Reminders come in all forms. From the glorious and noteworthy, to the nonchalant and matter-of-fact. And somewhere in the mix, is the painful and frustrating.  And what's today's reminder?

Every organization has someone in management, who will not only have an off-day, but when you least expect it, make it known that such is your present environment. Certain personalities, certain circumstances and industries... you can account for such possibilities; you can set a level of realistic expectation. There will be days of certain frustration and potential for problems and emotion And the culture and mood will not be one that someone would want to endure for an extended period of time, whether for hours, days, weeks, or even years.

What's the point? I'm not sure there's a more saddening statement to hear, than one speak aloud, the frustrations of the boss in the workplace and it is being caused by someone within the church leadership or even the pastoral staff.

I really don't know what to offer or say in response. But just consider your own frustration and move it to a church environment. Does it change your perspective of what's going on? More importantly, does it change how you should respond? And it seems as though the disappointment of it all, would rise to another level.

So, pray this #seniorPastorMonday, for pastors who are perhaps, unknowingly, creating a frustrating and difficult working environment. Whether it be for personal reasons, ministerial pressures or problems and stresses that they are simply having a hard time managing, pray that God would do a work in their hearts and minds. May He give them solutions where there problems, direction where there is confusion and peace  in the midst of storms. Pray that God would wisdom, for all parties involved, to know how to properly engage and respond, in a manner that glorifies God, honors each other and allows for truth to be spoken with grace and love.

Working together, better.
For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I'm reminded once again, of a very simple, yet profound truth. It's basic to the process, but crucial in our understanding.

With great organization, comes great effectiveness and efficiency.

Correspondingly, where there is a lack of organization, the results of effectiveness and efficiency will not only be hindered, but possibly elusive. Consider the beauty of cool looking puzzle. Everyone is impressed with the final result. But at the beginning? Well... enthusiasm to see the project through to completion often wanes, with out a plan of attack and a systematic approach, to see what all the pieces are and how and when they fit into the grand scheme.

The power of organization. It does so well, when everyone is healthy, firing on all cylinders and each being utilized to the best of their abilities to accomplish what they were designed and created to do. But when things are a amiss, the motor will run not so smooth. And eventually, the wear and tear continues to create a decline and a detriment until problems emerge... at a very noticeable and perhaps troublesome level.

Which got me thinking. What's the difference between a church on the rise and a church in decline? The point person arranging the puzzle pieces. And that's not always the senior pastor. Yes, they need to be casting overall vision. But so should the ministries within the church. And integration to help each other. And the people who can move them to be self-sufficient ministries and organizations on their own, where and when possible and warranted.

The church should be so much more than just Sunday morning. And the most effective ones are.

Pray, this #effectiveSunday, for churches that are struggling to make the impact they hope they would. Whatever their current position and size, pray that God would drop a dream in the spirit, of what could exist. Pray they would understand what God would have them to accomplish and how to go about it, as well as putting the people in the right places and providing the resources necessary. Pray also, for those who are highly organized, dreaming big dreams. May God go before them, as they are stretched and challenged to believe and pursue the impossible.

Every community can be changed
By a church that is ready to go
And be the hands and feet of Christ extended.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Dave Ramsey took an interesting phone call on the show earlier today; a man who was starting a ministry, had a newborn baby and expressed his concern for finding and living a "balanced" life, in terms of being able to do his work, be there for his kid and be a good husband.

To this dilemma, Dave gave the man kudos, for indeed his heart and desire is it the right place. Downright noble, in fact. Then I was taken aback, for just a moment.

"A balanced life is a myth!"

Then Dave continued to explain. Your life isn't balanced when a baby is born. Forget work. Your focus is on the birth of your kid. For the 10 hours at the hospital, for the first 10 days you are home getting adjusted. Nothing is balanced. So too, will the time come to work. Not every day will be a "home at 5:30" and ready for family dinner. Work has it's demands and there will be times to push in, stay late and hustle and grind. Don't miss the major events, but part of balance means everyone and everything is subject to just as much of a give as they do take.

