WAR ROOM
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WAR ROOM
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Word usage makes all the difference.
Whether you are reading this blog, reading a great book or listening to an inspiring orator, an a great many revelations are made by the receiver about the communicator. And none of us, get it right all of the time. (Hopefully), Perhaps you've read something here that was challenging. Perhaps you've heard something elsewhere that turned you off. Yet as Pastor spoke yesterday on the final words of Christ, I was reminded once again, just how much our words count. Or at the very least, how much work we should put forth into making sure they count. The statements Christ made in His final moments, were powerful and profound; speaking to the bigger picture of ideals that we, even this day, should strive to share. Grace. Compassion. Promise. They expressed His experience of the moment, of isolation, agony. They were words of completion and fellowship. Jesus' ministry was truth. It was one of impact. It was one of miracles. In His divine wisdom, He know what needed to be communicated, to who and to when and how. But as life continues to throw us curve balls and moments of frustration, anxiety and fear, we don't always communicate well... to the world around us, neither in our own homes. Likewise for pastors. They don't always say the right thing, do the right thing or convey the right thing. Yet they too, need divine wisdom and insight, as they bring people to a stronger relationship with God through the person and life of Jesus Christ. Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, that God would help pastors as they communicate. May the boldly proclaim the Gospel. Pray they would continue to speak life in dry places, whether in the community, in their church and in their home. May they be lovers of the Truth, desirous to the miraculous transformation of lives and souls as the Holy Spirit works in the hearts and minds of those who hear. Indeed, may their be an under-current of grace, compassion and promise... even in times of isolation and agony. May they trust in the completed work of the Cross and the fellowship made available to us through the power of Jesus Christ. Ever communicating the Cross of Christ To all who need to hear May their hearts and minds be open to receive For the glory of God. - PNC
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Late yesterday afternoon, as we were returning home from the birthday party for the 2-yr old daughter of our friends', we were jamming to the White Heart mix tape that was stashed in my car's center console. People talk about reliving the good 'ol days... that's half the fun of driving old vehicles, that still have cassette decks! (Don't worry, it's not that old... I have an in-dash CD changer too) One of the albums, is Emergency Broadcast, an incredibly powerful album. And the words to the song, Fashion Fades, got me thinking about this #effectiveSunday post. Fashion fades // Things will change. But something stronger // will remain. The love of Jesus // stays the same So where will you be // when the fashion fades Jesus ministry, this Palm Sunday, was revolutionary. Not in a typical uproar and revolt kind of way, but that it messed up everybody's status quo. It was life-changing. Life-transforming. The effectiveness of His message for those who received and continue to receive it can't be denied. Granted, that doesn't stop people from attempting to dismiss, discount and straight-up write it off, but when confronted with the truth, there truly are two responses. * Accept. * Deny. Just as much as Jesus' ministry impacted the community and many didn't understand, couldn't comprehend and struggle with the events and decisions that transpired, so to, do we live in a day when community find itself in a similar dilemma... both inside and outside the four walls of the church. Thankfully, Jesus promised that no matter the changes that occur in our lives; that the Spirit of God works and directs in our lives, that He would never leave us, nor forsake us. We are reminded that no matter what trials and difficulties we endure, He sticks closer to us than a brother (which if you have a cool brother like I do, is pretty darn close). Thanks for joining me in prayer, this #effectiveSunday. Though life doesn't go as we hope and doesn't look like we want; may we rely on Christ as we walk this life. Though the process and methods of how life transpires and how work is done, may the message of Jesus Christ continue to transform lives and impact communities for eternity. May we ever be reminded, daily, that no matter how hard the difficulties and challenges we face, that Christ remains closer than a brother, with the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Effective for the work of the ministry Because of the truth that is the life of Christ. Though life is full of changes We stand in constant that is Christ. For the glory of God. - PNC I think, perhaps, I caught the same another sermon yesterday from the same parish that I happened to catch on Thursday that was preaching on evangelism. He was preaching on the church and the disconnect between one who hates his brother and the kingdom of God. (And of course, now I can't remember the verse he was preaching from). However, he expounded on how people within the church treat each other. As I continued to reflect on this yesterday and this morning, I was thinking about the interchange between our being the light of the world and the church's treatment of other believers. Indeed, it can be a difficult balance at times, but then again, it probably shouldn't be that way. I understand life happens. We all have struggles and difficult places and for sure, there are