Hope For Today – Favor Me With Your Power, Lord!

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Power fist

Photo Credit: www.ubcieee.org

Are you working on a new life or a new project and need God’s help? Most of us, if we are honest, would admit we could use God’s intervention in our situation right now!

I’m Dr. Matthew Lee Smith and I want to share some Hope For Today about crying out to God so that He favors us with His power!

Ezra reminds us today that, “The power of God favors all who seek him, but his fierce wrath is against all who abandon him.” (Ezra 8:22, Common English Bible)

In the Old Testament God’s man, Erza, chose not to take a guard on a dangerous mission because he bragged on the Lord’s power. In effect, He put God’s reputation on the line before his boss, the king.

God wants to show Himself strong on our behalf. Ezra believed that … not in his head, but in the DNA of his soul. After years of studying the Bible, he had come to a simple conviction: “The power of God favors all who seek him, but his fierce wrath is against all who abandon him.”

Did you hear that? “The power of God favors all who seek him!” Are you seeking God with all your heart, soul, mind and spirit? Then He will favor you! The reverse is a great diagnostic as well: Is the favor of God missing from my life? Then I need to seek God with ALL my heart, soul, mind and spirit!

“The power of God favors all who seek him!” You know you believe it when you start bragging on God BEFORE you start that next project!

 

Hope For Today is a part of the ministry of Eagles In Leadership. If you would like to know more about the hope God gives and His abundant life through Jesus Christ, I would invite you to check out our website: Eagles In Leadership . org; that’s Eagles In Leadership .org.

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Transformed #282: Winning Depends on These Strategies!

Posted on January 31, 2016 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Dark chalkboard with a Strategy diagram illustration.

 

Paul was clear that we were to run the spiritual race to win! But how? How to do run to win?

In our New Year series, “When Sunday School Works Well!” Dr. Matthew Lee Smith explains both the principle and four key strategies form the Apostle Paul’s own words to make that happen in the lives of the men and women you disciple.

Let’s listen in as Dr. Smith trains key leaders, like yourself, at a recent conference in Northern California on the subject, “Winning Depends on These Strategies.

Would You Like to Help Spread the Word?

Perhaps you would you consider sharing this message with a friend? God longs to release the captives of our culture into the freedom of faith. Thank you!

If you would like to explore how you can be a more effective disciple of Jesus Christ, Dr. Smith has written a book to take you to the next level!

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 Growing Missional Leaders at the Eagles In Leadership website by clicking the appropriate link on the right hand side panel of the Eagles In Leadership website.

 

Today’s episode was recorded live in Orangevale, California and edited by Melodee Smith in La Puente, California.

And now, until next time, we are praying you would be filled with the love of God so that you can demonstrate His love to the lost and dying in your city! God bless!

 

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Studying James 5:16!

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

James web slider

Welcome to the Transformed Podcast!

Dr. Matthew Smith, director of Eagles In Leadership, continues to teach verse by verse through the book of James, one verse per podcast. These studies were recorded live in his class at Bible Believers Christian College and Seminary in Hawthorne, California.

The book of James has been called, “the faith explained” and that is the purpose of these teachings. These short studies are designed to help you grow your faith.

Now, let’s open our Bibles to the book of James as Dr. Smith, Director of Eagles In Leadership, discusses our faith from the words of the step-brother of Jesus, the head of the Jerusalem Church …

 

This podcast was recorded in Hawthorne, California and edited by Melodee Smith.

 

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Hope For Today – The Danger of Drift!

Posted on January 25, 2016 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

hope changes everything 2

It’s so easy to get caught up in life. We’ve talked about it before, but it bears repeating often: Life has a tendency to drag us away without our even noticing. And all too often, it’s to the detriment of our priorities.

I’m Dr. Matthew Lee Smith and I want to share some Hope For Today about the danger of drift!

Peter tells us in Hebrews 2.1 (Modern English Version): “We should be more attentive to what we have heard, lest we drift away.”

Why is it that we seem to have spiritual ADD? We want to walk with God. We desire to be in His presence. We long for the abundant life He promises. And we know that, like in ANY relationship, we will need to put in OUR part if we are going to see any of that happen. Remember, James (4.8) said we need to draw near to God first, and then He WOULD draw near to us. In other words, the next step to a close relationship with God is ours!

But then … life happens! Kid’s games, the husband’s work schedule, your boss wants you to stay later for this “special project.” Days slip into weeks of an “out of control” lifestyle – pulled and banged around by the streams of others needs.

And then, like right now, someone reminds us to be more attentive to what we have heard – the Word of God – lest we drift away from Him! Isn’t it time you put God and His Word back on your calendar and your Day-Timer? Why not do it right now – God first – just write Him into your life schedule!

 

Hope For Today is a part of the ministry of Eagles In Leadership. If you would like to know more about the hope God gives and His abundant life through Jesus Christ, I would invite you to check out our website: Eagles In Leadership . org; that’s Eagles In Leadership .org.

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Transformed Podcast #281: Strategies for a Winning Sunday School!

Posted on January 24, 2016 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

sunday-school Growing together in Christ

If we are to truly disciple the men and women who attend our Sunday School or small groups, we will need to seek to help them “win” at the spiritual life.

In our New Year series, “When Sunday School Works Well!” Dr. Matthew Lee Smith turns our attention to four Biblical targets of discipleship and training reminds us that there are many who would “drown our dreams” of spiritual growth and advancement.

Let’s listen in as Dr. Smith shares seven key strategies to excel in one’s spiritual life as he recently spoke on the subject, “Strategies For a Winning Sunday School” in Northern California.

Would You Like to Help Spread the Word?

Perhaps you would you consider sharing this message with a friend? God longs to release the captives of our culture into the freedom of faith. Thank you!

If you would like to explore how you can be a more effective disciple of Jesus Christ, Dr. Smith has written a book to take you to the next level!

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 Growing Missional Leaders at the Eagles In Leadership website by clicking the appropriate link on the right hand side panel of the Eagles In Leadership website.

Today’s episode was recorded live in Orangevale, California and edited by Melodee Smith in La Puente, California.

And now, until next time, we are praying you would be filled with the love of God so that you can demonstrate His love to the lost and dying in your city! God bless!

 

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Studying James 5:15!

Posted on January 21, 2016 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

James web slider

Welcome to the Transformed Podcast!

Dr. Matthew Smith, director of Eagles In Leadership, continues to teach verse by verse through the book of James, one verse per podcast. These studies were recorded live in his class at Bible Believers Christian College and Seminary in Hawthorne, California.

The book of James has been called, “the faith explained” and that is the purpose of these teachings. These short studies are designed to help you grow your faith.

Now, let’s open our Bibles to the book of James as Dr. Smith, Director of Eagles In Leadership, discusses our faith from the words of the step-brother of Jesus, the head of the Jerusalem Church …

 

This podcast was recorded in Hawthorne, California and edited by Melodee Smith.

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Obstacles In the Established Church – A Book Review

Posted on January 19, 2016 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

A New Book by Sam S. Rainer III

 

Obstacles In the Established Church - Book CoverObstacles In the Established Church is that book most pastors wish they would have read years ago. Sam seeks to help those who lead the established local American Church get “unstuck” so that it can fulfill its mission.

In an honest, straightforward manner, Rainer uses his experience, failures and transparency to show what causes churches to decline and offers how to steps to get back on track with the Great Commission.

As I read the book, I reminisced time and again with personal experiences over my 35 year pastoral ministry helping such churches regain health and hope. In 135 pages, Sam provides honesty and help to the pastor who is struggling in a sick church or wants to take the church he serves into greater health.

Obstacles deals with four key issues that confront every leader in the established local American Church: Change, Criticism, Comfort and Expectations. In plain language and positive steps, slathered with layers of hope, this is the book every pastor should digest and then display in their daily leadership.

 

We, at Eagles In Leadership, highly recommend Obstacles In the Established Church and want you to know you can order it here.

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Hope For Today – Escaping The Griminess of Our Corrupt World!

Posted on January 18, 2016 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

hope changes everything 2

Christmas seems light years ago, doesn’t it? Life waits for no one. And, as quickly as the calm and peace of Christmas came and went, the chaos and panic of the New Year has overwhelmed us again.

I’m Dr. Matthew Lee Smith and I want to share some Hope For Today about escaping the griminess of our corrupt world!

Peter tells us in 2 Peter 1:4 (Modern English Version): “He has given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, SO THAT through these things you might become partakers of the divine nature and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.

God wants our lives to look like his – lives of peace and purity not selfishness and sensuality. In fact, God is so committed to our peace and purity that He provided a manual for life – a guide for our every day survival. That guide? The Bible of course!

TV, radio, social media ads, billboard ads and magazines at the check out line … everywhere we go someone is throwing the stench and sickness of illicit sex at us. Dodging the filth and fornications of others is almost a full time job in our culture of cravings.

Before you step out the door again today, how about picking up your Bible, turning to 2 Peter and checking out some of the wisdom of God through Jesus’ right hand man? As you leaf through the pages you will discover hope and help, strategies and steps to evade the never-ending river of rancidity and walk in the glorious light and abundant life Jesus promised you!

 

Hope For Today is a part of the ministry of Eagles In Leadership. If you would like to know more about the hope God gives and His abundant life through Jesus Christ, I would invite you to check out our website: Eagles In Leadership . org; that’s Eagles In Leadership .org.

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Transformed Podcast #280: Sunday School Focuses on Spiritual Maturity!

Posted on January 17, 2016 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

sunday-school Growing together in Christ

Someone has described the American Church as 100 miles wide and an inch deep – ouch! Spiritual maturity is truly to be a primary goal of the Church …

… and in our New Year series, “When Sunday School Works Well!” Dr. Matthew Lee Smith turns our attention to four Biblical targets of discipleship and training every teacher should aspire to.

Let’s listen in as he teaches on the subject, “Sunday School Focuses on Spiritual Maturity” at a recent Northern California conference.

Would You Like to Help Spread the Word?

Perhaps you would you consider sharing this message with a friend? God longs to release the captives of our culture into the freedom of faith. Thank you!

 

If you would like to explore how you can be a more effective disciple of Jesus Christ, Dr. Smith has written a book to take you to the next level!

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 Growing Missional Leaders at the Eagles In Leadership website by clicking the appropriate link on the right hand side panel of the Eagles In Leadership website.

Today’s episode was recorded live in Orangevale, California and edited by Melodee Smith in La Puente, California.

And now, until next time, we are praying you would be filled with the love of God so that you can demonstrate His love to the lost and dying in your city! God bless!

Posted in Small Groups, Sunday School, Transformed | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Studying James 5:14!

Posted on January 14, 2016 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

James web slider

Welcome to the Transformed Podcast!

Dr. Matthew Smith, director of Eagles In Leadership, continues to teach verse by verse through the book of James, one verse per podcast. These studies were recorded live in his class at Bible Believers Christian College and Seminary in Hawthorne, California.

The book of James has been called, “the faith explained” and that is the purpose of these teachings. These short studies are designed to help you grow your faith.

Now, let’s open our Bibles to the book of James as Dr. Smith, Director of Eagles In Leadership, discusses our faith from the words of the step-brother of Jesus, the head of the Jerusalem Church …

 

This podcast was recorded in Hawthorne, California and edited by Melodee Smith.

Posted in James Study, Transformed | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment