Thomas Edison, in his seemingly unquenchable ability to persevere, gave us an incredibly profound perspective.

"I didn't fail. I found 10,000 ways that didn't work."

There's now 3 complete years worth of daily prayers in the archives, so my apologies that I don't recall exactly how long ago I wrote a post regarding best practices, but for whatever reason, I was considering how that terminology and principle came into being.

Obviously, there is wisdom and success in duplicating the activities and procedures that have work elsewhere and by and large, it works. Not always, as markets are different, along with companies and organizations and the culture they are built on.

Having said that, it's kind of amazing how often people and organizations repeatedly attempt to try and implement processes and strategies that others before them have done. It's a continual engagement, as if every generation has a conversation that involves, "I tried that before and it doesn't work. This way is better."

Best practices is doing the better way in the most effective and efficient way possible. It's been perfected, analyzed and refined some more. But that doesn't mean that someone won't come along with a more epic (or tragic) way of going about a situation or solving a problem and create a bigger mess than what was before them when they started.

He who wants to become wise, listens and learns.
He wants to learn, seeks those who know.
Those who know, most likely know from having done.
And doing, as Edison will attest, is quite an effective teacher.

On this #deaconThursday, pray that churches would not duplicate the problems and processes of previous churches and organizations in their effort to accomplish goals and achieve ministry success. Pray for camaraderie among church leaders, pastors and staff; that while they have their hands full with their own operations and ministries, that they would find time to invest in the leadership of other churches and ministries as well. As companies have in interest in what happens within their industry, so to does the church have a vested interest in what happens within Christendom-at-large. May God help leadership to be engaged and make a greater impact by teaching and training others, that 10,000 more ways that don't work would be discovered, but what does work and work well would be replicated.

For the benefit of the advance of the kingdom of God
Wise stewards of our resources, knowledge and time
For His glory.

- PNC

Is it that I'm writing this post, with blue-tooth in my ear, streaming my favorite, classic Christian rock station, which is currently playing P.O.D.'s Youth Of A Nation song. And it's #youthPastorWednesday.

Some days you think you are raising good kids; that there is hope for this coming generation and then you get home and your youngest has raided the family size container of Double Stuffed Oreo's. Seriously, kid? I didn't even get one yet!

Guess the remaining few are mine.

I'm probably one of the last people that need to be writing on good habits and self-discipline and instilling the same into this next generation (lots of c'mon Dad, get it together moments). It's more of a struggle than it should be, yet the daily reminders that our time and investment in the lives of our kids are important are ever-present... so much so that it's hard to miss unless you are living with your head looking down; which sadly many of us are, whether it be at the ground or at the phone. (Is there a difference? #asking4afriend)

Again... I'm not judging you. I sit in front of the television too while scrolling social media, then tell my kid to get off the tablet while Netflix is playing their kid's show. It's another ah-ha moment, as they even asked again a few moments ago, when is the next time that we go to church. Ministry starts at home, just as much as their education begins long before they step into the classroom. Yet the distractions of life and responsibilities of adulthood always seem to stand in the way of what's most important, both at home and at church... relationships. Long before God did, He was. And while He gave mankind tasks, He more importantly, walked with man in the Garden, daily.

Are we doing? Probably not as much as we should.
More importantly though, are we living in relationship and developing that ability in our youth? Not if we can't get them to look up and around; which won't happen if we don't model it for them. And by we, I mean me.

We should no longer wait for our churches to build faith in our kids anymore than we would blindly allow the education system to teach our kids... of which we are witnessing some of those repercussions even now in today's cultural and social battles.

So, let's pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, that God would help those pastors who are dealing with some uphill battles and struggles in the lives of youth who have not had a firm foundation of faith established at an earlier age. Pray that God would give them wisdom in those relationships as well as grace as they communicate truth into their lives. Pray that God would help us as parents, to do our part to prepare and equip our children for the world that is full of opportunity; not only for great success, but of great destruction. May God guard their hearts, minds, souls, and spirits from the enemy who would seek to bring their life to ruin through complacency and apathy towards God and people. Pray that God would raise up a generation that would seek and follow God alone and use us, despite our ongoing flaws and failures to teach them well.

For the glory of God
And His kingdom alone.
May God shed His grace on us.

