I hate being the bearer of bad news.

I hate it even more on the occasion I'm the lead character.

And it's easy, after any given number of occasions to begin to default to worst case scenarios and how people might respond to current circumstances based on how different people responded on prior occasion to an entirely different set of circumstances.

How appropriate to have watched Facing The Giants over the weekend. Fear of outcomes before they happen. Attitudes of defeat before we have taken steps towards any attempts at victory.

So a confession of our trust in God becomes a test..A binary state. You do. Or you don't. And so do I. Or not.

I had an epiphany yesterday afternoon.

God's love. His compassion. Forgiveness. Always available.
Man's... not so much. Not always. Not when we think we need it most.

Thus, is it possible it's easier to confess our sins to God than it is our faults to man?

Our failures in this life may not even be sin. Just mistakes. Bad calls. Missed opportunities. Yet owning up to them.... is challenging. Difficult. Frustrating.

Whatever we have to offer... complete or incomplete, we and all of our stuff belong to God, first and foremost.

Pastors have it too. Experiences and responses carry over. Mistakes and missteps have opportunity to follow us. Ministry can frustrate and just like life, details need to be sorted out. But whatever transpires, trust in God for all circumstances...

If we say we trust Him, then we must. When we struggle to do so, we must pray.

On this #associateTuesday, pray for pastors struggling to continue to trust in the midst of difficult circumstance with outcomes unknown. Pray for the faults and failures that the enemy attempts to hold over, to hinder from moving forrward in all that God has planned. Pray for God's grace in matters where there are concerns that man's response is greater than God. May their be a reassuring peace that accompanies the knowledge that God is on the throne, still in control & working all things together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

His mercies are new every morning, as we walk in His grace & live for His glory.

- PNC

I received what I believe to be a confirmation from God, that the purpose of Bring Me 70 is on it's way to becoming a reality. During Sunday mornings' sermon, Pastor talked about the power of the spiritual discipline of prayer.  And not just praying for blessing, provision or healing which are noble... just not perhaps noteworthy.

The difference? When someone shares an experience of blessing, they offer details. Provision? You have to hear how desperate my situation was, then something amazing happened. Healing?  Oh it was no big deal. I'm fine now. Said no one, ever. Details! We want to know what happened!!

Then we pray... in generalities. Yet, we have in our mind specific outcomes. How can we pray for anything in general, whilst having detailed expectations, but are then frustrated when situations seem unanswered because of how they appear.

God is all about detail. Look up what happens to planet earth  if we were any closer to or further from the sun. Spun slower or faster in our rotation.

As I thought about this yesterday afternoon, it was followed by a scene from the movie Facing The Giants. An older man, roaming the halls of a Christian school prays over the students as he passes by each locker...praying for revival. In a brief conversation in which the man speaks life and encouragement to the frustrated football coach, the man shares the story of two farmers.

They both prayed for rain, as they were in desperate need. However, while waiting for rain, one farmer went out and prepared his field; planted his crop. Which do you think was ready for their expected answer to prayer?

Pray with a specific outcome in mind. Work in a way to maximize the answer when it arrives

I have nothing, if I post every day, "Lord, help pastors to not burnout in their ministry." Thanks for joining with me to pray specifically for pastors and church leaders to continue in the calling God has placed upon their lives.

So, pray...specifically! On this #seniorPastorMonday, for pastors literally on the verge of burnout. May God supernaturally intervene in their lives with encouragement and support. While a number of factors are probably in play, pray for resolution to the dominate situation that is prompting and driving their desire or decision to leave ministry. Pray God begin to rollback the stress and tension that is upsetting their heart, mind and spirit. Pray for circumstance with their kids and frustrations in marriage that are contributing factors being considered. For the weariness, the anxious and the exhausted...God strengthen and fortify the body and soul. Rest and wellness. Wisdom and wholeness.

Fresh anointing. Fresh vision. Fresh perspective. Fresh passion for the calling of Christ.
By the grace of God. For the glory of God.

