If the evil of the world, isn't increasing moment by moment in this world in which we live, then perhaps we are living on different planets.

That said, I've noticed a change. I'm certain that I am not the first to notice, nor do I think that it is a short list of people who have noticed. But the shift has certainly permeated society. We've moved from innocent until proven guilty to guilty until proven innocent. We've gone from granting the benefit of the doubt to a rushing of judgement. From quick to listen and slow to anger to the dismissal of listening and immediate anger. 

The media would have you believe that all is wrong with the world. There is no good, there is no greatness. Some can do no wrong, others can do no right. And in the midst of it, people are worried about what "message" we are sending to our young people.

Well, Scripture tells us plainly, what message we should concern ourselves with!

Whatsoever is pure, lovely, honest, just and true. If anything is praiseworthy, if anything is of good report, if there is any virtue!

But we don't think on these things. We don't encourage these things... at least not at a rate that would curtail the barrage of bad news from today's culture. Everyone is looking for what will fix our country and community, our states and schools, in the marketplace and at the homestead. In all of these environments, where will we ever find a circumstance that fits the life that stand before us. Furthermore, where is the person who exemplifies this? Don't wait for someone else. 

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray that young people and old alike, would be people that would focus on God and the good that He has surrounded use. May they not get caught up in the message of the day by media and peers. Pray they would be people who would seek the face of God and place their trust solely in Him. Pray God would help us a parents and pastors, teachers and coaches, friend, neighbors and mentors to encourage them. Pray for wisdom and direction; that they would live counter-culture to world and in alignment with God's Word.

True, just and honest.
Lovely and pure.
Of virtue and good report.
May we think on such on things.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

For whatever reason, i recently recalled the days of my first "real" job out of college. It was a start-up company. A small, fun company. With sometimes, sporadic payment from clients, which meant that payday sometimes came late. Which got me thinking about yesterday's post regarding when a church closes its' doors.

The boss always makes certain sacrifices. It's a bummer, and quite a frustrating one when the staff and associates suffer as a result. And while my heart breaks for the place and position of the pastor in yesterday's post, I'm also concerned about those who served in ministry with him.

What's next for them? If they are employed elsewhere while pastoring, then perhaps, to some degree, they will be "okay". At least I terms of livelihood. And if they aren't?

And while on the topic of livelihood; there's also mental, spiritual and emotional struggle. As much as I felt life "hung in the balance" whenever payday showed up late, I can't fathom the struggle of church leadership that is affected when a church closes the doors.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, pray for those that are indeed, affected by churches that are severely struggling.... perhaps on the verge of closing or have done so already. May God give them strength in the aftermath and wisdom moving forward. Pray God would meet their needs; not only financially, but emotionally, mentally and physically. Pray for healing and restoration through this process. May God open the next door for those who are wondering and waiting about the rest of us.

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

- PNC

I heard the story of a church this weekend that recently closed their doors. It was a church plant, and through a series of events, the pastor felt, surely through much prayer, that this wasn't the time to "force" making it work.

The pastor who was relaying this news, asked of those in the room, how many understood that how difficult a thing it is to continue when so many events transpire, that circumstances simply wear and whittle you down to nothing. Of course, the room understood. Who wouldn't?

Of course, the pastor told his friend he was welcome to come back to the home church. At this, the tired pastor replied, thanks but no.

And the reason?

I'll always be Pastor (name).

You can hear the pain in the explanation. While he would love to be surrounded by friends and support, they will still and perhaps always identify him with the title and office of pastor.

But right now... it's too much. Hurt and pain. Memory and emotion. Of struggle and frustration and on the surface, failure.

Wisely, he's not going into isolation. He simply wants to step in to a church where nobody knows his name and God can refresh and renew his heart, mind and spirit. And perhaps one day, God will have prepared and readied him for another go at the pulpit.

For now, he will simply be known for who he is, not what he is.

And on this #seniorPastorMonday, how many more are exactly where he is? Too many I fear. Pray God would do a mighty and miraculous work in their entire being. Pray a time of rejuvenation and refreshing. May they not get lost in isolation, but may God transform them as they perhaps live in obscurity. May they know they are loved. Pray the Holy Spirit would guard them from depression and the like; that feelings of failure and disappointment neither detour nor delay them.

May they return stronger than ever.
For what the enemy meant to destroy
God meant to rebuild and live again.
For His glory. And in His timing.

- PNC

1000.

I'm humbled that God has answered my prayer thus far. Furthermore, I'm grateful for your joining me on this matter, of raising awareness of ministry burnout and holding pastors and church leadership before the Lord in prayer.

I remember back in May of 2015 when God started giving me a hard time about this website. It has been online for a few years, but I was not diligent in working on it. And I remember specifically, the Holy Spirit dealing with mind, when the realization hit...

"You have a page titled "Daily Prayers" and you aren't posting to that page, daily?"

Yeah... that seemed problematic to me as well.

So... "Lord, I'm going to need your help. Because if I do this on my own, it will become repetitious in about 7-10 days."

And here we are... 1000 days after the official revamp of www.bringme70.com that went into effect 6/1/15.

I haven't looked at the traffic reports for the website in a very long time, maybe almost a year. I used to look daily. I'd be excited and encouraged one day, and bummed out the next. I'm still curious and one of these days will satisfy that curiosity. But whether one of you joins me in praying for pastors or 70 or 70000, there won't be power in agreement if I stop.

Trust me... It's not like I haven't wanted to. 60 hr weeks and family, plus some kind of life. There are days I don't have time.

But effectiveness is found in faithfulness.

Thanks for joining with me and while I appreciate your prayers that God would help me continue this effort, on this #effectiveSunday let us continue to pray for pastors and church leaders and crew who continue to serve in ministry. For all the days, they would rather give it up, because there is only 1 instead of 100 or 1000, may the continue to be faithful. And in there service to the kingdom of God, may He grant to them incredible effectiveness.

For the cause of Jesus Christ
We rejoice in the work of the Lord
By the gracious and almighty hand of God.

- PNC

It's been a long and full #communitySaturday and I offer my apologies, but life planned a full day and time ran away.

That said, social media brought to the forefront, the reminder given to us in the book of John.

Verse 5 of chapter 1, describes the relationship between light and darkness.3

The light shines, which is its' job, as you well know.
The darkness however, struggles. Not to be changed, challenged, illuminated or impacted.

The darkness can't comprehend. It doesn't understand. 
It's been said that knowledge is power, but in reality, it's applied knowledge that is power. Furthermore, it's applied knowledge that leads to wisdom.

But one has to get there.

And while the people of God may be the light of the world, all too often we try to do more than what God has asked and called us to be.

A shining light.

If we aren't shining, anything else we do and whatever the reasons for doing so, really don't matter much. We may think they do, but ultimately, it's secondary and this, perhaps not the best or most effective thing we can do for the kingdom.

So, on this #communitySaturday, pray that we would indeed be the light of the world. Pray that we would be effective in our efforts to shine. May we not get wrapped up in other agendas or causes hoping our shining will influence or affect some other result. Pray that we would allow the Holy Spirit to do its' job as we live faithfully to that which we've been called. May life not overwhelm, distract and disrupt us to the point that our light flutters or worse, fails, in directing people to the person of Jesus Christ.

For the glory of God
For the advancement of the kingdom of heaven.

- PNC

**editor note: apologies for the map. Can't get rid of it from my phone, as I'm typing this.

As I'm getting ready to write this, I find myself thinking about the times that God "called" people out. Not only to do and accomplish His will, but the whole process of physically transitioning one's self from the place that they have known to the place where they have little to no clue. What a challenge! 

Moving three minutes down the street takes effort.
Moving 30 minutes feels like more work than your day job.
Then there's moving 30 hours! Or three thousand miles.

While hesitant at times about the unknown and unanswered, they stepped out in faith, albeit not always with the greatest sense of confidence. 

But they knew and trusted in God.
And so the cost and logistical struggle of where God was taking them from to where He wanted to place them was one that failed to hinder them.

