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 …

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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 …

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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Your Passion is YOUR Passion!

Posted on April 10, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. They took bribes and perverted justice. Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” ” (1 Samuel 8:1–5, ESV)

Don’t expect your children to have your passion for God or spiritual things. Samuel learned this too late. It’s a lesson almost every leader discovers at some time in their lives. Why does this happen?

Passion is the result of many different components, among them …

  • Your gift mix – God has placed certain things inside your heart that cause you to flare up with excitement when they pass your way. Your children, if they walk with God are wired with different spiritual passions. The same is true about your spiritual gifts, your personal abilities, your personality, and your experiences. Our children are wired differently by God.
  • Your calling – When God called you, He had a specific mission for you to accomplish. In that very personal calling, He spoke into you the words and directions that would guide you for a lifetime. While the venues may have changed from time-to-time throughout your life, God called you to accomplish a specific purpose for the Kingdom. If God calls your children, He will take them through the same process for their specific mission – and it probably won’t be the same mission as yours.
  • Your times – God calls us to accomplish something specific in the times we live in, as He did for King David. “After David had done the will of God in his own generation, he died.” (Acts 13:36, NLT) Since the times you were called in decades ago are not the same as the times today, (Remember our cutting technology: 8-track tapes?), your passion will most likely have been forged through those life situations. The same will be true of your children.

As painful as these truths are, they also can fill us with great hope. Like the passions that drive us, when and if God calls your children to specific mission, they, too, will chase after the will of God with their own passions and zeal.

Our task today is to pray for God’s purity and presence in their lives so that, on the day He calls them, they are not only willing, but have the history to answer with a whole heart!

That’s my thoughts. I’d love to hear yours!

Do You Have Your Copy of Growing Missional Leaders?

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 of Growing Missional Leaders here.

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What Are You Dreaming About?

Posted on April 8, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith 

Artwork Credit: tohjoyo.wordpress.com


As some of you know, 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. Here’s what I dream about …

When I dream about teaching, I dream about …

o   Young men and women who want to grow in their walk with Christ, enjoying the relationships that allow real and lasting life change happen.

o   Young adults who want to take responsibility of their world for Christ, equipping men and women for the ever-changing social, philosophical and spiritual discussions and connections needed to bring others to faith in Jesus Christ.

o   Leadership development, empowering people to rise to their God-given potential.

o   On purpose, focusing on the fact that today’s choices yield great benefits tomorrow when done for Christ’s glory.

o   With cutting-edge technology, connecting with and presenting to men and women in their world and environment.

o   Through the written word also, being prolific in communicating and writing and seeking to convey God’s love in a personal and professional manner.

o   Conservative practical theology, believing the Bible is God’s Word and the final rule of faith and practice.

What do you dream about? 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!

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SOUL SURFER In Theaters Everywhere April 8

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

SOUL SURFER In Theaters Everywhere
April 8

SOUL SURFER is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, inspiring millions worldwide through the love of her family, her sheer determination, and her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.

The film features an all-star cast, including AnnaSophia Robb and Helen Hunt, with Carrie Underwood in her film debut, and Dennis Quaid. SOUL SURFER arrives in theaters April 8 … get back on the board!

Learn more at SoulSurfertheMovie.com

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King Saul's Rejection of God Leads to David's Anointing as King of Israel (1 Samuel 15-31)

Posted on April 6, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith 

 Artwork Credit: pumpkinvinebaptistchurch.org


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.

King Saul’s Rejection of God Leads to David’s Anointing as King of Israel (1 Samuel 15-31)

In this final section of the book of 1 Samuel, we see a cause and effect rhythm set up. Again, remember that God is in control of these events. Watch and learn as we see …

  • As a result of the rejection of Saul as King of Israel, God has Samuel anoint David, the seventh son of Jesse, as the new king of Israel. (16)
  • As a result of the courage of David, God gives David the victory over the giant Goliath. (17)
  • As a result of the victory over Goliath, Saul resents David for the remainder of his days as King, because people admire and respect David more than Saul. (18-20)
  • As a result of the resentment and barely escaping with his life, David finally flees from Saul and remains a fugitive until the death of Saul in battle. (21-31)

While this section reveals the tragedy of Saul’s leadership, it also tells us of God’s love for His people. God is about to bless Israel with the greatest time of their collective history as a nation – 80 years of prosperity and growth! You can trust God today because He always has the future covered and cared for!

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 the latest review of Growing Missional Leaders by Dr. Tom Cocklereece!

BOOK REVIEW: GROWING MISSIONAL LEADERS

Imagine how fast God’s kingdom would grow if people in every church, regardless of denomination, determined to accomplish the Great Commission in their community in their lifetime. This is not a proposal to take away from missionary endeavors around the world but it is a plan to increase local missional ministry understanding that it is an investment into the overall missionary effort. In other words, by being missional locally churches will become more evangelistic and soon able to do more in missions further away. The purpose of Dr. Matthew Lee Smith’s book is to motivate leaders to do just that.

Dr. Smith and this author agree that … READ MORE

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