Pastor Matt

Extravagant generosity November 2

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:53:00 +0000

2 Corinthians 8:10-12 And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something-- now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means. For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has-- not according to what one does not have.

Extravagant generosity is giving with eagerness according to what we have, not according to what we do not have. It includes all of our resources including our time. A gift is something you offer to someone else with a bit of your own life attached. Just think about how much more a personal, hand-written letter means when you receive it in the mail as opposed to an e-mail or e-card. Both might be meaningful, but think about the time and effort that went into one as opposed to the other. What about when you give a gift? Is that last-minute dash to the grocery store to grab a gift card to any chain food restaurant is as significant as taking the time to learn what the person might really need or desire and then taking the time to track that item down and purchase it, wrap it, and then watch the joy of the recipient as they open it? A true gift includes part of the giver.

Leaders are supposed to encourage and set examples for giving. Generosity also means we give what we are able. Trying give beyond you are able is just as harmful to your relationship with Christ as if you do not give what you are able. By that I mean do not be neglectful of your family. Do not set yourself up for failure. Do not set your church up for failure by aiming for the moon in your giving and then fall woefully short. Many people find themselves in broken relationships because of shame for themselves and not blame from others.

What we treasure is reflected in what we are willing to complete with perseverance as we join God in the work to which he calls us. Generosity enlarges our soul, realigns our priorities, connects us to each other, and strengthens our congregation as we fulfill the ministries of Christ.

Moving Mountains With You – albeit one rock at a time,

Pastor Matt

Extravagant Generosity November 1

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:40:00 +0000

2 Corinthians 8:7-9 Now as you excel in everything-- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you-- so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking. I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. NIV

Extravagant generosity includes all that we do and comes from hearts in love with God, not from duty, guilt, or to meet a budget of anticipated needs of the church. There is no amount of teaching, coercion, begging or pleading that can influence our giving. I assure you that every pastor, marketing firm and consultant has left no stone unturned in this effort.

As you grow further and deeper in our relationship with God, extravagant generosity comes from your prayer life and your practice of such spiritual disciplines as the study of scriptures, prayer, simplicity, fasting, submission, service, confession and worship just to name a few. As you intentionally develop your faith, you grow to understand the richness that Christ has given you and you begin to realize that it is his generous actions of love towards you that lead you toward this generosity that is extravagant. You will notice I emphasized “intentionally” when mentioning this development of your faith because it is not going to happen by accident, osmosis or some air-borne contagion as you walk by some supposed ‘Super-Christian’. You have to desire this for yourself. You must be hungry for it. You have to want it.

Ask yourself, “Am I rich: Financially? Relationally? Spiritually?” How full is your relational bank account with Jesus? Your family? Your Spouse? Your Children? Your Friends? Are those accounts generously overflowing or are you running a deficient…maybe even bankrupt? Jesus told us to never store up treasures here on earth, but rather in those things that are eternal.

Moving Mountains With You – albeit one rock at a time,

Pastor Matt

You have to be this tall to ride

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 10:57:00 +0000

When I was a kid, the fair came to my little hometown in Texas every September. Across a field of cotton, I could see the fair grounds. It was exciting to be around the flashing, colored lights, the noise from the arcade games, the music that different from ride to ride as you walked through the crowd. There was always the enticing smell of funnel cakes and cotton candy. The atmosphere was exhilarating. With it, always came the anxiety of the dreaded height requirement to ride "the rides." I never was convinced the standard was fair because depending on how the cut-out, plywood bear with his paw sticking up in the air above his head was leaned up against the fence, really determined if you passed or not. I always thought I was "big enough" to ride anything I wanted; except maybe, "THE HAMMER."

In the book of Exodus, the Biblical giant named, Moses, had such an experience with God up on a mountain. Moses was a great man of faith. Sure, he was at times a reluctant man of faith, but none the less, God used him as one of the greatest servants to have ever lived. Moses was actually talking with God. He had graduated from going to the fair and he had landed in Disney World with an all access pass. He could do anything because God was pleased with him in their relationship and all he had done for God's children. Moses was "big enough" to ride all the rides.......except one. Moses asked God to, "Show me your glory." (Exodus 33:18) Moses wanted to experience the ultimate ride. God's response was, using my analogy, 'Moses, you're not tall enough to ride that ride." God said that no one could look upon His face, "and live." (33:20) So, instead, God placed Moses in a crack in the side of the mountain, God shielded Moses with His hand as He passed by,and then let Moses see His back as he left him. God knew what was best for Moses.

I thought I was "big enough" at the fair to ride whatever I wanted, the cut-out, leaning bear's arm was to keep me safe as a kid, because I was not "big enough" for the safety devices to properly secure me into the rides. Moses thought he was big enough to look upon the face of God, but God himself, infinite in wisdom and love, knew what was best for Moses.

