The Will of God and Jesus!

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Will of God - Discerning

“Do you think, asks the Sovereign Lord, that I like to see wicked people die? Of course not! I only want them to turn from their wicked ways and live.”

~ Lord in Ezekiel 18:23 (NLT)

For most people, the will of God is one of the great mysteries of life. “What does God want from me? What if I could only sit down and talk to Him? I would ask Him what He wants from me!”

On that beach in Galilee so long ago the multitudes questioned Jesus’ credentials for public ministry. In His response, realizing they were not believing His words, Jesus reveals God’s will for all of our lives when He says …

“But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”” (John 6:36–40, NKJV)

We imitate Jesus when …

  • We do the will of God, believing in Jesus every day.

Perhaps this is the great mystery. Many come to God asking for the map, when in reality God gives us the Guide. We want the direction; God gives us the Person. We want a clue; God gives us a Companion.

The will of God is a person – Jesus! He is the One you must trust, obey, follow, speak with, ask, seek, and walk with. The will of God is a daily thing made up of countless small decisions, all tracing themselves back to the simple root: I believe Jesus is leading me where I need to go!

Do you trust Jesus this way? He’s more than a prayer for salvation. He’s greater than a doctrine of belief. He’s a companion and a comforter. He’s the lover and leader of life! When you trust Him enough to allow Him to lead you, you will begin to experience the will of God … and one day, He will reward you with eternal life so that you can be with Him for all eternity (just as you have enjoyed Him in this life)! The journey will never end! This is the will of God!

© 2013 Dr. Matthew Lee Smith. All rights reserved. Not for resale.

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Transformed Episode #157 – Jesus, Our Sin Remover!

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Easter Web slider - Jesus name_above_all_names_by_jcrod-d493yuy

Welcome to the Transformed podcast.

Why do we need Jesus anyway? What’s the purpose of His life?

Today, Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Lead Pastor at Pacific Baptist Church in El Segundo, California answers those questions in this study of Jesus, Our Sin Remover!

We will consider 10 truths that reveal our desperate need of one who can remove our guilt, forgive our failure, and provide us with hope as He promises us a significant and abundant life.

This study is designed to help you know Jesus intimately, to grow in a personal relationship with Him. We are not interested in acquiring information about Jesus alone. We long to know Him better … to grow closer to Him … to enjoy a personal relationship with Him.

So let’s open our Bibles to John 1, and listen as Pastor Smith teaches us about Jesus, our sin remover!

 

With that final prayer of gratitude, Dr. Smith closes our study on “Jesus: Our Sin Remover!” Our deepest hope is that you will grow to know Jesus in a much more personal, intimate manner so that you can imitate Him before others in your world.

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 to enjoy a deeper life with Jesus, one that God is pleased with, Dr. Smith writes a weekly blog to help you do just that!

Becoming Like Jesus is a chronological walk with Jesus through His life and ministry. This weekly blog is built around the premise that Jesus lived a transparent life with His disciples so that could imitate Him. Becoming Like Jesus helps you become the hands and feet of your Master, the Lord Jesus, in your daily life.

You can subscribe FREE of charge to Becoming Like Jesus 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 El Segundo, California and edited by Ryan Longsworth in Los Angeles, California.

And now, until next time, we are praying that 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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Sign Seekers and Jesus!

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Sign billboard_12664457

 

The true motives of our actions, like the real pipes of an organ, are usually concealed.  But the gilded and hollow pretext is pompously placed in the front for show.

~ Charles Caleb Colton

At the center of our lives lies the one reality that drives us. It manifests itself in the realities of life more than it’s pretenses. What we do reflects more about who we are than what we say. What we seek after reveals our true nature more than all the affirmations and promises we make.

People love a show. However, when the show turns to a sermon, many get defensive. As Jesus continues his dialogue with the multitude standing at the beach, they press Him for a sign confirm His declarations. In response to their demand, Jesus explains the only sign they need …

“Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” Therefore they said to Him, “What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do? Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.” And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” (John 6:29–35, NKJV)

We imitate Jesus when …

  • We come to Him in obedience and trust, believing that God will supply all of our need through the riches He alone possesses.

The love of God is greater than our wildest imaginations! He is motivated to meet our needs like any good parent. For those who come and follow Jesus as King and Lord (Matthew 16.24-26), Jesus becomes the Nourisher and Filler of soul and body.

What are you seeking after today? Jesus is that hope and help in this present world. Come to Him with an earnest and sincere heart. He will fill all of your needs when you place Him at the center of your life as Lover and Leader.

 

© 2013 Dr. Matthew Lee Smith. All rights reserved. Not for resale.

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Transformed Interviews Dr. Paul Nyquist, President of Moody Bible Institute

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

NyquistPaul

We caught up with Dr. Paul Nyquist, President of Moody Bible Institute, in Los Angeles this past week. We talked about Moody Pastors Conference, the Institute and how to pray for God’s work through the president and its ministries.

For those who desire to attend Moody Pastors Conference, a $50 discount for registration is available exclusively through Eagles In Leadership. Find the code here.

Details on the conference can be found here.

Speakers and musicians can be found here.

This discount would apply to any registration type. (It does not apply to spouse meals or the wives mini-conference). This code MUST be entered when registering; it cannot be applied retroactively.

Our discount code for the event is: EAGLES2013

This promotional code and it is now active and you may register here.

 

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Uganda Leadership Development Mission Trip Request

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Mubende Conf 2

Eagles In Leadership has been asked to send Dr. Matthew Lee Smith to Uganda to train hundreds of pastors and key leaders across the country.  The trip is envisioned for late August, early September.

Because of scope of the mission and the great distances to reach the entire country, four venues in different districts far from each other have been created to reach these pastors and leaders from all “four corners” of Uganda. The four venues are Kayunga, Lugazi Buikwe, Mubende and Mbarara.

Prayer and Worship Day 1

While there, Dr. Smith will teach on discipleship, leadership development, small groups and Church discipline.

Lugazi conf 3

As you can imagine, such an opportunity is truly one we would love to fulfill. Obviously, this will take some resources. The estimated cost of this trip is $3,500, of which the Lord has already raised $1,500!

With time being short to make final plans, we are asking you if you would consider a financial gift to make this mission a reality.

Would you like to help?

We have a simple way for you to give through Pay Pal. Simply click this link and you can donate to this leadership development trip.

Thank you for your prayers and your financial help to make this trip possible!

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Transformed Episode #156 – Jesus, Name Above All Names!

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Easter Web slider - Jesus name_above_all_names_by_jcrod-d493yuy

Welcome to the Transformed podcast.

We begin a new study today entitled, “Jesus, Name Above All Names!” This first lesson was taught on Easter Sunday this year by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Lead Pastor at Pacific Baptist Church in El Segundo, California.

To really know God, you must get to know Him by name. The names of God in Scripture are really a self-revelation of God in His nature and attributes. The sheer number of such names and titles in the Bible suggests something of the immensity of God. The Bible identifies more than 700 descriptive names and titles of Jesus Christ.

What is Jesus really like? Can we trust Him? Why is He the only way to Heaven, the only spiritual truth and the only source of abundant life? We will consider His attitudes, actions and accomplishments – all of which will answer life’s greatest questions about Jesus!

As we open our Bibles to Philippians 2, let’s listen as Pastor Smith teaches us about Jesus, the name above all names!

 

With that final prayer of thanksgiving and surrender, Dr. Smith begins our study on “Jesus: The Name Above All Names!” Our deepest hope is that you will grow to know Jesus in a much more personal, intimate manner so that you can imitate Him before others in your world.

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 to enjoy a deeper life with Jesus, one that God is pleased with, Dr. Smith writes a weekly blog to help you do just that!

Becoming Like Jesus is a chronological walk with Jesus through His life and ministry. This weekly blog is built around the premise that Jesus lived a transparent life with His disciples so that could imitate Him. Becoming Like Jesus helps you become the hands and feet of your Master, the Lord Jesus, in your daily life.

You can subscribe FREE of charge to Becoming Like Jesus 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 El Segundo, California and edited by Ryan Longsworth in Los Angeles, California.

And now, until next time, we’re praying that 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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Work the Works of God!

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Motives

 

It is cynicism and fear that freeze life; it is faith that thaws it out, releases it, sets it free.

~ Harry Emerson Fosdick

Why are you seeking Jesus? At the center of your life quest, what really drives you? The answer to this question will reveal your heart’s direction. Our purpose for living is revealed in why we follow Jesus. When we boil our motives down, they come into one of two groups. There is the group of motives that orbit “me” – my wants, my needs, my world. The other group navigates around “Jesus.” For the first, we are the sun and Jesus is another planet in our solar system. For the later, Jesus is the center of our universe.

Jesus knows why we seek Him. As the crowds found Jesus long ago, so men and women still look for Jesus today. In Capernaum Jesus knew the motives of each person and sought to turn their motive from selfish needs and greeds to the selfless Son of God.

“Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”” (John 6:26–29, NKJV)

We imitate Jesus when …

  • We trust God so much that we live our lives in faithful obedience to Him through the love and leadership of His Son, Jesus.

Everlasting life is in the balance. “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:25–26, NKJV)

 

© 2013 Dr. Matthew Lee Smith. All rights reserved. Not for resale.

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Transformed Episode #155 – How to Pray For Money!

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

How Money Works slider

Welcome to the Transformed podcast.

God loves His children and longs to meet their every need. So many people today have a shortage of finances when it comes to their daily needs. God encourages us to ask for the resources we need to meet our needs.

We are wrapping up our study on, “how money works according to God” today. In this final lesson, Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Lead Pastor at Pacific Baptist Church in El Segundo, California will explain to us that before we pray for money, there are 7 questions we should ask and answer to God’s satisfaction. Once our answers please God, we can be assured our request will be granted.

As we open our Bibles, let’s listen as Pastor Smith tells us “how to pray for money!”

 

With that powerful prayer of confession and faith, Dr. Smith concludes our study on “how money works according to God.” Our deepest hope is that you will apply the principles and Bible verses you have heard so that God can trust you with greater riches.

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 to enjoy a deeper life with God, one that God is pleased with, Dr. Smith has written a daily devotional book that will help you do just that!

In His Presence is a detailed look at walking with God through life’s ups and downs. Built around the premise that God welcomes you into His presence with joy and pleasure, In His Presence helps you see that the life of abundance can only be enjoyed when we take everything to the Lord and walk every day at His right hand.

You can order a copy of In His Presence from Amazon by clicking the link on the side panel of the Eagles In Leadership website.

Today’s episode was recorded live in El Segundo, California and edited by Ryan Longsworth in Los Angeles, California.

And now, until next time, I’m your host Mike Powers, praying that 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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Caring For the Sick!

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Holding Hands with Elderly Patient

Photo Credit: fvdb.wordpress.com

Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if he or she were going to be dead by midnight.  Extend to them all the care, kindness, and understanding you can muster, and do so with no thought of any reward.  Your life will never be the same again.

~ Og Mandino

Perhaps you are in a rush. You’ve had a busy night and haven’t had a wink of sleep. You have your own problems swirling around and you have been stretched to the brink of a breaking faith … and now, the phone rings, there’s a knock at the door and one of your children screams out in pain.

As the disciples finally get to shore that early morning after their stormy night on the Sea of Galilee, eleven have demonstrated themselves faithless and one man, a soggy Peter, is demoralized by Jesus’ rebuke of his “little faith.” Thoughts are on home and bed when they are swamped by a faith-filed crowd of followers with more needs than any of them could consider meeting … especially in their weakened and defeated condition.

Into the fray walks the compassionate Jesus, touching each one with the hope and healing of Heaven.

“When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there. And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was. Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well.” (Mark 6:53–56, NKJV)

We imitate Jesus when …

  • We walk into the fray of needy and broken people with the hope and healing of Heaven.

Despite the problems, pressures and pain you are in, the Jesus in you via the Holy Spirit cares for those around you more than you can ever know. Drawing on the power of God through the Spirit, walk into the fray and touch those who are in need with all you have – the hope and healing of Heaven!

Pastor Matt

 

 

© 2013 Dr. Matthew Lee Smith. All rights reserved. Not for resale.

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Transformed Episode #154 – You Mean God Puts Money in People’s Bank Accounts?

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

How Money Works slider

Welcome to the Transformed podcast.

The Word of God provides a road map and contains everything we need to know in order to enjoy success in our personal lives, including success in our finances.

When God can trust His subjects to act as good stewards by receiving His blessings and provision and using them to advance His kingdom, He is motivated to give more.

In this study, Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Lead Pastor at Pacific Baptist Church in El Segundo, California shows us God loves to care for His children and will reward them with abundant material possessions when they obey His Word through faithful action.

As we open our Bibles, let’s listen as Pastor Smith answers 4 questions that unlock the generosity of God upon His people.

 

It is our sincere hope that you prayed that prayer of hopeful expectation. God is looking for men and women who act on their faith. We know from personal experience that when we obey God, He rewards us. Our prayer for you is that you follow through on this lesson so you can enjoy the material blessings of God!

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 to enjoy a deeper life with God, one that God is pleased with, Dr. Smith has written a daily devotional book that will help you do just that!

In His Presence is a detailed look at walking with God through life’s ups and downs. Built around the premise that God welcomes you into His presence with joy and pleasure, In His Presence helps you see that the life of abundance can only be enjoyed when we take everything to the Lord and walk every day at His right hand.

You can order a copy of In His Presence from Amazon by clicking the link on the side panel of the Eagles In Leadership website.

Today’s episode was recorded live in El Segundo, California and edited by Ryan Longsworth in Los Angeles, California.

And now, until next time, we are praying that 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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