"Let eloquence be flung to the dogs rather than souls be lost. What we want is to win souls. They are not won by flowery speeches."

Sunday...

Another Sunday is here. What are you doing with it?

Are you working, resting, sleeping, playing, or did you go to a local church?

If you went to a local church did you go to worship God or to get something out of the service?

If you went to worship God did you give Him your all in worship?

He want wants our - your all. He was this not only on Sunday, but every other day of the week too.

You may wonder why? He created us, loves us, sent His one and only SOn to die for sin - if you repent- turn from your sin and put your faith, belief, and trust in Him - He will forgive your sins and make your relationship right with Him.

The greatest reward in all of this is eternity in Heaven with Jesus. The Bible says that Jesus is the only way to God.

Have you done what I wrote about above? If not think about it- pray talk to God about it. See what He is leading you to do- listen and then obey what He is speaking into your heart.

Why we don't read God's Word...

"We fail in our duty to study God's Word not so much because it is difficult to understand, not so much because it is dull and boring, but because it is work. Our problem is not a lack of intelligence or a lack of passion. Our problem is that we are lazy." - R. C. Sproul


You may think that is harsh, but if we would really be honest with ourselves we would admit it is true.

So what should we/you do about it?

Start reading God's Word- daily. Start with a chapter or two. It will not hurt you :) Don't read it like some other book. It is God's Word- prayer to God as you read it. See what God is saying in the verses. Get to know God through His Word. Then start applying it to your life.

The Buzzard, The Bat, and TheBumbleBee

If you put a buzzard in a pen six or eight feet square and and entirely open at the top, the bird in spite of his ability to fly will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is the buzzard always begins a flight from the grouud with a run of ten to twelve feet. Without space to run as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.

The ordinary bat that lies around at night, a remarkably nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a levl place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly-until it comes to a slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.

A bumblebee, if dropped in to an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will see a way where none exists until it destroys its self. In many ways there are alot of people like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. They are struggling about with all their problems and frustrations, not realizing that the answer is right there" ABOVE" them.

Author Unknown

That's my KING!!!!!!

Dr. S. M. Lockridge:

My King was born King. The Bible says He’s a Seven Way King. He’s the King of the

Jews – that’s a racial King. He’s the King of Israel – that’s a National King. He’s

the King of righteousness. He’s the King of the ages. He’s the King of Heaven. He’s

the King of glory. He’s the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords. Now that’s my

King. Well I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him? Do you know my King? David

said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament show His handiwork. My

King is the only one whom there are no means of measure can define His limitless

love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shore

of supplies. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing. Well, He’s

enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally

graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful. That’s my King. He’s

God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s saviour. He’s the centrepiece of civilization. He

stands alone in Himself. He’s unique. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He’s

supreme. He’s pre-eminent. Well, He’s the loftiest idea in literature. He’s the

highest personality in philosophy. He’s the supreme problem in high criticism. He’s

the fundamental doctrine of proved theology. That’s my King. He’s the miracle of the

age. He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. Well, He’s

the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength

for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He

saves. He heals the sick. He forgives sinners. He discharged debtors. He delivers

the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the

unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the

meek. Do you know Him? Well, my King is the key of knowledge. He’s the wellspring of

wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace. He’s the roadway

of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory. He’s the

master of the mighty. He’s the captain of the conquerors. He’s the head of the

heroes. He’s the leader of the legislatures. He’s the overseer of the overcomers.

He’s the governor of governors. He’s the prince of princes. He’s the King of kings

and He’s the Lord of lords. That’s my King. Yeah. That’s my King. His promise is

sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting.

His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is

righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Well. I wish I could describe

Him to you, but He’s indescribable. Yes. He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible.

He’s irresistible. I’m coming to tell you, the heavens of heavens cannot contain

Him, let alone a man explaining Him. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t

get Him off of your hands. You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him.

Well, Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilot

couldn’t find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to

agree. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t

hold Him. That’s my King. Yeah. He always has been and He always will be. I’m

talking about He had no predecessor and He’ll have no successor. There was nobody

before Him and there’ll be nobody after Him. You cant impeach Him and He’s not going

to resign. That’s my King! That’s my King! Thine is the kingdom and the power and

the glory. Well, all the power belongs to my King. Thine is the power. And the

glory. We try to get prestige and honour and glory for ourselves, but the glory is

all His. Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and

ever and ever. How long is that? And ever and ever and ever. And when you get

through with all of the evers, then, Amen.

