Yesterday marks day two of our lost remote.

Monday evening, I came across a social media post, that linked to an article on the verse of Scripture discussing provoking your kids to anger.

I've yet to read it, but I couldn't help as I went about my day yesterday, if came to remembrance as I sought direction for today's post. As usually happens, reflecting on the happenings of my day and life often transcends and fast-forwards to ministry... how pastors handle family issues, and in particular, how kids and teens under their ministry are impacted and receive the messages, direct and indirect that they pick up along the way and carry with them until confronted.

Two plus hours going through the kids bedroom last night and still no remote.

I'm fit to be tied. To no avail, it was time to think about getting the girls ready for bed.

Then, an hour and half after bedtime and I was face to face with the matter... my oldest upset and telling me, once again, she was a bad kid.

I'm not sure what took so long, to recognize in this moment, that this was a spiritual battle.

There was no gearing up. The attitude change was immediate, as I stepped up to engage...

Repeatedly telling her she was loved
Repeatedly telling her I refused to believe the lie that she was a bad kid.
Repeatedly telling her that I refused to believe this spirit that was raising an attitude against me that would not listen to the truth.

I stood my ground in reaffirming her as my daughter, whom I love and always have and will.
I stood firm, reaffirming that she is a gift from God; an inheritance from the kingdom of God.
I boldly served notice, that this defiant spirit has no authority, nor place in my home.
And of course, the hard part... acknowledging my role in all of this. Whether I had set an example that was less than Christ-like or that an upset and frustrated attitude was justifiable to display to those around us; regardless... the lie that's she's a bad kid is no more or less of a lie, than my believing that I'm a bad Dad.

But I won't allow her behavior to dictate the truth of who she is in Christ, then I should believe the lie of the enemy to my spirit, that I am less of a man, husband, father and friend than what Christ speaks over my life.

As if I wasn't already tired, stepping into spiritual, warrior Dad mode did me in.
Perhaps that's part of the problem.

The whole trick of the enemy...
...to be frustrated with the temporal so that you are unaware of the flanking invasion.

If I am not immune to such a battle in my life and home, how much more for pastors; and the kids and youth (and parents for that matter) that sit under their ministry.

So... will you join me once again?

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, for the attacks that are being waged on our youth. Pray the enemy would be thwarted; that his lies would be refuted. Pray for boldness to confront defeatist attitudes in our homes and churches. May we not be so frustrated and bothered; angered even by the things and circumstances that don't matter, but righteously stand for what weighs in the balance of eternity. Pray a hedge of protection, of our youth, and our pastors that lead them. May their identity be found in Christ; His purpose and plans made known for their lives and for the events that are designed to destroy their lives would falter. Pray the grace of God would cause them to rise above and live victorious.

Confidently walking in the ways of God
Speaking the truth in love.
Spiritually wise to the attacks of the enemy.
Having done all to stand; standing firm.
For the glory of God.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

My daughters misplaced the remote to their DVD player yesterday... which happens to be the same remote for my DVD player. So, the wife and I ended up falling asleep to You've Got Mail (as it automatically plays, without going to the menu first) Then this morning, as I woke up early and couldn't fall back asleep, I started it again. 

We arrive at the scene for Joe Fox arrives at the café, when he finds out he's about to meet his competition in business, Kathleen Kelly. When he finally decided to step in to the cafe, of course, Kathleen having no idea How knows his competitor is the woman he has been chatting with online, the conversation is tough. And Kathleen, the next morning, discusses the outcome. 

The unexpected.

As Joe Fox states it, when Kathleen later asks, unknowingly where he was, he says that she expected a friend to arrive and met her enemy instead.

Thus, I was reminded once again, the challenge and frustration... the breakdown that exists after the failure of a senior pastor. The environment changes, trust is broken and the conversation is disconcerting. We haven't talked about the roles reversing. Associates are just as prone to struggles and failures, placing senior pastors and church leadership in just as difficult a place.

Relationships in ministry are difficult. Oftentimes they have a greater element of friendship to them than a normal workplace environment. So when difficulty arises and the conversation gets overtly challenging, things can get shaky.

So, pray, this #associatePastorTuesday for relationships among church leaders. May difficulty not derail or destroy the friendships that exist. Pray also, that failures would not hinder the work of the ministry and the impact the church endeavors to make upon their community. Pray a grace and a wisdom over conversations... as differences are worked out and problems solved, may God be glorified and honored in how such delicate matters are handled. May their be a strengthening of their resolve; that nothing would stand in their way of fulfilling the calling and purposes that God has placed before them.

May they be found faithful servants,
Stewards of their calling.
Anointed to serve.
God. Others.
For the cause of Jesus Christ

-PNC

Pastor preached an incredible sermon yesterday on failure. While I should have picked up on it earlier, that it would prompt today's post, it was towards the end, that it clicked.

So here it is, when it comes to failing in ministry.

The difference between Judas and Peter was restoration.

Judas betrayed Christ.
Peter denied Christ.

And what made the difference in the aftermath?

Peter's response... which is the same for all of us, when we have dropped it.

Admit it. Confess it. Forget it.

Judas decided to respond to his failure against Christ internal and it destroyed him... literally.
Peter decided to respond to his failure against Christ by submitting it to Christ... externally.

And because of the confession of his mouth and the repentance of his heart, he was restored... not only to right relationship with God, but called to return to ministry.

By properly responding to his failure by turning to Christ, God was able to accomplish the miraculous... a story of triumph for the kingdom of God, rather than a tragic ending.

Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, for pastors struggling with failure. May the respond appropriately to Christ, not holding it in, but handing it over to God, whereby He might accomplish His good work, even in spite of our setbacks. Pray a spirit of humilty, confession and submission; that a spirit of pride would not stand in the way of a healthy and right relationship with God. While the enemy may desire to sift our leaders as wheat, may our prayers rise up for the strengthening of their faith. Pray too, that God would help the body of Christ... that they too, would respond correctly to the failures in church leadership, as well as their own lives... may pride not be our downfall, nor our destruction.

Humbled in our confession
Restored through our repentance
Lifted up, through our lowly state.
For the glory of God
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

So, yesterday was a little difficult to swallow.

I understand. How do you think I felt writing it?

As we've prayed before about the balance of ministry as we work to be both effective and efficient, as well as the balance in discovering where to start when we don't know at times; yesterday's post simply brought both back to the forefront of my mind.

It is entirely possibly for the church and it's congregation to be involved in both ministering at a local and an abroad level... to be both active and supportive.

If you'll permit me, we also have difficulty starting things, rather than sometimes simply stepping out and seeing what works. Granted there is an element of wisdom that needs to be practiced here, but all too often we allow not knowing exactly what all might happen or how and the unknown prevents us from doing anything at all. Is there something to be said about going and believing God will direct as you start taking the first steps in faith?

Perhaps. But one thing is certain. Inactivity and a lack of involvement will not advance the efforts of the kingdom of God. Nor obviously, will it lead to a sense of effectiveness and efficiency.

Pray, God would help all of us, this #effectiveSunday, to ministers of the gospel of Christ, and of grace. May we find our place of ministry, in both a local and global context. Pray God would grant us wisdom as we step and go, divinely directing by His sovereign hand. Pray the church would be a people who effectively fulfill the calling and purpose God has placed before us.

That not one would perish.
That we would stand before God
To hear "well done, good and faithful servant"
For if good news is share-worthy,
How much more, the Good News of Christ?

- PNC

I'm just letting you know up front... this one might hit hard.

I don't recall when, aside from the past 2 weeks, people's faith has been more called into question over the events and reactions that have arisen nationally and globally. As we continue to move deeper into a post-modern mentality and maintain a perspective that places the global impact at the forefront, living a life of faith becoming increasingly confrontational.

While many would argue it's Christianity doing the confronting, I would dare to say it's a society that has moved farther away from the things of God, demanding Christianity move with them. Eventually placed in positions of compromise... eventually placed in positions where they must reconcile their faith with their environment; whether the truth of God's Word influences and directs life more than political and social pressures.

Thus, in a moment of reflection yesterday, I felt God pose this question. So taken aback, I replied...

"Really? That's what I'm to share?"

Faith begins with the decision of an individual; which is why it's asked in Mark (and Matthew and Luke, for that matter), what does it a profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose his own soul?

Conversely (and here's the bat)...

What does one gain to minister globally, yet not minister locally?


.....


(letting that sink in)


.....

(a little more?)


....

And we've seen the social media posts.

"If you don't care about this refugee, remove the pro-life sticker from your SUV"
"Jesus was a refugee"  (referring to their fleeing to Egypt after the decree calling for the murder of kids)

Then, this morning...
(and of course, I can't find it to quote it, but it makes my point...)

"If you can't take care of the homeless children in your country...."

