10:21 AM

New Blog Location

Hey Cultivate Blog Readers!

We just wanted to let you know we've moved all of our blogs to our website at www.GetCultivated.com All of the blogs have been archived on the site as well as new ones that are posted. You'll not only hear from me but also other Cultivate team members.

Thanks for reading our blogs and be sure to keep reading at www.GetCultivated.com

- Brandon

3:28 PM

Decisions Decisions Decisions!


As we near the end of 2009, if you are like me, I'm sure you've spent some time reflecting on the year. Did I accomplish all that I wanted to accomplish? Am I where I set out to be this time last year?

Along with reflecting, you are most likely already planning for 2010. All the things that fell short of accomplished this year are already making to the 2010 list. In that light, I just want to extend a little wisdom on the decision making process.

...he who walks in wisdom is kept safe - Proverbs 28:26

1. Every Decision Leads to a Destination
2.
Good Intentions will NOT determine your Destination
3. Most People don't plan to end up at the WRONG Destination
4. Most People don't plan to end up at the RIGHT Destination

So in the midst of your 2009 reflecting and your 2010 planning, take these thoughts in mind.

Choose Wisely!

- Brandon

1:16 PM

Cultivate Partnerships!

We are so excited around Cultivate Ministries right now. There is so much going on!


1. As of today, the Re-Launch of GetCultivated.com is live and active. It looks better, is more user friendly, and provides more information about our ministry.

2. Also starting this month, Cultivate has partnered with Frequency, a youth movement out of Guntersville, AL. Frequency meets once a month and host almost 1000 teenagers and leaders for a dynamic service. People from all over the state of Alabama are traveling to attend this exciting movement.

Cultivate has teamed up to lead the pastoral care. We are going to rally the leaders at each Frequency to encourage, pray over, and build relationships so that support for leaders can be provided.

3. Starting in December, Cultivate will also be working alongside Revolve United, another youth movement based out of Blount County, AL. The Mission of Revolve United is to unify the church by bringing students and leaders together across Blount County. Revolve has seen great success with almost 20 churches represented each month.

Like Frequency, Cultivate is going to head up the pastoral care for Revolve as well.

We are so excited about the things that God is doing across our state. If we can serve your ministry please let us know. Also, be sure to check out the new getcultivated.com

Get Cultivated!

- Brandon Matthews

11:47 AM

Scarred

In April of 2007 MTV aired a new hit show called scarred. The show ran for two seasons showing teenagers injured in skateboarding accidents.

Week after week ankles, arms, and legs were broken. One thing was common for each injured person, they would all walk away with scars.

We all may not be flying through the air on skateboards breaking bones, but just like these thrill seekers we all have scars. Simply living life causes damage to our lives that often leave scars. Scars can exist in three different ways...

1. Physical
2. Emotional
3. Spiritual

Regardless of where your scars come from or the damage they have caused, there is one who was scarred for us. Jesus Christ took the ultimate punishment so that our scars can be healed. There are three things I would like to submit that Jesus scars bring to us...

1. Belief - Read the account of Thomas in John 20. He said he would not believe that Jesus had appeared again until he saw the nail marks and the hole in his side. That's exactly what happened! Thomas believed when he saw!

2. Forgiveness - In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins... Ephesians 1:7. Because of His scars, we are forgiven.


3. Healing
- ...by His wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

Because of Jesus scars we can BELIEVE in life, love, hope, and goodness. We can be forgiven, and most importantly forgive. We can be healed physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Thankful for His Scars!

-Brandon

12:52 PM

October Cultivate TV Preview


We are so excited about our October 5th Cultivate TV Broadcast! Brandon Doss and I spent the day with Pastor Jerry Lawson of Daystar Church in Cullman, AL and got some insight to the success and growth of Daystar.

Pastor Jerry re-launched Daystar in 2000 with around 60 existing people, and has since seen it grow to over 2,200 weekly! Pastor Jerry will be sharing four key principles to their success!

Be sure to join us Monday, October 5th at 7:00 PM (CDT)!

Get Cultivated!

- Brandon

9:30 AM

A Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich and My Dreams!


Listening to talk radio this morning I was reminded of what it was like to be a kid. You remember don't you? Life seems to have a way of making you forget.

When we were kids

  • Summer lasted forever
  • Christmas took forever to come
  • We believed in happy endings
  • We believed in the good of others
  • We believed we could be anything we wanted when we grew up
As adults
  • Summer is just another season
  • Christmas comes too soon and cost too much
  • Happy endings are only for movies
  • Good disappeared
  • And we settled for what we were instead of what we could be
Today I encourage you to think like a child again. Dream again. Take a chance on life. Go for purpose. Go for destiny. I love the story of Joseph, especially chapter 42 verse 9 where it says "Then he remembered his dreams..."

So go right now. Eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and dream again!

Dreaming!

- Brandon

9:30 AM

When the Dust Settles - Remembering 9-11


Today we remember the tragedy of the horrific attack on our Country, the many lives lost, and the men and women who so bravely served. As we speak people are blogging, tweeting, and facebooking about where they were eight years ago today. I too will never forget where I was in that moment in history.

However, today my thoughts are focused on something different. Thinking back at that time of uncertainty, fear, and shock; people were praying and seeking God like never before. Churches and community centers filled with people praying and asking God for his mercy. Sure it may have been motivated by fear and circumstance, but there was motivation none the less.

Now in 2009, eight years later, after the dust has settled where are we today? Where are you today? When the shock and fear settled, did your faith? Did your seeking? It's when the dust settles that really tells the story.

I encourage you today to rethink where you are at this moment. As you reflect on the tragedy of 9-11 and those who gave, remember the words you spoke, the prayers you prayed, and the commitments you made. When the dust settled, were you faithful?

God is still where you left Him. Connect with him today. Commit today and say "I'll still be there..."

When The Dust Settles

- Brandon