The Difficulty of Current Information

Posted on December 27, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Never retreat in the face of difficulties. Advance as conditions permit. If conditions don’t permit, create those conditions.

–       John Maxwell[1]

Let no one or anything stand between you and the difficult task; let nothing deny you this rich chance to gain strength by adversity, confidence by mastery, success by deserving it. Do it better each time. Do it better than anyone else can do it. I know this sounds old-fashioned. It is, but it has built the world.

–       Harlow H. Curtice,

The Thin Book 2[2]

In every journey there are obstacles. It is not a question of whether there will be obstacles in our journey through the Bible. The real question you will have to answer will be, “Is the reason I picked up the Bible more important than the few problems I may encounter along the trip?” Is your why compelling?

Melodee and I knew that we would have some difficulties on our trip to Hawaii, but our goal of finding a romantic setting to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary was more compelling than the problems we might have encountered.

By knowing these difficulties, and making plans in advance to avoid them, or at least coexist with them, we will save ourselves much heartburn and frustration.  Let’s roll up our sleeves, get out our pens, and begin to understand the difficulties so that we can plan around them!

The Difficulty of Current Information

One of the important issues when traveling, is how current our travel guide or brochures are.  Many people today struggle in their journey through the Bible because the Bible they are trying to read is old, and outdated in its language.  Most people picking up a Bible for the first time will pick up a King James Version of the Bible.

First written in 1611 A.D., one can quickly see why this version is outdated.  Although it has been revised several times, the language is still Old English.  Filled with thee’s and thou’s, this Bible makes it very difficult to understand the message God is trying to communicate to us.

Versions

Although we will deal with this in more detail in chapter 17, let me say at this point, that you should read that chapter before you begin reading the Bible seriously. A version is a translation into English from the original languages of the Bible.  This is a pain-stakingly-slow process, and it is a precise science. There are several laws of translation that must be adhered to carefully before an accurate translation can be printed.

There are many good English versions today.  Among the best are:

  • The New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible.
  • The New International Version (NIV) of the Bible.
  • The English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible

Paraphrases

Travel agents will often tell you what information or services you can depend on in a foreign land.  They may also tell you who to avoid, because they are not as dependable. As we read our travel guide to Hawaii, Melodee and I noticed many times the guide recommended that we avoid certain restaurants, services, and tours. The reason for this was dependability and reputation. Other services, restaurants and tours were recommended.  Again the issue was dependability and reputation.

Some of the Bibles available are called “paraphrases.” A paraphrase is exactly what the word means, a phrase given by someone else that makes the verse sound simpler to understand.

The problem with a paraphrase is that anyone can paraphrase.  There are no rules. There are no laws of translation. One can simply make up whatever they want as they see fit.  For the experienced traveler, you understand exactly what this means.  If you’re trying to understand something in a foreign land and someone who does not know English well might be translating for you.  Perhaps they will say to you, “Oh, how do you say?” and then they will try to use what they think the English term is. This can be helpful. Sometimes it can lead you off track.

Often a paraphrase is one person’s opinion of what the verse says, as opposed to a team of educated, informed, translators who understand what the original language says.  We recommend that you stay far away from paraphrases.

As we read through the Bible this year, we will provide simple tools (information guides) that will explain what is happening as we encounter the past.  Some of this will be covered when we look at culture, some of this will be looked at when we deal with history.  In all of our journeys, we will make the trip as clear and crisp as possible, without burdening you with unnecessary information and details.

Only a few days now till we begin! Are you as excited as I am?

[1] Maxwell, John. It’s Just A Thought. Tulsa: Honor Books. 1996. 36.

[2] Curtice, Harlow H. Cited in Bits & Pieces. Fairfield, NJ. The Economics Press. August 13, 1998. 14

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Prepare for These!

Posted on December 26, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

When was the last time everything happened just the way you planned it? Everyone makes travel plans with a “best-case scenario” in mind! However, when things don’t go according to their plan, many people lose the joy of the journey because of the problems of the present.

As we read the Bible together, we need to realize a few minutes planning and preparation now will help you avoid a few hours of frustration and anger later! Think about the following items and how you would cope with them should they arise:

  • Unforeseen delays. All of us have been stuck somewhere. A plane is late, a rainstorm slows down traffic, or somebody oversleeps. When taking the journey through the Bible, there are countless unforeseen delays. Things you don’t understand, customs that make no sense, and words or phrases that you are unfamiliar with. Often they can slow you down or stop you in your tracks. And before you know it, you are way behind on your itinerary! How will you choose to handle these delays? We suggest you prepare for these delays by preparing your attitude! Consider the delay as an opportunity to relax, to rest, to contemplate, and to meditate upon what you already know! This will make the journey much more pleasant than allowing the delay to raise your blood pressure! Consider these words of wisdom.

The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives. ~ William James

  • Mid-course corrections. When traveling to Disneyland one time, Space Mountain was closed. Another time while there, the Matterhorn was closed. Both instances were times when, although we had planned to enjoy these rides, there was nothing we could do to ride them. So, we adjusted our schedules. So too, when journeying through the Bible, there will be times when you will need to adjust your schedule. Something you thought you’d have little interest in fascinates you. You spend much more time in it than you planned for. Relax! Just reschedule your schedule! Remember: A journey through the Bible is supposed to be beneficial, so just relax, adjust and continue your trip with that good attitude mentioned above!
  • Rest stops. As I write this, I am an urban dweller. Physical exercise is a term I have to look up in a dictionary! When I see someone running down the street, I look for his or her assailant! So when I travel in Hawaii, and want to see a “breath-taking” view at the top of a mountain, you can be assured it will take my breath away! I already know that along the way I will need to stop and rest, to catch my breath! So too, while journeying through the Bible, you may need to take a break; a few days to rest and “catch your breath.” Great! Do it! Don’t allow the trip to discourage you by letting it “wear you out!” Take a break, and then return refreshed and ready for a new day of travel!

As we journey together through the Bible, we will discover many things that will make our travels through the Bible much more satisfying. In our next blog we will talk about the difficulty of current information when we are reading our Bible.

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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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