Forgive quickly and forgive often

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seventy times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)

 

The offense of sin hurts. Sin wounds indiscriminately. It is no respecter of persons. Sin builds walls. It ravishes relationships and it separates. Sin is a sorry excuse for wrong behavior. Sin is deceptive, carnal and Christ-less. Sin is unfair, sad and sometimes sadistic.

 

Sin follows a process of desire, conception, birth, maturity and death. James describes its diabolical development in his epistle to the saints. “Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (James 1:15). So sin is not and should not be taken lightly. Certainly its infliction of pain cannot be ignored for long. It can kill relationships.

 

Nonetheless, when you are sinned against, you are to forgive. When someone’s sin assaults you, you are to forgive them. When someone’s sin berates your work, you are to forgive them. When someone’s sin violates your trust, you are to forgive them. When someone’s sin steals your joy, you are to forgive them.

 

When someone’s sin crushes your dreams, you are to forgive them. When someone’s sin steals from you, you are to forgive them. This level of forgiveness is counter-intuitive and counter-cultural, but it is the way of Christ and His disciples. Forgiveness is God’s game plan. You will lose if you don’t forgive. Unforgiveness is tortuous to the soul. It is unhealthy for the body and emotions. 

 

It doesn’t matter who is right or wrong. Forgiveness cuts through the varying degrees of guilt and erases the entire debt, as to forgive is to cancel a debt that is owed. True forgiveness comes from the heart of the one offended. It is not a flippant acknowledgement, but a sincere removal of anything that is owed. When the offended one forgives, he or she wipes out the expectation for an apology, a pay back or change. It is forgiveness clear and simple. Forgiveness is letting go of the hurt, anger and shame. When you forgive you are free. You are free from the shackles of sin. When you forgive you trust God to judge others in His time. His judgment is just. God can be trusted with the consequences of sin’s offense.

 

Lastly, you continue to forgive others because our heavenly Father continues to forgive you. Without Christ’s forgiveness we are all men and women most miserable. Jesus does not deal in forgiveness quotas. The forgiveness of the Cross was swift, full, final and forever. Unlock your relational restraints with the key of forgiveness. Set others free with forgiveness and you will be set free. There is freedom in Christ. Forgive fast, and forgive often.

Our prayer: Father thank you for your forgiveness.  As you have continually forgiven us, Father give us the strength and ability to forgive those who offend us, that our heart and soul might always be pure before you Amen.

--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"

www.toddbrown.inteletravel.com

www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Training that works

Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7b-8

 

Godly training is profitable now and for eternity. It does not mean you are some super spiritual person who cannot relate to others. Actually, godly means you have the character of Jesus working in and through you at optimum capacity. Thus, you understand and relate to people very effectively. It is not all about you, but about others and their needs. You encourage when there needs to be encouragement. You rebuke when you need to rebuke. You teach when there needs to be teaching. The godly know how to laugh, cry, pray, hope, work hard, and have faith in God. Godliness comes in all forms.

 

Every temperament we have can express godliness. If you are an extrovert, your godly expression may come in the form of humor or encouragement. Your ability to make people laugh is godly. Your passion to encourage and build up others is godly. Godliness is certainly expressed through your character. Your honesty is godly; your diligence is godly; your pure motive is godly; your generosity is godly; your compassion, boldness and leadership are godly. All of these behaviors that reflect the way Christ would behave are godly. Godliness is behaving as Jesus would behave. It is not a certain voice inflection or body language, because those can be pretentious/fake and ungodly. It is having a heart and mind that expresses itself as Christ would.

           

True godliness points others to God. It provides value for all things: body, mind, soul, and spirit. Godliness, however, does not happen accidentally. There is intentionality to godliness. Just as the body benefits from physical training, so the mind, soul, and spirit benefit from training in godliness. The most effective training comes with consistency and repetition. It is not a complicated process, but it is exercising faith. The muscles of faith expand and contract when engaged in everyday life. Training involves prayer instead of worry as  praying works on the heart. It is our spiritual cardio workout. Worry works like plaque and cholesterol clogging the flow of God’s faithfulness to you. He is always faithful, but you must receive his faithfulness by faith. Prayer facilities this and provides a free flow of faith. In addition, fasting keeps your focus on the Lord.

           

Training in godliness means the word of God becomes our spiritual diet. If we replace the word with the world we will settle for spiritual junk food rather than Jesus. Snubbing God’s word is like substituting chips for chicken or fish. This cheap imitation of spiritual nutrition eventually disables our godly maturity. Lastly, training in godliness requires service to others. We work out our faith in good deeds. We serve others for the glory of God. This is training in godliness. This has tremendous value now and forevermore. Therefore, train well and you will be transformed. Over time, when you look into the mirror of your soul you will see His glory in you. There are benefits to training in godliness, and this training always works for our good.

 

Our prayer:  Father thank you for your training us in godliness.  Help us to embrace your word, commit to prayer, and give ourselves to service daily that more and more we grow in godliness Amen. 

--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"

www.toddbrown.inteletravel.com

www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Faith over fear

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, Abba, Father. Romans 8:15

 

Fear is a cruel master. Like a bad dream, fear imagines scary situations that never take place. The fears in our mind can seem so real that we stress over, even obsess over them. Recently, I became fearful of a worse case scenario at work. It caused a loss of confidence as well as sleep. Finally, somewhat perturbed, I began to quietly reflect, remind, and remember how God is in control and because nothing takes Him by surprise there is no need for me to worry. In His script, His perfect love casts out all phobias. We are not slaves to fear, but disciples and servants to Jesus.  The love of God is much larger than life’s momentary anxieties. His love converts fear into faith.

 

The Holy Spirit reminds us of our position: we are a child of God. The Lord adopted us as His daughters and sons. The Spirit gives us life to live for Christ. In His power we are able to produce positive and lasting results. The Spirit allows us to put to death the deeds of the flesh (see Romans 6) that facilitate fear. As we yield to the Spirit, He uses us for His purposes. Similar to a gifted teacher, the Holy Spirit instructs us in truth to combat the lies we lived before Christ. He leads us as adopted children. Fear has no place for a child cared for by Jesus  (See Roman 8:14).

 

What do you fear? Confronting a co-worker? Confessing a hidden sin to your spouse or loved one? A new school? A new job? A new relationship? A new responsibility? A health issue or lack of finances? Whatever you fear, ask the Holy Spirit to lovingly convert your fears into faith. Trust, when you have done the right thing, it will be what’s right for everyone involved. Do not dread someone or something you have no control over, instead trust the Spirit to accomplish the appropriate outcome. Fear holds onto pseudo control. Faith hands over all control to the Lord and His sovereignty.

 

You are a child of God and no longer a slave to fear. You have been released from the fetters of trepidation and freed to trust Jesus. Your ball and chain of dread has been removed by the grace of God. Once you cowered in a corner of shame, but now you have come clean and placed your confidence in Christ. Your Lord’s perfect love has replaced your pesky fears. Fear acts like a malaria carrying mosquito, only to discover the blood of Christ in your spiritual veins. Fear wants you back in bondage, but God’s love sets you free. Cry Abba, Father and fear not.

Our prayer:  Father I recognize that at times I become fearful because of the trials and tribulations of life.  When these times comes instead of worrying Holy Spirit nudge me to spend time in prayer releasing all my care and burdens unto the Lord, as His yoke is easy and His burdens made light.  Amen.

--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"

www.toddbrown.inteletravel.com

www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Servant Leadership

And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42-45

 

Of all the things Jesus taught His disciples, the way of humility was one of the hardest for them to grasp. His disciples thought they were following a revolutionary: someone who would overthrow the Romans and help God’s chosen people regain their rightful place in the world. This is why these words from Jesus in Mark the 10th chapter immediately follow a request from James and John to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand when He conquers and begins His reign. What then is all this business about coming not to be served but to serve?

 

Though they couldn’t see it at the time, Jesus’ approach to leadership was in fact, deeply revolutionary.   When we look at Jesus, we see that true glory is only found through humility. That strength is found in weakness. Good Friday must precede Easter Sunday. This is the upside down nature of God’s kingdom, and the invitation of the gospel is for us to reframe our lives in light of this value system.

 

Jesus is fully aware of the radical nature of servant leadership. He knows it stands in direct opposition to the way people “make it” in this world. Yet He is also fully aware of the destruction that comes from inflated egos and leadership power plays. He knows that when we enter the rat race and fight our way up the corporate ladder, we will eventually find ourselves bitter, broken, frustrated, and burnt out.

Because Jesus loves us deeply, He says to His disciples, “It shall not be so among you” When He says this, Jesus redefines what it means to be a leader. In God’s kingdom, a leader doesn’t have to have the corner office. A leader isn’t someone with power over employees or an agenda to push. No, in God’s kingdom, a true leader is the person who has the courage to walk the way of humility. A servant leader sees their brokenness and weakness, not as a source of shame or embarrassment, but as a way to point beyond themselves to the one who came, and has graced them with His presence and power “not to be served but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many.”

 

Our prayer:  Lord help us to understand and walk in the fullness of servant leadership.  Let our first response be what can we do, as opposed to what can I get.  Help us through the power of Your Spirit to join You in the work of Your will, as a servant leader Amen.
--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"

www.toddbrown.inteletravel.com

www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Mentored to mentor

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1-3

 

God’s heart for mentoring is motivated by love: love for God and love for people to grow in grace and love for God. I have been blessed by multiple mentors over the years. Individuals loved me where I was, but loved me too much to allow me to remain where I was in my relationship with Christ.  Because these saints intentionally invested in me, I seek to prayerfully invest time, energy and money in others. I am an imperfect person helping other imperfect people grow in the perfect love of Christ. God has a heart for mentoring and it is displayed in the discipleship process that we see in Christ, as well as in the relationship of Paul and Timothy.

 

Paul affectionally refers to Timothy as his son in the faith. The older saw potential in the younger. Timothy’s humility made him teachable and a worthy candidate to grow stronger in grace. Paul challenged Timothy in the presence of others to select qualified men who would also teach other men. Like training a good soldier, effective mentoring requires discipline, sacrifice and suffering. Since life change necessitates life engagement, mentors do life with those who want a better life. Invest in reliable people, who will invest in reliable people.

 

If you wait to mentor until you feel perfectly qualified, you will never mentor. Those who influence the most feel the least qualified. They are vulnerable with their own struggles, sins and shortcomings. The younger can relate to the older who are real about their insecurities, fears and failures. Like Paul, you invite sincere seekers to join you in your journey with Christ. The great adventure of faith is not without tests and trials. But together, young and old, you persevere together. Start with one who wants to grow, then expand into a small community.

 

Our prayer:  Lord give us the discernment to see the potential in others, and the heart to take them under our wing and mentor them in the things of You and Your Kingdom that we might be active in making disciples amen.
--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"

www.toddbrown.inteletravel.com

www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Image awards

If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.  Philippians 3:4-7

 

What is image? It is the motivation to make sure we appear as we want others to think about us. The exterior of who we are becomes more important than the interior of who we are in Christ. We are concerned, consumed and in some cases obsessed over how we look, what we wear, what we drive, what school we attend, and where we work and live.

 

However, maintaining an image can be and is exhausting because it is never quite satisfied. Jobs have to be a little more prestigious, cars a little more luxurious, homes a little more opulent and status a little more admirable. The curse of portraying an image is subtle, because it can be confused with godly ambition, which is good. The difference is the first is about striving for self, while the latter is about dying to self. Godly ambition does its best and trusts the Lord.

 

Image control suffers from a sense of superiority, prompted by pride. Jesus describes a religious leader afflicted by his condescending attitude and lofty self-image, “The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, robbers, evildoers, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get” (See Luke 18:11-12). Humility lifts up Jesus, not self.

 

If we are not halted by humility we become like Narcissus peering into a prideful pool, loving an image that is a figment of our imagination. Instead, as Spirit-filled followers of Jesus, we see ourselves as precious but peculiar people who are pilgrims just passing through, not encumbered by the weights of worldly expectations, but on our way to heaven. As we journey for Jesus we want our simple life to point others to our Savior.

 

So, who is in control of your image? Have you surrendered your self-image to  Christ? Let go of the shallow sense of worth from the world and embrace your eternal value in the Lord. God has already defined you as holy and acceptable to Him in Christ Jesus, as you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

 

Our prayer:  Father by your Spirit continually remind us that we have been created in your image according to your likeness.  Let us find satisfaction and joy in becoming who you have created us and called us to be Amen. 

 

--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"

www.toddbrown.inteletravel.com

www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

The Lord's call

“Come follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.  Matthew 4:19–20

 

Disciples of Jesus are called by the Lord to minister in their homes and in the marketplace. However, Christ does call some of His followers to vocational ministry. It is a calling that comes to ordinary men and women who accomplish extraordinary results as the Spirit of God works in and through them. Whom does He call? Christ’s call comes to those who have a hungry heart for God.

 

Like Paul, you might have been suddenly hit by a revelation of Jesus as Lord, or perhaps you were like David, who gradually went from feeding sheep what was perishable to feeding God’s people the imperishable. Wherever Christ calls, His first command is to love God and people. A calling without love is like a car without gasoline and an engine. It may be attractive on the outside, but it is not going anywhere. Thus, love large where the Lord has called you.

 

Furthermore, He has called you to endure hardship. Disciples are not immune to conflict; in fact, your faith invites difficulty at times. So do not seek to shelter your life from adversity, but rather position yourself in obedience to Christ’s calling. It is out of our regular routine of serving Him that we will see what He has in store next.

 

Make sure you minister first to your household. Do not be like the cobbler who has no shoes for his family. Your creditability for Christ is seeing your faith lived out with those who know you the best. What does it profit a man if he saves the whole world and loses his family? A calling to family first frees you to evangelize and disciple with God’s favor. His calling aligns with His commands; so service for Him is seamless.

 

Above all, the Lord is looking for those already engaged in His Word, growing in their character, and active in sharing their faith. His calling comes to disciples who desire the Holy Spirit to conform them into the image of Christ. Our humble imitation of Jesus comes out of our intimate walk with Him. He calls those whom He can trust. So do not look for your calling. Look for Christ, and He will reveal His calling to you.

 

Our prayer:  Lord make your calling sure in us Amen. 

--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"

www.toddbrown.inteletravel.com

www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Respected leadership

Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.  1 Timothy 3:2–3

 

Respectability invites respect. You may say, “I cannot get any respect.” If so, on what do you base your expectations? Is it your charm, charisma, or ability to converse well? None of these mean you are respectable; in fact, they can repel respect and garner disrespect. Skills, gifts, and talent require character to garner admiration and the respect of others.

 

Respect is earned, not demanded. It is sustained by influence, not position. CEO's, preachers, teachers, counselors, managers, and parents are given respect for their position, but if they consistently underperform or lack integrity, respect is lost. It is not a right of the irresponsible but a privilege of the dependable. Respectable leaders get right results in the right way.

 

Respectable leaders also rise to the occasion and do the right things. They persevere and provide stability instead of panicking and creating chaos. They take responsibility by espousing the values and vision of the organization, not by gossiping and blaming others. There is a depth of character that runs deep within the souls of good respectable leaders.

 

Lastly, respectable leaders are well thought of when their track record is one of trustworthiness, honesty, and follow through. However, the goal is not for people to like you. They may not like you when you lovingly hold them accountable, but they will respect you. They may not like your discipline, but they will respect your consistency. They may not embrace your beliefs, but if expressed in humility they will respect you. Perhaps you ask, “Am I respectable?” If so, you can expect respect.

 

Our prayer:  Father continue to through the work of Your Spirit develop and build our character that our leadership may be reflective of the virtues you have instilled in us through Your word, and Your Spirit Amen. 

--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"

www.toddbrown.inteletravel.com

www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Come close

Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. Psalm 24:3-5

 

Sincere worshippers of God long to be close to Christ. Beloved this is our end game as a disciple. This is and should be the outcome we crave. Closeness to Christ that places us in proximity for Him to wipe away our tears, and continually establish our joy. It is closeness to Christ that reveals our sin and leads us to repentance. It is closeness to Christ that instills the best perspective for life. It is closeness to Christ that calms our heart and engages our mind. The holy hill of the Lord is ascended by steps of repentance. 

 

Closeness comes from cleanliness. We came from the dirt. We started out unclean. Dirt in our heart throws dust in our eyes. We struggle to see God when we have not cleansed our heart. The pure in heart see God. But the impure of heart are like blind bats fluttering around in futility. We are from the dirt in the valley and He is high atop His holy mountain. The snow capped mountain of God is pure and clean. We daily must ask the Holy Spirit to clean us so we can ascend.

 

So we approach the holy hill of the Lord with clean hands and a pure heart. It is an outward and inward purification that we pursue. Our behavior and our beliefs both need sanitizing. Closeness to Christ comes when we align both our actions and our attitudes. We would not expect a server to bring our meal with soiled hands. Nor are we to serve our Lord with the dirt of denial and doubt under our fingernails.

 

God trusts those whom He holds close. He trusts them because they are nearby to hear His instruction and obey His command. They are hungry for His heart and thirsty for His trust. Closeness continually communes. It is not like the adult child who only comes home when they need something. There is intentionality in intimacy. God blesses those who are close by. Stay cleansed and close to Christ.

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

--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"

www.toddbrown.inteletravel.com

www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

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.

--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"

www.toddbrown.inteletravel.com

www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

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

--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"

www.toddbrown.inteletravel.com

www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

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. 

--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"

www.toddbrown.inteletravel.com

www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

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.

--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"

www.toddbrown.inteletravel.com

www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

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.
--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"

www.toddbrown.inteletravel.com

www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

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. 

--

 

Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
and Independent Travel Agent "Travel by Todd"

www.toddbrown.inteletravel.com

www.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com