So I haven't posted in almost a year. And what I'm going to post today isn't original, but it's pretty cool. Something I received in my Liberty University email. Enjoy.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
CONCERNING DOCTRINAL DIFFERENCES
I recently had the privilege of conducting a weekend Bible conference for a Liberty Home Bible Institute graduate, Pastor Kyle Clements. Last year, his church was torched and burned to the ground in a senseless act of vandalism. Shortly after, the culprits — two very young men — were caught, tried, and sent to prison. However, Clements felt led to visit the two men in prison, assuring them of his forgiveness and desire to help them in any way possible. It wasn’t long before one of the young men had accepted Christ, and the other seemed close behind him.
What seemed to be a devastating loss for the church was rectified as an incredible opportunity for the love of Christ to be shared — through Pastor Clements and through the surrounding community.
So then, case closed — right? Not even close! You really need to hear, as the late Paul Harvey might have phrased it, “the rest of the story.” And what a story it was, involving the incredible outpouring of love upon the stricken church by the surrounding community.
Here are but a few instances:
A Pentecostal pastor handed Clements a $1,500 check from his church. But when he politely attempted to return it, pointing out the insurance company had agreed to cover all costs (which they did, to the tune of $812,000), the check bearer responded: “Brother Kyle, you don’t understand...you might not need this, but my people needed to do it!”
A Roman Catholic priest called, offering to make his church building available right after the 8 a.m. Sunday mass for as long as needed.
Another pastor (whom Clements had never met) drove into the parking lot of the burned-out church and handed him an envelope containing a sizeable amount of money, saying he had seen the news report on TV and wanted to help. With those words, he quickly drove away, without even giving his name.
When all was said and done, over $30,000 came in from a number of sources in that little community.
Does all this support the claim that only by abandoning personal beliefs can one individual help another? Absolutely not! I can assure you these four men, each coming from a totally different theological viewpoint will definitely not soon be seen standing around a campfire, clasping hands and singing kumbaya. It’s just not going to happen.
But I also think it can be said that not one of those four men felt that somehow through this experience of giving and receiving he had compromised one inch of conviction, but rather had enjoyed a mile of compassion.
After Clements relayed this story, I sat there thinking that our doctrinal differences should never be considered unimportant; however, very few are all-important.
A famous evangelist in the 1930s and 40s, known for his hard shell, “my way or the highway” biblical convictions, also tempered them with this statement: “If an old hound dog would come trotting into my little town barking for Jesus, I’d fetch a pan of water for him, give him a part of my lunch, and pat him on the head!” Hopefully, my reaction would be the same, and if it turned out he was a Baptist dog, I’d probably share some of my dessert!
Some 30 centuries ago, King Solomon closed the final of his three books as follows: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter..." (Ecclesiastes 12:12). And what might that be? In our present confused and cruel world, I believe we can become involved in two ways:
Involved in the Word of God — “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15).
And involved in the world of men — “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).
God bless,
Dr. H. L. Willmington
Founder & Dean
Willmington School of the Bible
--
Matt
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Steve Jobs
I am particularly sobered today following the death of Steve Jobs last night. And I don’t really know why.
I guess I am sobered because Westboro is going to picket his funeral. I have no idea where that kind of mindset comes from.
I guess I am sobered because Apple will likely never produce at the same level without him. He was one-of-a-kind.
I guess I am sobered because he was so young—just in his fifties. His wife, kids, family, friends, and co-workers were not ready for him to go—they have some difficult days ahead.
I guess I am sobered because Steve Jobs, in all likelihood, did not have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Even great men succumb to the result of our human condition, the consequences of our sin: death.
In this life, we have a choice to make, whether we realize it or not—to follow Christ, or follow ourselves. Both lead towards an eternal destination—one with God and one separated from Him.
Hopefully Steve had a relationship with Christ that no one knew about. One way or the other, it is too late to worry about his eternity now.
But your eternity is still at stake. Choose to follow Christ today.
And be sobered at the reality of the lostness of our world, of your friends and neighbors. Living in constant reality of that lostness is the motivation we need to share the Gospel.
Steve Jobs impacted a lot of people with his products, ingenuity, and personality. And today, wherever he is, I know that he would want you to impact your world for the Kingdom of God today.
This life is short. Dream Big, take risks, and never give up.
I guess I am sobered because Westboro is going to picket his funeral. I have no idea where that kind of mindset comes from.
I guess I am sobered because Apple will likely never produce at the same level without him. He was one-of-a-kind.
I guess I am sobered because he was so young—just in his fifties. His wife, kids, family, friends, and co-workers were not ready for him to go—they have some difficult days ahead.
I guess I am sobered because Steve Jobs, in all likelihood, did not have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Even great men succumb to the result of our human condition, the consequences of our sin: death.
In this life, we have a choice to make, whether we realize it or not—to follow Christ, or follow ourselves. Both lead towards an eternal destination—one with God and one separated from Him.