The entirety of God's holy word in the New Testament gives us a standard how to best live our life and what rides are best. There is no cut-out, leaning bear with his arm raised up that we have to go stand by to see if we pass the requirement. Jesus Christ paid the price for us to have an all access pass. But, just like at the fair, not all the rides are good for us. The flashing lights, mysterious advertisements of the bearded lady and hecklers tempting you just to look at them all on the promenade in life can suck us in and keep us from following Jesus Christ. " 'I am allowed to do anything'--but not everything is good for you. You say, 'I am allowed to do anything'--but not everything is beneficial." (1 Corinthians 10:23)

Next time you are about to make a decision in your life, ask Jesus the question, "Am I 'big enough' to ride this ride?" Then wait for Jesus to give you the answer.

Moving Mountains - albeit, one rock at a time,
Pastor Matt

Just do what your asked!

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:39:00 +0000

How many times did you hear that growing up? Most of the time, when I got in a bit of trouble, it was simply because I had not done what I was asked to do. Then the consequences, sometimes natural and sometimes imposed by my parents, usually cost me more time and effort than if I had just done what I was asked to do in the first place. Once, I didn't take the trash out to the alley and put it in the big trash bin, but instead just stacked it on the side of the house. It was in the middle of the summer and within a few days, that trash was nasty smelling. I decided to go ahead and make the trek to the trash bin a whopping 20 yards away. That was the easy part. Cleaning up the maggots and fluid that leaked out of the bag was rather time consuming and disgusting. Another time, I was supposed to be home at a certain time. It was unusual because my parents told me they just wanted me home so we could spend time together. I totally forgot, distracted by the great time I was having at the swimming pool, and arrived home in time for dinner as was normal in the summertime. My parents were so upset at me because a relative, who was in the air force, had been passing through town and they wanted to surprise me with a quick visit. He actually was stopping by just to see me. Here is where the imposed consequences happen: I was grounded for a week and I was really disappointed I did not get to see him.

For the past few months I have been haring a voice in my head calling me to pray more often. I have been setting it aside, like the trash on the side of my house, or forgetting to show up when I am distracted by something else. This week a group of people gathered together for a time of prayer. It was not to serve ourselves, but to just worship God and spend time with Him. We praised Him, sought forgiveness, and prayed for His guidance and will to be in our lives. For us all, the reaction was pretty much the same: we were overwhelmed by the presence of the Holy Spirit. We had all been neglecting a very crucial piece of our relationship with God: time with him in prayer. People were down on their knees and even on their face. You would have thought the room was filled with thousands of singing voices, when in reality it was very few. On my way home, I thanked God for the encounter and wondered to myself why that does not happen more often. Suddenly, driving down the road, I heard that voice in my head, the Spirit of God say to me: "Just do what your asked."

Moving Mountains - albeit, one rock at a time.

Hungry?

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:22:00 +0000

This past Easter season, several people filled out anonymous cards regarding areas where they needed to forgive and also areas where they needed to be forgiven. I even completed a card. Then we nailed them to a cross and gave them to God to deal with and hold us accountable.

Now remember, these were all anonymous so I have no idea who wrote anything. The needs to forgive were mostly centered around relationships: Friends, Spouses, In-Laws, Employers and Former Employers, Boyfriends, Girlfriends, Brothers and Sisters, and Parents. Then there were the areas where a person needed forgiveness. These were a bit more in depth: Worry, Drug Addiction, Pornography, Fighting with parents, Divorce, Infidelity, Stealing, Resentment, Attitude, Anger, Neglecting their own family, Selfishness, Impatience with children, Lying, and Judging.

All really serious stuff. It is especially so when I consider there were many children and teenagers in the room and none of the cards reflected any child-like issues. What struck me as I was reading these cards and praying over the needs, was the absence of any requests for God to forgive us of sinning against Him. We sin against God in the areas of neglect, selfishness, impatience, worry, and any other offense, but do we think about it? After all, I am guilty of not praying when I should and not nearly enough. I am guilty of my own lack of worship, fear and awe in God. I lack in my faith. I am self-centered and arrogant to think I can live on my own. Remember, this is the pastor making these confessions, yet on my own card nailed to the cross, I did not consider my relationship with God in any other way besides how it benefited me.

Why is this the case? The answer is simple: We are not hungry to know God. I got up late this morning and skipped prayer, bible reading and breakfast. However, right now my stomach hurts from physical hunger but my spiritual stomach is not hungry to pray or read scripture. I can't miss a moment at the dinner table, but I can easily skip a moment at the altar with God. Why? I am not hungry enough for Him because in my self-sufficiency, I don't NEED God like I need food.

My prayer for us all is that we become just as reliant upon God as we are upon food. We all need spiritual nourishment just as much as physical nourishment. The problem is I immediately feel the affects physical malnourishment. I will not always immediately feel the affects of my spiritual malnourishment and that is a dangerous way to live.

Moving Mountains - albeit, one rock at a time,
Pastor Matt

After Osama bin Laden’s death, making peace must continue | Christian News on Christian Today

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Tue, 03 May 2011 06:54:00 +0000

After Osama bin Laden’s death, making peace must continue Christian News on Christian Today

So much has been said, I think I like this article best. Remember, I used to chase "bad guys" for a living, so I know victory when I see it and I am glad we got him so he can no longer scheme and kill more innocent lives. However, this paragraph from the attached article says more about the condition of humanity in which we mourn the loss of all life. Just like Hussein, Hitler, those responsible for the genocide in Darfur, as well as the other despicable living insults to the human race that have gone before them, I wonder what their influence could have been, if they had just known Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior?

Careful! You are Being Watched.

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 03:27:00 +0000

Home from college each summer, I was a lifeguard at the “16th Street Swimming Pool” where I, myself, had grown up swimming since the first grade. The pay was OK, but the benefits were great: full-time job, sleep until noon and play with kids all day!

The ones that showed up day after day were the “regulars.” We talked with them and played all the great games you play in a pool: who can make the biggest splash, how far can you swim under water in one breath, diving-board antics, and the classic, "Marco!...."Polo!"

Sooner or later, the pool season always came to an end and it was way too soon for us all. As we closed the pool down one year, I played all day with one great little, freckled-face boy, Kade, and his sister, Kamber. They were “regulars.” I had a great bond with Kade that summer. He even had Kamber paint my name on his back with blue zinc oxide (if you don't know what that is...Google it). After we blew the final whistle and cleared the pool, I walked him and his sister to their house just a few streets away. I was shocked that they were packing up to move out of town. We said our good-bye's, gave long hugs, and I walked back to the pool to finish up. I still remember Kade on the back of the truck, waving to me. I also remember how odd it was I was so sad for someone that, in reality, I barely knew, and a first-grader! None the less, it’s obviously a vivid memory.

20 summer's have come and gone and although I had no idea what ever happened to Kade, I never talk about my lifeguard days without mentioning that freckled-face boy. It was Kade, without knowing it, who still constantly reminds me to enjoy life, just like at the pool.

A few days ago I received a random e-mail. The second sentence read, "I do not remember how you met our son Kade but he still remembers you." I could not believe my eyes. Turns out, Kade’s parent’s live a few hundred miles away, but because of a random circumstance, they recognized me on an Internet news interview for a ministry project. I found out Kamber lives in my city and has a child in the pre-school program at my church, unknown to us both. The story gets even better. Kade is also a pastor, now!

Why this big deal (and really long story) about a little boy and a lifeguard? All because I am reminded that everyone is impressionable and someone is always watching us. In part, Kade's mom said this,

"You would be proud of the choices Kade made. I think he admired you so much because he could see Christ's love in you and your actions... My thanks again for encouraging a little 1st grade boy to be all God wanted him to be."

In MY plan, I was a 20 year old who had a fun job that allowed me to sleep late and play with kids all summer. In God's plan, a 7 year old and a 20 year old impacted each other's lives through the absolutely powerful, transforming and expansive love of Jesus Christ.

Thanks be to God for his child, Kade.
Thanks be to God for His Son, Jesus Christ.

Moving Mountains – albeit, one rock at a time,
Pastor Matt

Run, Forrest! Run!

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:00:00 +0000

As I was doing some reading and studying this morning, I picked up The Samson Syndrome by Mark Atteberry. The tag line for the book is, "What you can learn from the baddest boy in the Bible." On Page 24 he refers to 2 Timothy 2:22 "Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust."

I have always been intrigued by the enticement of sin in our lives. We know it is wrong. We know it is hurtful to us, those around us and to God. Yet, the temptation is all around us. Having been reminded of this 2 Timothy passage, I realized the connection to 1 Peter 5:8, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Sin is that roaring lion seeking to destroy us. So if a lion is coming towards me, I have to get out of sight. So when Timothy tells me to "run away", away I will run! (Conjures up images of Monty Python: "Run Away! Run Away!" If we must "run" then I bet sin can smell our weakness, too. I would rather just hide and let it walk by, but animal can smell, too.

However, the NIV Bible says to "flee" and adds to "pursue righteousness". In my life, I want to run TO Jesus and not just AWAY FROM the devil. There is a difference. If I am just running with no goal or finish line, sooner or later I will get tired and whatever is chasing me will catch me. If, however, I am running for protection and know where I am going, my motivation is much stronger. I can sense or see safety. If I am running towards Jesus, the lion will turn away when he also sees him!

I will add that this passage also indicates we need have the right friends to run with. We don't need a "friend" who trips us or holds us back. We need a "friend" who will encourage us and strengthen us. We need someone who says, "You're doing good! Keep going! Finish Strong."

On a side note, If those guys from Monty Python were smart enough to run away from the danger, why aren't we?

Moving Mountains, albeit - one rock at a time.
Pastor Matt

Times have changed...or have they?

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 02:39:00 +0000

I was involved in a recent discussion about how the standards of society are so different than 25 years ago when I was entering my teenage years. Now that I am in my early 40's and have a daughter of my own, I am realizing life around her is a bit different than when I was her age. After all, I did not have an iPod, but did have access to a stereo that played cassette tapes (and records and an 8-track tapes). I did not have a computer, just yet, and having my favorite animated movie on the shelf to pop into the DVD player was not even possible. However, while I may not have been able to grow up in the colorful world of my daughter's environment, I still grew up. In fact, as I take a closer look at the life around her, one common thread is glaringly noticeable: Christ is still calling us.

No matter how life has changed over the last 25 years, it is still the constant change that has been happening over the past 50 years, 100 years, 1000 years, and really since the dawn of creation. Change is inevitable, but Jesus remains constant. So no mater what technology produces for us, Jesus still calls us to use it wisely. No mater what culture or society says is the standard for living, and it varies from culture to culture, Jesus really sets the standard for living.

Jesus gave us His heavenly viewpoint for our own good as a part of His Kingdom. Heavenly standards are not meant to deny us any good thing but they are given so we can enjoy a holy life. If we strive to follow the words of the Bible the Lord will bless us beyond our wildest imagination that not even a computer could produce. This is true for us all. What a greater life my 7 year old would have if she would just listen and learn it before she one day wakes up and she is 42!

Psalm 145:17-21: "The LORD is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever."

So, have times changed? Not really.

Pastor Matt

Methodism: It's Not About The Church

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 05:18:00 +0000

"The statistical reports for 2009 are now public and they paint a dismal picture of effectiveness in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. One of the most revealing statistics is that over 42% of our United Methodist congregations in the United States did not receive a single person into church membership on profession of faith (new Christians joining the Church). In fact, most of these congregations did not receive a single person into membership by any means. These congregations are slowly aging and dying each year. More serious, they failed to experience the joy of seeing Jesus Christ transform and change the lives of persons in their mission field." (Bishop Max Whitfield, NWTX)

Each day when I head to the church, I intentionally think about the people driving around me. I look at the people in the restaurant or grocery store. I look at the person selling newspapers on the side of the road. I think to myself, how am I going to use this day to bring one more person to Jesus Christ because I know one of those people mentioned has no relationship with Him and may not even realize they are bound for Hell.

However, among all of my relationships in ministry every day, the attention to church maintenance details, personnel details, seminary studies, family, friends, exercise, meetings, and community service to show the love of Jesus to a hurting world, I cannot quantify a number, if there is a number, of anyone I brought to meet Jesus Christ. Sure people are joining the church I serve, but they are not "new Christians." They are coming from another church, either within our own city or somewhere else. They are often what I label as, "re-churched," meaning they stopped going to church for an extended period of time and now they are looking for Jesus again. All them are important to God's Kingdom, but am I really making a difference as a pastor? Is our church really making a difference as a whole building full of Christians with a directive from Jesus, himself, to go out and tell new people about Him?

I honestly am not worried about the United Methodist Church, even though I believe whole-heartedly in our mission and Wesleyan heritage. As in all denominations, the organization may survive or not. It, the organization, is not the point. The point is as Bishop Whitfield closed his comments: (and the first paragraph here is only one of many in his letter to pastors):

"The mission of the church is to witness to the transforming power of God in Jesus Christ and guide individuals through this transformation process."

Pastor Matt

A Lesson for Life and Love

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:27:00 +0000

During school, a teacher gave a pop quiz. A conscientious student breezed through the questions until she read the last one:
"What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"
Surely this was some kind of joke. The student remembered seeing the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50's, but the student had no idea how she would know her name. Teh student handed in the quiz, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, another student asked if the last question would count toward the quiz grade. "Absolutely, " said the professor. "In your life, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care."

"And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ " - Matthew 25:40

Have You Loved, Today?

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:38:00 +0000

A story to ponder.....
There was a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance was a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. He hesitated for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded.He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?"Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.

Pastor Matt

Sin: Deterent or Voluntary Compliance

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 02:51:00 +0000

It struck me today as someone asked me my position on the death penalty. I will not take time for that discussion here, but rather a singular comment I made that brought to me a new theological perspective. The death penalty is about as much a deterrent to hardened criminals as a speeding ticket is to most drivers. My perspective from my previous law enforcement life is that perp walks, court costs and jail time are just the cost of doing business to most real criminals. The death penalty is similar. The crime may have been worth it to them because they will most likely die of old age living on the state's money rather than be put to death for their crime. I know that is hard to fathom for most people, but it is a reality in that world of criminal minds.

After that conversation, I was thinking how to relate the consequences of our choices as Christians in the same way. Then it hit me: trying to convince Christians, and non-Christians, not to sin because of the innate consequences is no different than convincing a hardened criminal to avoid a crime so they do not receive the death penalty. That is no deterrent. In our conviction of sinfulness, much like the death penalty, we have appeal, after appeal, after appeal. The appeal, and actually the pardon, is granted from our Father in Heaven.

So if there really is no deterrent, how do we gain voluntary compliance? Relationship. We cannot be swayed by the consequences of punishment, but if we can grasp the consequences of pain we inflict in our relationship with God, the whole game is changed. Much like a hardened criminal who committed capital murder, it is not the death penalty that affects him, it is the consequences of the murder upon relatives: a mom, a brother, husband, wife, son and Father. The wages of sin is literally a death penalty for us as humans. But God sacrificed His son, Jesus Christ to buy an eternal pardon for our guilt. If we could just somehow work it out in our minds, how much our sin pains our Heavenly Father, then the consequences of sin no longer need to be a deterrent. We will comply with Holy Living in a voluntary manner.

Moving Mountains - albeit, one rock at a time,
Pastor Matt

Death of a good and faithful UMCOR servant

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:48:00 +0000

The Rev. Dr. Sam Dixon, head of the humanitarian relief agency of The United Methodist Church, died before he could be rescued from the rubble of a hotel destroyed by the earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12. I briefly spoke to Dr. Dixon on a few occasions during our relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina. His passion for people was an inspiration to many and many others. Our prayers are with his wife and children.

http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/newsroom/releases/archives2010/unitedmethodistreliefexecutivedies/

Ignorant Christians

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 22:09:00 +0000

Yep, I said it. I have received several inquiries about my thoughts on Pat Robertson's comments about the earthquake in Haiti. If you are unaware of those specifics, just Google "Pat Robertson and Haiti." If you read the entire transcript of Robertson’s comments, you will find that he is genuinely concerned for the pain and suffering of the Haitian people. However, no one will ever know that because of his ignorant remarks about the Haitians having a pact with the Devil for the past several hundred years. I am sure you will be as stunned as the rest of the thinking world. Robertson should live by the words spoken by Jesus, himself, “I did not come to condemn the world, but to save it.” Jn 12:47

Charles F. Kettering, a famous inventor, once said, "You can be sincere and still be stupid." Enter, stage right, Pat Robertson. Robertson is a sensationalist and always has been. Everything has to be over the top, dramatic, and apocalyptic. His ministry does some good? To that, there is no doubt. Does he shoot himself, and the rest of the Christian faith, in the foot with his ignorant comments? You bet he does. There are almost 9 million people in Haiti. 80% are Roman Catholic and 16% Protestant and a smattering of other faiths. Still half of the population practices Voodoo (yes, including the Christians). So, good ol Pat didn't endure the Haitian people to the Christian faith with his comments. He didn't help Christian missionaries who will go there to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. He didn't help our efforts to provide the love of Jesus through Christian relief efforts in this crisis.

I wish I could be sure the harm was contained on the island, but I am not naive. This not only affects the Haitians, but good ol Pat didn't sway anyone else around the world towards the Christian faith or church either. In fact, I would bet he helped a few make up their mind to leave it. This comment is going to hurt people, everywhere, for a long time.

Dear God, please heal us. I ask, in the name of Jesus, who loves us and desires all people to come to the Father. Amen.

Moving Mountains - albeit, one rock at a time, (and Robertson threw some back in front of us)
Pastor Matt

Thanksgiving at St. Luke's Lubbock

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:20:00 +0000

In church today, I would hazard to say that we had one of the best worship services of all time at St. Luke's Lubbock. I personally know many people who read my blog that have nothing to do with St. Luke's, so I just ask that you humor me by reading on.

I am so glad you are asking why and how it was so great. First, the Holy Spirit was noticeably present. I think that today, everyone in leadership, stepped out and operated exactly how God called them. Our Family Ministries Team coordinated and served the best Thanksgiving meal we have ever eaten at St. Luke's thanks to Chef Alfonzo Duvall and his family and the team of servants around him. Today was the first time in decades that the entire congregation could eat and fellowship together in one setting at the same time thanks to our new facility at St. Luke's Southwest.

Now, I am sure most people think worship leaders (preachers, musicians, vocalist, media operators, etc) offer their best every week. Well, yes and no. I hope we do what we are called upon by our Lord, but I would bet that most of us try to operate beyond ourselves. That is a totally different blog which I will take up later. Today, the choir was the choir of all choirs and offered outstanding music directed by Dr. Andy Coward. The orchestra brought forth music in a way that stirred the hearts of hundreds of people.

A wonderful and humble servant of Christ from our congregation stepped up to led the offertory prayer and admittedly threw his notes out and let the Holy Spirit lead him. AWESOME!

The pastors offered their best, operating in their own style: Rev. Don Kinder led a great time of prayerful sharing and offered a magnificent prayer on behalf of the people. (A prayer request for healing of a person in another town even began to be answered before we ever left the building.) Dr. Will Cotton and I teamed up on a sermon and he offered one of the best messages I have ever heard from him and topped it off with a brief choral arrangement to bring it together and transition to the second part of the sermon. I offered the second half in my style, using props to drive the point home: Thankfulness to God is salvation.

Then there was the praise team. I have been praying for new, gifted people to come out of the congregation to participate. That happened today! Even a 14 year old stepped up to sing and was wonderful. Our Youth director played in on the guitar and our regular bass player was just beaming. Two guests played the keyboard and backed up vocals. Our devoted vocalist, Michelle was eagerly there as well. Top all that off with a drummer who had never played with the team before but agreed to play in at the last minute and was outstanding! Then there was the praise leader, Robert Baldree.

Now, I don't want to give Robert a big head or anything and this is not to place him on a pedestal, but let me tell you about Robert Baldree: 12 months ago, his family was falling apart and they were not even going to church. 11 months ago they found St. Luke's Lubbock. 2 months ago, he found a new peace in his life after giving a testimony about how forgiveness had meant so much to him after the murder of his twin brother. Five weeks ago I asked him to consider being a part of the praise team playing drums and/or guitar. Two weeks ago I told him that I wanted him to prayerfully consider stepping up to sing. The man has not offered his musical talents to anyone in over 14 years. Today, not only did he sing, but he led praise and worship in the most wonderful way. There was the largest praise team we have ever assembled and an entire choir along side of them and the blessings flowed. So did the tears by the way.

I have never received so many text messages, e-mails, phone calls and personal words of affirmation about anything we have ever offered on Sunday morning as I have today. This is a pure testimony to the work God can do through us all when we willingly offer ourselves to Him as servants, ready and willing to do as he asks us to do.

All thanks and praise be given to our great and wonderful God.

Today I witnessed the moving of a mountain - even if is was just a few rocks at a time!
Pastor Matt

Giving or Griping

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:59:00 +0000

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. - Luke 12:48
New International Version BiblicaCopyright © 1973, 1978, 1984
http://www.Biblica.com/bible/verse/?q=Luke12:48&niv=yes

I have been listening to the masses discuss their own perceptions of "giving" as we enter the "season of giving" related to Thanksgiving and Christmas. The problem with giving, is that society has transformed such a wonderful opportunity to add the love of Christ to other lives into a wrong perception that it is not sharing ourselves but rather detracting from ourselves. We see giving as "taking away" not "adding to."

For most of us, the fear of loss is a stronger motivator than the attraction of gain. For example: When it comes to undertaking exercise, the fear of “losing” time, experiencing initial low self-efficacy and dreading physical effort and discomfort may all weigh heavier than the perspective of feeling better, losing weight, and enjoying increased energy. That’s why mustering the motivation to regularly put on one’s sneakers seems an insurmountable challenge for so many.

Parallel to this thinking is that giving requires some thought on our part. Unless you have financial abundance, you might have to figure out where you are going to cut back in order to give: "If I don't eat out 5 times in December, then I have $50 to give." Maybe you have to get up at 5am on Black Friday to shop the sales in order to have some extra cash left over to send to your church or local food bank. Maybe you have to decide if you take a vacation day to deliver a Thanksgiving meal or Christmas gift to a home-bound person. Quite possibly, you just take a few hours out of your regular day off to visit with someone in need. Regardless of the effort, it is a personal effort no less.

I think the problem is our selfishness and perception of personal entitlement. We work hard and spend so much time working all week long that the holidays are for us. Ask yourself this: Does the time you spend all week, every week, and working hard all week, every week, really help someone or change a life? The answer may be, "Yes." So many times, however, the answer is, "Not really." I believe the world would change for the better, and Christ would be received better, if we gave of ourselves in a selfless manner. Giving is not just about Christmas. Giving is about abundant life.

Moving Mountains - albeit, one rock at a time,
Matt

Search for Significance

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:07:00 +0000

Among family a few nights ago we were discussing the fact we all had some sort of “hang-up.” Sounds like a fight just waiting to happen, but it was actually very insightful for me. The observation and wisdom about my “hang-up” was: “You’re scared you won’t be significant in life.” BINGO! I was stunned at the laser-guided, pin-point accuracy. However, after thinking for a few days I have concluded we are all worried we “won’t be significant in life.”

Our modern dilemma is we have way too much to live with and not near enough to live for. No one is exempt at any age, although in our younger years we may not recognize it as such. This question of life’s purpose has been around, at the very least, since humankind was kicked out of the Garden of Eden. With our modern western world we have so many choices of opportunities we want to pick the one that gains us the most. Without significance or purpose we all begin to wither away.

It is not enough that any of us can just live, but rather we have to live for something. Somehow, God has placed it in our hearts that we want to live for something bigger than ourselves. Unfortunately, we taint that desire and think something bigger is just material achievement. We sell ourselves to find that happy place and yet all the while we are unhappy. Walker Percy, an American author, wrote, “You can get all A’s and still flunk life.”

Am I worried I won’t be significant? You bet I am. I desire to understand what God wants for me and what my role is in affecting everything around me. I want to live life to the fullest possible extent and yet not waste a breath on anything not worth while. I want to spend every possible moment with my wife and daughter. I want to have meaningful relationships with friends and family. I want to turn the world towards Jesus Christ through everyday living. I want to live and leave a legacy that prompts other people to do the same.

Where do you find your significance? Are you even looking?

Moving mountains – albeit, one rock at a time,
Pastor Matt

Tools

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 02:35:00 +0000

I took a break from this blog for about 6 weeks but it is time to get back in the routine of life. Just a few weeks ago I was at my dad's house and he gave me the gift of an entire set of tools. Of course they were Craftsman. Why buy anything else? I have many tools already, but as far as wrenches, sockets, and nut-drivers go I could now be a "walk-on" to an Indy car pit crew. Top it off with the fact they are from my dad! I am almost ready to break something or go buy something that needs major assembly just to be able to use my stuff.

As I was putting everything away I said to my daughter that I had all the tools to handle anything. Of course in my head I was thinking I really needed more; like a Craftsman Professional 8 in. Bench Grinder, Variable Speed of course because you just never know when you're going to need it...just kidding. My real thought to myself was, "Do I really have all the tools I need to get through life?" I decided I did because I have the salvation of Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father and the working presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. I have God's Holy Word, inclusive of instructions for every event in life and even in death. But with my faith, like a huge bench grinder, do I really know what I am doing with it or how to use it for all it is worth?

Then I found a very old handheld tool kit with a mini-socket set inside that my dad gave me years ago that was his dad's. It hit me: tools passed from one generation to the next. Suddenly I thought about the things my mom taught me growing up about faith and how to treat people. Then how my dad always told me to do my best if I was going to do anything at all. I thought about lessons learned from a very loving sister and a brother who worked really hard and learned from the life of hard-knocks. I thought about what I learned from my grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles, friends, teachers, co-workers, employers, people in the community and even strangers. I thought about my wife and daughter changing my life. I thought about faith practices handed down to me, successes and failures and the lessons learned through it all.

That's how Jesus still teaches us. Faith directly from him, yes; but also faith handed down from generation to generation, from peer to peer, friend to friend, and even stranger to stranger.

So the anser is: Yes, I do have all the tools I need. The question is do I know where I stored them and do I know how to use them? How about you?

Moving Mountains - albeit, one rock at a time,
Pastor Matt

Live for Life

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:25:00 +0000

“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. My life is no longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath.” Psalms 39:4-5 NLT

This morning I had a strong thought during my time in prayer and reflection. It started while praying before church and I had a strong realization, which has been eating at me for weeks, that each day is a gift and opportunity from God. It is a gift because God never promises us another day to live nor did we do anything to earn another day to live. It is an opportunity because as a person who knows the love, grace and mercy of Jesus Christ, I should live my life in such a way that I pass on that knowledge to others through my actions and my words in hopes that another person will ask Jesus Christ for salvation.

Then I heard this still, small voice inside of me saying, “Then why are you living as if you are dying?”

What? What does that mean? Why did I think that? What was God trying to say to me or teach me? I have heard many times to live your life as if you only had one more day to live, or two weeks or some short period of time, but never the opposite. Why would I want to live as if I was never going to die? Then it hit me: because in Christ, Jesus, I am really not going to die. My life has eternal consequences. If I lived each day as if I was going to always live with the consequences of my actions, and others might have to live with the consequences of my actions too, then I would live a totally different life.

How about you?

Moving Moutains - albeit, one roack at a time,
Pastor Matt

Mercy over Judgement

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:08:00 +0000

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:12-13 New International Version International Bible Society Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984

Many people have asked my thoughts on the life and death of Michael Jackson and specifically the question of his faith and salvation. There is no way for me, or anyone else for that matter, to know the heart of Michael Jackson. I lead many people to claim Jesus Christ as their savior. I also bury many people who claim to believe in Jesus Christ as their savior. I also know many people, and bury the same, who I really have no idea of their faith. The reality of life is only each individual and God himself knows the truth of their relationship. So how do I speak to the reconciliation of the life and actions of Michael Jackson? I respond like scripture instructs me: If I judge anyone without mercy, then I too will suffer that same judgment.

There is no doubt that Michael Jackson made harmful choices and exhibited wrong behavior in his life. There is also no doubt that he did some amazing acts of kindness with hundreds of millions of dollars and was talented beyond comparison. Was some of his music good? Yes. Was some of it not so good? Yes. Does one arena outweigh the other? Not really. I do know this: He gave thanks to "God" numerous times when he spoke to the public. My hope is that the "God" of Michael Jackson is the same "God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" (Acts 7:32). My hope and my prayer is that one day we will stop making idols out of singers, musicians, athletes, actors, and others, and then passing horrible judgment upon them when they fall short of our expectations. My hope is that mercy really will triumph over judgment "on earth as it is in heaven."

I don't personally know if Michael Jackson was a Christian or not and it is too late to be asking. The better question to ask you, and for you to ask others, is, "Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?"

Moving Mountains- albeit, one rock at a time,
Pastor Matt

Recommendation Letter

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:14:00 +0000

2 Corinthians 3:1-3
1Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? 2You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. 3You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
New International Version International Bible SocietyCopyright © 1973, 1978, 1984

I heard Dr. Will Cotton talking yesterday about this passage of scripture. Until then, I had totally forgotten these words from the Apostle Paul. It brought to my mind a few thoughts and questions:
1) What if we needed letters of recommendation from those who knew us before we became a friend with someone?
2) What if we needed letters of recommendation before we were married, or even started dating?
3) What if we needed letters of recommendation before we joined a church?
4) What if we needed letters of recommendation before we could enter heaven?

What if one of those letters had to be written by Jesus himself? Would you be comfortable asking him? Would he do it? What would the letter say about you?

Thanks be to God for his mercy.

Moving Mountains - albeit, one rock at a time,
Pastor Matt

Rethink Church

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:42:00 +0000

A common theme these days in order to dispel the stigma of the starched, white shirts under the suits and ties and the image of all the boring traditions that were seemingly entangled. I could really care less what people wear to church or what liturgies or traditions go on inside the walls of the church as long as it is praising God and offering worship to Him, and nothing else. What matters most to me is the actions of the church. And by "the church" I mean "the people." I want us to show the world the love and salvation of Jesus Christ not just by our words but also by our actions. I want us to show people that we love and care for them in ways they never imagined possible. How can we help them and ourselves? How can we teach them and ourselves? How can we transform them and ourselves? What does the community around you look like today? What are the needs of that community?

Even Jesus asked the question of a blind man, "What do you want me to do for you?"

What if church wasn't just a place we go, but rather something we do?

Moving Mountains, albeit - one rock at a time,
Pastor Matt

Christian: Prosperous or Pauper

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:57:00 +0000

I was just flipping though the television and there was another "preacher" teaching about the "prosperity gospel." I would say that your financial status really does not matter to God. He just wants people to recognize Him as the creator of all of the universe and humankind and accept His son, Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior of their lives. God just wants us to live a life filled with, and led by, His Holy Spirit. God wants his Holy Word to become the living word in us. There are more poor people in the church than rich people. Why? There are more poor people in the world. It is not a sin to be rich. It is a sin not to use those riches to advance the Kingdom of God. It is not a sin to be poor. It is a sin to use poverty as an excuse to not do your part to advance the Kingdom of God.

There are many biblical examples of both rich and poor followers of Jesus. There are many biblical examples of fully faithful followers of Jesus and less than faithful followers of Jesus. Being a Christian is about worshipping God and serving others in the name of Jesus Christ. No where do the teachings of Jesus Christ instruct that we measure our self-worth by our net-worth. We all know plenty of financially “rich” people who are poor in spirit and in the same breath many financially “poor” people who are rich in spirit.

I sincerely hope everyone is successful, happy, energetic, and stable and find a positive outlook on life. I pray that not matter if any of that is true for you or not, that you find eternal salvation in Jesus Christ and experience his love and hope. All of that other stuff will soon die with you, and then what do you have left? The answer: Jesus and Heaven or No Jesus and Hell. Seems pretty simple to me.

Moving Mountains – albeit, one rock at a time,

Pastor Matt

'If You Build It, They Will Come' - Wrong Approach

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Matt) — Sat, 23 May 2009 22:40:00 +0000

I totally agree with this linked article. Anything I might add would just water it down so I will not even attempt it. Please give it a quick read.

http://www.google.com/gwt/n?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christianpost.com%2FOpinion%2FColumns%2F2009%2F05%2F-if-you-build-it-they-will-come-ecclesiology-19%2Fpageall.html

God, save your church!

Pastor Matt