WAR ROOM
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WAR ROOM
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Tip #1 on the greatness of Fatherhood.
Be as ready and willing to help out the 40-year old kid as much as you would expect them to help out their 10-year old kid. The struggle for fathers, is that no matter where you are in life, you always wish there was more that you could do, more that you can say (or at least more that got thru), more that you could give... more that you could share and impart into their lives. You're never done being a parent. You are never done loving your kid, teaching your kid, encouraging your kid... crying, laughing, mourning with them and rejoicing over them. And you know you have been successful in these matters when the importance of your role in their life is recognized and appreciated. And you have to love, how our Heavenly Father, no matter our age, position and current struggle called reality, steps up and into matters and works on our behalf. So, if we being good, know how to give gifts to our kids, how much more the God who created us in His image? Sadly, it's easy to forget, or perhaps simply take for granted just how much God is work, moving in our lives and making arrangements for His sovereign plan to come together. And yet it does, time and time again, as we continually place our trust in Him and do the things that He has placed His finger on; having brought it to our attention that we should make a difference in the lives of those around us. What greater lesson and relationship could we help to plant and develop in the lives of our kids, regardless of their current age. Love knows no limits as age knows endless lessons. On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray for pastors who don't healthy relationships with their parents, especially their fathers. Pray that God would fill them afresh with His presence and strengthen them by the power of the Holy Spirit. May God do a healing work in the hearts, perhaps damaged and broken from events many years removed. Pray that God would transform their perspective, even as they continue, both in ministry and in their own lives and families. Pray that God would give them wisdom as they engage and minister to youth and kids, setting for them the example of a relationship with Father God that was perhaps not modeled in their own life at an early stage. For all the times, Dad has said, "trust me" May their be no hesitation in our response To placing our complete trust in the hands of God For How. Much. More. Will He give to His own. And for His glory. - PNC
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Nothing reminds you that the clock is running, with or without your knowledge, like your oldest child having a milestone birthday. And while I'm incredible proud of how much progress has been made in the past year, part of me feels I should be equally proud for retaining some semblance of my sanity in the process.
Then I remember the coming years will go by even faster, which means they are all the more critical, both to the success of their live and what I need to do as father during that same time. If almost hard to fathom that God waited until the days of Noah to say, forget it... I'm starting over with you people. Even more amazing, is that He hasn't doesn't so again, given today's cultural mess that we've created. Parents always look to larger families... "I can't hardly handle my two kids... how do you do it with 5? (or insert the numbers from your conversations). We've all been there and had those talks. Super parents. And there's the rest of us... lol Yet the lessons we've learned by the example that God has set for us are invaluable, incredible, and some days, darn near impossible. And if we've learned anything from the days of Noah, it's that our days are numbered, when it comes to setting our kids on a trajectory that will establish them as world changers for the kingdom of God. And we are daily reminded, that we too, should be about changing our world, starting with our family unit and our local community. Let's pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, that God would give wisdom, both to those raising kids and those ministering to our kids. Pray that the foundation of faith would be firmly established in their hearts. Pray that God would give us grace for every new morning and an attitude of long-suffering as direction is given and guidance is instilled. Pray that pastors and parents alike would set a Godly example of living, as God has given examples for us, that we might be conformed and transformed into the image of Christ. May generational curses be broken And generational faith established To love God and serve people For all of our days; However numbered they may be And however many remain. For the glory of God. - PNC Well, it's Freedom Day!! Independence Day, as celebrated in these, wonderful United States of America.
Don't listen to the naysayers. Yes, we have problems, just like every other country. Our communities have issues, just like all the rest. There is no "perfect" school anywhere. And companies are always looking for the next improvement. Meanwhile, every family has it's battles. Every marriage has it's moments of strife. And every life has it's crisis of faith. There's so much that factors in to the freedom that we enjoy. And so often we focus on the external things. To go anywhere. To do anything (within the legal framework). To be anyone that we want desire to be. To create a life of our own. And yet, we don't always experience "freedom" as such. We miss out on financial freedom, thanks to debt and the pressure or desire as the case may be, to keep up with the neighbors, across the street or across the country. People struggle with addictions and substance abuse. We don't experience freedom because of clutter, both physically around our homes as well as that which resides mentally in the one square foot of real estate that is the head. We overthink matters. We overwork the process. We invest our time and energy into everything except that which matters most; relationship. With God. With family. With friends. With those with whom we share this great land; for which many have lived, fought and died to ensure it's existence. On this #youthPastorWednesday, let us first thank for freedom. While we celebrate what has been granted to us as a nation, may we remember the true freedom that exists through Jesus Christ. Pray for pastors living an experience that is more stress and struggle than freedom and joy. For whatever challenges they are facing, pray that God would grant them clarity and wisdom. Pray that chains would be broken and states of bondage loosened. Pray for the young people to whom they minister, that are facing similar struggles. May God help them to effective share the truth that God has a plan, purpose and destiny for their lives. May we never forget that freedom always comes at a price... whether by those who serve our country, or Christ who served for all humanity. For the glory of God We celebrate true freedom. - PNC I always appreciate talking with my brother. He lives out of state and his schedule is crazier than mine, so it's not nearly often enough. But he returned my call late last night and I was reminded once again, just how much I appreciate his insight and advice wrapped up in brotherly love.
Then this morning, I got to thinking about the verse that talks about Jesus staying closer than a brother. And I realized that there are two responses to that truth. The first, is a response similar too mine; and that is that it's a pretty incredible thought regarding our walk with Christ as me and my brother are like this! *fingers crossed. When you have a great relationship with your sibling, the closeness a relationship with Christ is easy to grasp, but at times difficult to imagine that it could be even better. Then there's the opposite response, offered through an entirely different filter. For the person who does not have a close relationship with their sibling, putting a relationship with Christ in such a framework is difficult. And understandably so. There's no context of personal experience. We see this all the time, in conversations on nearly every issue and topic of the day. You can't possibly understand what that's like if you haven't lived it. And to a degree, that is accurate. Now, granted, not "every" experience needs to be personally lived out, to understand that something is dangerous, horrific or defies logic or belief. We can show compassion, empathy and understanding while speaking truth, even from an entirely different experience. Having said that though, we've all recognized the bond that develops when the stories and realities of two people or groups come into alignment and they discover that they share common elements throughout the experience(s) of their life... or at least a moment of it. Children want to know that someone understands their struggles. Adults want to know that someone has lived their battles. Likewise, pastors want to know that someone has survived the ministry. On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray for pastors that are struggling with their place in life and in faith. May they be reassured, that even if it feels like nobody understands their battle, that Christ does. Pray for the comfort of the Holy Spirit to surround them and strengthen them anew and afresh. Pray also, that God would give them insight as they come alongside, the kids and teens that they minister to; that they would develop a great relationship in which those kids would understand that someone has been through the challenges and difficulties they are facing. May the be the representation of Christ, standing by them, walking with them and speaking truth into them and life over them. Pray God would accomplish the miraculous in drawing the lives of both young people and pastors alike every closer to Himself. That each of us would grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ As we do in the relationship of our beloved siblings Both the ones that exist and the ones we wished existed For the glory of God. - PNC My apologies this is arriving late. Wednesdays are my incredibly long days. Be that as it is, I caught part of a conversation on the radio today, and they were talking about the transition in recent years, regarding families. Particularly, how families have moved from the marriage being the most important, to the kids having top priority.
We've all had our moments, but this has been a trending pattern for quite some time, now. And we've all witnessed the fall out and the aftermath. Sad when it transpires, frustrating to watch in the lives of friends and family; perhaps even your own. Of course, you've heard me make this transition before... ministry is not immune to this phenomenon. In fact, marriages suffer when kids are the top priority, but here's an interesting dynamic... Marriage obviously suffers if the ministry takes a commanding, top priority. But here's my perspective and see if this bears witness: How badly does ministry suffer when one's marriage isn't top priority? Surely, it stands to reason that if the family suffers long-term consequences when the marriage is neglected, then how much more would a ministry suffer when the marriage of the pastorate is struggling? I've been following a social media post of a Dave Ramsey community of people working through their finances to become debt-free. One wife shared the struggle of her family and finances and it resonated with me as I read it. The comments offered tons of suggestions and somehow, I read through the lines and realized everyone was missing the struggle. And as the comments continued, more people missed what was making this particular situation unusually difficult. But again, having experienced very similar, I was relating. If you've heard Dave's show, you'll recognize this oft quoted phrase, "Live like no one else, so that later, you can live and give like no one else." He's talking about the sacrifices you make now, so that you can win and later live a great and generous life. And it was in that spirit that I offered this lesson, that I think leads us well to prayer. "Tonight's life lesson. The altar can only hold so many sacrifices. It's entirely possible to be so focused on the sacrifices, that you end up sacrificing things that you never intended to be near that altar, let alone placed upon it. By all means, live like no one else in the short term, but be careful that the "later" living isn't done in loneliness." Pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that God would help, to lead, guide and direct the time and place for sacrifices and altar. Pray that they would be made at the appropriate place and time; that the right things would be sacrificed. May that which needs to be made priority would happen and may they be put in their proper order and place. Pray that no matter what challenges and difficulties they face, that the marriages of our pastors would be guarded and protected. Pray for families and kids; grandkids and for generations... relationships matter, and may God help the balancing act that is building and maintaining healthy and strong relationships, both with God and those closest to us as well as those under one's care through the avenue of ministry. For we can only do what we can do Even with God's help and by His strength. For His glory alone. - PNC Amazing how one phrase can be spoken from a position of authority, self-criticism and conviction.
What were you thinking? We hope and pray that we are teaching and instilling good values and principles in our kids. Then something happens. We hope and pray that we are hearing the voice of God and the moving of the Spirit... but then. Then there are times you know you have missed God and you envision Him sitting on the throne, as if shaking His head. To the kid... what were you thinking? In frustration to ourselves... boy, it sure feels as though you did something stupid. And conviction, that results in a heart to heart conversation with God. Somewhere between childhood and adulthood and over the course of the journey of our faith, we seemingly lose our resilience to recover when you would think that the muscle would be in good shape to continually press in and press on. It seems that with bigger problems, obstacles and mistakes that we hang on to them longer, allow them to bother us deeper and give them greater power to rob more of our joy than they should. But whatever is that we face and now, must overcome, it's imperative to recall and remember that God is still in control. Wherever we find ourselves while it is called today, God is with us. Is the conversation difficult? Yes. The consequence uncomfortable? Yes. The correction worthwhile? Yes. Even in our lives though, I think all too often we are harder on ourselves than even God is with us at times. Does God deal just and harsh? Yes. But also He works everything for His good and does not waste any of our experiences. Which means that at some point, God is ready to be glorified through the problem and the pain But He can't do that, if we are still kicking ourselves trying to figure out what we were thinking regarding whatever circumstance has seemingly stopped us cold in our tracks. God is ready to move. Again. In the lives of those who will allow Him to do so. As much as you wouldn't want your kid to wallow in self-pity and defeat, neither is that what God desires to happen in our lives and faith. So, let's pray this #youthPastorWednesday that God would help those struggling to overcome the problems, obstacles and mistakes that currently weigh them done. May God bring healing to those who need to put the past where it belongs. Pray that God would grant wisdom to those in the midst of it all and are seeking and searching for a solution. Pray that depression and discouragement would be far from them and that they would focus on what and how God would seek to use what was meant to destroy us to instead, bring glory and honor to His name. For whatever we were thinking That led to problems God is thinking about amazing solutions And the testimonies that will result. For His glory alone. - PNC Over the past few days, I've been reflecting on the final week of May, 2015. I was putting the final touches on the revamp of this website, ramping up to the prospect of sticking to a commitment which I felt convicted regarding... to have a page titled Daily Prayers, and not be writing a daily prayer. Friday marks the beginning of year four.
But the prospect... seriously? Every day? A little daunting. A little overwhelming. Quite challenging. Yet, I've noticed God has been faithful to help me as I've been faithful to take the time to open the laptop. Or phone or tablet, in times of great technical frustration. We all start with baby steps. Learning. Proficiency. Pace-setting. And knowing when and for how long the hustle moment is supposed to last. Commitment is not for the faint of heart. Even when time, circumstance and resources change; the struggle is real. And those are words from the heart. Not that the past three years haven't been. Time heals wounds, especially for those who want to be healed. Experience is a great teacher, for those willing to learn from it. Great accomplishments are the result of things, which after they have been started, have stayed the course. On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray for those pastors who are struggling to start. May God help them dream again and begin anew. Pray for those struggling to stay the course. Whether a specific obstacle or life in general has gotten in the way, may the be encouraged to press on and move forward in the calling God has for them and on the path in which He has placed them. Pray for an unshakable resolve and a renewed sense of commitment to what God is working in both their lives and their ministries. May God accomplish the miraculous in the midst of a new season. One moment. One decision. One purpose. One life. One God. For His glory alone. - PNC I heard this phrase earlier today and it immediately resonated. There's so much going, I don't know where to begin.
The conversation was political nature and the man who spoke the phrase was talking about the history of America and what is essentially, the brilliance of the founding fathers and how they set-up government and the importance and thoroughness of the Constitution and so forth. And yet, we miss so much... both from an educational and understanding perspective, as well as a reverence and awe for what has been established. Switch gears... And the same is true for Christianity and Scripture. The stories of those who have gone before; the wisdom, perspective and relevance that it gives us today is beyond belief. And Scripture. The Word of God is useful for instruction in righteousness, and profitable for doctrine, reproof and correction. Not lacking anything, it is complete unto itself. And yet our level of reference and education of such spiritual matters could always exist on a higher plane than our current reality... both for ourselves and instilling such framework into the generation that comes behind us. Once again... preaching to myself. It requires our life of faith and our understanding of the things of God to have its' proper place and influence in our lives to be in order. On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray that God would help to keep and increase a reverence education for the things of God. Pray that pastors would never lose the sense of wonder and awe. Furthermore, pray that the Word would lead them in matters of doctrine and righteous living. May the Holy Spirit bring reproof and correction when needed; and quickly before irreparable damage is done and lives are destroyed. Pray that God would give them wisdom as they lead this next generation; not to fear man or what he may do, but God and what He has done and the destiny that He has ordained that we should walk in it. Standing in awe of the Lord, Our Holy God To whom all praise is do. For His glory alone. - PNC I found myself hearing another conversation on values today. Perhaps it was a similar conversation to one I heard a few weeks ago. But it revolved around kids and today's education system and the battle that exists between the two. And it is a battle.
As great as the political agenda is among us, how much thought and emphasis do we give to the eternal agenda? Not nearly enough... not nearly enough. Lives hang in the balance... of all ages, of all races, of all ideologies and backgrounds and experiences. There's the value system that is set by God. And there's the system set by man. One is fixed. One is fluid. In an age and time when people want to be grounded, have something that is sure and assured, in which they can place their trust and confidence... to rely upon for all times and seasons; and then people walk around in disgust and disbelief with a quay-sera sera attitude. DeGarmo & Key sang a song titled War With The World. As I consider the values that the believer holds fast to through prayer and understanding of the Word in comparison to the agendas and philosophies being presented by society and the battle couldn't be anymore clear. It has permeated our leadership as a culture. It is influencing our youth. It is creeping into the ministry of the church. So, on this #youthPastorWednesday, pray for the leadership of today's generation. Pray that they would be men and women strong in the faith, strong in the Word, full of conviction, truth and the Holy Spirit. Pray that they would help to instill Godly values and Biblical principles; that this generation would be a counter-culture to a world that has turned themselves upside down. Pray that they would be a voice of clarity in a society that has filled their hearts and minds with confusion. Lord we need your help. Creator of this world, That you have set us apart from. For your glory alone. - PNC It's Teacher Appreciation Week... which naturally got me thinking. Dangerous, I know, right?
I've been blessed with some great teachers. As have you. And probably a handful that we didn't appreciate quite so much. But not just the teachers that we had in the school system. I miss the days of Sunday school. I don't remember elaborate children's ministry programs on Sunday morning. For nursery and toddler aged kids, if I recall yes. But grade school kids... seems like we were in the main sanctuary for service. But Sunday school before service, that was cool. It's amazing what's instilled, especially in those smaller class settings, when you are learning and studying Bible stories and Biblical principles. Small groups today. Small class yesterday. Same concept. So much education. So much information. So much opportunity for access and acquisition of information. Facts and opinions; twisted frameworks and flawed perceptions. As life gets more complex and the issues of life become more complicated, we need the truth of God's Word to cut clear and quick to the heart of humanity and it's sinful nature. There's a reason it's not popular. It's because it's not comfortable! But what is uncomfortable is often what is necessary for growth and maturity. And that truth doesn't disappear, nor diminish when transitioning from childhood to adulthood. In fact, if anything, that process increases in both complexity and frequency. On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray that teachers and pastors of students would continue to teach and declare the truth of God's Word as well as the nature of His character. May they not only know the works of God, but also know His ways; that they would be able to trust God, even when they can't trace Him. Pray that God would help pastors and teachers and grant them wisdom and discernment as they navigate these increasingly difficult issues of life and the conversations involved. Pray the power of the Holy Spirit would bring clarity to the chaos and confusion, as they minister to lead and guide the next generation into all truth. One day at a time. One life at a time. One lesson at a time. For the glory of God. - PNC Is that not titled a great concept?
I heard it very recently, stated in just those words and what a powerful thought. So often, the burden is overwhelming, frustrating and worrisome. Anxiety fills our hearts and stress fills the mind and we can't see past the burden not existing. Even the burdens that we understand that are ours to carry; that God has given us with a plan and purpose, whether they be ministry related or not... they can be hard to see past. Not only seeing past them for the sake of moving on to "what's next" in life, but seeing the blessing that exists. The blessings that follow the burden and the opportunities that open up once the burden is lifted... we struggle to see both states of existence because the burden dominates so much of our energy, capacity and resources. But the awesome state of being and state of mind that is possible after the burden is gone... well, we can imagine. In the meantime, hope must be maintained and the effort retained with the same resolve and intensity as though the process had just started. Though the burden is disheartening, don't let it derail. While it may do some damage; it must not destroy. Past the burden, past the burnout.... there is blessing. In fact, if you watch for it, there is incredible opportunity to bless while in the midst of the burden. On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray for the burdens of pastors, especially for those whose burdens concern the next generation. Pray that God would strengthen their resolve and bless their efforts. Pray for opportunities to be a blessing, even in the midst of burdens that exist outside of their ministry. May the burden not derail them, nor discourage or destroy them. Pray they would rise above; renewed, encouraged and quickened to continue in the good work that God has prepared for them as they serve as faithfully stewards to the calling that God has placed upon their hearts and lives. Blessed to be a blessing, Regardless of the burden. For the glory of God And the cause of Jesus Christ. - PNC I keep finding myself having these moments of thought, consideration and reflection. It's a good thing right, as a reminder that brain is functioning? Or at least attempting to do so? However, on many occasion, I find myself in somewhat of an internal conflict...
Between the lessons I wish I had learned long ago that are still a struggle and the lessons I want my kids to learn long before they have to worry about sharing my aforementioned sentiment. Take for instance, today's take-away. Wisdom is knowing the appropriate time to act/react based solely on instinct. We've all experienced moments of regret in both realms. Times that your instinct was right and you didn't trust them. Times when you ran with your instincts and got into serious trouble. As I reflect on the difficulty of navigating such moments, one thing is clear... not everything can be taught. Some lessons are best learned through living. That's why they are called life lessons. Many professions and arenas of life share this dynamic. And ministry is no different. All the study and preparation, conversation and prayer doesn't prepare you for the people you will encounter, the stories they will share, the trouble and trial for which they will seek help... and of course, the x-factor. What God will do in you, through you and reveal to you as you serve in ministry. The life of faith is an everlasting exercise of the repeated cycle of living, learning and trusting. Pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that as pastors live and learn, may they continually place their trust. May the Holy Spirit develop within them, an increased sensitivity, not only towards the presence of God and the prompting of the Spirit, but a strong instinct. Pray for the lessons they will learn as they live and serve in ministry; that God would use them to accomplish His purposes and enhance the impact they will make as they share life and faith with kids and youth. May God guard their hearts and minds; that while they may not live a perfect life, may they live one free of regret; having learned when to trust their instinct and when to exercise wisdom in waiting. Waiting on Him Living by faith Trusting in His plan Always learning For the advancement of the cause of Christ. - PNC What is going on in this life?
We all have our struggles and battles. Some circumstance are the annoyance comparable to a stone in your shoe. Others are life-changing on par with the house being on fire. And sadly, some people are living that reality... both figuratively and literally. Some are facing serious challenges, serious problems and incredibly complex solutions for which people have searched and discussed for years. And of course, it doesn't help that stories that wouldn't have made it past the local news two decades ago are now worldwide viral news in a matter of two hours. And so in the midst of whatever is going on in your personal and professional life, enter the onslaught of social media. Nothing interrupts that life better than a kid who tells you they need help with theirs. Which come to think of it, that's probably the same interruption that God sits in waiting to hear from us. Not that we interrupt His day, but He waits patiently for us to seek His face and call upon His name. Yet, the enemy of our souls attacks us on both fronts. With one strategy. Busy-ness. Too busy to interrupt God with our problems and struggles. Too busy to be bothered with the interruption from those who need us most, and more importantly, need to know that they too can approach the throne of grace with any thing that they encounter in this life. The greatest lesson we can ever learn; the greatest lesson we can ever teach... God wants to hear from you! Yet sadly, it just too easy to leave God out of even the littlest of matters regarding our days. Which is the beauty of children. They remind us that can come to God with even the littlest of cars and concerns... regardless of whether they make the local or viral newsfeed. On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray that as much as we understand that we need to hear from God, may even pastors be reminded that God desires to hear from them. Pray they would not be distracted and overcome by busy-ness. May they keep their time with God in focus and priority; not allowing even the importance of ministry to stand in the way of spending time in His presence. Pray that God would help those involved in ministry to kids and youth. Even in the simplest lessons of faith and life; may those lessons and principles resonate deep in the hearts, minds and souls... that for all their days they would love and serve the Lord with all that is within them. That they would bless His name, For all their days. A disciplined life of faith, Earlier and greater than what may be true for us. For God is continually at work within us. - PNC We've all had those mornings. The ones where you don't want to get out of bed. Isn't it amazing how the body knows when you need extra rest; even on the mornings you have every intention and plan of getting up and out to a great and early start. But the body knows what it has need of; much like God knows.
My youngest sleeps in, as though not having a care in the world. And then there's adulthood... and we lose that ability. Yet as I thought about this post, I couldn't help but recall the reminder that God cares for the birds in the air and the lilies of the field... then hours later, a pastor referenced that verse. No matter what we encounter in this life, if only we could keep at the forefront of our minds that God is watching over us. And yet, life so easily distracts and disrupts. It throws off the quality of our days and it certainly throws off our perception of reality and our attitude towards our circumstances. The worst of it, is that at the end of the day, you can't fall asleep. Even if your life depended on it. Kinda makes you jealous towards the kiddo, doesn't it? Yeah... tell me about it. Meanwhile, let's pray. On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray for pastors whose days are disrupting their attitudes and actions towards life and ministry. Pray for those distraught and distressed by situations and circumstance that are keeping them up at night. Pray for the peace and calming effect of the Holy Spirit to fill their heart and mind. May worry, anxiety and fear be far from them; for that is not of God. Pray they would be given instead to a sound mind; confident in the work that God is doing within them as well as their ministry. May tonight be the first of many in their future, of sound sleep and a good rest. That they would have all they have need of, To do and complete the task set before them For the glory of God And the cause of Jesus Christ. - PNC At some point today, I had a sense that there was to be a focus on college and universities and not only that group of students and what they are encountering in life, but also for those who minister to that group of young people.
It's pretty incredible what's happening on campuses right now; so much so, I think that I'm glad that phase of life is behind me. Make that, all of formal education. Struggles and challenges abound, as they always have, but as realities seem to reach into issues, perspectives and understandings that many aren't prepared for... it's like trying to work the navigation screen while already moving. Daily, we're hearing, seeing and reading things that simply don't make any sense. And in the attempt to understand in order that a response can be formulated, you simultaneously sit in disbelief... wondering when this became a thing and how it became a thing. So, as I'm thinking about this topic today, Dave Ramsey opens up his show this afternoon and proves this point for me. He reads a news item about how 21% of college students are using their student loans to invest in Bitcoin. Dave's rant was pretty comical, actually. But still. It's against the law to use student loans for anything other than educational purposes, let alone investing. And then of all things, something as volatile as Bitcoin? Scary. There's some incredible young people today. And much to be encouraged by, regarding their passion, engagement and perspective. Then, as with every generation, the one question I still can hear my father ask of me in my younger years... "what were you thinking?" Tomorrow is here. On this #youthPastorWednesday, I can only pray and trust you will join me, that today they will enter and impact the world with a solid foundation of faith. Pray they would live and engage, not from an identity found in politics or an ideology, but an identity found in Christ. While life is a constant process of learning, pray a sense of wisdom and understanding. Pray they would know whose they are, in whose image they were created and for what purpose they have been set apart by God to accomplish. May God perform the miraculous as they commit their lives and ways to Him first and foremost. Dedicated to one cause only, The cause of Jesus Christ. Changing the world. For all eternity. - PNC Termites cause more damage in America than the big, dramatic events do. - Steven Mansfield
Yes, I know what you're thinking. Seriously? A third run regarding Ramsey and Mansfield? But consider the power of that thought as it applies to life, rather than housing. The big, dramatic events in our lives do possess great power and impact, sometimes more than they should because of the power we give them. Other times, because they truly are live-changing events. But as we pray over youth pastors in light of today's youth, how much more should we worried about the termites. The little things have a way of sneaking in and getting under our skin and into our spirits and if not dealt with properly and early, we find ourselves dealing with things in adulthood that could have been resolved in childhood. Except at the point, rather than being resolved on the home-front, we find ourselves having to battle them while we navigate a career or a relationship or a ministry. It's not that the problem can't be taken care of that stage in the game... it's just a more serious stage. A larger infestation means more time, energy and money invested in its' removal. It's worth doing, yes. But the value is in the prevention and early detection. It's for the health of our lives, our kids and our ministries. Let's pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, that God would help us identify the termites in our own lives, in the lives of our youth and in our ministries. Pray they would not move beyond the point of infestation that would cause distraction, derailment and destruction. Pray for wisdom, to know how to handle problems and issues as they arise, to deal with them in a spirit of love and truth and to call out that which does not belong. May there be a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, not only in the lives of youth pastors for their benefit, but also to instill that discipline in the lives of the youth they minister to; so that when they reach adulthood, the dramatic events of life will be the things that are beyond their control, rather than those things which are not only within their control, but preventable as well. For God's work in our lives, Is a refining fire. Uncomfortable as though it is, Better when less is required. More of His Spirit... Less of the termites. - PNC Been thinking a lot of this whole narrative that has transpired in recent years... "we need to be careful about the messages that we are sending to our kids."
Indeed. Yet, it seems all too often, we're more concerned about the messages as they relate to society and culture, politics and power, relationships and regulated behavior. Meanwhile, we've lost the message that matters. The message that I spent considerable time sharing with my oldest daughter this past Saturday, and again just recently and I'm sure many more times, before it clicks. You are God's. If you don't think life exists beyond yourself, then you'll have a hard time caring about anything other than yourself. But if you understand that you belong to God, that you were created in His image, and that He created with a destiny and a purpose; that you are fearfully and wonderfully made... how does that identity transform your life? If you live your life with that understanding and carry the corresponding perspective that those who walk around in this life have that shared intentionally at the very core of their being as much as it lies at the core of yours, does that change who you are, how you life, what you do and how you relate with the rest of humanity? Instead we push this "do whatever you want" approach to life only to wonder what went wrong when bad decisions are made and evil atrocities and horrendous tragedies occur? Don't worry about anyone else has swung so far out of bounds, that we miss when the time comes to truly reach out and show concern for those around us. And by the time we figure out that someone is having problems, it's beyond our ability to help. Sadly, such mentality even runs through Christianity. We get caught up in the craziness of life, that we miss the battles of other Christians as well as those in ministry until trouble has not only knocked at someone's door, but has taken up temporary residency on their couch! On this #youthPastorWednesday, let's pray that we would communicate not our perspective or agenda, but the truth of God and His Word. Pray that we would speak the love and purpose of God; not only to our youth, but to our leaders that lead and direct them. May this generation know that their is life and meaning beyond our time on earth. Pray that today's youth would come to a place of knowing and understanding God's plan for their life, while those who lead them would live out the fulfillment of God's plan for theirs. Among all the messages being sent forth, may the message of the Gospel of Christ stand front and center; an eternal reckoning which cannot be avoided. Likewise, may the pastors who lead today's young people, continually point them to Christ and remind them as they remind themselves... that God is at work. Always and forever. For the glory of God And the Gospel of Christ. - PNC I know this is a late in the day post. And to be honest, I just haven't had a peace regarding it... a sense of direction. From yesterday, throughout this morning...even at this moment. I think I know what's coming, but I don't. So hang on... how this ends is just as much your guess as mine.
All I know, is that today's events on a national level were interesting. Ideas and opinions, arguments on both sides of the issue regarding what is going on in our culture and society and how it is impacting our youth and our schools. And long before we were faced with such challenges, we've been changing how we educate our kids, what's allowed and not allowed in our schools to say nothing of our approach to parenting. Of course, all of this has come to a head, to the point that it affects how we respond to ministry, to the Judeo-Christian perspective and most importantly, to the Word of God. I'm certainly not going to sit in judgement, nor high moral ground, nor clueless and apathetic sideline. I don't know, nor do I pretend to know all. At best, I'm inadequate... on many fronts. That said, certain things remain very clear. The truth is difficult to hear. We are all candidates to be better people. Knowledge is only power to those wise in handling it; otherwise it is destructive. History repeats itself... and often, to those who ignore it's lessons. Evil exists and it does have an agenda. A spiritual one at its core and a master of disguise on its' surface. I know you're older than me, but that shouldn't diminish the fact that there are a collection of years between me and today's youth, the years having reached "decade" status, so as I reflect, I can say this. I don't know which of today's youth I would be. All the events of my educational years being the same, I don't know which kid I would be as I look at today's generation. But I know this... I wouldn't be where I am without a stable, 2-parent, single-marriage home... without Christian parents who told me that God loved me and had a plan for my life. The same parents, who along with my brother, told me they would always love me. I wouldn't be here without pastors and youth pastors who spoke into my life. Nor do I know what this conversation looks like without the help of teachers who helped me deal with the bullies. So, whatever your response to today's generation and societies struggle, I can tell you this. On a very simple, #youthPastorWednesday, this world DOES need our prayer. For obvious reasons, and you can add your specifics, we need to pray for our youth pastors. We need to pray for our teachers and school administrators. We need to pray for our kids, all of them... from those who are the bully, to those who are the victim, from the most popular, to the most ignored, the best-dressed and least attractive, from the most likely to succeed to the goofiest runner... to the punk that whips oranges across the room aiming at a kid's head. Even you. I pray for you. Pray kids would be friends on purpose, rather than jerks on purpose. Speak life. Speak truth. They are both found in the person of Jesus Christ. He is found on the Word of God, aka. The Bible. May God change lives, first and foremost. - PNC #thatwaseasy #endtheguess #pray4pastors Isn't it amazing, and humbling, quite frankly; as to the moments, circumstances and situations that God will place you that remind just how much room their remains for growth and maturity in your life, whether it be spiritual or otherwise.
Monday night, the man who spoke to the men's ministry group dug deeper into the conversation of the current sermon series on prayer, by discussing specifically, what it means to be a man of prayer. Yeah. Nothing like a man who manages a website revolving around praying for those in ministry to be hit with a serious reality check of not praying with nearly as much quality and quantity as I should, while calling you to partner with me in this cause. Thanks for the one, two punch God... ... the second hit, in case you are wondering, arrived yesterday morning. My work day started 30 minutes later than normal, which created the opportunity to hear the entire half-hour broadcast of one of Charles Stanley's sermons. I don't remember all of it, but I remember this. Partial disobedience is still disobedient. Partial obedience is also... disobedient. Kids really do push the buttons of their parents, don't they? Doing one thing out of the two or three that were asked of them, is still missing the mark. It's still falling short rather than following through to completion. And in the midst, things get done in a manner entirely different from what was directed or commanded. It drives us nuts when kids are out of line. And yet, we discussed the other day on the subject of being "in alignment" with the plan, will and way of God. How He must be frustrated! It's one thing for me to write it. It's another thing, sadly, for me to live it. It's worse, that I simultaneously call you to the process. Once again, Scripture is replete with great men of God, who knew God, witnessed the miraculous, took incredible steps of faith and even greater steps of obedience. Yet they too, had moments where their obedience was neither immediate, nor complete. And somewhere along they way, they paid. Dearly. Sometimes, directly. Other times, indirectly. More often than not, partial obedience costs more than complete obedience. Simply because of the element of disobedience that remains in existence in the decision. A very, wrong decision. If you'll join me on this #youthPastorWednesday, I'm praying for God's help. As much as pastors and church leaders need it; as much as our kids need it, I recognize I need his help. That we may not only be about the plans and purposes that He has for our lives, but that we would act and step out in obedience. Not partially, but completely. Not hesitantly, but immediately. Pray for a grace for when the mark is missed. Pray a spirit of repentance and contriteness regarding the consequences of our disobedience towards God; in whatever form and how great a degree it may exist. Pray that God would help us to be people of greater prayer and greater faith; that we would be ever closer to Him and that in His presence, we would have a greater ability to hear what He would desire to say to the church, to His people and to us, individually. Imperfect though we are Refined by the fire of the Holy Spirit Rather than consumed by the fire of damnation. May we walk with God, ever closer. Closer than ever before. For His glory and honor alone. - PNC If the evil of the world, isn't increasing moment by moment in this world in which we live, then perhaps we are living on different planets.
That said, I've noticed a change. I'm certain that I am not the first to notice, nor do I think that it is a short list of people who have noticed. But the shift has certainly permeated society. We've moved from innocent until proven guilty to guilty until proven innocent. We've gone from granting the benefit of the doubt to a rushing of judgement. From quick to listen and slow to anger to the dismissal of listening and immediate anger. The media would have you believe that all is wrong with the world. There is no good, there is no greatness. Some can do no wrong, others can do no right. And in the midst of it, people are worried about what "message" we are sending to our young people. Well, Scripture tells us plainly, what message we should concern ourselves with! Whatsoever is pure, lovely, honest, just and true. If anything is praiseworthy, if anything is of good report, if there is any virtue! But we don't think on these things. We don't encourage these things... at least not at a rate that would curtail the barrage of bad news from today's culture. Everyone is looking for what will fix our country and community, our states and schools, in the marketplace and at the homestead. In all of these environments, where will we ever find a circumstance that fits the life that stand before us. Furthermore, where is the person who exemplifies this? Don't wait for someone else. On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray that young people and old alike, would be people that would focus on God and the good that He has surrounded use. May they not get caught up in the message of the day by media and peers. Pray they would be people who would seek the face of God and place their trust solely in Him. Pray God would help us a parents and pastors, teachers and coaches, friend, neighbors and mentors to encourage them. Pray for wisdom and direction; that they would live counter-culture to world and in alignment with God's Word. True, just and honest. Lovely and pure. Of virtue and good report. May we think on such on things. For the glory of 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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