Is anyone's schedule not crazy, right now?

And yet, when you least expect it... when you least want it to happen. When you can least afford it... life hands you, one more thing.

Is it God challenging your faith?
Is it the enemy attempting to derail your life?
Is it consequences coming back around from previously made, wrong decisions?

Whatever "one more thing" is, it can wreak havoc. Financially. Emotionally. Mentally. Spiritually. 

It's something else that needs to be dealt with, scheduled, delegated and discussed.

Will it work out in the long run and all will be okay? Yes. Sooner or later.

But for not, it's stressful and frustrating. Which makes it as good a time as any to pray.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for pastors that struggling with additional stress and frustration of one more thing. Pray the peace of God that surpasses all understanding would fill their hearts and minds. Pray that God would give them wisdom and discernment as they navigate these days, times and circumstances. May they be surrounded by those who would support and encourage them; that feelings of loneliness and solitude would neither overwhelm or discourage them. Pray the Holy Spirit would lift the heads and their hearts as they place their trust in God.

Even in the face,
Of one more thing.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I think it's fairly obvious to say that some environments are more conducive to effectiveness than others. There's purpose, there is planning. There is a reality that certain tasks and performances were meant and intended for a specific space.

We don't cook in the bathroom.
We don't perform surgery in the back of the garage.
And AA meetings are not conducted in the bar!

Conversely, the church is about being a place of worship; a place to encounter the presence of God.

Is it the only place where such moments can happen? Absolutely not!

But if it was designed for that purpose, should it not be the place that is most effective in fulfilling that purpose?

Let's pray, this #effectiveSunday, that today would be a great day, of people experiencing the power of Almighty God. May lives be changed for eternity Pray that as people enter, hearts would be healed, strength renewed and minds at peace. Pray that marriages would be restored and families made whole. May God be glorified as faith is challenged and fortified. Pray.the name of the Lord would be lifted high as the people of God arise.

Effective.
For the cause of Jesus Christ
For the advancement of the kingdom of God.

- PNC

There's community of all kinds.

Online. Offline. In-line. And in every one of those scenarios, is someone who will get "out of line". And as we navigate these difficult and challenging daya, I'm reminded of the advice I started giving my kids a couple of years ago. "Don't be a jerk on purpose."

There are many other things we can be those around us. Whether family or friends, co-workers or colleagues, neighbors or strangers, we can make the good and right choice.

As believers in God and followers of Christ, we can choose kindness. Compassion. And most importantly, truth.

It's not always easy. It's not always pleasant. It is almost always necessary. In a work becoming more troubled by the moment, would could be more important than the power of relationship and pointing and encouraging others to Christ?

On this #communitySaturday, pray that we would lead people closer to Christ. May we not be the reason people are pushed away or turned off to God, but drawn and desirous of more. Pray we would be the community that attracts, not because of our goodness, efforts and whatever appeal people may have, but because of the grace of God and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. May the church impact community by being the best example of community.

For the glory of God
To the testament of Jesus Christ
With the help of the Holy Spirit.
A light on the hill, unhidden.

- PNC

I really don't know how much more evidence is needed to convince the world that there are spiritually forces at work in the world in which we live. And how crafty of a scheme is it, for the enemy of our souls to continually push the point that we as a people, culture and society are better off without God and then when people try to understand and gain perspective of the tragedy, travesty and evil that occurs, he convinces us that returning to God is not the answer.

But isn't that what one does when they are lost? You turn around and go back to the place where you weren't lost. It's called retracing your steps!

Yet here we stand, in 2018. Lost. Looking for solutions. And coming up with every possible scenario other than looking back to the place of clarity and understanding; the place of confidence and stability.

The process of repentance is easy. The harsh realization that takes place immediately before hand is incredibly difficult.

But like anything else in life, the hard work is worth the price. Sadly, however, it's a price that many don't want to pay.

So rather than pay the price of repentance, we continue to pay the price of consequence.

What will it take? Truth. Spoken in love. To ears that are ready to listen and receive.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, that hearts would be opened and ready to receive the truth of the spiritual matter. May the truth be spoken in love. Pray for the hurting to be healed and the broken to be restored. May God work the miraculous as people repent and turn from evil. May today be a day of positive change for all eternity. Pray the church would indeed be a light on the hill, for those lost in the darkness.

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

- PNC

I'm realizing that I am becoming increasingly nervous... perhaps that's too strong a word. Increasingly unsettled.

My level of unsettledness seems to be rising every time leadership is placed under greater scrutiny and criticism. And I'm guilty of what I am about to explain.

Leadership has, is and will always remain a target for extreme criticism and great scrutiny. However, with each passing day, it becomes more and more obvious that there is no shortage of opinions and perspectives.

Everyone is an expert.

And yet, when there is talk of making a change in the leadership, these aren't first in line to sign up. It's like we've arrived at a place where it's better, easier and dare I say, desirable to have a problem to deal with, but never reach a solution. It's clear a solution is needed, but then what problem would we complain and criticize?

For all of societies woes and culture's demise, what we would communicate regarding, if the world worked as it does in our dreams? Sadly, it doesn't even work as God dreams.

And ironically, the blame for such an environment is the same. Ourselves.

We can no longer have an honest-to-God conversation because of the onset of "political correctness" and the heightened sensitivity to be careful "not to offend." Furthermore, nobody wants to hear the name of God, so, how much of an honest conversation can be had, if we don't analyze the full scope of a problem? Does not each of them have a spiritual element?

The attack on leadership is great. And while many, will acknowledge that such should exist and just as many will deny that such an attack actually does exist, it's the antagonistic battle against church leadership that weighs heaviest.

On this #deaconThursday, pray that God would strengthen and encourage today's church leaders. May God help the church to stand strong and support those He has placed in leadership positions. Pray for wisdom, where policies and practices are created, reviewed, revised and implemented, may they accurately address the true problems and sufficiently solve. Pray the church and the people of God would be careful in our criticism; that are words would build, rather than destroy; help rather than hurt. May God build His church as we build His kingdom.

In light of tragedy and loss
In the face of fear and anxiety.
May we see past struggle and difficulty
And persevere towards the promises of God
That are yes and amen to them that believe.
In the transforming power of Christ
By the grace of God.

- PNC

There's something to be said for a consistent set of principles and their successful implementation. In fact, in reality, there's very much that could be said. More than I will say here.

There will always be extenuating circumstances that will allow principles to be applied differently, to varying degrees, to differing timelines, from a better vantage point of reasoning.

But by and large, it is the consistent application of sound principles that lead people and organizations to establish and build from a position of strength and understanding.

One does not simply arrive to such a place, but certain events have a way of making such an impact that one is driven to search and create strategies that will propel them to another level of thinking, living and sharing life.

Life is not for the hap-hazard, nor the faint of heart. And while principle-living leads to a fair amount of "success", consistent principles combined with faith in God is a force to be reckoned with; not for the purpose of success, but the fulfillment of God's plan and purposes for our lives. And our homes. Our business and organizations. Our churches and ministries.

Pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that pastors would live and lead lives and ministries of consistent principles. In faith and finances, relationships and communication, in public and behind the door, pray that failures would not be the defining element, but the lessons learned that have propelled and moved us to greater things. May the impact that is made on the lives of those affected by ministry be great, not because of the strength and influence of the pastor, but because of the grace and purpose of God. Pray that God would be honored as life is lived in ways and means that bring glory not to ourselves, but the work that He has accomplished with each of us.

Living with clarity and purpose.
With strength and resolve.
And faith placed solely in God.
His Word applied faithfully to our lives.

- PNC

... the inevitable.

Once again, I've learned an invaluable lesson. Of course, my first response to your question of "if it's so invaluable, why did you take so long to learn it?"

Well, who knows. Probably something to do with my humanity and stupidity. Which only means that there are other invaluable lessons, which will generate the same conversation again.

While the future can't be predicted, one can and does watch the horizon as well as pays attention to the signs and markers along the way that indicate what environment awaits.

Sometimes it's our experience that provides the indicators.
At other times, it our area of expertise that does the providing.
And certainly, the wisdom and understanding that builds from those two realms coming together creates an interesting perspective.

However, if we aren't careful, we can weight one or the other too heavily to the point that it skews that perspective and we find out that very few people can set us straight. Which is about the time we find ourselves either getting in to trouble or not choosing the best course of action or option available to the decision-making process.

While fear of the unknown problem is often substantial, the knowledge of a workable solution is calming. The transition between the two is one worth making.