personality differences and things we don't understand about those around us. Just ask about the relationship between a parent and child or management and staff. We often talk about how people behave one way in church, as if they have their act together and then display anything other than Christianity for the remainder of the week. Sadly, though I don't know how often this happens, something on the opposite side can take place too. We can display niceties, compassion and love to those around us, but then dismiss fellow believers through our attitudes and conversations. Thus, it raises another flag of inconsistency to the world. Why would I want to be part of a church that doesn't display Christ to the world except Sunday? Why would I want to be part of a church that doesn't display Christ to each other except Sunday? We learn from family. How the family operates is how one operates when they enter the world. So if the basic element is unhealthy or dysfunctional, so will the larger environment when that element enters the picture. The examples are too numerous to miss this truth. You can't love your neighbor while hating your brother. Whether a relative by human blood or related by the blood of Jesus Christ, we need to be the light to everyone in the room. Pray, this #communitySaturday, may we reflect Christ to a world that needs to know Him, to a world who needs to become more like Him. In times of confusion and conflict, may the people of God be a voice of reason and clarity; that God would help us to live as people of righteous and truth. Not that we are perfect or have it all together, but that we are daily being transformed into the image of Christ as God works in our hearts and lives. May we do better to love our brothers and sisters in Christ; that we may edify and encourage the church as they endure their struggles and battles. May we do better to be a light to those in our lives living in darkness; who've yet to hear the illuminating power of what Jesus Christ accomplished that eternal life may be available to all who hear it. May our lives speak it; before a word is spoken. A light to the world. Both inside the four walls of the church And outside to those who've never been a part of the family of God. Healthy and functional; Giving to others what we have experienced for ourselves. For the glory of God. And the advancement of the Gospel of Christ. - PNC So, I mentioned yesterday that on Wednesday night, a couple shared their missionary journey with our congregation. And what an incredible story. Both come from a rich, multi-generational missionary families. To hear of the work and orchestrating of events that God is unfolding as they serve in Thailand is nothing short of miraculous. The husband shared how God had worked in his heart and life to bring him to this place of ministry, as he was (and had always wanted to be) a pastor, not a missionary. Then God closed and opened doors to place him, but it wasn't what or where he wanted to be. Sure, it was a struggle until he came to the understanding that he just needed to be faithful where he was. The reward for doing so, is rich. The stories that have transpired as a result are simply incredible. Things are happening that would have never happened had he been where he desired and not where God needed Him. Yet because of the couple's decision to stick it out and simply "be Christ" where they were, God is bringing results that are greater than what they ever would have been had God answered his first request. Reaping and sowing... where they are planted; not where they wished they were planted. Which gears to yesterday, mid-day. I catch a sermon, I think on Catholic radio. A priest or bishop preaching on evangelism and missions. And he explains, among other things, the concept of "you are the light of the world". We are the candle; the work of Jesus Christ having brought light to our life, breaking through the darkness. God holds the candle. The room He walks into, is the world. Wherever God goes, when He enters a room, our very presence should display Christ... His light scatters the darkness of wherever we are. Sure, there's a time to verbal share the message of Christ. But there should be something recognizably different about our lives long before words are spoken. What candle enters a room and announces itself, "I am a candle." If it is lit, you already know. So, it is with our lives. If we are lit for Christ, it should be known by whoever is around us, without a word. Will you join me in prayer? On this #missionsFriday, may the church rise up and allow, to a greater degree, for the light of Christ to be on a display to the darkness of the world around us. Pray that we would not be a people living under the radar, but desirous to be used by God wherever He would desire to place us. Pray for missionaries, struggling in their journey. For the process of becoming a missionary and where they are to go; the funds necessary and the plans moving forward... it is an intense and difficult process. Pray for strength and encouragement as they prepare. May God help them to be faithful, even in the simple moments of simply displaying Christ wherever they go. Pray the rewards would be great, as they sow where they are planted; desirous to impact their world with the gospel of Christ. For there truly is, nothing offensive about God loves you. Except for the thousands upon millions who still need to hear it. Lights on a hill, On display for all to see. Bringing the light of Christ Wherever we go; Wherever God places us For His glory and the cause of Christ. - PNC I got to thinking yesterday afternoon, just how incredible is the truth... that God knows exactly what we have need of and is able and ready to respond BEFORE we can ask and greater than we can imagine.
