Song of Solomon: Warmed by a Love Song of Marriage!

Posted on July 31, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork Credit: agapeworldwide.wordpress.com

Editor’s Note: We continue our series of blogs for those who are reading the Bible with us cover-to-cover this year. Interspersed with our thoughts on our daily reading, we want to provide some tips about reading the Bible in general.

Song of Solomon: Warmed by a Love Song of Marriage!

Wrapping up Route 3, we come to the Bible book on the love and sex life of the married couple. Often people are surprised by the open treatment of the gift of sex in the Bible. Many forget sex was God’s idea – He created it! And while sex is a part of the married life of a man and a women, it is glorious and wonderful.

We would be remiss if we forgot the lessons found in the book of Proverbs, which we have recently read. Among them, we discover:

  • Adultery is to be avoided is you are seeking wisdom. (Proverbs 2:16)
  • When adultery is committed, it yields 4 unchangeable consequences. (Proverbs 2:18-19)
  • Being sexually active apart from one’s spouse follows 6 consequences of the one who seduces you with folly. (Proverbs 5:3-6; 9:13-18)
  • 12 personal losses can happen to the person who is sexually active apart from their spouse. (Proverbs 5:7-14)
  • Many are the sexual benefits that come to a loyal married couple. (Proverbs 5:15-19)
  • The Lord himself watches adultery! (Proverbs 5:20-21)
  • The sexually active, apart from their spouse will die for lack of discipline! (Proverbs 5:22-23; 7:21-27)
  • Those who disregard their parent’s teaching are sexually active apart from their spouse. (Proverbs 6:23-24; 7:1-5)
  • Adultery is committed by a senseless person and can bring 11 consequences! (Proverbs 6:25-35; 7:6-9)
  • A prostitute is wily of heart, loud, wayward and forward. (Proverbs 7:10-13)

With this foundation firmly in place, we understand that sex can be a terrible master when experienced apart from the loyalty of a relationship between one man and woman who are married.

Song of Solomon shows us the joys and thrills of love and sex when it is found in a faithful relationship. The book is more like a play, with parts designated to the specific actors on the stage. At the center of this story is the relationship of Solomon and his Shulammite wife. From this love story we discover …

  • The passion of desire between a married woman and her husband. (Song 1:2; 2:8-17; 3:1-5; 5:11-12; 7:10; 8:14)
  • The adoration between a husband and his wife is constantly expressed. (Song 1:8, 12-16; 5:2-8; 8:6-7; 8:13)
  • Sexual intimacy is a constant passion in the loving married couple! (Song 1:16-17; 2:3, 6; 4:16 – 5:1; 7:6-9; 8:3)
  • The physical attraction of a man and wife in marriage is strong and virile! (Song 4:1-16; 5:10-16; 6:4-10; 7:1-9; 8:10)
  • The importance of getting away for time alone to keep the marriage passionate and romantic. (Song 4:8; 6:2-3; 7:11-13)

Reading through the Song of Solomon reminds us of God’s intention: “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.”  (Proverbs 5:18–19, ESV)

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

© 2011 Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, All rights reserved.

 

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

 

You can obtain more help from the FREE Bible reading schedule on our resource page. In His Image is a daily devotional that also follows our reading schedule and expresses the Biblical truth: “God Created You to Love You.” You can find this resource on the side bar of our website.

 

======

 

 

Host a Reaching Your Community In Your Generation Seminar!

The world around us changes approximately every 18 months! Such change brings great challenges to our mission. Eagles In Leadership has designed a weekend to help you energize your congregation or organization to fulfill the Great Commission in your community. You can bring this weekend to your church or organization!

The weekend revolves around four key messages:

  • Help! My Community Is Changing!
  • What’s Your Dream for Your Church? (And How Do You Reach It?)
  • Healthy Churches Grow!
  • Reaching Your Community In Your Generation! (It’s All About the Mission!)

You can learn more here.

 

 

 

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Ecclesiastes: Understanding the Futility of a Life Lived for Self

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork Credit: foundationsforfreedom.net

Editor’s Note: We continue our series of blogs for those who are reading the Bible with us cover-to-cover this year. Interspersed with our thoughts on our daily reading, we want to provide some tips about reading the Bible in general.

 

Ecclesiastes: Understanding the Futility of a Life Lived for Self

Selfishness is an all-consuming, all crushing pursuit. When one comes to the end of a journey lived for self they find themselves alone. Perhaps they are surrounded by all the things they hoped for, perhaps not. Yet, one can be sure that the end of such a life is lonely, empty and ultimately of no eternal profit.

Most people agree that the writer of this book is Solomon, King of Israel. It is quite possible that the book was written towards the end of his life, at a time when he realizes his failures during the last two decades of his reign.

Whatever the circumstances of this book’s creation, there is little confusion about the purpose. Solomon writes this book to share the lessons he has learned as the richest king on the planet. Nothing has been withheld from him and he withheld nothing from himself.

As an explorer of life’s purposes and meaning, Solomon comes to a singular conclusion, which he repeats several times within the pages of this scientific journal chronicling the experimentation phase of his life:

  • Enjoy the life God has given you with great passion!

“There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.” (Ecclesiastes 2:24–26, ESV)

  • Enjoy the work God has given you with great joy!

“So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work, for that is his lot. Who can bring him to see what will be after him?” (Ecclesiastes 3:22, ESV)

  • Enjoy the gift of life and work God has given you with total acceptance!

“Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.”  (Ecclesiastes 5:18–20, ESV)

  • Enjoy the food and life God has given you with continual intensity!

“And I commend joy, for man has no good thing under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.”  (Ecclesiastes 8:15, ESV)

  • Enjoy the life God has given you with the wife whom you love with dedicated might!

“Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.”  (Ecclesiastes 9:9–10, ESV)

  • Fear God and keep his commands all the days of your joy-filled life!

“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14, ESV)

While Solomon states that a life lived on earth for self is “vanity” he reminds us of one consistent truth: God wants you to enjoy the life he gives you, the work he sets before you and the people with whom he surrounds you!

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

© 2011 Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, All rights reserved.

 

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

You can obtain more help from the FREE Bible reading schedule on our resource page. In His Image is a daily devotional that also follows our reading schedule and expresses the Biblical truth: “God Created You to Love You.” You can find this resource on the side bar of our website.

======

Host a Reaching Your Community In Your Generation Seminar!

The world around us changes approximately every 18 months! Such change brings great challenges to our mission. Eagles In Leadership has designed a weekend to help you energize your congregation or organization to fulfill the Great Commission in your community. You can bring this weekend to your church or organization!

The weekend revolves around four key messages:

  • Help! My Community Is Changing!
  • What’s Your Dream for Your Church? (And How Do You Reach It?)
  • Healthy Churches Grow!
  • Reaching Your Community In Your Generation! (It’s All About the Mission!)

You can learn more here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Proverbs – Becoming a Virtuous Wife (Proverbs 31:10-31)

Posted on July 24, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork Credit: lacy.obeyingthetruth.com

 

Editor’s Note: We continue our series of blogs for those who are reading the Bible with us cover-to-cover this year. Interspersed with our thoughts on our daily reading, we want to provide some tips about reading the Bible in general.

Proverbs – Becoming a Virtuous Wife (Proverbs 31:10-31)

As we wrap up the book of Proverbs we come to one of the mist exciting passages in the Old Testament. While many speak of the denigration of women in Bible times, this passage shows us that when that happened, it was NOT God’s will or desire.

As we look carefully into the virtues of this ancient woman, we see many of the desires of their contemporary counterparts – and a lesson for husbands as well. The Biblical term for this position is “home manager,” but do not look at that disparagingly. It is obvious to any, except perhaps the casual or bigoted observer, that this position was one of great power and authority!