Hopefully Steve had a relationship with Christ that no one knew about. One way or the other, it is too late to worry about his eternity now.
But your eternity is still at stake. Choose to follow Christ today.
And be sobered at the reality of the lostness of our world, of your friends and neighbors. Living in constant reality of that lostness is the motivation we need to share the Gospel.
Steve Jobs impacted a lot of people with his products, ingenuity, and personality. And today, wherever he is, I know that he would want you to impact your world for the Kingdom of God today.
This life is short. Dream Big, take risks, and never give up.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Talent & Technology
Some get miffed by the color of the carpet.
Some are disappointed that the piano is on the left side of the sanctuary.
Some winced because I just called it “the sanctuary.”
Many dislike many, many things.
But the newest thing people have begun to lose their mind about is technology and performance, or the combination thereof, in worship services and churches. They think this is a new argument or trend or bandwagon to get on. They think that it’s cool to want a “simpler” church where the music is dull, the sound system shrieks, and the TVs are absent. Which personally, I think is hilarious for innumerable reasons, here’s a few:
1.They are usually whining about it on Twitter, Facebook, or their blog. Which they do from their smart phone or Mac Book. They own the latest technology, but the church should not.
2.They watch their favorite famous preachers get fired up about it on their 50” flat-screen, L.E.D. TV. They have 4-5 TVs in their 2,500 square foot house, but the church should not have 25 in a building ten times that size.
3.They don’t have any music in their iTunes library that makes them cringe. Yet, when a church service is done with excellence and talent, they call it a performance and dismiss its validity.
4.They don’t really care about their “cause” because the only place they stand up for it is on the internet, where they can hide behind the anonymity.
So in summary: they can pursue the latest technology, buy the biggest TVs, trick out their cars with the loudest stereo systems, buy lots of quality mainstream music—but the church, who is trying to reach the lost of this culture, this culture that is pursuing those same things, cannot spend any money to do so. In my mind this is so hypocritical. They expect every movie they see, all the music they listen to, all of the experiences they have outside of the church building to be done with excellence and pride, and ridicule it when it doesn’t live up to that standard. Yet, when they step inside the church building, they want no technology or talent, because that is trying to “add something to the Gospel.”
The reality is guys, that there are churches that pursue technology for the wrong reasons—not to reach the lost, but to puff themselves up. I understand the problem there. There are churches that waste money. I understand the problem there. And there are churches that perform instead of worship on Sunday mornings.(By the way, Elevation Church may not do everything right , but that Easter Sunday they donated 18,000 items to help out needy in their community and had a large number of genuine salvations). However, just because some fail doesn’t mean all do.
So before you soapbox about technology and talent in a church, take a look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself what’s really bothering you. Because really, our own lives water down the Gospel way more than any church with any amount of talent or technology has. Blaming church leaders for spending money isn’t going to make us feel better.
If at the end of the day, after you have dealt with your own junk, you still feel convinced that they are wasting money, go talk to them about it. As ministers of the Gospel, your church leadership would be open to listen to your concerns and take them to heart, and explain to you why things are done the way they are. And after you do that, if you still feel unsettled about the way your church does things, find a new place to worship and stop publicly whining about the former one. Because no matter how angry or upset you are, or how wrong they may really be, there is no excuse for judgmentally bashing Christ’s bride in any medium.
Some are disappointed that the piano is on the left side of the sanctuary.
Some winced because I just called it “the sanctuary.”
Many dislike many, many things.
But the newest thing people have begun to lose their mind about is technology and performance, or the combination thereof, in worship services and churches. They think this is a new argument or trend or bandwagon to get on. They think that it’s cool to want a “simpler” church where the music is dull, the sound system shrieks, and the TVs are absent. Which personally, I think is hilarious for innumerable reasons, here’s a few:
1.They are usually whining about it on Twitter, Facebook, or their blog. Which they do from their smart phone or Mac Book. They own the latest technology, but the church should not.
2.They watch their favorite famous preachers get fired up about it on their 50” flat-screen, L.E.D. TV. They have 4-5 TVs in their 2,500 square foot house, but the church should not have 25 in a building ten times that size.
3.They don’t have any music in their iTunes library that makes them cringe. Yet, when a church service is done with excellence and talent, they call it a performance and dismiss its validity.
4.They don’t really care about their “cause” because the only place they stand up for it is on the internet, where they can hide behind the anonymity.
So in summary: they can pursue the latest technology, buy the biggest TVs, trick out their cars with the loudest stereo systems, buy lots of quality mainstream music—but the church, who is trying to reach the lost of this culture, this culture that is pursuing those same things, cannot spend any money to do so. In my mind this is so hypocritical. They expect every movie they see, all the music they listen to, all of the experiences they have outside of the church building to be done with excellence and pride, and ridicule it when it doesn’t live up to that standard. Yet, when they step inside the church building, they want no technology or talent, because that is trying to “add something to the Gospel.”