- PNC

If you've yet heard the phenomenal brilliance that is the musical talent of Robert Randolph & The Family Band, then you are truly missing out. I forgot their album, Unclassified, was in the car yesterday and my sometimes finicky CD changer actually loaded the CD. Going In The Right Direction is the first song on the album, a song my oldest daughter loves to hear. She immediately recognized it and asked me to "turn it up". I was happy to do so... as this is the song to set your alarm to when you don't want to go to work tomorrow morning. 

Forgive me (this post is slightly longer than normal) and, for the 3rd day in a row being musically-based, but read these lyrics and tell me this doesn't accurately describe one's life, before and after accepting Christ.

I was lost, I thought the losing dice were tossed
I didn't know where to go, I didn't have no one to turn to
I'm glad I found you just in time
Wont miss those things I left behind

'Cause we were going in the right direction
'Cause we were going in the right direction

Now I've found the road I need to travel down
I don't know what tomorrow brings
Day by day with you I'll do the same thing
I'm so glad I'm standing on my own two feet
No more running into that dead end street

'Cause now I'm going in the right direction
'Cause now I'm going in the right direction

I thought my life was over, I thought I was lost
I just knew that there was an end to the road
But I know where I'm going right now
I know I'm going in a right direction

You better get right or you're gonna get left
You better get right or you're gonna get left
You better get right or you're gonna get left
You better get right or you're gonna get left

Ministry is an incredible process. The planting and watering of seeds, as Jesus states in the parable. The sovereignty of God in the providence of events and experiences in ones' life; the "risk" of free will and the choice of humanity, The salvation decision. The daily sanctification process.

Ministry never ends. Nor should it, as becoming more like Christ is not something one arrives at, but we push toward, as a goal.

Should it ever fail to be efficient and or cease to be effective, the work of Christ in one's life will go on; but how will they suffer the setback? Bitterness and frustration set in. Cynicism takes over and before long, there is a break down in one's faith in God. No, they may not have turned and headed back in the wrong direction, but their pursuit of God looks nothing like God's pursuit of them.

Hard to swallow, I know. My pursuit doesn't always look like how I know it should either. But don't you want to do something meaningful for someone who has done more for you than you thought was possible? That is the dynamic we have in our relationship to God.

What a shame to not handle the opportunity wisely and responsibly as an expression of gratitude.

So, we pray this #effectiveSunday, God we need your help. Forgive us for not passionately pursuing you as you sought after and continue to seek us. Forgive us, for the times we as a church have left a bitter taste...in the one contemplating making a salvation decision... for the one who came to you long ago and somewhere along the way we fumbled it up. May you grant us grace, as people come to Christ, turning their life to the "right direction". May they not be dismayed, distracted, detoured or derailed by imperfect people whom you still love enough to call the spotless bride of Christ. Help us to handle the ministry and work of the gospel well. Efficiently. Effectively. Wisely. Responsibly.

We are eternally grateful for your grace and glory, God. We look to you. We seek you. We need you. We trust you.
Hear our prayer. Come quickly to our aid.

- PNC

Another song, by the same title as yesterday's #missionFriday post was playing in my mind for most of the day Friday. From their 1992 album, Big World, Mylon Lefevre & Broken Heart reminds us of the power of God in our lives when things get difficult and we are exhausted from life.

"You gotta face Love, when Love comes down." - Mylon Lefevre

Mylon has an incredible testimony. His family was well known in the gospel music industry and his life took off, when he met Elvis while they served in the Army together and Elvis recorded Myon's first song. To date, Mylon has recorded over 40 albums. In the 70's, he played with Eric Clapton, the Who, Billy Joel and tons of other bands. However, the pressure and stress of life and the industry took control of his life through a serious cocaine & heroin addiction.

Yet, God had plans for his life in 1980, when He accepted Christ at a Christian concert. Today, he and his wife preach around the globe, sharing an incredibly profound truth: whatever the lowest depth of life in which one finds themselves, they are never out of reach of coming face to face with the power of God and the transforming work of Jesus Christ.

As Mylon says on his website, www.mylon.org, that its probably a good thing that only God knows ALL of his sins, it's not necessary that people know every last sin in our life. But we do need to understand and share as people come to know Christ, every sin must be confessed to Him is able to forgive and forget, never to be held against us.

It's a message we all need to be reminded of from time to time. It's a message we all need to be ready to share.

On this #communitySaturday, pray that as the church engages community, Christ would intervene in conversations and make Himself known and revealed to people in their point of need. May they not feel that they are out for count in this life, nor are they out of reach from the transforming power of salvation. May people not encounter today, what Mylon encountered for a period of time with the church... that he didn't fit in, belong in, or had the appearance to be a part of the body of Christ.

God is not one who discards and discounts He creation. He had a plan for Saul and look at the exploits he accomplished. He had a plan for Mylon and through his obedience, God is diong incredible things through his ministry as well as 30+ years of Christian rock. "If we are willing, He is able, to let the power of His Word renew your mind." - Mylon.

God's plan fulfilled. Using our story to tell His. By His grace. For His glory.

- PNC

Yesterday afternoon, I had a great tune from one of my favorite bands playing in my head. The song is called Love Come Down, from Resurrection Band's, 1985 album, Between Heaven 'N Hell. Founding member, Glenn Kaiser and a couple other "REZ" members currently play as the Glenn Kaiser Band.

Resurrection Band was an incredible rock band for it's almost 30 year run. Based out of Chicago and the Jesus People USA community, their music dealt with some of the hardest-hitting issues facing the world, all of which remain to this day. Abortion, gangs, crime, poverty, injustice, political turmoil, family upheaval and so much more. In the midst of all of it though, through Glenn's now 40+ year run of ministry through music, remains a firm foundation of the message, of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

For the lowest person, in the darkest corner of society, having failed on such a disastrous level that they want nothing to do with society... for the travesty and most tragic of environments in which people have found themselves or have fallen victim, that we wouldn't wish such scenarios upon people we can't stand... Christ came to seek and save, those who are lost. Those who are forgotten. Those who have been neglected, abandoned and abused.

While other religions focus on what you have to do, Christianity focuses on what you have to give up.

"You gotta die to get life an' you'd be better off dead. But when you loose, you win. That's the way it is. That's when the love come down.". - REZ, Love Comes Down

He who seeks to save his life will lose it, but to him who is prepared to leave his life behind to pursue God...

It's a great and noble thing to pursue God; except for all too often we forget God is in passionate pursuit of us. Not the perfect us, but us as we are. Us where we are. The worst possible version of us. His mission... an extended hand of love.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, that people would not be deceived that their lives, the value and worth of their purpose, would somehow diminish by accepting Christ. May the truth of the gospel be revealed, that life in Christ alone lasts for eternity; that everything on earth pales in comparison. Pray for the discernment of the Holy Spirit as they hear the message of Christ; there is but one way to God, one name by which we are saved.

As Christ died to give life, may we be more aware that we too must die to our self, to get life. And we are, better off for it.
By the grace of God, for His glory and the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I was driving through a region yesterday and the wind was in full force.

Had I been on a bicycle traveling with the flow of traffic and the wind behind me, I probably could have kept up with traffic. But alas, I was in a vehicle not designed for windy days and it was a head-on battle for a given stretch of road.

In a 60mph zone with the pedal to the floor and I was still a couple digits short of doing 60. Speedometer not budging. It took everything just to maintain the pace.

Of course, this insight once again came seconds after informing God I had nothing for this daily prayer post. Thanks God.

How often does this happen in real life? Things are going quite well and moving right along. Whatever "it" is, we're making good progress, on schedule, processes and systems are running smoothly and everyone is getting along. Life is good.

