Once again, I'm quickly reminded (thanks to our beloved culture) that life is 10% how you act/speak and 90% how you react. And life will be changed by 90% of the reactions, both yours and others, rather than the 10%.

Yet, I can't help but wonder... what would happen if we were as intentional with the 10% as we are swift with the 90%?

I don't think we are. I know, sadly, I'm not. We want people to be honest, but not brutality. And yet sometimes, that's what works best. Isn't funny... it's love that is patient, kind and everything else. Not truth. And yet feelings and emotions dominate our days, rather than reason and understanding. As a result, the conversation whether in person or online, is sure to be difficult and challenging when the response does the driving and directing.

What's the point? Wisdom. Discernment. Understanding. Intention. Clarity. Purpose.

If people are having issues with the everyday occurrences and circumstances of life in general, how much more will they have trouble with matters of faith and spiritual matters? Of course, if we were more in tune with Scripture and the work of God and His Word in our lives as intended from the beginning of time, then perhaps some of this wouldn't be nearly as difficult. As least not within the four walls of the church. But as it sits, the battle is both within Christiandom and society-at-large.

Thus, on this #deaconThursday, that God would help the church with the intentionality of the 10% of what the church does and says. Pray for wisdom and understanding; purpose and clarity in the decisions they make as well as in the courses that they chart. Continue to pray for a spirit of unity as they move forward in ministry and the impact they make on the community. May God help them in the battles and challenges they face in speaking into lives and working with them to bring them into a greater depth of relationship with God. May the Holy Spirit be free to do His work; unhindered by humanity's hesitation and resistance.

For as God moves
So do, does He move our faith
Hopefully ever closer to where He is
Rather than pushed out and away from His presence.
Let us life carefully, both in our statement and our response.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Over the past few days, I've been reflecting on the final week of May, 2015. I was putting the final touches on the revamp of this website, ramping up to the prospect of sticking to a commitment which I felt convicted regarding... to have a page titled Daily Prayers, and not be writing a daily prayer. Friday marks the beginning of year four.

But the prospect... seriously? Every day? A little daunting. A little overwhelming. Quite challenging. Yet, I've noticed God has been faithful to help me as I've been faithful to take the time to open the laptop. Or phone or tablet, in times of great technical frustration.

We all start with baby steps. Learning. Proficiency. Pace-setting. And knowing when and for how long the hustle moment is supposed to last.

Commitment is not for the faint of heart. Even when time, circumstance and resources change; the struggle is real. And those are words from the heart. Not that the past three years haven't been.

Time heals wounds, especially for those who want to be healed.
Experience is a great teacher, for those willing to learn from it.
Great accomplishments are the result of things, which after they have been started, have stayed the course.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray for those pastors who are struggling to start.  May God help them dream again and begin anew. Pray for those struggling to stay the course. Whether a specific obstacle or life in general has gotten in the way, may the be encouraged to press on and move forward in the calling God has for them and on the path in which He has placed them. Pray for an unshakable resolve and a renewed sense of commitment to what God is working in both their lives and their ministries. May God accomplish the miraculous in the midst of a new season.

One moment.
One decision.
One purpose.
One life.
One God.
For His glory alone.

- PNC

We all know we have to work hard to achieve our goals. Yet, someone, something, somewhere always stands in the way. One step ahead, one point ahead, one goal reached... and trouble catches up. And so you hustle and work some more to gain a lead. Then, neck and neck again. The leading again.

Does this sound familiar? Long story short, my sister-in-law's favorite hockey team is the Las Vegas' Golden Knights. And if you missed Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals last night, this was the story of all 3 periods of the game. Vegas the whole way, as they ultimately won. But every time they had a lead, the Washington came right back on point.

Throughout the game, she and I exchanged a number of texts. At one point between the excitement and frustration of the goals, she replied that "my Vegas boys don't give up!". And if you've watched them at all this, their inaugural season in the NHL, that attitude they possess happens to be very true.

It's a hard attitude to maintain. You start strong, get discouraged. Press on, get more discouraged.
Keep pressing. More. Go. More.

A pastor friend shared a post on social media; a picture from John Wesley's diary. Morning and evening services, kicked out and asked not to return. For the first three weeks in the month of May. The evening service of that third week, he preached on the street and was kicked off the street. On the fourth week, he preached in a meadow, where he was run off when someone let the bull loose during service!

On the first Sunday in June, he preached at the edge of town and was kicked off the highway. But then that evening, he preached in a pasture... and 10,000 came to hear him.

Is there not power in perseverance? And is God not a rewarder of those who continue press on in pursuit of the calling that He has placed on their lives? About the time you're ready to call it quits, is about the time you need to take one more step. Complete one more play. Take one more shot at the goal.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, pray for those struggle with the energy, stamina and wherewithal to continue to press on and move forward. May God energize their body, unlock their mind and quicken their soul. Pray for a spirit of refreshing, revival and renewal to come over them. Pray that God would them perspective and wisdom regarding the battles and problems that challenge them and wear them down. May there be fresh and creative approach that comes forth, as they trust God and continue to advance in the face of obstacles.

Over-comers.
No matter who or what stands in the way.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

First things first. To those whose families have served in the defense of this great country, our heart felt thanks and gratitude to you and yours, in honor of those who gave their lives for our freedom.

As in government, so to in ministry, are times when the people and the leadership disagree. Even though the pursuit of the end result is understandable and agreeable, the methodology to get there often creates hang-ups for people in terms of joining the mission.

This was the sentiment shared during service yesterday, which by the way, turned out to be quite incredible. Yet as Pastor relayed stories of vision from 20+ years ago, included as a part of the tale, where the moments of people stepping up to inform him, that they were in fact, disengaging. Which, you'll remember, is exactly what we prayed would not happen, as vision gets recast.

I pray that doesn't happen this time around. It's hard to be honest, that it couldn't... for indeed, sadly, it just might. But this is what God does, especially one who moves. He moves people as well. They come for a season. They go for a season. Occasionally, they return... for another season. Or two.

But the conversation that is involved in such circumstances are difficult. Sometimes troubling. Creating the possibility of second-guessing. A test of the will. A check of the confidence. A questioning of purpose. A moment of doubt. A revisit to the plan and to prayer.

This is why we pray for pastors; to be in tune and in step with the will of God... for Scripture is filled with stories when God answers with detailed specifics regarding a matter, and man ignored or modified them.

On that note, I'd be remiss, if while calling you to prayer, I didn't ask that you include the families who have lost loved ones and friends to the service of this nation. May God strengthen and comfort them as they grief and uphold them as this people honor their memory. Pray too for pastors, struggling with those who may not be on board with a change in the vision. May they know how to handle the conversation and may they trust that God will bring about the people and resources necessary during times of change and transition. Pray for their confidence and resolve to what God has called them to remain strong, despite criticism and disagreements. Pray for wisdom as they move forward, even when the picture and path is neither crystal clear nor brightly lit.

In service to our God
In service to our community.
In honor of those who came before
And advancing for those who come behind.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I'm excited for church today. It's always interesting when a church begins something new or charts a different course. Planning, strategy, process and understanding all come in to play. A knowledge of who you are, where you've been and where you want to go; and more importantly, where God would have you to go.

This is vision-casting.

And it's critical.

A church fails without a clear purpose.
A church fails when it loses it's purpose.
A church fails when the people disengage from the purpose
A church fails when leadership improperly presents the purpose.

If we have learned anything as society moves forward through 2018, from the transition that culture has made in recent decades, is that for as much as they church has gained through great vision, they have lost their impact from a lack of great vision. So while it's an exciting time for the church, the current state of our culture tells us that it's an incredibly critical time for the church.

Time moves too fast for us to be inefficient.
People are too valuable for us to be ineffective.

On this #effectiveSunday, pray for the church; that we would not only have a clear purpose and great vision, but that it would be presented in such a way to increase engagement, rather than disengagement. Pray for a spirit of unity within the body of Christ as we take intentional steps forward to what God has called. Pray for the church that are in trouble; suffering from a loss of vision and engagement. Pray that their hearts would be ignited and that their minds would be able to dream again. Pray for wisdom and discernment amidst the pastors and church leadership; that they would be hear and respond to the voice of God directing them in the ways in which they should lead their congregation and best impact their community and the world at-large.

Effective to greater degrees.
Efficient at increased levels.
Grateful for the history.
Honored to be writing the future.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

As I was writing Friday's post on hostile environments, I couldn't help but consider that conflict and tension doesn't exist solely in the obvious places around the globe and for missionaries. We pray for pastors daily, because we know they are not immune.

And we pray for community, because we do know very well, that on a daily basis, we encounter people and personalities that are filled with emotion, tension and differences that work against us and the relationships that we have with those around us.

Whether it be at work.... uh, we'll leave that one alone; or at home... yeah, not their either. Um... in the marketplace, in our neighborhood, even as we gather as a body of believers?

Is there anywhere we can go where there is not the possibility of conflict? No. No, there is not. Not anywhere.

For even as we find our quiet place and time with God, in His Word and in prayer, there is conflict. The conviction of the Holy Spirit is alive and well. The powerful, yet delicate hand of God has yet to find rest.

He is always at work. Always moving. And wherever there is movement, there will be struggle, conflict and wear. So, then maintaining and enduring quality relationships in community begins and ends with the quality of our relationship with God.

God help us, this #communitySaturday. Pray that He would give us grace as we correct and move in the ways and places He would have for us to go in our own lives. Pray for the conflict and problems that needs to be resolved in our relationships, whether with family or with friends, both within the four walls of the church and outside them. May God give us wisdom with the words we use and the time and place and people with which we use them. Pray that He would continue to lead, guide and direct our steps that He may all the more glorified in our lives, homes and communities.

One day at time
One conversation at time
One life at a time.
One decision at a time.
For Christ and His cause.

- PNC

Let's just state the obvious, for the record.

Hostility is stressful.

Even in light of the revelation that we are not of this world; that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against princes and powers of this dark age, the struggle is real. And difficult. And risky.

Every nation and society has it's own battles and struggles. Hostility comes in all forms; whether through political agendas or doctrinal differences or the disconnect between good and evil and gradations that exist whereby we justify actions and attitudes.

And at the face of it... is an actual face.

A surreal reminder that for all the fear and frustration of both past and future encounters is a person. Made in the image of God; created for a divine plan and purpose. It be easy to say that such a true is easy to maintain, but it's not... hence, calling it a surreal reminder.

This makes understanding and trusting for that matter, the sovereign hand of God difficult at times, as we remember that while we are to reflect Christ, we are also in the presence of evil. Last days indeed.

On this #missionsFriday, pray for those missionaries who are in difficult places of hostility and conflict. While sharing the Gospel has it challenges, pray for those whose circumstances are compounded by tragedy of evil, war, and oppression. May God strengthen them anew and afresh. May their be a spiritual connection and attraction to the presence of God through their willingness to go to the dark and desolate places. Pray to the end, that evil would be defeated and that lives would be saved and transformed for the glory of God.

Unwilling that any should perish,
But that all would come to repentance
Through Jesus Christ
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I wish one day, that this would never happen again. But, we are all human. Including our pastors. And sadly another one has fallen... and hard. The hard part is outrageous, but fallen is fallen. And while this is a journey that I wouldn't wish upon any congregation, the difficulty of this particular matter, (which I am only aware of thanks to social media posts from a friend), is that this pastor's moral failure has resulted in legal consequences and worse, destroyed lives and families.

Like I said... in a word; outrageous.

As we near completing the three year mark on this project of prayer, there have been moments of overlap and repetition. I know, I've stated before, my attempts to take great care to keep such instances to a minimum, but I wanted to reiterate my intention. Because while this post could very well be saved for next week, on a day that we pray specifically for pastors, I felt the immediacy of writing this today, as the church leadership and staff are dealing with the finality of this failure and the process that it has entailed.

How do they heal as a church?
How do they heal as a community of believers attempting to impact their community?
How do they recover their standing, as the spotlight has been placed on this horrible situation?
How do they and especially, those directly affected, keep the faith after this ordeal?

I know, some of you are reading this wondering what the specifics are and all of that. And once again, I'm approaching this as it's not my story to tell in detail, especially given I don't have that many. But furthermore, I've tried to be very intentional on this site with regards to practicing discernment. I hope you can appreciate the balancing act I've attempted to walk in breaking down concepts while leaving a certain sense of vagueness in play. Sorry, but that's how things work sometimes.

But I know this. Hearts are broken and minds are befuddled. Emotions are rampant, faith is discouraged and no doubt, trust has been nothing short of shattered not into pieces, but shards. You understand the difference into how they are handled.

In another word... delicately.

Not just anyone can handle them. Not just any method will work in handling them.

So, once again, join me in prayer, on this #deaconThursday. Pray for the leadership of this church as they deal with this incredibly complex and overwhelmingly difficult set of circumstances. May God give them wisdom in the decisions they face in the days to come. Pray for a spirit of grace and compassion as they guide this church through the various stages of processing such a horrendous event. Pray for healing over this congregation. Pray for a move of the Holy Spirit over this church and community; that in the midst of pain and agony, even in the most unthinkable of circumstances, that the testimonies that will result from this test and the ministries that will come forth from this mess, will accomplish more with greater effectiveness for the kingdom of God than if nothing had happened at all. Even if we all agree, we'd rather not have this situation happen at all.

But for the grace of God
Where would any of us be.
Forgiven and redeemed.
And needing it more than once.
God help us all.

- PNC

I heard this phrase earlier today and it immediately resonated. There's so much going, I don't know where to begin.

The conversation was political nature and the man who spoke the phrase was talking about the history of America and what is essentially, the brilliance of the founding fathers and how they set-up government and the importance and thoroughness of the Constitution and so forth.

And yet, we miss so much... both from an educational and understanding perspective, as well as a reverence and awe for what has been established. Switch gears...

And the same is true for Christianity and Scripture. The stories of those who have gone before; the wisdom, perspective and relevance that it gives us today is beyond belief. And Scripture. The Word of God is useful for instruction in righteousness, and profitable for doctrine, reproof and correction. Not lacking anything, it is complete unto itself.

And yet our level of reference and education of such spiritual matters could always exist on a higher plane than our current reality... both for ourselves and instilling such framework into the generation that comes behind us.

Once again... preaching to myself. It requires our life of faith and our understanding of the things of God to have its' proper place and influence in our lives to be in order.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray that God would help to keep and increase a reverence education for the things of God. Pray that pastors would never lose the sense of wonder and awe. Furthermore, pray that the Word would lead them in matters of doctrine and righteous living. May the Holy Spirit bring reproof and correction when needed; and quickly before irreparable damage is done and lives are destroyed. Pray that God would give them wisdom as they lead this next generation; not to fear man or what he may do, but God and what He has done and the destiny that He has ordained that we should walk in it.

Standing in awe of the Lord,
Our Holy God
To whom all praise is do.
For His glory alone.

- PNC

I couldn't help put wonder... just how far over one's head do pastors get. Ministry. Family. Professionally. Financially.

There's a scene in the TV show, The West Wing, where the press secretary is asked regarding a situation, if she (and the administration) if the water was over their head. She replied, no... it's right at our head.

So, what prompted this train of thought? Well, another caller into the Dave Ramsey show.

This one will leave you scratching your head.

The wife calls... roughly 20 grand under water on their car.  Owes $48k, it's worth 18-20k.  Ouch.
But there's good news... they make 150k a year.
Then the rest of the story. 287 grand in consumer debt, not including the mortgage. The husbands truck, a motorcycle and credit cards.

I was kinda bummed to be listening to the show rather than watching it on YouTube, as I imagine the look on Dave's face expressed the internal equivalent of falling out of his chair!

I don't like to think of pastors finding themselves in near impossible situations; holes really, from which they are figuring a way to climb out. But then I consider my own life. Situations that I knew better than to place myself in. Circumstances that I knew were detrimental to my health, whether physically, mentally, financially or spiritually. We've all done it. Even Dave jokes about having done stupid with zeros attached.

Safeguards. Accountability. Common sense. Prayer. Healthy relationships. Proper understanding and perspective. A lack of any or all of the aforementioned leaves the door open for decisions to be made and compromises to occur that set us on a path that does not lead to good outcomes.

And by the time we wake up... yeah, the water is at our head and dangerously close to going over.

This is not a good place to be. Whether in ministry or the marketplace. Single or married. 15 grand, 150 grand or 150 million in annual income. Firm foundations are found at every height. Therefore a loss from that footing spells trouble. Every. Single. Time.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, pray for those are who trouble. Whether the water is still rising or near going over, pray that God would come quickly to their aid and grant them a moment of clarity. For those who have already had that moment, pray that God would give them wisdom to know how to proceed and the strength to begin taking the necessary steps back to safety. Pray for protection over their families and ministries. May God lead them and show the way back to the path that they have stepped off.

For the testimony is great because of the test.
And the power of the ministry is a result of the mess.
For the glory of God alone.

- PNC

So, I got thinking about leadership, and in particular on this whole topic of moving when God moves. I know how much in my life, both in general and in faith, that I get it wrong. Leaders make me stand in amazement.

It's not that they never get it wrong. The Bible is replete with stories of great leadership who royally messed up and missed the move of God. And yet, it continues to bother me how we have moved away from being able to extend grace. There is no grace for those who have fallen; there is however, a rush to judgement and destruction.

Which, do we need to be reminded, is a job responsibility best left to God.

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm hard enough on myself when I mess things up. At times, being a man of faith makes things "worse" because of the conviction of the Holy Spirit. A broken and contrite heart is what God cares about and looks for as a sign for wanting to make a course correction in our lives.

But all too often, we look at the mistakes and failures of our leadership and rather than offer them opportunity to make a course correction, we kick them off the course altogether. That may not be their ultimate fate.. grace will make its' appearance and restoration may be offered. For less extreme matters, eventually life and ministry moves on and continues to advance. Civil discourse over our disagreements has given way to corporate destruction. And by that, I'm not talking about the dissolution of corporations, but the "mob rule" mentality that seems to permeate so much of our culture and society to the point that it occurs within the church, not nearly as often, but certainly more than it should.

So, on this #seniorPastorMonday, pray that senior pastors would indeed, have an increased awareness of the voice of God and the prompting of the Holy Spirit as they lead and move. But more importantly, pray for a covering over their lives and ministries for when they miss the mark. May there be an extension of grace as matters arise and are resolved. Pray that the church culture would not be so quick to rush to judgement and worse, the propensity to bring to ruin leaders who fail or leaders we think deserve to fail.

May we be people of grace
As God has extended grace to His people.
Even to those who fail and with Him we disagree.
For we have all been that person to God.

- PNC

I trust you had an awesome experience this morning during your church service, whether in person or online. We started a new series this morning, on the movement of God. And what a powerful message as well as a time of worship.

Though, as typical my mind was thinking while I was worshiping. While singing the song I Just Wanna Be Where You Are, I recalled the story of the prodigal. While it's a powerful story of God's grace and longing for relationship to be restored with humanity that has gone a far off into the distance, I found myself asking...

What if the son never leaves?

What happens if he doesn't walk away. He stays close to his father, under his leadership, helping to accomplish the goals and dreams of the family. What if he stays and continues to work alongside his brother?

What if, instead of walking away to pursue and live his own life, he steps out and goes into the world to do even greater things than his father had done... for what father doesn't want their child to go above and beyond whatever it is that they have achieved?

It's a very unhealthy relationship that a father wouldn't want his child to accomplish and experience less than he had achieved. God has great and greater things in store for us!

Having said that, it's hard to be effective for the kingdom of God if we are not where God is. As pastor stated this morning... if only we could come to grips with the fact that God is always moving. Thus the work is never done and every time we do not follow in the direction He is going, our ability to be effective and efficient is hindered and both the church as an institution and the people of God as a community fall behind.

On this #effectiveSunday, let's pray for an increased sensitivity to the still, small whisper of God and the gentle prompting of the Holy Spirit. Pray that we not find ourselves in such a state that we miss the voice and prompting to the degree that drastic measures and circumstances are in order to bring us to our senses, such as the prodigal experienced. Pray God would accomplish the miraculous in the lives of those who desire a greater spiritual acuity to the things of God. May the hardness and harshness of the world and the church for that matter, not take a toll on our hearts, minds and spirits that we dismiss God's moving in our lives and on our behalf. May the church be greater today than it was yesterday, because we recognized God's moving and followed accordingly.

To be where He is
Both in this life
And in the life to come.
For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

So I was finally able to make it out to a men's breakfast this morning at our new home church and I was so glad that I was able to go. The conversation was good; breakfast was really good... and the devotional: challenging.

The guy that led the devo is a missionary in a very dangerous part of the world right now... serving in what is known as the 10/40 window. He talked about evangelism, using as a launch point, the story of the Good Samaritan. As a part of the discussion, one of the questions posed, is that why do we sometimes find it difficult to converse with people in like manner as the church leaders passed over the man that was robbed?

Likewise, we know the Samaritan was moved with compassion, but what prompted that compassion? And as we pray for community, it comes back to relationships. Which was a part of the conversation in our devotional.

Church leadership doesn't have the same relationships that the everyday, neighborhood, workplace Christian has. And the Good Samaritan was actually the outcast of society in that day. And we know nothing of who the man was that was robbed and left for dead. His position and status in the world could range from the upper echelon of society to a "nobody".

Is it possible though, that the Samaritan had compassion becomes something within him connected to the hurting man? The relationship didn't exist, but I think somewhere, he understood.

At our table, I shared the story of the man who fell into a hole and a doctor walked by and dropped a prescription. Another walked by and did something else. Then a friend walked by. And jumps in the hole. The guy asks, are you crazy now we're both in here? Friend says, yeah, but I've been here before... and I know the way out.

As we engage community while living in a broken culture, what's not to connect with people, but to share how we too were once lost, but found our way out of the mess of sin into the presence of Christ.

Is not the story of the Good Samaritan also the Good News of the Gospel? Christ has paid the price to heal our wounds.

On this #communitySaturday, pray that God would help to engage and relate with the lost and broken in our world. Whether that be in the nicest neighborhood in town or the run-down side street by the tracks, pray that God would help us in our conversations, to look for opportunities where we might share our story, of grace and compassion having been extended to us. May we not fear how it looks or sounds or whatever might cause us to hesitate; but that we would speak the truth in love about our broken state and eternal redemption. Pray the truth of the Gospel of Christ would advance, in this dark and lost humanity that is desperately searching for answers to the evil that wages war in this world.

One redemption at a time
May many come to the saving grace of the cross
As they come in contact to those who've already received it.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Somebody posted some wise advice regarding the application of certain principles and in the course of the online conversation, comments revolved around removing the spiritual aspect.

I understand the reasoning for this... sometimes things get over-spiritualized, more than they should be or the spiritual aspect dominates so much of the conversation or point of view that it's hard to see the value or validity of the matter on it's own merit.

So, the advice someone posted, was quite a simple analogy and slightly profound, but it highlights the reality that not everyone will agree on everything. All to easily, people get offended over the parts they don't like rather than heeding these words...  "chew the meat and spit out whatever you think are bones."

I replied, that that was a good analogy, except for the bones keep the meat where it belongs!

#spiritualtruthsmatter
 
Ministry isn't easy. And it's not the ministry itself that makes it difficult... it's people! I know. I'm a person. But this is why. It's 2018. We don't like being told what to do. We don't like being told that change is necessary. We certainly don't like the thought of doing things differently from the world; God forbid the world considers anything unlike itself weird.

Who wants to give up their guilty pleasures for a season?
Who wants to live with the consequences of their immoral actions, behaviors and attitudes?
Who wants to respond the voice of God and the conviction of the Holy Spirit?

We are witnessing an ever-increasing time of  "that works for you, but it's not for me" mindset.

God. The most dissed and dismissed Father in the history of humanity. Yet He still stands on the porch of heaven, awaiting for the sight of His prodigal, still a long way off.

On this #missionsFriday, pray God would encourage those in missions, reaching the lost and spreading the Gospel of peace, love and hope; salvation and redemption. Pray God would break the mindset of one "not needing" relationship with Almighty God. Pray for breakthrough, in the attitudes and perception that hinder people from having a true understanding of who God is; what Christ did and why it matters today. Pray for revelation; that spiritual truth would be made known and applied to lives.

That we would live forever changed.
From glory to glory.
For God's glory alone.

- PNC

I got to thinking about the verse in 1 Samuel, about obedience being better than sacrifice. And while obedience can be a difficult path to walk, usually because it seems counter-intuitive, there is honor in true sacrifice. It's amazing the blessing that results when both obedience and true sacrifice come together in unison.

Where is the honor in true sacrifice? Well, the story of Cain & Able come to mind. God favored one over the other. And with good reason, as the their story tells us.

I don't know exactly how this fits.

I think sometimes we think we are making greater sacrifices in life than we truly are. I think it's possible we miss certain blessings because we don't follow in greater obedience to sacrifice the things which we feel we are being led or directed to give up. I wonder at times of all honor is lost in the sacrifice because we are not walking in obedience of any kind, but true defiance.

Is it possible the imbalance of these two dynamics creates incredible stress and frustration in our lives? I'd be surprised if it didn't.
Is it possible the conflict of these two decisions restrict or limit God's ability to move, direct and respond to our prayers and our faith? Quite possible.

I really hate preaching to myself, but here it is...

Make the hard, and honorable sacrifices.
Walk in the difficult places of obedience.
For who knows the nature and greatness of the blessings that await.
But God alone.

Pray this #deaconThursday, for those struggling with these elements of faith. Pray they would walk and live in complete obedience. Pray that their sacrifice would be found honorable before the Lord. May the following the prompting of the Holy Spirit and the instruction of the Lord in the decisions and matters of life that need clarity where there is confusion. Pray God would be bring order to the circumstances that are best described as chaos. Pray the blessings of heaven would be poured out, beyond the limits of the imagination.

For God is great.
And it's Him alone that we serve
Not because of what He gives us,
But because of what He has already done for us.

- PNC

I found myself hearing another conversation on values today. Perhaps it was a similar conversation to one I heard a few weeks ago. But it revolved around kids and today's education system and the battle that exists between the two. And it is a battle.

As great as the political agenda is among us, how much thought and emphasis do we give to the eternal agenda? Not nearly enough... not nearly enough.

Lives hang in the balance... of all ages, of all races, of all ideologies and backgrounds and experiences.

There's the value system that is set by God.
And there's the system set by man.

One is fixed.
One is fluid.

In an age and time when people want to be grounded, have something that is sure and assured, in which they can place their trust and confidence... to rely upon for all times and seasons; and then people walk around in disgust and disbelief with a quay-sera sera attitude.

DeGarmo & Key sang a song titled War With The World. As I consider the values that the believer holds fast to through prayer and understanding of the Word in comparison to the agendas and philosophies being presented by society and the battle couldn't be anymore clear. It has permeated our leadership as a culture. It is influencing our youth. It is creeping into the ministry of the church.

So, on this #youthPastorWednesday, pray for the leadership of today's generation. Pray that they would be men and women strong in the faith, strong in the Word, full of conviction, truth and the Holy Spirit. Pray that they would help to instill Godly values and Biblical principles; that this generation would be a counter-culture to a world that has turned themselves upside down. Pray that they would be a voice of clarity in a society that has filled their hearts and minds with confusion.

Lord we need your help.
Creator of this world,
That you have set us apart from.
For your glory alone.

- PNC

We all have issues. We all have problems.
We are all surrounded by issues. We are all barraged by problems.

And while I'm not certain of just how often it is a conscious choice, there does seem to be a tendency, or at least a temptation, to be superficial.

People ask how we're doing and we respond with fine or good when we are far from fine and life is far from good. Sarcastically, you wouldn't to respond with "wouldn't you like to know". Secretly, we're really wishing we could share what was really going on.

Other times, we honestly don't know. It requires digging deep. Into our emotions. Into our thoughts. Into our hearts. Deep into prayer. Deep into conversation. And if we are getting wise counsel and wisdom, even deeper into prayer after that.

Man, that's a ton of work. Maybe it is easier to just keep it within us. Between us and God. In our heart. In our own prayer. We don't make the connections with people and relationships that we wish we could because of what...

Well, fear. Mostly. Probably.

Like so many other areas of life, relationships begin and end with intentionality. Or a lack thereof.
And if everyday people... those not in formal, leadership roles struggle in dealing with matters that are underneath the surface, how much more for those in leadership; to be willing to bring life to the surface in hopes of a greater, more fulfilled and satisfactory life.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, that no matter what is going on in life or ministry, that leaders would allows themselves to be honest and real. Pray for a grace about their lives, as they deal with their own lives and struggles as well as work to help others that come to them through the ministry. Pray for wisdom as they search their hearts, minds, souls, as well as the face of God through prayer and the Word to find solutions. May there be an emphasis on living life with intention, purpose and clarity, both on a personal level and at a ministry level. Pray they would neither live nor operate from a place of fear, even if that is what sets in as honesty creates a clear picture of the problem at hand.

For how can honest and effective solutions be found,
If problems are not fully exposed
In the grace, safety and love of the spirit of God.
For His glory.

- PNC

Forgive me in advance...

I'm still reflecting on the loss of this pastor from the southern tip of Illinois. The lady who presented the news and prayer request to a social media group, offered the information, that one of their current plans being discussed was offering Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University.

What's crazy about sudden, life-changing events such as these, is that you can't help but wonder, what else was in the works? What other matters was He seeking the face of God regarding? What other dreams and plans was God planting in His heart? What relationships and conversations were in various stages of development?

I don't know about you, but such circumstances would drive me nuts. Probably because I'm always thinking or dreaming of I would like to be able to do or accomplish in the next weeks, months and years. Which I guess should be all the more motivation to live life fulfilling the plans and purposes that God has called us to, as well as that which He has specifically placed in our hearts and not lose a day dragging our feet on the matter.

Easier said than done and once again, yes, I'm preaching to myself. You don't struggle with this, do you?

On this #seniorPastorMonday, let's pray, that God would help Pastors to pursue and fulfill the plans and dreams that God has placed within them. Pray that they would be wise stewards of their time, as well as their resources and relationships. May God give them discernment as to who they should surround themselves to achieve those goals and work the ministry. Pray that regret and frustration would not hold them back or frustrate them; but that they would motivated all the more to seek the face of God and advance the Gospel of Christ.

May they not live life unfinished,
But completed.
Having done well, as a servant of the Most High God.
For His glory and honor alone.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I trust you've had a wonderful Mother's Day.

I was a little thrown off in writing yesterday's post, that between that and the holiday, my direction for today was well... nowhere to be found. So I trust that you've had a great day and made the most of it.

Which leads us to this matter of hindrances.

There's all sorts of reasons for a lack or shortage of effectiveness and efficiency in ministry. Sometimes it's a matter of discipline. Other times it's a matter of resources. Perhaps fear. The list, if not endless, will certainly take more time to write than it will for you to read.

But as I reflected on the timing of this church's tragic loss of their pastor and today's celebration of motherhood, the conflict and tension between effectiveness and ineffectiveness is strong.

Indeed, losses sustained that are beyond our control play a huge role. Especially when that loss is through people parting from this life or simply parting ways. On this mother's day, strained relationships, likewise contribute greatly in the health, accomplishment and success that one enjoys.  Bad decisions and poor choices haunt us all, laced with words we'd rather not have said, sentiments we'd rather have not shared and attitudes and actions that we'd been better off to not display.

We're desirous for people to be true to themselves while asking them to conform anytime and everytime there is an offense, whether real or perceived. Does this not lay the groundwork for greater hypocrisy? A hindrance that is perhaps close to the top of that list we didn't delve into at great length. How can the church and it's ministry be effective if we allow the hindrances in our lives to affect our response to God's working in our lives and the Holy Spirits' drawing us into greater things for the advancement of the kingdom of God?

I'm listening to the Benjamin Gate softly as I write this and the song Hands just played.

On this Mother's Day of an #effectiveSunday, will you make these words your prayer?

Jesus I feel you near me   *  Your hands giving life to my body
Your spirit healing me  *  Holding my heart in sweet security
God I need your grace  *  Let your spirit rescue me
God I need your love  *  Let your grace shine through me
Jesus You fill the space in me  *  Sealing these dreams in shapes of purity  *  Freeing my heart to deep eternity
God I need your grace  * Let your spirit rescue me
God I need your love  * Let your grace shine through me
God I seek your face  *  Let your spirit rescue me
God I need your love  *  Let your grace shine through me

Let it be so; unhindered.
For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I can't believe in just a matter of weeks, this project will begin year number four. We've prayed over many things as they relate to community. Much emphasis and time has been given to the churches' and believers' impact on community. In recent weeks, we've prayed over community in terms of the family unit.

And sadly, I write this in need of prayer over the community of the local church.

Thanks to the influence of social media, some tragic news out of Southern Illinois came across my newsfeed. A 68 year old Baptist pastor was in car accident while en route to meet up with some members of the church. One of the church members responded to my inquiry; and while authorities haven't released details, his vehicle was found in a ditch-creek.

So, while many will be stepping into a church service tomorrow to celebrate the amazing life and influence of Mothers, one small community will be morning the loss of their Senior Pastor. I'm at a loss.

I've been a part of some great churches over the years. And they have been blessed with some incredible pastors, and staff; people of God and of the Word. High quality leaders and people who are dedicated and devoted to powerful and impactful ministry.

I don't know that one is ever prepared. Never emotionally at least. But I'm hoping and praying that systems and processes, plans and people are in place; that while the church grieves, ministry will not come to halt.

On this #communitySaturday, would you keep the people of United Missionary Baptist before the Lord. Pray that God would bring comfort and peace to this community and the community of believers. Pray for his wife and family during this time of mourning. Pray that the days and weeks to come would demonstrate the impact of his life, as many more come and come back to God as a result of his ministry and the relationships that he built and the effort that he put forth. Pray for the leadership of this church, and the decisions that need to be made as the church moves forward in its mission and ministries. May God grant them wisdom and discernment; bring clarity and direction in a time of mourning and grief.  Pray the love of God would be felt as a life is celebrated; not because of his greatness, but the greatness of the God He served with his life.

For we mourn with those who mourn,
And grieve with those who grieve,
But not as those without hope.
For in Christ, is eternal glory.
And that, of God our Father.

- PNC