We all applaud the movie where the parent quits the job in favor of the family....and yeah, there are those moments and times when that is a real decision that needs to happen. For most of us, though, this is where reality meets understanding and grace. Meetings go long. Clients pay the bills. And there's only one senior prom.

We can drive ourselves crazy getting caught up trying to a live in balance, when in reality, we need to live in focus for the moment. And if it's different tomorrow or next week, then be ready to shift and adjust accordingly.

So pray, this #deaconThursday, not only for the pastors who obviously struggle with this issue, but also for the extended leadership and staff, who are often helping in ministry in addition to their own responsibilities at home as well as in the secular workforce. Pray that God would strengthen them in the juggling of the relationships and inter-workings of their daily duties. Pray that God would help them to maintain proper perspective; that the world is closing in when certain task or routines get skipped, missed or overlooked because of the priority of the moment... whatever it happens it be at the time. Pray that there would be a new level of understanding and grace that occurs in their lives and relationships, both at home as well as in the market and ministry. May God give them favor as they go about their day, each moment as it comes.

For wherever we are
Let us be there.
To be used by God
For His glory and purpose.

- PNC

I'm been thinking lately about how many circumstances continue to come to our awareness and in this information-rich environment, we make statements and judgements thinking we know what's going on. And yet, we don't. The whole "feeling" over actual knowing, is creating problems everywhere.

We place a high priority on experience, as we should, for it helps us navigate the next unknown. And that's what lies ahead. The unknown.

There's always so much to do with the organization of the church. And it's not just the tangible to-do list. It's people. It's relationships. There's a time-factor involved. And a process that people go through, that, consistent with the theme over the past few days, is beyond our control.

And yet, as every individual is different, so too are the stories that accompany them. So while experience is the guide, the risk to miss both the obvious and the imperative details is great whenever a rush to judgement or conclusion is made when based on limited information and half-stories.

It feels like we're back to praying for wisdom and discernment. Which isn't a bad thing. We certainly need it. Daily. But we're witnessing the serious repercussions letting emotion determine our decisions rather than reasoning. And that's not to say we should never do something based solely on "gut feeling." If any reasoning should be unexplained, we should at least have an awareness and peace that accompanies a prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Life.What a balancing act it is... occasionally on the high-wire.

Pray this #associatePastorTuesday, that God would pastors in the dealings with people and circumstances of every kind of situation and circumstance. Not only would God grant them great wisdom and discernment, but pray also for an ever-increasing awareness of when to lead with the head or when to rule with their heart. May this "rush-to-jugdgment" mentality that seems to dominate the current news cycle not cause havoc in the church community. Pray the Holy Spirit would continue to direct the leadership of the church; for all the value of experience, may it not take place of seeking the face of God.

For we have been made for this life
Empowered for this life
Equipped for this life.
May we live it with diligence.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I got to thinking, as we've been talking about control or rather, our lack of it when it comes to circumstances that reach beyond our understanding and comprehension, that there is a great temptation to hang on to things longer than we should.

We hang on to control, even we know we don't have it (or are losing it)
We hang on to the frustration of a matter.
We hang on to the problem, even as the solution is being implemented.
We take things back with us, when we leave the altar that we just approached with the intent of leaving something there.

I'm smiling, because we all remember the scene with Charlie Brown and Lucy playing football. We often think of God holding the football, and when we go to kick, as Charlie did, Lucy withdrawals the ball....and we fall flat. But perhaps, the opposite is true. We hold control and God says, if you'll let me see what I can do, where I can send it (whether to kick it out of our life or to move us father than we could on our own) and as He comes in, we pull away. Don't take it yet, don't touch it yet, don't kick it... I want to hang on to the matter a bit longer.

While it makes for a great cartoon scene, it also makes for a frustrating reality.

I think this is one of the toughest things for leaders. To know what to hold close, what to hold loosely, what matters enough to justify their time, energy and input and what matters little enough, to allow someone else the opportunity to engage, minister and manage.

