The Hard Hearted Break Their Agreements!

broken handshake

Some thoughts from Exodus 14:4, 8-9 (ESV)

The hard-heartedness of Pharaoh became manifest again as he broke his agreement with Israel after they left Ramses, by hastily pursuing them to restore domination over Israel.

God seeks to remove Israel’s enemies for good in that generation. Only the total destruction of the pride-driven mad man on the throne will do. His death and the destruction of his elite mobile army will send a message throughout the nation and the known world: “Don’t mess with My children!” And since He was and is Almighty God, this solution for Israel’s enemies must be supernatural. When they are destroyed, once for all, I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord.

We often sing, “let Your glory fall,” but we seldom think about the consequences of such prayers. The Lord provides for us and protects us from danger and these bring Him glory.

Eliminating our enemies, especially powerful ones, brings Him even greater glory.

 

How does this impact your understanding of God’s glory?

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Transformed #289: Stepping Out By Faith!

Stepping Out In Faith - 620x348

Welcome to the Transformed Podcast. In his first official message, Dr. Matthew Lee Smith returns to the Biblical Patriarch, Abraham, the father of our faith. As we open our Bibles to Genesis 12, Pastor Matt calls the men and women of Woodland Drive Baptist Church in Visalia, CA to Step Out By Faith!

Join us now as we step into the world of wisdom, direction and action and be prepared to be challenged to greater acts of faith!

 

About Today’s Lesson

You have been listening to Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, lead pastor at Woodland Drive Baptist Church in Visalia, CA.

As God’s people, we are seeking to become a multi-generational, multi-ethnic church that reflects the demographic of our neighborhood, our community, our county, and our state while holding firmly to the teachings of the Bible and adhering to the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message.

We are seeking to grow – not only numerically but also spiritually.

We are seeking to reach people with the Word of God.

We are seeking to become the church that Christ has called us to be and which will bring Glory to the name of our Lord and Savior.

We encourage you to consider checking out our ministry at our website – that’s www.woodlanddrivebaptist.org. Of course, we would love to have you worship with us any weekend. Times and address are on our website.

Today’s episode was recorded live and edited by Melodee Smith in Visalia, California.

And now, until next time, we are praying you would be filled with the love of God so that you can demonstrate His love to the lost and dying in your city! God bless!

 

 

Would You Like to Help Spread the Word?

Perhaps you would you consider sharing this message with a friend? God longs to release the captives of our culture into the freedom of faith. Thank you!

 

What are you reading this Spring? 

If you would like to see the power of God work in real life difficulties, we suggest you read Hope Enabler, written by Dr. Smith’s wife, Melodee, this summer.

Hope Enabler is the real life story of one Christian parent’s struggle with a runaway child and the hope that God enabled her to have during the darkest moments of that struggle. Through God’s word and her own personal testimony Melodee Smith shows how her relationship with God was strengthened despite the perils she faced.

Melodee Joy Smith is a pastor’s wife ministering in Southern California. Alongside her husband, Dr. Matthew Lee Smith she’s counseled families, spoke at conferences and trained Christian leaders. She hopes this book can be a comfort to other Christians who are struggling with seemingly impossible situations. 

You can order your copy today: Simply click this link!

 

Today’s episode was recorded live in Visalia, California and edited by Melodee Smith in La Puente, California.

And now, until next time, we are praying you would be filled with the love of God so that you can demonstrate His love to the lost and dying in your city! God bless!

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The Hard Hearted’s Life Ends In Great Sorrow!

Sorrow

Thoughts from Exodus 11:4-6,9 (ESV)

The hard-heartedness of Pharaoh ultimately ended in grievous sorrow and widespread death.

This is so often the case, though not on the scale of Pharaoh’s Egypt. When the battle between the proud and the Lord rages on, it inevitably ends in death and destruction. God never loses. All around us we see this scenario playing out on a smaller scale. Mark these words of the Lord carefully, for insolence is always a precursor to disaster: Pharaoh will not listen to you, that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt. Notice the causative nature of his rebellion. God was showcasing His power and His ability against the backdrop of the greatest military power of its day.

While we may try to warn the heard hearted, we must understand that if this war has been waging for a long time, there is a possibility God has chosen to glorify Himself in the shattering of the proud.

 

What has been your experiences when you’ve tried to warn the hard hearted?

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Transformed #288: God Is Able!

God is Able 2

Welcome to the Transformed Podcast. Today we start a new chapter in the podcast as Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, begins his relationship with Woodland Drive Baptist Church in Visalia, CA (Visalia – first I is long – sounds like “eye”) … which culminated in a call to be their Lead Pastor beginning February 1 of this year.

In his introduction message there, Pastor Matt speaks on the bedrock issue of faith: God is Able! Drawing from the life of Abraham, this stirring message calls all of us to trust God when there is no visible reason to. Let’s open our Bibles to Genesis 15 and prepare ourselves for a faith lift!

About Today’s Lesson

You have been listening to Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, lead pastor at Woodland Drive Baptist Church in Visalia, CA.

As God’s people, we are seeking to become a multi-generational, multi-ethnic church that reflects the demographic of our neighborhood, our community, our county, and our state while holding firmly to the teachings of the Bible and adhering to the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message.

We are seeking to grow – not only numerically but also spiritually.

We are seeking to reach people with the Word of God.

We are seeking to become the church that Christ has called us to be and which will bring Glory to the name of our Lord and Savior.

We encourage you to consider checking out our ministry at our website – that’s www.woodlanddrivebaptist.org. Of course, we would love to have you worship with us any weekend. Times and address are on our website.

Today’s episode was recorded live and edited by Melodee Smith in Visalia, California.

And now, until next time, we are praying you would be filled with the love of God so that you can demonstrate His love to the lost and dying in your city! God bless!

 

 

Would You Like to Help Spread the Word?

Perhaps you would you consider sharing this message with a friend? God longs to release the captives of our culture into the freedom of faith. Thank you!

 

What are you reading this Spring? 

If you would like to see the power of God work in real life difficulties, we suggest you read Hope Enabler, written by Dr. Smith’s wife, Melodee, this summer.

Hope Enabler is the real life story of one Christian parent’s struggle with a runaway child and the hope that God enabled her to have during the darkest moments of that struggle. Through God’s word and her own personal testimony Melodee Smith shows how her relationship with God was strengthened despite the perils she faced.

Melodee Joy Smith is a pastor’s wife ministering in Southern California. Alongside her husband, Dr. Matthew Lee Smith she’s counseled families, spoke at conferences and trained Christian leaders. She hopes this book can be a comfort to other Christians who are struggling with seemingly impossible situations. 

You can order your copy today: Simply click this link!

 

Today’s episode was recorded live in Visalia, California and edited by Melodee Smith in La Puente, California.

And now, until next time, we are praying you would be filled with the love of God so that you can demonstrate His love to the lost and dying in your city! God bless!

 

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Studying 1 John 1:5!

Heaven - stairs to

Welcome back! We return to our study of what it means to walk in the faith by walking with Jesus today here on the Transformed Podcast!

We are here to guide you through this intensive, verse – by – verse study of one of the Christ-follower’s most life-changing Biblical journeys! 

As we open the first chapter of 1 John, remember that this small letter was written as a discipleship manual for those in the Apostle John’s home church while he was away. While we don’t know for sure, it is possible that it was written while he was in exile on the island of Patmos for his bold and daring faith. As John writes, he calls his flock, and every one of us, to live boldy and unashamedly for Jesus in these last days. 

In this first chapter of our study, we come to see that fellowship with the Father, has been made possible through the incarnation of Christ, the eternal Word. It can only be maintained by walking in the light, which means recognizing our daily sins, honestly confessing them quickly and forsaking them as they are revealed to us. This is faith in Christ who was crucified as the remedy for our sin.

Let’s listen in as Dr. Matthew Lee Smith teaches his seminary students what it means to truly walk in the faith by walking with Jesus.

We know you will benefit from every episode and hope you will subscribe to the the Eagles In Leadership blog notifications so you do not miss a single episode. It is so easy to subscribe on our webpage.

Please tell a friend how much you are enjoying these teachings and encourage them to subscribe as well.

And now, until our next episode from 1 John, we are praying that the confidence that comes from a close relationship with Jesus will be yours as you apply His word to your lives today!

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The Hard Hearted Cling to Pride!

self-righteous-wide1

Some thoughts from Exodus 10:21-29 (ESV)

The hard-heartedness of Pharaoh clings to his pride, refusing to fulfill the request of the Lord by shouting vitriolic threats at the messenger.

When Moses explains everyone and everything must go on this spiritual retreat, Pharaoh had to sense the desire to flee his rule. As a result, he chooses to threaten Moses and with death. Moses agrees to his terms, knowing that the rage expressed by the king is nothing compared to the ability and power of the One he represents. The collision course is coming to a climatic end. The first inkling of death is found here. When the ambassador of the Almighty’s life is threatened, one can sense a challenge to His authority.

In this bloody boxing match, the only one headed for the mat is the man of flesh. The Spirit of God is all consuming in His being. So Moses confidently says, As you say! I will not see your face again. Certainty has replaced Moses’ timidity. It is evident God means to wipe Pharaoh from the face of His earth. At this point, the only person unable to understand this is Pharaoh himself. With the blindness of pride and rage complete, God is prepared to set in motion the final acts to this rescue of His children. Stay focused on the intensity of the Lord for His children as you follow this to its ultimate conclusion. God loves you! God loves His children!

God does whatever He must to make sure you will be rescued in this life or the next!

 

What have you discovered about the blindness of pride and rage?

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Studying 1 John 1:4!

Unshakable-Sermon-Slides1-840x385

Welcome back! We return to our study of what it means to walk in the faith by walking with Jesus today here on the Transformed Podcast!

We are here to guide you through this intensive, verse – by – verse study of one of the Christ-follower’s most life-changing Biblical journeys!

As we open the first chapter of 1 John, remember that this small letter was written as a discipleship manual for those in the Apostle John’s home church while he was away. While we don’t know for sure, it is possible that it was written while he was in exile on the island of Patmos for his bold and daring faith. As John writes, he calls his flock, and every one of us, to live boldy and unashamedly for Jesus in these last days.

In this first chapter of our study, we come to see that fellowship with the Father, has been made possible through the incarnation of Christ, the eternal Word. It can only be maintained by walking in the light, which means recognizing our daily sins, honestly confessing them quickly and forsaking them as they are revealed to us. This is faith in Christ who was crucified as the remedy for our sin.

Let’s listen in as Dr. Matthew Lee Smith teaches his seminary students what it means to truly walk in the faith by walking with Jesus.

We know you will benefit from every episode and hope you will subscribe to the the Eagles In Leadership blog notifications so you do not miss a single episode. It is so easy to subscribe on our webpage.

Please tell a friend how much you are enjoying these teachings and encourage them to subscribe as well.

And now, until our next episode from 1 John, we are praying that the confidence that comes from a close relationship with Jesus will be yours as you apply His word to your lives today!

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The Hard Hearted Refuse to Submit to the Lord!

Surrender - All I Have

 

Thoughts from Exodus 10:13-20 (ESV)

The hard-heartedness of Pharaoh refused to surrender to the Lord despite the supernatural arrival and departure of the destroying locusts.

Despite the fact that Egypt is ruined (Exodus 10:7), and the subsequent destruction of what remained of the flora and fauna in the land, the king chooses to not let the people of Israel go. By this point, pride is on a roller coaster that will end badly. As Paul will describe it, For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. (Galatians 6:8, ESV)

God is displaying His glory by destroying the power and prestige of the superpower of that day, simply because of the arrogance of the leader and God’s love for His people. God always loves His people, sometimes despite their lifestyles. Never question the love of God.

Egypt is the example of the lengths He will go to in order to rescue His lost children.

 

Have you experienced such lengths as God rescued you?

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Studying 1 John 1:3!

Heaven - stairs to

Welcome back! We return to our study of what it means to walk in the faith by walking with Jesus today here on the Transformed Podcast!

We are here to guide you through this intensive, verse – by – verse study of one of the Christ-follower’s most life-changing Biblical journeys!

As we open the first chapter of 1 John, remember that this small letter was written as a discipleship manual for those in the Apostle John’s home church while he was away. While we don’t know for sure, it is possible that it was written while he was in exile on the island of Patmos for his bold and daring faith. As John writes, he calls his flock, and every one of us, to live boldy and unashamedly for Jesus in these last days.

In this first chapter of our study, we come to see that fellowship with the Father, has been made possible through the incarnation of Christ, the eternal Word. It can only be maintained by walking in the light, which means recognizing our daily sins, honestly confessing them quickly and forsaking them as they are revealed to us. This is faith in Christ who was crucified as the remedy for our sin.

Let’s listen in as Dr. Matthew Lee Smith teaches his seminary students what it means to truly walk in the faith by walking with Jesus.

 

We know you will benefit from every episode and hope you will subscribe to the the Eagles In Leadership blog notifications so you do not miss a single episode. It is so easy to subscribe on our webpage.

Please tell a friend how much you are enjoying these teachings and encourage them to subscribe as well.

And now, until our next episode from 1 John, we are praying that the confidence that comes from a close relationship with Jesus will be yours as you apply His word to your lives today!

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The Hard Hearted Feign Repentance!

Repentance - Turn From Turn To

Some thoughts from Exodus 9:27-35 (ESV)

The hard-heartedness of Pharaoh feigned repentance but reverted to his old ways as soon as the danger passed.

There is a pattern to pride and this account of dealing with Pharaoh may show it to us more than any other in the Bible. Despite the mouthing of the words, Moses must have picked up something in the tone of the “confession” of the king. He tells Pharaoh, I know that you do not yet fear the Lord God. Can you imagine what it will take to get the king to fear the Lord? As you read ahead in Exodus, you will discover that even the last plague was not enough to cause such a fear in Pharaoh! Thus we see the reality of pride’s insipient pervasiveness.

Little can erode the hard heart, and that may also include the supernatural interventions of the Almighty God.

 

Have you experienced someone who is unmovable about God’s work in their lives?

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