Isn't it amazing how God brings things to our remembrance. I didn't really have a specific focus for today's prayer until after I had been up for about 5 minutes this morning. Yesterday, I had two unknown life change show up in my social media updates. A literal trading places moment, so to speak.

A senior pastor whose church I visited a couple of times less than three years ago, shared that yesterday was his last sermon as senior Pastor. After 7.5 years of ministry with this church, God is calling them to the mission field.

Meanwhile, a former senior pastor friend of mine, whose church I attended for period of time, post college, made the same switch a couple of years later. Yesterday, he shared on social media, that he and his family had stepped back into a senior pastorate position.

I have a hard enough time switching churches, when we've had to do so and equal difficulty changing jobs as well. I'm not sure how well I would handle being in positions of church leadership and making such decisions. I know it still comes down to prayer and seeking the face of God and His will for your life, just like any believer would do the same for their vocation or place in life; but somehow in ministry is seems like such a bigger deal.

This reminds me, friends of mine who were youth pastors at a former church, announced a few weeks ago, they too, are moving back to their home state, from their current place in church leadership, for what God has in store for them next in ministry.

These are huge decisions. They leave incredible marks on a church and the decisions that follow for finding the man and woman of God, who He has in mind that should take that church to the next level are level 1 critical.

I am excited for what God will accomplish in the lives of my friends, as they step into these new roles and places of ministry. I also know making such decisions would send me into orbit.

Pray with me, this #seniorPastorMonday, for these and others, who are or soon will find themselves in places of transition regarding ministry. Pray for peace and strength for the days and weeks and months to come as major decisions and logistics of life are sorted out. For wisdom and direction in their conversations as they figure out said logistics. Pray for the churches and mission fields, where there are now respective gaps, because of these transitions... may God sovereignly move to bring the people who He has called forward to step into these opportunities and fulling the calling and purpose He has for their lives. May these transitions be smooth and vision clear, as these involved believe these moves to be the will of God, ordained in advance. Pray a great harvest for both the mission field and these communities.

Called by God.
Moved by God.
For His purpose
For His glory.
For the advancement of the Gospel of Christ.

- PNC

I love this band. Every song sounds incredible. And back before the time you could be individual songs, I very much appreciated being able to by an album that I fully enjoyed, rather than spend $12-15 for only a couple of songs worth experiencing.

That said, the words to this struck me as we were headed back to pick up the kids last night.

A huge part of being effective and efficient is wrapped up and defined in a game plan. A strategy.

Is everything that the church does, consistent with the vision and the mission of the church?

Essentially, it boils down to these two points.

1) Does it bring glory to God?
2) Does it seek to reach the unsaved?

Sure, it can accomplish other things and perhaps even be worth doing, but ultimately, if it doesn't contribute to those central points of focus, then it's hard to say it was both fully effective and efficient.

Pray, this #effectiveSunday, that indeed, everything that we say and do would glorify God. May the activities and events of the church, seek to reach the lost and the dying in their community. May the truth of God and His Word be revealed as the church engages community, daily. Pray a consistency about our lives, as we continue to live out a real faith, battling real struggles all while serving a real God. As we commit our ways to the Lord and seek His face, may He use us and raise us up to bring glory to Him as He works all things together in our lives for His purpose.

Strategy to win the lost.
To serve the Lord.
For His glory and the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

It's not very often that I have been faced with two ideas regarding these prayer posts and felt the need to decide between which one God had in mind. The two seemingly interwove with each other, between what we pursue in relationship to how community operates.

In our pursuit, we look to and for what is next. What will improve our life? What will improve our position? What will increase our bank account? What will grant us greater influence and prominence?

Community always looks for the best and the brightest.

The prominent neighborhood.
The desired school district.
The hottest restaurants.
The best shopping experience

Yet, when someone recommends seeking God for direction in life, rather than man's wisdom or insight...
When there's a recommendation of  prayer over pills; to read the read the Word of God, rather than reading cards; community calls out the believer for being off base.

In and of themselves, Christians are neither perfect nor have all the answers or have it all together.

But like being a part of the best neighborhoods, attending the award-winning school, or the experiencing the greatest dining or shopping, the community of faith should be the desired community.

It's not a premier community because of who is a part of it; it is a premier community because of who the community turns to; not just in times of trouble and desperation, but in times of triumph and celebration.

It was God who created community, when he created man. He created community when he created woman, for it was not good for man to be alone. He created community when He planned for redemption through Jesus Christ.

God is the ultimate "community organizer". It is His family; an ever-growing one at that. It is where all of humanity belongs, that sons and daughters would return to the Father.

Pray, this #communitySaturday, that the body of Christ would extend the invitation to a lost and dying world, that there is hope and peace, love and forgiveness made available through Christ. May they come to a place of understanding, that God is not out of reach and out of touch, but intimately and keenly aware of what has transpired in every heart, mind and soul of every life. Pray the truth of God's Word would be made alive; that prayer works; that God's Word helps; that whatever we have need of and whatever we seek, God is able to fulfill and meet us at our point of need and in times of desperation.

May we seek Him;
And His righteousness
As we do for what this world offers
But will not last, nor satisfy.
In Christ alone, we place our trust.

