No Change

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Change can be exhausting or it can be exhilarating. It can blow in my face like a strong nor'easter  giving me a feeling of strong resistance or be a positive force  pushing me forward with accelerated momentum. In my mind, I like the good change of work progress and travel adventure, but I avoid the bad change of relational conflict and painful health ailments. I am attracted to change I can control, but I am reluctant to embrace change out of my control. 

Thankfully our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is unchanging. His righteousness is reliable. Christ’s character is consistent. Our Savior is a solid rock to protect us under its cleft or  break us on its cornerstone. Like a loyal lighthouse beckons from the seashore seeking ships lost in a storm or anxious over night time navigation, our Lord is always available to light our path. Jesus shines the brightest during our darkest days. His unchanging ways give us peace along the way of our ever changing circumstances. Jesus is dependable when others become undependable.

Has pending change paralyzed your initiative with fear or  captured your imagination? Look outside the comfortable box of status quo and imagine the possibilities of your creative God. Perhaps bad habits need to be replaced with good ones or maybe a good routine can be upgraded to a better one. For example, if you watch too much TV move the screen out of the living room and have live conversations with real people or quietly read together. Limit social media so you can be social with people in person. Use change for the better to become better.

Most of all be a student of our unchanging Lord. We all handle change well when we trust Christ to be our change agent. The Lord controls the outcomes. Our role is to remain faithful and calm as we face a scary situation for the first time. Wisdom does not dramatically react to the worse case scenario of what might happen, rather it prayerfully waits on God’s will to unfold into reality. We can be hopeful for the best and know Jesus walks with us through the worst. We serve an unchanging God, Who gives us unchanging truth in our ever-changing world.

Make today a day of impact for the Kingdom.  Also you can listen to my preaching ministry at www.fbcc-va.org

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Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ

Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

So detailed

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.  Luke 12:6-7

Attention to detail communicates care. When we show intimate interest in something or someone, we value them. This is the nature of God. No concern is missed by His interest. Every bird is known by God: each cardinal, sparrow, black bird, vulture, robin, eagle, condor, blue bird, hummingbird, wren, dove and quail is cared for by God.

Yet the value of a bird compared to the value of a person is really incomparable. It is like comparing the value of a glass sliver to a radiant diamond. It is the cost of a bicycle in contrast to a Bentley. It is like setting a bird’s nest and a mansion side by side. It is laughable to surmise any kind of similarity in value. Yet God values you like the jewelry, the automobile and the home. Your worth far outweighs all of that which He has created.

You are the pinnacle in the portfolio of Christ’s creation. You are His most valued asset, He knows and understands the details of your life. You may be right in the middle of a maze of uncertainty. Life could not be more confusing. Your marriage is in chaos. Your career has hit a dead-end. Your finances are at a new low. Your motivation to move forward is like wading in molasses in the winter season. Life may not be fun right now.

However, the one with an eye on the sparrow has His heart on you. His care is beyond your comprehension. He is relentless and reassuring in His compassion. Let Him into the details and needs of your life, He already knows and He has your best interest in mind. The Lord knows what’s best for you. No need to fear, God is near. He is as near as a prayer. His attention to detail invites you to trust and lean into His great love.

Since Jesus values details, shouldn’t we? Of course, thoughtful and responsible people care about details because they represent what’s important to you or someone else. But details are not always easy to keep up with. They can become cumbersome and cranky. This is why you surround yourself with people passionate about areas you are not.

It may be time to trust others with the critical details screaming for your attention. They will probably do a better job than you in managing them anyway. You are still accountable for the details, but give a trusted advisor the responsibility.  You cannot cover all the details well,  but with a gifted few friends you will go far.

Be aware of the overall details and give close attention to the ones only you can manage. Otherwise, you will be average at best in your execution. Most of all trust God and others with the shepherding of details. However as you trust, provide friendly follow up. Do for others what God does for you. He gives attention to the details of your life, no need to fear and worry for you are God’s most valued creation in all the world. He cares for you.

Make today a day of impact for the Kingdom.
--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ

Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

God's favor

Blessed is the man who listens to wisdom, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. Proverbs 8:34-35

God’s favor is the fruit of friends who find wisdom. They seek wisdom by first watching at the doors of heaven and waiting patiently at the feet of Jesus. It is humbling to think that each day God is available to commission our cause for Christ. The wisdom of Jesus is what we pursue, because His is pure, profound, and the best.

Like Abel, the Lord looks for the best offering for blessing. Therefore, honor God by offering Him the first fruits of your day. Just as He deserves “first” on your time, talent, and treasure, so He expects the beginning of your day. Get up and go to God first. There you discover a wealth of wisdom, and under the shadow of Jesus you receive His favor.

Happiness happens to those who wait for wisdom. His blessing cannot be rushed, so rest in Him. The favor of God is absolutely worth the wait; like the arrival of a newborn, the joy is unspeakable. How many times have we rushed ahead outside the canopy of Christ’s blessing? The Israelites learned to stay under the cloud of God and be lead by faith.

Indeed, there is no spiritual oxygen to sustain those in an “out of favor” environment. It is lifeless and lonely. However, for those on whom their heavenly Father’s favor rests, there is rest. His blessing provides strength for the journey, and perseverance to stay on the trail of trust. Jesus experienced the favor of His Heavenly Father when He submitted to public baptism (His confession of faith) and His commitment to public service (His commission to ministry).

What issue of obedience do you need wisdom in, so to continually experience the favor of the Lord? Your life is alive and vibrant because the Lord favors you. You are a favorite of the Lord, because you are learning to wait on Him and to humbly walk with the wise.

Make today a day of Impact for the Kingdom
--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ

Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Finacial stewardship

We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. 2 Corinthians 8:20-21

Financial stewardship is first and foremost in the eyes of an organization with integrity. This especially applies to gifts made in the name of the Lord to a church or ministry. For those who name the name of Christ there is a high standard of fiduciary responsibility in handling cash. The best reputations in wise financial management belong not to cavalier money managers, but conscientious ones.

What checks and balances does your church have in place to protect you from fraud? Do the ministries you support have an audit by an outside firm to assure impartial oversight? These are basic bottom line best practices that protect everyone involved. Naïve trust without accountability, as it relates to money, can lead to mismanagement of funds.

Wise money management doesn’t do just enough to get by, but it goes the extra mile to avoid any criticism in the misappropriation of funds. There is a solemn commitment to steward well the Lord’s resources. Churches and ministries that highly value stewardship, go to great pains to put leaders of integrity in place, who manage money with integrity and full disclosure when necessary.

How are your personal finances? Has God blessed you materially and with money? Do you represent Him well, as His money manager? Is there a financial professional full of character that looks over your shoulder, as an accountable second set of eyes? Secretive financial practices invite suspicion, while full financial disclosure promotes integrity and trust.

If you are a married couple, financial ignorance is not an option. One spouse may manage the finances, but the other one needs to understand their financial status and they both need to hold each other accountable. Most families and organizations do not complain of too much financial accountability, but many get in trouble where it’s lacking.

Therefore, whether at work, home or church implement financial processes and policies that provide ongoing accountability. God blesses with more those who manage well a little. It’s passing the small tests in financial accountability that affords you larger opportunities. Honor the Lord and man by taking pains to be financially accountable in your financial stewardship.

Make today a day of impact for the Kingdom

--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ

Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Humble leadership

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9

Jesus modeled humble leadership. There were no airs, pretension was absent from His personality. Christ could be gentle and aggressive at the same time. He led, but He led with sensitivity and prayerful obedience to His Heavenly Father. A humble leader refrains from public pomp and defers to a modest manner. Humble led is humble bred.

A humble leader does not get too far ahead of his followers. Indeed, he takes the time to get them up to speed. He makes sure there is understanding of the overall goals of the organization, business, or ministry. He provides the teaching, training, and coaching necessary for the team to serve with excellence. He or she sets a high standard of character with their own example, but they are patient to work with people at all levels of maturity.

