Yesterday afternoon, I had a great tune from one of my favorite bands playing in my head. The song is called Love Come Down, from Resurrection Band's, 1985 album, Between Heaven 'N Hell. Founding member, Glenn Kaiser and a couple other "REZ" members currently play as the Glenn Kaiser Band.

Resurrection Band was an incredible rock band for it's almost 30 year run. Based out of Chicago and the Jesus People USA community, their music dealt with some of the hardest-hitting issues facing the world, all of which remain to this day. Abortion, gangs, crime, poverty, injustice, political turmoil, family upheaval and so much more. In the midst of all of it though, through Glenn's now 40+ year run of ministry through music, remains a firm foundation of the message, of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

For the lowest person, in the darkest corner of society, having failed on such a disastrous level that they want nothing to do with society... for the travesty and most tragic of environments in which people have found themselves or have fallen victim, that we wouldn't wish such scenarios upon people we can't stand... Christ came to seek and save, those who are lost. Those who are forgotten. Those who have been neglected, abandoned and abused.

While other religions focus on what you have to do, Christianity focuses on what you have to give up.

"You gotta die to get life an' you'd be better off dead. But when you loose, you win. That's the way it is. That's when the love come down.". - REZ, Love Comes Down

He who seeks to save his life will lose it, but to him who is prepared to leave his life behind to pursue God...

It's a great and noble thing to pursue God; except for all too often we forget God is in passionate pursuit of us. Not the perfect us, but us as we are. Us where we are. The worst possible version of us. His mission... an extended hand of love.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, that people would not be deceived that their lives, the value and worth of their purpose, would somehow diminish by accepting Christ. May the truth of the gospel be revealed, that life in Christ alone lasts for eternity; that everything on earth pales in comparison. Pray for the discernment of the Holy Spirit as they hear the message of Christ; there is but one way to God, one name by which we are saved.

As Christ died to give life, may we be more aware that we too must die to our self, to get life. And we are, better off for it.
By the grace of God, for His glory and the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

There's a phrase that has been roaming around my head off and on for the past few days, perhaps, even the past few weeks...

Don't despise small beginnings. A reminder that was brought to the forefront Sunday night, regarding the comment about comparing starting positions.

The other... advice offered to the Apostle Timothy... don't let anyone look down on you because you are young.

Youth. Small beginnings. They go hand in hand with each other, because nobody just starting out immediately steps into greatness. Even Jesus, when found in the temple at age 13, was not yet speaking to multitudes of thousands.

It's easy to get caught up in watching numbers. Church attendance. Finances. Investment opportunities. Risk factors and reward potential. The impact your work is having... it can all be tracked. And is. And used accordingly for future plans.

Even for Bring Me 70... my stats page was down for the past few weeks while tech support sorted it out. What a great surprise to see December and January had set record visit numbers. And February is off to an even stronger start. Yet something as simple as not seeing a like or a share on Facebook or Twitter and you wonder if anyone knows you exist!

Thus, I was excited and humbled at the jump-start of people joining Bring Me 70 for the #pray4pastors 70 seconds challenge.

Yet, even as I prayed over this project, I was reminded early yesterday morning of Christ. Sure, he drew the crowds, but for those who were close...

It wasn't 1200 disciples. But 12. And the inner circle of friends? Not 300. But 3.

The multitudes saw the miraculous on a massive scale. However, Scripture is replete with accounts of people who encountered Jesus just as they do today. One-on-one at their point and place of need.

What good is a conversion rate if the conversion doesn't last?
For the interactions Christ had with the person right in front of Him, destinies were changed for eternity.

If that weren't enough; he rebuked those who tried to keep the children from coming to Him.

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, for Pastors struggling as I did, in watching numbers. Whether finances be tight or attendance plateaued, pray their focus remains on people having a genuine encounter with Jesus Christ, whether they be adult or child. Pray this upcoming generation of kids and youth come to a firm foundation of faith; that regardless of what comes of this world and what rises against them, may the trust and rely solely on God. At a time when it's so easy to seek other things, people and sources for solutions, may leaders and followers alike, within the body of Christ, seek the face and kingdom of God first.... and His righteousness. And may all the other "things", whatever they may be and however many they may number, be added as He sees fit.

