Inspired, Not Transformed!

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

transformed - be

It says something about our times that we rarely use the word sinful, except to describe a really good dessert.

~ Willard Ferrell

 

Too many long for the inspiration of faith in King Jesus without the transformation of its discipline. In such cases, these people loathe the requirements but long for the benefits.

Such was the case of Herod, who enjoyed his adulterous marriage to Herodias, whom Herod had taken from his brother Philip. God clearly had spoken about such relationships at the beginning when he said, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24, NKJV) This permanent union was to be respected until the death of one in the marriage.

With John’s condemnation of this divorce and remarriage, Herod acts to appease the anger he and his new wife felt toward the prophet.

“For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her. Because John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.” (Mark 6:17–20, NKJV)

We imitate Jesus when …

  • We proclaim the purity of the faith despite the personality involved or the pain it will bring to our own lives!

John shows us that there is a right and a wrong, no matter what people want to do. When we choose to compromise the revealed will of God for our own pleasures and desires, someone needs to come alongside and gently, but honestly, tell us our sin. All such counsel is for the purpose of restoration and never with a judgmental spirit (Galatians 6.1-2).

Despite the personal cost, John understood that when the leader sins, the followers suffer. Will you choose to follow King Jesus and do the hard work of gently confronting sin in the life of another God-follower?

 

 

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

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Episode 146 – Going After the Giver of Life!

Posted on February 24, 2013 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

 Going After God - web slider

 

Welcome to the Transformed podcast.

Can you imagine going on a date with your beloved and all they do for the entire time you are away is talk! They never let you get a word in. They simply won’t be quiet! What would your response be to that?

The Lord wants a conversation with you. He wants the enjoyment of your company, as long as there is a give and take in the conversation. God isn’t into repeated repetition or wrote prayers.  He wants to have a real conversation with you!

In today’s episode, Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Lead Pastor at Pacific Baptist Church in El Segundo, California leads us through the essence of a life of relationship and conversation with God as explained by Jesus in Matthew 6. As we study, we will discover that there are 5 prayer targets that our conversations with the Almighty are to focus upon, according the King Jesus.

So grab your Bible and let’s discover how to Go after the giver of life!

 

 

With that closing prayer, it is our sincere hope and prayer that you will review and return to Jesus’ 5 prayer targets each time you speak with God. Your focus promises to be rewarded by God’s goodness!

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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Episode 145 – Going After the Heart of God!

Posted on February 17, 2013 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

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God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him! According to Hebrews 11.6, God rewards when we diligently seek Him …

In today’s episode, Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Lead Pastor at Pacific Baptist Church in El Segundo, California shares a message from his heart and soul to the people of God. That message is: God wants to reward you … to give to you for your faithfulness in obeying Him!

As you open your Bible to Matthew 6, let’s discover together the rewards God wants to give His disciples … if we will but obey Him.

 

And as Pastor Matt closes that prayer, men and women across the sanctuary stood to indicate their desire to follow Pastor Matt in diligently seeking after God for the next three weeks.

If you would like to join in the Daniel Fast with them, simply click the link in the show notes concerning the Daniel Fast.

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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Episode 144 – Going After a Life God Rewards!

Posted on February 3, 2013 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Going After God - web slider

2013 is finally here! Over the last 3 months of 2012 Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Lead Pastor at Pacific Baptist Church prayed, fasted and sought God’s face for His will and direction for the congregation there in El Segundo, California … and we are so excited to share this series of messages with you.

In today’s episode, which was delivered in January of 2013, Pastor Matt will show us how to please God. When we act by faith … when we choose to obey God as He has revealed Himself in His Word, he is pleased with us and he rewards us for such obedience …

If you would turn in your Bible to Matthew 6, we want to discover three specific acts of faith that God rewards. In fact, Jesus tells us that these three acts are things that all disciples should be doing on a regular basis …

 

And as Pastor Matt closes that prayer, we know you are as encouraged as the congregation in El Segundo was when he prayed it with them!

If you would like to explore how to enjoy a life 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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Changed Lives Get Noticed!

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork courtesy of campusfellowship.com

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

~ Margaret Mead

 

When people truly change, no one can keep quiet about it! The best advertizing anyone can have is the power of transformation. When people begin to say, “What’s happened to you?” you know you are close to an explosion of free publicity.

As the Twelve continued their mission for Jesus, and Jesus continued His mission for the Father, lives were changing everywhere. People were repenting of sin, making things right with friends and neighbors and experiencing the grace and power of God as they were released from their prisons of possession and pain! As we discover, such real life change is noticed at the highest levels!

“Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Him; and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again. Herod said, “John I have beheaded, but who is this of whom I hear such things?” So he sought to see Him.” (Luke 9:7–9, NKJV)

We imitate Jesus when …

  • We persist in proclaiming life change through surrender to King Jesus and watch as God brings transformation to those people’s lives!

There is a fundamental reality to the discipleship of Jesus: You can’t stay the same and claim His name! God is all-powerful. When He truly arrives in a life, everything changes! If things aren’t changing, Jesus isn’t Lord and King there!

Confession marks the life of the Christ-follower. Those who have stolen come confessing their failure and repaying that which was taken. Where reputations have been maligned, honest and humble confession comes with sorrow and a request for undeserved mercy. Marriages are restored; families are rebuilt; neighbors are reunited. This is the “stuff” of the Gospel … tangible, transcendent tell-tales of His touch. As you change, be sure to proclaim the name of the One who brought light to your dark life and ask others if they, too, would like what you have. It will change the world!

 

 

© 2012 Dr. Matthew Lee Smith. All rights reserved. Not for resale.


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Episode 143 – Where Is God When You Are In Need of Hope?

