I heard a pretty incredible statistic yesterday, regarding the persecution of the church... something like 100,000+ Christians were martyred last year. So a quick search brings up some pretty astonishing results.

The organization, Open Doors says that persecution against the global church has risen for the third year in a row. How about some quick specifics...

* approximately 215 million Christians will experience high, very high or extreme persecution
* North Korea remains the most dangerous place for Christians, for the 14th consecutive year
* Pakistan is now the "most violent", exceeding levels of Northern Nigeria
* Nigeria has seen more than a 62% increase in the killings of Christians
* On Open Doors'  Top 50 Worst Countries for persecution list, Mali moved up from #44 to #32!
* 39 million of India's 64 million Christians experience direct persecution

If that doesn't move you, or at least open your eyes to just how close and real this battle is becoming, consider this: 75% of the world's population live in areas with severe religious restriction.

Indeed, eternity is at stake. Heaven's fallen angel is literally hell-bent on keeping as many people as possible from experiencing the incredible environment he once inhabited.

Whatever he can do to distract, detour and derail Christians, he will do.
All the more, if he can destroy the messenger, then he limits the effectiveness of the message.
Granted, he's already defeated, but he knows humanity remains hanging in the balance.

Well, on this #missionsFriday, there's certainly much to pray about. Pray for strength and perseverance among the millions of those persecuted. May their resolve to the faith and the Gospel stand firm in the face of all kinds of adversity and opposition. Pray for pastors and missionaries across the globe and especially this Top 50 list. Pray that God would turn the hearts of kings and leaders, as a water-course, back towards Him. Pray for the missionaries in the countries where the stats are extreme, such as Pakistan and Nigeria. May God will accomplish the miraculous in their ministries. Though we are essentially promised trials and tribulations, for indeed the world hated Christ Himself, pray God's protective angels over these, as we read of so many occasions in Scripture... the protection of Daniel, the release of Peter and Paul from prison.

The battle is the Lord's
May our prayers be as the lifting of Moses' arms
In the spiritual realm.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Wednesdays make for an incredibly long day in my schedule, but it's offset by the fact that I'm in an area whose radio station I greatly enjoy. During their morning show yesterday, the host and hostess of the program chatted with a pastor, who had just come back from a one-month Sabbatical, that his church had blessed them with, as an act of appreciation. Very early in their chat, the host asked how long it took until he could actually enjoy the time away.

The pastor's response blew me away. I don't know why... maybe, because I didn't see it coming. But in a matter of seconds, it made sense.

Two weeks.

He and the family didn't travel and get away for their Sabbatical, until they were two weeks in!

Spiritual adrenaline, they called it. Much like in any sport or activity where the energy is high for an extended period of time... the game is over, but the juices are still pumping. Your body is still in the "play to win" mode. It took this pastor two weeks to disengage to the point he could actually step into vacation mode and enjoy some R & R with his family.

As they chatted, the host shared his understanding of this phenomenon. And the opening statement to his expressing this sentiment... I didn't understand this until I served as a deacon.

They were talking about pastors being able to get away and how this often depends on the size of the church and the infrastructure of its operations. It's inline with what we've discussed and prayed many times. Smaller churches doesn't equate with less things to take care of, but it often equates to having less people to assist in the completion. And like many other arenas of life, this can certainly be a situation that is hard to fully comprehend until you've been on the inside.

Yet, even those on the "inside" may still not know fully what is going on. The emphasis of using Judas to prove my point has nothing to do with his betrayal, except to say, none of the disciples suspected him to the be the betrayer. Eleven men on the inside had no clue that Judas had sold his soul.

All the more reason, the "inner circle" of leadership within church ministry should be the strongest "life group" of the church.

So, on this #deaconThursday, let's pray for the strengthening of relationships in church leadership. May they be a refreshing and renewal of friendships between pastors, deacons and staff. Pray for a release, for those churches that are experience tense and difficult situations among their leadership. Pray for clarity and wisdom as they negotiate conversations and decisions. May their be a heightened sense of discernment among deacons and administrators, to recognize when pastors are in trouble, having difficulty and on the verge of burnout. May they know what to do, what to say, how to pray and how to help in tangible ways that are appropriate and necessary for the health and needs of the church.

A super-natural understanding,
For even those "in the know" don't always know.
May God grant wisdom generously
To those who know to ask for it.
For the glory of God
For the health of the body of Christ.

- PNC

I had a project to tackle last night, that I knew I couldn't put off any longer. You know how schedules get and then because a task has gone unattended, it takes longer to sort through and figure out. Procrastination is an enemy of the worst kind. One I admit, I have yet to master.

After getting up-to-date information on the matter, I posted to social media regarding adulthood.

"Kids, don't try this at home. But learn it before you leave home."

Discipline is an incredible concept. Keep in mind, it's double meaning. Of course, there's the state of correction. There's also the state of practice. The lessons learned from both, are invaluable, although when applied to finances and work ethic, you get close to actually placing a dollar amount on those lessons.

The power though, comes from continually correcting the focus of one's practice.

If you'll permit the play on words, there are times to discipline your disciplines.
There are times when you will need to correct what you are putting into practice.

Where am I going with this? I'm glad you asked.

Ligonier ministries played a sermon given at one of their recent leadership conferences and Pastor Scott Lawson was talking about the Reformation movement and the powerfully, prolific preachers of that day.

As we teach our kids, practice makes perfect. Not just the practice of learning that leads to increased skill, but the discipline of practice. What you continue to work and engage in, even after you have reached a certain level of skill.

Lawson talked of preachers like Calvin and Luther, who preached hundreds and even thousands of times over a given period. Stories of having preached 3 and 4 times in a given day. Extended lengths of time where they preached Sunday morning, Sunday evening  and every day Monday through Friday. The sermons lasted for hours, to hundreds of people at time.

These men were students of the Word. Masters at preaching it. Pioneers in exposition; of taking apart Scripture and bringing application to the lives of the hearers.

And Lawson's point on this #youthPastorWednesday? 

We're in a time in our churches where the time spent preaching is on the decline. Serious decline which produces a huge, negative impact when it comes to the churches effectiveness to influence culture with the Gospel.

Wednesday night services are no longer offered. Sunday night services are no longer a thing.
Sunday morning sermons are shorter to fit in a time format; whether because of multiple services or convenience for our drive-through, have it your way culture. 

I still remember the Sunday morning service at the church where I grew up, where the alarm on the father's watch went off, at which time the entire family left the sanctuary. The sermon wasn't over. But what could possibly be on the schedule that was so important that you thought you had time to visit a church, stay for the duration and still make your destination? Obviously it's between them and God, but the appearance was that the service was too long in their opinion.

If the preaching of the Gospel; the whole counsel of the Word of God is diminished and the time spent in the Scriptures is limited by both pastor and parishioner, as a matter of discipline then the world will continue to decline and the church will lose its effect and influence on culture, for we will not know how to respond.

Scripture is clear, as stated in Hosea... the people perish for a lack of knowledge. God help us, not only for this generation of Christians and pastors, but for the generation we are raising.

Let's pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that we would return to the discipline of Biblical studies and expository preaching. May pastors be devoted to the preaching of the full counsel of the Gospel, for indeed all of it is the story of God's love and redemption. In these difficult times, may the church stand strong in declaring the truth of the Word of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit while reflecting and sharing the love of Christ. May the church witness a change in our culture as we draw closer to the presence of God through His love letter to humanity. As God uses the foolishness of the Gospel to confound the wise, may the power of the practice of preaching usher in the moving of the Holy Spirit across our land.

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

- PNC

I posted yesterday, that when I asked Dad what were doing during our camping getaway, that his response to me was nothing... that in particular, I was doing nothing, except relaxing. It occurred to me, while at work yesterday, just how difficult of a process this is to complete.

Getting the body to relax is one thing. Getting the mind to actually unplug from the concerns, worries and frustrations of everyday life is quite another. As I considered how much trouble I have with this aspect of "relaxing", I know I'm not alone in the struggle. Pastors of any position and tenure in ministry have problems mentally disengaging.

I can't help but wonder how much the structure of a church comes in to play. If the senior pastor is in the position to focus on prayer and study of the Word, there is generally a pretty strong infrastructure of people and pastors who are helping carry the load and operational concerns. If this isn't the case then obviously, the senior pastor could be quite stressed.

Of course, if the senior pastor is trying to get to such a place in their ministry, then everyone is stepping up, carrying additional levels of stress. I don't know that anyone plans to find themselves so mentally taxed that if feels as if your head and/or the world is spinning out of control, but when you repeatedly, consistently find yourself not being able to make heads and tails of situations and circumstances and what directions you should take, it's a sure sign you could be in serious trouble if you don't find a way to mentally disengage.

It eventually shows. It eventually catches up to you and wreaks havoc. And the longer it goes unresolved, the harder it is to change and make forward, positive progress...

both in life and in ministry.

On that note, let's pray this #associatePastorTuesday for those struggling to truly relax. Pray the Holy Spirit would bring rest to the hearts and minds of those who are distressed, frustrated and confused. May there be a release in the spirit realm, as they place their trust in God anew and afresh. Pray for wisdom and discernment to come forward as a clarity from God breaks through the confusion and tension of life. Pray for a quickening and a fresh resolve to renew and energize their spirits; to make good situations better and to make the best of situations that have been a point of contention.

