I trust you all had a wonderful Father's Day.It can be a difficult day for many, as life turns unexpectedly. My heart breaks for those whose fathers are no longer with us; I can't imagine losing mine, nor my kids losing me. And there's many other circumstances and events that unfold in peoples lives that forever change the nature things. It happens for Mother's day just as much. For single parents who fill both roles (and thereby celebrate both holidays), you are super-heroes.

Say all that to say, Fathers day didn't quite go as we had planned at our place... largely in part because of how the events of Saturday night played out. Literally. Affected, in part, because of changes in the schedule for those in ministry. It got me thinking once again, just how much of a demand gets placed on pastors and their families.

Of course, the more I thought it about, the more I heard the words of the Apostle Paul, replaying in my mind. "I became all things to all people" in order that I might win some with the Gospel. I don't read that as he compromised to fill a need, so much as there was an awareness about his life and he found ways to fill roles and meet the needs of those he came in contact with in order to impact them with the love of Christ and change eternity for the glory of God.

With each passing day, this gets increasingly difficult... as if, being quick on your feet with the ability to change gears, roles and schedules instantaneously without losing anything or missing a bit wasn't an incredible talent already. Much like, I can't fathom how single parents pull of their duties; neither for pastors, the demands of their schedules and finding balance in their lives between ministry, family, friends and personal interests.

Sadly, as we all know and thus, pray according, many of them don't. The struggle is real. The challenge is difficult. The failure rate is significant; the burnout rate continues to trend upward. While they may seem to be super-heroes, they are not super-human. For as much as we need prayer and support to get through this life; preferably one day at a time, so do they.

Thus, pray this #seniorPastorMonday, for those struggling to successful fill their pastoral roles and duties. Pray for a grace over circumstances and situations where expectations are unrealistically high. Pray for wisdom and discernment where leaders and pastors may be over-committed and over-scheduled. Pray for balance to be restore in their lives, whether with new strategies, additional help and support or simply being able to take a step back and reevaluate their portfolio of responsibilities. Pray for a strength and a stamina as they approach ministry each day; may their not be a spirit of compromise, but indeed, a compassionate willingness to meet people at their point of need as Christ showed. May God accomplish the miraculous for His glory and pastors look to Him anew and place their trust and reliance in Him alone.

To the glory of God
For the advancement of the Gospel
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

So, I have this album on a mix tape, made from when cassettes were still popular and I put it in the BOSE car stereo system (that still sounds great after 217,xxx miles of enjoyment!) on Thursday or Friday. Upon listening to the lyrics, I thought... what a great prayer for #effectiveSunday.

Forgive me, I had every intention of getting this posted before leaving for church this morning and suffice to say, it didn't quite happen. That said, at the close of service, as Pastor gave his final remarks on part 2, of a summer series titled, Summer Smarts, I knew why I hadn't made my self-imposed deadline. Speaking this #FathersDay2016 on the subject of sex and sexual purity in the lives of men and their marriages and relationships, his final remarks included the idea that we should have a hatred for sin.

As Christian artist Mylon Lefevre performed on his album Crack The Sky, we need to "love God and hate sin". In 2016, it's increasingly hard for people to understand the distinction, so reread what was said, not what you think you heard. Sin is destructive. Sexual sin is incredibly destructive. It should bother us deeply what sexual immorality does to the mind and the soul, not to mention the long term affects on the body.

There is no hatred for the sinner, nor for the unbeliever; nor for the Christian who has failed, in this area or any other matter. No hatred for the person who disagrees with us! But it shouldn't come to such as place as to be so acceptable in society as it has become.

For the church and the Christian alike, it should be very upsetting... to the soul and to the spirit.

Read the lyrics, to the song you've listened to in this #effectiveSunday #pray4pastors post:

I was raised in America and streets were safe // And the children learn to pray, learn to pray
Things have changed and it's not the same // The handle of God that we felt is gone away, gone away

Let's get upset and turn this country upside down // Let's get upset with Jesus he'll return this land around

We used to blush at vulgarity // And now we watch while the TV plays all night, plays all night
We used to stand with our backbone strong // Now the drugs turn our courage into fright, it's not right

Let's get upset and turn this country upside down // Let's get upset with Jesus he'll return this land around

If we as Christians pray the Lord will clear the way // We are examples to the rest
And if we place God first, He will heal all our hurts // And we will see our country blessed, yeah

Let's get upset and turn this country upside down // Let's get upset with Jesus he'll return this land around

Let's get upset, time to get upset, yeah // Let's get upset, let's get upset // Let's get upset, let's get upset


While I'm tempted to let the lyrics stand on it's on as a prayer, I can't quite do so. Thus...

...pray, this #effectiveSunday, especially for Fathers, in their marriages, whether single, divorced, remarried, step-families, blended families; pray for a rising up for a sexual movement towards purity; towards holiness. Pray for a renewed commitment to faithfulness and fidelity, that a standard of righteousness would rise again. May it start with the church; that God would work in hearts and lives of men to draw closer to God than ever before; leaving behind the evil desires of the heart and renewed in the mind by the washing and cleansing of the Word of God. Pray the miraculous; that the hand of God would return as we stand and rise to turn from our wicked ways and seek the face of God on our knees in prayer.

For the health of the body
For the health of the home
For the health of the nation.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I found myself in an interesting moment of frustration yesterday morning. I'm grateful for my life and incredibly blessed. Many difficult circumstances, many challenging places, much of life has happened, much of life has been failures on my part... it happens; and while it's hard, there's been times where it really shouldn't have been so much (as we talked about a few days ago).

However, in regards to this one area, I just reached that place...

"God, I have no outlet for this!"

They say desperate times call for desperate measures. Yet, even as we discussed yesterday, there's elements of life that are beyond our control. Things that we are powerless to change. Not because we don't have power, but because that are beyond our reach to impact.

There are things only God can accomplish, through the person of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

To not acknowledge that and allow God to work on those situations and/or the persons involved only leads to further frustration and agony... and even more desperate levels of desperation.

Such are the times to reach out God. When He knows that we know that it relies solely on Him; whereby we place our trust in Him and seek His face... then do we place Him in a position to do the miraculous.

Our outlet in the moment is to connect with Him; as the source for all that we need.

Pray, this #communitySaturday for the miraculous. May people reach and cry out to God in their moments of desperation; in places of difficulty and frustration. With no other place to turn and no other person to turn to, may they discover the person of Jesus Christ. Pray God will would be fulfilled, on earth as it is in Heaven. May He draw all unto Himself, and into right relationship with Him. May the church, even in times of their own desperation, live as examples committed to Christ, unwavering in their faith and standing in the gap for those who no longer have the strength to stand; after having exhausted all that is within them. Strength renewed.

For His glory.
For His honor.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Michael Jackson, in his song, Man In The Mirror, missed the spiritual truth to his lyrics. Yes, there are some things upon which man can look at in his life and change. But there is so much more. I couldn't help, as I thought about this yesterday, but to compare this song to another, The Man Inside, by Jon Gibson, on his album by the same title.

Jackson looks at the world and recognizes he needs to change how he responds. He looks in the mirror, not liking what he sees. Gibson, on the other hand, recognizes that "it's not about black white, wrong or right, but about the man inside."

Which is pretty much what Scripture tells us. Man looks at the outward; but God looks at the heart. In the face of tragedy and our desire to place blame and find fault, we are so quick to look for what's wrong; usually over things we can control; think we should be able to control; and should figure out a way to control them. However, man will never be to control anything until he relinquishes himself to the power of God through the person of Jesus Christ.

Whether he looks at the man in the mirror, or he takes a deeper look at the man inside, the heart of every person on planet earth is a mission field. Sure, certain things can be changed, beyond our appearance; but lasting change requires removing the root that brings for the undesirable in our lives. It's why we daily take up our cross to follow Christ. The burden we bear is the battle between our will and His will and for every day that one fails to confess to Christ that the burden is too great and the struggle too real, the harder it will be to come faith and right relationship with God. With every day that passes, it will become easier to look elsewhere to blame and fault others and other things for the evil we see in the world.

The reality is, a decision for Christ is the only thing that separates us. While we have our faults, we are not immune. It is the recognition that we must daily submit to Christ. For when we don't, is when we think we have control or should control. And that is not at all the truth.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, that the truth of our need for Christ, for each and every individual would be illuminated in our hearts and minds. Pray for the hearts that are themselves, still mission fields in need of hearing the Gospel of Christ. Pray for those struggling to surrender daily, their cross and the burdens they carry to God. May the seek His face; place their trust and hope in Him and allow the power of the Holy Spirit to work in them, that they may be transformed in the knowledge of God; being made new in His image. Pray for those seeking answers in light of recent tragedies... may the comfort of the Holy Spirit stand by them; may they experience the love and grace of God and in the process, may the truth of His Word be shared.

In the mirror
On the inside
Hearts changed for eternity
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Life for the most part, really isn't that hard. It has it challenges, for sure. And there are difficult places at which, people find themselves, but by and large, life isn't that complicated. The hardship comes, from one's attitude, the ability to maintain disciplines, and their emotional and mental level of stability.

Life also seems hard for another reason.

In the movie, Clear & Present Danger, Harrison Ford finds himself in the position of Acting Director of Intelligence for the CIA (or maybe it's Deputy Director...can't remember now). The President has declared an unofficial war on the Mexican drug cartel, so there are covert special ops in play and Harrison Ford has been left out of the loop. Meanwhile, a co-worker "in" on the knowledge of the mission has a "get out of jail free" card; a letter from the National Security Advisor authorizing the mission. Why lay all this background?

Because towards the end, Ford's character finds out about the operation. As he finds out who's involved and they discuss the matter, Ritter (who has the letter) tells Ford's character Jack Ryan that his problem is he sees the world in black and white. Ryan responds, that it's not black and white, but rather right and wrong. As Ryan walks away back towards his office, Ritter speaks out... "the world is gray, Jack".

And sadly, this is what makes life hard. Figuring things out has become like sorting through 50 shades of gray. (intent of pun not yet determined). Faced with a decision of unsettling information that came to my attention yesterday morning, I too, had to reach out to a friend. Two possible ways of handing the situation came to mind (technically 3, if you count the choice of "do nothing") and I wasn't sure which was best. I had to seek out counsel; and not just any piece of advice. Everyone has a piece of advice (or a piece of their mind) that they could offer... it doesn't mean that it's good, right, sound or wise to follow through on it though.

So, I had to take what I heard under advisement. Correspondingly now, having made a decision regarding the matter, someone else will have to take that information, under advisement and make a decision. The bigger situations and institutions and operations become; the smaller they need to focus. Insurmountable odds are overcome by "divide & conquer". Break items down to where they are manageable, complete it; perfect it; move on to what's next. Complexity doesn't have to be as hard as we make; you just have to know how to handle it. And where to go when you need help doing so.

Pray, this #deaconThursday, for churches and leaders facing insurmountable odds. Pray for decisions and difficulties that seem challenging and overwhelming; perhaps being to much to handle. Pray for a spirit of wisdom and discernment on how matters should be approached and handled. May their be an insight and a peace to conversations that transpire and the words and attitudes that are expressed; that they would be seasoned with the grace and love of Christ, even in moments of correction and rebuke. Pray for revelation knowledge and wisdom into the hearts and minds of pastors and advisors as they manage the affairs of the church and resolve problems; may they not back down from places of difficulty and challenging decisions. May their faith arise as they place their confidence in God; who gives wisdom generously to those who ask of Him.

Discernment of the Spirit.
Sound decisions.
Strength and stability, for the glory of God.

- PNC

Parenting is an interesting dynamic. Quite frankly, it some ways, I think it's God way of keeping entertained (if that were possible) You spend a lot of time teaching kids about issues and matters that you, that many of which, you have yet to master yourself.

Of late, mine has been with my oldest, discerning what's worth getting upset... which often backfires on me, because then my wife will stop in shortly thereafter and remind me; this thing you are upset over, isn't that big a deal. Yet it was for me. Just like something else was for my daughter. Life repeats, from our own; into our kids. And it's like we are managing ourselves all over again.

One comedian described it as the Mother's curse.
Another comedian calls it every parent's prayer

Whatever it's called; the seeming truth of the matter remains...

When you have kids, I hope they act the same way, that you act.

Comedian, Jeff Allen's take on what's in store for me in the coming years of parenting makes me a little leary, yet brings a smile to my face at the same time. He says that:

"I believe teenagers are God's revenge on mankind," he said. "One day God is looking down over his creation and says to himself, 'Hey, let's see how they like it to create someone in their own image who denies their existence.'"

Then he follows it up, with this spiritual insight:

"I looked through the Bible cover to cover, and it never mentions how old Satan was when he finally rejected God's authority. My guess? Sixteen."

There will always be stuff in life to get worked up about; things that will be frustrating and difficult; bothersome to the point we will feel the need to respond and perhaps take action. Parenting is one of those positions that will constantly keep in you in a mental state of figuring out what where those boundaries are and what those responses and actions should look like.

Much of life is taught without words.

As such, the moments when we do use words, becomes all the more crucial; because for whenever it doesn't line up, we can find ourselves in very troubling and disconcerting places accompanied by some challenging conversations.

So, pray with me, this #youthPastorWednesday, that just as there needs to be a consistency in parenting; that there would be a consistency in our faith, from the believer in the pew to the pastor in the pulpit. Pray for discernment as we teach by word and by example, this next generation and the matters of importance. May their be a grace and a covering for our faults and failures; when we blow it and when we blow up. Pray, that as adults, we would lead and live lives that would seek to glorify and honor God; that we would set a precedent of unwavering faith and that we would help build foundations of the same, in the lives of the young people coming behind us... growing up way too fast. God help us all, parents and pastors.

For this life is not our own.
Neither can we live it on our own.
For His glory.

- PNC

I'm really now sure where this idea came from yesterday, so let's unpack it together and see what it looks like. Usually, when we think about burnout, as if one was suffering from a "stress-induced hazed", it often comes from a long-period of having done too much; over-worked and under-paid, they've had too many irons in the fire and have worn themselves done to nothing; having spent tons of effort simply trying to maintain, let alone stay ahead of the curve.

Yet, what happens to the irons in the fire that don't get tended to often enough? What happens in the kitchen, when there is not activity, for whatever is on the stove-top. Sure there are times you can step away for a moment, but cooking, like pastoring, isn't one of those things you can set it and forget it and hope it won't burn. If you aren't in there, moving things around in the pan; making sure that nothing comes out over-cooked and burnt to a crisp, then don't be surprised if that's exactly what happens.

Whatever you were making will be unrecognizable.
The aftermath, for whoever has clean-up duty, will also be unbearably frustrating.

I'm not advocating that pastors should be running all around, in a frenzied-flurry of activity, nor that the should be making drastic changes in their life on a frequent basis to keep "changing things up". Conversely, though, to sit in that position with all it entails and not have a plan of engagement; to show activity and progress; to move things around and make things work... you could easily find yourself burnt simply from sitting in one place of intensity; which ministry has always been and forever will remain.

So, once again, we discover life is about balance. One will find themselves just as ineffective from having done very little as if they had taken on way too much and couldn't manage it all. Sadly, both extremes exists in ministry, as it does in life. In trying to bring this to a close, it just occurred to me, how we often referring to the testing and trials of our faith; for even Scripture talks about us being refined by God, as by fire. Yet he moves in our lives. There is activity in our faith. We don't sit in one place; we don't battle with just one area for a pro-longed time. There are challenges at home, on the job, in the community, with family, friends and enemies. God is not trying to burn us to destroy us, but to perfect us. While it may feel as though we are being over-cooked, God's timing is perfect. He has not left the kitchen of our lives and forgotten about us.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday for those on the verge of burnout. Whether it be from a difficult challenge that has gone on for too long with no progress or too much activity to stay on top of and manage well, pray for strength as their day progresses. May God grant to them fresh insight and revelation as to what they should do and how they should go about it getting it done. Pray their conversations and actions would be effective; that they would seek and receive the help and assistance they need. May frustration and angst not get the better of their attitude, nor their spirit; but that they would remain focused on Christ... placing their trust in God, anew and afresh, the author and finisher of our faith. Pray they would be used of God, in greater capacity as they submit to Him; that it will all come together in the end, as the Refiner's fire purifies and perfects within them, the image of Christ... just as He works to accomplish the same in the life of every believer.

Tried and tested,
Not burnt beyond recognition,
But served ready for His purpose.
For His glory.

- PNC

 

I hope my worship pastor doesn't mind my stealing his phrase, but as our special Sunday night worship experience came to a close last night and he was leading in prayer for the tragedy in Orlando, the words rang true upon being uttered. In both the morning service, and the special service last night, there was a recurring theme of what transpires from places of desperation.

What measures do we take?
What behavior do we exhibit?
What lengths will we travel?
What attitudes and beliefs will we communicate?

In desperate moments; in trying times that burden the soul... to who will we look and to where will we turn? In our personal lives; as a community mourns, the extraordinary unfolds  before our very eyes. And depending on how one responds, we outsiders look on with understanding of the moment or with frustration of the senseless-ness and absurdity of the moment.

In this life, we are all connected. One's moment of desperation may end up creating moments of desperation for others. Consider, as we did last night, the parents of those who lost their life in Orlando... perhaps there are parents who were already struggling with their kids who were a part of that community; and now those same parents are now facing the loss of their child. What was already a desperate moment is now even more difficult to endure; hope is gone because a life is gone. Or 50 of them, with 50-something more, potentially in the balance.

Elsewhere, statistics are, that 50 or so more pastors will leave the ministry today alone. As I type this, they are waking up to moments of desperation and making decisions that will impact... their families, their churches, their congregations, their communities. Who knows what they will do or say as burnout takes over and hearers of the news that they are walking from the ministry will suddenly be faced with decisions and circumstances that will consume their time for days, weeks and months to come.

Pray with me, this #seniorPastorMonday, for pastors (and obviously, the city of Orlando) as they experience these moments of desperation. May the cry that rises be one of focus and purpose, calling solely upon the name of Jesus Christ to come and to work the miraculous, in their hearts, minds, bodies and souls. Pray the Holy Spirit would come and comfort these and bring clarity of thought and soundness of mind, even in light of tragedy and difficulty; where understanding escapes our grasp. Pray God would accomplish the miraculous for His glory, as pastors and communities of people cry out, for the healing of this land that is so desperately needed; that can not be found in any other person, ideology, philosophy or faith than in the person of Jesus Christ. May the truth of His life shed light on the circumstances and challenges we face in life here on Earth; understanding that no matter what we go through, God is with us... waiting to accomplish His purpose for those who call upon His name. In desperate moments, may that be our first and only response.

We need you, oh God.
We raise our cry to you.
We ask you would hear these prayers.
Heal this land, as we seek your face.
We turn and return, our eyes to You alone.

- PNC

Well, now that the community pools is open, the most popular question for the past week has been, "can we go swimming?"  Friday night for 2.5 hrs. Yesterday afternoon for another 3.5 hrs. Of course, Mom had 2 work, so I was on pool detail and we had a riot!  Yesterday, though we tagged team them.  My wife took them over, until it got time for her to get ready, which is when I walked over and we traded places.

This meant, I was also, again, on the hook for helping clean-up upon our return so they'd be ready for church this morning. My oldest daughter has beautiful hair. Soon to be 8 yrs old, it's always been long, which is great except when trying to handle it after a bath. This is the hair, that upon the days and weeks following her birth, people would walk up to us, whenever we were in public spaces and comment on the beauty of her hair. One such patron, even asked what product we put in used on her!!  As if, we had just recently taken our newborn to the hair salon!

What occurred to me last night as I was trying to help make sure she got all the chlorine out, was that pastors need our help too. Sometimes there are things they don't know how to do or can't do quite so well, for any number of reasons, but because they are in a position of ownership, they think they have to figure it out on their own. They try, but you can tell something is amiss.

Other times, they may not realize they need assistance and so it takes an outsider willing to step up and offer their help and service; to get it done, to do it right, to make it look right. And it can be a hard proposition to make. And like I experience with my daughter, there may be a battle over the assistance. But it still needs to be done; it still needs to be figured out. Especially if we as the church, attempt to be more effective and efficient in ministry.

Pray, this #effectiveSunday, for pastors struggling in areas of church life, and leadership. For whatever reason may lie behind their not wanting or desiring or recognizing their need for help, may God bring to light, that He is strong in their weakness. May their be a grace as they ask for help and assistance, and the same grace for when people make offers to help and to aid. Pray a collaborative effort within the body of Christ; to do the work of the Lord with excellence. May the love and grace of God cover the difficult conversations and decisions; that even in spite of faults and failures, God would again, make all things work together.

For those who love Him.
For those called according to His purpose.
For His glory and the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

There is strength in numbers. There is strength in community. And it continues to amaze me, when people come together, with hard work, determination and passion for whatever their cause, or desired accomplish, what a group can achieve and overcome.

We see it all the time. School groups. Community groups. Cities that are undergoing revitalization. Pride for one's favorite team in sports. It is is certainly cool to watch. The stories that come forth are pretty incredible to hear as well. So with that perspective, I understand the message that I saw the other day on the marque sign of a church that I pass a couple times of week. Yet upon reading it, the contrasting spiritual truth immediately responded.

As the electric marque scrolled through a series of messages, the one that appeared as I was approaching simply stated the following:

"CATHOLIC STRONG"

This goes without saying, if you've read these prayer posts for anything length of time, I don't knock or call out specific denominations. I'm fairly certain, I haven't even mentioned my own church affiliation as I've referenced sermons from my own Pastor. Of course, after 375 consecutive posts, it might have slipped in, but I've been careful to remember and share that all churches, pastors and church leaders need prayer.

Now that that is out of the way, consider Scriptures response.

Paul delighted in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties with the mindset; "For when I am weak, He is strong".
God chooses the weak things of this world to shame the strong (as well as the foolish to confound the wise)
The  prophet Isaiah, writes that God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Romans talks about those who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, rather than pleasing ourselves.
Paul speaks of Christ being crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God's power. Likewise, we live by the power of God.

You get the idea... and we've prayed over this before, as the trend continues to revolve around identity; of all sorts. And yet for each instance, we are all missing the mark.

None of this life is about us!!!

I received this reminder myself, yesterday, from a friend; as I expressed concern over someone's possible response to a mistake of my own doing. Feeling like I was alone in such moments (like no one else every gets corrected) my friend simply stated: we all screw up. You are thinking this is about you. It's not.

Nor is our strength in our abilities. Thankful, our identity is also not in our failures!! It's not in our group affiliation or denomination; it's not the community in which we live, nor the noble cause we take up to help someone in need.

Whatever we do, say or accomplish should be so by the power and hand of God; in His strength; in His timing; in His perfect and sovereign will that He may be lifted up and draw all men unto Himself.

Thus, pray this #communitySaturday, for the opportunity to share the difference Christ makes, as we recognize the truth of our position and abilities in light of eternity. May the community hear and understand and receive the greatness of God and what He desires to accomplish in each of us, for we have all been fearfully and wonderfully made in His image. Pray a grace and anointing over conversations and interactions; that the truth of Scripture would shed light in the dark places of life; not for the purpose of exposing our guilt, but that the need for God's forgiveness would be revealed.

Weak in ourselves.
Strong in God.
For our boast is not our own;
But for the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Wednesday night, during service we had some special visitors; a group of 5 women, one of whom is the International Students pastor for the college missions program at a nearby campus. It was awesome to hear a brief insight into what God is doing on that campus, and the favor and influence being extended to this pastor.

It got me thinking about these "niche markets", if you will when it comes to missionary work. We always think of being in the middle of nowhere, bringing the gospel to some remote village or tribe or people group that hardly anyone as ever heard of until you tell them that's your mission field. It's amazing, how far the gospel of Christ has reached and the lives impacted for eternity and yet, such a long ways to go remains. And as we pray every Wednesday, you can't help but wonder about the next generation.

I think of my friends in Latin America, reaching out to kids in need and what they are accomplishing in lives and communities by changing the story for those "up & coming". Likewise, the same holds true for college. I reflected yesterday; perhaps, I wasn't ready for college when I enrolled. And perhaps, upon graduation, I wasn't ready for life. Don't get me wrong; I learned a great deal... probably more about life than a particular focus of study and career. That said, I can't imagine how much more of a struggle it must be today; with the changes in society and culture; the philosophical and ideological trends that keep pushing the envelop and moving the bar further away from God. Meanwhile, I always kinda smile, when I see or hear someone say, "I'm having difficulty in life, could you send some good thoughts and vibes my way. I don't believe in God, but if you want to pray for me, I'd appreciate it."

With each passing day, I'm reminded just how much I need God. How much I can't live this life without Him. How much I will screw up, if left to my own devices, resources and responses. And while it's not always a pleasant reminder in the moment, afterwards, it is a comfort to know that I am not alone... not matter how many people may be nearby. There is One who sticks closer than a brother. Even when I deserve to be left alone.

Pray this #missionsFriday, for the "mission field" itself. In places of hardship and difficulty, pray for the realization of many; that there would be an awakening in peoples' lives for their need of Christ. Pray God would sovereignly bring people to places where their need and desire for God can no longer be denied or ignored. Pray for the barriers and obstacles of the mind and within the heart to be removed; that through kindness and love, people would sense and understand the knocking of Jesus' on the door of their heart. Pray for continued favor and strength in the lives of missionaries; that God would open doors for them with people of influence and position, not for the benefit of the pastor, but to aid in the advancement of the gospel of Christ.

Lives changed.
Eternity impacted.
Results far-reaching, yet not fully-realized.
For the glory of God
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

It's amazing how quickly we can get ahead of God. In this, go fast; go now, go faster world, how do you suddenly change gears, or more seemingly, come to a sudden arboreal stop. The world says GO! God says, Wait. Like a school crossing guard making us hold our place on the street corner for much longer than it appears to us to be necessary.

I pondered this yesterday, as I thought about some friends, and a decision they have been praying over and waiting patiently on now for months. I want to say it's been since November or so, because they knew a decision could take a few and it's been a few more on top of that. Last week, they got the answer to prayer they had been waiting to hear. This was followed up, by another significant change that is now pending in their lives.

As they brought this need to the attention of a small group of friends via social media, I simply commented, that God had come through on the other matter, even though it took much longer than was comfortable; and as such, God had a hand on this "new" dilemma and would provide wisdom and direction.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in life... notifications going off. Where are you? Are you there yet? Where are you now? We don't consider God asking such questions of us, but if you've been on the receiving end, you know after a while, they can take their toll on your day. Yet, we don't hesitate to offer these questions to God, as if we could hustle Him along.

Little did I know (or perhaps, recall) that Pastor was starting a new summer series on Wednesday nights, of which last night was part 1. On finding purpose, from the life of Joseph, he started with an overview of Joseph's story. Towards the close of the devotional, he pointed out something incredibly profound in the life of Joseph. In Genesis 37, where in one chapter, Joseph goes from favorite son to a sold slave, covered up by a fake death story instead of his cherished coat; if you look closely in that chapter, God is nowhere to be mentioned.

In all that transpires in that chapter, Joseph isn't seeking answers for his frustration and demise. He maintains through all of it, "God's got this. God's got me. And He will use this; all of it, for His glory." Which is pretty much His answer at the end of his story when His brothers plead for mercy.

A powerful reminder: God is not rushed. Why are you?

Pray this #deaconThursday, for deacons and church leaders feeling the pressure and temptation to succumb to hurry and rushed decisions and actions. Pray a quiet confidence that God has things under control, even when it appears is not even in the picture as things transpire and situations unfold before our eyes. May their resolve to trust in God regardless of what they see remain in tact and firm. Pray they continually seek the face of God waiting steadfast for His direction, as His bird's eye view sees all that we face and not just the 30-50 feet of life we capture from a crowded street view. May they experience grace for their missteps; may the trust God for the miraculous, despite others failures against us. Pray we watch with anticipation, how God will bring it all together for His glory and Honor.

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

- PNC

I don't know what made me think of this yesterday, other than the fact that once again, it came moments after acknowledging to God I had nothing for this post. But for whatever reason, I recalled in my mind, a scene from my favorite political drama television show.

The Chief of Staff is contemplating to handle resolving a situation before it escalate and the matter happens to arise while he is meeting with his lawyer regarding another challenge. In discussing how he plans to handle this negotiation before it becomes a real thing, he lawyer offers a different perspective and in support of her argument, uses the following phrase.

"Do it for the next guy."

In other words, consider tomorrows impact for today's actions.

All too often, in this highly driven, production-oriented, "get done as much and as fast as you possibly can" era, not only do what not always consider the impact it will make on one of many tomorrows, we fail to leave something "for the next guy" to work with and take our accomplishment to the next level.

We have all seen it happen, when there is transition.

There's the story of a task, job or project being performed at a certain level and brought to a certain stage and the "next guy" who is given or takes responsibility looks at it and has a "seriously?" moment. Something is wrong, something is amiss, something got missed... and the person who came behind is left spending considerable time in "correction" mode; having to fix things, that had they been done differently or altogether right, there would not have been a problem.

Meanwhile, had we had a more long-term outlook; had we been advised by someone who was considering the impact on tomorrow from decisions made today, I imagine things would look very different. They would have started looking different a long time ago.

What are we leaving for "the next guy"?
What are we handling well, that the next generation will be prepared to take to the next level?
What are we mishandling, that whoever comes along, will have to fix, correct and repair?
How are we considering the impact on tomorrow and allowing that perspective to influence today's decisions?

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, for pastors in the places of challenge and difficulty. May God grant to them wisdom and discernment in their decision-making. May their be a resolve to "do right" by the next guy. Pray the mind of Christ, to consider the impact of our decisions with an eternal perspective. May there be a passion to leave greatness in the hands of the next generation; having taught them stewardship and responsibility to handle it well; rather than leaving them a mess and no skills whereby they would able to clean it up.

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

- PNC

For whatever reason, I'm not really sure, I keep finding myself throughout the day, for the past few days, singing Petra's song Open Book. It talks about our life unfolding, with each passing day and our life being an Open Book before God. He knows what's in the next line, "will I stand or do I fall?" It's our recognizing that as we read between the lines of our life, we recognize it's His love that binds us.

The part that keeps standing out on the forefront however, is the following stanza:

"Cover to cover, Lord you know me
And what I want to be.
As You read the pages of my heart
Please tell me what you see."

We know God looks at the heart, while man looks at the cover of man.
We know many heroes of the faith knew the condition of their heart... just look at King David.
Scripture says God know intimately about us, the hairs on our heads being numbered.
He knows what we have need of, before we even ask or think.

And yet, these lyrics inquire of the Lord...

"What do you see when you look at what's written on my heart?"

While that answer will be different for each of us, depending on our place along the journey of faith, it's incredible to know that God is writing an epic piece of literature with our lives; using what the enemy of our souls meant to destroy us for His glory.

And in a similar vein of thought, as we prayed yesterday for pastors struggling in ministry because of difficulties in having a healthy ability of loving their self, I couldn't help but wonder about pastors; struggling with what is written on their heart; and what God is dealing with them personally, as He continues to work on each of us, to create us anew, to take on the image of Christ with each passing day.

What is He rewriting for His glory?
What direction is He taking with the twist and turns of life?
What will He map out in our life as we seek His face for which way we should go when the light goes green?

Consider this:

God has laid out His life; His story, as an Open Book for us to read.
We can not grow in the knowledge, fear and admonition of the Lord while keeping the book of our heart and life closed towards Him.

(I had to smile, just then, as I reread that... I can hear my pastor in my mind, stating what He often does in His messages: "Whenever you read the Word of God, it reads you.")

And it's so incredibly true. You can not read God's Word without God reading your heart, shedding light to the "what's next" area of focus, whereby He will work on us, that we may become and appear more like Christ.

So, join me, this #associatePastorTuesday, as we pray for pastors experiencing difficulty with the work God is doing on them personally, in their heart, mind and spirit. Pray for those having trouble with what God is revealing as He reads the pages of their heart; perhaps not knowing how to deal with what is coming to the forefront or not being able to come to a resolution of what and how to change. Pray for their to be a genuine renewing of the mind, as they read and study God's Word. May their be fresh illumination into the character of God and the person of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray the fear that prevents us all from allowing God full access to our hearts would be removed; the barricades set aside; that God would have free reign on Earth, as He does in Heaven.

What the enemy has meant for destruction,
May God bring to new life through restoration
By the blood of Jesus Christ
With the power of the Holy Spirit
Our lives, an incredible story...
Authored by God Himself.

- PNC

Once again, I wasn't sure what this morning's prayer would look like until the Spirit brought to my remembrance Pastor's message yesterday morning. Speaking on living a life of love, He used the passage from Mark, where Christ boils down the Ten Commandments into two. And in these two simplified commands, were three parties we are to love. The first, what I want to highlight on this #seniorPastorMonday.

Obviously, we are to love God with all four aspects of our being (emotions, will, intellect and physical). And we are to love our neighbor as our self.

We can not give what we don't have.
We can not offer to others what we have not experienced for ourselves.
We can not help from a lower position... we must do so from a position of strength.

Which got me thinking... how many pastors are struggling because they are having a difficult loving themselves?
There's a difference between looking in the mirror and liking the person that looks back out you, confident in who are, especially in light of Christ versus looking at yourself through your cars' rearview mirror and thinking you are better than ever other person on the road of life.

Yet, if you are battling your own weaknesses; suffering from a flawed image that is perhaps the culmination of years of neglect and mistreatment during ministry, then you will no doubt have difficulty expressing the love of Christ, let alone, a friendly, brotherly, neighborly love to anyone new because you don't feel there is any worth in your self from which you operate.

How will I see the positive in you if I can't see the positive in my self?
How will I share the truth of God if I don't see His truth in my life?
How will I share the love of Christ to you, if I don't experience His love for me?
How will I show grace if I don't receive grace?
How will I believe for the miraculous if I haven't witnessed the same?

Neither will a pastor experience victory if they wake up feeling defeated.
Neither will a pastor witness growth if they aren't rising to the challenge
Neither will a pastor accomplish much for the kingdom of God if they feel unable to conquer the world; regardless of whether they acknowledge the truth of "I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength."

So, pray with me, this #seniorPastorMonday, for pastors on the verge of breaking mirrors. For those frustrated by who they feel they have become; inferior, worthless, unqualified, incapable... whatever it may look like; pray God breaks down the  negative spirit. May they remember, as we sung yesterday, that we are no longer slaves to fear, but we ARE a child of God. Pray God would restore a spirit of confidence within them; that He is with them and for them and therefore, who can be against them. Pray they would be reminded; that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ; that there is power, truth and healing for their lives at the feet of Jesus. Pray the power of the Word of God would accomplish the miraculous; as God illuminates and renews their mind anew and afresh. May the fire within them be rekindled; whereby they would once again be able to love God; will all their heart, soul, mind and strength... and just as importantly, love their neighbor as their self.

A child of God
By the grace of God
For His glory.

- PNC

Let me preface this post by saying, I love my kids.

Let me follow that statement with, I'm pretty sure a few new gray hairs turned in my gotee yesterday.

Last night, I had en epiphany last night about grandparents.

They have much more patience with grand-kids, than their parents do. And the reason for this is simple... the kids don't pull with Grandpa and Grandma what they push with the parents.

Correspondingly, grand-parenting comes with an internal joy... it's the satisfaction that the time is around the corner, when the parents will return for their kids and exchange the pleasant goodbyes of "here they are... have fun!"  Like they've been wound up.

What is it, that parents can turn their face to 50 sheds of red or blue in giving instruction and direction to their children resulting in peace and quiet for no longer than a few seconds. Then it starts again. And after a decent nights rest, its starts again in the morning. Such as final preparations for church.

As last night came to a close... does this happen in churches? Do pastors feel this way? Are congregations anything like kids? The teen-age attitude that begins long before their age is in the teens. The rough-housing. The desire of the same toy. The disagreement over which cartoon to watch on Netflix.

[insert your priceless church conflict here]

If we haven't seen them, we've heard of them. And responded like parents. Seriously, this needs to be said? Repeated? How old are you? Why is this an issue? Did you not hear me the first time? Who's kid are you?

It's hard to be effective and efficient, as a parent or a pastor when it seems there is no growth. No progress. And the repetitious instruction and direction gets old... yet, must be maintained, if we expect in the long run for kids to grow up mature and healthy, and for the believer to have the same transpire in their faith.

Pray, this #effectiveSunday, that pastors and churches would experience healthy growth. In the maturity of their faith. In the ability to show compassion. In the efforts to express the love of Christ. May the frustrations of ministry and the repetition of issues, not detour or derail their focus. Pray for strength in the times of discouragement. May the church of Christ be one that brings honor and glory to God... in how we live our life; in how we point a lost and dying world to His life.

For the advancement of the gospel of Christ.

- PNC

Yesterday morning, I was given a desired deadline to meet. Nothing that hasn't happened before, except my reply was met with an even more profound response.

My reply was that I'd do my best.

This is nothing out of the ordinary. Nothing that hasn't been said to you by anyone that you've asked for them something specific to accomplish. Certainly, nothing that you have said to someone who has asked anything of you. And many of heard or said, thanks as a response.

So what stood out this time?

"I don't want you to do your best. I want you to do it. Get it done."

I posted a prayer a while back about "just do it" and what I've termed "NIKE Christianity". And while I don't want to be repetitive on the matter, the words stayed with me throughout the morning.

Life happens, especially as you rely on other people along the way. Delays happen and other people don't sense the urgency of what you are trying to accomplish and so you have to account for that. When all was said and done, I was 40 minutes passed the mark. Out of my control; a domino effect, in two delays that ended up causing two more; and had the first never occurred, I probably would have made the goal.

Be that as it may, though... what lingered was what God asks of us; of what God asked of heroes of the faith, from the passages of Scripture. And along the way, many of them spoke of their effort; recognizing that there was a lack... that they didn't have what they felt they would; that they would be unable to complete the assignment or that someone else was better suited for the task altogether. And in some cases, God made allowances, like Moses brother' Aaron, helping speak to Pharaoh. But it wasn't the same as if Moses had prayed for God to empower Him and fill in the gap with strength and grace from On High.

How more importantly, in this day and age, do we do the same. Like a kid arguing with their parent...."But Dddaaaaaddddddddd!!!!! Come on. We all had these conversations, both with people and our Creator. 

This is above me. This is beyond me. This is greater than me.
And it freaks me out to no end, that you would ask this of me.

Yet, loving Father God.
Go. Do what I asked. Do what I said. And I will be with you.

We love the part about God lighting our path, but we forget all too quickly, being a lamp to our feet. There may be some notice of what's ahead of us, but by and large, life is stepping out in faith and continuing to put one foot in front of the other, as we go about fulfilling the plan and purpose God has called us. Lest we see too far forward and back out. Nope... if I have to go through that; cross that, encounter and overcome that, then why even bother? As if our efforts mattered and realizing we were insufficient, we never bother to put in any effort at all.

That's the kind of thinking that will leave you forever missing the mark. You can't win a race that you don't start. You can't win a game in which you play. You can't live life while playing dead.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, that we not focus our minds upon our abilities or efforts in fulfilling what God has planned and called us to accomplish in this life, but we would simply obey. Pray for missionaries today, struggling with how God will bring things together and make everything work. May they resolve to focus on the task at hand; seek God's face for how to accomplish it and trust that God will be there with strength and grace to see them through to completion. May they not be concerned by the delays; stressed out by circumstances or worried about responses... instead, keeping their eyes on the prize to be found faithful in their service to the kingdom of God.

Our best efforts mean nothing if we first don't resolve to obey.
May the focus be on what God can do through us;
Not on what we can do for Him.
All for His glory
None for our fame.

- PNC

Yesterday was one of the longer days I've had at work in quite some time. Close to 13 hours. Add another 1.5 hrs, I was up before hand, for yesterdays anniversary post. We didn't make church last night, which we were bummed about... had I had an extra 15 minutes, we would have pulled it off.

Yet as I contemplated yesterday afternoon whether we'd make it or not, I got to thinking about the extra time my parents put in while at church, when they were heavily involved in ministry. Meetings before services, meetings after services, events on Saturdays... I got to thinking, "Man...what if I was on the board and we had a meeting after service tonight?" Which I think my Dad had a few off those happen after Wednesday's service. A long day, arriving late enough to church to miss the first 30 minutes of service (essentially) and then take care of church business after?

I know we all work hard, or we've had such commitments before. My friend was sharing over the weekend how busy her week would be, including a couple of work-related events after hours, that she had to be a part of that would take her to 10pm or so. Live gets busy and the days get long. And should the days go long long enough, you begin to feel like life is becoming more of a daze. You become too tired to sleep well, which just makes you want to sleep even more! Lest we not forget all the other factors that come into play into daily life; like managing kids schedules and homework, projects and upkeep around the home, and if there wasn't enough to do there, this same friend often brings work home with her (as many people do) so now you're working on work stuff while not at work.

When does this end??  A question we've all asked ourselves, yet pastors and church leaders dare not ask out-loud. Nor within earshot of anyone who might be in close proximity. Or far, for that matter, should they desire to scream the question at the top of their lungs. Who would understand?

We all would understand, except those in ministry are exempt from problems and frustrations and the voicing of them to others, let alone a close friend... which many don't even have that.

So, pray with me this #deaconThursday for pastors and church leaders struggling to maintain. Pray strength for those exhausted from the responsibilities of ministry and the balancing act of life at home. Pray rest, for those experiencing difficult with sleep, that God would bring a calm to hearts, spirits and minds. May their energy be renewed and their heads lifted. May their eyes see clearly; not glossed or fogged over constant barrage of problems and issues. Pray that God would surround them with people to come alongside and help carry the burden; that would pray with them; that would befriend them and show their support. Pray, today would be the day one more pastor is saved from the brink of burnout.

Strength for the day.
Rest for the weary.
For those whose work, is the work of the Lord.
For His glory and honor, we ask these things.

- PNC

Welcome to Year 2, since the relaunch of Bring Me 70, this day, 12 months ago. This feels so incredible... with a few exceptions, you've been reading a #pray4pastors post daily, before I left for work in the morning... which is saying a lot, since, I'm not normally a morning person. But it's early enough that nobody else is up yet.

And for the past few weeks, I've been getting up even earlier, trying to write these in the morning, rather than late at night, then paying for it with my tiredness factor as I rolled into work.

It really has been the grace of God, how these prayers have come together; how he has given me insights and perspectives throughout the day, as I've changed my routine and spending the day in an attitude of prayer. It's not a matter of spending hours on end in prayer, but an awareness that God could drop something in your heart or bring a situation or person to the forefront of your mind, which you in turn, bring to the forefront of the God's throne.

It's required me to change some habits along the way. When I was writing these at night, after the kids were in bed, you can't write a prayer, at least not a good one, while half-engaged in your favorite television series that you've watched entirely the way through, more than a few times now. (it really is that good!) You can't be prepared for God to drop something in your heart if the radio is turned on to your favorite talk radio station for 11 hrs. (yes, their programming really is that good!) As already stated... I can't focus if I'm being bombarded with kids arguing over toys and the youngest coming up to me every 90 seconds with "Daddy, can I ask you something?" (yes, she really is that polite when interrupting you)

Likewise, developing good decision making skills (or better ones at least) take time. Instilling good habits and "best practices", also takes time. Helping kids do so, takes even more time! But as this past year has proven; it starts with commitment. Which is how the relaunch unfolded. The Spirit of God having a moment of truth with me, that "you can't have a page called 'daily prayers', and then NOT write a prayer every day!"

Today is a great sense of accomplishment for me and I'm humbled that God is using me to draw attention to the need to support our pastors and church leaders in prayer. As this culture and society continues to spin away from God, the same level of prayer support needs to be given to your youth, their parents, and pastors and life leaders who will prepare them for a life of good decisions, good disciplines, good habits. We celebrate the anniversaries of lives changed through salvation. We celebrate the anniversaries of those set free from addictions and weight-loss; of faithful service to a company or our country; to a ministry. So also, some of the smallest life changes can make significant impacts over the long term. Like earning interest on an investment.

But it starts with a commitment to doing something different. And that always goes better when relying on God's help to make the change. Interestingly enough, today marks the first day of another area in our life we are attempting to change, so while you're reading this, I'm speaking to myself. Stick to it and watch the difference unfold. Trust in God to do His part as you faithfully work what you are responsible for. As we prayed yesterday, diligently develop your responsibilities.

Thanks so much, for joining me, as we pray over the second year of Bring Me 70 and this #youthPastorWednesday, that pastors and leaders, as well as us parents, who possess and maintain good and Godly habits and disciplines. Pray that our young people would take notice of our commitment to do the right things and to be aware of our motives and intentions. Pray for a spirit of grace for our failures and "dropped the ball" moments. May kids recognize the hand of God and His favor upon those who seek Him first, whose focus is on what God has in store and desires for their lives rather than self and interests that are self-serving and opportunities that are self-promoting. Pray God would help us to live lives of consistency; not perfection, but always seeking to be about the things of God and how He would and should be glorified in our lives, as we live for His purpose and not our own. Pray great foundations of faith be laid in their hearts and minds that todays kids will grow to be modern day heroes of faith; impacting this world for the cause of Jesus Christ... no matter what the world looks like in the days and years to come.

For His Glory
For the advancement of the Gospel

Thank you, from the depths of my heart.
In all humility...

- PNC

Life has many battlefields.

On this Memorial Day 2016, we remember those who have given their life in service to their country. Their sacrifice is incredible and will never be forgot. Nor should it ever be taken for granted.

That said, we all face battles. Of the physical nature. Of the emotional kind. Under financial pressure. On the home-front. With our kids; with our spouse. And on any other Monday, where we don't have the day off due to a national holiday, on the job site or in the office space.

Of course, the conflicts come in all sorts of sizes, over a huge range of topics. It may be against one party. It may involve many.  Some you see looming on the horizon. Others, seemingly out of nowhere. One minute, all is calm... the next, anything but. Voice raised, tensions mounting and forces are suiting up.

Yet for the believer, our battles are not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers of this dark age. The sooner we realize and remember this truth when the see the tables starting to turn, the sooner we can recognize the importance of self-control and give ourselves a moment to let cooler heads prevail. These brief moments allows us to resolve internally, our determination to work through the conflict not with destructive words and fierce attitudes, but to speak life and peace into the storms that seek to take us out.

Such are the battles that have taken pastors out of the ministry. Conflicts and harsh words; fierce attitudes and people who have left their pastors standing alone at the pulpit... perhaps not physically, but they've withdrawn emotionally and spiritually. Over time, situations and circumstance have diluted and dissolved their way into the church culture whereby laying waste to the structural fabric and foundation of the body of Christ.

And the rebuilding, for whoever takes it on, is greater than Nehemiah repairing the walls of Jerusalem.

Pray, this Memorial Day, aka #seniorPastorMonday, for pastors and the battles they are facing and currently engaged in. Pray, that cooler heads would prevail as they work through conflicts and conversations. Pray that fierce attitudes would cease and that tensions would calm. Pray for an increased ability to speak words of life that encourage and build rather than discourage and break-down. Whether from the pulpit or in the parsonage, pray that the battles they encounter would not take them out of service, but they would come out victorious, by the power of the Holy Spirit, for the glory of God. May such times and their ability to navigate through them, testify to the greatness and the grace of God and that positive impacts for eternity would make their mark along the way. May people ever be grateful and appreciative of their service in ministry for the kingdom of God as we express similar gratitude for those who have served militarily for this great nation.

God Bless His Church.
God Bless The United States of America.
For His Glory and Honor.

- PNC