As I left church yesterday after service, my mind was transitioning between reflecting on the sermon and figuring out the final preps for the birthday party in our family. There have been many variations on the statement "as goes ____; so goes the ____". Family, nation, etc. So, here's what I felt the Spirit drop in...

"As goes the Shepard, so goes the flock"

There's any number of reason, theologically that one of Christ's titles is the Good Shepard, but as I thought about this yesterday, I realized that humanity for all its faults and failures and evil tendencies would recognize no other way, then unless God came down in human form and set the example for how we should live in a way that brings glory to God. Furthermore, Christ set the example for what a healthy relationship with our Heavenly Father looks like. No other person would accomplish what Christ accomplished, unless God Himself set out to do so. Which is exactly what happened.

Fast forward through the day. The birthday party was great. Everyone had a great time. And by nights end, I was exhausted falling asleep during an episode that my wife and I were watching on Netflix. Clearly, it was time to crash. Of course, upon crawling into bed, I was partially awake again. One last scroll through Facebook, and a friend comments on praying for Perry Noble and his family. Recognizing the name, I thought "hmm, wonder what that's about." Sure enough, seconds later, there was the article. Alcohol abuse and a strained marriage, and he has been relieved of his pastorate in the megachurch that he started. The church had made a statement announcing the decision; which in and of itself, has caused some controversy as to how it's been handled and communicated.

My heart sank. At a time in our society when we need healthy churches, healthy congregations and healthy pastors to make the most of their impact in the communities and the impact of a church such as this, now has this challenge on the forefront of their minds and at the top of their list, of having to navigate. What a difficult and challenging place to be; not only in dealing with Noble and his family, but now the aftermath and the effect this will have on the congregation and the community as to keeping proper perspective and keeping the faith to continue in ministry.

To all this, all I can say is, this is why, God kept prompting me to get serious about this website. We don't know what our church leaders are going through, often until it's too late. Or it's late enough that the only way to deal with it is for something to transpire as what this megachurch is going through; as well as churches of all sizes and denominations have experienced in the past. Lord, we need your help. Today!

Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, for Pastors, and for this leader and his family. Pray for the long road to recovery they face as a family and that he faces as a man of God. Pray for grace and forgiveness to permeate their home, as well as the church and that they would experience new found freedom in Christ through His love and the work of the Holy Spirit. Pray over the process of healing and restoration; that God would guide their steps for whatever He has planned for them next, as they overcome this battle in their lives. Pray for the congregation and community, as the commentary has already begun about whether the church leadership and media has done right in handling and even reporting on this matter (as we prayed yesterday on the element of criticism, timely as it was). May God guard the hearts of the pastors of this church, who now are moving forward in this ministry; may He grant to them wisdom, understanding and compassion as they lead this church closer to the presence of God. Pray the enemy would be unsuccessful in his attempts to use this as a means to gain ANY ground, whereby he might get a foothold on this church, to cause disruption and discord.

May the church bind together
As we #pray4pastors
In the name of Jesus Christ
For the glory of God, in ALL things.

- PNC

Perhaps part 3, in the unplanned series of prayers that started Friday morning, as we've once again, faced horrific tragedy and the barrage of commentary that naturally ensues. The question came to me, after not really given much thought for today's post... that after all the commentary and conversations, differing perspectives, opinions and experiences, I was left with this on the forefront of my mind:

At one point does criticism cease to move us toward solutions and becomes criticism for criticism's sake?

Hows does one handle the critic who uses criticism for the sake of themselves? For they seemingly come across as being more interested in continuing the problem (or at least putting it in the spotlight) rather than acknowledging that the time has come to move from criticizer to solver.

There's an element of wisdom in knowing the time for solutions.
There's an element of leadership in focusing on solutions.
There's an element of prayer in understanding imperfect people do not create perfection.

In the church world...
In the business world...
In our culture and society...
In our congregation and community...

What's the point of exposing a flaw that nobody bothers to fix?
What's the point of noticing an error that nobody will correct?
What's the point of stating a problem that nobody wants to solve?

We all have value and worth, but eventually contempt arises for the critic who does nothing but life up to the their title. As though, it's in their spirit, as a default modus operandi. Such make the possibility of effective and efficient difficult. The drive for correction may be good for a season, but taken to extreme (like anything else), you lose the balance... of doing it right; doing it well; being effective, being efficient, and having the greatest impact. All of which are usually the desired goals anyway, for whatever a reasonable person or group is trying to accomplish

Pray this #effectiveSunday, that the church would not be found having or harboring a critical spirit. May they find a balance, as they look at problems, whether within the church or outside it; that there would be a focus on solutions. Pray the church would not ruin their witness and impact by continuing criticism just for the sake of it, or for their own. Pray wisdom for people in leadership roles; as people look to them for direction, insight and answers; that their own criticism would not stand in the way of a clear analysis of the present and a correspondingly clear vision of the future. Pray, that in these times of serious problems, that we would have serious people, interested in solving them rather than telling whose to blame for them.

That we may all become more like Christ.
And point others to Him.
For the glory of God;
Whose help we desperately need.

- PNC

As I’ve reflected the past few days of what we are experiencing as a nation, one thing is clear. The problem is complex. The solution is simple. And as you can read about in my personal blog; the conversation will be unbelievably difficult.  (SO NOT READY)

Rightful and reasonably so, as our experience is diverse. Our upbringings are broad. Our knowledge is vast.
And if we allow a moment of honesty in our lives, the confessions will be humbling.

Many will try to identify the root cause of the problems and challenges we face. As a society. As a nation. As a church. As a community. However, as it goes with roots, there is never one. It is a system. Of varying lengths. Of different thicknesses. Tangled and twisted, sorting through it all will take time. And grabbing roots will be like grasping at straws.

We are all law-breakers.

For all the the labels and identifiers we are known by based on our behaviors and decisions, they all stem from the source… the sole root, that once removed spells the beginning of the end for the offshoots.
As the church engages the community, pray the truth of the matter be revealed in the heart of every life.

SIN.

It lives in the heart of all of us. Some labels assigned to behaviors, tendencies and lifestyles sound worse and more damaging than others, but at any given moment, one decision could secure us severe consequences.

I could admit many faults. I could confess to many identifiers and labels, for I am no better than the worst offender. So the only confession and admittance that overcomes the root of SIN is simple. Yet tragedy will continue as society continues to deny the power that lies in one simple statement.

“Hello. My name is Peter. I am a Sinner. I am in need of a Savior.”

Any other confession, however noble and admirable it may be, whether made to one individual in a private conversation or proclaimed in a status update on social media, is secondary to the acknowledgement of our need to be in right relationship with God, through the person of Jesus Christ.

Any other solution is nothing more than applying a bandage to a patient in need of open-heart surgery. Which is essential what that confession does… allows Jesus Christ to remove the root of Sin. It doesn’t fix us, as there are still other auxiliary roots left behind, but with the source removed, it allows Christ to work in our lives, such as the visible issues to which society looks at and says, we should do something about this.

Yes. Yes we should. Humble ourselves in the sight of God and pray.

On this #communitySaturday, may there finally be a turning point in our world, where the blinders fall off, and in looking for the root of the problem, many will find the TRUE source that needs to be dealt with. Pray that in finding the heart of the matter within the life of every individual, may they acknowledge that faith in God alone through the person of Jesus Christ is the beginning and the end of the only confession that needs to be declared.
– PNC

Tragedy abounds. Tragedy surrounds. Criticism raises its voice. Demands for answers. Speaks before full knowledge of truth. Speaks from anger. Speaks from frustration. Speaks profound insight. Speaks intelligently and with good intentions.

Yet, until it's first-hand...
Even those on the front-line of situations and circumstances; there's a difference between being a first-hand witness and being a first-hand player.

It's the difference between saying "I was there" versus "I was involved."

We look at lives events, some with explanation within reason; others without explanation with no regard and offer our statements of "if it were me" and "if it were up to me" and yet we look at this world and neglect the most basic, spiritual truth.

God has a plan, purpose and destiny for every life. Born and unborn. Of every color on the spectrum of skin tone. Of creed and faith; of principle and experience; of status and prominence; of wealth or ruin and any and all deficiency of the aforementioned.

When offered the challenge to put ourselves in the experience of another that we might gain, true 1st-hand revelation, we usually aren't so inclined. I can't, wouldn't or won't put myself in your shoes.

Sadly, we do the same when confronted with the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. That faith in God and prayer and church is fine for you; but I don't see it working for me. And here's the laundry list of why I'm beyond God's help and my standing by rejecting said help.

And yet, the entire work of missions and the advancement of the Gospel of Christ has been in the sharing of one's first-hand experience. And the invitation extended to the one next to us. Don't just witness the power and presence of God at work in humanity. Be one involved in the power and presence of God; and the work He has in store for humanity... that has seemingly gone out of it's way to not so much tell God we don't need His hand upon our nation, but has done as much removed His hand from us for Him. We haven't told God to back off. We've told Him, to in fact, back off.

Whatever the tragedy being discussed today and whatever one lurks around the next news cycle, one can't help but wonder what would happen if nations today, did as read in Scripture... leaders leading it's citizens in repentance and crying out to God.

Forgive us. And as we turn from our wickedness, would you heal our land?

On this #missionsFriday, pray for those working in all nations, as tragedy runs abroad. Time is short and days are evil and nations and its' citizenry are crying out for life to look and to be different. Pray leaders and leadership would come to a place of revelation and understanding that life has purpose and meaning; that all of life matters and it starts with the person of Jesus Christ. Pray for the church to not just be witness to the presence and power of God, but to be involved in greater dimension in sharing the love and forgiveness available to all of humanity because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Wrongly accused, wrongly beaten, wrongly crucified; but for the Sovereign hand of God, a way was made that whosoever may come into right relationship. May the truth of God and His Word go forth, as never before... and as promised, not return void.

Pray; society would turn from its ways; seemingly right in their own eyes
And seek the face of God. May He heal this land.
We are in desperate need of His working the miraculous in our midst.

- PNC

We all have our reasons for why we do things. What's more; we all have our reasons for not doing things. Oddly enough, the reasons for "why not" are easily justified in our eyes and received by others with a disbelieving nod-of-the-head.

If we're honest with ourselves, we know the truth in that statement, because we've justified our own reasons for why don't do things, yet heard others' explain their reasons and responded with disbelief. "Seriously? That's all you got?"

I pondered this, actually, as I awaited (and continue to wait) someone's reply. And typical me; my mind plays scenarios out; trying to think ahead what is to come; like scanning the chess board 5-8 moves in advance. While God sees our lives with such vision and perspective, humanity, albeit made in His image, does not see so well. Our finite minds see what's in front of us.

This is reasonable. This is responsible. This I can handle. This I can do.

Those things; no... not so much. Won't do that. Won't go there. Won't discuss as such.

Justified in our eyes. Somewhat ridiculous to others.
The painful truth of the matter... the reasons we give to God.

What He calls for us. What He asks of us. What He commands us. Where and when He directs us.
Our reasons, justified in our finite minds. Our reasons, pretty ridiculous in His infinite wisdom.

I didn't realize this was going to happen as I pondered the aforementioned perspective yesterday afternoon, but last night for our Wednesday prayer service, we watched a message preached by Jim Cymbala, of Brooklyn Tabernacle on hearing the voice of God. He spoke of King Amaziah, from I Chronicles 7. The incredible transformation that took place in the King's life, when hee listened to God and witnessed the miraculous... and the removal of God's blessing when he stopped listening. Failing to heed the warnings, he pushed his own way with a "why not" mentality. And it cost Amaziah... everything.

It happens in ministry as well. And for personalities, big and small within the church-world. For all the things that are tried and planned; thought-out and implemented in church operations... it means little, if leadership is not focused on seeking the face of God and waiting to hear instructions from Heaven; both what has already been given through the Word of God and what is being given specifically to pastors and church leaders. The tragic stories of what transpires when pastors and leaders step out and step off of what God has or had planned for them... well, one is one too many.

So, pray this #deaconThursday, for wisdom as they counsel, support and play vital roles in the input and direction of church operations, ministry and pastoral accountability. Pray for pastors and leaders alike, that they would not find themselves in places where they have stopped listening; to the voice of God, to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, to men and women of God speaking into their lives. May there be and remain a sensitive spirit towards the things of God; towards the moving of the Spirit of God and toward the voice of God and His Word. May their be a caution to walk circumspect before the Lord; aware of our place in light of His plan. Pray that modern day church leadership would take the posture of Paul; whose boast was in the Lord and everything he was, had and accomplished was as filthy rags before God. May pride and ego be kept in check; as Christ Himself did not consider equality with God something to be grasped; but humbled Himself before the Father.

Justified only by faith;
And that not of ourselves.
It is the gift of God.
For His glory.

- PNC

This is such a great album! If you don't have it, I highly recommend getting it. A digital copy or one that you hold in your hand. I had it on cassette; need to find it on CD for my collection. That said, this kept playing through my mind yesterday; particularly as I kept thinking about how well my daughters get along (except when they don't).

I don't remember my brother and I getting into it, as much as these two girls do; perhaps it's because there's a few more years of separation between us and so we weren't in competition with each other, as much as I was emulation-mode of whatever he was doing. Be that as it may, I couldn't help but think about the relationship my daughters share and compare it to how well (or not) the body of Christ gets along with each other.

This one line, in the song, says it all, about church strife;

"There's a world that's losing hope, while we fight among ourselves."

This is becoming more and more apparent, with every passing human tragedy and political uproar.

The world needs to hear what the church has to say and more importantly, what God has to say, through His Word and yet they they are unable to do so, because of the contempt they show for they show the body of Christ and the people of God. More often than not, the church has hindered it's own witness than we've helped to confound expectations, as we portray Christ to a world that is losing hope in increasing fashion.  (increasing, being an understatement, as the song posted here, is almost 20 yrs old!)

I'm not saying the church hasn't accomplished a great deal in 20 years; that ministry hasn't been powerful and effective, resulting in lives changed for eternity and incredible testimonies of God's power and grace at work among us. Yet, as the lyrics acknowledge, "we've got a long way yet to go."

Pray with me, this #youthPastorWednesday, for the struggle and the strife that is occurring across our churches. May the fighting cease. Pray the spirit of peace we wish to see in the world, transpire in the church first. May their be an extension of grace within the body of Christ; that would exemplify God's ability to offer the same to the world through the person of Jesus Christ. Pray the children in our churches; may the witness the love, grace and forgiveness of Christ in our homes, marriages and workplaces, as well as when we congregate. May their not be a double-standard of living, in our coming and our going, but a consistent faith and a constant perspective of who we are in Christ; what He has accomplished in our lives and what He desires to work in and through us for those we interact with in this world.

May they find the hope they seek.
In the person of Jesus Christ.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Perhaps, even unsettled is too strong of a word to describe places in life that are most likely caused by ambition. Life isn't bad; certainly not horrible. Things seem to be going well, at least by comparison to where one once was or what they have gone through. However, it's the gnawing, sometimes borderline nagging, feeling that there is something more in store; whether in another time or at another place may remain unknown, but there's a sense that were you are is not where you are meant to stay.

There is a purpose. There is a calling. There is an anointing. And yet the timing and placement of events, people and locations all work together to create experiences in our lives. Our reactions to those experiences are often the driving forces in thinking that there is "more" to this life than what we are doing.

So while you don't find yourself in a hurried frenzy to make dramatic changes in your life, there comes a time of acknowledgement where you start processing and making attempts to figure out what changes can be made, as well as where and when and how. It's a balance of quiet steadfastness, in the confidence and reliance upon God that you are where you are for now with good reason while trusting and seeking His face as the unsettled-ness begins asking "what's next?".

Whatever the situation, the agitation of this internal conflict can take it's toll. Ambition makes one excited about the prospects of change; constraints of reality makes one question many things regarding feasibility.  When the conflict begins to cloud judgement and interfere with current responsibilities, you know you are on shaky ground, as you could potentially put both reality and the desired reality at risk; which is unhealthy.

So, pray this somewhat abstract #associatePastorTuesday, for pastors experiencing this eternal conflict. Whether it be specific to ministry, or perhaps a balancing act between their place in secular market versus ministry, pray for a calming in their spirit. May there be a clarion sense of direction and purpose; where such seem elusive to them. Pray for a steadfast confidence as they continue to carry out current duties and responsibilities and that there would a be strengthening in them, as they continue. Pray for an increased reliance and trust in God, as they seek His face and pray His will regarding their lives and circumstances. May their human ambition not rush in ahead; but a Godly ambition would take over. Pray the Holy Spirit would lead and guide them, as they patiently wait upon the Lord; faithfully working and serving in the place He has positioned them... for however long the season lasts.

Not seeking the applause of man;
Unsettled for glory of God.

- PNC

Happy Fourth of July, Bring Me 70 readers!!

Once again, we celebrate our Independence... sort of.

We celebrate our independence from a nation that wanted to control who we were and what we believed, only to, somehow arrive at a place and time where culture and politics want to again control who we are and what believe. Thus, these celebrations continue in seeming conflict... recognizing what was achieved by the Founding Fathers of this great nation, while recognizing we have strayed far and away from their vision of what they fought to defend. Not to mention, what our military service people continue to defend.

I had a number of ideas over the past few days for today's #seniorPastorMonday prayer, in light of today being a National holiday; but it wasn't secured until yesterday morning church service. Our guest speaker, was Dr. Byron Klaus, newly-appointed Interim President at University of Valley Forge. He spoke on the passage from I Samuel 7 (then walked us through the back-story that begins in chapter 4). Over the course of a 20+ year history, Israel experiences great loss, as do the Philistines, for that matter, mostly because of how they treat the Ark of the Covenant. It's a great and powerful story; one that Dr. Klaus put a cap on with this closing perspective that applies to the church today.

"You live in the power and victory of the Cross. Why would you allow defeated foes to control your life?"

Isn't that a great question? And goes will with the opening thoughts. Why do some in this nation insist on returning to ways and policies that we've fought so hard to get away from; that the Founding Fathers took great care in differentiating themselves from. So, too, has the body of Christ been set-apart for the glory of God. Pastors and believers alike are to live in the power and victory of what Christ accomplished on the cross.

And yet, like Israel, rather than taking back what was stolen (the Ark of the Covenant) and allowing it to have the impact in the land that it was supposed to, they protected it... hid it, where God couldn't move in the midst. Such is life, for many Christians. We have the power of Christ, but the lies of the enemy and the memories of the past somehow gain footholds in our lives. We don't deal with them, reminding them of their defeat and so they continue to strengthen and fortify, until they have become strongholds. And what was defeated already now has control once again. Sad. Tragic. Avoidable.

On this Independence Day, pray this #seniorPastorMonday, that Pastors would indeed, experience again, independence in their lives. May defeated foes that have somehow gained control be reminded of the power and victory of the Cross. Pray for strongholds to be broken and footholds to be released, as the Holy Spirit moves and works in the lives of Pastors. Pray for freedom!! In their hearts and minds, in their souls and spirits... for their congregations and the communities they serve. Pray they would walk in that freedom in new and powerful ways; influencing and impacting those around them for the cause of Jesus Christ. May they not return to the days of hiding and protection, but moving foward with a boldness and a confidence in what God has accomplished. May today be a day of spiritual celebration as much as it a national day of celebration.

Freedom.
Thanks in part to those who have died in service to country.
Thanks in greater part to Him who died in service to God.

- PNC

Last night would have been a great deal more funny, had I done my rendition of Larry The Cucumber, of VeggieTale fame, singing, "Where is my hairbrush?" Technically, it should have been my soon to be 8-yr old daughter, as we couldn't find her favorite hairbrush in the post-bath aftermath of de-tangling. Oh the joys of parenthood and schedules, and making sure you have everything ready, for wherever it is you are headed, as you head out the door... even in the moments that follow, as we put the final touches on getting ready for church.

Even so... it got me thinking about churches, struggling because they don't have the right equipment. People get fussy, as my daughter did, because what's available isn't the most effective, productive or efficient. Things take longer, they are more frustrating; they require more effort and more agony... more tears and pain; you get the idea.

For pastors and parishioners alike, it quickly becomes a not-so-fun process. And on more pithy prayer posts on Bring Me 70, having the right equipment for the job is a critical priority for churches to be effective. It's made all the more difficult when there are a lack of finances and people to handle it.

So, pray, this #effectiveSunday, for churches struggling to make do with where they are. For whatever equipment, people and finances are available, pray God would do the miraculous. May equipment last long enough until this is provision for better; pray grace for the people as they overcome challenges. May God grant them creativity as they stare the challenges in the face. Pray God's blessing on church finances; not as our pastor prays, that church would heap it upon themselves, but that they may be a blessing to those around them and the community.

Right equipment
For the work of the Lord
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I had the tale end of a statement made by the Chief of Staff of my favorite political TV drama, that kept playing in my mind, practically all day yesterday. I don't know why I couldn't let it go or think about other things... it just kept coming back around; like making mental laps.

The CoS is trying to get the President to support a major project, which in this episode has completed 9 of 10 required criteria. Of course the 10th is the most crucial, so if it doesn't meet than, there's a point to made that essentially and simply asks "what's the point of the project, then?" However, the CoS is convinced it works, and when the President asks him what he bases that on, the CoS simply replies...

"Confidence. And the understanding that there has been a time in the evolution of everything that works when it didn't work."

This got me thinking about Christianity and the faith we place in God. It is a dichotomy of elements that are both simple and complex. There are spiritual principles, that when integrated into one's life, do work, regardless of the individual; but Christianity is not something to be looked at as the latest fitness challenge, rehab program or financial freedom seminar. Faith in God is not something that works for me and not you, but something that each of us are to work out with fear and trembling. That tells me, that to some degree, everyone's faith will look different compared to the person standing next to them.

You've had different experiences than me.
You've had different upbringing than me.
You've had different parents with each of the above for themselves, than me.
You've had siblings, who have spoken into your life, with each of the first two items for themselves, than me.
You've had different pastors, teachers and influences than me.
You've read different books, different blogs, different music...
You've had different friends...

Christianity, while having elements that apply to us all, is not a one size fits all deal. The only common denominator, as a base-line for faith in God, is the hole in our heart that can only be filled with the person of Jesus Christ. Until we are made whole by Him residing in that place, nothing else we fill that space with work.

Other religions, other beliefs... they look at what man "must do" to enter heaven. As if spiritual exercises will make us fit for the afterlife. Christianity is the work God has done for us; starting with Christ's redemption for our lives through His sacrifice on the Cross. God does a work in the hearts and lives of humanity. We have an active part in the process, for sure... but the work does not rely solely on us. It does however, work better when we rely solely on God; not on ourselves or other things. It is difficult to maintain such perspective and at times difficult to explain; but in this driven society of work and challenge and "You have to do this" comparison and "I have to do this" motivation; only one thing matters for eternity. Christianity is not something everyone should check out to see if it's right for their lives.

Christianity is the offering by God having made the opportunity for humanity to come into right relationship Him through Jesus Christ because of the plan that He worked out long before we've arrived.

Pray this #communitySaturday, that God help us as we interact with unbelievers. In discussing faith and spiritual matters, may the eye-scales be removed and that many would recognize their need for Christ. May they understand it's not about we do to earn His love; that it is already available to us. Pray that we would stop looking for other things to take the place in our lives that can only be filled by God; that we would come to rely, all the more, upon God to do His work in our lives. May we stop the flawed thinking that we are the end all-be all of humanity; that we were fearfully and wonderfully made by God, for His glory and His purpose. Pray for revelation; that in a society driven to acceptance, that people would come to accept Christ, first and foremost.

Accept His plan for your life.
For it is not flawed, unlike the offerings of man.
It is a gift, paid in full by the person of Jesus Christ.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Yesterday morning, it became apparent early on, that I would be behind for the entirety of the day. At some point mid-morning, it dawned on me, that there was probably a time-sensitive that would be tacked on, upon completion of what was already in front of me. Sure enough, upon completion, I sent a text, essentially confirming my assumption, this is the game plan? The reply came back... yeah, "but you are too late."

Interestingly enough, I didn't find until the close of business Wednesday, that the same thing had occurred on day as well; finding out only upon my arrival. However,someone still happened to be there and so it worked out, but still... a late arrival.

Upon reading the text though, it wasn't but moments, that eternity flashed before me. What will be the opportunities and events in this life that will be revealed to us by God, where the fullness of just how late we were in circumstances and conversations will be shared.

Nobody likes being late.
Nobody likes missed opportunities
Nobody likes being left out

Yet, in regards to matters of the heart, in light of eternity, many are. Many do. Many have been.

Which places an even greater emphasis on churches and missions to redeem the time; to make the most of every opportunity. To impact the world for Christ. To tell His story. For many they are late in being prepared for eternity. While there are always factors beyond our control that prevent us from meeting certain schedules and time-sensitive demands, Christs' return is one we don't know; except that we are 1 day closer than yesterday.

So, pray with me, this #missionsFriday, for missionaries and church leaders and the body of Christ at large, to live with an increasing awareness of the time-sensitive nature of eternity. Pray we would not be late, in following the prompting and leading of the Holy Spirit to impact this world for the cause of Jesus Christ. May a lost and dying world come to understand that their souls weigh in the balance, as tomorrow is not guaranteed to any of us, let alone, the next hour of the day. Pray for those living with regret; situations of which, they are already aware that eternal matters and opportunities have been missed; that they were late in impacting the life of another for Christ. May God help us and strengthen us to be a better witness in light of eternity.

For the advancement of the Gospel
For the cause of Jesus Christ.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit.

- PNC