We are at a transitional time in the personal life of our family and so the most often heard question around our place is simply, when?

Much like the non-stop barrage of "are we there yet?", this has taken on a slightly different sound.

Is today the day? Today?
No, not today.
Tomorrow? Tell us it's tomorrow!
No, it's not tomorrow.

And isn't this how we approach God? In our small and finite timeline, it's hard not to look at the "big" issues of life as well as the small, that somehow present themselves with such importance and emphasis that we can't help but take them to God with just as much concern.

With Earthly eyes and limited understanding, it's hard to acknowledge, let alone accept God's answers. Not yet. Not now. Not here.

His eternal perspective outweighs are earthly purview.

Yet we walk with eyes of faith and live with understanding beyond our dust-formed minds, with hearts that are committed to Christ.

There's a powerful song written from the Christian Rock band, White Heart, titled Maybe Today.

Maybe today. Maybe tomorrow. That's not the question for me.
No matter what time, I'm gonna follow. The Keeper of all eternity.

So, let's pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that as we lead our kids to trust and wait, that pastors and church leadership would do the same, to trust and wait, even in the midst of great difficulty and circumstance. May they stand firm in their faith, resolute in their commitment to Christ and steadfast to the call of God on their lives. Pray they would not be overcome with fear and frustration regarding whatever challenges they face. Pray for wisdom and discernment as they are directed by the Holy Spirit. May they move forward in confidence, even if it is one step at a time, as an act of a genuine and active trust in the sovereignty of God.

That we would follow,
The Keeper of all eternity.
No matter the questions,
Nor the time.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Have you had those moments where one word or phrase triggers a thought process and your mind is off and running? We've all had them. And depending on the subject matter, it can be a positive or negative experience.

I had such a moment yesterday afternoon... and the thought process began with a single word.

Reminders.

I know what you're thinking... that seems kind of obvious. Isn't that the function of that word? To begin or continue a thought process? Yes, yes it is.

But they hold great power and influence. Sometimes too much. Other times not enough.

We can go to one unhealthy extreme of avoidance if they hold too much power, we can repeat errors and mistakes if they hold not enough.

Their effectiveness though, is helping to keep a healthy balance and perspective of our own reality and existence.

We don't know it all.
We don't have it all.
We can't explain everything.
We can't gain everything.

We are frail, broken and dead in sin.
We are forgiven, healed and alive in Christ.

Whatever the reminders in life today may be, it is my hope and prayer that you would not be detoured and dismissed but encouraged and resolved.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, pray to that end. As pastors experience times of reflection and moments of remembrance, may they be prompted to rely evermore on the work of God and the power of the Cross in their lives. May they not be discouraged or defeated, but strengthened and motivated to continue in the calling God has placed upon them. Pray they stand resolute in the anointing of the Holy Spirit, not in their own might and understanding, but what God has granted to them through His Word.

For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I don't know about where you were yesterday morning... I trust you had an incredible experience with the body of Christ in the presence of the Lord. I know our time with the body of Christ was amazing; a unique and intimate time of praise and worship as well as an insightful and moving message.

In particular, during worship, we joined the band in Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing.

Then the verse, "prone to wander... prone to leave the God I love..."

The possibility exists for all of us, but I was specifically struck in consideration of senior pastors; that no matter how strong our relationship with God, no matter the depth of our love for Him, no matter the longevity of our journey of faith... the evil within the heart of man is prone to wander.

We are tempted and enticed, both deliberately and unknowingly at times, and so it is a conscious and willing decision to daily align ourselves ever closer to the heart and presence of God.

The One who has saved and redeemed...
The One who has pardoned and forgiven...
The One who has planned and purposed our lives from the beginning of time that we should stand and walk in right relationship with Him.

Daily. Moment by moment.

Thus, on this #seniorPastorMonday, pray that today would be a day that pastors would continue to walk, ever closer in the presence of God. May they not give in to the proneness to wander and leave. Pray that they would not be drawn away from the love and grace of God in their lives through distraction and disruption. May they stay the course rather than be lured away. Pray today would be a day of victory and triumph, rather than failure and devastation.