- PNC

History is important. It also, sadly, can't be rewritten after the fact.

But whatever the topic, even or subject matter, whether on a personal level or a national level, it is necessary to have an accurate analysis. Granted we don't always have all the information or the complete story until months, years and decades later, even; but an accurate account is crucial for a number of reasons.... most importantly, to help us not repeat that which went wrong.

Ironically, I'm writing this after following a thread on social media, about a young couple in their 20's becoming debt-free and yet struggling with feeling as though they are wasting their time to be able to enjoy "life" during their 20's. And tons of comments follow... about how much farther they will be ahead by making the sacrifice now in their youth, rather than living life to the full and literally paying for it one, two and three decades later. Comments are flooding in by people who are 2 and 3 decades later, and kicking themselves for not doing what this young couple is accomplishing.

We can talk about a barrage of social, cultural and national issues for which this truth applies, the need for accuracy regarding history but we'll leave that to the experts who do that sort of thing daily. On a personal level, regardless of stage and position you find yourself in life today, it's easy to get caught up and burned out thinking about how the prospect of tomorrow would be different had you done yesterday differently. And in the middle of that is now doing what is necessary today, rather than what is desirable today.

Better to sacrifice early, by choice, than later, by force. 

Everybody deals with regret differently, especially in their own lives, where's it's easy to tell and repeat our side of the story, rather than the whole story or convince ourselves that situations and our stupidity wasn't as bad as everyone else saw it to be (speaking for a friend *wink, wink). I would think to deal with such matters while engaged in some incredible challenging circumstances in the lives of others through the avenue of ministry would be incredibly difficult.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, pray for those pastors struggling with regrets and decisions of long ago. Even though they can't be changed, pray that they would have an accurate analysis what happened, so that lessons can be learned that haven't already and wisdom can be applied moving forward. Pray that God would redeem the time that was lost, by bad decisions, missed opportunities, misguided dreams and unproductive activities. May God use their experience to help others in their journey, as they are reminded once again of the powerful truth of God's sovereign hand...

He works all things together
For those who love Him
And are called according to His purpose.

- PNC

Have you noticed the conversation changes when among leaders?

It sounds different (or at least it should). The nature of the conversation takes on a different form. The dynamics of the conversation work on a whole other level. If you are in a leadership role, you've experienced this. In fact, if you aren't, you've noticed a different dynamic when you engage leadership.

Your approach to them changes.
How you handle yourself in their presence changes.
Your expectations regarding what you hope will come from the interaction... change.

Words matter.

Consider how you speak about frustrating circumstances in your life... in your workplace, on the home-front. Words are the result of an attitude and the change when leadership is engaged, because we recognize whose company we are in! Yet for as much as we can forget that whoever is in our presence is valuable, so too can leadership drop the ball and possess the wrong attitude and correspondingly, communicate the wrong statement.

So, the question remains for us all of us, but especially the leadership...
... are we conversation changers for the better or because we are bitter?

Let's pray this #seniorPastorMonday, that pastors would not succumb to the frustration and angst of the circumstances and challenges they face. Pray that God would give them wisdom and discernment in navigating the matters that are brought before them. Pray that the conversation would change, because they are in the room. While we all face difficult moments, pray such times would neither detour nor derail their attitudes, and as a result, their speech in response to the problem(s) at hand. In all things, may God be glorified, as they seek and trust Him to bring about good, in moments were good is seemingly hiding from our finite vision.

That we may see with God's eyes,
And respond to life with His heart.
For His glory alone.

- PNC

I was listening to the music on my phone this afternoon, when DeGarmo & Key started playing. Old school, Christian Rock, if you aren't familiar with their music. You won't be disappointed.

They started singing the song, Special Kind of Love. The lyrics talk about how it could only be God, who could love humanity so much that He essentially sacrificed Himself, in order that He might have relationship with us.

What a powerful message. One that we obviously should all be about sharing, whether across the street or across the globe, on this #missionsFriday.

Yet, it truly took an act of God to redeem humanity.

We all have our days, where simply lose our desire to "adult". You just don't want to be engaged.

Driver's on the road aren't fully attentive to driving.
Classmates are bugging our kids, while our colleagues prompt us to question our employment decisions.
Then there's the days where you aren't sure if you would rather your spouse be upset with you or your boss... God forbid they give you grief on the same day, regardless of whether it was deserved or not.

