Matt Pearson

“And Grace My Fears Relieved”

Earlier this week, I listened to a sermon by Winn Collier. In the sermon he referenced a story by Walter Wangerin. I found the story at a website (Todd Stiles’ blog) and learned the story came from one of Wangerin’s books titled Little Lamb, Who Made Thee? It is a moving story, demonstrating a beautiful picture of the Gospel. Enjoy. “And Grace My Fears Relieved” The coming of the Kingdom is like the coming of my father to my brothers and me when we sat fishing, blithely fishing, from a ledge twelve feet above the water in a stony cove...

West Franklin Talks – Episode #2 Links Mentioned

Our second episode of “West Franklin Talks” went live today. The topic is the spiritual discipline of prayer. Below are two books mentioned, which I highly recommend to help develop your prayer life. A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracted World by Paul Miller Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Tim Keller

West Franklin Talks – Episode #1 Links Mentioned

Today, we kicked off our new Podcast: “West Franklin Talks.” The first episode was all about the spiritual discipline of daily Bible reading. Below are several resources linked on the show. Bible Translations: Bible Gateway Bible Reading Plans Study Bibles: The NIV, Biblical Theology Study Bible The ESV Study Bible Christian Standard Study Bible The John MacArthur Study Bible Additional Resources: How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth How to Read the Bible Book by Book Logos Bible Software

If You See Something, Say Something

I recently had another physical. So. Much. Fun. Nothing says “have an incredible day!” like stepping on a scale, walking from the bathroom with a warm cup, and giving 26 pounds of blood. I use to think it couldn’t get any worse. Then I turned 40. Now I hate – HATE – plastic gloves. Have you ever noticed they (nurse, lab tech, the one giving you the colonoscopy of questions) always asks if you have lost or gained more than 10 lbs in the last 30 days (or something like that)? I wondered why this was a question, AFTER they...

Conversation: Don’t Talk At . . . Be With

Her: “I just don’t think ‘door to door’ evangelism is going to work in our neighborhood.” Me: “I agree. We live in a different time.” Pause Me: “What surface level needs do the people in your neighborhood have?” Her: “The older folks who live here are lonely. The younger families crave community. We see the younger families out, talking together, watching sporting events and movies outside, drinking beer and having a good time being together.” Me: “What would it look like if the parents of one of those young families was a Jesus follower?” Her: “Okay. . . go on.”...

Majoring on the Minors

“The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’” (Luke 18:11-12) Think about all the good and religious and “god” things this Pharisee did: He went to the temple to pray He was thankful He didn’t steal He wasn’t a crook He didn’t cheat on his wife He didn’t rob people unfairly out of their taxes He was true to his country (tax collectors betrayed their nationality by siding with Rome...

Expect Nothing

“Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Jesus – Luke 18:17) This year was the first Christmas one of our children gave gifts to the family. Sure. There have been years we all joyfully (read: faked a big smile) received gifts of “home-made” crafts made during Sunday School (read: glue and glitter all over the backseat of the car) or trinkets found in the back of a closet (read: their sibling’s toys). But this is the first year where actual thought, money, and energy went into it. It was nice...

Comfort, Confidence, and Great Teeth

“Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4) Earlier this week I went to the dentist for a bi-annual cleaning. I wasn’t scared. I wasn’t nervous. I didn’t dread it. Though I didn’t look forward to it necessarily, I was confident my pearly whites would shine when told to “open wide.” I even had a thought or two of my face becoming the model patient for the dentist office. If you know anything about my history – you will know this is a big deal. Like a REALLY big deal. I haven’t always been this confident. I haven’t...

Conversation: Be the Church

Her: “How can I get plugged into the church? My husband and I attend every Sunday and are a part of a small group. What else can I do at the church?” Me: “How do you feel God leading you? What are your gifts? How are you wired?” Her: “Well, I recently had two young mothers ask to meet for coffee and I am super excited about that.” Me: “Why did they want to meet with you?” Her: “I assume because they need wisdom about being a mom and a wife and they see me as someone who can help?”...

The Love of the Camera Man

“He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3) College football season ended Monday night. The NFL only has 3 games remaining. In one sense, I am very sad. I love watching football. To quote my 13 year old son: “The day after the last football game is right up there with the day after your birthday.” In another sense, it is a good thing. I get a large part of my life back. If you, like me, have watched a lot of football recently – you have probably noticed something about the television cameras. They...