For indeed, we have been redeemed and forgiven.
And He knows the plans and purposes He has for us.
May we fulfill them for His glory
By the power of the Holy Spirit
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Long-time performer in the Christian Music industry, Bryan Duncan has a song that he performed with the NehoSoul Band titled Don't Help The Devil. It's off the Music City Live album, which I just got a copy of this past week and it's a great album if you can find it.

But the words of this struck with me last night as I considered the kinds of words and attitudes that stand in the way when it comes to the church as an organization and the body of Christ as a people being effective in their ministry.

Sure we can over-sensitize matters and be hyper-critical of people, but at the same time, we don't always realize the moments and times in which we may be helping the devil's cause to destroy the faith rather helping the Lord's cause to build it up.

Bryan and the band point out... don't help the devil. He's doing fine on his own.

All too fine, some might emphasize.

But when we find ourselves in attitudes, words, thoughts and emotions that are out of alignment with how God desires to live; that are out of place in our walk with Christ; that are not prompted and activated by the word of the Holy Spirit in our lives...

Such moments are the detriment to our effectiveness in ministry rather than the enhancement of that ministry.

Thus, let's pray this #effectiveSunday. May God help us to live and be His people, that He has called us to be and do. Pray that we would not find ourselves speaking and behaving in ways that ding our testimony than promote it. May there be a sensitivity to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives; not to be over-righteous, but to live a real and true faith and trust in God. While we are far from perfect, may we ever be aware that we are in pursuit of the high calling of God; being conformed, transformed and renewed to reflect the image of Christ to a world in desperate need of His grace, love, forgiveness and truth.

Helping the cause of Christ.
One day at time,
One live at a time.
As He works in us
His Will and His Purpose
To the glory of God the Father.

- PNC

I very careful, mentioned early this week, the tragedy that is being dealt with on the campus of Michigan State University.

And yesterday's post, was a quick insight on a life of good-decision making.

Start with 5. Then 50. Then 500.

As I thought about how we are and should be encouraged to make good decisions, in our faith as much as we do every other area of life, I thought about how that influences the lives of others around us.

We often talk and worry about kids hanging out with the wrong crowd. And we don't use that word because the people are bad; but because their behavior is unacceptable or inadvisable. They do not practice wise decisions and sound judgement. And their lives and those who follow in their ways suffer for it.

Conversely, then, there is great power and strength that come from making good decisions and building a culture of encouragement and support of others doing the same.

And how do I know this is true? Well, as stories continue to circulate and speculate regarding MSU, people are even more curious and desirous to know... who know what and when. Who made bad decisions and when and to what level of leadership did bad decision-making continue.

Everyone is asking, when did someone decide to stand up and make the right decision?
The outcome of the aftermath has already begun and who knows what is still to come in the days and weeks ahead.

If an individual can change their life through good decision making, then what changes with 10's, 100's and 1000's of individual coming together to collectively make good decisions?

So, let's pray this #communitySaturday, that we not only make good decisions for ourselves, but build communities and cultures that encourage and perform the same. Pray for sound and Biblical wisdom to permeate our hearts and minds, as we approach and navigate life and circumstance. May conversations be saturated with the truth and the pursuit of truth. Pray that deception and negativity would be far from us. May the power of confession have its' proper place and time when we do miss the mark. Let not failures define us, but may we learn and live forward, to what God has called to do and be in His world.

Wherever we go,
Whatever we do,
Whatever we say;
May it be unto the glory of God
A testament to the work of Christ
By the power of the Holy Spirit.

- PNC

"Make 5 good decisions. Then make 50.
Then make 500. Then... stop counting."
- Pastor James McDonald

We make decisions every day. Some are made through intense times of strategic planning, others made on the whim of spontaneity. Both instances can result in amazing benefits or agonizing frustration.

I understand as Christians, and even Scripture is full of men and women of God, with great faith, we are prone to make and have made bad decisions and wrong choices. But that shouldn't define our lives and legacy, nor should they ruin our testimony or ministry. I want to emphasize that such moments "shouldn't define", as the Bible contains a number of stories of men and women who were defined. They followed God, accomplished great exploits and lived incredible lives and yet the were known for the outcome that resulted from one bad decision.

