Thursday, May 28, 2009

Have a Bible Study, Go to Jail?

Interesting article from San Diego. Apparently a Pastor and his wife were holding a Bible Study in their home, and deputies were dispatched to investigate. The pastor was told that he was to cease and desist the meeting of about 10-15 people in his home. You can read the full article here.

This is what is shocking to me- based on the article, it appears to me that this man was targeted simply because he was a Christian. 10-15 people is not a huge amount of people. My next door neighbor has parties twice as big, and the only thing the police have told him to do is keep the noise down.

Here comes my rant- I am tired of every other demographic in the nation getting special attention, but when it comes to people who are Christian we are treated as second class citizens, simply because we believe in the God of the Bible and choose to worship him.

And here's the kicker- where's the tolerance training for the Christian demographic? Where's the special day, week, month for us? We, the Christians of America are the most racially diverse socio-economic group in the nation. We have young and old, rich and poor, and every single racial group represented in our demographic. Yet the respect and tolerance for our right to 'peaceably assemble' is infringed upon.

I'm all about freedom. I understand that when one persons freedom infringes on another persons freedom, (as may be the case in this instance- if there was parking problems or something) it requires the intervention of another to ensure that that every one's freedom is kept. But for this instance, it appears as if this group was targeted simply because it was Christian.

I'm ranting this morning, I know, but at times I am worried that there will come a day when I will not be free to worship God or congregate with other Christians, and that concerns me.

Be aware. Pray. Be Blessed.

matt

My Life Is About To Drastically Change

I've been praying that God would do something miraculous in my life, and this morning I think I got an email that is going to change our life.

This is usually how it happens, we don't think that it will, but sometimes good things happen to us when we least expect it.

I got an email from a man named Victor Huang. Apparently he is a banker in South Africa who has a large amount of US dollars that he needs to move into an American bank account.

I will be given a large amount of the proceeds simply by providing my bank account number, and routing number to this man. Its so awesome that I got this email this morning! This is going to change our life for ever!

I cant really for see many problems with the transaction. There probably isn't any legality involved in it, or much risk on my part. If there were, I'm sure he would have shared that with me in the email. The good news is that now, all of my money issues have faded away, all because this man, Victor, has decided to email me from South Africa to bless me with this money.

I'm not sure when I'll get it, but there should be enough to go around. I think I'll get about 1.2M USD, so if you need a small loan, or if I can help out anyway financially, please let me know. I'm figuring I should have the money in my account by the end of June. He says that he really wants to get this transaction started. All I have to do is give him my account numbers.

This email has to be a blessing from God. Its next to impossible to believe that someone out there would prey on someones heart strings simply because they wanted to take advantage of me.

Every time someone comes into my life its with good intentions, so I shouldn't tread lightly, or pray about it. This feels right, and to me, that's all that matters. As long as I feel good about it, it should be okay.

That's how I live most of my life, based on my feelings, not on facts or logic.

If you have any ideas on how to help me, or any feedback for me, please send me an email or post to comments. I'll be looking forward to your reply.

Blessings
matt

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

If You Have The Wrong Vehicle You're Nothing

I always wanted a cool car. I guess its one of those things that got in my head when I was a kid. I can remember being on the bus on the way to school and pointing out cars and saying "I want that car" over and over as we went to school. It was youthful exuberance, but I think it ingrained something in me at a very young age.

I think society does it to us also. If you ever watch any TV, you see the countless commercials that show new cars and trucks. The feeling that those ads are always portraying is "you'll be someone if you have this".

When got out of the Military, I bought a Kia Rio. If you don't know what that is, its a really small Korean car. I'm 6'5", so watching me get in and out of that thing, was quite amusing I'm sure.

At my last job, I got promoted, and when I got promoted, my VP told me, "no sales manager of mine is going to drive a Kia Rio". So in good American Fashion, I went out and bought a brand new 2006 Chrysler 300 the day I got promoted. It was sweet. Chrome rims, tinted windows, two 12 inch woofers in the back. I can still remember what I said when I drove it up to my Grandpa's house to show it to him, I said, "Gramps its amazing how much this car affects my self esteem". I was somebody when I drove that car.

Some of you may remember we flipped our minivan in January. I no longer drive the 300. Its become the family vehicle. The trunk now carries groceries. I now drive a 1991 Ford Ranger pickup that someone gave to me.

My esteem in my vehicle is now a bit different. Its been a growing experience to have a vehicle that no one comments on. To have a truck that's transportation. To realize as the Bible says that " a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions".

I am blessed man. What I drive does not define me. Who I am, and the gifts I have have nothing to do with what I have. The people who love me, love me, not my car.

Sure, there's nothing wrong with a great vehicle, and one day I'm sure I'll get a different one, but I've learned that I will own my next vehicle, it will not own me.

Blessings
matt

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

If You're Not Intentional, You Won't Make It

I'm going out to breakfast this morning with a friend from college. We have been going out to breakfast about every month for 6 years now. Yes, there has been times when we miss it for a few months, but for the most part we make it about every month.

He lives in Seattle about an hour from me, so we meet in the middle at a Denny's and have some breakfast and catch up. Its a great time of fellowship for the both of us. To be able to talk about life, our families, our ministries, and other things that we support each other in.

Sometimes its difficult to make it to those breakfasts. Something seems to always come up. I have a meeting, he has a meeting, I have plans, he has plans. For some reason it seems its always a stretch to make it happen.

But we still do it. We make time for it. Even though it may not be easy all the time, we do it because there is a value in what we do. We get together and encourage one another, and always seem to grow from the experience.

We are very intentional about getting together. It doesn't just 'happen'. We put it on the calendar and we plan around it.

That's how it is with most things in life. If you don't plan for it, it wont happen. You have to be intentional about the things in your life that matter to you most. You can't think that it will eventually just magically appear out of thin air.

Jesus challenged people with this same notion when he asked them "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?"

What is he saying here? That unless you plan things out before you do them, they will never happen and you wont accomplish what you set out to do. Make those things in your life a priority that will help you grow the most and put them on the calendar. Then watch how much you are able to grow, simply because you planned out the things in your life that matter the most.

If you're not intentional about it, you wont make it.

Blessings
matt

Friday, May 22, 2009

A Thanks To Those Who Died

Its Memorial Day weekend. A weekend for sales, for barbecues, and family time? This weekend, specifically, the last Monday in May is set aside as day of observance to honor those who died in the Military service.

I realize that we're in the midst of an unpopular war, and that the respect for military action in the world is not high. That being said, I think its important to remember that our Nation was established and has remained because of our fighting military men and women.

I don't think that God is that excited about war as a means of truth and justice in the world, but Jesus did speak that there would be 'wars and rumors of wars' in the last days. No matter where you fall on the military debate, either biblically or politically, there is no denying that we wouldn't be where we are at as a nation if it were not for those who died.

Today, I want to honor them. To remember them. To thank God for them. We live in the greatest nation in the world. Yes, we have our problems, but the umbrella of freedom that we live under provided by those before us enables me to worship God freely, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends". What a great love those veterans has for us that they were willing to lay down their lives.

Remember them this weekend. Say a prayer of thanks to God for them. Thank Him for what they provided for us.

Freedom.

Bless you
matt

Thursday, May 21, 2009

The power of a push

I woke up this morning to get ready for my meeting in Seattle, and a story from high school popped in my head that I wanted to share with you.

I played football in high school. I really wasn't that good, even after four years but I was ok. When I first started I was horrible at it. It was the first sport I had ever played.

The first day of practice, we were supposed to run a mile around the track, which consisted of 4 laps. I really wasn't looking forward to it since I had never ran that far in my life.

After we began the run, after about 2 laps, I really started to tire and began to plan to stop. As I rounded the corner on the third lap, I ran as hard as I could, made it look like I had given it my all, and then stopped.

I said I couldn't finish. It was too much for me to take. Until this senior Brian Dodds decided otherwise. He came up behind me and pushed me. Literally pushed me on the track to keep running. I didn't want to continue, but I had no choice. Brian was behind me screaming at me as he shoved me all around that final lap.

I never would have made it without him. It took someone pushing me to get me to where I needed to be.

Is there someone you can push today? Is there someone who is trying to push you to greatness? Let God use them too day and what blessings come your way!

Blessings,

Matt
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

First mobile

I'm practicing too see if mobile blogging works. I have to get up at 500am tomorrow to go to a meeting we'll see if I can get the blog up tomorrow!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

What's the Big Deal About Amercian Idol?

Its tonight. The final of American Idol. There are Americans out there that are captivated by this show, that are on the edge of their seats waiting, to see who will be crowned American Idol. Last night was the final competition, and tonight, we will find out who will be crowned the winner. There is an interesting article about the voting frenzy that you can read here.

I don't know if you watch that show, but I am sure you know the concept. Its quite amazing that this show has been on for 8 seasons, and there are still millions of Americans that watch it.

It brings up the question- What is the huge draw of American Idol? Or for that matter, its competing show, Dancing with the Stars. Why is that people will rearrange their lives simply to be able to sit down and watch these shows for an hour or two.

Its the dream. The dream of stardom. The hope of being famous, and I think for most people, the longing for significance. In this world that goes so fast, with millions of people, at times some may feel lost in the shuffle. The dream of American Idol for a moment puts people in a place that they wonder what it would be like, for only a moment to be known by the world if only for fifteen minutes.

Significance and attention are important. Most of us wont end up on a reality show to be known by millions, but here's the good news- You have the ability to be an American Idol to someone every day, and here is how- Love them.

I like what 1 Peter 1:22b says- love one another deeply, from the heart. When we love people deeply it gives them significance and attention. It honors them. It encourages them. It lifts them up. In the process, you're given significance also.

Isn't that more important that signing on a stage?

Love someone today.

matt

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Tell Me the Truth. Would You Have Done It?

We went to a birthday party on Sunday after church. It was a 'backyard' party for a kid in Faith's class. Typically, I find something to do on the days that these parties are, simply because, well, who wants to spend 4 hours at a kids birthday party?

I have to tell you. I am so glad that I went to this party. No, it wasn't because the barbecue was so good. It was OK, but it wasn't phenomenal or anything. The reason I am so glad I went to this party is that I had the best birthday cake I have ever had in my entire life. Seriously. The cake they had was amazing. A-May-ZING! It was fluffy, and the frosting was spectacular.

As I was leaving the house. I really wanted another piece of cake, but that seemed somewhat rude, so we left.

When we got home, we had some friends over, and I couldn't stop talking about this cake. Then it came to me- I could go back to their house (which was only about 4 mins away) and ask for another piece of cake!

Of course our friends, and my wife somewhat discouraged me from this course of action, but I really wanted that cake. It took about 1.5 hours to muster up the courage, but I finally called them and asked, "Hey, I don't know if you remember me from the party, but I really liked that cake, can I come back and get another piece?"

Oddly enough, they said yes, and I went back for another piece! How awesome is that! Mmmmmm glorious glorious cake! It made my afternoon. What wonderful people.

What's the nugget for the day? Don't be afraid to ask for anything. I know this has been a blog topic before, but I thought you would get a kick out of this story. God is in the business of blessing people, but if we're not willing to put our selves out there sometimes, we may not get the blessings!

Its hard to go back and ask for a piece of cake. Would you have done it?

Blessings!
matt

ps. if you didn't get the radio show yesterday, I put up the interview on http://www.faithandvictory.com click on Audio Messages and its right there.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

I'm Going To Be On The Radio Monday!

I'm really excited. I am going to be on the radio on Monday! Our local AM Radio station called me this week and told me that they selected our church as their "Church of the week". How cool is that?

You can listen to it on 820AM if you're in the Seattle area on Monday at 230pm Pacific Time. For those of you who are not in the area, you can go to www.kgnw.com click this link and it should take you directly to their site to listen live from any internet connection in the world. It should be sweet.

I'm not sure how long the spot is going to be, they said that they only play the entire 30 mins if its interesting enough, so I guess we'll see on Monday if I passed the test.

I really hope you'll listen! This is a great opportunity for our church to get some great exposure. Please pray with us that it will be fruitful.

Tell your friends!

Oh yea, I guess you didn't sign up for the blog for it to be a self-promoter for me, so here's the nugget for you- sometimes when you least expect it, someone will come along and bless you with something that you weren't even expecting, like a chance to be interviewed on the radio!

Bless you!
matt

I'm Going to Buy a New Car


Yes, its true. I'm going to buy a new car. One with missiles on the front of it like James Bond or something. Or, maybe I can get a rocket launcher, or some mounted .50 caliber cannons or something. I promise I wont hurt anybody with them, I just want to destroy their car.

Or, at least that's how I felt yesterday when someone I let in, didn't give me 'the wave'. Yes, I repented of it, but it was my initial reaction, that probably wasn't that 'pastorly'.

You know what I'm talking about though don't you? I was there, back of the line of cars, and this car comes up alongside me on the left, and pulls in the 36 inch gap between my bumper and car in front of me, and gets the nose of their car in there. I was feeling benevolent, so I let them in. And then it happened. No thank you 'wave'.

I don't think there is a quicker way to get me steamed when I driving.

There's not much I ask of my fellow drivers out there. The basics- don't litter, don't tailgate, keep with the flow of traffic, and the final and most important one- When I let you in, I want 'the wave'.

There's something about gratitude I guess. I know, I'll never see that person again. We'll never go and have some Frappucinos together or go on a walk through the countryside, but that's irrelevant. When someone does something nice, its important to have some gratitude no matter how small it is.

Some of you hardliners will say that as a Pastor its my ministry to serve with reckless abandon, regardless of whether or not anyone is thankful. And I agree with that. I can handle preaching, teaching, serving, loving people until it hurts. But when it comes to driving. I want 'the wave'.

Its Biblical- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances, and to me, that includes 'the wave'. We should be people who give thanks for everything, including being let in the line in traffic.

Be thankful today. Give someone the 'wave' when they let you in. Show some gratitude out there.

Blessings
matt

ps. Am I the only one? I'd love to hear your comments.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

I Talked To A Future President of the United States of America Yesterday

I talked to a future President yesterday. I wont tell you his name, but some of you may know him based on what I may tell, you and if not, that's okay. He called me via "commuter train one" as he was leaving Pennsylvania yesterday. I couldn't take the call, so we ended up chatting as he was at the park watching his son play.

He's a lawyer, military veteran (Officer), and is currently working for a department of the US Government in DC. I would tell you the name, but if you know him, it will totally give him away.

I've been encouraging him to think about running for President for about 5 years now. He's got what it takes. He's charismatic, he's good looking, Military vet, environmentally conscious, lawyer. Best of all, he's a guy who believes that God still moves in the lives of people today. As far as I see it, its a slam dunk. (One little side note here, we've determined that unless the political money machines latch onto him, we're going to need loads of capital to fund his run.)

I think we decided yesterday that the best route is Washington State Attorney General, Senator, then President. Mirroring our current POTUS, we could get him there in the next 12 years.

Do you know what I loved about our conversation? It was dreamy. It was beyond comprehension. Statistics would say he has a better chance of getting hit by lighting or a bus than becoming President. But I don't care, why? Because when you dream big you open up the opportunity to discover big plans that God may have for your life.

Sometimes we limit God because we think too small. We think that God isn't able to do "above and beyond anything we could ask or imagine" as the Bible says. We think small, hoping that in some way we make it easier on Him if we make our dreams a bit smaller.

Here's an update for you- He's the creator of the Universe. He can handle it.

I'm not sure if he'll be number 47 or 48 yet, but I will tell you this- there is nothing wrong with dreaming big.

Bless you today. Dream big.

matt

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

I know I Talk About My Dog Often (His name is Ranger, not Often)

I know my blogs are usually centered around my kids, my dog, and other benign stuff, but its difficult to use all of my examples I have in my life, because I am a pastor. Lets be serious here, how would you like it if you had an issue that you shared with me, and it became fodder for the blog next week? I wouldn't be a pastor that long, that's for sure. I want you to realize that my examples are limited, but good none the less.

That being said, this morning on my walk, I saw a rabbit. It wasn't a very big one, but it sure was a rabbit. I saw it scurrying across the field, and I called to Ranger (he was in the bushes) to come and see it, but he missed it.

He ran over when I called him, I pointed to it, and he went in the general direction, but it didn't seem to be working. I think he may have caught the scent, because he took off into the bush after it. But to no avail. He came back bunny-less. His opportunity to live out his hunter roots were squashed.

As we continued on our walk, I said to Ranger, "Sorry boy, you missed your chance". The Lord quickened my heart as I spoke it, and I realized that is how alot of people are. Sure, we're not chasing bunnies, but we too have opportunities that only last a moment, that if we're not ready, are gone for a lifetime.

God puts opportunity before us every single day. Opportunities to help people, bless people, listen to people. He puts before us opportunities that can change our entire life if we take the opportunity. And sometimes, they only last a moment. If we do not take them, they will be lost for ever, never to be there again.

Is there an opportunity that God is putting before you? What is holding you back from taking it? Don't be afraid to walk through doors that God opens for you, you may find that the largest blessings of your life are on the other side.

Look for the opportunity today. Be Blessed.

Go after the bunny.

matt

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Horrible Stinky Breath

Have you ever talked to someone who has bad breath from eating onions or garlic? I'm not just talking about "hey I had a sandwich" kind of smell, but that "I ate two Walla Walla sweets in the car while I was waiting" kind of smell. This is what I wonder about those people-

1. Do they know their breath smells like death?

2. Do they want someone to tell them?

My personal answer, that I will tell you all, is if my breath is currently in a state of disrepair, I probably don't know, and yes, I would appreciate someone telling me. If anyone ever offers me a mint or a piece of gum, I never turn it down. Never.

I wish it were that way with the other glaring flaws that we all have. I always wonder if people recognize their shortcomings. I'm sure I have some, I think I'm aware of them. I know my mouth gets me in trouble, because I speak before I think. I know I am impatient. I know that I don't do well with people who have hurt my feelings. I struggle at times with follow-through. I know these things. I work on them. I have a lot more, but that's just a few.

Its a challenge to find a way to talk to a person about their noticeable faults. People get defensive and upset when faced with the reality of who they are and areas that they need to improve. Its not really our job to go around and make people look in the mirror, but to love them for who they are, no matter how hard it may be. But sometimes, people have faults that are so offensive that you wonder if they even know, or want someone to tell them.

For me, I don't want to live the rest of my life with a character flaw that annoys everyone who knows me. As painful as it may be to hear, I want to grow. (please dont let me know via the comments on this blog)

Here's the nugget for today- Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.

What does that mean? It means that sometimes there will be people in your life that want to tell you something that you may not want to hear, that in the end, may be thing that you most need to hear. Don't be afraid of instruction. Don't be afraid of encouragement. Be open to someone else helping you to be a better person.

Be blessed
matt

Today Is The National Day of Prayer

Today is the National Day of Prayer. Our first day of prayer together as a nation was in 1775, when the founding fathers of this nation came together to pray to receive direction in forming a new country. From that day on, we have had days of prayer as a nation, but the formal holiday was established in 1952.

Why do we have a national day of prayer? So that we as a nation can set aside a day that we recognize that we need the influence of the Almighty in our lives for us to be able to succeed as a nation. To ask God for direction, and to thank him for his blessings.

I want to ask you a bold statement today- would you pray for our nation today? I know, you may not be a prayer type of person, but the more people we have praying today the better.

Take just a moment to acknowledge that we need God to bless our nation and continue to direct the affairs of our government.

Now more than ever we need prayer.

Be blessed today
matt

ps. There are National Day of Prayer events in every city all over America today. Uusally at City Hall at 1200pm. There is one today in Auburn if you can attend.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Lesson from an Ant Hill

My dog Ranger and I go for a walk together about 3-5 times a week. We do the same route about 80% of the time. It doesn't take that long, probably about 30 mins or so. Its a nice time for me to pray, think and focus for the day. For Ranger, he gets to get off his leash, run like the wind, and look for stuff to get into. The park we walk through is near a pond, so periodically he likes to go down to it and get nice and muddy for me.

We walk on a path that is a large oval through trees and brush. A few months ago, I noticed an anthill near the walking path. It was pretty big. Probably about 3 feet in diameter and about foot and half tall. There were tons of ants going crazy over that thing. I did what most guys would do, I conjured up a big loogie and spit on it to watch the ants go crazy. Then, I thought the next guy thing- messing it up.

I didn't mess it up. I didn't really have time. But I noticed a few days later that someone had messed with it. Probably kids seeing how it was completely demolished, burned and surrounded by sticks, rocks, and fireworks wrappers.

It was kind of sad when I thought about it. Those poor ants getting demolished, when they were just trying to live.

I think people feel like that sometimes. That they're just living their lives, and people keep coming along and destroying it. It makes you feel like giving up. What's the point of building when someone keeps tearing it down?

But do you know what I noticed this morning? The ants are back at it. The mound is coming back. Fire, sticks, stones, whatever came against those dudes, they're coming back.

The book of Proverbs(6:6) declares to "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!"

Consider this about the ants- they don't give up no matter what may come against them. You should do the same.

Blessings
matt

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Guest Blogger Today

Do you remember last week when I titled the blog, "you write the blog today"? Well, I had two people take that literally and sent me their blog post.

I wanted to honor one of them, because I think there is a nugget in there for all of us. And they write:

"Life has been a challenge for a long time and I always have to keep reminding myself that I don't have to worry about it because God has my back.

There is so much I want to do. I so blessed to have options but have been stressing about which ones to take to not spread myself so thin. Really stressing. On top of that I have been working out hard four days a week at the gym, sometimes exercising on my lunch hour. Now I'm stressed, tired and sore! What do I do now?!

Then it came to me (as it always does)--put it in God's hands. I give him my yoke and quit worrying. God will show me what to do in his own way if I keep myself open to the answers He provides me. I'm still tired and sore, but I'm not stressed. I'm happy. I know He will show me the way and put me where I need to be. He has always taken care of me and shame on me for doubting from time to time. God is good."

Good stuff eh? My favorite part is- Put it in God's hands. We sometimes try to take too much on our own, when he wants to do it for us.

Hope you're as blessed by this as I was!

-matt

Friday, May 1, 2009

Your Turn To Write The Blog

I have a friend who was part of a gym. He had been part of a gym before, but recently, he decided to be in a gym that was newer, because he felt that it would better meet his needs.

Let me give you little background on my friend. He's a great guy. When you're around him you sense that he's got it all together. He's one of "those" guys who just seem to have that kind of magnetism that draws you in. I have to say, its a joy to be around him.

So he had been in this one gym for quite a few years and seemed to be doing well. He was improving, and changing a bit, but whenever I would talk to him, he would always say that he just felt that there was something missing.He wanted the perfect gym, and figured until he found it, he would never be happy. He would work at it a bit, and try to do the right things, but it seemed that the improvements that he made, or the advancement that experienced was always short lived. He couldn't figure it out.

So, he decided it would be better for him in a new gym. It would be more exciting, it was fresh, it was new. For him, there was just something special about the newness of new gym. To him, he figured a fresh start was exactly what he needed to be where he wanted to be. Finally, this gym would solve all his needs, make him complete and allow him to experience the best in his life.

After all, its all about him right?

My friend is on his 6th gym. Its still not working. He's still not satisfied. He's still not happy.

I told him this- it doesn't matter what gym you're in. You can accomplish what you need, and grow to where you want to be if you'll apply this simple principle- I can be successful in any gym if I realize that who I am and what I do is what brings success, not what gym I am a part of.

I told him its not about the gym he's in, its about who he is in the gym.

I hope that makes sense to you today. If it doesn't go back and insert the word "gym" for "job" "relationship" "house" or "church". Maybe that's what you need today.

Bless you
matt