Blueprints.

I must confess, I'm having difficulty deciding on how to start this post. Mostly because I have two trains of thought that I'm trying to figure out how to bring together... I know they will, I'm simply trying to discern if it matters where I start. The challenges of being a writer... which, when you think about it, is much like any other interest, project or undertaking; having a plan.

Friends of mine, just finished building their home and thanks to the advent of social media, it looks beautiful judging by the pics that have been posted throughout the build process. As I considered what is involved in such a build, I couldn't help but consider how well it timed with our earlier (and past, for that matter) discussions on foundations, in particular, yesterday's on having cracks. So important then, is the need for inspections... multiple inspections for the duration of the build. And rightfully so.

If the plan is not correctly laid out from the beginning, changes after the fact can present quite the challenge. And often more than one. Of course, the longer one continues with an ill-laid plan, the more corrections, changes and potential tear-down and rebuilding may exist in one's future.

On a similar vein of thought, my youngest child is starting to pick up on some of the reactions and responses as the older sibling. Which is making for "fun" conversations. Obviously, the quotes are for sarcasm, as we quickly recognize that it's not permissible with the oldest child and we are working on correcting that, so certainly, it is intolerable with the younger child. So, as is the case for most of the stage of parenting, like building a home, we are keeping a close on to make sure things are going according to plan and working hard to pay attention when things might be off course, prompting correction and change. Do we always get it quick and right and corrected? No. No parent does. But it takes work.

So too in ministry. Having a plan. Implementing a strategy. And building lives of faith and community within the body of Christ. Faith is as much an organized process as building a home or raising a child (although the child doesn't exactly come with blueprints) Once again, ever so present on the forefront of my mind, however, is the challenge of pastors, in building and keeping their own families on course, as well as their ministries and those who sit under their leadership.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray for pastors that in the initial stages of building their ministries, and particular, youth groups. Pray that God would give them wisdom, in their early years of ministry, to develop healthy habits and disciplines as well as relationships. Pray that God would help them design and implement ministry plans and establish foundational elements that will set them up for success. May they find and surround themselves with people who will come alongside and work with them, support them and mentor them in the process. Pray protection over their lives, not just physically, but spiritually, emotionally and mentally. May they not be detoured, derailed and destroyed; not in their early days of ministry nor any point and time throughout their tenure. Pray the power of God and the anointing of the Holy Spirit be ever present and ever at work, in the lives, homes and ministries.

Built and established by God.
For His glory.
By His grace.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

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