Author Archives: Matthew Winters

Vulnerability has become a buzz word of the day. I remember hearing the word in a very negative context as I was growing up. I heard about vulnerability in the context of “Senior adults are vulnerable to telephone scams.” Fast forward twenty years, and now vulnerability is something that is praised. Is vulnerability always aContinue reading “The Pros and Cons of Vulnerability”

The devil’s work has been alive and well for a long time. We don’t have to look far to see it. But I want you to think about this. How does he attack you? The devil’s tactics are pretty lame. His playbook has not changed much at all through the years. The circumstances are different,Continue reading “Understanding and Addressing the Devil’s Tactics”

Seven years ago, I was pastor to this couple. From the time they met me on my trial weekend to determine whether I would be the next pastor of Tar Heel Baptist Church, Charlie and Jennifer loved my family and we loved them. I’ll never forget a Sunday night in February 2014 when my phoneContinue reading “The Call That Kept Me on Track”

I don’t doubt that many of you read this post title and thought, “Matthew has lost his mind!” My response – “You have stated the obvious😂.” Seriously. I would not label Bon Jovi a theologian, but his lyrics, “Oh, we’re halfway there. Oh, living on a prayer,” is right. The year is halfway over, andContinue reading “Bon Jovi Couldn’t Be More Accurate”

“For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son,” (Colossians‬ ‭1:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬) There is not a single born again believer who does not have a rescue story or more than one. Sadly, we have fallen into the trap of comparing stories. I have heardContinue reading “My Rescue Story”

For many years, I have heard about things that would disqualify someone from doing something in Christian service. I have seen this taken to an extreme in Christian circles. I’ve seen churches allow a sexually promiscuous teenager (a non-member, I might add) to represent the church while denying someone who missed some services. They wouldContinue reading “Disqualified?”

How to begin?   For hours, I’ve been fighting with my sentences. My computer keys aren’t spilling out eloquent words. My mind doesn’t have scholarly solutions for the conflict-ridden divisiveness that’s rocking our nation. Somehow, it’s simply my heart that wants to be heard. Just my humbled heart—speaking to yours. Across our nation hearts are bentContinue reading “Encouraging Guest Post from Sally Johnson: How to Begin This Post”

Happy Father’s Day! First to my own dad…You worked hard and pushed through years of agonizing physical pain so Mom and I would have what we needed. I love you! To many influential men who have been a blessing in my life. In my years of ministry, my dad has been a few hundred milesContinue reading “On This Father’s Day”

I recently received a message from a critic. I cannot judge the intent of this individual. We all receive criticism at times. Some of us receive it more than others. I want to examine the criticism I received and make some practical application to us all as we receive criticism. Be willing to search yourContinue reading “When Criticism Comes Your Way”

Many who read this blog don’t know me that well outside what they have read. I have spoken to some personally, but many of my readers don’t know me outside of my writing. They have read about some of my struggles, but tonight, I desire to share my extremely deep need for a fresh anointingContinue reading “I Need a Fresh Anointing”