This is not my first rodeo with blogging. For over four years, I wrote a blog that was, in the end, called “Honest Thoughts from a Pastor”. God made it clear in the final months that the blog had to go.
After some time to pray and reboot, you are reading a blog that I pray will encourage those who have been wounded in the fight. We all have scars. We all, like Jacob in his encounter with what is believed to be the pre-incarnate Christ, walk with a limp. Your scars or limp may be from addiction, divorce, or some form of abuse. Whatever it is, there is hope for you.
As I write, I will write about difficulties and scars. But I won’t stop there. God doesn’t want you to stay in your difficulties. He wants you to triumph. He wants you to use those difficulties to help others.
While I pray that many in vocational ministry will be reading, I long to minister to the overall body of Christ as well as to those who have yet to follow Christ. When all is said and done, I can’t wait to read and hear the testimonies of readers who have been “wounded yet healed”.
Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton
Praise Jesus for wounds and how He refines us to persevere!
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Yes! He is our Healer!
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Sounds essential—count me in. I wonder if full-time ministry counts if it’s not vocational? Served for 11 years on a voluntary basis, and am now licking my bruised heart over being pastured in favor of a new look to attract MIllenials. So I’ve “moo”-ved aside, which I wouldn’t mind if truth wasn’t being replaced with seeker sensitive entertainment. Anyone need a bible thumping expositor, lol?
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Sheldon, you still have your place. I was ready to shelf myself recently after being burned out with the either dead traditionalism or what I call “the new traditionalism” I see in churches. My ministry now is a “missionary to pastors” which also goes to those who serve in various capacities of ministry. By the way, what you do counts. It’s labor for the Lord and is not in vain (I Cor. 15:58). I pray God will open doors for you that no one can shut.
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He is our healer. My husband and I are prayer ministers in a healing ministry. And we are ministered to. There is nothing like being healed of the trauma, no matter what it is, in our lives and receiving more freedom in Christ.
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Such a beautiful thing, Nancy!
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Glad to see you’re writing again! Excited to read your posts!
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Thanks, brother! I couldn’t stay away long.
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Reblogged this on Kingdom Pastor and commented:
Matthew is a great friend and inspiration to me. We’ve never met face to face, but we have talked on the phone, and from time to time…a timely text. I encourage all my followers to follow Matthew.
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This is a great topic for a blog! I’m so glad I subscribed to your last one hours before you released this link!
Looking forwards to see where God leads on this site!
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Thank you, Liam!
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Following this one too.
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Thanks! I won’t be publishing on the old one since it only posts to the reader.
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Oh Matthew how happy I am that you are back to blogging. Your heartfelt and logical posts have encouraged me as we (like you) have gone through fire. God is so faithful and restores His loved ones to an even greater and more fullfilling Christian lifestyle. May He bless you now! ❤
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I like the quote all the way towards the end. It reminds me of an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
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I love that!
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Welcome back, Pastor Matt. Love this topic and look forward to reading your future blog posts.
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Thanks! It’s good to be back.
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Matthew, this new blog sounds good. I am wounded yet healed, too. Praise the Lord!
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