- PNC

Talking with my best friend yesterday, we got to talking about comedians, when Jeff Allen's testimony came up and it reminded me I had mentioned it last week. As I was thinking yesterday about community and about missions, I couldn't help but recall Jeff's words.

To appreciate a creation, you have to appreciate it's Creator.

Yet, somehow, in this life, we've figured out how to love the things of this earth, yet not acknowledge the One who created this life and all that is in it. For all that we go through, for all that we don't understand, I am amazed how God pursues us.

**I'll finish this post later, but in the meantime, share this video and pray for the miraculous!

So, I'm back... much later than anticipated. :-/

Oh, that we would pursue God as much as He pursues us. We go after possessions and the like... insert your free-time consumer here. Mine is cars; usually browsing Craigslist for the next potential ride. For others, clothes. The latest flick. Having just spent two hours at the cellular store and stumping tech support for the past four days, some have to have the latest and greatest technology. The biggest flat screen. What's your vice?

For God, it is His creation. Disconnect God from His people is the eternal equivalent for some of us being without our phone. (my replacement arrives Tuesday; this not a vice, so much as I have been unable to receive incoming calls since sometime this past Tuesday). My universe feels out of sorts when a car is in the shop (which also, could be looming in the next week or so, that will have to be resolved out of priority, not desire). A favorite outfit ruined. The superficial struggles are way to frequent; but we have relatible moments of loss... the passing of friends and family, spouse or child... incredible grief. Profound disconnect.

This is God's dilemma. Anything to have more time with those He created; and desired badly enough to send His own and only Son to earth, to pay the cost that would make restitution, whereby man could be reunited with his Creator.

The awesome, yet humbly-profound wooing of God. He desires that people would draw near unto Him, for then He has permission to draw unto them. In the meantime, there is a constant, passionate, patient knocking... loving reminders that He is waiting.

As Jeff testifies, God knew how to capture his attention. Cynics are cynical. Enter the book of Ecclesiastes. The constant knocking of sermon tapes. The patient waiting that Jeff would open one and listen.

While incredibly late this #missionsFriday, pray that many would listen and respond, to the prompting; the drawing; the wooing of Creator God. May human creation come to realize and recognize and respond to the invitation made available to have a relationship with God, through His Son, Jesus Christ. Despite faults and failures, missed opportunities and moments of hitting the wrong target in life; may the love, grace and forgiveness of God visit hearts and lives. Pray they would forever be changed for eternity; to testify as Jeff does; we do have and are put on this earth with purpose. It starts and ends with God; the very beginning and the end of everything that ever was, ever has been and ever will be.

All that God has for us,
Because we are made complete in Him.
For His glory
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

ps: fuzed worship radio is playing on Pandora; getting ready to update this prayer to the site and How He Loves, by True Story just started playing. Wow... "He is jealous for me... O how He loves me... I realize just how beautiful you are and how great Your affections are for me.

Gotta love God's timing!!

Yesterday, as I went about my day and pondered a decision and the surround circumstances, I though about the descriptors I used in that prayer, of steadfast and unwavering in relationship to God. A few days ago, I popped a different cassette into my car stereo and it turns out this mix tape has the Trimmed & Burnin' album, from Glenn Kaiser and Darrell Mansfield.

So, naturally, I had this song playing in my head.

He's God, God don't never change Oh, always will be God
God in the middle of the ocean // God in the middle of the sea
By the help of the great creator // He's truly been a God to me He's God,
God don't never change Oh, always will be God

God in creation // God when Adam fell
God way up in heaven // God way down in hell

He's God, God don't never change // Oh, always will be God

Spoke on to the mountain // Said how great I am
Once you get up this mornin' // Skip around like a lamb

He's God, God don't never change // Oh, always will be God

God in the time of sickness // God in the doctor too
In the time of influenza // He's truly been a God to you
He's God, God don't never change // Oh, always will be God

God in the pulpit // God way down at the door
He's God in the amen corner // God's all over the floor
He's God, God don't never change // Oh, always will be God
He's God, God don't never change // Oh, always will be God

No matter what we face, no matter what we encounter; where we turn, what we decide... God doesn't change.

EVER.

Then I get to church last night... the closing song, of the praise and worship is Because of Who Are. He is worthy of our praise. Our provider. Our peace. God reigns in victory.

Just an incredibly powerful, incredibly comforting song. Both of them, as a matter of fact. Plans change, ideas come and go, our methods for getting things done and how we go about handling the affairs of this life... nothing remains as it is for eternity; except the character of God Almighty. He can be relied upon and trusted, no matter what we encounter. Triumph or tragedy. It's because of who He is, that we can set today I aside and trust and worship Him for what He has already accomplished.

Pray, this #deaconThursday, that church leadership would be reminded, as I was last night, that at times it's necessary to set requests aside and be grateful and thank God for what He has already accomplished in our lives. May we never take for granted, His protection and provision, His healing, guidance and peace that He has already brought to our lives, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray a fresh focus on the face of God, who inhabits the praises of His people.

May an attitude of gratitude
Precede our requests.
As we worship Him in spirit and truth.

- PNC

One does not leave an inheritance that includes rubbish. They leave what is valuable. They leave what is cherished. They leave what is priceless. They leave among the material possessions, the intangible that can't be bought and sold, unless the one who receive the inheritance essentially trades their soul.

