Come Gaze At The Pyramids of Giza!

Posted on January 25, 2020 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Why travel to Egypt?

Egypt is a spectacularly beautiful country filled with cultural gems.  It’s a country you can experience and check off your bucket list – THIS APRIL!  There are TONS of reasons why you should visit, but here’s a great one!

To Gaze At The Pyramids of Giza!

Let’s state the obvious first, right?  The initial draw for many tourists to Egypt is to see the pyramids that we all learned about while in primary school.  And, they don’t disappoint – they’re spectacular!  The Great Pyramid of Giza (the largest of the three) is the oldest and is the only one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World” which is still standing.

For details about the trip, an itinerary, costs, and more visit:

Egypt Tour

Feel free to message Doc and Kate by commenting below!

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Scripture: When We Are Accused!

Posted on January 24, 2020 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

6 Scriptures on Accusation

Searching the Bible recently, we discovered some interesting facts about accusations!

We all suffer from accusers, and at times, we must admit we too have accused people. This spirit of our old birth, from our old father, the devil, must be removed from our “toolbox” of relational interactions.

To be an encouragement, these verses can be a source of great motivation to reject the spirit of accusation when it wants to rear its ugly head and spew from our hearts and mouths. In these days a social media vitriol, let’s be children of mercy and remember that “love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8, NIV)

So, here’s what we can realize about accusation …

  • Accusations without witnessing the pain and right lifestyle of the one suffering is the act of an angry person (Job 34:5-9, MEV)
  • An accusing witness often accuses us about imaginary events (Psalm 35:11, MEV)
  • Often invented accusations can contain threats that the accuser wants us to respond to, often just to distract and derail the good work we are doing (Nehemiah 6:5-7, MEV)
  • Accusations are often meant to frighten us and to slow the work of God (Nehemiah 6:8-9, MEV)
  • But we need to remember, that the accusations against us can create prayer targets for us and we should ask God to remember attackers (Nehemiah 6:11-14, MEV)
  • The accusations made by the Pharisees were met with a greater response by Jesus … He turned their accusations against them and asked for their accountability to the Word of God (Matthew 15:1-9, MEV)

As you can see, the accuser is often trying to derail the work of God. When possible, ignore them. When not possible, hold them to account for their lifestyle as it pertains to the expressed, revealed Word of God!

 

 

 

 

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21 Days! Wrap Up! January 23 – What Did We Learn? What Did God Do?

Posted on January 23, 2020 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

3 Weeks of Prayer and Fasting!

January 23

What Did We Learn? What Did God Do?

  

Know: God has just begun to work. We have sought first the Kingdom of God and His right way to live for our lives in 2020. We KNOW all these other things we have prayed for will come to us. In fact, we have a promise today to hold on to all year:

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,” (Ephesians 3:20, NKJV)

Let’s break that promise down …

 “Now to Him WHO IS ABLE to do …

  • EXCEEDINGLY
  • ABUNDANTLY
  • ABOVE
  • ALL that we ASK or
  • ALL that we THINK, 

… according to the power that works in us!” (Ephesians 3:20, NKJV)

And ALL God’s people shouted, “AMEN!”

Memorize: We encourage you to memorize this verse and recite if often over the coming months! 

Trust: Why? Because we have been claiming …

“Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.” (1 Chronicles 4:10, NKJV)

God is about to GRANT YOUR REQUESTS!

Share: Over the past 21 days God has done so much in each of us! Perhaps you would be willing to share below so others can be as encouraged as you are!

Would You Share With Us?

Maybe you could answer just one or two of these questions in response to your time of prayer and fasting …

  • What did God teach you during these past 3 weeks?
  • What did God do for you over the past 21 days?
  • What do you want to publicly say to everyone right now?

Thank you!

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21 Days! January 22 – Our Faith in Action Over Our Intellectual Lives!

Posted on January 22, 2020 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Week 3: A Week of Faith in Action!

January 22

Our Faith in Action Over Our Intellectual Lives!

We Are Acting On What God Says!

 

Read: Philippians 4:4-9

Believe: Whatever we think about will grow into our lives. In other words, our minds are like gardens and God has placed us as gardeners. The more we think about something the faster it grows. If 2020 is to be Our Year of Expansion, then we will need to have a fertile mind that thinks the way God thinks. Our scripture for today has shown us what we are to dwell on and how our attitude is supposed to be reflected in everyday life if we truly desire expansion.

