Transformed Episode #055 – Trusting God in Turbulent Times

Foreclosures, bankruptcies, and dwindling retirement accounts seem to be all the news these days. Everyone seems to be hurting these days. The recession has tested the limits of many people’s faith.

Dr. Matthew Lee Smith encourages our hearts to ‘trust in the Lord with all our hearts’ in the midst of these turbulent times as we begin a 4-part series entitled ‘The Trust Test.’

Today we begin exploring God’s faithfulness from Proverbs 3 with a message entitled, “Trusting God in Turbulent Times.”

This message was first given at First Baptist Church of Palos Verdes, California on October 5th, 2008 – just as the waves of recession were sinking major financial institutions across the nation. 

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Enjoying a Lighter Burden!

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“You will never be on top of the world if you try to carry it on your shoulders.”

~ Unknown

With so many things to do, the Eagle Leader often feels like they are about to break under the load. You know it is impossible to “mount up with wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31) when you are weighed down with cares and concerns.

Jesus understands your burden and wants to lift it from your shoulders. This will involve changing the way we look at our situation and giving Him control of certain things. All too often, burdens come from usurping the responsibilities that belong to Jesus. A classic example of this comes from our passage today …

Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:20-30 (NKJV)

We become like Jesus when …

o We learn how to come to Jesus and leave the consequences of the indifferent to him.

We all struggle with it … what to do with those who seem to have cotton in their ears and granite for a heart! We talk and encourage, plead and lead and still many of the people we work with don’t do anything with God’s Word. Their direction remains world-centered and their passion for spiritual things is as cold as a Midwestern ‘Arctic Clipper.’

Jesus makes a powerful diagnostic statement just before our passage today: “But wisdom is justified by all her children.” Luke 7:35, the parallel passage, catches the flavor of Jesus meaning best. What people do IS what people are! Some will change and some will not. While this can break our hearts, we need to remember that Jesus is the final judge of humanity. Rebuking the cold-hearted incalcitrance of Chorazin and Bethsaida, he pronounces a certain doom to them. I have been in what remains of Chorazin – ruins are all that is left.

The moral of today’s training is this: you are not responsible for the results of the message of God’s love and goodness. You are responsible for the clear and compassionate declaration of that message. When people do not respond, leave the consequences to Jesus. Then go to Him so he can heal your heart and lift your hurt from the certain result of such apathetic rejection!

© 2009 By Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

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Bragging On the Team Leader!

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Every person has an invisible sign around their neck that says, ‘Encourage Me!’

~ Mary Kay

Eagle leaders are no less in need of encouragement than anyone else. Some believe that leaders have an ‘inner source’ that resupplies them with encouragement. Therefore, the thinking goes, don’t talk too much about the leader or it will go to his head! While this may be true occasionally, the reality is that many leaders are dying for lack of encouragement! Encouragement, by nature, doesn’t feed the head, it feeds the heart!

That is why Jesus, when confronted by John the Baptist’s doubts, began to brag on his exploits – within earshot of those who would take Jesus’ words of encouragement back to John. You will also notice that Jesus had nothing good to say about the people who drained the joy and hope from John’s life and (by intimation) from His own life as well. Jesus said to the crowds …

When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him. And the Lord said, “To what then shall I liken the men of this generation, and what are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying: ‘We played the flute for you, And you did not dance; We mourned to you, And you did not weep.’ For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by all her children.” Luke 7:24-35

We become like Jesus when …

o We brag to all who will listen about the good things our leaders do for us!

John was not a perfect man! No one is perfect. However, while some believe their gift is to expose the faults of others (perhaps it is a gift – from Hell), the Bible says that love covers a multitude of sins (Proverbs 10.12; 1 Peter 4.8).

This week, why not join the lifestyle of Jesus and brag on your leaders! While they aren’t perfect, they are in need of your encouragement. Tell everyone you meet – within earshot of the leader or someone close to them – why and how much you appreciate them. You will be surprised what a little true appreciation will do for your leadership team as a result.

© 2009 By Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

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Transformed Episode #054 – Accomplishing Your Mission … No Matter What

There is a poem that reads …

“When you enter that beautiful city,

and the saved all around you appear.

What joy when someone will tell you,

it was you who invited me here.”

Accomplishing our mission of telling the world of the love of God through Jesus Christ is what this episode is all about. In “accomplishing your mission … no matter what!” Dr. Matthew Lee Smith explores the six needs every Christ-follower has in order to accomplish your God-given mission.

As you open your Bible to Acts 18, let’s join Pastor Matt as he teaches the congregation at First Baptist Church of Palos Verdes, California today …

Sponsor: Try GotoMyPC free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.GotoMyPC.com/podcast

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Doubts Come – How Do You Overcome Them?

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Who hasn’t felt the stabbing pain of doubting God? When things go well, we seem to have no reason to question God, His goodness and His provision for our lives. When things turn sour and our health is shattered, or our spouse walks out or one of our children rebel … then we ask God, “What’s up God?” And in those moments we allow doubt to affix itself to our soul, draining our hope and joy like some vampire bat.

During such times we feel waves of guilt and shame. After all, aren’t we the one who has told others to ‘trust God’ when they have felt the pain of tragedy and trials? From our warm and happy place, the words seem to flow freely. Now, when the roles are reversed, our hypocrisy stabs us deep within.

It may surprise you to know that someone as bold and fierce in his faith as John the Baptist had real doubts in just such a time. Facing death, John began to question whether Jesus was truly the Son of God! His agony is recorded with these words …

Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things. And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” When the men had come to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’ ” And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” Luke 7:18-23

We become like Jesus when …

o We give our doubts to Jesus, knowing He can and will provide the proof we need to handle the doubts we have!

John wasn’t about to stay in his dilemma. After tossing the dark clouds around in his prison cell, he decided to act. This is what faith does – it acts! He doesn’t mess around with ‘self-help’ books or the latest ‘fad theology’, he goes straight to Jesus Himself. And what does Jesus do? He demonstrates his awesome power to the very people John sends with his questions and doubts.

When we ask Jesus to dispel our doubts, He does so by showing us how He is working all around us in incredible ways – doing ‘God-things’ for those in need! Today, if you are fighting doubts and depression about your faith, cry out to Jesus. Ask Him to show you His power and the truth of His existence and authority, just like John did. He will answer you in wonderful ways!

© 2009 By Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

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Read through the Bible with me this year!

Dear Eagles partner,

One of the greatest transformative activities I have ever undertaken is the reading and rereading of God’s Word each year. Since 1993, when Russ Gabler encouraged me to read cover-to-cover every year, I have watched God bless and change me – from the inside out!

Now, starting my 28th read (many years I have read several times through), I continue to be amazed at God’s depth as I reread His Word.

Could I challenge you to join me this year in reading God’s Word cover-to-cover? I have designed a reading schedule which you can download right now. It’s in PDF format so you can print out copies for you and others at your leisure. You will also find this resource under “One Year Bible Reading Schedule (PDF – Free)” on the “RESOURCE” tab.

If you choose to read along with me, I would love to hear from you. My email and voice mail are listed on the front cover of the reading schedule. I invite you to share your experiences with me and, I will be glad to pass them on through the podcast so others can be encouraged.

May you have a Christ-filled New Year with all the prosperity living within His presence affords (Psalm 16.11).

Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

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Happy New Year!

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As we change out the calendars at our house this week, I always seem to reflect on two things: (1) How have I obeyed the Lord Jesus this year? and (2) Where will He lead me in the coming year?

As I contemplate these things, I am sure similar thoughts travel through your heart and soul as well. Who would have foreseen the financial cataclysm we all experienced this year? First came $4 gas and then the housing crisis, which led to the meltdown on Wall Street and now, enormous lay offs across our country.

Only an intimate and constant relationship with Jesus Christ can deal with the upheavals of these turbulent times. God has some amazing things in store for us this coming year. All of them depend upon our close companionship with Him and our obedience to His wise guidance. As you look forward, why not take a minute right now and bow before the Lord of Lords and place your ‘blank calendar’ at His disposal. Allow Him the right of ‘first choice’ and ‘first refusal’ for every event that goes on your Day-Timer! That’s what I am doing. I believe it is the only way to be able to say with confidence – Happy New Year!

So, from Mike, Tabitha, Melodee and Matt, “Happy New Year!” We are here to make your New Year the greatest ever. If we can be of service, provide resources or if you desire to have Dr. Smith come and provide leadership training for your event or team, just let us know!

© 2008 By Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

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Merry Christmas!

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As we step into the homes of our friends and family this week, we, at Eagles in Leadership, would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas! Having our whole family together this Christmas reminds us of the great importance and value of our Lord Jesus Christ – His sacrifice to bring us into God’s family and the motivation behind it: God created us to love us!

While each and every one of us have strayed from God’s love at some point (Romans 3.10), Christmas reminds us that God has redeemed us to love us! As you spend time with family and friends this Christmas, it is true some of you will have to deal with people who stretch your faith and irritate you. However, as an eagle leader please remember that the point of Christmas is to provide the way for reconciliation, forgiveness and new life! You, as Christ’s representative at the Christmas table, can model the love you experience everyday with the people you call family and friends.

From Mike, Tabitha, Melodee and Matt, “Merry Christmas!” Enjoy the Lord Jesus and His people this week! Worship Him passionately and celebrate His birth with a generous gift – like all wise people do!

© 2008 By Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

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Enjoying God’s Presence!

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With all of the troubles and turmoil in our world today, many have wondered where God has gone. They see the pain and suffering and question God’s compassion. When tough times come, many consider that God may have abandoned them.

The truth is that God sent His Son, Jesus, and named Him ‘Immanuel’ (Matthew 1.23), meaning ‘God is with us!’ You and I have an amazing reality as followers of Jesus Christ. Jesus promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).”

Evidences of His presence happen all throughout the days of our lives. Jesus’ compassion for those who ache and hurt, are dazed and wounded is abundant, as this passage shows us …

Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen up among us”; and, “God has visited His people.” And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region. Luke 7:11-17 (NKJ)

We become like Jesus when …

o We give the bountiful compassion of Jesus to someone who is in the midst of their darkest hours!

Just like Jesus, we can come along side and offer the broken help. While we may not be able to raise the dead, we can offer all we have to care for and cover another person with the love of God.

As you walk through your day today, I encourage you to look for the hurting. Then, come to them and offer whatever is within your means to give. As you do, you will become more like Jesus than ever before!

© 2008 By Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

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Interview with Stephen Kendrick , Author of "The Love Dare"

Too many marriages end when someone says “I’ve fallen out of love with you” or “I don’t love you anymore.” In reality, such statements reveal a lack of understanding about the fundamental nature of true love.

The Love Dare, as featured in the movie Fireproof (starring Kirk Cameron and from the team that brought us the #1 best selling DVD Facing the Giants), is a forty-day guided devotional experience that will lead your heart back to truly loving your spouse while learning more about the design, nature, and source of true love.

Each day’s entry discusses a unique aspect of love, presents a specific “dare” to do for your spouse (some will be very easy, others very challenging), and gives you a journaling area to chart the progress that you will be making.

It’s time to learn the keys to finding true intimacy and developing a dynamic marriage. Take the dare!

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