In Biblical days it was “all hands on deck” to bring about the prosperity and dominion of the family. Rightly understood, the husband would work with his partner to extend their profits and prospects. This meant giving the virtuous woman the “keys to their kingdom,” allowing her to do what today would seem unheard of in the normal marriage! Consider the “careers” of this model woman, from the Old Testament book of Proverbs – the book of wisdom – and learn, if you will from them for your own prosperity and dominion in your community! She was …

  • A trusted partner in the family business! (31:11)
  • A commodity broker! (31:13)
  • A manual laborer!  (31:13)
  • An importer of goods!  (31:14)
  • A 5-star chef!  (31:15)
  • An employer and staff manager!  (31:15)
  • A realtor!  (31:16)
  • An investor!  (31:16)
  • A fitness enthusiast!  (31:17)
  • A retailer!  (31:18)
  • A clothier!  (31:19, 24)
  • A philanthropist!  (31:20)
  • A woman of wealth!  (31:21-22)
  • A political aid!  (31:23)
  • A valued counselor! (31:25-26)
  • A hard-working C. O. O.!  (31:27)
  • A blessed mother!  (31:28)
  • A praised wife! (31:29)
  • A godly woman!  (31:30)
  • A community leader!  (31:31)

After you recover from the impact of these realities, one this is for sure: Those who place women as second-class citizens through their faith, are truly misguided and mistaken as to their potential and possibility as joint-heirs of all God longs to provide for them!

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

 

© 2011 Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, All rights reserved.

 

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

You can obtain more help from the FREE Bible reading schedule on our resource page. In His Image is a daily devotional that also follows our reading schedule and expresses the Biblical truth: “God Created You to Love You.” You can find this resource on the side bar of our website.

======

Host a Reaching Your Community In Your Generation Seminar!

The world around us changes approximately every 18 months! Such change brings great challenges to our mission. Eagles In Leadership has designed a weekend to help you energize your congregation or organization to fulfill the Great Commission in your community. You can bring this weekend to your church or organization!

The weekend revolves around four key messages:

  • Help! My Community Is Changing!
  • What’s Your Dream for Your Church? (And How Do You Reach It?)
  • Healthy Churches Grow!
  • Reaching Your Community In Your Generation! (It’s All About the Mission!)

You can learn more here.

 

 

 

 

Posted in Bible Reading, christian life, finances, Just Read It!, Stewardship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Proverbs – Real Life Lessons from Solomon and Others! (Proverbs 10 – 31)

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork Credit: deskofbrian.com

Editor’s Note: We continue our series of blogs for those who are reading the Bible with us cover-to-cover this year. Interspersed with our thoughts on our daily reading, we want to provide some tips about reading the Bible in general.

 

Proverbs – Real Life Lessons from Solomon and Others! (Proverbs 10 – 31)

As we wade deeper into the book of Proverbs we see that wisdom is the “make or break” issue of real life. In fact, as you read through the parenting manual for Solomon’s sons, you can see how this is true. How many people – perhaps even you – have been damaged and wrecked by the issues we have already studied?

As we transition to a compilation of wise sayings by Solomon and others, we discover some incredibly valuable nuggets for every-day, real life. Some are diagnostic (you can discern the truth about yourself or another), some are exemplary (you can learn a lot before you make that decision or choice) and even others are prescriptive (you should take these to heart like the medicine your doctor issues to you).  Among them, don’t miss these …

  • The fear of the Lord prolongs your life! (Proverbs 10:27)
  • You can tell a lot about a person’s character by their expectations! (Proverbs 11:23)
  • The definition of stupidity! (Proverbs 12:1)
  • The cause of depression! (Proverbs 12:25)
  • Those closest to me determine my level of success! (Proverbs 13:20)
  • Happiness is gained when we are merciful to the real poor! (Proverbs 14:21)
  • The spirit of a person is broken when the words you speak are perverse and when there is sorrow in the heart! (Proverbs 15:4, 13)
  • The trials of life are God’s examinations of our hearts! (Proverbs 17:3)
  • Selfishness is demonstrated by isolation! (Proverbs 18:1)
  • The secret to getting into the presence of famous people! (Proverbs 18:16)
  • Too much sleep leads to poverty! (Proverbs 20:13)
  • Riches, honor and life are gained by humility and the fear of the Lord! (Proverbs 22:4)
  • Gluttony and drunkenness are the same sins leading to the same end in life: poverty! (Proverbs 23:19-21)
  • “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small!” (Proverbs 24:10)
  • How to allow God to pour out His wrath on your enemy! (Proverbs 24:17-18)
  • Backbiters can be seen by their angry countenance! (Proverbs 25:23)
  • How to receive mercy from God! (Proverbs 28:13-14)
  • “The leech has two daughters – Give and Give!” (Proverbs 30:15)

In each of these chapters, we realize a central truth: True faith lives out God’s wisdom in real life situations 24 hours a day, seven days a week!

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

© 2011 Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, All rights reserved.

 

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

You can obtain more help from the FREE Bible reading schedule on our resource page. In His Image is a daily devotional that also follows our reading schedule and expresses the Biblical truth: “God Created You to Love You.” You can find this resource on the side bar of our website.

 

======

Host a Reaching Your Community In Your Generation Seminar!

The world around us changes approximately every 18 months! Such change brings great challenges to our mission. Eagles In Leadership has designed a weekend to help you energize your congregation or organization to fulfill the Great Commission in your community. You can bring this weekend to your church or organization!

The weekend revolves around four key messages:

  • Help! My Community Is Changing!
  • What’s Your Dream for Your Church? (And How Do You Reach It?)
  • Healthy Churches Grow!
  • Reaching Your Community In Your Generation! (It’s All About the Mission!)

You can learn more here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Proverbs – God's Real Life Instruction Manual For Raising Children!

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork Credit: http://www.squidoo.com

 

Editor’s Note: We continue our series of blogs for those who are reading the Bible with us cover-to-cover this year. Interspersed with our thoughts on our daily reading, we want to provide some tips about reading the Bible in general.

 

Proverbs – God’s Real Life Instruction Manual For Raising Children!

 

Venturing into the book of Proverbs is so much different than anything we have read so far on our journey through the Bible. Wisdom is the issue and pithy sayings are the delivery vehicle for that real life instruction.

 

The book can easily be broken into three pieces as follows:

 

  • A Parenting Manual from Solomon (Proverbs 1-9)
  • Real Life Lessons from Solomon and Others (Proverbs 10 – 31:9)
  • Becoming a Virtuous Wife (Proverbs 31:10-31)

 

We will speak of each of these sections in more detail in the days to come. For the moment, let’s explore the Parenting Manual of Solomon as he raised his son, Rehoboam. Solomon sought to teach Rehoboam 10 key ideas through these small sayings. Here they are …

 

  • Beware the enticements against your parent’s instruction in order to avoid personal injury or worse. (Proverbs 1)
  • Understand the encouragements and punishments of wisdom in order to enjoy ease and security. (Proverbs 1)
  • Grasp the value and purpose of wisdom for stability and security. (Proverbs 2)
  • Enjoy the benefits of wisdom that lead to abundant happiness. (Proverbs 3)
  • Give attention to the sayings of wisdom for they are your life. (Proverbs 4)
  • Avoid the perils of adultery and immorality to prevent your total ruin. (Proverbs 5
  • Hate the foolishness of expecting something you haven’t worked for lest you find yourself destitute. (Proverbs 6)
  • Apply the words of wisdom in order to avoid the snares of death. (Proverbs 7)
  • Thrive with the companions of wisdom, enjoying the favor of the Lord. (Proverbs 8 )
  • Contrast the end results of the wise and foolish to enjoy a long life. (Proverbs 9)

 

Deep and meaty, these sayings show us that: Real life can be abundant when we choose to live by the experiences and life-lessons of those who have gone before us.

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

 

© 2011 Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, All rights reserved.

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When All Seems Lost! (Psalm 74:18-23)

Posted on July 17, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Photo Credit: medicaltipsinfo.blogspot.com

 

You probably know the feeling – life was supposed to turn out differently, but it didn’t. You thought God would rescue you, but he hasn’t. You know the dire hopelessness as God has stopped speaking and no one seems to be able to tell you how long the situation will continue. Friends and family without Christ scoff at the idea that there is a God who cares when they talk with you about your situation and they revile God’s name constantly in your presence.

Asaph understood what you feel. After the Temple of Solomon has been destroyed he penned this prayer in Psalm 74 to appeal to God. He was desperate as well. His prayer is a great example to all of us when all seems lost.

When all seems lost, in prayer appeal to …

  • God’s reputation (the enemy scoffs at God’s name) v. 18
  • God’s people (the psalmist calls them “your dove” and “your poor”) v. 19
  • God’s covenant (“have regard for your covenant”) v. 20
  • God’s poor (called “downtrodden” and “poor and needy”) v. 21
  • God’s cause (“Arise, O God, defend your cause”) v. 22
  • God’s enemies (“Don’t forget the clamor of your foes, the uproar of those who rise against you”) v. 23

Perhaps you need a little help to “flesh out” how you would pray this prayer. Let me give you a real-life example to consider:

Dear Lord, you know we have been unemployed for a long time and finances are gone. All seems lost, and even our friends say, “Our prayers don’t seem to be working.” Your reputation is at stake. Remember us, your children by faith. Have regard for the covenant with Jesus. You have said You would “never leave us or forsake us” (Hebrews 13:5). We are nearly at the end of ourselves, without resources and in need. Arise, Lord, defend your cause in our lives. Don’t allow your enemies to laugh at You and claim your inability or non-existence. Rescue us quickly Lord, In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If all seems lost, cry out to Jesus for his help and don’t stop trusting. In reality, he is moving the pieces of life around and soon he will rescue you! And if he doesn’t, your reward in eternity will be great!

 

That’s my take, and I would love to hear yours. Please feel free to comment below.

Posted in Bible Reading, christian life, Just Read It!, Leadership Blog, Suffering | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Psalms: God is the center of life and the central joy of life! (Book 5)

Posted on July 15, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork Credit: foundationsforfreedom.net

Editor’s Note: We continue our series of blogs for those who are reading the Bible with us cover-to-cover this year. Interspersed with our thoughts on our daily reading, we want to provide some tips about reading the Bible in general.

Psalms: God is the center of life and the central joy of life! (Book 5)

The Psalms are, in reality, the words to the praise and worship songs of the long ago nation of Israel. We are asking you to imagine these lyrics as the power point slides or the song sheets handed out to those who come to sing praise to God each weekend.

Book 5 – Psalms 107-150 wrap this collection of worship songs up with the strong vocalization of God’s worth. From a several more songs from King David (Psalm 108-110; 138-145), to a series of songs pilgrims would sing on the way up the mountain road to Jerusalem to the longest psalm about the glories of the words of the King of kings (Psalm 119), to five “Hallelujah” (Literally: Praise God!) psalms (Psalm 146-150), Book 5 leaves the reader / worshipper with little doubt that God is the center of life and the central joy of life as well.

Praise is transforming! For the people of Israel, humiliated and downcast over the conquest of their nation and their internment in a foreign land, these songs of worship sought to lift and focus them on the greatness of God’s steadfast love. As these words sank deep into the DNA of these discouraged peoples, the strong encouragement to their return to the will and words of God as a lifestyle would be felt. A turn around – literally, turning back – to an intimate, real and passionate relationship with God would be the intended result of these praise songs.

As you read, be sure not to miss …

  • The call to seek God when in distress and to thank him when he delivers, as in Psalm 107.
  • The certainty of the coming of Messiah (the World-Wide Ruling King, a descendant of David), as in Psalm 110.
  • The futility of idols and the faithfulness of God, as expressed in Psalm 115.
  • The value and practicality of a life lived in harmony with the words of God as revealed in the Law (Genesis – Deuteronomy), as in Psalm 119.
  • The joy of entering into God’s presence at the Temple by singing as you traveled up the mountains to Jerusalem as expressed in Psalms 120-134.
  • The mercy of God, which endures forever, as repeated after every line of the song in Psalm 136.
  • The unfathomable knowledge of humanity by God concerning our every movement, thought or work, as in Psalm 139.
  • The happiness of God which surrounds those who have been delivered by this all-powerful God, as in Psalm 144.
  • The praise of God through every means possible so that God’s name and fame may be known by all, as in Psalm 150.

No matter the depths of despair and difficulty, this volume of praise songs causes us to understand: God is able and willing to deliver us from any and all of our most dire circumstances if we will but draw close to him and trust his steadfast love.

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

© 2011 Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, All rights reserved.

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

You can obtain more help from the FREE Bible reading schedule on our resource page. In His Image is a daily devotional that also follows our reading schedule and expresses the Biblical truth: “God Created You to Love You.” You can find this resource on the side bar of our website.

======

Host a Reaching Your Community In Your Generation Seminar!

The world around us changes approximately every 18 months! Such change brings great challenges to our mission. Eagles In Leadership has designed a weekend to help you energize your congregation or organization to fulfill the Great Commission in your community. You can bring this weekend to your church or organization!

The weekend revolves around four key messages:

  • Help! My Community Is Changing!
  • What’s Your Dream for Your Church? (And How Do You Reach It?)
  • Healthy Churches Grow!
  • Reaching Your Community In Your Generation! (It’s All About the Mission!)

You can learn more here.


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Transformed! Interviews Mike Slaughter about "Change the World!"

Posted on July 14, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

We are so pleased you have returned to the Transformed podcast.

In today’s episode, we explore how we can recover the message and mission of Jesus, and thus, Change the World.

Matt’s guest today is Mike Slaughter, lead pastor at Ginghamsburg Church, is the three-decade dreamer of Ginghamsburg and the spiritual entrepreneur of ministry marketplace innovations.

When Mike arrived at Ginghamsburg Church in 1979, worship attendance hovered at 90 with 118 members and an annual budget of $27,000. Now, 4000 attendees on average worship weekly at Ginghamsburg and the multi-million dollar budget helps resource a faith community committed to serving the poor, lost and disenfranchised.

Today Matt and Mike talk about the church becoming a mission outpost, living out Christ’s ideals in today’s world. As they do, they will explore Mike’s book, Change the World.

You can also learn more about Mike by clicking this link.

You can also learn more about Mike’s ministry by clicking this link.

Matt wants you to pick up a copy of Mike’s book, Change the World. This resource will rock your world and help you rethink the message and mission of Jesus as it related to reaching your community in your generation.

Posted in Becoming Like Jesus, Book Reviews, christian life, Church Health, Discipleship, faith, God's will, Interviews, Missional, Multi-ethnic / Urban, Transformed | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Trusting God With the Things That Matter Most?

Posted on July 13, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:25–34, ESV)

I sometimes wonder if we really believe Jesus. I mean come on, isn’t it a bit hypocritical of me when I trust God for my eternal destiny through the substitutionary death of Jesus, but cant trust Jesus with my financial situation today?

Think about it with me for a moment, which is of more value – money or my eternal life? Of course, for many, the theological answer to this question is “my eternal life.” Yet, if we are honest, the operational answer for many of us is, “my financial life.”

Over the past weeks Melodee and I have watched as people who truly seek the kingdom of God first have sowed fresh vitality into our lives through generous gifts. While God is preparing our next full-time ministry, finances have exhausted themselves. Our prayer partners have not only prayed; they have showered us with their sacrifices to meet our financial shortfall.

In the past 16 months since our last fulltime ministry, we have learned what it means to focus Biblically on money. We use the following 5 principles, whether we have much or little.

M – Make Jesus master of our finances.

Since everything we have belongs to God, following the leadership of Jesus when it comes to the resources he has given us only makes sense. When we have had need, he has supplied through the Body of Christ. When others have had need, he had supplied their needs through our excess.

O – Only spend the money we have.

While many find this confusing, the Bible is clear that we are to “owe no one anything.” (Romans 13:8) Therefore, if we don’t have it, we don’t spend it.

N – Never use credit cards unless we have the money to pay for it now. (There are perks to using credit cards correctly.)

This is an important corollary to the previous point. We use our credit cards for the perks. However, we don’t use them if we don’t have the money to pay for the items when we buy them.

E – Exude generosity.

A woman in a dollar store this past month asked if we would buy her a bag of chips and a soda. She was hungry. She even handed us all of her money – about nine cents – which we refused. Such a small gesture could have been met with resistance, since we were about out of money ourselves. However, this kindness was met by an unexpected check in the mailbox when we returned home!

Y – Yield to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to give.

When a friend’s financial situation grew dark last year, God simply told us to give him $500 to help. We did without consideration, because we knew it was the Holy Spirit prompting us.

These simple principles have helped us in our financial troubles. While money is not what matters most in our lives, it is clear that God desires us to trust him with our financial resources.

We would love to hear from you about your financial journey with Christ in the center. Please take a few minutes and comment below!

<<<>>>

For daily insights into the Christian life, leadership and the Bible, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

<<<>>>

Host a Reaching Your Community In Your Generation Seminar!

The world around us changes approximately every 18 months! Such change brings great challenges to our mission. Eagles In Leadership has designed a weekend to help you energize your congregation or organization to fulfill the Great Commission in your community. You can bring this weekend to your church or organization!

The weekend revolves around four key messages:

  • Help! My Community Is Changing!
  • What’s Your Dream for Your Church? (And How Do You Reach It?)
  • Healthy Churches Grow!
  • Reaching Your Community In Your Generation! (It’s All About the Mission!)

You can learn more here.


Posted in finances, Leadership Blog | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What Does Jesus Want Me to Do?

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork Credit: smallbiztrends.com

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” ” (Matthew 28:18–20, ESV)

Have you ever wondered what on earth you are here for? Often such a thought comes when we are “in between” things. If you are unemployed, or moving to a new place or city, or looking for the right church family you may experience this kind of question.

Jesus was clear that EVERYONE is responsible for one key task – to reach our world in our generation. This means we are to make disciples where we are! How does this look, practically?

My Mission

Jesus is clear – I am an “army of one” to reach the people around me in my lifetime. If I am married, we are a team. If I have a family we are a bigger team. However I slice it, my mission is to reach my world in my generation.

My Jerusalem

But,  the world is huge – where do I start? In my community – my Jerusalem! We start where we are. When we have won everyone around us, we move on!

My Neighborhood

Who am I supposed to start with? I start with my neighborhood! That is where God planted me. That is where God wants me to start!

My Neighbors

Who do I speak with? My neighbors! For me, that is Steve, Kevin, Jean Claude, Marcy, etc. God put me in proximity to these people so that I can demonstrate the love and leadership of Jesus through intentional acts of kindness. In essence, we do life together in my neighborhood! That’s the springboard for my mission – to introduce them to Jesus!

My Responsibility

The bottom line is this: God placed me in my neighborhood to touch the lives of the people who live here with the sacrificial love of Jesus. To do less would be to walk in rebellion to the command of Jesus of making disciples. I can use any and all the excuses I can think of, but, when I stand before Jesus they will all wash away and all that will be left is the solid reality of what I have done and why.

It’s your mission, your Jerusalem, your neighborhood, your neighbors, and your responsibility. Will you follow Jesus and love them to him?

That’s how I see it. I would love to hear from you and hear how you have taken responsibility for your world in your generation! Add a comment below, please!

<<<>>>

For daily insights into the Christian life, leadership and the Bible, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

<<<>>>

Host a Reaching Your Community In Your Generation Seminar!

The world around us changes approximately every 18 months! Such change brings great challenges to our mission. Eagles In Leadership has designed a weekend to help you energize your congregation or organization to fulfill the Great Commission in your community. You can bring this weekend to your church or organization!

The weekend revolves around four key messages:

  • Help! My Community Is Changing!
  • What’s Your Dream for Your Church? (And How Do You Reach It?)
  • Healthy Churches Grow!
  • Reaching Your Community In Your Generation! (It’s All About the Mission!)

You can learn more here.

Posted in christian life, Discipleship, faith, God's will, Leadership Blog, Missional | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment