Wednesday, November 25, 2009

How To Have An Attitude of Gratitude

Tomorrow is thanksgiving. A day that we as a nation set aside to be thankful. Make no mistake. Tomorrow is a religious holiday, and here is why- if you're not thankful to God for what you have, or what has happened in your life, who are you thankful towards?

I am very thankful this year. God has richly blessed our family, and our ministry and I have no complaints.

For some reason, people seem to start to struggle with this time of year. I think that it is natural to take a mental inventory of where you are at, and for some people it can be a bit painful. This can be a time of year with pain and regret.

Pain and regret can be natural emotions when you have been through a challenging time in life. There is truly only one way to be thankful in the midst of trials and circumstance- we must focus on what we have, not on what we do not have. It is a fruitless exercise to take a mental inventory of what you don't have. It is very beneficial to think about what you do have.

If you're reading this blog- you have eyes. That is something to be thankful for. If you can read this- it means you can read, that is something to be thankful for. There. Two things you can be thankful for, that you can read, and that you have eyes, now you're on your way.

Here's an exercise that I want to encourage you to take this year. Take a few moments and sit down and write the most mundane things that you can think of to be thankful for. Take that list, and pray it to God. Tell him that you are thankful for those things. Thank him that he has blessed you with those things.

Thanksgiving isn't about turkey and pie. Its about the realization that there is a Creator that has blessed us and taking the time to be thankful for it.

Be blessed this Thanksgiving.
Matt

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Global Warming is a LIE?

Big news from the Washington Times today. It appears as if some documents have leaked from some big-time climate change think tank/scientific research outfit. Apparently the documents show that these scientists have 'cooked the books' so to speak to make the data appear more in favor of global warming happening. It also may show that these scientists suppressed data that contradicted their hypothesis in regards to global warming. You can read the article by clicking here

This a pretty fresh article, so I'm sure that there is going to be stir in the public realm about it. Or maybe not, it may just fall into relative obscurity and just be the 'soup du jour'.

It raises some questions though-

1. How much trust do we put in scientists that affect our public policy?
2. How do ensure that there is public debate from both sides of the issue?

Most people would probably conclude if you've known me long enough that I lean a little to the right more than the left. I'm no scientist. I don't have "An Inconvenient Truth" on my netflix list. But I am a guy that has a bit of common sense.

I can be in Los Angeles and taste the pollution in the air and think- "this isn't good". I can watch the trailers full of garbage going to the landfill in King County and wonder if some of that stuff could be recycled. I think about the impact of trash in our seas and contaminates being put into our waterways and streams. I'm not an anti-environmental guy.

But I do care about the truth. I care about fear tactics being used as a means to divert my tax dollars to causes that aren't truly causes. I care that people put more faith in a guy in a white lab coat than they do in Almighty God.

I don't know if the world is getting hotter or colder. I don't know if we're going to kill ourselves with our Styrofoam cups. But I do know this- the Bible declares that "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together" (Col 1:17). What does that mean?

It means that God created the earth and knows how this thing is running. He's holding the thing together so we shouldn't be too worried about it. Now, does it mean that we should run out and start burning coal in our fireplaces and take out our emissions standards?

No. But we would do better to put a bit more trust in the Word of God and his ability to take care of us and this world that He created.

Yes, there are things that Humans do to affect the earth and its systems. But here's the deal- if this is true, its deplorable that these guys skewed the data and cooked the books to make it seem as if something was true that was not.

Trust God today. Believe that He is taking care of us and His creation. Thank Him for his provision and His creation. Put more trust in Him in all areas of your life.

Be blessed today.
Matt

Friday, November 20, 2009

Sooooo Angry I Could Just SPIT!

There are times in my life that I get exceptionally angry. Very quickly. It usually comes out of no where and rises up when I least expect it. It usually happens when I am frustrated, or inconvenienced or some other benign thing that sets me off.

It doesn't happen that often, but it happens. Just like last night.