So, pray this #seniorPastorMonday, that God would continue to help pastors with their realities and the frustrations that lie therein. Pray for wisdom, to know when to engage and how to respond. Pray they would not attempt to be so in control, that it gives way to pride and ego and becomes a hindrance to the work and Word that you desire to accomplish in both their lives and ministries. Pray that God would give them strength, as they perhaps continue to struggle with some long, drawn-out problems and battles that are long-overdue for solution and resolve.

May God work the miraculous,
As we let go and allow Him
To will and to way His purpose.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Everyone knows that one can't possibly fix every problem, address every issue or diffuse every stressful situation. But somehow that doesn't keep us from trying. Often through over-analysis and countless possible run-through scenarios.

Talk about killing one's effectiveness, because at some point and degree, this becomes a waste of time and energy. For surely, not everything is within your control, especially that which relies on the efforts and input of others. But little is a more painful reminder of the priority of seeking God first and trusting in Him than being told that it's entirely possible that perhaps you aren't doing so. Or having to admit that you aren't doing it nearly enough.

How many times have you been on the receiving end of that conversation? Probably more times than you care to count.
So let me be frank with how many times I've been on the receiving end. More times than I care to admit. Plus one more after service today.

Are we relying upon God for all that we have need off? Probably.
Are we relying upon the power of the Holy Spirit to be our "helper"? Probably not enough.

And here's the critical point of emphasis regarding ministry. It is not a one-time event. It is an ongoing process; an ongoing conversation; a life-long spiritual journey of learning and experiencing the grace and glory of God. The momentous events are life-changing. The mundane of daily life are sustaining building blocks and stepping stones that help us emerge as over-comers when the momentous happens.

Continue to pray, this #effectiveSunday that the body of Christ would not be so burdened with the test, trials and struggles of life that we neglect our faith, nor our time with God. Pray that we would draw ever closer to the presence of God and call upon the name of the Lord in our time of need. May the power of the Holy Spirit be ever-so present in our lives, that we are quickened, strengthened and encouraged to press in and press on at the times it would seem least likely for one to do so. Pray God would help us to persevere; that we would neither fail or falter, but see the race to the end, that He would be glorified, regardless of our status, lifestyle or accomplishments.

That the Gospel would go forth
As we go with God.
Day by day
Even in moments of trouble.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I'm not sure what got me thinking about this, but we pray a great deal about wisdom and discernment for those who are in daily, working relationship with the pastoral and leadership team of the church. And one step removed, are the "almost".

This is another one of those, I hope that really doesn't happen, I wouldn't want to be a part of a church where that happens or whatever. But sadly, as much as we don't want to think about it, it does happen. Why? Because churches, like politics, deals with misinformation all the time.

People want to be in the know and sadly, they are often, all too eager to share it. With somebody. With anybody. And in the hands of the undiscerning, it may not matter that they don't have the whole story. They may not understand the background behind the matter. They have highlights without context. Ideals without foundations.

It's a difficult place to be, for sure. We want to believe that within the church, they are well-intentioned, perhaps not knowing the harm or damage that they are causing. Yet, depending on a whole host of factors, trouble is bound to happen... sooner or later.

So, let's pray this #deaconThursday, that God would help the leadership of the church navigating circumstance where misinformation is roaming. Pray that there would be an understanding regarding the operations and processes that take place within the church and that there would be a culture that responds the work of the leadership. May God grant wisdom in dealing with people who are in fact, purposefully creating problems. Pray the church would be a place of grace, but a place of intention; where communication matters and truth comes first.

May grace and love abound,
Even as they cover the truth as it is delivered
For the glory of God
And the church of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I struggled with today's post, not really having anything in mind, or rather, coming to mind... even as the day progressed. Then I happened to catch Dave Ramsey's show, apparently in the middle of a conversation with someone who had called in with a situation about a will and the handling of an estate.

Then Dave did what he always does... shares from personal experience. He went on to share how his family and his leadership team at Ramsey Solutions, meets annual to discuss the unthinkable event. Dave chuckled as he said, "I hate this meeting, because it's all about me dying!" But that's what it is. Annually. The family and leadership discuss what happens in the event Dave dies this year.

And I thought, wow... how many organizations have this established. How many churches. I won't even ask how many homes. Then to advance further... not only setting up the level of detail that Dave has, but to annually re-evaluate and revisit what's transpired, what's changed, who is involved. Relationships changed. People's lives, needs and own careers and aspirations change.

The associate pastor who once said they'd be open to taking over the senior pastor position in such an event, when the contingency plan was set-up 5 years ago, may not feel or desire that role today. Yet, because it wasn't reviewed regularly, or annually, now there's a problem. Or a hundred other countless scenario's. 

What the state of the contingency plans, it's a daunting, necessary and sometimes unpleasant conversation. Both to start and to review.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, for the pastors and team that serve alongside the senior pastor of our churches. Pray that God would help those churches who don't have such plans in place, to begin making those preparations, so they will not be caught off guard. Pray that God would direct the conversations, to put the right people and decisions into the process. May they be wise stewards of their time and resources as plans are established. Pray also, for those churches how are prepared. May God continue to give them wisdom as circumstances change and matters are revised.

May the church be prepared for an untimely passing
As they are for the unknown coming of Christ.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

So, I'm thinking about the power of unheard messages. And by that, I mean, that by the time the message actually clicks and you respond, something happens shortly thereafter, that reminds you just how much you should have listened sooner.

I don't know about "all too often", but many times, we know what we need to do or what we need to care of and we put it off. We delay it, prolong it and for whatever reason, don't make it the priority that it should be, let alone, that we know it needs to be. Perhaps we do the wrong thing, or say the wrong the thing. And yet, shortly after we've made the course correction or confession, as it may be, something happens that shows us just how close to the edge we came.

It's an interesting dynamic, one I dare say, I've witness occur at least twice already this year.

Is it procrastination? Is it stubbornness? It is simply a lack of awareness? Whatever it is, I know that many have battled with the work and the word that God has attempted to accomplish and speak into our lives, whether you stand in the pulpit, sit in the pew or stroll by on the pavement.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray that God would help us hear better, sooner to His voice and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. May pastors know what and when to do. Pray that the temptation to delay would be quickly dismissed. Pray for an increased awareness to the hand of God at work. May the "close-call" reminders not be necessary, because the messages where heard immediately and responded to sooner.

Ears to hear
Eyes to see
Hands that do
Feet that go
The body of Christ,
For the glory of God.

- PNC

There's nothing like the onslaught of news reports to remind you of the power of great leadership while simultaneously reminding you of the stupid decisions made by  leaders at every level. There are better ways, of course. But that's not my focus, except to say once again, there is a great dichotomy that occurs within leadership and the people with which they surround themselves.

I'll be the first to admit I don't deserve grace, but I have no shame in stating that I wouldn't plead for it either. We've all done stupid. Or as Dave Ramsey often calls it, "getting a Ph.D in d-u-m-b".

People. Can't live with them... can't.... well, you fill in the blank. Full of surprises, we are. Sometimes the people upon whom we place high expectations and they somehow, some way, some day, severely miss the mark. And others, upon whom there is little expectation, in just as an impressive manner, find themselves greatly exceeding it.

And regardless of your position in relationship to the leadership, who doesn't benefit by being the type of person that leadership can count on in their time of need and their day of trouble. Nobody ever does everything perfect. And while political correctness goes off the deep-end on any given day, we also have to be true to ourselves. But more importantly, especially within Christiandom, we need to be the people who God has created us to be, as well as who He has called us to be... and do.

Pray this #deaconThursday, that God would give wisdom to the pastoral and leadership team of the church. Pray that their would be a covering of grace and forgiveness for the stupidity and repentance and correction for the sin. Pray that God would give discernment in handling the troubling circumstances in this polically-charged cultural. May the leadership be ever-increasingly aware, not only of the times in which we live, but more importantly of the direction and prompting of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray that ministry would not be hindered by humanities' flaws, but enhanced by heaven's fortitude.

