Monday Missions: Go Fish...Ambassador!

   This is the “Monday Mission” on Tuesday.  Actually, with this being Tuesday, I should be doing a “Tuesday Leadership Principle”.  Well, I’m going to give you a two-for.  See, every leadership principle & action must be done in light of this truth.  The fact that we are Ambassadors of Christ!

 2 Corinthians 5:20(NLT)  So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”

   Look how it is put in the Message Bible: We're Christ's representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God's work of making things right between them. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; He's already a friend with you.

  Wow, what an awesome calling that is!  We are ambassadors of Jesus Christ the King of Kings & Lord of Lords.  To be Ambassadors to the world in which we live.  That is an amazing, humbling, challenging, and awesome privilege! The Living and Holy God makes His appeal to a lost world through you and I.

   Now I would ask; Is that a truthful representative of how you live? Does this truth motivate you? Does it inspire your actions and control your behavior?  Now, I don’t say that in a condemning way, but in a challenging one.  Just know that, if you are a Christian, you are an Ambassador; you speak for Christ Himself.  We are His hand picked, appointed agents.  And we must be motivated and driven by His mission!

   Jesus, the savior of the world, who lived, bled, died, & rose for you and I.  He calls us to follow His example and to become “fishers of men”.  William Booth said it well; “Go for souls! And go for the worst.”


   Let me challenge you today to;
Serve as an Ambassador,
Lead as an Ambassador,
Work as an Ambassador,
Worship as an Ambassador,
 Love as an Ambassador
& Live as an Ambassador of Jesus Christ!

   Here are a few quotes that will hopefully charge you up:

Oh that the Lord would saturate us through and through with an undying zeal for the souls of men. ~Charles H. Spurgeon

No Christian is in a right condition, if he is not seeking in some way to bring souls to Christ. ~ C.H. Mackintosh

I cared not where or how I lived, or what hardships I endured so that I could but gain souls for Christ. While I was asleep, I dreamt of such things, and when I waked the first thing I thought of was winning souls to Christ…All my desire is the conversion of sinners, and all my hope is in God. ~ David Brainerd

“We do not have a book of the “Resolutions of the Apostles.” But because of spiritual power and Gospel triumphs, we have the “Acts of the Apostles.”” ~ La Marechale

^“Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!” ~ Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 9:16)

“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” ~ Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15)

Now, Go Fish!

 ~ Matt

Friday Fun: 11/26/10

   I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday.  There is so much to be thankful for...especially when Friday rolls around!  Because it's time for the Friday Fun Post. 

   Today is the much anticipated day for shoppers (most feared by Husbands).  After all, You know you're American when you line up at 3am on Black Friday so that you can save $5 at Walmart!
  
   Now that we have finished up with Thanksgiving, it seems we are officially in the Christmas season.  Today there are thousands upon thousands of shoppers fighting for the best deals.  I am so thankful for the best deal ever...Free deal...not from black Friday, but from Good Friday.  The best deal ever was purchased by Jesus Christ, after His birth, death & resurrection!


   Just to get you in the Christmas spirit.  I am posting a flash mob video recorded on Nov. 13 in a mall food court.  If your not up on what a flash mob is.  This is where a group of people plan out a mass singing in public.  Watch it through to the end to get the full response.  It will put a smile on your face, and joy in your heart as people sing King of Kings & Lord of Lords in PUBLIC!  What a blessing.





Have a wonderful weekend!

~ Matt

So Much To Be Thankful For!

1 Thessalonians 5:18 

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

   I know that Sometimes the circumstances of our lives are not always the best.  In fact, they may be downright bad.  But still, we are told to look for Something to be thankful for! Remember that old song  Count your blessing when your feeling blue, it’s surprising what a little bit of counting will do.  Count them when everything goes wrong, soon you will find yourself singing a song…(come on sing it)

   Let me encourage you today…give thanks in all circumstances!  Someone once wrote “I used to think people complained because they had a lot of problems. But I have come to realize that they have problems because they complain”.  Complaining doesn’t make situations any better; in fact it often makes things worse.  Giving thanks is God’s will for our lives. It is what pleases the Lord.

   Whenever you think life is unfair, stop and think again.  You could be a Turkey on Thanksgiving! Instead of thinking about how little you have, stop to count what you do have and give thanks!  

~ I’m Thankful…for the taxes I pay:  
   Because that means I’m Employed.
~ I’m Thankful for the Clothes that fit a little too snug:

   Because that means I have enough to eat.
 ~ I’m Thankful for the lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing: Because that means I have a home. 
~ I’m Thankful for my heating bill:  
   Because that means I’m warm.
~ I’m Thankful for the lady behind me in church who sings off key:  
   Because that means I can hear.
~ I’m Thankful for the alarm that goes off early each morning:  
   Because that means I’m alive.

Add It Up….Count Your Blessings!

   Here let me give you what should be the basis of our Thanksgiving: 
Psalm 100:1-5 ¹ Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. ² Worship the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.³ Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. ⁴ Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. ⁵ For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.

   Now, who this is addressed to? V.1 “all the earth,” / V.5 “all generations.”

In other words, this emphasis of thanksgiving is so important that it applies to every person of every generation who has ever lived! 
And what is the emphasis? 

V.1 “the Lord” / V.2 “the Lord” / V.3 “the Lord” / V.4&5 ⁴ Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. ⁵ For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.    The basis for thanksgiving should always be—The LORD!  

   The author of “Roots,” had a picture hanging on his office wall. It was a picture of a turtle on top of a fence post.  When asked, “Why is that there?” He Answered, “Every time I write something significant, every tsime I read my words and think they are so wonderful, and I begin to feel proud of myself, I look down at the turtle on top of the fence post and remember that he didn’t get there on his own…He had help.” 

  
   Where would we be today without the help of the Lord? Without the goodness of the Lord? Without the love of the Lord? Without the faithfulness of the Lord? Without the grace of the Lord?

   In case you need help, here are some reasons to give thanks to the Lord:  

1. Because He is a good God! Psalm 106:1 ¹ Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; His love endures forever.

2. Because of His unfailing love! Psalm 107:8 ⁸ Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind,

3. Because He has answered my prayers! Psalm 118:21 ²¹ I will give You thanks, for You answered me; You have become my salvation.

4. Because He’s given me a home in Heaven! Hebrews 12:28 ²⁸ Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,

5. And most of all, I am Thankful to God for the gift of salvation! 2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

   Take time out today, on thanksgiving, and on everyday, to give the rightful thanks to God. He deserves it!  In fact, I would challenge you to write a list of all the blessing you do have in life.  This will force you to contemplate each thing.  

Maybe you need some inspiration.  Well, here is a list that several housewives compiled.

We Are Especially Thankful For:

5. "Automatic dishwashers:Because they make it possible for us to get out of the kitchen before the family comes back in for their after-dinner snacks.
4. For husbands who attack small repair jobs around the house:

Because they usually make them big enough to call in the professionals.
3. For Smoke Alarms:Because they let you know when the Turkey’s done.
2. For TeenagersBecause they give parents an opportunity to learn a second language.

1. For children who put away their things & clean up after themselves.They’re such a joy.  You really hate to see them go home to their own parents!

Now your list might be a little different (hopefully) than that.  But I’m convinced that if you would just begin to make a list, you will find that you have much more to be thankful for than you realize.

Look around, add it up & write it down!
We Have So Much To Be Thankful For!


It's time to move from the poor me mentality...
...to the thank you Jesus reality!

Now, let me give you one last thing to think about.  Romans 1:21 ²¹ For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Here are some more thanksgiving passages to look up for homework:

[Psalm 50:23 / Psalm 100:4 / Philippians 4:6 / Ephesians 5:20]

Have a wonderful & blessed Thanksgiving!

~ Matt


P.S.  You can even be thankful for Mac & Cheese!  

Tuesday's Leadership Principle: 11/23/10 (7 Traits of Effective Leaders)

7 Common Traits Of Effective Leaders:

   This is not an exhaustive list, neither is it in order of importance.  These are based on a topic written by Tom Rainer of Church Central. 

1. Effective Leaders Are LOYAL!
They are loyal to God, their families, and the places where they serve. They are loyal to friends. And their loyalties are intense and clearly noticeable by all who know them.

2. Effective Leaders Are JOYFUL & FUN!
One of the main reasons they are good leaders is because they have eager followers.  People like to follow leaders who are fun and who demonstrate obvious joy in their lives. After all, who wants to follow a grumpy and joyless leader?

3. Effective Leaders Have a Strong WORK ETHIC !
In fact, one of the greatest challenges of these leaders is maintaining balance. They are prone to be on the task 24/7 (Which is not healthy either, and must produce balance).  But all in all, work ethic is crucial and biblical. 

4. Effective Leaders Are SELF-AWARE!
 They are able to see their strengths and weaknesses with a great deal of objectivity.  They seek out critical evaluations from people they trust to tell them the truth.  Because they are self-aware, they are constantly seeking to improve.

5. Effective Leaders Take INITIATIVE!
These leaders do not need to be prodded to complete a task. To the contrary, they go well beyond others’ expectation. Good managers complete assigned tasks.  But good leaders are regularly envisioning a better way and better strategy.

6. Effective Leaders LOVE PEOPLE!
 Some effective leaders are extroverts; they are energized when they are around people.  Other effective leaders are introverts.  Put them in a crowd sharing small talk, and they will be drained by the end of the day.  But both types of leaders have a love for people.  They truly care about others. They embody Servanthood.

7. Effective Leaders Are TENACIOUS!
You rarely hear about them giving up. While others may view a setback as failure, the effective leaders see it as an opportunity to move in another direction.

The good news is that these 7 personality traits can be learned.   Some traits may be more natural for some people than others.  But none are beyond the capacity of any leader.

   Do you really desire to be an effective leader? I believe you can!  Now, you might need to go through a slight personality change.  But in God’s strength, wisdom & grace, you could be added to a group who are really impacting the world with their great leadership personalities.  I pray for God’s blessings in you as you pursue becoming an Influential, Effective, Godly Leader!

~ Matt

Extraordinary, By John Bevere

Click To Purchase:

John Bevere was at our church last night
(Harvest Church, Elk Grove).
WOW, was it Awesome!                       

 He delivered a POWERFUL message on Grace...God's Empowerment!  

I purchased the book and audio CD's and am going through it now.  

          I would HIGHLY recommend this teaching.

Friday Fun:11/19/10

Well, once again it's time for our "Friday Fun" posting. 

Top 10 Indicators That a Redneck Has Been Working On Your Computer:

10. The monitor is up on blocks.
  9. Outgoing faxes have tobacco stains on them.
  8. The six front keys have rotted out.
  7. The extra RAM slots have truck parts installed in them.
  6. The numeric keypad only goes up to six. 
  5. The password is "Huntin".
  4. The CPU has a gun rack mount.
  3. There is a Skoal can in the CD-ROM drive. 
  2. The keyboard is camouflaged.
  1. The mouse is referred to as a "critter". 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are like me...a "computer geek", then you will apriciate this video.  To be honest, there have been times where I wouldn't have any "Trouble-Shooting" my computer.

The Awesome & Perfect Grace of God

2 Peter 3:18  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

   The Grace of God is PERFECT, SUFFICENT and shall I say AWESOME!  

   

  It is an undeserved free gift, undeserved favor, and undeserved love from Almighty God.  And I am so thankful for it.  Because, apart from it, there is no Salvation. 

  

   Every other religion of the world offers salvation by works. They say if you become good enough you can work your way to God, you must go through procedures and sufferings and rituals to get to God. Some religions even say that you can become a god.  This lie is a direct approach by the enemy to appeal to man's pride. Just as when pride entered into Satan and he said, "I will be like the Most High God", and he became God's enemy.

  

   The new age religions all pickup on this theme, that you can become a god. This ideology is not new; even in the Garden of Eden, Satan tempted Eve by telling her that if she ate the fruit, she would become like God.

  

   Only through Jesus Christ we are offered grace, a free gift. This is contrary to human nature, which says with pride, I can do it myself.  Our attitude is, "my life is my own and I will do with it as I please." Jesus says yes I gave you life and I gave you power to choose, it is your choice.  So we either choose love and give our life to Jesus and rest in Him, or we choose pride becoming God's enemy, trying to work our way up to heaven apart from Jesus.  John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

  
   The deeper I get into knowing and experiencing the presence of God in my life, this one thing becomes more and more clear. All that I am, all that I ever have been, and all that I ever will be is totally one hundred percent a result of God's awesome and perfect Grace. Every failure I experience causes me to humbly become more dependent upon God's grace!  The result causes me to decrease and Jesus to increase in my life. Every form of success I have experience in life is not because of me, but rather a result of God's grace at work in me.

 
   Spiritual success has nothing to do with me or the things that I do or don't do. Except for the choice to accept and live in grace, or reject the free gift by rejecting God and His Love. You see, I can't add anything to grace and I can't take anything away from it.

   There is just one requirement from God; which is that we abide in Him!
John 15:4-5 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 

   Apart from God, we can do nothing. Therefore the fruits of being a Christian are a result of God's work of grace in our lives, not by our efforts. What we are required to do is simply abide in Christ as a branch in a tree. The only work that a branch does is remain in the tree.  Then the life giving sap and nutrients come up through the tree giving it life and producing fruit. This represents the work of the Holy Spirit flowing from God, through us, producing fruits in our life. Galatians 5:22-23 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

   Now, Many of the New Testament epistles begin and end with a salutation such as this: Grace, compassion, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord be upon you, and abound in you, and be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord. This should be our prayer for ourselves and for those we love.  Probably the best thing we can ask God for is His grace and compassion to be found in us, for us and through us.

   God’s Mercy & Grace is for you today, therefore trust in Him for every need.  I pray for you as well, that His Grace will be revealed to you and that you will gain a deeper desire to serve Him, and  a desire to know Him in a more intimate way.

Blessings,

~Matt

Wednesday-Challenger: 11/17/10 (Examination & Counterfeit Grace)

  

The Bible is very clear on examining yourself on a regular basis. 

1 Corinthians 11:28 ²⁸ That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup.
 2 Corinthians 13:5 ⁵ Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.

Galatians 6:4 ⁴ But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

   We could go on, but you get the picture.  I am all for Encouraging yourself in the Lord, but examination is crucial as well.  We as Christians need to be challenged on a regular basis to continue to live Holy.  Not in a Legalistic way, but in a Christ honoring & God fearing way.  We need to live up to the standards of the Word of God.  I LOVE Grace, but I fear many hold on to what I would call "counterfeit" Grace. 

   This is why I want to devote each Wednesday as the "Wednesday-Challenger".  This is a weekly posting designed to Challenge you to go deep and examine yourself.  Again, not in a legalistic way.  I just have a deep desire to see more faithful, committed, devoted, righteous, genuine & mature Christians.  I pray these postings will help produce this.

   Now, I mentioned "Counterfeit" Grace.  Let me explain what it is I mean.  There is a teaching that has been around for many years, but has seemed to become even more prevalent over the past few.  It is the teaching that goes something like this; "Since you didn't do anything to earn your salvation, you can't do anything to lose it".  No matter how you live, no matter what you do or don't do, no matter how far you walk away from God, if you're saved, you're saved, otherwise grace would not be grace!"

   I would say that this is a very dangerous doctrine to preach.  Now, I don't take lightly the Awesome Grace of our Lord.  I love every aspect of Grace, and it should be in the forefront of every message.  But at the same time, there comes a loyal responsibility we have to Christ as Christians.  As "Christians" we are of Christ, in Christ, & Live for Christ.  And unless we continue to examine ourselves on a daily basis, we could easily find ourselves far from from Him.  Not that He is far from you, but that you are far from Him. 

   Many would say, don't limit the power of God's Grace.  And I would say to that, yes, I agree.  But at the same time I would say, don't take advantage of it either.  You can't expect to turn your back on & live contrary to God & His Word.  To become a selfish, disrespecting, self intitled, "Kings-BRAT", and expect to get your inheritence.  Remember, this same God who is loving & merciful, is also soverign & just.  Now, this doesn't mean that you need to live in fear.  You can live with confidence, knowing that the Grace of God is suficent for you, no matter who you are & what you've done.  Just live your life according to His word and with love & respect toward Him, and you will be blessed. 

   So needless to say, I am not a part of the "once saved, always saved" crowd.  In saying that, I am also not from the crowd that basically says; "God has in one hand a Pen & the other an Eraser".  There is another crowd that thinks along the lines of, "we're saved by grace & raptured by works".  I don't believe it is easy to lose your salvation.    I just feel that there is a point in which you can reach, and I don't know where that is.  I just know that I want to steer clear from it.  And I do that by examining my faith, to make sure it is genuine.  There is probably going to be people in Heaven that you just "knew" would never be there, as well as people missing that you thought for sure would be.  All in all, It is God who does the judging, not us. 

   But, enough of my opinion, let's see what the Word of God has to say about it:
  Colossians 1:21-23 ²¹ And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled ²² in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— ²³ if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister. 

Hebrews 3:14 ¹⁴ For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.
 1 John 5:16a ¹⁶ If you see a Christian brother or sister{brother or sister indicates they are in the family of God} sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life. ...
2 Peter 2:20-21 ²⁰ And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. ²¹ It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life.
   Let me challenge you today to examine your life, your fruit, your actions & your faith.  Also, study His word for yourself.  The Bible says to "study to show yourself aproved...".  There are many more passages you can investigate in order to gain your own opinion.  Don't just rely on Bible teachers, become a Bible student.  OK, I promise to have a more encouraging message tomorrow.

1 John 5:21 ²¹ Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.

Blessings,

~Matt

Tuesday's Leadership Principle: 11/16/10 (Following God)

   The No.1 attribute of any "Christ-Centered" leader is simply, Listening To God!  I know this sounds pretty basic...and deserves the Dahh response.  But are you doing it?  I think this is an area often overlooked.  


   
   We just assume that God's on page with us...I mean we're on page with God.  Are you following God, or are you trying to get God to follow you?  

  
   Anyway, in the book of Exodus we find Moses on the back side of the desert, humbled, and aged.  He had absolutely no idea, no vision, no dreams, no aspirations of becoming God's messenger & spokesman for the enslaved children of Israel.  In this instance, God chose the Humbled Moses.  Now, of course, God is not opposed to credentials.  And He doesn't always choose men in Moses' condition.  


   For example, Paul was a proud, educated, well-to-do Bible scholar with an intense desire to rid the world of Christians.  Not exactly first on my list to write over half the new testament, and to spread the Gospel throughout the Gentile Nations.  But after Paul accepted Christ, he understood how really inadequate he was. And this angry, arrogant scholar Saul, became Paul, the servant of God!  In fact, he wrote in  1 Corinthians 2:1-2, ¹ And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. ² For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 


   See, it didn't matter that Moses was broken and meek when God called him, or that Paul was strong and arrogant.  What mattered was that they were willing to listen to God, and were both reliant on the Holy Spirit.
In the same way, there is nothing sacred or special about the fact that D.L. Moody had a 3rd grade education.  Or the fact that Johnathan Edwards was very well educated.  But the common denominator in the success in ministry & leadership was in the fact that these men listened to God & were driven by the anointing of the Spirit.  


   Let me encourage you today, to Follow God!  Seek His face, search His will, Study His word, Pray for His direction, and be willing to do whatever He puts before you.


~ Matt

Monday Missions: Disciples Creed!

This is a powerful creed to read on a daily basis.  If you are a Follower of Chrst, this is who you are and what you stand for...You Are A Disciple Of Jesus Christ! This is your "mission"!

THE DISCIPLE'S CREED!

I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed.
I have Holy Spirit power.
The dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line.
The decision has been made.
I am a disciple of the Most High!.

I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be stilled!

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure.

I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning,

smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions,
cheap giving and dwarfed goals!

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position,
promotion or popularity.
I don’t have to be right, first, on top, recognized,
praised, regarded, or rewarded.

I now live by faith, lean on his presence, walk by patience,
lift by prayer, and labor by power!

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow,

my way is rough, my companions few, my guide reliable,
my mission clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away,
turned back, deluded, or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice,
hesitate in the presence of the adversary,
negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity,
or meander in the maze of mediocrity!

I wont give up, shut up, let up,
until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up
for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ!

Friday Fun: 11/12/10

Praise God, It's Friday!
Here is the "Friday Fun" Posting:

   A minister told his congregation, "Next week I plan to preach about the sin of lying. To help you understand my sermon, I want you all to read Mark 17."
The following Sunday, as he prepared to deliver his sermon, the minister asked for a show of hands. He wanted to know how many had read Mark 17.
 Every hand went up.
 The minister smiled and said, "Mark has only 16 chapters. I will now proceed with my sermon on the sin of lying."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Michael Jr. on Father Abraham!

