1740 Kirby Rd. in Mclean Va.
--

 

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

www.wbgronline.com

Productive conflict

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. Romans 12:17, ESV

The silent treatment contributes to a slow relational death. Some people who are hurt by insensitivity or disinterest of others default to emotional disengagement. Sadly, their way of punishing someone they love is to withhold love, or they simply lack the skills to fight fair. Their choice to stew in isolation can cook up bitterness in their own heart and feelings of rejection in others.  At their emotional boiling point people tend to accuse and demand. Destructive conflict doesn't fight fair. 

However, productive conflict uses disagreements to engage each other’s hearts. Love is patient to truly understand another's perspective. What may be a misunderstanding is managed with questions and a spirit of seeking to comprehend not complain. Instead of attacking, there is vulnerability with our feelings. For example, we might say, “I want to help, but right now I don’t know how.” During productive conflict we can hit the pause button, take a deep breath and perhaps pray out loud for one another. Prayerful words replace silent pouting.

Furthermore, as we grow in grace we grow to honor individuals as the Lord does. Instead of being disrespectful with our distant demeanor, we communicate respect with our caring eye contact. We embrace another’s differences as an opportunity to learn and improve our thinking. We are quick to confess our quirks, even laugh at our weaknesses, as our Lord reminds us to take Him but not ourselves too seriously. Productive conflict develops our dependence on God and on each other. It's like using spiritual sandpaper to smooth our rough edges.

Therefore, fight fair and remember the devil is the enemy not the person. Spiritual battles are won on our knees. The accuser,Satan, is silenced when we surrender to the Lord’s relational terms of engagement. Selfishness is exiled when we submit our expectations to God. Timely, sincere apologies with forgiveness replace agonizingly long periods of silence or withheld intimacy. Relational skills are needed to manage conflict well. Listen well, think the best and create a safe environment for difficult conversations. Productive conflict increases trust, friendship and intimacy.

In the McLean Va. area I would love to worship with you at either of our worship gatherings Saturdays at 6:30pm or Sundays at 10am, and remember to 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

www.wbgronline.com

Good guardrails

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Proverbs 4:6

Guardrails are for our protection. In driving they protect us from fatal accidents. In decision making they protect us from foolish choices. In relationships they protect us from destructive behavior. In finances they protect us from living beyond our means. In organizations they protect us from drifting. Guardrails are God's protection from missing His very best. Wisdom erects them in a safe zone, way before a dangerous drop off. A life with guardrails enjoys God’s peace.

A guardrail in life is not meant to squelch our creativity, instead it provides boundaries that enhance our freedoms. For example, a parent gives a teenager moral, emotional and physical guidelines so they are protected from future regrets. Emotionally energized individuals make time to replenish their souls after a season of intense service and support. The physically fit place limitations on food and drink so their intake is somewhat equal to the calories burned off by their body. A guardrail protects us from ourselves. Good intentions without limits can be unhealthy.

What area of our life is exposed, without a buffer? A loving church family can support you when life happens and circumstances become uncertain. An intimate and caring accountability group can keep you honest in your assessment of reality. Perhaps you engage a financial planner to help you prepare for the future. A mentor couple can affirm what you are doing well in marriage and advise where to make a course correction. When we bump up against a guardrail it is not pain free, but hopefully it protects us from more severe outcomes.

Most of all ask the Lord to place His hedge of protection around your life. His angels are an army for good that reveals a demon’s deceptions. What is unseen can be even more disastrous than what we see, but the Holy Spirit is our guide and protector against unseemly powers and principalities. Prayer provides God’s peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. His truth is like a mighty fortress against the fiery darts of the devil. God’s wisdom protects us it is a good guardrail.

Make today a day of impact for the Kingdom.  In the Mclean Va area come worship with me Saturdays at 6:30 or Sundays at 10.

--

 

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

www.wbgronline.com

Alive and well

Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light. John 12:35-36

We become fully alive when we live for the Lord. We walk with Him in the light and He lights our path of progress in the faith. If we trod on the dark road of distrust we become short sighted and stale in our faith, but in the light of Christ we come alive and well. We come alive to advance God’s kingdom. We come alive to His will and ways. We come alive to prayer, worship, praise, and service. We come alive to generosity and godly goal-setting. We come alive as we walk by faith with the Lord.

