It has been an interesting couple of hours leading up to my "writing" this post. Nothing serious... just reflective.

As I understand it, your reaction to whatever you encounter in life is a binary one. Positive. Negative.

And while the variance in descriptors used to express those two states of reaction requires a thesaurus, I can boil it down two mental responses:

1) You will be inspired. Perhaps enough to step out and do something great of your own.
2) You will be bummed. Perhaps not to some level of depression, but likely some apparent decline in self-esteem. If only for a moment or two. You might not stay bummed, but you may never feel you can see through to the end of whatever awaits, should you actually act after being inspired.

Someone posted a cartoon on a friend's social media page last night. Upon attaching the cartoon, they stated:
"No pressure, tomorrow."

The cartoon.... the first few rows of a congregation. They were each holding a sign.

• "remember how much I give in the offering"
• "tell me how much I'm going to succeed"
• "tell me what I want to hear"
• "make sure the programs are good for my kids"
• another comment on whether to preach on sin....and 5 or 6 more; just like these.

Churches and church life is changing. Some changes are great. Some churches are experiencing phenomenal growth and making a great impact for kingdom of God and the cause of Jesus Christ.

Other churches are trying to maintain. Changes, whether from trying to "keep up" or just stay afloat, are not well-received.

It doesn't help, as society changes, so do expectations of what church should be, do, offer and fulfill for any one who walks through the doors.

As we pray for church effectiveness and efficiency, both the church and the attendee can react with both states of mind.

Churches can be inspired by others, and make something great for their own with God's help.
Or... they can be bummed by what they're not able to do and continue to struggle.

Likewise, the attendee... can step into a service or church event and be inspired; by the truth of God's word and the community of the body of Christ and figure out what God has in store for their life.
Or... they can be bummed... not worthy of God's love; that they don't have the joy they see in the life of the believer, that their  life, even with Christ, would never change the state of frustration they have in their life now.

Whatever the reaction... we are all not worthy. And we can all do more than what we currently do. Even if that's already more than most others.

We are all a work in progress. God's work. And as long as He's not done with us, then we are; quite simply, not done either.

Pray, this #effectiveSunday... may the truth of God's word illuminate hearts and minds of individuals and churches, alike, to the plans and purposes He has for His people, on both sides of a decision to accept Christ. May we seek God's will, not out of comparison to others, but clarification to self; that it is God  who grants giftings, talents and abilities; that the place in life and the people we find ourselves in community with are what God uses. To reveal Himself. To draw people closer to Himself. To prompt people to realize in greater dimension, their need for Him in their lives.

May the church be inspired to draw closer to God.
May the unsaved be inspired to accept Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior.

For it matters not when we decide to accept Him...ultimately, though, it must before one's last breath.
A guaranteed, unforeseen moment in time awaits. May today be one's day of salvation. For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Our annual church business meeting is tonight. I'm trying to think how many churches still have business meetings.

I remember all the work that went into these when I was a kid, with my parents who were active in ministry positions at our church. It's important for any and organizations to evaluate their progress in whatever the have undertaken as their mission and purpose. Effectiveness of programs and personnel, condition of resources, status of finances, the transpiring of situations perhaps unresolved... there is much ground to cover.

Yet, we continually hear of decisions being made... "It's not personal... it's business."
Then there's relationships so strong that different decisions are considered... "The relationship is too great; I can't do that, even if it hurts the business long-term" (not heard nearly as often as the first)

People don't like to consider the church as a business... nor do people like to hear about churches more focused on the organization stuff than the people aspect.

Yet, any healthy organization must continually evaluate it's state of affairs in order to ensure everything is moving in the intended direction. Corporation. Non-profit. Government entity. Church body. The family unit.

It requires a diligent inspection of all the moving parts that collectively define the entity and hard conversations that follow about "what's next".

The church is the family of God, which means, operations within the church are about as personal as the decisions one makes regarding their own family.

It is in fact, business that is personal. No business is more personal that one that deals with matters of eternity, where the health of one's life matters here on earth and matters even more, in light of the life that comes after death.

Souls weigh in the balance. No business is more personal than the kind where lives are at stake..

