Willing Worker Wednesday – Worthy Of the Cost!

Posted on December 26, 2018 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”” (Matthew 2:1–2, HCSB)

 

Wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”” If we are going to follow Jesus, it will cost us greatly. Consider these kings as our example.

If they came from the old Medo-Persian Empire, where Daniel had seeded the information about Judaism, bringing the Law, Poetry, and the writings of the Prophets (including his own) to the King’s advisors and wise men, then these men would had traveled over 1,200 miles to worship “the King of the Jews.”

When we think about travel in ancient times, the lack of any modern conveniences, the heat of the desert in the day and the chilling cold at night, the need to pack everything you need for the trip, not to mention the need for your own security services because of the dangers, just seeking to meet Jesus was very costly.

Cost is always a part of the narrative of following Jesus though. Time and again Jesus called people to the high cost of following him. For example, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:26–27, HCSB)

While theologians and well-meaning preachers try to soften Jesus’ call for commitment, the fact is Jesus is either our King, and worthy to be willingly served, or He is not. The choice is ours.

Today, as you look deep into your soul, consider whether you are willingly paying the price to follow and serve Jesus. If these men felt that meeting Him as a babywas worth such a drastic price, how much more should we consider paying a greater pricefor following Him?

Now, break out in praise to the One to whom you are willing to follow and serve no matter the cost so that you can reach the lost!

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 – Tragedies Are Often Stepping-Stones!

Posted on December 25, 2018 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“Terah took Abram his son and Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram’s wife, and they went forth together from Ur of the Chaldeans to go into the land of Canaan, but when they came to Haran, they settled there. The days of Terah were 205 years, and Terah died in Haran. Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” (Genesis 11:31–12:1, ESV)

 

Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go.” Tragedies are often God’s stepping-stones for the release of His destiny in our lives! When life throws us its most difficult God frequently uses those situations as the launching point for a new, more abundant life.

Consider Abram’s life as our example. After the funeral of his beloved dad, God steps in. While he was at his weakest emotionally, wondering what’s next, God provided a most amazing offer. All it takes from Abram is everything. God called Abram to move, again.

What we miss in the Bible here is that Abram and his family has already moved some 5,000 miles to get to Haran! Without any modern conveniences, no hotels or motels, no swimming pools, no fast food or sit down restaurants, and no air-conditioned vehicles through the desert sun and heat, that must have been a difficult trip!

Now God was asking Abram to go who knows where, again! Just on God’s say so. And, as we know by reading ahead, Abram did go to only God knew where. Faith steps forward when God asks. When there is less to hold one, God often steps into the moment and asks us to trust Him for greater things.

He doesn’t talk about the difficulties to Abram, or to us for that matter. He speaks of the future, of the plan and gives him a vision of what God is up to. And the same is true in our lives. God will give a glimpse of the possible when we’re at the crossroads of, “More of the Same” vs. “The More Abundant Life.”

Of course, in the midst of our pain, our true natures come forth. Some of us will blame the pain when, in reality, it’s just the same old me rearing its ugly head. But for those of us who trust God despite the agony, leading with a, “Yes!” makes all the difference in the world!

 

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 – With Marriage Comes Responsibility and Authority!

Posted on December 24, 2018 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. The fear and terror of you will be in every living creature on the earth, every bird of the sky, every creature that crawls on the ground, and all the fish of the sea. They are placed under your authority.” (Genesis 9:1–2, CSB)

 

Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth … They are placed under your authority. With every, “I do,” there comes an, “I will do!” God always has a mission for every marriage, a charge for every couple. Those responsibilities are the everyday “stuff” of being married and they are what make a marriage magnificent!

Perhaps your mind’s eye can see, as mine does, the weeks after the ark was opened and the flood’s raging was but a memory. There, around the campfire each night, as the stories are told and retold, Noah and his wife, and the couples that are their children remain cloistered next to God’s security ship.

And as the weeks turn into months, God has noticed that they haven’t moved. They remain where the ark came to rest. And, who wouldn’t? That’s where their beds and home is. That’s where the security is. That’s where they’ve grown comfortable. But God isn’t into comfortable. He’s about the mission.

It’s not just a clever turn of a phrase these words, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.” They create a mission of great magnitude and, to be perfectly honest, they carry with them a great risk.

The world is a big place – if you don’t believe me, try a trip to the other side in the new future. And God called them to disperse and dominate it! Hence, the explanation, “They are placed under your authority.” Such words can cause the heartiest of people nervousness.

Today, as you step into your day, let me ask you a simple question: What fruit have you produced recently as a couple? The passage here means children. Are you multiplying? (Remember math class and think multiples of the number two … four, six, eight, etc.) There’s plenty of room on the planet … just drive 500 miles inland and see what I mean! Dominate the world we live in by God’s authority!

God means for us to get busy! What’s keeping us cloistered?

 

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 – Jesus, the Savior of All!

Posted on December 23, 2018 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

I’m Dr. Matthew Lee Smith and I want to share some Hope For Today about celebrating the real reason for the season: The Birth of Our Savior!

 

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!

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Faith Filled Friday – When Someone Else’s Faith Rescues Us!

Posted on December 21, 2018 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the Lord. And he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and toward all the land of the valley, and he looked and, behold, the smoke of the land went up like the smoke of a furnace. So it was that, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had lived.” (Genesis 19:27–29, ESV)

God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had lived. Have you ever wondered why God intervened in your life at that critical moment, the one where everything should have gone wrong? Yeah, so have I. And then I read this passage.

 It’s pretty obvious, even to the casual reader, that God rescued Lot because of Abraham’s trust in Him and not because of Lot’s faith. After all, Lot’s faith was virtually non-existent compared to Uncle Abraham. And yet, when the morning came, Lot was alive because God has a huge respect for Abraham.

But pull back for a moment. In a time long before cell phones, instant messaging and television news services, Abraham didn’t know Lot was alive. All he could do was wonder. He knew that his aggressive negotiations were for nothing. While Abraham was banking on the faith of Lot to bring some people to God, he now realized again that Lot was more interested in himself than others.

As the smoke rose over the valley, all Abe could do was ponder and pray. He knew God was merciful. Now he had to depend on that fact. And across the burning plains, Lot was alive, thanks to the deep, close personal relationship Abraham had with God by faith.

While many teach that God looks at all people the same, the Bible doesn’t entertain such a fantasy when it comes to faith. Either we have it or we don’t. And what we have can be greater or less, depending on whether we are in the Word of God or not (See Romans 10:17).

Greater faith moves God’s heart and hand to do amazing things, despite the lethargy of a family whose faith is weak and feeble. Today I encourage you to deepen your trust of God by obeying Him immediately and completely. Abraham did and rescued Lot by faith!

 

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 – God Has Spoken!

Posted on December 20, 2018 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“And when eight days had passed, so as to circumcise Him, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.” (Luke 2:21, NASB95)

 

And when eight days had passed, so as to circumcise Him, His name was then called Jesus. Disciples obey God’s word … whether it comes from the words of the sacred text in our Bible, from an angel in Heaven, or from the whispers and promptings of the indwelling Holy Spirit who is always speaking to us.

Can you imagine all that is swirling around Joseph and Mary at this moment? The difficult journey, the less than sanitary birthing conditions, the joyous event of a healthy new baby boy, the extended stay in Jerusalem to fulfill the requirements of the Law, and the added financial strain must have been almost too much on the new couple.

And yet, the text seems to give us the idea that this godly man and wife rolled with the punches and came up flourishing in the process. Why would that be? Again, the Bible gives us clues.

Joseph and Mary lived by the words of God. Jesus is brought to the naming ceremony just as his ancestors had done for some 1,400 years before. God had spoken and God’s people obeyed. It didn’t matter that those words were given almost a millennia and a half before. God had spoken. That was enough for them, and it should be enough for us.

A second clue in the verse above is found as Joseph declares Jesus’ name. Remember, it was “the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.” This godly and emotionally drained couple also obeyed the directives of the angel that spoke to each one of them separately, giving each of them His name. When they compared notes on their private encounters, there was no doubt what God wanted this boy to be named. God had spoken. That was enough for them.

Today, as you step out the door and into your busy life, let me ask you directly: Do you live by God’s words, whether they are found on the printed pages of your Bible or in the whispers of the Spirit’s leading?

God has spoken. For Joseph and Mary, that was enough. Is it enough for you? Whatever you are facing right now, no matter the difficulty or the blessing, is the spoken word good enough 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 – Being Sensitive to God’s Timing!

Posted on December 19, 2018 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and was a widow for 84 years. She did not leave the temple complex, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers. At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:36–38, HCSB)

 

At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Life is all about timing, have you noticed? It does little good to show up for the big game a day late. And, you won’t get her to say, “Yes!” if you rush things, will you?

Patience is part of being a servant leader. We serve at the pleasure of our Master, Jesus Christ. And, whether we like it or not, He has a schedule for everything. Trying to push it ahead won’t work and, more often than not, will make a mess out of things.

And the reverse is also true. We can be insensitive to the Spirit’s leading and miss out on these “pivot” moments in our lives. Anna was a woman who was so in love with the Lord she had dedicated herself to His worship with great devotion.

When our love for God is palpable, tangible, viscerally real, God responds in amazing and incredible ways. He loves to position us in just the right place at the right time so that we will accomplish His will and whim without a workout.

Notice the phrasing again. “At that very moment, she came up.”That is what servant leadership is all about. Being a willing worker requires just that: Being willing. We have to surrender to His agenda, listen for His direction, and promptly do what He calls us to do without question.

For some, this is too much. That is why they are not servant leaders of Jesus. This is why they don’t sense His presence. This is why they stumble through life trying to do God’s will but never have the inner guidance to know exactly when and what to do. Sadly, they live their lives hoping but never coming to the knowledge of the truth.

 

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 – God Knows His Plans For Us!

Posted on December 18, 2018 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“So the Lord dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth. And from there the Lord dispersed them over the face of all the earth.” (Genesis 11:8–9, ESV)

 

And from there the Lord dispersed them over the face of all the earth. God has a plan and each one of us has a part in it. If we choose to go off plan and do our own thing, God isn’t hampered for long. He inspects our actions, our motivations, our connections, our affiliations, and our relationships and makes a judgment call on how best to get us back on track.

For the people in the land of Shinar, God did just that. He came to the conclusion that their plans were not His plans and chose to make it so that they could no longer work together. His supernatural intervention by “confusing their language, so that they may not understand one another’s speech,”(Genesis 11:7, ESV) was an incredible display of the lengths God can and will go to get us to fulfill His desires.

As Jeremiah records, the reasons for His intimate activity in our lives is that, in His words, “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV) What more could we want? God wants us to thrive, have a future, one we can place our hope for significance in!

There is one element to God’s plans that we can never possess. Only God has the supernatural ability to make those plans happen. Remember how the Bible explains it? “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20, ESV) God has resources we can’t even imagine much less ask for. How do our plans and our ability to make them come to pass compare?

If you are struggling against the expressed will and whim of God right now, please stop. Before it’s too late. Before you lose too much (remember, many of those people in Shinar never talked to one another again). Choose to capture God’s heart and help, starting 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 – When God Sounds the All Clear!

Posted on December 17, 2018 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“Then God spoke to Noah, “Come out of the ark, you, your wife, your sons, and your sons’ wives with you. Bring out all the living creatures that are with you—birds, livestock, those that crawl on the earth—and they will spread over the earth and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.” So Noah, along with his sons, his wife, and his sons’ wives, came out.” (Genesis 8:15–18, CSB)

 

Then God spoke to Noah, “Come out of the ark, you, your wife, your sons, and your sons’ wives with you.”God knows what’s best for our marriages and for our families. He knows what to do and when to do it. He has our best in mind.

“For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11, CSB)

God’s timing is impeccable. Even as I write this, I am waiting for His “next step” for me in several areas of my life, including whom He will pick as a new wife for me. While the loneliness can be painful and the grief can be soul numbing, I have learned that, whatever God does is right. And, whenever God does it is also right.

God knew when to send Noah and his family out of the safety of the ark. He knew when the danger had passed. He knew when to release the family of God to start the next phase of their lives. And He knows when to open the doors we need opened. If we will but trust Him for His timing, we will see His benefits time and again.

Can you imagine what God can do in your marriage if you will but just submit to His timing? I know its tough right now. The darkness is always difficult, except when we are resting. At night, when we are in deep sleep, we find the greatest rejuvenation. It’s only when we toss and turn, lying awake worrying through the darkness that we suffer both immediately as well as in the new day.

Magnificent marriages thrive because they trust God, thus they trust His timing. And “those who trust in the Lordwill renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, CSB) Isn’t it time for you to trust God to open doors when He’s ready to?

 

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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December 16, 2018 – Hope For Today – Jesus, the Love For Humanity

Posted on December 16, 2018 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

I’m Dr. Matthew Lee Smith and I want to share some Hope For Today about having a love for people that shows in how we treat them!

 

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!

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