The reality is guys, that there are churches that pursue technology for the wrong reasons—not to reach the lost, but to puff themselves up. I understand the problem there. There are churches that waste money. I understand the problem there. And there are churches that perform instead of worship on Sunday mornings.(By the way, Elevation Church may not do everything right , but that Easter Sunday they donated 18,000 items to help out needy in their community and had a large number of genuine salvations). However, just because some fail doesn’t mean all do.
So before you soapbox about technology and talent in a church, take a look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself what’s really bothering you. Because really, our own lives water down the Gospel way more than any church with any amount of talent or technology has. Blaming church leaders for spending money isn’t going to make us feel better.
If at the end of the day, after you have dealt with your own junk, you still feel convinced that they are wasting money, go talk to them about it. As ministers of the Gospel, your church leadership would be open to listen to your concerns and take them to heart, and explain to you why things are done the way they are. And after you do that, if you still feel unsettled about the way your church does things, find a new place to worship and stop publicly whining about the former one. Because no matter how angry or upset you are, or how wrong they may really be, there is no excuse for judgmentally bashing Christ’s bride in any medium.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Trade Rumors
“Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy.”—Prov. 14:10
Bitterness creeps into life easily. It happens when we allow the things that happen to us that seem unfair or wrong to control us, when we let those things hold onto our heart. But, when we release those things and our hearts to a loving Savior who already bore the burden for us, the joy is overwhelming and unexplainable. Trade your bitterness for unspeakable joy.
--Matt
Bitterness creeps into life easily. It happens when we allow the things that happen to us that seem unfair or wrong to control us, when we let those things hold onto our heart. But, when we release those things and our hearts to a loving Savior who already bore the burden for us, the joy is overwhelming and unexplainable. Trade your bitterness for unspeakable joy.
--Matt
Monday, March 22, 2010
Perfect Love
You aren’t scared of people you love.
That’s a profound truth that I’ve never really thought about.
Sometimes I don’t do things God has asked me to do because I’m scared of people: what they think, what they can do to me.
A real love for others will chase those worries away. The thought of being punished is what makes us afraid. It shows that we have not really learned to love. 1 John 4:18 (CEV)
Let’s learn to love and stop being afraid.
--Matt
That’s a profound truth that I’ve never really thought about.
Sometimes I don’t do things God has asked me to do because I’m scared of people: what they think, what they can do to me.
A real love for others will chase those worries away. The thought of being punished is what makes us afraid. It shows that we have not really learned to love. 1 John 4:18 (CEV)
Let’s learn to love and stop being afraid.
--Matt
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Half of My Heart
I believe there comes a point where you really have to trust God.
And I don’t mean trust Him with your mind.
I don’t mean trust Him with your words.
I mean trust Him in the deepest parts of who you are.
Trust Him with your heart, because to know something in your heart, is something all together different that knowing something in your head.
I can know that I should trust God all day long. I can know that He’s got a great plan and knows what’s best for me. But until I take that knowledge and really transfer it to my heart, it means nothing. God has a huge plan for you. Take it one step at a time, let Him lead you. He knows the path infinitely better than you or I do.
There will be steps you WANT to take.
Steps that seem to make sense.
Steps that WE think are the best for us.
But walk in His steps. Trust in His wonderful love, power, grace, and plan.
Because He knows best anyway.
We all know that.
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart
Psalm 37:4
--Matt
And I don’t mean trust Him with your mind.
I don’t mean trust Him with your words.
I mean trust Him in the deepest parts of who you are.
Trust Him with your heart, because to know something in your heart, is something all together different that knowing something in your head.
I can know that I should trust God all day long. I can know that He’s got a great plan and knows what’s best for me. But until I take that knowledge and really transfer it to my heart, it means nothing. God has a huge plan for you. Take it one step at a time, let Him lead you. He knows the path infinitely better than you or I do.
There will be steps you WANT to take.
Steps that seem to make sense.
Steps that WE think are the best for us.
But walk in His steps. Trust in His wonderful love, power, grace, and plan.
Because He knows best anyway.
We all know that.
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart
Psalm 37:4
--Matt
Monday, October 5, 2009
Change Your Heart, Not Your Clothes
Joel 2: 12-13
That is why the LORD says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.
God wants us to come back to Him. But he doesn’t want our outward expressions of grief and repentance, our mere words. He wants our hearts torn with grief—grief for our sin.
2 Corinthians 7:10
For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.
It doesn’t do us ANY good to just say we’re sorry for the things we’ve done wrong. It doesn't do ANY good to just wallow around in our guilt and shame. We have to truly see our sin as God does and let it break our hearts, like David did.
Psalm 51: 1-4a
Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight.
David realized the gravity of his sin, acknowledging that he had sinned against God, and God alone. Our sins are against the Father. Period. The sooner you and I realize this, the sooner we move towards Biblical repentance. That means living a lifestyle of continually asking God to show us our shortcomings and a striving for all things that will make us more like Him.
Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
--Matt
That is why the LORD says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.
God wants us to come back to Him. But he doesn’t want our outward expressions of grief and repentance, our mere words. He wants our hearts torn with grief—grief for our sin.
2 Corinthians 7:10
For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.
It doesn’t do us ANY good to just say we’re sorry for the things we’ve done wrong. It doesn't do ANY good to just wallow around in our guilt and shame. We have to truly see our sin as God does and let it break our hearts, like David did.
Psalm 51: 1-4a
Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight.
David realized the gravity of his sin, acknowledging that he had sinned against God, and God alone. Our sins are against the Father. Period. The sooner you and I realize this, the sooner we move towards Biblical repentance. That means living a lifestyle of continually asking God to show us our shortcomings and a striving for all things that will make us more like Him.
Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
--Matt
Thursday, May 28, 2009
South Africa Day 4
God is in Africa too.
Really.
I just spent about nine days in Pretoria, South Africa, where God used our team to do some amazing things. For each of the next several days, I’m going to post my journal entries from the trip, starting with the first day, and ending with the last, excluding travel time. I hope the Lord uses these to touch your life like he did mine. Enjoy.
Fourth Day: May 21
Today it was my half of the team’s turn to go out in the community while the other half got to experience the labor side of things. I’m not going to lie—it was really funny to think about Marshall, Pete, and my sister doing manual labor. But they did a good job.
Anyway, I ended up paired with Katie Reno for the biggest part of the day. In one of our first visits, we went to see a lady who was well-known in the community; her house was in the very center and she was stricken with high blood pressure. Katie felt led to give her Bible to the woman, even though her understanding of English was minimal. We then prayed for her to be healed of her ailment, read Psalm 23 over her, and asked the Lord to give her clear understanding of His word. Katie felt like if that woman was healed and received Christ, the whole community would be led to the Lord because of the location of her house and the word of her testimony. When you see the picture, it is her “house”, remember it in prayer.
After visiting with several more houses, we went across the street to a shopping center where we ate lunch. It was one of the things that hurt me the most about South Africa. We could literally cross a street and go from extreme poverty to extreme normality. So many unmet needs contrasted with so many luxuries. Unbelievable. But God reminded me: it happens at home too. We have so much we take for granted.
Every day.
Following ministry, we went into Johannesburg and ate at a restaurant called Carnivore’s. It was amazing! They just kept bringing us meat—everything from chicken to crocodile to kudu. Most of the guys loved it, most of the girls were tolerant of it.
Anna, Katie, Jenna, and I are teaching the 4th grade tomorrow while the rest of the team works with pre-schoolers. It should be interesting/fun. We practiced and went over both the doctor skit and the sin-chair human video—they should go over well in the school assembly before we break off into classrooms.
I am exhausted.
Prayer for tomorrow: Patience, gentleness, kindness, discernment
Really.
I just spent about nine days in Pretoria, South Africa, where God used our team to do some amazing things. For each of the next several days, I’m going to post my journal entries from the trip, starting with the first day, and ending with the last, excluding travel time. I hope the Lord uses these to touch your life like he did mine. Enjoy.
Fourth Day: May 21
Today it was my half of the team’s turn to go out in the community while the other half got to experience the labor side of things. I’m not going to lie—it was really funny to think about Marshall, Pete, and my sister doing manual labor. But they did a good job.
Anyway, I ended up paired with Katie Reno for the biggest part of the day. In one of our first visits, we went to see a lady who was well-known in the community; her house was in the very center and she was stricken with high blood pressure. Katie felt led to give her Bible to the woman, even though her understanding of English was minimal. We then prayed for her to be healed of her ailment, read Psalm 23 over her, and asked the Lord to give her clear understanding of His word. Katie felt like if that woman was healed and received Christ, the whole community would be led to the Lord because of the location of her house and the word of her testimony. When you see the picture, it is her “house”, remember it in prayer.
After visiting with several more houses, we went across the street to a shopping center where we ate lunch. It was one of the things that hurt me the most about South Africa. We could literally cross a street and go from extreme poverty to extreme normality. So many unmet needs contrasted with so many luxuries. Unbelievable. But God reminded me: it happens at home too. We have so much we take for granted.
Every day.
Following ministry, we went into Johannesburg and ate at a restaurant called Carnivore’s. It was amazing! They just kept bringing us meat—everything from chicken to crocodile to kudu. Most of the guys loved it, most of the girls were tolerant of it.
Anna, Katie, Jenna, and I are teaching the 4th grade tomorrow while the rest of the team works with pre-schoolers. It should be interesting/fun. We practiced and went over both the doctor skit and the sin-chair human video—they should go over well in the school assembly before we break off into classrooms.
I am exhausted.
