"God In America" DVD Series Now Available!

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

PBS, FRONTLINE AND AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
REVEAL CRITICAL ROLE OF RELIGION IN AMERICA, BOTH PAST AND PRESENT

Follow the Political and Spiritual Journeys of Religious Figures to Uncover How Religious Faith Shaped America

We have just finished a thorough review of this monumental film series and highly recommend it to everyone. It is comprehensive and speaks predominantly from the voices of the past concerning their faith, struggles, hopes and dreams.

God in America paints with a broad brush, and seeks to find the value and the issues that shaped America through religious freedom. PBS, Frontline and American Experience examine how and why religion has played an underlying role in shaping American culture, ideals and democracy in the new series God in America, which is now available on DVD.

“This compulsively watchable documentary manages to make our country’s religious history as thrilling as any Dan Brown novel…. the complex relationship between democracy and faith is a story line that never gets old,” reports Elle magazine.

While I was reviewing the series, I was also writing a History of Christianity in America course for a large Christian University. The review team agreed that the value of this series was significant enough to include it as a resource for the students.

For those who know that in America religion matters, and for those who wish it didn’t matter so much, comes God in America, a sweeping history of how religious faith has shaped America. Interweaving documentary footage, historical dramatizations, and interviews with religious historians, this documentary series from the award-winning producers of American Experience and Frontline is an in-depth exploration of the historical role of religion in the public life of the United States.

Examining the complex interaction between religion and democracy, the origins of the uniquely American concept of religious liberty, and the controversial evolution of that ideal in the nation’s political arena, God in America considers the role religious ideas and institutions have played in social reform movements, and how guarantees of religious freedom created a competitive religious marketplace in America.

The series explores its themes through a series of emblematic stories of the country’s religious history, and the political and spiritual journeys of important historical figures, including :  the Pueblo leader Po’pay, Puritan leader John Winthrop and dissident Anne Hutchinson, early evangelist, George Whitfield Catholic Bishop John Hughes, abolitionist Frederick Douglass, Presidents Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln, Methodist circuit ridr James Finley, Reform Rabbi Isaac Meyer Wise, Presbyterian biblical scholar Charles Briggs, Scopes trial combatants William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow, evangelist Billy Graham, civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Moral Majority’s Jerry Falwell.

PBS has provided amazing resources on their website to supplement your viewing and study pleasure. We are sure that this DVD series would make an excellent addition to your video library and your understanding of how faith has shaped, and continues to shape, the fabric of America.

To order a copy of God in America here.

You may also order God in America or any other PBS titles, please call (800) PLAY-PBS or visit shopPBS.org.  To purchase DVDs with public performance rights, please visit ShopPBS.org/education.

###

ABOUT PBS DISTRIBUTION

PBS Distribution is the leading media distributor for the public television community, both domestically and internationally.  Jointly owned by PBS (Arlington, VA) and WGBH (Boston, MA), PBS Distribution extends the reach of public television programs beyond broadcast while generating revenue for the public television system and our production partners.  PBS Distribution offers a diverse range of programming to our customers, including Ken Burns’s films (The National Parks, The Civil War, Baseball,), documentaries from award-winning series NOVA (The Elegant Universe, The Miracle of Life), FRONTLINE (Growing Up Online, Bush’s War), and American Experience (Earth Days, We Shall Remain), dramas from Masterpiece (Jane Eyre, Inspector Lewis), films from independent producers (The Buddha, The Story of India), and popular children’s programming from Super Why!, Wordgirl, Cyberchase, and Arthur.

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Beware the Actions of a Successful Conspiracy (2 Samuel 15)

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

Clip Art Credit: tantrumtoddlers.com

If you have been in ministry for more than 6 months, you are aware that not everyone wants to “follow the leader.” Agendas and motives can be self-centered, and, when acted upon, often bring hurt and harm to the people of God.

David, Israel’s most godly king experienced the agony of rebellion by his own son! Absalom worked a four-year conspiracy against his father and stole the kingdom away from this older man of God.

From the early days of the experience, we can learn the warning signs of the crafty conspirator so that we can act and avert the destruction of our leadership and the tearing apart of God’s ministry.

The back-story: Absalom harbored resentment against his father for not dealing swiftly and promptly against the rapist of his sister Tamar – his own half-brother Amnon! After two years of resentment against David’s inaction, Absalom takes matters into his own hands kills Amnon. Then he flees the country.  When he finally returns, David won’t see him for another two years.

When David finally sees him, Absalom’s resentment turns into an action plan of conspiracy and rebellion to replace David, his own father, as King of Israel. Note the warning signs …

The Conspirator …

1. Acts important before the people he wishes to sway (2 Sam 15.1) David’s first clue should have been the inordinate prominence Absalom was bringing to himself. Conspirators want the people of God to think they are key leaders in the organization.

2. Takes the place of prominence reserved for the leader (2 Sam 15.2) Absalom sat in the gate, the place of the leaders in his day. He wasn’t a leader; he was a murderer. Conspirators usurp positions of leadership by any rationale necessary.

3. Engages the disgruntled amiably (2 Sam 15.2) Absalom needed allies, and the easiest place to get them was from the disgruntled. The “little guy” needs a hero. Conspirators love to talk about “all the people” who are upset about things in the ministry.

4. Validates the complainers claims (2 Sam 15.3) In order to sway people and get them to like you, you have to agree with them. Conspirators lift the complainer’s criticisms to a high status, thus deepening their connection to the disgruntled.

5. Seeks the leader’s position openly, publicly (2 Sam 15.4) Here’s where Absalom shined. He offhandedly complained that no one could take care of his “friends” just complaints and wished out loud that he could help them. Conspirators sow the seeds of rebellion in the hearts of the disgruntled under the guise of compassion and concern.

6. Embraces the complainers as valued friends (2 Sam 15.5-6) Now Absalom’s plan comes full circle. The rebellious traitor shuns the self-importance he created! Conspirators want the hearts of those they are seducing to feel as if they are all equals and in this together.

7. Persists in conspiracy until the plan is realized (2 Sam 15.7) Absalom knew this would take time, and so he stayed at this plan for four years! Leaders who fail to see what the conspirator is doing in their midst for years are simply out of touch with their organization!

8. Lies to leader to accomplish rebellion (2 Sam 15.7-9) Absalom is now ready to spring the trap he has carefully cultivated for four years. And so, he goes to his father and lies about his intentions, under the cover of spirituality. Conspirators often mask their true intentions under the pretense of some spiritual duty to God.

9. Calls complainer friends secretly to join the rebellion (2 Sam 15.10) As he springs the traitorous trap, he secretly calls all those whom he has groomed for this moment for a “secret meeting” without the key leader present. Conspirators crown themselves in secret and start the mutiny officially in some secret meeting with their loyal band of the disgruntled.

10. Dupes the innocent to feign validity to claims (2 Sam 15.11) In order to gain a broad public support, Absalom even grows confident enough to invite 200 carefully selected guests who were innocent of rebellion. Conspirators know which individuals in the organization are easily manipulated so they can seem to have greater support than they really do.

11. Rides the momentum of a growing conspiracy to its conclusion (2 Sam 15.12) And so the momentum takes over. Absalom now lets his inner circle of conspirators spread the word that “regime change” is in order and point to those who support the change, here the 200 innocent. Conspirators love the “domino effect.” They trust their plans and their cronies to evangelize for them until they are placed in power in the organization.

The sad truth in this true accounting is that David was oblivious to this who process. As a leader, you must be “out and about,” walking among the people daily or you abdicate your leadership and fall prey to the conspirators that exist in every organization (Matthew 13:24-30).

Those are my thoughts. I would love to hear yours!

Do You Have Your Copy of Growing Missional Leaders Yet?

Growing Missional Leaders is a practical, passionate, Biblical mentoring journey for individuals, small groups, leadership teams and congregations who desire to win their world for Christ. We believe that believers hungering to reach their world for Christ will be energized by this passionate call to fulfill Christ’s Gospel and the invigorating manner in which their thought processes will be stretched to God-sized proportions.

What “Growing Missional Leaders” is all about …

Matthew Smith, pastor of multi-ethnic and multi-generational churches in urban, suburban and rural communities from Miami to Los Angeles, presents twenty-four Biblical strategies to invigorate and facilitate Christianity’s marching orders  – the Great Commission – in your community.

Growing Missional Leaders is a practical, passionate, Biblical mentoring journey for individuals, small groups, leadership teams and congregations who desire to win their world for Christ. Readers will appreciate the enthusiastic and Spirit-filled hope God provides as Matthew …

  • Tells stories – of lost opportunities and successes with friends – that give powerful, encouragement of personal and corporate outreach
  • Opens Bible passages – again and again – showing God’s heart is to bring his lost children home
  • Provides stimulating discussion questions – at the end of each chapter –providing the stepping stones to launching fresh ministry into your community

Believers hungering to reach their world for Christ will be energized by this passionate call to fulfill Christ’s Gospel and the invigorating manner in which their thought processes will be stretched to God-sized proportions.

You can order your copy at Amazon.

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

I've Been Praying (And God's Been Answering)

Posted on April 19, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Over the past months my pastor, Rick Warren, has challenged us to consider what God might do with us in the next ten years. What would our lives be like if God answered the prayers of our heart?

This got me thinking and praying. What would I like to see God do in and through my life I the coming Decade of Destiny? As I have shared before, I am in between ministries at the moment and seeking God’s direction and will for our next place of ministry, so this question has even more impact on me as a result. Now the great thing is this: The more I have prayed, the more God has answered.

As I look ahead in anticipation of the next ten years of ministry, I find there are eight focal points to the ministry I am seeking from God … these areas, while not exhaustive, are certainly central to the work God has prepared me to do.

I share them with you to encourage you to start asking that question: “What would your life be like if God answered the prayers of your heart?”

As you review these points, I know they will resonate among the hearts of those people with whom God is preparing me to work along side of in the coming years.

Thank you for the opportunity to reveal and reflect them with you today.

As I move forward for God, I know the ministry around me will view …

  • Effective Prayer as central – creating / developing / enhancing corporate, small group and individual prayer is central to seeing with God’s eyes and feeling with God’s heart so we can be ‘on mission’ and following God’s will for our lives as a church.
  • Passionate Worship as intentional – magnifying God’s name and bringing the whole of our worship time to bear on ‘the Big Idea’ of the day becomes central to our weekend worship efforts. This would include long-range planning so as to include and develop maximum involvement of our church family in our worship times to bring glory to God.
  • Joyful Fellowship and Followership opportunities as vital – creating unity breeds joy and pleasure, strength and higher morale when men, women and teens are afforded the planned and intentional settings where they can mix and mingle, reflect and regroup, hope and hear from one another and God through camping, retreats and opportunities that allow us to rub shoulders with one another, work and play together as the family of God.
  • Enhancing Spiritual growth as critical – building opportunities for the men, women and teens of our fellowship to grow in their spiritual aptitudes and appetites, interests and inquiries through courses, trips and situations where they are able to ‘work out’ their faith for the very real world we encounter every day.
  • Reproducing Discipleship as key – training men, women and teens to become reproducing followers of Christ, able to understand and know what following Jesus is all about, as well as sharing the care and compassion of Jesus with others so that they too, are won to his leadership and love. Being sure to develop these men, women and teens so that once they have lead their friends to Christ, they can disciple them in the faith.
  • Developing Leadership as essential – scheduling and developing regular times of formal leadership training, taking men, women and teens on appropriate ministry and leadership development seminars, conferences and activities, all the while understanding that Biblical leadership development is the process of servant leadership.
  • Enthusiastic Outreach and Assimilation as the heartbeat of our ministry – seeking to fulfill the Great Commission is one of the greatest opportunities in this life by finding creative and relational ways to bring our people in contact with those who have yet to open their hearts and heads to the love and leadership of Jesus Christ.
  • Pastoral Encouragement ministry as important – drawing a team of men, women and teens around the pastors to pray and encourage, support and serve so that the hearts of the pastors are encouraged so as to meet the challenges and callings God has for our people as a whole, thus lifting the whole church to the next level.

That’s the dream of my heart for ministry … this is where God is leading me. As I look at these, I see a blueprint for the way I will conduct myself in ministry in the coming Decade of Destiny.

Let me encourage you to start asking that question: “What would your life be like if God answered the prayers of your heart?”

As you pray and think, I know God will answer your heart as well!

I’d love to hear what God is putting in your heart as you dream and pray!

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

What Are You Dreaming About? (4)

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork Credit: dreambigcollection.com

This is the final post in our series, “What Are You Dreaming About?” Today I wrap up our series by focusing our attention on what we are trying to achieve in this life. I thought I would share my heart with you in an attempt to get your juices going.

Since I am looking for a full-time position in ministry, as a senior pastor, or a staff pastor in the area of discipleship, leadership and / or missional outreach. This has caused me to refocus and rearticulate the dream God has put in my heart.

Perhaps my dreaming will stir your heart and soul and cause you to revisit your dreams. Today I want to share my dream for accomplishment. What do I see myself accomplishing for Jesus Christ with the remainder of my life?

I dream about building people with a desire to serve where:

o   Selflessness is encouraged, sacrifice and service to others are praised – they are standards, not exceptions.

o   People ask, “What can I do for you?” – when a particular ministry or event doesn’t “ring their bell” they ask: “How can I help?”

o   People become “care-givers,” thus allowing the church to add less staff because people take up the bulk of ministry – much like the early church in Acts!

o   The ministry is being filled with the spiritually mature; People read their Bibles, pray with great fervor, create new ministries, seek out their lost friends and bring them to Christ and into fellowship within the local church; as a result the church grows numerically and spiritually annually.

o   The ministry is becoming a hospital for the wounded and an army for the Gospel advance. New babies are wonderful! In this church, growing members from within the local ministry care for them and they grow to reach others!

o   The ministry is bringing great glory to God because people are maturing in their faith and reaching out to their Jerusalem, causing God to be thrilled and His heart overwhelmed!

o   The ministry is becoming ministry driven, meaning “it is not about us!” – we serve others, meet their needs, and care for them – as we would Jesus – this is the attitude found among the members of this ministry.

What you want to accomplish for Jesus? Would you like to share it with us? I would love to hear what God is doing in your heart and soul! Perhaps your dream will connect with someone else as you share it. (And of course, if you like my dream and it connects with your ministry, I am looking for a full time position.)

You can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

You Can Book Dr. Smith For Your Meeting or Event!

“Dr. Matthew Smith has a passion and love for God’s Word and for God’s people. He lives to equip God’s church and He uses many of his God-given talents to galvanize, energize and equip the body of Christ. Dr. Smith not only has the brilliant mind but also a humble heart. The best sermon I heave heard him preach is the life he lives. He is a loving father, family leader and a leader in the faith community. I recommend him without hesitation.”

By Daniel Mehrabian, researcher at Araratministries, (Greater Los Angeles Area)

Biblical leadership, passionate evangelism and discipleship, a missional heart and lifestyle, authentic personal relationship with God – Dr. Smith will come to your church or organization and speak on any of these areas.

We have open dates in April, May and June and would love to talk with you about making your meeting, event or worship service a special time of growth, joy and inspiration. For more information, contact us at admin[at]EaglesInLeadership.org (of course, remove the [at] and replace it with @). We look forward to your email!

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

David's Troubles Are Caused By God's Judgment ( 2 Samuel 12-24)

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

Artwork Credit: essex1.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.

David’s Troubles Are Caused By God’s Judgment ( 2 Samuel 12-24)

Again we see the authorship of the Bible reflecting how God operates in the affairs of leaders and people on Earth. See the long-term effects of this one major leadership failure by King David …

  • As a result of the seduction of Bathsheba and murder of her husband Uriah, David and his successor generations will never escape the violent attacks of others upon their leadership. (12.9-12)
  • As a result of the judgment of God upon David’s household, he is forced to endure the rape of his daughter Tamer, and the murder of his son Amnon and the exile of his son Absalom. (13)
  • As a result of the bitter spirit between Absalom and David for murdering Amnon, David is forced to flee from Jerusalem when Absalom commits treason by taking over power and becoming King! (14-17)
  • As a result of the death of Absalom, David is restored a s King of Israel and decides to put his right to vengeance aside and enjoy his return. (18)
  • As a result of a quarrel in the returning celebration, the entire nation rebels under the leadership of a man named Sheba. (19-20)
  • As a result of the deliverance from the rebellion, David grows arrogant and seeks a census of the people so that he can boast of the strength of his armed forces, which angers the Lord. (21-24)
  • As a result of David’s arrogance, he is forced to choose his punishment and 70,000 men die over three days as a result of his leadership mistake. (24)

The Big Idea in this section of the Bible is this: When a leader sins in secret, God disciplines them in public. (2 Samuel 12.12)

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

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.

Check Out Dr. Smith’s latest blog on ChurchCentral.com!

Almost Isn’t Good Enough is call to live out the compassion of Jesus’ heart in a world of suffering and hopelessness. A man who decided one day to make a difference globally writes about what he has learned, hoping to challenge you to make a difference in your world in your generation. Read more here …

Posted in Just Read It! | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

David's Transgressions Are Caused By His Disobedience to God (2 Samuel 11-12)

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

Photo Credit: leggnet.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.

David’s Transgressions Are Caused By His Disobedience to God (2 Samuel 11-12)

As we watch the reign of David, we discover that one can be “a man after God’s own heart,” but still suffer the consequences of willful sin. As we continue to follow David’s life, his failings lead him into horrible sin, the consequences of which neither he, nor his family line, are able to shake. Watch as we continue to follow his life …

As we walk through this section we learn the truth that Bible is truly not a human book. Surely no human writer would have written all of these negative incidents and their consequences into an account about a national hero! Watch as we learn that …

  • David was to lead the armed forces in the conquest of his enemies, in order to  establish the Kingdom. (11)
  • David, however, lingers in Jerusalem as the armed forces go out in conquest of his enemies, thus ignoring his leadership of the Kingdom. (11)
  • David loses his control and sexually seduces a married man’s wife, and then murders her husband in a scheme to cover-up his leadership failure. (11-12)
  • David’s legacy as leader of the nation is to contaminate his children for generations with the inability to control their passions and lose their leadership. (12)

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

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.

Check Out Dr. Smith’s latest blog on ChurchCentral.com!

Almost Isn’t Good Enough is call to live out the compassion of Jesus’ heart in a world of suffering and hopelessness. A man who decided one day to make a difference globally writes about what he has learned, hoping to challenge you to make a difference in your world in your generation. Read more here …

Posted in Just Read It! | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Film, "What If" is out now on DVD!

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

We just previewed the film What If and found it to be an excellent choice for your family viewing! We were impressed with the honesty and clarity of the story line: a life without Christ is empty, despite what you may attain.

WHAT IF tells the story of Ben Walker (Kevin Sorbo), fifteen years after leaving his college sweetheart Wendy (Kristy Swanson) and his calling to be a preacher in order to pursue a business opportunity. Now with a high-paying executive gig, a trophy fiancé and a new Mercedes, he hasn’t even considered a family nor felt the need to set foot in a church in fifteen years.

While on a thrill ride outside the city, his new car mysteriously breaks down, and he’s visited by a tow truck driver named Mike (John Ratzenberger) who claims to be an angel sent to show Ben what his life would look like had he followed his true calling. Suddenly Ben wakes up in the middle of domestic chaos as his wife Wendy and daughters (including Debby Ryan) are getting ready for church, where Ben is the new pastor.

Before he can get back to his old life, Ben must first embrace this reality and discover the value of faith and family, and perhaps restore his love for those who were heartbroken fifteen years ago: Wendy and God. In the tradition of Its a Wonderful Life and The Family Man, What If is a story of finding your true purpose in life.

WHAT IF just received the Faith and Values MovieGuide Award for Most Inspiring Performance in a Lead Role (Sorbo/who was also host of the Awards Gala) and was one of the Top Ten Best Family Movies of 2010.

Pure Flix Entertainment announces the release of the film WHAT IF to DVD. WHAT IF stars KEVIN SORBO (Hercules, the Legendary Journeys, Andromeda), DEBBY RYAN (Bailey Pickett on the #1 Disney Channel hit show, The Suite Life on Deck), JOHN RATZENBERGER (Toy Story, Cheers) and KRISTY SWANSON (Buffy the Vampire Slayer ). WHAT IF is directed/produced by Dallas Jenkins (son of famed Jerry Jenkins, co-author of the Left Behind series) and is the sixth film to be released from the father/son duo.

Suitable for all ages, WHAT IF has been featured this week in the The Christian Post, Guideposts ‘Reel Inspiration’, and previously for the theatrical release in the New York Times.

You can learn more about the film at: www.thewhatifmovie.com.

You can purchase a copy of the film here.

Posted in Book Reviews, Resource | Leave a comment

What Are You Dreaming About? (3)

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

Artwork Credit: psychologytoday.com

This is the third in our series, “What Are You Dreaming About?” Today I want to focus our attention the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since I am looking for a full-time position in ministry, I thought I would share my heart with you in an attempt to get your juices going.

As I pray and fast each week, in my time alone with God and in the daily activities of life, God has been focusing my heart on the dream He wants me to follow. Whether God provides me a senior pastor position, or a staff position in the area of discipleship, leadership and / or missional outreach, I know He will guide based on the dreams he has placed in my heart.

Perhaps my dreaming will stir your heart and soul and cause you to revisit your dreams. Today I want to share my dream for proclamation. How do I see myself proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ?

I dream about preaching …

o   In a relevant way, bringing the timeless truths of God’s heart alive for the present traveler on life’s journey.

o   To encourage multi-racial, multi-cultural, multi-generational connection and interaction, enjoying the diversity and unity of the body of Christ and all the benefits this nourishes in our lives.

o   Where God is worshiped in a contemporary way, enjoying the worship of God through the newness of the fresh stirring of God’s Spirit.

What do you dream about when you dream about proclaiming the Good News of Jesus? Would you like to share it with us? I would love to hear what God is doing in your heart and soul! Perhaps your dream will connect with someone else as you share it. (And of course, if you like my dream and it connects with your ministry, I am looking for a full time position.)

You can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

You Can Book Dr. Smith For Your Meeting or Event!

“Dr. Matthew Smith has a passion and love for God’s Word and for God’s people. He lives to equip God’s church and He uses many of his God-given talents to galvanize, energize and equip the body of Christ. Dr. Smith not only has the brilliant mind but also a humble heart. The best sermon I heave heard him preach is the life he lives. He is a loving father, family leader and a leader in the faith community. I recommend him without hesitation.”

By Daniel Mehrabian, researcher at Araratministries, (Greater Los Angeles Area)

Biblical leadership, passionate evangelism and discipleship, a missional heart and lifestyle, authentic personal relationship with God – Dr. Smith will come to your church or organization and speak on any of these areas.

We have open dates in April, May and June and would love to talk with you about making your meeting, event or worship service a special time of growth, joy and inspiration. For more information, contact us at admin[at]EaglesInLeadership.org (of course, remove the [at] and replace it with @). We look forward to your email!

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

2 Samuel: The Reign of King David (about 40 years)

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

Artwork Credit: identity33.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.

2 Samuel: The Reign of King David (about 40 years)

As we watch the reign of David, we discover that one can be “a man after God’s own heart,” but still suffer the consequences of willful sin. As David begins, everything looks great and God blesses. As time passes, David’s failings lead him into horrible sin, the consequences of which neither he, nor his family line, are able to shake. Watch as we follow his life in three major parts. We begin by looking at …

David’s Triumphs Are Caused By His Obedience to God (1-10)

The heart of David the leader is seen in this section. Notice his refusal to “gloat,” yet his practicality in accepting the leadership of Israel, which God had promised years before. We see David’s heart in four specifics in this section.
• When the report of Saul’s death comes to David, he respects and mourns the death of the King. (1)
• When David is anointed King of the tribe of Judah, he fights and weakens the forces of Saul’s successor and Son Ishbosheth. (2-4)
• When the report of King Ishbosheth has been murdered comes to David, Israel sends for and requests that David be made King of all Israel. (5)
• When David becomes King of all Israel, after seven and a half years of ruling over he single tribe Judah, David conquers and establishes Jerusalem as the capital of His Kingdom. (6-10)
These are great advances for the people of God, and for David individually. However, with great power comes great responsibility. We will see later in this book that David fails the test of power, and that God is gracious to him, to a point.

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

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.

You Can Book Dr. Smith For Your Meeting or Event!

“Dr. Matthew Smith has a passion and love for God’s Word and for God’s people. He lives to equip God’s church and He uses many of his God-given talents to galvanize, energize and equip the body of Christ. Dr. Smith not only has the brilliant mind but also a humble heart. The best sermon I heave heard him preach is the life he lives. He is a loving father, family leader and a leader in the faith community. I recommend him without hesitation.”

By Daniel Mehrabian, researcher at Araratministries, (Greater Los Angeles Area)

Biblical leadership, passionate evangelism and discipleship, a missional heart and lifestyle, authentic personal relationship with God – Dr. Smith will come to your church or organization and speak on any of these areas. We have open dates in April, May and June and would love to talk with you about making your meeting, event or worship service a special time of growth, joy and inspiration. For more information, contact us at admin[at]EaglesInLeadership.org (of course, remove the [at] and replace it with @). We look forward to your email!

Posted in Just Read It! | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

What Are You Dreaming About? (2)

Posted on April 11, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork Credit: susancorso.com

We continue to ask the question today, “What Are You Dreaming About?” As I mentioned in my first post, I am looking for a full-time position in ministry. Whether that is a senior pastor position, or a staff position in the area of discipleship, leadership and / or missional outreach, God will guide. As I pray and fast each week, in my time alone with God and in the daily activities of life, God has been focusing my heart on the dream He wants me to follow.

And so, since I have been dreaming, I thought I would share my heart. Perhaps it will stir your heart and soul as well. Since my God-given dream comes in four different spheres, I thought I would share them one at a time.

Today I want to share my dream for outreach. What is the target of my life?

I dream about reaching …

o   18-40 some-things, seeking to help them form the faith journey and shape their world for Christ.

o   Multi-ethnic, urban communities, reveling in the diversity that is the body of Christ in the context of a vibrant, social populace.

o   The city, by becoming a true bridge to reaching the nations by starting here at home, since I am urban in heart and soul.

o   The unchurched and bringing them into spiritual maturity through mentored discipleship, knowing that each generation benefits from an experienced mentor.

What do you dream about when it comes to outreach? Would you like to share it with us? I would love to hear what God is doing in your heart and soul! Perhaps your dream will connect with someone else as you share it. (And of course, if you like my dream and it connects with your ministry, I am looking for a full time position.)

You can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

You Can Book Dr. Smith For Your Meeting or Event!

“Dr. Matthew Smith has a passion and love for God’s Word and for God’s people. He lives to equip God’s church and He uses many of his God-given talents to galvanize, energize and equip the body of Christ. Dr. Smith not only has the brilliant mind but also a humble heart. The best sermon I heave heard him preach is the life he lives. He is a loving father, family leader and a leader in the faith community. I recommend him without hesitation.”

By Daniel Mehrabian, researcher at Araratministries, (Greater Los Angeles Area)

Biblical leadership, passionate evangelism and discipleship, a missional heart and lifestyle, authentic personal relationship with God – Dr. Smith will come to your church or organization and speak on any of these areas. We have open dates in April, May and June and would love to talk with you about making your meeting, event or worship service a special time of growth, joy and inspiration. For more information, contact us at admin[at]EaglesInLeadership.org (of course, remove the [at] and replace it with @). We look forward to your email!

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