WAR ROOM
|
|
WAR ROOM
|
|
Reminders come in all forms. From the glorious and noteworthy, to the nonchalant and matter-of-fact. And somewhere in the mix, is the painful and frustrating. And what's today's reminder?
Every organization has someone in management, who will not only have an off-day, but when you least expect it, make it known that such is your present environment. Certain personalities, certain circumstances and industries... you can account for such possibilities; you can set a level of realistic expectation. There will be days of certain frustration and potential for problems and emotion And the culture and mood will not be one that someone would want to endure for an extended period of time, whether for hours, days, weeks, or even years. What's the point? I'm not sure there's a more saddening statement to hear, than one speak aloud, the frustrations of the boss in the workplace and it is being caused by someone within the church leadership or even the pastoral staff. I really don't know what to offer or say in response. But just consider your own frustration and move it to a church environment. Does it change your perspective of what's going on? More importantly, does it change how you should respond? And it seems as though the disappointment of it all, would rise to another level. So, pray this #seniorPastorMonday, for pastors who are perhaps, unknowingly, creating a frustrating and difficult working environment. Whether it be for personal reasons, ministerial pressures or problems and stresses that they are simply having a hard time managing, pray that God would do a work in their hearts and minds. May He give them solutions where there problems, direction where there is confusion and peace in the midst of storms. Pray that God would wisdom, for all parties involved, to know how to properly engage and respond, in a manner that glorifies God, honors each other and allows for truth to be spoken with grace and love. Working together, better. For the glory of God And the cause of Jesus Christ. - PNC
0 Comments
Dave Ramsey took an interesting phone call on the show earlier today; a man who was starting a ministry, had a newborn baby and expressed his concern for finding and living a "balanced" life, in terms of being able to do his work, be there for his kid and be a good husband.
To this dilemma, Dave gave the man kudos, for indeed his heart and desire is it the right place. Downright noble, in fact. Then I was taken aback, for just a moment. "A balanced life is a myth!" Then Dave continued to explain. Your life isn't balanced when a baby is born. Forget work. Your focus is on the birth of your kid. For the 10 hours at the hospital, for the first 10 days you are home getting adjusted. Nothing is balanced. So too, will the time come to work. Not every day will be a "home at 5:30" and ready for family dinner. Work has it's demands and there will be times to push in, stay late and hustle and grind. Don't miss the major events, but part of balance means everyone and everything is subject to just as much of a give as they do take. We all applaud the movie where the parent quits the job in favor of the family....and yeah, there are those moments and times when that is a real decision that needs to happen. For most of us, though, this is where reality meets understanding and grace. Meetings go long. Clients pay the bills. And there's only one senior prom. We can drive ourselves crazy getting caught up trying to a live in balance, when in reality, we need to live in focus for the moment. And if it's different tomorrow or next week, then be ready to shift and adjust accordingly. So pray, this #deaconThursday, not only for the pastors who obviously struggle with this issue, but also for the extended leadership and staff, who are often helping in ministry in addition to their own responsibilities at home as well as in the secular workforce. Pray that God would strengthen them in the juggling of the relationships and inter-workings of their daily duties. Pray that God would help them to maintain proper perspective; that the world is closing in when certain task or routines get skipped, missed or overlooked because of the priority of the moment... whatever it happens it be at the time. Pray that there would be a new level of understanding and grace that occurs in their lives and relationships, both at home as well as in the market and ministry. May God give them favor as they go about their day, each moment as it comes. For wherever we are Let us be there. To be used by God For His glory and purpose. - PNC Once again, I'm reminded of the great power and comfort that comes from a child sitting on Dad's lap. Kids have rough days just like the adults experience. And just because their struggles don't include deadlines, financial concerns and stressful conversations doesn't mean their problems aren't legitimate and important.