**Do you know him today? Have you turned from your sins, asked for forgiveness of your sins, accepted Him as the Lord and Savior of your life? Give Him your heart and life today! **

Just some random thoughts as we celebrate the USA 's Independence

** THese may not be my specific thoughts, but I have to say I agree with much of them.***

The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and wants a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, "What are we so unhappy about?"

Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?

Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?

I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.

Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames, thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.

Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.

This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?

Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its
citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander-in- chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?

Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake about it.

The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country.

They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a 'general' discharge, an other-than-honorable' discharge or, worst case scenario, a 'dishonorable' discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans?

Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news.
Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations.

They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!

Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.

Psalms and Father's Day

I have finished reading through all 150 Psalms. WOW!!! There is so much in that book of the Bible. I believe I grew in my relationship with God through this book.

God is continuing to open several different ministry doors for me to serve Him and preach His word and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a lost and hurting world. I thank God for those chances He has given me.

Today is Father's Day!!! Thank God for the father or father figure He has put in your life. Remember, God is our Heavenly father- who always loves us and wants us to have a real realationship with Him.

I will close with this:

"You are a child of God, and hope has been planted in you by God."
- Norman Vincent Peale

The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be... His treasured possesion. - Dueteronomy 7:6

God is just providing in amazing ways. It is funny how if you stay open to His direction in your life He will take you on an amazing journey.

Now this path is not always easy, but He told us( Christians) that he would never leave us.

Since He will never leave us and He loves us so much - we should

WORSHIP - WITNESS - WORK - WAR - FOR THE CAUSE OF JESUS CHRIST!

" Christ working in us, Christ working through us, Christ working around us."

What conviction is...

There is guilt. And then there is conviction. Guilt depresses, defeats, demoralizes. Conviction motivates and redirects. Guilt is a seed planted strategically by the devil that crops up at the most unexpected times to remind us how pathetic we are. Conviction is an uncommon gift from the Holy Spirit that may come wrapped in sandpaper and burn all the way down. But its purpose is to redeem, to restore, to renew. Embrace conviction - sandpaper and all. It's God's patient way of giving us another chance.

Psalms .....

I am still read/praying/ talking to God through His Psalms.
I am now on Psalm 109. As God has lead me through this book I know I have grown closer to Him. Much wisdom has been given to me in these verses. Many ideas for future sermons/messsages have been put on my heart from this book.
I will say again, read through the book of Psalms. You may say 150 chapters is a lot and it is, but if you don't have a personal relationship with God before you read them - you will after you have read through them.
I recommend not to just read them as just another thing you did that day. Pray , read, study, seek God- through them.
So 100 plus days of God's Psalms- I wouldn't trade my time with God in these verse for anything.
To Him be the glory!
Psalm 108: 12-13 , " Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless. Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies."

CELL PHONE vs.The BIBLE

I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our

cellphone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we flipped through it several time a day?

What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?

What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?

What if we used it when we traveled?

What if we used it in case of emergency?

This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?

Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry

about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.


Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities?

And no dropped calls!

Just something to think about.. pray about....too.

Just something to think about.. pray about.

Lombardi said , "If you can't get emotional about what you believe in your heart, you're in the wrong business."

Character of a Godly man.

The character of a godly man is a reflection of the character of God. He is gracious, compassionate, righteous, generous. He delights in making gifts to those who are in need. He stands immovably fast in his resistance of evil and in his faith in the perfect will of God. His conscience is clear and his faith is strong. Therefore his heart is never disconcerted by the announcement of evil tidings, but he remains strong in his confidence because of his trust in the God whom he knows so well and loves so devotedly.

- Kyle M. Yates-

THE CROSS AND JESUS!!!!!!!!!

These are the pictures of the crucifixion of Christ

Sculptured from metal by a man near Amarillo , TX .
The crosses are made of metal also. The man did

this out of the kindness of his heart.

Someone donated the land

On which to erect them.

Who is Jesus?
HE IS JESUS
WHO IS HE?


IN CHEMISTRY, HE TURNED WATER TO WINE.



IN BIOLOGY, HE WAS BORN WITHOUT THE
NORMAL CONCEPTION;



IN PHYSICS, HE DISPROVED THE LAW OF
GRAVITY WHEN HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN;



IN ECONOMICS, HE DISPROVED THE LAW
OF DIMINISHING RETURN BY FEEDING 5000 MEN WITH
TWO FISHES & 5 LOAVES OF BREAD;



IN MEDICINE, HE CURED THE SICK AND THE
BLIND WITHOUT ADMINISTERING A SINGLE DOSE OF DRUGS,



IN HISTORY, HE IS THE BEGINNING AND THE END;

IN GOVERNMENT, HE SAID THAT HE SHALL
BE CALLED WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, PRINCE OF PEACE;

IN RELIGION, HE SAID NO ONE COMES TO
THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH HIM;



SO, WHO IS HE?
HE IS JESUS!



JOIN ME AND LET'S CELEBRATE HIM;

HE IS WORTHY.



THE EYES BEHOLDING THIS MESSAGE SHALL
NOT BEHOLD EVIL,



THE HAND THAT WILL
SEND THIS MESSAGE TO EVERYBODY SHALL
NOT LABOR IN VAIN,



AND THE MOUTH SAYING AMEN

TO THIS PRAYER SHALL SMILE FOREVER.



REMAIN IN GOD AND SEEK HIS FACE ALWAYS.
AMEN



IN GOD I'VE FOUND EVERYTHING!



The Greatest Man in History
Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.



Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.



Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer



He had no army, yet kings feared Him...



He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
I feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us!

Easter

** Click on the picture**

Just had to post this...

I read this on a cowboy church website--- I did reword it a little.


***I will "wake up, sing up, preach up, pray up, and witness up, but never give up, let up, back up, or shut up until the cause of Christ in His church and in the world is built up." **

70 plus Psalms

I am continuing to study, read, & pray throught the 150 chapters in this book.

There is many life times of wisdom to gain, use, and apply to my life and world around we- in these chapters.

I praise God for them. So many of them seem as though I could have wrote a few of the verses. Those are the verses that just bring me into a closer walk with my Lord and Savoir- Jesus.

70 plus down 70 plus to go. Then... I'll likely read them again :)

The Bible

"We ought to be so versed in Scripture as always to have at the tip of our tongue the promise that most exactly meets our case. We ought to be transcripts of Scripture; the divine promise should be as much written upon our hearts as upon the pages of the BOOK."

- Charles H. Spurgeon

Birthday

Well, today is my b-day. Didn't do much. Did a little office work. Had lunch with my family yesterday- fur my b-day.

I'm not use what 32 is supposed to feel like, but that is the age I am. Somedays I feel older- somedays younger... don't we all :)

God has blessed me in this life. I truely believe He is transforming me daily. I pray that when my life is done... He will say well done My good and faithful. servent.

In Christ Love,

Matt

Time!!!!!!!!

It is time for the Church to arise!

It is time for you, the Church, to walk in righteousness and holiness.

It is time for you to walk in power and in might.

It is time for you to walk in humility, forgiveness, and most of all, love.

It is time that you depend on Me, lean on Me, and trust Me for everything.

It is time that you leave all doubt and fear behind, and let faith rise up within you.
It is time that you praise Me, bless Me, and glorify My name.

It is time that you preach My Gospel everywhere you go.

It is time that you lay hands on the sick and see them recover.

It is time that you bind up the brokenhearted and proclaim freedom for the captives.

It is time that you pray like never before.

It is time that you expect Me to do the impossible.

It is time that you see Me for all that I am and receive all that I have for you.

It is time!

* I got this in an email. I had to pass it along*

From answers in Genesis

I read this at the Answers in Genesis website. This is the truth right in our faces. God, please help us turn and see it!

People have been shocked in recent times at the outbreak of violence in public schools in America and around the world. Some schools have installed metal detectors to try to curb such violent behavior.

What does evolution have to do with this sad—and shocking—situation?
What we see happening is the end result of an education system that has effectively eliminated God from the classroom. When you think about it, generations of young people are being brainwashed each day in evolutionary ideas. They are being told that they are nothing special—they are just animals that have evolved from some primitive form of life over millions of years.
The more society as a whole thinks this way, the more people will act consistently with what they’ve been taught. If life is not special, then it has no value. If there’s no God, and thus no absolute authority, then anyone can decide right and wrong for themselves.
Most of the students probably don’t realize the connection of violence with evolution (though some have)—but underneath it all, this anti-God belief system has subtly caused them to think life is hopeless and without any purpose.

Something to think about # 10

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.I would have talked less and listened more.I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.I would have sat on the lawn! With my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's'; more 'I'm sorry's.' But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it... live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!! Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what
Instead; let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.
Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with, and what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, and emotionally. I hope you have a blessed day .

Something to think about # 9

Read this and had to post it. God, help us to not do this very thing...

"Dwelling on the Negative Simply Contributes to its Power"

In other words... DO NOT FOCUS ON THE negative, FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE!


Matt

Something to think about # 8

While shopping at a local Wal-Mart, a woman spotted a man with an
acronym on
his shirt that had B.A.D. Being the person that she was (curious), she
stopped the man and asked, 'What does B.A.D. stand for?'
And trust me; you'll be amazed at what his response was. He replied
B.A.D.
stands for:

'Blessed And Delivered '

That thought stuck with her as she finished doing her shopping that
day.
So she came up with a little advice for you today.

1. When the enemy tries to attack you, be B.A.D.
2. When things don't seem to be going right on your job, be B.A.D.
3. When things are not looking good in your marriage, be B.A.D.
4. When folks scandalize your name, just be B.A.D.

Get with somebody who you know that you can be B.A.D. with!!!

May God Bless You And Have A B.A.D. Day!

Any person that can kneel before God can stand before anything! !

This was not my own thought, but it should be all of our thoughs.

Matt

My 50 days in Psalms

I as stated before I am in the book of Psalms. That is , I am studying/reading through them.
Today is the 50th day and 50th Psalm. (I am reading one a day.) There is so much in this book of the Bible. Psalm 50 was a great read today. I read it several times- over& over . Each time God was speaking into my life about a different part of the chapter. God showed me His greatness in the Chapter, the way to apply it to my life, and multiple sermons/messages that could come from Psalm 50. I am a preacher/teahcer so my heart leans in that direction- looking for sermon/message ideas. Or just being open to them :) I have to remind myself that it is not always about getting it out to others- much needs to be applied to my life - first!
Here am I, Lord. Send me, use me, transform me! ( one of my constant prayers)

Matt

Message for Sunday 2-17-08

“Are you thirsty for God?”
*** Song - “As the deer”
As the Deer Pants For the Water, So My Soul Longs After You. You Alone Are My Heart's Desire,
And I Long to Worship You.
You Alone Are My Strength, My Shield; To You Alone May My Spirit Yield. You Alone Are My Heart's Desire, And I Long to Worship You.

1. Psalm 42: 1 & 2 a :

1 As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
This is a longing and desire for God. Just as we need water to SURVIVE - we NEED GOD even more!We need to long for and seek God more than the things of this world.

2. John 6:35 :

35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.
You will NEVER - THIRST !
Jesus will supply all of your needs. This is not just physical it goes much deeper. It is the thirst,the longing, in all of our lives, that only God can take away.

3. Matthew 5:6 :

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
What happens for those who do THIRST for God above everything else?
God blesses them. He fills them with living water. Only God and God alone can do it!!

4. John 7: 37& 38 :

37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
All who THIRST can come to Jesus. All who come with true belief, faith, trust, repentance and asking for forgiveness of sins.
Living Waters will be in you. This is the Holy Spirit. God living inside of you. This happens the moment you come to Him with true belief, trust repentance, asking for forgiveness of your sins , and trusting Him as Lord and Savior of your life.

5. Revelation 21:6 :

6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.
This verse shows He is GOD!!! He gives a free gift to all who will respond to Him with faith and trust to His calling them.
He will end your THIRST. God is all you need. Jesus takes away your THIRST. It is replaced by the Holy Spirit- God living in you.

**All you have to do is come to Jesus with true belief, trust, repentance, asking for forgiveness of your sins , and trusting Him as Lord and Savior of your life.
*** You will THIRST no more! - Matt

A great read to start the new week!!!!!!

