First of all...

A huge thank you to those joining me in prayer, daily, as we pray for pastors, church leaders, missionaries; not to mention the impact the church is called to make upon their community as we work to share the gospel of Christ and grow in the grace and knowledge of God.

I hope and pray that these posts are providing insight and more importantly, prompting you to pray for and encourage your pastors and leaders daily. It has been my desire, as I've stated on a number of occasions, that I don't want these posts to be repetitive... at least not on a daily or weekly frequency.

That said, I know the past few weeks and months, we've prayed a number of times for deacons and advisors and their ability to speak wisdom as they inform, debate and offer perspective to their respective decision makers.

These past couple of days have been pretty incredible, politically speaking and I trust you haven't been thrown by my mixing politics and prayer this week... I've simply been trying to follow what I felt the Holy Spirit was prompting me to share. Thus, certainly the concern for deacons and admins to advise well arose again as I reflected on the new President-Elect (regardless of who it would have been), but the twist came, not in the advice, but in the stability of their lives.

There's a scene from my favorite television show, where a reporter is giving some "sage dating advice" to the President's personal aide, a young man in his 20's who is dating the President's youngest daughter. The two had had a fight and the reporter, in making his point offers this closing remark... "if it were me, just for now, I'd make sure I was the one guy who was hassle-free."

Leaders, whether in politics or the pulpit, have enough on their plate when it comes to responsibilities, focus, direction and whatever decisions cross their desk, necessary to keep church, country or organization moving forward. And we all have lives in which we are dealing with "stuff". But when our stuff begins to take the place of such dominance that it interferes with our work, the efforts of the organization or the ministries of the church, then we have become a hassle, rather than offered ourselves to service, hassle-free. Such trouble, however long it lasts, usually ends with negative-impact results.

So, pray with me this #deaconThursday, that not only advisors advise well, but that they would render their lives and their service "hassle-free." May God strengthen and cover in grace those in church operations, that whatever they encounter outside the four walls, they would not be detoured or distracted as they continue to their service to the church (or the country, for that matter). Pray a level of stability about their lives, their homes, their finances, their emotions and their mind; may God guard their heart and spirit... not distraught or afraid; but confident. May the boldly proceed in the calling and purpose God has established them in and laid before them to walk through this life.

Hassle-free,
In service to God & Country.
For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Depending on what time you went to bed last night, if you were able to do so at all (and depending on how much sleep you got) today will be a very interesting day.

I'm attempting to recall, outside of the last presidential election, a time where there has been such a dog-fight over ideological grounds. Nor, have we ever had two candidates that were so appalling and outrageous for our consideration to lead the nation that has been the envy of the world for an incredibly long time. While times have changed and many in society and culture would rather forget the heritage of America and our Judeo-Christian foundation, one thing is sure... this morning, the church world wakes up to a very different America.

I read an analogy the other day that mentioned the immorality of certain Old Testament leaders. There were those who wanted nothing to do with both the things of God as well as the people of God. Then there were those, who while they wanted nothing to do with the things of God, at least recognized the people of God; and while they weren't "with" them or agreed with them, were willing to defend them and stand up for them.

Today, now more than ever, this is the new America. 

The church is in for a ride, with either someone leading the charge against them or to some degree, someone leading some sort of defense on their behalf. Granted, we place not our trust in man, but in God; however, the challenges of daily life could be on the rise and the church needs to be prepared.

I know I've written in weeks and months past, particularly on Wednesdays, regarding the need for strong foundations of faith in our youth. Today, if they aren't already in the building process, the urgency to build foundations has arrived.

I'm not a conspiracy theorist, I'm not a doomsday-sayer. I'm not the smartest kid in the class; but I'm not naïve either. My hope and trust remains in the Lord God Almighty.

I can pinpoint a large part of the reason for that, to one oft-repeated encourage by those closest to me during my childhood.

"Never lose your sensitivity for the things of God."

That alone, strengthened the foundation that my family, teachers and pastors instilled in me at a young age. It has NOT made me perfect by any stretch of the imagination. It has however, sustained my life when there seemed little on which to hang my hat.

In this day and age, I can't stress the importance of our youth needing the purpose, direction, love and forgiveness that can only come through Jesus Christ. More importantly, we need youth and children's pastors who are just as grounded, just as stead-fast, just as stable in all arenas of life... that they may set an example, of placing their trust in God and proving themselves trust-worthy, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Join with me, in prayer... for our nation, for our youth, for the church.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray that whatever is in store for the people of God and the church as an organization, may we stand firm in our faith and hold fast to the courage of our convictions. May we display the love of Christ and be ready to fulfill the call of God on our lives and what He would have us to accomplish. Pray we would do well, to train our children in the things of God, not that they would only know the works of God, but the character of God. Pray for a strengthening and a quickening for current and up and coming pastors who will lead our kids and our youth, both now and beyond, into adulthood. May the Word of God guide every step, every decision, every conversation.

May God be lifted up, before all men.
May the church advance, through prayer.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, 
But principalities and rulers of this dark age.
God come quickly to our aid, we pray.

- PNC

It's election day, in the United States. And I'm speechless. We place high expectations of people in public service, leadership and authority figures. We know they aren't perfect, but we expect them to present themselves perfect. 

And while Christians know and understand those in office may not be Christian (and certainly, this election doesn't seem to present candidates as Christian) and yet we base our ability to vote for them as though they were. Thus, "everybody" on social media is in a quandary.

I'm at a loss at Christians voting for who many to be a criminal.
And they'd be at a loss for those voting for the outrageous.
It's creating incredibly complex issues of distraught.. mentally and spiritual; and equally incredibly conversations on social media.

Both sides have elements seeking to understand each other and yet, both insist supporters are naive, uninformed, out of touch and straight-out missing and misinterpreting faith and morality.

The struggle is real.
The frustration is high.
The anxiety is unbelievable.

So, to read 1 Timothy 2: 1-2 first thing morning, was beyond comforting.

"I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
​
It's easy to pray for the most visible leaders and authority figures.
Presidents. Chairman. Owners. Bosses. Whoever is preaching on Sunday morning.

But what about the other levels?
Vice-Presidents?
Management and Supervisors
Associates, in lead positions of various departments.
Decision-makers at every level of influence.

Pray for them all; that we may lead a quiet, peaceable life. In all godliness and honesty.

This election day; candidates may not be honest, they may not be godly; but be weary of those who will do any and every thing they can to prevent you from living in godliness and honesty for you and your household.

And pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, in which America votes for the next few years worth of authority figures over this land. Pray for leaders and decisions makers of every kind, at every level... whether in charge of a department, organization, agency or country; may God grant to them wisdom and discernment. Pray for those needing the miraculous, in their heart and mind; that God would quicken them to live in godliness and in honesty. May God's will be carried out this day; may God heal this land as the people of God pray. And for whatever the outcome and the aftermath that follows, may God be with us, protect us, lead us and empower us.

To live for His glory.
Regardless of what we face in this world.
Greater is He who is in us
Than he who is in the world.

- PNC

​Last Friday, the verse of the day, courtesy of the YouVersion Bible app, was Galatians 1:10. Paul, in his letter, asks the question, am I trying to please God or man? In fact, he goes so far, as to state it as "am I trying to win the approval of man..."

He then goes on to state the profound... for if I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Much like it is impossible to serve both God and mammon (money, that is) so to, is one unable to please God while making every effort to keep man happy.

This morning, as the service came to a close, pastor's father-in-law, an incredible man of God prayed over our nation and Tuesday's election. During his prayer, he referenced an article he had read recently, that stated roughly 70% of Christians believe their are "other" ways to get to heaven (wonder which television celebrity they got that from). He proceeded to state, that such a statistic is the fault of the church, as he continued to pray.

Meanwhile, I stood frozen in time. I've read that recently. At least the basis for such statements. 

Back to Galatians, and the verses that precede "winning approval".

Look up verses 6-9. Read it in your Bible. Reflect on it. Even after I offer it here...

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!

It's not that Christianity is perfect, nor Christians for that matter. I'll give you that. However, in the early days after Christ's ascension, His followers were called "little Christs". They simply continued to follow in what they had learned from Jesus Himself. Thus, without Christ, there is no Christianity. Thus if Christianity teaches a gospel other than life in the grace of Christ, then truly, it contradicts Christ's own words... I AM THE WAY...

So the data is a more than a few years old (although I'm sure there's more recent data somewhere), but a quick search brings up a survey from PEW Research. Indeed, 65-70% said there are other ways to eternal life. They even went so far as to break down responses of how many non-Christian religions were named where eternal life is possible, outside of Christ!

It begs the question, then... what are churches preaching? Of course, I partly blame culture and society for this problem as well. In this age of tolerance, and acceptance and "correctness" the world continues to bang on the church door telling them to behave more like "the church" while they insist on continuing to behave like the world and telling the church they have no place to speak. The battle is only about to get more real, potentially all the more, in the next 48 hours.

Thus, pray this #seniorPastorMonday, for a couple of things. For those pastors committed to preaching the Gospel of Christ, may their resolve to remain in the Word and preach the Word be strengthened and fortified, even in the face of uncharted political and social challenges. For those pastors and ministries that have strayed and perhaps already perverted the gospel of Christ, may God to a work in their hearts, minds and attitudes and bring them back to a proper understanding of the Gospel, of Christianity and the responsibilities that come with church leadership. Pray an increased level of discernment, on behalf of both the pulpit and the pew... that pastors would remain true to the Truth and that those who hear, would have ears to hear and apply the Truth. While the pressure to compromise may be great in the days ahead, pray the power of the Holy Spirit would quicken the people of God to stand strong in the power of His might; not in our own strength and understanding.

May all be drawn unto Him
His Truth made known to all generations,
His Word, unable to return void
For His promises are Yea, and Amen to them that believe.
For His glory and honor, we pray.
The advancement of the gospel of Christ.

- PNC

Yesterday while out with the family, my mix tape that contains White Heart's album Powerhouse was playing. There's a prayer post somewhere in the last 500+ days that I've written titled, Lovers & Dreamers, inspired by White Heart's song by the same name.

What struck me, though was the question posed before the chorus of the song kicks in.

"But how wise is a wise-man, if all he ever does is sit in his chair?"

The lyrics proceed by stating that you have the option of taking your seat in the stands, but in the next verse, pleads that one wouldn't choose that option.

As pastor has stated many times, it's great to come to church, and receive the message and worship together; to learn and grow through ministry and to watch your kids learn the things of God... all such things are great. 

But eventually, part of being "a part of the chair" means being involved. Not only in receiving ministry, but in contributing to ministry. If being effective and efficient continually and constantly relies on the same people...

It figures, I'm writing this as the final touches are taking place in our family for church, and kids keeping asking for the same, one person in asking for help to finish getting ready.

The same occurs in church... the same people constantly being asked, occassionally wondering... "is there nobody else who can do what you are asking me to do?"

Pray, this #effectiveSunday, for those in ministry, whether leading or helping, who are frustrated and tired by "always" being the one(s) to do the work. Pray they would be strengthened and encouraged by God, even this hour. Pray that there would those who would come forward, to offer some much needed help and reprieve for those who've faithfully served. May God accomplish the miraculous this day, as the Word of God goes forth... as we have prayed this week, may hearts received; minds understand; the body healed and relationships restored.

May there be an increase in the harvest of the kingdom of God
Because of an influx in the number of God's harvesters.
For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I come to some interesting insights and/or conclusions yesterday, as I took a couple of spiritual 2x4's to the back-side. God has amazing ways of capturing our attention and the directly and intentional asking, "did you catch that? any questions?. Just to makes sure you didn't miss anything...

So uncanny were the conversations that unfolded, I truly had to chuckle as I considered my attitude and responses and reflected on the words, I know I've posted at least once in the past three days...

What father, who loves his child, fails to correct them when he recognizes something is amiss?   
Likewise, God doesn't fail in seizing the opportunity to place us in times and positions where we must posture ourselves to reflect on what God is saying, versus what we are hearing. It often comes through the voice of a close friend.. or two. Maybe three. And for confirmation, there's always the opportunity for a fresh perspective from Scripture.
​
The long and short of it comes down to this, though. How can we effectively and consistently engage in healthy conversation and discourse with community outside the four walls of the church, when we struggle to experience such moments with community inside the four walls of the church?

A poignant question for sure, but valid nonetheless.
God help us, should the day ever come where society and culture rationalizes and justifies their approach and position to any number of scenarios through the observation of body of Christ in the absence of health and functionionality as God would have planned for us.  

Join with me, in prayer, this #communitySaturday. 1ndeed, may God help His people to interact and build healthy relationships and frienships with each other, inside the four walls of the church, as much as the outside. May we seek to glorify God in all that we do; realizing that nearly anything might be a stumbling block that would ruin out witness for Christ. Pray God would help us, in our conversations and passing moments, to display the love of Christ to a lost and dying world... whether they've waited days or years to hear about to hear of the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For the glory of God.
For the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

- PNC                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

My friend yesterday morning, in his attempts to encourage me (yesterday morning did not start off well) brought up the subject of Job, and what he had endured during his time of trial. The conversation got a little deep, when I had a realization of a possible plot twist that's never really explained.

Now, that I brought it up, you want me to enlighten you. But where would the fun be in that? Well, I kind of have to know, since it leads in to today's perspective on missions.

He brought up that Job was blessed in the end, more-so than he had been before the trial because he remained faithful to God. The perspective I replied with, was that his wife basically asked why Job didn't curse God and die. Was this a suggestion? Was she wishing Job would do this, as she was unable to keep the faith? Was it a "If this were me, I think I would..." hypothetical?

So God blesses Job in the end. More possessions. More wealth. More livestock. More children. What became of his wife? Is this a new wife? And if not, what's the conversation Job has with her about her faith?

You would have cursed God?
You suggested I take such a posture?
You were hoping I would take your advice simply to end the agony?
Any such conversation or series of conversations, seems difficult to navigate as they move forward in life together, now with more blessing from the hand of God than ever before.

To this, my friend replied on the various levels of people's faith. And essentially, how some you would think had a long-standing, depth of genuine faith simply don't, while others, relatively new or young in Christianity have incredible levels of faith.

Wednesday we prayed over the Word of God regarding our youth culture.
Thursday, albeit a late post, covered 2 Timothy 3; the final two verses and the benefit Scripture offers to church leadership, as well as living in general.

In verses 14-15, though, it highlights of all things, the longevity of people's faith.

"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."

What's funny about this, is the exact distinction between my friend and I. He, saved after getting married; me, born to parents who had already been saved; though they too, not till after getting married.

What really struck me though, as we join in prayer for missions, is Timothy's exhortation. "Continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because who know who you learned it from." Christians are not convinced out of delusion or the writings of man, but by the Word of God revealed to man, whom He made in His image. Continue in what you've learned. Don't stop learning. Keep working at it. Keep working it out. Keep studying. Keep applying. 

The Holy Scriptures.

Whether one has been saved one day or 10,000 days (now I'll be singing "better is one day in your court than thousands elsewhere" for a while), may we be encouraged by the words of Timothy. And the story of Job, for that matter.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, that believers, in these increasingly difficult and challenging days would stand strong. In times of trial and testing, persecution, misunderstanding and misrepresentation, may we hold fast to the Word of God and to the truth of His character. May His Word revealed, continue to cause us to grow and mature, that we would be wise for salvation through faith in Christ. For missionaries and those on the missions field, indeed, may God's Word not return void. Pray God for out His favor and blessing as they work to minister to the lost and the dying; the poor and oppressed and the suffering; may the Word of God bring life to those in desperate places.

Hearts ready to receive,
Ears ready to hear
Eyes ready to see 
Minds ready to understand
God is Love and His Word is Truth.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

With the importance of the Word of God in our lives still fresh on my mind, yesterday, I was reminded of the words of Timothy, in his second later. In the 16th verse of the 3rd chapter, he offers this truth.

"All Scripture is God-breathed (or is given by inspiration of God) and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

How awesome is this?

Profitable for doctrine. Or teaching, as some translations state. Whatever is preached out Sunday and guides church leadership Monday-Saturday should align with the word of God.

For reproof... our criticism and rebuke; likewise, aligned with Scripture.
For correction... the difference between what is right and what is wrong and what should transpire to bring us out of one and into the other.
Instruction in righteousness... how we should live in accordance with what God has laid out. It's not out of ego, but a result of His character. Every relationship in the existence has laid a ground-work of expectations for the people that come together in that relationship; personal, business, friend, marriage, and the like. How dare we convince ourselves, that God would have expectations after having come into right relationship with Him through salvation in Jesus Christ?

We will never be perfect, thanks to the constant battle between right and wrong now within us, thanks to our having partaken of that which God instructed us not too...

... that said, the result of the impact of the word of God is that we be thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Every decision, every challenge, every opportunity, every encounter... through the truth and revelation of God's Word made available to us through our study and application; we have all that we need to full the plans and the purposes He has prepared in advance for us to accomplish!  Our supply room is not stocked, nor the house furnished; but THOROUGHLY furnished! We are not running out anytime soon.

Not to mention the fact; God is able to supply all that we have need, before we even ask; and to ends greater than we can ask or imagine.

Thus, there is no shortage of help from God; for church leaders and decisions makers, deacons, staff and those belonging to the body of Christ... that He is not ready, willing and able to come quickly to the aid of those who seek Him... for He rewards those who diligently do so.

Pray, this #deaconThursday... that indeed, even church leadership would receive fresh insight and revelation from God and His Word regarding the decisions they face and the direction they must choose. Whether on doctrinal issues, for reproof or correction or instruction in righteousness; may we discern rightly, what the Spirit is speaking to the church; through the Word of the Lord and those who lead us. Pray leadership would never arrival at the place where they think they know everything or have witnessed it all; for Scripture is a never-ending supply of truth and application.

For what parent leaves their child to their own devices...
So too does God extend His love to us
Through His Holy Word.
That we might have the mind of Christ
As we live in a manner that brings glory to God.

- PNC

As much as I love classic Christian Rock music, I've never been a huge fan of Amy Grant. Talented though she is, she was never my preferred choice of music to listen to regularly. That said, I had hear song, inspired from Psalm 119 stuck in my head for a good portion of the day.

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet."

There aren't enough words to describe the awesomeness of God's Word. And yet, I know, in my own life, I don't read nearly enough as I should or would prefer. And kids grow up fast. It's amazing how quickly you realize that your time with them as a parent is short. As I read the other day, someone posted a meme on social media... anyone can live for the devil; it takes work to live for God. I know that's not popular and those who've yet to accept Christ don't acknowledge their life as "living for the devil"; but Christianity is a binary state.

We are hot or cold. We are on or off. Walking down the middle is not enjoyable; nor does it serve much purpose.

As we are examples to those around us, we must ask ourselves, what are kids and youth picking up on? Personal habits and disciplines vary greatly, as do the responses of onlookers.

Consider the alcoholic or drug-using parent. One kid says, they look like they are having a riot; and decides to pursue that path at every cost.
The other, looks and says they look like they are out of their mind; and they determine to avoid that path at any cost.

Time and time again, Scripture is replete with the reminders that Amy sings.

God never leaves; never forsakes.
We do not have to live in fear; for Christ is always near.
His love for us, unchanging and unending.

As parent loves their child too much to let them traverse in the wrong direction for any length of time or distance, so to, Father God desires us to stay path that leads to life, everlasting. Otherwise, if left to our own devices, we would be lost and in trouble. Which we are; hence the purpose and plan for Christ's life, death and resurrection.

So, albeit, late in the day... pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, that pastors and parents would set Godly examples; that start with personal discipline that focuses our attention God and living life accordingly. Pray a strength as we seek the face of God; for His Will and His Ways. May we never forgot, God has a plan and purpose of destiny for every life; unwilling to lose them to a Christ-less eternity; desirous to experience abundant, ever-lasting life. Pray the truth of God's Word would bring revelation, bring alteration to our expectations. Indeed, may the Word of God lead and guide us into all truth, all the days of our lives.

In service to the kingdom of God
Making an impact hear on our earth.
For the glory of God
Advancing the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

There's one downside to writing a post titled "Crumbs". I had food on my mind for a good portion of the day. It didn't help any, that I was on the phone with my best friend yesterday afternoon, as we were both returning to "home-base" if you will, having been on the road all day and our conversation turned to food and cooking.

Somehow, though, as I reflected on the concept of crumbs, my brain made the connection to gleaners. Which immediately brought to remembrance the story of Ruth... which is an incredible story on so many levels. What's awesome about this story, is that while the harvesters let her glean from what was left over in the fields, Boaz grants incredible favor to Ruth.

In chapter 2, verses 15 & 16, we see Boaz offer this blessing.

"Let her glean from among the sheeves... and pull out some for her from the bundles, and leave it..."

He didn't want her gathering whatever she could; but he made sure that she was getting more than enough; and not just the scraps that remained. He instructed the harvesters to leave some of the best, that they had already gathered and pull it back off cart to leave for her!

Similarly for Associates in ministry should it be; that they have opportunity to glean and engage in real and meaningful ways in the works and activities of the church. Their experience in ministry should be abundant and full; rich in knowledge and conversation, creating opportunities whereby they might witness the incredible, as God works in their midst.

Yes, the opportunity to "follow behind" are appreciated; but to be shown favor and receive more than we asked or imagined to meet and fulfill the need in our lives is a life-altering experience.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, that leadership and Associates would work well together. May their be a grace and an understanding as they proceed to fulfill the calling and vision God has placed upon them. May Associates have an experience as they participate and learn from senior Pastor that would equip them and prepare them for whatever is "next" that God has in store for their lives and ministry. May their work bring glory to God as they faithful work the spiritual fields.

Favor; as they glean
Working the harvest;
For the spiritual fields are ripe.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC