Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Image awards

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

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Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"
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Thursday, February 11, 2016

The Lord's call

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

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Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"
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Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Respected leadership

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

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Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"
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Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Come close

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

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


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Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"
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Monday, January 25, 2016

Wants and desire

And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way. Mark 10:51-52
 
Have you ever wanted something so badly that you were willing to rearrange your entire life in order to get it? Whether it’s a relationship, a dream job, or an athletic achievement, we all have things that we deeply desire and pursue. In fact, we can give ourselves so fully to these pursuits that we never stop and ask if they are, in fact, worthy of our investment of time, money, talent and emotion.
 
God deeply desires that we live full and meaningful lives (see John 10:10). And yet, so often our picture of “life to the fullest” fails to match up with God’s desire for us. We are bombarded daily with a tidal wave of competing promises of fulfillment and happiness. We’re told that happiness is found in sex, money, power, education, and social status. If we have all of these, then surely we’re living the good life. What else could we possibly want or desire?
 
If we buy into this picture of the good life, then fail to achieve all of these things, we believe that we are failures and we start telling ourselves lies: “If God truly loved me, he would have given me that job.” “If God knew just how deeply I wanted this relationship to work out, He never would have let them leave.” We must remember that the full and meaningful life is never found in our situations or circumstances. Our deepest desires are met when we seek to know and follow Jesus, not because of what He does for us, but simply because He loves us.
 
In Mark’s gospel, Bartimaeus asks Jesus to heal his blindness. This is a deep desire of his heart, yet he doesn’t simply view Jesus as a miraculous healer passing through town. He isn’t asking Jesus to swoop in and solve his problem so he can get on with living the good life. He knows that in Jesus the deepest desires of the human heart are met; in following Jesus every longing he’s ever had for identity and purpose is now met.
 
Jesus is inviting us today to explore the deepest desires of our heart. If you’ve sought to find answers in other places but have been left wanting, turn afresh to Jesus. Free yourself from empty promises of fulfillment and find your identity, purpose, and worth in following Jesus.

Our prayer:  Father thank you for your calling to be your disciple.  Along this walk at times our desires do not align with yours.  Father convict us through the power of your Spirit to trust your way above our own that we might experience the fullness of all you have promised us in following You and Your plan Amen.


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Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"
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Thursday, January 21, 2016

The gift looks good on you

I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. 1 Corinthians 7:7
 
Our Heavenly Father uniquely gifts all of His children for His glory. It may be the gift of service, encouragement, teaching, mercy or administration to name a few, but regardless of one’s role, all gifts are necessary in the Body of Christ. One may quietly serve as a intercessor behind the scenes, while another may boldly proclaim truth in front of the faithful by preaching the gospel. Yes, the Lord specially equips individuals for His good works. God’s gifting is His distinctive stamp of value on each one of us.
 
What do you do well? How can you discover your "sweet spot" of service for our Lord? One way is to develop the abilities that come naturally for you and engage in activities that energize you. The Spirit wires you in a way that brings both of you pleasure when you exercise your gift. For example, a generous giver finds great joy in giving and an evangelist is ecstatic when they share the gospel. An administrator is not content until everyone and everything is in its place.
 
You may be an analytical thinker who loves crunching numbers, managing data and interpreting trends from both. Your gift of linear deduction is critical for business, finance and engineering. Perhaps you are great with people. People love your company because they sense you know, understand and care for them. Thus, your ability to network, convene and lead others is valuable for accomplishing a big vision or executing a strategic initiative. Yes, steward well God’s gift.
 
Beloved, seek to marry your passion with your giftedness. For instance, if you love to see someone encouraged, use your gift of writing to convey God’s love to their hungry heart. If you love children, use your ability to nurture and train as a conduit for Christ’s truth. If you love sports, use your teaching gift to lead athletes in Bible study. If you love travel, use your aptitude for business to help entrepreneurs here and abroad. Be who God has uniquely gifted you to be.

Our prayer:  Lord make me aware of the unique gifts you have blessed me with and with the aid and direction of your Spirit show me how I am to use them for your glory and the continual advancement of your Kingdom.  Amen


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Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"
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Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Getting finished before you start

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Philippians 4:13, KJV
 
Have you ever had an idea that set your soul on fire? You were certain it was God calling you out to do something for Him and you were totally excited about it . You wrote down your idea, called your closest confidants, and announced it to all who would listen. But then a couple hours or days passed and the flame of enthusiasm you initially felt began to die, doused by the reality of what it would take: resources you didn’t have; courage you felt you lacked, and expertise you didn’t possess. So, because it looked impossible, you gave up before you started.
 
This common scenario reminds me of the book of Nehemiah in which Nehemiah describes how he rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem. His passion for this project was ignited when he asked one of his brothers, Hanani, about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile (See Nehemiah 1:3).  
 
Jerusalem was defenseless against her enemies. When Nehemiah heard this, he was deeply moved so he sat down and wept. For “some days” he mourned and fasted and prayed before God. Finally, his passion led him to petition God for favor in approaching the King to ask for help in rebuilding the wall. Sadly, many people never get past the passion stage where Nehemiah was during his “some days” of fasting, weeping, and praying for favor from the King. Sure, we may pray for days or weeks when an idea has set our souls on fire. But then we take inventory of what following our desire will require, and we decide we can’t do it because we don’t have what it takes.
 
We lack the skills, money, time, courage, influence, knowledge, expertise or college degree. We are too young, too old, over qualified, or under qualified. We’re married. We’re single. We’re divorced. We lack support from others, and the vision to know how it’s going to unfold. And so we shove down our passion, forgetting that if God is calling us, God will provide what we need. We ignore our ideas, disown our desires for fear of failure, fear of being criticized, or fear of not having enough. And before you know it, we have talked ourselves right out of our idea. In-between passion and action, we give up. We fill in the question marks and blanks of our future with deficits and determine that it would be best to stop wanting and dreaming and instead we should just stick with what’s safe—even if it will kill our hearts. We dry our tears, brush off deep emotions that could lead us to action, and decide that we won’t move forward because it’s just too risky. Don’t you think it’s tragic that we give up before we have taken even one step toward what could be God’s plan?
 
Our prayer:  Father increase our faith to trust you completely with the purpose and vision you have put in our hearts.  Strengthen us to see that with You all things are possible and to instead of looking at our obstacles look to you who makes us more than a conqueror.  Amen. 

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Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"
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Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Gratitude breeds contentment

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:12
 
Gratitude and contentment go together like turkey, gravy, and dressing. They feed each other, and are both fostered by faith. When I remember how God has so richly blessed me, I am overwhelmed by His generosity. For example, for my salvation through His son Jesus, I am forever grateful. For His gift of grace: I am grateful for its freedom. For His forgiveness: I am grateful for guilt-free living. For His love: I am grateful for the ability to love and be loved.
 
For His holiness: I am grateful His character can be trusted and is transformational. Stuff is secondary, while the blessings of faith, family, friends and health grow our contentment. We may not have what we want, or even deserve, but in Christ we have all that is necessary for a great life. So, be  grateful to God, and contentment will increase its influence.
 
Contentment is to rest in Christ, trusting He is in control. Circumstances, good or bad, are an opportunity for Him to show Himself faithful and strong. Once you go to God in gratitude, you can live life in contentment knowing Christ is in control. Contentment is not passive and uninformed, but rather engaged and educated. It is not anxious. It replaces worry with work, pity with prayer, pride with humility, and grumbling with gratitude.
 
Your peace and stability is the fruit of contentment, which grows out of the ground of gratitude. Seed this soil in prayer, and you will see abundance abound. You are able to accommodate in adversity, because the Lord has gone before you. You are able to bridle wants in prosperity, because gratitude to God and contentment in Christ govern your generosity. Thank God often, and trust Him to cultivate your contentment.
 
Our prayer:  Father create in me a grateful heart, that the peace of God might forever encompass me that I might find contentment in whatever state I may be in because you are with me always showing yourself faithful and strong.  Amen.

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Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"
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Thursday, January 7, 2016

Are you called?

You, O LORD, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name. Jeremiah 14:9
 
Do you think of yourself as called? In church circles we usually reserve this language for the pastors, teachers, missionaries, evangelists, apostles, and prophets amongst us. While we can and should respect these leaders, we must be careful not to create a special class of disciples, the "called ones." In fact, in God's family, each and every disciple is called (see Matthew 28:19-20). To understand this more fully, however, we need to ask ourselves the question, what or to what, are we called? Let's look at three answers to this question.
 