God does not get scrambled. We've all had those moments, especially as parents. Honey, I can't right now; this has to be done. Hang on a minute, I'm helping your sister. You'll have to wait a few, I talking to your brother. We'll do it later; we'll deal with later. We'll talk about it.... later. Life happens and we simply can't get to everything the very moment it comes across our desk or the notification goes of on your device (whether it be the one on your desk or the one in your hand). Consider all the aspects and areas of church operations outside of the pastorate. All kinds of situations and tasks that go into and beyond prepping for a service or special event... and it takes the insight and direction of deacon board. It takes the expertise and follow-through of administrators and staff to coordinate and carry-out the details. Any number of things that we might not even think about unless someone mentioned it as being a part of their day. God knows. This was reiterated last night, as we had missionary guests from Thailand share their story and what God has been working in their ministry. Nobody but God could orchestrate such a plan. So, will you join me, this #deaconThursday? Pray God would indeed accomplish the miraculous, as He sovereignly moves and provides the details and directions of the challenges facing church operations. May He grant strength and rest to the weary; clarity to the confused and focus to the distracted. Before we can ask and greater than we can imagine, pray that God would begin, even now, to answer the prayers and send the solutions to those who are recognizing the need to call on God afresh for the difficulties and decisions that confront them... even this very hour. May their not be a spirit of discouragement, But bold confidence as they approach the throne of grace. Abba Father. Move on behalf of your people who call on your name. Not for our sake; But for your glory. - PNC "This means war. And the battle's still raging. War." -Petra Satan has always... always been out to destroy the family. Petra reminds us in their song, This Means War, from their album of the same name, that Satan "took a third of all Heaven, when he went to Hell." He sought to destroy the very family of Heaven before their was a family on Earth to conspire against. That said, he knows his fate is sealed. So he has nothing except to keep people from sealing their fate with Christ; for Christ. Anything to keep kids from becoming healthy, functioning adults. Let alone, followers of Christ. Anything to keep followers of Christ from establishing healthy, functional homes; where kids witness first-hand, a genuine faith in Christ and a passion for the things of God. Anything... to keep people from becoming people of God; more specifically, effective people of God who fulfill not only the calling God has placed upon them, but bear witness to the goodness and grace of God with any and all who they come in contact. Frustrated. Stressed. Distracted. Angry. Bitter. Unfulfilled. Anything that discounts and detracts from the work of God in our lives and His purpose being carried out for the cause of Jesus Christ. Of course, like any other battle, war is hard on everyone. But perhaps for none less, than those on the front line. For what good are the soldiers without those leading them into battle? So, we pray, on this #youthPastorWednesday, for pastors who are feeling the effects of the war within their own lives and families. May God strengthen and restore their hearts and minds; granting discernment in the difficulty and challenges they face. For their ministries, may God grant to them grace and understanding as they teach, challenge and work with kids and youth. Pray God's protection over their lives; that whatever was meant to distract, detour and derail them would fail. May the anointing of the Holy Spirit rest upon them, as they live under the power of God at work in their lives, their homes and churches; impacting the communities and culture-at-large with the truth of God and the love of Christ. Indeed, this is war. Spiritual warfare being displayed to a physical world. But greater is He who is in us Then the enemy of our souls at work against us. No power on earth, can take His love away. God be for us. For the cause of Jesus Christ. - PNC Aren't numbers incredible?
We track and count, worry and celebrate just about everything. Miles traveled. Jobs held. Anniversaries and birthdays survived (just kidding) Some get caught up in the relationships of the past; others in how many cars they've owned. Yet, some take literally, how often Jesus instructs us to extend forgiveness. And very few rejoice over the book of Numbers in Scripture. Do I need to mention bank accounts, wealth versus indebtedness and net worth outlooks? Meanwhile, it's all somewhat relative, isn't? I thought about this yesterday... when you read this, today is post number 674 since the re-launch of this site. It blows my mind. By comparison, the nation of Israel wandered the desert for 40 years. Or by our calendar, 14,600 days! Church has it's own concerns. Sure, financial picture makes the list. As do salvations and growth. Outreach impact and ministry opportunities. Square footage and longevity of ministry. Giving records. Yet, God simply calls us to be faithful. To press on and continue to do the work He has called us to accomplish. Yes, numbers have their place, just as the book does in Scripture. But it shouldn't dominate, perhaps as much as it does in our lives. So, pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, for those concerned over numbers. Whatever the topic or area of focus, may they be reminded, that in the end it's all God's and it is all up to God. May they continue to focus their efforts on what He has called them to accomplish, fulfilling their purpose and destiny. Pray a desire and a resolve to remain faithful to the work of the Lord; that stress and burnout and frustration would not rise to the level of destruction. May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding propel them forward, to greater levels of ministry and impact for the cause of Jesus Christ. For what is their to track, If we are not out doing, in the first place. May we be counted faithful first. For the glory of God. - PNC Pastor preached a great message as we get ever closer to Easter... on the topic of choices. He delivered quite a powerful message, as he spoke from the perspective of Christ on trial and the question of "what will we do with Christ", which is what the government leaders asked at the time, knowing Christ had done nothing wrong. Certainly, this question dominates our lives in light of eternity; technically it does so twice. Once from the perspective of our sinful state and for those who confess Christ as Lord, from our redeemed state. For all the choices that come secondary to that question, some still able to affect eternity and many others that won't, choices can be difficult to make... and even more difficult to live with, once they've been made. My list is getting quite long. Things I wish I hadn't done. More things I wish I had done differently. What's difficult, is that such realizations and reminders often come on the heels of a situation or circumstance that is fresh in your mind and weighs on your heart; that you wish you could do over or have a second chance to reconsider. This is especially true as we were reminded of the lesson Ronald Reagan learned as a child... not making a choice is making a choice; and eventually someone will make it for you. How much more difficult for leadership... if the choices we make for ourselves are taxing; the choices we make as parents and adults, confusing; the choices we make as children and employees, just plain wrong, the struggle for leadership and the impact it makes on the lives of those who follow is incredible. Then there are pastors... where souls are at stake and eternity hangs in the balance. Where people's faith is strengthened and encouraged or weakened and discouraged. Where communities are impacted with the Gospel of Christ and transformed or hardened as a result. Pressure abounds as do expectations. The stakes are high and so is the level of regret... and the rate of burnout as a result. On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for pastors struggling in the choices and decisions they face, even this very day. In their homes, marriages and ministries, may God grant them wisdom and strength in the face of confusion and complexities. Pray a grace over their missteps and mistakes; may regrets not overtake their hearts and minds, but the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. May God lead and guide them, as they daily lay their lives at the Cross of Christ; surrender to Him and desirous to do His will. Pray a renewed faith and trust in God's ability and promise to use ALL things, for His glory according to His purpose... for He knows the plans He has for us, having accounted for our broken and sinful condition. Strength in the face of regret Confidence in the face of mistakes. Hope in the future, despite our past. That we choose Christ first. Seeking the face of God and His righteousness For the cause of Jesus Christ. - PNC So we had a great family day yesterday... right up until the very late end. Having to step away from the chaos, I sat on the "colder-than-what-I-thought-it-was-outside" patio surfing the 'net and Craigslist. Meanwhile, I turned on the The Healing Rock radio station, where they were playing their Saturday night show, Vector. I missed the first portion of the show, maybe the first half, I don't know... but the founder of the station network was interviewing a couple of people and they were discussing their difficulties with the church. Specifically, how it's hard sometimes to be genuine. We all step in happy and ready to go to church, excited to worship. People ask how we are doing and have to respond with positive thoughts rather than the negative reality. When truth be told... we'd rather not tell it. For who wants to hear the struggles and frustrations of life on the day we come together to celebrate Christ? "No, I'm not having a great morning... my kids fought us on getting ready for church!" "My blood pressure is up just thinking about whether we'll have an argument on the way!" Comedian Jeff Foxworthy jokes, about how by the time he gets to church, he NEEDS church, cause he's done yelled at everybody on the way there! (I shouldn't insert my own reality of what just happened 10 seconds ago.... but that was funny. Even if I'm the only one laughing. Only the sovereign timing of God could make the smile on my face exist right now.... as I just realized that same radio station is currently playing Perfect Timing by Sweet Comfort Band) But seriously... it's just as hard not to be dismissive in our short, passing responses to people as much as their honest brevity in passing, "no, I'm not really doing that great this morning". We don't want to feel as though we have to put up a front, but church morning's are busy and there's a schedule and a format. Who has time to take out 5 or 10 minutes to sit in the lobby or the cafe and say, this circumstance and frustration is immediate and raw and I need help in dealing with it? Yes, I'll give it to God and respond to the altar and go up for prayer... or maybe I won't, even though I need to; but man... if someone could help talk me through this, wow. Efficiency is often equated with speed and quickness, but we often forget that getting something done in 30 minutes that normally takes an hour is also efficient. And while effectiveness can occur in a short matter of seconds, more often than not, effectiveness comes from a habit of pattern and an investment of time. Caring takes time. Effective care takes discernment to know when the time should be short and when it's appropriate for a longer investment. We all have battles and struggles. Whether it's because we don't speak for we know other people have bigger and more challenging lives, thus we pale in comparison or we think others are too busy, that they'd rather not be bothered by our interruption... both are wrong. Life is not a competition of who's life is harder or worse off; nor should we not converse because someone seemingly has it altogether and so we recluse. We are all in God's garage. We are all being restored. If any comparison is made, it's that those further along in the restoration process are able to testify; if God brought me this far from when I came in, how amazing is what awaits on the other side of the process for your life. *longer blog = shorter prayer? Can we pray this #effectiveSunday, for the body of Christ to be real people. Real struggles. Real faith. Real friends. Coming together to a Real God. May we take the time to express genuine care and concern. Pray we would be the hands and feet of Christ to those around us; helping people through the process and journey God is taking them. May we testify to those who come behind us to the goodness and greatness of God. For even when the road is hard, God is with us. May the church exist to be an ever-present reminder of the truth... God will never leave us, nor forsake us. Effective for the kingdom of God. Because we make the investment of time. Speaking life to dead and dying places. That Christ may bring healing and restoration To our broken condition. For the glory of God. - PNC Quite some time, a made a decision to leave my radio off while at work (having a job where I could have the radio blasting all day and nobody would care) And by quite sometime, I think it might be like a year and half... which for a music lover, is a long time.
About a week or two ago, while talking with my friend, we were discussing life and he suggested, I needed to get out of my head. Perhaps, I should consider turning the radio back on. K-Love or Smile.FM. Something Christian and positive to get some encouragement and spiritual uplifting rather than my mind running 100mph in 10 different directions. Though nobody plays the great Classic Christian Rock I'm used to having, I did get hooked on a couple of "new" bands and one station played the latest from Michael W. Smith! However, in my channel surfing yesterday, a secular station played Land of Confusion, by Genesis. I like Phil Collins' music, if for no other reason there is something definitely 80's about his music. Perhaps it's all his appearances on the classic television series, Miami Vice. But catch the chorus on this... There's too many men // Too many people Making too many problems // And not much love to go round Can't you see // This is a land of confusion. This is the world we live in // And these are the hands we're given Use them and let's start trying // To make it a place worth living in. This is the time // This is the place So we look for the future // But there's not much love to go round Tell me why, this is a land of confusion. Now this is the world we live in // And these are the hands we're given Use them and let's start trying // To make it a place worth fighting for. This is the world we live in // And these are the names we're given Stand up and let's start showing // Just where our lives are going to. How incredibly profound. Not much has changed from 1986, has it? Still too many people making too many problems. Still not enough love to go around. Indeed, this world is more confusing and confused now than it was 30 years ago! (I feel old just being able to say that) This is our reality. And yet in many ways, we've failed to show up and show where are lives are going. As we engage the community, may this be the heart of the church. We have these hands and the earth is His and all the people in it. They are worth fighting for, for eternity hangs in the balance. We go to all kinds of specialists, in every arena and area of life and circumstance to make things right, yet, as the DJ stated yesterday, where do people turn to heal a broken soul? That is the part of life that matters, Phil, just where our lives are going to. So join with me and pray, this #communitySaturday. May the people of God stand up and show, our lives in light of eternity and the sovereign plan of God that none should perish, but all come to repentance. May we impact the world we live in with the love of God and the Gospel of Christ. May our names reflect the work of Christ in our lives, as he has healed our soul's broken condition. May the church be among those who do not create problems, but offer solutions; indeed the only solution that matters. For Christ is the answer to the question posed at the beginning of time. What if all creation goes awry? Christ is not plan B. In this land of confusion, He is... all there is. Thanks be unto God. - PNC |
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AuthorJust a man, attempting to fulfill God's plan. Husband, Dad, Dreamer. Blogger. Archives
February 2019
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