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 Holy Spirit inspired ideas are crafted by our Lord to spur us on to good works and transformational living. God-sized goals make us uncomfortable at times, because they always go beyond what we see in our own resources. They are not guaranteed to happen, but they position us to pray more and believe in God better.

 

It is through prayerful planning and implementation that gigantic goals move from mere possibility to a more certain 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. Otherwise we drift around without a rudder of reality, destined for disappointment.

 

Best of all God-size goals get us to God. It is prayer and planning with significant progress that moves us from the realm of possibility to the place of probability. In most cases it is one individual’s passion and focus that proves catalytic to the creation and execution of the goals. The leader looks failure in the eye and extinguishes it by faith, wisdom, hard work, and the power of the Spirit which are 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 to ask the Lord to sear your soul with His goals. Think outside the box of small belief, for the Lord is unlimited in His abilities and resources. God-size 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. The Bible says, “I know you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2).

Our Prayer:  Father help us to see each day the limitless possibilities we have in you and what you have called us to do.  Allow our faith to grow to the size of the vision that you have for our lives and the purpose of service you have called us to Amen.
--

 

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.comwww.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Love strong

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Mark 12:30

 

Love is the most powerful weapon in of our faith. Like the tip of an arrow love points us to God.  Love commandeers all other graces to engage the Lord’s affection and His eternal concerns. When Jesus defined love as the greatest command, He gave us a glimpse into what He wants for the world and His disciples. A life motivated by love is only limited by its capacity to love the Lord. Love is a muscle we exercise so it grows in stamina and strength. Here are four ways we can develop our love for God:

 

Love God with Your Emotions

Jesus starts at the heart of the matter, our heart. What captures our passions? Our heart is the seat of our feelings and affections. We are drawn to what we desire, what we value. The heart follows what it treasures above all else. In the same way an engaged couple each aggressively seeks to engage the heart of their lover, so as the bride of Christ we passionately pursue His heart. As our heart loves Jesus, He simultaneously settles and stirs our emotions.

 

Love God with Your Soul

In the beginning God breathed life into the soul of man (see Genesis 2:7). So our soul is our entire being brought into being by the Spirit of the Lord. It is here, deep within the recesses of our spirit, that we commune with Christ. Our marriage to Jesus was consummated when, He saved our soul. Prayer is our bedchamber of intimacy for us to love our Lord with all our soul. Christ is our companion and confidant. A soul in love with God seeks God by faith.

 

Love God with Your Mind

A mind in love with the Lord wants to do the Lord’s will. In the same way a noble idea captures our imagination so much that it drastically influences our actions, so to know and do God’s will is the goal of those in love with Jesus. Mental romancing with the mind of Christ marks the thoughts of those who trust and obey. Knowledge of God acquired out of love starves our pride and feeds our humility. 

 

Love God with Your Strength

Energy in eternal matters is what matters most. When our focused attention is on the important (like giving) and not the trivial (like worry) we thrive in our love for the Lord. What activity may be competing with your time with Christ? Avoid activities that create sideways energy. Our strength increases as we engage with other disciples. Like a bonfire ignited by gasoline, so the prayers and encouragement of God’s people flame our fire of faith and love for God. Being around people in love with Jesus grows our love for Jesus. So love strong.

Father I pray that each day my love for you grows stronger and stronger, as I deepen my devotion to you amen.

--

 

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

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com

Spiritual graduation

But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it--not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it--they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:25

 

I feel that the Lord is inviting us to graduate from spiritual kindergarten, when we thought we had already received our diploma of faith and spirituality. For too long, as we have walked with Christ, our understanding has often been like that of many believers who have been told, “Just ask Jesus into your heart and you’ll go to heaven.”

 

Certainly Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe with your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”.  Truth is that confession is the beginning of belief and the salvivic journey. After this confession comes discipleship, which means following Christ.  Perhaps this is why Matthew 7:21 says “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven.”

 

In this scripture, we are reminded that Christ isn’t here to serve us; we are here to serve Him. We are here to do His will. And it’s not just about saying we believe while we live our own lives. It’s sobering to think that Jesus asks those who know Him to live for Him, and nothing less. So it’s not about God making all my dreams come true and making me happy, healthy, and wealthy. It’s not about just saying I believe but not backing up my words with action that proves my love. It’s about Jesus being Lord.

