Pastor Paul L. Brown Blog

Pastor's Notes 1-24-2010

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:12:00 +0000

IT WORKS

Oh, how simple and effective a word of prayer can be.
All it takes is a few words from the heart, and enough faith to write it in heaven.
Prayers are weapons for battle.
For by them we can demand aid from heaven, at which angels rush to our rescue.
The windows of heaven will open at our requests, and blow life’s troubles away.
Prayer will change mankind both present and future.
The righteous live by prayer and are strong.
Life is changeable and prayer is the miracle worker with automatic changers.
Truly, it is good to pray in every deed for it works.

Paul L. Brown

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Pastor's Notes 1-17-2010

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:34:00 +0000

What does it means "to wait on the Lord"? Does it mean that since the Lord knows all things, then I can wait until He works things out for me?

So many believe that God will work without us making a request through prayer. This is not the case. We MUST ask the Father in the name of His Son Jesus Christ. Once a request is made, then the requestor is encouraged to wait on the Lord. I believe the process by which you or I receive an answer is through the vehicle of "ministry".

Ministry is activated by the Holy Spirit upon a willing individual who is moved to heed to the Spirit's prompting. Therefore, your ministry is essential to the answering of someone’s prayer request.

Could it be that one of the reasons why it takes a while for answered prayer is because we as individuals are dragging our feet in doing "ministry"?

Think of the individuals who have not even begun their ministries and the great number of answers to prayer requests that are waiting on those ministries.

Help us Lord!

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Pastor's Notes 1-10-2010

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:13:00 +0000

Happy New Year!

Our theme for 2010 is “Empowered By The Holy Spirit”. Empowered for what? Empowered to do what?

Ask yourself the following question: Did I meet the Lord's expectations in 2009?

Jesus gave us a significant command in Matthew 28:19. He said, “Go make disciples of all nations...”! Research by the Schaeffer Institute of 1000 churches found that the majority of the people in these churches were spiritually very weak. They did not know the Bible, were not involved in ministry, and were not affected by Christ as they should according to Romans 12.

Your answer to the above question may be directly related to how you answer the following questions:

1. Are you spiritually –

a.) very weak, b.) weak, c.) strong, d.) very strong, e.) no idea

2. I am a primary leader of a ministry and a secondary leader of another –

a.) yes, b.) no

3. I have surrendered my life to Christ –

a.) yes, b.) no

As we start our 21 days of praying and fasting, we have a great opportunity to make lasting changes in 2010. Holy Spirit, help us all...

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Pastor's Notes 1-3-2010

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:11:00 +0000

HAPPY NEW YEAR...

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Pastor's Notes 12-13-2009

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 01:25:00 +0000

The conversation between the prophet Isaiah and God recorded in Isaiah 6 included a question that God has asked you. The question is, “Whom shall I send and who will go for us?” Have you answered the Lord’s question?

Isaiah did. He said, “Here am I! Send me.” What is your answer today? Where have you gone and when did you leave?

God’s response to Isaiah’s willingness to go was – “Go, and tell this people…” This is so similar to the Great Commission that you should know that they are God’s instructions. Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… Matthew 28:19”

The point is that we as believers are to “Go and tell” before we say “Come and see”. This is what our ministry should be about – first going!!! Have you left, yet?

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Pastor's Notes 12-06-2009

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 13:21:00 +0000

The holiday season is here and most people do not realize that they are celebrating ministry. The birth of Jesus Christ which is celebrated at Christmas time is the greatest act of ministry. The carols that are sung in this season talk of God’s love for mankind: Joy to the World; The First Noel; and Go Tell it on the Mountain, and many more. They tell us how God sent His only Son to save us. He acted so differently than our current way of doing church where we wait until a person comes to a building. God came to us – where we were with His love, His deliverance, and His resources. Ladies and Gentlemen, that is MINISTRY – par excellence!

The question is, “Will you go to the unchurched and the lost with the gospel of salvation or do you plan to stay in the building and wait until they come?”

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Pastor's Notes 11-29-2009

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 12:07:00 +0000

Thanksgiving is a time of expressing our gratitude to both God and man. Everyone should be thankful for something. And, I believe that this is what makes the time of Thanksgiving so special. We gather together with families and friends to celebrate during this time. It is written in the Psalms the following words: I will enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Our entrance demands thanksgiving.

The first item of every list should be thanksgiving. His presence alone requires thanksgiving, so let us do likewise.

Be thankful!!!

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Pastor's Notes 11-15-2009

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:37:00 +0000

The lyrics of the song performed by Kurt Carr states, "So I'm here today because God kept me. I'm alive today, only because of His grace. Oh, He Kept me, God Kept me, He kept me, So I wouldn't let go."

That is what ministry is all about...allowing God's grace to keep you when you are ready to let go!

Lift up your head and praise Him.

You are at the point of a breakthrough.

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Pastor's Notes 11-01-2009

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:27:00 +0000

God is more interested in our becoming instead of our doing. Interestingly, it is in our doing that we experience becoming. The two go together like ham and cheese or peanut butter and jelly. We, however, can be so caught up with doing that we totally ignore who we ought to become.

Jesus said it this way, “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name… John 1:12”. The first step to “become” is to receive Him and to believe on His name. God, then, is interested in you and me becoming sons. And, sons “do” the bidding of the Father.

Are you being processed?

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Pastor's Notes 10-25-2009

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:16:00 +0000

God has called us to continue the ministry of His Son Jesus Christ. For this to happen, Jesus Christ must be formed in us so that He can work through us. Thus, our ministry really becomes His ministry.

The miraculous process starts at our conversion. Upon accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit begins to form Christ in us. Another way of saying this is, the Holy Spirit will come upon us as He did Mary and the Holy One will be conceived in us as well. “And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35”.

It should be clear that only believers can possess true ministry. Are you a believer? If yes, is Christ being formed in you?

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Pastor's Notes 10-16-2009

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:36:00 +0000

The Lord always sends encouragement at the appropriate time. You can depend on His support especially when you are engaged in ministry. As I was thinking about the time and the effort it requires to prepare the weekly pastor’s notes and wondering if I should continue, I was approached by one of our readers who shared with me how much they enjoyed the pastor’s notes. The experience provided sufficient encouragement to continue.

This is a perfect example of the intervention of the Lord in supporting the individuals who dedicate themselves to His service. The Apostle Paul put it this way, Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day… Acts 26:22.

Please visit the following blog sites for more information on our church activities:

1. First Pentecostal Church blog:

www.firstpentecostalchurch.com/ablogger/activities/activities.html

2. Pastor Paul L. Brown blog:
www.firstpentecostalchurch.com/pblogger/general/blogger.html

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Pastor's Notes 10-112009

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:18:00 +0000

There were no responses to last week’s request for questions, comments, and/or suggestions. One of the reasons is that the postings are clear and understandable.
This is great news.

The letter “I”’ appears twice in the word ministry. It occurred to me that most of the time it takes a double effort to start any ministry. Moses, like most people, usually had an excuse as to why he was incapable to do what God had purposed for him. Isaiah 53 however describes perfectly the obedience of our example Jesus the Christ who willingly accepted His ministry to redeem us to God. Isaiah writes, “He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent: So He opened not His mouth.”

The question for you today is, “Are you another Moses?”

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Pastor's Notes 10-04-2009

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:56:00 +0000

I would like to go deeper in the discussion on ministry. Before I proceed,however, I would like to receive some feedback from my readers. Thepurpose is to determine how much you have learned over the past weeks.I would like you to send any questions you have to my email address:pablolbrown@gmail.com. I will answer your questions before I proceed.Please take a few minutes and let me know what you are thinking. Thankyou so much for following my weekly blog.God bless you...

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Pastors Notes 9-13-2009

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 22:13:00 +0000

Today, it is a generally accepted statement that everyone has a ministry in the church and a mission in the world. O.K.! If this is the case then what does ministry looks like? I am refering to the kind of ministry that one can lead or be involved with.

I would begin by asking the following question. Is there a task or an activity that needs my attention? What about those jobs around the church that no one wants to do? I am talking about stuff like 1.) changing light bulbs; 2.) taking of the pulpit drinkingglasses; or 3.) spending time with the guests after service.

You may tell yourself that it is the brothers' job to change the light bulbs and there is no ministry opportunity in that activity for me. This may be true; however, one could start a help ministry which may involve informing the men when light bulbs need to be changed. This ministry could function in such a manner that it provides service to others in the areas of their need. Another example is baby sitting for a couple of hours so that a single mother can have some free time to spend by herself and the Lord. There are so many examples that can be shared.

Ministry is not complicated. It can simple be providing a service or doing simple tasks that help someone in their time of need. Is there something you would like to do for someone? Go to it!

Blessings..

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Pastor's Notes 9-6-2009

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:44:00 +0000

It is written, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Eccl 9:10

We have said that ministry is about developing others by working in the areas of our gifts. Okay, I asked the LORD the following question, “What do you have me to do?” This sounds fair enough until I receive this answer: My instruction for you and everyone is written in my Word to you. I did this because everyone would eventually get to the place to ask Me this question. So, I put the answer into the Bible.

The instruction in the Bible is simply to love God and love people. So, ministry begins with doing anything - regardless of how simple or how great - that results in loving God and loving people.

Could it be this simple? If yes, then I ask you this question, what are you doing that results in loving God and loving people?

Let us share some examples in the coming weeks.

Blessings...

Pastor's Notes 8-30-2009

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:14:00 +0000

Ministry is the opportunity to work with God. We can share our unique experience with those who are following us. Thus, the primary reason why ministry is both critical and essential is that we the help of each other to obtain the things we need. Our uniqueness allows us to uniquely acquire from the Lord that which someone else would have difficulty obtaining. Likewise, their unique abilities can help attain the things you or I need.

Ask yourself the question, what areas of this life am I having difficulty? The answer will be either, what ministry is God leading to start or what ministry should I become involved in. It is the partnership that makes ministry successfully. Why? Because your gifts are really for someone else and not for yourself.

This is so simple that we could live our entire life missing out on what God has purposely created us to be. Take one look around and move into the place you were meant to function in.

Please share your comments

Blessings…

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Pastor's Notes 8-23-2009

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:08:00 +0000

I'd like to ask the following questions when I discuss ministry.

1. Who is following you?

2. Who can carry on for you in an emergency?

In a nut shell, ministry is about developing those who are following you. I love the following statement: You are only taking a walk if you say that you have a ministry and no one is following you.

Therefore, I ask you this question:

Minister! who is following you?

We will discuss this further next week.

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Pastor's Notes 8-16-2009

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:47:00 +0000

I have spent the last couple of weeks discussing how to recognize where God is working. Today, I would like to discuss what constitutes an appropriate response. I would like to suggest that when one recognizes where He is working; the recognition (itself) is an invitation to join Him in what He is doing. The acceptance of the invitation to join Him eventually leads to ministry. Ministry usually involves more than we tend to believe.

Please consider the following questions as far as ministry is concerned:

1. What is the problem that you recognize where God is working?
2. What is the solution to the problem that God has placed in your heart?
3. Why are you moved to join God in working on this problem?
4. Why MUST you do it NOW?

Tune in as we explore ministry together in the coming weeks.

Pastor's Notes 8-9-2009

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 23:55:00 +0000

Let us summarize what we have been discussing over the past weeks. God has a purpose for our lives. It is our responsibility to find God's purpose for our lives and be about
our Father's business. This is the point where most people get off the bus - they say, I do not know how to find God's purpose for my life and they give up! Not good!

God has provide the church to aid individuals in finding His purpose for their lives. In addition, we talked about problems and circumstances which arise in our lives as well as
deep emotional responses to life experiences. However, the church has remains essential in the quest to determine
our purpose.

The challenge is that time and dedication are required but we often fail to make the appropriate investment. Finding our purpose is fundamental to our life as air, water, and
food is for living.

How are you living today is the question for the moment?

Pastor's Notes 8-2-2009

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:33:00 +0000

Last week, I asked the question about being deeply moved emotionally or touched in a special way by an incident or a circumstance. Have you ever gotten teary eyed in the midst of a situation? I would like to suggest that God was speaking to you in that moment. The gospels of Matthew and Mark record three and two instances, respectively, where Jesus was moved with compassion. The verse I like best is, “And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and
touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean” Mark 1:41. My reason may be that I can relate to the blind man's condition of helplessness and great desire for sight (understanding). I believe this is the point where ministries are birthed. This is where God enlightens an individual about where He is at work.

I strongly suggest that you listen extremely, closely for directions from the Lord the next time you are overwhelmed...

Pastor's Notes 7-26-2009

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 21:50:00 +0000

I am convinced that most of us truly believe that Jesus can do anything, anytime, anywhere because He is sovereign. Therefore, you can agree that He is working in everyone’s life at the same time. When problems occur in our lives, we often times forget this reality. We begin to focus on ourselves and act as if we are the ONLY person inthe world.

Today, I would like to awaken you to the fact that you need to un-learn this terrible lesson. Yes, Jesus is working in the lives of every human being on the planet. He can give you as well as other His full attention because He is God. He is interested in you so deeply and longs for you to share every aspect of your life withHim. He wants to know about your hurts, your cares, your disappointments, your bills (i.e., both the ones you paid on time and those you paid late), and everything else about you. Why? Because He loves you. Previous notes have mentioned that problems in your life are indicators that He is at work.

Let me also say that another indication of Jesus' involvement in your life is when you are overcome emotionally in a certain situation. Have you had such an experience? Think about it and you may just see or recognize His mighty work in you.” Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another,God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:11, 12”

Pastor's Notes 7-19-2009

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 02:59:00 +0000

The occurrence of problems and challenges in your life is one way to know that God is at work. God is God and He can use any means or method He chooses. However, my studies indicate that this is a sure and certain way to know that He is at work in our lives. The church van parked at the Massicots has been a source of problems for the past several weeks. The neighbors have called the church and left several complaints regarding the church van being parked on their street.

To be clear, the parking of the church van was not in any way violating any of the Neptune Township ordinances. The neighbors don’t want the van on the street. I spoke to one of the neighbors as well as the Massicots and I decided to follow the instructions of our Lord. He said, "If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.” Matthew 10:14 NIV I did just that! I took my shoes off in front of the neighbor's house and shook the dust off.

Now, I always believed the Scripture to mean just what it said but in the back of mind I also thought something negative or bad would happen. Please do not ask why I thought that way, I just did. The Lord showed me differently as I continued to ponder the act of shaking the dust off my shoes. He showed me that the act was the physical representation of me TOTALLY giving or turning the situation over to Him.

I was stunned! Not even 2 or 3 days later, Deacon Massicot told me that this very neighbor asked him to watch his house for him when he leaves for Florida on vacation. And, even more importantly, Deacon said that he told him that he has been personally watching out for the church van. WOW! God is at work on the street.

I had asked Deacon to have a cookout for the entire street sponsored by the church on Labor Day. Please plan to attend - you really want to join in what God is doing.

Why? Because God is up to something. I would like to look at the thought - Is God really at work with all of us at the same time?

Pastor's Notes 7-12-2009

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:30:00 +0000

The Bible is a book about the salvation of mankind. What I find fascinating about this book is that it details real stories about ordinary people. In addition, it is interesting to note that even though time changes throughout the years, the stories about people remains the same. The book of Proverbs provides many insightful sayings about strife. Strife can be sown, stirred up, and meddled. Yet, it seems to me that strife provides some indication that God is at work in our midst. Please notice the following text: And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's cattle and the herdsmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanites and the Perizzites dwelled then in the land. Genesis 13:7

The result of this conflict caused the separation of Abram and his nephew (Lot). Immediately, after the separation God appeared to Abram. It would seem to me that there were positive benefits of strife in Abram’s and Lot’s lives. At least, Abram greatly benefited because it may have provided the perfect opportunity to separate from his nephew.

Why is it that we tend to have such negative responses to the issues of strife which occur in our lives? Should we learn how to better respond to these situations? Why? Because so far I have observed that God is always at work. I would like to discuss the issue of the church van at the Massicot’s in hope of determining what God is up to where they live.

Pastor's Notes 7-5-2009

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:31:00 +0000

The Lord has impressed two things in my spirit over the past weeks. I have been spending much time thinking on the following two concepts. They feel so real and tangible to me that I would like to share them with you over the next two weeks. They are:

1) Just do whatsoever the Lord has placed in your heart to accomplish for His kingdom; and

2) A sign that God is working among us is when trouble, trials and problems arise in our midst.

Join me!

I would like to deal with the first item this week. The scripture that immediately comes to my mind when the Lord spoke these words in my heart is found in 2 Samuel 7:3. It reads, “Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee”. David asked the prophet to inquire of the Lord whether or not he should do a particular work for His kingdom.
The prophet’s response was simple and direct. He told David to go ahead because the Lord is with him. I say to the First Pentecostal Church family today – The Lord is with us. There has been a special anointing in this church family and among us since we rose to the challenge of doing our daily devotions.

I want to say to everyone: The Spirit of the Lord is among us in a great way. Therefore, go and do all that is in your hearts to do for the Lord. Why? Because He is with us. Amen. Brush off your Ten Dollar challenge and do something great. Start an abundance group. Start a ministry.

God is with us!!!

God bless you richly...

School of Pastoral Nurture

firstpentecostal@verizon.net (Pastor Paul L. Brown) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:05:00 +0000

I attended The Jack W. Hayford School of Pastoral Nuture, Consultation III last week. I was in sessions with 39 pastors from different denominations and organizations.

It was a tremendous blessing and help to me. Please let me a note if you would like to hear more about my experience.

God bless you.

(I got pictures.)