By Dr. S.M. Lockridge
The Bible says my King is the King of the Jews....He's the King of Israel....He's the King of Righteousness....He's the King of the Ages.....He's the King of Heaven....He's the King of Glory....He's the King of kings, and He's the Lord of lords. That's my King. Well....I wonder, do you know Him?.... My King is a sovereign King. No means of measure can define His limitless love. No barrier can hinder Him from pouring out His blessings. He's enduringly strong....He's entirely sincere....He's eternally steadfast....He's immortally graceful....He's imperially powerful....He's impartially merciful....... Do you know Him?
He's the greatest phenomenon that ever crossed the horizon of this world. He's God's Son....He's a sinner's Saviour....He's the centerpiece of civilization....He stands in the solitude of Himself....He's unique....He's unparalleled....He's unprecedented....He's the loftiest idea in literature....He's the highest personality in philosophy....He's the fundamental doctrine of true theology....He's the miracle of the age.... He's the only one qualified to be an all sufficient Saviour...... I wonder if you know Him today?
He supplies strength for the weak....He's available for the tempted and the tried....He sympathizes and He saves....He strengthens and sustains....He guards and He guides....He heals the sick....He forgives sinners....He discharges debtors....He delivers captives....He defends the feeble....He blesses the young....He serves the unfortunate....He regards the aged....He rewards the diligent....and He beautifies the meek....... I wonder if you know Him?
Well, my King....is the King....He's the key to knowledge....He's the wellspring to wisdom....He's the doorway of deliverance....He's the pathway of peace....He's the roadway of righteousness ....He's the highway of holiness....He's the gateway of glory....... Do you know Him?
Well....His promise is sure....His light is matchless....His goodness is limitless....His mercy is everlasting....His love never changes....His word is enough....His grace is sufficient....His reign is righteous....and His yoke is easy, and his burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you, but He's indescribable....He's incomprehensible....He's invincible....He's irresistible.
Well, you can't get Him out of your mind....You can't get Him off of your hand....You can't out live Him, and you can't live without Him....The Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him....Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him....Herod couldn't kill Him....Death couldn't handle Him, and the grave couldn't hold Him. Yea!!!, that's my King, that's my King.

**Do you know him today? Have you turned from your sins, asked for forgiveness of your sins, accepted Him as the Lord and Savior of your life? Give Him your heart and life today! **

**** This is one of the best things I've read!
Matt

Message for Feb. 10, 2008- Sunday

“Search Me, O God”

Search me,O God, and know my heart today,
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray;
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin, and set me free.
I praise Thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin;
Fulfill Thy word and make me pure within;
Fill me with fire, where once I burned with shame;
Grant my desire to magnify Thy name.
Lord, take my life, and make it wholly Thine;
Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine;
Take all my will, my passion, self and pride;
I now surrender, Lord, in me abide.
O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee;
Send a revival, start the work in me;
Thy Word declares Thou wilt supply our need;
For blessings now, O Lord, I humbly plead

Psalm 139:23 NKJV :
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;
Psalm 139: 23 Message version:
23- Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me;
Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about;
Psalm 139:23-24 N L T version:
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

Psalm 139:24 N K J V :
24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139: 24 Message version:
24- See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life.
Psalm 139:24 New Living version:
24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life

* While the song you read to start is a wonderful song to sing, it is a “dangerous” prayer to offer. We all have sins within us of which we are unaware, for the heart is deceitful above all things. But as we submit ourselves to the searchlight of God’s Spirit, we can discover the habits that need to be confessed and the attitudes that need to be changed.

* Search me, O God, and know my heart today,
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray;
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin, and set me free.
I praise Thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin;
Fulfill Thy word and make me pure within;
Fill me with fire, where once I burned with shame;
Grant my desire to magnify Thy name.
Lord, take my life, and make it wholly Thine;
Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine;
Take all my will, my passion, self and pride;
I now surrender, Lord, in me abide.

** As God cleanses us, the results will be... Revival , One that Begins within each of us!
*O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee;
Send a revival, start the work in me;
Thy Word declares Thou wilt supply our need;
For blessings now, O Lord, I humbly plead

* The beginning song is a great hymn of the Christian church. As I read through the book , " Then Sings my Soul" I found parts of the reading to be great material for a message.I pray that the Lord gets ahold of your heart and life. I pray you are blessed and are a blessing, as God works in and through you.

In Christ, Matt

End the week with a little joke!

Three women die together in an accident and go to heaven. When they get there, St. Peter says, "We only have one rule here in heaven: don't step on the ducks!" So they enter heaven, and sure enough, there are ducks all over the place. It is almost impossible not to step on a duck, and although they try their best to avoid them, the first woman accidentally steps on one. Along comes St. Peter with the ugliest man she ever saw. St. Peter chains them together and says, "Your punishment for stepping on a duck is to spend eternity chained to this ugly man!" The next day, the second woman accidentally steps on a duck and along comes St. Peter, who doesn't miss a thing. With him is another extremely ugly man. He chains them together with the same admonishment as for the first woman. The third woman has observed all this and, not wanting to be chained for all eternity to an ugly man, is very, VERY careful where she steps. She manages to go months without stepping on any ducks, but one day St. Peter comes up to her with the most handsome man she has ever laid eyes on ... very tall, long eyelashes, muscular, and thin. St. Peter chains them together without saying a word. The happy woman says, "I wonder what I did to deserve being chained to you for all of eternity?" The guy says, "I don't know about you, but I stepped on a duck!"


*HAHAHAHAHA!

Matt

Pray

Deadly tornados ripped through the southern US. Pray for those in the damaged areas. Union University was terribly damaged. This is a Christian college.

Several have died in these storms. Again, PRAY!!

Through all of this remember, GOD is stil GOD and on His Throne! Though we may not understand what has happened we must trust God.

In Christ,

Matt

Another post :)

Well, it's a new month. Where did the last one go??

Anyway, GOd is still God( isn't He always :) ) and He is working around us at all times.

Foucs on Him. See where He is working,opening doors and join Him. That is what He wants.

As I continue my my walk through the book of Psalms, I am again & again amazed by God's Word. He is clearly speaking through His word into my heart and life. The Spirit is opening His word to me like never before. The more I study, get knowledge, get understand, and get wisdom from His word the more I realize how little I know His word and Him. This leads me to pray , listen and seek God. To grow in the understanding, knowledge and wisdom of Him and His word.

As I have the ,God given, chance to preach His word, and study His word I just thank Him and desire to share Him with others.
If you or I am not doing that then we have to question ourselves. It is all about Him and no one else.

To God be the glory! That my tongue would sing praise and my heart would offer thanksgiving to Him EVERYDAY!!!

Matt

Opened doors.

God is doing this for me.

He is opening more doors for me to preach his Word.

Pray, seek His will, follow His direction!!

That's my words of wisdom for today !!

Matt

Psalms part 2

As I wrote before, I am daily reading through the book of Psalms.

I am on day 28 and Psalm 28- I started 1-1-08.

There is so much in these chapters. God speaks into my heart everyday with these verses.

If you are not reading the Bible daily start. You will be blessed! I am from read them.

Thank you God!!

Matt

Continued education....

Well, I am deep into my studies at Liberty University.

I am learning a lot. The classes are Bible, theology classes. The more I study , read, write the more I realize how much more I need knowledge, understanding,& wisdom of the Bible- God's Word.

A prayer to God is that I would not just get the classes down, finish the work, & read the book. I pray that it would go deep into me- that God would take these classes and His Word and transform me. That God would work in me and through me.

I hope you would do the same as you read, study, reflect, and act on God's Word & His direction in your life.

Strength & Courage!

Matt

Don't be busy all the time.

This I have learned the hard way at times.

You can loose focus of what is important... family, friends, ... God.

Yes, God is in this post also.

I know many have heard it before, but that's the problem many have heard few are listening.

There is a big difference between the two. Listen - don't be busy all the time.

Stop-take time- be still- focus on God, listen to Him. Then act.

What is He saying to you ? What is he calling you to do? Don't be so busy doing stuff to miss what ever God is saying to you.

Matt

Something to think about # 7

I read this on my friends blog. I had to post it here.

* A word about pastors.*

"Buy books and study. We don’t need any more well-dressed, hip, funny, heretics. Who cares how you say it if what you’re saying is wrong!!"
--


Very true !!!!

Matt

Revival - it's talked about a lot...

People ask for a Revival. They want a church to have one. They want a preacher to be there a few days and then they can say they did something as a church body.

I don't think so. That's not how R E V I V A L works!

This is how it works and happens:

"Christians broken hearted over their own sin, and exhibiting true repentance , and a hunger for a Spiritual awakening----------- only then will a true God lead, Spirit-filled Revival start!!"


That's it folks. That's the only way.

Don't take my word for it take God's Word- READ THE B I B L E .
You will be glad you read it---- keep reading it :)

Matt

Something to think about # 6

"Never quit something with great long-term potential just because you can't deal with the stress of the moment."

------


How many of us do this very thing?? I'm dealing with that right now. Keep going push ahead!

Matt

Something to think about # 5

"The only reason some of us are not exiled or thrown into prison is simply because we do not preach as fervently and as sternly as did Paul, John, Peter and others. This modern "santa claus" religion that is sweeping country today is not the religion Jesus taught and John practiced." ~Oliver B. Greene

Psalms

I've been reading through the Book of Psalms. There are 150 of them. When you read one of day that covers a good amount of the year. So that is what I am doing.

We are 19 days into the year so that is where I am in reading. God is showing me a lot in these chapters. Much of it is for my personal life, but some of if is ministry related.

I suggest reading through the Psalms daily. Of course there are a few that are lengthy, but take your time and go through them. You will be blessed by them.

Ask God to speak into your heart & life when reading His Word. Then be still & quite long enough to listen to Him. Don"t just hear Him - listen. Then act upon what He is saying to you.

Again, I suggest you read through the Psalms. You will be blessed- God will use you to bless others too. :)

In Christ Service,

Matt

Something to think about # 4

A new Pastor in a small Oklahoma town spent the first four days making personal visits to each of the
members, inviting them to come to his first services.

The following Sunday the church was all but empty. Accordingly, the Pastor placed a notice in the local
newspapers, stating that, because the church was dead, it was everyone's duty to give it a decent
Christian burial. The funeral would be held the following Sunday afternoon, the notice said.


Morbidly curious, a large crowd turned out for the "funeral." In front of the pulpit, they saw a closed
coffin, smothered in flowers. After the Pastor delivered the eulogy, he opened the coffin and invited his
congregation to come forward and pay their final respects to their dead church.


Filled with curiosity as to what would represent the corpse of a "dead church," all the people eagerly
lined up to look in the coffin. Each "mourner" peeped into the coffin then quickly turned away with a
guilty, sheepish look.


In the coffin, tilted at the correct angle, was a large mirror.

* We need to go to the church God leads us to, but remember you do need to go to church*

This is the truth...

"You can go out tomorrow morning and find a preacher that can preach the gospel better than I can!!!!
But you'll never be able to find a preacher that can preach a better gospel than I can!!"

The late, great Dr. Adrian Rogers

This guy doesn't hold back...

The last one for today... maybe. :)

" WHo is more irrational? A man who believes in a God he doesn't see, or a man who is offended by a God he doesn't believe in."

- Brad Stine

www.bradstine.com

Something to think about # 3

I know I've posted a lot today, but I just felt the need :)

" The squeaking wheel doesn't always get the grease. Somtimes it gets replaced!"

" As a rule, you will find that those who complain about the way the ball bounces are usually the ones who dropped it."

A few quotes by great men of God.

" A church that is not missionary does not deserve that ground upon which its building stands"
- Dr, George W. Truett

"Missions is evangelism & evangelism is missions."
- Herschel H. Hobbs

" Preachers should preach for a verdict."
- Herschel H. Hobbs

"Warrior of the Cross fight on!Never rest till the victory is complete, for your eternal reward will prove worthy of a life of warfare."
- Charles H. Spurgeon

Something to think about # 2

I like what this man says.

" Don't be distracted by criticism. Remember- the only taste of success some people have is when they take a bite out of you."

- Zig Ziglar

What we need to do.

Be above the offended people, don't put others down-refuse to do it. Edify people.


* That makes it simple!

Matt

Encouragement

No one is useless to God. No one, at any point in their life is useless to God not a little child, not the unattractive, not the clumsy, not the tired, not the discouraged. God can use anyone!

More education-training...

I am taking classes at Liberty University. I am in the Distance Learning Program. As I am working on my class work I remembered a quote from Mark Twain:

" I have never let my schooling interfere with my education."

That says it all :)

Matt

Just something to think about... # 1

"Nobody gets unanimous praise,ever. The best the timid can hope for is to be unnoticed. Criticism comes to those who stand out.
The simplest way to overcome this obstacle is to realize that critics are cowards. Critics are spectators.
Criticism is the death-gurgle of a non-achiver. While the peanut gallery is busy saying something can't be done, a few leaders with courage are busy doing it.
Nothing is more securely lodged than the ignorance of the experts."

The B I B L E

*Read this on a message board*

The Bible - contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is the travelers map, the pilgrims staff, the pilots compass, the soldiers sword, and the Christians charter.

What we have to do.

WORSHIP
WITNESS
WORK
WAR
for the cause of Christ!

The face

Look at the lines the artist used to draw this picture of Christ. There are scenes from Christ's life.