As I considered the possibilities, I submit the intangibles is a fairly list; but an even shorter list, are the concepts that are not inherited. Among that list, and perhaps even at the top is the concept of perseverance.

Consider the truth of perseverance, for a moment.

Perseverance is only:

- learned by living
- encouraged by others
- determined by self.

The few other character traits that can't be inherited, may also be identified by the above three statements, but I surmise that even those stem from an attitude that says "don't quit".

To understand that God has a plan and purpose for every life; that He desires every moment, every circumstance, every conversation an opportunity to be used for His glory presumes that time is nothing more than a series of decisions that, at their core, are an invitation to continue moving forward in this life.

Even as a potential decision has arisen in my life, I shared with my father last night and as well as my wife... it's hard not to let the past wrongly influence our present. Respectively, I also made the statement that it's hard to know when details cause us to hesitate, whether they are legitimate warning signs or they are prompts to trust God that the circumstance is different this time.

If such moments are challenging as adults, all the more reason to pray for our children.

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, for the circumstances and challenges facing our youth. Pray that as they watch adults, parents, and pastors sort through life and walk by faith, that they will decide to live a life that perseveres. May they learn to trust God in all things and seek His face in all circumstances. May they come to rely on the promptings of the Holy Spirit and discern the will and calling of God upon their lives. Pray they would not lead lives of quiet desperation, but of holiness, righteousness and purpose; to pursue the plans and purposes God has ordained in advance. May the overcome whatever obstacles the enemy of their souls would lay in their path to detour, derail and destroy their lives. Pray a foundation of steadfast, unwavering faith in the Most High God.

Press in.
Press on.
In the quiet confidence of God.
Seeking the face of God in all things.
For His glory.

- PNC

Isn't it amazing how the mind works? Seemingly out of nowhere, it creates scenarios and pictures of possibilities and conversations, that sometimes may make sense and other times, seem way out in left field. As I traveled through an area yesterday, there is a road closure on my way, as a few miles later, they are putting in a round-about, at an intersection I'm going to drive through anyway... just not via the road I normally take. As I drove through and saw the signs, I imagined a group of friends who would travel through there for the first time.

One of the friends speaks up and says, road closure? Now where do we go? The individual goes on to state, that because of who she is, using a title that doesn't define her, but simply defines her relationship to a person of  position, how would she know where to go? Of course, my sarcastic mind  responds internally... just read the signs!!

Yet, unlike the road, where detours are always laid out when a closure exists (and sometimes the detours aren't so clearly marked) life rarely defines detours when certain paths are closed. You just know that some option or destination is not an available route to pursue, and so must go a different way about getting there or decide to do something different altogether.

How frustrating that must be, for one who doesn't look to God, the author and finisher of our faith. Even as I went to bed, less than 5 hours ago, pondering a decision, rather a potential decision in the very near future... I acknowledged, I can't do this on my own. I need help making decisions; choosing directions; recognizing the signs. He makes it all work for good; even our mistakes and thankfully, His grace is sufficient for my mistakes; but that doesn't make me want to willingly make them. I want to know before decision-time that I am where God wants me, doing what He has for me to do... lest I change the game and find out later, the game wasn't meant to be changed.

Even with our reliance upon God; such times are frustrating, agonizing and difficult to navigate. Hence we look to Him first and place our trust in Him, regardless; for the stress of this life without the help of the Holy Spirit is crushing to many and disconcerting to the rest. But there is rest to him who places his hope in God.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, for those pastors struggling to make sense of the signs and those trying to understand where the detour they are on is taking them and why. Pray for a steadfastness of faith, unwavering in their commitment to trust God in all things, regardless of circumstance and its' appearance. Pray for those feeling lost, that God would like their paths and direct their steps. May their be a reassurance and a confidence anew, that God, is in fact, working all things together for good... even our mistakes and decisions of regret. For the past that haunts us; for decisions that bother us, for outcomes of the past that frustrate us, even when relaying the story... may the peace of God that surpasses all understanding comfort our hearts and calm our minds. Pray, that regardless of yesterday, that tomorrow would be hopeful and today would be a day of diligence.

May we live a life
Clearly marked by the hand of God.
For His glory, we pray.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

- PNC

Pastor preached an incredible message yesterday on the worst kind of sin. Often, within the church, we categorize sins and we have a huge tendency to associate it with the behavior of others before looking at ourselves. Their sin is worse because of what I can visibly see externally in them, rather than what they can't see internally in me.

That right there, was the topic.

Pride.

The profound insight, is that pride is the one vice that leads to everything other kind. For many reasons this happens to be true, but primarily because whatever vice does come next in one's life, pride either says, it won't be a struggle for them, so it's okay or they won't get ensnared by it and thus, it's okay.

I didn't think about how to write on this, until a little over half an hour ago, when, as I was about to get ready up and write, then run off to work, my youngest daughter had a "clean-up on aisle 12" moment. Of course, I'm Dad and she's young, so there's not a whole lot of options to stand their and refuse to be a part of helping resolve the matter. Sure, I was a little frustrated, but doing nothing would have wreaked further havoc. Literally.

So it is with pride. There's a time to know when to stand one's ground, certainly, but at the same time, so much goes out the door when pride stands tall. Compassion, forgiveness, understanding, grace... acting too big to fail and too big to get involved and help cause big problems and in leadership, is detrimental to the health of an organization.

Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, for pastors struggling in this area. For those that are not involved in matters where they should be, not wanting to be part of the solution; for those who are too involved and using their position or prominence to justify their behavior, thus perhaps leaving an open door for any kind of temptation... may God do a work in their heart and mind; that none of us are perfect, nor are we worthy of what God has given us and purposed for us to accomplish. Pray for a change of heart; where a lack of humility has stood in the way of grace, compassion and understanding with churches. May God do a healing work in relationships and circumstances where pride has caused a mess and where messes have been prolonged because pride has prevented people from stepping in and clean-up.

May the church become even more life Christ
Starting with leadership.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I'm not exactly sure what prompted me to think about this last night, as I spend the afternoon at a family reunion and honestly had given much thought at all to today's prayer (I know that sounds weird, especially having written yesterday's prayer on inquiries), but, whatever the reason, another song played an influence.

If you ever get a chance to see the band, Everfound, in concert, you should absolutely go! Comprised of four brothers from Russia, these young men have an incredible testimony of faith and the persecution their family faced before coming to America, in 1996, if I recall correctly.

Their debut album is in the CD player of the vehicle we took to the reunion, this album being one of the favorites of my oldest daughter. The entire album contains powerful lyrics, but as we were making our way to leave, the song Unless started playing, in light of the concepts of effective and efficiency.

There's an old adage that says, "pray like everything depends on God; work like everything depends on you." Pair that ideology with the chorus of the song... "unless a miracle, takes control; and rescues my fallen world."

We struggle to work and play and to make our way sometimes forgetting or at least letting it move to the backside of our memory, that everything we do is because of the ability granted to us by God, to be used for purposes of God, in order to bring glory to God. Thus, no matter our best efforts, they are, in fact, as Solomon explained, meaningless in our fallen world... unless, a Miracle.

Pray, this #effectiveSunday, for the miraculous, in our midst. In our fallen world, where everything under the sun is meaningless and all our best efforts will fall short of the glory of God, may the sovereignty of God grace our lives. May our words and deeds for the cause of Jesus Christ bring glory to God and that the drawing of the Holy Spirit would go before us and prepare the way for the work of the Lord. May we be a people, that indeed, would trust God, for it does all depend on Him, while working like it does depend on us, for we are not called to do and be nothing; but we are called to be salt and light.

God, go before us this hour.
Do what only You can do;
That we might do what you have called for us to do.
For the glory of God.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

As I'm going about my day yesterday, in thought, prayer and reflection, I again come to the place, as I've often shared, of realizing nothing has come to the forefront for the next day's prayers topic.

With a smile, my spirit said... "You haven't inquired of the Lord."

What happened to those days? Throughout the Old Testament, men of great faith, whether they were in positions of leadership and prominence in their day or yet to become leaders, it was often stated of them, that they "inquired of the Lord."

I know people of faith, within the body of Christ as well as those in the pulpit, very much still inquire of the Lord when seeking direction and wisdom, but the phrase is not a descriptive that we hear often in public use when we talk of the decision-making process.

Inquiries have parameters. They require taking a serious look, at both the breadth and the depth of a situation, circumstance or problem. It requires looking at different angles and approaches. Inquiries are a process. Rarely are they as quick as a simple question and answer, though 2 days in a row this past week, I prayed for direction in two different circumstances and immediately after praying, "Lord if you would have this for us or not, make it clear" and a phone call regarding both situations rang, just seconds later. Two days in a row!

I don't think that it's because God likes me more or I'm better or any of that craziness. It's simply a place of understanding, that I'd rather be where God wants me and want was He has for me rather than try to do things my way or force my way to be what happens. That doesn't mean I still don't have my days where I'd rather have my way, but rather, knowing my ways often fall flat and short of what God would desire for me to do and to have, if only I would have inquired of Him and waited for Him to bring matters to a place of resolution and direction.

Sadly, we move more and more to do things our way... also, as stated frequently in the Old Testament; people did what was right in their own eyes, rather than eyes of God.

How we need to return to the posture of inquiring of the Lord, daily, in all matters and circumstances!

Pray, this #communitySaturday, that the church would be set-apart as we walk through life; that we would be known as people of faith who seek the face of God. Pray that their would be a recognition of humility, as we understand and witness that God's ways are higher, greater and better than our thoughts and ideals. While the situations and circumstances may not unfold exactly who we think, prefer or would like see in our lives, may their be an unwavering commitment to seek the face of God and trust Him to reveal Himself and His plan for our lives as walk through life on a journey of faith.

Inquire of the Lord.
For He knows the plans He has for you...
For a hope and a future.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

 ItI had this great number playing in my head for most of the day yesterday, and it didn't take long to consider the chorus in light of faith and the work of missionaries. Life is not a matter of if it hits hard, but when it hits hard. What will happen to your faith?

God tells us that the only thing that will stand forever is His Word. That's it. That's all there is. Everything else fades. Everything else passes. Everything else is currently the process of fading and passing. God's Word remains.

So when the walls of life press in; when the lights go out; when fear knocks on your back door... do we press in to God and His Word? Do we look to Christ to light our way? Do we run to the front door of faith?

We've come to a place as a people, where it's easier to discard and replace rather than work to repair. It's easier to quit and move on rather than continue to work through one's way. Faith is traded, sometimes quickly, sometimes over a season, for the temporary, for the moment, for the temptation, for the mammon.

Yet, it's my prayer today; for those in the faith... for those yet to come to the faith, that they will NOT walk away, neither will they go astray. It's game time. Let's go!

Pray with me, this #missionsFriday, for those who place their faith in God as well as those who've yet to come to faith in Christ... may it be known as steadfast. Pray for a faith that stands firm and stands tall; that stands for glory and honor of God and His righteousness. Though it may have its' battle scars and wind-baffled appearance, pray our faith would shine, as a testament to the faithfulness of God; as He draws all unto Himself. Pray that today would be a revelation day; that lives would be transformed by an encounter with God through the person of Jesus Christ. For what good is a faith in a made-up deity? May they know the One True God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, who desires to have relationship with His creation.

What Satan meant for destruction, God uses for development (thanks Pastor for letting me steal that)
May our faith grow, in the knowledge and strength of the Lord Jesus Christ.
For the advancement of the Gospel
To the glory of God our Father.

- PNC

Every once in a while, I find myself reflecting on how life would be different, in the face of certain tragedy. Any prolonged thought of one's own mortality and you can't help but be humbled and consider yourself blessed... to have life, to have family, to have friends. Indeed, life is a gift.

If life on earth is a gift, then how much greater a gift, is eternal life through Jesus Christ? What adjective could possibly describe.

English novelist and playwright, Graham Greene sums it up this way...

"You can’t conceive, my child, nor can I or anyone the … appalling … strangeness of the mercy of God."

We all encounter our own difficulties and tragedies. One can't fathom theirs from another should our lots in life ever be switched... that you would live my story and I would live yours.

Yet, in the sovereignty of God, each gift of blessing, each loss of the same, is an opportunity to trust God and draw closer to Him.

As I reflected on on Spaffords' story yesterday, this succinct question came to mind.

We will one day, all stand before God. And after the one question, regarding our relationship with Christ, there will be a follow-up question; with two points of clarity.

What happened?

The two points of clarity...

...for the unbeliever: I gave you every opportunity to come to Christ, yet you did not.
...for the believer: I gave you every opportunity to bring someone to Christ; yet you did not.

Challenging questions, that are rendering me nearly speechless.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, for the church body as a whole, as well as pastors and church leaders, that each of us would remain focused; that life is a gift and that God is sovereign. May there be an awareness about our lives to seize the opportunities to glorify God and to point others to Christ, that they may come into right relationship with God. God forgive us, for the opportunities we have missed. Help us, not to let more slip through our lives.

Life is precious.
Life is short.
Eternity awaits
With one simple response to God.

- PNC

Our family attended the annual church picnic of the church where my wife and I met and where my father-in-law and his wife still attend. I have to tell you that I hadn't thought anything about today's prayer post, until the praise and worship band played "It Is Well", a modern take on Horatio Spafford's It Is Well With My Soul.

Immediately, this got me thinking about pastors and missionaries who have suffered great loss and personal tragedy. Like all of us, it comes in many forms... family struggles, disappointments, loss of life or possessions, medical difficulties, financial trouble, ministry turmoil.

We often sing It Is Well, at times when life feels the farthest thing from being well. Spafford penned the words to this song after losing his four daughters on the ship crossing the Atlantic; but how many of us remember that less than six and a half years later, he would lose his 3-yr old son to scarlet fever?

I found myself for a few moments, thinking about a few pastor friends. One truly wonders sometimes, how people manage to keep the faith. It's clearly not that those in ministry have an easier life. It simply proves we should cover them in prayer, as much as would desire for someone to pray with and over ourselves.

Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, for pastors struggling with the challenges of life. Whether in ministry or at home, with family or among friends, pray for battles and difficulties they currently face. Pray that God would gird them up and strengthen their hearts as they focus on Him and what He has called them to accomplish. Pray he would encourage and bring peace to the minds and souls. May worry, anxiety and an overall sense of unrest leave and may the peace that surpasses all understanding bring them to a place of rest in Christ. No matter what the outcomes and the conversations that transpire along the way, even when it seems to be not so well; may their be a quiet confidence in the sovereignty of God; that indeed life "will be well, with my soul."

For the glory of God,
We pray these things.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

- PNC

Effective and efficient is a delicate and difficult balance... for nearly everything one sets out to accomplish.

Effective implies a level of thoroughness. A knowing of what to do, when to do, how to do and with whom, that leads one to believe a well-organized game plan was well-executed.

Efficient, on the other hand, implies a level of quickness. A keeping up a good pace, for an extended period of time, so that the well-executed, well-organized plan is completed in good time.

However, effectiveness, depending on the task, can take a long time. Likewise, efficiency comes in degrees, as not everything is meant to go at the quickest pace possible.

I thought about this yesterday afternoon, as my wife and I returned from an overnight get-away.

Not everything can be rushed. Not everything can be done quickly.

Faith in God; one's spiritual journey... is an investment. A lifetime investment.
Marriage; sharing life with you spouse... is an investment. A lifetime investment.
Parenting; raising children ready to take on the world... is an investment. A lifetime investment.

The most effective of these... require organization and follow-through.
The most efficient of these... require a commitment to invest for life.

And in a day and age, when these characteristics are applauded when achieved, yet not valued enough to be universal, we find ourselves in a dangerous place.

Decades of marriage... awesome. But we can't do that. Those days don't exist anymore.
Great parents and healthy kids... that's great. But you don't know our family; my kids.
A life of faith? That's good for you; but that's not for me.

Yet the stability, the experience, and the confidence of a life lived well, because they were committed to God and to family can not be ignored. It doesn't mean these three areas of life don't have difficulty, struggle and frustration. They do. But effective and efficient in faith and family require a commitment to a lifetime investment.

Pray, this #effectiveSunday, that a lifetime commitment, a lifetime investment would not be avoided or deflected, but encouraged. May people experience the power and presence of God in their life, for the remainder of their days. Pray for strength and clarity of purpose as they live out a genuine faith in God. Pray for Godly homes, Godly marriages, Godly parents and Godly children; may their be a re-commitment to life for God and to remain committed to our spouse and our children; that we would live real lives of real faith not afraid to let our light shine before men; that they may know our Father God in Heaven. May our lives bring glory and honor to Him because we've remained faithful to Him and to those He has blessed us to share life together.

Investments with eternal returns.
For the glory of God.
For the advancement of the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

With the title of yesterday's prayer post fresh on my mind as I went to you work, you can guess which lyrics I had stuck in my head all day! In fact, the phrase the kept repeating was "so hard to get through to you".

On this #community, it simply reemphasized the point, of just how often we make our points and arguments and opinions and they simply fall short of accomplished the desired result and making the change we hoped our dialogue would make. Distractions, experiences and habits conspire together to place in a position, especially emotionally or mentally where we have difficulty encountering opposition and making changes.

Like life didn't through us enough of a curve ball, it seems at times, there is never a reprieve!

That song wouldn't leave for the entire day, until my way home when I cranked up the BOSE Stereo.  My CD changer got stuck trying to eject a CD, so I've reverted to the couple of mix tapes still hiding in the console.

Read these lyrics, from Mylon Lefevre's Let Love Conquer  (and listen to the song, posted on YouTube)

So many people // Having hard times
They feel the pressure // They're losing their minds
They don't have the strength to really endure // Because tomorrow looks so unsure

If they fall // We gotta let them see
Jesus' love in you and me

Don't put down your brother // Let Love conquer
Please don't hurt each other // Let Love conquer

It's not easy // To show your face
When folks are thinking // You're just a disgrace
It's so easy to be misunderstood // When explanations don't come out like they should

If we are going to walk through this life with Christ in us, then we do we not respond more like Christ to the events and people whose paths we intersect?

A challenging question, but one that needs to be asked. Some introspection worth covering in prayer.

Pray, this #communitySaturday, as we intersect with community, that we would see others as Christ sees. May we tell them, as Mylon states, that while this world has problems, the good news is that as children of God, they are not our problems! Pray opportunities to share Christ and reveal the love of God be made transparent. Pray that the troubles and trials and disgraces of life would be placed at the cross, for both the believer and the one yet to believe. May no matter what tomorrow looks like, deter people from reaching out to God. Pray for a softening of hearts in our culture and community, where distractions, experiences and habits have hardened, rejected and calloused people's understanding of who God is and what He desires for their lives.

Pray in all things...
That Love would conquer.
For the glory of God
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I sat yesterday afternoon, headed west across the state line, sitting in some serious construction traffic. According to my GPS estimated time of arrival compared to my actual arrival, it really felt like that was an more than the extra 10-15 minutes caused by the delay. Some days, I'm not sure why flashing red lights are more nerve-racking... the ones in the rear-view mirror or through the windshield, as everyone tries to figure out which lane is moving faster.

Be that as it may, I kept a close eye on east-bound traffic; staying very aware of my ETA back home, should I have to sit in that mess of red lights. And the back-up getting longer. And slower. And longer. As I got on the overpass, to change freeways, there was the end of the line... yeah; we're not sitting in that on the way back. A few miles out of my way, but I by-passed the whole mess, got on significantly closer to the state-line and was back to my starting reference point in about the same time as it took getting there. Now, as long as there's no more delays the rest of the way (which there weren't, at least on my side of the expressway).

So it's #missionsFriday. Why are we talking traffic?

Because, for the sake of the hypothetical.

What if, people were exiting corporate America to pursue ministry and church leadership at a rate on par with the current burnout rate? Roughly 400-600 missionaries leave the ministry every year. For the sake of math, let's call it 520/yr. Ten per week. One every 16 hrs and 40 minutes!

What if people were stepping up to the plate, saying what can I do for the kingdom of God at the same clip at which current ministers and missionaries are struggling, leaving, falling to the way-side and failing out of their leadership position.

How different would church life look in such cross-town traffic?
How much stronger, the mission field?

Life is hard.
The struggle is real.
The ministry is challenging.
The expectation is high.
The commitment is demanding.
The reward is a blessing.
The consequence is heavy.
The balance is razor-thin.

You have to want ministry. You have to want to do ministry.
Calling? Yes.
Purpose? Absolutely.
Willingness? Crucial.

Like emergency responders, may there be a readiness to run INTO the fire, to rescue a lost and dying world.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, for a rising up within the church, of those who will step up and into ministry and missions. Pray; that God would strength and support pastors and missionaries alike, on the verge of burnout. May God stem the tide of the exodus, for those heavy and burdened; being left in the wake of the pressures of ministry. May they be renewed, revived and refreshed. May they be encouraged, by those coming alongside them, to pray, support and join with them. Pray that the back-up to get into ministry would be greater than those desiring to leave. May God help us, strengthen and encourage church leadership through prayer, friendship and support.

A willingness and a readiness;
To join in the support,
Advancing the cause of Jesus Christ
That God would draw all unto Himself.
Not willing that any should be left... un-rescued.

- PNC

Yesterday morning, I couldn't believe what I was reading. We've all said cryptic things before; statements that drop hints that something is amiss and you may or may not get the picture of what's going on. Once revealed, you realize just how incredible the result appears.

It's usually not an amazing or impressive "incredible" either, but a disbelief of incredible. A nearly rendering speechless, incredible. Come to think of it, there was another situation a few days ago, the end result of which left me in the same state of perspective.

So I had time to consider and process some thoughts about what this, before I had chance to discuss the matter with my best friend. A couple of questions, to make sure my understanding and logic were sound and sure enough, the conclusion that the end result was unbelievable was confirmed.

As I pondered the "what-if" of the details of this matter, I couldn't help but think; "if this was really the case; if there was any evidence of this more than what's on the appearance, wouldn't it be made known earlier? Wouldn't there have been concerns and questions brought up and ask long before? Red flags should be rising up across the landscape! Yet, they weren't.

Not everyone will always be "in the know" in the understanding and thought processes that go into decisions, actions and statements of a situation and that's fine. It's normal. It's healthy. There is a safety and security element, that gives protection to a community that information isn't wide-open and left exposed for misinterpretation.

As my dad stated the other day, people get the final 30 seconds or 2 minutes of a video or a conversation, totally missing the 5-10 minutes leading up to it; have no context for the matter, or fail to get the context, yet make assumptions and decisions on that result. It's a dangerous, unhealthy way to live, quite frankly.

It's even more unhealthy, in the church and it's leadership. This is why it's important to have strong, faithful, upright and Godly deacons and advisory boards. They are not to be "yes" people; however, they are "in the room" regarding circumstances and situations, conversations and the resulting decisions. They help bring and explain context when it remains elusive to the community-at-large. These are the ones, watching the horizon. These are the watchtower, of church leadership. When healthy, they protect the church community and bring a level of accountability to pastors; working to create a cohesive environment, where problems can be spotted and addressed appropriately.  Nobody likes it when life is amiss and we all have a sense when it is. Thus, it's important to have people that have the ability to discern such moments and help bring about change and correction when there is a legitimate need to move in that direction.

Pray this #deaconThursday, for the health of deacon and advisory boards with in the church. Pray God would give them increased understanding and discernment for the pastors and church communities they serve. As they stand along the church watchtowers, may the have the foresight to see problems and potential weaknesses. Whether they be approaching from outside the church or within, may the have the strength and ability address problems appropriately, respond accordingly and navigate situations and circumstances that honor God. May they have attitudes of grace and compassion, while holding fast to courage and conviction. Pray God would guard their hearts and minds; that their lives would not be amiss; thereby rendering them unable to recognize and protect when church life goes amiss and starts getting of course.

Watching the horizon
From the watchtower.
God help them serve well.

- PNC

There's comes many times in lives, times of assessment; times of evaluation. Depending on the circumstances, you or may not see them approaching. Whether they be moments of occasion or specific dates on the calendar, you know these are times to reflect and take things into consideration. Other times may not be so designated, yet you know when something occurs, that perhaps it's time to take a look.

We all go through assessments. Whether they be at tax time, the educational concerns of a child or a behavioral or attitude problem with a trouble teen; anyone seeking to improve their financial picture or sort through an increasingly difficult relationship or marriage... such can not be overlooked. Granted, the details may be hard to sort through, analyze and discuss, but doing nothing solves nothing.

Then there are matters of faith and our place in life in relationship to what God is accomplishing. We have to take a look at where we are and what we understand God is working out; we have to sort through the details, thoughts and concerns and ultimately, bring ourselves into or back into, as the case may be, in alignment with God and His Word.

Assessments often take time. The findings and the results that come about take even more time. Coming up with game-plans and steps of action that need to be taken to bring the situation under control and matters of importance back on course... these take time still.

There is a growth and maturing process for each and everyone of us... and those times are not always obvious. So, about the only thing that can be developed early on, in one's faith, is a sensitivity for the things of God and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in one's life. When the willingness for God to work and reveal things begins to fade, we lose the ability to see clearly that which would attempt to come against us and throw us off course.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray God would help, pastors and parents instill in our youth, a sensitivity for God, for His Word, for the power and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Pray for a willingness to be used of God and to desire to be in alignment with Him, rather than personality or a society. Pray for a strength and a resolve; that when trials and tribulations come; when difficulties surround and tensions mount, that today's youth would stand firm on the promises of God that are YES and AMEN to them that believe. May the plans of the enemy be thwarted, in his attempts to distract, derail and destroy this generation. Pray a hunger and passion for God; that as the praise song Set a Fire plays even now, that each of us would indeed "want more of you, God."

Suffer the little ones to come to Christ.
For His glory.
For the advancement of the kingdom of God.

- PNC

The more quickly time passes, the sooner new opportunities come your way and prompt decisions to be made regarding them. Time does certainly seem to be cruising along.

There are multiple wedding anniversaries over the next week in my immediate family. There are two work anniversaries this week. The few months that the intern at our church has come and gone already. Plus, just 24 hrs ago, I was writing yesterday's prayer!

I threw in the bit about the intern, because, while our church still searches for a new youth pastor, the announcement was made that we have extended an opportunity to our intern, to come on staff, full-time! This is the second time, in the past 12-15 months, that we have brought on a 1st time pastor (last summer was children's pastor)

As Pastor shared the announcement, he referred to a concept from the book, Good to Great (which is a great read, if you haven't read it yet). The theory is, that if as an organization, you have the right people on the bus, (right place, right time) you'll be able to accomplish incredible things. Conversely, if you have the wrong people, whatever you to will be a struggle with limited success.

So this opportunity seemed like a good fit. As we've prayed in recent weeks and months regarding responsibilities, Chris will bring oversight to a number of ministries, with the formal title of Connections Pastor. This goes right in hand, with the Good to Great concept. Duplicating one's efforts, so that even more can be accomplished.

Even Scripture talks about the power of people working together, for they get a greater reward for their work. So one who can create and lead great teams and place people in authority who will do the same with their responsibilities results in exponentially extending one's reach, influence and impact... on a community, on an industry, on a society.

However, first timers in any role can be daunting. Exciting, yet humbling. Confidence-inspiring, yet anxiety-inducing. Grateful, but stressful. Thrilling, yet nerve-wrecking. First experiences, if we are not careful, can set the tone for one's life (or at least the next significant portion of it). Patterns, habits and thought-processes will influence in ways never before witnessed or understood, so to say this is a crucial time, is an understatement.

Moments like these must be covered in prayer.

Thus, pray this #associatePastorTuesday, for Chris, and many more life him; finding themselves in first-time pastoral positions. Whether they have just come on staff or are still in the first position as pastors, pray for a strength and a quickening in the spirit. May God use this time of learning, maturing and growth in their lives to be used for His glory. Pray for a grace for mistakes and mishaps made along the way; grace from others and for themselves. May patience and understanding be with them. Pray that good habits, sound though-processes and healthy patterns will be established early in, in these young ministries... that the foundations would be unshakable. That when trials and troubles and crisis moments of decision arise; they will seek the face of God; that the will humble themselves and prayer; that the will admit their need for help and advice and stick to the courage of their convictions. Pray in all things, their lives and ministries would bring glory and honor to God for all the years they serve the body of Christ and the kingdom of God.

Raise them up, God.
Not for themselves,
But to lead those around them
Closer to You.

- PNC

I think it's safe to say, that next to politicians and government, few professions receive receive as much criticism for who they conduct themselves in the world in comparison and contrast to how people perceive they should, than pastors and Christians.

Sadly, the criticism often comes from those inside the church, just as much as does outside the church, both in attitudes towards pastors and other Christians. This is sad on many levels; primarily though because Satan would desire little more than to divide and conquer the church from the inside out. If he can pull people away, if he can pull pastors out; if he can create opportunities for offense, hurt, distrust and chaos... by whatever means necessary to destroy whatever health a church may be experiencing.

I don't want to rehash pastor's entire sermon on criticism yesterday, which was a powerful message; that while there are times when criticism is genuine and constructive, it has destroyed many pastors when it was neither.
Which brings me to the profound statement he made, or more likely, referenced; but I failed to notate on my table who said first...

"There are those who have enough steam to blow the whistle, but not enough to power the engine."

This is exactly why we need to be careful in our criticism and attacks on leaderships. Should we place them in positions and decisions where they step off and step down from running the engine, suddenly you'll be going nowhere and who will step in, to keep the church, the organization, the family unit... moving in the direction that was laid before you; the plan and purpose God had called you to fulfill?

With no one at the helm, criticism will quickly place you in a position where you will be considered SOL.

So. Outta. Luck.

Meanwhile, criticism, done wrong will destroy a person, a pastor and a ministry. Just the kind of thing you want to be responsible for, especially if you are a Christian and active in the church.

Thanks for joining me, as we begin the 15th month of #pray4pastors.

On this first #seniorPastorMonday of the month, pray for churches struggling with an overarching spirit of criticism about their culture. Pray it be removed by the power of the Holy Spirit. May such environments witness a shift, to encourage and uplift the body of Christ and pastors and leaders in the church. Pray the genuine, warranted criticism would find it's proper place and achieve an effective result; whereby the church is strengthened, mature and healthy. Pray for pastors struggling with their response to criticism; for those where the barrage has burnt them out or has placed them on the verge; for those contemplating their next steps... may they be reminded of who they are in Christ and the calling and anointing placed on their lives. May the view criticism in it's proper context and respond appropriately, as the Holy Spirit reveals the truth of the matter to them. Pray the church would find balance and health in this area; to improve areas that would bring honor and glory to God while strengthening the gifts and abilities God has placed upon people and ministries that would impact communities for the cause of Jesus Christ.

Words of blessing; not cursing.
Life and health; rather than death and destruction.
Building up the body of Christ
For the glory of God.

- PNC