We are called sons and daughters according to 1 John 3:1. To be called a son or a daughter of God is to be given a new identity. Though we were once separated and isolated from God, he has now drawn near to us in Jesus and invited us to know him as our Father. In this great act of love, God speaks worth, value, and meaning over us. He calls us out of darkness and invites us to encounter the radiance of His glory, His marvelous and uncreated light.
 
We are called to Love according to Luke 10:27.  When we encounter the unspeakable joy of being called a child of God, we are invited to respond to God in loving gratitude. One primary way we do this is through the act of worship. We offer God our sincere gratitude and thanksgiving for the love He showed us and continues to freely give us. Yet, we also respond to His love by sharing it with the people God has placed in our lives. What does it mean to love your neighbor? In part, it is as simple as extending the dignity and worth you have received from God to everyone you encounter. In a world that often tells us "you are worthless," Christ invites us to tell others through word and action that "you are beloved by the King of kings and Lord of lords."
We are called to mission according to Isaiah 12:4.  If you are a disciple of Christ, you have been given a mission. As we've seen above, this mission is simple: love. When Isaiah invites us to proclaim the exalted name of the Lord, we are telling the world that the Lord is good and filled with great love for everyone he has created. You may not think of it this way, but you are living as a missionary every day that you choose to deny yourself and live for the sake of others. When you make yet another plate of mac & cheese for hungry little mouths, when you go out of your way to publicly affirm and build up a coworker, or when you give up vacation time to care for a sick loved one, you are participating in the mission of God in the world. God takes our small gifts of love and sacrifice, insignificant as they may seem, and uses them to advance His Kingdom in the world.
 
Our Prayer:  Father help us to see that all of us are called to be conduits of your love in the earth, and are called to be ambassadors of your Kingdom.  Amen.
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Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"
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Tuesday, January 5, 2016

God-sized goals

Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”  Luke 18:27
 
God-sized goals are meant to challenge our thinking and further our faith. These Spirit-given ideas/inspiration are crafted by our Lord to spur us on to good works and transformational living. God-sized goals make us uncomfortable at times. They are not guaranteed to happen, but they position us to pray more, believe and depend on God more.
 
It is through prayerful planning and implementation that gigantic goals move from mere possibility to a surer probability. Huge objectives are a hedge against mediocrity and a prod toward perfection. God-sized goals are given to govern our thinking and determine our time, so we are intentional and focused on His big picture. 
 
Best of all, God-sized goals get you to God. It is prayer and planning with significant progress that move you from the realm of possibility to the place of probability. In most cases, it is one person’s passion and focus that prove catalytic in the creation and execution of the goals. The leader looks failure in the eye and extinguishes it by faith, wisdom, and hard work, all wrapped around a skilled and unified team.
 
Christ-centered possibilities far outweigh man-centered probabilities. Perhaps you need to get away in solitude for several days, asking your Lord to sear your soul with His goals. Think outside the box of small belief in the Inbox of faith, for the Lord is unlimited in His abilities and resources. God-sized goals arrest your attention, adjust your attitude, and accelerate your actions.
 
So, prayerfully set great goals, and He will grow your character in the process, while influencing others for His glory. Trust Him to teach you the way, to show you with eyes of faith way beyond the bounds of your experience, for His plan will prevail.
 
Our prayer:  Dear Lord as we take time to spend with you daily through the power of your Spirit breath fresh vision, direction, and goals for this year, that we might be even more purposeful for you this year.  Amen. 

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Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"
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Thursday, December 31, 2015

Just one thing

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you. 1 Thessalonians 4:11
 
As we find ourselves on the eve of January 1st, we find ourselves in most cases filled with ambitions and dreams for the year ahead. During this time of year countless individuals set goals for themselves in hopes of improving and bettering their lives. Common resolutions include eating healthy, exercising more, getting out of debt, or taking up a new hobby.
 
If you’re anything like me, your ambition for these resolutions greatly exceeds what you’re actually able to accomplish, like the child who eyes get bigger than their stomach and have too much food on their plate and can't eat it all. we’ll set a dozen highly ambitious goals and faithfully pursue them for a few weeks, but by the time March rolls around we can barely remember what those goals even were, or like that child give up on what we put on the plate. 
 
As we look to the Scripture today, we’re confronted with a rather unusual resolution. We’re told to be ambitious, yet our ambition is to pursue a peaceful and quiet life. What a paradox.  On the one hand, we’re told to have great ambition, to strive and seek after the goal set before us. Yet unlike virtually all other resolutions, our ambition is directed towards a calm and gentle spirit that finds peace in the simple and the ordinary.
 
At the root of our ambition we often find discontent. We are unhappy with our lives, our health, or our jobs, so we seek new ways to expand our identities or enhance our lifestyle. Yet so often this striving fails to deliver what it promises, and instead of finding contentment and peace, we find ourselves stuck in a vicious cycle of unrest and anxiety.
 
This year, I challenge you to make one very simple yet profoundly radical resolution: be content to live a quiet life.
 
Look for ways to find peace and joy in who God has made you to be. Encounter His blessings in small and simple ways, finding satisfaction in His presence, purpose, and in time spent with those you love and are called to serve. Free yourself from the pressure to perform, to land your dream job, or to have a perfect body. Instead, take time this year to ambitiously pursue the peace and contentment that comes from leading a quiet and simple life with God and others.
Our Prayer:  Father help me to realize that being great is realized when I come to you as a child and find my dependence in what you have for me.  Allow the peace of God to be my covering throughout 2016 Amen.

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Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"
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Tuesday, December 22, 2015

All about we

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27
 
There is a much larger context to life than just living for oneself. A self-focused life is frustrated and unable to reach its full potential. Its demanding ways marginalizes wise counsel and only attracts insecure individuals. However, those who pray for what’s best for the whole, become whole. Everyone is honored in an environment where individual contributions are valued. “We not me” is the vocabulary of those who honor each other.
 
Every disciple of Christ is stronger when they are connected to other disciples of Christ. Isolation contributes to spiritual impotence, but community gives spiritual life and power. Encouragement and accountability are exalted in relationships that serve what’s best for the group. A leader who serves the team, sees other team members serve well. A man who serves his family, experiences a family that serves each other. “We overcomes me” with unselfish service.
 
Our spiritual birth engrafted us as a member of Christ’s body. We cannot detach an appendage of the Lord’s, any more than a member of our physical body can be disassociated from the other body parts. So, we pray for those around us who know Christ and we get to know each other. There is a joy of being known and knowing others who love Him. Life that is truly life is lived in the margins with those submitted to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
 
Are you motivated first by “He”, second by “we” and lastly by “me”? If so, you are set up for relational fulfillment. The sequence for successful thinking is Him, them and you. “Me” will try to squeeze in and monopolize relationships, cannibalize conversations and hijack heaven’s agenda. Thus, by God’s grace, put to death the “me monster” and replace it with love for the Lord and people. “We not me” is the motto of mature disciples.

Our Prayer:  Lord always allow me to see the big picture and that I am a part of a plan and purpose that is bigger than myself, and in need of those around me to help fulfill.  Let me appreciate all the unique parts of the body that you have assembled in the body of Christ Amen.


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Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"
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Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Don't let others opinions become your reality

When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Psalm 56:3-4
 
Have you ever feared doing something you know you should do because you where worried about the criticism? If so, be encouraged. Throughout Scripture, men and women alike who were called to act for God experienced criticism. When Moses led the children of Israel through the desert, he cried out to God because those who followed him blamed and criticized him (see Exodus 17:4). Paul was labeled as overzealous, unimpressive in person and insincere (see 2 Corinthians 10:10). Every one of the disciples was criticized  at some point, and were criticized to the moment of their deaths. Remember this: If we insist on being comfortable by avoiding the criticism of others, we won’t fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.  
 
In his book The Believer’s Armor, John MacArthur writes, “You have all the resources, power and principles to live the Christian life. . . Even though power is available to follow godly principles, the enemy wants to withstand any good thing that God sets out to do. He will attempt to thwart God’s divine purpose for your life.” The enemy of our soul likes to stop God’s children from fulfilling God’s purpose for their lives through the fear of criticism. But God wants to give you the courage to say no to the fear of criticism and yes to Him. 
 
Jesus is well acquainted with the battle we face with criticism. Can you imagine what His life would have been like if He had feared criticism and been self-protective? After being mocked by political groups, old and young men, and spiteful Pharisees, He would have determined who He would associate with and what He would say in His final hours on earth. And, rather than keeping His mouth shut when He was falsely accused, He would have defended Himself. When His enemies spit in His face, He would have retaliated. When they called Him names, He would have called down a legion of angels. When they marched Him to Golgotha, He would have run. And rather than laying down His life to give His all to those He loved, the redemption of the human race would have been lost in His misguided passion of self-protection and the fear of criticism.
 
