Have you read the latest? Probably not. It's just my personal experience. It seems now there needs to be a debate on civility. As in what it is, who should engage with it and how ones management of it, or lack there of, is dependent on or in response to someone else.

Yes, by all means. Because one more word needed to be redefined (that was sarcasm, by the way)

I truly feel with each passing day, that I know less and less.
And I'm realizing more and more, there is no way we endure the trials and tribulations of this life without God's help.

Called to be in this world, but not of this world.

I've said it before and I'll say it again... the Christian walk is not for the faint of heart. And so many more have endured and currently live beyond my imagination, both in the risk and reward of God's grace and truth.

Which reminds me, while we are all trying to engage in community as the representation of Christ...

Is love really love without truth? Yes, we can get hung up on the truth that we forget to love, but does love exist without it?
How about compassion? Can I show you compassion while speaking a falsehood or enough of the truth to avoid offense?

The conversation will only get harder. The desire to engage will only become more frustrating, while at the same time more necessary. And notice the work of God in people's hearts and minds take time. Some prepare soil. Some plant seeds. Some water the seeds. And some witness the seed become a stalk of truth and believe in God alone. May that be our hope in the face of difficult people and circumstance.

Pray quite simply, on this #communitySaturday, that God would help us to engage and to know how to effectively handle the role each of us play in the process of making an impact whereby someone comes to the saving knowledge of God through Jesus Christ.

For it does not solely depend upon one of us alone,
But all of us desirous to change eternity on Earth
For the glory of God.

- PNC

If I recall, I posted a similar topic a few weeks ago (or months now... I seriously can't keep up), but I was reminded of just how hard it is to come to basic agreements of late. Granted, it was a political volley on social media, but still... I offered the lowest common denominator I could beginning with the words, "can we agree?"

No, was the reply. I can't.

Really? 

When people miss the fact that all of us our flawed failures, we are in trouble. But nearly as much as when we miss this truth about ourselves. Unhealthy pride (that which is not laced with a humble spirit of constant gratitude) is a dangerous gremlin to deal with, especially when it leads to spiritual blindness and spiritual arrogance.

This was Satan's downfall. At look what his first conversation involves. The presentation that He knows more about what's God's Words meant than the person to whom God actually spoke. He called into doubt, God's dynamic reality of command and consequence.

And yet, as we pray for missionaries, this is the communication battle we face.

All have fallen short of the glory of God.
** but others have fallen more than I, so I should be okay.
Unfortunately, that's not how God sees it
** but I don't believe in God, so I really don't care how He sees it.

This is troubling. We allow arguments to enter our spiritual conversation that we would never tolerate in our own homes or other aspects of our lives. Yet we justify so much in order to avoid dealing with the aforementioned dynamic reality of God.

On this #missionsFriday, pray for a spiritual awakening. Pray that God would help His truth to be effectively communicated. Pray for the spiritual blinders to come off and the arrogance to be shaken. Pray that pride by cast aside and that we would return to humbling ourselves before the Lord; worthy of neither His grace nor His glory that has been offered to us freely through the sacrifice of Christ. Pray God's forgiveness for the mess that we have made out of His Creation, as we have continually put other people, things and agendas in higher priority than He.

Fallen and broken
In need of grace and redemption
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Social media isn't all bad. But it is like any other relationship. It is what you contribute to it. That said, for all the accolades that it receives in the name of creating "connections", there are so many levels in which it creates a disconnect.

The power of debate and discussion on opposing sides of a matter or topic are lost. Statements lost in context. Non-verbal communication simply can't be transmitted whatsoever, despite any attempt by the use of many emojis. Sarcasm must be noted with multiple asterisks and even then, people don't pick up on the memo.

It really is an interesting phenomena. As well as entertaining at times. And frustrating quite more frequently.

Communication is an art... and sadly, one that is getting lost online. Despite people's attempts to use ever increasingly lofty terms to describe their argument, like false equivalency. Just spell it out. I think you are wrong and here's why. It seems of late, the only comments that have an element of brevity are those which end in calling the opposing debater choice names or demeaning adjectives. But what do I know? Not much, granted.

But I know this... physical connection is worth pursuing and maintaining. Life moves too fast as it is, without neglecting the actually reaching out to people beyond the screen of the keyboard, whether it be on the laptop or the phone's messenger app. A phone call goes a long way. A knock on the front door goes even farther.

On this #deaconThursday, pray that even as the church makes every attempt to connect with more people, especially through the power of social media, that they would also seek to make every connection possible with those in the surrounding communities that they serve. Pray that the power of the local church would neither be neglected nor dismissed. Pray that relationships would be strengthened as the body of Christ reaches out in physical and tangible ways to help those in need and speak life, hope and truth into troubled minds and broken hearts. While the power of technology is incredible, the power of the Cross of Christ is vital.

May we be about what happens in real time,
With face to face engagement, rather than face to screen.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I always appreciate talking with my brother. He lives out of state and his schedule is crazier than mine, so it's not nearly often enough. But he returned my call late last night and I was reminded once again, just how much I appreciate his insight and advice wrapped up in brotherly love.

Then this morning, I got to thinking about the verse that talks about Jesus staying closer than a brother.

And I realized that there are two responses to that truth.

The first, is a response similar too mine; and that is that it's a pretty incredible thought regarding our walk with Christ as me and my brother are like this! *fingers crossed. When you have a great relationship with your sibling, the closeness a relationship with Christ is easy to grasp, but at times difficult to imagine that it could be even better.

Then there's the opposite response, offered through an entirely different filter. For the person who does not have a close relationship with their sibling, putting a relationship with Christ in such a framework is difficult. And understandably so. There's no context of personal experience.

We see this all the time, in conversations on nearly every issue and topic of the day. You can't possibly understand what that's like if you haven't lived it. And to a degree, that is accurate. Now, granted, not "every" experience needs to be personally lived out, to understand that something is dangerous, horrific or defies logic or belief. We can show compassion, empathy and understanding while speaking truth, even from an entirely different experience.

Having said that though, we've all recognized the bond that develops when the stories and realities of two people or groups come into alignment and they discover that they share common elements throughout the experience(s) of their life... or at least a moment of it.

Children want to know that someone understands their struggles.
Adults want to know that someone has lived their battles.
Likewise, pastors want to know that someone has survived the ministry.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray for pastors that are struggling with their place in life and in faith. May they be reassured, that even if it feels like nobody understands their battle, that Christ does. Pray for the comfort of the Holy Spirit to surround them and strengthen them anew and afresh. Pray also, that God would give them insight as they come alongside, the kids and teens that they minister to; that they would develop a great relationship in which those kids would understand that someone has been through the challenges and difficulties they are facing. May the be the representation of Christ, standing by them, walking with them and speaking truth into them and life over them. Pray God would accomplish the miraculous in drawing the lives of both young people and pastors alike every closer to Himself.

That each of us would grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ
As we do in the relationship of our beloved siblings
Both the ones that exist and the ones we wished existed
For the glory of God.

- PNC

How amazing is it, that the mind can work through a matter and discuss with itself, at great lengths, what the best course of action is? Of course, depending on the circumstance, the mind takes on all sorts of factors and variables and outlines three, five and nine moves ahead. (someone please tell me, I'm not the only one who struggles with this)

This wouldn't be so problematic for the decision making process, except for the fact, that in a matter of moments, you can end up with two very different routes. Ultimately, you may end up at the same result, but the difference in the process is time and energy, cost and risk. It's good if you are decisive, committed and determined to not give a second thought after the fact, constantly wondering if you have chosen poorly... like choosing the Holy Grail without suffering the immediate effects of getting it wrong.

Otherwise, welcome to the second-guess club. (I'm having jackets made!)

Somehow, the idea of Associate Pastor conjures up images of middle-management. You're a decision maker of some note and worth, with your own plethora of people either reporting to you or coming to you, needing input and advice, direction and authorization. There's a handful of things in which you don't have "final say", but there's an overwhelming amount of circumstances in which you are allowed to speak and do so with knowledge and credibility.

Having said that though, it too leaves you in a vulnerable state. What if you do get it wrong. What if you miss an aspect. What if, while the long-term solution was good, you totally fumble the way you should have gone about it. There's plenty of advice that understands and justifies both paths. One might create a big mess now, but at least you know what you're dealing with. The other, may create a bigger mess later and who knows what you'll have on your hands.

This is a frustrating position to be in. Especially when you are the decision-maker, at least to some degree.

So, would you join me again, on this #associatePastorTuesday. Pray that God would help those struggling with the decisions they face. May God give them wisdom, regarding both the short-term outlook and the long-term prospect. Pray they would be surrounded by good advice. Pray that God would help them to make decisions without fear or worry. While there will always be risk and factors beyond their control, pray that it would not be a point that would cause unhealthy anxiety and stress, both within themselves as well as in the relationships of those affected by the decision. Pray that they would walk confidently in Christ; not held down by regret nor held back by mistakes, both of the past and the recent. May God help them move forward, one day at a time, one decision at a time.

For He has not given us a spirit of fear,
But of peace and a sound mind.
For His glory and by His grace.

- PNC

During praise and worship yesterday morning, we're singing Come To The Altar and the phrase "overcome by the weight of your sin" hit me. How often do we truly think about it?

Probably not nearly enough. Does it break our hearts like it breaks God's? Even as we are being sanctified and in the journey to greater reflect the Christ we love and the God we serve? Probably not.

Pastors on the other hand...

I've known many, that while it doesn't hold them back, have a keen sense of awareness of the human condition before God. And not just those whom they minister. They have a continual broken and contrite heart before God knowing that they, themselves, are not perfect and have neither arrived, nor achieved a position or status where there sin isn't ever before them. Yes, it's been forgiven, but they also understand it is only ever, one step behind them as well.

Conversely, just as it can easily become for all of us, so too, can a pastor forget or dismiss the power and damage of sin in relationship to how we connect with God and man. This is a dangerous place to be, because I think it does affect how we interact with others. And more importantly, it changes how we pray and communicate with God as well as how we read His Word.

That should be our wake-up call. But I fear for pastors who no longer are "overcome by the weight of their sin" as they song reads. It creates an opportunity for spiritual awareness to sneak out and away. Perhaps, worse, it opens the door for a contrite and broken to become a little less contrite and broken. And not because God has healed and restored it. But because it creates a sense that perhaps our sin isn't that bad or it's negative impact in our lives isn't so severe. And that is incredibly dangerous ground on which to stand, live and move our being.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray those pastors who perhaps, aren't as "overwhelmed" as they once wear. Pray for those whose heart isn't as broken and contrite as it once was. Whether they are feeling the effect in their ministry or not, pray that God would do a fresh work in their lives. Pray for their relationships as well, both within the church as well as their home and community. May there be a passion for others because the awareness of what God has done in their heart and mind is ever at the forefront of everything they do and set out to accomplish. Pray they hearts would not grow hardened nor the light go dim, nor their love go cold. May God strengthen their faith as they exercise their faith to greater things.

For the advancement of the kingdom of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.
For His glory alone.

- PNC

A very simple train of thought this morning, as I'm getting ready for church, reflecting on the events and conversations of the week. I trust yours went well. by the way.

Effectiveness does not come without a strategy. Whether laid out in great detail or a hunch that a certain approach or message might may be necessary, effectiveness does not happen without an intent, a motive and a follow-through. And I think we often put in more thought and strategy than what is warranted at times. Not that there's not a time and place for a grand plan.

But more often, little is done from a lack of plan altogether.

What is it that you want to do.
Where do you want to go.
What do you hope to be the outcome.

If we understand the long-term game plan; if we remain committed to its' pursuit, if we don't allow the distractions and detractors to have power of us, then the goal will be reached and effectiveness will be achieved.

Where there is hope, there will be a dasher
Where there is a dream, there will be a crusher.
Where there is peace, there will be a conflict.
Where there is gain, there will be loss.
For everything that has an advocate, there will be protest.

But on this #effectiveSunday, may we rejoice that God fights our battles on our behalf, and ultimately, in light of eternity, the end of the Book has been written and we know who wins. Pray for resolve to continue to work the plan God has prepared for us. May we not be detoured or distracted. Pray the attacks of the enemy would fall at the feet of the church. May today be a great victory for the church of Jesus Christ; that the body of Christ would be known by their love and their ability to speak the truth in love to those who would have ears to hear.

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

- PNC

The weekend really is an opportunity to impact community. The week has it's routine. The work schedule. The responsibilities of home and family. Sure, you may make some new connections along the way, but by and large, the week is a pretty set schedule. The same people at work. The same people in your daily routine. Saturday comes and we step out of the grind.

Hopefully there's a freedom, that changes our attitude and our perspective; that gives us hope and enjoyment and that gives us opportunity to step out of our norms and engage in life and conversation of an entirely different nature. While every day is an opportunity to impact our community, it's the moments in which we find ourselves out of our element and routine  that creates something special and memorable.

Sometimes it is memorable because of the lesson learned, other times it is for the shear joy of what has transpired. But the impact is never made if the opportunity is never seized. And God only knows what is missing from our lives and what isn't being done for eternity when we don't step out of our routines... hard as it may be some days.

On this #communitySaturday, pray that we would look for moments to uniquely engage in ways and means different from the rest of the week. May we not be so caught up in our own lives that we miss how God would desire to use us to change someone else's life. Pray that  the stresses and challenges of life would not so occupy our thoughts, time and energy that we disengage to the point that we are ineffective for the cause of Christ.

For we need His help daily
To live as He has called us to live
And do that which He has anointed us to do.
For His glory.

- PNC

I thought I had something to offer on this #missionsFriday, but alas, it escapes me. I just keep thinking how we allow certain circumstances and situations to upset us and outrage us over others. We let one thing slide, yet won't let another go. And if we can look past the emotion of the matter, we just might discover that perhaps we are responding with misappropriation. What upsets us the least should cause the most outrage. And vice versa. What complicates all of this is the filter and understanding that we bring to the conversations that pertain to the matter at hand.

Yet all too often, we forget the bigger conversation. We forget the bigger matter. We forget the people who are engaged in making a difference for eternity that are under much more scrutiny, regulation and oversight across the globe while spending exorbitant amounts of time and resources to change someone's reality.

I'm all for making one's reality better. And I should be even more about changing one's eternity. The struggle is real and life gets in the way. For all of us.

In the meantime, though, there are missionaries around the world who are stepping into worse circumstances than those who are leaving troubled environments. And for them, we pray.

We pray, this #missionsFriday, that God would do the miraculous in the lives and ministries of those on the mission field, especially in dire and troubling environments. Pray that God would guard their lives and families as they reach out to the lost, dying and hurting around the world. Pray that souls would be changed for eternity, regardless of how desperate their realities may be when it comes to daily living.  May the joy of the Lord be their strength and hope, even in spite of hopeless circumstances.

For while we may all of a mission in this life,
May we be about God's mission for the life to come.
For the cause of Jesus Christ
And the advancement of the Gospel.

- PNC

Surely, I can't be the only one who has noticed this phenomenon. We look at today's battles, struggles, frustrations and decisions and spend considerable amounts of time in thought and prayer, in conversation and consideration as to what we should do regarding a matter. Then somewhere along the way, perhaps at some point in the conversation you realize...

... if I had done things differently earlier, perhaps this present situation would be so difficult an ordeal to manage or solve.

We can't live in the past; and by and large, you really can't go back and correct. Certain circumstance you may be able to repair and "make right" and you should, given the opportunity and means. But it's the past that keeps us up, causes a point of frustration and regret and has the potential to bring more confusion to the present day reality rather than bringing insight and clarity as to what we should do differently.

So for what it's worth, while we aren't fortune tellers, neither are we history's correcter. All you have is today's reality, today's resources, today's information and the lessons learned along the way. The ideal solution may not be possible, so while compromise may be point of agony, doing little or nothing about a matter is worse.

On this #deaconThursday, pray for church leadership, that God would guide them in the decisions they face. Pray that regret would frustrate their responsibility. Pray that yesterday's confusion would be useful to bring clarity to the matter at hand. May God grant them wisdom beyond their years and experiences. Pray for their conversations; that communication be honest and real, full of truth and of love; not antagonistic, but productive and fruitful. May fear of the critics and criticism neither hinder nor frustrate leadership from doing what we needs to be done and furthermore, doing what God has called and directed them as He guides their feet and illuminates their path.

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

- PNC

We plan, we strategize, we dream. We talk this and look at that. We prepare on all kinds of levels, pray over all manner of people and circumstances all the while, looking forward to the days ahead... sometimes with greater anticipation than others.

Then life happens. Or Murphy, as it's oft referred to in... albeit in a beloved (read: begrudged) tone of voice.
And you realize a truth that applies to every circumstance, dream and relationship.

You don't have as much time as you think you do.

A problem you know is on the horizon will appear quicker than you anticipate.
A matter which you know can be delayed for a short time will find a way to speed up the clock.
You can no more turn your back on life for a split second anymore than you would your kid and come to find out that half second cost you three and one half years.

You watch life go by, particularly through the lens of ministry and it almost makes you wish it was impossible to blink. But the body needs rest. And the soul need refreshing. And the eyes, time to heal.

For the body needs time to gather its' strength to endure.
And the soul, time to hold fast to hope.
The eyes, time to renew its' perspective.

If anything, life is a lesson in preparedness, for the inevitable as much as the unexpected; for the known horizon as much as the peripheral blind-spot.

We have been given life.
We create life
We steward life.
For however long it lasts, and whoever we may share it will, God help us to live and manage it well.

So pray to that end, this #youthPastorWednesday. May God help us to be good stewards of time, resources and relationships. Pray that God would maximize the investment that we make into fulfilling our calling and purpose and the what we contribute to the lives of those around us. Pray that God would strength and renew those struggling to endure and feel as though hope is slipping from their grasp. Pray for those who feel as though they are losing perspective; may God remind them of who they are, who He is, what He has done and what He desires for their lives.

For as long as we have breath,
Even if we don't have as much time as we think,
He is not done with us yet.
May it be for His continued glory
By His unending grace.

- PNC

It used to be that you didn't know what was behind closed doors. Thanks to social media, all too often, everything is open season, open for business, open air. Very little is sacred. Very little seems valued. Privacy seems to be more a matter of concealment rather than respect.

Who doesn't have a ton of stuff going on?

In their lives at home.
In their lives on the job.
Among their friends.
In the community.
In the ministry.

Bombarded and barraged, with stuff, and people and responsibilities. Conversations to be had, tasks to be completed. It does not, ever end. Ever. Never. Ever.

For all our connection points with the outside world and the people and relationships outside the home, what happens at home often tells a very different story. Not always. But when you hear about it, it's heartbreaking.

What's the point? Depending on the nature and depth of your relationship with your pastoral staff, you may never know the battles and struggles that they face offline, behind the door. Which is all the more reason to pray for them, so that their story is never one that breaks your heart.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday for the unknown battles and untold stories. Pray strength for those who are weary and tired. Pray for grace, for those frustrated beyond belief. Comfort and healing for those whose hearts are broken and bruised. Pray for a renewed vision for those who feel as though they have lost their way. May God give them courage to continue to face their challenges and wisdom that they would overcome them.

For we are not alone
When connected God
Through the cross of Christ
And the power of the Holy Spirit.

- PNC

When in doubt, ask someone who knows what they're looking at.
And when in doubt regarding your own life, ask Him who knows you best.

All too often we go through a situation getting ideas and opinions and don't reach out to an expert. And when we do, we often don't do as a first response, but much later in the conversation, to the point of a last resort. We've all done, it matters important and not, but all of them secondary to what God is doing and working in the lives of those who are His.

As I heard a pastor friend confess recently to his congregation... it's easy to study in order to have a great sermon, to prepare to impress, to be the one that is looked up to and sought after for insight, advice and prayer and whatever else may capture the attention and feed the ego. Sometimes, it's that obvious. Other times, perhaps not so much.

You would think that it would be easy to do ministry and the preparation of it from a place of love. We know this, because we are so quick to criticize those in ministry as though they are doing it from a motive that is anything but a place of love.

Yet, ultimately, their ministry and it's effectiveness will be hindered without doing it for the love of God and the love of people as their primary motivator. I titled this post, a second look, because while we hope pastors enter the ministry with this understanding, sometimes the only one who can point out that other motivators have stepped in and over, is God Himself, placing His finger on hearts and minds with kindness; that the mark is being missed.

Pray this #seniorPastorMonday, that pastors would not miss the mark. Pray that they would continue to operate their church and ministry from a place of love. May there be an awareness about their lives that they would recognize when their priorities and rationale for decisions and process have changed. Pray they would possess an ever-sensitive heart for the prompting and leading of the Holy Spirit, not only for what God would have them to accomplish, but also what God would desire to accomplish in their lives. Pray that distractions, detours and delays would be short-lived, and ultimately ineffective in the grand design of God sovereign plan. May they come out with a deeper relationship for God and a deeper passion for the people within the reach of their ministry.

An open mind and an open heart
To the work of God
In the lives of the leadership of the church
As an example to the body
That God isn't done with any of us.
For His glory.

- PNC

A Happy Father's Day to you Dad's out there in the Bring Me 70 / pray4pastors universe!!

I can't thank you enough for joining me in praying for pastors and those in ministry that help us lead our families, churches and communities. There's so much that goes into fatherhood. And we know the reality of that matter is that it doesn't take much to become a father. But once that is your reality, being a father that is known and respected as "good" or better is work. A lot of work. Even when you have zero energy, mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially.

Fatherhood is an investment... in the most important thing that could ever be entrusted to you. A life created by God who bears His image and your name.

Long before we can do what God has called us to do, we have to acknowledge who He has called us to be... and understand that God's blessing came before His instruction.

Doesn't God give the greatest example of Fatherhood?  An ever-present help in times of trouble!

Dad's who can be called upon in times of trouble can be trusted, most likely, because they were so present when there was an absence of trouble. Simply being present speaks volumes to those who want to know that someone will be available when needed.

It's how we know we can call on the name of the Lord and place our trust in God.  For He has always been and will always be. And I love the idea that even when we can trace God, we can trust Him. We may not know what's going on and why He is doing what He is doing, but we can trust that there is a plan and purpose.

So too, is the way to be both effective and efficient in our lives and ministries... to live with an intentional plan and a grand purpose. Ideally, inspired, blessed and anointed by the hand of God. For immediate after God created man, He blessed them and then gave them an assignment.

Pray, this #effectiveSunday, for God's continued hand of blessing and favor, particular over the fathers who lead our homes and families, churches and communities. May we be the men of God that He has called us to be and do the things in this world that He has called us to do. Pray for a grace about our lives that would testify of the goodness of God even in spite of our mistakes both great and small, of both little consequence and of great consequence. Pray that we would live with an awareness of God's moving in our lives and a sense of awe of the people and responsibilities and resources that have been entrusted to our care and oversight. May we neither neglect the role we play in our relationships, nor be absent from them altogether. Pray that we would follow God's example, to be an ever-present help to those in need as God has been for us when we ourselves have been in great trouble.

Created in the image of God
To reflect the image of God.
All for the glory of God.

- PNC

It's an interesting thing about community... you might not be able to change what happens on a big scale, perhaps never, and certainly, not overnight. But that shouldn't for a minute, prevent us from living with eyes open about how we can change what happens in our sense of community.

Perhaps it's making a change in your neighborhood or the town local to you.
Perhaps it's making an impact through your church.

Change and blessing occurs when one is in a position to help the one who happens to be living with a need.

Opportunity + need = impact.

There's always lots to do. There's always something that will beg for your attention or something that will desire to distract your attention. This is the difference between the person who gets stuff done versus the person who delays getting stuff done. (says the guy typing who greatly struggles with the latter)

Do you know what to do?
Then why are not you doing it?

Spoken by all of our father's at one time and for the younger among us, now sounding more like our fathers every day.

Also, two questions often posed by our Heavenly Father, daily to each one of us?

So, on this #communitySaturday, pray that we would answer His question. As we witness the opportunity to impact and change our world, globally, and locally, for the cause of Christ, may God give us direction for what He would have us to do when the answer is not obvious. Pray that we would be people of diligence, that would actually do it, when prompted. Pray that God would help us move towards greater positions of health and strength so that there will be less that stands in the way when God says, this is what I have you do for these people.

Prepared for every opportunity
To be used of God
With nothing holding us back
Making an eternal impact
For the kingdom of God.

- PNC

I didn't plan on doing any sort of a related post after yesterday's insight regarding government, but here I am. Just a quick piece of a monologue that was playing... not sure I channel surfed across a Catholic radio station or what, except the host was Catholic, but he was talking about how much we expect from government.

More specifically, we was dealing with a hot-button issue that has been quite a long-standing one in the political arena for decades now... of course, what hasn't. But he was talking about the verses that discuss welcoming the stranger. And he made an incredibly poignant point... (say that five times real fast)

To welcome the stranger is an individual command, not a national policy.

You may disagree with me and that's fine and there's a point to this as we pray for missionaries, so hear me out on this.

The role of government is to defend it's borders and to serve and protect its citizenry. If can be objective with me for a moment,  we don't take an alcoholic to a bar and then advise them not to drink. We don't hand the keys of a Ferrari to a teenage driver and tell them not to wreck it. We don't send soldiers off to war with open arms, no weapons and a smile. Although it's be interesting to see how the enemy would react to such kindness; but I have a feeling evil would take over.

People have their role, just as much as government has theirs... as does the church for that matter. God gave strict instructions for how Israel as a nation was to conduct it's affairs and how it was to handle other societies, cultures and countries. And yet, God speaks very specifically to the people, as to what they should do when they found themselves in certain circumstance with individuals, neighbors and strangers. Those commands differ greatly!

Furthermore, there's so much that even within the church, that we've come to expect that government will take over and handle that is also, not theirs to handle. For example, true religion is taking care of widows and orphans. And yet government handles social services across the board, for everyone including widows and orphans. And so much more. Some of that they should be involved. Others, perhaps, not so much. There's so much where the church should be leading and used to at one time. Many ministries are working on correcting the matter; many more are not.

So, as we pray for missionaries, may we also keep in mind, of our role in the mission of the Gospel. The state will not share the love of Jesus Christ. They should protect their people, including those who do share this eternal message of hope; yet sadly, even that seems to be under scrutiny to varying degrees.

On this #missionsFriday, pray that God would watch over those who are formally serving full-time to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As they ministry in countries and environments much more hostile and dangerous, pray that God would protect their homes and families as they have stepped into the darkness that they may be light. Pray also, that in our own lives, we would live with that perspective. May the church go above and beyond to be ministers of grace, hope, healing and truth; making such an impact that peoples first call when in times of need would be to the people of God, rather than the positions of power held by the state.

All for the glory of God
And the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Forgive me for referencing another sermon, but I thought it was an interesting take. There's obviously a lot more to expand on, plus I missed part of the broadcast, but Dr. David Jeremiah was talking about governments and how society can get so frustrated with their operation, regardless of its' established format. One could argue the point he made, that any government is better than no government at all. Some form of body politic is better than anarchy. Feel free to discuss amongst yourselves later.

More importantly though, he was making the point that regardless of whatever government is in place, it will ultimately disappoint for one reason only. Because behind the institution of government are people. Humans... we think. (that was a joke). Flawed humans at that. Some might sarcastically joke that a handful are seriously flawed and we could compare lists... later.

But this truth is bigger than government; the reality applies to all institutions.

Marriages will have days of disappointment; for a flawed man will leave his home and cleave to a beautiful, but flawed (beautifully flawed?) woman.
Children will be disappointed, for there are no perfect parents.
The educational system will leave us wanting; for teachers, instructors and professors are flawed.
The justice system will make injustices worse at times; for the judges and others involved in the process are flawed (as evidenced by a local judge was removed from the bench today, for cause)

Did I miss anything? Oh yes...ministry. Religious organizations and organized religion, churches and para-church ministries... they will all have their days of let-downs and turn-offs. For the pastors and leaders, decision-makers and deacons, administrators and staff will all have a bad day, an off day and a major mess day.  It's easy to exit once. If there's a pattern, you'll exit often. And eventually, one just may never return. Even if people have the clearest understanding that humanity is flawed. Grace doesn't always prevail, even within the four walls of the church.

Pray this #deaconThursday for those in church leadership, that they would have the strength and courage to continue to exercise wisdom and discernment as they lead and advise. While you can't please all the people all the time, pray that there would be a grace about their lives that would allow them to properly handle and resolve problems as they arise. Pray that those within the church and under the ministry would remember that no matter our position in life or in Christiandom, that we are all flawed and prone to failures and moments of mistakes. May God help leadership to lead by example, and encourage of us to do and be better followers of Jesus Christ.

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

- PNC

My apologies this is arriving late. Wednesdays are my incredibly long days. Be that as it is, I caught part of a conversation on the radio today, and they were talking about the transition in recent years, regarding families. Particularly, how families have moved from the marriage being the most important, to the kids having top priority.

We've all had our moments, but this has been a trending pattern for quite some time, now. And we've all witnessed the fall out and the aftermath. Sad when it transpires, frustrating to watch in the lives of friends and family; perhaps even your own. Of course, you've heard me make this transition before... ministry is not immune to this phenomenon.

In fact, marriages suffer when kids are the top priority, but here's an interesting dynamic...

Marriage obviously suffers if the ministry takes a commanding, top priority.
But here's my perspective and see if this bears witness:

How badly does ministry suffer when one's marriage isn't top priority?

Surely, it stands to reason that if the family suffers long-term consequences when the marriage is neglected, then how much more would a ministry suffer when the marriage of the pastorate is struggling?

I've been following a social media post of a Dave Ramsey community of people working through their finances to become debt-free. One wife shared the struggle of her family and finances and it resonated with me as I read it. The comments offered tons of suggestions and somehow, I read through the lines and realized everyone was missing the struggle. And as the comments continued, more people missed what was making this particular situation unusually difficult. But again, having experienced very similar, I was relating. If you've heard Dave's show, you'll recognize this oft quoted phrase, "Live like no one else, so that later, you can live and give like no one else." He's talking about the sacrifices you make now, so that you can win and later live a great and generous life.

And it was in that spirit that I offered this lesson, that I think leads us well to prayer.

"Tonight's life lesson. The altar can only hold so many sacrifices. It's entirely possible to be so focused on the sacrifices, that you end up sacrificing things that you never intended to be near that altar, let alone placed upon it. By all means, live like no one else in the short term, but be careful that the "later" living isn't done in loneliness."

Pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that God would help, to lead, guide and direct the time and place for sacrifices and altar. Pray that they would be made at the appropriate place and time; that the right things would be sacrificed. May that which needs to be made priority would happen and may they be put in their proper order and place. Pray that no matter what challenges and difficulties they face, that the marriages of our pastors would be guarded and protected. Pray for families and kids; grandkids and for generations... relationships matter, and may God help the balancing act that is building and maintaining healthy and strong relationships, both with God and those closest to us as well as those under one's care through the avenue of ministry.