If it's important to them, it's important to us. Likewise, no matter where you are in your faith journey, whether in the pew or behind the pulpit, the same is true for us in relationship to God. If it matters to us, it matters to Him. And sometimes, there's nothing that will "fix" the ordeal, than to climb into the arm of our Heavenly Father and let our spirit have it's breaking moment. I think sometimes we get caught... like we can't go to God if it's not a matter of life and death, literally; with eternity hanging in the balance. God is a God of order and design and purpose. It doesn't matter where it ranks on the scale of importance. If it is a problem that wreaking havoc somewhere in our lives, mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, financially, relationally or otherwise, let God have His way to restore order and purpose and bring to the forefront the elements and pieces that are lost and broken in our lives. Somehow we handle the kids and young people in our lives to experience such defining moments, yet we resist and deny ourselves the opportunity to have such an experience with God. How foolish. Let's pray this #youthPastorWednesday for pastors having difficulty with the Father. Where they have patience and understanding with those whom they minister, but not with themselves, pray God would cover them in grace. Pray for a spirit of correction where there is imbalance and misalignment. Pray for encouragement and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, for whatever it is in their own heart and life that is causing a rift and disconnect between them and God; in whatever arena of life it exists. All things made in. In the arms of God's love and His grace. For His glory. - PNC Some things never change. For instance, the frequency of tendencies and battles of your youth, you later watch as parents, play out in your own kids. Take as an example, homework. I didn't always wait until the last minute to complete projects. But it did happen often enough. And while the kids aren't bombarded with the stuff yet, life has enough going on that it feels time is getting away all too fast, that due dates are approaching faster than the should.
So, whether it's "last minute" on purpose or on accident, it's often necessary. Planning and preparation go a long way. And once again, I feel as though I should be the last person to be writing about time management and the threat and temptation of procrastination. Yes, it's amazing what can be accomplished under pressure, with deadlines looming. But it doesn't have to be that way. If only we did what we were supposed to do, when it needed to be done. It's a discipline issue. One that is neither easily learner, nor easily taught. Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, that God would help pastors struggling to learn the lessons of life that we all wished we had learned sooner; and hope that our kids learn more quickly than we did. Pray that God would give them wisdom, to communicate effectively both in conversation and in lifestyle. Pray also, that we would not delay or procrastinate when it comes to that which God would have us to accomplish. May we teach our youth to remain ever so sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, even if and when we still struggle with it ourselves. For the glory of God And the cause of Jesus Christ. - PNC Continued thoughts and prayers for my friends, combined with Monday nights' discussion on what it means to not only be a man, but in particular, a Godly man has me thinking about pastors and their kids. We've all seen and heard stories of pastors who placed the congregation before their family and both suffered at various times, to varying degrees.
How much more detrimental for pastors' whose focus is children and young people, while they have kids and teens at home. The difference may be minimal and the distinction faint, but I have to think that certain situations may bring certain emotions to the forefront. Like does a spouse feel neglect when the other pastoral spouse spends more time helping other marriages than work on their own. Or the youth pastor that talks more with the teens in the group than the teens under their roof. So it goes back to the conclusion we came to Monday night. Life is nothing, if not lived intentionally. And like a said the other day about $1 spent on this is one less dollar spend on something else, so too, is 10 minutes spent on one activity is 10 minutes not spent on another. Or with another. Pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that God would help pastors who are struggling to manage their time and relationships well. Pray for grace and understanding, especially with their families. Pray for balance, where perhaps things have not been balanced. Pray for trust to be restored, where it has been broken. Pray for healing in those relationships where there has been hurt and damage. Pray that God would help them to be better leaders, not only for the family of God, but for their own families. not to be perceived as a perfect example, but an experienced example. For we were made for community And the family of God begins at home. For His glory. - PNC I read with heavy heart earlier today, the social media post from a friend who is a senior pastor. And while I'm waiting for permission to use some of the excerpts from his post (and it is public via his blog as well as the announcement made in his church), I simply shared his post on my personal page with the sentiment that the often unknown and untold stores of the struggles pastors face is both the evidence and explanation of what keeps me working on this project.
I simply can't fully fathom the battle my friends are facing in their family. The responsibility of ministry simply adds a whole other layer of complication to the equation, as all of us have experienced the struggle of balancing time, relationships and commitments. I know I'm not giving details and I would like to give some, but the bottom is line is that there are seasons. And we have to recognize when a different strategy is needed to win. The end result, is that my friend is taking a month-long, leave of absence from the pulpit, to both lead and fight for the health and wellness of his family. So while there are many other pastors in similar situations, on this #seniorPastorMonday, would you pray specifically for my friends? Pray that God would give them strength to endure and persevere. Pray for the miraculous healing and breakthrough that needs to occur in this battle they wage. May the spiritual attack which has come against them subside and may the power of the blood of Christ wash over them. Pray that God would grant them wisdom and discernment, in both the day to day decisions of life as well as the major decisions that will help guide and direct the days to come. Pray that they would emerge victorious from this battle; refreshed and renewed to continue in the ministry and calling God has placed on them to return to the church and community they serve. For the battle is already won As God hands them the victory For His glory. - PNC Change is interesting. It seems like the more we know that it is coming; that it's expected or at least planned, we seem to do better in our reactions and response. It might not always be change for the better, but the advance warning seems to at least soften the blow. However, I've noticed that over time (read: age), change seems less inviting.
Stability and familiarity lead to a level of comfort that is hard to willing disrupt. Likewise, when disrupted, it makes it harder to cope. Kids and young people struggle as well, depending on the circumstance. But by and large, they adapt much quicker... and with more enthusiasm. And I'm just wondering... It seems, even in our walks of faith, for all of us, that with time and life experience, having witnessed all the incredible things God has accomplished, that we can be or seem more resistant to change than we should. Even when God's hand is in it, something inside us says, yeah, I'm not so sure. We know all believers go through this conversation. Yet somehow, we think pastors don't. Or at least not as much as we. And perhaps that's true. Perhaps, though, just perhaps, they struggle with change more. Remember this, greater resistance is often met with greater determination. Be careful which position you take, as it will vary for every issue of life. Pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that pastors would recognize when God is work, making changes. Pray that pastors would not give in to the tempation to resist or hesitate to the working hand of God. May there be a continual spirit of obedience as they lead; setting an example that being adaptive to God's plan is a good thing, regardless of one's life experience and faith journey. May that experience not stand in the way of what's next in their ministry, but serve to enhance the journey as God leads them. For the glory of God And the cause of Jesus Christ For future generations. - PNC It's really hard some days, to keep current events off of a site dedicated to ministry, church leadership and burnout. Yet, some days, it's purely unavoidable. Today is the day we pray over those who ministry to your children and youth. And while New York celebrates legislation that permits abortion up to the moment of birth essentially, hearts break. As does God's, obviously.
And have you noticed a pattern? Those who lecture and push for care and compassion on so many other issues and area's of life, some of them sensitive topics, some of them political hot-button problems, somehow are all okay with this. And it simply doesn't compute. The disconnect seems as though it would be hard to miss, and yet it eludes so many. Just stroll through social media. Or not. It's been said that good writers, write. Great writers steal from other writers. So let me quote Matt Walsh, who offers my exact sentiment on New York government's horrific move. "Please don't complain about deporting children if you support murdering them... You are standing on a mountain of dead kids while you sermonize about being compassionate to kids." - Matt Walsh Deportation, obviously a hot topic, in it's own right. The proper care and treatment of animals, sure. But let's put this in another perspective. In New York, lethal injection for criminals is illegal? Lethal injection for the unborn? By all means. This is just... well, not just, for certain. I wrote a while back, they we aren't raising kids, but we are raising adults. I didn't coin the phrase, and I'm sure more educated and well-known can expound in greater detail than myself. But it seems society is bent on pushing kids farther away from the people that we would hope they would become. Perhaps not by our words and maybe not by our actions. But somewhere down the road, the next generation will reflect up these current days and wonder... what in the world were those adults thinking? Sorry, kids. We weren't. And too many simply refused to do so. As the blind lead the blind, they traversed a road against better counsel and more importantly, ignored those, who while not perfect, tried to bring a perspective of common sense and a belief of Godly truth to the conversation. Nothing will ever be built by your hands, if you are killing that which is being divinely created by God's. On this heart-breaking #youthPastorWednesday, pray that we would not fail in training our children up in the way they should go, so that when they are old, they will not depart. Pray for a revelation in the leadership, of both within the church and the world, who have departed. May there be a return to God, that we may properly lead and raise our kids. Pray for today's youth. May God guard their hearts and minds and keep His hand of protection over them, as the days are indeed, growing ever more evil by the hour. That our cries would be heard from heaven, That God would come forgive us And heal our land. Son of David, have mercy on us. For your glory alone. - PNC Truth and consequences. Cause and effect. Action and equal, but opposite reaction. Am I the only one amazed at just how quickly, as adults, we seem to forget sometimes that every thing we do, not only makes an impact, but also prompts a response.
The response may be verbal. It might be internal. The response could be immediate. It could just as easily be delayed. Yet in our finite minds, if there is not an immediate repercussion, then somehow we fall for the trick there might not be a repercussion down the road. We learned it as kids. We teach it to our kids. We remind our friends. We criticize our leaders. Then we live our personal lives as if the truth of this matter applies to everyone else but us. And how very wrong we are. Words make impressions. Ideas of consequences. And when truth is cast aside, chaos ensues. We can do no greater disservice to ourselves, than to believe a lie and then compound it, by sharing it with our youth. As a great pastor once said, every generation needs its' own revelation of God. We can set the foundation and begin the build, but we must prepare them to live a life that will seek the face of God and accomplish His purpose for their lives. Even when we miss the mark in leading them along the way. Pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that today's youth would hear the truth, seek the truth and know the truth for themselves. Pray for a revelation for today's generation. In a time of great chaos and confusion, pray that God would bring clarity, both through His Word and through prayer and preaching. May God guard hearts and minds from the lies of the enemy; that we would not be tempted to believe, follow and live based on half-truths and false premises. May we live and serve faithfully in the calling and gifts God has granted to us, whether as parents, pastors, leaders or friends. For all of us are better Because of one of us Just as all are redeemed Because of One. For the cause of Jesus Christ. - PNC How do you know when you are excited about you community? You are seriously excited to join your friends for the men's breakfast at 7am on a Saturday morning, only to arrive and 6:58 and find the building dark and the dry, salty parking lot empty. Are you kidding me?? I could have sworn all the announcements said it was today! Nope. Apparently it's next weekend. And I drove off into yet to be seen sunset.
Many people and circumstances cause frustration, anxiety and even fear, about the prospect of coming together and being around "community" in whatever form it takes. And rightly so, perhaps. Personality conflicts. Strong differences in the systems we refer to as beliefs and values. Past turmoils and troubles for which one or many have never healed or recovered. These are the things that kill community. And ultimately, kill the enthusiasm, such as I possessed this morning, as I drove in the dark while Classic Petra's Back To The Rock album blared through the speakers. (I highly recommend you get the album, by the way) I submit, quite simply and accurately, that the quality and nature of one's anticipation towards community is a direct result of the people. Conversely, the same is true for everyone else, as they look at the group of which you are a part. Do you want to experience the power and thrill of a great community? Determine today that you will contribute positively in making that a part of the culture, in order that others will experience the very thing that you look forward to; much like I was looking forward to breakfast. Fortunately, I didn't miss it. I was just 7 days early. Now I just have to do it again next weekend. And I'll wake up just as excited and enjoy the drive there as well. Perhaps still playing Petra. Then again, the collection around the house is filled with lots of great choices... it's hard to go wrong. So, let's pray this morning, that each of us would make a great effort to build a great community. One that people look forward to enjoying time and conversation. One in which people look forward to making contribution. Pray that we would continue to speak truth and do so in a spirit of love. May Christ be displayed, even in times of great tragedy, loss and suffering. May the world know there is a God who cares, because the people of God care. Pray that the agendas and biases would stand in the way of the message of the Gospel from going forth in the world, as we live our lives in the communities where God has placed us. For such a time as this. For the glory of God. - PNC Yesterday's post go me thinking... dangerous, I know. But back on topic. I found myself thinking about the power of "calling out".
It's a special individual who can see in people, what they don't see in themselves, and call things out. Sometimes, it's calling out an point of correction or area of concern. Other times, it's more of a calling forth moment. Calling forth, that which exists in obscurity, unseen many, but noticed by one. Calling forth that which was dead and speaking life. How many times do we see this in the life of Christ? With Lazarus, naturally. But with the sick. With the disciples. The woman at the well. And numerous others, in similar moments. It's a special individual, because it is a special skill. We know not everyone has it, because it seems that we are so profoundly moved when we either experience it in our own lives, or witness it happen in the life of someone else. Yet, if there is any compassion and care with in the family of God or within your own family for that matter, it is a skill and perspective that we should utilize. Put it into practice daily and to good use for eternity. Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, God would help each of us, especially those circumstances, ministries and opportunities were we have opportunity to engage in conversation with kids and young people. Pray that God would grant wisdom and discernment as we speak life and truth into their lives. May we speak with as much love and conviction during times of correction as we would during times of support and encouragement. Pray for the power and quickening of the Holy Spirit to call things forth into existence; whether it be something within that has died and needs to be revived or truth that has yet to be revealed to them. May the next generation arise with great purpose, because of the generation that spoke into them with clarity and purpose. World-changers, Because their world was changed by God, And by those who spoke His truth into lives of all ages. For the glory of God. - PNC Welcome to 2019.
I trust your new year is off to a great start. And I hope you closed 2018 better than you entered. Or perhaps at least with a better perspective, if through difficult circumstances. My apologies for the abrupt break in daily posts back in mid-October. While I've tried to keep personal matters from standing in the way of this undertaking, the truth is, I suffered the very thing we pray about daily. My energy level was getting low and for those frequent and consistent readers, you noticed the daily prayers were showing up at the end of the day rather than the start of the day. I was consistently playing catch-up. And that consistent state of engagement while drain you faster than simply entering with fresh energy and maintaining the pace. What better time is there to do that, than the physical start of a new year. Hence the title.. RE_Boot. Tomorrow is "back to work" day. And it should come with an accompanying spirit filled with excitement and rejuvenation. Should we not be as excited as the kids are to go back to school? Mine are. Perhaps yours are not. One day in and it's entirely possible you are not liking the prospect of how daunting this year appears. Yet there is a glimmer of hope and encouragement that it just might go better than planned, hoped or expected. The positive outlook and steadfast hope that we attempt to instill in the lives of our kids from a young age is the very perspective we struggle to maintain on a daily basis, even when our social media pages are filled with memes that remind us that "tomorrow is a new book with 365 blank pages". So, the question remains, what will God write in our lives this coming year? And more importantly, what will we write into and over the lives of our youth? Am I feeling a year older, thanks to a recent birthday? Yes. Am I ready for my kids to be a year older as well? Absolutely not. All the more reason, to pray.... ... on this #youthPastorWednesday, pray that we would be people who what not allow the troubles and trials of life to take such a toll on us that we pass it on to our kids. While we may fall and fail at various times, may we teach and train them in the process of rising again. May they not be controlled by feelings and emotions as many in today's culture are prone to do; but may they live under the influence and anointing of the Holy Spirit. Pray His presence would fall afresh in our own lives, as we enter the unknown of 2019. Pray that fear would not control our decisions, but that our faith would follow Christ into the ordained destiny that He has purposed for our lives from the foundations of the Earth and Time. To the New Year: May it be the best one ever As directed by the Hand of God For His glory alone. - PNC There's a problem with a strong sense of self-awareness. Probably a few. And I guess, it's probably not so much a problem as it is, an ongoing struggle of realization, work and growth... repeatedly.
It's the fact that while we hope and strive to be the best that we can be; not compared to others, but to what we know to do and to be who God has called us to be; yet knowing how badly we miss the mark. Royally miss. Is it difficult to watch those in positions of influence and leadership fall and fail? Yes. And it's not the stuff that makes national news or spreads church-wide or even that which stays within the four walls of the home. Goodness does not make perfection. It does however make plenty of room for improvement. I'm not the greatest dad. Despite my youngest child's continual affirmation that I am... in her heart and mind. Yet, nothing hits harder than the moment where I realize that if I were watching myself from the outside, that "that moment" was not a "best Dad" moment. And I think we do the same with pastors over every ministry, but especially with youth. The impressionable mind doesn't miss much, despite the parents understanding to the contrary. "It's trash. You know it's trash. It was in your hand. How did you not throw it away?" (a recent conversation with a kid) I think part of the appreciation that we find ourselves possessing for great leaders is knowing full well that they understand that greatness did not come overnight. It was a long process and it was significant amount of time and investment towards continual learning and improvement. Indeed, pride does go before a fall and those are the ones we often don't mind remaining low. However, humility is becoming and it's those leaders in which we desire to see overcome and rise again; greater and better than they were before. Pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that there would indeed be a humility about our lives, as we lead kids and young people, both in the faith and life as pastors at church and spiritual leaders at home. While pastors strive not to fail, pray that more importantly that would strive to never quit. May there be a grace and strength about their lives to walk in humility before God and walk in wisdom before those they lead. Pray that they would not be a source of frustration and struggle to youth, but rather a source of courage and power; that they are not defined by their faults and failures, but by who they are in Christ and what they accomplish for His glory with the talents He has given them and the calling He has placed on them. For the glory of God And the cause of Jesus Christ. - PNC So, here's my rhetorical question for the day. How many more reminders do we need thanks to the power of social media, to be reminded that someone is always looking. Perhaps you read or heard about the teacher who is now unemployed (I read that she resigned, but now, also saw a piece that she was fired). Either way, it was because of a social media post; an evil suggestion, written in the tone of political retribution with real-life, criminal consequences if someone were to follow through on it.
Whatever your political leaning, things like this are absolute craziness. As adults, we're always reading messages. And for youth and young people... they are always processing messages. They don't catch the sarcasm. They don't always understand the nuance; the satire. They don't always process the funny wrapped up in the truth, nor do they catch the profound that is buried behind the lie. Communication is challenging enough. The timing of what is said. The understanding of what is not said. The approach matters almost as much as the content. The explanation matters as much as the intent. It's about what is heard as much as it is, what is said. Communication is not for the faint of heart. Yet it is crucial for our survival. And if our identity and purpose is found in Christ, then it doesn't matter how many messages are shared that are wrong. If the message of God gets delivered wrong, then all other messages pail in comparison when it comes to making a life-changing impact. Pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that God would grant wisdom and discernment in the fullness of one's communication, both inside and outside of ministry. Pray that in the crucial moments that matter most; today's youth would understand both the message that God has for their life and the message that is being imparted to them by spiritual leaders and other authority figures in their life. May all of us be careful in choosing our words and the tones in which we speak. For as ideas have consequences, So do the messages that stem from them. May ours reflect and glorify God. - PNC Parenthood:
The on call, 24/7 job from which you never retire. It's amazing the potential that kids and youth have these days. So much so, that even in watching and hearing some of their stories, makes me wonder what I've been doing all these years! As if a couple too many have been somewhat wasted. It's not that I'm not grateful for what's transpired; the people I've shared my time with and the outcomes that have brought me thus far. But some days, "what if" looms large. Take for instance, the story of Edison, which I was reminded of earlier today. One day, his grade school sent home a note. His mother teared up, as he asked her to read it. She replied, that it stated that he was a genius. The school was too small to serve him well and she should teach him at home. Obviously the rest is history. But is it? Years later, Edison found the note from that school. And as I mentioned a few days, it turns out parents lie to their kids for conversations they aren't ready to have after all. Fortunately, for the genius Edison, it paid off. The note actually stated that Edison as addled. The school was unable to teach him and they instructed he not return to class. Wow. We're in a day and age when "everyone" is seemingly concerned about the messages we are sending to our kids. And yet for all the concern, the messages are consistently inconsistent. And there is no greater reminder of that truth than a few day engaged in the laughter and stress of parenthood. And a few more after that, engaged in ministry. Pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that pastors would be among those who would deliver consistent messages. Consistent with the truth of God's Word. Consistent with the mission and values of their local church community. Pray they partner with parents who are working to raise kids who fear and honor God with their lives and in their homes. May God work the miraculous in the lives of those who are in difficult places; where they may be at a crux intersection, like Edison's mom stood one afternoon. While they enemy has already tried to ruin the child, Christ bids them to come. For the glory of God. - PNC For all the grace God has extended to us, we truly have some rough days where we have difficulty in advancing to others. And when we aren't passing it on to others, it remains in possession; which isn't problematic, except for when we have difficulty applying it to our own lives.
I can utilize what God has given. I can share what God has given. It's amazing to consider sometimes, the stories and the testimonies of absolute craziness that God has accomplished in the lives of some pastors. Deliverance, healing and restoration... the stories are mind-blowing. They will "never", not be able to continually apply God's grace to their lives, nor ever NOT share that grace to those around them. But as we continue to hear stories of pastors who struggle and burnout... even if they are among those who've experienced incredible grace in past days, their current struggle can position them as though the flow is cut and damaged. Life becomes an incredible frustration, both from a state of existence and as a state of engagement. Yesterday's mistakes, missteps from 3 days ago, misunderstandings from 30 days or wrong-doings from 30 years ago. We know to let go and let God. We struggle to let go and let God. And where and when we are quick to turn to God, seek forgiveness and ask for grace, we still turn around and think twice to extending it to those around us. God doesn't put a time-limit on what He offer and makes available to us, but we make conditional and provision limits to others. This is both problematic and hypocritical. Society has enough of that; and certainly not enough grace. So what will we do. Continue to walk in grace. Continue to give grace. Remember there are limits on neither; Healthy boundaries by which we should live. On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for those who struggle to apply grace to there own lives, Furthermore, pray they would extend grace to others. Pray for divine appointments and reminders, of both the work God has already accomplished and what He looks to still achieve in this world. Pray they would lead by example, in not holding grudges, nor allowing anger to get the best of them and cause damage to both home in ministry. May God give them wisdom and discernment, to know what it is worth fixing and what is worth dismissing, what is worth correction and what justifies release. May grace abound. Not only because we need it, But because God desires to give it For His glory alone. - PNC "They were that close to the action; and had a meager faith." - Allister Begg.
I had an early start at work this morning, and happened to catch part of Allister's sermon being broadcast. He was talking about the disciples being on the boat in the storm when Jesus walks on the water. And yet, just prior, He had fed the 5000. Is it that hard to believe that one miracle was "possible" but walking on water was somehow now, not possible? This seemingly has transitioned into a part 3, on the concept of hiding in ministry. You're "in the group" and "in the know" and so assumptions are made about one's faith and prayer life and every other aspect of their life and that things are going well, or they are standing incredibly strong when things are not... going well. We assume a "closeness to the action" of God equates to a strong and great faith. And yet Allister points out, that isn't always the case; as evidenced by the disciples. Perhaps, as much as this could be true for those in ministry, certainly it's true, if not even more, of the youth of church leaders. They witness the faith and ministry conducted by their parents, and yet can disengage to a level of meager faith and even, God forbid, a missing and abandoned faith. And may that be our prayer. By all means, pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that pastors would have great faith as they lead the church and its' people. Likewise, though, pray for their children, who are watching and learning from the front row (both literally and figuratively). May they come to a place in their generation, where they experience their own revelation of God and come to a genuine and passionate faith of their own, placed in Jesus Christ. May they not rely on the coattails of parents and grandparents and other pastors and teachers. Pray God would do a great work in their lives; for the purpose and plans that He has ordained specifically to their lives. Pray they would not live in the shadows of ministry, but step into their own, as Christ is displayed in their lives. May the temptation to hide in ministry, whether it is the pastor or the pastors family doing so, be cast aside. That we would step into the fullness Of what God has called us forth to complete For the glory of God - PNC Among the many facets that come together to create effectiveness, lie two pivotal bearings.
Knowing where you are. Knowing where you are going. Listening to Stryper's latest album, they ask a poignant question, in the third track, simply titled Lost. Are we lost? We all have things to do, goals to accomplish and directions in which we are heading. We are facing many battles, struggles and obstacles along the way. Does it take much to throw us off course and lose our bearings? Hopefully not. But when the beat-down is strong, what is keeping you in the game? What's more... what is keeping you in advancement mode. Yes, sometimes it is survival mode, but the advancement remains reachable, hopeful, and worthwhile. Because we hold fast to the truth. We hold fast to the promise. We keep our eyes on the goal, while having a keen awareness of the surroundings. There is no effectiveness in burnout. There is great effectiveness in continuance, especially where there is clarity of vision and purpose. Pray this #effectiveSunday for those feeling lost and overwhelmed by their state of existence. Pray that they would hold fast to the promise and faith which has brought them to today. May God strengthen and quicken them; that they would neither quit nor retreat, but advance with renewed focus and intensity. Pray for increased awareness and clarity that would serve to increase their hope and trust in what God desires to accomplish in and through their lives. Once lost; now found. For the glory of God. - PNC We had a special service at church this morning, dedicated to school teachers and educators. It was a great time of giving and recognition and the pastor shared his message of the teachers who made a difference in his life. So often we think of the words or events that changed our truly, personally changed our lives, but that's not quite as powerful as the people with whom we have experienced a direct point of contact.
It's easy to reflect on what we have accomplished and point back to a time when information changed our lives or an event turned the course of things and a new shift changed the dynamics by which we lived, moved or perceived reality. Conversely, though, we can all point to a person or a relationship that has created a point of frustration and hindrance where we felt as though we were truly held back or disadvantaged by circumstances that were by and large, out of our control. "Perhaps if someone else had done differently, I too would be doing differently." I'm not absolving the individual into making excuses, but at the same time, legitimate negative factors do take their toll and have to be accounted for if we are to work towards solutions to overcome the obstacles that may lie before us, whether they be there on purpose or by accident. That said, if you know your effectiveness has been hindered by people in the past, then is that not all the more reason to live today in such a way, that later, people will reflect upon your life and count you as one who moved them closer to greatness rather than held them back? Pray this #effectiveSunday, that indeed we would live with intention and purpose; to live great lives and build up those around us. May we recognize the greatness within those around us and call them out to live better than they are. Pray that we would live with a spirit of love and communicate with words of truth. May we people who would seek opportunitiy to make a difference in the lives of those around us, as Christ has work in our lives to make a difference for eternity. For we were created with purpose, For a hope and future That we might glorify God And point others to Him. For the sake of the Gospel of Christ. - PNC The cool thing about community... it can happen anywhere. It should happen anywhere. And it is usually best, when it does happen anywhere. It is not only in the formal environment of city, town and village. It is found within the gathering of neighbors on your block. It is found in the coming together of people to join in life groups as an extension of the church. Friends join to support a common cause or spend time hanging out over a shared interest or hobby.
Community is built when family gathers. Community is built when a marriage receives another investment through time, conversation and love. Community is built thru one person, when found in a time of prayer and the pages of the Word. Why is community important? Because God said, it is not good for man to be alone. We all take this for granted perhaps, because it was followed by the creation of Eve. And we always associate it with companionship and marriage. And rightly so. But God walked with Adam in the cool of the day. Before there was relationships and community among humanity, there was divine community. Divine community among the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Divine community established between God and Adam. Divine community redeemed between God and Adam through Christ. On this #communitySaturday, would you pray that we not take any of it for granted? God help us not to neglect our quiet time in your presence, through the power of prayer and the revelation of your Word. Pray God would help us to continually invest in people, through time, conversation and love... whether in the sanctity of marriage, the protection of family or the joy of friends. May we enter angels through the company of strangers. For we were not meant to live life alone. But through divine relationship with God And eternal relationship with our fellow man. For the glory of God - PNC |
Details
AuthorJust a man, attempting to fulfill God's plan. Husband, Dad, Dreamer. Blogger. Archives
February 2019
Categories
All
|