Posted on January 27, 2013 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

 

In our recent national election in the United States, people on both sides of the political aisle were touting their candidate as the solution for what ails the country. However, as we have said before again and again, politicians are not the solution to what ails America – Jesus is the solution.

In today’s episode, Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Lead Pastor at Pacific Baptist Church in El Segundo, California will show us that there are 4 unshakable truths about God that will bring hope to those struggling in hopelessness.

Please open your Bible to Isaiah 7 as we discover that God is With Us!

 

 

With that Biblical prayer it is our hope that you have realized that God is with you when you need hope the most! God is seeking to bless you and move you in such a way so as to bring about help in your time of need!

If you would like to explore how to enjoy God’s presence in one’s daily life, 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 in El Segundo, California and edited by Ryan Longsworth.

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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Preach Repentance, Heal Lives!

Posted on January 23, 2013 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork courtesy of richardgleaves.blogspot.com

It’s never too late!

No matter how far you have gone on a wrong road, turn back.

-Turkish proverb

 

Disciples proclaim a need for life change to each person they meet! Repentance is the Biblical term that signifies a change in loyalty, a submission of one’s will to the King of kings, Jesus. Having commissioned the Twelve to minister for Him, Jesus sends them out. Note they proclaim a simple message: “People should repent!”

Before any long-term life change can occur, one must come to the understanding that they need to surrender to the love and leadership of King Jesus. Once that step is made, hope and healing can flood the soul and life of anyone. As the Gospels point out in parallel passages, preaching the Good News of the Gospel is telling people they should repent.

“So they went out and preached that people should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.” (Mark 6:12–13, NKJV)

“So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.” (Luke 9:6, NKJV)

We imitate Jesus when …

  • We proclaim to the people we meet that there can only be one Lord of life, and His name is Jesus!

There is sweetness to our life of submission. Jesus provides what we have searched for our entire life. Where we have looked for intimacy through sex, Jesus provides love through sacrifice. For our misguided search for happiness from a bottle, a buffet or a bonanza of cash, Jesus plants real joy in our soul through a loving, loyal relationship that never flees, no matter the mess we are in. Repeatedly we discover that all we have ever sought for can be found in the inexhaustible riches of the One who loved us and gave His life for us. He generously replenishes what we leak and fills us again and again with His never-ending compassion and care.

Telling someone else of the amazing grace of Jesus is so easy for the true disciple. Their daily experience with the fountain of hope and help provides a never-ending source of timely testimonies. As you share from the abundance of God’s mercy and Jesus’ grace, draw people to surrender. Nothing else provides the hope and help they look for!

 

© 2012 Dr. Matthew Lee Smith. All rights reserved. Not for resale.


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Episode 142 – Where Is God In My Everyday Life?

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

It is impossible to escape from God’s all-knowing control, no matter how far or fast we might go, for God is everywhere! In the Old Testament King David told us that the LORD knows us penetratingly, as if He has scoured every detail of our life and thus knows us intimately!

In today’s episode, Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Lead Pastor at Pacific Baptist Church in El Segundo, California will show us that there are 6 facts that we need to keep in mind each and every moment of every day.

If your life is difficult and you struggle with the uncertainties of whether God cares about you, we encourage you to open your Bible to Psalm 139 as we discover that God is With Us!

 

 

With that Biblical prayer it is our hope that you have discovered that God’s presence and fingerprints are all over your life, each and every day.

If you would like to explore how to enjoy God’s presence in one’s daily life, 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 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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God Rewards Right Motives and Behaviors!

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

Artwork courtesy of neropta.com

Leaders must develop a philosophy toward rewards that is incredibly simple: Reward performance and only performance.

~ Neil H. Snyder and Angela P. Clontz

 

Rewards. Most “Christians” have a great suspicion when anyone starts talking about them. And when Jesus speaks of them, many go “spiritual” and say ridiculous things like, “I just want to be in Heaven with Jesus. I don’t need any rewards.” As if rewards were, in and of themselves, evil at worst and toxic at best.

Diametrically opposed to such “false modesty” is the Biblical teaching of Jesus. He not only tells us that there are rewards, He clarifies that they are given when anyone acts in a manner that pleases God. In other words, rewards are to be embraced and rejoiced in; yes, even expected. Jesus was adamant about the issue:

“He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:40–42, NKJV)

We imitate Jesus when …

  • We act in such as way as to obey and please God, thus receiving a reward for our demonstration of love and faith!

While it may sound spiritual to negate the concept of rewards, most people grumble when they are not recognized for their efforts – even in the Church! Jesus understands because He designed us this way. It is His sincere hope that we, as His disciples, will reward those around us when they act in faith and love.

Generosity is noticed in Heaven! While you may not gain rewards by greed, you surely can expect them for sincerity of faith and generosity of love. The Kingdom of Heaven notices when we act in generous ways … and so do others! Heaven rewards such a disciple’s lifestyle … do you?

 

 

© 2012 Dr. Matthew Lee Smith. All rights reserved. Not for resale.

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Episode 141 – Where Is God When Life Goes WRONG?

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Your problems are God’s pathways to His plans! Just as Joseph, the great-grandson of Abraham shows us, God often leads in mysterious ways so He can bless many through our lives if we trust Him throughout the journey!

In today’s episode, Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Lead Pastor at Pacific Baptist Church in El Segundo, California will guide us through Joseph’s life to teach us the 8 prevailing truths we need to hold onto when life goes WRONG!

If you are struggling with life and wondering where God is and when He will show up, we encourage you to open your Bible to Genesis as we seek to understand that God is With Us!

 

 

With that Biblical prayer we have a better understanding that God is working out the dream he placed in us in ways we cannot begin to imagine.

If you would like to explore how to enjoy God’s presence in one’s daily life, 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 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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