For we can only do what we can do
Even with God's help and by His strength.
For His glory alone.

- PNC

So, I'm reading the book of Numbers yesterday and the chapter I'm reading is intense. So many bulls for sacrifice, followed by so many oxen, then the goats. The amounts of each sacrifice changed depending on the day, but it was non-stop! In modern times, it would be an all-day affair, let alone, their reality. Thus, one thing is for sure with God...

The process is precise.

One-third of an ephah. One-quarter of a bushel.

At this time... and on this day.
Nothing could be out of order or out of place. It was specific; it was exact.

And we see this elsewhere, such as Noah with the Ark and Solomon with the building of the Temple.

But back to the sacrifice, perhaps there was a unique reason.

Is it not possible, that if evil is overcome with good; then that the worst kind of evil should be overcome with the greatest kind of good? Then it stands to reason, that the sins of all humanity could only be resolved by one who was so perfect, that He was out of this world! (see what I did there)

If we learned anything from the old testament covenant, is that like all relationships, our relationship with God requires work and effort. And it's not that our salvation depends on it, for surely it's what Christ accomplished; however, the quality of our faith and what God desires to accomplish in us is a direct result of the time and effort that we put into our relationship with God (wow... I really need to stop preaching to myself!  #convictedwhiletyping)

Having said that, God does have a plan. And it is precise. There is an order. And yet we struggle to submit to the plan. As Dave Ramsey always says, "Adults devise a plan and follow it. Children do what feels good." Submitting to His plan and how He would have us do things isn't always easy. And we do devise our own plan, we often do so, without His help and leading and in alignment with His will. Tough as it is, it's necessary and works better when we do.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, pray for those pastors struggling with plans and purposes. Pray for those who are having difficulty submitting to God's plan of what He would have and is calling them to do. Pray for wisdom and direction, for those who are need of clarity regarding a situation because there isn't a plan or process, or they are unsure of how to proceed. Pray too, that God would grant a grace, for times past when the plan was missed and fouled and even not submitted to and aligned under. May God help them progress, in the preciseness of the process.

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

- PNC

All this conversation about God moving and people and churches taking different directions and making changes with operations and approaches got me thinking again. (I know, somewhat dangerous, and "again" recognizes the potential for this to be an issue revisited)

What happens when people don't buy in to the vision?

Well, let's operate from the understanding that church leadership and pastoral staff have proven to be people of prayer and the Word, consistent in season and out of season. Not perfect mind you, but there is a depth of character and maturity, especially in spiritual matters whereby God has positioned them and mightily used them and the fruit of their ministry shows this to be true.

I think the worst case (or at least what might appear to be so) is the parting of ways within the congregation who don't agree to the point of separation. Are they right or the pastor? That's a delicate situation and we've all seen it backfire way more often than it's been of benefit, at least in the short-term. What happens when people begin to silently wirhdraw and distance themselves? Others may notice, or they may do so internally; staying in ministry roles, but not giving it their all, nor their best attitude in the process. Who benefits from that?

Are both parties hearing God and is it He who is organizing and rearranging lives and purpose and He's doing so because the change wouldn't happen otherwise? Is stubbornness, tradition and other factors at work in people's response?

I've had changes occur in life that led to  a change in church becoming necessary. And as previously stated, no church is perfect, there wasn't an issue with a church that presented itself as the driving factor for making a switch. It was simply life. But having said that, it would seem to be a difficult and painful process for there to truly be a cause or problem that would in fact change one's interaction with the church, both in the local congregation and the church-at-large.

So, the trust factor that a pastor places in God as a ministry or mission plots change, multiplies many times over to having to trust the rest of the church leadership and congregation that they will be on board and change with it. This is not a light and simple ordeal, neither for the pastor casting vision nor the believer's response.

And on that note, pray this #seniorPastorMonday for confidence. While every leader has moments of hesitation, doubt and questions, may their be a sense of peace and calm; that in the stillness of God's presence they would know they way they should go and lead. Pray for a spirit of unity within the church as people respond. While there may be a time for parting for a few, pray that it would not happen in a way as to bring discourage, detriment or ruin to the ministry nor the relationships of those involved. Pray for a clarity as pastors cast vision and an understanding of mind and excitement of the heart as people respond.

May the church multiply
As we were created and instructed to do.
Because of leaders and pastors who have heard from God,
Having instructed accordingly as they have followed God's leading
And the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC