I realized that both Friday and Saturday's posts mentioned the concept of hearts, being prepared to receive... of being a place of good soil. It reminded me a prayer that Pastor prayed a number of weeks ago now. He prayed that as the message went forth, that it would be milk to those not ready to handle the meat of the Word and equally so, that it would be meat and substance to those that would be left wanting by milk alone.

Every educational process has stages of learning, development and understanding. So too, is the Word of God... as evidenced by the encouragement that we should study it to show ourselves approved. The mystery of preaching is the ability for God uses it as an opportunity to reach every difference among humanity, cutting across every cultural and social demographic and dynamic to one's spiritual state in light of eternity.

This is the power of the Cross and the message of Jesus Christ.

Because at both the beginning and the end of every day, the ground is level at Calvary. Nobody is better or worse, richer or poorer, broken or whole, sick or healthy. We create and analyze these differences and distinctions, but God sees relationship. The existence of it. The opportunity for it. Those under the covering of Christ's grace. And those yet to take advantage.

But on this day of worship, we come together. To be the church. To become a better church. To grow in grace and knowledge and strength, both in faith and in number of God's love.

Pray this #effectiveSunday, that indeed, today would be a day of growth, not only in number as important as that is, but is also in faith. Pray that the bounds of community would be strengthened, as relationships between both humanity and God are built; whether with the first brick or the ten thousandth. May there be a fresh outpouring of God's grace over our lives and may we extend what we have received to those around us, who are facing battles and challenges of which we are not yet aware. Pray that God's Word would indeed be well-received, to accomplish a good work; for we stand on the promise that His Word does not return void. It will do what it was sent to do for all who hear it.

For as God works in our lives
Are we transformed into a great position
Of both His love and His grace.
To impact our world.
Both abroad and locally.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I realized while writing Friday's post, that today was going to be a follow-up, for indeed as the people of God make every effort to engage community, it's easy to recognize, either within yourself or have it pointed out, that the struggle for allowing God to work in the mature Christian's life simply through the avenue of time is just as challenging as it is for a new believer or someone with whom we are sharing Christ.

Yes, I'm looking in the proverbial mirror.

We all have things that are more of a struggle in our lives than they should be because we are not allowing the process of time, invested into our relationship with God to have its' effect upon our hearts, minds and souls. In the Word, in prayer, in fellowship and in worship... while it's more work on God's part, we feel it as a recipient that their is a battle to the process of transformation, rather than a natural ease.

How does that impact community? Because the greater our internal battle with God regarding our own life, perhaps the greater hindrance we are to God in what He desires to do through us, for others.

Just a thought... which I think leads us to prayer.

Pray, this #communitySaturday, that we would be aware of the things in our own lives that are prohibiting the opportunities to be used by God in new and greater ways. Pray that their would be an increased desired to be in the Word, and in prayer and worship. May God do the miraculous within us, not for our benefit, but for the advancement of the kingdom of God. As God transforms us, may we see greater transformations within our communities.

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

- PNC

TD Jakes preached a great message recently and I was speaking on the power of our relationship with God and His work within our lives. He used an analogy which I thought was brilliant. Consider this... who hasn't left dishes get to the point where you really had to work them, to get them clean?! But knowing it will require some effort, you let them soak instead, so that it will be easier after a period of time.

Time allows the relationship between the soap and water to have it's effect on the dish. How simple, right?

So, too is this spiritual truth. And yet, as people become believers, or even sharing the Gospel, it's easy to get focused on the mess that we can see on the plate, rather than the beauty of the plate itself. Even after people come to faith, having accepted Christ, we can place too much emphasis on one's attitude, actions and behaviors, rather than allowing their spiritual life to develop as they spend time with God and the Holy Spirit works in their lives.

It's always more work when we try to get things done on our time rather than allowing God to do His work, on His time and in His process. It's not that effort and energy isn't expended on our part, but all too often we try to override God... which is a bad move on our part.

So, on this #missionsFriday, pray that as we speak and share the Gospel, may we allow God to do His work in changing hearts and minds to those who hear and receive. May the Word fall on good soil and may the hard heart be softened to receive. Pray that the work of the Holy Spirit would bring turn-around and transformation at levels and degrees that would be unattainable by human effort and wisdom.

That the cause of Christ would advance,
Unhindered by our own agendas, ways and means.
For the glory of God alone.

- PNC

I caught part of a sermon this morning on the story of Joseph, as preached by Pastor James MacDonald. He was talking about how Joseph described his time on earth. His days were few (130 years) and evil. That's how Joseph summed up his life. To which James responds to Joseph (and to all of us, for that matter) with the following advice.

Change your thinking! Or regret it later.

Doesn't it sound easy? 

And I know life is complex and so are the issues that weigh upon us. While I don't want to discount or dismiss legitimate struggles and difficulties, at the same time, I think we easily acknowledge our hindrance and give it way more power and influence that perhaps it deserves without every trying to change... without ever deciding first, that we will do whatever is possible to diminish or overcome that issue.

There's so much potential that is both dismissed and ignored because we buy the excuse, whether real or perceived, without having put forth much effort, be it our own or with the help of the Holy Spirit. Even now, somebody is reading this, thinking that I don't understand. And you are right. I don't understand. I don't understand why I even have difficulty simply making the decision to change my thinking. And tons more people of deeper reasons and realities than I do are having cause with this advice.

But as such great wisdom has so often been shared; whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.

People overcome problems and issues every single minute of every single day. Some are so incredible that every person who hears stands in awe and amazement. Others, you might consider a problem so minuscule as to be child's play. And yet to that person, a win is a win. Victory is sweet, no matter how grand.

But it will never be tasted if one never steps on to field to consider the possibility to seize it.
It will never be seized if one doesn't play determined to reach out and grasp it with both hands.

Handicaps should be viewed as special circumstance which comes in handy rather than a hindrance by which the possibilities of one's life is capped. What will be the focus of your thought-life?

On this #deaconThursday, pray for those in church leadership struggling to breakthrough because of thought patterns and the problems and issues of life that stand in their way. Pray that God would help them break the cycle(s) in their life that wage war in the spirit, discourage the heart and trouble the mind. May God give them strength as they determine to live life with purpose, clarity and intention; with a renewed sense of passion and resolve... with no regrets. Pray God would help them to rise above, having overcome the greatest depths and developed a mature faith as a result of their perseverance.

With no excuses and no regrets,
May we see and think with God perspective.
For His glory alone.

- PNC

Amazing how one phrase can be spoken from a position of authority, self-criticism and conviction.

What were you thinking?

We hope and pray that we are teaching and instilling good values and principles in our kids. Then something happens.
We hope and pray that we are hearing the voice of God and the moving of the Spirit... but then.
Then there are times you know you have missed God and you envision Him sitting on the throne, as if shaking His head.

To the kid... what were you thinking?
In frustration to ourselves... boy, it sure feels as though you did something stupid.
And conviction, that results in a heart to heart conversation with God.

Somewhere between childhood and adulthood and over the course of the journey of our faith, we seemingly lose our resilience to recover when you would think that the muscle would be in good shape to continually press in and press on. It seems that with bigger problems, obstacles and mistakes that we hang on to them longer, allow them to bother us deeper and give them greater power to rob more of our joy than they should.

But whatever is that we face and now, must overcome, it's imperative to recall and remember that God is still in control. Wherever we find ourselves while it is called today, God is with us. Is the conversation difficult? Yes. The consequence uncomfortable? Yes. The correction worthwhile? Yes.

Even in our lives though, I think all too often we are harder on ourselves than even God is with us at times. Does God deal just and harsh? Yes. But also He works everything for His good and does not waste any of our experiences. Which means that at some point, God is ready to be glorified through the problem and the pain But He can't do that, if we are still kicking ourselves trying to figure out what we were thinking regarding whatever circumstance has seemingly stopped us cold in our tracks.

God is ready to move. Again. In the lives of those who will allow Him to do so. As much as you wouldn't want your kid to wallow in self-pity and defeat, neither is that what God desires to happen in our lives and faith.

So, let's pray this #youthPastorWednesday that God would help those struggling to overcome the problems, obstacles and mistakes that currently weigh them done. May God bring healing to those who need to put the past where it belongs. Pray that God would grant wisdom to those in the midst of it all and are seeking and searching for a solution. Pray that depression and discouragement would be far from them and that they would focus on what and how God would seek to use what was meant to destroy us to instead, bring glory and honor to His name.

For whatever we were thinking
That led to problems
God is thinking about amazing solutions
And the testimonies that will result.
For His glory alone.

- PNC

Well, our church has been excited... for a number of reasons, the latest among them is that three young men just completed their ordination/credentials process to become pastors within our fellowship of churches. This is pretty cool stuff.

However, the funny part was what happened during in the interview stage of the process. Two of them were offered jobs during their meeting! Of course, our senior pastor thought this was pretty comical as they are already serving on the church staff. His response, with a smile of course, was, "no... you're not stealing my people".

But it got me thinking about the priority and importance of approaching your work, whatever it is that you do, with excellence. And I'm the last guy to be discussing this. I'm more frequently reminded of how much I still struggle in this area of life than I care to admit. Was that an admission in and of itself? Where's my backspace key?

So, yes... whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your heart, soul and strength as unto the Lord. And what work is closer to the heart of God than ministry itself? Naturally, such an approach you would assume to be a given, let alone an expectation... that pastors would handle their ministry roles and responsibilities with excellence.

But apparently it's not a given. You would think with the shortage of pastors and people in ministry that currently exists, that job offers would be a common occurrence as people complete the ministry credential process, but it seems that is not the case. So, clearly, in the lives of two separate people, there's something about life, attitude, aptitude and passion for ministry that stood out and making them incredibly desirable for use and impact within another church and community.

What if this was the case for every associate pastor? And every other pastoral title for that matter. What if it was true for your life... better yet, my life?

Well, on that note... now, that I'm taking personal inventory; let's pray this #associatePastorTuesday that pastors, especially those starting out would retain the excitement about the prospect of ministry; of what God would have them do and where they would go. Pray that God would grant them wisdom and discernment and guide their every step. May God guard both their hearts and their homes from the traps and misgivings that would detour, derail and destroy their lives and ministries.  Pray they would approach both their life and their work with excellence; not that they would live perfect, but in accordance with God's will and in ways and means that bring glory to Him.

A legacy of great leadership
For the kingdom of God
And the advancement of the cause of Christ.

- PNC

I was part of a conversation last night, in which the topic of tradition came up, as it relates to their place and practice within the church. While traditions have their place and relevance, their can be a adverse reaction to them as much as their is an enduring response to them.

Thus, the conversation brought us to a place of understanding that there is a balance to tradition, both how we hold them in respect and reverence as well as the reason and manner in which we keep them in practice.

Understanding the balance is one thing. Keeping the balance is another.

It's impossible to please everyone, especially all at the same time revolving around one particular issue. One needs to go no farther than asking the family where to go to dinner or a group of friends to decide on a movie.

Every church, congregation and community is difference. Their approach to ministry and outreach is different. The people they are trying to reach will always have differing experiences of church, Christianity not to mention the Christians they come in contract with. So, it goes without saying, that this is simply another area in which the pastor must practice patient, purpose and perspective, while not negating the impact and importance that they may hold.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray that God would give clarity to pastors regarding the practice and purpose of traditions. Pray that God would help them to keep and serve well those that truly serve a meaningful place and purpose within the church and not hang on to them for the mere sake of tradition that perhaps nobody understands why they exist. May God give them wisdom and the words, to be able to explain when needed, why certain processes and operations within the church happen in the time, place and manner that they do. Pray also, once again for a spirit of unity. May the differences of tradition and the understanding and practice of them, not be a hindrance that keeps people from the presence of God and a meaningful encounter with Him.

For every thing has a time and a place,
A reason and a season for its' existence.
For the glory of God
And the advancement of the cause of Christ.

- PNC

So, I'm pondering and thinking and drawing somewhat of a blank before getting ready for church this morning. And every once in a while, social media kicks up an interesting perspective. So here it is...

We are only anointed for our assignment. Narrow your focus to your assignment." - Kris Valloton.

How's that for a great word for an #effectiveSunday?

But seriously, there's research now that suggests that multi-tasking is more of a hindrance than a help to getting lots of things done. However, focus and intensity changes things.

The time involved in switching gears is lost.
The mental energy that is expended is lost.

Whether the kids are doing homework or you and your spouse are working on some financial goals or simply meeting a deadline for a project at work... every thing that jumps in and requires time, resources and funds takes away from what should be the priority and the focus of what needs to be done. And that you should be doing.

Ministry is no exception. There's always multiple things going on within the church at any one time. But that's where the people who handle them need to be intentional on what it is they are called and anointed to do. For if you pull them away from their assignment, what should get done, won't and what they do instead, won't be done as well as it could be done.

So, on this #effectiveSunday, pray that God would help people narrow their focus to what God has assigned and anointed them to do. Pray for clarity of purpose. May God grant to them a laser-like vision of possibility. Pray for those who have lost their dream and the energy to pursue it. Pray that God would revive and renew people and their purpose. May much be accomplished, as even well-intended distractions are set aside to fulfill the calling God has placed upon us.

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

- PNC

My wife and I attended a couples night gathering at church last night, and what a great time of fellowship. We had a great time having some fun and meeting new people. It was truly an enjoyable time and experience. We got in the car to head home and discussed the evening... a seemingly fitting thing that most couples would do as well. At one point, she observed, "It wasn't clique-ish at all!"

Yet, when a gathering does have that sense and feel, it can frustrate and even destroy the sense of community.

Not every group is for every person. Not every interest, not every club is meant and designed to be an open, all-access pass. I get that boundaries is a sensitive topic these days, but they have their place and time and they serve an incredibly important purpose. I could give examples, but I think you're wise enough to understand how life and reality works; plus that's not really the direction I want to go with this perspective.

Having said that, if there is a place where people shouldn't feel like outsiders, for any reason, it's the church. Yet sadly, many people do. Some for personality reasons, others for much deeper issues and struggles. We all have our battles and conflicts, both before coming to Christ and that He is working out within us after salvation. So yes, life and relationships are complex.

While I think the church has come along way in creating a welcoming environment whereby someone can enter and feel as though they are surrounded by friends, there's still an ease with which cliques can occur and come into existence; sometimes unknowingly and unintentionally as well. Yet for the person who catches and recognizes it when they see it, the people who gather for church are more like acquaintances than friends.

You know people and you about them, but you don't truly "know" them. The depth of relationship is lacking. And that lack of quality relationships with believers eventually affects one's relationship with God. Or at least has the potential to do so. You find yourself knowing God and knowing about Him, but no longer truly "knowing" and learning about Him.

This is a troubling place to be, both in life and in faith.

On that note, pray this #communitySaturday, that regardless of what happens in community and society at large, that the church would not be known for its' cliques. Pray for a strengthening of the relationships and friendships that exist and pray for opportunity for new ones to be forged. May there be an understanding as interaction occurs, that the ground is level at Calvary. Pray the church would continue to be intention as their influence and ministry grows within the communities and region that they serve. Pray also that the power of Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit would not be hindered as working agents to bring people closer to God. While Christianity has it's complexities, reflecting the character of Christ is fairly simple. It just not always easy.

May God use us for His glory.
Whomever and wherever people may be
Who need an encounter with Christ
Through those who follow Him.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

This song played recently as I was listening to my phone through my blue-tooth earpiece while finishing up things at work. Isn't amazing what catches your thoughts when everything else is tuned out? Focus.

As you listen, you understand just what transpired when Christ left heaven to redeem humanity. Indeed, it does take a special kind of love. Conversely, it got me thinking about the level of sacrifice and commitment that missionaries make to leave behind a similar, albeit earthly level of comfort, stability and familiarity to go and reach the lost of humanity. Which we all either are or were once.

While all of us are called to reach the lost and reflect Christ with our lives, the prospect of such a task is certainly much more feasible when we are talking about doing so with the people we hang out with every day in our neighborhoods, schools and places of employment than in a foreign land.

That's not an indictment that Christians who don't take to the mission field have a love and heart for the lost, for surely we all should and perhaps need a greater dose than what we currently carry and express. But just as we look at Christ and think, if even I were God, I don't know that I could do that; so too is the respect and gratitude for missionaries while possessing the same sentiment.

It is a special kind of love, in the heart of those on the missions field.

On this #missionsFriday, pray for those on the mission field. Pray God would grant them strength and renew their hears, minds and spirits. Pray for a double portion of anointing and blessing for the service and sacrifice to the kingdom of God. May God guard their hearts and protect them homes, and families. Pray that God would grant them favor and influence within the communities they are attempting to reach and with the leadership and people of power in the land. For as God did in the Bible, may He do so even today.

As it took a special kind of love then,
Even more so is required today.
One soul at a time.
Forever changed by His love
And those who have experienced it.
For the glory of God.

- PNC