If we allow the fear of criticism to rule us, we can miss out on being a gift to others because God’s plans for us aren’t just about us. They are about people God wants to influence and help through us. So, if we struggle with the fear of criticism and what others think, ask God to give you the courage to move forward in the face of criticism. And remember, you are living your life for the approval of just One.  
 
Our prayer:  Father God through the power of your Spirit continually assure us of who we are in you that we might serve, and live with confidence.  When criticism comes our way let us be reminded of how you handled it, and walk in the uniqueness of who you have called and ordained us to be as your children Amen. 

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Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"
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Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Working faithful

He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.  Proverbs 12:11
 
Routine work may not be sexy, but it is necessary. It is necessary to meet our needs and the needs of those who depend on us. The same work day in and day out can seem simple and even boring, but it is a test of our faithfulness. Will I continue to faithfully carry out uncomplicated responsibilities, even when my attention span is suffering? Is this God’s path to blessing?
 
The contrast to routine work is chasing after phantom deals that are figments of our imagination. Be careful not to be led astray by fantasies that lead nowhere. It is false faith to think a gimmick, or some conniving circumstance can replace hard work. Wisdom stops chasing after the next scheme and sticks instead to the certainty of available work. What does your spouse, or close friend/confidant say is the smart thing to do? Give them all the facts and listen.  
 
Furthermore, work is easily carried out when everything is going well, and there are no indicators of job loss, or an increase in responsibilities with less pay. However, it is during these uncertain times that disciples can step up and set the example. Your attitude of hope and hard work are a testimony of trust in the Lord.
 
Stay engaged in executing your tasks with excellence, and you will inspire others to their labor of love. Lastly, see work as your worship of the Lord. He is blessing your faithfulness to follow through with the smallest of details. Are you content to serve Christ in your current career?

Our prayer:  Father help me to be faithful to the daily duties of my job, and using my job as a platform to be a witness for you, and to give you glory through the work of my hands and mind Amen.
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Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
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Tuesday, December 8, 2015

God's exciting love letter

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” so that we can be equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16
 
In his book When I’m Longing for God, Dan Stuecher tells a touching story about the great composer Beethoven. The music man never married but was in love with a woman scholars have spent years trying to identify, a woman Beethoven called his “Immortal Beloved.” When he was forty-two years old, Beethoven penned a letter of affection to her. “Oh, why must one be separated from her who is so dear?” he wrote. “However much you love me, my love for you is even greater.”
  
After his death, the letter was found in a bureau belonging to Beethoven, undated and unaddressed. Some people have wondered if the woman ever knew how valuable she was to Beethoven because of this secret, undelivered note. Can you imagine being the recipient of such a love letter and never reading it?
   
A number of times over the years, I have heard people say God doesn’t speak to them through Scripture. One told me, “I just don’t hear His voice through the Bible. I hear from Him in other ways, like through signs.” When I hear something like this, my heart cries.  Beloved as the Word is His voice. It’s His love letter to us (See John 1) the greatest love letter ever written. But tragically, life (the Word of God) itself is sometimes left forgotten in a drawer. True love is denied and wisdom is ignored.
 
I do wonder where some people have gotten the idea God isn’t really speaking unless He speaks “supernaturally,” for example through a miracle, a vision, or a dream. Early in my own walk, I had a hard time believing God was with me unless I felt Him in some way. I thought I had to sense His presence to believe I had heard Him. When I read the Bible, I found myself sometimes bored. I even went through a time of feeling like there was nothing exciting in it.
 
As I continued to grow in mature in my relationship with the Lord I found that I was so wrong.  Now I look back and think, My Lord. Scripture is a never-ending well of refreshment and truth. God speaks through His Word, inviting us to find Him. And when we do, we may not always experience emotional fireworks, but our minds will be quietly and gradually transformed from glory to glory and faith to faith. God speaks in many ways, but the primary way He speaks is through His Word. It’s powerful. It’s life-changing. It’s refreshment for a thirsty soul.
 
Our Prayer: Father I pray that daily our thirst for you and your word grows, that we might daily experience and know the fullness of your love towards us Amen. 

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