Reminded

This morning as I am reading through Jeremiah God is speaking as to what is about to happen to Moab.  And it says this:

"Because you trusted in your wealth and skill, you will be taken captive.  Your god Chemosh,  with his priests and officials will be hauled off to distant lands."  Jeremiah 48:7

There is a reoccurring theme throughout the Bible, its history and its warnings.  Not to trust in ANYTHING other than in God alone. And when I say God I feel I now need to qualify that, I mean the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  Immanuel, God with us, Jesus Christ.  Acts 4:12 says that there is no other name by which we can be saved.

Romans 10:11 says, "Anyone who trusts in Him (Jesus), will NOT be put to shame." 

We can NOT get our priorities wrong, we will see God's judgement as soon as we begin to make something other than Jesus Christ our foundation, God, Lord and Savior.  He IS our All in All.  The Author and Finisher of our faith, the one and only True God.  No one will be saved but through Him.

Moab was devastated because they trusted in their wealth and their skill.  The Bible says in Zachariah 4:6 it is not by our might (strength) or power but by His Spirit.  The good news is that if we humble ourselves He WILL be faithful to return to us and restore us.

I plead with you today, DO NOT trust in anything other than Jesus. He is the King of Kings and He will not be mocked.  He loves you and if you place ALL your faith in Him He Himself will fight for you, not against you.  The choice is up to you, today is the day of decision.


Joel Brown

Launching a church | CHR - 6 Months In

As I sit here this afternoon, I am humbled by the story God continues to write here in Hampton Roads Virginia.  We have just passed the 6 month mark after launching Church at Hampton Roads at the Grassfield High School September 16th of last year.  We have developed an incredible relationship with our school, our city and our community.  God has more than provided for us and CHR is growing.  People's lives are being turned around, marriages are being healed and above all, Jesus is being lifted up.

I want to catalog three specific things that God has taught me personally leading up to CHR's launch as it may help those out there who are dreaming and daring to step out in faith in order to be obedient and do the same thing.   


Number One - NOTHING Is Ours

Psalm 24 says that the earth and everything in it is God's.  Not ours. Don't make the mistake of "owning" ANYTHING.  People are not yours.  The church is not yours.  The money is not yours.  The air you breathe is not yours.  Everything you have, touch, taste and smell is God's and it will ALL go back to Him.  This keeps humility in the picture and allows you to manage all He gives you with integrity, character and excellence.  Also, when you are an owner you have ALL the responsibility.  For everything.  You have to now create the result, not sure about you but I am out on that one. When you stay a "manager", then when the lease is due it is not your problem.  When there are obstacles, it's not your problem. When there are giants and people who are opposing you, guess what, IT IS NOT YOUR PROBLEM.  It's the owner's, it's God's problem.  I am ALL about the Creator of ALL things fighting for me. The result of this mindset is absolute peace.  Let Him create the story and the result.  After all, history itself is also His.


Number Two - Get Rid Of Entitlement

When we begin to grind or get frustrated, it is normally the sign of entitlement, the "I deserve" mentality.  What are we truly entitled to?  Death and hell.  Eternal separation from God is what we really deserve.  But because God loves us, He provided a way for us to be reconciled to Him.  So when the thoughts of, "I deserve not to have to go through this..." or, "I don't deserve to have to wait this long..." come up or ANY other question that begins with this feeling, remind yourself that the only thing you really deserve is eternal separation from God but because He loved you He paid for your sins and now ALLOWS you the PRIVILEGE of working alongside of Him to reach a lost world....Where there is no "I deserve" mentality or entitlement there is joy.


Number Three - Trust.  God Has To Be The Builder

Your story is different than anyone else's.  Don't try to replicate other's stories.  Don't manipulate people.  Don't manipulate circumstances.  Rest in the fact the Author of the world promised in the Gospels that He would build His Church.  DO NOT COMPARE. You worry about your obedience to God and let God worry about how fast He wants to bless the work of your hands.  Promotion comes from Him ALONE.  Guard your heart, stay humble and realize your duty as a pastor is just to love God and love people, NOTHING else.  You ultimately CAN NOT change a heart, draw a heart or free someone spiritually.  This is something only God can do.  This does not mean be lazy or abdicate any of your responsibilities, it just means realize that Proverbs 21:31 is true, "The warhorse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord."  You do your part to listen, be obedient, manage well and prepare but then sit back and let the result go, that is His problem. Trust Him and His word, He said He WOULD build His Church.


God, we give EVERYTHING to You.  The victories, the battles and absolutely ALL of the glory.  To Your Name ALONE be ALL the praise forever and ever.  We commit to manage well all you have allowed us the privilege of touching.  And we know that as we manage well you favor us and give us more to manage.  Thank you Jesus for Your faithfulness to watch over us and empower us to do what You asked us to do, to reach people (Matt 28:18).

Joel

40 Day Prayer|Fasting Challenge

Church at Hampton Roads, we are committing to put God first and to give Him the first when it comes to our year.  There comes a time when our desire for godly change outweighs our desire for food itself, that moment comes when we want to see God sized breakthrough in our lives and in the lives of those in our region.  We live in a time that without God involved we will only experience defeat and death at every turn. We need God present!  We ABSOLUTELY NEED His power at work for us.  We as a church will take a stand and declare Jesus alone to be our Sustainer, our Refuge, our Hope, our Savior, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Fasting & Prayer brings a new level of God's power into our lives and enables us to see breakthrough where we have not seen breakthrough before (Mark 9:17-29).  It is about aligning us with God's will, NOT hunger striking against Him in order to get Him to conform to our will.  When we align ourselves with Him He fights for us, directs us, guides us, protects us, leads us into our ultimate calling and brings a new level of breakthrough power into our lives. After all, this battle you and I are fighting is NOT physical (Ephesians 6:12).

Joshua 3:5, "Joshua told the people, consecrate yourselves (set yourself apart for God's purposes only), because the Lord WILL DO WONDERS (miracles, amazing things!) among you tomorrow."

CHR, God promises to do AMAZING things, God sized MIRACLES if we, His people will set ourselves apart for Him alone.  Our job is to consecrate ourselves, his job is to do miracles.  But His miracles are tied to our faith and our consecration.  If He is number one in our lives He will move on our behalf.  2 Chronicles 17:14 says:

"If My people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, I will forgive their sin and heal their land."

We WILL see God bring breakthrough because we will NOT live pridefully.  Our humility WILL bring the favor of our God!

Details/What you need for CHR's 40 Day Challenge:

• Starts January 1st 
• Ends February 9th 
• Purchase and work through Mark Batterson's book…..ALL IN 
• Purchase ALL IN by clicking the link below:
• ALL IN by Mark Batterson

•   Questions about fasting?  Click links below.
• Types of Fasts
• Fasting Quick Tips

• Purchase a journal.  Write down specific prayers you are praying along with anything you feel God is speaking to your heart and mind.
• Specific things to pray this year along with Sarah and I concerning CHR:
• That CHR accomplish its vision well.  CHR's Vision: To lead people into becoming fully devoted followers of Christ.
• That we do our part in The Great Commission, that we reach others.
• That CHR and ALL of its people will walk in wisdom, favor and influence.
• That CHR's DNA and culture would be spiritual maturity.  Spiritual maturity defined?  Serving others above ourselves.  (John 15:13)  
• That CHR and ALL of its people would do NOTHING from selfish ambition (Philippians 2:3)
• That CHR and ALL of its people would be anxious for NOTHING (Philippians 4:6), trusting God will be faithful in ALL things.
• Now believe, sit back and watch God bring a new level of breakthrough to you, your family, your marriage and our church because we are seeking Him with ALL of our heart...

Jeremiah 29:13

You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Types of Fasts

Full Fast

Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).

The Daniel FastEat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.

3-Day FastThis fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.

Partial FastA partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. You can select from three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.

Scripture References for Fasting:Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14

Relation to Prayer and Reading of the Word:1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30,Acts 13:2

Corporate Fasting:1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37

Remember that it is the attitude of a heart sincerely seeking Him to which God responds with a blessing (Isaiah 58, Jeremiah 14:12, 1 Corinthians 8:8). May God greatly bless you as you fast!

(Jentezen Franklin)

Fasting Quick Tips

How to Begin
Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible.

Preparing Spiritually
Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).

Deciding What to Fast
The type of fasting you choose is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.

Deciding How Long
Most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance. If fasting is new you may want to start slow.

What to Expect
When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus’ example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God’s face.

How to End
Don’t overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.

(Jentezen Frankiln)

Pastors, Stop Leading

This title hit me like a TON of bricks this morning.  My mind goes back to Moses who was an amazing leader.  He led MILLIONS of people successfully out of Egypt (Exodus) and led them for years in a brutal desert and helped them position themselves for taking the Promised Land (Canaan).

But, why was he successful as one of Israel's greatest leaders?  How was he able to know where to go and what to do?  Well, there was a cloud that led them by day and a pillar of fire by night.  Then there was the massive amount of time he spent before God.  Seeking God's heart for the next step.

It comes to me that we, as pastors, seemingly responsible for the lives and souls of people have been trying to lead more successfully as the years progress and we begin to get anxious because the focus is on us being better leaders.  One of the key truths I see about Moses is that he was not an incredible leader, he was an incredible follower.

If you are wanting to alleviate the pressure of leadership, if you are tired of being attacked by fear, then stop trying to lead.  You and I, even though in the world's eyes are leading people, are truly as good leaders merely following.

God IS THE OWNER, we are the managers.  Jesus said very specific, freeing words that are a promise for you and I in the verbal exchange with Peter in Matthew 16:18, "......I will build My Church...."

Let's be GREAT FOLLOWERS.  Put the responsibility of building the church on God's shoulders.  His shoulders are designed to carry that weight.  Free yourself from having to create a result.  His is the church, His is the result, His is ALL the power.......all you can do is love people, love God and be obedient to what He is specifically saying to you......so spend time with the Owner, He WILL be faithful to give you the next step IF you are listening....

Distress - A New Perspective

Today you might be at a point where you are asking yourself why? Why all the distress, agony and anguish in life?  This is a big question for all of us and all of us have to answer the question as best as we know how...

Here is a Biblical perspective and one that has given me a new perspective...

1 Peter 1:6-7

"You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to be distressed by various trials so that the genuineness of your faith - more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire - may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ..."

You see, ALL of history is a platform.  A platform of choice.  A moment in time for each one of us to make a decision on who Jesus was and is.  To make our decision on whether or not we will choose a relationship with God or not.  To accept the way we were designed or not. 

Life and the process of distress Peter says is what proves the genuineness of our faith, the genuineness of our love for God.  Which faith in the end, is what the Bible says brings us salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9).  We have all at times viewed distress as something to drive us crazy and complain about...but I believe and have come to realize that it is a opportunity given to me to prove I LOVE Him (Jesus).  Peter says our faith is MORE valuable than any amount of money when he says it is more valuable than gold. 

What a change in perspective!  The next time you go through a distressing moment smile!  It is time to show the world and God that your faith is genuine.  And that you, are not, a fake. So in the end you can hear the greatest words anyone could EVER hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"  Stay in love with Him...and take your opportunities to prove that He alone, is the object of your faith and of your love...