May our minds not stand in the way
Of the clarity of purpose that God has prepared.
Uncluttered and de-stressed.
Ready to be used by God
To that which He has called us to fulfill.
For His glory and the cause of Christ.

- PNC

I had a much needed getaway this weekend, the family and I enjoying some camping with my beloved parents. When I asked Dad last week what we were planning on doing, he straight-faced looked at me, and said, we're doing nothing. You're gonna relax. So I did.

The kids talked Grandpa in taking their bikes, so they did lots of riding around the grounds, and despite some less than ideal swimming weather, the ventured the cold pool multiple times. That said, it was a concerted effort on my part to actually shut my brain off. Not an easy task... at least not for me.

Of course, late Saturday evening, my brain kicked back in to gear, as I started to think what God might have in store for this post. Of course, as I lost myself gazing into the fire, God delivered.

Fire is amazing. Controllable, yet dangerous when it is out of control. Hard to get started. Sometimes stubborn to quench. It's longevity depends on the attentiveness of it's caretaker. Yet some observations came to light in the final moments before calling it a night.

Fire is still hot, even as it dies down. It's intensity can still have a positive effect.
At any stage of its' existence, fire demands respect. It is not meant to be handled by just anyone. Furthermore, at any point, anyone can experience the environment and comment on the "goodness" of the fire.

But for the one who has spent significant time with it, they've witnessed it's surges and declines, the time it has been affected by the wind and the weather and how it respond; how it handles being moved around by its' caretaker.

Are you picking up on the analogies between the fire and the pastor? Some will recognize immediately when the fire is approaching burning out and an intervention is required; late-comers may not realize the fire is nearing the end, yet are still impressed that it is productive and effective in fulfilling it's purpose.

How is the your pastor doing?

Let's pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, that the fan of faith would be flamed and even rekindled, where necessary. May the fire burn strong within them. Pray that they would not be adversely affected by outside elements that would stand against them to extinguish them. Pray that God would continue to divinely place people in their lives that would act as caretakers, helping to ensure their longevity and effectiveness in ministry. May they not be dissuaded, detoured or derailed, but stay the course in fulfilling their calling and purpose; that many who enter their campsite would feel the warm embrace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.

On fire for God.
Providing an environment whereby all who enter
May enjoy and witness the presence of God.
That the faith of all pastors would burn ever so strong.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

A simply concept and perhaps, reminder, on this #effectiveSunday. A powerful statement of conviction, in actuality. Of course, for the life of me, I can't properly remember who I heard it from this past week. But here it is...

We can't do collectively, what we aren't willing to do individually.

As stated by my pastor on so many occasions in any given service, "I'm not asking you do anything that we aren't doing."

I'm reminded, daily, even in asking you to pray for pastors. I need to continually be taking time to lift pastors up in prayer as well. Even when the days are filled with difficulty and stress and the task at hand preoccupies our minds and the thought of prayer gets pushed to the back instead of being brought to the forefront.

Yet the power and effectiveness of the church lies in the willingness and abilities of those who come together to create the body of Christ.

If individuals don't do and come together, then what form of togetherness will exist to move in a particular direction as a team and a force with which one must reckon?

The power of the body of Christ is in the makeup of the the members. For one can not say to the other, "I have no need of you."

We need everyone, as in the days of the early church. Together, in unity.

So pray, this #effectiveSunday, that the church would be strengthened in their efforts. May each of us be challenged to draw closer to God, to greater reflect His love and character and display as such daily to the world around us. Pray that we would desire to do what God would have us to do and move and minister in the ways and means that He would direct. May we continue to speak the truth in love to world living in the lies of hate.

That we would know what we can accomplish together
Because we have stepped out in what God would have us accomplish on our own.
For a strong body is made up of strong elements.
To be used by the power of God
And bring those around us to His saving love and grace.
For His glory alone.

- PNC

John MacArthur preached an incredible sermon series this past week on family and how the most basic unit of community begins with family... as I've often stated. Yet one statement in particular stood out, particularly as I thought of the application and implication of these words on my own life and in my own home.

"Family is the proving ground of Godliness."

I know, no family is perfect. We have our struggles and battles like everyone else. Kids don't always get along. Parents have bad days. Stuff gets missed and misplaced and life takes it's toll and somehow we all figure out ways to cope and manage. By the grace of God; with the love of God... and some days shear force of will.

As much as we know we must persevere in our faith, so to are the days where it feels as though we must persevere in family. But God is a god of relationships. As we were made in His image, part of that is shown through the relationship between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having created male and female in His image, it's the relationship of the two of them coming together that reflect the power and the synergy that reflect the character of God.

It is with that understanding that helps to explain why society is having such an elemental breakdown in the fabric of community. If the enemy of our souls is successful in disrupting and destroying the family unit, then Godliness never leaves the proving ground where it can influence the open market of society.

The power of family is the testing, learning and developing of faith and the understanding of God whereby we are empowered and equipped to step in to the world and be used for His sovereign plan and purpose.

On this #communitySaturday, pray for families. Pray for those who are struggling with the realities and complexities of life; where the struggles and challenges stand to destroy and tear apart the very thing that God has created and brought together. Pray for healing and restoration in the lives of those whose homes are broken or on the verge of breaking. May the power and truth of God be revealed; may understanding come into existence as we see situations and circumstance in light of what God desires to accomplish in and through our lives. Pray the broken and damaged things would be healed and made whole.

The power of family.
Created and quickened by the Hand of God.
To be used for His glory.
Reflecting the character and love of God
To a world in desperate need of true and eternal relationship.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

It's pretty incredible, when you consider the response when Jesus began calling His disciples to drop everything and "follow" Him. Kinda makes me wonder what His handle would have been, had He been the first to use Twitter. @JesusChrist? @therealJC? @onlySonofGod @officialJesus?

But seriously... did those 12 guys have a clue? You can't help but read the Gospels and Christ' response at some of their questions, often repeated and wonder. Many a time I've used the legal term with my kids when they get in the mood of asking the same questions multiple times in a row. I simply look at them and say "Asked and answered!"

Jesus didn't mince words. The man was pretty direct, especially the one line questions as He applied the parables to our lives. I could see Jesus looking at the clueless disciples thinking, "asked and answered."

But He called them to be witnesses. And as I heard this discussed earlier this week, witnesses of Christ became the first of the martyred; for there were serious repercussions of bearing false witness. They took on the consequences of those whom they testified against if they were found out. Thus, if you were to bear any witness it all, you'd better speak with a clear confidence that what you saw was true.

Sadly, the days are upon us where people would rather believe the lie rather than hear the truth. Where does that leave us? False witness goes unnoticed and unpunished? Declarers of truth are dispersed, demoted and doubted. Or perhaps feared of being right and thus must be dealt with rather than the hearer being led repentance.

What good is a witness of they don't speak truth?
What good is a witness that lives in fear of being silenced?
Communication dies before your very eyes.
For the message is no good without a messenger.

Let's pray this #missionsFriday, that missionaries would continue be declarers of truth. May the walk with discernment, understanding that people have a desire for the truth, but often don't know how to handle and receive it. Pray they would not walk in the fear of man, but press on in the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit. Pray for the preparation of the hearts and minds of those who would hear... may there be a moment of revelation that would bring about change, as people surrender their lives to Christ.

May the message proceed
Because of the tenacity of the messenger.
By the power of God.
For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Is it not amazing, just how wrong we can get our lives when it comes to matters of faith and the application thereof to daily challenges and circumstances.

Like it actually depends upon us, more than it really does in the eyes of God. And so we push and drive ourselves into oblivion and frustration trying to do and make "it" work. Don't get me wrong, I totally understand the sentiment behind the "pray like it depends on God; work like it depends on you philosophy." But conversely, in a sermon that aired yesterday, given by Pastor Allen Wright, he offered these three words of wisdom.

Don't try harder.

Even typing it, it seems to defy logic. Yet there are times and places when the most basic truth stands as the most profound.

Can we let God be God?
Can we let Him do what He will?
Can we trust Him to see it through to the end that we can not see?
Can we stand in His faithfulness when we are not faithful?

Sorry, you don't struggle with this. I should go back and type those four questions with the words, "Can I..."

I don't want to try harder. Indeed, more often that not, it leads to more frustration, more difficulty, more stress... more things that I don't need. That aren't beneficial. That aren't helpful. Just more tired. More "on edge". More of the man I wish I were not. One desperately in need to see God move on my behalf. And you need Him to do the same for you.

Deacons, church admins, staffers... trust in God. Let Him complete the good work that He has begun in you. He'll show you where and when He needs you. But if you're getting tired and burnt, perhaps something is amiss.

Pray this #deaconThursday, that rest would be found in Christ. May God forgive those who have tried to hard and perhaps missed the mark and plan God has because we've tried to force things rather than allowing God time to work. Pray for rejuvenation and strengthening as people find peace and comfort in the presence of God. May they stand in confidence as they place their trust in Him anew and may the resist the temptation to revert back to old efforts and strategies as though God isn't at work. Pray a renewed commitment of faith, to walk in His promises, stand in His righteousness, trust in His timing and testify of His goodness and faithfulness.

For the hand of God is sovereign
While the whole body of man is dust.
And our lives, but a moment of breath.
While God, is the breath of Life.
Let us live as though we are His,
For His glory and honor.

- PNC

Allister Begg, in a sermon on Nehemiah, talks about the conviction with which the Israel wanted to the Book to be read. The story is found in Chapter 8 and some amazing points stand out.

The people come to Ezra, the teacher of the Law and make the request (verse 1).
He read it from sunrise to noon and everyone listened attentively (verse 3).
They stood and worshiped (v 5 & 6).
The Levites gave instruction and made it clear, providing meaning so that all would understand what was read (v 7 & 8).
Those who listened responded with weeping (verse 9).

Allister stated in his message that every period of reformation began and is characterized by the power of it's preaching. Incredible eras of revival not because the men and woman were great in and of themselves, but because they were great in the understanding of the Scriptures and the preached with conviction.

It's not that today's preachers don't preach with conviction; but society and culture as we've noted before it as such a sensitive, careful not to offend, relativistic attitude towards the sinful nature of humanity and the evils that ensue that it's hard to acknowledge that too many sermons have lacked conviction to boldly declare the truth of the Word of God.

Enter the current debate defining "hate speech" and whether or not there are legal repercussions.

It's unbelievable.

Of course, we shouldn't be surprised. Jesus spoke the truth to the world leaders of the day and it didn't go over so well, either. And He paid the price. Unfairly and willingly to fulfill the sovereign plan of God, but paid unfairly by finite understanding.

All the more, however, that we need today's pastors to be people who understand the Word and unabashedly preach the full counsel of God and do so with conviction. God knows, we need a revival and reformation of nations who will turn, listen, repent and worship.

Pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that God would work afresh, not only in today's seasoned and tenured pastors, but especially in the ministries of younger pastors and those who are ministering to the next generation of pastors. May the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit infiltrated every fiber of their lives and ministries. Pray they would boldly preach the Word; that as they speak the truth in love and the Holy Spirit would bring about conviction to the hearts and minds of the hearer. May the coming days be ones that usher in a modern day revival and reformation; that indeed people would be hungry to hear the Word preached; that we would listen attentively and respond.

Not only hearers of the Word,
But doers as well.
Empowered by the Spirit of God
As His Word comes alive
And we apply it to our daily life.
For the glory of God
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I hate when this happens. I heard an awesome concept this morning while listening to a sermon on the radio and after digging up the Scripture reference that was utilized to make the point and now I can't remember who was preaching. That's what I get for listening to a couple of sermons a day! Or trying to, depending on much channel surfing I have to do.

(I really miss my iPod not working)

So the bottom line that stood out as application for today's post was the verse from 2 Timothy 1. Paul is writing and reminiscing regarding the life of Timothy and then takes time to "remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God..."

I couple of things come to mind. Obviously, the relationship between Paul and Timothy was strong. Was it Paul's quality of leadership to naturally encourage Timothy? Did he know the full extent to which Timothy may have been struggling, since the exhortation continues about a spirit of timidity and not being ashamed of the testimony of God?

The gift of God Paul refers to, of course, is the Holy Spirit. "Kindle afresh." Stir up.

Just thinking about the change that occurs in life when we continually activate the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives is encouraging me as I write this to do the same.

So it begs the question, if a leader like Paul encourage a man like Timothy on a spiritual matter as significant as the Holy Spirit, how much more should we hope and prayer that senior pastors are doing the same for their associates? Whether the need is known, assumed or a friendly reminder "just in case", Paul's words are relevant today.

Kindle afresh... tend to... stir up the Holy Spirit within you.

Pray this #associatePastorTuesday, that pastors would indeed be encouraged to seek afresh the power of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work in and through their lives, even in the smallest of details. May there be a spirit of tenacity rather than timidity in their ministries; a boldness in their calling and a confidence as the move forward in ministry. Pray they would continue to operate in a spirit of love, truth and grace as we have continuously stated. Pray a spirit of defeat, frustration and burnout would be far from them; though the challenges are great and the outcomes unknown, may they be quickened and revived by the power of the Holy Spirit, as they take time daily to tend to that aspect of faith and kindle afresh the gift of God.

For the sending of the Holy Spirit
Was the promise of Christ.
The same spirit that raised Christ from the dead,
Dwells in us.
What an amazing gift of God.
To be used for His glory.

- PNC