"The Crown is Fallen..."

Howdy All!

What a sobering statement! I've been reading in Lamentations lately and today I found myself in the final chapter of the book. Written by Jeremiah at the fall of the Kingdom of Judah, this book poetically chronicles the thoughts and sorrows of the weeping prophet, as he witnesses his fellow Israelites stolen into captivity. The Book's title itself shows what sorrow pervades its pages.

In chapter 5, Jeremiah opens by  calling out to the Lord for remembrance. Jeremiah, throughout his ministry, acknowledged that God was still in control of everything that happened. But Jeremiah was also a realist. He again and again shows that the punishment of the people was brought upon them by themselves. This statement, found in the 16th verse, "The crown is fallen...", sums up what has happened to the nation that was once God's beloved. 

This phrase within the verse speaks to me now in the times that we face. The world around us is sinking deeper into sin. Laws are passed that almost outlaw any Christian resistance to evil. Our country, which was founded on Biblical principles, is now guided by men and women who curse God and mock His word. Indeed the crown has fallen.

HOWEVER!

This is no time for us to give in! Rather, this is the time where Christian men and women must band together and stand as The Church, for what God says we must stand for! Jeremiah went on to say in verse 19 of Lamentations 5, "Thou, oh Lord, remainest forever..." God is still God! He still rules and reigns! This is the time to proclaim that louder than ever! I won't lie; this is going to be harder to do than ever before. Temptation will close in from all sides, but we have the ultimate defense: God's Word.

It says in Revelation 3:11, the Bible says, "Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." This is our command. This is our task, for our time. We can stay strong while those around us fade away. Our crowns do not have to fall!

May God give us all strength to hold fast in the new year and may your crown never fall.

Your brother in Christ,

-Matt

Praise The Lord!

Howdy all!

It has been a while since my last post; sorry about that. It's been a bit busy here at Crown lately, what with finals and all. Finally, though, I am done with this semester! Praise The Lord, I   made it and by His grace only! 

Now, another task is looming on the horizon: The Choir trip to New York City. We are leaving in the morning and traveling to minister to churches in the NYC area. It is going to be one of the best trips I've ever been on. Plus this will be a taste of what is coming in the summer. Be praying for us, that God will use us in some way for His glory! Thanks!

Your brother in Christ,

-Matt

  

"The Greatest of These is Charity..."

Howdy All!

Me again. You know, God is really good to us. Last night I was listening to a sermon by Pastor Sexton on the subject of Charity and it occurred to me: God loves me! This is obviously not a deep scholarly thought, but it is one that we find ourselves overlooking so often. We look for everything else in life to satisfy some desire deep down, but they all come up short. To the Christian, nothing can fill that gap in his heart. Except God's love. 

All Christians know that God loves them, but how often do we think about it? As I listened, I thought about how God saved me, what it cost Him to purchase my Hell-bound soul. He created this world, knowing how things would turn out. When people rejected Him, He reached out to them anyway. The Holy God of Heaven came down to man, because man could never go to God. He moved toward the cross, knowing full well what was coming, every ounce of pain He would endure. Yet He went. Jesus Christ, thinking of me, lay down His life. He gave it up for me.

We worry about so much nowadays, but why? We need to get back to basics and understand what it truly means to be Loved by God. 

With brotherly Love in Christ,

-Matt

A Pattern to Follow

Howdy all!

I've got a few minutes before my next class, so I thought I'd write a few words and say what's on my heart. In Homiletics, I've been studying John chapter 9 over and over, digging for every nugget of gold that is there. God has spoken to me so much through this passage, but one truth keeps shining brighter (no pun intended) than the rest: Jesus Christ is The Light of the world.  

In today's turbulent times, it seems as though Christians in America have it tougher than ever. A lot of things that were once standards have been torn from us. Today, more evil is open than in any other time of the history of our nation. But, Christ has promised us that "As long as I am in the world, I am The Light of the world." (John 9:5) Christ is still with us! And He shines as bright as ever! Don't be downcast and don't worry; God still controls the happenings of this world and He never makes mistakes.