Prayer for tomorrow: Patience, gentleness, kindness, discernment
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
South Africa Day 3
God is in Africa too.
Really.
I just spent about nine days in Pretoria, South Africa, where God used our team to do some amazing things. For each of the next several days, I’m going to post my journal entries from the trip, starting with the first day, and ending with the last, excluding travel time. I hope the Lord uses these to touch your life like he did mine. Enjoy.
Third Day: May 19
There wasn't much spiritual about what we did today. Basically, my half of the group did hard labor today: clearing a field, shoveling gravel and sand, playing with machetes, etc. Don't get me wrong, we had to get this stuff done and it helped the community out greatly. However, as I was sitting on a trailer that recently carried pig slop, pulled behind an old Massey-Ferguson tractor, being beaten to death by the rough roads, I realized something.
I wasn't created to do this kind of job.
Really.
I just spent about nine days in Pretoria, South Africa, where God used our team to do some amazing things. For each of the next several days, I’m going to post my journal entries from the trip, starting with the first day, and ending with the last, excluding travel time. I hope the Lord uses these to touch your life like he did mine. Enjoy.
Third Day: May 19
There wasn't much spiritual about what we did today. Basically, my half of the group did hard labor today: clearing a field, shoveling gravel and sand, playing with machetes, etc. Don't get me wrong, we had to get this stuff done and it helped the community out greatly. However, as I was sitting on a trailer that recently carried pig slop, pulled behind an old Massey-Ferguson tractor, being beaten to death by the rough roads, I realized something.
I wasn't created to do this kind of job.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
South Africa Day 2
God is in Africa too.
Really.
I just spent about nine days in Pretoria, South Africa, where God used our team to do some amazing things. For each of the next several days, I’m going to post my journal entries from the trip, starting with the first day, and ending with the last, excluding travel time. I hope the Lord uses these to touch your life like he did mine. Enjoy.
Second Day: May 18
2 Samuel 24:24—Psalm 74
Admittedly, I was a little anxious about the work we were doing this morning. The overwhelming responsibility of speaking healing over people’s lives wigged me out—a little. But then God reminded me it was His responsibility and His power, not mine. Got a real peace as we split up into groups and played with the kids—we were like rock stars—that’s because God answered our prayers and prepared their hearts for our arrival. First, we prayed for a guy whose family had some tragedy that had emotionally scarred him. Then, we prayed for a lady with epilepsy. So we held her hands to steady her as we prayed. There was a spirit of heaviness all around her. As we began praying together, she screamed and fell to the ground, still tightly gripping my hand. That’s when we knew we were dealing with a demonic presence. We prayed and cast out the demon—hoping that she knows it was Jesus who healed her. We prayed for two people who were dying—a little girl and an old lady. The little girl had full-blown AIDS—she was 5 and looked about 3, full of sores, it was so sad. But God reminded me that her greatest need isn’t being healed from AIDS—it is Jesus.
It's mine too.
We ate spaghetti for dinner and talked with Mariet about her 80-day mission trip all over the eastern hemisphere. It was cool to hear her passion and her accent. Kyle then told us to listen and sit across the table from God and ask Him specific questions. I did. No answers…yet. Tomorrow, we’re halving our group up—some doing construction and half doing what we did today.
Prayer for Tomorrow: Flexibility, listening ears, loving beyond circumstances.
P.S.: Marshall and Nathan say ‘hey’.
Really.
I just spent about nine days in Pretoria, South Africa, where God used our team to do some amazing things. For each of the next several days, I’m going to post my journal entries from the trip, starting with the first day, and ending with the last, excluding travel time. I hope the Lord uses these to touch your life like he did mine. Enjoy.
Second Day: May 18
2 Samuel 24:24—Psalm 74
Admittedly, I was a little anxious about the work we were doing this morning. The overwhelming responsibility of speaking healing over people’s lives wigged me out—a little. But then God reminded me it was His responsibility and His power, not mine. Got a real peace as we split up into groups and played with the kids—we were like rock stars—that’s because God answered our prayers and prepared their hearts for our arrival. First, we prayed for a guy whose family had some tragedy that had emotionally scarred him. Then, we prayed for a lady with epilepsy. So we held her hands to steady her as we prayed. There was a spirit of heaviness all around her. As we began praying together, she screamed and fell to the ground, still tightly gripping my hand. That’s when we knew we were dealing with a demonic presence. We prayed and cast out the demon—hoping that she knows it was Jesus who healed her. We prayed for two people who were dying—a little girl and an old lady. The little girl had full-blown AIDS—she was 5 and looked about 3, full of sores, it was so sad. But God reminded me that her greatest need isn’t being healed from AIDS—it is Jesus.
It's mine too.
We ate spaghetti for dinner and talked with Mariet about her 80-day mission trip all over the eastern hemisphere. It was cool to hear her passion and her accent. Kyle then told us to listen and sit across the table from God and ask Him specific questions. I did. No answers…yet. Tomorrow, we’re halving our group up—some doing construction and half doing what we did today.
