Free Book! How to Survive the Economic Meltdown

Posted on April 13, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Patrick Morley, a former Florida real estate developer whose company was one of Florida’s 100 largest privately held companies, spent years fighting off a multimillion dollar bankruptcy after the Tax Reform Act of 1986. He has since become a best-selling Christian author and head of an international ministry to men (Man in the Mirror).

Pat’s new book, How to Survive the Economic Meltdown features 35 hard earned spiritual, practical and financial survival strategies based on lessons learned during his own personal financial crisis. Every day for seven long years he woke up not knowing whether or not he would be forced into bankruptcy. By God’s grace, he was able to avoid bankruptcy and not only survive, but experience extraordinary spiritual growth. Ultimately, our prayer is that what Pat learned during a nightmarish season of his life will help others to get through their tough times today.

Pat’s passionate about getting a copy of this book into the hands of every person who wants one—even if it’s for free (click here to download a free PDF copy). We’re also making the book available at huge discounts (as low as $1.95) so leaders can distribute them through their churches, businesses, and ministries.

Leaders are sometimes at a loss about exactly how to serve the tens of millions of people trying to make sense of this meltdown. On this site you’ll find dozens of resources to help – including videos, message transcripts, message ideas, speaker notes, graphics, and promotional materials.

We believe this current crisis may be one of the greatest spiritual opportunities of our lifetimes, and we’re praying that millions of men and women would come back to God in weeks and months ahead.

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Ministry is About Shepherding!

Posted on April 12, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Mary Kay is purported to have said, “There is an invisible sign hanging around every person’s neck and it says, ‘Encourage Me!’” Over the years I have discovered that the people who speak encouragement into my life and seek me out to lift me up are the people I call ‘friends.’

The old hymn talks of Jesus by saying, “He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.” We all know someone, or a group of people, who lifts us up. Like a plant that reaches out toward the sunlight for nourishment, we all lean in the direction of such affection!

Ministry is about encouragement, lifting burdens and expressing affection. In short, this is called ‘shepherding’ in the Bible. As we seek to minister to people we can show them our care in four ways …

C – Contact them: We call / text / post / email the people we care about. In fact, we can determine which people are in our inner circle by counting the number of times we ‘touch’ another person through our contacts. All things being equal, our genuine love for the people we reach out to will draw them closer to us, allowing us access to their lives.

A – Accept them: People come with baggage. Some things will drive us crazy. Others things will just seem different. But people are a whole package – not something you can dissect or perform surgery on to remove the unwanted parts. If we are to build into another’s life, we have to take them as they are … quirks and foibles included.

R – Respond to them: We are all on a journey through life. Some of us are further, some not so far. Others of us have made dreadful mistakes that have caused all sorts of pain and problems. And then there are those who seem to have glided through life unscathed. No matter where a person is, when they reach out to you, they are inviting you in. Effective shepherds respond to these invitations and enter into the lives of those around them. This allows for connection, and eventually, life transformation.

E – Encourage them: And once near to another, lift them up. Speak words of encouragement and life into them. The world knows how to drain and strain any soul these days with their constant barrage of gloom and doom. Shepherds are known for the life and courage they bring to others. Intentional inspiration seems to be a hallmark of a true shepherd.

As we move forward in our ministries we need to remember that we all lean in the direction of the affection. If we want people to follow us, we will have to be caring shepherds!

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Free Audiobook Download of the Month

Posted on April 6, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Each month christianaudio gives away a premium audiobook download for free. How does it work? Well, we give away one audiobook download (that we have published or that a partner has allowed us to give away) absolutely free; available only during that month and only once, ever.

Christianaudio, Zondervan, and Jon Acuff have partnered together for the month of April 2010 to bring you the audiobook download of Stuff Christians Like for FREE! 100% funnier than The Shack and 100% freer than Amazon!

Instructions: Add the download to your cart and use the coupon code APR2010 when prompted to receive this month’s free download! You must use the code to receive the download for free.

Download Here!

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Do People TRUST you?

Posted on April 5, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Our conversation turned to the issue of trust. We had been talking about why my friend was struggling in his current ministry. Things had been going well for a while, and then, out of no where, people seemed to slow down. It wasn’t that they weren’t serving the Lord. It was more like they had lost their enthusiasm for ministry.

As we talked, I heard myself ask,  “Do people trust you and your leadership?” There was no meanness or accusation in the question. It just seemed natural as we talked. We broke down the word into the following 5 key areas. I am sure there are more, but here’s our list …

T – Transparency: Do I allow people to get close to me – in all types of situations? When they are there, do I put on a show for their benefit, or am I real?

R – Responsibility: Am I holding up my load? Do I delegate things that only I should be doing? Do people see me as someone they can count on?

U – Unselfishness: When people think about it, do they feel like they are working for ME or do they see we are all sacrificing to accomplish God’s will here? Do I purposely put others first whenever possible?

S – Sacrifice: What have I given up as a leader? What attitude(s) do I reflect when I give up something of value? Who do I give things to? Does God have to pry things from my heart and hands?

T – Tenacity: Do I go the extra mile? Am I persistent? Is my reputation one that says, ‘He doesn’t quit!’?

Over the course of our conversation my friend realized that he had some work to do to regain some trust he had lost. He had to go to a few people and ask forgiveness. To another he decided to make himself accountable in some areas.

Trust is the glue that holds teams together. A periodic check up with a trusted friend can go along way in sticking together!

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Win a FREE Copy of "Start Here!" by Alex and Brett Harris

Posted on April 3, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Practical, encouraging, personal and inspiring describes Alex and Brett Harris’ new book, Start Here. Making the most of your teen years is what this book is all about! As a teen, watching God start a two-decade long revival in my little town in Wisconsin, I can only say, Start Here! provides so many helps so that any teen can accomplish all that God desires them to do – especially the hard things!

Having been a part of the home-school revolution and receiving incredibly Biblical and practical guidance from Alex and Brett’s parents, Gregg and Sono Harris, one can see the fruit of this godly family tree fleshed out in the mission of God for the next generation throughout every page of this vital book.

Mixing practical steps with biblical wisdom, Start Here lifts the heart and opens the eyes so that hope is birthed and nourished. Each chapter unfolds not only the ‘how to’ but also the ‘have done’ hard things stories of teens and college age adults.

This is a book every teen should read and use as a guide for this season of their lives. (Hint: Many adults could benefit from the wise words found within the cover of this easy to read book.) Buy a dozen or more copies and hand them out to teens, college age adults, youth leaders and pastors and watch the amazing things God does through the next generation for Christ!

For more information and to order the book from Random House, or from Amazon

Would you like to receive a FREE copy of the book, Start Here?

To celebrate the launch of Start Here, we’re offering you an opportunity to win a FREE copy of the book. One lucky reader will win a copy of Start Here!

Main Entry: (you must complete this entry in order to participate, otherwise all other entries will be disqualified)

Contest closes April 9th, 2010

Entries:

1. Tweet this review using the text below with your Twitter handle or on your Facebook page:

Win a FREE copy of ‘Start Here’ by Alex & Brett Harris at http://EaglesinLeadership.org from Waterbrook: http://bit.ly/s7nKJ

Leave a comment on our site with your twitter handle.

2.  Subscribe to us via email … (leave a comment to say you did so)

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Transformed Episode #091 – What If God Told You What He Was Going to Do With You In the Coming Year?

Posted on March 31, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

What would you do if God revealed his will for your life in the next 12 months? As Pastor Matt shares God’s Word from the Book of Daniel, chapter 4, with the men and women at Beacon Light Mission (Wilmington CA) in September of 2009, we find help and hope, conviction and compassion in this message. This lively message from God’s Word will reveal His constant communication and desire to guide and direct us with His wisdom.

Putting God first in your life in 2010 means spending time alone with Him every day. Let me suggest that you get a copy of Pastor Matt’s book, In His Image where’s today’s message is originally found. We are sure this book will show you both how to love like God loves and enjoy his direction on a daily basis. Copies are available on the side bar at the http://EaglesInLeadership.org website. We encourage you to order yours today.

You can also contact Dr. Smith in one of three ways:

· Commenting on this post at https://www.eaglesinleadership.org
· or by emailing us at transformedpodcast@gmail.com
· or you can call our new voicemail line number at 206-309-9277. Leave a comment that we can play on a future episode … If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review at iTunes or Podcast Pickle. Feel free to pass this episode on to a friend.

This podcast was recorded in Wilmington, CA. All material contained therein is copyrighted under the Creative Commons License, please do not rebroadcast without permission.

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The Dark Times

Posted on March 29, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

As I move into the third week of my unemployment from my 4-year ‘intentional interim’ pastorate, I have been blessed by many who have written messages of encouragement and prayer.

Having been unemployed once before for 13 months, Melodee and I know how hard it can become. After months of no replies to resumes, or the repeated ‘thank you for your response … You are very gifted, however …” letters and emails, it is easy to begin to see the darker lining in the clouds and think of storms instead of the safety of God.

While unemployed last time for that year plus, I actually gained about 20 pounds! God provided so bountifully, even though we were homeless for a year. People welcomed us into their homes and others sent money and gave gifts of food, etc.

During that time, I began to understand the quiet and solitude of prayer in a much deeper manner. Through it all, I came to listen for God’s voice more carefully and ask him four specific questions. Perhaps they will help you if you are traveling through ‘the dark times’ right now …

  • What would bring YOU joy right now, Lord?
  • What is YOUR heart’s desire for me at this time?
  • What are YOU planning for me in the near future?
  • How can I be the most helpful to YOU and YOUR plans right now?

Depression seems to be the repetitious review of ‘why I am so unfortunate.’ Once I move my focus away from me and back onto the Lord, his will and plans, life turns into an adventure and a journey with the One who knows exactly what he is doing and how he is going to accomplish it.

Looks like its about time to head to the beach, enjoy God’s creation here in L.A. and ask him what he’s up to with us at this time!

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Transformed Episode #090 – Fun: Deliberate Distribution Will Awaken Jubilant Joy!

Posted on March 24, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

When the fruit of your faithfulness begins to come in, sharing is the key to greatest enjoyment. As we will discover, the more you give the more you get in return!

We are grateful that you have returned to another episode of the Transformed podcast. Our series entitled, Your Finances in Turbulent Times! concludes today with the episode, Fun – Deliberate Distribution Will Awaken Jubilant Joy!

Enjoying life with God is what Dr. Smith’s new book, In His Presence, is all about. If you long for an intimate walk with God that is marked by joy and pleasure, we know you will want to pick up a copy. Copies are available on the side bar at the EaglesInLeadership.org website. We encourage you to order yours today.

You can also contact Dr. Smith in one of three ways:

• Commenting on this post.
• or by emailing us at transformedpodcast@gmail.com.
• or you can call our voicemail line at 206-309-9277. Leave a comment that we can play on a future episode …If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review at iTunes or Podcast Pickle. Feel free to pass this episode on to a friend.

This podcast was recorded in Palos Verdes, CA by Tabitha Grace Smith. All material contained therein is copyrighted under the Creative Commons License, please do not rebroadcast without permission.

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Human Beings or Human Doings?

Posted on March 22, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

By Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

What’s life all about? Think about it for a minute … as you start answering, be sure to write your ideas on paper. As you scribble some thoughts down, take a look at them more diligently. How do these descriptors look to you? What do they tell you?

As I looked at my list the first time, I realized that most of my list reflected what I did. When I did a quick summary of my responses, I realized my life would be more descriptive if we, as a race, we called …

  • Human doings – in other words, my life was summarized by the tasks that I did. When I would go to an event, I noticed people would ask, “So, what do you do?” We seem to identify people by their careers or hobbies. Looking over my list, I could see that my life was controlled by my checklist and day-timer. By the time I was done with my little exercise, I concluded that my life was reflected by the things I could get done. Perhaps I had fallen into the trap of the world? Was my life only about the things I was doing?

Since I didn’t like what I saw, I began to reflect on the life I would like to have. God jogged my memory of the Biblical accounts I have become familiar with. Starting in the Garden of Eden with God calling, “Adam, where are you?” and culminating in the New Jerusalem with Jesus’ appeal to all of humanity to “Come,” I realized afresh that life with God was more about relationships than tasks. Perhaps that is why we, as a race, are called …

  • Human beings – in other words, God wants our life to be about relationships, not so much about our accomplishments. Sure, we are supposed to have tasks to do, but the main focus of life is to live in community with others, just as the Godhead models. Relationship happens when we are drawn to one another. People are attracted to us because of our character, something we gain as we spend time alone with God and in His Word, understanding and imitating the One we are in ultimate relationship with. This Christ-likeness is reflected in our love for God (Great Commandment) as well as our passion to share that love with others (Great Commission).

Tasks or relationships; what is my life all about? Will I choose to live my days in community more than in activity? Will I choose to draw others into my life as a result of my imitation of the God who always reaches out to me and asks, “Matthew, where are you?”

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Transformed Episode #089 – Fruitfulness: Persistent Planting Always Yields God’s Generosity!

Posted on March 17, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

What is more than amazing is that God’s principles work all the time – in times of abundance and in turbulent financial times! Learning how to exercise faith and do the things that yield God’s abundance will transform your financial – and personal – life.

Welcome again to the Transformed podcast. As we continue our series entitled, Your Finances in Turbulent Times!, we hope you will discover the fruitfulness and fun that comes when we obey God’s heart when it comes to our finances as you study with us. In today’s episode, Fruitfulness – Persistent Planting Always Yields God’s Abundance!, we learn how to Become Financially Fruitful Through Persistent Planting!

Expressing and receiving God’s love and forgiveness is what Dr. Smith’s book, In His Image, is all about. As you respond to God’s Word and wisdom today, we are sure this book will show you both how to trust God’s love and share it with others on a daily basis. Copies are available on the side bar at the website. We encourage you to order yours today.

You can also contact Dr. Smith in one of three ways:

• Commenting on this post.
• or by emailing us at transformedpodcast@gmail.com.
• or you can call our voicemail line at 206-309-9277. Leave a comment that we can play on a future episode …If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review at iTunes or Podcast Pickle. Feel free to pass this episode on to a friend.

This podcast was recorded in Palos Verdes, CA by Tabitha Grace Smith. All material contained therein is copyrighted under the Creative Commons License, please do not rebroadcast without permission.

Posted in finances, Transformed | Leave a comment