Hi Guys,
I just wanted to share a little about where I've been at with my walk.
I have posted it at:
Maybe you guys can relate, maybe you can offer some encouragement. I would love nothing more than to hear all of your hearts.
Love you all, Matt
Tuesday
GREAT NEWS (Psalm 13)
Yo Small Group............
Hope all of you had a great Monday away from us. We missed everyone but Holly and Jen. Its all good though, we'll re-group next week.
Just wanted to let everyone know that God is soooooooooooooooo Good. In the good times, and the bad. We need to remember that those terrible moments in our lives are just as holy as the ones where we feel that Jesus is walking right next to us.
Psalm 13 says:
How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.
This is just a reminder that God is good in all seasons of life and always has our best interest at hand. At times we feel like he has forgotten us, but as David said; "I will sing to the Lord for he has been good to me."
OK.....on to the GREAT NEWS.
Holly got her results in from her PET Scan yesterday. CLEAR!!!!!!!!!!! There was no sign of cancer in her body. Praise God for answering our prayers. Lets continue to believe God for her healing. Holly and Ryan, We love you guys. Your a special couple and God has special plans for you and Jonah.
Friday
Small Group-Psalm 1
Hi everyone,
This week I want us to all be prepared to talk through Psalm 1 together. Everyone read through it a few times between now and Monday when we meet. Write down a few observations that you have and be prepared to share that on Monday as well.
Be praying for the following things:
1. Holly - She should be getting her results back next week from her PET scan. Pray that the results will come back normal. (We love you girl.)
2. Kelly - She fell and got a concussion last week. Pray that she'll feel great on Monday. We haven't got to chill with her for a while. I feel that with all the work that God is doing in her, the enemy may be trying to discourage her. (Fight that temptation Kel. We're proud of you.)
3. Beth - Being 8 months prego ain't comfortable. She''s been feeling a lot of soreness the past few days and has not been sleeping. pray that God will give her a supernatural health.
Am I missing anything?????????
Wednesday
Advance 09
Also...........I normally don't push this type of stuff, but I think it would be great if our small group could go to this.
I don't think that Beth and I will be able to make it because Baby J will be either almost here or just here. However, everyone from our group would benefit from this. These are some of the most profound men of God, of our time. It is a conference in Raleigh. I don't know another time that we would be able to have such influential men of God all in one building with the ability to hear their hearts.
In my humble opinion, this would be an incredible event to attend. One that would truly change our lives.
Matt
What God's doing in me!
I have been obsessed with the Psalms lately. Every time I pick up my bible, that is the first thing that I go to. Recently I have been meditating on Psalm 1.
Psalm 1
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
There are three huge principles that are in here and they are defining for every believer. They define Gods progressive growth in all of his people in the most accurate way. Then again, why would that surprise me; it is God who wrote the book.
Point 1: Influence
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
Who is influencing you? Is it your husband, wife, friends, or Jesus? You and I do not have an excuse to blame our spiritual state on our church, our friends, our spouse, our schedule, or anyone else except ourselves. Who is influencing you? Who do you need to intentionally pursue in order to connect with Christ and grow in your faith? If your not happy with your relationship with Christ; grow up and do the hard work. Your not a baby who drinks milk; you should be eating meat by now.
Point 2: The Word.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
You will never spiritually grow in your walk with Christ without scripture. Over and Over again, the bible speaks of itself as the one and only way to knowing God in his fullest state. We have got to read the bible in order to know God. And...it is not enough to read it. STUDY IT!! Learn about what God is trying to say in his word. MEMORIZE IT!! How are you supposed to meditate on the word of God when you don't have any of it memorized? How are you supposed to fight sin and Satan without the word embedded in your brain? It takes work; I know. PRAY IT! The bible says to pray according to Gods will. How are you supposed to pray according to Gods will aside from his word? Its impossible.
Point 3: Righteousness by faith alone.
Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
If you are still working to be Good than you will never be righteous. On your best day God says you are nothing but filthy rags. However, through faith in Christ and what was accomplished on the cross; you can be made righteous and holy. This is good and bad news. Bad because there is nothing that you can do about your spiritual state. Good because you never again have to get down on yourself for not trying hard enough. The goal is not to try harder; instead the goal is to look closer....closer to Christ. Look to him and believe.
Time will tell if your belief is real. Are you growing? Are you convicted of sin? Do you love Christ deeply? Is he beautiful to you?
Psalm 1
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
There are three huge principles that are in here and they are defining for every believer. They define Gods progressive growth in all of his people in the most accurate way. Then again, why would that surprise me; it is God who wrote the book.
Point 1: Influence
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
Who is influencing you? Is it your husband, wife, friends, or Jesus? You and I do not have an excuse to blame our spiritual state on our church, our friends, our spouse, our schedule, or anyone else except ourselves. Who is influencing you? Who do you need to intentionally pursue in order to connect with Christ and grow in your faith? If your not happy with your relationship with Christ; grow up and do the hard work. Your not a baby who drinks milk; you should be eating meat by now.
Point 2: The Word.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
You will never spiritually grow in your walk with Christ without scripture. Over and Over again, the bible speaks of itself as the one and only way to knowing God in his fullest state. We have got to read the bible in order to know God. And...it is not enough to read it. STUDY IT!! Learn about what God is trying to say in his word. MEMORIZE IT!! How are you supposed to meditate on the word of God when you don't have any of it memorized? How are you supposed to fight sin and Satan without the word embedded in your brain? It takes work; I know. PRAY IT! The bible says to pray according to Gods will. How are you supposed to pray according to Gods will aside from his word? Its impossible.
Point 3: Righteousness by faith alone.
Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
If you are still working to be Good than you will never be righteous. On your best day God says you are nothing but filthy rags. However, through faith in Christ and what was accomplished on the cross; you can be made righteous and holy. This is good and bad news. Bad because there is nothing that you can do about your spiritual state. Good because you never again have to get down on yourself for not trying hard enough. The goal is not to try harder; instead the goal is to look closer....closer to Christ. Look to him and believe.
Time will tell if your belief is real. Are you growing? Are you convicted of sin? Do you love Christ deeply? Is he beautiful to you?
Tuesday
Be Praying for Holly
Today Holly is going to get her PET Scan. I am surethat she is nervous. The last time she went is when she got the news that she had to have surgery again. Lets all br praying for her. Holly,
I'm fighting for you. God is Good and Sovereign over all that is going on in yoru body. We are ll so proud of how you have been able to stay so faithful and strong through this. Your a great woman of God, great mother, and a wonderful wife (So Ryan says. hehe)
I am praying right now in the Name of Jesus, that any work of Satan will be dismissed by teh power of teh gospel. That teh will of God will be brought forth. I am praying that God will absolutely heal you to be cancer free.
We love you girl.
See you soon
Hi Guys,
Thanks for all being so flexible with the meeting date. Hope you are all doing well;. We're looking forward to getting together and catching up. Its been 2 weeks since we have all seen each other.
We had a great family vacation. The kids had a blast and it was very relaxing for Beth and I as well. The mountains are unbelievable. Growing up a city cat most of my life, it amazes me when I am punched in the face with God's incredible creation. I was able to take a kayak out on this lake and was just praising God while I rowed. It was awesome.
Anyway.
Bring your own meat tonight and we're gonna grill out.
Thanks for all being so flexible with the meeting date. Hope you are all doing well;. We're looking forward to getting together and catching up. Its been 2 weeks since we have all seen each other.
We had a great family vacation. The kids had a blast and it was very relaxing for Beth and I as well. The mountains are unbelievable. Growing up a city cat most of my life, it amazes me when I am punched in the face with God's incredible creation. I was able to take a kayak out on this lake and was just praising God while I rowed. It was awesome.
Anyway.
Bring your own meat tonight and we're gonna grill out.
Wednesday
Grill Out
Hi Guys,
Hope you all had a fun night with your kids on Monday. We set the ids up with a tent made out of blankets and couches and watched a movie together. Nothing like a little Madagascar 2. It was a bunch of fun. Those moments that the kids get to enjoy life with us parents are ones that they will treasure. Its important that we all are creating a fun culture with our kids. I have found that it is so easy to just go through life; eating, sleeping, discipline, and brushing teeth; without remembering to have a little fun.
This Monday, We will all grill out at our house. We'll spend time as a group eating and then split up. Guys will stay at our house and Girls will go somewhere else. (Stone's will your house be available for the ladies?)
I want to spend some time talking about our relationships. So....be prepared to split up as men and ladies.
Enjoy the rest of your week and stay in the word. No excuses.
Psalm 19
The law of the Lord are prefect, reviving the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are sure.
Monday
Small Group Canceled (Agenda)
Hi Guys,
I hope that everyone had a great Easter Sunday with your families. The Chewning Fam had a great day. We were able to invite a friend to church with us and he really enjoyed it. We all then got to hang out at the in-laws and played outside.
Tonight Small Group is Canceled.
I want to give everyone a night to spend with your families to settle down after a long weekend. I thought with Spring Break going on and no school tomorrow, we as a small group can have a fun movie night with the kids. Its so important that our kids enjoy being with us. Lets shut the phones off, step away from the computers and spend a special night with the kids. Make cookies, let them stay up a little, and maybe let them crash in your room on the floor or in the living room. My kids love fun stuff like that.
Dad's, Lead the way on this.
After a fun night. Pray with the kids and spend some time in the word. Husbands and Wives: Read all of Ephesians 5 and then pray together.
There you have it. Its a family small group nite. Enjoy.
Tonight's Agenda:
Movie night with the Kids
Pray with Kids (Both parents Pray)
Ephesians 5 with Spouse
Pray with Spouse. (Both Spouses Pray for each other)
Men: Lead the way and make it happen.
I hope that everyone had a great Easter Sunday with your families. The Chewning Fam had a great day. We were able to invite a friend to church with us and he really enjoyed it. We all then got to hang out at the in-laws and played outside.
Tonight Small Group is Canceled.
I want to give everyone a night to spend with your families to settle down after a long weekend. I thought with Spring Break going on and no school tomorrow, we as a small group can have a fun movie night with the kids. Its so important that our kids enjoy being with us. Lets shut the phones off, step away from the computers and spend a special night with the kids. Make cookies, let them stay up a little, and maybe let them crash in your room on the floor or in the living room. My kids love fun stuff like that.
Dad's, Lead the way on this.
After a fun night. Pray with the kids and spend some time in the word. Husbands and Wives: Read all of Ephesians 5 and then pray together.
There you have it. Its a family small group nite. Enjoy.
Tonight's Agenda:
Movie night with the Kids
Pray with Kids (Both parents Pray)
Ephesians 5 with Spouse
Pray with Spouse. (Both Spouses Pray for each other)
Men: Lead the way and make it happen.
Thursday
Judas the Betrayer
Read Luke 9
Have you ever wondered about Judas the betrayer? Recently I have. It is crazy when I think about all that he did while he was with Jesus. When you read Luke 9, you will see that Jesus sent him out to preach the good news about Him. He gave Judas power and authority to heal and cast out demons. Judas was sent to be a specific messenger about the Gospel of Christ. That is just crazy to me.
The other thing that is crazy is that Jesus, being fully God and all knowing, prayed to the Father all night when he was picking out the 12 disciples. In other words, he prayed all night to the Father about who to choose and went through great lengths to make sure that Judas was a part of his 12, while knowing full well that he would betray him and hand him over to be crucified for some silver.
How can this be? Jesus literally set himself up to be betrayed and killed.
This just shows the absolute glory of Christ. He was determined to save his people, regardless of the cost. Like the scripture says, he was willing to go through death, even death on a cross. Our God is great. Yet, while we were still sinners and rebelling against God, Christ willingly went to the cross to die so that we may live. That is an awesome testimony of the love, knowledge, sacrifice and glory of Christ.
Do you love him today? I do!
Tuesday
God's using our small group.
Hi Guys,
Last night we only had a few people who were able to make it to the meeting. We decided to split up between the guys and girls and chill together. The girls went to the Stone's place and Mike and I stayed at my crib. It was a bunch of fun and a great time to connect.
The highlight of the night came from what God is doing in Mike. There are 2 things that stick out like a screaming kid in a grocery store.
1. A few weeks back you may remember that we threw Mike in the hot seat to encourage him and pray over him. One of his requests was for more work. With the economy the way it is, he was only getting 1 or 2 days at work which was putting him in a little stress being the sole breadwinner for his family. We prayed and God answered.
Since that night, he has been overwhelmed with work. he has been given at least 5 days a week which is more than enough and actually overtime for him. How great is our God? He is faithful to answer and provide.
2. 15 days ago we decided to start to go through Luke together. In doing so, Mike has begun to read through scripture on occasion. For a while now Mike was dealing with some issues with a co-worker. She was being very bitter to him. Naturally, like we all have done, Mike treated her with the same contempt as he was receiving from her. He was being nasty, leaving her extra work, etc. Then he came across God's word.
Luke 6:27-36
27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Mike went on to bless her even though she was being nasty to him. He would stay at work longer to do more work so that she wouldn't have to do it. He would try and make her job easier, and be extremely nice and sincere to her every chance he had. he even said that he left her notes with smiley faces (That's a stretch for Mike if you know him.)
Can you believe that she bought him breakfast the other day while she came into work. How cool is that. Mike said that God's word is right, it is the sick who need Christians. Not the well. That's awesome.
I love all you guys,
Matt
Keep reading. We are on day 15 right now.
Monday
Today's Meeting 4/6/09
Hi Guys,
Just wanted to let you know that I am looking forward to tonight's meeting. I want to prepare everyone about what we will be chatting about. We'll be talking about "The Word". aka. "The Bible".
Lets prepare our hearts to be challenged tonight. I want to discuss in honest conversation, our personal views on scripture. I know that we all may have different views on what the bible really is and how it is applicable, so lets be open to talk through it and learn from each other.
Three things that you can be thinking of during the day today.
1. Is the bible really "God speaking to me personally"?
2. Is the bible really relevant to me today?
3. Why is it important for Christians to read the bible?
Again, we will meet at the Chewning's at 5:45 for dinner; then we will go to the Stone's to chat. Jen Stone is bringing dinner. Yummy.
Be thinking about who wants to volunteer to watch the kids tonight. Last week it was Beth Chewning and Jen Sudduth.
Saturday
Isaiah 40: "OUR God is Awesome and Stands Forever."
I was encouraged by my brother-in-law, Paul, to read this scripture and wanted to share it with my our small group. It has become one of my favorite parts of scripture. Our God is so huge and we are so small. yet, in his bigness, he allows us to know him. That is amazing to me. How great is our God? He's AWESOME!!!!
I have been meditating on verse 8 for the past 2 days now and it is just speaking wonders to me.
Our God and his word stands for ever. How cool is it that he is "OUR" God. Not just the God, or God, but "OUR" God. He's mine! He's yours! He's OURS!!
Isaiah 40:8-15
8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." 9 You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!" 10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. 12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? 13 Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor? 14 Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding? 15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. 9 You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!" 10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. 12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? 13 Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor? 14 Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding? 15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.
Friday
"Hi"
Hi Guys,
I really enjoyed small group this week. I was up praying for all of you specifically this morning. I believe that God really is wanting to do some big things in our small group. I am excited about that. Lets be dedicated to our pursuit of Christ. Remember that Knowledge of God word is never a substitute for our pursuit of him. Knowledge can only help in our pursuit. Like Proverbs 3 says trust him and acknowledge him in every area of your life. That's is what it means to pursue Christ.
This week, do we have anyone who wants to volunteer for the main dish?
We'll do drinks and ice cream.
Remember to keep on a daily schedule of scripture reading. Make time. We don't have time because we don't create time. get up 15 minutes earlier, go to bed 15 minutes earlier. Spend less time on the Internet or watching TV. You can find the time.
I'd like for everyone to share one verse that encouraged them............
I really enjoyed small group this week. I was up praying for all of you specifically this morning. I believe that God really is wanting to do some big things in our small group. I am excited about that. Lets be dedicated to our pursuit of Christ. Remember that Knowledge of God word is never a substitute for our pursuit of him. Knowledge can only help in our pursuit. Like Proverbs 3 says trust him and acknowledge him in every area of your life. That's is what it means to pursue Christ.
This week, do we have anyone who wants to volunteer for the main dish?
We'll do drinks and ice cream.
Remember to keep on a daily schedule of scripture reading. Make time. We don't have time because we don't create time. get up 15 minutes earlier, go to bed 15 minutes earlier. Spend less time on the Internet or watching TV. You can find the time.
I'd like for everyone to share one verse that encouraged them............
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