Not only this, but Christ also left us something to do. Because Christ is in us, He shines through us. It says in II Corinthians 4:6-7 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. God has left us the task of showing Him, The Light, to the rest of the world which is stuck in darkness. That is an awesome responsibility. But thankfully, He's promised to be with us every step of the way, strengthening us and guiding us.

So, as a bearer of The Light, are you going to curl up in a corner because the world's getting darker? Are you just going to sit there while everyone else stumbles blindly into destruction? Or are you going to SHINE in the face of adversity and disappointment and tell this world what it needs to know: that there is a God in heaven, and He still cares for them? The choice is yours. As for me, time to muster up, polish and SHINE!

Your brother in Christ, 

 -Matt

I Am With Thee...

Howdy All!

It's amazing how God is there for you, even when you don't realize it. 

In Jeremiah 15:15-21, Jeremiah is speaking to the Lord on his situation. Jeremiah tells God that even though he is persecuted, he has done God's will. Even though it seems like everything is against him, he continues. Yet it hurts more than anything. He feels alone and hurt, as though he can never be healed.

God answers Jeremiah. He tells him that even though it hurts, continue to do His will. God makes a promise to Jeremiah in verse 20: "...I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the Lord..."

This is the most marvelous statement to me. Even in times of trouble, when everyone around you deserts you and turns against you, God is with you. As long as we stay in His will, His presence is promised. Why do we despair? Why do we worry? God is with us.

Ain't that great?

May God's presence be real to you, always.

Your brother in Christ, 

Matt

I Stand Amazed In The Presence...

Howdy All.

Ain't God good? How silly we are sometimes, to think that what we are going through is a tragedy, when it's nothing more than a case of wounded pride. It amazes me that God still reveals Himself to us, even after we make so many mistakes. We don't deserve the slightest thing, yet He sees fit to bless us infinitely.

Today, I had the opportunity, no, the honor of telling a child about The Savior. He told me about his life and about things at home, so I asked him if he had ever asked Jesus to save him, to come into his heart. He looked me in the eye and said, "No. But, I need to." That simple affirmation of helplessness from that child reminded me of why I am here. As I led him through the plan of salvation, God spoke to my heart. 

Had it been so long since I was saved, that I had forgotten the joy of Salvation? Maybe my vision was just a little obstructed. Now, I can see clearly again. I almost wept as he bowed his head and prayed for Jesus to save Him. I got to see the Light come into that boy's heart as He was sealed for eternity. I watched as he smiled and laughed. I got to see a person feel joy in their heart for the first time. God stirred up the embers of Joy in my own heart as well.  That young one no longer has to fear anything, and neither do I. 

I now know why God moves the way He does. He may not act according to our wills, but He always has our interest in mind. He loves us all, and shows it in everything that He does.

Psalms 30:5- 

For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in  the morning. 

May God bless you as much as He has me. 

Your brother in Christ,

-Matt

Light The Way, Lord...

Howdy all.

It's funny how God works, isn't it? He never gives you a dull moment. Just when you think you have it all figured out, He shows you what He has for you. Sometimes it isn't easy. Sometimes what He has for you hurts, but you know its best. 

In Homiletics, I've been studying John chapter 9. The emphasis of that chapter is Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. He holds the plan for our lives firmly in His hand and only He can show us which way we are to go. If we can learn to rest in Him, we can know what He has for us.

Why should we stumble in the dark, when we have The one, true Light? Like I said though, sometimes God's way isn't the easiest. When you come out of the dark and into the light it blinds and overwhelms you! But eventually, your eyes become accustomed to it, and you can't imagine being anywhere else. 

I praise the Lord for the fact that The True Light Will never go out.

Your brother in Christ,

-Matt

A Time Out To Thank God

Howdy y'all.

I'd like to take a moment just to stop and thank God for the many things He has been doing in my life. He truly is a great God, isn't He? To think, He would leave His throne in Heaven, after knowing my heart, come to this Earth and live a perfect life, only to give it up for me on the cross. Now I, being only a sinner, can come before The Almighty and call Him Father. He loves me more than I can comprehend and always will, no matter what. 

Who am I, that this God should love me? Who am I, that He should call me into His service? What have I done to earn this? Nothing. I will never fully understand His Grace, nor His Love, but I know that I have them fully, and will never forget it. 

I'm humbled by the thought. I'm blessed beyond all measure only because He loves me. And I love Him more and more because of it. I only pray that I can come close to glorifying Him with my life. And I hope you can do the same.

Your brother in Christ,

-Matt   

Stand Still as Another Decade Rolls By...

Drumroll please...

Howdy all, me again! Things are going swell at school. Classes are challenging, but that's what makes them fun! 

Today marks the end of another decade for me. Twenty years have gone by... It's a sobering thought. I look back over the years of my life and I wonder where all the time has gone? I have less than two years left here at Crown and then its off into the field (wherever that is). Meditating on the time I've spent, and looking back over the years at the things I've done for The Lord, I see how much more I could have done for Him, how much more I could have stepped out by faith, but didn't. 

It's a sad thought to be sure, but it reminds of the words of Paul in Philippians chapter three, verses twelve through fourteen:

12- Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 
13- Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do,forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before,

14- I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 

Now is not the time for regrets, but for resolution. My prayer is that if I should live another twenty years, each and every moment will be wholly committed to God's glory. In the words of William Borden, "No reserves, no retreats, no regrets." I may falter or even fail, but I'm gonna give it everything I've got. 

How about you?

Your brother in Christ,

-Matt

Yee-Haw! Back In The Saddle!

Howdy!

Me again, just jotting a few words while I have a minute. School is busier than ever! My schedule has been a jumbled mess for the last few days, but praise God, everything is beginning to straighten out! I'm back on The Crew, so I've been working my socks off here at the school, from open to close. It's been crazy! 

God has really been here for me lately. That's is an odd statement now that I think about, because God is always here, just like He promised! I guess He's just made Himself more visible to me lately. Every need I have had, He has supplied and I'm ready to prove my Lord yet again. I am praying about traveling with The New Testament Church Pioneers this summer and the only way I'll get to go and come back to Crown next year, is if God provides a way. 

I have no doubt God has big things planned for this year. The classes I'm taking are going to be big and exciting, and I will have more opportunity to serve Him than ever before! In the words of Dr. Holloway, "It's gonna be Big Time, son!"

Your brother in Christ,

  -Matt

It's Time...

That's right, folks! It's time for School to start back! Yay!!!

It is gonna be a great year. I can just feel it. I can't wait to see all of you guys again.

This is gonna be a short post, but I have to get ready to go tomorrow.

Take care and see you soon!

Your brother in Christ,

                                          -Matt 

My Last Week at The Camp...

Howdy again all!

Just like the title said, this is the last week we are holding activities at the camp. It's been a blast, but all good things, on this side of eternity, must come to an end. Today was the weekly water-balloon fight and what a way to end the week it was! It was a knock-out, drag-out, no holds barred, bonanza! We all had a good time and managed to beat the heat at the same time.

God has been so good to me this summer! Every need I've had, He's met in His own way! I wouldn't want it any other way at all. I only hope that I can realize His blessing in my life more often. I also had the opportunity today to present the Gospel to three children! They all came from Christian homes (Praise The Lord!) so I also had the chance to equip them to tell others in the unique, arts and crafts sort of way. Tomorrow is my last day with the kids and then sunday is our last service at the camp, so please keep us in your prayers! I know God has even more, bountiful blessings waiting just around the corner! Thank you all!

Your brother in Christ and fellow-soldier,

-Matt

Four weeks? Shoulders to the plow, gents!

Howdy all, me again!

It's been a good summer so far. Battles have been fought, The Word has been preached, and strength has been forged in hearts of many Christians. But... We're not done yet!

This is a little message to all the (*cough, cough*) many people reading this:

                  BE STRONG IN THE LORD! - Ephesians 6:10

You may have struggles, trials, temptations, fights, and even falls ahead. You may be on your knees even now. God isn't through with you. There are still opportunities to work for the Lord!

Now is the time to give it all you got, to be a "clutch" player. It's times like this, when Satan thinks he has you down, when you should show him Who lives in you. Fight hard!

For the Christian, there is no such thing as defeat. Only temporary delays to victory. 

Your Fellow-Soldier in Christ,

-Matt

Still Workin' Out the Summer Camp Kinks...

Ow...

Hello again all! (Pop.)

How are you all doing? (Crack.)

I hope this post finds you well. (POW!)

Whew! That last one was a doozie!

Sorry. I'm still a little sore from the younger kids week at camp. 

I had a wonderful time! (Still working on pictures...)

Thank you all for your prayers! I could tell when I was being prayed for.

We had 6 kids come forward at the end of the week!

One, his name was Mikey, said that he wanted to be a missionary when he grew up! He hung out with me all week long. He is a recovering cancer patient, with a scar to show. It humbled me to have him look up to me. God truly is an awesome God.

 

I look forward to what else God has in store for this summer and I can't wait for the upcoming semester at Crown! 

Your Brother in Christ,

-Matt

A Day At Home, Then Off Again!

I'm Ba-ack!

Camp was wonderful! I had so much fun working with the kids!

The Lord truly blessed what was going on and several kids gave testimony to what had happened this week. They were all such wonderful children. I praise The Lord for the opportunity He gave me to meet them.

The kids were a sorted bunch. Many came from broken homes. Each had a story to tell of God's Grace. One wrote a song and sang during the week. They all had the Love of Jesus in their eyes. To be there, amongst them was like walking on Holy Ground. God moved so powerfully.

Tomorrow I'll be going back to the camp for the young children's week. This past week was for the youth, teenagers. I'm praying that the Lord will protect us again this week. I can't wait to see what He has waiting for me! Please continue to pray for me and the rest of the campers!

Your brother in Christ,

-Matt

A Camping we will go!

Hello again all!

I have a small request that I would love for you to pray for.

For the next two weeks I will be a camp counselor at Camp Daniel Marshall. I'm truly excited, but also anxious about the influence I'll have on the kids. This is a Bible Camp, so it will be a great opportunity to lose myself and do a good work for the Lord.

Please pray that God will give me the strength to be humble and be willing to do what it takes to lead these kids closer to him. I have taken this as my verse, not only for the camp, but also for the rest of summer. i hope it is an encouragement to you as it was to me. Her it is:

Psalm 108:1- "O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory." 

I hope that God is blessing you this summer as much as He is blessing me!

Your brother in Christ,

-Matt

P.S.- I'll be bringing my camera and I hope to post pictures as soon as I get back. I'm still trying to figure out how to do that though...

Incoming!

How's it going folks? Me again, but then, who else could it be? Things are going absolutely swell this summer. God has proven Himself time and time again. Don't get me wrong; it hasn't been all cookies and cream, but God is still in control and it shows.

You're probably wondering why I entitled this post "Incoming!". My answer is two-fold. This is a reminder to all those out there, that everyday is a new battle. A spiritual battle at that. During the summer, it is very easy to slack off concerning things that are necessary, such as your personal devotions. Don't let it happen to you! Be vigilant and always aware of your spiritual health! Temptation strikes when you least expect it, so be ready!

Secondly, I chose this particular title because of my job. I am loving every second that I get to spend at the camp with the kids. God has been so good to me to allow me to have this position. To think, I actually get paid to teach the Bible to kids, play cards and board games with them, play sports with them, and take them on nature hikes. I am so blessed. The reason my job made me think of this was because of an activity last week.  

The Water Balloon Games. Over 200 balloons, gone in 15 seconds. Let's just say that kids with water balloons are more prone to throw water balloons at the person in charge than each other. Have you ever been hit with 34 water balloons at once? No? You haven't lived. 

Pray for me; we're doing water balloons again today. Now where did I put my snorkel...

-Matt

Home Again

For the past week I've been at home, in the loosest sense of the word.

I'm having the hardest time getting used to being back with my family. Dorm life takes a while to shake. Right now, my step-dad and my cousin are reading this over my shoulder. 

Good news is on the horizon, though.

I have found a job!

I will be working at Elijah Clark State Park, ministering to campers, especially kids.

The focus of the ministry is to reach children through character witness and sporadic opportunities to give The Gospel. I will be working there for ten weeks.

I'm sure as soon as I figure out how, I'll post pictures of how everything is going.

I really miss being in school, but it feels great to be back home.

See ya!

-Matt

Business as Usual

Hack's back!

I have a few moments to write.

It's Finals week here at Crown and it is starting to get quite hectic.

All the loose strings that we students call assignments are coming together.

It's Monday today, I think...

I'm only kidding. It's not THAT busy... yet.

This past weekend, I enjoyed a wonderful evening at my boss (Mr. Joshua Tangeman)'s house.

It was a great time. My work crew here at the school attended, plus one guest apiece.

Mr. Tangeman is quite the cook! 

I nearly ate myself sick! Then again, so did everyone else that went.

This week, its back to work. My partner took the day off today to finish some tests, so I was flying solo.  If I can help it, I'll never do it again.

God really worked in my heart at the Church services last night. Several students from the College preached. Not only did it encourage me, it cemented me. I am now ready to be a willing vessel of The Lord, specifically to preach His Word. 

In short, I surrendered to preach.

WAHHHHHHOOOOOOOO!!!

As you can tell, I'm a little excited.

I don't know how or when, but God is going to make a preacher out of me. Why He chose me is beyond my reasoning. I'm sure there is someone out there who is much more qualified, yet He CHOSE ME!

I'm honored and humbled by this thought. I only pray that I am submitted to His Will.

God forbid I ever stray from it.

Well, I have to run. Notebooks to write, tables to clean, Gospel to give.

You know; business as usual. 

-Matt

In School

How's it going?

It's me again.

Thought I might post an update for those reading.

This semester is over half way over! I can't believe it!

Classes are going swimmingly.

I am learning more about The Lord everyday. Not only that, but through personal devotions and prayer, I have to say that I am closer to God, personally, than ever.

I sure do miss my family though...

There is one class that is blowing my mind.

Issues in Missiology asks questions that are almost impossible answer.

Until the teacher explains it and it was so simple its not even funny.

It is an amazing class.

In case you don't know, I'm a Missions major.

Well anyway.

I'm praying for you all, take care now, ya hear?

-Matt

Howdy!

How's it going?

I'm new to this whole blogger-scene, so please bear with me.

First off, let's get something settled.

I have one question to ask of you, if you were to die today, would you go to heaven?

If you are not sure, or if your answer is no, I suggest you pay attention.

This may seem arrogant to many, but it is vital.

There is only one way to heaven. You cannot make it on your own. Neither can I.

Yet, I know for a fact I'm going there.

It's not because I'm special or a good person or anything like that.

I'm a sinner just like the rest of the world.

Yes, the rst of the world.

"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

The Bible is pretty plain on this.

It also says that sin must be payed for. 

"For the wages of sin is death..." Romans 6:23a

What are we to do? 

God had mercy on mankind and made a way out.

 "...But the gift of God, is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23b

John 3:16 says that God gave His only son, because He loved mankind.

All we have to do is trust His Son, Jesus Christ, to save us, as He promised to do.

You see, Jesus paid for all our sins on the cross.

Our punisment was born by Him in our place!!!

We can be free from sin, if only we allow Him to save us and trust in Him o do so.

I hope you will give this at least a thought, it is a question you will have to answer oneday.

Prayin' for ya!

   -Matt