"The future of the church depends on discerning leadership." - John McArthur

Listening to John expound on the concept of discernment and how churches of late have compromised between the direction of society and culture versus the truth and understanding of God's Word and one thing is clear...

You can not serve two masters.

You can't serve God and money.
You can't serve God and society.

In recent decades, society has made one thing very clear. They don't want God in the public square. In doing so, the floodgates have been opened for pretty much anything and everything to be aired and displayed in said square. Such decisions and activities have led many to ask;

Is nothing sacred? Is there no shame?

The methods of ministry may change, the message, however, should not.

As such, it should be noticeable as well as disconcerting, when the distinction between the word of God and the communication of man is negligible to non-existent. Some churches may thrive and those that attend may find comfort, while others that attend leave unsettled; recognizing that the message of Christ has been compromised. It may be obvious, it may be subtle; but if anything that places emphasis on us as the believer to know the Word (again, I'm standing at the front of the line)

How will the church be effective for God if we are diluting the power of His Word in our communicating the message of Christ and the Cross? Is it possible we've become more concerned about offending man rather than offending God? This is how the church gets distracted, derailed and ultimately, desensitized to the power and moving of the Holy Spirit's leading.

And on that note, let's pray this #effectiveSunday, that indeed, nothing would distract, derail nor desensitize the church and the ministry of the body of Christ from the power and moving of the Holy Spirit. May we be ever aware of the hand of God upon our lives, the calling and directive that He has imparted to us and the leading of His Spirit as we walk in these present times. Pray for wisdom and discernment; that while the church maintains a spirit of unity, may we not rely in our own understanding and agreement while misunderstanding and being misaligned with God. Pray a spirit of distinction, for indeed God's people, though in the world, have been set apart, for His Divine calling and purposes.

May we be about being who He created us to be.
In fellowship with Him
And engaged in impacting our world.
Effective to the end,
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Isn't interesting that people and society for that matter, always seem to express what they think they need when it comes to solving problems and perhaps even preventing them in the first place, yet they pick and choose whose solutions and ideas are acceptable.

We've talked about solutions and the problems that require them in recent weeks and even as it relates to impacting community. And I hope you've have noticed the care that I have attempted to walk in terms of not stepping into politics while calling for prayer.

That said, society seems overtly concerned with fixing real problems with false solutions. Granted, they aren't entirely false. There are elements of truth in them and perhaps elements and conditions that will actually work.

However, if we are not truthful regarding the condition of the problem, then it's impossible to be find a truly effective solution. Furthermore, it hinders the conversation of what can be done in terms of prevention.

Equally hindering the overall conversation is the power of offense. People shut down when they are offended. They walk away. They dismiss the perspective and insight of the other party; rather than working to find solid, common ground and a premise that both sides can work from.

If such an understanding isn't created and established, then we have a never-ending tug-o-war of words. Politically. Spiritually. And any other arena of life, for that matter. Communication is meaningless if it is full of feelings and half-truths, rather than facts and full truth.

And that is the problem. The truth offends. Thus, in a society that places great emphasis on trying not to offend, we increase the odds of our avoiding the truth... both in speaking it and responding accordingly to it.

So... on this #communitySaturday, let's pray the people of God would continue to be people that would speak the truth, and yes, in a spirit of love. May God help us to not remain silent, but to be bold. May the fear of people's being offended not prevent us from showing them God's and speaking His Word. In a world seeking answers to the most pressing issues of our life and times, may our lives reflect the love and character of Christ.

For our faith doesn't absolve us from problems
But focuses our attention to Him who can handle all our cares.
That we cast them at His feet
And worship at His throne of grace.
For we all need to hear the truth
That our sin has offended Him.
May God heal our land as we turn in repentance.

- PNC

Every day seems to be another revelation that our battle is not with flesh and blood, but with powers and principalities of this dark age. The explanation for the dichotomy between good and evil eludes us; if for no other reason than our society's failure to acknowledge the reality of spiritual warfare.

Yet, one doesn't have to look very far to witness and read the hostility that exists against Christianity.

Many deny the reality the perspectives and desires that are being stated against Christians; but around the world, the challenges are great, the struggles are real and the stories are chilling. The news headline that I heard earlier today had me shaking my head in disbelief.

There's really no easy answer, either. For the believer, we know how the story ends. We know who wins. We understand what we will endure. But just because we stand on the promises of God does not mean that the daily struggle to remain standing against the blowing winds of fear cease.

Indeed, the threats of evil are both disheartening and unsettling. And while we can only hope and pray that we would stand the test of faith where we facing such hostile ideals on a daily basis, we can certainly pray and continually present before the throne room of God, the lives of those whose daily reality is the battle against the evil that is prominent and pervasive in their attempts to snuff them out... both figuratively and literally.

For even Christ warned us... the world hated Me. Don't be surprised, that they will hate you too.

Pray this #missionsFriday, for missionaries and church leadership around the globe that are facing pure evil. Pray that God would hold them steadfast in His hand. Pray that God would give them wisdom, daily, in the handling and navigating of circumstances and situations that are truly hostile, complex and down-right unconscionable. May God guard their hearts and minds and may the angels of heaven come quickly to their aid. Pray they would not be detoured, nor faint or weary from the battle. May God help them overcome.

For His plans are good,
His purposes perfectly timed,
And His will sovereign.
Though we don't understand,
We trust... for He is a good God.
And we overcome, by the blood of the Lamb
And the word of our testimony.

- PNC

The sermon that aired yesterday from Grace To You ministries was pretty powerful, as usual. In the message, John McArthur retells the story of a university that was interested in him taking the helm. In discussing the future, the school shared with him how they wanted to integrate and synchronize Scripture with the wisdom of man.

Anyone see what John saw?

Indeed.

John shares his response, that on this matter he was a separatist. There is not nor can there be an integration between the truth of God and the understanding of man. The signs are obvious... at least the words are.

My ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts, declares the Lord.

What authority does the Word of God hold if it is polluted with the words of man? What good is a foundation built on relativity? Is that not the same as building on shifting sand?

Humanity is overrun with opinions which are quickly discounted and dismissed so we all search for truth. Meanwhile, no one of late seems to be able to handle the truth, and so we dilute it. But it's in the dilution that it loses both it's power and it's effectiveness.

As a result, we wonder why the issues and struggles of our life and times remain the same! Do we not notice the broken pattern of our culture and society? We believe in God, but deny His existence. We want answers, but deny any absolutes. We believe we are good, but rate evil on the sliding scale of comparison with our neighbor.

This is the day of decline. McArthur says the day the church fails to be antithetical, is the day it dies.

Our lives are in contrast and contradiction against the purity and sovereignty of God. There will be conflict and disagreement between the carnal and spiritual. This is the working out of our salvation. Man cannot be changed by human effort, understanding or wisdom. It must be transformed and renewed by the Word of God and the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. What need for the church exists in this world, if the church elevates the perspective of man in coordination with the declaration of God? Welcome to spiritual warfare.

Not only can there be "only one", but there is only One!

The gravity of eternity lies in the finality of God's Word. If that were not so because of the influence of our finite understanding, then eternity is compromised and the church is useless.

So... on that heavy note; let's pray this #deaconThurday, that church leadership would stand and remain firmly planted in the Word of God. May they keep the doctrine of Scripture clean and pure. Pray that as church leadership makes decisions regarding ministry, may the keep the perspective that humanity is to be made like Christ, rather than Christ to "fit" in with the culture. Pray the focus of ministry would remain grounded in the finality of eternity. May the decisions of the church be made as a result of prayer and the sovereign direction of God's Hand, rather than the conventional wisdom of people's flawed and finite perspective.

May we hear from Heaven
To know what He has in store.
That we would call on His name alone,
Rather than our own opinion and intuition.
Useful for the Kingdom.
Uncompromised on the Earth.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Isn't it amazing, and humbling, quite frankly; as to the moments, circumstances and situations that God will place you that remind just how much room their remains for growth and maturity in your life, whether it be spiritual or otherwise.

Monday night, the man who spoke to the men's ministry group dug deeper into the conversation of the current sermon series on prayer, by discussing specifically, what it means to be a man of prayer. Yeah.

Nothing like a man who manages a website revolving around praying for those in ministry to be hit with a serious reality check of not praying with nearly as much quality and quantity as I should, while calling you to partner with me in this cause.

Thanks for the one, two punch God...

... the second hit, in case you are wondering, arrived yesterday morning. My work day started 30 minutes later than normal, which created the opportunity to hear the entire half-hour broadcast of one of Charles Stanley's sermons. I don't remember all of it, but I remember this.

Partial disobedience is still disobedient.
Partial obedience is also... disobedient.

Kids really do push the buttons of their parents, don't they? Doing one thing out of the two or three that were asked of them, is still missing the mark. It's still falling short rather than following through to completion. And in the midst, things get done in a manner entirely different from what was directed or commanded.

It drives us nuts when kids are out of line. And yet, we discussed the other day on the subject of being "in alignment" with the plan, will and way of God. How He must be frustrated!

It's one thing for me to write it.
It's another thing, sadly, for me to live it.
It's worse, that I simultaneously call you to the process.

Once again, Scripture is replete with great men of God, who knew God, witnessed the miraculous, took incredible steps of faith and even greater steps of obedience. Yet they too, had moments where their obedience was neither immediate, nor complete. And somewhere along they way, they paid. Dearly. Sometimes, directly. Other times, indirectly.

More often than not, partial obedience costs more than complete obedience. Simply because of the element of disobedience that remains in existence in the decision. A very, wrong decision.

If you'll join me on this #youthPastorWednesday, I'm praying for God's help. As much as pastors and church leaders need it; as much as our kids need it, I recognize I need his help. That we may not only be about the plans and purposes that He has for our lives, but that we would act and step out in obedience. Not partially, but completely. Not hesitantly, but immediately. Pray for a grace for when the mark is missed. Pray a spirit of repentance and contriteness regarding the consequences of our disobedience towards God; in whatever form and how great a degree it may exist. Pray that God would help us to be people of greater prayer and greater faith; that we would be ever closer to Him and that in His presence, we would have a greater ability to hear what He would desire to say to the church, to His people and to us, individually.

Imperfect though we are
Refined by the fire of the Holy Spirit
Rather than consumed by the fire of damnation.
May we walk with God, ever closer.
Closer than ever before.
For His glory and honor alone.

- PNC

Yesterday, I posed the question, of what it takes that one considers the possibility of fulfilling the role and responsibility of pastor. And while we prayed specifically for senior pastors relying on God as they choose their leadership team, my mind continues to track on this subject... if you'll permit a follow-up post.

Not many a pastor has stepped in to an established church or congregation their first time out. Much like most people don't wake up and find themselves CEO or owner of the company.

There is, and should be, a track record of service; in ministry and leadership and responsibility within the body of Christ.

And while there are any number of places to start, I think one of the most crucial, is an attitude of willingness.

All throughout Scripture, when God literally "called" to someone, there was then, just as there is now, two responses. Ignoring the call. Or responding with "here am I"

It's a scary and vulnerable posture to take with God, I confess. It's why I think God doesn't give us the big picture and vision of His plans. If we could fathom the vision and undertaking of it all, we would never get near it. But He extends an invitation to those who are willing.

Is there an ability factor? Yes, but that's often our requirement, more that God's.
Is there a readiness factor? Yes, but again, who's really ready for God to change their life in ways we can't describe?

Whatever you think God would desire to do in our lives, whether it be for the pastorate, any other role of ministry or any eternal impact in your community, it all hinges on our willingness.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, let us obviously, continue to pray for existing pastors as they fulfill their roles and responsibilities. Pray that God would continue to work in and through their lives as they continue to seek His face and rely on Him through the challenges they face. But let us pray also, for those whom God is working out. For those not yet pastors, but God is preparing and calling. Pray for a spirit of willingness on their part, to answer in affirmation and openness. Pray that they would not be overwhelmed, nor succumb to fear over the prospect of what lies ahead, but trust in God that He has good things in store. May there be an obedient response, not only out of response to God's sovereign authority, but to His divine love and perfect will. Indeed, may God change the lives of those whose hearts are set on Him and ready for His plans to go out.

Into the world.
That all may hear and know
The goodness and the grace
Of Almighty God
And the love of Jesus Christ.
By the power of the Holy Spirit.

- PNC

What a day, yesterday was. Church was powerful. The minutes leading up to walking out the door... yeah, let's not go there. The afternoon... for the most part, not that much better. By evening, I think we were just emotionally out.

All that to say, it remains a mystery how God works.

What appeared to be a random meeting late in the afternoon and God orchestra's and displays His arranging of the puzzle pieces known as our life.

A transaction that was to take only a few minutes took closer to 15. Why is that?

In the course of conversation, it turns out he is an associate pastor. Not only did I not see that coming, I had nothing to go on that such information would exist, let alone come up as a topic of brief discussion in the course of a completely unrelated matter.

I left floored in wonder.

In the drive home, which had its' own round of frustration, I got to thinking of just what prompts people to go into ministry and in particular, the pastorate.

Obviously, "the call" if you will, plays a great role. Certainly, ministry leaders and the church-at-large place a great emphasis on the matter. But what makes potential pastors think they can do the job? To fill the pulpit? To lead a community, both of believers and the physical surrounding area in faith, spiritual matters and all around life issues?

Surely, there's a learning curve and an educational process like there is any other formal training. Likewise, there's a series of positions of increasing responsibility like any other field of work. Then again, the early church didn't have such advantages. It was pretty much the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the law and the prophets and the words of Christ. The church existed long before any "school of ministry".

All of this is simply perspective and "food for thought", if you will, but it does bring us to a specific area of prayer.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, let's pray for wisdom and guidance; that senior pastors would know who to choose in adding to their church leadership team. May God give them discernment in the decision process; that the Holy Spirit would reveal to them through prayer and Godly counsel who the person is, that God has set-apart for their church, ministry and community.  Pray again, for a spirit of synergy. May God accomplish the miraculous through the power of agreement. For those that are waiting and perhaps have been waiting for a while to fill open positions, may God give them strength to endure and the patience to see through the process.

For God has great plans in store in the final days.
May He raise up great leaders and even greater partners
To fulfill His calling.
And carry out His plans and purposes.
For the kingdom of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I woke up this morning thinking about prayer. Perhaps because pastor started a new sermon series last week on the subject (which we missed, meaning I'll have to listen to it this week). Or perhaps... I don't know. My train of thought just got derailed and  destroyed.

We know the power of prayer. Perhaps some level of the importance of prayer. We've even been witness to the answering of prayer.

What's amazing about it, though is what is accomplished.

Systems work better when the are in sync and collaboration towards a common purpose.
Processes work more efficiently when tasks are done in order and the various parts are in alignment and in place with where they were intended to be. There is a synergy, to borrow one of my pastor friends' favorite word.

Without prayer, where would you be? Where would I be? The family? Our lives? The church and its' ministries?
On the surface, in our minds, we know the answer.

But, deep down in our heart of hearts with a solid foundation of faith, do we fully comprehend and fulfill our understanding that prayer works as we position ourselves in alignment with heaven. 

How cool is what? What a privilege. What a responsibility. What an honor. What a humbling experience.

On this first #effectiveSunday, I have but one purpose... that as I pray and as the church prays, may we find ourselves aligned with the plans and purposes of Heaven. From His throne, may God hear our prayers, heal our land and move mightily among us.

God, do a great work in us
As we work to great exploits
For the cause of Jesus Christ
And the kingdom of heaven.

- PNC

The family and I went out to breakfast on this #communitySaturday. Not unusual, except this was a "new to us" community.

And the food was really good. Small and it was packed upon our arrival, but we waited. And it got me thinking... in particular about how businesses position themselves as "feeling like home". Having recently moved, this is a phenomenon that I'm sensitive to of late.

What is interesting though, is that we step into the public square wanting to feel as though we are home. And I ask, why not experience community at home?  Who doesn't love to gather with family and friends from the comfort of their own kitchen and couch?
 
The early church did. And today's churches are increasingly building relationships within their church by the congregation meeting in homes as a way to build deeper connections among the people of God. It also gives opportunity to truly invite community to hang out and do life with the community of believers without walking into the doors of the sanctuary.

So, one simple question... is your home a place for community to exist beyond the people you call family? It can be. It should be. It's what I hope our place will be.

Pray this #communitySaturday that the church would greatly impact their community through their involvement in every day life. May open our hearts and our homes, to be the hands and feet of those in need, whether of great and obvious needs or simply building friendship by being friendly. Pray God would grant us favor with our neighbors, to reflect the character of Christ, never knowing what, when and how God might be working in their lives. May God use His church to change the world as they are open to living a real faith in a real God while experiencing real life.

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

- PNC 

I heard a power perspective, that I'd like to relay and check if this doesn't resonate.

Evolution kills the family.

The human race is the only species in which family exists through the existence of relationship.

Relationship, by the way, is the foundation of our connection with God and His Kingdom.

But consider what evolution teaches.

The coming to life as the next phase of animal, rather than an intentional creation.
It denies God and the concept that humanity exists for a purpose.
Without God, their is no basis for morality.
Whatever may become of me in the next life, there is no eternity after this life.
So, with no eternity and no morality, what is to prevent me from fulfilling every whim and notion on any given day?

And is that not what we are witnessing on a daily basis?

No need for God
No need for relationship.
No eternal consequence for our earthly lifestyle.
No fear of tomorrow, nor consideration of today; who might be affected by our decisions.

What authority do you have over me, for you are no better not different than me. Leave me to live my life alone, how I see fit; for I have no purpose, neither was one contemplated as I came into existence.

Is it any wonder then, the world has arrived at such troubled times as these? And yet, this is the mental and spiritual battle that faces the ministry of the Gospel. For while it was once elementary in our culture, it is now, once again revolutionary. 

Pray, this #missionsFriday that God would strengthen missionaries as they battle the front lines of a culture that is far from God. May God give them wisdom, as they encounter every train of thought that has elevated itself against the knowledge of Christ. Pray a spirit of grace and the ability to love; that they would exemplify the character of Christ as they present the truth of God's Word. May the truth stand victorious and the Light scatter the darkness

May God hear our prayers
Answer from heaven
And heal our land.
For the glory of God.
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Here we are. In days where fear drives us farther than our faith. Feelings outweigh facts. Logic and reason are traded for opinions and agendas. And lies are justified when the truth is too difficult, harsh or offensive.

So when the time comes to surround ourselves with trusted advisors and people of influence, how careful must we be in whom we seek out and present as possibilities for the role?

Such were the thoughts that arose when I asked God what He might have for #deaconThursday.

Of course, this perspective comes on the heels of two churches that over the weekend went through the process of selecting new deacons/board members, as openings existed. And, of course, many, many more churches did the same... if not this weekend, then recently or in the near future.

Regardless, the reality remains. In the world of knowledge and understanding, experience and wisdom, God and His Word often come secondary or last to our own ideas, perspectives and minds eye.

I'll be the first to admit... I fall into this all too often. Why? Let me count the ways... and the reasons. But time does not permit. If I, a nobody is distracted to the point of seeking God secondly, how much more, how much harder, how much more often, how greater will the battle be, to distract, derail and frustrate those who are chosen to come along side and aid the conducting of the ministries?

Pray this #deaconThursday, that God would help those who like me, find themselves battling to seek God first. Maybe not often, maybe not over trivial things, but pray they would not break the habit and discipline of looking to God and His Word. May they not rely on their own understanding, especially in church matters and challenges. Pray the lines of communication to heaven would be open to direction as much as communication lines should be open with the team as they work towards solutions.

May the miraculous happen
As we set aside our thoughts and ways
For His whose are higher than ours.
For the glory of God
In humble service.

- PNC