Alive and well

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com

With God it is always better

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com

Trust in transition

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com

Maintaining yourself: Rest

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com

Dry place blessings

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

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

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

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

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

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

--

 

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

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

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

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

Beautiful mind

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

To know Christ

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:10-11

Knowing God is not for the causal Christian, but for the committed ones. This intimate relationship is forged on the anvil of adversity and expressed through the power of Christ’s resurrected life. Knowing God requires dying to self and coming alive in Christ. Resurrected living is the fruit of a faith that is not satisfied with surface Christianity.

To know God is to be loved by Him, to love Him and to love for Him. To know Him is to behold Him in the glory of His holiness, and to bow down in humble worship. To know Christ is to receive His comfort and to carry on a caring conversation with Him. It is going deep in knowledge and understanding of God, so we can carry His character and faith far and wide. Knowing God leads to making God known with our words and deeds.

Knowing God grows your character, as intimacy with Him influences you to be like Him. Christ's character begins to transform your character. His influence in your life broadens your influence in other lives. Indeed, your depth of character determines your breadth of influence. Grow in grace, so you can export grace throughout your circle of influence.

But, be careful not to compare your character standard to others, even other Christians. Comparison games are the enemy’s game plan to get you off the track of trust in Jesus. Pride will puncture your increasing influence, when you begin to take credit for what only the Lord can do. The more you know God, the less you see of yourself and the more you see of Him and others. You know Christ in His death, accompanied by a radical resurrection.

How do you grow to know Him better? It happens in the margins of life, not in a packed schedule with no room for interruptions. A frantic pace lacks grace. A hurried life is tired, unable to trust and give back. Start by slowing down and making a set time with Christ. Be with Him, so you can hear Him, get to know Him, and be changed by Him. Then the depth of your character will grow the breadth of your influence for His glory.

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

--

 

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

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com

Pursue wisdom

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt. James 1:5-6a

Pursuit. It is what we all experience. We pursue dreams, we pursue jobs, we pursue opportunities, we pursue a husband or a wife, we pursue hobbies, we pursue friends, we pursue adventure, we pursue good health, we pursue success, we pursue significance and we pursue happiness just to name a few of our pursuits. Indeed, what we pursue becomes the focus of what we do.

Pursuit is stated clearly as a priority in the United States Declaration of Independence: “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. Over the course of history, the human race as a whole would agree that the pursuit of good things is an inalienable right of individuals. Conversely, we can choose to chase after unhealthy pursuits like: greed, lust, power and pride. Wise pursuits facilitate good outcomes, while foolish pursuits produce bad results.

Our pursuits make up who we are, thus it’s important that we pursue the right things. If you were honest, would a pursuit of wisdom make the top ten list of your life pursuits? Ask God if wisdom is His priority for your pursuits. If wisdom is the knowledge of what’s right and the judgment to rightly act on that knowledge, then anyone is capable of learning and applying wisdom. Perhaps,based on the day of the month, you begin by daily reading a verse of scripture. God gives wisdom to believing following disciples.

Does the pursuit of wisdom motivate your actions? Is it a part of your portfolio of pursuits? If not, consider moving it up toward the top of your list. After all, wise-decision making affects all of your other pursuits. It could be argued that a life full of wisdom will lead to the most fulfilling life, but a life void of wisdom sets the stage for foolish living. What we pursue becomes the focus of what we do, so endeavor to seek God’s wisdom.

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

 

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

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com

Necessity of Accountability

The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. Proverbs 22:3

Accountability is a check and balance to assure us of the best decisions. It is a process of involving wise people in the decision-making process so all options are weighed and considered based on their probability of success. Accountability works best for individuals with an open heart, whose desire is what’s best for the whole.

For example, we may want to aggressively grow our enterprise, but wise counsel  recommends we expand with cash, not debt. Pride may want to charge ahead and dismiss sound advice, while humility is willing to listen and wait on God’s provision. Clarity comes to those who weigh all options and wisely choose the best.

What decision do you face that requires waiting, not moving ahead half prepared? Perhaps in the process of dating a special person, you both decide at the beginning of the relationship to wait a year before you begin talking about marriage. This guideline protects you from making a rash decision you may later regret. Ask another couple to hold you accountable, as you do better when others are watching.

Who is a trusted advisor/mentor in your life that can steer you with solid Godly counsel? Surround yourself with those who don’t directly benefit from what they recommend you do. They are objective, free from the temptation of private gain, based on your public behavior. Accountability is the Lord’s instrument to protect you from the penalty of prideful decision-making. Mistakes will be made, but accountability minimizes them.

Accountability is the Lord’s answer to us trying to figure out life alone. Do not waste time floundering around by yourself, moreover; avoid dangerous decisions by slowing down and discerning the right path for you. The Lord will lead you, if you listen to those who know you well and who want His very best for you. The greatest advantage of accountability is remaining in God’s will and not discrediting years of faithfulness. We do better when others are watching, so open up and let them see what God already knows.

Make today a day of Impact for the Kingdom, and come worship with me at First Baptist Chesterbrook on Saturdays at 6:30 or Sundays at 10am.
--

 

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

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com

Be thorough

The Israelites had done all the work just as the Lord had commanded Moses. Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them. Exodus 39:42–43

We live in an instant society. We want relationships, money, and our eating experiences in an instant. In the process of making everything instantaneous, we have lost something. We have lost an appreciation for thoroughness in our work and in our relationships. We take shortcuts to finish on time, sacrificing quality, just to end up with an inferior outcome. Or even worse, we misrepresent the facts or lie outright to reach a goal because of the pressure we feel to produce. Thoroughness requires attention, trust, and tenacity.

Whatever happened to thoroughness, the discipline to plan ahead, provide accountability, cover the details, create a beautiful result, and celebrate the success? Instead, we plow ahead without proper understanding and procedures. Everyone does what is right in his own eyes, and we miss the opportunity to learn and benefit from one another. Indeed, thoroughness begins with a good example from the leader. Like Moses, Nehemiah stayed focused on the work at hand.

Moses was a thorough leader. He listened patiently to God and then delivered in detail to the team what was expected and required to accomplish the project. He understood and applied wise management of people. He understood each of their individual gifts and skills. People who take pride in their work are the most thorough when they are competent in their area of responsibility and clear on expectations. They understand what is needed and when it is to be complete. Details and deadlines are friends of thoroughness.

Lastly, thoroughness is dependent on the needed resources and relationships to carry out the project. Do not be afraid to be resourceful. Seek out the people and information needed to carry out your job. Your thoroughness will speak volumes to your boss and to your peers. Your thorough and excellent work is the best testament to your trust in Christ. In the end you are blessed because of the quality product or service you created. God is glorified through thoroughness and the enduring influence of your work experience.

Make today a day of impact for the Kingdom.  Come worship with me Saturdays at 6:30pm or Sundays at 10am.

--

 

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

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com

Less is more

But the LORD said to Gideon, “There are still too many men.  Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there.  If I say, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go; but if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.”  Judges 7:4

Less of some things can mean opportunity to trust in God with more things. This is why the sifting by our Savior need not be discouraging. His goal is not to harm you, but to strip from you any dependence on yourself or others and to rely on Him. Financial limitations are an opportunity to watch Him provide in ways that give Him the glory in your life. Less money means you have the occasion to trust Him with His creative provision.  When some of your friends fall away, it hurts; but your best friend, Jesus, still remains. You can become involved in numerous relationships and miss engaging in intimacy with the Lord. Fewer true friends will lead to richer relationships and more time with God. If your life is driven by one new relationship after another, you will drown in shallow living. Having fewer earthly relationships means you have more time for your Heavenly One. Less is more.
   
Take the time to shed the weight of worry and watch God work. A surrendered life can be efficiently leveraged. However, a life independent of God is severely limited in its influence. He is positioning you for unprecedented leadership and influence. Now is the time to quit mourning your losses and move on. You have a new lease on life with the Lord, so follow His lead. Watch Him take your “five loaves of bread and two fish” and multiply them far beyond your efforts and enthusiasm. What God breaks, He rebuilds to be dependent on Him and more influential. This rebuilding process has simplified your life; so don’t revert to complicated living. Less is truly more.
   
If “more is more” is your motto, you can easily become mean-spirited and hard to live with. A “more is more” mantra eventually becomes meaningless. You achieve and receive more, but to what end? There is no fulfillment outside of Kingdom-minded motives. If it is all about you, you will become miserable. If, on the other hand, it is less of you and more of Him, everyone is happy. This is how God works. “He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble” Luke 1:52.
   
Therefore, lower the volume of activity and wait in quietness. It may be time to talk less and listen more. The calming presence of Christ is priceless, so tap into His reservoir of renewal. Less worldly thinking and more heavenly thinking leads to discerning the will of God. Don’t just stand in awe of His accomplishments through your meager efforts. Now is the time to use this momentum generated by your Master. God is on a roll, and you have the privilege of joining Him. By faith, stop doing two things before you add one. Slow down so God can speed up. Focus on quality, and watch Him multiply the quantity. God wants to do more with less, so He gets the glory.  Decrease, so He can increase Less is more,less of you and more of Him.

Make today a day of Kingdom impact.  Feel free to worship with me at First Baptist Chesterbrook Saturdays at 6pm or Sundays at 10am.


--

 

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

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com

Dealing with What If

Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you?’” (Exodus 4:1).

Moses experienced the “what if” trap. “What if they do not believe me or listen to me?” Several thousand years later we struggle with the same doubts. What if they reject me? What if they say no? What if they say yes? What if I fail? What if I am hurt? What if they do not understand? If God has led us thus far and if His track record is one of faithfulness, are we not really saying, “What if God does not do what He said He will do?” Doubt detaches us from trust in Christ.

If we are not careful, our beliefs and behavior can reflect this kind of irrational thinking about God. We really struggle at times (right before we take that step of faith) and wonder if God is really true to His Word and if He will come through for us. Yet we know that God has never failed us. His timing may have been different than we expected, but He has not failed us, and He will not fail us. Knowing this, we still struggle with doubt. Why is this?

Doubt is a normal part of the trust process. We go through doubt on the way to trust in the Lord. Even the most faithful followers of Jesus deal with doubt (see Matthew 11:2-3). However, the danger of doubt is to remain in doubt. Extended striving over doubt can paralyze you. It can paralyze your relationships, your finances, your career advancement, and, worst of all, your obedience to God. He is either trustworthy and faithful or He is not.

Lastly, the greatest difficulty is when we are in the middle of tremendous adversity or uncertainty. God’s posture is one of continual compassion and sincere love. He is there to walk with you. He is leading you, and He will provide the needed skills, finances, health, and relationships for you to accomplish His will. Let Him use this time of trial to once again, show that He is God.

Join me for worship and word at First Baptist Chesterbrook Saturdays at 6:30pm or Sundays at 10am.  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

Real talk on real faith

Even as he spoke, many believed in him. To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” John 8:30-31

To believe in Jesus is much more than just to believe Jesus. Genuine/real faith flows from a heart transformed by the truth of God's word, not just inspired by an emotional desire or intellectual interest. Those whose faith is only a flash of feelings will fall away, but those who embrace Jesus as Savior and Lord are never the same. Belief in Jesus conforms us into the likeness of Jesus as intended by God from the beginning (see Genesis 1:26-27). Our language is kind. Our demeanor softens. Our eyes brighten. Our attitude is hopeful. Our is spirit joyful.

Beginning faith is like meeting an attractive person, admiring their life, maybe even dating for a while, but the relationship is far from a marriage commitment. On the other hand, authentic or saving faith is wed to Christ. It is a lifetime covenant of learning, growing, transforming, and becoming one with Christ. We who believe in Jesus are the bride of Christ. It is unconditional belief and fidelity based on His divine nature. Faith in Him is foundational to our relationship of hope, love and forgiveness.

In a manner similar to a man and woman who have been married for decades, so is our maturing faith in Jesus Christ. Their intimate knowledge of one another conditions them to anticipate the needs of the other. The familiarity of their individual thought processes creates space to patiently wait. The understanding of their unique communication styles causes them to frequently complete each other’s sentences. As they grow older they act and look more like one another.

Jesus is clear, “If we hold to His teachings we are really His disciples.” Our faith is not perfect, but it is learning and growing. Is your life hidden in Christ? Has He captured your affections and ignited your imagination for Him? Yes, move beyond believing Him to believing in Him. Make faith foundational by depending on Jesus for your every need. What’s more, healthy Christians reproduce spiritual children, so pray your life is a channel for the Holy Spirit to convict lost souls to be born again. Our real faith goes to God daily to listen, learn, and be loved by Him.

Come join me for worship Saturdays at 6:30pm or Sundays at 10am at 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va.  Let's make an impact for the Kingdom together.
--

 

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

Spiritual Guidance System

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12

Jesus Christ is our guide to walk in God’s will. We can traverse with Him through life as a trustworthy friend. Additionally, the Holy Spirit illuminates our mind to understand His next steps. Yes, the Spirit reveals the truth of God's word, as our Lord comforts our sorrows, disciplines our darkened behaviors, and pours out generous portions of His humility, grace, mercy, joy, and wisdom.

What does it mean to follow the Lord Jesus? It means we submit our wills to His will, our inner most desires align with His inner most desires, His commands are joyful to obey, and what breaks His heart breaks our heart. We follow Jesus by faith. Since we trusted Him to save us, we can trust Him to guide us. When we are unsure, he is sure. When we have questions, He has answers. Jesus is our spiritual guide who leads us through valleys, over mountains, and beside still waters.

Our commitment to Christ in faith gives us insight into what others need. We don’t hide our light in the inner sanctum of ourselves, rather we release it to be a blessing to those distressed or depressed by darkness. If we owned the local power company, would we be good citizens if we kept the use of electricity to ourselves? Neither are we good Christians if we engage God’s truth and grace only for our own mental, emotional, and spiritual well being.

What do you face in life that needs revelation? Faith is not a leap into the darkness, but a step into the light. So, be patient and pray. If this is not the right choice, there will be another, better one. If this is not the right job, there will be another, better one. If this is not the right relationship, there will be another, better one. As you wait, your spirit catches up with your Spiritual Guidance System Jesus. As you walk, you trust your guide to go where He’s been before.

Come worship with us Saturdays at 6:30pm or Sundays at 10am.  First Baptist Chesterbrook located at 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va.

--

 

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

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com

Servant Leadership

Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:26b-28

Servant leadership is service to others. It is not jockeying for position, nor is it politicking for power. Instead, it is posturing for the opportunity to serve. This does not bode well for the insecure soul in need of abundant attention. Servant leaders avoid the limelight and serve in ways that many times go unnoticed. It is the little things that make a servant leader. It may be taking out the trash at home, or making the coffee at work.

No task is too menial for the servant leader, but there is something bigger than behavior that distinguishes a servant leader. It is attitude an attitude of how to make others successful. He or she knows if those around them are successful then there is a good chance they will experience success. They are wise to want what’s best for others.

Self-service on the other hand builds a culture of mediocrity. It is all about taking care of my little world, not giving any thought to the needs of other team members. It is every man for himself - survival of the fittest. This self-service contributes to a scarcity mentality. If I serve you then you may look better than me, you may get all the credit.  This fear of not being noticed facilitates competition instead of cooperation.

Servant leadership on the other hand is not caught up with getting the credit. The servant leader has put to death the need for self-recognition. The attention and credit can easily flow to others. This is the place where it belongs, as our humility cannot handle the attention. Like a lily-white body in a tanning booth, our humility burns up. Servant leadership resists this temptation to linger in the limelight. Instead, the servant leader may give away opportunities that come his or her way. Seek to serve and let status find you.

Jesus served quietly on most occasions and boldly as needed.  No sincere seeker was neglected. His motive was to serve for the glory of God. His ultimate service was laying down his life for the human race. Consequently, followers of Christ can become a better servant leader because Jesus seeks to serve through you. You can’t, but He can.

Submit to Him and watch Him use you to serve. Die to getting attention and credit while celebrating the success of others. Quietly volunteer for the next lowly task. Set up others to succeed. Give away your life and you will find it. This is the way of Christ. This is the way to serve and lead. Submit to God, serve people, and others will follow

 

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