The dichotomy is challenging. Jesus commands us to "go", yet He also teaches on stewardship. That to whom much is given, much is required. If we are not faithful in the little things, how can we be trusted with with true riches? Does not this also apply to how we handle and care for our relationships? 

Good job, reaching out to the one across the street. You walked right over the one who sat at your doorstep.

One who is weak, does not call to another weak to help them... they look to one who is strong. The sick look to one who is healthy. The poor do not go the poor to help break the cycle of poverty.

If our faith in Christ is not strong and if we are not faithful where we are, how can God trust us to be faithful elsewhere?

All that to say, if we are to impact the nations for the cause of Jesus Christ, perhaps we should do so from a place of effectively having impacted our neighborhood with the Gospel of Christ.

God help us, this #communitySaturday, to find the balance in reaching out to our neighbors and the nations. May we see and act on the needs around us, whether they be a literal cup of cold water, or a great endeavor. Pray we would be faithful to be used where we are planted; while also not afraid to "go" when God so directs. Pray a grace over our conversations, as the church works to find a balance between faith and good works. While Christians aren't perfect, pray for a continual seeking of the face of God; that we love Him with all that is within us; and love our neighbors. Whether across the street or across the waters; pray a boldness to step out and be ministers of the Gospel and of grace.

To impact our world-at-home
To impact the world-at-large
May the truth of God's World be revealed
As our light so shines before men.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Perhaps my favorite of Russ Taff's discography, this song kept playing through my head for most of the day yesterday... as I struggled for a clear direction, as to what God had for this post.

I hope you know, I don't write this just for readership... I do, daily, simply, ask that God would grant me insight for the next post... which is why it blows my mind this is, the 614th consecutive post.

As my mind kept playing the lyrics to this song, however, after the ump-teenth time, the words "face to face with who I am" finally resounded.

Being launched for the post on critical thought, I began thinking of the religions, that have either as their basis or at the very least, a fundamental element, that life on earth can be made better, largely through self. Whether in their actions, or attitudes; in their thought life, one way or another; the betterment in one's life is not through a personal God.

So many voices, so many opinions and lines of thought; critical and otherwise... and while Christianity has often been described as self-serving, betterment of self is not the critical component.

While Christ is the foundation, the critical component is not what a person gains from their faith, but the acknowledgement of one's state from the outset of this faith.

"I am a sinner."

People look to religion, as if they look in the mirror desirous to figure out how they can be and do better.

Yet as believers, the look in the mirror compares our life to Christ.

In that light, as bleak as it may feel, there is no comparison. There is nothing to which one can state, if we correct this and that, we may not be perfect; but we will be that much closer to attaining what the religion says it possible to achieve.  

The hard-hitting truth of Christianity is that the hope for humanity is not that humanity has the answers, but rather, Christ IS the answer. To recognize Christ as the answer, we must first acknowledge wherein lies the problem.

You and I. We.
Sinners. In need of a Savior.

The truth isn't popular. As comedian, Brad Stine states... "the truth offends. That's it's job. It's how you know you don't have it."

Conversely however, comedian Jeff Allen, once expressed his gratitude, where in an honest moment, declared that "Christianity was the only religion that would have him," 

How profound. And what is so incredible about this relationship? It depends not us, but on Christ... who has already done what was necessary in order that the acknowledge of our state is all that is required of us to be reconciled to God.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, that as they share these truths, missionaries would be able to continue the work of communicating and sharing the good news of the Gospel of Christ. Pray that hearts would be ready to receive and minds open to the truth of God's Word. May the voices be quited and the opinions and doubts cast aside; that the still small voice of the Holy Spirit bring clarity to the soul. Pray the convicting power of God reveal the lowly state of humanity; not to depress us, but that hope would arise, that God, at the beginning of time, provided a way for man to be redeemed from his fallen position.

May people come face to face with themselves,
Realizing that faith relies not on us, but on God.
Not on what we do, but upon what we confess.
That one day, all will confess,
Jesus Is Lord.

​- PNC

A post-modern society increasingly moving away from absolute truth, seeks to know what is going in the world, without biased commentary and perspective... with hearts set on separating fact from opinion and of late, separating the fakers from the fact-checkers (who've themselves, been exposed to be less than forthcoming as truth-tellers).

The daily irony is endless. The navigation of the conversation can be more confusing than a broken GPS unit stuck in "recalculation" mode.

I've been meaning to post this statement on one of my other blogs, so you'll hear (read: read) it here first.

It truly is tragic, that Gandhi allowed a flawed humanity, even those who declared the Christian faith, to interfere and ultimately stand in the way, of his own personal encounter with God through the person of Jesus Christ.

I thought about this again last night, in light of the words of Paul, the Apostle... "follow me, as I follow Christ."

Thanks, no doubt, to the advent and quick integration of social media, all of us, including leadership throughout all organizations have become more concerned with who is following them, than who they are following. It is symptomatic of the opening lines... a move away from truth, that creates problems defining fact versus opinion and lead to relying more on commentary than the courage of one's convictions.

It is not an easy road that leaders walk these days. The masses of critics are becoming to numerous to track.
Similarly, following leaders is increasingly difficult. The opposing views, the conversations that people navigate; the attempts to understand as well as being understood... all with an increasing expectation that one will set aside their biases, experiences, and even their faith in order to create an objective, factual and compassionate environment.

It's enough to make your head spin and simply wish yourself the ability to walk away and disengage. Sadly, many have. Godly people have stepped out of politics as a result. They have stepped away from the corporate marketplace. Burnout in ministry is on the rise... as is a society increasingly bothered by organized religion and it's views and beliefs. People of all kinds at many levels are stepping back from the church.

Pray, this #deaconThursday for church leadership. May they be strengthened in their daily walk with God; renewed by the Word and encouraged by the Holy Spirit. While the details of their responsibilities within church operations revolve around the engagement of believers, may they keep their eyes set on God. May God grant them the strength to stand by the courage of their convictions and bring revelation to their conversations and decisions processes. While critics will always step forward, and disagreements will unfold, pray the church would operate in a spirit of unity. In times of difficulty and things going awry, may their be a steadfastness about the team, as they remain committed to the plans and purposes God has called them to fulfill.

That the church would lead the way
As the follow God alone.
Let not criticism overcome conviction
Nor lies defeat the truth.
God grant favor to the efforts of those;
Whose hearts remain set on Him.
​For the glory of God.

Isn't the internet amazing?

In the past few days, the concept and terminology of critical thought has come to the forefront of discussion. And of course, a quick search, and sure enough... there is a foundation established for the study and advancement of it. Discussing its' meaning and purpose, its' usefulness and outcomes as it is implemented, what the process actually entails... it's certainly written as an attractive level of human achievement.

Not to dismiss its' value, parts of it almost sound utopian, especially when they begin to discuss critical societies. What happens to the world when the number of critical thinkers reaches a height, whereby society and culture changes? Hopefully combating the humanitarian flaws that ail us... greed and power, self-interest and gratification, the struggles of life might change for the better.

Granted, we are a flawed humanity, but what's interesting as I read all of this, was nothing about the soul.

Nothing.

Critical thought requires an open-mind, taking in philosophical, economical, intellectual, scientific perspective and analysis, not to mention morality... and it has to account for one's own experiences, and prejudices...

But pending more reading, I've yet to see it account for faith. One can express many beliefs, yet not discuss in what or whom they place their faith.

What's sad about all of this, is that we are presenting and suggesting a path towards the betterment of society that once again, suggests it can be accomplished without the help of Almighty God. What's worse, it suggests that man can improve his own life with the help of the Him in whose image we were created.

In discussing the thoughts of critical societies, the foundation quotes Leo Tolstoy:

"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself."

Yet man is finite. Thus, so is his ability to change unless changed from the very core of his being by the one who created him. If an infinite God does not change the sinful nature resident in the heart of all of humanity, then critical thought, no matter how noble will not nearly be enough to change the world in the ways people so desperately desire.

How fitting then, that we pray over this generation of young people and their leaders. On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray that eyes would be opened, not to what can be achieved through critical thought, but through a critical change of heart. May God do the miraculous in this generation, a people that desires a better world. Pray they would see the revelation of Him who created it. Pray for the pastors of kids and teens; may God direct the paths and conversations... divinely positioning them to speak life and truth, full of love and compassion. May change come, not because of one's insight, or the words of men, but by the revelation of God's Word. Pray God would apply Biblical truth to this post-modern society, bringing clarity to a world full of confusion, despite a wealth of information.

Critical change, not from finite humanity
But from a sovereign deity.
That we would not overcome our flaws by thought and achievement,
Choosing instead to submit ourselves humbly to Almighty God.
To be used for His glory, in spite of  and despite for failures.
His plans and purpose fulfilled
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC