MR

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MR

(the stadium is the Seattle Seahawks)

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MR

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Matthew 6:9-13 demonstrates Jesus’ blueprint on prayer. If we study the Lord’s prayer we see that every aspect is covered in it. But God desires prayers from the heart not from repetition or ritual. Reciting a few lines to say we prayed isn’t what God is looking for. He desires that we communicate with Him in a very real way. He wants us to pray from our heart. Prayer is the lifeblood for our daily lives.

Don’t believe me….listen to some of these people:

“We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.” ~ Oswald Chambers

“Those persons who know the deep peace of God, the unfathomable peace that passeth all understanding, are always men and women of much prayer.”~ R. A. Torrey

“I pray because I can’t help myself. I pray because I’m helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time- waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God- it changes me.” ~ C. S. Lewis

“Where ever the church fails to pray, the enemy is happy to move in.” ~ Bill Johnson

“Prayer is simply a two-way conversation between you and God.” ~ Billy Graham

“If we never pray audacious, courageous prayers, how can He answer them?” ~ Francis Chan

“Prayer is faith in action.” ~ Reinhard Bonnke

“We pray when there’s nothing else we can do, but God wants us to pray before we do anything at all.”~ Oswald Chambers

When Jesus prayed things happened. When we pray it can be the same response. This month we will dive into different aspects of prayer. I believe that a church and a people that pray will experience some amazing things.

MR

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This past Sunday night I got to lead worship at a church in Nashville. I brought my dad along with me. Most of you know that my dad plays sax. Although the sax doesn’t seem to be a mainstay in contemporary worship now a days, what my dad does in worship, opens up doors for God to move.

I’m truly blessed to have a dad that is not only supportive of music (he even encourage me to study it in college) but also involved in it. I’ve watched him play with some big named worshipers, as well as in small churches, with the same heart to see people understand the power of God’s love through worship. He might not have the hip look some of the trendy churches are desiring, but the one thing he does have is the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

I’ve watched him play propheticly over people probably a hundred times by now, but each and every time I’m amazed at how much God speaks through him and his sax. I’ve yet to see or meet many people that have this same anointing. It’s almost beyond talent level. My dad is good, but this is different. Playing in the Spirit and allowing God to speak through your instrument isn’t something that comes after practicing scales and chords. It comes from a relationship with God. It starts with a hunger for more of Him and more of His presence.

I’ve watched my dad spend hours in our old basement, just worshiping God with his instrument, his voice or just soaking in His presence. No reason to do this other than falling in love with his Creator. I think many people just want to get God’s blessing on their music like pushing a magic button.There is a true impartation given when one really seeks God with all his heart.

Jeremiah 29:13

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Deuteronomy 4:29

But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.

My dad is evidence of this. For years he gave up on his music. He didn’t play until God truly taught him a new way to worship Him. It was as if God had to rewire his talent and gift. I’m amazed at how far a humble and non-self promoting man has come. God has given him favor as he exhorts His name.

My pops may not be the hippest rock star. He has no piercing (at least that I know of?!). He might not be getting calls to front the next pop/rock band. He doesn’t have a beautiful Justin Bieber haircut. He might not play at every church, because how much of modern church music today really includes a soprano sax? He may not find himself at the next hip underground super urban seeker tattooed experiential church plant.

He will continue to humbly play where he is invited. He will continue to help encourage other musicians to think beyond scales and notes. He will strive to help usher in the presence of the Most High when he plays. He longs to be used in a way that allows others to experience a new dimension of God’s love through worship. He desires for people to hear God speak in a new way, and allow people to be swept over with God’s grace, mercy and love. I’ve watched this happen many times and I feel honored that I get to play behind him, just like last Sunday night.

There’s not many sons that get to say that they make music with their dad. There are far less sons that get to say they watch people get set free while playing behind their dad. I’m one of them….and for that I will be forever blessed.

MR

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*DENVER BRONCOS vs NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS – (BRONCOS) Because I will never forgive the Patriots for beating my Eagles in the Superbowl and cheating. And although I’m a Christian, I would still cheer against Tebow if he played against my Eagles, and I’m still going to heaven because of it, alright all you “single christian girls in your mid 20s-30s”. I know why you’re cheering for the Broncos.

*HOUSTON TEXANS vs. BALTIMORE RAVENS – (TEXANS) Because I love the fact they never have been to the post season and I’m tired of the Ravens always being favored and never being any good. And somebody needs to get Ray Lewis to retire.

*NY GIANTS vs GREEN BAY PACKERS – (PACKERS) Simple theory, never ever route for a team in your own divison. And I like cheese.

*NEW ORLEANS SAINTS vs SAN FRANCISCO 49ers – (TIE) I usually don’t want a team that went the Super Bowl recently to win again (because I’m bitter) but I really like Drew Brees…and seriously I don’t feel bad for the 49ers. They used to have Montana and Rice…nuff said.

MR

WE WILL NOT BE A CHURCH THAT….
…puts a building’s importance over God’s purpose.
…lifts up man over God.
…waters down the Word of God so not to offend.
…allows traditions to stop freedom, creativity and, most importantly, the Holy Spirit.
…treats our Children’s Church like a babysitting dept.
…focuses on one group of people (age, race, economic status, etc).
…is activity driven instead of Holy Spirit led.
…stops the move of God because of time, agendas, schedules, our past experiences or what man says.
…is so focused on our own vision that we neglect to partner with other churches or organizations doing God’s work as well.
…puts more weight on the natural than the supernatural.
…when we pray we “hope” our prayers get answered. (we BELIEVE they will)
…considers the Bible a nice bookend.
…puts God in a box.

MR

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