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

- PNC

As Pastor spoke this morning on his latest series regarding spiritual health and exercise, I came to realize an important point that leads to burnout.

When we start neglecting spiritual disciplines, we leave ourselves exposed to spiritual attack. Unprotected and left vulnerable, we might not even realize it has happened, or if we do, it may not even be a conscience decision.

Interestingly enough, he was talking about how much time he spends in the Word, as it was a major point of his sermon. It also was the point we focused on during our Life Group meeting Sunday night.

It turned out to be an incredible night of shared experiences, as we discovered together what problems and potential problems arise when "life happens" and we get more focused on trying to maintain and stay afloat rather than seeking first the things of God and allowing God to take care of the rest.

It also proved to be a great reminder; that the enemy of our sous will find and execute any means necessary to set off a series of attacks that will cause us to react in our flesh instead of resting on the promises of God that are yes and amen to them that believe. He know how to get us frustrated to the point that we go half the day before realize we haven't spent a single minute in prayer. He knows how to get us anxious to the point that we will seek all sorts of outside counsel and advice from experts before we call on the name of the Lord to move on the heart and the mind of one we love.

What fire is being fed? The one that destroys as it wreaks havoc on the landscape of your life? Or the one that brings a level of security, warmth, peace, rest and comfort... for the body, mind and soul?

Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, for pastors struggling to maintain and strengthen their spiritual disciplines. Pray for guarded hearts and minds; that any corrections that need to be made in terms of safeguards would be sorted out in quick and proper manner. May there be a return to the basics; nothing fancy, overly-spiritual or overtly-religious... just a genuine desire to seek first the things of God and a passion to know Him and experience life as He has planned and purposed for us in advance.

May the fire of God never be extinguished in our lives, lest we disgrace and dishonor the work of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit within us all.

- 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

One has to be careful what with they "speak into existence" (or type as the case may be). Yesterday, we talked about portraying Christ, to a lost and dying world, appropriate for #missionsFriday.

What I didn't see coming, were the events that were about to unfold less than 30 minutes after clicking "publish". The event that started it all was frustrating enough. The kindness of a few. The next two people involved weren't "helpful" in the way you would expect people in those positions to be and we'll leave it at that. The next person involved is when I fumbled the ball... the moment, where if they knew or had an inclination that I was a Christian... well, suffice to say, I'm pretty sure I didn't come across as one.

Frustration, rather than faith, had taken a controlling interest in expressing my emotions. I wasn't it around when the last two persons got involved. I'm told it was probably all for the better, as one of them wasn't cool-headed. Not a good combination if someone got the impression I wasn't either.

Say all that to say...

Just because Christians are sinners saved by grace, doesn't mean we aren't one step away from falling far short of grace.

Narrow roads = close edges. So the message bears repeating.

Sinners saved by grace are just one step away from falling far short of grace, at any given moment.

That's also about the time people run out of having grace and patience with us. Which is how situations escalate... or have the potential to do so, which can cause people to make preemptive decisions based on perceived outcomes... even if perception has no chance of coming reality.

The message of Christ is strong and powerful, yet must be handle with care. Why? Because we are dealing with broken people, with wounded souls, damaged emotions, less than honorable thoughts and intentions and hearts with holes prone to fear and hesitant to trust.

Meanwhile the saved, are still works in progress. So our brokenness, wounds, damages, and out of line thoughts and intentions, not mention fears and trust-issues and you have a recipe for a less than pleasant interaction rather than one in which God is glorified.

Thus, on this #communityFriday, pray as I did yesterday, for forgiveness for times we fumble the message of Christ. May the power of the Holy Spirit transcend situations of mounting frustration, to work in the hearts and lives of both sinners and saved sinners. May the grace we have received from God be the grace we share with others, despite our feelings of the moment. Pray the church seek, in a greater dimension, to be used of God and influenced by the Spirit and resist the urge and opportunity for our flesh to come forth as if Christ has changed nothing in us.

God we need your help... starting with me. More like you today, than I was yesterday morning.

- PNC

... back to the street! Our Wednesday night prayer devotional at church, was the guide to proper conduct. What we should be doing to live a life that honors God. The last point was the focus of our closing prayer: evangelism.

Whatever we do, say and accomplish in this life, for the glory of God, it means little if we don't actively seek to share what God has done in our lives. It's hard to do, mostly because we make it that way. Leading by our lifestyle may cause intrigue, but we can't wait forever for someone to ask us about the difference in our lives.

Petra, wrote a powerful song, many years ago, using Matthew 22:9 and 28:12 as a basis.

It's so easy to lose the burden - Take our eyes off the fields // Settle into apathy and forget what the harvest yields
It's so easy to think we're finished with our labor for awhile // Kick back and let somebody else go the extra mile

[Chorus:]
Jesus said Go (Go!) into all the world // Make disciples of all men
We gotta Go (Go!) to the highways and compel them to come in
As long as there's a tearful eye that cries alone at night // As long as there's a weary soul ready to end the fight
As long as there's an aching heart that still has strength to beat // We gotta take this message back to the street
We gotta take this message back to the street

It's so easy to stay untangled in everyone else's life // Don't get involved with strangers - don't get involved with strife
It's so easy to save your own life - resting on what you've done // But Jesus would leave the ninety nine to try to save the one

Indeed, this is how it works. We forget we are harvesters. We think we need a break. As times change, we want to keep to ourselves and out of the drama. We have our own lives, our own stuff.

Yet, this is the definition of missions. Leaving what you have to find what you don't. While we may not go into the field, full-time as a vocation, we are called to share the message full-time through the course of daily life.

Nobody waits for a mission. They go on a mission.
Any waiting is done, in anticipation of an assignment. Which has already been stated.

On this #missionsFriday, pray not just for missionaries in the field, but for the entire body of Christ.... ambassadors for the cause of Jesus Christ. Pray, the church is reminded daily, their introduction to Jesus is made by those who know Him. May the church be quick to give the introduction. May we hear the needs and share the message. Christ's death brings life. He gave, in order that all might have.

Life. Not just Bios. Zoe. Abundant. Fulfilled. Purposeful. Eternal.
May we GO...in the name of the Lord; for the glory of God. Christ's Ambassadors.

- PNC

A phrase I've found myself stating more than I'd care to admit. Nothing complex or overtly difficult. Certainly not rocket science. The kids are still in single digits! Yet, for the sake of my sanity, I keep asking myself... hoping there's a reasonable answer.

Of course, it's not like I have it altogether. I imagine some of my challenges and difficulties have God asking the same question. And He's in good company. My dad still occasionally asks as well.

And, like I tell my Dad, I imagine responding to God with similar sarcasm and a smile... "Well, you made me."

Thankfully, His mercies are new every morning. Let that be a lesson for us parents, starting with this one.

That said, it's easy to look on the surface of situations, that other parents face with their kids, or kids face with their parents and wonder what's going on and how they do it. We either admire their efforts and look up to what the accomplish or something clicks in our observation that we notice an explanation for what's transpired. What can't be explained leaves us with "what were they thinking" moments in time.

It's not a put-down... every family is different and none of them are perfect. Every parent and child has at least 1 thing they wish they could change or wish they could go back and change if Doc Brown's DeLorean worked in real life.

Pastors are no exception. People in and outside the church have their moments of wonder regarding the dynamics of families in ministries. And I imagine even the greatest of Pastors have some interestingly profound insights into the family dynamics of those they serve... especially those pastors who work with kids and teens.

God, help the kids with us for parents. God help the parents with kids like us. God help the Pastors who have us as sinners saved by grace.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray for Pastors, who indeed have incredibly imperfect people sitting in their services and attending their ministries. May wisdom and guidance go before them as they lead saved sinners to follow Christ more closely. Pray for strengthened relationships with kids and parents, to bring insights and resources and prayer that would help improve family dynamics that are struggling. May marriages be restored, broken relationships healed, trust rebuilt and love embraced.
Pray the problems of the past will be forgiven... may a new day dawn, for Pastors and their families as well as parishioners and their families... health, life and wholeness for the body of Christ.

May what was once neglected and abandoned, be strengthened and fortified for the glory of God

- PNC

We know that God is never late and rarely early. And we understand that our finite minds only see glimpses of the big picture, of situations and circumstances in which we find ourselves. Yet all throughout Scripture, we see God provide ways out and ways through situations that were dire, with one caveat.

Where is our attention focused?

Peter walked on water.. Right until he started  focusing on the storm instead of Christ. Moses raised his hands in worship and the Israelites remained on the winning side of the battle. When he lowered them,, the table of victory turned in favor of the enemy. This happened to the point, that two other men had to come alongside and hold his arms up to remain victorious!

Similarly, the parting of the Red Sea.. arms raised in acknowledgement to God for deliverance. We may not know what might have happened had he lowered his arms then, but clearly, that was the escape route. Failure to obey at the time would have quickly led to their demise.

For the people who forced their way through to get to Jesus...what if they had decided it was too much work and didn't continue to press in beyond the people that stood in the way? And too many other examples.

Life hits hard. And we must ask ourselves... are we focused on the giants in the land? Are we focused on the Creator of all thing and can therefore, intervene in all things?

Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, for the dire and bleak circumstances Pastors face. Whether it's on behalf of someone in the church, something the church faces together or some challenge at home... may they keep their eyes focused on God and their hands raised in worship. May they remain focused on Him and not the storm designed to take them out. May the remain committed to push through the people and things that are in the way in order to draw closer to Christ. May they not miss His perfect timing and will by failing to obey.

All things working together for His good, for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Even when the forecast is less than desirable. When the outlook is dim. When the impending begins to hinder...just say: JESUS.

- 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

#missionarysplit

More importantly, church splits. The effect on a community? To observers watching the body of Christ from outside the four walls of the church?

In corporate settings, we watch people come and go. Leadership changes, management and other positions... they transition in and out, often without notice to those not familiar with the company or with an inside line to what's going on. And to such observers, questions don't often arise of problems or difficulties that are being faced and sorted out. It's business and any number of factors could explain the change.

Yet, when people and leadership change occurs in church... are we getting the full story? Not that everybody needs to know, but sometimes you can't help but wonder... what really happened.

And if it's easy even for Christians to think the worst, how much more, will someone else look at the body of Christ and make assumptions of what has transpired. And upon that assumption, they will justify their position. To not attend any church or one denomination in particular. To refuse any invitation to a church event or a Christian outreach. They may be altogether turned off to a co-worker simply sharing their testimony.

Businesses often make decisions based on the best interest of their constituents. Stockholders, investors, clients, customers vendors. And the spend a great deal of time and effort reaching new markets... people who potential will become those aforementioned roles.

Likewise, the church should do the same. We need to reach the lost in our community. But like in business, if can't change perception because reality doesn't match up what's portrayed, the your un-reached market will look elsewhere.

And while there are plenty of other places to look, their remains...

Just one way. Just one truth. Just one Jesus. Just one God. Just one name, that man must call on to be saved.

It dawned on me yesterday afternoon, that the #deaconThursday prayer would have been just as appropriate for today's topic of missions... especially after the early church social media line and #missionarysplit.

That said, with multiple missionary trips, the split between Paul and Barnabas sets the stage for one having to choose where they go, who they support and more.

2000 years later and churches have to make tough decisions regarding which missionaries they support on a monthly basis. What ministries do they partner with? Where do they send their congregations and youth teams on missions trips?

That said, while missionaries aren't competing against each other for first place; they are competing... for resources, for finances, for volunteers, for prayer support. We all want the best for missionaries and the task they have at hand. We root and cheer for their successes and blessings and accomplishments. Meanwhile, though... at some point people time, money and resources only stretch so far. Which means for some missionaries, the struggle is real. The struggle remains. When the breakthrough might arrive.... well, can they hold on that long?

So we pray this #missionsFriday, for an increase in the resources and fiances available for missions support. Pray for those struggling, whose time, patience and capacity is wearing thin; perhaps they are seeing little results in the advancement of the gospel. Pray for divine appointments, for people and churches to partner and come together for missionaries in trouble. Pray they be encouraged by the power of the Holy Spirit... that God and the body of Christ have not forgotten them. They are loved. They are appreciated. They are supported.

We stand with them. We pray over them, today. For the glory of God. Victorious for the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

My youngest daughters' birthday is today and last night had me thinking about the kind of woman she will become.

Such things that come to mind... the expectations people can have about the end result of a situation or a project while not knowing the work, cost and process of what it will take to get there, let alone what is feasible and reasonable in terms of getting that result.

Billy Chrystal's character, Harry Burns in When Harry Met Sally describes this as high-maintenance. Low-maintenance people take care of business, do a great job, typically have a pleasant demeanor and generally speaking, don't leave people in a frenzy when they exit.

High-maintenance people can do that. Yes, they'll take care of business. Yes, they'll do a great job. But the expectations, the drive, the conflict and tension that arises in the process of getting stuff done... requires lots of conversations and lots of work. Lots of attention = high-maintenance.

The funny part of the conversation is when Harry jokes to Sally, that she is the worst kind...high-maintenance, but thinks she is low-maintenance.

As I told my oldest daughter a number of months ago... you be the best person and friend you can be. Not everyone will like you, but there's no reason for you to live in such a way that you give them reason to NOT like you. If they have a problem with you, let that be their problem and not something you've caused.

Where am I going with all this? This generation of parenting and raising kids is getting tough. Not that its never been in the past, but culture and society and technology is moving so fast. There are things that are exactly the same and things that are drastically different.

And I for one, can't do it on my own. For the life stuff. For the spiritual stuff. For the everyday stuff. For the eternal stuff.

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, for those in the ministry of kids and youth. Pray for wisdom and guidance as they come alongside parents and teachers to partner in the raising of healthy, balanced and well-grounded, well-rounded kids. Pray that solid foundations of faith be established early on. Pray over the friendships and the relationships that kids have and will encounter... for the opportunities they will have to share their faith and the message of Jesus Christ.

Should anyone ever not like us, may it be for our faith and not something superficial like the clothes we wear or the car we drive, nor should it be something that be changed, such as the drama and personality that leaves casualties in its wake rather than bringing people along in the journey.

We need your help today, O God. We call on you. For your glory and honor.

- PNC

A long, winter-weather day. On the road. For a very long time. Weather wreaked havoc on a handful of motorists and slowed the pace dramatically for the rest of us. Then, when everyone else left work and I was still on the road (and a couple hours away, at that), the boss called... to inform me where he had left an envelope for me. I was excited. It wasn't going anywhere without me. It was just waiting... for me.

Moments later, once again... God, I don't have anything to write for #associatePastorTuesday. Ah, but wait. What does God have in store for you, that awaits. And like  yesterday's weather, the circumstances were beyond my control.

I was on the right route. I was following directions. I was headed where I was expected to go. But outside circumstances dictated I could only do what I could. It was bad weather. I couldn't do something stupid and race through traffic. Finding an alternate route might double my expected time of arrival. I had to maintain a safe and steady pace on the path I was on.

What does God have in store that awaits you? Are you being delayed by circumstances beyond your control? Decisions made by you or are (or were)  you affected by someone else' rushed decision?

One must maintain a pace at which they can control what they have to handle. Conditions worsen or people around you start acting reckless, it simply means you acknowledge anew your trust and reliance on God, then take a deep breath and do what you know to do is right for the task which lies in your hands.

It's better to arrive late at what awaits, because of delays beyond your control, than to arrive late because of delays that resulted from your lack of control

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, for the circumstances and decisions that make impacts beyond what one can control. Pray for pastors struggling to keep a safe and steady pace; that decisions be not rushed or hurried beyond what is safe and appropriate for the conditions. Whether personal or professional, may they stay focused what they can control... keeping their eyes fixed on the path; continually placing their trust in God; remaining keenly aware of their surroundings and considering their abilities and skill-set as it relates to the conditions in which they find themselves. May they be careful not to worsen any delays through rash or rushed decisions.

For each day has enough worries of its own.  May our out-of-control decisions and behaviors not add to the list.
May we keep our eyes upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Patiently excited about what awaits upon our safe, albeit, occasionally delayed arrival.

For His glory. We look forward with anticipation. An envelope far greater and of more eternal value than I hold in my hand.

- PNC

Pastor started a new series yesterday on spiritual health. It was an incredibly powerful sermon on the subject of obedience, and not just obedience at that, but specifically, "immediate obedience". While there were many quotable statements from the message that stood out and gave pause to reflection and serious consideration, he shared something that stood out regarding pastors and those in ministry.

As he serves on the disciplinary committee for our fellowship, he witnesses first-hand struggling pastors and those who have have fallen in ministry or experienced a moral failure. He shared that in the process of the "one-thing" that impacts their ministry and the consequences of the situation, it's never just the "one-thing". He said that in the process of figuring out what happened and the events leading up to problem, that there are other things in ministry that have gone amiss.

There are patterns of disobedience, where they have gotten off-track, in other areas of ministry.

How does this happen?

Because the "more you listen and obey the voice of God, the more you will hear the voice of God." Conversely, the more you stop listening and obeying, the less your chance of hearing in the future. And like any good parent, who moves on to "the next thing" with their kid who hasn't done the last thing you told them to do or take care of something?

Getting off-track is easy to do. Getting back on seems so hard. Yet staying "on-track" should be pretty straight-forward. You keep your eyes on the track and remain determined and faithful to place whatever safeguards are necessary to help keep you there.

Rarely does "derailment" just happen. There's always warning signs that things are getting unstable and the one who turns off their sensitivity to the Spirit in such matters will be the one derailed. It requires knowing the signs and knowing what to do when you see them that will make the difference as to the outcome of the situation.

Thus, pray this #seniorPastorMonday, for pastors to possess and maintain the ability and the perseverance to stay "on-track" with God, their calling and their ministry. Pray for the successful implementation of safeguards in the personal and professional life. May the remain sensitivity to the things of God and the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives...recognizing the signs of where there might be trouble and knowing how to combat them, to ensure they are not "taken out" by patterns of disobedience. May those struggling, regardless of their experience and time in ministry, be strengthened in their mind and fortified in their heart, to daily align and focus themselves to listening and obeying the voice of God; that they may hear in a greater dimension, in the days to follow.

Bringing glory and honor to God and the work He has called them to complete... as He is faithful to do in us, may we too be faithful to do for Him. For the cause of Jesus Christ and the health of His church.

- PNC

Once again, I had something else in mind for this post. Then last night, in the mundane act of taking out the trash, I had an "oh, look. It's starting to snow again" moment. A fresh covering. And the blood of Jesus washes whiter than snow..

For all the moments we are not happy with ourselves regarding, for the situations we regret, for the places and actions we'd rather forget... the grace of God and His forgiveness is available to everyone for those who ask.

That's the amazing thing of God. No person is exempt from needing Him. No person is disqualified from receiving Him.

Regardless of the place and position one finds themselves in this life today, a fresh covering of grace and forgiveness is available.

Pastors have their moments, just as much. Regrets, second thoughts, consequences in the aftermath, whatever it may be, God's grace is sufficient. Even for those in ministry. It's reason to celebrate. It's cause to pray.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, for those pastors in need of a fresh covering this day. Whether its as recent as a few hours ago or a few decades, may they remember that God is not done with them. A plan and a purpose is still waiting to be fulfilled for all who still have breath. Whatever they have need of today, from God, may they receive it in good measure... not having left anything behind on the table, but allowing a full and complete work of the Holy Spirit to do the miraculous in their lives.

May the love, grace and forgiveness of God made available through the blood of Jesus Christ make us whiter than snow. And unlike the covering of snow I am going to clear off my car shortly, may we remember God has forgiven and forgotten... as far as the east is from the west..

We are made new and renewed in Him. A fresh covering for every day. For the glory of God and the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Pastor spoke a great sermon yesterday morning as a pre-launch, if you will, on an upcoming series on spiritual health & fitness. It was a great message, with some lines that a couple friends posted on social media later in the day. Yet, as I struggled with a subject for #seniorPastorMonday, it wasn't until late last night that something from the service stood out. We had gotten weather in the middle of the night, rain had frozen, with snow on top, so when it was time for church the roads weren't that great yet.

And it showed... attendance was done. Our church has been debt-free for many years now, and while we rejoice in the Lord for being in such a strong and stable position, it doesn't reduce our reliance on Him to provide the resources to move forward with ministry. That said, the reminder that too many churches aren't in that position leaves many pastors worried about the offering when service comes to a close on such days when the weather plays havoc with church attendance.

It's a struggle that's real... as much as for seasonal business owners (case in point: this is only the second serious snowfall of the season for us, so the snow trucks were rejoicing as they've gotten off easy for the past 5 weeks or so.) But much like business, there's an X-factor to doing business and being prepared for slow and lean days, weeks and seasons. Especially for the ones that are harder to predict, such as the weather.

Ministry and life require funding. It's a basic principle... the more you spend on debt, the less you have to invest. For ministry, the investment is eternal. When you can't do a Christmas program, a VBS, a bus program to help those in the community get around... whatever it is, yes God provides, but He uses people and their resources. Which requires people being wise and obedient with them, so that they are ready to be used by God, as He directs them.

In the meantime, Pastors worry about their ability to stay afloat. And like Peter, it's hard to stay focused on Jesus, when the surrounding storm is unstable. Yet, it is all the more necessary to do so.

Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, for pastors struggling with anxiety and nervous regarding the "numbers" of the church. Pray for a spirit of peace, that God will provide the people and the resources necessary for the body of Christ to move forward in ministry. Pray for wisdom and discernment regarding all church decisions, particularly in the realm of finances. May their trust in God to perform the miraculous be strengthened. May their creativity with regards to stewardship be expanded, in deciding what is most appropriate and effective for their church when money is involved. Pray more churches are able to experience the freedom that comes with zero debt, that they would experience the joy of being able to say "yes" more often to ministry opportunities.

Advancing the cause of Jesus Christ, through wise usage of the world's resources. For the earth, and all that is in it belongs to Him. For the glory of God; fulfilling our purpose by His grace. Laying up treasure in Heaven.

- 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

Friends of mine, from the mission field, were in church this past Sunday. It was a great surprise, literally, as I didn't know they were in town until I saw them during service.

Pastor asked them during the service to give a quick update on their ministry, after which we prayed over them. It was great to hear the encouragement  of the "banner year" they experienced in the ministry.

I don't know that exact ratio, but I'd dare say that for every missionary that had a great year in 2015 and an encouraging report is one or two others, had an incredibly difficult 2015 and are facing discouragement.

It may not be a 1:1 ratio, but it's more often than we may know. 

In fact, curiosity got the best of me, as I was thinking yesterday afternoon, about 1500-1700 pastors leave the ministry each month, but what about missionaries?  The organization at www.missionary-burnout.com, says 5400 missionaries leave every year for "preventable reasons". 5400 per year. Or 450 a month. On average, 15 each day!! Almost 2 an hour while you work a full-time job. OUCH!!

It's easy to get discouraged. Prolonged discouragement opens the door to distractions. Distractions take you away from what you are working on; what you are focused on; what you are engaged in. Pretty soon you are detoured; because you start noticing things that don't look familiar; that aren't part of the plan. And now that you don't know where you are and where stuff is, you are ready to be derailed. (aka: blind-sided)

But it all starts by throwing enough stuff your way to get you frustrated to the point that it goes beyond the surface and into your spirit. The beginning of the road to burn-out.

Thus, pray this #missionsFriday, for missionaries on the verge of burn-out. For the 15 who may make the decision to leave sometime today... may God supernatural intervene and perform the miraculous in their hearts and minds. Pray for healing and restoration for those who have already left, even in the first 7 days of 2016. May they find strength and rest for their souls, hearts and minds. Pray that hope returns and the promise of what God planted in them when they first ventured out is fulfilled. May the fire of their calling be reignited; the passion for the lost renewed; the determination to advance the cause of Jesus Christ revived.

For the glory and honor of God. May His grace cover the burnt out. LIFE to dry bones in dead places. In name of Jesus.

- PNC

An interesting thought came to mind yesterday, just moments after praying that God would reveal what He might have for this prayer post. The thought was thus.

There are only two things to do when down (from having either laid or fallen to that position). You can remain there or you can rise up. I chose the word "rise", because, that is what Jesus modeled for us after the resurrection. Granted, he was dead, but when that angel rolled the stone away, Jesus had a choice to make. Remain where he was or choose what was better.

When given the choice, after having completed His purpose on earth, He chose to rise up and move on to what was next... returning to heaven to prepare a place for us,

Likewise, we too, have the choice... remain down or rise again.

What was an interesting follow-up to this, was during last nights devotional during the Wednesday Night Prayer. Joshua and Caleb outvoted on what to do about Canaan. 40 years, he had to wait patiently, enduring the down-right stupid decisions. Yet it doesn't throw him off. He doesn't get bitter, it doesn't take over and consume him. He waits...for the promise. For the leadership change, for the generation change... essentially, for the nation and the culture to change. Decisions that were made that negatively impacted his life for an extended period of time and he simply stayed close to God and what he know was coming from the Lord. Incredible.

On this #deaconThursday, for those in church operations, admins and deacons, affected by decisions and circumstances that they disagree with or perhaps, are out of what they know to be God's will, plan or direction. Pray they will stay close to God and hang on to His promises. May they not allow in bitterness and frustration to overtake and consume them. May they not remain in a down and defeated position and mentality, but with strength and courage, by the power of the Holy Spirit, rise again with the help and grace of Almighty God.

May there not be a found, an attitude of grumbling and complaining, for which a promise is withheld until that generation and their attitude passes. God help us, today. By your grace. For your glory.

- PNC

Being a kid is hard work, regardless if at age 4 or age 14. Being a parent, also hard work. Regardless of the age... of both the parent and the kid. Being a pastor who works with kids and teens... you guessed it. Hard work. And lets not forget teachers, while we're at it, and the craziness of the classroom, whether it's just the kids or parent-conference season! Very hard work.

I was winding down last night, just thinking about the dynamic of the relationships that go into raising kids...raising adults actually, if you remember that post from a number of months ago. All of them coming together, to ensure they get a solid foundation for life and a spiritual footing of faith that will sustain them regardless of where life takes them and whatever the enemy of their souls throws at them.

At times are changing. There's lots more cool stuff for kids now, who are excited to be living in the time they do. Then there's the previous generations, saying, you guys have cool stuff, but we had great fun. Childhood is vastly different these days. And so is being a parent. It's weird. It's frustrating. It's a little disconcerting. It's also, a great blessing.

And through it all.... we still need a ton of prayer. Massive amounts of wisdom. And grace that never runs out. Do you know where to go for such supplies?

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, for these that are struggling with their place in life. Kid, parent, pastor, teacher...each rewarding and frustrating in their own right. Pray for strength and wisdom in the decisions they make and the lessons they learn. Pray for the foundation(s) that are being established in this generation of young people. Join me, as I pray for my kids; "that they would know God, love God, seek God and folllow God. With all their heart, soul, mind and strength. All the days of their live.

For the glory of God. May the next generation impact the world for the cause of Jesus Christ, the like of which has yet to be seen, in modern times.

- PNC