 

I wonder if in our attempt to emphasize grace, which of course, is critical, we have missed the seriousness of “working out our salvation with fear and trembling” ( see Philippians 2:12). We must remember that yes, we are saved by grace. We can’t do anything to earn our way into heaven ( see Ephesians 2:9). It’s only Christ’s gift on the cross that has justified us by washing away our sin so that we experience eternal life.

 

Beloved we must also remember that faith without works is dead ( see James 2:20). In any relationship, including the one with Christ, action doesn’t prove love, but true love is always proven by action. That said, all genuine works for Christ begin with the motivation of the heart, in relationship with Jesus. Or, they are just dead works. The condition of our heart is central, and the beginning of, true discipleship. Knowing these things, is God asking you to graduate from spiritual kindergarten?

Our Prayer:  Father continue through the power of your Spirit to make your will known to us, and as we know your will Father help us to yield to it, and join you in the working of your will through humble acts of service and love Amen.

--

 

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

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com

Grace and Peace

Grace and peace to you…from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Revelation 1:4-5

 

Grace and peace are gifts from God that every heart craves. Grace for sustaining strength during sickness and peace in the process. Grace for repeatable forgiveness in a challenging relationship and peace that produces patience. Grace for ongoing gratitude and peace when things don’t go our way. Grace for generous giving and peace in God’s faithful provision. A heart governed by grace and peace is a heart loved by the Lord. Grace and peace come from Jesus.

 

John, secluded in exile, saw His Lord more clearly once departed than when he was with Him. Jesus Christ the faithful witness gives His children grace and peace. How? Because we know He is the faithful witness of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus offered testimony to the reality of who God is.  Jesus’ sonship gave His story veracity, so He stated the facts with humble authority. Jesus testifies to truth. His reassuring words extend grace and peace.

 

Moreover, grace and peace come to those who believe Jesus is the firstfruits of those risen from the dead. Others, like Lazarus, rose from the dead, but they died again. Jesus Christ was the first to rise, and never to die. Faith in the resurrection is essential for the Lord’s grace and peace. We cannot remove the supernatural from Jesus and just keep the natural. Trust in Christ’s resurrection is the key that unlocks the treasure chest of riches found in His grace and peace. Those who embrace miracles embrace Jesus. These hugs from heaven warm our hearts by His loving care.

 

Furthermore, we serve a benevolent King who freely gives His grace and peace. Tranquility only comes to a heart that trusts in Christ as their Lord. Crown Him conqueror over death, and enjoy His grace and peace. Crown Him Lord over fear, and receive His grace and peace. Crown Him all wise King, and learn how to make the best decisions. Crown Him Lord over sin, and apply His grace and peace when in need of forgiveness. Whatever we face, Christ has faced, and has overcome. Thus, we come to the One who is full of grace and peace that His grace and peace might rest on us.

Our prayer:  Father supply us with your grace and peace for this day that we might be strengthened to be the great witnesses and disciples you have called us to be Amen.

--

 

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

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com

Mature disciples

Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. 1 Corinthians 14:20 

 

By historic standards, we are one of the most literate and educated societies to ever exist. What began with the printing press has now in many ways reached its culmination with the Internet. Knowledge and information is freely shared, easily accessible, and instantly distributed across the world to rich, poor, young and old alike. This shift has affected virtually every area of society, and Christianity is certainly not immune. Not only do most of us have hardbound copies of the Bible in our homes, we now carry in our pockets dozens of translations, commentaries, and devotional books, all a few simple clicks or swipes away on our smart phones with whatever bible app version one prefers.

 

Yet, has this increase in access and availability to Kingdom knowledge and Christian principles translated into genuine maturation in Christ and in faith?

 

If we limit our understanding of the faith to head knowledge about God and divorce it from Kingdom living, we will trick ourselves into thinking that we are spiritually mature while in reality we remain spiritual infants. It is entirely possible to know a great deal about God and yet be entirely unsure of how to live as a disciple of Christ. Put another way, it is one thing to know about Jesus, but it is something altogether different to be transformed by his love through relationship with Him. As one of the great authors and champions of the faith C.S. Lewis once said, “it is fatally easy to confuse an appreciation of the spiritual life with the life itself.”