We die a slow death of self focus if all we do is indulge ourselves. If our interests, our habits, our desires and our happiness are our sole purpose for living, we hold a recipe for unhappiness. The soul, our real self, starves if all our attention is on feeding our flesh. The darkness of fleshly desires grows spiritual mold spores over our disciplines and suffocates them. Our mind becomes mildewed by dark thoughts that drive us to despair. Darkness brings death, but the light of Christ gives life.

However, we become alive and well when we live as God made us to live.  Are you alive in your current season of life? If you are a child, become alive as an inquisitive child. If you are a teen, become alive as a teenager with big dreams. If you are a college student, become alive in your career preparation. If you are a single adult, become alive as a faithful friend. If you are a young married, become alive for your spouse. If you are a parent, become alive for your child. If you are a grandparent, become alive for your family. Live life in the now. Don’t be like the fifty-year old who stops living, even though their best years lie ahead.

Most of all, become alive for Christ. Be loved by Him, love Him, worship Him, listen to Him, learn from Him, obey Him and serve Him. As sunlight produces life giving vitamin D for our bodies, so the light of the Lord gives vitamin L or Love to our souls. Being loved by our Lord makes us alive. The rays of His righteous love keep our faith from becoming brittle and our hearts from becoming hard. We reject a mindset that settles for coasting through life and receive our full life in Christ. Spiritual blood pulsates through a soul alive.

Make today a day of impact for the Kingdom.  In the McLean va. area come and worship with me Saturdays at 6:30pm or Sundays at 10am.
--

 

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

www.wbgronline.com

With God it is always better

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. Acts 3:6

Sometimes what we think we need and what God knows we need are two different things. A man unable to walk since birth asked Peter and John for money. Instead of receiving a quick fix of cash, he received a permanent cure. Through his faith in Jesus, his body and soul were healed. On their way to pray, these two compassionate disciples took time to pray with and for a needy man. Money is no substitute for the Spirit and souls wholeness from our physical and spiritual surrender to God. Yes, trust in Jesus provides something better than a felt need overwhelming our thoughts.

Perhaps you feel the need for a new friendship, but the Lord wants  to bring you closer to a past relationship first. You may feel the need to move on from your current job, but out of respect and gratitude you want to finish well before you leave. You may not feel well physically, but your heavenly Father also wants to do a work of soul healing: confession, repentance, forgiveness, grace and obedience. The Lord in His timing has something better for you to receive by faith.

Moreover, most of the time it is easier to write a check than to look someone in the eyes and tell them their greatest need is not cash, but faith in Christ. Who is the Holy Spirit leading you to have a direct conversation with regarding their sick soul? They need your prayers, but they also need to be reminded of God’s spiritual healing that comes through trust in Jesus Christ. He is what’s best and always provides what is better than we could ever ask, or think, or know.

Therefore, we make preparations to love people as we encounter them in our daily lives. In our car we may keep zip lock bags of water, snacks, a gift card and scripture to offer in Jesus' name to a roadside beggar. Or, we have on hand dozens of devotional books we can pen on the front page encouraging words and hand to souls seeking peace with God. We offer solutions to needy souls.

Most of all, we wait on the Lord as we process His purposes in prayer. Instead of desiring more stuff, we desire more of Jesus. In place of giving ourselves to more earthly pursuits, we pursue what’s on the Lord’s heart. By God’s grace let’s not settle for the stale crumbs of our culture. Let’s look into the face of Jesus and feast on His fresh loaf of love. His healing power is much better than silver and gold. In the name of Jesus, we stand up and walk by faith with Him.

Make today a day of impact for the Kingdom.  If you are in the McLean Va. area I extend invitation for you to worship Saturdays at 630pm or Sundays at 10am.
--

 

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

www.wbgronline.com

Trust in transition

“‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus." Matthew 14:28–29

Sometimes Jesus sends us ahead in our boat of faith while He prays for us from a distance. We feel alone at times because He is not physically beside us to provide reassurance that we are on the right course. Then when global uncertainty or storms of sickness strike our core belief,  we become fearful. In our crisis of faith, we can get out of our boat of fear and walk on the water toward Jesus or sink in unbelief.

Where does the Lord have you? Are you waiting to launch out in faith? Are you in the middle of a storm anticipating His reassurance any minute? Or has He asked you to get out of the boat for a major faith-stretching goal? Wherever you are in your continuum of faith in Christ, trust Him in the transition. If you are on the shore, get in the boat of belief. If you are in the middle of one of life'sfearful storms, look for Christ coming toward you. If He is asking you to get out of the boat and walk on water, trust Him.

What seems unnatural or impossible to you may be reasonable to Him. It is not a blind leap of faith, for you are fixing your eyes on Jesus. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Do not look to the left at the storm, to the right at the still shore, or down at the uncertain water. Look straight ahead into the confident eyes of Christ. Watch Him as you walk on water in faith.

We walk on water not to be seen but to see Him. There is a depth of trust and love for the Lord that only comes from walking toward Him. Like a child learning to walk looks toward  the outstretched arms of his loving parent, so we wobble toward our smiling Savior. Go with God and experience great gain, or stay where you are and suffer great loss. Move out of your comfort zone so Christ can be your sole comfort. Stay in the boat and see your limited work. Walk on water watching His unlimited work.

Make today a day of Impact for the Kingdom.  In the McLean Virginia? come worship with me Saturdays at 6:30pm or Sundays at 10am.
--

 

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

www.wbgronline.com

Maintaining yourself: Rest

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. Mark 6:30-32

Wise leaders lead their team (and/or family) into a time of rest. They find a quiet place and rest together. Rest is required after extreme busyness because your spirit begins to rebel against the hustle and bustle. The joy you found in service for God starts to fade, and people become a drain rather than a blessing. It is time to break away to a solitary place, for you cannot continue at a breakneck pace. It is unrealistic, bordering on contempt for God.

Even Jesus took a break. If you continually push yourself and others, you will eventually lose all energy and perspective. A driven heart becomes a judgmental heart. You begin to look down on people for not pulling their weight. Jaded criticism replaces your joy. You feel you’re the only one who is really committed. Your peers have become slackers in your mind. Be careful; you may be serving out of your own strength, not the Spirit’s. It is the Holy Spirit that sustains you over the long haul. Wise leaders understand the danger of an unsustainable schedule: You begin to sacrifice relationships in order to reach unrealistic goals.
   
God provides goals as a guide and motivation, but do not be driven by the goal. Rather, be led by the Holy Spirit so the goal does not become your god. Unchecked goal-setting can lead you down a path of disappointment and disillusionment. So take time to develop the team, and watch God work through them, way beyond your capacity. Some of your team development, however, comes in quiet places. Find a quiet spot, and calendar a time today for you and your team. They desperately need this enrichment, both personally and professionally. Without a retreat, they will be unable to advance.

Some on your team may be on the verge of burnout or they may be ready to quit in discouragement. Solitary places allow you and your team to recalibrate with the vision, values, and mission of the organization. Quiet times together build camaraderie and trust. A retreat is an investment; by taking time to pause, you are able to continue with more effectiveness and efficiency. A quiet place is where you can get on the same page with God, as your soul is refreshed and replenished. The wise words of Scripture leap from the pages and lodge in the crevices of your heart and mind.
   
A retreat into a place of solitude is an exercise in faith. You trust that routine matters will be taken care of in your absence.  You believe the financial investment will return exponentially in lower employee turnover and increased productivity. A quiet place is the ideal setting for relational vigor to erupt. Smooth relationships go a long way toward avoiding future issues and solving current problems. So retreat regularly for your sake and sanity; retreat for the morale of the team. You hear more clearly when it is quiet. Your comprehension expands. Your body rests and your soul is renewed. A solitary place provides strength and stamina to finish well.
Sometimes, the most spiritual thing you can do is rest in a quiet place.

Make today a day of Impact for the Kingdom.  In the McLean Va. area come worship with me at First Baptist Chesterbrook Saturdays at 6:30pm or Sundays at 10am.
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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

www.wbgronline.com

Dry place blessings

He [Moses] led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Exodus 3:1-2

Moses murdered a man and then fled to the wilderness rather than be killed by Pharaoh. His self imposed exile from Egypt led to a surreal encounter with God. It was also in this foreign land that in defense of seven defenseless women he was blessed with a wife. Jethro, the respected priest of Midan, rewarded Moses’ courage with his daughter and with a job. Moses, free from his troubles back home, enjoyed a fresh start. God blessed his 40-year wilderness experience.

We all mess up in life. Our bad choices or another’s bad choices can create unintended negative consequences. Like Moses, our anger can cause us to carry out hurtful, even life-threatening actions. Anger left unchecked can become a cruel master. We spew destructive words; like daggers they kill a friend or family member’s joy. Anger is such a serious offense, Jesus compares it to murder (Matthew 5:21-22). So, we may find ourselves in a relational or spiritual wilderness looking for the Lord. He blesses if we let our pride be chipped away by our troubles.

Has a relationship imploded? Are you confused,afraid of a radical change? Do you feel isolated and alone? If so, look for the Lord’s favor in your unfavorable circumstances. Be a humble student who better understands your strengths and weakness. Be aggressive in your service of others and God will bless your unselfish heart. You create value when you value others. Ask what issues a friend needs to solve and offer them creative ideas and solutions. You are blessed in the process of blessing another. The Lord favors those who serve the at risk, at their own risk.

Most of all, navigating unfamiliar circumstances is a prime opportunity to become more familiar with our Lord. He wants to bless us in spite of our insecurities over new surroundings. We seek to experience God during our wilderness experience. As our faith is tested, we persevere. As we persevere our trust in the Lord matures and we become complete in Christ. We don’t lack anything because we have everything we need in Him. Our wilderness is His blessing.

Make today a day of Impact for the Kingdom.  In the McLean area come worship with me Saturdays at 6:30pm or Sundays at 10am.  This Sunday Min. Constance Cheeks of Shiloh Baptist Church will be our guest preacher.

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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

Beautiful mind

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3

A beautiful mind believes God, for there is fidelity of faith that flows from a mind focused on the Lord. It is steadfast on its Savior because it trusts in Him. An ugly mind is contrary, conflicted, and unsure. Its focus fluctuates between fear and faith. In an ugly mind, there is a battle that fatigues faithfulness to the point of giving up. The mind’s eye can become trapped in the temporal and lose its willingness to trust God. This is tragic and terrifying for those whose minds become numbed to the things of God. Depart from this double-mindedness as we are admonished in James 1 verse 8 or you will lose heart and fracture your faith.
   
The mind is a beautiful thing if it is focused properly, but it can be disturbing and destructive when it loses perspective. The mind can play tricks on you because Satan plays mind games. He tries to draw you in with his allure, but his thoughts lead to faithless and substandard living. Therefore, build up your intellectual stamina and trust in God so you can reject Satan’s lies. Reject his temptation to remain restless, for you can rest in peace because the Prince of Peace reigns over your life. Reject Satan’s leading into lust because you are loved by the everlasting love of God.

Good thoughts facilitate faith, and God thoughts bring about a beautiful mind of peace, and clarity. A mind needs to be stretched, as a heart needs to be exercised. An unused mind is a waste; it atrophies and becomes ugly. It is a waste of time to have an unengaged mind. Mindless activity will get you into trouble. Therefore, think. Be a thinker, not just a doer. Engage your mind with large thoughts about the Lord and His will, and how you might join Him in it. Reflect on His righteousness and His glory. Get beyond trivial thoughts to thoughts that trust in God. The quality of your life follows the quality of your thoughts as well as the word you speak, as it isn't what goes into a man that defiles him, but what comes out of him, which is a result of what goes on in our mind.  The word of God (Bible) provides fertile soil for great thinking. Great thinkers help you develop disciplined thinking.

Make it a goal to read, dialogue, and debate with wise thinkers. This will help you think well. A mature mind is a beautiful thing to behold. A messy mind never matures beyond just getting by. Therefore, discipline and stretch your mind. Most importantly, keep trust in the Lord. Trust in God is your catalyst for wise thinking. Legalism leads to non-thinking and little faith. Without trust in the Lord, your mind becomes fertile ground for deception. Therefore, allow trust to become the scope in which your mind’s eye gazes, and it will see perfect peace. The filter of faith massages your mind with God’s fingers of love, joy, and hope. The mind of Christ is worth a lifetime of study; it beautifies your thinking. A beautiful mind trusts and rests in the Lord.

Make today a day of Impact for the Kingdom.  In the McLean Va. area come worship with me at First Baptist Chesterbrook Saturdays at 6:30pm or Sundays at 10am.
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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

www.wbgronline.com