I have a confession to make.

I'm not perfect. :-)

I know, right? Stop the press. News at 11.
Should I account for the long pause before you start reading again?

The truth is none of us are. We don't do everything perfectly. We certainly don't say everything perfectly. The things I do often disappoint and when I hear about it, I usually end up having to change. Likewise, I am often frustrated by others, and upon my speaking up about it, I usually end up having to deal with it.

And for all the interactions and split second moments with which we encounter people and perhaps never see them again, first impressions... even if we aren't aware that we are making one.

Case in point... while traveling yesterday, I was given the universal sign language that expresses one's response of frustration... by the passenger, no less! While both perspectives could be discussed and debated, after they zoomed past me, I thought...

"Is that really what you want to be known for?"

You don't know me, I don't know you and the only interaction that is going to stand is a non-verbal response of a lone finger. It's kind of sad to consider, is it not?

So, it poses the question. As we engage community, are we known for our non-verbal language or a spirit of love?

I can tell you, as a writer, who both speaks and types with a touch of sarcasm, the struggle is real. And so is the impact of choosing our emotions over the Spirit by which we say we live.

Thus, pray this #communitySaturday, that the people of God would be known as Christ said we would be... our love. May we not be known for our lack of it, but for the abundance that overflows from our hearts. While the church is perfect, may the people of God have an awareness in our lives; that any moment, no matter how long or short the interaction, can and does make an impact in the lives of others. Pray such moments would reflect Christ first, rather than the flaws of our humanity.

May our first thought be love.
Casting our rights and opinions aside
In honor of Christ at work in us.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Winds have ripped through my home state in the past 24 hours causing major power outages scattered abroad. So severe is the damage, the utility company is reporting this is the worst in their history, with over a million customers left in the dark.

My best friend said this morning, as soon as the first power line fell, the utility began calling for back-up from two or three states over; in hopes that upon their arrival, the storm would be over and they could get a jump on assessing the situation and getting grids brought back online.

Despite people's best efforts to make the most of a frustrating situation, being left in the dark isn't very fun. Sure, the candles and blankets are romantic, depending on if any kids are around, in which case it's just loads of fun, unless they are easily frightened. Staying with family and friends is a joy until someone realizes why you don't live in the same neighborhood in the first place.

We love you, but I'd like my space back. (if anything, I'm more likely to hear this than to say it, but I guess that might depend on who was over, if I were the host). You know how it goes.

As I consider though, the plight of the western world being left dark, I couldn't help but be reminded of the spiritual plight of this world... left in the eternal darkness short of living a life illuminated by the truth of the Gospel of Christ.

For inasmuch as the utility company was scrambling for reinforcements and skilled labor to bring towns and communities back "on-line", so to, the church needs to be scrambling to bring people "in-line" to God through the person of Jesus Christ.

I for one, know I should and could be doing more. Yet, in this technology-driven world (as my phone charges via my laptop, my youngest stands by grandpa playing with her leapfrog tablet and the oldest sits with grandma playing on her kid kindle fire), it's easy... perhaps too much so, to not be concerned about those going without the luxuries of this modern age. How much do we consider their plight should they miss the eternal luxury of heaven by being left in the vast darkness of eternity outside of the presence of the glory of God.

May it not be so. The utility company spent almost the entire day before they started issuing estimated times for power restoration. May we not lose any time in delaying the opportunity to tell people how much longer they are to wait in spiritual darkness.

For as much as we want the lights turned on (and now), all the more, may people desire a spiritual awaking to the light of Christ. For we are His light to the world.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, that it would be a day of spiritual light-switches being flicked on towards God. May many lives be activated as the truth of God's Word illuminates hearts and minds. Pray that the blinders of this life would be cast aside and the desire for the light of Jesus Christ to transform our lives. May we not be distracted by the temporal pleasures and set-backs of this earth, but focused on the joys of heaven, content with the blessings of God that He has bestowed upon humanity.

May the people of God work as tirelessly as the linemen
That hearts would be brought online to the things of God
Long before we worry about whether power grid is functional.
For whatever power this earth produces; it pales in comparison
To the power of God at work in the lives of humanity.
For those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Every church works just a little bit differently. Whether in ministry or operations, each organisation has its own culture and structure. I'm grateful to be a part of a church that is well-balanced. Notice, I didn't say perfect. For as long as imperfect people fill the pews, there will never be a perfect church. 

That said, at our recent business meeting, the term of service for one of our deacon couples has come up... which for our fellowship means taking a term away from the board and allowing others to serve.  In addition, it grants for the board member and spouse to step back and serve in other capacities; which they often already do anyway. Furthermore, though it prevents burnout.  Most ministries within the church are incredible time commitments and the board is no exception. If anything, dare I say that serving on the board is one of the bigger commitments, short of pastor.

Sure, the congregation laughed when pastor joked about bringing two couples on board to fill the vacancy left by one couple leaving, because that's how big of a hole they are leaving behind; but the joke proves my point.

The other amazing benefit of such a code of operation, is that by having an alternating rotation of when one's term expires is that you get the advantage of bringing fresh minds and perspectives to the table of discussion without losing the experience of those still seated. The whole board is getting replaced all at once.

Just one more incredible piece of the puzzle, that is the ministry of the modern day church. Technology is amazing. The buildings are incredible. The opportunity before us is great. But in the end, this is another humbling truth, that the advancement of the Gospel only happens by the activeness of the people of God.

So, shall we pray this #deaconThursady... pray for those stepping away for a period of time; that God would rejuvenate and strengthen their hearts and minds. May this be a time that God would do a new work in their lives and families. For those that are coming into the rotation, may God might use them for the building up of the church and the supporting of the leadership. May a spirit of unity carry them through every conversation and direction. While there will be disagreements and times of difficulty, may they not reach a level of hindrance or destruction to the mission of the church. Pray God accomplish the miraculous as people continue to humbly take positions of support and investment into he kingdom of God through service to the local church.

Ministry moves forward
As people continue to step up.
May many more stand and say
"Here am I... Use me"
For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

-PNC

I found myself pondering again, the words of encouragement I often received in my youth.

Keep your heart sensitive towards the things of God.

My parents and brother were incredible supporters during my formative and teen years, and while they are a handful of things they talked me out of (that were probably for the best even if was disappointing to hear at them time), they never let me forget who I was and whose I was.

My mom's next oldest sister was perhaps the one who most often who spoke the exact words. Her mother-in-law, an incredible woman of faith, who served both in missions and as a Pastor, shared this sentiment of encouragement whenever I saw her. Talk about a woman who had some stories to tell when it came to her relationship with Almighty God and her walk with Jesus Christ.

Sorry... got side-tracked just thinking about her. That said though, maybe Nana makes the point I'm looking to make.

As life progresses and the challenges grow increasingly difficult, if we aren't careful, we can quickly become distracted and desensitized in our spirit. Perhaps not entirely closed off to the things of God, but life encroaches and our time is sapped and tapped; drawn, quarter and calendar-ed off and all-too-quickly, the pace of our walk with God is off.

Satan has always been out to destroy the child. Thus, if at a young age, he can't cause enough chaos to harden hearts towards God, he steps up his game into adulthood. Of course, anything he can do to thwart the advancement of the Gospel, makes pastors of children and youth, a trifecta target.

Yet, just another reminder, that the enemy of our soul does not discriminate... against physical age, spiritual age nor ministry position.

Thus, pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, that God would strengthen their resolve; not only to the ministry, but in their personal journey of faith. For the attacks of the enemy that they encounter personally, may God grant to them wisdom and direction in overcoming the challenges and difficulties they face. Pray for friends and mentors who will stand beside them and stand with them. In ministry, may the Holy Spirit renew their hearts and minds to new depths in the faith. May their understanding of God and His Word bring transformation and revelation to the kids and teens they lead. Pray for conversations to bring clarity, revelation and transformation to the hearts, minds and souls of young people. May foundations of faith be set and established, not only for life on earth, but for the eternal reward.

That what was meant for destruction
Would strengthen one's resolve.
What was meant to harm,
May it be used for good.
To those who love God;
Called according to His purpose.
For the His glory.
And the advancement of the Gospel of Christ.

- PNC

Life can truly be difficult at time, can't it? Sure for obvious reasons, every one would agree. You look at situations and circumstances, and no matter who you are, you would look and say, "Wow."

For the rest of the time though, I think we make life difficult through the simple act of comparison. I'm the worst at this... and have been for as long as I can remember, sadly.

It an increasingly competitive time and the massive advances in technology and lifestyle, it's hard not to look at other people's journeys and wish you were in a different place or that your journey wasn't what it was. Not just in every day life, but also in matters of faith. We can wish we were more spiritually mature, more involved and engaged in the church or ministry... more (insert your spiritual battle here)

We make these comparisons from the pew. Pastors make them from the pulpit.

Followers look to their leaders more than Who is leading the leader.
Leaders can fall trap to focusing more than their following (particularly, the size of it) and forget who they are following.

Mentors are awesome and I'm a firm believer in everyone having someone "farther along" in their journey of life and faith speaking into someone else. But at the end of the day, I keep coming back to the encouragement of Paul.

"Follow me, as I follow Christ."

This is not a blind following. We should be close enough to recognize when the one person we follow is amiss in how they follow Christ. If don't fall prey to the trap of comparison and each, focus on our own relationship with Christ, rather than others and where they (or we) may or may not be in that walk, much of life would simplify itself.

Would you join me, as we pray this #associatePastorTuesday. Pray for wisdom; that pastors would know where, when and with whom they serve in ministry together. May they not fall trap to comparison living, but grow and strengthen their faith as they keep their eyes on God. Pray destruction and disaster would be avoided; that pastors would not get caught up in the following, nor would the followers be led astray. May the people of God resist the temptation to live a comparison life to others and focus on what God is doing in our life as we stand in light of Christ.

For we are not conformed to the image of our neighbor,
But the image of our Savior.
That God would be glorified among us
As we live for Him alone.
For He alone is God.

- PNC

Yesterday after church, the family and I went over to my parents place for dinner. The food, of course, was awesome as always. However, when my oldest started making a little bit of an issue of not wanting to eat/not feeling well; I eventually switched gears, if for not other reason than to avoid getting frustrated with the situation and asked what topic we should discuss.

A few seconds later, after making a joke about discussing religion or politics, Dad spoke up... here's a topic!

And the discussion started.

After a few observations were made and a couple of "those are complex concerns", he then threw in the caveat...

What if this is a situation involving a pastor (and their family).  Now, keep in mind, this isn't a dominate social topic in our current climate, nor is it a blatant morality issue for which they shouldn't be in ministry. It is however, a complex issue and a decision that affects the family unit as a whole. While I wouldn't call it a "lifestyle" decision, it certainly is a decision that affects their life and lifestyle for a period of time... and when it involves church leadership, it's easy to understand how some might have concerns.

(I know you're frustrated about my not being specific about the topic; just practicing discernment)

The big picture though, as I continued to think about our discussion is the difficulty and challenges that ministry faces. Whether personal or public, not everyone will agree with the decisions people make and the lives they lead. I don't understand some of those made by my friends, let alone pastors and they may not agree with the ones that are made concerning my family. And that's fine. At the end of the day, each has to live with their own and the results or consequences that follow.

One of the points that came up, though is the discerning of the Spirit. Sometimes people are spot on and others are so far off that it's incredible.  Christians get it wrong, as do pastors. Yet as church leaders, there's another level to consider... one that sometimes gets missed and that's where the problems begin. The decisions of those in charge, do affect those under authority. Directly or indirectly; immediate or delay... it will happen, eventually.

So... pray, this #seniorPastorMonday. Pray a true, Spirit of discernment for pastors and leaders. While they still may make decisions not everyone will agree with; may the be extra careful to know when they have truly heard from God regarding direction. Pray for strength in their families, as they live and operate as a unit. For those they lead and influence, may God grant them wisdom in their conversations; that as they live and work, their relationships would sharpen and draw people closer to God, rather than words and deeds that would separate and divide. Pray against the attacks of the enemy that would desire to use circumstances to cause riffs and strife, whereby attempting to derail and disrupt the ministry efforts of the church. May their impact in the communities they serve not be hindered; but advance the kingdom as they Gospel goes forth; both from the pulpit and the pew.

As we live for an audience of One.
That God might be glorified in all we say and do.
Not for the applause of man
But in obedience to God.
For the cause of Christ.

- PNC

Resurrection Band wrote a song by this title for their Innocent Blood album and while it's both a great and simple song, sadly for our friends at our Bridgepoint Church, in southeastern Michigan, the song become a reality.

Yesterday afternoon, there was smoke on the holy ground, as multiple fire departments responded to the call... their house was on fire. Taking out the sanctuary, daycare facilities and offices among the damaged, witnesses say the sad moment of truth was when the steeple toppled through the roof.

I can't imagine.

Some parishioners have attended the church for 40 plus years.

Miracle, of miracles, no events where being held on the campus at the time of the blaze and the community has already circled around them in support. Services for the 400 member church are being held at one of the local school facilities.

Which brings us to this #effectiveSunday. It's easy to look at an organization and ministry and think of how much more could be done with more money, more space, more equipment, resources or people. And while God uses those things to advance the kingdom and His people to proclaim, the effectiveness of ministry is in the people and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Though the buildings are nice and the technology is great, it is the people coming together to worship God and hear His Word that allows for a church to be equipped to impact their community.

Thus, on this sad, yet glorious morning, pray this #effectiveSunday that the body of Christ would be quickened and strengthened as we come together to glorify God. Despite great tragedy and loss, may the words of our testimony point a lost world to the person of Christ. Though we don't have the answers may our lives point to truth; that God is sufficient for all that we have need. May today be a celebration in God's provision in the past and the promise of the future; that He has plans and purpose for our lives, of hope and a future and not of harm. Pray for the leadership and congregation of Bridgepoint; may today be a day of new beginnings in what God would desire to accomplish through this loss. May their ministry return and recovery exponentially, as it did for Job.

For it is God who works in all things;
Beyond our understanding.
According to His riches in glory,
For the advancement of the gospel of Christ.

- PNC

My Dad is a Tom Clancy fan... an incredible author, Clancy writes brilliant governmental/military fiction. One of these days, I'll get around to reading the books, but the movies that have been created from them, are also well done. As I was thinking yesterday about this post, I was reminded of a quote from one of the movies, Clear & Present Danger.

The CIA Analyst character Jack Ryan is played by Harrison Ford and in this movie, a close friend of the President is murdered along with his family by the Colombian drug cartel.  Of course, it's political, the course of action the President would really like to take is one that he "can't suggest". So, catching the subliminal message, the National Security Advisor steps past the deputy director of intelligence and meets with the deputy director of operations (Ritter), to put together a field operative and a special ops team to conduct a covert, para-military take-down of the cartel. Meanwhile, Ryan's boss (the deputy dir. of intelligence), is diagnosed with cancer and quickly succumbs. Ryan is promoted to the post, but remains out of the loop on the covert operation.

As the plot thickens (and unfolds) Ryan comes to the revelation of what is going on and how high the mission originates. With his word and career now on the line, he confronts Ritter and ultimately the President. Ritter calls Ryan out; that his problem is that he sees life in black and white. Ryan quips back, that it's not black and white, but right and wrong.

In a profound moment of truth, as the two exit the conversation, Ritter declares...

"The World is gray, Jack!"

So with that set-up, what's the point? As we engage #communitySaturday, life is increasingly complex. The information that's available, people's experience, their casual relationship with the truth and the relative scale of morality that seemingly permeates our culture... people do indeed have a sense of right and wrong; yet somehow society has a problem hearing it from the church.

Is it failures in church leadership?
The double-standard present among Christians?
Perhaps it's the perception that Christians are perfect or that they present themselves as such?
Speaking the truth has been misconstrued all too often as passing judgement.
Have we neglected to speak truth with compassion as Christ did?

Some things have changed since the days of Christ simply ending the conversation with "go and sin no more". However, some things haven't changed since His telling someone that their possessions stood in the way eternity and the young man was offended. And the offense is dominant. Having rights and making them known has become more important than knowing what's right and living it.  I for one, am daily reminded, I have too many faults on display to be asserting my "rights" worthy of someone else' respect. Furthermore, if my life and identity are in Christ, then it's true... I am second; to what God desires from me and what He seeks to accomplish in my life. The same is true for the rest of us. Therein lies the great spiritual battle.

On this #communitySaturday, pray the truth of God would be revealed. Pray the walls of hearts would fall, that have been built against the things of God. May there be moments of revelation; that the light of Christ would illuminate hearts and minds. Pray for clarity in people's understanding of who God is, why Christ came and His plan for our lives on earth and our eternal destiny. May we lay our "rights" at the feet of the Cross, allowing the transforming power of God to work in our lives, rather than allowing a wall of offense to fill the gap the separates us. Pray God would help us as followers of Christ, to speak the truth in love and with compassion. May we not be afraid to speak, but wise as how we live, to not maliciously offend.

While the world may be gray,
Heaven is holy.
May we be people of the Word.
Speaking the truth.
Living for an audience of One.
Placing our rights down
Allowing His righteousness at work in us.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Welcome to consecutive post number 642!

Thinking and waiting on the Lord and what He had in store for this morning, I got to thinking of the growth and expanse (albeit slow) of the presence of this sight and it's impact via social media. In light of #missionsFriday, I think I'm getting a glimpse of the struggle of pastors and missionaries.

It's not a huge glimpse mind you, but as an example. The twitter profile for this sight, which you can follow @bringme70, has struggled to break triple-digit followers. A few get added here and there and every few days or weeks, I notice the numbers drops... by one, maybe 3 or 4. And it's a week or two before a couple new people find us. (keep in mind, this all organic promotion, by me...no paid advertising)

As I watch this happen, I have to wonder... does this happen often? People like things, then unlike. Follow, then un-follow. And just what are they reading, that they are unfollowing? Do they not realize the sight is a daily call to prayer? Is my writing bad? Are they reading something in the perspective, such as you are now, that is challenging or upsetting and rather than letting God work it on in their lives, they are choosing instead to excuse themselves?

I couldn't help remember again Brad Stine... "the truth offends... but it's our job as Christians to not be maliciously offensive".

Which I hope you understand, nor do I believe I have been malicious in any of these posts.

Yet, responses can't be controlled. So, how must pastors feel? If people are sparse in their church attendance... if they come and go based on whether the like what they hear; missionaries struggle see salvations for the same reason, as they minister to those who've not yet heard the gospel.

Lives hang in the balance of eternity!! Yet the right to be offended takes precedence of the opportunity of the truth of God to work the miraculous in our hearts and lives. I understand. Many of these have hit and challenged me; even as I've typed them out. But the show must go on.

So, will you join me, this #missionsFriday. Pray the truth would be revealed, regarding the love of God and the act of love through Christ's sacrifice. May the bait of offense not dominate people's response, but that hearts and minds would be prepared to receive the Word of God. Though uncomfortable to hear and receive at times, may the promise of God and His plans and purposes outweigh our current state. May the condition of the human heart be realized and prove all the more, our need for a Savior, whereby we are brought into right relationship with Almighty God.

That we seek the face of God.
As we follow none by Christ.
Made new in Him.
Changed by the washing of His Word.
We are not left to ourselves,
Nor unchanged by His presence.
Thanks be unto God.

- PNC

Thanks to the YouVersion Bible app, I could not get yesterday's verse of the day, out of my mind. In case you missed it, it's Psalms 27:14

Wait on the Lord; be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord.

Of course, I'm also reminded when I see the phrase, "wait on the Lord" that this isn't a sitting on the couch waiting for your ride or someone to finish getting ready to leave. Nor is it standing in line, hoping everyone in front will take care of their business.

It's an active waiting, capped with the exclamation of courage... for literally, what good is courage without activity. Yet, in the absence of understanding and clarity, courage says, let us continue in what we know to do is right and in what needs to be done... even if we are alone in doing so; even in the face of difficulty and commentary.

That said, the timing of God is perfect and sovereign... and rarely in alignment with our ideals. Often it feels as though He is behind to our thoughts and preferences, but just as often, God moves quick. The hindsight of  both, though, is amazing. We stand in awe of what God accomplishes when He says go; we stand in awe of His wisdom and how things work out for the better, that things didn't happening according to our timeline, but His.

As I thought about deacons and church operations, these people stand as the face of the church to community. Staff and administrators are often the first to hear of problems, both within the church and the community; hearing the burdens of parishioners and the difficulties of those outside the four wheels, seeking help and direction. In such circumstances, the tension of this "waiting" can be difficult. They must continue in the work set before them, yet continue to trust in God's timing and share such understanding and perspective to those they engage.

Pray, this #deaconThursday, that as deacons and church administrators and staff wait on the Lord, indeed, may their hearts be strengthened. Pray God would grant to them wisdom and discernment, in the conversations they find themselves in... that they would declare the goodness of God, bringing hope and encourage and truth to people's lives. May God use these positions to increase the impact of the church in the communities they serve. For the situations and challenges they face in their own lives, pray God would lift them up. May the not grow weary in well-doing, but God would quicken and empower them anew and afresh. Pray they would stay the course in good faith; the plans of the enemy to detract and derail would be thwarted.

As we wait,
May we press on.
In the work we've been called,
Strengthened in heart.
Rising above as eagles.
To be used for the glory of God
And the advancement of the gospel of Christ.

- PNC

Well, the sickness bug has been making it's rounds at our place. And beyond the common cold once or twice a season, we really don't battle major sickness. But for the past few weeks, we haven't been able to kick this garbage. Of course, as it usually is, I'm the last one to get hit which started yesterday morning.

So, in hopes of going to bed early, since my day starts 7 hrs from now, I'm writing this post the night before... which I haven't done in quite a while. Oddly enough, the rainstorm is passing through, and I felt prompted this morning that this post would discuss the storms of life. Ironic?

Indeed, when it rains, it often pours; both figuratively and literally.

The stresses of life and the occasional sickness that wears us down; they often coincide. None of us are immune. It rains on the just and the unjust, the righteous and the wicked. An unpopular concept in this politically correct mindset, but the truth remains. Good things happen to people, who on the surface may not deserve it; just as much as horrific things happen to people who deserve "better."

In the midst of all of it, life continues. Bills. Repairs. Scheduling conflicts. Work worries. Tiredness. Exhaustion. Short-fused attitudes. Don't get me wrong; life is full of joy and happiness, laughter and contentment, peace and rest. But the realities of the toll life can take on our physical bodies, our mental state and our spiritual perspective can not be ignored. We find ourselves asking when the weather will change.

That said, the rain is refreshing. Life-giving. The struggles remind us, that we are alive. And it may not take much more than checking your bank account at the end of the month to remind us that our hope and our trust is not in ourselves or our abilities to endure, but in God... who provides all that we have need of according to His riches and glory.

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday for pastors for whom life is raining. May their faith be encouraged as they continue to seek the face of God first, and His righteousness. Pray the storms of life that weigh them down would not discourage them, though such times may occur. May they be reminded that such storms give opportunity to testify of the goodness and greatness of God. For pastors of youth and kids; may their stories inspire hope and faith. Pray that their lives and testimonies would prompt young people into a relationship with God, through Jesus Christ and strengthen the faith of young people that they may live a life of great faith; of perseverance and trust. May God Almighty accomplish the miraculous, by His sovereign hand... that it times of doubt, uncertainty and many questions, the church would stand firm, confident in Christ as the Answer; the Author and Finisher of our Faith.

For indeed the rain will come.
May we be certain to build our faith
On the Rock of our Salvation.
For the glory of God.
Peace. In the midst of the storm.

- PNC