Prayer for Tomorrow: Flexibility, listening ears, loving beyond circumstances.
P.S.: Marshall and Nathan say ‘hey’.
Monday, May 25, 2009
South Africa Day 1
God is in Africa too.
Really.
I just spent about nine days in Pretoria, South Africa, where God used our team to do some amazing things. For each of the next several days, I’m going to post my journal entries from the trip, starting with the first day, and ending with the last, excluding travel time. I hope the Lord uses these to touch your life like he did mine. Enjoy.
First Full Day: May 17
Job 29—Luke 4:18—2 Samuel 9—James 1:27
Know who you’re talking to
--Know God, Know His power
Healing Hands
--Same power
--Child healed at Church
--Noise
See people past circumstances, see them as God’s children
Door already open in Heaven—Revelation 3
This place is incredible. The people here are most definitely kindred spirits with us. God is doing the same stuff here that He is back home. He’s way bigger than Brandon. We worshipped at the church plant here this morning with a freedom and simplicity I haven’t seen in a while. They prayed over our team—such a blessing. We then experienced a wonderful South African tradition, a Brie, which is similar to BBQ back at home. Little Viele, the son of one of the missionaries living there, brought Kyle an orange to peel for him—but then tried to take it back, not wanting him to finish peeling it…just like me. I need help and sure, initially I’ll give things to the Lord. But when I realize what I’ve done, realizing I’ve lost control, I’ll ask for those things back, or worse, never hand them off. Later that day we hiked up to an observation deck overlooking the area we would be serving in, a beautiful place in its own way. We enjoyed a light dinner followed by a time of worship, led by Nathan and Pete. The time in God’s presence was incredible each and every time we pulled our chairs up to His table. As the Lord was preparing us for the next day of door-to-door work in the community, Leigh Ann was prompted to ask for healing hands for the people we would encounter. It then hit me that my lack of faith could keep someone from being healed or set free. Asking the Lord for faith, no doubt, healing hands.
Prayer for Tomorrow: Discernment, wisdom, healing hands as we split up and visit orphan homes. Soft hearts, see Jesus, not us.
Really.
I just spent about nine days in Pretoria, South Africa, where God used our team to do some amazing things. For each of the next several days, I’m going to post my journal entries from the trip, starting with the first day, and ending with the last, excluding travel time. I hope the Lord uses these to touch your life like he did mine. Enjoy.
First Full Day: May 17
Job 29—Luke 4:18—2 Samuel 9—James 1:27
Know who you’re talking to
--Know God, Know His power
Healing Hands
--Same power
--Child healed at Church
--Noise
See people past circumstances, see them as God’s children
Door already open in Heaven—Revelation 3
This place is incredible. The people here are most definitely kindred spirits with us. God is doing the same stuff here that He is back home. He’s way bigger than Brandon. We worshipped at the church plant here this morning with a freedom and simplicity I haven’t seen in a while. They prayed over our team—such a blessing. We then experienced a wonderful South African tradition, a Brie, which is similar to BBQ back at home. Little Viele, the son of one of the missionaries living there, brought Kyle an orange to peel for him—but then tried to take it back, not wanting him to finish peeling it…just like me. I need help and sure, initially I’ll give things to the Lord. But when I realize what I’ve done, realizing I’ve lost control, I’ll ask for those things back, or worse, never hand them off. Later that day we hiked up to an observation deck overlooking the area we would be serving in, a beautiful place in its own way. We enjoyed a light dinner followed by a time of worship, led by Nathan and Pete. The time in God’s presence was incredible each and every time we pulled our chairs up to His table. As the Lord was preparing us for the next day of door-to-door work in the community, Leigh Ann was prompted to ask for healing hands for the people we would encounter. It then hit me that my lack of faith could keep someone from being healed or set free. Asking the Lord for faith, no doubt, healing hands.
Prayer for Tomorrow: Discernment, wisdom, healing hands as we split up and visit orphan homes. Soft hearts, see Jesus, not us.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Life After Scrubs
Cue nostalgic, cheesy pre-graduation post...
In many ways my last night here has been a lot like my first: a lot of packing and a little anxiety. But not the bad anxiety, the good kind—the kind that spurs you on to bigger, better things—or maybe just different things. When I walked across the stage at Thalia Mara hall and graduated high school, I had a lot of things that I thought would happen, had many of my own plans for the course of my life. Four years ago today, I would have never thought I’d be where I am: single, at Mississippi College, and surrendered to full-time ministry, likely with middle schoolers somewhere. And even though I didn’t expect any of this, you couldn’t pay me to be anywhere else doing anything else. And I can’t imagine not having the relationships I have now, or imagine them going away. But after high school, I would have said the same exact thing, that I didn’t want any of my friendships or circles to change.
