Today marks a day of occasion. For many of course, it will be a day they would rather forget, as they await the fast approaching weather in Florida. And of course there are many other disasters and tragedies transpiring elsewhere as well.

But for our church and community, it's the celebration of 25 years of continued service for our Senior Pastor. The church went through a couple of pastors, who tried to revive it a number of times; and it was like it never quite took off the ground. Yet God has accomplished the miraculous, as He established a community that is highly regarded and respected throughout the area, not because of a man, but because of the goodness and faithfulness of God... as a church has worked hard to be wise and good stewards of the resources and people that has been entrusted to us to manage and to lead in the faith and through life.

Countless impacts have been made and lives forever changed; not only those recipients who we may not meet this side of eternity, but of those who have gone on to accomplish great things for the kingdom of God, stepping into various ministry efforts around the globe as a result of their interaction here.

Of course we know this kind of tenure and longevity in ministry is becoming a more rare occurrence every day. And while we've prayed many times of effectiveness, perseverance and stability in the ministry, I'd like to simply pray that God to help those who daily don't feel like continuing. Certainly even our pastor has had those days; for none of us are immune to attacks of defeat.

But we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.

God is good and faithful.
He has a plan and purpose for us; to use all that we endure for His glory.

So, pray this #effectiveSunday, for those who are struggling to see the long-term vision; for those already exhausted and desirous to call it quits. May God strengthen them, even this hour. Pray that many would surround and encourage them; to show love and appreciation as we will do today. May the attacks of defeat and discouragement be met with a resiliency and tenacity to fulfill God's calling regardless of the cost. Pray God's blessing and favor, as He continues to raise and build up people who will impact their communities with the love of Christ and the Gospel of God.

A commitment to fulfill His calling.
Persevering by His strength
Faithful in our service.
Overcoming the struggle and discouragement
That God may be glorified.
For many, many years to come should He tarry.

-PNC

This morning, our thoughts and prayers continue to join with Texas and of course, everyone is talking and watching this hurricane that is about to wreak havoc on Florida. On of the islands affected has witnessed 95% of it's structures destroyed. The storm is nearly twice as wide as the state of Florida. There are reports this morning that 14 million people are under hurricane warning. Over 5 and a half million are under evacuation orders.

It is almost beyond comprehension, especially on the heals of what Texas and New Orleans just experience. Plus there are two other hurricanes coming behind Irma.

We've witnessed the power of community in Texas. I'm certain we will witness a similar outcome for the people of Florida. However, this is somewhat surreal to watch and comprehend.

As always life is complex and it continues. There remains many events and issues that have transpired in recent days that have many people frustrated and bothered that have nothing to do with the weather. In the totality of it all, it's hard not wonder if God is attempting to get our attention? It's not like there's no a precedent for it.

Whatever happens this weekend, with this storm and for the days that follow, we continue to be granted opportunities to return to God. We continue to be given moments to show and to share the love, grace and compassion of God. And we continue to witness reminders of the sovereignty of a just and holy God. We may not know the what and the why and the how of it all and the unfolding thereof as well as God's reasoning behind it, but that shouldn't keep us from drawing close to Him and living in right relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.

Let's pray, this #communitySaturday for those in the path of these physical storms and those affected by them. Pray for safety and protection over their lives. Indeed, pray that these circumstances and struggles will bring people closer to God and to each other rather than further away. Pray the church and people of God will have an increased awareness to show and share of the goodness of God even in the most simple and tangible ways. Pray for peace, in the midst of the storm. May we witness a mighty move of God in our society and culture, even in the face of tragedy and destruction on a physical level.

For this world is not our home
And our treasure is in Heaven
We place our trust in Almighty God alone
For we can control nothing but our response to Him
In life's most difficult moments.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

All of life is striving. We all have a pursuit. We are all in pursuit. The list of pursuits is long and varied, with people, things and agendas.

People are on a mission...

to find true love.
to repair an impossible relationship
to find or gain the "next best..."
to destroy political opponents
to beat our rivals
to achieve the unattainable

To have the most and be the best... a stand out, from a distant crowd.

Don't get me wrong... goals, ambition, drive; admirable qualities. To a degree.

Yet, Christ did not call us to lead, but to follow.
God is true love.
Many relationships are impossible, but one with God is not.
Whatever the "next best" is, it remains secondary to Christ.
Love our enemies.
Bless those who persecute and do all manner of evil against us.
Whatever alludes us, a Christ-less eternity does not need to top the list.

Yet, even in ministry we can get distracted. Into the social hot topics, debates and discussions of the day. Of personal goals and desires. Frustrations of those who don't get along with us or are blatantly against us. Whatever our days and the struggles that accompany them, it's all God's. Whatever we do, we do as unto the Lord; for the Lord.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, that missionaries would continue in their focus and efforts for the kingdom of God. May life and it's woes neither distract nor dissuade their ability to persevere for the Gospel. Pray God would strength and rejuvenate the worn-out and weary. May God propel them to higher heights and greater depths, not because of their merit, but because of His sovereignty; not because of man's greatness, but because of God's goodness.

It's not a matter of striving,
But one of surrendering.
For the glory of God
And the advancement of the Gospel of Christ.

- PNC

I really had nothing for this post, until I was getting ready for church last night. It was at that moment, that I recalled not having replied to a comment made on social media regarding one of the political "hot topics" being discussed the past few days.

The reply that some await is my answer to the question, "what is my constructive alternative?"

Many issues are complex; a variety of factors coming together with numerous challenges and multiple layers of difficulty in need of sorting and filtering. There is no "simple" answer and of course, people are proposing blanket solutions, which rarely go over well and are ineffective to address specific nuances.

I know what the individual is looking for a helpful solution not yet proposed. My hesitancy to answer lies in that one, my opinion doesn't matter, as I'm not "in the room" of decision makers who will consider this a viable solution (even though I've heard it brought up by two others, since the time I thought of it). Furthermore, incredibly complex issues like this, usually require some deconstruction, with solutions offered specific to those issues rather than the "blanket covers all" approach.

All of that of course, sets up this #deaconThursday. Ministry can be amazingly difficult at times, and the complexities and intricacies overlap to the point that blanket decisions as useless as they are in politics. So the ideas that one might term "constructive alternative" will probably require some deconstruction of the issue or issues and working towards specific and viable solutions for very specific problems.

Among the many character traits of a leader, the short list includes that of a problem solver. Anyone can create a problem. Most everyone can spot a problem; the best among us can do so before everyone else. Figuring how to solve problems, though... if the leadership team is inept or ineffective in this process, then a ministry will forever be in trouble and a constant state of struggle.

On this #deaconThursday, pray for church leadership. May they people who can not only observe a problem but can also work through the process of discussing, analyzing and navigating the process towards solutions. Pray for wisdom, insight and creativity as they work towards this end. May ministry efforts not be hindered because of a lack of focus or ability to fix problems. Pray for discernment; that the church would not be a place for people to purposefully cause or create problems. Pray that God would divinely place the right people to be "in the room" for such a time as this, to bring and take the church to the place and level that would bring glory to God and advance the Gospel to the local community and the global society.

That the church would be a place of healing
Despite being made off broken people.
May we not continue breaking on purpose
But correct and repair life and commmunity
As we are transformed By the Spirit of God
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I'm truly amazed by some of the stories, experiences and testimonies that provide the backdrop as well as the motivation of many, to be used by God when it comes to ministry. Just reflecting for a few moments on some of those told by previous pastors I've sat under are utterly incredible. Situations and circumstances for which many may have never survived, let alone recovered and yet, by the power and strength of God are thriving. Not that they don't still have difficult days, but they are walking daily as more than conquerors because their life and story has been transformed.

The story I heard yesterday morning, was of a lady, who at the age of 9, she and her two sisters experienced the unthinkable. Her parents were in the midst of a divorce, when her father murdered her mother, then committed suicide. Yet today, she and her husband run an organization that ministers to 4000-5000 kids annually.

Her testimony is quite the moving... as in listen with a box of Kleenex. And yet it's certainly one where she could disappear into obscurity and recluse in anger, bitterness, depression and destruction. But obviously God had other plans; and like so many other stories, it's a transformation that always begins when someone arrives at a humble place of being able to trust God with the pain.

I can't imagine such a road.  And I'm certain they have their days where they wish their story was very different. But it's not our story that is of worth or value. It's what our story, whatever it is, can accomplish when submitted to the authority and sovereignty of God for His plan and purpose.

May this lesson never be forgotten.
May this lesson forever be shared.

On this #youthPastorWednesay, pray for pastors that are perhaps still struggling with their life and story. For the feelings, thoughts and emotions that still rear their ugly head to distract and defeat them, may God continue to work within them. Pray for the healing process to continue, as they daily submit themselves to His grace and purpose. For those kids and youth under their ministry, may they be encouraged; that God does indeed bring about a glorious transformation for those whose lives are entrusted to His care and compassion. Though the outcomes are unknown and the journey is difficult and filled with insurmountable challenge, may they live daily; empowered by the Holy Spirit and forever changed by the cross of Jesus Christ.

For what the enemy meant to destroy
God meant to revive and lead.
For He knows that plans He has for you
A hope. And a future.
For the glory of God
For the cause of Christ our Lord.

- PNC

Well, it's the day after Labor Day. Which means everyone back to work! It also means, that if your kids aren't back in the classroom, they are probably headed their in just a couple short hours from my typing this.

As final preparations were made at our place last night, I got to thinking... just how many things that exist, where the preparation for an event is more tedious, exhausting and at times frustrating, than the actual event, task or "work" itself. You almost have to "get ready" to begin the process of getting ready.

Such moments can be daunting and stressful times. Do we even have everything we need to put this together and pull it off? Do we have the resources to get the things we still need? Are these people going to be available at these times for those tasks? The verse about counting costs before undertaking a project comes to mind.

We all know and understand that there is a quite a long list of events and circumstances for which this process applies, and yet the continued engagement of a constant state of preparation followed by what is involved in the actual "here it is, here we go"  moment can lead to overwhelming stress and burnout.

Sure, some people live and thrive in such an environment. Others, not such much.

So, on this #associatePastorTuesday, let's pray for pastors feeling the stress and pressure of this process, of always preparing and always doing. May they be strengthened in their efforts as the rely upon God. Pray for help and resources and people to come alongside, where the answers needed for completion evade them. May they not grow weary in well-doing, but press in faithful stewardship to fulfill what God has called them to accomplish. Pray challenges would be overcome; that shortfalls would not turn into setbacks.

Guided by the Holy Spirit
Empowered by Christ.
Faithfully to God.
For He who has called
Is Himself faithful.
And the labor is not vain
For His glory.

- PNC

Welcome to Labor Day Weekend.

A day of much needed rest and relation. Yet there is always work to be done. It does not sleep. It does not wait, at least not silently. It does not go away. There will forever be something to do. There will forever be someone to criticize how it was done.

I was reminded of this recently, by both an article on start-up entrepreneurs and of course, the criticism of some of the churches in Houston.

It's easy for pastor to be so close to the ministry that it's hard to allow an outside, objective perspective to bring insight and revelation to help things inprove for the better. It's hard to build relationship of trust, that will allow others to help build as they come alongside in agreement. It's difficult to not get bogged down by the details that will distract from focusing on the big picture and casting vision. Then of course, there's pacing oneself, so that they don't cram it all in so fast and tight that they can barely cross the end of the week.

For all of these challenges, are the critics. The ones who don't bring an objective, caring perspective. There are those who simply are the most trustworthy yet will display their frustration for not being trusted with more. Others won't compromise on the details, even when they have little to no negative impact on the vision. Others won't be satisfied no matter how many hours you put in.

We all comment on the size and worth of one's sacrifice. Little has changed since Cain & Able.
We all wonder what and why someone else is looked at more favorably by God than ourselves.

So, on this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for rest and strength for pastors. For those worn down and near burnout, may today be a day of rejuvenation.. physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. Pray God would grant them wisdom as they continue to carry out the mission and purpose that God has placed upon their lives and ministries. May God bring the necessary people to come alongside, to encourage, support and labor with them in their efforts. Pray God would direct their focus and response to the critics; may they not be discouraged or frustrated, but respond appropriately and with love when needed.

Moving forward with confidence
Faithfully in their calling.
Disciplined in their efforts
Undeterred by the critics.
For the advancement of the cause of Christ.

- PNC

It occurred to me last night as I wondered what my God might have in store for today, that I was once again getting frustrated with my phone. It replaced a previous model that had more space for apps, pics... everything. This one is about full. Thus, programs are running slow, sometimes having problems opening at all or staying functional.

How often does the same happen at church? Too much going on to run efficiently. Resources spread too thin to start anything new. It's more aggravating that what I'm experiencing with a silly phone. And yet, it's way more frequent. Plus there's the whole aspect of it affects the kingdom of God and all eternity, rather than my momentary angst.

So a very short post, but I think an appropriate one, that we should agree for those where space and resources are thin.

Let's pray this #effectiveSunday, that God would help them accomplish the miraculous with the team and resources that they have. May God give them creativity, to steward well what they have and to make the best of the situation as they submit their plans to Him. May God expand their tent stakes and give them increase as they faithfully fulfill the calling and purpose He had for them, in the communities they serve.

Effective and efficient for the glory of God
Using well the talents He has blessed us with.
For the advancement of the kingdom of God.

-PNC

What an incredible week this has been. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out as we stand by those affected by Hurricane Harvey, whether directly or indirectly. We've witnessed amazing acts of kindness and love by those who were simply moved with compassion and compelled to step up and act when needed.

Conversely, if you've spent any time on social media, you've seen the church, some very notable, has received much criticism in regards to it's response or lack thereof in the midst of this tragedy.

What's been frustrating to watch about this whole ordeal, is that Christians have expressed their anger and emotions and justifications regarding the church. Meanwhile, non-believers will use this to justify having even less to do with Christians, the church or "organized religion" in general.

I fear that many will use this as opportunity to be convince that humanity can be good on it's own, when it wants to be without the influence of faith and a loving God. Furthermore, it will cement the perception that Christians are less like Christ than they profess.

Granted, we know this not to be true, as many major organizations have stepped up to aid in the relief efforts, many of them Christian or faith-based and quite reputable. Yet people's perceptions remain and the criticism stands.

Thus, will you pray this #communitySaturday, that God would continue to accomplish the miraculous in the midst of tragedy. Pray that God would intervene and fulfill his purposes in light of this life-changing event. May many come to Christ because they have experienced the love of humanity who has had a life-changing encounter with God. May the church be first to respond, not because it's what people perceive should be done, but what God calls and directs for our lives. Pray today would be the day of a new dawn.

That many lives would be changed.
Because Christians step out and live,
As those changed by the love of God.
For His glory.

- PNC

I heard this story the other day and it's absolutely incredible. It's a story that you must read and I'll leave out the details for you to check out in a few moments.

But the end result, is a man, who was formerly an assassin for Sadaam Hussein, is now a Christian, as is his wife! And the event that transpired which brought about this conversion is a scene from an action movie.

As this story rattled around in my mind for the past day or two, I was reminded of how easily we can miss, forget or neglect God's working on the hearts and minds of those we are attempting to reach with the Gospel. He chooses to use us, yet there are times that He will simply reveal Himself directly, as He did for this couple.

For all the preparation that we can put forth and invest in training and resources to reach the lost, whether they be local or abroad and regardless whether the laborers for God's kingdom are few and abundant, this story is a reminder that it is indeed God who intervenes in the affairs of men; who directs their hearts as a watercourse.

That's not to say ministry is worthy of our full and best effort; indeed it is. Writing this is a painful reminder of how badly and frequently I miss the mark. But if God doesn't intervene, to help prepare hearts and open minds...

Perhaps ministry is most suited to the adage:

"Pray like it depends on God, work as though it depends on you."

So, let's pray this #missionsFriday. Pray that God would help us to better reach out to those around us. Pray that God would strength missionaries in their attempts to reach the unreached people groups in the areas they've been called to serve. Pray God would help us to better reflect the love, grace and character of Christ, regardless of what transpires in our personal, daily lives. Indeed, pray that God would continue to move on the hearts and minds of those still at risk of perishing without Christ. May the eye scales be removed and minds illuminated to the truth of Jesus Christ.

That we would witness the miraculous,
Daily in neighborhoods, near and far.
A day of great repentance and redemption
And more as we await Christ' return.
For the glory of God and His kingdom.

- PNC

*in case link doesn't work for some reason...
Former Assassin Comes To Christ 
https://www.mnnonline.org/news/former-muslim-assassin-turned-follower-christ/