So You Wanna Be A Rock Star

If he were alive today, Keith Green would probably write a blog. And you and I would read it anytime we needed a big dose of Holy Spirit conviction.

I live in Franklin, Tennessee, center of the universe for Christian music. Visit here and you may well see a famous country music singer or musician dining in the restaurant with you. Sometimes a famous movie star. But contemporary Christian music artists - both the famous and the wannabes - are everywhere.

Read this, written years ago by Keith Green:

For as long as he could remember, Keith Green's greatest dream was to be a musical success. After be gave his life to Jesus, however, he felt the need to surrender those dreams and aspirations by laying down his music...perhaps never to perform publicly again. Ironically, when sometime later he felt God release him to pick up his music again, he soon had a recording contract and his first album soared straight to the top of the Contemporary Christian Music charts.

The following message was birthed out of Keith's encounters with those who approached him, usually after a concert, to ask how they too could "make it big" in Christian music.

Today, so many people ask me if I can tell them how they can start or enter into a music ministry. At concerts I get countless questions about this, and I also get lots of letters and even some long-distance phone calls from many people who feel they are only "called" into the music "ministry." One day I began to ask myself why so few have ever asked me how to become a missionary, or even a local street preacher, or how to disciple a new believer. It seems everyone would prefer the "bright lights" of what they think a music ministry would be, rather than the mud and obscurity of the mission field, or the streets of the ghetto, or even the true spiritual sweetness of just being a nobody whom the Lord uses mightily in small "everyday" ways.

Are You Willing?
My answer to their question is almost always the same. "Are you willing to never play music again? Are you willing to be a nothing? Are you willing to go anywhere and do anything for Christ? Are you willing to stay right where you are and let the Lord do great things through you, though no one may seem to notice at all?" They all seem to answer each of these questions with a quick "yes!" But I really doubt if they know what their answer entails.

Star Struck
My dearest family in Jesus...why are we so star struck? Why do we idolize Christian singers and speakers? We go from glorifying musicians in the world, to glorifying Christian musicians. It's all idolatry! Can't you see that? It's true that there are many men and women of God who are greatly anointed to call down the Spirit of God on His people and the unsaved. But Satan is getting a great victory as we seem to worship these ministers on tapes and records, and clamor to get their autographs in churches and concert halls from coast to coast.

Can't you see that you are hurting these ministers? They try desperately to tell you that they don't deserve to be praised, and because of this you squeal with delight and praise them all the more. You're smothering them, making it almost impossible for them to see that it's really Jesus. They keep telling themselves that, but you keep telling them it's really them, crushing their humility and grieving the Spirit that is trying to keep their eyes on Jesus.

Ultimately, what we idolize we ourselves desire to become, sometimes with our whole heart. So a lot of people who want to become just like their favorite Gospel singer or minister, seek after it with the same fervor that the Lord demands we seek after Him! And again, we insult the Spirit of Grace and try to make a place for ourselves, rather than a place for Jesus.

A Thankless Job
How come no one idolizes or praises the missionaries who give up everything and live in poverty, endangering their lives and families with every danger that the "American dream" has almost completely eliminated? How come no one lifts up and exalts the ghetto and prison ministers who can never take up an offering, because if they did they would either laugh or cry at what they'd receive?

How come?
Because (1) we're taught from very early on that comfort is our goal and security… and (2) that we should always seek for a lot of people to like us. Who lives less comfortably and has had less friends and supporters than the selfless missionaries who have suffered untimely, premature deaths trying to conquer souls and nations for the whole glory of God? Do you really believe we're living in the very last times? Then why do you spend more money on Gospel records and concerts than you give to organizations that feed the poor, or to missionaries out in the field?

There are ministries all over the world where "penniless" people are being saved and transformed. They are broken people who have promise and qualities, but just need someone to bring them God's light during the times when their lives seem so completely hopeless. I repent of ever having recorded one single song, and ever having performed one concert, if my music, and more importantly, my life has not provoked you into Godly jealousy (Romans 11:11) or to sell out more completely to Jesus!

Quit trying to make "gods" out of music ministers, and quit desiring to become like them. The Lord commands you, "Deny yourself take up your cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23). My piano is not my cross, it is my tool. I'd never play it again if God would show me a more effective tool in my life for proclaiming His Gospel. [God gives us each our own unique tools. But we may never use them if we become more interested in someone else's. Seek God, ask Him for His plan for ministry (true, God glorifying ministry) in your life.]

Conclusion
To finish, let me say that the only music minister to whom the Lord will say, "Well done, thy good and faithful servant," is the one whose life proves what their lyrics are saying, and to whom music is the least important part of their life. Glorifying the only worthy One has to be a minister's most important goal!

Let's all repent of the idolatry in our hearts and our desires for a comfortable, rewarding life when, really, the Bible tells us we are just passing through as strangers and pilgrims in this world (Hebrews 11:13), for our reward is in heaven. Let's not forget that our due service to the Lord is "... not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake"(Phil. 1:29).

Amen. Let us die graciously together and endure to the end like brave soldiers who give their lives, without hesitation, for our noble and glorious King of Light.

Many of the people I've met "in the business" have a solid relationship with God, and have the whole "show business" thing in perspective. But as an industry, Christian music could do better. More importantly, so could those of us who are "fans" of Christian music.

Want to read the original post? Visit Keith Green online.

Living like Jesus

When we lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan a number of years ago, we attended Calvary Church. Our pastor was Dr. Ed Dobson, who was a wonderfully gifted preacher. Dr. Dobson officiated at a dedication service for our oldest daughter, Mary Alisa, and twins Christy and Chase.

Since retiring from the pastorate, Ed has done two really amazing things. First, he served as general editor of The Knowing Jesus Study Bible. If you aren't familiar with this work, it's a marvelously insightful edition of the scriptures with informative and interesting notes throughout. Second, Ed read the book The Year of Living Biblically, and determined that he would do exactly that.

You probably know the story of Jesus well enough already to realize what a radical choice this really was.

There are obvious differences, of course, between living in 21st century America and first century Palestine. Jesus walked everywhere he went; we drive cars and fly in airplanes. We watch too much television, which wasn't invented in Jesus' time. Although we think we couldn't live without one, Jesus did not own an iPod.

Committing to read and re-read the four Gospels for a year (as Ed did) might be unusual, but that is still far from radical. But would you or I be willing to eat like Jesus? Most of us would have to give up our favorite foods 0n a kosher diet. If you're a male, like me, would you grow a beard like Jesus almost certainly had? Would we observe the Jewish Sabbath, as described in the Old Testament scriptures? Jesus did, and so did Ed, for an entire year.

But beyond the surface issues of outward appearance, would living like Jesus for a year change us? Would we have the nerve to go into a bar and strike up conversations by talking about God? Would we take the exercise seriously enough to actually reconsider how we vote in an election? Would we find the discipline and resolve to obey the commands of Jesus? Could we love our neighbors, or remember the poor, or bless those who curse us, or turn the other cheek?

Maybe the beginning of a new year is a good opportunity for self-proclaimed Christ-followers to consider if we really are living like Jesus. Not whether or not we use electricity or have a cell phone, but how well we are listening to - and applying - the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives.

Kosher diet or not, that's good food for thought. Now chew on this:

I'm from the government, and I'm here to help you

It's astonishing, but some people are willing to cede control of just about everything to the Federal government.

Martin Kearns cites a nameless foundation staffer who suggests that the Obama administration should use the coercive power of the Internal Revenue Service to force U.S. foundations to spend ten percent of their assets in each of the next three years. Most are currently granting about five percent annually. The Chronicle of Philanthropy recaps Kearns' proposal and invites your comments.

There are several problems with this kind of panicky, reactive policy:

1. Honoring donor intent. In many cases, donors have given assets to foundations with the express intent of preserving the corpus and spending only a portion of the earnings, thereby assuring giving ability in perpetuity. Spending ten percent of asset value annually, even for a limited period of time, would violate the donor's wishes.
2. Ownership of the money. Claiming a need to further supplement the Federal government's apparently limitless "economic stimulus" resources, this anonymous person glibly suggests that a great deal of cash is lying unused in foundation safe deposit boxes. Foundations hold these funds in trust, with specific instructions on how to invest and grant the money. These assets do not belong to U.S. taxpayers, nor do Federal bureaucrats have any right to control how or when the money is spent.
3. Federal control. Where in the United States Constitution does it say that the Federal government is the ultimate arbiter of all things philanthropic? (Hint: The correct answer is "Nowhere.") Donors and the foundations they create/support, with rare exceptions, make a huge difference in the betterment of our society. It's laughable to suggest stronger Federal involvement in the charitable sector. The government can barely manage to provide me with a driver's license and fill potholes. Even those functions could probably be done more efficiently by private, for-profit businesses.

The government should leave donors and foundations alone. Every American citizen has the right to use philanthropy for the common good - without Federal interference.

For his/her own good, I hope this nameless foundation officer remains anonymous and enrolls quickly in a Principles of Philanthropy and Development course.

Most of us know more than we do

The New Year holiday is not a thrilling occasion for me.

I'm no more excited about watching drunk people sing and celebrate the descent of a huge, round, gaudy disco ball in New York City than I am about driving with them on the highway. I was a lot happier to be out of the car after a ten-hour New Year's Eve drive than I was about the beginning of 2009.

I'm not big on New Years resolutions, either. But here's one I'm taking seriously: Do more of what I already know.

Here are three examples:

1. Because I believe in God, I read the Bible and pray, in order to get to know him better. This sounds like bragging, but it isn't intended that way: I know a lot about the Bible and what it says about life. The point is, I could practice a lot more of that.
2. One of my important roles in life is being the head of my family. I'm a husband and father of four great kids. I know a lot about how to be a good husband, and I'm guilty of not doing very much of it. Same goes for being a dad. I'm a son, too, and I'm fortunate that my parents are both still living. I am commanded to give them honor. I intend to do better this year with my wife, children and parents.
3. In my career, I am a development professional. I have more than 20 years of mostly-successful experience in public relations and fundraising. I earned an undergraduate degree in organizational design, and studied philanthropy and development at the master's level. All of that means I'm supposed to know a little something about relationship building and attracting philanthropic funding for a non-profit organization. I love my work, and I'm tremendously fortunate to be connected with a terrific bunch of people at e3 Partners Ministry. This year, I'll be even more intentional about putting my experience and learning into motion.

There are some other areas of my life where this concept applies, but those are just for me.

How about you? Are you doing as much as you know?

Just when you think you know a thing or two about philanthropy...

According to a recent Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University study, nearly half of respondents said their charitable donations have a "greater impact on their own personal fulfillment" than on those who actually receive their gifts. Although the results confirmed many long-held beliefs about philanthropy, there are some very interesting nuggets among the findings, including:

• fewer than 20 percent of respondents believe their donations make a major impact on the organizations they support


• only six percent believe they're making significant contributions to the improvement of society

The survey does not seem to connect attitudes with specific amounts invested through charitable giving. It was conducted in 2006 and again in 2008, polling people with an annual income of at least $200,000 or a net worth of at least $1 million.

Now, it's entirely possible that a wealthy person might write a $25 check at year-end and conclude that their contribution will not change the organization or change the world. They would be correct.

A more likely scenario, however, is that people responding to the survey have made significant gifts to one or more charities. If that is the case, the results may tell us more about nonprofit communications and stewardship efforts than donor motivations.

If donors don't think their resources are making a difference to the organization, perhaps we (the recipients of these gifts) need to think long and hard about what we're doing to correct that misperception. Are we taking financial partners for granted? Do we tell them how their contributions help us serve others? Apparently, nonprofits are not doing that frequently or effectively enough.

And if our contributors don't see a connection between their philanthropy and changed lives, whose fault is that? True, $1,000 or even $100,000 won't cure cancer or educate all the children in Africa or eliminate world hunger. But when we receive a gift like that, we'd better be prepared to explain how that $1,000 did educate 100 kids or how that $100,000 is fed 10,000 people.

Donors give because nonprofits say they'll do something important with their gift. Let's follow through on that thought, and tell contributors how they are helping those we serve, as well as how they're building our organization's capacity.

If you want to read more, Yahoo Finance posted a good article describing the survey in detail. And thanks to Robert Frank at The Wealth Report for posting his thoughts about the study.

A short-term mission trip to India in 2009

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" - Isaiah 52:7

Lord willing, I will help lead a 10-day mission trip to India next fall. In Luke 10:2, Jesus says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” So I have been praying that God would begin to work in the hearts of people I know, drawing them toward a family-friendly, short-term mission trip next year.

Who: 25-30 Christ-followers
What: Evangelism, discipleship and church planting
When: November 12-22, 2009
Where: Rural Banjara villages near Khammam, India
Why: “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” – John 4:34b
How: I look forward to discussing details with you soon.

The Banjara gypsies once traveled and worked the spice and silk caravan routes between Asia and the rest of the world. They are a tribal people now living in small rural villages in eastern India, serving a host of idols they call “gods.” When the Banjara hear about the Living God – the One True God, Who sent His Son to die so they could live forever with Him – they ask the same question again and again: “If Jesus died over 2,000 years ago for everyone’s sins... and then rose from the dead to ascend and rule as King in Heaven, why then have we not heard of this Jesus before now?”

Meet the Banjara people:

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

People need to hear about Jesus! Our Father needs messengers to take the good news to His harvest fields, and the Banjara are ready to receive! Romans 10:14-15 reminds us, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”

I hope you’ll prayerfully consider being those ‘beautiful feet’ that are so needed among the 12,000 Banjara villages in Andhra Pradesh state, India. Want to know more? Email me today.

I wish I had written this

But I didn't. It's worth reading. And putting into practice.

10 Ways to Pray for Barack Obama

By J. Lee Grady

Whether you are happy about this week’s election results or not, all Christians must unite in prayer for our new president. Please don’t forsake this responsibility.

It’s over. We’ve reached the end of the longest, angriest and most nerve-wracking presidential campaign in American history. Finally the “I approved this message” ads have ceased. The endless robot phone calls have stopped ringing. The debates, and the annoying post-debate comments from “experts,” are history—until the next election cycle.

More than half the nation is celebrating today while others are mourning. We are a divided nation, split into unhappy fragments by abortion, gay marriage, global warming, a failed economy and an unpopular war. Those who voted for Barack Obama have claimed a historic victory; some on McCain’s side are already looking for scapegoats. Politics is politics.

But when I got up this morning, I turned all my attention to the fact that Jesus Christ is still on the throne. His government is what is most important. Regardless of who sits in the Oval Office, the Bible says “the nations are like a drop from a bucket” to God (Is. 40:15, NASB). That includes the United States. We may boast about being “the greatest nation on earth,” but He who sits in heaven has a different perspective. Let’s take a big sigh of relief now and remember that God is sovereign.

I’ll admit this election did not turn out as I had hoped. I supported McCain primarily because I am pro-life and I prefer his small-government mindset. But now that the election is over, I’m not going to harbor bitterness toward Obama supporters or go into attack mode. Obama has been elected president of this country, and that means I have a biblical responsibility to support him in prayer—even if I challenge his policies.

Whether you voted for Obama or not, you need to pray for him. Here are 10 ways I plan to intercede for him regularly:

1. Pray for Obama’s protection. We already know that some weird, neo-Nazi fanatics in Tennessee plotted to kill Sen. Obama during his campaign. Let’s pray that racist hatred is not allowed to spread. Let’s cancel every assassin’s bullet in the name of Jesus. May civility triumph over bigotry.

2. Cover his wife and daughters in prayer. It is not easy to live under constant media scrutiny. Pray for Obama’s wife, Michelle, and their two daughters, Malia and Natasha, as they face invasive cameras, nosy reporters, maniacal fans and dangerous enemies. Obama is not only a politician but also a husband and a father.

3. Pray that Obama will govern with God’s wisdom. God rewarded Solomon because he asked for wisdom instead of wealth, long life or vengeance on his enemies (see 1 Kings 3:11-12). Pray that Obama will order his priorities like that. Despite Solomon’s tragic character flaws, his legacy was wisdom. We can ask God to give our president the same grace.

4. Ask God to keep our president humble. Many great American leaders became corrupt after they moved to Washington. The fatal attraction of fame, wealth and power proved irresistible. The only thing that will guard a man or woman from this pitfall is humility. May God deliver President Obama from the curse of pride.

5. Pray for wise and righteous advisers to surround him. Godly leaders cannot do their job alone. Even the best leaders have failed because they trusted the wrong people. Pray that Obama will not select his counselors based on party, race, pedigree or political cronyism but on godly character and proven wisdom. Pray also that he will not allow secret traitors into his inner circle.

6. Ask for the spirit of reconciliation. Some segments of our deeply divided society want nothing to do with Obama now that he has won the presidency. Even some Christians will be tempted to harbor resentment and nurse political grudges throughout his term in office. Pray that God will grant forgiveness and healing so that leaders on all political levels can have constructive dialogue.

7. Pray that Obama will adopt pro-life convictions. Many politicians have changed their views on key issues while in office. In the 1800s some leaders who favored slavery later denounced it. In the 1950s some who opposed racial integration later became champions of it. Even though Obama won approval from many voters because he sanctions abortion, God could soften and change his heart.

8. Bind all evil forces assigned to manipulate our president. The specter of Islamic terrorism looms over the United States, and dark forces are ready to infiltrate. Our only hope lies in prayer to the God who is able to expose and outwit the schemes of the wicked. This is truly a time for spiritual warfare, and intercessors must not come off the wall in this hour! Pray that no foreign government, terrorist organization or demonic principality will use Obama as a tool. We must stand strong against the spirit of antichrist that promotes dictatorship, persecution of Christians and hostility toward Israel.

9. Pray that Obama’s door will remain open to the church. The loudest voices of secular culture—from Bill Maher in Hollywood to atheists in academia—would be happy if religion were removed from public life. Pray that Obama, who claims to have a personal faith in Jesus Christ, will unapologetically welcome Christian leaders into his company and seek their counsel. And pray that false religious leaders (who claim to know Christ but deny His power) will not have his ear.

10. Pray that our nation will enjoy God’s peace and blessing during the Obama administration. The apostle Paul instructed early believers to pray for all in authority “so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Tim. 2:2, NASB). God’s will is for America to experience peace and prosperity so that we can continue to export the gospel to the nations. This must happen whether a Democrat or a Republican is in the White House. As we cry out for God’s mercy on our wayward nation, pray that He will allow us to be a light to the world as we finance global missions, feed and heal the world’s poor and share Christ’s love at home and abroad.

J. Lee Grady is editor of Charisma.