I hate to say it, but that’s probably what the next step is going to look like too. I’m going to lose relationships, lose touch, lose lots of things. But I know that, just like He has before, God will provide me new Aarons, new Miriams, to walk beside me, to hold my arms up when I can’t go on. That’s just how life works, relationships come in, relationships disappear. I just have to cherish the ones I have now, never knowing what the future has in store. That doesn’t mean I won’t try to keep the good ones and discard the bad ones, not at all. It just means that I’m content to have you guys in my life now, that’s all.
Don't Holler at Me!!
--Matt
In many ways my last night here has been a lot like my first: a lot of packing and a little anxiety. But not the bad anxiety, the good kind—the kind that spurs you on to bigger, better things—or maybe just different things. When I walked across the stage at Thalia Mara hall and graduated high school, I had a lot of things that I thought would happen, had many of my own plans for the course of my life. Four years ago today, I would have never thought I’d be where I am: single, at Mississippi College, and surrendered to full-time ministry, likely with middle schoolers somewhere. And even though I didn’t expect any of this, you couldn’t pay me to be anywhere else doing anything else. And I can’t imagine not having the relationships I have now, or imagine them going away. But after high school, I would have said the same exact thing, that I didn’t want any of my friendships or circles to change.
I hate to say it, but that’s probably what the next step is going to look like too. I’m going to lose relationships, lose touch, lose lots of things. But I know that, just like He has before, God will provide me new Aarons, new Miriams, to walk beside me, to hold my arms up when I can’t go on. That’s just how life works, relationships come in, relationships disappear. I just have to cherish the ones I have now, never knowing what the future has in store. That doesn’t mean I won’t try to keep the good ones and discard the bad ones, not at all. It just means that I’m content to have you guys in my life now, that’s all.
Don't Holler at Me!!
--Matt
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Heavenly Perspectives
Sometimes I wonder what God says to Himself when He looks down and sees me. Here are some thoughts:
-What in the world is he doing this time?
-He just totally missed something awesome I had for him.
-I’ve told him a thousand times not to do that.
-Not again.
-He doesn’t understand how much I love him.
-He just made a fool of himself in front of the children.
-Matt is missing the joy I desire in relationship with him.
-Why is he ignoring me?
-I am so proud of him.
The last one of those, at least in my mind, occurs the least. I can’t believe God would ever be proud of me—all I have done and will do that screams everything but “Jesus”. What I often forget is that God’s love isn’t finite and conditional like mine. He loves me in spite of myself, in spite of my screw ups. Even though I know that is true and find peace in that principle, it’s not where I want to wallow. I want to live my life to make His name Great. When God looks down on me and is having a chat with George Washington, I want His part of the conversation to go something like it did that day He was talking to Satan about Job.
And the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?" >>Job 1:8
When God says someone’s doing a good job, there’s no denying it. I want God to look down at me, take a sip of His sweet tea, and smile.
--Matt
-What in the world is he doing this time?
-He just totally missed something awesome I had for him.
-I’ve told him a thousand times not to do that.
-Not again.
-He doesn’t understand how much I love him.
-He just made a fool of himself in front of the children.
-Matt is missing the joy I desire in relationship with him.
-Why is he ignoring me?
-I am so proud of him.
The last one of those, at least in my mind, occurs the least. I can’t believe God would ever be proud of me—all I have done and will do that screams everything but “Jesus”. What I often forget is that God’s love isn’t finite and conditional like mine. He loves me in spite of myself, in spite of my screw ups. Even though I know that is true and find peace in that principle, it’s not where I want to wallow. I want to live my life to make His name Great. When God looks down on me and is having a chat with George Washington, I want His part of the conversation to go something like it did that day He was talking to Satan about Job.
And the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?" >>Job 1:8
When God says someone’s doing a good job, there’s no denying it. I want God to look down at me, take a sip of His sweet tea, and smile.
--Matt
Friday, February 20, 2009
Crazyboutya
Things that have happened since I last blogged:
-Mission Tour: Houston, TX
-A in a Business Minor Class
-Wednesday Night Cheese Stix Tradition
-Crossgates Hired a College Pastor
-Rob went out on a date
-Washington D.C. trip with the gang
-Movement College Worship on Thursday Nights
-The U.S. elected a new president & MS elected Gregg Harper
-A-Rod steroids scandal
-I beat Jay Davis at Pool
-Road Trip: Dallas
-Jay Davis beat me at tennis, basketball, and paper football
-Dustin & Joel got girlfriends
Things that HAVE NOT happened since I last blogged:
-A decision on where to go for Seminary
-A decision on what to pursue in ministry specifically
-A date
-A traffic ticket
-Read a whole book
-Tampa Bay Rays World Series/ Arizona Cardinals Super Bowl
-Smarter Children
-Worldwide muting of the song “All the Single Ladies”: It’s AWFUL!
I think that about catches you up on the major highlights of the last 6 plus months. Be looking for more frequent updates in the NEAR future.
--Matt
You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. –1 Peter 1:8
-Mission Tour: Houston, TX
-A in a Business Minor Class
-Wednesday Night Cheese Stix Tradition
-Crossgates Hired a College Pastor
-Rob went out on a date
-Washington D.C. trip with the gang
-Movement College Worship on Thursday Nights
-The U.S. elected a new president & MS elected Gregg Harper
-A-Rod steroids scandal
-I beat Jay Davis at Pool
-Road Trip: Dallas
-Jay Davis beat me at tennis, basketball, and paper football
-Dustin & Joel got girlfriends
Things that HAVE NOT happened since I last blogged:
-A decision on where to go for Seminary
-A decision on what to pursue in ministry specifically
-A date
-A traffic ticket
-Read a whole book
-Tampa Bay Rays World Series/ Arizona Cardinals Super Bowl
-Smarter Children
-Worldwide muting of the song “All the Single Ladies”: It’s AWFUL!
I think that about catches you up on the major highlights of the last 6 plus months. Be looking for more frequent updates in the NEAR future.
--Matt
You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. –1 Peter 1:8
Monday, June 30, 2008
Greater Things
I haven’t written anything since May 7. Needless to say, I have been pretty busy. But I don’t believe that the three readers of this blog really care too much about that. That being said, life as a youth intern is grand. Sure it has long hours, lots of pizza, little alone time, and a bit less sleep than I’m used to. I love the students; however, I’m not sure I love the parents or the politics quite that much. Despite its ups and downs, I wouldn’t trade what I am doing right now for anything. I’m learning so much that will be so valuable in whatever God has for me. I’m really not sure if student ministry is going to be for me, but it is most definitely for me now…
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Lead Me to the Cross
God always knows just what I need when I need it. Whether it’s encouragement, a friend, or a free Mr. Pibb from the Coke machine, He’s always right on time.
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by You?
Would you tell me, how could it be any better than this?
You’re everything.
--Matt
But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship Him that way.—John 4:23
Friday, May 2, 2008
Lost in Your Eyes
As May begins and school comes to a close, I find myself above all other things, thankful:
Thankful for carrying me through another year of college.
Thankful for great new friends made this year.
Thankful for the new calling on my life.
Thankful for my amazing family, especially my parents and sister.
Thankful for my new ministry at Crossgates.
Thankful for each new day of life.
Thankful.
In the midst of whatever stress and busyness you have going on in your life right now, I encourage you to stop for a moment. Take a look at the things in life you have been taking for granted and thank Jesus for them. Hey, even thank Him for the bad things. Sometimes they are only there because He loves us.
Right now, in the good times and bad,
You are on Your Throne
You are God Alone.
--Matt
Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. –1 Chronicles 16:8
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
I'm No Superman
God is moving mightily. I have wanted to share for weeks…
My dad surrendered to the ministry and is going to be the Administrative Pastor at Crossgates...
I am going to be the new high school intern at Crossgates…
Neither of us sought out these jobs nor put out resumes; God just gave them to us in His divine power, timing, and wisdom…
It is going to be so great working with my dad doing ministry…
Oh yeah, if you haven’t figured it out yet…
We ARE NOT moving to
That’s pretty much it…
--Matt
Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come…--Song of Solomon 2:11-12a
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Beauty of the Lord
In her eyes
The Beauty of the Lord
In her smile
The Beauty of the Lord
In her tears
The Beauty of the Lord
In her love
The Beauty of the Lord
In her heart
The Beauty of the Lord
In her life
She declares
The Beauty of the Lord
--MdB--April 27, 2008--
Thursday, April 17, 2008
You are my purpose...You're everything...
In my C.S. Lewis class today, we were discussing sin. To put it in context, we were talking about the sin of lust--portrayed as a lizard--in this great work. Now I know that when it comes to sexual sin, we are supposed to run from it:
But in class discussion, passing reference was made that we as Christians are to flee from all sin. I'm not so sure that this is the case for many reasons. For example, we are given the full armor of God in Ephesians 6:
Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. --1 Corinthians 6:18
But in class discussion, passing reference was made that we as Christians are to flee from all sin. I'm not so sure that this is the case for many reasons. For example, we are given the full armor of God in Ephesians 6:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. --Ephesians 6:10-18
Why in the world would God instruct us to "clothe ourselves" in this armor if we were just going to run from all of the trappings of this world? Yes, if I was fighting this fight against the world in my own strength, I had better run. I have nothing on my own accord that would allow me to win the victory over all of the crap that I face everyday. However, my Savior died on the cross, defeating all of my foes once and for all:
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. --2 Corinthians 12:9
Notice back in the verses in Ephesians that there is no mention of armor covering the back--we are supposed to stand and fight with Christ at our side. It is when we cease to surrender in our own strength that we can see victory in battles fought in His great power!
--Matt
--Matt
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. --Romans 12:1
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)