Thus, McDonald's advice is well-offered and intended.

And on this #missionsFriday, what would be a better decision, than one that is made in surrender to Christ and a commitment made to the calling and purposes of God. Whether it be a first decision or a renewed decision, may our first decisions of the day be good and spiritual in nature and watch what God accomplishes through the decisions that follow.

Pray, then, starting with ministry leadership, that good decisions would be made. May we not be defined but faults and failures, but renewed and strengthened to press on in the faith and calling that God has placed on us. May our commitment to Christ and trust in God stand strong and firm, unwavering and unshakeable, even in the moments when we miss the mark, whether by a minute or by a mile.

Making good decisions
With minds that have been renewed by His Word
And hearts that have been transformed by His life.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

For those who may not have heard or not been following the story of what has been happening in East Lansing at Michigan State University, the athletics doctor for MSU as well as USA Gymnastics was sentenced yesterday to a 40-175 year in prison, as the result of his, for lack of a better word, addiction, to sexual assault and abuse.

Over the past week and a half, 163, I believe was the final count... 163 victim impact statements were read in open court, from girls, many now adult women, who were prey to this evil under the guise of medical sports treatment. The full story is unbelievable and you read elsewhere the details.

Late yesterday afternoon or evening though, the President of MSU resigned, amidst calls and concerns over this one question: how did this go on for so long?

We talked a week ago, about how the merchants got into the temple courts and who authorized their being there. And that's an obvious problem. They didn't belong and were in the public square and nobody called for their removal.

And in a slightly different twist as it relates to this campus tragedy, a different question arises. Who let this happen and swept it under the rug? Someone obviously thought this problem could be dismissed and that the best way to handle it was to remain silent as if it wasn't happening.

Asking if the President of the University knew about it and the argument that was made; that there's a lot of room between the clinic office and the President's office, so to within the church, is there a fair amount of room sometimes, between whether a circumstance makes it to the Pastor's desk.

Decisions are made and must be made and obviously, someone at MSU dropped the ball. And while situations and circumstance might not be so plain and clear as this should have been in regards to handling the matter, there's a great lesson to be learned.

Making a bad decision and hiding it is often more dangerous and disastrous than doing wrong and confessing it from the onset.

On this #deaconThursday, pray for church leadership, at all levels, not just the pastor who sits the public representative of the church. May God give them wisdom and discernment in their decisions and conversations regarding matters great and small. Pray they would have courage to speak up and stand for righteousness and truth. May they not make matters worse by being dismissive when they should be attentive. Pray that they would live and lead lives of conviction and passion to good and positively impact their world, rather than harm and destroy.

For the glory of God.
And the cause of Jesus Christ.
By the power of the Holy Spirit.

- PNC

There's a college that, in its' advertisements of late have been using the phrase "true north" in describing the character, ambition and pursuit that their students and potential students possess.

Of course, like so many things do, with seemingly little effort, it got me thinking.

If there is a "true north", then does it not stand to reason there is a "false" north.

As we lead our lives, our homes, our families, and organizations from a foundation of faith are we missing the mark and leading others to do the same and not realizing it?

I can only hope and pray...

... that we are certain of our convictions and beliefs.
... that we are sure of our salvation and redemption.
... that we are alive in the grace of God.
... that we are confident in His love and sovereignty.

So many things call for our attention. Much more calls for our input into decisions. Conversations that prompt us to reflect, consider and discover... not only what lies with in us, but what lies before us and more importantly, what God has in store for our lives.

We can over-analyze our circumstances and we can under-utilize our resources.

Likewise, with our faith; we can over-spiritualize matters as well as under-estimate spiritual power.

Self. Family. Ministry. What a tragedy if we live and move in any direction contrary to the truth and true direction of God.