Veteran's Day!

I am so thankful to all our Service Men & Women!  Today is Veteran's Day, which was first established in November 1919. That's when President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words...

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations".

Watch This Video:

Please take the time to thank a Veteran and remember the sacrifices they have made!

~ Matt

Defeating Temptation!

1 Corinthians 10:13¹³ The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

   We live in a culture much like that of Paul’s.  A culture filled with moral depravity and sin-inducing pressures.  Paul sent an encouragement to the Corinthians about temptation.  One that we can and should encourage ourselves in today.  Here is what Paul was telling them, and what I would say to you today:

V.13a: The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience.

1) Temptations happen to everyone, so don’t feel you’ve been singled out!
 If you are alive today…there is something you can & have been tempted with.  Don’t feel like you’re alone in this and that you are a failure.  You’re not a failure, you’re not messed up, you’re not being targeted…You’re just Human! 

2) Others have resisted temptation, and so can you!The Bible says “resist the devil and he will flee from you”.  If it was impossible to resist it, God would not have said it was in the Bible.  This verse is found in James 4:7 and there is a key here  to resisting the devil.  It is found in the first part of that verse; “Submit yourselves to God.”  There are millions of people in the world who must wake up each day and resist the temptation to do something that they know is wrong.  If they can do it…so can you!  Try submitting each & every morning  to God.

V.13b: And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.

3) God is faithful and will not allow any temptation come to you that you can not withstand!  I don’t think we could make it any more clear than that.  God will not put on you nor let anything come to you, more than you can bare.

V.13c: When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

4) Any temptation can be resisted, because God will show you a way out! 

When you are being tempted, look around; God will have a way out.  Now you may have to really look, you may have to fight, you may have to blatantly get up & remove yourself, but just know, the way out is there!

Here are a few key strategies in defeating temptation:

a)      Recognize those people and situations that give you constant trouble!

b)      Run from anything you know is wrong!

c)      Choose to do only what is right!

d)      Pray for God’s help!

e)      Devote yourself to studying His Word.

f)       Seek & surround yourself with friends who love God and can offer help when you are tempted.

I pray for God’s blessings over you and that He may give you strength today to deal with whatever it is that’s dealing with you!  Remember…GOD IS FAITHFUL!

~ Matt

Tuesday's Leadership Principle: 11/9/10

I love leadership and being around leaders.  I will be posting each Tuesday on the subject of “Leadership”.

   John Maxwell is one of the most influential voices in leadership today.  I love reading his material.  Today’s post comes directly out of one of his books, “The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork.” You see, a leader is not a leader if no one is following.  Every great leader has a great team behind him or her.  I would encourage you to pick up this book if you are interested in building & surrounding yourself with an effective team. 

Taken from Chapter 2 “The Law Of The Big Picture”,
Page 20-21.

 “ If you think you are the entire picture, you will never see the big picture.”

What’s Up With Big Picture Teams?

   So how do people start to become a more unified team? How do individuals make the shift from independent people to team players who exemplify the Law of the Big Picture? It’s not something that happens overnight.  It takes time.  Here is my best take on how to get the process started.

1. Look Up at the Big Picture.

Everything starts with vision.  You need to have a goal.  Without one you cannot have a real team.  Hall of fame catcher Yogi Berra joked, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up somewhere else.”  An individual without a goal may end up anywhere.  A group of individuals without a goal can go nowhere.  On the other hand, if everyone in a group embraces the vision for achieving the big picture, then the people have the potential to become an effective team.

 
   Leaders usually have the role of capturing and communicating vision.  They must see it first and then help everyone else to see it.  That was what Winston Churchill did when he spoke to the coal miners during the war.  That was what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did as he spoke to people about his dream from the steps of the Lincoln Monument in Washington, D.C. That was what GE CEO Jack Welch did when he let his people know that a division of GE that couldn’t be first or second in its market wouldn’t be a part of GE.  The people on a team will sacrifice and work together only if they can see what they’re working toward.


    If you are the leader of your team, your role is to do what only you can do: Paint the big picture for your people.  Without the vision they will not find the desire to achieve the goal. 

   That’s it for now.  I hope this inspires you to start leading with vision. 

Blessings!

~ Pastor Matt