A humble leader is not afraid to make the hard calls when necessary. He will not tolerate pride of leadership. He loathes leaders who blame others for not meeting objectives. Prideful leaders are demoralizing rather than inspiring. They sap the energy of the team instead of energizing the team. Their own demons of insecurity creep into the work culture like an infected sore. They are unhealthy and contagious. Pride led is pride bred.

A humble leader provides loving accountability. He inspects what he expects. This accountability results in encouragement and progress. Humble leadership cares enough to take the time and make sure the team understands. He or she avoids irresponsible assumptions that create false expectations and unrealistic goals that only frustrate. Indeed, wise leadership starts with humility that leads to service.

Humble leaders use their position as a platform for service. The team is not there to serve the leader—there is a much bigger motivation. The larger priority is the mission and vision of the organization. For the follower of Christ the ultimate motivation is “to work as unto the Lord” Colossians 3:23. This one compelling desire will fuel the fires of excellence. So, the humble leader looks for opportunities to serve the needs of his team.

Perhaps, you make a phone call on behalf of a team member or take them to lunch and listen to their heart. It may be a bonus or a day off for a job well done. These are acts of service that are other-centered and unexpected. Humble leaders will not be out served. So, by God’s grace stay humble and serve the team for His glory. They will follow you wherever He leads. Indeed, humble leaders look to serve, humble led is humble bred.

Make today a day of impact for the Kingdom
--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ

Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

The benefit of waiting

But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31, NKJV

There is an inner passion and energy our Lord gives us when we wait on His best. He strengthens our faith with His faithfulness. He strengthens our resolve to do the right thing the right way. He strengthens our prayer life when we feel out of control and utterly dependent on His grace and mercy. He strengthens our relationships during the times we hit the pause button and learn to rest in His peace. He strengthens our calling to become the man or woman He has called us to be.

Waiting takes patience and grace, but the results of going to the next level of trust in the Lord can be life altering, and fulfilling. For example, a job transition can push our buttons of insecurity or embolden our anticipation of God’s next assignment. We may pass on a higher paying job for employment that allows us to build up relational equity and pay out spiritual dividends. A caring and collaborative work culture with an engaged mentor far exceeds just making more money.  We gain professional strength as we wait on a vocational platform that aligns with our mission, vision and values.

Are you exhausted by striving during a window of waiting in your life? Or have you found inner strength by leaning into the Lord in a time of outward uncertainty? The Holy Spirit is more interested in our soul work than the work of our hands. Our best creations come from God given ingenuity that flows from the work of the Spirit within our soul. Indeed innovative plans can come when circumstances come crashing down. During soul reflection, think outside the box of what’s been done and look for a new work of Christ. The Spirit strengthens an imaginative mind for God.

Therefore, ask the Spirit to strengthen your soul as you wait on what’s next. Allow God’s peace to guard your heart and mind so those who love you sense calm from the One who calms the storms. Your spiritual journey requires refreshment only your Savior Jesus can provide. As you run through life stop and wait at Christ’s water station. Gulp down His cool, quenching grace and He will energize your soul. As you walk through adversity, God’s love and comfort will keep you from fainting and awaken you to His hope. Wait on the Lord for His renewing strength and power.

Make today a day of impact for the Kingdom

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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.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Attitude of Gratitude

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

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

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

Make today a day of Impact for the Kingdom

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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.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Courage

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

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

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

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

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

Make today a day of Kingdom Impact.  .

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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

Poor riches

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

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

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

Make today a day of Impact for the Kingdom

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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

He that hath an ear

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

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

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

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

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

Make today a day of Impact for the Kingdom.

--

 

Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Worship with us Saturdays 6:30pm (come as you are), or Sundays at 10am.
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown

Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.firstbaptistchesterbrook.org

www.wbgronline.com

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.



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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.
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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

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


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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