Let me share with you a classic example of this- last night I needed to make some copies for something. They were color. I was putting them in a binder. They needed to look nice.

I spent a few hours on this thing, emailed them to the office supply store by my house and asked for them to call me when they were done. When they were done, my daughter and I went there, picked them up, stopped by the store and bought some lunchables, and came home.

When I got to my office, I realised that my cursory glance at my copies were not sufficient enough to notice that my copies were done wrong. I wont go into great detail, but basically, I needed each page separate, and four of the pages had been duplexed, with the opposite side upside down, so they were worthless to me.

I got really angry. Really fast. Things like that frustrate me to no end. Frustrated because the copy girl didn't double check her work. Frustrated because I didn't double check it when I was there. Frustrated because I had to go out again when it was 8pm and I wanted to start watching football. Frustrated because I was burning gas to drive back.

I called them and told them I was coming back to get my copies re-done.

I got in my SUV, and was steaming the whole way there. I ran scenarios in my head and what I was going to say to that girl, and how I was going to swipe my arm across the counter and scream "THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!! I WANT THE MANAGER!!!". Literally, I envisioned myself plowing my truck through the front door of the store, copies in hand, screaming about my 4 pages of incorrect copies.

When I came through the front door of the store, I took a deep breath, and walked up to the counter, and the girl who messed up my copies that ruined my entire existence turned around and smiled at me. "Oh, are you the one that called?. I am so sorry this happened"

I looked at her and thought about my frustration and how I was going to respond.

"That's okay" I said. "No one died. Its an honest mistake, we all make them from time to time".

I stood there for about 2 mins while she made my copies, I smiled. Took them and drove home. Less angry. Less frustrated. Less worried that I would have made a complete jerk of myself at the copy center that I frequent.

It is possible to get angry and not explode. Its possible to be frustrated and not take it out on someone else. Its not easy, but it is possible. I think that people don't realize at times that everyone gets angry, its just how you deal with it that is the issue.

The Bible says that anger is inevitable, but when you are angry, not to sin. Let that be an encouragement to you today. If you get angry take a moment to think about where you are, what you are doing and why you are angry and then do what I do when I'm mad.

Absolutely nothing. Just smile, swallow your pride, and thank God that you have another day to live. Taking your anger out on someone else does nothing but hurt them.

Be Blessed
matt

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Spend Your Time With Positive People

I used to work for a Fortune 500 company from about 2004-2007. It was a great job and I had a ton of fun working there. I probably would have stayed a lot longer had I not been called into full-time ministry. While I was there, I met a lot of great people who have become lifelong friends.

One of these guys is named Anthony. He lives in Spokane. While I was working at the old company, he and I would talk on the phone periodically and encourage one another in our job, and talk about our shared challenges. When I would travel to the area to visit family, he and I would go and get some breakfast together.

Now we talk on the phone on average about once a week. I have to tell you, this guy Anthony is one of the most encouraging guys that I know. He bleeds positivity and passion. When you're around this guy you can't help but smile and feel better about yourself. I am so glad that he's my friend.

Yesterday he really had some encouragement over the phone for me. He just called to, as I like to say, "love on me". Am I being self-centered here? No, I'm being honest. I like it when positive people call me and encourage me. It makes me feel valued and prompts me to continue to do great things in my life. It spurs me to good works. I really appreciated the call.

Thanks Anthony.

Here's a part of my life that you may not know- I have a rather large contingent of positive people that stay in constant contact with. From Seaside California to Pennsylvania, From DC to Tupelo Mississippi and all points in between. I have figured out that the more positive people that I have in my life, the happier I am and the more I get accomplished.

Who do you surround yourself with? Who do you have in your life that is positive and encourages you to be a better you? I'm not talking about people who just tell you what you want to hear, but those people who know your best and your worst. The people who love you no matter what and challenge you to be the best you that you can be.

