When Depression Falls On the Child of God

Posted on July 11, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me?” (Psalm 42:5, HCSB)

There seems to be a stigma to those Christ-followers who profess some sort of sadness of soul these days. Critics scorn them with pious platitudes like, “How can you be sad when God is so great?”

But such ridicule is more theoretical than real-life. Those who would verbally abuse the beaten-down have yet to taste the power of pain and the searing suffering so common in today’s real world.

The psalmists were no strangers to such depression. And as they meditated on their woeful situation, they wrote about it. The lyrics of their lament became encapsulated in the book of Psalms for weary wanderers in this world of woe.

  • When depressed, we are told to seek God’s presence. (Ps 42.1-3) Phrases like “long for You, God” and “thirst for God, the living God” remind us that the only source of true emotional healing is to be found in the joyous presence of our Lord. (Ps 16.11)
  • When depressed, we are told to remember God’s worship. (Ps 42.4) The psalmists turn their attention to the joy-filled days when they participated in the worship procession. We are reminded here that most depressed children of God (then and now) fail to return to worship until the dark clouds have passed.
  • When depressed, we are told to focus on God’s hope. (Ps 42.5) “I will still praise Him, my Savior and My God.” At the heart of help for the depressed is the hope that God will rescue. Whatever the circumstances that led to the ingrained injury to the soul, God is able to rescue. That hope can bring help and healing.
  • When depressed, we are told to remember God’s works. (Ps 42.6-7) So many times depression seeps into the heart and mind because of the apparent hopelessness of our situation. The majesty of God’s greatness can pull one away from the torrent of one’s turmoil. Viewing nature firsthand reminds us that, like the cascading waterfall, God’s power can restore what life has torn away.
  • When depressed, we are told to await God’s faithful love. (Ps 42.8). Throughout the Old Testament we are confronted by the “hesed” of God. Translated a number of ways, it carries with it the unending, unbreakable love, care and compassion of a Father who never leaves or forsakes His child. While it may seem God has forgotten you, the reality is God is on the way to help. Wait for it!
  • When depressed, we are told to question God’s distance. (Ps 42.9-10) This is not the rebellious disrespect of the angry, but the confused pleas of a wounded child. The psalmists instruct us to ask our loving Father, “Why?” in anticipation of His loving, compassionate response of rescue.

Ultimately, when depressed, we are told to hope in God! (Ps 42. 11) The chorus of this song of worship (see verse 5) is sung again: “Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:5, HCSB) After all, He is our only hope for healing. Only He can rescue and redeem our lives from the pit we are in.

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Come and View a Fisherman’s Boat From the Time of Jesus!

Posted on July 10, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Photo Credit: Bettina & Dominique Zygmont.

“As He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. Suddenly, a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves. But He was sleeping. So the disciples came and woke Him up, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to die!” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, you of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea. And there was a great calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this?—even the winds and the sea obey Him!”” (Matthew 8:23–27, HCSB)

What kind of boat did the fishermen on the Sea of Galilee fish from? How big were they? Would 13 men fit into one comfortably? Come and see!

In 1986, an ancient boat was pulled from the mud along the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was a unique and exciting find that gives us an idea of the sort of boat used during the time of Jesus.

The boat appeared due to a great drought during which the waters of the lake receded and was discovered by the brothers Moshe and Yuval Lufan, second-generation fishermen from Kibbutz Ginosar. The brothers reported that when they found the boat, a double rainbow appeared in the sky.

The subsequent archaeological dig was undertaken by members of the Kibbutz Ginosar, the Antiquities Authority, and many volunteers. Pulling the boat from the mud without damaging it — yet quickly enough to extract it before the water rose again — was a delicate process, lasting 12 days and nights. The boat then had to be submerged in a chemical bath for 7 years before it could be displayed.

The boat has been dated to the 1st century AD based on pottery and nails found in association with the boat, radiocarbon dating, and hull construction techniques. Evidence of repeated repairs indicates the boat was used for several decades, perhaps nearly a century. When it was considered beyond repair, all useful wooden parts were removed and the remaining hull sunk to the bottom of the lake.

The Galilee Boat is apparently the type of boat that was used on the Sea of Galilee for both fishing and transportation across the lake. It is likely that this sort of boat was used by Jesus and his disciples, many of whom were fishermen. Boats played a large role in Jesus life and ministry — they are mentioned 50 times in the Gospels!

There is no evidence connecting the boat to Jesus or his disciples, but it is certainly tantalizing to think that Jesus may have seen the boat sail by out on the Sea of Galilee — or even used it himself. But regardless of its history, the “Jesus boat” is a fascinating artifact that brings to life many of the Gospel accounts.

There’s Still Time to Register For This Trip!

Melodee and I want to invite you to join us on this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip. Don’t miss this opportunity! God wants to transform your life like He has done to us!

This is a 10-day trip leaving February 18th, 2013. We have made it easy for you to join us with a choice of departures cities across the country: You can choose to leave from Los Angeles, Chicago or New York.

Details and a brochure with all the details are located at this link. We encourage you to get your deposit in while space is still available!

Melodee and I are here to answer all of your questions! You can email us at: pastormatt [@] eaglesinleadership.org

We look forward to touring Israel with you in February!

 

 

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Episode 118 – Forgiving or Forbearing?

Posted on July 2, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork by OnlyCurious

“People find fault as if there is a reward for it!  Too many people look for the worst in others and never pass up the chance to cut down or criticize others.”

That quote from Zig Ziglar reminds us of our theme for today’s podcast: God wants us to forgive people, not just bear with them.

Forgiveness is a new life style the Christ-follower has to “put on” – like one would put on their clothes each day. With our Bibles open to Colossians 3, let’s discover the 2 things Jesus expects us to put on in order to forgive the people we are currently bearing with.

We join Dr. Matthew Smith, lead pastor of Pacific Baptist Church in El Segundo, California, as he talks about a new suit and how that taught him to forgive.

 

And with Dr. Smith’s responsive prayer at the end of this episode, men and women chose to forgive those that they were currently bearing with. It is our sincere hope and prayer that you, too, have joined in that prayer as well.

If you have, will you take the next steps in the faith by getting into a small group of believers and digging into the Bible through group study?

You can take the thought of this message one step further by ordering a copy of Pastor Matt’s book, In His Presence.

In His Presence is a daily devotional which targets the purpose of Magnification or Worship.

It revolves around the Biblical truth, “God welcomes you into His presence with joy and pleasure.

The devotional follows a reading schedule through the entire book of Psalms over the course of the year.

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.

 

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Come and Consider the Future World War in the Valley of Armageddon!

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Photo Credit: BiblePlaces.com

Can you imagine standing in the very place where Jesus predicted that the future World War battle for the planet would happen? You can overlook the valley if you join Melodee and I for these 10 Life-Changing Days in Israel!

The spacious Jezreel Valley (pictured above) spreads out to the north and east from Mount Carmel, providing convenient passage for international travelers in ancient times.  The fertile alluvial soil makes this the country’s breadbasket as well.  The Bible speaks of the gathering of armies in this valley at the place of Armageddon.

The Bible teaching about the Battle of Armageddon is one of tragedy, evil, destruction – but of the ultimate victory of good over evil. It is pictured in the Bible as the final world war that will play out on the earth in the plains of Esdraelon near the city of Megiddo in central Israel (Revelation 16:16).

This horrific Battle of Armageddon is described in Revelation 19:11-20:3 and Ezekiel 38:17-39:29. It is graphic, brutal, and ends with utter bloody destruction of the forces of evil. The evil ones will assemble in battle formation, tensely waiting to engage their enemy (Revelation 19:19).

The battle will start with Christ descending from heaven with the armies of heaven, which are evidently angels, and others (cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Matthew 24:29-31). Guns are fired, missiles launched, fighter planes dispatched, artillery belches fire and lead, and the two sides will engage with deafening ferocity.

Then Jesus opens up His salvos, “A sharp sword came from His mouth, so that He might strike the nations with it. He will shepherd them with an iron scepter. He will also trample the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty. And He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh: KING OF KINGS
AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:15–16, HCSB)

The Battle of Armageddon is quickly over. The cries of the dying and the stench of the dead fill the air. The birds will be called to eat of the flesh of dead bodies. In fact, it will take over seven months to bury the dead (Ezekiel 38:12). The devastation of evil will be utter and complete. (Dr. Willis and Esmie Newman)

Melodee and I want to invite you to join us on this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip. Don’t miss this opportunity! God wants to transform your life like He has done to us!

This is a 10-day trip leaving February 18th, 2013. We have made it easy for you to join us with a choice of departures cities across the country: You can choose to leave from Los Angeles, Chicago or New York.

Details and a brochure with all the details are located at this link. We encourage you to get your deposit in while space is still available!

Melodee and I are here to answer all of your questions! You can email us at: pastormatt [@] eaglesinleadership.org

We look forward to praying with you in Israel in February!

 

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Come and Rejoice In the Victory at the Gates of Hell!

Posted on June 19, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

 

Can you imagine standing in the very place where Jesus predicted that the Church would never succumb to “the Gates of Hell” – a place where the worship of false gods had prevailed for centuries! You can if you join Melodee and I for these 10 Life-Changing Days in Israel!

The early name of this place was “Panias” directly identifying this location with worship of one pagan Greek god, “Pan”. It’s later and current name (Banias and Banyas) are merely corruptions of this original, with the “B” later being substituted for the “P”, due to usage in the Arabic language.

Close to the foot of Mount Hermon (about 1150 feet, or 350 meters, above sea level), it is an area of lush grasslands and trees, with plenty of water as one of the sources of the Jordan River. Here, a massive spring flows out of the rock – its abundant supply of water made the area attractive for farming and religious purposes.

The grotto of Pan was a focal point in the worship of this half-man half-goat, flute playing deity. For at least two centuries before Christ, sacrifices were cast into the cave as offerings to Pan. At that time the main spring emerged from this large cave. Earthquakes have since caused the water flow to emerge elsewhere. Near the grotto of Pan a number of niches were carved in the rock cliff. These niches were used to hold idols depicting numerous deities, including Echo, a mountain nymph who was said to be a consort of Pan.

The grotto of Pan and the rock face of the mountain would have made imposing visuals as Jesus declared Himself the Rock on which the church would be built and that the gates of Hell  (Matthew 16) would never prevail against it. (Gates of Hell: think of a Grotto into which a sacrifice would be thrown, which would then be pulled down by the current, into the earth, not to rise again). Clearly these visuals would have driven home Jesus’ claim of authority and power.

Melodee and I want to invite you to join us on this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip. Don’t miss this opportunity! God wants to transform your life like He has done to us!

This is a 10-day trip leaving February 18th, 2013. We have made it easy for you to join us with a choice of departures cities across the country: You can choose to leave from Los Angeles, Chicago or New York.

Details and a brochure with all the details are located at this link. We encourage you to get your deposit in while space is still available!

Melodee and I are here to answer all of your questions! You can email us at: pastormatt [@] eaglesinleadership.org

We look forward to praying with you in Israel in February!

 

 

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Come and Learn With Us at the Mount of the Beatitudes!

Posted on June 12, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Photo Credit: http://www.bibleplaces.com/mtbeatitudes.htm

 

Can you imagine listening to the Beatitudes of Jesus in the very place where Jesus first uttered them! You can if you join Melodee and I for these 10 Life-Changing Days in Israel! We will hold a Bible study here from the Sermon on the Mount and you will enjoy hearing those words in their original context.

The “Sermon on the Mount” is recorded in Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6.  The alleged discrepancy between Matthew’s version being on a hill and Luke’s being on a level place is easily reconciled with observation of many level places on the Galilean hillsides.  Scripture gives no indication of the exact location of this event, but the Byzantines built a church to commemorate it at the bottom of the hill.  Some of Napoleon’s men placed it on the nearby Arbel mountain.

The suggestion of this hill for the location of the Sermon on the Mount is a good one.  Once known as Mt. Eremos, this hill is located between Capernaum and Tabgha and is just above the “Cove of the Sower.”  This spacious hillside provides much room for crowds to gather, as evidenced by preparation for 100,000 Catholics to observe mass nearby with the Pope’s visit in March 2000 (it rained and fewer came, but the space was available).

Melodee and I want to invite you to join us on this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip. Don’t miss this opportunity! God wants to transform your life like He has done to us!

This is a 10-day trip leaving February 18th, 2013. We have made it easy for you to join us with a choice of departures cities across the country: You can choose to leave from Los Angeles, Chicago or New York.

Details and a brochure with all the details are located at this link. We encourage you to get your deposit in while space is still available!

Melodee and I are here to answer all of your questions! You can email us at: pastormatt [@] eaglesinleadership.org

We look forward to praying with you in Israel in February!

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Come and Be Baptized With Us in the Jordan River!

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Can you imagine being baptized in the very river where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist! You can if you join Melodee and I for these 10 Life-Changing Days in Israel! We will baptize any who would like to be baptized (or baptized again) in the Jordan River in a place called Yardenit.

Yardenit (“little Jordan”) is a popular Baptism site. Here, the water flows into the Jordan river, eventually flowing into the Dead Sea located more than 100KM to the south. This site is believed by some traditions to be the actual site where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3: 13: “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John“).

Melodee and I want to invite you to join us on this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip. Don’t miss this opportunity! God wants to transform your life like He has done to us!

This is a 10-day trip leaving February 18th, 2013. We have made it easy for you to join us with a choice of departures cities across the country: You can choose to leave from Los Angeles, Chicago or New York.

Details and a brochure with all the details are located at this link. We encourage you to get your deposit in while space is still available!

Melodee and I are here to answer all of your questions! You can email us at: pastormatt [@] eaglesinleadership.org

We look forward to praying with you in Israel in February!

 

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Fall Semester Open Registration!

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Eagles In Leadership and Bible Believers Christian College and Seminary Are Announcing …

 

Fall Registration!

2012 – 2013

 

BBCCS offers the following …

 

  • High School Diploma

 

  • Associate of Biblical Studies Degree

 

  • Bachelor Degree

 

  • Master Degree

 

  • Doctorate Degree

 

Registration Is Now Open

For The Fall Semester to be Offered at:

Bible Believers Christian College and Seminary

4081 W. El Segundo Blvd.
Hawthorne, CA 90250

Contact: Dr. Steven Davis, Dean Phone: 323.779-2222

Biblical Training for Today’s Urban Christian Leader

These degrees are designed for the serious Bible student:

Pastors, Ministers, Evangelists, Teachers, Deacons, Deaconnesses, Chaplains, Missionaries, etc.

 

Semester Begins: August 27th, 2012!

 

Registration: At an affordable cost:

Associate of Biblical Studies = $1,000; Bachelor Degree = $3,200

Master Degree = $3,800; Doctorate Degree = $4,800

 

*** Payment Plan Available ***

 

For more information: Bible Believers Christian College and Seminary

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Transformed Interviews Comedian Jeff Allen

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Jeff Allen is the best at what he does–making people laugh as hard as humanly possible. His Happy Wife, Happy Life® message of a marriage gone wrong and redeemed has given laughter and encouragement to millions of people. Jeff’s comedy drives home the humor in everyday family life and the joy derived from a healthy marriage.

 

Inspirational Comedian – Brief Facts

At home with secular, religious and combined audiences, Jeff has performed on every US cable comedy show, in Las Vegas, for corporate engagements and in churches all over the country.

Starred in his own sitcom pilot, Happy Wife, Happy Life®, for PAX TV with Castle Rock Television

Starred in the critically acclaimed film and DVD Apostles of Comedy

Starred in the hilarious comedy DVD Thou Shalt Laugh

Headlined his own national comedy tour, Jeff Allen and Friends: Funny People of Faith

Received the Grady Nutt Humor Award – the most prestigious comedy award in the Christian market.

Columnist for Living with Teenagers, Homecoming and Homelife magazines

Featured comedian on Bill Gaither’s Homecoming, Praise Gathering, Gaitherfest

Performed at numerous functions with newsmakers such as: John Ashcroft, Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity, J.C. Watts, Zach Wamp and numerous others

Regularly heard on XM Radio; Jones Radio Network; Focus on the Family

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Come and Worship With Us in Jesus’ Synagogue!

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Can you imagine singing praise to Jesus in the very worship center in which He attended while He was on earth! You can if you join Melodee and I for these 10 Life-Changing Days in Israel! We will worship in the very synagogue where Jesus spoke, sang and did some of his greatest miracles.

Jesus was confronted by a demoniac while teaching here (Mark 1:21-27).

In Capernaum, Jesus healed the servant of the centurion.  This Roman official was credited with building the synagogue (Luke 7:3).

In this synagogue, Jesus gave sermon on the bread of life (John 6:35-59).

The dating of this synagogue is debated, but it is clearly later than the first century.  Excavations have revealed a synagogue from the time of Jesus with walls made of worked stone and 4 feet thick.

These earlier walls were preserved up to 3 feet high and the entire western wall still exists and was used as the foundation for the later synagogue.

Melodee and I want to invite you to join us on this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip. Don’t miss this opportunity! God wants to transform your life like He has done to us!

This is a 10-day trip leaving February 18th, 2013. We have made it easy for you to join us with a choice of departures cities across the country: You can choose to leave from Los Angeles, Chicago or New York.

Details and a brochure with all the details are located at this link. We encourage you to get your deposit in while space is still available!

Melodee and I are here to answer all of your questions! You can email us at: pastormatt [@] eaglesinleadership.org

We look forward to praying with you in Israel in February!

 

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