Let's pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, for pastors and leaders of the church, as well as the home for that matter. May we live a life and a faith that operates "true north" in alignment with God, His Word and His plan. Pray our own agendas, ideals and desires would neither hinder nor defy what God would desire to accomplish in our lives and ministries. Pray both for families and ministries as well as others who would follow the influence of leaders; may their ultimate trust and reliance be placed with God and the redemptive work of the cross of Christ as well as the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

That we would follow God
With one heart, one mind and one voice.
Not moving in any direction we decide,
But in the one true direction He has ordained
Through Jesus Christ.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

If you missed the new episode of American Pickers last night, on the History channel... boy did you miss it!  It was a great show with some amazing finds and as always, incredible stories. However, the previously aired episode that played before the new one was nearly unbelievable.

The guys visited the store property that had been in the family for 6 generations. Five or six businesses were conducted in the same building from something like 1887 thru 1970. And as such, nearly everything that Mike and Frank tried to purchase from the owners was "NFS".

Not for sale.

They did end up buying a couple pieces, but for it seemed at every turn, the reply was no. Not gonna sell that; yeah, can't do that; we're gonna hang on to that...

And that last phrase. Wow.

I know I'm gonna take some slack from those closest to me for writing this perspective, but I couldn't help but wonder, just how much we hang out in our lives that we don't let go. And of course, we immediately think of the material and physical items in our lives that take up space and residence. Yes, there's value, insight and goodness in living "decluttered", but more importantly, we hang on to way too much internal as well, through our mind and emotions.

We allow things to occupy and reside in our spirit and in our hearts that may be understandable and even justifiable for a while, but eventually you have to respond to the words I heard so often before and probably will in the near future.

You can't keep everything. Eventually, you'll have to let it go.

As hard as it is to do, it's necessary. And we're usually better off for it.

So, pray this #associatePastorTuesday for those pastors hanging on to the things, perspectives and circumstances whose time for release has come. Pray for those who are especially struggling, because perhaps the time to let go is overdue and the burden is becoming to great to carry and manage. May God bring healing and peace to hearts, minds and emotions. Pray the Holy Spirit would bring freedom to their understanding and new opportunities to experience the grace and goodness of God as they allow Him to work anew and afresh in their lives.

May a new day dawn
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I went to bed last night, uncharacteristically early and woke up this morning at quarter to three! Just woke up. When it came time to hit the alarm (the one that forces me to get out of bed to do something about it), I couldn't; for I was tangled up between the sheets and the comforter. How they got so twisted I have no idea.

Of course, I was so snuggled and comfortable, that I didn't want to get up. So I laid and rested and wondered... about the coach or the trainer who is attempting to teach the balance of having a long-term vision and short-term goals.

I know we don't have it all together, regarding a number of areas and arenas in life. I know I don't. If you were honest with yourself, neither do you. And pastors and church leadership misses the mark as well. But I got to thinking about Bo Gentry... the strong baseball prospect from yesterday's post in the movie, Trouble With The Curve.

Here's a young man, being scouted for the major league and he's missing a critical skill in his game; in his ability to play. And "everyone" is so caught up in what he has been able to achieve and accomplish, that this one flaw proves to be a fatal setback in his desirability from prospective teams who were grasping to claim him if he was still available when their draft pick time was theirs.

Likewise, our journey is a process; we won't know everything right away nor will we do everything perfect at the exact time we are called to do so. But what a dangerous set of circumstances it must be, to have a long-term vision and be achieving short term goals while having a problem that could unravel the entire deal in a matter of minutes?

Pray this #seniorPastorMonday, that that would not be the case for those who lead the church. Pray for wisdom and guidance in their ministries. Pray for an awareness and sensitivity for areas where there exists a potential for problems or challenges. May God grant them discernment and bring into their life people who would help them correct and change whatever "it" may be. Pray for balance, as they achieve short-term goals while striving for the fulfillment of a long-term vision. May their future not be cut short because they were taken out by a fatal flaw that could have been avoided had it been noticed and corrected in an earlier place and time.

God help us to see what you see
And change in us that which could be our downfall.
That we may be victorious in that which you've called us
For your glory and honor.

