WAR ROOM
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 My Senior Pastors' mother has been in the hospital for the past 43 days, 39 of them, in ICU. We got the update during Sunday mornings' service...in the next day or two, she'll be home.
Our Pastor is incredibly involved in leadership positions outside the 4 walls of our church, so his schedule, combined with the health of his mom the past month and half, it's been a busy time in which many have stepped up to help things run normal. More importantly, thousands agreed in prayer for the health of a woman, who with her husband, has experienced an incredible, decades-long ministry throughout the world. Those who heard of her condition prayed for her healing, whether they were on the other side of town or the other side of earth. The body of Christ at-large agreed in prayer and a local church held up its Pastor. What man sees as addition, God sees as multiplication. If one can put 1,000 to flight, then two can put 10,000 to flight. And where 2 or 3 are gathered in His name, He shows up!! Does three put 100,000 to flight? Four, a million? So 1,000's pray and I run out room for the zero's! Pray for Senior Pastors...may the be reminded that God is faithful; despite faults and failures. Pray, that like many of us struggle, that they not get hung up on figuring out the situations they face. May the solutions of heaven be carried out here on earth. Pray churches around the globe continue to be prepared and equipped to help carry the burden of the church; that its vision, operation and success would not rise, fall and rest solely on the abilities and experience of one individual.
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 Sometimes you can just look at an area or a circumstance, when suddenly, unexpectedly, you have an "aha" moment. Something in your brain begins to ask what it would look like if you changed this, moved that, removed clutter, and made room for systems and processes that would work better.
In the end, particularly when your "aha" moment proves to be viable and transformational, you respond positively; looking forward to enjoying the changes made. Positive rearrangements lead to an incredible new look. Likewise, we want churches to be effective and efficient. However, that might require some rearranging. It might take moving things around...perhaps even people. It might require removing some stuff and add other elements. However, it's critical that for an organization to pull this off, the "aha" moment must be viable. Covered in prayer, changes need to be offered with consideration, for there is nothing worse than a transformation that people have reasonable apprehensions that end up becoming reality. Pray for church efficiency and effectiveness that any changes and processes within the organization would receive proper attention, covered in prayer and concerns taken into advisement. Pray that changes would not be done hap-haphazardly, or because it works for churches elsewhere. Each community is different, as is every church, thus, pray they remain true to what God has birthed in them, called them to be and fulfill the needs for where they are and who they serve. Pray the transformation brings glory to God and ultimately, results in people responding positively to the things of God. -PNC  "Live as a credible witness. If our actions don’t line up with the message we’re proclaiming, we risk losing our credibility." - Dr. David Jeremiah, Sr. Pastor, Shadow Mountain Community Church.
In a word, consistency. Where there is no consistency, there is no credibility. This is all that we need to keep in mind as the church engages its community. Pray for churches and their communities, that actions would line up with the message proclaimed. Pray for consistency, that we would be aware of decisions, actions and words that would cause onlookers to use as reasons against coming to Christ. Pray that church would no go so far as to focus on perfection, but a persistent pursuit of God and a constant renewing of His grace for those moments when our credibility is in jeopardy. May God transcend our faults and strengthen our efforts in pointing others to Christ. -PNC  ...missionaries and a mission field.
We are called to be a witness to the grace and glory of God and the power of the cross. Yet, as we go through life, we need those who continue to invest in us, that we may grow in that grace and the knowledge of Christ. This is why we need the body of Christ. We all have experiences that are to be shared with each other to strengthen the faith of those around us as well as to be strengthened by others. So who is investing and strengthening the lives of those in ministry? Our Pastors? Our missionaries? Pray for our missionaries, that they would be surrounded by those who would invest in their lives. Pray that their faith would be strengthened, their minds renewed and their spirits refreshed. Pray that life would not discourage their purpose; particularly to the point that it would undermine their ministry. May their lives be fortified, that when they have done all they can to stand, pray they remain standing. -PNC  Last night, as I played with the kids before bedtime, I pretended to fall asleep on the floor. I could barely contain a smile or laughter as they tried everything to see if I was awake, including the youngest opening my eyelids (read: practically poking my eye) and shaking my head, "wakey-wakey, wakey-wakey". Then the two of them started talking and asking. Do we call Mommy? Daddy not wake up. What do we do?
