What’s Going On With Our Website

In the middle of May, unbeknownst to us, our domain (pgmethodist.com) expired. Because PGTC hosts our website, anyone accessing the internet using PGTC is still able to see it and I am able to update it. Those using Cox or some other Internet Service Provider (ISP), however, only see a page saying the domain has expired.

I know that makes zero sense to many of you – I don’t completely understand everything involved – but we are working to resolve the problem with PGTC and GoDaddy.com through which we bought the domain.

A handful of you still send to matthew@pgmethodist.com and if you sent me anything to that address past the middle of May, I have not received it. Please direct your e-mails to pastormatthew@me.com from now on.

Sorry for the inconvenience. We will let you know as soon as we are back up and running.

Monday Reflections

It’s almost Christmas and I can’t wait to celebrate our candlelight service with you on Thursday night at 8:00 P.M. It’s going to be a celebration of God’s incomparable faithfulness to his people. I hope we can celebrate the light of the world together!

• Several asked so the song James sang at the end of the service was “Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)” by Chris Rice and you can get it on iTunes or Amazon.com.
• I’m so thankful that Jesus not only can be seen but is seen through your love and service. I see him all the time in you.
• I was moved by your eagerness to pray at the end of the first service. I’m going to work on a way to make it more accessible and make kneeling more comfortable.
• Thanks to all the families who lit the Advent candles this season. I can’t wait to light the Christ candle Thursday night.
• I’m challenged by the folks taking Disciple I. They ask deep questions and I love how much they push my thinking. Bible study is a gift and a privilege.
• Your generosity in helping James and Brandy after their house break in was incredible. I feel such thankfulness and justifiable pride in being a part of this church family.
• Here are some giving charts (PDF) that deal with tithing and where we are as a church.
• I had some one after church ask if I knew about Dave Ramsey. I do and we’re thinking about Financial Peace University or a study on his book in 2010.
• My offer to help with budgeting will stand permanently. There’s real freedom in it!

God bless you and have a safe Christmas!

Monday Reflections

I’m exhausted, in a good way, so I’m writing this out on Sunday evening instead of Monday some time.  It’s been a fruitful day and I’m so thankful to have met with you to worship God and hear from him.

Don’t forget to check out the post below this one – I’ve linked several books that you might think about giving to others as gifts as a recommendation from me.

• Today we remembered our joy with the pink Advent candle.  I have joy, like the apostle Paul, when I think of you and all that we’ve done together in 2009.  I rejoice in the blessing of serving you.
• I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude in remembering that God loves us no matter what and that we earn nothing of it.  God just loves us.
• I’m reminded of something I heard another preacher say: If people aren’t asking, “Should we keep on sinning so the grace of God might abound (Romans 6:1)?” then we might not be preaching the Gospel.
• God’s kind of like Hannibal of the A-Team – “I love it when a plan comes together.”  We see portions of God’s unbelievable plan come together every time we look at a prophecy fulfilled.
• It becomes clearer every day that I understand life through TV and movie quotes
• I rejoice in being able to teach the Bible.  It’s my passion in life and I thank God and you that I get to do it.  I wish I could do it more often!
• Had a great lunch with seven folks who are going to join the church – 6 this Sunday and one more when he gets back from Christmas break at the University.  Great people and amazing food.  Seriously.

I hope you have a great, Spirit-filled week.  Be looking for a pretty big announcement coming this weekend.  I’ve shared it with a few folks and am praying that it becomes an exciting event in the life of our church.

Books as Christmas Gifts – My Recommendations

You might be thinking of books to get friends or loved ones for Christmas and not know what to get them so I’ve put together a list for you.  I think you will find it helpful – hopefully more helpful than some of the book displays you see at the bookstores because I’ve actually read these!

Your Jesus is Too Safe (Jared C. Wilson) – Want to learn about Jesus in a deep yet stunningly accessible way?  Want to laugh and be challenged about Jesus?  This is your book.  Highly recommended.

In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day (Mark Batterson) – I’ve recommended this one before and I know at least one of you has read it, but if you want to inspire or be inspired to follow Jesus passionately and live life to the fullest, you’ll find a fellow pilgrim in this book.

Prodigal God (Tim Keller) – The parable of the prodigal son like you’ve never heard it before.  I can’t describe how extravagant and gracious the love of God is but this book does a great job.  It’s short, accessible, and has the potential to change your life.  There’s also a fair chance this will be our Lenten study this Spring.

Counterfeit Gods (Tim Keller) – Another short yet powerful book by Tim Keller.  We don’t realize to what extent our hearts make idols out of everything and Keller’s book shows us as well as leads us into worship of the One who is worthy of our affection.

A Praying Life (Paul Miller) – One of the most real and helpful books I’ve read on prayer this year.  Maybe ever.  It reminded me that prayer isn’t learned in sterile places but in the midst of battle.  And encouragement and help.

Just Walk Across the Room (Bill Hybels) – Admittedly, I haven’t completed this one yet but I’m going to recommend it for a couple of reasons 1) We can all use some motivation to speak to people about Jesus and 2) It’s going to be the book around which the evangelism seminar in February is based.  I want a bunch of y’all to go with me.

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments.  I’ll try to answer quickly!

Monday Reflections

Remember Pearl Harbor and go hug a veteran, especially one of our WWII vets who we’re losing more of every day.

• This is what I want my life to be about. Seriously. Get some tissues.
• What might God be using to get your attention? Might he be using difficult situations, blessings, or life oddities to call you to greater devotion?
• The steadfast love of the Lord is better than life. Psalm 63:3
• The last couple of weeks have driven me more to Jesus, not because of trial but because of need of God. I hope that drive never ceases.
• But, because it will, I pray and read my Bible today knowing that in dry times God may get my attention with something truly bizarre.
• The children’s Christmas program last night was wonderful. I’m sure someone got the whole thing on tape if you missed it. It was well rehearsed, well done, and Christ-centered to the core. Loved it.
• I’m thinking about closing out 2009 well and faithfully. How about you?

God bless you and hope to see you Sunday if not before!

Monday Reflections

… on Tuesday. No, I didn’t forget.

• I filled my inbox with a bunch of thoughts and ideas over Thanksgiving that I wanted to deal with so that’s what I did on Monday.
• I’m excited about that which God has made me excited!
• I believe God is moving in some powerful ways, particularly within me which means periods of gut-wrenching repentance and overwhelming joy.
• The gospel never fails to move me.
• The theme of God keeping promises will surface again this week. I’m so thankful that God never forgets and never fails.
• It was a joy to hear those kids singing in the first service – I can’t wait for the Christmas program this Sunday at 6 p.m.
• Keep praying for those pastors I mentioned Sunday morning, especially the family of Thomas Young and Matt Chandler. I appreciate you lifting them up.
• I look forward to communing with you this Sunday as we celebrate Holy Communion!

Monday Reflections

I’m going to do a quick reflection as we get ready to head out of town for Thanksgiving. Looking forward to eating good food while trying to avoid gluttony! Do me a huge favor – travel safely!!! I want to see y’all on the 29th for the 1st Sunday of Advent!

• I’m thankful for you. (Philippians 1:3)
• I’m thankful for Jesus (Romans 8:1)
• I’m thankful that we’ll all (hopefully) get some rest this week and gear up for Advent and a new year.
• The challenge stands – Thanksgiving 2010 will be a holiday that we look back on and say, “I’m thankful that God worked mightily among us.”
• How will you respond to God’s call in order to see the grace of God extend to all people?
• Big thanks to the 7 folks who came to help decorate Sunday afternoon. They’re going to finish up at 5 p.m. on Tuesday if you’d like to come and help.
• There are some left over door hangers on the table by Sandi’s office if you want to put out a few in your neighborhoods.

Here’s the YouTube video of that comedian I mentioned yesterday.  It’s a little more “blue” than I remember it but it’s still worth pondering:

Monday Reflections

Since I got knocked out of doing last week’s on Monday because of that blasted cold, I’m going to get this week’s done before noon! Thanksgiving is right around the corner so don’t forget decorating and doorhanging next Sunday. We’re going to be gone next week to visit family and get ready for Advent. I’ll be without internet for two whole days! I have no idea what I’m going to do – that’s not true

Anyway, on to the reflections!

• Wow. Sheila Birch blew me away with her testimony. I was trying to pray for strength for her while getting choked up myself. What a blessing it is to hear about God’s work in the life of his children!
• Will Sheila’s testimony open the door for you to share with us what God’s doing in you? I hope you’ll think about it!
• Giving was up yesterday which was a great feeling. Let’s keep it up and finish the year strong!
• Mark your calendars – February 19 & 20, 2010. We’re going to Fayetteville for an evangelism training with Rob Williams who is a church planter extraordinaire currently planting Second UMC in Siloam Springs. He knows what he’s doing and will be a HUGE asset to us. I’m going to take as many as will Go. It’s a Friday evening and all day Saturday.
• Prepare to Mark your calendars – March 22-26, 2010 is Spring Break for schools in Arkansas. We are going to participate in a mission trip again this year. Ask someone who has been in the past. We want YOU to go with us.
• Harvest Time Dinner was AWESOME! I waddled home. Great food and even greater fellowship with a lot of folks, some of whom I hadn’t even met before.
• Big thank you to the Friendship Circle who organized and executed this event. Success in so many ways but particularly in the way it really matters – relationships. Great, great job, ladies.
• Another big thank you to the off duty ushers who escorted people in with umbrellas while it was raining. Your servant hearts inspire me!
• Check out some pictures here. If you have others, bring them by or E-mail me and I’ll put them up.
• The GPS will be under the “Grow” tab of the website shortly.

Have a great week, y’all!

Monday Reflections

The late Tuesday Afternoon “I Habe uh Code” edition.

Yuck. I more than likely got this head cold by trying to be a good dad to my daughter over the weekend while she was sick, but it’s a good reminder for all of us to remember to wash our hands and use the hand sanitizers sitting out.

Onto the reflections (that I can remember after two days of cold medicine!):

• I’m geared up for the Harvest Time Dinner. It’s going to be a great meal but more importantly it signals a renewal of the UMW which delights me to no end. I hope you’ll join me in showing support for them and the church!
• If you’d like a digital copy of either the GPS or the weekly giving chart you can go to this page on our church website. We’re going to try and make things like this available through our website. I’m hoping, too, that by the end of the year to have video of our worship services up as well.
• Proverbs 22:7 reads “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” I don’t want any of us, individually or the church, to be a slave of anyone but Jesus Christ. How can I or the church as a whole help you? I’ve talked with a few about Financial Peace University. What do you think?
• There are few things we live more recklessly with than our finances. The more out of control we are the more likely it is that our priorities are out of whack. What are the priorities in your life? What are your values? Those are questions Heather and I have been wrestling with, trying to answer for our family.
• We’re going to talk about living passionately this coming Sunday. What gets you worked up and excited in life? How might God be using your passion to make his passion – making disciples – a reality? That’s a question we should all chew on.

Hope y’all have a great week and don’t get sick! Pray for those who are, especially the children!

Monday Reflections

Back again!  Still loving the end of Daylight Savings Time.  I sure wish we’d get rid of the whole thing all together, though  Onto the reflections!

• I always love having communion with y’all.  We talked a little about this last night at Disciple during our discussion of the Passover.  ”Do This in Remembrance of Me” reminds me every time of the “Lamb who was slain” (Rev 5).
• Thank you Jesus for the saints who have died.  They are a part of our cloud of witnesses (Heb 12).  Although not members of our church, I’m deeply thankful for Austin Stovall, Henry Coker, and Glenn Cummings and their influence on our family (those are our grandfathers who died this year).
• I realized yesterday how few are the times that I actually pay attention and see God answer my “little” prayers.  One of those prayers for my heart was answered and I wrote it down to remember!
• If you’re interested in what I reading – something that’s feeding my experience with God recently – check out In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day.  Weird title, good book.
• I got a lot more questions back yesterday.  Great job!  I think I’ll make a deal with you: if I get 100 cards, after I rank them (as in, which questions are asked the most) into the top 4, I’ll try and take a couple of them a week in 2010 and answer them on this blog.  Deal?

See you on Sunday!