I've been reading through the Gospels. About once per year, I like to go back and read through the first four Books of the New Testament. I always find something (actually, many things) that I never caught before. God's Word is fresh every time I read - or re-read it.
I was reading in Mark 9, where we find one of Jesus' most famous quotes. He is talking with a father whose son is possessed by an evil spirit. Apparently, the disciples have already attempted in vain to cast out the demon. So, the dad brings his boy to Jesus.
Jesus is rather flustered at this moment. His words ring with disappointment."O unbelieving generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."
The father then explains how long his son has been possessed, and implores Jesus to do something about it: "But if you can do anything," says the father, "take pity on us and help us."
Jesus' often-quoted reply stings, but provides hope: "'If you can?'" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."Now, this is almost always when preachers and writers end the story. Jesus' words pack a punch that can add the exclamation point to any sermon, or conclude the chapter to any book.
But, to the disciples - and to Jesus - there's more to this story. The disciples are perplexed. They have thrown out demons and performed miracles before, and they were stumped. They couldn't figure out why they were unable to do it this time. So, they ask Jesus why they couldn't drive it out.
He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer." (Mark 9:29)
You can see now why Jesus may have been exasperated with his followers. They knew who Jesus was, and they knew his power. They even understood that they, too, could do amazing things through the power given to them by God. But, what they failed to do was submit themselves to their Heavenly Father in prayer. To acknowledge that He alone was in control of everything, including casting out demons.Apparently, they were not watching closely enough when Jesus prayed to his Father. When he gave thanks for the loaves and fish to feed the 5,000. When he looked up to heaven to perform previous miracles. When he got up early every morning to seek silence and solitude to pray.
Jesus, who was God in the flesh, submitted to his Father through prayer. The one who now goes to the Father on our behalf when we pray valued prayer - time spend with his Dad - more than anything else. That's something we cannot ignore. It's something we, as followers of Christ, must emulate.
There are so many things we are trying to do ourselves that we are just unable to get done. We say to ourselves, "Well, God is on my side. So, how come this isn't working out." And, Jesus is trying to tell us that "it can only be done through prayer." It's what he said 2,000 years ago, and what he continues to say today.
Don't allow prayer to become an after-thought, or a last-ditch effort. Put it at the top. Then, watch God go to work!
There have been debates for years about whether or not "secular" music belongs in church worship services.
But, here's the deal. God can be found in all kinds of music - even (GASP) Top 40 music!
If you don't think so, ask the millions of people whose hearts have been touched by Carrie Underwood's "Jesus Take the Wheel." And, that is just one example out of thousands of songs that God has used to speak to us.
Yesterday morning, we opened our services with an old ditty that you will not find in your hymnal. It was Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer." We even had the dude doing the voice-changer thingy between verses. It was spot on! And, it was a terrific way to kick off the morning!
Now, before you get all up in arms, understand that we are in the middle of a sermon series about prayer at NorthStar. When we choose to perform a "secular" song, we don't just do it because it's cool. We have intentionality.
And, as I watched a little old lady in her 70's raising her hand and swaying to "take my hand, and we'll make it I swear...Whoa...living on a prayer," you can't help but see God in it. At first, I chuckled, but then I was hit like a ton of bricks by the presence of God.
He can use a 20-year old song by a rock band to touch lives - including mine. Before you totally discount using Pop/ Rock tunes in church, know this: many people are likely in church for the first time, and they have never heard a worship song or hymn. They already have their guard up, and they are looking for a reason to never come back. So, a familiar Top 40 tune (or even an "oldie" like Living on a Prayer) can disarm people that God desperately wants to build a relationship with.Second, a fun song that everyone knows the words to shows people that your church can have, well...FUN! We don't always have to take church so seriously. Yes, we want to have reverence for our Lord and Savior. But, God created FUN also! And, he wants us to express joy in a variety of ways - even in worship services by singing "non-churchy" songs.
Now, I am not saying that churches should ever do only "secular" songs. In fact, I wouldn't be a proponent of that at all. But, every now and then, it's great to throw a song in the mix that people are used to singing in their cars with the windows rolled down.
And, remember, it's not only FUN - it's EFFECTIVE. Because God can use almost anything to draw people closer to Him.
You may not realize this, but for most of us, when we buy something, we're not actually buying the THING with the price tag on it.
That new car we drive off the lot. That buzz cut or hairdo. The incredible meal we devoured at the local greasy spoon. The unforgettable vacation in the Tetons.
They are all things we dole out our precious money to purchase, but I would argue that the products and services we consume are simply a bonus, even a by-product of what we are actually paying for: a feeling.
Think about it. That incredibly juicy half-pound burger you wolfed down may have set you
free, but if your server was rude, there's a chance you might not return. Your new coif may be the bomb, and you get all kinds of attention from your friends and co-workers, but if the stylist was annoying, or if she just didn't want to talk to (or listen to) you at all, you might look elsewhere for your hair care needs in the future.
The grocery store down the street may have incredible prices - maybe 20-25 percent cheaper than another store. But, if it's cluttered, or if the aisles are too narrow, or the music playing in the background isn't soothing, you'll sacrifice price for something more appealing.