What a great opportunity, to pray on this #effectiveSunday, for the effective and efficient operations of the body of the Christ. Pray for those churches, struggling, where the outlook of their people, operations and finances are in state of trouble, rather than health. Pray God would sovereignly intervene and bring help, direction and resources to pastors and boards that are stressing over the challenges they face and the decisions that need to be made. Pray for those churches, doing well, that are operation from a state of health; may the continue the good work they have begun. Pray for wisdom as they evaluate what is working, what is not and consider what's next... what God has for them to accomplish as they serve their community. Pray for all churches, to come into greater health as the body of Christ, greater relationship with God. May many lives be changed for eternity; destinies witnessed on earth; plans carried out; purposes fulfilled... all for the glory of God.

We are God's people. About our Father's business. Personal... from the very beginning of time.
God's only desire: Relationship with His kids.

- PNC

With an hour remaining, while the day is called Saturday, and I'm not sure what will become of #effectiveSunday. This of course, I take a moment to remind God of my plight. There's much to pray for, maybe I should keep it simple. No direction.

Then just moments ago...I have to set this for you.

While the kids were still awake from a few hrs ago, I put on an old White Heart music video. For the past few hours, YouTube just keeps playing what's next, so for at least the past hour, it's been all Petra, practically all 80's and 90's. Meanwhile, I'm browsing Craigslist, cars for sale by owner... in an area out of state because curiosity gets the better of me sometimes. (this is an addicting way to window shop online, by the way)

As I'm browsing older used cars, remembering the greatness of when they were new and how fun they would be to drive again, while listening to music of which the same can be said (great music that hasn't lost the power of its' message), something in my mind jumps to aging Christians:

People of faith, with a long record of following Christ, being active in whatever church they attend, sharing their faith with the lost, encouraging the faith of younger believers (in respect to both physical and spiritual age)...

What impact did they make after first accepting Christ as their Lord and Savior and now, decades later, what a testimony to the greatness and faithfulness of God and the importance of connecting with a healthy church (regardless of physical and numerical size)

What did God accomplish in them because they reached out to God.
What did God accomplish through them, because they reached out to those around them.

It's a perspective we should all consider in light of our own journey of faith and walk with God.

What is He accomplishing in us and through us? For if we are not willing to allow Him to work in our lives, nor willing to have Him use as to speak truth and life into those around us, then we fail to be useful for the work of the Lord, let alone effective and efficient.

Those who are lukewarm get spit out, if your Bible reads as mine does.
Too convicting for you? Yeah. How do you think I feel writing it?

Lord, on this #effectiveSunday, I need your help. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. May God cement and secure that commitment in the hearts and lives of every Christian, young and old. May we impact our world for Christ, whether we are freshly saved or marinating in sanctification. Pray the people of God continue to remain ready, willing and available, to be used by God, even when called into the unknown. May we trust His leading and His prompting, that His plan is not to harm, but one of hope and a future.

Effective. By the power of the Holy Spirit. With the truth of God's Word. For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

In conjunction with yesterdays' prayer that the community would be hearers of the Word, there are many in the church still struggling to respond appropriately when they hear the Word of God.

It's entirely possible we oversimplify our faith at times.

Just trust in God.
Just read your Bible.
Just spend time in prayer. (even if it's a 70-second challenge)
Just share your story
Just be loving (on days other than Valentines)
Just....

Be the body of Christ that brings glory and honor to God.

And yet, daily realizing the work involved to make the right decisions... more easily said; not so easily done.

Do the right thing, at the right time, with the right measure, with all your heart.

All of which come as a matter of habit (thing), experience (timing), discernment (measure) and attitude (heart)

Maybe it's just me that struggles with this..

We have good intentions. We start off strong. We're ready to go. Then life. Frustration. Set-backs. Minor victories over-shadowed by major setbacks. The slow-down begins.

(Maurette Brown Clark is singing It Ain't Over as I'm writing this, listening to Pandora.  "Keep fighting until your victory is won")

What if, for as easy as we make our faith out to be, we give up all the more easily?

Effective and efficient work isn't easy work. It's hard work done well, with right tools, resources and manpower with right attitudes.

If the church isn't so equipped, doing the work of the Lord after we've heard it will be more of a struggle than God ever intended for us to carry out.

Pray this #effectiveSunday, God help your people be the body of Christ you intended for us to show to a lost & dying world in desperate need of You. May we overcome the things that hinder us from doing the right thing. May we learn the timing for what God has in store for us to accomplish. Pray for discernment, that we may proceed with the correct measure. Pray we carry out the plans and purposes God has for us with good attitudes and a clean heart. May the body of Christ be found as a magnet, drawing this lost world to God through the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace and mercy of the cross of Christ.