 

Maturation in Christ is not instantaneous but a lifelong process of dying to self and being remade in the image of Christ. If you struggle in your walk with Christ, let these words be an encouragement to you. You aren’t expected to “get it right” overnight. Genuine maturity in Christ isn’t a one-week workout class but is more like months and months of training for a marathon.

 

When you go out of your way to love and serve your spouse, when you express genuine interest in the things your kids are passionate about, when you are transparent and vulnerable with a close group of trusted friends about your struggles and challenges in life, you are embracing daily practices that over time become life-long habits of virtuous living. It is here in the lived experience of our Christian faith that we move from mere knowledge about God to a genuine encounter of the living God, from spiritual infancy to maturity in Christ.

 

Our prayer:  Father help us each day to work towards becoming more mature in you, as we deepen our relationship with you Amen. 

 

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.comwww.fbcc-va.org

www.wbgronline.com

Great Expectations

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

 

I love the quote that says, “Never put a period where God puts a comma.” It’s a constant reminder for me to stay flexible to God’s rule, way,  and to submit to His sovereignty over my life. This can be especially difficult when I have got big plans or hopes that have led to great expectations.

 

Expectations can be awesome. They have the potential to bring us great joy when fulfilled and focused energy when we need to complete a particular task. They also have the potential to usher in great disappointment when they are dashed. It’s then that we must remember to “never put a period where God puts a comma.” We must submit to His will if we want to live with joy. To continue to demand our way only leads to internal frustration.

 

There have been times in my life when my expectations haven’t lined up with God’s will: like when I wanted to receive a particular job offer. I have to admit there have been times when I have wanted to shut down hope, silence expectations, and never dream again when the pain of unfulfilled expectations pierced my heart. But a better way is to surrender to Christ and His way.

 

Surrender doesn’t mean giving up; it means giving in. It means giving Him control, and heeding His directions/guidance. We put our plans in His hands as we work. We give Him our children as we raise them. We surrender the outcome of our job search as we look. And, when things don’t go as we planned, we do not live as those who have no hope and become cynical and tell themselves, “Don’t dream because you’ll just be disappointed.” No, we remember that God has a plan, and it’s always a good plan, even if it’s not our plan.

 

Our Prayer: Father help us daily to put our trust in you, and to lay all our dreams and expectations at your throne, knowing and trusting that when we take on your plan for our lives you will always do exceedingly and abundantly above all we ask and think and can imagine Amen. 

--

 

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

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com

Bringing out the best in others

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10

 

Some people bring out the worst in us. If they are insecure, we can feel insecure. If they expect perfection, we can feel disapproval. If they are demanding, we can feel guilty, even manipulated. But there are those who have the ability to bring out the best in us. If we are tired they give us energy. If we are discouraged they affirm who we are in Christ. If we forget the awe of God they remind us of His awesomeness. Yes, those who elevate our faith help us rise above our fears and bring out our best. Here are four ways we can help bring out the best in someone else:

 

Strengthen Strengths

When we strengthen others we strengthen ourselves. As disciples we are the body of Christ. So, to support one part of the body brings health to the whole body. For example, a person gifted in exhortation needs encouragement. A merciful person desires compassion. We strengthen another when we treat them how they prefer to be treated. Strengthen their strengths with words and deeds that encourage.

 

Forgive Weaknesses

People regularly disappoint. They show up late to a meeting. They back out of a commitment. They are dishonest. They are not thorough. They overcommit. They are ungrateful. They forget. They are insensitive. So, how will we respond to another’s weaknesses? Forgiveness doesn’t mean we enable bad behavior. We can still kindly discuss character flaws. Love lets go of resentment and offers another chance. We forgive. We allow opportunities to rebuild trust as that is what forgiveness is all about.

 

Serve Selflessly

Service shows we care. When we cook a meal, clear the table or clean the car we free another to engage in something they enjoy. A servant spirit does not wait to be told what to do, instead we look for opportunities to meet a need. We give a gift. We network colleagues. We mow a neighbor’s lawn. We sit with a sick friend. Indeed, the person served feels valued, appreciated, and loved. Service is contagious, as the one being served desires to pass on the blessing to others.

 

Pray for The Heart

When a person knows we pray for them, they know we love them from the heart. We pray for their heart to be joyful in the hope they see in Jesus. We pray for their heart to be guarded by the peace of God found in Christ. We pray for their heart to understand and experience the riches of God’s grace, mercy, and love. We pray for their heart to be led by the Holy Spirit. Heartfelt prayer for other hearts brings out their best. 

