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Here is a glimpse into life as an Streams School of Ministry intern leader

Ministering at Haunted Happenings in Salem, Massachusetts in Fall 2009

Seeking the Lord

Ministering to the Body on the Pinnacle Mountain

Worship on the Pinnacle Mountain

Worshiping the Creator with our Native American Friends

Kingdom Mechanics Conference

Seers Conference with Jim Driscoll

Unconditional Love 2

When we are born we learn very quickly that we have desires and that if we act in a certain manner those desires and needs will be met. We whine; our parents will serve us. We cry; our parents will hold us. In the same way, we pray surely God will give us our desires. Over the course of our lives we then learn that the world does not revolve around us; that we are not the center of the universe.

Currently many of us in the internship are realizing that we are selfish in our relationships. To quote the band Me without You, “We say our love is real... but what we mean is I like the way you make me feel.” We like what others do for us... we like what the Lord does for us... but our “love” is really a selfish feeling. In actual fact, parents are made for their children, husbands are to lay down their lives for their wives, truly a man has no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. In essence, we are to love God with everything we are and prefer others above ourselves. We need to become more concerned about the Lord's feelings. To fill the needs and desires of others devoid of any selfish motive, indeed, before any thought of self comes to mind.

This process, that of becoming a selfless lover, is one of unearthing embedded false motives and the deeply lodged expectation of a return on our investment; a trait that is so prevalent in our western culture today.

If one requests Love himself to make them a selfless lover they can expect a measure of pain as their selfish humanity is laid bare; as their dark hidden agendas are brought to the light. But it is this same painful process that brings a glorious opportunity for change, a chance for a new way of loving, and though difficult results in something truly beautiful. A being free to love without condition; a reflection of a love that transcends all. A reflection of Jesus.

At Streams School of Ministry we are currently in the middle of our second trimester and we have a balanced schedule of teaching and outreach. Last trimester the Lord was so faithful to provide all my expenses. A couple people supported me incredibly generously as an absolutely spontaneous act; I didn't even expect those funds to come at all. I was so blessed by it, but now I am in need again. I do not want you to feel pressured... simply ask the Holy Spirit if you should help with my finances. Without support I can not continue in the work of the ministry.

Tax deductible donations can be made to the ministry to help with my ministry expenses. Checks should be made out to "Streams School of Ministry" with a note "for Matthew Keating" and mailed to:

Matthew Keating

340 Stoney Brook Rd.

New London NH 03257

Our website is Streams School of Ministry if you would like to find out more about the ministry or donate tax exempt via paypal.

You may also support me with personal expenses via my Paypal Account: m.ryankeating@live.com

Contact me with questions at:

m.ryankeating@live.com

To find me on facebook click the link below:

Matthew Keating's Facebook

To follow my blogs click the links below:

Matthew Keating's Teaching Blog

Matthew Keating's Life Blog

Streams School of Ministry Blog

The Lord's eyes are on you, are your's on Him or on yourself?

The other night I had a dream with a young woman standing in front of a mirror. She was preparing to go out on a date with a man. As she looked in the mirror she saw what she thought were blemishes on her face and began to cover herself in makeup to conceal her ugliness. As she was preparing she failed to notice her date standing and waiting right next to her... all He wanted to do was spend time with her. Then she finally realized He was in the room with her and she began to act like a little girl... dancing around and saying "look at me, look at me, look at me."

We naval-gaze and "repent" for everything under the sun and even make up new things to repent of... we feel we are to ugly and are plagued with shame... we hide all of our true beauty and do not even recognize the One we are preparing for is right next to us in the room and just wants to be with us. When we do finally realize He is with us we say "look at me and how beautiful I am" instead of looking on His beauty. It is cute for a little girl to dance and say "look at me... aren't I beautiful." It is not so cute (rather repulsive) for a grown woman to act that way.

All our sin and shame is washed away. We are the most beautiful thing in the world to the Lord. Just enjoy Him and let Him enjoy you. There is NO need to strive... we have his attention. Just be.