I stopped pretending shortly thereafter, but I had to stretch it for a moment, because their trying to figure out what to do had gotten my curiosity. Later on, something registered. How do youth and children's pastors feel, as they watch kids and teens ask questions about decisions in their life and how their faith should impact those decisions? Likewise, what am I modeling at home, as to how my faith impacts my decisions. It's a challenge to be taken seriously. It's one to be covered in prayer. Pray for the Pastors of our kids and our youth; that their lives would be ones part of a firm foundation being build in kids and teens. Pray their lives would indeed be models of what God can accomplish when we look to Him in the decisions that we face, rather than going solo. Pray that the guidance and wisdom and counsel they provide to kids and teens is firmly planted in the Word of God. May the church be a source of strength and a resource for kids as they grow and mature, rather than a sore spot of resentment. Pray pastors and their kids live and become not only great decision makers, but decision leaders, for the glory of God. -PNC  Comedian Jeff Allen talks about how, in his marriage, he learned that if his wife wanted something, she'd ask a question. Early on, he wondered,
"Would she ever come to me and say “Pick those up?” Never. Why? Because that would be simple. Direct. And right to the point. And at that moment, I, her husband, would know exactly what she wants from me. I’d be able to process the information and make a rational decision as to whether I could deliver the request. At that moment, we would be communicating at the highest human level. The way God intended it. Through LANGUAGE." - Jeff Allen But no...instead she asks "Are those yours?" Communication is easy to fumble. In marriage. In the classroom. Among friends. And as we've all experienced, on social media. Perhaps, the most dangerous...misunderstandings amidst the church. Granted, some of it is easy to correct. Much of it, probably not eternally-relevant. However, that shouldn't cause us to be lax in guarding against miscommunication in matters that are eternally-relevant. Such as what takes place in ministry. Such as what is spoken from the pulpit. Careful and wise should we be with words, as Scripture advises. Pray, this Sunday, that church services would be efficient and effective in their communication. May misunderstandings be few, if not non-existent. Pray that what's spoken in classes and church cafes, conversations in the lobby and the sermon from the pulpit would encourage the believer, strengthen the body of Christ, reinforce the building of faith and draw people closer to God. Pray, that regardless of oratory skill and finesse, the Holy Spirit would transcend the speaker, touch the heart of the hearer; to the one who has an ear, may the hear what God has for them with no room for error. Simple. Direct. Relevant. -PNC  It's amazing what happens when you realized you've been blessed and then the opportunity comes you way, that you recognize you can pass your blessing on to someone else in some way.
It's having an awareness of what form "a cup of cold water" could manifest itself in the life of someone in need. Are the people of God watching for opportunities to meet a need in the life of those around them to bless them from their place of blessing? One by one, it makes a difference, which ultimately should be in honor of God and for His glory. Pray that as the church engages the community, that their will be increased awareness of peoples needs. Pray for a increased desire in the lives of the church to meet and fulfill those needs in tangible ways. Pray that our blessings would be the "cup of cold water" that refreshes and renew others. Pray that such opportunities point others to Christ with a great understanding of who He is and what He shared in hopes that all may experience His blessing. - PNC  Jeff Foxworthy, in one of his stand-up comedy routines, talked about family and Sunday mornings and shared the sentiment, that by the time they got to church, he needed church, b/c he had yelled at everybody in the car on the way there. I'm sure he's not alone. What I'm not sure of, is whether I want to confess to having shared the same sentiment. If not on Sunday morning, it was probably sometime Saturday afternoon. (insert wink here)
Life calls for our attention. As do schedules. Work is sometimes unavoidable, especially when you're not the boss...or at the least in charge of scheduling. Plus there's always...I don't feel like it or there's uncertainty to the benefit of going. But there is benefit and you should feel like it! Church is friendship, with God and man. Church is community, with like-minded people. Church is support, to the needy, the struggling and the frustrated. Church is family...the kind you would choose if that were possible. Church is the strengthening of faith and the classroom of God. Church is the primary venue for the presence of God..."where two or three are GATHERED, in MY Name", scripture tells us. These are the reasons church must be both effective and efficient. Would God want to show up where preparation has not been made for Him? If people were not ready for what He might accomplish in and through them? Church needs to be a place of expectancy. Pray that churches would be a place filled with open hearts. Pray that there would be expectant mindsets. Pray that church would be ready to serve, whosoever may enter the doors; for one never knows where one is at in life. Our church has done a LIVE, drive-through Christmas story on the life of Christ every year for the past, 16 or 17 yrs now. Our Senior Pastor tells the story of a man who drove through a number of years ago, and as Pastor greeted him at the car with a cup of coffee, he noticed the man had a gun on the front seat...ready to take his own life. Yet for some reason, he found himself on church property, waiting to watch the life story of Christ, acted out in real life. Imagine that event, NOT covered in prayer. A congregation NOT expecting the miraculous...NOT believing that lives would be changed for eternity. I don't share this, to brag on my church; but to illustrate the power of church that intentionally works to be effective and efficient for the glory of God. Not only do people have a need for church...the church has a great need for people...to pray up...to show up. -PNC  Everyone has those moments in life...wishing something was different; wishing there was more; wishing there was something else. Ultimately, perhaps wishing they, were someone else.
Christians, non-Christians, even those in ministry have times at which we don't recognize the incredible blessing it is, to have the moments we have...to enjoy the moment in which we presently find ourselves. That said, it's incredible and important to remember, God is control. We are His creation and in His sovereignty, there is a plan and purpose for our lives. And for the lives of those around us, whose lives are full of moments wondering if there is something more and they wish they were someone else... All is found in Christ. Love and forgiveness. Identity and purpose. Pray, that as the church engages in community, that conversations would transpire where people would come understand that there truly is something more. There is something else to life. There is someone else, in their identity. Pray for a spiritual awakening. Pray for a real life awakening; where faith is not separate from everyday living, but an integral part of every moment we have on this earth. Pray for strength, that even in the moments where there doesn't seem to be a "happy ending", the ending we should be concerned with is the one to come, not the one for the situation in which we find ourselves, whatever the reason. Meanwhile, pray for grace for the moment. The moments to follow, while there is still air in our lungs. - PNC  Procrastination is bad for your health. I can vouch for its warning labels, the print on which is too small for the brain to process quickly, before it's too late and you've missed out.
Consequences are everywhere, yet it's the unintended ones that you don't see coming that are the most frustrating to deal with. Waiting on God does not qualify as procrastination. You still actively pray while waiting. You actively trust while waiting. Unless you've been directed to stop, you should continue to be faithful working on whatever is in front of you to do until He directs elsewhere. And if you take the advice offered in the movie, Facing The Giants, you should "grow where you have been planted". Whatever God has in store next, great; in the meantime take care of what's in front of you and do it. NOW. Start Tonight. For missionaries, this is a constant battle. Grow where planted, sure...but the obstacles and challenges can at times be too numerous to count. The frustration, overwhelming. The results? Statistically negligible, perhaps. The questions weigh on the forefront of the mind while the heart breaks, longing for...peace, comfort, strength, victory. Pray for missionaries...that the strength of their spirits be renewed. Their efforts, unhindered and unrestrained. Pray for wisdom, to know when to wait and what they can do while they wait. Pray for vision and clarity of focus for those matters on which they need to take initiative and Start Now! May God be their strength and their portion. Their high tower refuge. Their foundation upon which they build up communities of faith for the glory of God. On behalf of grateful believers everywhere, thanks for your service to the Kingdom of God. May God bless your efforts and honor your sacrifice. - PNC  We took the kids to the playground last night for a few moments, and later, as I considered today's post, I recalled an album from the Christian Metal band, Bride, titled "Snakes In The Playground". The album revolved around the subjects of drugs, gangs and the underworld in every day life.
In an interview with the bands' frontman, Dale Thompson, Thompson offers this insight into their song, Rattlesnake: "“Rattlesnake” the song is about how people turn their kids lose into the world without proper direction and in doing so they might as well have dropped rattlesnakes in a playground full of kids playing. Life can be joyous or it can be venomous." - Dale Thompson, Bride That album debuted in 1992. Twenty-three years later...many of us still wondering, the how and why it feels kids aren't getting the proper direction in their life. Whatever the reasons, providing "proper direction", as Thompson puts it, is becoming paramount on the long-term list of accomplishments for which parents and pastors hope to be remembered. We need help..from a Father greater than any man has known; as ever been; as ever aspired for their legacy. Pray for children's and youth pastors, in the role the play to help families and parents in the spiritual aspects of the home. Pray for Godly wisdom as to how best provide direction to the lives of children. Pray for kids and teens to seek advice and look to God before saying yes to whatever the world may use to entice and ensnare. Pray their lives be set-apart for the things of God, not set-up to be left for eternal death. May there be a powerful and effective collaboration between parents and pastors, to provide and establish a firm foundation in the lives of our young people whereby they accomplish great exploits that would reveal Christ to the world rather than self. -PNC  Sometimes, in our quest to be efficient, we end up being anything but what we desire. Likewise, in our quest to be effective...sometimes no where near close.
Words I wrote for yesterday's post on distractions, thinking I was writing Sundays post, not Saturdays regarding church and community. While writing a post on distractions, I almost wrote the wrong subject matter for the wrong day. The prophetic irony I would take credit for, if it weren't an honest mistake. Thus, like any time, you realize you've erred, you re-evaluate to help ensure you fail to err next time. Church is hard work. As you step in to services around the nation and the globe, consider the prep work and prayer that went into that service.The sermon, the worship, the lessons, the classes and more. All having their "to-do" lists to complete, all figuring out what is most productive in a timely format and schedule. Yes, the power of God and the moving of the Holy Spirit need to do their work in the service, but there's something to be said for having something to work. It's not about our works, but even Isaiah talks about preparing the way of the Lord. Pray that preparations have indeed made a way for God to come and move in the lives of churches across this land, on this and every Sunday. May we work to make church efficient. May we cover the work in prayer, that it would be effective. Pray that the labor of the church would not be in vain. Pray that distractions would fail in their attempts prompt inattention, frustration, carelessness and apathy. These are the times the church needs to put its best foot forward in presenting Christ to a world seeking in all the wrong places, while ignoring the obvious. May the efficient work of the church be found effective, having "redeemed the time, for the days are evil". -PNC  It happened again. I dropped the ball, more than once, sadly. Nothing that ruined the day or anyone, but that didn't keep it from bothering me all day. Sometimes, in our quest to be efficient, we end up being anything but what we desire. Likewise, in our quest to be effective...sometimes no where near close. Meanwhile, those outside often look at the church, thinking we should have it together and look at our failures as reason not to be engaged in the faith.
Sadly, mine could have been prevented. More sad...so can much of the situations the church finds themselves in. Granted, in a day and age where it's getting harder to tell who might get offended and why, this may be easier said then done, but that shouldn't negate the importance of communicating that while we are not perfect, we should not be content where we are. There is nothing in God's plan or purpose, that He desires to accomplish in and through the lives of His creation that is "status quo". Seek and save the lost, it says. Not "find, then leave alone." We are the laborers. He brings the increase. Thankfully His grace is sufficient for our short-comings, of which I was reminded, mine are many. But that doesn't mean we aren't called out and set-apart for what He has for us, not what the world desires with us. "There are two kinds of people: those who say 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, 'All right, then, have it your way'." - C.S. Lewis Pray, that as the church engages the community, that God's standard would be properly communicated. Pray the Holy Spirit direct conversations and prepare hearts for those who need to the life-changing truth, not religious rhetoric. Pray for barriers of offense be broken; that people would understand the difference between standing their ground and standing on Holy Ground. May the community see Christ in the lives of the church, rather than people trying to do it on their own and falling short. We all fall short and must come to accept there is only One who is reliable and reaches the standard we clearly miss. -PNC  Humility seems to live in obscurity of late. We are quickly becoming a culture wrapped up in identity and the emotion and conviction that drives our proclamations of who and what we are and how we desire to be known.
What gets tricky...as revision and redefinition takes precedent, knowing what the truth is and what it looks like is becoming a glaring mark against us. Scripture talks significantly about both the issue of pride and identity. Conversely, some incredible passages revolve around humility...which is hard to fake long-term. Eventually pride takes over and speaks up, as a matter its character and nature. Enter the missionary, willing to sacrifice personal gain, motives, dreams and identity...for the advancement of the Gospel. Their work is nothing short of miraculous and is near impossible to take human credit. That doesn't mean some have tried...they have, again as pride works its agenda, even to the best of intentioned group. But for those that remain, their work remains the cause and will of God, that none should perish. The work can not be done without humility, taking into consider all that is set aside, in order to set themselves apart to go...even to the utmost parts of the earth. Pray, God's speed, as they set out to reach the lost and the dying. In tumultuous times, pray for their safety and protection, for families and loved ones. They know what they face and their trust is in God, but that doesn't diminish their human emotion and reaction to life. Pray for successful impact as they work their programs and methods in order to share the Message, of the only true hope that is able to save one's soul. Pray for wisdom as they navigate a fast-changing cultural shift in society-at-large. Pray that they would experience favor, with God and with man, in ways not yet seen or heard. Fresh revelation. Renewed strength. Clear focus. Diligent work. For the glory of God, may they be found faithful servants. Thank you for your service, Missionaries.God's speed be with you as you go. -PNC  There's two kinds of church fatigue. And wouldn't it be awesome if recognizing the signs were as brilliant and straightforward as this?
One kind is experienced by the congregation. Dangerous, as parishioners start checking out; tired of volunteering or the politics or other Christians, of personality differences...if you've been in church for anything extended length of time, you could probably add to the list. The other is experienced by pastors and administrators. Equally dangerous, if not to greater effects. Pastors might start "winging" sermons; not doing due diligence to the study and preparation of God's Word. Deacons get caught up in other business matters in the community or outside of the church, so they might not be offering their best counsel to the Pastor or full devotion to their ministry. Staff feels overworked and underpaid (don't think that only happens in corporate America). While we're at it, don't forget maintenance is tired of picking up bulletins left in the sanctuary and whatever messes remain after VBS! Major crash zone for the church, where both groups experience this with any significant overlap in their timing, or God forbid, at the same time. Pray this will be averted. Too many Pastors are already exiting the ministry. Who knows how many churches are hemorrhaging deacons and staff positions...and countless churches are losing congregations, as culture become more...(cynical feels like an understatement) towards the things of God and the church. Pray for such trends to be reversed. Pray, in particular, for deacons and staff to be renewed and energized in their commitment to their church and ministry. May encouragement to Pastors and parishioners start with them and as people who enter church see strong support systems and people in place within the church, it will speak clearly that the church is healthy and functioning properly. Pray for an increased awareness for signs of fatigue, that appropriate steps will be taken to resolve situations before crashes start causing long delays and backups within the church, and the body of Christ at-large. -PNC  I tried having a teachable moment with my oldest last night. Turns out it was the younger one, who needed it. However, I'm not sure she would have understood it, so it probably wouldn't have done much good.
That said, I learned something. Different strategies for different people at different times are required in order for teachable moments to be effective. Nowhere is the more quickly learned, than with children. And teens. And adult kids still very loved by their parents who continue to wonder what we are up to some times. If its difficult to handle as parents, then imagine the perspective of the Pastors who work with them. And the perspective they have, as they deal with their own children. I can't imagine the process they must go through. Pray for Children & Youth Pastors, for the difficulties and challenges they face in their own families and kids. Pray for wisdom and strength to endure. Pray for understanding and discernment, in how they present info to their kids at home, and under their ministry. Pray that teachable moments would be often, and effective, for the glory of God. Pray they would neither be missed or wasted; that the next generation would know God, trust in Him, and understand His plan for their lives. Pray that truth would be imparted to them, despite the appearance of the circumstance. -PNC  "FUGIT INREPARABILE TEMPUS". - Virgils Georgics
or... "It escapes. Irretrievable time" The birthday has come and gone. And as I looked in the mirror last night, I'm certain there was an exponential increase in the number of gray hairs in my goatee compared to the one year increase in my kids age. Not to mention, what in the world is it doing, the middle of July already? The Christian rock band from Canada back in the 70's known as The Daniel Band, produced an incredibly anointed discography of five albums, one of which is titled, Running Out Of Time. As I was browsing through my iTunes listening to clips of the albums, I realized...we are indeed running out of time. As we pray for church effectiveness and efficiency, pray that God would help the efforts of churches, to redeem the time. For not only are the days evil, but people are experiencing life and death moments; many that may not even be recognized as such, for they may not happen to the physical body. Emotional health, mental health....spiritual health, who knows when someone will break and when they will need to experience God's grace and forgiveness. Pray the church would not only be aware, but ready. Time is indeed irretrievable. It escapes, like everything else, when one fails to pay attention.  It's so easy to go through life, in motion. It may be auto-pilot...it may be we just get caught up in our world. We get fixated on how to solve this, how to fix that, which way to go and how to go about getting there.
We forgot, rather, neglect the fact there is a bigger picture than ours, a bigger purpose than what's in front of us and more importantly, others who we should be more concerned with than ourselves. It seems so simple, yet life overtakes us. And me. I'll let you know when do a better job of keeping others before myself. Our world is searching for a purpose bigger than what's in front of them...a picture greater than what they see. The church has the Truth that those around us seek. Do we know who in our world is ready to receive? More importantly, are we ready to share, the hope that is within us? Pray for increased awareness in the lives of those in our community...that we would be a listening ear and a compassionate heart for those in need. Pray that circumstances would be arranged in such a way that hearts would be ready to receive. Pray that the church we more concerned with "what's up" in the lives of those around us more than being consumed with our own affairs and desires. -PNC  The craziness of today's culture...people are either building walls of defense as a matter of protecting themselves or they are building walls of offense. Nothing gets by them as among their first reactions to a situation is to declare their being offended.
It's frustrating to witness and more so when you are a party to the situation firsthand. Truth as paramount. Needed, but not so much wanted. Occasionally desired, but not always enough to make application. Difficult times to navigate, especially for the church. Perhaps even more so missions. In times when one's reasons for building and maintaining walls in their lives are growing in depth and breadth, now more than ever the truth needs to illuminate hearts and minds to return to God. Indeed, pray for missionaries, that God would go before them to arrange events and circumstances that would soften hearts and minds. Pray that there would be evaluations in peoples lives as to the reasons for the walls and their effectiveness...are they becoming better, kinder, nicer people by having them? Pray for words of wisdom, to be able to speak truth and life into the circumstances that have prompted the walls in the first place. May the Holy Spirit bring revelation, allowing the truth to bring healing and restoration to souls searching for meaning and purpose. -PNC  This may sound repetitious from a prior post regarding deacons and admins, but last night my mind was putting a few pieces together.
In the past few days, we've prayed over decisions and the process that goes into them. Regarding church operations, we've prayed that they would not get wrapped up in the monotony of daily tasks, but keep an eternal perspective about their responsibilities. And in our Wednesday night prayer service last night, with a devotion on "revelation and wisdom", I was reminded, that regarding Bring Me 70, I can't do this on my own...not in my own words, wisdom or strength. It is a bigger vision than I could come up with. And the phrase that stood out, just before leaving service... I Corinthians 2:5..."your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men". Neither should the work of the church. While this applies for all church positions, pray particularly for deacons, admins and staff, that while it would be easy to approach their duties with the wisdom of man, may they seek God for His direction regarding their work. A timely word to the other end of an incoming call in need, a home visit, a meeting in the community...it might not mean much on the surface, but in prayer, God can and will use it to accomplish His purpose...especially when He is sought and brought into such matters. Pray that those in these positions would not neglect the power of God to move on their behalf in moments that on the surface don't seem spiritual; yet can make huge impacts for His glory. In our weakness, He is strong. If we stand in our strength, where does that leave God? -PNC |
AuthorJust a man, attempting to fulfill God's plan. Husband, Dad, Dreamer. Blogger. Archives
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