Hi friends!
Hope you are doin swell. Just wanted to give you a BRIEF update (I think I REALLY will be brief this time).
The summer was really incredible. Thank you SO MUCH for all your prayers. The older I get the more I'm realizing that I am far more a product of prayer than of my own petty efforts or abilities. God just does too many things in spite of me. Some really genuine ministry took place this summer: Hundreds began a relationship with Christ, MANY called to missions and ministry, and tons of students that I personally spoke with were set free from hurt, unforgiveness, bitterness, and addictions. Go God!!!
The first single from YKC called "Open Hands" was by far our biggest song of the summer...the song that people continue to say ministers to them. Well I've got news for ya....you can buy the song NOW on iTunes!!! Go get it and be blessed!!!
Classes begin very soon. Very excited about the challenge to my mind and heart. More updates soon.
Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. (Eph 6:23-24)
Matt
7.31.2009
7.17.2009
"Open Hands" Lyrics and Chord Chart
"Open Hands" lyrics and chord chart can be found at www.mattpapa.com/openhands
6.13.2009
June 2009 UPDATE
Hi friends!!!
It's been a while since I've written update...LOTS of changes happening 'round here, and yet God is NEVER-changing and always faithful! There are so many things to praise HIM for, but I will try to be BRIEF (and yet most of you know I am terrible at that :)
1. I am a DAD! How crazy is that!!! Her name is Paisley and she is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. We are so blessed...she is healthy and Lauren is healthy. You can check out my facebook if you want to see pictures. Please pray that she will come to know JESUS and that we would be Godly parents to her!!!
2. My wife and I (and little Paisley) now live in North Carolina where I will be starting school this fall at Southeastern Seminary. I am REALLY stoked and ready for the mental and spiritual challenge. My desire is that my music, more than ever before, would be filled with God's Word and that He would prepare us for whatever He has in store for the future. We will still be ministering on the weekends, during the summer, and wherever the LORD opens doors. So please pray for that.
3. For those of you who have followed our ministry for a while, you will remember Phil Smith and Jon Huff who used to travel with us and play drums and bass. Well, I am excited to say that they are back! They will be attending school with me at Southeastern and also traveling. Totally a God-thing how it all worked out.
4. I have just recently begun a relationship with Centricity Music, a Christ-centered label who I am proud to work with. They will be releasing the NEW "Your Kingdom Come" into stores on August 18th. The new version of the album will have 3 BRAND SPANKIN NEW songs on it that I promise you will love! You can check out the first single on our mypace.....it's called "Open Hands". The LORD has already been using the song powerfully this summer at camps. So if you can please call your local radio station and request the song! Also pray that God would take this album....this 5 loaves and 2 fish....and touch it and bless it to feed people for the sake of His Kingdom and His mission on the earth!
5. In about 2 weeks, we will release a BRAND NEW CD called "Scripture Songs and Hymns". I am really excited about it.....it's SIMPLE, yet profound - b/c the songs are HEAVY on Scripture. The hymns on it are original, and I think you will find the whole CD to be refreshing as you let the scriptures soak into your heart and mind. Great for students and adults alike....check it out!!!!!
6. Many of you know about our partnership with Compassion, well we have begun a similar relationship with a company called ONE VERSE. They are gnarly. The purpose of their organization is to get the Scripture into EVERY language in THIS GENERATION! There are over 2,000 languages that don't have the BIBLE in there heart language!!! That is a PROBLEM. Check out their site at oneverse.org and be a part of getting God's word to the world.
7. ok, I think I'm done. Stay in touch with us please....and keep us in your prayers. God is doing cool stuff here....and all over this world! Let's partner with HIM in His mission......give our lives away for the sake of the gospel....stop living for status or wealth, but for the glory of Christ and the redemption of this broken world. He's called you to speak. He's called you to go....to love. Will you today?
huge blessings...
Matt Papa
It's been a while since I've written update...LOTS of changes happening 'round here, and yet God is NEVER-changing and always faithful! There are so many things to praise HIM for, but I will try to be BRIEF (and yet most of you know I am terrible at that :)
1. I am a DAD! How crazy is that!!! Her name is Paisley and she is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. We are so blessed...she is healthy and Lauren is healthy. You can check out my facebook if you want to see pictures. Please pray that she will come to know JESUS and that we would be Godly parents to her!!!
2. My wife and I (and little Paisley) now live in North Carolina where I will be starting school this fall at Southeastern Seminary. I am REALLY stoked and ready for the mental and spiritual challenge. My desire is that my music, more than ever before, would be filled with God's Word and that He would prepare us for whatever He has in store for the future. We will still be ministering on the weekends, during the summer, and wherever the LORD opens doors. So please pray for that.
3. For those of you who have followed our ministry for a while, you will remember Phil Smith and Jon Huff who used to travel with us and play drums and bass. Well, I am excited to say that they are back! They will be attending school with me at Southeastern and also traveling. Totally a God-thing how it all worked out.
4. I have just recently begun a relationship with Centricity Music, a Christ-centered label who I am proud to work with. They will be releasing the NEW "Your Kingdom Come" into stores on August 18th. The new version of the album will have 3 BRAND SPANKIN NEW songs on it that I promise you will love! You can check out the first single on our mypace.....it's called "Open Hands". The LORD has already been using the song powerfully this summer at camps. So if you can please call your local radio station and request the song! Also pray that God would take this album....this 5 loaves and 2 fish....and touch it and bless it to feed people for the sake of His Kingdom and His mission on the earth!
5. In about 2 weeks, we will release a BRAND NEW CD called "Scripture Songs and Hymns". I am really excited about it.....it's SIMPLE, yet profound - b/c the songs are HEAVY on Scripture. The hymns on it are original, and I think you will find the whole CD to be refreshing as you let the scriptures soak into your heart and mind. Great for students and adults alike....check it out!!!!!
6. Many of you know about our partnership with Compassion, well we have begun a similar relationship with a company called ONE VERSE. They are gnarly. The purpose of their organization is to get the Scripture into EVERY language in THIS GENERATION! There are over 2,000 languages that don't have the BIBLE in there heart language!!! That is a PROBLEM. Check out their site at oneverse.org and be a part of getting God's word to the world.
7. ok, I think I'm done. Stay in touch with us please....and keep us in your prayers. God is doing cool stuff here....and all over this world! Let's partner with HIM in His mission......give our lives away for the sake of the gospel....stop living for status or wealth, but for the glory of Christ and the redemption of this broken world. He's called you to speak. He's called you to go....to love. Will you today?
huge blessings...
Matt Papa
1.12.2009
"Pray without ceasing"
I love my wife. She is an amazing woman, and we spend a whole lot of time together...especially since she is able to travel with us most of the time. We laugh a lot, talk about Jesus, talk about life, talk about the Georgia Bulldogs, argue a little, talk about ministry, music, food, etc...and all of that interaction generally takes place within the normal course of a day. However there are some times...during the day or during the week...where we need to have a special conversation...a meeting where one of us may say, "Honey (or some other term of endearment), can we talk for a minute?" Then we'll step into a room, have focused conversation for however long it takes...then once we are both satisfied and at a point of peace, we'll continue on with the day.
"Pray without ceasing" (1 Thes 5:17) is a difficult pill to swallow, but if seen through the lens of the above metaphor, it unlocks a powerful truth about RELATIONSHIP with God. A lot of us pray, especially when we need something, but few people "pray without ceasing". Imagine if during my day I never said anything to Lauren, even when she was standing right next to me, or riding with me in the car...that would be pretty awkward!!! Then imagine if out of the blue I said, "hey lauren, we need to talk..." I'm sure she would think, "finally i'm gonna figure out what's going on with him!"
Here is a powerful truth: Prayer is communion with God. Communion with God can take place at any or every moment throughout a day. Focused Prayer, or prayer as we typically perceive it, is like a special conversation. It's like coming to your Father and saying, "Abba, can we talk for a minute?" Then you go to a quiet place, get on your knees, and have focused conversation with Him. But here's the key: that focused time of prayer falls within the context of you talking to God throughout the day...about the weather, about people you love, about decisions, laughing with Him, wrestling with Him, crying with Him, just being His friend. That's what it means to pray without ceasing.
"Pray without ceasing" (1 Thes 5:17) is a difficult pill to swallow, but if seen through the lens of the above metaphor, it unlocks a powerful truth about RELATIONSHIP with God. A lot of us pray, especially when we need something, but few people "pray without ceasing". Imagine if during my day I never said anything to Lauren, even when she was standing right next to me, or riding with me in the car...that would be pretty awkward!!! Then imagine if out of the blue I said, "hey lauren, we need to talk..." I'm sure she would think, "finally i'm gonna figure out what's going on with him!"
Here is a powerful truth: Prayer is communion with God. Communion with God can take place at any or every moment throughout a day. Focused Prayer, or prayer as we typically perceive it, is like a special conversation. It's like coming to your Father and saying, "Abba, can we talk for a minute?" Then you go to a quiet place, get on your knees, and have focused conversation with Him. But here's the key: that focused time of prayer falls within the context of you talking to God throughout the day...about the weather, about people you love, about decisions, laughing with Him, wrestling with Him, crying with Him, just being His friend. That's what it means to pray without ceasing.
12.08.2008
New Site!
Hi everyone....i know....it's been a LONG TIME COMIN....but here's the new site. hope you enjoy and have a blessed holiday season!
matt
matt
10.27.2008
AMMAN!!!
Hi friends. i'm coming to you from amman, jordan today. woke up at 4:30. my sleeping schedule is WACk.
at 5:00 this morning i was startled by the sound of the call to prayer...the islamic city-wide, audibly projected call to prayer. if you have ever heard it, it is a terrible sound....the sound of the praises of a god who is dead....and who brings death....the sound of death it is.
we're going to see PETRA today (not the 90's christian rock band)....the gorgeous place here in JORDAN with TONS of history. google it and learn about it.
well i'm off. grace and peace-
mp
at 5:00 this morning i was startled by the sound of the call to prayer...the islamic city-wide, audibly projected call to prayer. if you have ever heard it, it is a terrible sound....the sound of the praises of a god who is dead....and who brings death....the sound of death it is.
we're going to see PETRA today (not the 90's christian rock band)....the gorgeous place here in JORDAN with TONS of history. google it and learn about it.
well i'm off. grace and peace-
mp
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