Surrounded by His presence
Even when ours leaves a lot to be desired.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Continued thoughts and prayers for my friends, combined with Monday nights' discussion on what it means to not only be a man, but in particular, a Godly man has me thinking about pastors and their kids. We've all seen and heard stories of pastors who placed the congregation before their family and both suffered at various times, to varying degrees.

How much more detrimental for pastors' whose focus is children and young people, while they have kids and teens at home. The difference may be minimal and the distinction faint, but I have to think that certain situations may bring certain emotions to the forefront. Like does a spouse feel neglect when the other pastoral spouse spends more time helping other marriages than work on their own. Or the youth pastor that talks more with the teens in the group than the teens under their roof.

So it goes back to the conclusion we came to Monday night. Life is nothing, if not lived intentionally. And like a said the other day about $1 spent on this is one less dollar spend on something else, so too, is 10 minutes spent on one activity is 10 minutes not spent on another. Or with another.

Pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that God would help pastors who are struggling to manage their time and relationships well. Pray for grace and understanding, especially with their families. Pray for balance, where perhaps things have not been balanced. Pray for trust to be restored, where it has been broken. Pray for healing in those relationships where there has been hurt and damage. Pray that God would help them to be better leaders, not only for the family of God, but for their own families. not to be perceived as a perfect example, but an experienced example.

For we were made for community
And the family of God begins at home.
For His glory.

- PNC

Once again, I still am not sharing details regarding my friends leave of absence in Monday's post, but I got to thinking about the leadership team of his church and the pastors who handle this month while he is gone. I read my friends' post and how they talked about those who knew the details of the battle they were facing. In his statement, and this has been a recurring theme I've heard elsewhere in recent weeks, that there is power in exposure. That which thrives in the dark will die and that which thrives in the light will grow.

There is, therefore, an incredible transformation that takes place through the process of a life being exposed. Can it be troubling? Absolutely. But handled correctly, it is an amazing opportunity for grace, healing and restoration. The damaged and broken can be repaired and mended.

But just as many didn't know "all" the details of the battle they are in, those in the closest circle of friends and team did. And for that reason, I believe their church is in good hands during this time. Meanwhile, some churches may not be in that place. Pastors and their families could be engaged in battles, struggles and downright war and yet many fears, attitudes, egos and more, stand in the way of open communication and council that would bring help, hope and healing, rather than trying to get through it on their own.

One route is a troubled, losing direction.
The other, an incredible destiny of grace, love and healing.

Let's pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, the pastors and leadership of our churches would be a place of open communication and dialogue. Pray for a balance in the culture of community, that it wouldn't be a matter of drama and downright open transparency, per see, but there would be an atmosphere of trust that would allow for the truth to be spoken. May grace cover every conversation that begins with "this is my battle...". Pray that understanding would permeate every conversation that involves the words "i need help...". Pray that church leadership would be ready to give grace and help, not only among themselves, but also to their congregations, as they build up and lead the body of Christ.

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

- PNC

I read with heavy heart earlier today, the social media post from a friend who is a senior pastor. And while I'm waiting for permission to use some of the excerpts from his post (and it is public via his blog as well as the announcement made in his church), I simply shared his post on my personal page with the sentiment that the often unknown and untold stores of the struggles pastors face is both the evidence and explanation of what keeps me working on this project.

I simply can't fully fathom the battle my friends are facing in their family. The responsibility of ministry simply adds a whole other layer of complication to the equation, as all of us have experienced the struggle of balancing time, relationships and commitments.

I know I'm not giving details and I would like to give some, but the bottom is line is that there are seasons. And we have to recognize when a different strategy is needed to win. The end result, is that my friend is taking a month-long, leave of absence from the pulpit, to both lead and fight for the health and wellness of his family.

So while there are many other pastors in similar situations, on this #seniorPastorMonday, would you pray specifically for my friends? Pray that God would give them strength to endure and persevere. Pray for the miraculous healing and breakthrough that needs to occur in this battle they wage. May the spiritual attack which has come against them subside and may the power of the blood of Christ wash over them. Pray that God would grant them wisdom and discernment, in both the day to day decisions of life as well as the major decisions that will help guide and direct the days to come. Pray that they would emerge victorious from this battle; refreshed and renewed to continue in the ministry and calling God has placed on them to return to the church and community they serve.

For the battle is already won
As God hands them the victory
For His glory.

- PNC

I wasn't sure what might bre in store for this post, until pastor stated a powerful reminder from Scripture. He had a taken a few moments before preaching to call forward for a prayer, a group of couples who were taking an impromptu missions trip And by impromptu, I mean, this wasn't something the church had planned and laid out and asked people to sign up if they were interested in going. No, this was simply a handful of couples, agreeing literally, to a mission. They leave next weekend and I'm hoping, I'll remember come #missionsFriday, to pray for them as they go.

But as pastors prayed, he mentioned what we somehow often push to the background in the ministry efforts of the church.

Unless the Lord builds it, the people labor in vain.

Whatever you do, wherever you go, whatever you plan to attempt for God, is essentially foolishness, if God has not, is not, does not go before you and prepare the way. It's true for all of us. As believers. As ministry leaders. As pastors. It really is that simple. All the best laid plans, all our best efforts and endeavors, whether we intend to do so or not, is potentially futile, if we do not continually call on God and seek His face, from on the outset and throughout the process as we step out in obedience to do and be what we feel He has called us to accomplish.

Pray, this #effectiveSunday, that indeed, God would go before us and prepare the way and establish the plans He has for us. Pray that we walk in obedience to what He has called us to do and laid on our heart to achieve. May we place our trust in Him, especially when it scares us a bit to do so.

Build it, God.
For your glory,
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

 So, I came across one of the associate pastors' posts on social media earlier today. He was at church with some of other leadership, holding a meeting for those interested in becoming members of our church. Over sixty people in attendance! How awesome is that?

Membership is such a cool concept. The skewed view, is that it is a form of exclusivity and "better-than" egos and attitudes. And sadly, that's an incorrect, and detrimental perspective... at least when it comes to religion.

What it is, is an alignment. It's a partnering together, in which both parties are benefiting from the relationship. In order for that to be true, both parties need to be contributors in that relationship. It's a coming together for unity of purpose and commitment to the process. There is commonality of goals and a joining of skills and connections to pursue and accomplish them together.

Can such things happen in an organization where membership is not a clearly defined distinction of the people involved? Sure. But it also gives opportunity for people to more easily disconnect from an organization. In a formal agreement, if any point something occurs that prompts my disagreement, there's an obligation to resolve whatever is happening. Otherwise, without an established agreement, one can simply say they disagree and leave.

People may not know there's a problem. They don't have an opportunity to understand the problem. Address the problem. Correct the problem.

The bypassing of that simply 4-step process, not only kills relationships, but ultimately, it will destroy a community. Continued disconnects that go unresolved for indefinite periods of time dissolve whatever the people or organization was coming together to accomplish in the first place.

So, pray this #communitySaturday, that the church would be a place where people are unified in purpose, vision and mission. For an ever increasing commitment to the cause of Jesus Christ and the advancement of the kingdom of Heaven. Pray that the church community would be a force for good, bringing benefit to the communities they serve as the express the love of God through the establishment of relationships. Pray the church would be strengthened, not allowing problems to go unnoticed and uncorrected. May the enemy not gain a foothold, where personal preference, attitude and ego dominate the church culture; but that Christ alone would be glorified.

For the advancement of the Gospel
And on the Earth
As is the kingdom of Heaven.

- PNC

There are some things you have control over. Others, obviously, not so much. And for the things that you do have control over, decisions must be made. Will you handle it? That's a good first question, because if you aren't, then it makes moving forward that much easier. Delegate it if you must.

Forgive me. I'm laughing. A moment of confession. I'm writing this a day late. Thursday has passed. It's Friday. But I had this somewhat planned out in my head, so writing it for yesterday. Since starting it a few moments ago, my youngest child joined me. And now, as I'm typing, the words are being read aloud behind me. As if there was an echo in my brain, as I attempt to think of the next sentence. Meanwhile, the oldest has also joined us, wanting to read what I'm typing. Which the youngest as not called writing, as I don't have a pen in my hand. So it's "texting". Except I'm not on a phone, so technically, typing.

Why tell you all this? Oh, the irony.

I'm trying to work out the thought process of how to handle disruptions and God, in His incredible sense of humor, is having fun with me for posting this a day late. The youngest has caught up to my typing and as I contemplate the next thought, I hear... "by, Peter Conlin?" as if I were done. This is really hard!

No, I'm not done. But this disruption is keeping me from getting back on track, so that I can be done. What a dilemma. So, will I handle this? Yes, I'm smiling. That's my responding to it.  For some things, that's all you can do. Just react, preferably with a smile. Some things, even if you do have control over them, require consideration, as to whether you spend the time and effort to deal with them. Just like every dollar spent or invested in this or on that, is one less dollar spent on that or in this, so too are the decisions we make regarding everything we encounter on a given day; whether it was on the schedule or disruptive to it. And as much as plans have both a positive and negative aspect to them, so also, do the disruptions of life. Timing, perspective, relationship, importance and many other factors all demand our consideration and influence our response. Handle with care.

Pray, this #deaconThursday, that God would help church leaders to properly respond and handle the disruptions that occur. Both in their personl lives and in ministry, may the nature of disruption not ruin or detour their faith or their witness. Pray for clarity as they navigate difficult circumstances and conversations; that the fog and haze of the matter would be lifted. Pray that any sense of defeat and discouragement would be short-lived and removed; that they would walk in confidence and victory. May there be spirit of peace, that does not allow fear to take over and bring confusion and anxiety. Pray also, that we would recognize when the disruption is from God, attempting for whatever reason to capture our attention and perhaps, our heart as well.

Thanks for entertaining my disruption
On my thoughts regarding disruptions.
Only God in His timing, is perfect.

- PNC

Change is interesting. It seems like the more we know that it is coming; that it's expected or at least planned, we seem to do better in our reactions and response. It might not always be change for the better, but the advance warning seems to at least soften the blow. However, I've noticed that over time (read: age), change seems less inviting.

Stability and familiarity lead to a level of comfort that is hard to willing disrupt. Likewise, when disrupted, it makes it harder to cope.

Kids and young people struggle as well, depending on the circumstance. But by and large, they adapt much quicker... and with more enthusiasm.

And I'm just wondering...

It seems, even in our walks of faith, for all of us, that with time and life experience, having witnessed all the incredible things God has accomplished, that we can be or seem more resistant to change than we should. Even when God's hand is in it, something inside us says, yeah, I'm not so sure. We know all believers go through this conversation. Yet somehow, we think pastors don't. Or at least not as much as we. And perhaps that's true.

Perhaps, though, just perhaps, they struggle with change more.

Remember this, greater resistance is often met with greater determination. Be careful which position you take, as it will vary for every issue of life.

Pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that pastors would recognize when God is work, making changes. Pray that pastors would not give in to the tempation to resist or hesitate to the working hand of God. May there be a continual spirit of obedience as they lead; setting an example that being adaptive to God's plan is a good thing, regardless of one's life experience and faith journey. May that experience not stand in the way of what's next in their ministry, but serve to enhance the journey as God leads them.

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

- PNC

We've all "fallen" behind. And it's an interesting dynamic. Because the truth of the matter, is that the farther you go without course correction, the worse the situation becomes. The mess gets messier. The irritation becomes more irritating. What would have taken a matter of minutes, now takes a matter of hours, and what was a few hours, now takes days and weeks. Nothing is gained falling behind. (this just in)

If anything is in fact, learned from the process, it's the point that there is great power in staying focused, staying on point and doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done. For the task list items, that's simply a matter of diligence and stewardship. For the unseen issues, it's a matter of wisdom and discernment.

If anything, I feel I have more experience in lagging behind than leading the field. I think the work involved in the former is more stressful and frustrating at more times than the latter. Not that leadership isn't hard work. It is why many don't lead from the onset. But for those who aren't at the top or out in front on the leadership scale, there are many who follow, who struggle just to keep up with the pace.

Pray this #associatePastorTuesday, that God would help those who pastors who are struggling to stay on pace and maintain the correct course. Pray that God would give them the wisdom and discernment to know what they need to be doing from day to day and faithfully execute their responsibilities and duties, both personally and as it pertains to the ministry. May the recognize that there are always opportunities to lead and may the be aware of when those opportunities may present themselves. Pray that they would not fall behind to the point that frustration and discouragement would be stronger than the desire and motivation to catch up and get things done.

For the work of the Lord is never complete,
As much as His work in us is also, ongoing.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I got to thinking about generations again, probably a combination of what happened earlier tonight and something pastor said during service. Whatever it was, one thing is clear. Every generation makes an impact on the next.

Some impacts are profoundly powerful; an inspiration to do, to go and to be better, farther and more accomplished than has previously been done.
Other impacts are also, quite powerful... and profoundly devastating. They serve as opportunity to do, go and be something entirely different from what the generation was.

The first kind is always intentional.
The second kind, almost always quite unintentional.

Thus, it begs the question, for nearly every conversation, every action, every teaching moment and shared experience... what the desired outcome.

Because if we recognize our words and deeds don't bring about the desired outcome, then we should probably change course.
And if they do bring about the desired outcome, then we are reminded to continue to do the right thing and handle matters the right way.

Every impression may not seem lasting when it is made, but that doesn't mean that it does not last. Even the ones you don't plan or think will. They do.

Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, that as leaders of the body of Christ, that pastors would never lose the perspective that impacts are always being made. Pray that their conversations would be intentional, and their actions, honorable. Pray for a grace about their lives, that when mistakes are made, they will not only be short-lived, but lessons quickly-learned. May they not only lose the hope of their faith, but also bring a hope of faith to those around them; excited not only for what God has accomplished, but what He is in the process of accomplishing.

For as long as humanity lives
God's redeeming grace stands.
For the kingdom of God.

- PNC

I caught part of a sermon from Chuck Swindoll on the radio, and he mentioned how at a previous church he pastorsed, he had to deal with the heinous acts of one of elders. He didn't go into great detail, obviously, but he talked about when it came it to the surface, that the church dealt with it. Publicly. And correctly. Matters such as what that church encountered can't mess around, when it comes time for resolution.

We are all human, even the nicest, most admired and influential of leaders. Sadly, at some point, more churches than not have had matters that have been a troubling and delicate balancing act that they have had to deal with and bring instruction, correction, resolution and healing.

But it begins by the things we keep in the closet of our lives. There's big difference between guarding the treasures and hiding the monsters. And every time one passes from this life, with monsters not dealt with, we leave a looming disaster. For just as you don't know who will walk through the "empty" house after you move, neither do you know who will discover what your life has left behind. Who knows what the repercussions will be, but at least if the monsters in your life are dealt with while you are still around, you have a presence and a voice in the outcome. If they are found after the fact, well... it's a devastating disaster waiting to happen. And it ruins the reputation of your life, as there is now, no way for anything good to follow it.

The monster is now your legacy, rather than your guarded and prized treasures.

Don't let what's wrong in your life go unchecked and unresolved. Lest the unknown be your defining moment, rather than that which you have striven to make known.

On this #deaconThursday, pray for those in church leadership who perhaps have monsters in hiding. Pray for the power of confession to do it's work, that resolution and healing may occur. Pray for wisdom as churches and pastors deal with delicate and troubling situations, regardless of their nature. Pray for correction and instruction to have it's place. May such circumstances be saturated with grace and truth, love and forgiveness; even when punishment and justice are in order. Pray that the church would be healthy and holy, functioning as a whole body, serving a holy God.

For His glory alone
Called to be holy, as only He is
For the advancement of the Gospel of Christ.

- PNC