Ask: So, ask God these three questions and listen throughout your day for His responses:

  • Since I truly desire genuine joy, how can less anxious or worried every day and be more joyful, Lord Jesus?
  • How can I talk to and focus more on You instead of rehearsing my troubles to myself throughout the day, King Jesus?
  • Will You show me ways to remember to focus on the specific thoughts outlined in today’s reading so that I can enjoy peace throughout my day Father God?

Pray: Most gracious Lord and heavenly Father, I realize today that often my thoughts center around my doubt and not around my faith. So today I’m asking you to expand my thinking. I’m asking you to help me focus on the things that are true and noble, right and pure, lovely and admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. I want to think about such things all day long. So, as I write these focus points down and post them in areas where I will notice them throughout the day, give me ideas on how to spread my joy, my focus, and my faith so that I encourage others and breathe Your life into them. I pray all of this for Your global glory and for the praise of Your son’s name. Blessed be the Lord Jesus! Amen.

Be specific: Now, pour out your heart to God for the things you are praying and fasting for, and especially asking God to answer the three questions above!

A Year of Expansion!

Today, as we finish this final week, we have been choosing to make ourselves willing to do what it takes to live by faith in our entire lives!

More coming tomorrow! Stay alert for our next post as we wrap up week three of 2020: Our Year of Expansion with an opportunity for you to share your testimony and praise to God with all of us!

Please take the time to share your experiences below as we step out by faith and trust God for greater expansion in our lives!

 

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21 Days! January 21 – Our Faith in Action Over Our Social Lives!

Posted on January 21, 2020 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Week 3: A Week of Faith in Action! 

January 21

Our Faith in Action Over Our Social Lives!

We Are Acting On What God Says!

 

Read: Matthew 25:31-46

Believe: God’s heart always watches our heart in action. How we treat others who cannot help us reveals to God, and everyone else, how real our love for Him is. If 2020 is to be Our Year of Expansion we will need to choose to care for people’s needs as we come upon them. In other words, 2020 will be Our Year of Expansion WHEN we care for people more than we care about how someone will make us look or how they will bring advantage to us.

Ask: So, ask God these three questions and listen throughout your day for His responses:

  • How can I be more sensitive to seeing the needs of people around me as I walk through my day, Lord Jesus?
  • How can I choose to be more compassionate and generous with the needy around me throughout my day, King Jesus?
  • Why can’t I see that my lack of compassion is really a statement about my selfishness and my lack of closeness to you, Father God?

Pray: My king and my Lord, I want to follow Your example. It is my deep desire to make sure that my social lifestyle reflects how You walked on Earth. So help me, Lord Jesus, to have compassion for those in need all around me. Help me to feed, clothe, and care for those that You have brought near me this year. I understand that when my heart breaks for the people to whom Your heart breaks, You will expand my life in ways I have not yet even begun to imagine! I pray all of this for Your global glory Lord, and the fame of King Jesus’ name, amen.

Be specific: Now, pour out your heart to God for the things you are praying and fasting for, and especially asking God to answer the three questions above!

 

A Year of Expansion!

This final week is all about seeing that we are willing to do what it takes to live by faith in our entire lives!

More coming tomorrow! Stay alert for our next post as we continue week three of 2020: Our Year of Expansion!

Please take the time to share your experiences below as we step out by faith and trust God for greater expansion in our lives!

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21 Days! January 20 – Our Faith in Action Over Our Financial Lives!

Posted on January 20, 2020 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

January 20

Our Faith in Action Over Our Financial Lives!

We Are Acting On What God Says!

Read: Proverbs 6:6-11

Believe: God wants you to prosper. God’s method for prosperity is diligenceon our part. As we work hard, God blesses our work and causes us to harvest abundance. In order to make 2020 Our Year of Expansion, we will need to be diligent in our work ethic and use the resources God gives us wisely.

Ask: So, ask God these three questions and listen throughout your day for His responses:

  • What do I need to do to be wise in 2020 so that I reject the spirit of laziness and work diligently so that You can bless me financially?
  • How can I spend less, save more, and use the resources You have given me in such away so that they multiply in my year of expansion?
  • What do I need to do to stop and start working more seriously in such a way that brings financial blessing to my family and me in 2020?

