1. My fear lately – going back about two months – has been that I have let my secure position in Christ keep me from caring whether I am listening to his teaching in a few areas. Thankfully and providentially, he has put a few things in my life to help me think through these painful realizations.
2. If I can not handle well my book selling poorly, I cannot be expected to handle well it selling well.
3. I will never again be able to be a part of a church where I cannot expect to the sit down with the pastor who preaches to us.
4. A church that thinks money will solve its problems, must then be patient with those individuals who think the same way. Only a church that does not think money is the answer can compel the person in the pew to ask for daily bread.
5. I am glad Nathan was not worried about David’s friendship.
6.Last week I began praying for the people I work with. And when I say “began” I did so as a whining child not wanting to, on a visceral level. But God has been good to me in my weakness. Work is still very painful. But it has been more pleasant and I am sure I have been more pleasant. A small echo of Paul and Silas singing in prison, maybe? Maybe.
7.If a conviction costs me nothing, it is nothing.
8.Yesterday morning, I awoke tired and frustrated. Financial worries seized me immediately. And then the fact that I have never missed a meal struck me like never before. That is a remarkable thing and can turn fear into thanksgiving.
9.A small local church that loves each other and Jesus is a thing to be reckoned with.
10. The pull of notoriety is strong. It’s muscles are decorated with veins pumping promises of being liked and being secure.
Echoes and Stars 
Only 10, or just ran out of space! Perhaos your like me can only count to ten. Love the transparency of your blogs.
I know these two all two well
If a conviction costs me nothing, it is nothing.
The pull of notoriety is strong. It’s muscles are decorated with veins pumping promises of being liked and being secure.
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Thanks for sharing Matt
I always love reading your posts, especially ones like this. We’ll have to catch up once I’m back in the States.
I always enjoy reading your posts, especially ones like this. We’ll have to catch up once I get back to the States.
My husband and I, too, are searching for a small church where we, when needed, can sit down with the pastor without having to wait several weeks out for an appointment or be referred to someone else on staff.
In February of this year, we attended Providence Baptist Church in Raleigh and were stunned and sickened to watch the senior pastor introduce with glowing remarks C J Mahaney as the guest speaker. Knowing how solid the pastor has been for years, it was inexplicable to us. It is now July, yet silence from this pastor. Thank you for your insight.