WAR ROOM
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 My friend made a great point during our small group gathering last night while discussing Sunday mornings' service.
As we discussed competing and contending gods (from the story of the rich, young ruler), she mentioned how even self-reliance can be a competing, contending god in our life. Competency on the job, effective management of her team, ability to produce results and create viable solutions to challenging problems... it can be done and she proves it daily. Yet, taking the time each morning to pray and confess her need to rely on God for whatever she may face throughout the day (something I've been challenged do this past week as well) and it's amazing how easier and less stressful her day unfolds. As she's sharing, the words of my pastor mentioning his 23 years of ministry at the same church began ringing in my ears. If it's easy to rely on our abilities and competencies in corporate America, how much more would it be to do the same in ministry. To say the right things, advise the right things, quote Scripture, preach the right things... even on this site, I pray, it's God through me and not simply my perspective from years of church and thousands of services. Granted, the insight helps, just as much as my friends' experience in her field, but I can't rely on that any more than she. Likewise, neither can men and women in the pulpit. In the words of Abraham Lincoln, "you can fool some people all of the time, and all people some of the time, but you can't fool all the people all of the time." In school, on the job, at the home or from the pulpit, self-reliance eventually wears off and runs down. Only God, never fails and always sustains. Pray this #seniorPastorMonday, a fresh understanding of our daily need to confess our reliance on God. Pray persons from all walks of life and especially those in ministry will acknowledge how much more God can accomplish when we seek and ask for His help, strength and guidance rather than relying on our own experience, energy and knowledge. Pray that God will do the miraculous, as exponentially more is accomplished fort the kingdom of Heaven on any given day that what we could do for God on our in a month or even a year. May we allow God to work and have His way through open surrender to Him rather than pushing through the days problems on our own merit. "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Eph. 3:20-21 -PNC
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 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  Well, if this pic doesn't describe the nature and character of God...you remember the praise song from a number of years ago; "I stand, I stand, in awe of you?"
In this day and culture of human achievement, feats of great strength and mental ability and the focus on self-awareness, we're quickly arriving at a place where mankind thinks we are the end all, be all. Whatever problems and social ills we face, if we provide more education, offer more money and write more legislation, we can fix it. Especially if we make it free by leveraging "other peoples' money". Whatever ideologies haven't worked in the past, didn't have the brilliant minds of today. This is dangerous ground, whereby we should tread very lightly, if we dare tread at all. Scripture tells of a woman who had a bleeding issue. Twelve years. Twelve years and all her money. And the doctors had no solution. Money didn't fix the problem. Of course, we should keep in mind, they weren't exactly doctors as we know modern medicine today. Be that as it may... the experts of her day couldn't do everything people expected and hoped for any more than todays' "experts" are able. Experts, education, money and legislation under the guise of "legal reform" won't solve what our society and culture in this nation and abroad need. Where the experts are falling short, God stands tall. If only we didn't go through all our money on other "solutions" before reaching out to Him to save us, to heal us, to deliver us from the suffering we face day after day. May God help us this #communitySaturday, as we reach out to those around us, desperate for solutions to problems which money and experts have been unable to correct. Pray for relationships, marriages, addictions and diseases of all kinds for which all manner of help has been sought except the face of God. May there be a shift in our society that returns and looks to God rather than the self-acknowledged greatness of man. Pray for a fresh move of the miraculous in the hearts and lives of man, that they would experience the incredible grace and goodness of God, that the to would be left breathless in His wake, standing in awe, of a Holy God. By the grace of God. For the glory of God. Live changed forever. For eternity. Won by One. -PNC  We have prayed over the past few Fridays regarding the idea that we are all missionaries and our immediate world is a mission field.
However, if there are times when one does not reflect Christ to those who know they are Christians, then is it any more troubling if the mission field witnesses something that does not reflect Christ in the life the missionary? It shouldn't, as we talked about pedestals the other day. Yet it doesn't change perception and preconceived notions that missionaries don't have their struggles and battles, whereby they are being refined to reflect Christ, as much as any other Christian. We are all children of God, who become earthly parents, who have earthly children. Our roles change, yet the lessons we must learn from the other role that we once held still apply. Like I told my daughter last night, you need to change "this" in your life as much as I need to change "that" in my life. So you work on yours and I'll work on mine. Similarly, we are all missionaries with a mission field, whether its' across the globe or across the yard. And yet, each of us is a mission field to the missionary, Christ. The one who left His home to travel across the universe to reach a people group desperately in need of hearing His message. It's been said God does not have grandchildren. Every person on earth has the opportunity for a direct, one-on-one relationship Him, through His Son, Jesus Christ. And regardless of our position on earth, and the height of whatever, if any, pedestal someone might place us on; we are all in need of being refined to reflect Christ. Pray, this #missionaryFriday, that God continue to the refining process, in all of us, whether missionaries in the field through vocation or missionaries on the block we live. Pray for a spirit of humility, that we hold our position on this earth and whatever "perks" come with, loosely... for we cannot take it with us, neither can we place it in higher esteem than Christ. May grace abound as we endure the refining process of Christ; knowing full well it's for the glory of God and the sovereignty of His plan. May we be forever grateful that God did not look at the mission field of His creation and decide against reaching out to us that we may come into right relationship with Him  Pastor delivered a great devotional last night, from Daniel. In chapter 3, appears three "last famous words."
BUT EVEN IF... As soon as I he said it,I knew they were going to make an impact. This is the latest a daily prayer has ever been posted, so let me take a moment that I didn't realize how relevant this phrase was for me until mid-morning. We've prayed much the past couple #deaconThursdays, regarding decision making and strategies and backup plans. At the end of all of those things, is in fact the phrase... but even if. Your morning doesn't go according to schedule, someone expresses their take on the matter, both are a tad frustrated and you walk away rethinking, reevaluating, reworking and ultimately rewriting a game-plan. How do we get, do and be better at "this? If you don't, it all goes down hill...faster. And the wreckage and the carnage will be less than something people will want to witness, let alone be apart of putting whatever remains back together. Thus...a reason to pray, This #deaconThursday, pray for situations and circumstances were church pastors and decision makers are at the end... a decision, a situation, a problem for which a solution is nowhere close to being implemented. Pray for a proper perspective, to continue to trust God for the outcome, for His will to be accomplished. Pray that at the end of it all, when facing the unknown, their will be a peace that surpasses all understanding when the following words are uttered... BUT EVEN IF. For the glory of God. Solutions to problems that are committed to Him, whereby we are relieved of the burden and the worry. -PNC  There's a great debate of late, about our best life now versus eternity and what we face here on earth and why. Yet at the same time, when Jesus taught the disciples to pray, it included, "let your (God's) will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
So while we deal with the fallout of the fall of man through sin, thanks to grace and salvation, we can still experience God and what He has for us on earth, even if it is perhaps a fraction of what an expose in a day in heaven would reveal. That said, after teaching on prayer, Christ says, if you who are evil can give good gifts to your kids, how much more!!! is your Heavenly Father able to give. My youngest daughter, all of 3 and thinking there should be a zero that follows behind it, has the greatest laugh in the world. Tickle the collarbone and its uncontrollable. No matter my day, that smile, that laugh, changes...everything. How much more, does God want for His children...uncontrollable joy...both those who are adults here on earth and the kids we will one day wish would never grow up. (if you haven't started wishing already) For pastors of kids and teens, may the smile and laugh of those young people travel miles of sustainability for those who minister to them, as pastors and parents team together, to help prepare them to make an impact here on earth that will accomplish what the angels in heaven pray comes to fruition. Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, the smiles on the faces of those kids, will indeed remind them of the impact they are making on the future of the community, the nation and the world. Pray that every conversation will encourage a closer relationship with God and greater fellowship with each other. Pray for wisdom and guidance as the minister to kids and teens who are facing difficult circumstances, designed by the enemy of their souls to discourage, detour, displace and ultimately destroy their lives. May the power of the Holy Spirit rest upon these ministries, that divine appointments and timely words aptly spoken will prove to this generation of young people, the reality of the loving and forgiving God, the truth of His Word and power of the cross of His Son, Jesus Christ. For the glory of God. For the next generation. For the unforeseen, yet fast approaching future. Our days may be numbered, but for as long as we have breath, we are not down for the count. God's will on earth, as it is in heaven. In the name above ALL names, both now and forevermore. -PNC  We had the incredible opportunity to hear Evangelist Jason Stidham preach both our Sunday morning and Sunday evening services over the weekend. I encourage you to look up his ministry @ www.jasonstidham.com.
In the midst of a powerful, challenging and anointed message was a great dose of humor and a touch of reality that hits a little close to home. "It humors me that people call us for marital problems" -Jason Stidham (as if marriages of those in ministry didn't have their own set of "issues") The dose of reality? For the few times that I wondered if I was to be a pastor, especially when the thought crossed my mind, post-wedding... I've thought, with some of the arguments we get into, there's no way I could do church ministry...especially if it happens shortly before or after church. The follow-up to Stidham's one-liner was made during the evening service. "Your Pastor is not perfect. You are not perfect. Which makes you a perfect match." - Jason Stidham What an incredible challenge. To invest in your ministry. Your family. Your marriage. Your community. Then to be there for 10's and 100's of other people when problems arise in their career, family, marriage and more. How incredibly naive of us to think they don't have problems. God help us for the conversations we have when gossip and rumors arise regarding possible problems. Pastors need our prayers and support, if for few other reasons than they are able to offer valuable insight, proper perspective and Biblical advice when we actually do seek their advice. Then again, as was one of the main points of the morning service; why don't we just go to God first, with the perspective, if anyone can do something about anything, it's God. That said, on this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for the marriages of Pastors, and those in ministry. Pray that they would remain complete and healthy. Pray that ministry would not overshadow and overtake their responsibilities on the home-front. Pray that love and respect would dominate their home and the strength of the marriage would be honest and genuine to all who witness it. Pray that together, their ministry would be more effective than if they operated apart. May the advice they give when they are ask, not be from a position of higher ground, greater skill or simply better than, but a true testament of commitment, hard work, sacrifice, deference for each other and love. May it be clear to all, that their marriage is not strong because they are perfect, but because God is at the center of their lives as individuals as well as central to their marriage. For the glory of God. For the betterment of the church. For the strength of the community. -PNC  There are many talented Christian musicians and bands who have a great message these days... so many, in fact, that it's hard to keep track of them all.
That said, the Christian music of decades ago, particularly Christian Rock, retains its incredible message and its anointing after all these years. Its great music too... if you didn't know it, it sounds as great as today's as it did at the release. The band from Canada, The Daniel Band, is one such band that you should look up on YouTube. In this day and age, replete with those seeking spiritual guidance and some sort of "self-awareness" and purpose, on this #effectiveSunday, may the simple message that we all need to answer be made real. As I said, decades later, these words have not lost their relevance or their anointing. "Let's Get Ready" by The Daniel Band (On Rock album, 1982) Are you livin' // For your own desires And are you listenin' // To self made liars Well, you're invited // To the Promised Land He'd be delighted // To have you in His plan (chorus) So let's get ready // To get away We're movin' steady // Are you comin' His way Are you grabbin' // For all you can You'll end up havin' // No man's land So give your life to // The Son of Man And we will find you // In the promised Land On this #effectiveSunday, pray as the songwriters intended, that living for self doesn't bring about eternal security. Pray that invitations would be extended, that people would not look to man, his perspective, his politics or his Pulitzer's for their security, safety or standing here on earth. Pray the promises of God be made clear as people grab all they can of God, rather than all of man. In the coming hours, may many give their life to the Son of Man. For those who lose their life to self, will find their life in Christ. For the glory of God. For the cause of Christ. -PNC  It's been said that it takes a village to raise kids. Well, they're wrong. It takes family.
You don't have a village if nobody comes to the area to live. And the village doesn't grow if there are no growing families. Without kids, why have a community playground? A park? Parades? If there's no kids in a community, there's no reason to build a school. There are tons of things that happen in your area that take place because it involves family. Family is where you learn unconditional love; right and wrong; to value life, to value relationships, to communicate through differences, respect, a sense of belonging, deference, self-esteem, the act of sharing... When the family fails to function in a healthy manner, the above list and more begins to deteriorate. We don't understand love, right or wrong, or how to communicate. We don't value life, or others. We don't like or respect ourselves and thus, can't offer the same to those around us. It's all me and my way and your in the way. And we see, daily now, communities deteriorating. Why? Because of the decline of families in general, and healthy families specifically. I had my moment of reality-check the other night regarding healthy family. I had to apologize to my 7-yr old the other night. Placing someone else above myself. Communication, respect, value of the relationship, right and wrong, unconditional love. If I want to raise a healthy adult, I have to demonstrate what that looks like to them. And when I don't do so well, I need to acknowledge and correct it. In the middle of that, "I'm sorry" was required. Forgiveness, a hug, and a few moments communicating about how we move forward, closing the time with "I love you" and we were back to health. #communitySaturday is here again and we need to pray for healthy families. Pray for unconditional love and genuine respect for life to be restored. Pray for proper communication of differences, to value relationships and to know right from wrong. Pray for a greater sense of responsibility to know when to take the high road and not respond in ways that are detrimental to one's spirit. Pray for the ability to apologize when required and the desire to forgive even when difficult. Pray for a returning to God; the example of unconditional love, the author of right and wrong, creator of life, who valued relationships to the point of sharing (aka: giving) His Son in the greatest act of deference...in order that we may experience "communion"...community with Him and with those around us. As we engage community, may we share the joy of being able to say, "I'm so glad I'm a part, of the family of God." As it goes with family, so goes the community. As it goes with communities, so goes a nation. God we need your help. -PNC  Ministry doesn't fund itself. Granted God doesn't need our money; it is however, a condition of the heart of what has greater influence over our actions.
The cool thing is God made it easy for anyone to offer an act of ministry, when Christ declared that "anyone who gives a cup of cold water, in my Name..." and the Israelites when they gave sacrifices, even the poorest of the poor were to bring something of value, even if it was the least valuable by comparison (fine flour). That said, consider the parable of the good Samaritan. An outcast of society used his financial position to care for a man who had been left for dead; and not just by the robbers, but by the elite and religious of society. Yesterday, a couple visited the headquarters of Dave Ramsey, to do their "debt free scream". Financial freedom, from debt...something worth shouting about. Towards the end of their conversation, the man shared how during their journey, their church was also trying to pay off the church mortgage. Someone had passed away, and during the distribution of the estate, the church received a $600,000 gift. Enough to pay off the remaining $500,000 and change mortgage. Imagine, what that church can do now, for the kingdom of God, with a paid-for building. What they can do for missions. I'm thankful the church that my family attends is debt-free. There is so much to do, especially when it comes missions. And with half the world living on $5000/yr or less, one's giving goes so far. And yet, it can't when debt gets in the way. It comes back to a condition of the heart... you can not serve two masters. For this #missionsFriday, pray for financial breakthrough in churches and congregations. May the freedom they experience be used not for themselves, but in generosity towards God. To care for widows and orphans. To bless those in need. To care for strangers that have been passed over. Pray that missions would advance and that God would provides resources and people to aid in the cause of Christ for those who have never heard the gospel. Pray for revelation and understanding, that as with all matters of Christianity, the first and foremost conidtion of man that God is concerned with, is the heart. He cares about your situation, family, friends, relationships and wallet, but it's secondary to where your heart is. For where your heart is, there too is your treasure. Pray we value the things of God and His righteousness. For His glory. For the cause of Christ. That no one should perish. -PNC  I hope my worship pastor doesn't mind...I'm "swiping" the phrase he used as he closed out last night's mid-week service worship set.
WFWF: Walk Forward Without Fear. An appropriate phrase, given the devotional was titled "What's Your Jericho?". As mentioned early this week, with the world changing so rapidly, it's hard to know what decisions, actions and statements will prompt any number of reactions, whether they be rational, perceived or unfounded. Upon hearing the phrase, something clicked, as I wondered what decisions aren't made; what opportunities for ministry are passed over because society has moved people to refrain from action for fear and intimidation of someone else' reaction. While people fight for their right, others have to defend actually doing what is right. All because someone decided the definition was wrong. And thus, "everyone did what was 'right' in his own eyes", as stated so often in the Old Testament. Fear will keep you from walking. To stop walking, means eventually fear will have kept you from living. And those who don't live, don't do... anything, let alone what is right. Church operations need to keep doing. What is right. What is necessary. What is faithful to the calling placed upon them. What is beneficial to the community they serve. What shows others the love of Christ; the grace of God and the friendship of believers. If those that are lost are not befriended; if they don't witness the love of Christ and experience the grace of God; if they don't know of the church available to them and the purpose they fulfill day in and day out, doing what is needed, what is right... then they will forever be lost. For their time on earth. For all eternity. But God is not willing that any should perish... so the church; the body of Christ must keep walking. Preferably forward. Confidently without fear. Absolutely with Christ. On this #deaconThursday, pray the church would indeed, walk forward without fear. Pray their decisions, ministries, outreaches and events and the plans that go with them are covered in prayer; anointed, relevant, and genuine... actively portraying and communicating the love of Christ. Pray the message communicated is well-received by the communities they serve; that "success" would not be determined by the number of lives that show up, but the number of hearts that are changed through the transforming love of God and the forgiveness of sins through His Son. As we serve God and our community, may we focus on doing right by God first and foremost; allowing Him to work on the hearts of man, that they may not see a person trying to be good, but a person daily living out a life of faith, whereby they become more like Christ. For the glory of God and His Kingdom, we pray. It's not about us, nor others, but Christ drawing all to Himself. #Hislifematters -PNC  I heard a radio interview yesterday morning with a well-known parenting guru, and during the course of the conversation this reminder was stated:
"We're not raising children. We're raising adults." Appropriately so, the first page of results when searching for a pic to go along with this post and you get what see "screen: left" It's a little scary when you see just how quickly your kids are growing up and time does not seem to be in your favor. Then you begin to realize what they are picking up on and you realize that potentially, you are not working in your own favor. Perhaps there is a "my own worst enemy" support group nearby. Society is changing way to quickly. Anything that moves faster than peoples' comfort level (or at least faster than what they anticipate) creates an environment of instability and what moves fast while unstable is bound to end in disaster. Pretty sure it's called "out of control". Whatever you thought you could handle, manage, maintain and control has moved well beyond your abilities and thus beyond your intentions and that's when the unknown is your new worst enemy. There's a phrase for that too, "unforeseen risk". As I stated the other day, there is freedom in boundaries. However, when kids watch parents live out negative attitudes and behaviors without restraint, in a few years, you'll end with more adults that are out of control. We already have too many. In the public square. In the prison yard. In the political machine. Crossing boundaries has consequences, despite a society that says otherwise, whether it be a national issue, social issue or moral issue. To live in reverence of God, cast off restraint only in our love for Him and live a life where self is second...how does a culture lose, that loves God, looks out for their neighbor and individuals seek God to direct their lives over their own self-interest...what problem wouldn't naturally sort itself out? Instead, we have grown kids running the world; because we forgot how to raise adults. Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, for the miraculous to occur in the lives of kids and teens, in this day and age. May adults return to God and begin again to seek His face allowing God to fulfill His plan for their lives and what He desires to accomplish in the world through their families. Pray, as time is running out, this generation of young people will seek a greater sense of being and purpose and calling and in their pursuit of spiritual meaning, find a loving, forgiving and generous Heavenly Father who sent His only Son to die, that they might live. May only our love for God be unrestrained. Pray kids see it come alive in this current generation of parents. May they see it lived out in the current generation of Pastors. May they experience the body of Christ in healthy, functional churches... Pursuing God. Loving People. Living In Freedom. Forgiven Of Sin. For the cause of Christ. For the glory of God. For the redemption of the World. -PNC  A few minutes ago, Hillsong's Young & Free band was playing their song Alive on Pandora. I believe the Holy Spirit just dropped in my heart, to encourage Associate Pastors who, for whatever they are facing are feeling trapped.
The words "You are alive in me, Your love has me free" resonated loud and clear. It happens to us. The weight of life just pushes on us, beats us and hammers away, until we are no longer standing, at which point the dragging begins. When you have done all you can do to stand, STAND FIRM! Christ did not rise from the dead so that we could lay down! He rose so that we might stand... and not only stand, but have someone upon which we could firmly plant ourselves Whatever the situation that has you not knowing where to turn, what to do, how to say and when to approach, may I encourage where you are: Use Christ alive in you and the freedom you experience through His love to draw you into His presence and allow Him to bring peace and perspective to the circumstance(s) that are attempting to take you out for the count. If the weight of the entire world failed to defeat Christ, surely He will not allow the weight of your world to defeat you, provided you remain in His presence. (figures I'd be typing this as Kari Jobe is now singing Holy Spirit, on the same Pandora station) "Let us become more aware of your presence and let us experience the glory your goodness. Holy Spirit you are welcome here, come flood this place and fill the atmosphere." Pray on this #associatePastorTuesday, for those needing a fresh experience of God's grace, glory and goodness. May His presence overwhelm them anew and afresh, releasing the stress, worry, tension and frustration of the situations they face. Pray faith arise within them, allowing them to stand again and stand firm. Pray a fresh spirit of boldness and courage; wisdom to speak truth and live into situations that are deceived and dying. May there be a quickening of the power of the Holy Spirit within their lives, their homes and their ministries...that the fire would not burnout, but rekindled and reignited by the breath of God. By His Grace. For His Glory. -PNC  Wife at work. Check. Kids in bed. Check. Netflix. Check. Chocolate pudding. Check. What to watch...Tyler Perry's Why Did I Got Married. Wait, what??
Four couples on their annual getaway to visit as friends and speak into each others lives and marriages. And on this trip... moments of truth for all 4 marriages come forward in public, ousted not by their own spouse, but by their friends who could no longer keep silent, then the airing begins. Okay, but what's that have to do with churches being effective and efficient? Plenty, if you don't take your issues, grievances, offenses and frustrations to the source and speak to whatever kind of relationship it is, "I love you and we need to work this out." I remember a number of years ago asking my parents why didn't hang out with other couples or friends more often and to this day, I've not forgot their response. "We are each others' best friend. We choose to hang out together, first". They have their friends and they do stuff with other couples when the schedule permits, but by and large, they live life together. Only, now interrupted by lots of time with nearby granddaughters. So what happens in church? Does a Pastor second-guess confronting sin in one's life for fear of...who knows, now days? Are ministries being mismanaged because of "my way or the highway" attitudes? Why are there grumblings and complaints among you is what was asked of the early church. The disciples disputed who was the greatest in the kingdom. Just as 2000 years ago, some people received Jesus and some spat on Him, so to, some churches are dealing with the same dysfunctions in 2015 as they were in 115. Anything to get the believer, his friends who are believers, his friends who aren't believers and believers when they come together to worship... if at any point, Satan can get you to come across as less than a follower of Christ; you may still live as though covered by His grace, but the moment you don't share grace with someone else will be used against you. I just had a moment, literally, just now... trying to close this post as it relates to the title and church effectiveness. You know what I believe the Holy Spirit just brought to the forefront of my mind? We are the bride of Christ! So, on this #effectiveSunday, pray that believers would focus on their relationship with Christ, first and foremost. May we take the issues and struggles of life to Him, first. Not that we don't need our friends, but just as your spouse would ask why you told your friends before them, perhaps God wonders the same. Pray that relationships, between pastors and congregations be strengthened. May they speak the truth in love, whether from the pulpit or in the pew. Pray for grace to be extended and forgiveness be offered; and for those instances where the relationship ends, may we at least, insomuch as within our power to do so, live peaceably with all. Not as the world talks of peace, but as God has ordained; peace beyond understanding, that is of the Spirit and resides in the heart; overtaking the natural state of evil that without Christ we would still operate from to this day. But for the transforming power of Christ... For the cause of Christ. For the glory of God. May the church be the glorious Bride of Christ, spotless, yet covered in His blood. -PNC  Words still spoken by my beloved Mother, perhaps even more often, now that I am a parent. How's the famous last phrase go...I hope when you have children, they act the exact way that you act. Paybacks are rough.
Comedian Jeff Allen says, that the Bible never says how old Satan was when he rejected God's authority. Allen's guess? Sixteen. Growing up under their roof, I had to learn as a part of maturity, understanding and compassion, I wasn't the center of everyone's universe, nor would I ever be...at least, not since the days I could be picked up without hurting someone. Now, having been out from under their roof and having kids of my own (who are almost to the point of hurting someone when they want to be picked up), I'm still not the center of everyone's universe...nor my own for that matter. That's a good thing and I'm okay with it. It reminds me that, while I don't have it all together, neither does anyone else. At the same time, perhaps my experience, insight and friendship will be exactly what someone needs for whatever is going in their universe. That said, Pastor reiterated during our Wednesday night service, how the breakthrough that occurred in Job's life, came when he prayed for his friends. Interestingly enough, a brief glance into Paul's life, while you see him request prayer for himself, he "always" prays for others. Individuals, a people group, a church or community...his letters aren't "woe is me, God help me through this". There's nothing wrong with praying for self, as we bring our needs to God, but as Mom reminds us, there is always someone in more difficult and challenging places than you. The perspective alone, if you could only pray one prayer, wouldn't it be the most dire situation? Now that might be you, but a few seconds worth of thought and you'd probably come up with a different name who you could use that one prayer. For this #communitySaturday, pray for your friends, neighbors, coworkers and family. Pray for the situations they face...job loss while you are gainfully employed, marriage and friendships that are rocky at best while yours is stable at worst, finances that are empty while you have something in savings, more than one car in the garage while someone is walking everywhere or hitching a ride, rebellious kids living it up while yours actively serve in ministry. Pray the church engages their community in tangible ways, simply by having the conversation and asking for the opportunity to offer it to God in prayer; that He may accomplish on earth what we can only dream exists in heaven. For the glory of God. For the cause of Christ. For the building up of a community of faith. -PNC  Listening to an interview yesterday afternoon, the host made the statement that the biggest problem facing Christianity today was how frequently we forget that we all are in need of a Savior.
Intentionally or not, at some point we treat someone who comes into our lives as though they are chief among sinners. The problem is that 1) the Apostle Paul already laid claim to that title and 2) sin is no respecter of persons. It's not about our behavior, but about our nature. On this #missionsFriday, pray the church remember that we are all in need of a Savior. Pray those saved recognize their position as ministers, to share and help others respond to the revelation of their need for a Savior. Pray for a greater passion for the lost; a greater compassion for those who have never experienced grace. As Christ came for us all, yet would have come for just one, may we too, pray for the salvation of all, but we willing to reach out to just one. May the message of the Cross stand tall, in a world seeking in whom they could place their hope and trust, their very life. -PNC  Last night, a blog showed up in my news feed and I hope he doesn't mind, I'm stealing the premise of his post for today's prayer focus; deacons, admins and church staff.
Kade Young, on his blog, collaborateworship.com, wrote this past June, how, as a worship leader, he felt intimidated by larger churches. More talent, better equipment, greater knowledge and/or skill...yet he came to realize the multi-facet nature of small churches. There's just as much talent and knowledge, plus you have to know what makes it all tick, since there might not be other people available to use as a resource or you can't hire the resource when needed. The line that stood out... "Just because you are a small church does not mean you have to settle." -Kade Young The same multi-facet nature, very appropriately applies to church admins, deacons and those who help run the church offices. As Kade points out, it's like running a small business. You are your own tech support, finance guru, resource point-contact, and more. But you don't have to settle, just because you don't have the resources, finances and whatever characteristics people might find appealing in larger churches. You can be small, yet run ministry with excellence. Like anything else, you simply have to want to do it. Work at it. Pray over it. And believe God will honor your faith and effort as you move forward in it. On this #deaconThursday, pray, especially for those who serve smaller churches. May God honor their faithful service and diligent work in their communities. Pray God will return them, an increase, in their lives and ministry for the time and contributions they have made utilizing their knowledge and skills for the kingdom. Pray for those frustrated by a lack of resources, volunteers and sheer energy as they try to run effective and efficient ministry with excellence. May God grant to them strength, perseverance, wisdom, creativity and focus. Pray a renewed sense of purpose, vision and anointing would come upon them and raise them up to the next level. For the glory of God. For the cause of Christ. For the betterment of their community. -PNC  I sat down with my kids since we had just a few minutes before they had to get ready for bed. With phone in hand, I remembered my bible app reminder from this morning regarding a short, 6-day plan I was on.
Funny enough, the passage in the pic was the last one we read together. Our few minutes before bed, turned into 10 or 15, as I asked my oldest, age 7, a few questions about what we read and about God and heaven and prayer. It wasn't long until I realized how big the smile on my face must have looked, realizing that all her time in kids church on Sunday's and her Wednesday class during the mid-week service was taking root in her heart. What makes her list of things to pray for at bedtime is pretty awesome. And her 3-yr old sister prays prayers that are longer than mine. 15-20 people and things that need God to "help feel better". (repeated 2 or 3 times..either to make sure she didn't forget anyone or that God heard it all, I'm not sure) It's awesome to work with kids and youth in their faith. It's incredible to watch them grow in their faith. It's powerful what we learn from their faith. "If you ask anything in my name, I will do it." - John 14:13,14 On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray for kids and youth pastors, for the awesome work they do in planting, watering and tending seeds of faith in young lives. Pray that foundations may be laid upon which faith that spans a lifetime will stand the test of time, having done everything to stand, remain. Pray that experiences and life events of young people will draw them closer to God and strengthen their faith, rather than withdraw them, whereby bitterness will cause faith to crack. Pray that pastors will be friends and mentors, understanding that their work is an investment, which by its very nature, cannot be predicted when one deposit will yield greater results than another. Pray Pastors retain, the simple faith of the kids and teens they reach...that God would do the miraculous, for whatever may be asked, in the name of Jesus.  We all, at times, wish we were the boss. Oh, the decisions we'd make. Things we'd do differently. Other times, you're glad you're not the boss. The decisions you'd rather not the final say. The responsibilities you're glad you don't have. Yet, in between, is the understanding that you are responsible for the decisions you do make; things that are within your control to make sure they are done right.
It's these moments that frustrate to no end, when you realize, that as an associate in an organization, you've dropped the ball. Someone won't be happy about it. The waiting for "the conversation" is just as agonizing as the moment you realized you fumbled! Or is it just me. No...we've all made dumb mistakes. We all wish they had been forgotten about before they were even made known. And we've all wished we had a better explanation than the simple truth that ball just got through. Not planned, not intentional. Just the right confluence of events conspired against us; perhaps. We each handle these moments differently. Some struggle worse than others. Grace, forgiveness, confidence, awareness, focus. Just keep trying. Just keep doing. Just keep praying. Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, for the mistakes, missteps and fumbles along the way made by associates. Pray grace and forgiveness be extended when needed. Pray confidence, awareness and focus to do better when necessary. Pray against defeatist attitudes and thoughts that would attempt to drown out their accomplishments, abilities and aspirations. Pray for strength of heart and mind to keep getting up, to keep trying, to keep doing, to keep believing that whatever they put their hands to, will succeed. For the glory of God. For the cause of Christ. For effective and efficient ministry in the communities in which they serve, day in and day out, despite all odds. -PNC  Last night as the praise and worship portion of the service was about to close, our youth pastor used the story of Samuel and Elijah as a reminder of how we should remain towards God.
Three times, Samuel heard a voice and went to Elijah. And, perhaps, because Elijah was still half-asleep, it took a moment to realize the miraculous and advise appropriately. "The next time you hear the voice..." Pastor didn't even finish the summary of the story and I thought about what happens to ministries and pastors, particularly senior/lead pastors, who find themselves having lost the ability to remain humble before the Lord, ready to listen to what God would desire speak into their lives. Of course, in light of our morning guest speakers', reminder that "we are all ministers", Elijah's advice to Samuel is hard to swallow, even on a personal level. Obedience is better than sacrifice, and since upon our death, everything we have will automatically qualify as a sacrifice, the only thing we truly have to offer God is, in fact, obedience. Okay...this is starting to hurt. Time to pray. Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, may all of us, whether a senior in high school, senior-aged member or a Senior Pastor (an any level leading up to "senior", find ourselves continually humble before God, ready to be a listening servant. Pray that ministries and personalities do not overtake one's spirit, that they think they can rely on self and do better than reliance on God. Pray against a spirit of pride, that would tune out the promptings of the Holy Spirit and the words of God, whether they are spoken by a fellow pastor, adviser, or friend. Pray for opportunities for Senior Pastor to be an Elijah, to a younger Samuel...to help guide and direct the next generation of pastors, not only in church-related matters, but in-depth lessons on life and spiritual maturity. May the building blocks of ministry begin with God-moments, where people's first response is the one that says, "Speak Lord, your servant is listening." For the cause of Christ. For the glory of God. For the purpose of changing our wrold. -PNC |
AuthorJust a man, attempting to fulfill God's plan. Husband, Dad, Dreamer. Blogger. Archives
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