Pray: Lord Jesus, I believe that You want to bless me financially in 2020. I understand that my responsibility is to work wisely and diligently. You will increase the bounty in my hands as I use the resources of time and energy to work in such away as to gain financial increase. Keep me away from wasting my money. Give me strength to save the money that You blessed me with. Multiply the money that I put in savings. As I store away money in 2020, I know it will be My Year of Expansion financially! For the global glory of God and the fame of King Jesus name, amen.

Be specific: Now, pour out your heart to God for the things you are praying and fasting for, and especially asking God to answer the three questions above!

 

A Year of Expansion!

This final week is all about seeing that we are willing to do what it takes to live by faith in our entire lives!

More coming tomorrow! Stay alert for our next post as we continue week three of 2020: Our Year of Expansion!

Please take the time to share your experiences below as we step out by faith and trust God for greater expansion in our lives!

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21 Days! January 19th – Our Faith In Action Over Our Career Lives!

Posted on January 19, 2020 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

 

Week 3: A Week of Faith in Action!

January 19th

Our Faith In Action Over Our Career Lives!

We’re Acting on What God Says!

Read: Proverbs 24:30-34

Believe: Expansion is possible when God blesses the WORK of our hands Repeatedly we are told to work hard, diligently, and with all our might. In 2020: Our Year of Expansion, God will bless those who choose NOT to be lazy but who choose to reflect the reality that God is our boss and we work at the pleasure of our Master, King Jesus!

Ask: So, ask God these three questions and listen throughout your day for His responses:

• Lord, how can I work more diligently so as to enjoy Your harvest of expansion in my career this year?
• Father, how can I rest less and labor more abundantly in 2020 so that the blessing of Your hand makes me more prosperous?
• King Jesus, I know that the remedy for poverty and scarcity is laziness, so will You show me where I am lazy and give me the courage to remove those ways from my life so that 2020 can be My Year of Expansion?

Pray: King Jesus, thank you for reminding me that my laziness decreases my life and my diligence increases my abundance. Help me to stop making excuses and start making results. I want 2020 to be My Year of Expansion! Thank you for waking me up today to the reality of Your will and Your prosperity. For the strong and mighty name of King Jesus. Amen.”

Be Specific: Now, pour out your heart to God for the things you are praying and fasting for, ESPECIALLY asking God to answer the three questions above!

A Year of Expansion!

This week is all about seeing that we are willing to do WHAT IT TAKES to live by faith in our ENTIRE lives!

More coming tomorrow! Stay alert for our next post as we continue WEEK THREE of 2020: Our Year of Expansion!

PLEASE take the time to share your experiences below as we step out by FAITH and trust God for greater EXPANSION in our lives!

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Scripture: What Happens When We Abandon God?

Posted on January 18, 2020 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

5 Clear Scriptures Concerning Abandoning God

Reviewing the Word of God from Cover-to-Cover Recently We Discovered the Following

  • When Judah defiled God’s land and made His heritage an abomination, when their priests ignored the Lord and their theologians didn’t know Him, when their kings transgressed God’s commands and their prophets prophesied by false gods, it brought about their nation’s destruction through their abandonment of Yahweh (Jeremiah 2:7-8, MEV)
  • When Judah abandoned Yahweh by changing their gods and changing their glory (God), their nation became desolate, destroyed, and captive (Jeremiah 2:9-12, MEV)
  • Because the nation Judah abandoned Yahweh their King Ahaz was given into hands of Arameans (2 Chronicles 28:1-5, MEV)
  • Those who abandon Yahweh will live a cursed, desolate life much like a bush in a desert (Jeremiah 17:5-6, MEV)
  • Because he abandoned Yahweh, within two years Yahweh sent invasion upon King Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 12:1-5, MEV)

It is clear from these few scriptures that to abandon God can lead to serious consequences. Let us continue to serve and love God with all of our hearts! He truly benefits us with amazing goodness, as Psalm 1 tells us!

You can join us for 21 Days! A time of prayer and fasting for 2020: Our Year of Expansion! It will help you stay close to God!

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21 Days! Week 3, January 18th – Our Faith In Action Over Our Family Lives!