If fact, the one for whom the cost was too great was because of his perspective

Holding on to his stuff kept him from an incredibly amazing walk with God. You almost can't help but wonder what he might have accomplished for the kingdom of God had he heeded Christ' call. I understand the dilemma. We all have stuff. We like our stuff. And some of it is good stuff! But if it stands in the way of what God desires to do in and through your life... talk about a loss. 

Is there anything that is worth taking such a risk?

Pray this #missionsFriday for missionaries. May the cares and things of this world neither hinder, nor prevent God hand and purpose upon their lives. Pray for the miraculous, as they seek the face of God and step out in the plans and directions that God has ordained for them. Pray they would not be tempted or enticed away from the eternal for the appeal of the temporal. 

May the same be true for us
As we grow and mature in our faith.
Drawing ever closer to the presence of God
For His glory alone.

- PNC

Clarity of vision.
Confidence of faith.

It's becoming increasingly apparent that facts no longer hold the advantage over feelings. Passion overpowers logic. The power to dismiss overshadows the power to understand. If the discourse isn't civil, then what is the point?

The values and principles we once held close and dear have been cast aside.
Mutual respect was a given.
Common courtesy was the norm.
Faith was a foundation.
Understanding was a priority.
Truth was critical.

Such qualities are rare in our daily interactions. Until life shakes us to the quick; to our very core.

Then, when we want life to matter, we can't find the character traits in the lives of those around us that reassured us that life did matter; let alone just our life. Then we look to our leaders and wonder why they don't have a plan that will bring about the desired results.

It's a complicated mess that started when we simply began to veer off course. Correction that is not made quickly when it is easy takes forever when when we realize just how much harder it has gotten, while we blindly thought we'd be okay. Clearly, things are not okay.

On this #deaconThursday, pray for the leadership. Pray for clarity of vision and confidence of faith. May they be people of understanding, not driven by fear and outrage, but with purpose and principle. Pray love would be the undercurrent of the conversation; that understanding would mark the discourse and resolution would bring healing. Pray the power of God would direct the steps in the attempts to get back on course. Pray a return to the things of God and the priority of seeking the face of God.

For the cause of Jesus Christ
His purpose. His priorities.
Our lives for His glory.

- PNC

Protect the kids!

This is the scream of a nation for the past few days.

Conversely, your prayers aren't enough.

There is evil in the world and it's abundant. And it resides in the heart.

So, while we can make every concerted effort to fix, solve and rid ourselves of tragedies and troubles of world, it really is a futile exercise.

Are there fixes, improvements and a "betterment" of circumstances? Absolutely.
Should we not search them out and implement them whenever possible. Yes.

Our live is valuable because of what lies beyond this life. And who. 
Christ died not only that we have life on Earth, but Eternal life.

Conversely then, when we dismiss the possibility and value of eternal life, then we have lost the majority of our value for this life Because if there is neither a reward or a consequence upon my death, then what does it matter what I do with my life?

Who are you to tell me I am ruining it? What prevents me from ruining others?

Purpose. Godly purpose for an eternal cause.

Indeed our kids do need protection. The protection of the hand of God and the salvation of Jesus Christ, for only the Creator of humanity can fix the brokenness of humanity.  Do we not send every earthly product back to the manufacturer for repair? Yet we attempt to fix our heart with the solutions of amateurs, rather than the expert.

On this #youthPastorWednesday pray for the youth of today and the people who lead them. Pray for a spiritual revelation and revival in their hearts. For all the things that society pushes to having an open mind, pray their minds would be open to the power and plans of Almighty God. May the Holy Spirit do a transformation in their lives; not only for the remainder of this life, but for the life to come. Pray for the pastors of our young people, kids through college. May God grant them wisdom as they navigate these incredibly difficult and challenging times. And pray for their protection, for indeed the evil in this world is great.