Our prayer:  Lord help me to be an encourager by admonishing others in their strengths, forgiving others for their weaknesses as you have done for me so many times, give me a heart and eye to serve others and my community and give me a heart to pray for others continually amen.

--

 

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

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com

Our Refuge

Blessed are all who take refuge in Him. Psalm 2:12

 

Outside of Christ we are refugees in need of a refuge. Our soul seeks asylum in God. Our spirit is on a search for security and peace. Our deepest innermost desire is refuge in God. Otherwise we wander around earth un-tethered to truth. We need a secure place and Jesus is our sanctuary.

 

Even if our faith is as slender as a spider’s thread we can still trust in Jesus. It is the object of our faith that matters more than the amount of our faith. His refuge is not just reserved for the robust of faith but is especially available to those of us flailing away in faithless fear. We have lost our way and we need a wise weigh station to ferret out our faith. It is in refuge with Him that we are blessed with clarity. 

 

He is our refuge when hope seems extinct. He is our refuge when financial requirements are ravishing our resources. He is our refuge when people we depend on are nowhere to be found. He is our refuge when health issues hound our heart. He is our refuge when fear knocks at the door to bully our courage. He is our refuge when our marriage hangs in the balance. He is our refuge when work pressures pulsate in our mind awakening us at night. He is our refuge when all seems to be going wrong. He is our refuge when all seems to be going right. God is our refuge.

 

We are blessed when we find refuge with our Creator. The Lord aids us with wisdom and understanding when we take the time to listen to His instruction. Our prayer over His Word provides illuminating insight. This place of refuge holds up truth and casts out lies. Stability is another blessing from resting in His refuge. Our world rocks around us. But we have a rock in our Lord. 

 

Our prayer:  Thank you Lord that you are a refuge that provides strength, peace, encouragement, healing, shelter, and comfort for our souls Amen. 

--

 

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

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com

He reigns

God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. Psalm 47:8

 

God reigns over the entire earth. He is not just the God of the east or the God of the west. He is the God of the north, south, east and west. The arm of the Lord reigns over everyone. The sun never sets on the omnipresent shadow of our Lord. He is the greatest in power, high and lofty in dominion, and extremely eminent in wisdom. He reigns in war and in peace. He reigns in crisis and in calm. He reigns in economic catastrophe and in economic prosperity.  He reigns over evil and good. He reigns over nations and over individuals. 

 

He reigns from His holy throne. His is not a throne soiled with corruption and self-serving. His throne is full of grace, mercy, peace, love and truth. His throne is marked and defined by holiness. It is a throne that has never been stained with sin, corrupted by cover-up or defiled by injustice. God is seated on His holy throne. He never sits dismayed or in a dilemma, and nothing ever takes Him by surprise. God does not wring His hands in worry. He sits in serenity, for He knows His own power and sees that His purposes will not miscarry. He sits on a throne where He dispenses truth and wisdom. Therefore, approach His holy throne boldly but reverently.

 

He reigns over the human heart. It is here that we can submit to the Lord’s authority. We are wise to jettison the latter. It is in submission to our reigning King that we come to know His will for our lives. Obedience leads to opportunity. Because our God reigns, He can be trusted. His rules are for our good pleasure. His rules are inviting when we are in right relationship with our reigning King. It is when we resist Him that we foolishly push back from His gracious guidelines. Therefore, love Him and you will love to follow His statutes. He reigns in love and holiness. It is easy to follow an unconditional lover. He reigns lovingly.

 

Therefore, we have reason to celebrate Christ’s reign. His kingship brings praise and worship to our lips. Our Lord reigns. We have no real reason to worry or stress out because He reigns. We can put the kibosh on our complaining and murmuring because He reigns. We can rest in a peaceful sleep at night, not tossing and turning in distrust, because He reigns. We can let go of control and not be controlled because He reigns. We can give Him our grief, sorrow, and sin because He reigns.

 

He reigns for the purpose of His glory and His glory alone. It is all about Him and His eternal aspirations. He reigns for righteousness’ sake. He reigns for the sake of the gospel. Live like He reigns. Live free and by faith. Tell all whom you have earned the right to tell He reigns. Validate your words with your life of faith and faithfulness. He reigns. He reigns now and for evermore.

Our prayer:  Father God we give praise to you because you reign.  Help us to continually submit ourselves to your loving reign, and declare continually the goodness of our King Amen.
--

 

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

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com

Learning Leaders

Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman. Proverbs 7:4

 

Leaders are learners, but when they stop learning they cease to lead wisely. Education is an enlightenment for leaders who think ahead and are engaged in effective management and stewardship. If a leader does not assess the facts of a situation and operate in reality, he loses any advantage he might possess. 

 

A leader continually asks questions like the following: “How can we better understand what the customer wants and needs?” “How can I get out of the way as the leader, supporting the team to be successful?” “How can our organization go from good to great by integrating and sustaining industry-best practices?” Leaders who learn ask the right questions, get the most accurate answers, and are able to make the wisest decisions.

 

Furthermore, leaders learn by listening to the Lord and to the wisdom found in His Word. Indeed, it is not a one-time educational event but the ongoing purging of pride, pretense, and prayerlessness. Wisdom becomes a beloved sister to whom you go for counsel. Humility grows into a trusted friend with whom you can confide. The Holy Bible is your defense and armor against the assault of unwise thinking.

 

Therefore read, study, and apply the Word of God regularly to your life. Read books that highlight bright examples of leaders worth emulating. Learn by listening to teachers who communicate truth with clarity and conviction. Learn from your mistakes, and do not repeat them. Learn forgiveness from your family, service from your friends, and love from your enemies.

Our prayer:  Father help me to grow in my discipleship of being a life long learner, and to embrace all the lessons you have for me this day to grow me and cause me to be effective in my leadership amen.
--

 

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

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com

Vision becoming reality

So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. So make yourself an ark… Noah did everything just as God commanded him. Genesis 6:13-14, 22

 

It takes time for a vision to become a reality. God had a fresh vision for His people. Disturbed by their violent and disobedient behavior, the Lord drafted Noah to be the project manager over a new idea yet to be experienced by humanity. It was a God-sized vision that took two generations to fulfill. Noah was already a righteous man who walked with the Lord. He had been faithful with the everyday matters of life, so now he was called to build a safe haven for his family to persevere through God’s coming judgment. The reality of a vision is built over time by faithful disciples. Faith works and walks with God.

 

The vision of a mature marriage is defined at the wedding, but is built over years of serving, forgiving and loving. The vision of having a child starts at conception, but is built over decades of parenting. The vision of a work culture that is relational, respectful and profitable starts with energy and enthusiasm, but is built one engaged employee at a time. The vision of a church that loves and obeys Christ grows into a grace filled reality by Bible teaching, worship, prayer, service and missions. Vision is what can be. Reality is what is. Keep building a life for God.

 

Vision is hard. If we quit in fear or fatigue we may miss out on the fruit of faithfulness. Obstacles will come and the vision may morph into a different outcome. Regardless, stay in the process: trust and obey. Better to thoroughly build one thing than bounce around ending with only fragments of incomplete work. In one sense the work is never done. In another sense our work will be done. Remain faithful in the ordinary so you are qualified for the extraordinary. Stay the course in your faith, family and career. What you build with and for the Lord will outlast you.

Our prayer:  Father help us to be faithful to the vision you have given us Amen.

--

 

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

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com

Salt & Light

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:17

 

We live in interesting times. A quick look at the news headlines from recent days and weeks reveals the speed and intensity with which the world is changing or has already changed. At times, these changes may bring with them great social advances or developments. Yet they can also bring confusion, frustration, and anxiety.

 

As disciples, how are we meant to respond and engage the world around us?

 

When we look at the life of Christ we see our Lord enter into a world that was at times hostile towards Him. We see a world that had turned away from God’s original design and rejected His plan for them and the whole of creation (See Genesis 1:26-27). Jesus didn’t come to the world because it was flourishing and simply needed his divine affirmation. No, He came into a world that was sick and in need of His healing. When He came, and walked and served among us, He didn’t come with hatred or disdain, but with compassion and love.

 

If we are to live out our Lord’s word to be salt and light (see Matthew 5:14-16), it is vital that we have his same heart of love for the world around us. We must remember that it was in our brokenness, when we were the most unlovable, that God showed His great love for us. We must remember that our Lord Jesus was accused of being “a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (See Matthew 11:19). Do our lives reflect the heart of our Savior for the lost that someone might make the same accusation of us?

 

When we see our culture departing from moral and ethical truths, there is a temptation to fight and dig in our heels. Yet we can get so caught up in fighting and defending the faith that we lose sight of our primary call as disciples: to love as Christ loved us (See Ephesians 5:2).  Jesus never shied away from calling people to repent (reconsider their way in light of the Gospel) and embrace the transformative grace of God, yet His invitation was always preceded by hospitality and love.

 

Jesus came not to condemn but to love the world, and for those of us who follow him, we must pray for the strength, grace, and courage to go and do likewise.

Our Prayer:  Father give us a heart like yours to serve others with humble compassion, hospitality, and love.  By the power of your Spirit provide us with the power to make changes in our lives, homes, friendships, and work places as we love others as you have loved us Amen.
--

 

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

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com

Faith on Trial

These [trials] have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:7

Faith comes by the grace of God, and trials prove its authenticity. Fire exposes faith forgeries. So is your current challenge a test in faithfulness? It may be hard to hold your head up in faith because of the difficulties we are experiencing. It seems sometimes as if our Savior is on sabbatical, but we still must seek Him.  Fill in the blanks by faith, and love Him even though you cannot feel Him or trace His activity in the present moment. It is faith that facilitates fervent love for the Lord, so continue to believe in Him even though we are unable to see Him.

Furthermore, our faith under fire inherits inexpressible joy through prayer. That seems strange to the uninformed. People may become curious about or a little perturbed by the persistent peace and assurance that travels within the depths of soul that maintains and deepens its connection in the midst of the storms and trials of life. But you know you are saved by the grace of God, for this is your foundation of all things pertaining to God and His kingdom.

Because you have entrusted Him with eternity, you can trust Him with this present trial. Because you trust Him with your soul, you can trust Him with this situation. Do not fret that your faith is under fire and on trial, for this affliction is meant to stoke the fires of your affection for Christ. Turn the tables on trouble by diving deeper into your devotion. It takes trouble to tear off encumbrances to your eternal perspective. Lukewarm living tends to create cataracts in your spiritual eyes.

When you start out as a new disciple, your faith is fresh but you have infantile intimacy. You discover that growth in your faith (like all relationships) comes from resistance. Sometimes life pushes back with pressure and prickly circumstances. When Christ comes into your conflict, your faith increases. Your faith is the most valuable asset you own. Your money may move you closer or further away from faith but it cannot acquire it. Jesus purchased your salvation on the cross. Therefore, the currency that Christ accepts is faith. Yes, give generously to good works, but do not depend on your benevolent acts as a surrogate for belief. 

Your faith either diminishes or compounds in worth. Allow your current crisis of belief to increase your faith. As it grows in your mind and heart, its value increases. If your only faith experience is your salvation, then your faith is stunted. Stunted and immature faith is no match for the inconvenience and injustice of this world. God wants to grow your faith. His revelation is most compelling under pressure.

Therefore, see these tough times as a transition into deeper spiritual maturation, discipleship, and faith. Genuine and expanding faith can be the fruit of fiery trials. Moreover, your strong and authentic faith will be a springboard of comfort to others. Effective ministry is one incredible outcome of adversity. But genuine faith is God’s ultimate goal. Genuineness is like gold. It’s valuable, compelling, inviting, and everlasting. Above all else, it glorifies God.

 

Our prayer:  Father thank you for the trials and tribulations of life that are being used for the trying and developing of my faith.  Supply me with good cheer as I go through, that when I come out of these light afflictions which are but for a moment will produce in me a faith that is pure like Gold.  Amen. 


--

 

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

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com

Shaken yet secure

When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken." O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. Psalm 30:6

 

Security rests in our Savior Jesus Christ not our stuff. Stuff comes and stuff goes it’s unreliable. But when Christ comes to dwell in our hearts He remains forever. Because He is secure we are secure. But we must beware lest we believe security resides anywhere other than with the Lord. Our security is not based on feelings, but faith. If our security depends on feeling secure we will be shaken by circumstances. But if our security rests on faith in Christ, no situation can shake us, as Christ will provide us with peace for every storm, trial, and tribulation. 