Yet, external forces beyond our control are waging war... determined to slow you down and knock you around a bit, if not altogether off course. At a minimum, you'll be frustrated that moving forward now takes more effort than it did just a few miles ago. More likely, you'll arrive more tired and late. Plus whatever else has transpired while you were en route.

Without fail, such battles always seem to last longer than you anticipate, as well. This brings to light other concerns. Fatigue. The wearing down of the will, mind, emotions, body and spirit.

The list of potential problems to which we are now vulnerable because of fatigue... well that could take a while. I know this because the day is catching up with me as I write this. Suffice to say, we've all witnessed first-hand the mistakes, problems and disasters that result from fatigue. Which is exactly what the father of lies, whose sole mission is to "seek, kill & destroy" would love to watch unfold in our lives.

Don't allow it. Trust God. Give Him control.
Pray for strength and grace to keep moving forward, even if it's all you can do to simply maintain speed.

And on that note....

Pray, this #deaconThursday for churches having difficulty "maintaining speed" as they carry out ministry and work to fulfill their calling in the communities they serve. Pray against the forces of darkness that are attempting to distract, detour and derail the plans and purposes that church pastors and leaders have set out to accomplish. Pray the stamina of the Holy Spirit to enter the hearts and minds of those suffering from fatigue. May their be a "second wind"... the power of God quickening them physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually, to combat the storms designed to take them out.  Pray a fresh anointing and a refreshing move of the Spirit that they may be equipped and prepared to continue to press forward... even if with all their effort, they just maintain the course and maintain the pace.

Destined to Win. For the glory of God, we pray.

- PNC

There's a phrase that has been roaming around my head off and on for the past few days, perhaps, even the past few weeks...

Don't despise small beginnings. A reminder that was brought to the forefront Sunday night, regarding the comment about comparing starting positions.

The other... advice offered to the Apostle Timothy... don't let anyone look down on you because you are young.

Youth. Small beginnings. They go hand in hand with each other, because nobody just starting out immediately steps into greatness. Even Jesus, when found in the temple at age 13, was not yet speaking to multitudes of thousands.

It's easy to get caught up in watching numbers. Church attendance. Finances. Investment opportunities. Risk factors and reward potential. The impact your work is having... it can all be tracked. And is. And used accordingly for future plans.

Even for Bring Me 70... my stats page was down for the past few weeks while tech support sorted it out. What a great surprise to see December and January had set record visit numbers. And February is off to an even stronger start. Yet something as simple as not seeing a like or a share on Facebook or Twitter and you wonder if anyone knows you exist!

Thus, I was excited and humbled at the jump-start of people joining Bring Me 70 for the #pray4pastors 70 seconds challenge.

Yet, even as I prayed over this project, I was reminded early yesterday morning of Christ. Sure, he drew the crowds, but for those who were close...

It wasn't 1200 disciples. But 12. And the inner circle of friends? Not 300. But 3.

The multitudes saw the miraculous on a massive scale. However, Scripture is replete with accounts of people who encountered Jesus just as they do today. One-on-one at their point and place of need.

What good is a conversion rate if the conversion doesn't last?
For the interactions Christ had with the person right in front of Him, destinies were changed for eternity.

If that weren't enough; he rebuked those who tried to keep the children from coming to Him.

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, for Pastors struggling as I did, in watching numbers. Whether finances be tight or attendance plateaued, pray their focus remains on people having a genuine encounter with Jesus Christ, whether they be adult or child. Pray this upcoming generation of kids and youth come to a firm foundation of faith; that regardless of what comes of this world and what rises against them, may the trust and rely solely on God. At a time when it's so easy to seek other things, people and sources for solutions, may leaders and followers alike, within the body of Christ, seek the face and kingdom of God first.... and His righteousness. And may all the other "things", whatever they may be and however many they may number, be added as He sees fit.

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

- PNC

Another interesting statement was made Sunday night during our gathering. Essentially, the statement made was "You started with more when you were in the position I'm in now, than what I'm starting with."

Isn't that just like us? I wasn't one the one who made the statement, but don't think for a minute, that I haven't said the same thing myself, Probably fairly recently.

It's easy enough to do, actually.

Comparison catches us off guard, as if all experiences and environments are the same.
And if one of us isn't "keeping pace", then we consider it a handicap... as though we are on the golf range.
I need a margin of error to level the playing field. Yeah... if only real life worked like that.

Pastors experience this problem just as much. Church growth and attendance. Building programs. Ministry effectiveness in the community. The trend of "multiple campuses". Leadership and positions of influence that are recognized outside the 4 walls of where they pastor. And so many more factors, for all pastors....kids, youth, worship, outreach, college.

The truth is, man was formed from the dust of the earth, from the palm of God's hand. He breathed LIFE into His creation. Who we are, what we are capable of and the plans and purposes we were designed to live out were established by God. He is worthy of all that we are able to give, because of who He is. An item or object does not value itself. It is valued by it's Creator. It is valued by the one interested in purchasing it.

We were created by God.
We were bought with a price... the life of God's Son.

We were worth creating. We were worth redeeming. We are worth God's continual pursuit of His creation.

I can't remember who said it, but I love the line, God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

If anyone should have been passed over by God, it was Paul. An expert in denouncing God and destroying His creation. Yet God saw His worth. If those abilities, knowledge, influence, and status could be used to honor and glorify God what would happen for the cause of Jesus Christ? And in the sovereignty of God, a way was made that got Paul's attention. Fortunately for Paul, he responded as we all should. God is worthy. I am not. But God establishes people where He wants and needs them, whereby, regardless of where one is, they have worth.

Sinner, saint. Pastor, parishioner.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, pray for pastors struggling in their worth and the temptation to compare. May their eyes remain focused on who they are in Christ and the ministry to which they have been called in the community in which they have been placed. May they not feel as though they are inferior or playing church with a handicap, but that God would use them were they are planted. Pray against the spirit of discouragement and defeat that would attempt to take them out and take them down from their place of ministry in an attempt to strip them of their calling. May the power of the Holy Spirit lift them up, strengthen their hearts and minds and fortify their focus.

To Him who is Worthy... all glory and honor to God. For the health of the body of the Christ.

- PNC

As Pastor spoke this morning on his latest series regarding spiritual health and exercise, I came to realize an important point that leads to burnout.

When we start neglecting spiritual disciplines, we leave ourselves exposed to spiritual attack. Unprotected and left vulnerable, we might not even realize it has happened, or if we do, it may not even be a conscience decision.

Interestingly enough, he was talking about how much time he spends in the Word, as it was a major point of his sermon. It also was the point we focused on during our Life Group meeting Sunday night.

It turned out to be an incredible night of shared experiences, as we discovered together what problems and potential problems arise when "life happens" and we get more focused on trying to maintain and stay afloat rather than seeking first the things of God and allowing God to take care of the rest.

It also proved to be a great reminder; that the enemy of our sous will find and execute any means necessary to set off a series of attacks that will cause us to react in our flesh instead of resting on the promises of God that are yes and amen to them that believe. He know how to get us frustrated to the point that we go half the day before realize we haven't spent a single minute in prayer. He knows how to get us anxious to the point that we will seek all sorts of outside counsel and advice from experts before we call on the name of the Lord to move on the heart and the mind of one we love.

What fire is being fed? The one that destroys as it wreaks havoc on the landscape of your life? Or the one that brings a level of security, warmth, peace, rest and comfort... for the body, mind and soul?

Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, for pastors struggling to maintain and strengthen their spiritual disciplines. Pray for guarded hearts and minds; that any corrections that need to be made in terms of safeguards would be sorted out in quick and proper manner. May there be a return to the basics; nothing fancy, overly-spiritual or overtly-religious... just a genuine desire to seek first the things of God and a passion to know Him and experience life as He has planned and purposed for us in advance.

May the fire of God never be extinguished in our lives, lest we disgrace and dishonor the work of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit within us all.

- PNC