How Far is Too Far?

“Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do the things which I say?” -Luke 6:46 (NKJV)

I’m pretty sure that I am not going to be very popular with a lot of people after they read this blog, but I feel it needs to be discussed.  A few weeks ago I initiated the question to some friends, “Why is it that as Christians, when we do not follow the Bible in its entirety- we’re hypocrites; yet, if we follow it completely- we’re prudes?”  My main thought behind this was in regards to sexual purity, the stewarding of our bodies, and the way we handle it in our personal relationships.  What does that look like?  To tell you the truth, I cannot say.  That is between you and the Lord, but we must also understand that our bodies are not our own, and sin is sin.  If you read and study God’s Word, sin almost always leads to death (Prov 7:6-23; James 1:14-15), but His ways and statues lead to life (Psalm 119:9-11, 101, 105; Isaiah 55:9)  Now, please understand I do realize we are under no condemnation and that everyone falls- but this is never a reason to go on sinning willfully!  The point I am getting at is that we are constantly under the microscope by others who are just waiting for us to mess up so that they can pick out “flaws” in Christianity.  That is why we must continue to stay submitted to God and maintain a higher standard (Phil 3:16) and lead others towards the Cross.

My girlfriend and I recently ordered a couple copies of the book Hero: Becoming the Man She Desires by Fred and Jasen Stoeker.  We did this because we want to begin (and maintain) our relationship in absolute purity for the glory of God so that He will bless it.  Based on my previous experience, and to go along with Paul’s words, I put NO confidence in the flesh whatsoever! (Phil 3:3)  We can have the best intentions and be completely sold out to Christ, but let’s face it- when times get hot and heavy- we are definitely entering into dangerous waters!  The best protection anyone can possibly do is to put safeguards around circumstances and never let ourselves fall into that trap.  I heard Fred once talk about his son Jasen and how Jasen and his fiancée maintained absolute purity right up to the wedding altar: they never put themselves in compromising situations and never were alone where wrong choices could be made.  If this is the type of relationship you desire, seek God in helping you not only find the strength to withstand, but to put barriers up for your protection.  Remember, when there’s no boundaries placed around us, our so called “freedom” can actually lead to a prison of pain and hurt.  However, when we live and operate within God’s perfect Word and statutes, we find a level of love, trust, and peace that cannot be matched!

Get Soaked!

"Surely the righteous will give thanks to Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence." -Psalm 140:13 (NASB)

One of the newest tools I have recently added to my walk is "soaking sessions".  A soaking session is basically just that- a time of worship, prayer, and basking in God's presence.  It is much more intimate than just going into your prayer closet, it is a time for both the natural and the supernatural and waiting on God to move.  Soaking can be done alone or with others in the room, but the main point is to remain focused on what God is speaking to you by staying keen to the Spirit. 

There are even Cd's available with very soft (often without words) music to create an atmosphere of worship.  An individual is welcome to pray both in their native and unknown language, to be still as long as they feel led, and to pray/petition with God to do the supernatural.  I personally choose to put on the soaking music and lie on the floor with a pillow (and sometimes a blanket).  I will start out by reading some Scripture (often from Psalms), release a prayer, and then lie on my back and just absorb all that is going on around me.  My main prayer every time I soak is to calm my heart and to make my mind still- to block out all that is going on in my life and allow God to take control.  It's even getting to the point that I fall asleep the majority of the time I soak, but I wouldn't say that's a bad thing.  I find that when I wake the next day, my demeanor is extremely calm, and I feel completely at peace. 

I would encourage you to begin to seek this out in your own life.  Do some research on it and grab a few Cd's.  Most of all, EXPECT an encounter with God each and every time you soak.  God inhabits the praise of His people and will draw near to us as we draw near to Him (James 4:8).  When we walk in obedience with our Lord, He is faithful to hear and answer our prayers.  Make the attempt to add a soaking session into your walk regularly, and wait on God to do the amazing in your life. 

A Father's Walk Book Review

Here is a link to a book review to my new book A Father's Walk: A Christian-Based Resource for Single Fathers.  It was written by Wayne Parker from About.com Fatherhood:

http://fatherhood.about.com/od/Parenting-Books/fr/A-Fathers-Walk-A-Christian-Based-Resource-For-Single-Fathers.htm

The book can be ordered directly off of our website: www.afatherswalk.org or call (616) 581-4409.  I truly believe in this book and my prayer is for it to help start changing the culture in our country (and around the world) in regards to single fathers increasing their walk with Christ and becoming the godly men and fathers they were created to be!

Real Men Love Jesus

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” –Rom 8:37 (NKJV)


You probably recognize the title of this blog is the same as certain bumper stickers, t-shirts, etc that are going around. Yes, they are popular- but they carry what I believe is a very powerful and necessary message as well. The world chooses to make their own image of what a “man” should be and to make Jesus into some sort of wimp and cream puff. From a very young age males are taught to be tough, hook up with multiple girls, fight, drink, etc…

When I spoke to a group before, I tried to take examples such as these and compare them to what a follower of Christ would do in the exact same situation. Here are a few examples, backed up of course, with Scripture:
Any man can pick a fight, but it takes a REAL man to defuse a situation (Rom 12:20-21)
Any man can go get drunk, but it takes a REAL man to follow God (Eph 5:18)
Any man can make a baby, but it takes a REAL man to be a father (Eph 6:4)
Any man can help out, but it takes a REAL man to lay down his life for others (John 10:11-15)
And so on…


The point I am making here is that Jesus is the ultimate Man, and any of us who desire to follow Him must make great sacrifices in regards to what the world perceives. Whether or not others accept our lives is not the issue. What’s truly important is the way we desire to deny ourselves daily to become more Christ-like. Remember, when it’s all said and done, Jesus is the One we will stand before for our eternal inheritance. When we deny Him, we deny God; but, when we glorify Him- we glorify God. Know who you are in Jesus Christ, and then walk it out in your day to day life. When you do, you truly are “the man”!

Do You Have Heart Burn?

Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” –Luke 24:30-32 (NKJV)



If you have followed my testimony at any time, you know that I gave my life to Christ in 2001, walked away for a few years, and came back for good in 2007. I often describe that day of when I recommitted my life as “my heart began to burn…” You see, when Jesus really begins to pull at your heart and the Spirit is moving - you know it! Does God move in the lives of
unbelievers? Absolutely- otherwise, how else would anyone ever get saved in the first place? However, it’s when we really begin to build a close and intimate relationship with God that our hearts yearn for more of what He has to offer. We were created for worship, and when our Creator speaks to us personally, there is no greater experience. Jesus got very close with
His disciples and expressed His feelings as the time neared for the crucifixion. In John 15:15 He tells them that He no longer calls them His servants, but rather, His friends. I mean, can you really imagine that day? The God of the universe, the One who created them in the first place, was washing their feet! Jesus set the mark right there- teaching the disciples what a true servant of the Lord is, showed how much He loved them and how we should love each other, and promised the coming of the Holy Spirit.


My question to you today is: “Does your heart burn for Christ?” Are you so head over heels in love with Him that you know it when you’ve stepped too far away? And, does your heart burn when He moves in your children’s lives as well? A burning heart doesn’t have to be the result of some huge move of God (although that would get us going). No, a burning heart can be when we actually recognize all of the little things God does in our life, and consider how lost we are without Him. Seek Jesus daily. Fan that flame of the Holy Spirit by keeping the worship going. Pray and thank the Lord for all that you’ve been blessed with. Most of all, praise Him for saving us when He didn’t have to…because His heart burns for us- forever.

Single Parenting Expo Update

"...just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." -Matt 20:28 (NJKV)

Well, for those of you who could not make it to the expo personally, it went great. Although overall traffic was slow, I definitely do not count this as a negative because I really saw a lot of our guests being ministered to! We had prayers, tears, and laughter! I followed up with several of our guests last night and everyone encouraged us to do it again next year.

With that being said, we are always open for prayers, financial support, more organizations to participate, and suggestions as to how we can reach more people next year. Once again, thank you to everyone who participated in one form or another- it could not have been achieved without all of you!

"A Father's Walk" Book Release

I would like to officially announce the grand launching of my first book: "A Father's Walk", a Christian-Based Resource for Single Dads. The book is currently in publishing and should be available for sale at the upcoming Grand Rapids Single Parenting Expo on March 17th. Cost is $12.

This book is based on my experiences as a single father, experiences from our small group, and overall statistics from across the nation. It is Scriptural sound and grounded solely on the Word of God, with over 100 Bible verses in it. It includes a summary, discussion questions, bullet points, and a prayer at the end of each chapter- thus allowing the book to be used as a single father small group guide.

Chapters include anything from our children's mom, to finances; from having another man in the picture, to legacy...and everything in between. I will be setting up online ordering soon, but for now you may contact me directly either at (616) 581-4409; or email me at matt@afatherswalk.org. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

This book is great for churches and small groups, as a gift, or a guide for ANY and ALL single dads- pick up your copy soon!

In His Name,

Matt