 

If our confidence is based on pleasant circumstances our security is at risk. Our life becomes a roller coaster of reactionary responses. If we feel good we are secure. If we feel bad we are insecure. If people like us we are secure. If they do not like us we are insecure. If we have money we are secure. If we lack money we are insecure. If we are healthy we are secure. If we are unhealthy we are insecure. We eventually grow weary and wither under the whiplash of insecure living and thinking.

 

Moreover, do not place your security in success or failure. The fumes of success can smother your faith as fast as failure can extinguish your hope. It is the security we find in Jesus that never changes. He is our rock and our refuge (see Psalm 62). He never moves. He is not shaken. Critics could not rattle Christ with their mockery and viciousness. Indeed suffering displayed His secure, peaceful, and pure behavior. Resurrection hope warmed His heart with calm assurance and peace.

 

When left to our own efforts, we are anxious people. Anytime the self seeks assurance outside of Christ it becomes uncertain and restless. The search for security results in insecurity when we marginalize our Lord. Relationships come and go, but our relationship with Jesus is to remain intact forever. Doubt arises when we add anything to our faith in Christ. Therefore, develop your fidelity of faith. You are secure because your security rests on the eternal. Shun earthly securities and embrace heaven’s. Faith in Jesus needs no outside help. By God’s grace and love the faithful are secure even when shaken.

 

Our prayer:  Father God you are our security and peace.  When the trials and tribulations of life seem to overtake us, Father give us the strength through your Spirit to deepen our connection in you and find peace by keeping our mind stayed on you Amen.

--

 

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

10am every Sunday

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com

Selecting wise leadership

Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.  Deuteronomy 1:13

 

The selection process of wise leadership can make or break an organization or church. We are constantly faced with this in our families, church, work, schools, civic groups, and professional associations. Wise leadership does not come about as a result of pride’s persuasion. It is not found in the “tick for tat” of politics. Wise leadership is not discovered through popularity contests or an assessment. Indeed, a red flag goes up when someone is clamoring to fill a position of leadership, and it should. A wise leader would rather be drafted by others than promote himself into a position.

           

So where do you look for wise leaders? A good place to begin is within the ranks of those who already exhibit wise leadership. You see those leadership traits in the open, authentic environment they create in their work and home, and by their own honesty around personal weaknesses and strengths. Wise leaders are excellent listeners. They listen with the intent to understand, not to respond. Wisdom desires understanding of what others are thinking and feeling.  They know what questions to ask. They challenge you to think, and offer counsel when appropriate.

 

Wise leaders are not gurus or know-it-alls. On the contrary, they are smart enough to understand the vastness of what they don’t know. Moreover, those who know them best especially respect wise leaders. If a leader fails to command the respect of someone in his or her inner circle, they will also lose the respect of those outside their immediate circle of influence. Respect comes over time by showing respect. It is the result of doing what you say and modeling integrity in living out what you say you believe. Consistent Christlike behavior invites respect. Wisdom and respect go hand in hand.

           

Wise leadership points others to God. Any infatuation with a leader as an individual is redirected to their heavenly Father as God always gets the glory since He is the one who provides us with wisdom. Wisdom will only remain in a humble heart. It is within the incubator of humility that wisdom germinates and flourishes. The Bible says, “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way” (see Psalm 25:9). So a wise leader exhibits humility with his heart for God. God can entrust wisdom to the humble of heart, but He is stingy in giving wisdom to the proud, for they cannot be trusted.

 

The application of wisdom matures relationships, facilitates faith, and grows business and ministry. Hear from the wise before you charge forward with a new opportunity. Ask your parents’ advice. Pray to God for wisdom about your next steps. Wise leaders do not always tell you what you want to hear. Listen anyway. Their words are sometimes hard, and at the time seem intolerant and insensitive, for wisdom makes foolishness uncomfortable. But wise leadership leads you beyond selfish satisfaction. Wise leaders lead you to grow in your relationship with Christ. So, follow wise leaders and be a wise leader. As the opportunity arises, prayerfully select and appoint wise leaders. Wise leadership promotes God’s agenda, and His agenda is wisdom.

 

Our prayer:  Father God grant us wisdom, as you said in your word if any man lack wisdom let him ask of God who gives freely.  As it is with your wisdom being active in our lives that we can make decisions that bring you glory, and led us to favorable outcomes.  In Jesus name Amen. 

--

 

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

Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

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

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

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

www.wbgronline.com