But greater is He that is in us,
Than he that is in the world.
For the glory of God
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Dave Ramsey in a recent broadcast, did a brief monologue on the power and problem of jealousy and envy. As I reflected on his words, I remembered the Christian movie, Brother White. In the movie, an associate pastor, one of many at a megacurch, is frustrated by the delay in advancement to more influence and prominence in ministry. So to prove that he's not ready, the senior pastor sends him to lead one of their campus, churches that happens to be struggling.

He has his work cut out for him, but it's a quick realization of what's going on behind the scenes and the minds of head leadership.

We all too often, and so easily, look at external circumstances, struggles and successes... not realizing nor understanding what all has been endured and overcome to get to the place that we meet people today.

As we prayed yesterday... everyone has the moments where one more thing puts them over the cliff or at least very close to the edge. And everyone handles it differently. You may recognize that there is a problem or struggle. You may not.

But not knowing or understanding and jumping into a state of jealousy and or envy, is dangerous. Why?

Because the attitude and perspective that you hold in conjunction with those of the people you surround yourself with eventually permeates one's heart and mind in ways that will cause you to lose, fail and succumb, rather than win, succeed and overcome.

So, on this #associatePastorTuesday, pray for those pastors struggling specifically with jealousy and envy. Regardless of who or what it may be directed at, pray for a breakthrough in their hearts and minds. Pray for a freedom in who they are and the call that God has placed on their lives, rather than be consumed with comparing themselves to other pastors and ministries. May their be a healing that transpires, as a counter-revolutionary to whatever events and experiences have brought them to this place. Pray they would be made whole and restored; no longer going through life and ministry broken and bothered.

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

- PNC

Is anyone's schedule not crazy, right now?

And yet, when you least expect it... when you least want it to happen. When you can least afford it... life hands you, one more thing.

Is it God challenging your faith?
Is it the enemy attempting to derail your life?
Is it consequences coming back around from previously made, wrong decisions?

Whatever "one more thing" is, it can wreak havoc. Financially. Emotionally. Mentally. Spiritually. 

It's something else that needs to be dealt with, scheduled, delegated and discussed.

Will it work out in the long run and all will be okay? Yes. Sooner or later.

But for not, it's stressful and frustrating. Which makes it as good a time as any to pray.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for pastors that struggling with additional stress and frustration of one more thing. Pray the peace of God that surpasses all understanding would fill their hearts and minds. Pray that God would give them wisdom and discernment as they navigate these days, times and circumstances. May they be surrounded by those who would support and encourage them; that feelings of loneliness and solitude would neither overwhelm or discourage them. Pray the Holy Spirit would lift the heads and their hearts as they place their trust in God.

Even in the face,
Of one more thing.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I think it's fairly obvious to say that some environments are more conducive to effectiveness than others. There's purpose, there is planning. There is a reality that certain tasks and performances were meant and intended for a specific space.

We don't cook in the bathroom.
We don't perform surgery in the back of the garage.
And AA meetings are not conducted in the bar!

Conversely, the church is about being a place of worship; a place to encounter the presence of God.

Is it the only place where such moments can happen? Absolutely not!

But if it was designed for that purpose, should it not be the place that is most effective in fulfilling that purpose?

Let's pray, this #effectiveSunday, that today would be a great day, of people experiencing the power of Almighty God. May lives be changed for eternity Pray that as people enter, hearts would be healed, strength renewed and minds at peace. Pray that marriages would be restored and families made whole. May God be glorified as faith is challenged and fortified. Pray.the name of the Lord would be lifted high as the people of God arise.

Effective.
For the cause of Jesus Christ
For the advancement of the kingdom of God.

- PNC

There's community of all kinds.

Online. Offline. In-line. And in every one of those scenarios, is someone who will get "out of line". And as we navigate these difficult and challenging daya, I'm reminded of the advice I started giving my kids a couple of years ago. "Don't be a jerk on purpose."

There are many other things we can be those around us. Whether family or friends, co-workers or colleagues, neighbors or strangers, we can make the good and right choice.

As believers in God and followers of Christ, we can choose kindness. Compassion. And most importantly, truth.

It's not always easy. It's not always pleasant. It is almost always necessary. In a work becoming more troubled by the moment, would could be more important than the power of relationship and pointing and encouraging others to Christ?

On this #communitySaturday, pray that we would lead people closer to Christ. May we not be the reason people are pushed away or turned off to God, but drawn and desirous of more. Pray we would be the community that attracts, not because of our goodness, efforts and whatever appeal people may have, but because of the grace of God and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. May the church impact community by being the best example of community.

For the glory of God
To the testament of Jesus Christ
With the help of the Holy Spirit.
A light on the hill, unhidden.

- PNC

I really don't know how much more evidence is needed to convince the world that there are spiritually forces at work in the world in which we live. And how crafty of a scheme is it, for the enemy of our souls to continually push the point that we as a people, culture and society are better off without God and then when people try to understand and gain perspective of the tragedy, travesty and evil that occurs, he convinces us that returning to God is not the answer.

But isn't that what one does when they are lost? You turn around and go back to the place where you weren't lost. It's called retracing your steps!

Yet here we stand, in 2018. Lost. Looking for solutions. And coming up with every possible scenario other than looking back to the place of clarity and understanding; the place of confidence and stability.

The process of repentance is easy. The harsh realization that takes place immediately before hand is incredibly difficult.

But like anything else in life, the hard work is worth the price. Sadly, however, it's a price that many don't want to pay.

So rather than pay the price of repentance, we continue to pay the price of consequence.

What will it take? Truth. Spoken in love. To ears that are ready to listen and receive.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, that hearts would be opened and ready to receive the truth of the spiritual matter. May the truth be spoken in love. Pray for the hurting to be healed and the broken to be restored. May God work the miraculous as people repent and turn from evil. May today be a day of positive change for all eternity. Pray the church would indeed be a light on the hill, for those lost in the darkness.

​For the glory of God
For the cause of Jesus Christ

- PNC

I'm realizing that I am becoming increasingly nervous... perhaps that's too strong a word. Increasingly unsettled.

My level of unsettledness seems to be rising every time leadership is placed under greater scrutiny and criticism. And I'm guilty of what I am about to explain.

Leadership has, is and will always remain a target for extreme criticism and great scrutiny. However, with each passing day, it becomes more and more obvious that there is no shortage of opinions and perspectives.

Everyone is an expert.

And yet, when there is talk of making a change in the leadership, these aren't first in line to sign up. It's like we've arrived at a place where it's better, easier and dare I say, desirable to have a problem to deal with, but never reach a solution. It's clear a solution is needed, but then what problem would we complain and criticize?

For all of societies woes and culture's demise, what we would communicate regarding, if the world worked as it does in our dreams? Sadly, it doesn't even work as God dreams.

And ironically, the blame for such an environment is the same. Ourselves.

We can no longer have an honest-to-God conversation because of the onset of "political correctness" and the heightened sensitivity to be careful "not to offend." Furthermore, nobody wants to hear the name of God, so, how much of an honest conversation can be had, if we don't analyze the full scope of a problem? Does not each of them have a spiritual element?

The attack on leadership is great. And while many, will acknowledge that such should exist and just as many will deny that such an attack actually does exist, it's the antagonistic battle against church leadership that weighs heaviest.

On this #deaconThursday, pray that God would strengthen and encourage today's church leaders. May God help the church to stand strong and support those He has placed in leadership positions. Pray for wisdom, where policies and practices are created, reviewed, revised and implemented, may they accurately address the true problems and sufficiently solve. Pray the church and the people of God would be careful in our criticism; that are words would build, rather than destroy; help rather than hurt. May God build His church as we build His kingdom.

In light of tragedy and loss
In the face of fear and anxiety.
May we see past struggle and difficulty
And persevere towards the promises of God
That are yes and amen to them that believe.
In the transforming power of Christ
By the grace of God.

- PNC

There's something to be said for a consistent set of principles and their successful implementation. In fact, in reality, there's very much that could be said. More than I will say here.

There will always be extenuating circumstances that will allow principles to be applied differently, to varying degrees, to differing timelines, from a better vantage point of reasoning.

But by and large, it is the consistent application of sound principles that lead people and organizations to establish and build from a position of strength and understanding.

One does not simply arrive to such a place, but certain events have a way of making such an impact that one is driven to search and create strategies that will propel them to another level of thinking, living and sharing life.

Life is not for the hap-hazard, nor the faint of heart. And while principle-living leads to a fair amount of "success", consistent principles combined with faith in God is a force to be reckoned with; not for the purpose of success, but the fulfillment of God's plan and purposes for our lives. And our homes. Our business and organizations. Our churches and ministries.

Pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that pastors would live and lead lives and ministries of consistent principles. In faith and finances, relationships and communication, in public and behind the door, pray that failures would not be the defining element, but the lessons learned that have propelled and moved us to greater things. May the impact that is made on the lives of those affected by ministry be great, not because of the strength and influence of the pastor, but because of the grace and purpose of God. Pray that God would be honored as life is lived in ways and means that bring glory not to ourselves, but the work that He has accomplished with each of us.

Living with clarity and purpose.
With strength and resolve.
And faith placed solely in God.
His Word applied faithfully to our lives.

- PNC

... the inevitable.

Once again, I've learned an invaluable lesson. Of course, my first response to your question of "if it's so invaluable, why did you take so long to learn it?"

Well, who knows. Probably something to do with my humanity and stupidity. Which only means that there are other invaluable lessons, which will generate the same conversation again.

While the future can't be predicted, one can and does watch the horizon as well as pays attention to the signs and markers along the way that indicate what environment awaits.

Sometimes it's our experience that provides the indicators.
At other times, it our area of expertise that does the providing.
And certainly, the wisdom and understanding that builds from those two realms coming together creates an interesting perspective.

However, if we aren't careful, we can weight one or the other too heavily to the point that it skews that perspective and we find out that very few people can set us straight. Which is about the time we find ourselves either getting in to trouble or not choosing the best course of action or option available to the decision-making process.

While fear of the unknown problem is often substantial, the knowledge of a workable solution is calming. The transition between the two is one worth making.

Let's pray this #associatePastorTuesday, that pastors would not live in fear of the unknown, nor stress about the inevitable. Pray for a healthy and proper balance of perspective, between their experience and expertise. Pray God would grant them wisdom and discernment beyond both of those realms, and may the Holy Spirit be their guide. May they move and act in faith; unhindered by the past and undaunted by the future. Pray a holy confidence as they move in the calling and purpose of God regarding both life and ministry.

Stepping out in faith.
With wisdom, clarity and purpose.
While not knowing all the answers,
Walking close with Him who does.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

The pastor whose church we sat in yesterday touched on something incredibly profound. It didn't take but just a few seconds to realize it's accurate truth.

Revelation becomes regulation that becomes tradition that becomes religion.

Let that sink in, as you consider the current rolls of church leadership and senior pastors.

There is but one answer for this, as I typed sermon notes on my phone.

#everygenerationneedsrevelation.

The greatness and the tragedy comes in what the pastor receives and even perceives as being revelation; for them, for their church, for their generation.

Greatness, if they truly receive from the Lord and the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Tragedy...should they either get it wrong, or act from a position of self or circumstance.

Regulations have their place. So does tradition. But Christ called out those who allowed religion to stand in the way of relationship. Why? Because at some point between tradition and religion, what matters to humanity takes priority over what matters to God.

What matters most, is what God desires to do in the lives of those He loves and desires to accomplish in their generation as they seek His face.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray that God would indeed bring fresh revelation. May church regulation and tradition hold their proper place, but not taking the place of relationship. Pray for understanding and wisdom as pastors seek and inquire of the Lord. May God grant to them wisdom and discernment as they lead this generation of the body of the Christ. Pray that self and circumstance would neither dominate, nor diminish the gift and imparting that God desires to give today's pastors and church leaders.

Revelation.
Fresh and anew.
Power and anointed.
Relevant and relational.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

As I thought this morning about effectiveness and how, at times there is such much to be done, that it doesn't really matter where you start (since it ALL needs to be done), I remember that unless you are working solo, something must occur first.

Whether in partnership with one person or working with many, whatever the task may be and whatever the timeline to get "it" done, there is power in agreement.

This doesn't dismiss nor ignore the reality of conflict. Not everyone will agree on the purpose or the plan. Nor will there be a lack of conversation, argument and fight along the way. If the history of accomplishment has taught us anything, it's that there is often a long, tenuous and tedious road between the presented problem and the implemented solution.

However, the quicker terms of agreement are reached, the sooner the power that results can be applied to moving towards the desired goal or outcome from one's present circumstance.

On this #effectiveSunday, pray that as the church moves forward in its' endeavors, may their be a spirit of unity and agreement. May the process of discussion and discourse not destroy or dissuade people from pursuing and achieving solutions to the problems and challenges they face. Pray today would be a day of victory and success, for the glory of God and the advancement of the kingdom of Heaven. May ego's, personal agenda's, personality conflicts and the like not stand in the way of what God desires to accomplish through the church and the calling and mission that He has placed upon them regarding the communities they serve.

Power in agreement.
Power in prayer.
Power in unity for a common cause.
The cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

There's not much in secular music that I listen to these days, at least not that which is accompanied by vocals. And for the most, that which I do listen to is the stuff that had a great sound when it was new.

Take for instance, what played this morning courtesy of Pandora... Tears for Fears classic hit, Everybody Want To Rule The World.

I listened to the lyrics in light of community and reflected on both the truth and reality of this song.

Yes, everybody wants to rule. However, not everyone should.

Furthermore, when you consider the people who have most impacted your live for the better, have been people who have lived and led from an understanding and applied attitude of service. Whether for God or country, the greater good of humanity or the betterment of society, at the foundation of it all is a desire to serve that is the result of a heart driven to love.

What better way to live? And how many more days must we endure that will remind us that this is how we should be?

Pray, this #communitySaturday, that the people of God in particular, would be those who would live and lead with a heart of love. May we serve with an attitude and an understanding that there is a purpose and a calling beyond ourselves, our self-worth and our own desires. Pray that we draw close to God as we draw close to those around us. May we step on in faith to make impact in the lives of others, wherever and whenever such opportunities would arise. While we may not rule the world, may we change our world.

One day at time.
One moment at a time.
One life at a time.
One conversation at a time.
For the glory of God
And the advancement of the Kingdom of Heaven.

- PNC

It's so easy to freak out when the storms come. We see them looming on the horizon or hear of their pending visitation and the talk begins. How much we dislike them; our utter disdain for the chaos that they bring; the challenge of navigating our way through their strength and torment.

You thought I was talking about life? Perhaps you missed the weather report!

Yet, navigating life is like traversing inclement weather. You instinctively know what to do.

Take precautions.
Slow down.
Remain alert.
Give high regard of your surroundings.
Be confident of your abilities.
Remember to breathe.

Focusing on the potential for disaster robs you of the energy and perspective you will need should that potential become a real threat. When the distraction of the storm overwhelms your focus that you rely on to get the storm, then you know you are in real trouble.

Yes, it's a powerful life principle.
It's a greater matter of faith.

With each successful endurance of a storm, you worry less about the next.
With each negative outcome of a storm, you fear the worst about the next.

Either God has promised to see you through, or He has lied and left you to fend for yourself.
Know and believe in whom you've placed your trust; for this too shall pass.

Let's pray, this #missionsFriday, for those missionaries struggling to navigate the storms of life. May they keep their focus on Christ and their trust in God. Pray they would remain confident in His Word and hold steadfast to His promises. Pray they would not be distracted by the surroundings and circumstances, but remain faithful and calm to continue in the work to which God has called them. Pray the peace of God that surpasses all understanding would keep them in perfect peace, regardless of what appears to be in the future forecast.

For God is with us always.
Master over the wind and the waves
Control the chaos of our lives
And fill us with your perfect peace.
For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC