I smile every time this happens. It simply boggles my mind, just how quickly God seems to respond, when I inquire of Him what He would like to say through these prayers. Yesterday morning, as I was on the road doing my thing, and she was en route to her destination, we were discussing a number of matters over the phone... talking through different scenarios and kicking around options. Neither one of us having clarity as to the direction we should take or even consider taking, should some clarity actually be revealed.

It seemed, later in the morning, that I had a simultaneous confession; that I had no idea what to write for today's prayer, nor had had I any idea for this conversation we had.

In that moment, I prayed for a fresh perspective.

To which, I felt God reply; you aren't the only one.

It's hard at times, to continue on the path that's in front of you and to handle with grace and confidence what you have here and now, while seeking clarity and direction as to whether you should be on a different path or take a different path, should one intersect with you life.

It gets even harder, on larger scales; where more lives are not only involved, but also at stake. Such as corporations, organizations... and ministry. While we figure out what works for this family, deacons and church leaders are struggling with not only their own homes, but decisions and the direction of their churches. They too are in need of fresh vision, fresh insight, fresh wisdom. Confidence for today and clarity for tomorrow.

Pray, this #deaconThursday, that God would give a fresh perspective for the decisions and challenges they face. Pray that there would indeed, be a confidence for today and clarity for tomorrow.

For the glory of God.

- PNC

I discovered a problem with the internet as last night, as I tried to get a head start on this morning's prayer. The game plan was to insert the lyrics to this song, before hand, so writing it now would come that much easier. Alas, all the lyrics that are online, are the ones to Wilson Philips' song of the same name, but are attached to this song. Needless to say, I'm a little bummed.

Be that as it may, this song played on my way home from work last night and prompted me to change the direction of this prayer. As you listen, you'll hear about just how quickly life changes and how life beats against us. How does one navigate such difficulty? How does one stand in the face of adversity? How does one overcome obstacles?

They hold on... to Christ, my Savior.

I was going to post Jeff Allen's testimony, and perhaps I still will (next week?) but as I watched it earlier this week, he shared something from his life story. He said, that as he was encouraged to believe in higher power; something bigger than himself, he wanted to it be real. He shared how he felt there was no comfort in life, to believe in a false god or a false hope, that offered nothing when the struggles of life came. No direction, no wisdom, no insight, no hope, no peace, no joy, no satisfaction. If one takes the time to embark on a spiritual journey to discover God; shouldn't they ultimately come to the true reality of the matter?

Face to face with the same decision posed by C.S. Lewis... that Jesus Christ is either a liar, lunatic, or Lord.

As this next generation of youth encounters and endures life, I hope and pray they come to the truth of the Lordship of Jesus Christ. And as encouraged by this song; that no matter what comes their way in life, they would indeed, "Hold on, to Christ, my Savior."

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, that kids and youth would see in the lives of parents and pastors, a genuine faith in the One True God. May they witness a precedent, of people who remain faithful to Christ, when life gets hard and all-too real. May they witness a steadfastness about our lives; that when troubles came we did what Scripture encouraged to do; having done all we can, to stand firm. Pray they come to seek, understand and follow the Lordship of Jesus Christ for their own lives and that whatever may come against them in this life, that they too would hold on... to Christ, their Savior. Despite all that would try to distract, derail and detour them, may their faith in God rise up within; that they too would stand firm on His promises, that are yes and amen, to them that believe.

Holding on
To Christ, our Savior
Trhough all life's storms,
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Every once in a while, I find myself reflecting on how life would be different, in the face of certain tragedy. Any prolonged thought of one's own mortality and you can't help but be humbled and consider yourself blessed... to have life, to have family, to have friends. Indeed, life is a gift.

If life on earth is a gift, then how much greater a gift, is eternal life through Jesus Christ? What adjective could possibly describe.

English novelist and playwright, Graham Greene sums it up this way...

"You can’t conceive, my child, nor can I or anyone the … appalling … strangeness of the mercy of God."

We all encounter our own difficulties and tragedies. One can't fathom theirs from another should our lots in life ever be switched... that you would live my story and I would live yours.

Yet, in the sovereignty of God, each gift of blessing, each loss of the same, is an opportunity to trust God and draw closer to Him.

As I reflected on on Spaffords' story yesterday, this succinct question came to mind.

We will one day, all stand before God. And after the one question, regarding our relationship with Christ, there will be a follow-up question; with two points of clarity.

What happened?

The two points of clarity...

...for the unbeliever: I gave you every opportunity to come to Christ, yet you did not.
...for the believer: I gave you every opportunity to bring someone to Christ; yet you did not.

Challenging questions, that are rendering me nearly speechless.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, for the church body as a whole, as well as pastors and church leaders, that each of us would remain focused; that life is a gift and that God is sovereign. May there be an awareness about our lives to seize the opportunities to glorify God and to point others to Christ, that they may come into right relationship with God. God forgive us, for the opportunities we have missed. Help us, not to let more slip through our lives.

Life is precious.
Life is short.
Eternity awaits
With one simple response to God.

- PNC

Our family attended the annual church picnic of the church where my wife and I met and where my father-in-law and his wife still attend. I have to tell you that I hadn't thought anything about today's prayer post, until the praise and worship band played "It Is Well", a modern take on Horatio Spafford's It Is Well With My Soul.

Immediately, this got me thinking about pastors and missionaries who have suffered great loss and personal tragedy. Like all of us, it comes in many forms... family struggles, disappointments, loss of life or possessions, medical difficulties, financial trouble, ministry turmoil.

We often sing It Is Well, at times when life feels the farthest thing from being well. Spafford penned the words to this song after losing his four daughters on the ship crossing the Atlantic; but how many of us remember that less than six and a half years later, he would lose his 3-yr old son to scarlet fever?

I found myself for a few moments, thinking about a few pastor friends. One truly wonders sometimes, how people manage to keep the faith. It's clearly not that those in ministry have an easier life. It simply proves we should cover them in prayer, as much as would desire for someone to pray with and over ourselves.

Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, for pastors struggling with the challenges of life. Whether in ministry or at home, with family or among friends, pray for battles and difficulties they currently face. Pray that God would gird them up and strengthen their hearts as they focus on Him and what He has called them to accomplish. Pray he would encourage and bring peace to the minds and souls. May worry, anxiety and an overall sense of unrest leave and may the peace that surpasses all understanding bring them to a place of rest in Christ. No matter what the outcomes and the conversations that transpire along the way, even when it seems to be not so well; may their be a quiet confidence in the sovereignty of God; that indeed life "will be well, with my soul."

For the glory of God,
We pray these things.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

- PNC

Effective and efficient is a delicate and difficult balance... for nearly everything one sets out to accomplish.

Effective implies a level of thoroughness. A knowing of what to do, when to do, how to do and with whom, that leads one to believe a well-organized game plan was well-executed.

Efficient, on the other hand, implies a level of quickness. A keeping up a good pace, for an extended period of time, so that the well-executed, well-organized plan is completed in good time.

However, effectiveness, depending on the task, can take a long time. Likewise, efficiency comes in degrees, as not everything is meant to go at the quickest pace possible.

I thought about this yesterday afternoon, as my wife and I returned from an overnight get-away.

Not everything can be rushed. Not everything can be done quickly.

Faith in God; one's spiritual journey... is an investment. A lifetime investment.
Marriage; sharing life with you spouse... is an investment. A lifetime investment.
Parenting; raising children ready to take on the world... is an investment. A lifetime investment.

The most effective of these... require organization and follow-through.
The most efficient of these... require a commitment to invest for life.

And in a day and age, when these characteristics are applauded when achieved, yet not valued enough to be universal, we find ourselves in a dangerous place.

Decades of marriage... awesome. But we can't do that. Those days don't exist anymore.
Great parents and healthy kids... that's great. But you don't know our family; my kids.
A life of faith? That's good for you; but that's not for me.

Yet the stability, the experience, and the confidence of a life lived well, because they were committed to God and to family can not be ignored. It doesn't mean these three areas of life don't have difficulty, struggle and frustration. They do. But effective and efficient in faith and family require a commitment to a lifetime investment.

Pray, this #effectiveSunday, that a lifetime commitment, a lifetime investment would not be avoided or deflected, but encouraged. May people experience the power and presence of God in their life, for the remainder of their days. Pray for strength and clarity of purpose as they live out a genuine faith in God. Pray for Godly homes, Godly marriages, Godly parents and Godly children; may their be a re-commitment to life for God and to remain committed to our spouse and our children; that we would live real lives of real faith not afraid to let our light shine before men; that they may know our Father God in Heaven. May our lives bring glory and honor to Him because we've remained faithful to Him and to those He has blessed us to share life together.

Investments with eternal returns.
For the glory of God.
For the advancement of the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

With the title of yesterday's prayer post fresh on my mind as I went to you work, you can guess which lyrics I had stuck in my head all day! In fact, the phrase the kept repeating was "so hard to get through to you".

On this #community, it simply reemphasized the point, of just how often we make our points and arguments and opinions and they simply fall short of accomplished the desired result and making the change we hoped our dialogue would make. Distractions, experiences and habits conspire together to place in a position, especially emotionally or mentally where we have difficulty encountering opposition and making changes.

Like life didn't through us enough of a curve ball, it seems at times, there is never a reprieve!

That song wouldn't leave for the entire day, until my way home when I cranked up the BOSE Stereo.  My CD changer got stuck trying to eject a CD, so I've reverted to the couple of mix tapes still hiding in the console.

Read these lyrics, from Mylon Lefevre's Let Love Conquer  (and listen to the song, posted on YouTube)

So many people // Having hard times
They feel the pressure // They're losing their minds
They don't have the strength to really endure // Because tomorrow looks so unsure

If they fall // We gotta let them see
Jesus' love in you and me

Don't put down your brother // Let Love conquer
Please don't hurt each other // Let Love conquer

It's not easy // To show your face
When folks are thinking // You're just a disgrace
It's so easy to be misunderstood // When explanations don't come out like they should

If we are going to walk through this life with Christ in us, then we do we not respond more like Christ to the events and people whose paths we intersect?

A challenging question, but one that needs to be asked. Some introspection worth covering in prayer.

Pray, this #communitySaturday, as we intersect with community, that we would see others as Christ sees. May we tell them, as Mylon states, that while this world has problems, the good news is that as children of God, they are not our problems! Pray opportunities to share Christ and reveal the love of God be made transparent. Pray that the troubles and trials and disgraces of life would be placed at the cross, for both the believer and the one yet to believe. May no matter what tomorrow looks like, deter people from reaching out to God. Pray for a softening of hearts in our culture and community, where distractions, experiences and habits have hardened, rejected and calloused people's understanding of who God is and what He desires for their lives.

Pray in all things...
That Love would conquer.
For the glory of God
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I sat yesterday afternoon, headed west across the state line, sitting in some serious construction traffic. According to my GPS estimated time of arrival compared to my actual arrival, it really felt like that was an more than the extra 10-15 minutes caused by the delay. Some days, I'm not sure why flashing red lights are more nerve-racking... the ones in the rear-view mirror or through the windshield, as everyone tries to figure out which lane is moving faster.

Be that as it may, I kept a close eye on east-bound traffic; staying very aware of my ETA back home, should I have to sit in that mess of red lights. And the back-up getting longer. And slower. And longer. As I got on the overpass, to change freeways, there was the end of the line... yeah; we're not sitting in that on the way back. A few miles out of my way, but I by-passed the whole mess, got on significantly closer to the state-line and was back to my starting reference point in about the same time as it took getting there. Now, as long as there's no more delays the rest of the way (which there weren't, at least on my side of the expressway).

So it's #missionsFriday. Why are we talking traffic?

Because, for the sake of the hypothetical.

What if, people were exiting corporate America to pursue ministry and church leadership at a rate on par with the current burnout rate? Roughly 400-600 missionaries leave the ministry every year. For the sake of math, let's call it 520/yr. Ten per week. One every 16 hrs and 40 minutes!

What if people were stepping up to the plate, saying what can I do for the kingdom of God at the same clip at which current ministers and missionaries are struggling, leaving, falling to the way-side and failing out of their leadership position.

How different would church life look in such cross-town traffic?
How much stronger, the mission field?

Life is hard.
The struggle is real.
The ministry is challenging.
The expectation is high.
The commitment is demanding.
The reward is a blessing.
The consequence is heavy.
The balance is razor-thin.

You have to want ministry. You have to want to do ministry.
Calling? Yes.
Purpose? Absolutely.
Willingness? Crucial.

Like emergency responders, may there be a readiness to run INTO the fire, to rescue a lost and dying world.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, for a rising up within the church, of those who will step up and into ministry and missions. Pray; that God would strength and support pastors and missionaries alike, on the verge of burnout. May God stem the tide of the exodus, for those heavy and burdened; being left in the wake of the pressures of ministry. May they be renewed, revived and refreshed. May they be encouraged, by those coming alongside them, to pray, support and join with them. Pray that the back-up to get into ministry would be greater than those desiring to leave. May God help us, strengthen and encourage church leadership through prayer, friendship and support.

A willingness and a readiness;
To join in the support,
Advancing the cause of Jesus Christ
That God would draw all unto Himself.
Not willing that any should be left... un-rescued.

- PNC

Yesterday morning, I couldn't believe what I was reading. We've all said cryptic things before; statements that drop hints that something is amiss and you may or may not get the picture of what's going on. Once revealed, you realize just how incredible the result appears.

It's usually not an amazing or impressive "incredible" either, but a disbelief of incredible. A nearly rendering speechless, incredible. Come to think of it, there was another situation a few days ago, the end result of which left me in the same state of perspective.

So I had time to consider and process some thoughts about what this, before I had chance to discuss the matter with my best friend. A couple of questions, to make sure my understanding and logic were sound and sure enough, the conclusion that the end result was unbelievable was confirmed.

As I pondered the "what-if" of the details of this matter, I couldn't help but think; "if this was really the case; if there was any evidence of this more than what's on the appearance, wouldn't it be made known earlier? Wouldn't there have been concerns and questions brought up and ask long before? Red flags should be rising up across the landscape! Yet, they weren't.

Not everyone will always be "in the know" in the understanding and thought processes that go into decisions, actions and statements of a situation and that's fine. It's normal. It's healthy. There is a safety and security element, that gives protection to a community that information isn't wide-open and left exposed for misinterpretation.

As my dad stated the other day, people get the final 30 seconds or 2 minutes of a video or a conversation, totally missing the 5-10 minutes leading up to it; have no context for the matter, or fail to get the context, yet make assumptions and decisions on that result. It's a dangerous, unhealthy way to live, quite frankly.

It's even more unhealthy, in the church and it's leadership. This is why it's important to have strong, faithful, upright and Godly deacons and advisory boards. They are not to be "yes" people; however, they are "in the room" regarding circumstances and situations, conversations and the resulting decisions. They help bring and explain context when it remains elusive to the community-at-large. These are the ones, watching the horizon. These are the watchtower, of church leadership. When healthy, they protect the church community and bring a level of accountability to pastors; working to create a cohesive environment, where problems can be spotted and addressed appropriately.  Nobody likes it when life is amiss and we all have a sense when it is. Thus, it's important to have people that have the ability to discern such moments and help bring about change and correction when there is a legitimate need to move in that direction.

Pray this #deaconThursday, for the health of deacon and advisory boards with in the church. Pray God would give them increased understanding and discernment for the pastors and church communities they serve. As they stand along the church watchtowers, may the have the foresight to see problems and potential weaknesses. Whether they be approaching from outside the church or within, may the have the strength and ability address problems appropriately, respond accordingly and navigate situations and circumstances that honor God. May they have attitudes of grace and compassion, while holding fast to courage and conviction. Pray God would guard their hearts and minds; that their lives would not be amiss; thereby rendering them unable to recognize and protect when church life goes amiss and starts getting of course.

Watching the horizon
From the watchtower.
God help them serve well.

- PNC

There's comes many times in lives, times of assessment; times of evaluation. Depending on the circumstances, you or may not see them approaching. Whether they be moments of occasion or specific dates on the calendar, you know these are times to reflect and take things into consideration. Other times may not be so designated, yet you know when something occurs, that perhaps it's time to take a look.

We all go through assessments. Whether they be at tax time, the educational concerns of a child or a behavioral or attitude problem with a trouble teen; anyone seeking to improve their financial picture or sort through an increasingly difficult relationship or marriage... such can not be overlooked. Granted, the details may be hard to sort through, analyze and discuss, but doing nothing solves nothing.

Then there are matters of faith and our place in life in relationship to what God is accomplishing. We have to take a look at where we are and what we understand God is working out; we have to sort through the details, thoughts and concerns and ultimately, bring ourselves into or back into, as the case may be, in alignment with God and His Word.

Assessments often take time. The findings and the results that come about take even more time. Coming up with game-plans and steps of action that need to be taken to bring the situation under control and matters of importance back on course... these take time still.

There is a growth and maturing process for each and everyone of us... and those times are not always obvious. So, about the only thing that can be developed early on, in one's faith, is a sensitivity for the things of God and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in one's life. When the willingness for God to work and reveal things begins to fade, we lose the ability to see clearly that which would attempt to come against us and throw us off course.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray God would help, pastors and parents instill in our youth, a sensitivity for God, for His Word, for the power and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Pray for a willingness to be used of God and to desire to be in alignment with Him, rather than personality or a society. Pray for a strength and a resolve; that when trials and tribulations come; when difficulties surround and tensions mount, that today's youth would stand firm on the promises of God that are YES and AMEN to them that believe. May the plans of the enemy be thwarted, in his attempts to distract, derail and destroy this generation. Pray a hunger and passion for God; that as the praise song Set a Fire plays even now, that each of us would indeed "want more of you, God."

Suffer the little ones to come to Christ.
For His glory.
For the advancement of the kingdom of God.

- PNC

The more quickly time passes, the sooner new opportunities come your way and prompt decisions to be made regarding them. Time does certainly seem to be cruising along.

There are multiple wedding anniversaries over the next week in my immediate family. There are two work anniversaries this week. The few months that the intern at our church has come and gone already. Plus, just 24 hrs ago, I was writing yesterday's prayer!

I threw in the bit about the intern, because, while our church still searches for a new youth pastor, the announcement was made that we have extended an opportunity to our intern, to come on staff, full-time! This is the second time, in the past 12-15 months, that we have brought on a 1st time pastor (last summer was children's pastor)

As Pastor shared the announcement, he referred to a concept from the book, Good to Great (which is a great read, if you haven't read it yet). The theory is, that if as an organization, you have the right people on the bus, (right place, right time) you'll be able to accomplish incredible things. Conversely, if you have the wrong people, whatever you to will be a struggle with limited success.

So this opportunity seemed like a good fit. As we've prayed in recent weeks and months regarding responsibilities, Chris will bring oversight to a number of ministries, with the formal title of Connections Pastor. This goes right in hand, with the Good to Great concept. Duplicating one's efforts, so that even more can be accomplished.

Even Scripture talks about the power of people working together, for they get a greater reward for their work. So one who can create and lead great teams and place people in authority who will do the same with their responsibilities results in exponentially extending one's reach, influence and impact... on a community, on an industry, on a society.

However, first timers in any role can be daunting. Exciting, yet humbling. Confidence-inspiring, yet anxiety-inducing. Grateful, but stressful. Thrilling, yet nerve-wrecking. First experiences, if we are not careful, can set the tone for one's life (or at least the next significant portion of it). Patterns, habits and thought-processes will influence in ways never before witnessed or understood, so to say this is a crucial time, is an understatement.

Moments like these must be covered in prayer.

Thus, pray this #associatePastorTuesday, for Chris, and many more life him; finding themselves in first-time pastoral positions. Whether they have just come on staff or are still in the first position as pastors, pray for a strength and a quickening in the spirit. May God use this time of learning, maturing and growth in their lives to be used for His glory. Pray for a grace for mistakes and mishaps made along the way; grace from others and for themselves. May patience and understanding be with them. Pray that good habits, sound though-processes and healthy patterns will be established early in, in these young ministries... that the foundations would be unshakable. That when trials and troubles and crisis moments of decision arise; they will seek the face of God; that the will humble themselves and prayer; that the will admit their need for help and advice and stick to the courage of their convictions. Pray in all things, their lives and ministries would bring glory and honor to God for all the years they serve the body of Christ and the kingdom of God.

Raise them up, God.
Not for themselves,
But to lead those around them
Closer to You.

- PNC

I think it's safe to say, that next to politicians and government, few professions receive receive as much criticism for who they conduct themselves in the world in comparison and contrast to how people perceive they should, than pastors and Christians.

Sadly, the criticism often comes from those inside the church, just as much as does outside the church, both in attitudes towards pastors and other Christians. This is sad on many levels; primarily though because Satan would desire little more than to divide and conquer the church from the inside out. If he can pull people away, if he can pull pastors out; if he can create opportunities for offense, hurt, distrust and chaos... by whatever means necessary to destroy whatever health a church may be experiencing.

I don't want to rehash pastor's entire sermon on criticism yesterday, which was a powerful message; that while there are times when criticism is genuine and constructive, it has destroyed many pastors when it was neither.
Which brings me to the profound statement he made, or more likely, referenced; but I failed to notate on my table who said first...

"There are those who have enough steam to blow the whistle, but not enough to power the engine."

This is exactly why we need to be careful in our criticism and attacks on leaderships. Should we place them in positions and decisions where they step off and step down from running the engine, suddenly you'll be going nowhere and who will step in, to keep the church, the organization, the family unit... moving in the direction that was laid before you; the plan and purpose God had called you to fulfill?

With no one at the helm, criticism will quickly place you in a position where you will be considered SOL.

So. Outta. Luck.

Meanwhile, criticism, done wrong will destroy a person, a pastor and a ministry. Just the kind of thing you want to be responsible for, especially if you are a Christian and active in the church.

Thanks for joining me, as we begin the 15th month of #pray4pastors.

On this first #seniorPastorMonday of the month, pray for churches struggling with an overarching spirit of criticism about their culture. Pray it be removed by the power of the Holy Spirit. May such environments witness a shift, to encourage and uplift the body of Christ and pastors and leaders in the church. Pray the genuine, warranted criticism would find it's proper place and achieve an effective result; whereby the church is strengthened, mature and healthy. Pray for pastors struggling with their response to criticism; for those where the barrage has burnt them out or has placed them on the verge; for those contemplating their next steps... may they be reminded of who they are in Christ and the calling and anointing placed on their lives. May the view criticism in it's proper context and respond appropriately, as the Holy Spirit reveals the truth of the matter to them. Pray the church would find balance and health in this area; to improve areas that would bring honor and glory to God while strengthening the gifts and abilities God has placed upon people and ministries that would impact communities for the cause of Jesus Christ.

Words of blessing; not cursing.
Life and health; rather than death and destruction.
Building up the body of Christ
For the glory of God.

- PNC