Who Will We Take On This Journey?

Posted on December 23, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

We are getting ready to read through the Bible in the New Year. Our goal is to read cover-to-cover and “Hear From Heaven in 2011!” I am asking you to think of this as an adventure, a journey …

When taking any journey, it is always more enjoyable to travel with someone else! On a spiritual journey through the Bible, this is also true! Just as an anniversary honeymoon trip to Hawaii would not be much fun without my wife, so too, a spiritual journey through the Bible would be of little fun if it were taken alone!

Who will you take along? When taking a spiritual journey, just like a physical journey, having someone along to share the experiences and their perspectives enriches the trip. You can point out things to each other you might miss if traveling alone – after all, four eyes are better than two!

When deciding whom you will take, I suggest someone close to you, someone you like! If married, perhaps your spouse. Are you a parent, why not your children? Have a close friend or buddy? Ask them to come along with you! If they can’t afford to whole trip, maybe you could help pay a part or all of it for them! (By buying them a Bible and an occasional cup of coffee or a soft drink when you get together?)

Take a moment and think about this question before you continue any farther. “Who will I ask to take this journey with me?” Write out several possibilities. After all, not every one will want to take a spiritual journey through the Bible! I’d make a list, something like this:

  • _________________________
  • _________________________
  • _________________________
  • _________________________

Now that you have a few names, make it a point to explain what you are about to do and ask them to join the journey with you. Ask your first choice and give them a day or two to think it over and get back to you. If they are not inclined to do so, ask your second, and so on until you have found a travel partner. Well, you getting closer to being ready to take that trip!

Next time we will talk about some preparations we need to make before we take off on our journey. See you next time!

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The Spirit of CHRISTmas! – Part 3

Posted on December 22, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

As we check and recheck our Christmas gift list this year, many of us are admitting that we are giving less than last year due to the economy. While there are many things we would like to give to others, we just can’t afford to do so.

However, like the Magi of old, we can ask God to give us more resources so that the gifts we give this year can benefit others.  Paul prays for 5 ‘gifts’ to be given to the members of the church in Colossae. When we look them over, they are presents we can pray for in others and ourselves. He says …

“Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us. ” (Colossians 1:9–12, The Message)

What are the 5 gifts for the Master?

Paul asked God to give the Christ-followers …

1.     “Wise minds” – wisdom comes from applying the instructions of God’s Word to our daily routine.

2.     “Spirits attuned to his will” – by listening carefully and prayerfully to the voice of the Spirit of God when we walk through our day we can find God’s newest mission for our lives.

3.     “A thorough understanding of the ways in which God works” – understanding comes from applying God’s Word (#1) and listening for new assignments to apply (#2).

4.     “Live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work” – we don’t work to gain special bonus points with God or even salvation; we work because we love him and want to ‘make him proud of us in his orchard’ as his loving and grateful children.

5.     “The strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us” – your attitude of gratitude and your trust of his best show others that Christ is your life (Col 3.4) and the love of your life (Matt 22.37).

Not a one of these gifts requires any financial expense. They are all gifts of the will and the heart, otherwise known as our offerings of worship. What better presents can we give away this Christmas?

I’d love to hear what you think! Take a moment and write a comment below.

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The Bible As A Journey!

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

I once read a story in The Employment Counselor where a young Christian was preparing for a trip when his traveling companion came into the room to see how he was doing.

“Are you done packing?” his friend asked.

“Almost,” said the young man. “The only things I have left to pack are a guidebook, a lamp, a mirror, a microscope, a volume of fine poetry, a couple of biographies, a package of old letters, a book of songs, a sword, a hammer, and a set of books I’ve been reading.” Where are you going to fit all that stuff?” the friend asked?”

“Right here,” the young man replied. He reached for his Bible and put it in the corner of his suitcase.

– John Maxwell[1]

For our 20th wedding anniversary, my wife Melodee and I made plans to go to Hawaii! Since we had never been before, we decided that we would need to get some help. We began to ask friends for their advice and, as a result, booked our first trip to Hawaii with a travel agent that had been recommended highly by close friends.

Then the tough part really began. We were desirous of having a wonderful time and, since it was our 20th anniversary, a romantic one as well. But how would we know what we should do, schedule and plan for? After all, we had never been and were inexperienced with Hawaii! You may have guessed it; we bought a guidebook on Hawaii!

Perhaps the reason you have decided to join in the journey and read the Bible from cover-to-cover this year with my help is because you have picked up a Bible, but you have no experience with it! Relax then! You have done the right thing. I am going to help you break down the Bible into ‘bite-size’ chunks to make it easier to understand.

Let’s Begin By Changing Our Perspective

In order to accomplish that, the first thing we need to do is change our perspective about how we look at the Bible. It is true that the Bible is a spiritual book. However, when most people think in terms of spiritual books, they grow weary or ever a bit frightened! After all, the thought of reading a “Holy Book” can be quite intimidating. Much like the intimidation Melodee and I experienced as we began to think about visiting the strange and unfamiliar land of Hawaii!

In order to change our perspective effectively, we need to think of reading through the Bible as more of a journey, and less as a book. After all, the Bible covers the journeys of the people of God over thousands of years! Why not think in terms of a journey when reading it. There are SEVERAL key points that will help us change our perspective on the Bible. Let’s look at the first one today:

Why Are We Going?

In every trip or journey, the most important question is, “Why do we want to go?” or “Why is this trip important?” When we ask and answer that question thoroughly, we have the basis for who, what, where, when, and how?

Why did we pick up the Bible in the first place? What spurred us to seek out its advice and wisdom? There are many reasons why people are attracted to read the Bible. Perhaps you will find yours among these: Did we pick it up because …

  • You feel an emptiness inside, and realize it may be spiritual in nature?
  • You are in the midst of a crisis and hope that you can find guidance for your situation?
  • You have young children and know that if you are to provide them a good home and moral foundation, the Bible probably has the answers?
  • You have a deep desire to get to know God and feel that the Bible is the logical place to start?

All of these are good reasons, and yours may be in the list, and it may not be. One thing is sure though: If you know why you picked up the Bible, then your journey is already much easier!

When Melodee and I began our trip to Hawaii, we quickly wrote out our why we wanted to go to Hawaii in a single sentence. “We want to go to Hawaii to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary in a romantic setting, where we can leisurely enjoy both each other and our surrounding without a schedule.”

Take a moment today, and figure out the reason why you have picked up the Bible and write it in a single sentence in the front cover of your Bible or on a sheet of paper you can keep there.

Next time we will try to answer the question, “Who will we take on this journey?”

[1] Maxwell, John. Partners In Prayer. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. 1996. 38.

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Comedian Daren Streblow Talks About Christmas!

Posted on December 20, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Mike Powers caught up with Daren Streblow exclusively for Eagles In Leadership this past week as they talked about Daren’s ministry, life and Christmas.

Daren Streblow appeals to wide audiences and has been described many ways: clean comedian, Christian comedian, corporate comedian, business comedian, college comedian, church comedian, youth group comedian, club comedian, school-assembly comedian, outreach comedian, and cruise ship comedian.

However, one description says it all – hilarious. If you are looking to book a comedian that appeals to a wide range of audiences, or you are just searching for some good clean fun, you need go no further than DarenStreblow.com!

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Just Read It!

Posted on December 19, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

(Growing Closer to God by Listening to Him Through His Word!)

In 1993 I was challenged by God to read his word, the Bible, cover-to-cover. I quickly wrote a reading schedule and found that by reading about 3 chapters a day, this was ‘doable!’

So, off I went, not knowing what to expect. What happened was … God showed up! BIG TIME! I am still amazed that I had been a Christ-follower for two decades and no one had told me to, ‘Just read it!”

Over the years I have enjoyed an intimate, spiritual walk with God, enjoying hundreds of answers to prayer every quarter, and hundreds of new insights monthly from God’s Word. I have now read it cover-to-cover some 28 times since God’s challenge to me in 1993.

One of the greatest joys for me was to experience the truth of these verses:

“but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” ” (Jeremiah 9:24, ESV)

That’s my desire for you; that you would be able to say, “I understand and know God.” Is that something you are interested in?

It is my habit to label and file each insight topically for future retrieval for personal growth, training and messages. Currently I have some 20,000 plus topical observations from the Bible that are a direct result of God’s intimate work during my devotional time.

Why Am I Telling You All This?

I would like to invite you on a journey through the Bible in 2011. In fact, I believe you will “Hear from Heaven in 2011” if you will walk with me through this process.

All along the way I will provide help and insight and ask you to share what you are learning as well. We will encourage one another as we read.

In fact, I am dedicating this blog to this journey this year. Throughout each week I will post something short to read and, hopefully it will help you as you read.

Are you willing to join me?

If so, would you just post a quick comment telling me you are going to travel with me through the Bible in 2011?

I will start talking about how to read the Bible so that you can, “Hear from Heaven in 2011” this week!

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Transformed Episode #094 – It's Time for Salvation!

Posted on December 17, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

The Purposes of Christmas can be seen in the words of the angels at Bethlehem,


For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2.11

God sent a personal savior!


Surveys show that 90% of our society prays on a regular basis. What that means is that people recognize their need for somebody greater than themselves – someone to help them through a problem, rescue them from a tight spot and ultimately save them from something that they can’t solve on their own.

What does it mean to be saved?


The Good News is that Jesus Christ came to save you!

The Big Idea:  Jesus Christ came to save you FROM your hurts, habits and hangups, FOR his purpose, and BY his grace.

You can follow along as Dr. Smith answers this question by downloading the message notes here.

If you prayed the prayer at the end of this podcast and would like to receive free materials to grow in Chirst (Continental USA only), please contact us at admin [at] EaglesInLeadership.org. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

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The Spirit of CHRISTmas – Part 2

Posted on December 15, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

With only a few shopping days left – you are probably already exhausted from attending the parties, mailing the packages and wrapping presents. And if you are like me, when I get tired, I am easily grumpy. But there are still a few things to do and get yet, right?

That’s when we encounter the throngs at the mall or the store – people who seem surprised that Christmas is on the calendar again. They haven’t bought a thing and they are wrestling for the last item on the increasingly barren shelves.

And what about you as you venture into the fray? How do you radiate Jesus in the midst of all of this mayhem? Jesus lived out 5 decisions that drew people to him and lifted our lives from the quagmire of chaos to the life of light and love. Paul records these …

“Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion. Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5–11, The Message)

Notice …

1.     Jesus … didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what – we can also look at others as ‘just as’ deserving as us, if not ‘more so’ because of Christ.

2.     He set aside the privileges of deity – while we may balk at the notion that we think of ourselves as God, we often are the center of our own universe, aren’t we?

3.     He took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process – this is the season to help those in the mall, in the store as well as the military families, the unemployed and the homeless people all around us.

4.     He didn’t claim special privileges – this is a constant issue for me and perhaps for you. I need to simply set my desires and myself aside and help someone else.

5.     He lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion – this is my goal. I hope it is yours as well this holy day season!

Why did he do that? Because He loves us! And what did God do as a result of such amazing selflessness?

Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5–11, The Message)

This Christmas season, I pray that your love for the lost will be so strong that it will be reflected in how you shop, how you wait in line and how you handle your disappointments. May the people around us get a glimpse of the glory of the living God leaking out of us as we enter the hustle and bustle!

What do you think? I’d love to hear!

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Transformed Episode #093 – It's Time for Celebration!

Posted on December 10, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Why does Jesus birth cause such a stir? Think about it. The birth of a peasant child born in an insignificant little town in the Middle East is still being celebrated today. In fact, it is the most celebrated event on the planet!

What makes Christmas so special? The birth of Jesus spilt history into BC and AD. Every time you write a check, you acknowledge the birth of Jesus Christ.
Christmas was God’s idea. He planned when it would happen, where it would happen, how it would happen and why it would happen. So, lets go to the text that tell us the second purpose of Christmas …

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:8-10 (NIV)

Christmas is a time of celebration …  a time to celebrate the message of the Good News! What is the good news?

As you listen, follow along with the message notes which are here.

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The Spirit of CHRISTmas – Part 1

Posted on December 8, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

All around us people are in such a hurry. I almost ran into 3 shoppers in the store yesterday when they simply walked in front of my cart as I was guiding it down the main aisle!

So, how do we demonstrate a different spirit, a Christ-likeness, this sacred season? Paul outlines 9 guidelines that come from our daily, intimate walk with Jesus. They helped me not lose it when lady after lady sought to become shopping cart ‘road-kill’ … not to mention the problems in the parking lot or on the streets and freeways! He says …

“If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. ” (Philippians 2:1–4, The Message)

Notice …

1.     Agree with each other – everyone’s in a hurry. Just accept it.

2.     Love each other – sacrifice a little discomfort for the sake of others.

3.     Be deep-spirited friends – see the offender as if they are you closest friend.

4.     Don’t push your way to the front – let someone else check out first.

5.     Don’t sweet-talk your way to the top – don’t make excuses as to why you have to go first.

6.     Put yourself aside – anger reflects I am not doing this.

7.     Help others get ahead – give the better spot, gift, or advantage to another.

8.     Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage – after all, you are not the center of the universe, are you?

9.     Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand – your shopping list will keep. Help the other person who seems lost or asks you for help.

While these are meant to be guidelines within the fellowship of Jesus Christ (the Community of the Spirit), they are a great help to me with all people. Perhaps you will also desire to do more than ‘give them a break’ this Christmas. Perhaps you will be willing to radiate the love of Jesus to those who don’t necessarily deserve it. After all, that’s what Jesus did for us when he came in the manger and died on the cross, right?

What do you think? I’d love to hear!

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Scott Hammond Talks About Being an Every Day Dad!

Posted on December 6, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Eagles In Leadership caught up with Scott Hammond recently and talked about his book, Every Day Dad: The Guide to Becoming a Better Father.

Hammond mentors fathers on how to attain their personal best in parenting while creating a legacy of love and support with their families.

Filled with real life stories and personal anecdotes, Hammond’s Every Day Dad seeks to offer hundreds of quick relief, motivational tips to inspire change and growth to make fathering a more positive experience.

Addressing all the challenges and stresses of parenthood, Hammond uses his business consulting acumen to teach readers skills to better connect with family,
friends and oneself.

Hammond lays out steps to help dads transform good intentions into positive actions. Besides learning how to listen more effectively, he shows fathers how to manage their time and resources to ensure that kids get the bonding they need. Designed to be hands-on and easy to use, Every Day Dad treats fathering as an applied science, which can be learned.

Says Jim Tunney, author, educator and former NFL referee, “Now comes along Scott Hammond’s book with lessons that, with effort (yes, it requires EFFORT) puts fatherhood in excellent perspective for your success.”

Every Day Dad: The Guide to Becoming a Better Father is available for sale online at Amazon.com and at Borders Books in Eureka, and other channels.

About the Author

Scott Hammond is professional speaker and the father of nine children.

Recognized as a parenting expert, he is the creator of Becomeabetterfather.com. After earning his bachelor of art’s degree in recreation administration and liberal arts at Humboldt State University, he worked in radio, newspaper and advertising sales for over 28 years. He is a
graduate of Pro-Track, the National Speakers Association of Northern California’s professional speaking school.

You can learn more about Scott and Every Day Dad here!

For more information on how to become a better dad, look here!

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