- PNC

There truly is a powerful and brilliant message, behind Clint Eastwood's movie, Trouble With The Curve. Clint Eastwood plays an old school baseball scout who has a tenuous relationship with his daughter, who is making a run for partner at her law firm. Meanwhile, Clint's character, Gus is to go scout this young baseball player, Bo Gentry; but with eye-sight that is starting to give him trouble, Gus's daughter is convinced into helping Gus on this trip and hopefully repair their relationship in the process.

It turns out, Bo, for all his talent and potential, can't hit it a curve ball. Of course, the climax of this circumstance comes towards the end of the movie, after everyone is convinced this kid is a gold-mine of a baseball player. However, when the devastating truth comes out... wow. Talk about a "how did this get missed" moment.

Well, except for Gus... who with eye-sight on the decline heard through the power of sound that something was wrong with Bo's swing.

I'm writing this post service (ran out of time this morning), so if you'll permit a little leeway...

Today is Sanctity of Life Sunday. And the message was simply titled: #speaklife.

Obviously there is power in positive words and speaking "life" into people and circumstances, but this was an emphasis on the power and importance of life. From the point of conception to one's last breath.

And on this #effectiveSunday, I found myself juxtaposing the lesson on the movie and the power of the issue of life. Society as a whole and even the culture within the church thinks and considers itself to have it together; to play a great game and exist with an unlimited amount of potential. We've convinced ourselves that we are good and doing good work while we utterly the destroy the lives of the unborn.

Like Bo, we can handle most the game, until someone throws a curve. Likewise with issue of pregnancy. We can handle most of life, until an un-timely or un-desired pregnancy, whatever the circumstances are that surround it, is considered as being thrown a curve. And rather than learning how to win through the circumstance, we choke. And the result is a disastrous display of the unbelievable.

On that note, let's pray this #effectiveSunday, that the church would not be caught off guard by the unexpected. May we be prepared for all circumstances and situations; to live and be victorious. Pray that we would be people that would stand a counter-culture to the world, and speak life and speak up for life. May the issue of life and birth not be the downfall of humanity as we have utterly destroyed the womb and the unborn. Pray God's forgiveness over this nation; that we have allowed such an unbelievable display of recklessness define multiple generations, having justified our decisions throw words that are a disgrace to the glory of an everlasting and loving God.

Lord, help us.
That we would not have trouble with the curve.
But live life right. And speak for what is right.
For the glory of God and His righteousness.

- PNC

Today we celebrate the life of someone very special in our family. Birthdays are always a special time to mark and commemorate the passing of another year of life and growth, of lessons and understanding, joy and trouble.

As we gather in the next few hours with family and friends to share in the blessing of enjoying life with this precious soul, I can't help but consider the sovereignty of God and how He moves and ordains our live. Consider those in your life, who you have opportunity to build relationships and friendships through our time on Earth and be the blessing and encouragement we have been called to be and make an eternal impact.

We often don't give it that much thought. We have our friends and others that maybe aren't so close; but so many days pass where we don't truly cherish and enjoy the quality of our life that has been influenced, shaped and changed through the power of strong family and great friends.

All too often it takes extenuating circumstance, great difficulty or special occasions, to remind us that no matter the trouble and trial we may face or endure, we have and live a blessed life. Not because of what we have, but because of who we are in God and who we share life with because of the people He has placed in our lives.

On this #communitySaturday, pray that God would help to make the most of the relationships that we have, with both family and friends. May we not take those in our lives for granted, only calling on them in times of great triumph or great tragedy. Pray an ever increasing appreciation for the sovereign hand of God in our lives and His wisdom as to who He places in our lives and how and where He places us in the lives of others. As our paths cross, may God help us and use us to impact those around us for the sake of eternity and the cause of Jesus Christ.

That we would rejoice in the celebration of life
As well as the tragedies that we endure in this life.
For the glory of God
And the advancement of His kingdom.

- PNC

Is it just me or does it seem like every day we get further and further away from truth. Not only that, but we get further away from those who speak truth and even wanting little to nothing to do with them. Indeed, we find ourselves in the life and times of those who have exchanged the truth for a lie. Not one lie, either, but the snowball effect that follows.

All because of a rejection of God.

But not only is there a rejection of God, but also a rejection of the people of God.

This is nothing new either, by the way.

Israel pleaded and begged God for a king to lead them, but then turned and rejected the man God had raised up and placed in that position.

The kings all had the moments of circumstance where they rejected the Word of God as spoken through the prophets; some even thought they could handle the duties of the priests.

Nobody likes to be rejected, nor go unheard; especially when it comes to spiritual matters and discerned by church leadership through the roles of pastors, missionaries and others. But as these times are experienced, the words of Christ provide comfort and encouragement.

"Don't be surprise when this happens; they rejected me. They'll reject you as well."

There will always be those who don't want to hear the truth, let alone have anything to do with the truth or allowing it to influence and direct their lives. All the more reason to continue speaking it and praying that it would land on the hearts and minds of those who would heed it.

On this #missionsFriday, pray for missionaries (as well as pastors) who are finding themselves in positions where they are not being well received, for whatever reason when it comes to declaring the truth of the Gospel of Christ. May God continue to grant them strength and wisdom for today and the days to come. Pray that God would continue to move on hearts and minds; that the Holy Spirit would bring them to a place of revelation and understanding. May the truth go forth and the Word of God return, not as void; but valid and life-changing for those who hear and respond.

For the enemy seeks to deceive and destroy
But Christ brings hope and freedom
To the lost, blind and dying
As we each, once were.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I wish I could take credit for the title. But I can't. It was a phrase used by a sermon that I was listening to; the story of Jesus driving out the money-changers. The back story is pretty incredible.

A couple of interesting points. He drove out the cattle. He didn't destroy them, but the handlers did have to rustle them up. The pigeons didn't fly off to the wild blue yonder; Christ instructed their owners to remove them from the temple. Christ wasn't destroying their business; but reminding them where it belonged.

The exchangers initially conducted their business in the valley. And competition was fierce. And they understood those three special words that the marketplace still declares as their mantra today.

Location. Location. Location.

So they kept moving closer to the temple. For convenience. For better service. For increased market share. Then the competition moved closer. And the next guy even closer. And the late-comer, start-up; even closer. And eventually they were in the outer courts; the court of the Gentiles. Where non-Jews who believed in God could come and worship.

But they couldn't. Because the marketplace was chaos. And perhaps not even worthy to be described as controlled chaos. Finally the temple. Someone let them in.

Christ removed the clutter.

But as usually happens, my mind wandered to the modern day church.

More importantly, what's going on in the church, or worse, isn't going on because the courts have become cluttered? What's getting missed? Who is unable to enter? What ministry is being hindered? How is the kingdom of Heaven affected?

On this #deaconThursday, pray that church leadership, especially those in day-to-day operations and advisory roles would have a sensitivity and a keen awareness to the doors and the courts of the church. Pray their mission and ministry would neither be hindered nor interrupted by distractions and matters that do not belong. May God grant them wisdom and discernment as they conduct the affairs of the church and oversee the decisions and direction that the church takes. As God is a lamp and a light in our personal lives, may He also illuminate way and path of the corporate body of Christ; that the church would move in the direction that honors God and pleases the Lord.

Ministry; like life...
So much easier and simpler
De-cluttered.
For the glory of God
And the advancement of the kingdom of Heaven.

- PNC

I had another one of those moments. You've had them.

Moments and circumstances that cause stress, frustration and tad bit of worry. Suddenly the forefront of your mind is consumed, or at the very least preoccupied, with finding solutions and asking certain individuals for advice, counsel and any good ideas.

Then I was reminded of the scene from It's A Wonderful Life.

George Bailey's moment of epiphany, when truth in advertising gives him hope.

"Ask Dad. He knows."

And yet, regardless of age of life and maturity of faith; despite the relationship with Almighty God, of such intimacy as to call Him "Dad", and when we find ourselves in times of trouble and trial our first call is to our phone, rather than to Heaven.

We utilize the satellites, but not our knees.

And as I struggle to figure out comes next even along these lines of thought, all I have is this...

What does our response display about our faith?

To our family. To our friends. To our children. To our local community and the body of Christ at large?

Who is your first call?

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray for pastors, who even in their times of stress and difficulty may neglect to go to God, pray and seek His face first. May God grant forgiveness for such occurrences and may God strengthen their faith; that in all matters, great and small, His Word and counsel would be sought first. Pray God would grant wisdom and discernment as they move forward; may anxiety cease and the peace of God surpass all their understanding. May their unshakeable, unmovable faith be a testament to the sovereignty of God as they trust in His perfect timing.

That His plans and purposes would be accomplished.
Even when we don't see the why, how, when and where of the matter.
For God is good.
And His mercy which endures forever,
Is also new every morning.
Even on the days we don't call out to Him first.

- PNC

Isn't interesting how we can see situations and circumstances and without having the full story or a complete understanding of what and why something has transpired, we make decisions based on the "less than" and incomplete.

We catch a partial glimpse or hear just a nugget and without knowing the context, we place it in a context that we assume is correct or reasonable. Not only is this a dangerous pattern of living, but it's amazing how quickly we can sell ourselves that we are correct.

How do I know this is true?

Because of how resistant one can be when they hear the words, "Hear me out."

It's like we have to be convinced that we are not as knowledgeable on the matter as we thought. And of course, hearing that you are wrong is rarely pleasant, let alone desirable.

But what must consider... how much are we missing by refusing to listen?

What could change?
What could improve?
Relationships? Opportunity? Generations? Eternity?

The possibilities are near endless. But only for those with ears ready to listen.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, that pastors would continue to live and operate ministry with ears ready to listen. May heads and hearts not stand in confidence without understanding. Pray for wisdom and discernment as pastors work through difficult and challenging circumstances. May grace and patience prevail and communication lines be open and clear. Pray that egos, agendas and motives not get in the way of coming to places of understanding and creating solution. Most importantly, pray that pastors would continue to hear God through His Word and the voice and prompting of the Holy Spirit.

For we have the ability to solve problems.
Yet for whatever reason, we become one.
May God work the miraculous
As we remain, walk and listen.
For the work to which God has called us.

- PNC

No matter the size of the church, every pastor needs respite care. Yet, they, just like so many others don't have the time to take time off. Even more true, is what we'll all stated, "I can't afford to take time off."

Both of those scenarios, either being true or feeling true, do not diminish the reality and severity of the matter, in that we can find ourselves doing damage somewhere along the way by not making and taking the time to retreat & reprieve and allow the body, mind, soul and spirit to find rest.

In essence, you reach a point where you can't afford not take the time.

We often times may not even know or see that we are on the verge of doing harm by running ourselves thin. This is why it is so important, especially for ministers, to have people in their lives who are close enough to speak life and recognize that a time of refreshing is needed, lest a pastor runs himself and others into the ground because no friend is around to take their place.

But as we discussed yesterday, with regards to the overall effectiveness of the church, this is just one more area, and a very important one, I might add, where intentionality is paramount. If you don't take time to give rest to the body and soul, eventually your body will force you into taking a rest from life, at which point, who knows how much you'll miss.

Thus, this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for those in desperate need of a break. May they find the time, even in pockets, to take care of themselves. Pray that God would give them wisdom in the management of their time, resources and responsibilities. May God give them strength throughout the day and rest when they lay their head. Pray the stress would dissipate as they find balance and perspective;  intentional when the press in as well as when they step back.

May they be refreshed as much and more
As they refresh those they minister too.
That God would equip and empower them for more
As they serve faithfully with what and where they are.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I read an article last night that outlined the advantages of having smaller churches of 100 rather than a mega-church of 5000. You can do the math. And while it raised some interesting and certainly valid points, many of which we have prayed over daily these past two and half years, I read it with the continual reminder of a phrase often heard around our church.

The larger we get, the smaller we need to get.

An intentional approach.

Increased responsibilities come, but if pastors and staff aren't prepared to grow with them...
Financial issues and problems exist across the board.
Larger churches may prevent more people from stepping into ministry, thinking they aren't qualified for such tasks or responsibilities.
It's easy to get focused on the quantity of people and status rather than the quality of the ministry and the health of the church.