The bottom line is we like to FEEL good. Yeah, we like a bargain. And, we like to get attention. And, we like to be entertained. But, much more than all of those things, we want to FEEL good while we are eating, spending, and living.
That's why stories are such a vital part of the success of any business or organization. People will be much more eager to buy into a story than they ever will to just a product. We all want to be a part of something much larger than ourselves. And, the biggest part of BEING a part of something is FEELING a part of something.
I mentioned this several months ago to some folks, but studies have shown that we remember: - 10% of what we READ
- 20% of what we HEAR
- 30% of what we SEE
- 40% of what we DO
and Take note as you go places, do things, and spend money. Analyze WHY you are actually going, doing, and spending. You may be surprised.
And, now that you realize that feeling good means so much to YOU, realize it means just as much to those around you each and every day!
Today is my little buddy - Chandler's - birthday.
It was great getting to open his bedroom door this morning at 7:26 a.m. Getting down on my knees at his bedside. Singing "Happy birthday little buddy, happy birthday to you..." and seeing his eyes begin to open up to start the day. It was great to cover his head, cheeks, and hands with kisses, and hopping into his bed next to him to hold him tight.
You see, today's a "big" day - because today Chandler becomes a "big boy." At least, that is what we have been telling him for the past several weeks.
Some "big" things of late: he's now sitting in a "big boy" booster seat. He's now standing up "like a big boy" to go potty. He has surrendered his "Boo" (his version of a blankie) - because he's now a Big Boy. And, he got a "big boy" bicycle for his birthday.
Having one son is blessing enough for many. But, the Lord has blessed us with two awesome little "big boys." Four years ago today, God presented us with this amazing gift - son #2. And, what a joy he has been.Chandler is nothing like his big brother. He hates getting dirty. If he gets sand, or dirt, or juice (anything) on his hands, he immediately has to clean them. And, he cannot stand for socks or pants to "ride up" his leg. That irritates the fool out of him. He has to push his PJ pants or socks around his ankles.He is also very moody. Since he was about 6 months old, I have called him "Jekyll-Hyde" boy, or "Bi-polar Baby." He's the sweetest thing in the world one moment, allowing you to give him sugars and hugs. The next, he is an ogre who will swat his hands at you without warning, often raising his voice and crying. I gotta say I get quite a chuckle out of his mood swings. In fact, my amusement often lands me in trouble with Mommy. But, I just can't help but laugh.
Chandler is fearless. He climbs on everything, jumps over anything, will pounce on anyone, and he always wants to sword fight or play with light sabers (he can create a sword out of anything).
He's also a finicky eater. His diet consists of Pop-tarts, dry cereal, waffles, hot dogs, corn dogs, and chicken nuggets. Oh yeah, and Whoppers. His favorite candy. Fortunately, Chandler drinks his weight in milk on a weekly basis. Otherwise, he'd wither away.
But, most of all, I love little buddy's sweet smile, and a cackle that will melt your heart.
I am so thankful to God for Chandler, and for allowing me to be the luckiest Daddy in the world.
Love you, Chandler-buddy! Happy Birthday!
I was listening to Neal Boortz this morning and heard something that kinda got me all riled up. Believe it or not, it wasn't Neal who get me all flustered. It was a comment by Barack Obama.
A couple nights ago the two Democratic Presidential Candidates were swapping punches in the Pennsylvania debates on TV. My man Charlie Gibson was one of the moderators, and he asked Obama a pretty darn good question. It went something like this:
Gibson: "When Bill Clinton was President, the Capital Gains Tax was at 28 percent. While he was in office, he signed legislation that reduced the tax rate to 20 percent. When he did that, the revenue generated from Capital Gains taxes increased. A couple years ago, President Bush signed a bill further reducing the tax rate to 15 percent. Again, the revenue generated for the Federal Government increased even more. If it has been proven that more revenue is generated with a lower tax rate, then why are you in favor of increasing the Capital Gains Tax?"
Obama: "I said I would look at raising the Capital Gains Tax for purposes of fairness."
Fairness. Hmm. Head scratcher, eh?
So, with the current 15 percent rate, the government pulls in more money, and taxpayers also benefit. Great deal, right??
But, Obama apparently doesn't see it that way. He says a lower rate isn't fair. Well, I am a little confused as to whom it is unfair, but in a nutshell, he wants to hammer those who make a lot of money through investments - working the stock market for a profit. Putting their money to work for themselves. Crazy.
I really don't get into politics, but this should alarm you. Obama is saying that he'd rather reduce government revenues and increase taxes just to stick it to those who have a lot of money. The thing is, it not only affects the richest of the rich, but it penalizes anyone who makes money through investments.
Further, he is comparing the Capital Gains Tax to Income Taxes. These are not the same! He says Hedge Fund Managers pay a lower tax rate than their Secretaries. But, it's not the same tax!! Plus, the revenues generated are higher than if you double the CG Tax.
OK...I need to simmer down. But, pay close attention to what's going on. I know there are pluses and minuses to all the candidates. But, you cannot take anything at face value.
Obama says he wants to reduce Income Taxes and increase Capital Gains.
What's this mean? One thing: things will NOT be fair.
BONUS: Here's a video that talks more about this - Click HERE.
