#777 Sighting

For all my life, I've been partial to the number 7. As I've grown though, it's held more and more significance and meaning, especially when seen in duplicate. There is a group on social media that people are always posting to with sightings of 77 or 777, as an honor to the Christian Rock band, the 77's. (last minute edit after it's all been written; "oh the irony of finding 777 on a license plate!")

As we communicated a few days ago about a perspective that sees far ahead, I too, back in May of 2015 didn't think much about what kind of milestones I would mark as I carried out this commitment to write daily thoughts regarding the need to #pray4pastors. Yet the date calculation website tells me that starting from 6/1/2015 thru to and including today's post, that there are now 777 consecutive posts.

So, I'm smiling as I write this... boasting in the Lord for His helping me as I told Him I knew I would need it. Meanwhile, I can't help but consider... how many other things would be vastly improved in my life had I spend the last 777 days doing them. Health and fitness, finances, generosity, in my relationships, in my home and so much more.

So, needless to say, I found it more than a little profound as my wife and I sat last night watching The Christmas Cure,  a movie that is part of the Hallmark channel's Christmas in July programming. A young doctor returns home, as her father is retiring from his small-town clinic and she is confronted with accepting a big promotion at the hospital she works at on the other side of the country versus staying home and continuing the work of her dad's clinic. At one point, in talking with her mom, the following concept is presented (and forgive me, now I can't remember exactly how the mom stated it)

It's possible that we can spend all our time doing what we are supposed to be doing and yet miss the "thing" that we were meant to do.

Like this series of hours wasn't already reflective for me when I discovered yesterday morning that today was going to be 777 day and now hearing the profoundness of how we can live and do well and yet not be doing well at the same time. The meaning. The purpose. The calling. The anointing. The blessing. It can really throw off one's ability to be effective and efficient. It's not that those elements aren't present, for indeed they are. But they operate at a different level between doing what you are supposed to do and what you are meant to do.

The clarity that comes with knowing and understanding the meaning and purpose behind what you do is what makes the difference.

So, let's pray as ministry goes forth on this #effectiveSunday. May the things that are supposed to get done  be done well, but more importantly, pray for a clarity and purpose for the ministry that is accomplished today. Pray for the conversations that people will engage in as they communicate and share life. Pray over the worship sessions; that the presence of God will move afresh in the hearts and lives of those present. May the word of God as His Word is presented, bring about revelation to people's hearts and minds. Pray for clarity where is fog; confidence where  there is doubt, peace where there is chaos and hope where there is despair. May an opportunity not be missed to share and communicate the love of God with every person of all ages as they enter the house of God this day.

Effective for the kingdom of God
As we live as we were meant to live.
For His plans and purposes.
May He be glorified in all we say and do.
And grace for when we miss the mark.
All for the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

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