Willing Worker Wednesday – Using Wisdom In An Evil World!

Posted on January 30, 2019 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“So he got up, took the child and His mother, and entered the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned in a dream, he withdrew to the region of Galilee. Then he went and settled in a town called Nazareth to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets, that He will be called a Nazarene.” (Matthew 2:21–23, HCSB) 

But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned in a dream, he withdrew to the region of Galilee. Obedience to God isn’t supposed to be at the price of our senses. “For we walk by faith, not by sight,” (2 Corinthians 5:7, HCSB) However, God expects us to be a part of the conversation. After all, we have a relationship with God. We talk together as a willing worker of Jesus.

When Joseph was returning to Israel at God’s command, despite the fact that Herod was dead, he wanted no entanglements with the former king’s son, Archelaus. Who knew if Herod’s son would act as deadly as the father did? Wisdom called for putting some distance between his family and the potential tyrant in Judah. 

And there you have it. Wisdom is the application of God’s words to one’s real life scenario at the moment. It is not in any way finding some scheme to disobey God. No, on the contrary, wisdom is the desire to make sure we fulfill both the letter and the intentof God’s words to the fullest. Joseph understood God was returning his family because it was safe.Archelaus ruling had the potential to be unsafeto his family – to all families. Thus, a move out of his jurisdiction fulfilled both the letter and the intent of God’s words. 

Servant leaders of Jesus seek to comply with the will and whim of Jesus. God’s leadership inus should show throughus by our wisdom. Being attentive to the command and the culture is imperative if we are to successfully navigate the evil that is in the world today. 

As you listen to God’s instructions, as you open your Bible daily, remember the still, small voice of God within through the Holy Spirit seeks to lead and guide us. Dialoguing about the words of God and their application is what great servant leadership is all about. 

Willing Worker Wednesdays are dedicated to explaining the core realities of servant leadership – the Biblical principles and methods used by God’s faithful people throughout time. They further reflect the lifestyle of Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords as He walked on this earth announcing the Kingdom of God had arrived. These brief lessons are written by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, and come from his extensive ministry within the local church, in higher education, in church consulting and as a Biblical author and leader. He welcomes your comments below.

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Turn-Around Tuesdays – When God Affirms Our Generous Choices!

Posted on January 29, 2019 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith


“The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever.” (Genesis 13:14–15, ESV) 

The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift up your eyes and look.”Sometimes making the hard call of being generous leaves us with feelings of fear and hopelessness. While we may put on a brave front, inside we are trembling with questions of insecurity. “Did we do the right thing? What am I going to now? Why was I so generous? What was I thinking?

 As Abram watched and listened, his nephew chose: “And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other.” (Genesis 13:10–11, ESV) 

In case you missed it, or were distracted for some reason, Abram and Lot have animals, lots of animals. Nephew Lot chooses all the water in the valley! Talk about a gut-punch! As he chooses he seems to forget that he would be a homeless beggar over a 1,000 miles away right now at best, and more likely dead had it not been for the kindness of his uncle, Abram. And this is how Lot repays his kindness. 

Is it fear that grips Abram? We won’t know until we ask him. What we do know is that God rushed in with assurance that all would be more than well. While Lot got the water of the Jordan River right now, Abraham and his family got the Promised Land forever.

It’s easy to fear after being generous. In fact, I would subscribe to the idea that it’s normal. But thank God we aren’t normal. We serve a supernaturalGod that loves to show up and show off! While everyone else is counting us out, God is counting our blessings. 

What’s eating away at you? Did you give too much to someone? Are you lying awake at night worrying about it? Isn’t this a good time to “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are?”God is about to bless you more abundantly than you could ever imagine!

Turn-Around Tuesdays are designed to bring hope and help, insight and encouragement to those of us who are simply overwhelmed by the flood of problems life throws at us. No one is immune to trials and troubles, but God has a way of lifting us from life’s torrents. Each short thought is written by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, and comes from his life-journey with the God who never leaves us or forsakes us. He welcomes your comments below.

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Magnificent Marriage Monday – When Leadership Fails!

Posted on January 28, 2019 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith


“Abram’s wife Sarai had not borne any children for him, but she owned an Egyptian slave named Hagar. Sarai said to Abram, “Since the Lord has prevented me from bearing children, go to my slave; perhaps through her I can build a family.” And Abram agreed to what Sarai said.” (Genesis 16:1–2)

And Abram agreed to what Sarai said.Agreement between husband and wife is what the fabric of a magnificent marriage is all about. Coming together, discussing options, weighing the pros and cons, seeking the Lord’s will are all parts of doing life together as man and wife. 

However, when an idea is contrary to God’s design for our marriage, it must be identified as not being God’s will and eliminated from our options as a couple. Ultimately, it is the husband’s task to lovingly bring the heart of God into the discussion. We advance over our obstacles by supernatural faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). 

Even though God had challenged Abram to, “Look at the sky and count the stars, if you are able to count them. Your offspring will be that numerous,”(Genesis 15:5) Abram and Sarai couldn’t have children! The years passed and no child appeared. Nothing happened. Nothing. Zero. No baby. 

So, in the restlessness of those long nights after too many frustrating attempts, something began to brew inside Sarai’s head. While she roamed about she saw other “families” solve the infertility problem with a “surrogate” mother. Somehow the thinking was that the baby of Abram and another woman would be “deemed” Sarai’s child. This would solve the problem of her lack of a son! 

Or so she thought. Abram agreed for whatever reason we can only speculate about until we ask him face-to-face. But when we read ahead we discover God never acknowledges the son of this union between the slave girl, as the child of the Promise. In fact, God sends him away at Sarai’s behest. Abram’s acquiescence was not God’s will.

As the husband, our task is to stand up for the ways of God, and believe that He to be able to do the impossible! (Luke 1:37) God loves to meet our faith with supernatural answers! Husbands, trust Him!

Magnificent Marriage Mondays are helpful hints, clues, ideas, and solutions for the child of God who is looking for a spouse, in a relationship with someone, or are already married. Each post seeks to bring help, hope, and honesty to your life and make the rest of your life, the best of your life. They are written by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, and come from his 38 years, 5 months and 2 days experience with his wife, Melodee, who was promoted to Heaven on November 11, 2017. He is currently seeking God’s will for his new life partner. He welcomes your comments below.

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Hope For Today – It’s All About Our Focus

Posted on January 27, 2019 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

I’m Dr. Matthew Lee Smith and I want to share some Hope For Today to remind us that, It’s All About Our Focus!

Check it out at the link below. Click the link below to listen. Hope For Today is a part of the ministry of Eagles In Leadership. If you would like to know more about the hope God gives and His abundant life through Jesus Christ, I would invite you to check out our website: EaglesInLeadership.org.

Just push the media button below to hear this encouraging message!

And, if you are so inclined, sign up for more encouragement through notifications (UPPER RIGHT CORNER OF THE WEBSITE) of other blogs and podcasts while you are at the Eagles in Leadership​ website.

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Faith Filled Friday – Trusting God to Do the Right Thing!

Posted on January 25, 2019 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the angel of the Lordcalled to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.”” (Genesis 22:10–12, ESV) 

Now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me. What are you withholding from God? What do you refuse to give Him? You know what I mean. Please don’t flip the page and look for a more comforting thought. It may mean the difference between the future you’re about to live and the one God envisions for you. 

God knows our hearts and He knows our possibilities. He sets up a series of tests in life, and if you have read Scripture carefully you know that God keeps testing us until we step into Heaven (See James 1.2-5). Each test is designed to validify the faith we think we possess as well as confirm to us that we are, in fact, capable of so much morethan we ever dreamed of. 

As Abraham enjoyed this “impossible” child in his old age, God called him to relinquish the boy as a sacrifice of love. The thing he held on to most dearly God asked for more definitely. Yet Abraham knew God was able to do the impossible before he walked up the mountain alone with Isaac. Listen as “Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.”” (Genesis 22:5, ESV) 

Faith trusts God to do the right thing by us. When He makes the big “ask” we know God will reward our faith in greater ways than we can imagine. Abraham knew the promise of God and the God of the promise. “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them. So shall your offspring be.”(Genesis 15:5, ESV) 

There could be no abundance of offspring if Abraham’s “only son” was dead. So, by faith, he walked up the mountain and trusted God for the results. 

Where do you need to walk today in faith? Where do you need to trust God by giving Him what you’ve been holding too tightly?

Faith Filled Fridays hope to boost your trust in God and accelerate your daring and courage in everyday life. Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, writes each encouragement out of a heart that has known both great joy and great loss – his wife of 38 years, 5 months and 2 days was promoted to Heaven on November 11, 2017. Through every experience, God has proven Himself more than faithful and trustworthy. He welcomes your comments below.

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Train Them Thursday – Tuned In To God’s Heart!

Posted on January 24, 2019 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth.” (Luke 2:39, NASB95) 

When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord. Disciples are focused on pleasing God. They listen to His voice, as expressed in His words, as recorded in the Word of God, the Bible and follow them to the best of their ability. 

They do so out of love. Like a man who loves his wife and listens to her attentively, we listen to God because we love Him. The husband who seeks to bring joy to his wife knows that the secret is in the listening, the paying attention.

When a man loves a woman, he listens to her and, thus, he is able to do things for her that will bring her joy. He is tuned in to the wavelength of her heart. Then, when it comes to buying her a gift or selecting a place to take her, his selfless heart of love is able to know what things she will enjoy.

So it was with Joseph and Mary. This new couple was focused on pleasing God in everything they possibly could do. Joseph knew the words of God, having been trained as all boys were in his day. Mary obviously knew the words of God as her praise shows (Luke 1:46-56). Love for God is seen in their attention to His words.

Now, here they were, in the Temple attending to every detail of God’s heart for their child. They came to dedicate Jesus to the Lord because he was their first-born and he belonged to the Lord. With a sacrificial offering they ransomed their boy as commanded by the Lord to show their honor of the God they loved.

This was their sign to the world that they loved God, rejoiced that He rescued Israel so long ago from the slavery of Egypt, and exercised their faith in this symbolic act of hope for the day when they would be free again from the slavery of Rome. (See Exodus 13 for details of God’s commands.) Their obedience reflected the love of their hearts.

Shouldn’t you ask yourself, “Is there anything I have left undone that God has commanded me?” If you aren’t sure, today is a great day to start scouring His words to discover His heart’s desire for you! 

Train Them Thursdays seeks to wed the Great Commission directive of Jesus with the practice He employed while on Earth. Each nugget is meant to encourage the reader with a “can-do” spirit to realize that discipleship is something each person is both capable of and empowered to accomplish. Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, writes each thought and they flow out of decades of his tried and true field-testing in multiple settings from rural to inner city. He welcomes your comments below.

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Willing Worker Wednesday – Delay Can Be Deadly!

Posted on January 23, 2019 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“After they were gone, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Get up! Take the child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. For Herod is about to search for the child to destroy Him.” So he got up, took the child and His mother during the night, and escaped to Egypt. He stayed there until Herod’s death, so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled: Out of Egypt I called My Son.” (Matthew 2:13–15, HCSB) 

So he got up, took the child and His mother during the night, and escaped to Egypt.To delay is to disobey … and would have been deadly had Joseph not responded immediately. How often do we hear the words of God and think about them, ignore them, consider them … do almost everything else except obey them?

Maybe it’s a part of our culture or how we were raised. Many of us have taken procrastination to an art form. We learn it as a child, that’s for sure. Consider the child that is being called by their parent. You see it all the time at the store or at family gatherings. They know they can get away with a little rebellion and so they shout, “NO!” and run the other way. 

Alas, such behavior is first considered cute in little ones. Later it gets annoying as they grow, but still its tolerated. And then, as adults it becomes a handicap. Crippled from the life they could have lived, blame asserts itself that “the system is rigged against them.” And, it is! Success comes more readily to those who act immediately. Promptness breeds prosperity, all things being equal. 

And so, one of the first lessons a servant leader of King Jesus should learn is that we serve at the pleasure of our Lord and Master, Jesus. When He speaks, it is a command to be completed immediately. That’s what a friend does, right. When a friend is in need, we respond immediately. We don’t let them sit by the road for a day or two! We come to their rescue. We respond quickly out of care and concern.

And, perhaps, that’s it. The core of immediacy in responding has more to do with our care and concern for God than anything else. We know God doesn’t ask without a reason, He doesn’t command without a purpose. So get up! Get going! Something important is happening!

Willing Worker Wednesdays are dedicated to explaining the core realities of servant leadership – the Biblical principles and methods used by God’s faithful people throughout time. They further reflect the lifestyle of Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords as He walked on this earth announcing the Kingdom of God had arrived. These brief lessons are written by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, and come from his extensive ministry within the local church, in higher education, in church consulting and as a Biblical author and leader. He welcomes your comments below.

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Turn-Around Tuesday – When Prosperity Brings Tension!

Posted on January 22, 2019 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“And Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents, so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together, and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land.” (Genesis 13:5–7, ESV) 

And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock.With God’s blessings come unique difficulties. Sometimes, it’s jealousy from others. At other times, we have to deal with the rigors of our excess and a shallow personal character, which often manifests in selfishness. 

And then there are those times when there’s just not enough room for you anymore. God can, and does, use our prosperity to both stretch and move us. While this success was at the cost of Sarai’s dignity, the fact was that, “for her sake [Pharaoh] dealt well with Abram; and he had sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male servants, female servants, female donkeys, and camels.” (Genesis 12:16, ESV) 

Once Abram had returned to Bethel with Lot, their enormous wealth began to wear through the family bonds quickly. Each one’s herds were suffering and the limited resources were being depleted quickly. This natural recipe for animosity brought the two together. And Abram, the patriarch of the family, made a most unique choice. 

In his generosity, Abram said,“Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.”(Genesis 13:8–9, ESV)

When tensions come into our lives, the way to turn them around is to extend a gracious generosity to others first. Faith understands that God will watch over His child when we imitate His merciful and gracious heart. All we have to do is trust and give. God will do the rest.

So today, as you listen to the still, small voice of the Spirit of the indwelling God, ask yourself two simple questions: Whom am I struggling with? How can I be graciously generous to them today?

Turn-Around Tuesdays are designed to bring hope and help, insight and encouragement to those of us who are simply overwhelmed by the flood of problems life throws at us. No one is immune to trials and troubles, but God has a way of lifting us from life’s torrents. Each short thought is written by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, and comes from his life-journey with the God who never leaves us or forsakes us. He welcomes your comments below.

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Magnificent Marriage Monday – Time to Repent and Return!

Posted on January 21, 2019 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“Abram went up from Egypt to the Negev—he, his wife, and all he had, and Lot with him. Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold. He went by stages from the Negev to Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had formerly been, to the site where he had built the altar. And Abram called on the name of the Lordthere.” (Genesis 13:1–4) 

Abram went up from Egypt to … to the site where he had built the altar. And Abram called on the name of the Lord there. Once we feel the bite of God’s discipline, especially when we have misused our wives, there is only one place to go again, back to the Lord. 

It is there, as we fall on our knees, confess our failures, plead for His forgiveness, and trust in God’s restoration that we find new life. Remember what we are taught by brother John, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) 

Note the first word there, “If.”A major portion of our lives hinges on the word, “If.”“IfI had just stepped forward in faith instead …” “If I hadn’t said (or done) that …” And here, “If we confess our sins.” 

As Abram returns to the Promised Land, he comes to the realization that though he has greater wealth than ever before in His life, he really has been making the choices that were creating distance between him and others. 

He’d just been kicked out of Egypt as persona non grata for his deceit, and it takes little imagination to guess how Sarai felt about being sold out as a prostitute every time her husband feared for his life. I mean, really, who in their God-fearing mind does that!

And so, the long trek back to God. “He went by stages from the Negev to Bethel.”Now, we know the distance made this necessary, but that’s how God works in our hearts as well. If you will, “Draw near to God … he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) Each day Abram thought and each night he pondered his failures … like we do. 

Today would be a great day to return to God. You’ve been thinking about it for a while. And afterwards, return to your wife in confession and ask for forgiveness for the way you’ve misused her as well. 

Magnificent Marriage Mondays are helpful hints, clues, ideas, and solutions for the child of God who is looking for a spouse, in a relationship with someone, or are already married. Each post seeks to bring help, hope, and honesty to your life and make the rest of your life, the best of your life. They are written by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, and come from his 38 years, 5 months and 2 days experience with his wife, Melodee, who was promoted to Heaven on November 11, 2017. He is currently seeking God’s will for his new life partner. He welcomes your comments below.

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Hope For Today – Serious Matters Require Fasting

Posted on January 20, 2019 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

I’m Dr. Matthew Lee Smith and I want to share some Hope For Today regarding Serious Matters Require Fasting!

Check it out at the link below. Click the link below to listen. Hope For Today is a part of the ministry of Eagles In Leadership. If you would like to know more about the hope God gives and His abundant life through Jesus Christ, I would invite you to check out our website: EaglesInLeadership.org.

Just push the media button below to hear this encouraging message

And, if you are so inclined, sign up for more encouragement through notifications (UPPER RIGHT CORNER OF THE WEBSITE) of other blogs and podcasts while you are at the Eagles in Leadership​ website.

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