On this day when the world acknowledges the power of love, may many experience the love of God. Eternity changed as hearts are transformed. For the glory of God. Thank you, for so loving the world that you sent your Son, Jesus Christ.

- PNC

If you've yet heard the phenomenal brilliance that is the musical talent of Robert Randolph & The Family Band, then you are truly missing out. I forgot their album, Unclassified, was in the car yesterday and my sometimes finicky CD changer actually loaded the CD. Going In The Right Direction is the first song on the album, a song my oldest daughter loves to hear. She immediately recognized it and asked me to "turn it up". I was happy to do so... as this is the song to set your alarm to when you don't want to go to work tomorrow morning. 

Forgive me (this post is slightly longer than normal) and, for the 3rd day in a row being musically-based, but read these lyrics and tell me this doesn't accurately describe one's life, before and after accepting Christ.

I was lost, I thought the losing dice were tossed
I didn't know where to go, I didn't have no one to turn to
I'm glad I found you just in time
Wont miss those things I left behind

'Cause we were going in the right direction
'Cause we were going in the right direction

Now I've found the road I need to travel down
I don't know what tomorrow brings
Day by day with you I'll do the same thing
I'm so glad I'm standing on my own two feet
No more running into that dead end street

'Cause now I'm going in the right direction
'Cause now I'm going in the right direction

I thought my life was over, I thought I was lost
I just knew that there was an end to the road
But I know where I'm going right now
I know I'm going in a right direction

You better get right or you're gonna get left
You better get right or you're gonna get left
You better get right or you're gonna get left
You better get right or you're gonna get left

Ministry is an incredible process. The planting and watering of seeds, as Jesus states in the parable. The sovereignty of God in the providence of events and experiences in ones' life; the "risk" of free will and the choice of humanity, The salvation decision. The daily sanctification process.

Ministry never ends. Nor should it, as becoming more like Christ is not something one arrives at, but we push toward, as a goal.

Should it ever fail to be efficient and or cease to be effective, the work of Christ in one's life will go on; but how will they suffer the setback? Bitterness and frustration set in. Cynicism takes over and before long, there is a break down in one's faith in God. No, they may not have turned and headed back in the wrong direction, but their pursuit of God looks nothing like God's pursuit of them.

Hard to swallow, I know. My pursuit doesn't always look like how I know it should either. But don't you want to do something meaningful for someone who has done more for you than you thought was possible? That is the dynamic we have in our relationship to God.

What a shame to not handle the opportunity wisely and responsibly as an expression of gratitude.

So, we pray this #effectiveSunday, God we need your help. Forgive us for not passionately pursuing you as you sought after and continue to seek us. Forgive us, for the times we as a church have left a bitter taste...in the one contemplating making a salvation decision... for the one who came to you long ago and somewhere along the way we fumbled it up. May you grant us grace, as people come to Christ, turning their life to the "right direction". May they not be dismayed, distracted, detoured or derailed by imperfect people whom you still love enough to call the spotless bride of Christ. Help us to handle the ministry and work of the gospel well. Efficiently. Effectively. Wisely. Responsibly.

We are eternally grateful for your grace and glory, God. We look to you. We seek you. We need you. We trust you.
Hear our prayer. Come quickly to our aid.

- PNC

In what can be considered part 3, of #missionFriday 's Take This Message post, I almost titled this post Advancing The Message.

We prayed about the delivery. We prayed about not messing it up. And now, making sure we are effective upon completion of its safe delivery.

Effectiveness is measured by what is gained and maintained.

Sure there is an "effective net gain" with the understanding that there will be losses sustained along the way. But if you are losing more than you are gaining, then you remain on a "net losing" streak.

Think about this for a moment.

We are losing more pastors in a month to burnout than a good number of churches see in new salvations over the course of a year.
 
Surely, we are not consistently adding as many new pastors into ministry on a monthly basis as we are losing. Most organizations can't sustain a loss in personnel of this magnitude. The mega-corporations can manage for a while, but eventually, even they move back into hiring and increasing their workforce. Otherwise, they start taking drastic measures to scale back operations accordingly. Also, something the church should not be doing.

More people in need. More people hurting. More people seeking spiritual significance. More people closer to the very eternal outcome they don't think will actually, ever happen.

MORE. In dire need of the truth, of the super-natural power of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, capable of saving every degree of sinner, even if we are the only ones who think such a thing exists. To God, we are all in need of His Son.

And we are all in need of effective ministry that leads us to become more like Christ and draw closer to God.

Pray this #effectiveSunday, that Pastors will experience a rejuvenation in their ministry, as they receive good reports of what is transpiring in their ministry and community. For those that are close to burnout, may the Holy Spirit work anew and afresh, that the power of the message is from God and not man. May God move on the hearts and lives of those who hear, prompting their response to God in accordance to what is going in their lives. Forgiveness, reconciliation, restoration, healing, salvation, deliverance...

For whatever we need from the Lord, His response has always, simply been: I AM.

Advancing the cause of Jesus Christ, for the glory of God.

- PNC

It's should be no surprise that people are apprehensive about God and the church, the message of the Gospel and the transforming power of a heart and life changed by salvation through Jesus Christ.

In this consumer-driven culture, we come to arrive at decisions and perspectives as we have observed others, as we prayed yesterday. We've seen what we think is hypocritical, based on what we know or what we think we know about Scripture. We watch for what works and what doesn't work, like there's a free 2-week trial period or a 90-day satisfaction, money-back (or life-back, in this case) guarantee with God.

It's new. It's different. It's going to require me to do things that I'm not sure I'm interested in doing, let alone capable of doing. Thus, more often than not, we find about what is new and different because of someone sharing their experience with us.

Think about it... when was the last time you walked up to someone and said:

That's really interesting. I know little to nothing about what you are doing and if I could even handle it, but it looks exciting and I'd like to do it. I'm all in, whatever it takes. Show me how..

NO.

On the contrary.... that's cool for them, but that freaks me out. No thanks, I'd rather not. You go ahead, I'm not interested, That's not my thing. You have a good time, I think I'll stay where I am. It's safe. It's warm. It's stable. And I like it here.

Here's the exciting thing about how God works... just moments before I got ready to type this post, as I was organizing my thoughts, I refreshed my Facebook newsfeed on my phone. Really? Something as serious as prayer and you checked Facebook? Yes, yes I did. And upon doing so, this status showed up with the "just now" time stamp, from a Pastor friend of mine giving a shout-out regarding this mornings sermon series.

"It's far better to find out someone else's world then try and expect them to enter ours." - Jeremy Gyorke, Pastor, Wyandotte Family Center #WalkAcrossTheRoomWFC

Back in the day, the Christian Rock band,  White Heart, wrote a song titled Invitation. The lyrics talk about the struggle described here.

I told you once, I told you twice // But I sense your hesitance at taking my advice
I see you wanting to get involved // You are invited but you must return the call

It's a big decision and I know the feeling // 'Cause I been there before, it takes believing // And a heart that's willing

The invitation is God standing at the door of every heart and knocking. Accompanied by a person who can reassure, this is not the invite you want to send back with a check-mark next to "decline"

Pray, this #effectiveSunday, invites to Christ will be accepted. May the body of Christ accept the challenge offered by Pastor Jeremy... that we would walk across the room before we wait to be approached. Pray God help us with the answers to questions, people have when sharing their concerns regarding who God is and what He has to offer that is in fact, life-changing, life-transforming.

Life-revisited for the glory of God through the grace offered by the power of salvation; Jesus taking our place for what was rightly due us all. May the message of our lives be consistent with God's, offering no room for an excuse to decline the invite.

- PNC

I was thinking a many number of times over the past week about church services when I was growing up. As I spent time in prayer, praise songs and hymns kept coming to remembrance from when I was in youth group or playing quietly on the church pew with my Hot Wheels during a Sunday night service.

Don't get me wrong...I love the environment of church today. The lights and screens look awesome, the musicians are truly talented and 9.9 times out of 10 the anointing that's upon them is quickly noticed. For the latest generation, it's elements that help create a level of expectation, which is a key element as we approach with boldness then throne of Grace.

That said, the level of expectation was something you brought to church with you, rather than waiting until you walked into the building to own it. God does need to us to create a "cool" environment for Him, in order that He perform the miraculous in our midst. He does however, need our faith. Our faithfulness. Our obedience. And our surrender.

Four things that a dimly-lit room and a lit-up stage won't produce. Each of us have to bring those elements with us to the altar.

Thus, pray this #effectiveSunday, that we would not rely on external factors of an environment to strengthen and encourage our faith. May the promise of the Word of God bring the increase and fortification of our resolve, to serve and surrender to who He is and the plans He has for us. May we boldly approach the throne of God, having brought with us an expectation of "if only".

God desires to do, work and move supernaturally in our midst. But we must focus and align ourselves solely with Him. May we be faithful in doing our part this morning, believing, knowing and expecting God will do His part in our lives and in our world.

For His service. For His glory. The supernatural, miraculous move of God, exceeding all our highest expectations.

-PNC

I was amazed again yesterday, what can happen as we confess our need to God for His help in our circumstances; praying that He would work the miraculous; praying that He would handle all the details for His glory and honor.

Then this shows up on my quotes app this morning:

I believe God is managing affairs and that He doesn't need any help from me. With God in charge, I believe everything will work out for the best in the end. So what is there to worry about." -Henry Ford.

Thanks Henry. Nothing. There is absolutely nothing to worry about. As we commit our plans to the Lord. As we seek His face, that He would grant us wisdom and direction in the situations we face and the paths that lay before us.

It's so cool to watch the handiwork of God. It truly is like watching a master craftsman or a top-shelf artist.

Ford's words are a great reminder, as we are three days into 2016, that whatever new ideas, directions and decisions are being acted upon to accomplish more for the kingdom of God, may we not fret and freak and frustrate. Simply trust, believe and obey.

Let us not be anxious for anything, but in all things with prayer and supplication, let our requests be made known unto God.

On this first #effectiveSunday of 2016, may these words ring true and come to our remembrance often. Indeed, may we not freak out and frustrate over situations that don't go our way; that don't work out as desired, but remain faithful to what God has called us to do; knowing the master craftsman is it under control. We need not worry that He is second-guessing the affairs of man or His working the miraculous throughout. Pray pastors and churches not let past situations and circumstances stand in the way of being able to trust, believe and obey, anew and afresh today. Sovereign God is still on the throne, still in control, still concerned with the lives of His creation.

We look to you O God, confident; you've got this...my life; the whole world, in your Hands.

-PNC

I woke up this morning, and it didn't take long that I phrase I used yesterday came to mind as I thought about the effectiveness and efficiency of the church...the pulse of the community.

It does little good to know the "heartbeat of God" and what He is concerned with, if the church doesn't also have its finger on the "pulse of the community" to know what is going on, amiss, and needed.

Ideas, solutions and programs that aren't in line with the first and relevant to the second will accomplish little compared to their actual potential.

This is what Christ modeled for us, in His ministry. Everything He did was in step with God's will and plan while remaining relevant to the needs of the people He came in contact with. It also explains why every miracle, while similar in nature, are different in execution... because the individual was different.

So it is for communities. Programs and solutions won't and shouldn't be a "one size fits all" philosophy, for the character and nature of the community in which my friends serve are entirely different from where I'll be for church in just a little .

We must seek the face of God to know what He for us. We must seek to know the community and what they need from us.

On this #effectiveSunday, pray that churches would strength their spirits, as they seek the face of God... for the plans He has for their people, their pastors, their ministries and their purpose within the community. Pray for divine appointments and open doors of opportunity to meet relevant needs in tangible ways. May God be glorified as the church offers effective ideas and efficient solutions to the challenges of the communities in which they serve.

For the glory of God and the cause of Jesus Christ. His hands and feet extended to the world, through the body of Christ... that is the local church.

-PNC

December is also a great and busy month...for everyone. Church, family, business... life gets crazy in a hurry. And expensive.

And reflective. It's the end of the year. It's the time to celebrate the birth of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. It's the time of year we more greatly consider those less fortunate than ourselves and on the list of time goes.

Throw in the birthdays of a couple of immediate family members (my own included) and it becomes a time of great reflection.

What has one done well? What does one regret? How does one go about putting a game plan together, of which, after the year changes over, they will do more well, than they will regret? Plus, there's the simple, yet infinitely unanswerable question, "where does time go" in the first place!

This is a great time for the church to be effective. In sharing the reason for the season. In helping those in dire circumstances, experiencing great need and struggling with great loss. In helping people find purpose and meaning. In discovering "what's next" in our lives and with the help of Almighty God, putting our faith to daily good use.

On this #effectiveSunday, pray the church displays well, the love and power of God for those who need to experience grace and forgiveness. Pray this will be a time of healing and restoration for those struggling with the losses and blows that life has dealt them. May bitterness and frustration go as Christ brings purpose and meaning this holiday season. In all things, may people know and remember Jesus is the reason and may the live out the purpose and plan God has for them, during this season and the many that follow.

Celebrating the life of Christ by being His hands extended. For the glory of God., we rejoice in Christ coming to man.

-PNC

I encourage you all, to check out the story of Stephanie McCabe, who happens to be the daughter of Dan McCabe, a member of The Daniel Band, from the 80's era of Christian Rock.

www.allovertheearth.co

#AllOverTheEarth is a global prayer movement, utilizing social media in hopes that the power of prayer and the potential for the miraculous will be witnessed to a greater degree than every before.

People are posting stickers all over the globe with statements of prayer that people are making public, believing God will accomplish great things in the lives of their family and friends, churches and communities, and to all the aforementioned-at-large.

Like Bring Me 70, simple moments in time with God are resulting in thinking outside the box; to harness the power of social media to call people to pray, for serious issues in this life that require serious people with incredible faith. The church has joined Stephanie in this mission. Funds raised are in turn, helping the church.

This is the body of Christ. This is the power of prayer.
Thanks in advance for your support, both now and in the future.

On this #effectiveSunday, pray for the mission of #AllOverTheEarth, that people would grow in their prayer life, believing for the miraculous and the boldness to state it publicly. Pray for the positive influence through the potential of social media, not for the mundane and frustrations of life, but for healing and restoration, salvation and deliverance, transformation of hearts and minds in lives of people in obscure locations to bustling mega-cities. Pray that the church itself, would return corporately, to being a people known to pray.

An individual. A family. A church. A community. A country. A world.
Returning to God. Through the power of prayer. By the message of the cross of Jesus Christ.
Lives changed. Won by One.
#AllOverTheEarth

-PNC

If only life were exactly this easy!!

We got bombarded with snow yesterday. Non-stop, all-day, open the windows of heaven, snowfall. And in the evening hour, our lot had still not been plowed. Not even once.

What are they waiting for? This is ridiculous!!

It would have been great had it been done sooner, but I imagine they waited until a time where there efforts would be and show the most effective use of tools to move the snow.

Too soon and nobody would be able to notice they had even done anything (which maybe they did when I wasn't there, in which case, point proven). Efficient, but not really effective.

Too late and the work would be much harder and take longer to complete.
Effective, but not the most efficient

So it goes with the ministry and outreach of the church. If the people aren't ready for whats taking place in ministry, the results could be dismal at best. Not effective. Conversely, if the people are so ready and the church or ministry seems to have a lag or "dragging" trait, they may not wait for whats going on, the work that will be required moving forward will increase... significantly. Not efficient.

Pray, this #effectiveSunday, that churches and ministry will have and use discernment in their timing of ministries, services and outreaches. Pray for a greater sensitivity to the heart and will of God for their purpose, of what God has called them to accomplish. May they remain true to their mission, utilizing time, resources and people wisely as the perform the work of the church. Pray the church and its' people are quick to respond when God calls "NOW". May, neither the people nor the ministry have a lag, neither will they be in a rush. May the work effectively and efficiently, even while there is "wait" to moving forward.

-PNC

The problem with prayer and specifically, praying for a person or a people to return to God, is that one does not know to what measure circumstances and situations will have to occur in order for the return to take place. Like rescuing someone from disaster, the intervention may still involve some damage

It's almost foolish to think we could and would pray for God to work in someone's life and change their heart without some struggle and difficulty. That there wouldn't be some resistance. Like trying to get someone's attention. The longer they ignore your attempts, the louder and stronger you work to get them to take notice.

It does, in fact, take God working the miraculous, which often involves a spirit of brokenness, in order to bring people to the place where they acknowledge their need for Him and that it comes from a spirit of love, not spite, revenge or judgement.

Imagine the quandary of God's sovereignty. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all come to repentance through His Son, Jesus Christ. He is able to take what was meant to destroy us and use it for His good. He has plans and purposes to prosper, not to harm. He stands at the door of your heart and knocks; meaning He's not busting in, but as a gentleman, waiting patiently for you to respond to Him. Having said all of that, He sent His Son to rescue the lost and the dying, spiritually. Nothing happens in this world without His ordinance or His permission. For even Satan couldn't rise against Job without speaking with God regarding Him.

So what will it take for people and nations of all kinds to return to God? I don't know. That said, I don't exactly want to wait until we are on the brink of disaster to discover to what extents God will go to rescue us before we cross the line of eternity.

If there is a decision today that can be made that would guard against an "unknown" risk factor, why would one wait?

Pray, this #effectiveSunday, that decisions to return to God would be made today! Pray that many would understanding that it is indeed possible to miss out on eternity by waiting too long to acknowledge and accept Christ as Lord & Savior. May the love of God be made real, that regardless of the situations people find themselves in this morning, that He still loves them, has a plan for their lives and desires relationship with them. Pray the saving grace of Christ on the cross be made apparent. Pray that the knowledge of man, past experiences and characterizations who people THINK God is, are set aside for the TRUTH of who God is. May this be a day, that many come one step closer to the fulfillment of the promise that one day, every knee will acknowledge JESUS IS LORD!!

For the glory of God and the cause of Jesus Christ. May many return HOME to God, before eternity calls their number.

-PNC

I came to an interesting realization the other day, that I have probably always known, but a particular situation has brought this understanding to the forefront.

The answer to your prayer may involve action and movement on your part that will catch you off guard.

If the answer is no, you may be bummed out, but the matter is close,at least for now, and there's nothing you can do. If the answer is yes, then there are some "next steps" that are being laid out that one will need to take moving forward in that answer to prayer. If we don't understand that, receiving the answer may be a struggle to accept, which probably shouldn't be the case, but we're human, so it happens.

The effectual, fervent prayer of a man avails much. And he very well has work in front of him, if he receives the desired answer.

For over five consecutive months, now, prayers for pastors and churches and community have been posted on this site. And I'm certain, that every affirmative answer has involved more work. Increased favor in business? More work. Financial blessing and wisdom? Tough decisions ahead...and probably some more work. Restored relationships? Some real conversations that require time and effort are probably taking place in the near future.

No says "it's over". Yes says, "what's next".

Welcome to #effectiveSunday, as we pray that our prayers will be effectual and fervent. Pray that the church and its people will be prepared to act and move in the direction that will unfold as prayers are answered affirmatively. Pray that the unknown outcome of circumstances will not cause us to shy away in our prayers out of reluctance of what it may mean for our participation. Pray the effectiveness and the efficiency of the body of Christ and the church-at-large will not be hindered because we offer lax prayers. Prayer is more akin to spiritual battle than a spiritual walk in the park. Pray that we will be a people that suits up when we go to seek the face of God, prepared for all possible outcomes of whatever answer He gives, whether it's immediate or delayed. May we wait on Him as we go about doing what we know we are to do in the meantime.

For the glory of God and the cause of Jesus Christ. Answered prayers. Ready people. Changed lives. On Earth. In Heaven.

-PNC

My brother and I loved playing this game when we were kids. I remember at least once, we had a game last about a week, as we would play it after school for a while, then slide it underneath the couch until the next day. So much fun!

I called him Friday night to get his input regarding what was on my mind. Always a man with great insight (through his own experience and observations), he replied to my concerns, this is how we do it and it makes things so much easier. I explained my concerns in taking the risk of that decision, and that while I knew he was right, it made me nervous in actually following through on his advice. Partly, because it was a step of faith to continue to trust God that He was with us in this area of our lives.

Saturday morning, I took his advice, made the decision, followed through on it and took the time to go through where everything should go. Later in the morning, I had to call..."brother, you were right! I can't tell you how different this feels! What a peace of mind!"

So it goes,with most of life, whether in the marketplace or in ministry. There will always be risk; but having someone whose counsel and advice can be trusted because the person from whom it comes, has traveled that road and while the road has been challenging, they have safely traversed it Granted, we've all made the wrong decision and at times paid for it dearly and literally... but that shouldn't dissuade us from trusting again, that God has a plan and a purpose for us and that He is able to take our bad decisions and our experience, even the misfortune, and use it to create opportunities where He is glorified, lives are changed and challenged and that peace in this life is possible.

It requires prayer as you seek the face of God, sound advice as you seek wise counsel and trust that God will help you make the right decision for what He has in store for your life.

Pray, this #effectiveSunday, for those in ministry (as well as the marketplace) whose life experiences are causing them to hold back from making decisions through which God desires to accomplish something great. Pray that fear and worry and anxiety not overtake them to a place where delay and indecision causes further damage and irreparable harm. Pray for a return and continual positioning of ourselves, to seek the face of God, first and foremost. Pray wisdom, will indeed come from those who ask of God, who gives generously. Pray for sound advice from those whose counsel we seek, from people who place their trust in God, where God has worked through miraculous through their own decisions, good, bad  and devastating.

What the enemy intends to use to harm and destroy us, would God use to accomplish the miraculous to protect us and restore us. For His name sake. For the glory of God. For the encouragement of the body of Christ. Risk will be rewarded.

-PNC

We all have the moments where you wonder how you can be good in one area of life, things are going well, the pieces are coming together nicely and fitting! (which is important, in it's own right)

Then there's areas of your life, where it's not. Whether it feels like it to you personally, or appears that way to others, there's simply that one piece, that one area, that one discipline, that if you "got it" it would launch you to the next level of putting the puzzle together.

Figuring out what the "piece" was occurred yesterday. And of course, writing the concept that one piece, could be keeping you from putting other pieces together... a light-bulb moment.  And it's not even time for church yet!

If it's true in my life, it's probably true in yours. At for that matter, your family. Your friends. Your business. Your community. And the reason for Bring Me 70... your church. What areas of operations, ministry and disciplines are amiss in coming together that prevent the church from "firing on all cylinders", things, people or methods that hinder them from being the most effective and most efficient in moving forward with the vision of their ministry they are attempting to fulfill?

Pray, this #effectiveSunday, for wisdom as churches consider, reflect and talk-through areas of operation and methods where pieces of ministry don't seem to be matching up, for any number of reasons. Pray for guidance in whatever counsel is sought out, that advice and the decisions that result would come into alignment with the will of God, the truth of His word and consist with the vision and plan for ministry God has placed upon them. Pray for a spirit of grace and of patience, as changes of implementation may or may not happen as quickly as hoped or desired and the struggle to improve does not create set-backs in their ability to move with more effective and more efficient ministry.

For the glory of God. For the cause of Jesus Christ. For the sake of us all, in our desire to live better lives for Him and those around us. In His name, we pray.

-PNC

Social media is an interesting dynamic. Rival college football teams played each other Saturday night. And whatever caused a bad-turnover in the last 10 seconds of the game, caused the team that was ahead by 2 points to lose. And the reactions to both the win and the loss depending on who you were rooting for...well, it appears to have gotten ugly. Fast.

Last I knew, it was still a game.

Conversely, social media was elsewhere singing the praises of a band's latest album, whose ministry over the decades has reached for eternity, people who would never think of setting foot in church; or returning if they had once been burned, for that matter.

Disclaimer: there are bands and musicians with talent who don't use it to make an eternal impact for the glory of God, as much as there are players, who may not be the most talented on the team who do use their talent for God. So this isn't a music v sports "one-up man-ship" post.

But watching the dichotomy unfold last night, it became apparent why church needs to be effective and efficient. I know people are passionate about sports, but when it takes precedent over what's being accomplished for the kingdom of God by those believing their gifts and abilities will be used for His glory and prompt a turning or returning of the heart towards God, then one should be concerned.

It's why churches dread summers when kids sports schedule begin taking up Sunday mornings. It's why Pastors struggle on whether to make changes to Sunday night services. It's why Youth Pastors invest so much into getting teens to events and Childrens' Pastors pray their regular kids aren't the only ones attending Vacation Bible School. And it's problems like these that take their toll in the steps leading to pastoral burnout.

Life may be fun and games and I love partaking in both, but the line of demarcation between life and eternity is deadly serious.

Pray today will in fact, be an #effectiveSunday. Pray the reactions to conversations and sermons will lead to positive changes in peoples' lives, both for their time on earth and their time in eternity. Pray the seriousness of eternity is made apparent, through the truth of Gods' Word, not to decide out of fear, but out of faith; genuinely knowing and understanding Christ came to draw us towards Him, not force Himself upon us. It's the difference between relationship and well... God is a gentleman.

It's the difference between standing at the door and knocking versus knocking the door down.
Pray this culture comes to understand Christ came to care for the heart of man, not crush him.

For the love of God. For His Glory. Life has it's games. Life itself, not so much. Eternity demands a decision, not a chance.

-PNC