Yet for all these and more, if we focus on intentional ministry...

... allowing more people to minister, as if they were taking on smaller groups rather than being overwhelmed.
... more contribution and participation from the entire church, as if whatever they were doing depended on everyone doing something to come alongside and help.
... focus on growing people and depth of faith, rather than growing congregations and influence of the church.

Being effective and efficient is like being a well-oiled machine. The equipment working together; quality parts doing quality work at the time and place that they are called upon to perform.

And yet the church falls apart, when high-quality people minister in less than quality ways at the wrong time and place.

So, no matter the size of the church in which you are apart, pray this #effectiveSunday that God would help us be intentional in all that we say and do. Pray that churches would be about quality ministry and developing mature faith. Pray that God would give wisdom; and call forth those He would desire to use for greater ministry to those in both the church and the community to help carry the load, reach the lost and impact those in need.

Intentional.
In our hearts, minds, attitudes and words.
In all we do, for the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Who hasn't had a terrible day, week, series of weeks... a seemingly unending barrage of difficult and challenging times that trouble the heart, baffle the mind, unsettle the soul and sandbag your faith.

We get caught off guard when a plan encounters delays, conversations escalate and you find yourself frustrated and out of your mind attempting to understand "what just happened?"

What's funny about the human spirit?

We are informed and aware!

The Bible tells us to not be surprised when trials and trouble comes!

We are then encouraged, in that our present sufferings pale in comparison to the glory that will be revealed in us. In fact, not only do they pale in comparison, "they are not worthy to be compared."

I made the mistake the other day of venting my frustration to a co-worker. And it wasn't that I wasn't being real, or that the circumstance and my response wasn't normal or irrational... but as I thought about it hours later, it didn't display my faith and trust, that all would work out and that God was in control. My reaction was from a place of distraught human emotion, rather than a quiet, spiritual confidence in God.

I heard a message the other day by Joni Eareckson Tada, and if you haven't heard her story, talk about one who is an expert on the topic of suffering. She was talking about how Christ endured His suffering... with obedience.

And I had to ask myself...

How is it that Christ remained obedient while enduring His suffering and yet we all to often stand in defiance at the first sight of suffering.

And as we relate to our community, knowing that those without faith in God are watching how we respond to life as one having faith in God, how much more should be aware of the impact that our reaction makes on our story.

On this #communitySaturday, pray that God would help us as we continue to walk lives of faith as we face great difficulty, challenge and suffering. May we ever be reminded that the future glory is greater. While life is real and the struggle is hard, may we respond from the strength of our faith rather than the weakness of emotion. Pray the power of the Holy Spirit would help us to walk in obedience in the midst of our suffering. May we live and display an attitude of grace, even when it's the last thing we desire to show.

That we would display Christ first.
For our life is not our own.
We are His and our lives for His glory.
Even in suffering.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

"Your value does not decrease based on someone's inability to see your worth." -unknown

How simple.
How true.
How profound.

As I was once reminded of this again this past week, in not so many words, it applies and should comfort to both people of faith and people far from God. Anyone, and all of us, in fact, struggle on any given day to remember and focus on the fact that our worth comes from God and not from man.

We may be earthen vessels, but we are heaven's treasure.

The problems created and the havoc wreaked when we focus too long on the negativity that is being cast our way and spoken to us are disconcerting and stressful, to say the least.

So, do we look at others in our lives as God sees them?
Do we look at ourselves the way God does?

As the old hymn goes...

Keep your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of this earth, will grow strangely dim.
In the light of His glory and grace.

On this #missionsFriday, pray for those, even in ministry and in missions, battling a sense of worth. From whatever source the struggle may come, may the keep their face on Christ and their heart set on the things of God. May the temporary problems of their plight not cause them to falter, stumble or fail, but that they would stand strong, reliant upon their Creator. Pray they would be empowered by the Holy Spirit to press on; that the frustration, emotion and chaos would not overwhelm them, but that they would overcome.

By the blood of the Lamb
And the word of their testimony.
For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC