Now I was...

The other day I was reading through Nehemiah 1. If you know me, you know I love the story of Nehemiah. It is such an authentic 1st person look at a simple man of God with a desire to do something big. As I was reading through his opening prayer for Jerusalem's restoration, I was unusually gripped by his final sentence in that 1st chapter. He writes, "Now I was cupbearer to the king (1:11)". It isn't something I have never read before. In fact, it seems pretty mundane at first. It is a simple sentence without any grammatical or literary brilliance. But as I read Nehemiah's words that night in my living room after my wife had gone to bed, I imagined him putting those final inscriptions on paper. I can see him huddled in a tent in Jerusalem on a late night, making record of his journey and a sly grin creeping across his face.

Nehemiah isn't just making the statement for informational reasons. The guy is bragging! He isn't doing it pridefully but as a man who is scheming. This political figure has realized his position in the world and the unique opportunity that lies before him. As cupbearer, his very existence depends on the success of his career. His job description includes tasting the wine for poison before serving it. He selects only the best while living as an example for the other palace servants. But more than that, Nehemiah has the ear of his king! His opinion is one of the few that matters to the man on the throne. He is showered with opportunity and comfort every morning that he reports for duty.

With this position, Nehemiah is one of the most powerful men in Persia. More than anyone else in his generation, Nehemiah has the resources to restore the walls of Jerusalem, to affect political change and spiritual restoration in Judah. He is God's man and knows exactly what he is there for!

How can God use your opportunities and talents to further his plans? Just imagine it.
I am quarterback of my high school football team.
I am president of our local PTA.
I am director of operations at my company.

Maybe your position in life is less glamorous.
I am president of the math club.
I am the neighbor of that weird family with Christmas lights up in July.
I am the office janitor.

Either way, God has placed you in your position for a reason. He has given you the opportunities, responsibilities, and giftings you currently possess to fulfill his plans where no one else can. Like no other time in history, the Church is in position to do something amazing. We must all stand up. Are you ready?

New Website and an Upcoming Date

When the seasons update faster than your blog, you know you're either in Texas or you're not on it enough. In this case, both are true. But now there is quite a bit going on!

I just posted the new gravityministries.org and our new facebook fan page! It is a new way for me to keep you posted about our ministry and give you something to read on your news feed other than your best friend's complicated relationship.

I am getting all of this ready because we anticipate God doing some great things in the coming months. At this point, I have no idea what that may be or what it even looks like. For now, I feel that we must be ready even if it seems that we are out of season.

Holly and I appreciate your prayers in these coming weeks. We are getting ready for a D-Now with Stephen Watson and his students at Oak Grove Baptist Church, just outside of Kansas City! We will be going through an in-depth study on Nehemiah and God's restoring on the people of Judah. I am writing the small group curriculum in addition to the preaching. Pray that God will speak through me, that He will already begin working in the hearts of these students, and that all will go well as they plan for this event.

www.gravityministries.org

Hangin Out in Sky Ranch Cave Springs

Its been a while since my last post. Right now I am writing from the office here in Sky Ranch Cave Springs. It is an awesome camp with an amazing staff. We have been enjoying highs in 80's and lows in the 60's each night with a steady breeze. So far it has been a much-needed break from the Texas heat.

I am here with the students at First Baptist Clarksville, AR for their camp, "Elemental." Dustin Wagley has put on an amazing schedule and a well-flowing curriculum. The students are having fun, growing in their faith, and spending valuable time in community. Worship this week is being led by Rob Rudd, a great guy with a passion for meaningful worship.

Pray for us this week as we near the end. We have been discussing God's holiness, our unique place in creation and our sinful state. Last night focused on our approach to God as an unholy, sinful people and tonight we will discuss God's loving response to our fallen condition.

Many of our students have confessed in small group settings that their spiritual lives have dried up. At best, many of them feel that they simply go through the motions. While no event alone can cause long-term change, pray that these students will be compelled by what they learn this week and will take it with them throughout their lives. As I told the students on Monday night, pray that this week will be legendary. Pray that the Holy Spirit will move. Please also pray for me as I seek to communicate these truths, that God alone will be glorified and I will be his mouthpiece.

Ill update soon on the backend of the event.

www.gravityministries.org

Spring, Stuttgart, and Stress

Things have been going really well over the last few months as I gear up for some major changes in my life. I recently had the privilege of speaking to the youth in Stuttgart, AR for their House Party Weekend (D-Now). The students were fun to hang out with, the leaders sacrificially poured themselves out, and God seemed to be present through every facet of the event. It was such an amazing experience!

It has been increasingly difficult to focus on here and now lately. It feels like senioritis in high school on steroids! I am working on transitioning into the youth minister position at Audubon Park Baptist Church in the Dallas area while preparing for my future marriage, which is just over 2 months away. Between planning for the summer, helping Holly move into her (soon to be our) apartment, registering for classes at DTS, and the general excitement over graduation, it seems the last thing on my mind is homework!

But God has been faithful in all of this. As stressed as things may get from time to time, deadlines are being met, I'm having fun, and doors are opening. God is good and I am so thankful for the opportunities before me. I appreciate everyone's prayers and support more than you'll ever know.

Matt

www.gravityministries.org

The Last Semester Begins

After a month away from all my responsibilities, it was strange to arrive back on campus and hit the ground running so quickly. Like the beginning of any other semester, I have just been in shock with the workload sitting before me. I've been spending much of my time thinking back on my past semesters and realizing this is my final run. It's my last registration, my last time to run through Rush Week with the Chiotes, my last set of roommates, and many other things. After three and a half years, I am coming around the final stretch.

To be honest, given the speed at which things are hitting me, Refuge has been the last thing on my mind. It wasn't until I was driving up to Second Baptist around 8:15 last night that it hit me I was about to preach. I walked into the church as I normally do to meet our prayer team but what I found surprised me. I walked in to find the back stairwell full of other students who were there to pray. I instantly knew it was going to be an amazing night. A rush of excitement hit me and Klayton as we realized God was in the process of doing an amazing work. I am so grateful for the opportunity to lead such an incredible ministry and I thank God for everyone who has sacrificed their time and efforts to make Refuge a possibility.

Amazing things are happening!

P.S. - This week's message is available for download on the website at www.gravityministries.org/audio.htm if you want to check it out!