Posted on January 18, 2020 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Week 3: A Week of Faith in Action!

January 18th

Our Faith In Action Over Our Family Lives!

We’re Acting on What God Says!

Read: Matthew 12:46-50; Luke 2:51-52; 3 John 1:3-4

Believe: Love is spelled O-B-E-Y and is seen in our SACRIFICE for others, just as King Jesus died for us because He loved us. Walking in the truth of God (as we discover it from His words in the Bible) is what God looks for before He expands our family! (Remember, God blesses His Will which is discovered in His Words! So, no matter what else in 2020, let us choose to walk in the Truth of God as expressed in the pages of His Words for Our Year of Expansion!)

Ask: So, ask God these three questions and listen throughout your day for His responses:

• Will You encourage me to DO YOUR DESIRE EVERY DAY as reflected through Your Words in the Bible, regardless of what the latest teaching is or what the deepest desire of my flesh is right now – in other words, will You encourage me be FAITHFUL in my family to You and Your Words in the Bible?
• Since I long to be the child that You listen to and respond quickly to, please show me how I can OBEY You more completely when it comes to my family life – how can I IMITATE You, King Jesus, as I serve my family?
• Will You show me how to remain faithful to Your will and Your desires by applying the things I am reading in my Bible to my family life … being sacrificially selfless instead of self-centeredly selfish?

Pray: Lord, I know that if I cannot demonstrate love inside my family as a result of my heart, I will never be able to expand your Kingdom OUTSIDE my family. So, today I ask You to forgive my selfishness and lack of sacrifice inside my home to the members of my family. I ask you to cleanse me of wrong attitudes and focus me on right actions. I want 2020 to be My Year of Expansion! So I know I will need to demonstrate true love inside my home FIRST and learn how to love more than be selfish. Give me the courage to do this. I love You so much, King Jesus. Amen.”

Be Specific: Now, pour out your heart to God for the things you are praying and fasting for, ESPECIALLY asking God to answer the three questions above!

A Year of Expansion!

This week is all about seeing that we are willing to do WHAT IT TAKES to live by faith in our ENTIRE lives!

More coming tomorrow! Stay alert for our next post as we continue WEEK THREE of 2020: Our Year of Expansion!

PLEASE take the time to share your experiences below as we step out by FAITH and trust God for greater EXPANSION in our lives!

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21 Days! Week 3 … January 17th – Our Faith In Action Over Our Physical Lives!

Posted on January 17, 2020 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Week 3: A Week of Faith in Action!

January 17th

Our Faith In Action Over Our Physical Lives!

We’re Acting on What God Says!

Read: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 – 11:1

Believe: Our physical health matters greatly to our spiritual expansion this year, for we cannot expand God’s Kingdom when we’re sick and weak! (Remember, gluttony is a lack of self-control and self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. We much choose to walk in health if we are to have the energy and strength to accomplish ALL God has for us in Our year of Expansion!)

Ask: So, ask God these three questions and listen throughout your day for His responses:

• Will You show me, Lord, what are the things I need to remove that don’t build up my physical health and strength so I can enjoy ALL You plan for me in my year of expansion?
• Will You cause me to realize what I eat is a LIVING TESTIMONY to those who are without Christ and so I need to be sensitive to how I choose to eat and maintain my health so I can enjoy ALL You plan for me in my year of expansion?
• Will You show me how to eat and maintain my health for the GLORY OF GOD so I can enjoy ALL You plan for me in my year of expansion?

Pray: It is my deepest prayer that I can enjoy ALL that You have planned for me in 2020, King Jesus! So I am asking you to EXPAND my physical life as I choose to live and eat in a healthy, more godly manner, realizing that my physical appearance and health will directly affect how You bless me in 2020, My Year of Expansion!”

Be Specific. Now, pour out your heart to God for the things you are praying and fasting for, ESPECIALLY asking God to answer the three questions above!

A Year of Expansion!

This week is all about seeing that we are willing to do WHAT IT TAKES to live by faith in our ENTIRE lives!

More coming tomorrow! Stay alert for our next post as we continue week THREE of 2020: Our Year of Expansion!

PLEASE take the time to share your experiences below as we step out by FAITH and trust God for greater EXPANSION in our lives!

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