If you don't have at least 5, start looking for them. Call them and encourage them to be all they can be, and watch what happens. Your life will be filled with a richness and vitality that you may have never experienced before. Your life will become a conduit of God's love and encouragement to all those around you and you'll reap the benefits of it.

Be blessed today
Matt

ps. Yes I love all my other positive people too! Today was just about Anthony!!! (especially you Chad- I know you're going to call me and say "what's up with that?")

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

When I Grow Up I Want to be a NINJA!

I don't take martial arts. I never have. Sure, I've yelled out a "hiyaaa" and kicked in the air before, but I've had no formal training. Unless you count watching Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee movies. If that is formal training, I would obviously be considered a black belt.

Martial arts are really popular. Lots of people are involved with them for the fitness benefits or self defense training. I know a few people who do it, and it looks like my son may start doing it soon.

In my understanding, the culmination of training that anyone can attain to be is to be a Ninja. Sure, I may not know much about the arts, but as far as I can figure out, if you're a Ninja, you're a real bad mamma jamma. Smoke screens, throwing stars, all of it. You're a force to be reckoned with.

Here's the deal though- much like the Sasquatch or the Loch Ness monster, I think the Ninja lives in relative obscurity because no one has ever seen one. That is part of thier mystique and intrigue though. You fear that which you cannot see.

Interesting story from Seattle. Apparently there are Ninjas among us. You can read the story here. A Ninja was impaled on a fence he was trying to get over while involved in some sort of Ninja like mission.

I don't think this guy was an actual Ninja. Call me crazy, but I think he was probably some guy who had a little too much of grandpas cough medicine and was trying to be a Ninja, not actually in the act of performing Ninja duties.

On some level, I bet that guy wishes he was a Ninja. Halloween is over, he's not roaming around in split toed shoes and samurai sword on his back unless he actually wants to be Ninja. People who don't want to be Ninjas sit at home and watch Kung Fu movies and talk about Ninjas, they don't go out and dress up like them.

Here's the nugget- haven't we all at some time wished that we were someone different or that we possessed some special skill that no one else had? Haven't you ever day-dreamed as you were in your car and thought "what would it be like to be a_____". Of course, we all have. The difference is that most of us never go past the thought phase. We just let it sit in our minds. We don't act on it or do anything about it.

I'm a bit impressed by this guy. Why? Because he actually was willing to put himself out there to try to become what he wanted to become. He didn't sit around and talk about being a Ninja. He went out and tried to be a Ninja. It may have involved some alcohol and some poor decisions, but you have to applaud the guy for his efforts how ever misdirected or odd.

Who do you want to be? What part of your life are you holding back because of fear of failure or the ridicule of your peers?

Be willing to step out of your personal comfort zone today and make steps and improvements to become that which you believe God is calling you to become. It may not be a Ninja, but maybe it is someone that you know is inside of you, that just hasn't came out yet.

Blessings
matt

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Would You Rather Pay 80 Dollars? Or 21?

Crystal and I go to the gym together. Usually, we try to go at least 3 days a week together. Its fun to go together, and an encouragement for me, when I don't feel like going, because she will always go.

Yesterday, we drove up to our gym, and the parking lot was completely empty except for one car. As we drove up, I recall saying "this doesn't look good". As we drove up the door, the lady from the front desk of the gym came out and shared with us that our membership at that gym had been bought up by the gym across the street.

It wasn't exactly what we were expecting for a Monday morning. We liked that gym. It was a great place to work out.

I have to be honest though. When I had the choice between the two gyms, I really wanted to join the other one, not the one I joined. The other gym has a pool, a sport court, a lot more machines, and a lot more room in general. In addition, they had a lot more price too. To join that other gym was about 35 dollars a month, the one I joined was 20 dollars a month.

Here's where it gets fun. About 6 weeks ago, after Crystal had joined and we were paying about 40 dollars a month for the both of us, they were running a special. If we paid 200 dollars, they would reduce the price of our membership to 21 dollars a month for the both of us, with no price increase for life. Great deal that got even better when that new gym bought our membership- they are going to honor that price at the new gym.

Are you doing the math? We're now members of the gym that I really wanted to join originally, for about 75% less than what we should be actually paying. We should be paying 80 bucks and we're paying 21.

Well, you know me. Praise the LORD! How awesome is it that this happened? Am I going to go so far as to say that the Lord of the universe brokered a huge business deal just so his son and daughter could get the desires of their heart for a reduced rate? No, I wont say that he DID, but I will say that He COULD have.

Why do I believe that? Because I know that God loves me. I like what Jesus said in the book of Matthew "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

That's a great verse. It shares the true heart of God is that he likes to bless people. And yesterday, Crystal and I got a huge blessing in the form of a reduced price gym membership.

Look for these blessings in your own life. Realize that the Lord is looking for ways to bless you, and if you look for them, you will see them. He's trying ever means possible to bless you and tell you that He loves you.

Be blessed today
matt

Friday, November 13, 2009

I am a VERY Important Man.

There are times that I get a little too full of myself. Or I should say, that I think more highly of myself than I ought. Its a thought that thinks "if it weren't for me, things wouldn't get done, or wouldn't get done in the correct way"

It takes a special event to constantly remind me who is in charge.

I'm a pastor, and obviously, as a pastor I want to see God's church grow. I try to do this by the way we structure our church, and what we do there, and how we set it up. We do outreaches, and events, and I spend a inordinate amount of time thinking about how to grow the church.

And then every once in a while, God lets me know who is getting it done. I'll give you a hint- it ain't the 6 foot 5 big headed dude in the front.

This last Sunday we had about a dozen visitors at our church. You may not realize what that means, but for our church our size, that's a huge number. You hope and pray for that amount. It was real exciting to see those people show up.

Here's the deal though- they just showed up. We didn't invite them, didn't do an outreach, didn't do a mailer. Nothing. They just came in off the street because they wanted to be at church.

There are two big things to learn from this for me.

1. God brought them in.
2. I didn't bring them in.

As I grow as a follower of Jesus and pastor, I begin to see more and more how He is the one that is running the show and not me. Yes I help out a bit here and there and do what I am told, but in the end, Its his deal. He's the one that makes it happen and makes sure that its getting done.

What's the nugget? I'm learning that I should give credit where credit is due, and learn that its not up to me. That when I give my hopes and dreams into the dream giver, he is more able to influence the end result and get glory for it. When I get out of the way, His plans are more easily accomplished.

Is there an area of your life that you are not allowing him to influence? A place that you re not allowing him to get in? Step back, let Him move and watch what happens. He'll move in those areas of your life if you will let him.

Be blessed

matt

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Sneezing 12,000 Times a day? (Video incl.)

Did you catch this video? Here is a girl who is sneezing about 8-9 times a minute. You can check out the video here. Its quite interesting.

The story is that she started sneezing after having a sleepover at some one's house, and then couldn't stop. If you watch the video, you can see that the medical editor from the Today show raises the question of whether or not the girl is actually having a medical condition or a psychological condition.

Obviously I don't know if she is having a medical or a psychological condition. Here's what I do know- either voluntary or involuntary, that is certainly a bunch of sneezing. What is my opinion? I think it started medically and probably turned into a psychological thing. Why do I think this? Because I believe on some level everyone wants to be known (blog writers) and feel as though they are special.

Most people do not want to live in obscurity devoid of any sort of connection with their fellow humans. You may say that either you or someone else you know doesn't seem to care who knows them or if they know someone else, but those people still must interact with the world.

You go shopping, you go to work, you go out to get the mail. And here's the kicker- someone is always watching you. You may not know them, but they notice you. In a store, on the street, at the Starbucks. You may not interact with them verbally, but they notice you.

What's my point? People will go to what ever measure necessary to feel as though they are being noticed. Dye the hair, pierce the face, or sneeze incessantly. The cry of their heart is 'I want to be noticed-because I want to feel valued'.

The Bible says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Jesus said that the hairs on our heads are number. God knows us. Who we are and where we are. He is intimately involved in your daily life. He loves you.

Do you feel as though you live in obscurity? Do you feel unnoticed or unloved? Take a moment today and think about the fact that there is a God that knows and loves you. As you walk around today remind yourself of it and you will notice Him moving in your daily life. He values you.

You don't need to sneeze 12,000 times a day to get noticed or feel special.

Be blessed
matt

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Blood Blood Bright Red Blood!

I remember in basic training when I was in the US Army and we learned how to use bayonets for the first time. All of us soldiers were standing around a platform as the Drill Sergeant talked to us.

"How many of you joined the Army for college money raise your hand" he said.

About half or more of the people there raised their hands.

"Well today, you're going to learn how to kill" was his reply.

The process of affixing a bayonet to the end of your M16 is a rather simple task, but what it means to the soldier is not simple at all. When you 'fix bayonets' it means that you have either a. ran out of ammo or b. you are about to be in very close quarters combat. Either of these options is not really an exciting prospect for anyone.

After fixing our bayonets, the Drill Sergeant would yell "what makes the green grass grow?" and we would reply " Blood Blood Bright Red Blood!". For the new soldier in basic training, the thought of using a bayonet, when you joined for college money, is quite startling I'm sure.

Here's the deal- whether people like it or not, our country was formed with the blood of the patriots that have fought in our numerous wars. Its horrible to think about the scores of people who have died in our nations wars, but important to remember that it is their sacrifice that has directly provided the freedoms that we have today.

The thought of blood being the price to pay for someones freedom is a kind of macabre. But the reality is that sometimes it is only through death that actual freedom and progress can be made. I know that the peace-nics don't accept or understand this notion, but history has proven it true.

I wish there were another way for resolution in diplomacy devoid of blood and death, but when you look at where we've come from, I'm not sure if it would have been possible.

Today I am reminded of the most powerful sacrifice and bloody death ever experienced. It was the death of Jesus of Nazareth on a cross. His bloody death was an act of service for all humanity. His blood provided a way to freedom and a payment for our sins. It was sad. It was bloody. It was necessary.

Yes, death and blood are scary and sad, but I thank God for the sacrifice of those young men and women who have provided my freedoms today. I honor them, and their families for what they have given.

I will never desecrate their name, Dishonor our flag, or forget what they have done.

Thank you

Matt

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Apparently The 8 Days Wasn't Enough

You may recall the blog I wrote last week that talked about my experience with the 12 dozen donuts and how it played in to our first church service. I also shared how our church was looking at the opportunity to purchase a building and our attempt at raising 1.5 million dollars in 8 days time. You can read the blog here and the website here

Here's the update- we're a bit shy of the 1.5. Actually, we're about 1.498 shy of the 1.5. The well laid plan appears by all measures to have failed miserably. Or has it?

The hope of 88000 donors has manifest itself with about a solid 30 or so. To me, that says, that there are at least 30 people who strongly believe that this plan could work, and that they believe that it shall.

Its quite encouraging actually. We've gotten donations from people whom we don't even know for a project they believe has value. It pretty great.

Why am I telling you this? Well, I think its important that I am honest with you about what happened last week. I also think that its important to also share with you that we're not giving up on this yet. Have you ever heard that phrase 'there is more than one way to skin a cat'?. That phrase means that you can get to a goal a bunch of different ways.

I'm not exactly sure where we're going to go from here or how its going to happen. Just because this hasn't worked at the speed at which I had hoped, doesn't mean that its over. It is still completely possible for this to happen. I'm not sure if you know this about me, but I usually don't give up that easily.

Maybe you're not a part of what we're doing and that's okay. Here's the nugget for you to chew on- don't give up easily. Just because you try something for a week or a month and you don't get the desired results doesn't mean that its not going to happen. Sometimes some of the greatest accomplishments of our lives are wrought with repeated episodes of tragic failure. You accomplish nothing if you give up every time an attempt doesn't go your way.

Keep trying. Keep moving forward. Keep praying. The God of this universe loves you and has created you with unlimited abilities to be able to affect this world for him. Don't give up easily.

I'm going to prayer. I'm going ask for some direction and see where we go from here. I'm open to suggestions or feedback.

Be blessed
matt

Friday, November 6, 2009

I Was Stationed At Fort Hood as a Mental Health Counselor

I'm not sure if you saw the news yesterday. There was a shooting at Fort Hood. A guy opened fire on post, and killed 12 people, and wounded 30+ others. Scary stuff. I was a mental health counselor in the Army, and this guy was a psychiatrist. He was at Ft. Hood, I was at Fort Hood. I was stationed there for 3 years. I know exactly where all of that stuff went down.

There are tons of layers to this story. Lots to talk about. Tons to wonder about, and very many questions.

At first glance, its easy to draw a connection to this man's religion and job and wonder where did both of those systems go wrong? Some may say he was crazy, and acted impulsively, but news reports state that he gave away a lot of stuff that morning to people in his apartment complex. What am I saying? Regardless of his job, his religion or his motives. He didn't trip and fall with a gun in his hand. He planned it.

At some point either yesterday or sometime before he planned on going down to the Army post, guns in hands and taking out his fellows soldier with whom he had served.

I'm in a tough spot here. He's a Muslim mental health professional who swore to defend all enemies both foreign and domestic. Put in charge of leading soldiers, caring for their emotions, and serving his country. How can I assimilate all of this info, and be true to the Lord, my country and myself?

It's not easy that's for sure. Here's what I can come up with- hurting people hurt people. Whether its bullets or words, people who are in emotional pain lash out and hurt people. You do it, and I do it. We hurt people. The difference is that we don't load up the minivan with Glocks and ammo and head out to the workplace.

I can't unravel his motives or his intentions. I don't know him. I wasn't there. I can guess and Monday morning quarterback the thing, but I can't say with any degree of certainty what was exactly going on.

I'm going to pray for the families of the fallen soldiers today. I'm going to pray for the shooters family. I'm lastly going to pray for him. I'm going to pray that the Lord will help me to forgive him, as He has forgiven me.

What do you think? Post some comments.

Be blessed.

matt

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Its Never Too Late To Do It.

I got a call from a friend of mine from High School yesterday. We weren't the closest of friends in High School, but we knew each other well, and spent some time together while in school.

We lost touch after high school, and didn't reconnect until the Facebook craze hit a few years ago.

Its been nice getting re-acquainted on FB, and seeing each others families and staying in touch. Earlier this year, we were able to connect at a Mariners game because we were both face booking while we were on FB, on our phones. How fun is that?

I got a call from them yesterday. They wanted to share with me that they had been baptised at their church, and given their life to Jesus.

It was the greatest honor that they had called me from Spokane to share with me what had happened. I was so encouraged by the call. It was great to hear what had happened, and what an impact it is having on their life.

"you finally understand why everyone thought I was a weirdo in High School now don't you?" I said, over the phone.

"Yeah, the peace I have right now is indescribable." They said. " I guess its one of those things that until you experience it, you can't understand it or explain it".

I was in tears. To see a Friend of mine that I have known since high school grow spiritually is an exciting thing, and here is why- most adults don't open themselves up to the things of God. Any church statistic guy will tell you that if you don't impact them by High School, there is little hope for change.

I, on the other hand disagree. God is still in the business of changing lives. He still moves the hearts of many, and saves the souls of all who would accept his free gift.

If you've got someone in your life that you're hoping to come to Christ, keep praying. If you don't know God at this point, don't be afraid to find out what its all about.

He still moves.

Be blessed

matt

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Did I Ever Tell You About The Dozen Donuts?

I'm sure a few of you have heard this story before, but to prove a point, I'll tell it again.

6.5 years ago when we started our church, we had big dreams. There were only 6 adults that came together to start the church, but we believed that the Lord was in it, and wanted us to do it.

As the day for our first service was rapidly approaching, we went around the neighborhood and passed out fliers. We sent out emails. We invited everyone we knew. We had rented a school, and were ready for day one.

Personally, I was expecting a miracle. Much like going to to the lake to feed the birds, when you throw out the seed, they come from everywhere to eat what you're throwing out. We bought 12 dozen donuts and made 100 cups of coffee for our first service. We set up 100 chairs. We got there early to make sure that parking wouldn't be an issue for the masses that were about to descend on our worship service.

I was pumped. My faith was high. I was excited to see God move in a powerful way. I figured that we could make a huge impact in our community. I had a strong spirit of expectancy.

No one showed up for our first service. No one. Well, if you count the Janitor we had to pay from the school district to be there at the school, we had one person. But they were sitting in their office playing solitaire or something.

I don't remember what we did with those 12 dozen donuts. I'm sure I ate a few of them. I do remember this though- even though the initial response wasn't what I had expected, I rested on the fact that God had called us, and we were walking in his will.

What's the application?

For you- there may be times in your life when you attempt great things that they don't immediately manifest themselves in the way that you had hoped. Do not lose faith in these times. God is faithful. He will do what He said he would do. These are times to build your faith.

For me- right now I'm in one of those times. The unconventional uncommon building fund is moving and growing, but not at the pace that I had expected. The donations are coming in. We're moving in the right direction. I know that God is going to bring it to pass.

I have learned over the past few years that even though God may not move on my timeline, he always shows himself faithful. Every single time. I praise Him and thank Him for it. Just because the fund isn't where I (emphasis on I), expected, doesn't mean its not happening. We're on His timeline.

Be blessed today. Believe God for big things.

Matt

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

This Might Be The Craziest Thing I've Done

Some people think I'm a little bit different. I don't really classify myself as a guy who marches the the beat of a different drum. I would probably classify myself as more of a person who is not afraid to do something that other people wouldn't do over the fear of looking stupid.

Why is that? I'm not exactly sure, but I think it probably rests somewhere in my mind between the adrenaline rush of doing something different, and the fear of long-term regret for not doing something.

Let's look at the facts- I joined the US army without discussing it with people. I met and married my wife of 11 years in 5 months time. She and I and 2 families started a church in a school 6 years ago. I quit a job where I was making six figures to go full time in the ministry.

I've been doing the crazy thing for a while.

Here's the quickest way I can describe what I'm currently doing- as of Sunday, I have asked four people to donate $18 dollars to go towards a 1.2 Million dollar building that our church wants to buy. I also asked them to find 4 more people to give $18 who will ask four more and so on. This will go down to the 8th level and raise 1.5 million dollars in 8 days.

I know. Its crazy. Its not normal, but like most other things in my life, if I've prayed about it, I feel the Lord is prompting me to do it, I'm going to do it and not worry about it.

Crazy eh? You can check out the whole thing on our website- here. It outlines how it works, and why we're doing it.

As of last night, the goal was to be at $320 dollars. We were at $320.03. If the daily goal indicator is a sign of the process working, it appears as though it may be moving the right direction. Awesome.

Why am I sharing this with you my blog readers? Of course it is always to prove a point from scripture that can bless you in some way.

At the top of that web page you'll see a scripture. 2 Cor 5:13 If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God. I think its a great scripture for this endeavor. And for you also. What's the application? You can do crazy things that are of God, and not of God. You can do things that are out of the ordinary that bless no one, or don't even get close to honoring God.

But if you are doing something for the sake of the Gospel, and people perceive that you are out of your mind, its okay. God will honor you for putting yourself out there and bless you for it.

Most people think you're out there anyway. Just do something for the Lord and really throw them for a loop.

Be blessed.
Matt

ps. If you want to be a 'crazy person' with this, send me an email and I'll share with you how it works.