Let's pray this #associatePastorTuesday, that pastors would not live in fear of the unknown, nor stress about the inevitable. Pray for a healthy and proper balance of perspective, between their experience and expertise. Pray God would grant them wisdom and discernment beyond both of those realms, and may the Holy Spirit be their guide. May they move and act in faith; unhindered by the past and undaunted by the future. Pray a holy confidence as they move in the calling and purpose of God regarding both life and ministry.

Stepping out in faith.
With wisdom, clarity and purpose.
While not knowing all the answers,
Walking close with Him who does.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

The pastor whose church we sat in yesterday touched on something incredibly profound. It didn't take but just a few seconds to realize it's accurate truth.

Revelation becomes regulation that becomes tradition that becomes religion.

Let that sink in, as you consider the current rolls of church leadership and senior pastors.

There is but one answer for this, as I typed sermon notes on my phone.

#everygenerationneedsrevelation.

The greatness and the tragedy comes in what the pastor receives and even perceives as being revelation; for them, for their church, for their generation.

Greatness, if they truly receive from the Lord and the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Tragedy...should they either get it wrong, or act from a position of self or circumstance.

Regulations have their place. So does tradition. But Christ called out those who allowed religion to stand in the way of relationship. Why? Because at some point between tradition and religion, what matters to humanity takes priority over what matters to God.

What matters most, is what God desires to do in the lives of those He loves and desires to accomplish in their generation as they seek His face.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray that God would indeed bring fresh revelation. May church regulation and tradition hold their proper place, but not taking the place of relationship. Pray for understanding and wisdom as pastors seek and inquire of the Lord. May God grant to them wisdom and discernment as they lead this generation of the body of the Christ. Pray that self and circumstance would neither dominate, nor diminish the gift and imparting that God desires to give today's pastors and church leaders.

Revelation.
Fresh and anew.
Power and anointed.
Relevant and relational.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

As I thought this morning about effectiveness and how, at times there is such much to be done, that it doesn't really matter where you start (since it ALL needs to be done), I remember that unless you are working solo, something must occur first.

Whether in partnership with one person or working with many, whatever the task may be and whatever the timeline to get "it" done, there is power in agreement.

This doesn't dismiss nor ignore the reality of conflict. Not everyone will agree on the purpose or the plan. Nor will there be a lack of conversation, argument and fight along the way. If the history of accomplishment has taught us anything, it's that there is often a long, tenuous and tedious road between the presented problem and the implemented solution.

However, the quicker terms of agreement are reached, the sooner the power that results can be applied to moving towards the desired goal or outcome from one's present circumstance.

On this #effectiveSunday, pray that as the church moves forward in its' endeavors, may their be a spirit of unity and agreement. May the process of discussion and discourse not destroy or dissuade people from pursuing and achieving solutions to the problems and challenges they face. Pray today would be a day of victory and success, for the glory of God and the advancement of the kingdom of Heaven. May ego's, personal agenda's, personality conflicts and the like not stand in the way of what God desires to accomplish through the church and the calling and mission that He has placed upon them regarding the communities they serve.

Power in agreement.
Power in prayer.
Power in unity for a common cause.
The cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

There's not much in secular music that I listen to these days, at least not that which is accompanied by vocals. And for the most, that which I do listen to is the stuff that had a great sound when it was new.

Take for instance, what played this morning courtesy of Pandora... Tears for Fears classic hit, Everybody Want To Rule The World.

I listened to the lyrics in light of community and reflected on both the truth and reality of this song.

Yes, everybody wants to rule. However, not everyone should.

Furthermore, when you consider the people who have most impacted your live for the better, have been people who have lived and led from an understanding and applied attitude of service. Whether for God or country, the greater good of humanity or the betterment of society, at the foundation of it all is a desire to serve that is the result of a heart driven to love.

What better way to live? And how many more days must we endure that will remind us that this is how we should be?

Pray, this #communitySaturday, that the people of God in particular, would be those who would live and lead with a heart of love. May we serve with an attitude and an understanding that there is a purpose and a calling beyond ourselves, our self-worth and our own desires. Pray that we draw close to God as we draw close to those around us. May we step on in faith to make impact in the lives of others, wherever and whenever such opportunities would arise. While we may not rule the world, may we change our world.

One day at time.
One moment at a time.
One life at a time.
One conversation at a time.
For the glory of God
And the advancement of the Kingdom of Heaven.

- PNC

It's so easy to freak out when the storms come. We see them looming on the horizon or hear of their pending visitation and the talk begins. How much we dislike them; our utter disdain for the chaos that they bring; the challenge of navigating our way through their strength and torment.

You thought I was talking about life? Perhaps you missed the weather report!

Yet, navigating life is like traversing inclement weather. You instinctively know what to do.

Take precautions.
Slow down.
Remain alert.
Give high regard of your surroundings.
Be confident of your abilities.
Remember to breathe.

Focusing on the potential for disaster robs you of the energy and perspective you will need should that potential become a real threat. When the distraction of the storm overwhelms your focus that you rely on to get the storm, then you know you are in real trouble.

Yes, it's a powerful life principle.
It's a greater matter of faith.

With each successful endurance of a storm, you worry less about the next.
With each negative outcome of a storm, you fear the worst about the next.

Either God has promised to see you through, or He has lied and left you to fend for yourself.
Know and believe in whom you've placed your trust; for this too shall pass.

Let's pray, this #missionsFriday, for those missionaries struggling to navigate the storms of life. May they keep their focus on Christ and their trust in God. Pray they would remain confident in His Word and hold steadfast to His promises. Pray they would not be distracted by the surroundings and circumstances, but remain faithful and calm to continue in the work to which God has called them. Pray the peace of God that surpasses all understanding would keep them in perfect peace, regardless of what appears to be in the future forecast.

For God is with us always.
Master over the wind and the waves
Control the chaos of our lives
And fill us with your perfect peace.
For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I had the opportunity yesterday afternoon to catch the radio broadcast of the Detroit Lions press conference as they announced the installment of the teams' new head coach, Matt Patricia.

In a word, it was truly impressive.

I'm not a huge sports fan. I like sports. I'll watch if someone has the game on. Occasionally, I'll watch a portion of a game for a particular team or something. I don't follow the whole league of any sport, nor do I schedule my time around the games. But as I listened to the conversation of that announcement and how this man shared his experience and approach to leadership and coaching as the press asked their questions, I sat somewhat amazed.

His story is pretty incredible, starting with the fact that he holds a degree in aeronautical engineering. But football is his passion, so upon graduation, he turned down a six-figure salary to be an assistance coach at a Division III college, that happen to ranked as the best Division III school for men's football last year.

As he has worked with a man that many would argue is perhaps the best coach in modern football, the conversation made it pretty clear. He has learned from the best, yet remained personally driven to be the best. You could hear it in the answers as media people began asking and were already making comparisons regarding his approach to coaching versus those with whom he has worked.

Leadership is full of level of decisions and decision-makers. And it would be easy to leave it to the most prominent position or dominant personality and not take personal responsibility for your level of decision. And for easy as it as it to get overlooked and lost in the process, it's also, relatively easy (although it never feels like it) to get noticed and sought after through the same process.

Patricia, through his passion, discipline and education exemplifies this. Has he made wrong decisions? I think he'd be the first you tell you, absolutely. But he has clearly remained true to himself and personally resolved to give and do his best wherever he was at. Division III college. Superbowl Championship NFL team 5 times over.

You position is valuable; especially when you've resolved to bring value to your position.

On this #deaconThursday, pray that church leadership would resolve to give and perform their best. Regardless of the prominence or fame of a church or personality, may they be determined to make good and wise decisions and lead with integrity. Pray they would fulfill their duties and responsibilities with excellence; not for the prospect of potential opportunities but for the purpose of the present circumstance.

A higher calling
A greater purpose
Granted as a result of faithful and excellent service.
May we do whatever we do, as unto the Lord.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Dave Ramsey had a caller yesterday who wanted to help his sister's family through a difficult time, a large part of which was the result of bad decisions; many times over at that.

If you've listened to Dave's show for any length of time, you know what was coming next.

You can't reward someone for going in the wrong direction.

Thanks, Dave. It really is that simple!

In fact, when you think about it, the reward for going in the wrong direction is usually given to someone you would rather not get the reward or benefit. Like scoring in the other team's net.

The wrong direction didn't reward you, so much as it helped someone else for which they did nothing to deserve and earn it and in fact, it hurts you. It is a great detriment to your plan and your cause and the effects are far-reaching. It's two-steps forward that you can't to give up and three steps back that you may never regain.

There's more than a life principle at work and certainly more than a financial one, as much as I appreciate Dave's wisdom and enjoy his show. It's just as much a faith and ministry principle.

As much as we can't reward those in are lives and families who are moving in the wrong directing, neither can God reward the believer in the pew, nor the leader within the church when they do the same. And yet, all too often we expect and hope that He will. I have you. You have. And many others have done so as well.

Yet, God doesn't work that way. And we often miss because we are not in alignment with Him, His Word and His Will that causes us to miss the mark. It may not be obvious that we are in the wrong, but slowly and surely, the divergence between His way and our way will make itself known. And then what?

No reward.

Let's pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, for an ever-increasing awareness and closeness to the presence of God. Pray, especially for pastors, that they would not find themselves veering off the course that God has ordained and destined from their lives, let alone going entirely in the wrong direction. Pray for understanding and a depth of knowledge and spiritual maturity to know God's promises and rewards. May wrong assumptions and presumptions regarding spiritual matters and Biblical truth be far from us.

That we would grow in the presence of God
And in the knowledge of His Word
By the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

So... how about that Super Bowl game?!

Incredible plays. Unbelievable stats. An utter defiance of the odds, on a number of levels.

And for Philadelphia, a back-up quarterback performs at a championship game-day level... on the day of a championship game, no less.

The local news/talk radio station that's powerful enough to reach hundreds of miles on a clear night; the morning host made a profound statement yesterday morning. As they discussed the career of Nick Foles, they noted how early in his career, a played an incredible game and that while had played when in the following seasons, he really had played at the powerhouse level that he did in the Super Bowl.

And yet, he stuck with it. He remained patience. He worked hard. And the host recognized a great truth and powerful reminder for the rest of us who aren't leading the charge:

Be ready. For one day, you might be called up to do just that... lead the charge.

For the #9 jersey of the Philadelphia Eagles, he indeed showed up to the Super Bowl, ready.

And as the host framed the "ready" sentiment, I once again, thought...what a reminder for all of us. Especially pastors and those in ministry.

Life changes at a moments notice... nay, a blink of the eye.

Will you be ready to lead when called? Will I? Will your pastor? Will you, Pastor?

Let's pray this #associatePastorTuesday, that those in such positions would continue to serve and minister faithful. Pray for a continued state of readiness should life and circumstance change, leaving them in higher places of leadership than their current state of existence. May they wait with patience and gratitude; for the experience and opportunity that they have experienced to date. Pray for the perspective of game-day attitude and performance, for in the sovereign plan and handiwork of God, who has great things in store for us, may we, indeed, find ourselves ready for great exploits.

Victorious.
Because we were ready when called.
For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

This has been driving me nuts, as I forgot the song that we sung during worship yesterday that prompted this thought, but isn't is amazing how our thoughts about God progress. We often, in our discussion on faith and ministry, talk about our pursuit of God. We seek after Him, we rely on Him, we call upon His name. And on and on, the steps of faith continue as we draw closer to Him.

Meanwhile, we consider and are grateful for His grace and mercy and His unfathomable long-suffering. But what do we do with the fact that He is unwilling that any should perish?

When do want to miss one single thing, one single moment, one single person... the marketplace has a word for that. HUSTLE.

It's all too easy to think that God is waiting for us to come around to where He is, in the grand scheme of things, but behind the scenes; He is actively engaged and at work... in pursuit of those in whom He can fulfill His sovereign plan and purposes.

It's kinda of comforting, when you think about it.

The God who never forsakes you and never lets you go, will also never write you off as a lost-cost.

He is eternally, in pursuit of those who bear His image. Which is to say, all of humanity. Both those in the faith and those who've yet to come to faith.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for those who are perhaps, in a stage of ministry or phase of life where they are existing, but not thriving. They are present, but not engaged. In the questions and circumstance that loom and take their exhaustive toll, may pastors know that God is still in pursuit of them; of who they are and who they could be. May they know, that no matter where they are in their faith and ministry that God is still at work in their lives and has even greater things in store for them, than what has already come to fruition. Pray a restoration and revitalization for those who have suffered loss, energy and focus.

May hearts, minds and souls be rekindled.
The flame fanned afresh.
That as God pursues, may they pursue in return and more.
For the kingdom of God
And all eternity.

- PNC

Computers continue to teach us a powerful lesson, often on more than one occasion. It's a principle that applies to finances and memorials, and matters of great significance and importance.

It's the power of saving.

Yesterday morning, I nearly had the #communitySaturday post finished. Maybe a couple sentences away from the finishing thoughts on the prayer. And my funky, ill-timed computer and its' evil tricks, shut off. And the publishing platform doesn't always auto-save as fast as my thoughts allow me to type.

So I was on a roll, then it was lost. And this isn't the first time this has happened. Over the past 980 consecutive days of writing these #pray4pastors posts, there have been a number of them that have been rewritten to varying degrees, because I didn't save the work between thoughts, or the computer moved or something else, that things just went dark.

Such moments are neither effective, nor efficient.

Time lost to restarting the machine and logging in. Time lost to retrace my steps and mentally remember what phrases and thoughts were written down. You didn't notice it, but between "down." and "You" I just lost 20 seconds... to hit the save button and then reopen the draft and continue.  #lessonlearned. This time, at least.

It's amazing, though, how one's past intersects with one's current reality. They've either messed up and learned, having vowed and proven to either never be in such circumstances again or to handle the matter differently should such time repeat itself. Conversely, the mistakes of the past can and are easily repeated at which time, you realize they are not the person you want leading the way.

The significance of one's accomplishments particularly from the perspective of being effective and efficient lie greatly in what has been saved along the journey and the lessons that have been learned as they have kept and dismissed various situations, difficulties and decisions.

Wisdom comes from learning. The lessons with the greatest, lasting impact are the ones often learned the hard way and at times, repeatedly.

On this #effectiveSunday, pray that the lessons we learn, would indeed leave a lasting impact. May we gain wisdom and discern wisely, what we should save and what we should dismiss as we travel this life. May our impact neither be diminished nor hindered because of lost time and energy in having repeated matters that could have been avoided. Pray God would help us not to carry guilt or frustration into areas and matters of life where it has no place or justification. May we trust and cast our lives and concerns at the Cross, that we may be used for God's plans and purposes.

Effective... because of His Work in us.
Even when we seemingly work against Him.
For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

.One doesn't have to look very far to notice...

We are not all getting along as much as we like to joke about being able to do so.

The battles exist. On every stage. In every room. In every arena of life. With others, and ourselves.
Victims suffering great loss.

In our world, globally.
In our world, locally.
In politics... we won't go there.
In faith... probably should do that either.
In our relationships... which has as much destruction and suffering as war itself.
In our schools... as if learning was a feat of its' own.
In our workplaces... which made the news yesterday.
In our homes... the one place that should actually be a "safe space".
In our minds... which lasts longer than war itself.

The power of getting through this life and the battles therein, lies the grace that is experienced through laughter. Indeed, it does good like medicine.

Conversely, this is the strategy of every opponent. If he can keep you in a place of being worn out and exhausted, then you are prone to live an existence of hopeless despair and utter defeat. He who does not and can no longer laugh is lost.

In every arena and avenue of life, help always comes from one who is stronger, not weaker. Whatever the struggle, nobody goes to the one who is in worse circumstance, poorer condition or suffering greater loss and defeat to better themselves. However, if we are constantly embattled and consumed with whatever battle is at our door, we will never be able to step out and go across to help the battle of another.

There will always be battles, as there will always be wars, for evil resides among us in the hearts of humanity. Despair looms and defeat awaits; around every corner and intersection. Many we see coming, many more that we do not see. But when laughter is lost in the process, the prospect does not look good; indeed, the outcome looks hopeless.

But to those...
... who rely up on Him are renewed.
... who look to Him are strengthened.
... who call to Him are saved.
... who trust in God, they laugh at the days to come.

On this #communitySaturday, pray that the church would be people who would live and operate from a place of strength. May we engage in such a way as to be an encourage and inspiration to those around us without hope. Pray we would not be so overcome and overwhelmed with our own battles that we miss the opportunities to fight on behalf of those around us and help them win. May despair and defeat be far from our hearts and minds; that we would speak truth and love, encouragement and laughter.

Let the hopeless be filled with hope
Let the defeated overcome.
Let the sad be filled with joy.
And the down-trodden in despair,
Uplifted in laughter.
For His joy is our strength.
Winners. For the glory of God.

- PNC

I don't listen to Joyce Meyer all that often, but she talked the other day about how we struggle with certain times of our lives, in light of our faith. We hang on to things longer than we should and battle internally with our faults and failures, problems and proclivities and God simply asks the same thing He asks all of us... both before and after having come to Him through Christ.

How long are you going to hang on to that?

It's a rhetorical question of course, but as Joyce shared, the one time that she gave an answer to God, of three days, it was as if God responded with, "and while my grace still be sufficient then?"

So the question is, while we battle in frustration of both heart and mind, God waits and wonders, why we wait so long for our release to Him if He response doesn't change?

People put off accepting Jesus Christ as Savior for the same reasons the everyday Christian and ministry leader seem to stall in the walk of faith. There is nothing in our lives that gives God pause to offer and extend His redemptive grace and accepting love to us.

So, on this #missionsFriday, pray for a clarity of understanding of God's gift. For wherever Christians and non-Christians alike find themselves, may guilt and shame not hinder and hold them back from God's ever-lasting grace and unending love. May today be a spiritual day of freedom and newness of life as people realize that they can accept themselves now, because they were accepted by God, first.

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

- PNC

A Sunday morning message that highlighted the story of woman with the alabaster jar at Simon's house, followed by a Wednesday devotional, of which that same story was the focus of the message. Both in the same week.

And as the service came to a close last night, I thought about how dangerous.. and easy it is for church leadership to find itself in similar standing to the Pharisee. Position, status and influence, perhaps unknowingly, come to the forefront of our perspective to the point we look at others and before we see them through the eyes of eternity, we view them with the lens that finds fault.

In the seconds that it took to have that revelation, Pastor begins to share from personal experience, the times where he caught himself having the realization; of just how easy it would be to look at the lives of others and think himself better. And just that quick, the importance of an awareness that understands the grace of God is revealed.

For were in not for His grace, through the power of forgiveness, we all would still stand condemned in our sins, much like the woman found herself in the house of the Pharisee.

Yet, church leadership find themselves in numerous levels of influence, multiple depths of knowledge and understanding of circumstances, the stories of secrets people would rather not be shared. And life continues daily. There's a respect of such confidence that needs to not only be understood, but also maintained with spirit of humility. For as soon as pride enters in as a result of knowing, the ability to be a trusted source of influence is lost.

Granted, its a process that erodes over time, but it begs the question.

Why confide in someone who views you with contempt? This is when leadership no longer lives up to its' name.

On this #deaconThursday, pray that church leadership would indeed, live up to the expectation and ability of true leadership. May they ever have the heart of a servant. Pray they would keep and maintain, at the forefront of their influence, a spirit of humility. Pray a Pharisaical spirit would ever keep it's distance; never having the remotest possibility of rearing its' ugly head, let alone gaining a foothold within the ministry and the church-at-large. May the grace that God has extended to us, flow through us, that we may extend it to others.

For we too, were once the "others"
That God desires to reach through the lives
Of those whom He had redeemed by grace.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

We are at a transitional time in the personal life of our family and so the most often heard question around our place is simply, when?

Much like the non-stop barrage of "are we there yet?", this has taken on a slightly different sound.

Is today the day? Today?
No, not today.
Tomorrow? Tell us it's tomorrow!
No, it's not tomorrow.

And isn't this how we approach God? In our small and finite timeline, it's hard not to look at the "big" issues of life as well as the small, that somehow present themselves with such importance and emphasis that we can't help but take them to God with just as much concern.

With Earthly eyes and limited understanding, it's hard to acknowledge, let alone accept God's answers. Not yet. Not now. Not here.

His eternal perspective outweighs are earthly purview.

Yet we walk with eyes of faith and live with understanding beyond our dust-formed minds, with hearts that are committed to Christ.

There's a powerful song written from the Christian Rock band, White Heart, titled Maybe Today.

Maybe today. Maybe tomorrow. That's not the question for me.
No matter what time, I'm gonna follow. The Keeper of all eternity.

So, let's pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that as we lead our kids to trust and wait, that pastors and church leadership would do the same, to trust and wait, even in the midst of great difficulty and circumstance. May they stand firm in their faith, resolute in their commitment to Christ and steadfast to the call of God on their lives. Pray they would not be overcome with fear and frustration regarding whatever challenges they face. Pray for wisdom and discernment as they are directed by the Holy Spirit. May they move forward in confidence, even if it is one step at a time, as an act of a genuine and active trust in the sovereignty of God.

That we would follow,
The Keeper of all eternity.
No matter the questions,
Nor the time.
For the glory of God.

- PNC