Kids are back in school or are about to be, and Michael W. Smith's classic song, Live & Learn. Indeed we are always living and learning, Michael. In fact, somewhere buried in the archives, is a post after the song's title that expands on this. But in a slightly different direction than I had originally planned for this #youthPastorWednesday, are the words of James McDonald.

There's a difference between a student of the Word and a servant of the Word.

Tell me that is convicting!

It's the difference between knowing information and knowing what to do with the information.

There's so much more that could be written... and I probably have in the past three plus years. But I'm not sure that I could wish anything more, for pastors, for today's youth and even myself for that matter; to not only know more about God and more of God, but to be doing what He would have us to do with what He has already shared with us through Scripture.

Let that be the challenge and prayer for our lives, on this #youthPastorWednesday. May we be, not only better students of the Bible, but better servants of it. Pray that our youth and the pastors and parents who lead them, would instill and build a foundation of faith that trusts in God alone and seeks His face for their purpose and calling in life. May their identity forever be found in Jesus Christ. Pray for an ever-increasing desire, for the Holy Spirit to be active and at work; bringing fresh revelation and insight, now only through the power of prayer, but by the reading and study of God's Word.

Study, to show thyself approved
Serve, in order to be found faithful.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Nobody likes to be rushed. Even when we have to rush ourselves, it is frustrating. And once in a hurry, anything or anyone who slows you down or stands in the way just seems to create even more frustration.  

The biggest of projects, or the minor-est of inconveniences, life is frustrating enough. We really don't need more of it, whether from people, pressure or circumstance. Yet we all experience it. We've all been on the receiving end of it. We've all created it for someone else. And why.

Is some of it legit? Probably.
Is mot of it necessary? Probably not.

God tells us to be anxious for nothing, and yet at a certain level, stress does create a certain level of anxiety in our lives. Even if we are in a position to afford the cost, handle the responsibility or navigate the complex problem with confidence, the "back of the mind" element still exists, itself ready to release havoc in our lives.

I really wish there was an easy solution, for whatever it is that stands before us. But there isn't. Taking care of the matter at hand while it is before you is an intentional act, even when it it "easy". Doing what you can do when you are able to do so goes a long ways. Asking for help and advice when you need it from those who are truth-tellers who have your best interests in mind, accomplishes much. And of course, reliance upon God through prayer.

A great reminder, even for pastors.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday that the stress and struggle of ministry and the current battles they face would not overtake or overwhelm them. Pray a sense of victory and progress, as they commit to the Lord, their daily activities and schedules. May they be intentional and focused in all that they say and do; not out of hurry or frenzy, but from a place of confidence and peace. Pray anxiety and worry would be far removed from their lives, as they walk in faith and live in the confidence of their calling having fully placed their trust in God, repeatedly. Daily.

For He has not given us a spirit of fear,
But of confidence, and a sound mind.
For His glory alone.

- PNC

Of all the songs to strike me on this #seniorPastorMonday, it's the lyrics from U2's New Year's Day.

Four simple words. Count them. Four. 4. quattro.

"I will begin again."

We keep hitting these stages and phases in life, where in the frustration of realizing that we aren't as far along as we should, planned or hoped that we would be; we also don't want to go back to the very beginning. Often times we don't "have" to do so. But at other times, we might not have a choice in the matter either.

Resolve, however, is the first step.

I can't fathom what some pastors have gone through in the tenure of their ministries. Mistakes of the own undoing, ousting(s) that were beyond their control and situations that simply couldn't be overtaken nor the people affected won over. It almost overwhelming to consider.

I think of my own life, the things I've had to revisit and restart... even all the way back to the beginning. And the resolve has been both lax and lacking altogether at various times. But God is a God of redemption. And we see even where he, began again. Destroyed the people of the Earth, save Noah and his family and began again. He made Israel wait to enter Canaan until an entire generation had passed away. 

There is great power, and possibility in beginning again.

It's an exciting process, but an anxious prospect.
But this is what God does. Creation and re-creation is His specialty.

And despite how we've arrived back at the starting line, I think God smiles as He prepares people to send forth, a second, third and even a fourth time... to begin again.

Pray this #seniorPastorMonday for those pastors who find themselves in places where they don't want to start over. Whatever the nature of loss they have endured, pray that God would strengthen their entire being and refresh their spirits to a new work. Pray they would find the resolve to not allow detours and derailment to keep them from the work God has ordained for them to accomplish; whether it be a continuation of work or going in a different direction. May depression and discouragement be far from them; if when the feelings of unworthiness and worthlessness are great. Pray that anxiety and fear would not dissuade or hinder one's ability or wherewithal; but that they would be quickened, to begin. Again.

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

- PNC

Rest. It does a body good.

That's almost profound and powerful enough, that I should just write the prayer right now, right?

But seriously...

It's incredibly hard to be both effective and efficient when the body is lacking adequate rest. Nothing makes you appreciate this more, except the glorious aging process of the human body. Perhaps, I should have said "glorious". Although the wisdom that comes with age does bring a certain glory to a person.

But the body is an amazing creation. It knows when there is trouble. Warning signs and systems in place that detect all kinds of trouble, with the ability to give both a gradual, advanced notice as well as an instantaneous, shocking alarm.

A lack of good rest though, wreaks all kinds of havoc. Tasks get dropped, projects get delayed and information gets scrambled all because the body is not fully alert. No matter what business you are about doing; this can have serious repercussions. We've all watched it happen. And we've most likely experienced in our own lives... with calls that were a little to close to admit to, even in the strictest of confidence.

That said, we'd all do well, to take care of these bodies that God has entrusted to us.
*Said the guy who struggles with this, himself.

Hence, on this #effectiveSunday, pray that God would grant us, starting now, the ability to experience a sound and peaceful rest. Pray that He would help us to cast our cares on Him, for the circumstances and matters that are causing higher levels of stress, frustration and anxiety. May we not live in or with a spirit of fear, but approach our days with the peace of mind that surpasses all understanding. Pray God would help us to take better care of these bodies; that often know better than our minds do, when things are amiss. May God work the miraculous through us, as He works in us, to accomplish the plans and purposes He has prepared for us in advance.

For our lives are not are own;
We've been bought with a price
For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Words matter. So do ideas, actions and, well.... we could write quite a list. And many have. But the reason words matter is simple and profound.

The power of communication lies in the quality of the relationship.

Think of how much we write off, that is spoken in passing, whether in jest, sarcasm or opinion from people who we don't interact with on a regular basis or don't have a much a depth to speak of regarding the nature of your relationship. The value, the quality, the priority of their influence in your life... it's not that they are bad people or anything else. Maybe some things could and should be corrected; maybe it's just the nature of the relationship.

But think about the relationships in which there is great love, deep respect, incredible gratitude, an unbreakable bond and a resolute commitment. The truth can be shared. Joy is experienced. Grief is journeyed. Life is experienced. It's those kinds of relationships that are especially sensitive to the truth found Proverbs regarding our speech.

The power of life and death is held by the tongue. 

The Gospel is an incredible message. But how much more effective is the sharing of it when it is done so upon an established foundation of relationship? For indeed, the Christian faith is based upon relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, that God would grant missionaries favor, in creating and building relationships with the people and cultures in which God has called them to go. Pray that barriers would be broken and walls of kinds would be taken down. May their relationships be well established and doors to people's hearts and minds wide open, ready to receive the good news of Jesus Christ. Pray that God would accomplish the miraculous because of the faith of those who have stepped out in obedience when God called them to go.

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

- PNC

I'm still reeling over this scandal with the Catholic priests.

I know we've prayed many times over, that deacons and other non-pastoral leadership people would be those who would give well-grounded Biblical advice and insight. We've also prayed for discernment as those people were chosen and placed. And this situation places a high-priority on the incredible importance of both of those factors becoming reality.

Good people who give good advice who continually and consistently make good decisions themselves. Repeat.

I know, we closed yesterday's prayer with idea that none of us are in a place to say, thank God I'm not...

None of us know what the person next to us has gone through and they don't know the same about you or I. Indeed, the indictment and judgement you pass on your neighbor very well could be your own. Of course, the process of giving careful consideration to who we allow in our "inner circle" is complicated by the fact that not only do none of us probably deserve to be in the positions we are; we could just as easily fall from grace as the next person... and as these priests have done.

I'm having difficulty writing this... the issue is that complex. Clearly, the examples that serve as evidence of this are countless. High-profile breaking news on national and international stages. Local news that rivets a community. And who knows how much more that are caught and dealt with in seeming obscurity.

This is a big deal because there's 1000 victims and 300 perpetrators. But it's just as disastrous for one life, one family, and the demise of one church that nobody outside of a small village may ever know.

Pray this #deaconThursday for the auxiliary leadership of the church. Pray that they would not only be people of character, but Godly, Biblical character, full of faith and the Holy Spirit. Pray that they would take great care in guarding their faith, hearts and minds, as well as their marriages and relationships. May God give them wisdom and discernment beyond their years; that they would be people of the Word and a voice for truth.

God give them clarity
Spiritual vision
In a dark reality.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Well, I'm slightly on fire today. And not in a good way. We really don't need another reason to #pray4pastors. I really don't want to hear another news item that justifies this burden that God has placed upon my heart.

But here we are... and not a knock on the denomination, but those involved clearly have some things to work out between God and man.

300 priests, involved in sexual abuse involving 1,000-something young people over the last 70 years. And somewhere along the way, the leadership of the Catholic church, not only covered it up, once, but multiple times over. For decades.

Outrageous, unfathomable... I'm really not sure if it's more appropriate to be overwhelmed with anger or tears.

But my heart is broken. And this is why we pray!

Old men whose lives have been ruined to the core, in the depths of their soul, from probably never having shared the matter. And young people in recent years, who probably still aren't believed when they have found the ability to come forward. And tons more in between; of all walks and stages of life. How they've been affected and the quality of life that they have lived; it's truly hard to comprehend.

Equally hard to comprehend, the condition and outcome for these priests. I know God forgives. I've seen God forgive. I also know the incredibly difficult road that the offender travels after the fact. God is able and capable to redeem and bless. But that is a long process and these are still a long ways off from that stage.

This is so not what the church is about. This is not what we need to be know for. This is not helpful for the ministry.

Yet it is an opportunity. The failure of humanity is the best argument for the love of God. The evil nature of sin in our heart is the best argument for the existence of a divine plan of redemption. Our brokenness, reason to seek the work of God to make us whole. Our damaged and wounded spirits placed in the hands of the Comforter; that the Holy Spirit would bring healing through the power of Jesus Christ.

Is it not amazing how the worse a tragedy, the more amazing the testimony?
The more troubling a journey, the more incredible is the destination?
What the devil intended for death, God uses to bring life.
What he seeks to destroy, God plans to build.

Pray this #youthPastorWednesday, for all these that are involved in this mess. For they all have a response to this disaster and the only one that matters is whether they turn to you in time of trouble or abandon you. Pray, in this day of difficulty, that God would begin a great work in hearts and lives of both the abusers and the abused. Indeed, pray for healing... that the broken would be made well, and whole. Pray that God would use His church; not a denomination, but the people of God, to come along side, as ministering angels of grace. May God give divine appointments to intervene, intercede and be a true source of faith on display. Pray that God would guard the leadership of the church, as they work to establish the next generation of leaders.

May we be about building the kingdom of God
Rather than destroying it through selfish, sinful indulgence.
God help us all, for we are all but one wayward step away
From the beginning of a downfall that could severely impact eternity.

- PNC

Another late in the day post, I know... I struggled, as I didn't feel I had any direction for this post today either. But, late in the day it comes, and so late, in the day we're here! Prompted, no less, by an online conversation that got me thinking about how we look back at certain decisions made by others and wonder... how did that happen?

There's any number of current events and social issues for which this question applies, whether in today's news or the breaking news of your youth; none of which was the topic this evening. Nevertheless, it didn't take long in looking at the matter, to wonder why certain considerations weren't given due diligence or specific details don't seem to have been thought thru as to long-term effects and future difficulties.

Of course, this is a problem that every organization deals with, from senior management (especially in times of transition) to staff and team members and especially to mid-level management. The level where there is decision-making ability that the higher ups might not know the specifics of, but everyone affected will have their moment of wonder. Likewise, that mid level of management will also have some insight and understanding of what is going on in the upper echelon of decision makers, whereby they'll ask the same questions with similar states of intrigue.

What were they thinking when....

We've all been there. I ask myself what I was thinking from way back when, more often than I care to admit! But for all of that, all you can do is deal with today and where you are, with what you have and with those who are present now to be of assistance and influence.

Pray this #associatePastorTuesday, that God would indeed, give wisdom and direction for those who find themselves in difficult circumstances, unable perhaps to figure out how the present challenge even came into existence. Pray that God would give them favor and creativity as to how to overcome the matter. May God help them keep a proper perspective of His sovereign hand and keep a complaining spirit at bay. Pray for a focus on Godly, effective and beneficial solutions where and whenever possible. Pray too, that God would surround them with people who will speak truth and life into these circumstances; giving wisdom, direction and support. May frustration and anger not get the best of them, but that they would find ways in which God would be glorified with outcomes that only He could bring into fruition.

For all our lapses in better judgement
God works it all for His glory.
And thankfully, not for our demise.

- PNC

We all have our off-days, down-times and bad seasons. Your favorite sports team goes through a losing streak funk. Your pastor... a bad sermon? Hopefully not a loss of the entire series of sermons! A couple additional moments thinking about yesterday's boring sermon from an exciting Word train of thought...

For indeed, we've all been there. What was I thinking? Why did I say that? Where was my mind when I decided that? Where was my heart when I pursued that? Clearly, something was off base and out of whack. Perhaps even to a serious, or worse, disastrous degree.

Of all the situations, circumstances and conversations that we go through on a daily basis, the last thing you want to have go wrong is anything that has lasting and detrimental impact. Ministry is paramount, for everything done has in mind, the eternal perspective.  As such, it's frustrating when things don't go as planned or hoped when it comes to such matters, whether in the avenue of formal ministry or the act of informal ministering.

Which is more difficult... your pastor getting out of a season of "funk" or your favorite professional athlete? We certainly get more excited about a great game, than we do a great sermon.

Pray this #seniorPastorMonday for those pastors finding themselves in a difficult season of struggle. Whatever it is that is weighing them down or bringing discouragement, pray that that spirit and whatever has brought it to bear would be lifted. Immediately. Pray for a refreshing and rejuvenating move of the Holy Spirit over their hearts and minds; may the heads be lifted by the hand of God. May God extend grace as a covering, for the insecurities, faults and inadequacies of pastors; for it relies not on their charismatic greatness, but upon His divine power and sovereign purpose as they move in faithful service.

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

- PNC 

"There is no excuse for a boring sermon. The Word of God is too exciting for that!" - Pastor Ron Morrison

He's right, you know.

We've all struggled to spend time in the Word, let alone some serious quality time and study devoted to it. It's a constant struggle for me. Like anything else though, it's a discipline. And while I expect that pastors and church leadership would find it incredibly exciting, I do know this much is true...

Too many people have sat in many a church service where the pastor's enthusiasm for God's Word was not blatantly obvious as they delivered the message.

So Pastor Morrison is correct. Granted, the Word should excite each believer on its' own merit and I'd agree with you, the effectiveness of the church is hindered if it is taking it's cue for getting into God's Word from the pastor. Having said that though, there is also no cue to be given, if the pastor doesn't display their own excitement about the Bible.

Thus, it stands to reason... a boring sermon will not spur me on to read more of Scripture as my week progresses. Nor will it do that for you. But if the spark is kindled and the fan within us is flamed as the Word of God is made alive by the one who stands on the stage and delivers what God has revealed to them through prayer and devoted study to the Bible; then how does one NOT hang on to that in the hours and days to come?

Should that energy not prompt us to want more, and learn more, pray more, read more and know more for ourselves? And in doing so, perhaps opportunity will give way for us to share that with someone else as our lives advance over the course of the coming week?

On this #effectiveSunday, pray that the effectiveness of the church would be great, because of the excitement and passion of God's Word; that draws us into His presence, whereby we would not only know God, but be known by Him. Pray for pastors who have lost the passion and energy in their sermons; may a fresh outpouring of God's Spirit quicken them as they study and prepare. Pray that as active and alive as the Word of God is, may the church apply it to their lives, knowing and understanding its' words and context whereby we would heed its' wisdom. Pray for revelation and transformation as God reveals Himself in greater detail than we have known or experienced.

For it is His Story
Of His love for all humanity.
May we know it, embrace it and apply it
For His glory and purpose.

- PNC

I've got a little time remaining in my drive Thursday day, playing a Christian station, when the host takes a call and opens with you "you're happy about going to prison?"

It turns out, that she was on the way to pick up her husband who had been incarcerated for the past 12 months. Their kid had asked mom, if daddy had accepted Jesus into his heart? To which she responded affirmatively, indeed he had done so.

Then the mic drop moment of the call...

He had led 12 other inmates to Christ!!

Twelve.

Yes, you are thinking the same thing the lady who called did... an average of 1 per month of his own sentence.

How incredible is that?! And perhaps a little convicting? Or more than a little convicting?

The truth of the matter is, it's a big world. And all of it is a mission field; an opportunity for Christ to be displayed in our lives as well as to be communicated to the hearts and minds of others, of the transformation that He has done in ours.

A missionary may not be your formal job title, but as a followers of Christ, it is certainly in our job description. Yes the culture is changing; yes the environment you are in may not be the most conducive or appropriate place to share, but God gives windows and openings, for the right attitude, the right word and the right response to life and circumstances to create a desire whereby others may be have questions.

That's the time, as Scripture advises; to always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that is within you.

If if it's 12 times during a 12-month stint behind bars. And probably more than that, in the works, of people who will remember his testimony, long after he has left that community.

On this #missionsFriday, pray that God would indeed, give opportunity to share what Christ has done in our lives. Furthermore, pray that He would not only create the opportunity, but give us the faith and boldness to take advantage of them, and to speak the truth in love to those in need and seeking to know God. Pray the battles and struggles and responsibilities of life would not so consume us that we forget that eternity hangs in the balance for us all. No matter what we do, may we not on do it as unto the Lord, but that God would be glorified in and through us as we do it.

For He is not willing that any should perish,
But all come to repentance through Christ.
For the glory of God
And the advancement of the Gospel.

- PNC

It's not very often that you have a group, of any size of people that is ever in 100% agreement. Too many ideas, too many experiences, too many opinions... and at the core, differing beliefs and value systems. It's pretty incredible at times that people get along as well as they do!

Leadership teams struggle with this, just as much as the rest of us do. If you don't think that's the case, sit in a board meeting for an organization sometime. Watch C-Span. Attend a panel discussion on the topic of your choice. There is tons of disagreement to go around.

But at the very core of a team, a mission and a purpose, is a spirit of unity. Priorities and strategies come and go; times change, programs get re-evaluated and revisited and fresh, new ideas enter the conversation. Through it all though, it a basic premise that brings people together in the first place. If there is unity for that premise, then you can move forward; and should do all you can to fulfill that premise. If there isn't unity, then you know either something is wrong with the premise or someone is not in agreement with it.

With every passing day, it becomes increasingly clear... a united leadership is critical. And not just towards any premise or mission. One based on truth. And for the church, one based upon the Gospel. Grounded in the Word. Built up in the faith.

Pray this #deaconThursday, that God would unite the leadership of the church. Pray that arguments and the like,that the enemy would use to divide and separate the body of Christ would fail. While differences will always exist, may the not become so great that people become among those who tear down, rather than build up. Pray the church would remain focused on the cause of Christ, not allowing distractions and disagreements rise to an unhealthy level that negatively impacts the efforts of the ministry. May their be an extension of grace with each, both in word and deed, the people and leadership of the church come together to advance the cause of Christ.

For the glory of God
And His Gospel;
The greatest story ever told.
The power of divine love and relationship.

- PNC

It's crazy to think that the school year is practically around the corner! Would someone like to tell me where summer went already? I'm assuming your church has probably already done their Vacation Bible School for the kids. Our new church that we started attending earlier this year, is holding theirs this week... in fact, it's an evening VBS all week, which makes it kinda cool for more parents to be involved without wreaking havoc on work schedule's and the like.

It has me reflecting on the importance and indeed the priority, of young people learning not only about the ways of God at a tender age, but the character and nature of God as well. That's an important distinction that one of my pastor's was careful to point out regarding Moses' life and the people of Israel. The nation knew His works, Moses knew Him.

I'll be the first to admit, my imperfection. Should anyone stand before to account for this truth about my life, it's probably my wife! I don't have it all together, as I've mentioned many times, on this site for the last three years. I try not to think too often about bad decisions, improper thoughts and statements of regret. Am I talking about 20 years ago or 20 hours ago?

Yes. Sadly.

Conversely, though, I don't want to the be the guy in the parable who prayed in gratitude that he wasn't as bad as the guy next to him. I look at myself, knowing full well, that while it would be easy to compare to others, I can only compare myself today to yesterday. And as I consider yesterday, those decisions, thoughts and words and deeds could have been astronomically worse than what they were. Were they horrible by the standards of others? Probably to some. But they were particularly horrible for me, because I knew better. Not because of my cranium knowledge, but because of my heart condition.

I look back upon my stupidity with a sense of gratitude for the remnant of faith that remained from my youth that somehow prevented me from outcomes worse than the consequences that I actually endured. Emotionally, relationally, spiritually, financially. Was it disaster? Yes. But nothing that God couldn't redeem.

And that's what I want for my kids and your kids. As parents and pastors, we don't and won't always agree with what they do. Ever. Well into adulthood, your kids will have you scratching your head and your parents will do the same to you.

I don't just want a remnant of faith that will keep and guard my kids. I want a foundation and building of faith within their lives and spirits that will not only withstand whatever the world throws against them as well as whatever self-implosion of their life that may occur; that even their foolishness would not be their demise nor destruction.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray for this generation of young people, and the parents and pastors who raise them. Pray for an unshakable foundation of faith to be established within their hearts, minds and souls. May the Word of truth and the Holy Spirit guide their steps, illuminate their paths and guard all that is within them. Pray God would help us to lead and train them well, despite all our faults, misgivings and imperfections.

For we are only made whole
Through the blood of Jesus Christ.
May we live our lives, un-wasted.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Anxiety strikes at the strangest times.

I had a rough time last night, as I went to bed, perhaps from reading an event from a family, that very easily could be my situation (from what little details she provided). Whether that prompted it or something else, I was unable to get my brain to slow down and calm down for the longest time. And I don't struggle panic attacks and what not. It was unusual, to say the least.

But it amazes me as we go through life, the burden we fear when nobody is around. All sorts of people and relationships come to mind; opportunities that have yet to happen and opportunities that haves, that occasionally cause us regret. Some lifestyles are such, that the circumstance give legitimate cause for concern (occupational hazards), but life is such that events can affect any and all of us.

It doesn't matter who you are; unnecessary states of worry and anxiety are frustrating, even when you know and understand that tragedy can strike at any moment. 

Having said that though, not that we all don't have a lot going on, but pastors... the burden is already great in their lives. The ministry. The calling. Eternity. The people and families within their church and community that they impact on a daily and weekly basis is profound and deep. It's almost stressful just in thinking about how quickly they could suffer from anxiety and worry, for any number of reasons, let alone tragedy and disaster within their own home and family.

Pray this #seniorPastorMonday, for a renewed sense of peace and calm within their lives and families. Pray for strength for those that are in midst of trials and tragedies, whether in their marriage, the children or the church. May God give them the ability to grip their faith like never before and to experience the grace and love of Christ on a deeper, more profound level. Pray for a new message, from the mess; a new testimony from the testing; a new story from storm. Indeed, make God work all things, even that which is beyond our comprehension, for His good.

And may the peace of God
That surpasses all understanding
Fill their hearts and minds.
For the glory of God.

- PNC                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

It's hard to be effective at the things for which you put forth little to no effort. In fact, nearly as impossible as you get can, the lower the effort quotient. Somewhere in the process, effort must be exerted.

Words communicated, actions taken, time invested, resources utilized, funds spent... whatever the work is that you are to be about doing, eventually requires you taking intentional steps to get things done.

But don't listen to me... I've had one of the more unproductive weekends I recall having in a while. Call it a funk. Call it whatever you want. Call it an excuse; because at the end of it, that's probably about I have to offer.

Life is a journey, full of lessons. The frustrating ones are not the ones that are most difficult to learn; the are the one's that we have learned, but struggle to implement and institute into our lives, daily where applicable. And I was reminded once again, today, the simple fact of all of our lives. Eternity weighs in the balance. Not only for our own lives, but the lives our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. You can almost visualize the [your] that exists when Christ told the disciples to go into the world.

So, while this is a later #effectiveSunday post, pray that today would be effective in that it's the day we start afresh as we enter the first full week of August, to live and be the people of God that we have been called to be according to His perfect and sovereign plan. May we glorify Him both in word and in deed, wherever we go and with whomever we come in contact with as we go about our daily lives. Pray for an awareness about our hearts and minds; that we may speak truth and life with intentionality and compassion to those in need... even for those who don't know that they have a spiritual need.

God, help to live
Life as you have set us apart from the world,
But effective in the world for the cause of Christ.

- PNC

It's difficult to remember that which you haven't committed to memory.

This simply, profound truth is a courtesy summation of a point in John McArthur's sermon that I heard early this morning, in which He was talking about the promises that Christ gave before His ascension regarding the work and help of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

It's an amazing consideration... the lengths to which God went to restore relationship with His creation. As if Christ' death wasn't enough, He sent help; knowing full well we would need it. However, despite our desperate need for the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, that doesn't negate our best efforts to attempt to get by and live without Him.

We attempt to get by on our own goodness, efforts, works and words. We focus on the quality of our relationships with others, while neglecting one with God. We have everything else in our hand and in front of our face than that which is necessary for spiritual growth, maturity and longevity.

How do I know this? I have a mirror... that I can envision without actually getting up and walking into the room where the physical mirror exists. Why do I know more quotes from my favorite show or song, rather than my favorite book and more importantly, God's book? Because I'm human.

And because you can't remember what's not already in your memory banks. So, I ask, the same question I'm asking myself.
What am I committing to memory?
What am I leading my kids to learn and remember?
In the battles and struggles that pastors face, what are they remembering and standing upon?
As they lead their own homes and families? As they help me lead mine? As they help lead my friends and families?

So, pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that God would draw all of us, but especially the pastors of this up and coming generation, that they would be people of the Word to an ever greater degree than ever. May they stand on the promises of God more than ever before; because they know and even more aware than they have ever been. Pray the battles and stresses of life would not cause them to disengage; but draw in closer, to the presence of God and the truths of His Word. Indeed, pray that the Holy Spirit would be their comfort and their guide. May they be led not only into all truth, but walk in the fullness of the promises of God.

Only by His grace.
And all for His glory.
To know Him
And by known by Him.
In all truth; for all time.

- PNC

Continual moments of trust.

That's almost all we can do. Sometimes, it is, literally, all that we can do.

For the rest of life, it is the essence, the very beginning of everything that follows

We don't have all the answers. And in the words of Chief of Staff, Leo McGarry, from The West Wing...

"We don't always know; how it ends."

You would think that not knowing would make it easier to trust God. But it doesn't. Not always. Not always at first. Not always as much as it should. We worry. We fret. We overthink, over-analyze and over-worry.

Conversely, we struggle more often than not, with an overwhelming sense of peace. An over-abundance of joy. And periods of prayer that extend into over-time. Yet the times of faithfulness and continued trust are worth it. Even when it seems as though you are just maintaining. That, in and of itself, is quite an accomplishment sometimes.

But it's one that God can honor. Because it equates to perseverance. We're not done yet. We're not giving out. We're gonna continue to plan and pray and figure things out and trust God through all of it that He will help us find our way. Then God does His part and grants a surprise blessing. It doesn't mean there aren't still battles and long days ahead; just that the continued moments of trust are not going unnoticed by His watchful eye.

Pray this #associatePastorTuesday for those pastors that are having difficulty in the midst of trials and struggles to maintain a continual sense of trust. Pray they would neither lose hope, nor give up the fight. Pray that God would strengthen their hearts and renew their minds, from the battles that have worn them done. May they continue to serve faithfully and keep the perspective that even maintaining hope is important in getting through that which wages against them. Pray that worry, anxiety and overthinking and analysis would not get the best of them, but that even in the late hours, they would find rest and peace in the midst of the troubling unknown.

For one can never go wrong,
To continual place their trust in God alone.
To Him who never fails, neither sleeps nor slumbers;
Neither is He slack concerning us.
His plan is good and His timing perfect; for His glory.

- PNC

Does anybody truly love what they do? Every single aspect of their job? What about their vocation? The calling that is upon their life? "Every single aspect" might be a little bit of a stretch, for surely everyone has that "one" task or responsibility on their list that they would rather not deal with if at all possible.

And even operating in divine calling that God has placed upon an individual, requires a stepping out into faith and obedience that surely contains an element that, if it weren't for the calling, they would have no partaking in it.

My point is, that there will always be something in the process and journey of our day and responsibility that we will be less than thrilled to be doing. Yet there should be an overall purpose and point in the midst of it, that says "this is why I love what I do."

Yet, even within ministry, this element and perspective gets lost and discarded and as a result, burnout takes its' place.

There is no longer a joy and a passion; a thrill in the work and the calling. If the appeal is gone; then so is the motivation to continue. Such is the time that we usually begin to check out and lose hope, which is dangerous territory for church leadership and those in the pastorate.

So, pray this #seniorPastorMonday, that pastors would not lose the love, joy and thrill of the calling that has been placed upon them. Pray that God would rekindle the spark within them and fan the flame. May burnout be removed and a sense of purpose and meaning restored; that their work is of the utmost of importance for eternity; even in the elements and responsibilities that are undesirable, but necessary. Pray that God would strengthen and fill them anew and afresh; that their efforts would not be done in vain nor begrudgingly.

Working as unto the Lord
May His light and grace shine upon them
For His glory
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Yes, it's a post-service post on this #effectiveSunday but it's okay. You'll be okay, I promise.

I not exactly sure what to call a moment of realization, that really doesn't reach the level of epiphany or revelation. An "a-ha" moment doesn't even quite provide accurate description. It was simply one of those, refreshing, "wow, that's really cool"  how that works, except it was about a truth you've always known to be true. Does that make sense? Yes, PNC... it will after you tell us what you're talking about!

So, after communion this morning, the band was doing the closing song and singing about the finished work of Christ; that everything we needed and that He provided for us, was done at the cross. We often talk about our journey of faith being a process and that God is at work and yes, that's true for our understanding; plus it probably helps us manage and make sense out of life and circumstance for which the rest of the world has no answer as to why we are enduring such matters.

But God builds in "complete states". For all of creation, He spoke and it came into being. There were no eggs that hatched and grew into what we know today. He created in states of maturity. Adam and Even were not sweethearts from neighboring cribs. He created man and He then, created woman. The effectiveness of God's Work lies in the fact that God neither does anything half-baked nor half-planned.

His Word does not return void because there is nothing lacking from it. Neither is His plan ineffective because He has overlooked a detail or forgotten a piece of the universal puzzle. It all works by His sovereign Hand and precise timing because of the fullness of His glory and grace.

Thus, it begs the question... what in our lives and ministries are inefficient and ineffective because they are incomplete? Yes, I know there is always a new experience and better information that create to better level of proficiency regarding whatever it is that we are working on. Conversely, however, what do we make out to be more of a process than it should be because we fail to step in faith and obedience to what God has called us to do; thinking that we are missing elements and experiences that we are more concerned about having, even though God has already made provision for them?

Moses comes to mind. Call them excuses if you will, but it illustrates perfect this point. God had a plan, yet all Moses could see where the things in His life that he thought he was lacking to step out in obedience to that plan. God wasn't concerned about any of it, but Moses hesitated. God's work and plan was complete; Moses effectiveness perhaps hindered by his lack of understanding that such was the case.

On this #effectiveSunday, let that not be the case in our own lives. Pray that we would understand anew and afresh, that not only is God at work, but that His work and plan are complete. Pray that today would be a new step in faith and obedience as we understand what God would have us to do, say and go within our sphere of influence. May we not make excuses as Moses did, but trust that God has provided the process and means for us to be able to do what He has called us to do. For if it is by His grace that we are saved, then why should we consider it as though He is filling in the gaps of our short-comings. Our who lives are one short-coming; thus whatever God would accomplish in us is only do so because of His completeness.

For the glory of God
And the cause of Cross & Gospel of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

You would think that as you progress through this life and the journey of faith, that things would get easier. But they don't. And we shouldn't be surprised. Consider the work of God in your life. Does not Scripture refer to it as the Refiner's fire?

The cleansing, transformation work of the Holy Spirit is like being under the spotlight, in the hot seat, under fire.

We often consider being under fire, as being under attack. Which is very much true. It is a two-fold perspective.

God is making us stronger in the faith, as we journey through life and experience and everything else. The challenge, the struggle, the battle, the frustration... mixed in with the occasional joy, laughter and sorrow; God is using all of it for His glory. There is no doubt in my mind.

Alternatively, though, is there not a competition for strength? Something gets built until the storm comes and destroys it. So rebuilding occurs. Stronger. And a stronger storm comes. And a third rebuild. And an even stronger, third storm hits.

God is building a stronger force of faith within us...
The enemy, in his determination, mounts a stronger attempt of attack against us.

We are not watching the war, nor are we in the war as a participant. We are the very object of the war. There is no willingly turning to the enemy's side. There is only the look at God that does not lose trust in Him or the look that says we are done with His rebuilding us.

This is decision of burnout. Is it the spiritual warfare that gets to us as believers? Absolutely. But for all the struggles along the way within ministry and the work that God desires to accomplish that is met with a people and cultural that is simultaneously interested in the spiritual realm, but not desirous of a relationship with God, the process of storm and rebuild seems at times a futile, albeit eternal exercise.

Do we know better? Yes
But that hasn't stopped some from looking at God and simply wanting it to be over.

On this #missionsFriday, while this could be for any of us, pray especially for missionaries that very well may be at such a brink in their faith. Pray for those on the field, both at home and abroad, whose future seems bleak and they are weary and worn from the onslaught of storms and battles against them from cultural and political attack. May God strengthen them and raise them up, anew and afresh. Pray that they would neither lose hope, nor be dismayed. Pray that would not worry about the outcome nor the process, but would continue to place their trust in God alone, even if it feels futile... even if it feels as though they don't have it within them to do so one more time. May God give them incredible grace and amazing unfound favor.

That His will would be accomplished.
Their lives of faith and corresponding work, not done in vain.
But for the glory of God alone.

- PNC