Compassion loses to cynicism.
Love gets buried, not by hatred necessarily, but perhaps more by apathy.
An obedient response gives room for a hesitant one.

God help is, what Christ did for us, indeed took a special kind of love; for all too often we miss the opportunity to express a common kind of love. And as society continues to redefine what "love" looks like, the Gospel will become even more special... as long as it continues to go forth.

On this #missionsFriday, pray for those who are struggling to keep the love of Christ at the forefront of our lives. Pray for missionaries, who are weighed down and fatigued by life's stresses and battles. May God help them, where compassion, love and obedience are perhaps hindered or diminished by current circumstances. Pray God would give them wisdom in the days ahead, and grace with themselves. May the Holy Spirit do a fresh work within them; and with all of us, as it is realized where we have missed the mark in our daily lives and activities.

For the Gospel is not only more relevant than ever before
But more needed too.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Four years. Fourteen Years. Forty-nine years.

We commit to a decision.
We commit to a person.
We commit to a process.
We commit to a life.

And life has its' ups and downs, twists and turns; moments that make you pause in gratitude and others that come to halt and cause you to question.

All sorts of questions...
... is it worth it?
... am I doing the right thing?
... am I in the right place? at the right time?
.. (you finish your list)

Such moments seem to come waves with a rhythm and at nearly every rung of the ladder of roles and responsibilities.  The days you think that you perhaps you are "done" are combated with dreams and visions of what could be accomplished if you pressed in and pressed on; forging ahead as you continue to build upon the experience and wisdom that has brought you this far.

Don't let the pending burnout and the build-up of frustration prevent you from the calling and anointing that God has graced you with thus far. Yes, there are seasons of change, but there's a difference between God changing seasons and people abandoning ship.

On this #deaconThursday, pray for those within church leadership who have either quickly reached a place of great difficulty or have built a level of longevity to where they feel they can no longer continue. Pray that God would strengthen them and quicken them, body, soul, mind and spirit. Pray that God would give them wisdom in the decisions they face and the challenges they are working to overcome. May the storm not overtake them, but that they would continue to place their trust in Him and persevere through the process.

May life neither discourage them,
Nor the enemy defeat them;
But that they would live victorious
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Tip #1 on the greatness of Fatherhood.

Be as ready and willing to help out the 40-year old kid as much as you would expect them to help out their 10-year old kid.

The struggle for fathers, is that no matter where you are in life, you always wish there was more that you could do, more that you can say (or at least more that got thru), more that you could give... more that you could share and impart into their lives.

You're never done being a parent. You are never done loving your kid, teaching your kid, encouraging your kid... crying, laughing, mourning with them and rejoicing over them. And you know you have been successful in these matters when the importance of your role in their life is recognized and appreciated.

And you have to love, how our Heavenly Father, no matter our age, position and current struggle called reality, steps up and into matters and works on our behalf.

So, if we being good, know how to give gifts to our kids, how much more the God who created us in His image?

Sadly, it's easy to forget, or perhaps simply take for granted just how much God is work, moving in our lives and making arrangements for His sovereign plan to come together. And yet it does, time and time again, as we continually place our trust in Him and do the things that He has placed His finger on; having brought it to our attention that we should make a difference in the lives of those around us.

What greater lesson and relationship could we help to plant and develop in the lives of our kids, regardless of their current age. Love knows no limits as age knows endless lessons.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray for pastors who don't healthy relationships with their parents, especially their fathers. Pray that God would fill them afresh with His presence and strengthen them by the power of the Holy Spirit. May God do a healing work in the hearts, perhaps damaged and broken from events many years removed. Pray that God would transform their perspective, even as they continue, both in ministry and in their own lives and families. Pray that God would give them wisdom as they engage and minister to youth and kids, setting for them the example of a relationship with Father God that was perhaps not modeled in their own life at an early stage.

For all the times, Dad has said, "trust me"
May their be no hesitation in our response
To placing our complete trust in the hands of God
For How. Much. More.
Will He give to His own.
And for His glory.

- PNC

Mom's advice from thirty-something years ago hasn't changed. You can't please everyone. Certainly, not as often as we hope. Unless, there is a level of understanding and commit to each other that exceeds most other relationships.

Even though, life is full of disappointments.

We let people done, all day, every day... in circumstances that are well beyond our control as often as they are within our control. And even when you find a balance, of doing your best, moving your fast, applying wisdom and experience and proper context... you can get "everything" right, as it depends on you and still manage to get something "wrong" in the eyes of the one on the other side of the table.

I fear entitlement has overstepped it's bounds in relationships of all kinds.

Spouses expect more than can be given, even when the other spouse feels they are already given their "all".
Bosses expect or demand more than is reasonable; and for many of us, more than what they are willing to compensate their employees to include in their responsibilities.
Kids expect the world, often more than we can give them, as much as we would love to do and give more.
Business clients somehow manage to combine the effort and emotion of all the previous three multiplied a couple of times over.

The struggle is real... and once again, church and ministry, not immune.

The real frustration however, lies in the disappointment that we feel internally. All the external stuff we can dismiss, sometimes with relative ease. Other times, it does feel as though as competitor greater, and stronger than we stands over us with one foot upon our back.

At some point and time we've all been there. And even in writing this, I'm dreading the thought of associate pastors who are living in this state of existence. We understand when it happens in the workplace and with clients; it's scary when it happens from the person behind the pulpit or from the people in the pew... with expectations that we simply can 't gain victory over, in any way, shape or form.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, pray for pastors whose life is this frustrating reality. Pray that God would give them wisdom, in handling difficult people with challenging expectations; in whatever role those people play and however the expectations manifest themselves. May their be a grace about their lives as though go about their work and ministry. Pray for strength to endure, especially for the days when set-backs seem to dis-count and discredit whatever positive gains they may have made. Pray for an inner peace to be restored; even that which has been lost and stolen long ago. May the joy of the Lord return and be their strength, for every arena, role and relationship of their lives.

That whatever work is done,
Be done as unto the Lord
For His glory alone.

- PNC

Perhaps something clicked between yesterday and this morning, but it wasn't too far into the day when I started reflecting on some of the incredible life stories of recent pastors whose ministries and leadership I have enjoyed in recent years. The truly epic journeys that some of these men and women have endured, if not them, personally, their parents or grandparents whose lives got a hold of revolutionized.

A pastor with a grandfather who, after God called him into full-time ministry paid off his old gambling debts.
A pastor who had a biker for a father and a bar-maid for a mother... and yet God changed future generations.
A pastor, who at one time nearly stood at the edge of a wayward life... but God rewrote his future.

It's an incredibly powerful testimony to have such a conversion experience in the life of a pastor or ministry leader. And while it can be disconcerting to those who don't have such a powerhouse story; the legacy that begins with such stories is amazing.

It's amazing to watch it unfold in the generations that follow.
It's also a little scary, as we have watched numerous times, one generation witness a dramatic impact in their ministry and then the next generation somehow, somewhere along the line, dropped the torch. And the church suffers. Maybe not immediately, Maybe not entirely. But eventually.

As pastor has mentioned many times, every generation needs it's own revelation of God. For one generation's revelation is the next generation's religion. And that is when the legacy of ministry is placed into jeopardy.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for pastors, especially those who do have an incredible testimony behind their ministries. Pray for their families and the generations that follow them; may the legacy be protected, not for their name sake, but for the sake of eternity. Pray that God would guard their homes and children; that they would not have to face and overcome the challenges and demons that previous generations battled. May generational curses be broken and generational promises established and fulfilled. Pray the impact of one's ministry would be increased by the generations that follow because of their own revelation of God, rather than hindered by allowing to become a religious exercise.

For God did not grant freedom,
That we would return to enslavement.
Victorious for the cause of Jesus Christ
For as many years that remain.

- PNC

It truly makes thing significantly more effective and efficient when things are done in order. There is a process for everything, and where there isn't, plan on one being established and written in the near future. This is how things get lost... through a loss in the passing on of knowledge.

However, along with the obtaining of knowledge and experience, should eventually come the acknowledgement of that achievement. Such was the case in church this morning, as two of our leaders were in the church were officially introduced as on-staff Pastors, having completed the requirements within our fellowship of churches to receive pastoral credentials.

They will continue to serve, now, not as leaders over their ministries, but Pastors.

I know, sometimes a title is simply a title. And sometimes, the title is a perception things.

(I"m reminded of the episode in The West Wing, where the executive assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff attempts to jokingly refer to herself as the Deputy Deputy Chief of Staff.) Guess, you had to watch it for yourself.

So, while the title should instill a level of respect and recognition of someone's abilities and expertise, it should also not negate the fact that they were probably quite accomplished long before the title. (As evidenced by how many people receive honorary degrees, even posthumously.)

Having said that, the kingdom of God has it's team dynamics, just like any other team. Some are leaders and decision makers, others are encouragers, doers and dreamers. Some are detractors, side-liners, naysayers and seat-fillers. We don't like to think that some of those dynamics exist, but it doesn't take long to be a part of a church, to notice that they do appear.

It's awesome to be effective for the kingdom of God, even when you don't have the title. Conversely, it's a tragic state of affairs for a ministry or positions within ministry to lack effectiveness, particularly by those who do hold a certain title. If you have it, all the more reason to accomplish the most good you can with it. If you don't have it, do all you can, regardless.

On this #effectiveSunday, pray that ministry would continue to advance and grow, in effective and efficient manner by those who are knowledgeable as well as those who are recognizable. Pray that the people of God would be about His plan and purposes, regardless of a specific or title that accompanies the work and ministry in which they are engaged. May each of us use our time, talents and treasures to advance the cause of Jesus Christ and point others to a relationship with the same.

For we all serve a function and purpose,
Some externally, some internally,
Some in seeming obscurity
But God neither wastes a role, nor a responsibility
To be used for His glory.

- PNC

Life and relationships are interesting dynamic... as if I needed another personal reminder of this truth. It goes without saying, that life is a series of stages and people come and go; some with the purpose of goodness and other with the intent of ruin.

You'll have friends who will stand by to the point, you consider them more family than actual blood relatives.
At other times, you'll have family who will be standing by you while you wonder in the back of your mind, what happened to the friends who weren't were they said they would be when the time came?

As the strong of a nation lies in the security of it's borders, so to the strength of one's life relies on the healthiness of it's own boundaries, especially with regards to relationships.

The people who tell you that they value you, perhaps don't to the degree you think they should.
People say one thing to your face and later talk to someone else about your face.

Toxicity brings to ruin everything it comes in contact with, whether the effects be immediate or gradual. So too, can people bring us to a similar, disastrous existence both in quick, swift fashion and in the delayed wearing down of one's soul.

While we are you we are, more importantly, we need to be who God has called us to be and declared over our lives.

I read recently, that if you committed to making a 1% improvement in any area of your life and did so daily, by the end of the year, it would a 365%.

Thus, whatever your place in life and whatever your existence is within the "community", there's no reason tomorrow can't and shouldn't be an improvement and a year from now, nearly unbelievable.

Today's prison should not delay tomorrow's freedom.

On this #communitySaturday, pray that God would start with us; that as people of faith, we would not bring toxicity into the lives of others. Pray that God would help us manage, balance or even purge where necessary, the toxic relationships that exist within our own lives. Pray that we would be people who live according to God's ways and Word, rather than people's expectations, beliefs and opinions. May there be a grace about our lives, that overcomes the stress and tension that often disrupts the truth about life and reality. Pray that God would use us to point a lost and dying world to Him; that our own stress in life would not be stumble for others. May our lives bring glory to God, rather than disgrace and may God give us wisdom and discernment to know when we should persevere in prayer or to part ways in peace.

For a healthier community
Because we are healthy and strong in Christ alone.
For the glory of God, we pray.

- PNC

I'm so glad and grateful that God is sovereign.  He has a plan and a purpose that is far superior to what man can fathom and dream. If not, then what is He doing?

You've asked that before, regarding the people in your life. Perhaps even of those, in authority over you. Are they trying to set me up for failure? Do they like watching my struggle? Sure, they may have a grand purpose, but being in the dark as to what that purpose might be makes it difficult for one to persevere through the process and incredibly frustrating to endure in the midst of the process.

Nobody likes the state of existence in which they are on a need to know basis. And right now, you don't need to know. Yet, that all too frequent occurrence with God's sovereign plan and divine purpose.

If we admit that in the life of the "everyday" believer, there are spiritual forces at work against us that manifest themselves in the physical realm, then how much more are the forces against those on the front lines of advancing the Gospel of Christ and claiming eternal ground in the souls of humanity?

Pray this #missionsFriday, that God would minister to those struggling with the next steps of ministry. Pray for the battles and challenges they face and that are mounting against them. May they feel neither defeated nor detoured, but focused on the purpose God has called them to complete. Pray their faith would be found steadfast and unwavering; able to withstand all attacks of the enemy. Pray they would continue to trust in God, especially in the darkest hours of the longest days, in which they feel as though they are being taken to task for reasons unknown.

For greater is He who is them them
Than he who is in the World.
For the cause of Jesus Christ
And the glory of God the Father.

- PNC

For all the incredibly brave and noble people who fill and stand in the gap in all sorts of leadership roles, there are plenty who give it bad name, as well as do a less than stellar job, by seeking these rolls for the wrong reasons.

Sadly, pastors have done it... but worse, so have the advisors. And pastors have chosen people for wrong reasons just as people have desired the role for their own wrong reasons.

Also wrong... using the phrase "wrong reasons" four lines in row. But... you didn't notice that.

What concerns me, as well as complicates the reality of the matter, is the conversation we had a few days ago, regarding society's rush to judgement in nearly every arena of life. Not that we haven't been that way for quite some time, but it's gotten significantly more prevalent... no doubt due in part to the onslaught of social media.

The people you think desire leadership with honorable intentions and the decision makers and those who sit as a part of the process sometimes miss the mark. And the people who you thought didn't have an ounce of honorable intention in their soul end up being surprisingly on point. I didn't say perfect. All too often we demand what doesn't exist, then act surprised that our expectations weren't meant.

It truly is a strange phenomenon. But what do you expect from a flawed humanity?

So, on this #deaconThursday, pray that those who seek leadership roles, especially within the church, would indeed be people of honor and integrity; desirous to serve the community rather than satisfy their ego. Pray for discernment for the pastors and others who have input into who steps in advisory roles. Pray also for the church as whole; that we would exercise sound principles, understanding and reasoning when it comes to assessing people and circumstance. May we not rush to judgement, whether through condemnation or commemoration. Pray that we would speakers of truth because we are seekers of the truth.

And while we may make the decisions,
May God direct our steps
And illuminate our paths.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Nothing reminds you that the clock is running, with or without your knowledge, like your oldest child having a milestone birthday. And while I'm incredible proud of how much progress has been made in the past year, part of me feels I should be equally proud for retaining some semblance of my sanity in the process.

Then I remember the coming years will go by even faster, which means they are all the more critical, both to the success of their live and what I need to do as father during that same time.

If almost hard to fathom that God waited until the days of Noah to say, forget it... I'm starting over with you people.
Even more amazing, is that He hasn't doesn't so again, given today's cultural mess that we've created.

Parents always look to larger families... "I can't hardly handle my two kids... how do you do it with 5? (or insert the numbers from your conversations). We've all been there and had those talks. Super parents. And there's the rest of us... lol

Yet the lessons we've learned by the example that God has set for us are invaluable, incredible, and some days, darn near impossible. And if we've learned anything from the days of Noah, it's that our days are numbered, when it comes to setting our kids on a trajectory that will establish them as world changers for the kingdom of God. And we are daily reminded, that we too, should be about changing our world, starting with our family unit and our local community.

Let's pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, that God would give wisdom, both to those raising kids and those ministering to our kids. Pray that the foundation of faith would be firmly established in their hearts. Pray that God would give us grace for every new morning and an attitude of long-suffering as direction is given and guidance is instilled. Pray that pastors and parents alike would set a Godly example of living, as God has given examples for us, that we might be conformed and transformed into the image of Christ.

May generational curses be broken
And generational faith established
To love God and serve people
For all of our days;
However numbered they may be
And however many remain.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

In case you haven't noticed, there's a reality that seems to exist with politicians, that we should pray never exists with pastors. The quickness with which they judge people.

I don't know where I'm going with this... it's a work in progress.

Just consider in your own life. Nobody appreciates early judgements and statements made about them based on low knowledge and understanding. But some have a seemingly profound knack for making quick statements, that on the appearance of things, sound as if they are based on feelings of frustration and bias. Yet they speak with the conviction, as if they had an inside scoop on the individual's personal life.

How could you have that depth of a connection with someone and yet dismiss them as though they were the worst?

It's a weird phenomena to watch and sadly, it does seem rampant in the political arena.

And yet, that same interaction is not only toxic, regardless of what environment it exists in; it is severely detrimental should it be found within the four walls of the church. Worse, if found in the life of church leadership or the pastorate.

Will politicians ever change? We can only hope they do.
Will pastors ever become? We can only pray they don't.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, pray that pastors would never possess an attitude whereby they rush to judgement regarding the lives of others. Pray they would be people of understanding and compassion; never forgetting that no matter how strong the disagreement over a matter, that we are all created by God and in His image. Pray that God would give them wisdom and discernment in their interaction with people. Whether they have known them for minutes or years, may their be a humble presence about their lives, yet still speak with the authority and perspective that God has granted them.

A passion for people
To know them.
To understand them.
To reach them.
To impact them.
For the glory of God
And the legacy of eternity.

- PNC

Once again, a few things rattled around regarding today's #seniorPastorMonday post.

Until I heard part of a message from Dr. David Jeremiah. He was talking about the humble beginnings of the church he and his wife started in the early days of their ministry. Humble days. As many, if not all, pastors have experienced. And like all, there were days he wanted to call it quits. The struggle is real. The battle is hard. The road is rough.

Yet, someone reminded him of a prayer that always stuck with him and when he said it, it resonated.

"Lord, use what's left."

It continues to amaze, the nature and character of God. He does not waste anything. He does not waste a life. He does not waste an experience. He does not waste an opportunity in which He could be glorified.

While that's a comforting sentiment, it's also one that is hard to swallow. Think of how many times someone has told you there's nothing left to give, and you keep pushing them for more. To challenge and grow; to press in and to press onward. Then God says, I'm not done...there's more.

And we fight it; as other's have done with us.

However, I can't help but ask how many miracles are being held in the power of such a simple prayer... use what's left, God.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray that even if the midst of difficulty, frustration and burnout; may pastors retain the humble posture that would allow God to use what is left. May God strengthen and quicken them when the feel as though there is little left for God to use. May He work the miraculous, as with the loaves and fish. What is of little effect in our eyes, may we commit it to God's care and service to accomplish exponentially more than we could ever fathom.

Clay vessels are we,
Broken and spilled out
For God's plan
And His glory.

- PNC

Isn't funny how life works out sometimes?

There are proven plans and principles, that always work... regardless of who is doing the work or the numbers involved or whatever. There's a plan, there's instruction, there's an example that has been established as precedent. It's doable. It's workable. It's repeatable. And that has been the case for many.

And as such, over time, it has developed into something that is certainly effective, and by and large, efficient.

For the rest of it though... are the times where you aren't sure. And that's usually where God shows up. In the simple steps of prayer and obedience and trusting the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

The conversation that you think would offer the least help, ends up being exactly what someone needed to hear.
What seems to be the most broken and lousy-sounding prayer, ends up getting answered.
The act of kindness or generosity that hardly qualifies as sacrificial to the one who gives it and it means the world (and a changed one at that) to the recipient.

On this efficient and effective focus of a Sunday, I offer this reminder... God uses the foolish things to confound the wise.

And on that note, let's pray this #effectiveSunday, that while it's good to stick with proven plans and processes, may we not disregard or discredit that times, places and means by which God will use to accomplish His will and purposes. May we continually be people who trust that He is working all things out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Pray that we would neither get ahead of where He is moving and leading, nor we stop or step aside because we don't understand what He is working. Pray that the church would continue to walk in obedience to the Word and pray that even when we can't trace God, we continue to trust in Him.

For the glory of God
And the advancement of the Gospel of Christ.

- PNC

So, it turns out that there's a downside to all of today's technology.

While it is good that is has increased our awareness level of many issues and topics, it has also overwhelmed us to the point that it is quite a challenge to keep track of it all; let alone be involved in it all to any level of success. And it is in that level that I think perhaps we forget, neglect or miss the opportunity that lies right before each of our lives.

I was reflecting on this, as upon my leaving work Friday afternoon, learned that I had turned to walk out the door, he had turned in the opposite direction to tell the boss he was putting in his two-week notice. My job isn't one where I see my co-workers often enough to carry on conversations at length. They are few and far between and last a couple minutes at a time.

So, while there may have been a handful of conversations about life and faith, God or the church, I may never know if my life and interaction was enough of a witness for Christ. I know the workplace gets tricky. You are there to do a job. You can't spend the whole time talking about God; there's other things going on in the world, in their life and yours for that matter. But it got me to recall the important perspective... am I caring about really matters.

Our experience is what it is.
Which is just as true for everyone that we come in contact with on a daily basis.
There will also be something going on that will capture our attention, our awareness and understanding and will result in what dominates our speech and interaction.

And it's on that point, that we should pray, this #communitySaturday, that God would grace our engagement with those around us, with His heart and His presence. Pray that our communication would ever be soaked in love and truth. May our faith not position us that we never have opportunity to share it, but that the joy of the Lord would be dominate our perspective and presence that it would be attractive to those around us as well as contagious. Pray there would be a boldness about our lives that would prompt us to engage that others might share in the knowledge and grace of the love of God and the passion of our Savior.

For the cause of Jesus Christ.
And the sake of eternity.

- PNC

Well, it's Freedom Day!!  Independence Day, as celebrated in these, wonderful United States of America.

Don't listen to the naysayers.
Yes, we have problems, just like every other country.
Our communities have issues, just like all the rest.
There is no "perfect" school anywhere.
And companies are always looking for the next improvement.

Meanwhile, every family has it's battles.
Every marriage has it's moments of strife.
And every life has it's crisis of faith.

There's so much that factors in to the freedom that we enjoy.  And so often we focus on the external things. To go anywhere. To do anything (within the legal framework). To be anyone that we want desire to be. To create a life of our own.

And yet, we don't always experience "freedom" as such. We miss out on financial freedom, thanks to debt and the pressure or desire as the case may be, to keep up with the neighbors, across the street or across the country. People struggle with addictions and substance abuse. We don't experience freedom because of clutter, both physically around our homes as well as that which resides mentally in the one square foot of real estate that is the head. We overthink matters. We overwork the process. We invest our time and energy into everything except that which matters most; relationship.

With God. With family. With friends. With those with whom we share this great land; for which many have lived, fought and died to ensure it's existence.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, let us first thank for freedom. While we celebrate what has been granted to us as a nation, may we remember the true freedom that exists through Jesus Christ. Pray for pastors living an experience that is more stress and struggle than freedom and joy. For whatever challenges they are facing, pray that God would grant them clarity and wisdom. Pray that chains would be broken and states of bondage loosened. Pray for the young people to whom they minister, that are facing similar struggles. May God help them to effective share the truth that God has a plan, purpose and destiny for their lives. May we never forget that freedom always comes at a price... whether by those who serve our country, or Christ who served for all humanity.

For the glory of God
We celebrate true freedom.

- PNC

So, tomorrow is the 4th of July. Another great time of year. Another great time for a church event or outreach. It should be exciting. But do you ever wonder if for a moment, church staff dreads the preparation of such? Perhaps dread is a strong word.

We all have those events that we enjoy being a part of, with activities and fellowship and building various types of community. But what's involved to get to that event... it's not dismay or disgust, well maybe a little bit. I'm not really sure what to call it at the moment.

It's just one of those, wow... it's that time of year already?

You know it's going to be worthwhile.
You know it's going to be great; that everyone including yourself will have a grand, old time.

But the prospect of it all, perhaps doesn't create the excitement and passion that it once did. In which case, perhaps it's time to change things up.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, as we enter another moment of celebration, pray that it would be a day of great impact as we connect with neighbors, family and friends. Pray that God would give wisdom as churches plan and prepare, not only for this day, bur for every event throughout the year. May God help to decide what events need to advance and what is perhaps ready for change. Pray that wisdom and discernment would abound, as they plan and prepare. Pray for a renewed excitement and passion, not to simply be a Christian presence in the community, but to be a point of introduction of the community to the presence of God and the person of Jesus Christ.

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

- PNC