I heard a really cool phrase this morning... and thought, what a great concept for #seniorPastorMonday. Then I lost it. However, in the past two days, I've heard a story, or a portion of a story from two different pastor couples regarding personal decisions in their lives that will or would affect their ability to do ministry.

A funny thing about both instances; they involved a serious financial component to the conversation.

A three-way juggling act, between being obedient to the hand of God and the prompting of the Holy Spirit, trusting what has been placed in the heart, and making sense of it in the mind.

For following the mind, can cause you to miss the decision God wants and calls you to make.
Just as easily, and often for that matter, the heart misleads. The emotional "tug" and the feelings of the moment fade, to varying degrees of course; but even the strongest of instincts are occasionally wrong.

Finally, there's the downright, "yeah, I can't do that". Whether we don't feel ready, willing or able isn't really the question. It's a question of trust. Is wisdom involved? Yes. Prayer, absolutely. But wisdom only goes so far, for our finite minds are just that.

The super-natural realm of a sovereign, spiritual, Supreme Being can't be understood, let alone explained through physical eyes and earthly words. God is God and we are not. So it has always been. So too, will it forever be.

But that doesn't make the prayer in the process any less important. It doesn't negate the difficulty of the decision-making process and revolving conversations. It does not ignore the pursuit of Godly counsel from the outset to the outcome.

Nobody ever said ministry was easy. Nobody ever said the personal matters of life and faith of those who lead got easier while in ministry either.

So, on this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for those pastors in ministry struggling with any and all variety of decisions. Pray for marriages that are having difficulty navigating the conversation and reconciling the prompting of the Holy Spirit and the hand of God compared to finite wisdom and understanding. Pray God would grant discernment to know what is truly a step of faith and an act of obedience compared to what is a hope and emotion that is not a part of God's plan. May He work the miraculous as only He can do and may He intervene and keep from harm, those who are on the verge of missing God's plan and making a disastrous and damaging mistake.

To know the will of God
And hear His still small voice.
Even if it is one step at a time,
One decision at a time.
Living the life He has called us to live.
For His glory alone.

- PNC

Effectiveness and efficiency relies on so many moving parts and pieces... and people.

And sometimes difficult circumstances prompt difficult conversations. Especially when the attempts to get things done that result in a sense of effectiveness seems be inefficient or worse, non-existent.

So what gives?

A hard conversation.
A reality check.
A decision.

Nothing can be resolved, if nothing is noticed.
Nothing can be changed, that isn't first owned.

So, if there's a problem in reaching one's desired level of effectiveness and efficiency, it begins and ends with the one who has the desire.

This isn't directed at you. I'm preaching to myself. I'm living it myself. And not five or ten years ago, like I should have learned. Here and now. The learning process doesn't stop at adulthood. If anything, school is an education on the process of learning. I used to reflect in college, of how I wanted to be a student of life, for life.

What was I thinking? The lessons get harder. The refining fire of the work of the Holy Spirit gets hotter. And the iron sharpening iron... well, it doesn't create a pleasant sound during the process, but it's necessary for both to become better for the task which they were created.

On this very personal #effectiveSunday, pray that God would help us to do the things that need to be done, at the time and place they are necessary. Pray that God would increase the awareness and understanding of both the realities and the truth as to how God would have us handle it. May we be sensitive to the work of the Holy Spirit, even when the refining fire is hot and uncomfortable. Pray for strength to persevere; to continue to do what is right, even when it is incredibly hard.

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

- PNC

Yes, I know this is a very late #communitySaturday post.

I suppose there are any number of reasons, most of which probably don't matter; although it didn't help that I didn't really have a sense of direction early in the day before we were gone and all that followed.

By I think God is working this out, even as I type this, as it prompted me to remember that our engagement with the concept of community begins at home. For if you can't function in a "community" of people with whom you share a "few" hundred square feet of real estate, including the most personal of common areas such as eating and personal hygiene, then it's not hard to imagine you'll have trouble in other areas as well, whether it be on campus or in the corporation.

I just remembered this afternoon's conversation that could just have easily prompted this post, but it didn't. But now that I think about it, maybe I'll tie it back in.

So, the kids are supposed to be getting ready for bed. It's bedtime when they start. The oldest can't find the top that goes to the favorite pair of pajamas. Emotions start ramping up. Which shuts off the ability to hear what I'm saying. So, my frustration rises. Now, I'm up, trying to help locate this. And, no luck. Now we're having a conversation about not listening and not doing as told, and if this was taken care of, maybe it would not be an issue. Minutes pass and no avail. 10 and 20 later. More frustration. This is not looking good.

Parents, you know how this goes. Everyone is in a bad mood.
Finding it later isn't an option and I'm more ready for bed now, than they are.

So, now I'm spent. Time to talk with the oldest. Calmer heads need to prevail. It takes some more work, but one way or another, my message needs to be made clear. This ordeal and everything that got in the way, has to be rectified. The youngest enters the room, maybe 10 minutes later. This is now a teaching moment. after almost an hour has been spent from what was bedtime. And I use that word deliberately. This hour was not useful nor beneficial. Yes, I heard sorry, but that's like for getting caught, rather than true remorse.

No... the teaching moment is now an investment.

I'm offering my apologies to my kids in true remorse.

Perhaps we should pray, God helps us find this. Do you want to pray or you want me to? Oldest points. Right.
I pray. Prayer couldn't have lasted 90 seconds. Help us find this top; what matters to us, matters to you...and the bigger picture.... our attitudes, our words, our responsibilities... in Jesus name.

No kidding... less than two minutes later. Youngest kid walks up to me with pajama top in hand.

"Where was this?"

In the oldest's bed. The kid who told me a few minutes ago they saw it 3 weeks ago folded in the family room, apparently forgot they wore it to bed and took it off in bed, who knows how many days ago.

So, where's the prayer for this post and what's the tie-in you mentioned earlier?

Conversation between my dad and I during our visit for a few minutes this afternoon. He was having a rough day and my not buying the parts to fix my mower yet didn't help the conversation... which involved possibly fixing something else that we were looking at. I left in bad mood, he went back to whatever he was working on, no doubt more frustrated than before we had stopped by.

Towards the end of the conversation with the kids about the lost pajama's, Dad texted me. Offering his apologies and that he was ordering the parts for me. Yeah... upon God answering our prayer, I extended grace to the kids, because God gave us grace for the lost item that matters to the kid. And in the middle of me parenting my kids, I receive the same grace from my Dad.

And the reminder that, apparently, no matter how old you are, you're never done being a parent.
Nor, loving on your kids while teaching them important life lessons. :-)

While it is still #communitySaturday, pray that God would help us in the most basic realm of community: family. Pray that God would help us as parents, to reflect the love, grace and character of God to our children, especially in moments of instruction, correction and discipline. Pray for our kids, that they would understand the values of respect and responsibility, of care and compassion for both people and possessions. May God help us to be wise stewards of our time, our treasure and our talents. Pray that Godly values would be instilled for generations and that generational curses would be broken. Pray for the miraculous in homes of brokenness, despair and dysfunction and healing in the marriages that are of the same.

For how can God heal our land
If He doesn't not heal homes built upon it.
For we cannot treat community like family
If we don't learn how to be family with those who are just a few feet away.

- PNC

The test will produce a testimony.
A message will come from from the mess.

And yes, sadly, there will be moments of misery in the ministry.

Christianity is a self-sacrificing faith.

It's not about us, but man, if the enemy doesn't do everything possible to keep us frustrated and focused on the problems and difficulties of that don't extend beyond the driveway. So while it may not even take much of matter to distract us, it can be enough that we refocus our sight on the test, mess and misery rather than what God is working within us to create a "final product"

God is never done with us; we have never fully arrived. And that should comfort us greatly. But even that truth causes some sadness, as if we won't get a reprieve from the struggles of life.

But to those who continue to place their trust in Him, He is faithful.
In our weakness, He is strong.
And those who call upon the name of the Lord, are saved.

It's not easy to continually remind ourselves, that this life is not ours and this ground is not our home; especially as society and culture places an ever-increasing emphasis on self-identity and self-assurance. But it's necessary. For as God gave, so do those who follow Him.

On this #missionsFriday, pray that God would strengthen and encourage those bogged down by the test and the mess. Pray the Holy Spirit would quicken them and remind them that the battle is not forever. May there be a grace; an unexplainable grace in the lives of missionaries. Not that life is perfect, but that God is good and faithful. May their message and ministry not be hindered or derail because of today's momentary afflictions.

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

- PNC

So, today is the National Day of Prayer.

And let me offer, once again, my thanks and gratitude to those who read this daily (or as frequently as you can) and join us in prayer for our church leadership, ministry outreach and overall impact in the world, to be a light in the darkness... or rather, to reflect the Light in the darkness.

There's so much to pray for in the troubled days and times. We all have personal battles and ministry struggles.

The world is a mess and society seems to have lost its' mind.
Everyone is calling for the truth, except one can agree what it is or what to base it on.
We desire leadership to use wisdom, yet respond with hyper-criticism to most minutia of details.
There's a demand for perfection from others, yet leniency for ourselves.
Give me all the grace; but be prepared to receive none when you need it.

Every time there is a glimmer of hope that exists within humanity, it is met with a stronger argument that reminds us the glimmer was not bright enough.

What good is it to be true to yourself, if you aren't living in tune with the one, true God?
Everyone wants to be accept for who they are, yet they don't accept themselves for who they are in Christ?

Does prayer fix everything? Not by itself.
But the fix does begin through the act and discipline of prayer.

Pray, this #nationalDayofPrayer #deaconThursday, that no matter what the struggles and battles we face, that prayer would be a greater priority in our lives and those of our leaders at every level. Pray for wisdom and discernment to work through the problems that plagues our society and culture. Pray for the leadership of our nation, communities and churches. May they lead with integrity and honor, people of courage and conviction who are not afraid to search for and speak the truth. Pray God would help us to reflect the light of Christ to a world overrun with darkness.

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

- PNC

Is that not titled a great concept?

I heard it very recently, stated in just those words and what a powerful thought.

So often, the burden is overwhelming, frustrating and worrisome. Anxiety fills our hearts and stress fills the mind and we can't see past the burden not existing. Even the burdens that we understand that are ours to carry; that God has given us with a plan and purpose, whether they be ministry related or not... they can be hard to see past.

Not only seeing past them for the sake of moving on to "what's next" in life, but seeing the blessing that exists. The blessings that follow the burden and the opportunities that open up once the burden is lifted... we struggle to see both states of existence because the burden dominates so much of our energy, capacity and resources.

But the awesome state of being and state of mind that is possible after the burden is gone... well, we can imagine. In the meantime, hope must be maintained and the effort retained with the same resolve and intensity as though the process had just started.

Though the burden is disheartening, don't let it derail.
While it may do some damage; it must not destroy.

Past the burden, past the burnout.... there is blessing. In fact, if you watch for it, there is incredible opportunity to bless while in the midst of the burden.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray for the burdens of pastors, especially for those whose burdens concern the next generation. Pray that God would strengthen their resolve and bless their efforts. Pray for opportunities to be a blessing, even in the midst of burdens that exist outside of their ministry. May the burden not derail them, nor discourage or destroy them. Pray they would rise above; renewed, encouraged and quickened to continue in the good work that God has prepared for them as they serve as faithfully stewards to the calling that God has placed upon their hearts and lives.

Blessed to be a blessing,
Regardless of the burden.
For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I don't know where you are yet, but it turns out, today is on track to be the warmest day we've had in the past 200 days! And while not a record-breaker, it could get pretty close.

Looks like spring is finally here.. although at these projected temps, feels more like summer. That said, though, it is May 1.  Which has me thinking about freshness.

So often it's hard to gain traction on a project or a problem simply because we can't seem to find a solution. Talking about it doesn't seem to get us very far; praying about it has yet to result in direction. Over-analysis has fried the brain and frustration has fried the spirit.

You don't quite feel inconsolable, but you do feel as though one more conversation, even with a new person will simply add to the level of hopelessness and angst that already exists. This is hard state of existence. Like banging your head against the wall. Or life doing it for you.

In either case, perhaps what is needed is a fresh take.

It may come through prayer. It may come through conversation. It may come by refusing to think about the matter at all for a certain period of time. Commit to putting some distance between your perspective and your perception on the problem. See what God sorts out in the meantime, both in your life and in the circumstance.

And to that end, let's agree in prayer, this #associatePastorTuesday. Pray for a refreshing move of the Holy Spirit for those struggling with a particular circumstance; particularly, if it has overextended it's welcome. Pray that God would bring clarity to the matter, as they commit it to prayer and wise counsel. Pray for those who, for whatever reason, would do well to take a step back. May God help them not to worry or stress over the matter. Pray they would not over-analyze the problem, nor over-complicate things by focusing on the wrong aspects or minutia details or whatever else might stand in the way. May they find rest and peace as they trust God to have His way, as He moves with His sovereign hand.

For God is work
Making a way
With thoughts that are higher than ours
And plans that are better and greater too.
So our confidence is in Him alone
For His glory.

- PNC

 So there's a group of us sitting in class last night at church and among the material being presented, the topic of Adam and Eve in the garden was mentioned for a few minutes. And the point that stood out, as we took an overview of what transpired and the relationship was broken, is really, how all relationships begin to break. It's the beginning of the process of regret and the erosion of confidence and trust.

Satan's favorite question to all of us regarding any and every matter in life.

"Did God really say?"

That's all it took. Four words, and the "sliver of doubt" pricked the soul.

These suckers are not any fun. I've had one in my left index finger that I could not get out the day it happened. It's been weeks now and I still haven't dug it out. Talk about irritation that is now sensitive to touch and painful in my attempts to remove it.

If such a circumstance results in physical agony, then we begin to understand the spiritual dilemma of Satan's question. And obviously, the eternal impact his words created.

But this is his nature, to kill, steal and destroy. While the Word of God plants seeds of faith, the enemy plants seeds of distrust. Like going about daily life and normal tasks and it doesn't take much, but asking the question. The heart is pricked, the crack in the mind is found. And he keeps touching the infected and irritated area.

If it's not taken care of so it can heal, it will be a long-term problem, ever growing worse. I know, I'm talking to myself now. Someone is reading this, yelling at their screen for me to get this sliver out of my finger!

And I'm asking you to pray with me, that pastors will not go so long when slivers of doubt are planted in them as they lead the people of God.

Therefore, pray this #seniorPastorMonday, that the slivers of doubt would indeed be quickly removed. May they not create such an irritation to become a problematic hindrance to the ministry of the church. Pray for wise counsel during this time; that any legitimate questions and concerns would be answered and resolved, whether by the Word of God, or prayer or conversation. Pray for the guarding of the hearts and minds, for no Christian or pastor is immune from spiritual attack. May such moments neither derail nor destroy their life, faith or ministry; but they would overcome and remind the enemy of both his proper place and his future destiny.

The foe is already defeated
Our confidence is steadfast and firm
In the Lord our God
As we call upon the name above all names.

- PNC

We all wish to be in a different place tomorrow than we are today. And today, we may wish that yesterday wasn't nearly as bad, risky or difficult as we made it out to seem. Then again, maybe it really was and where we are today is exactly right.

Whatever the circumstance is, effectiveness comes by making the best decision you can with the information you have and what environment you are able to live with, for those elements which you have control or influence over.

Is regret real? Yes, but so is the ability to do things differently today as well as the conviction to continue with what you set out to do and figure out the best way to move forward, for whatever needs to change.

Too much worry and concern and "woulda, shoulda, coulda" only robs the energy and focus that you have today so that you don't have that same sentiment tomorrow. In fact, if you spend too much time in that realm, it will start overtaking tomorrows resources before you get there!

We'll worry about tomorrow tomorrow and we said that yesterday.

So whatever today looks like, whether in your life, your faith or your ministry, make it work and make it count. Live with the best of your reality, overcome the worst of that reality and trust God will all of your reality.

It may not feel efficient, it may not look effective; but line upon line, precept upon precept, we walk one step at a time; His lamp to our path and His light to our feet.

Pray, this #effectiveSunday, that regret and struggle would not frustrate today's reality. Pray for courage of conviction and follow-through to implement the decisions we make. Pray for wisdom and direction, in making those decisions; that we not leave out seeking the face of God and the counsel of wise friends and people of faith. May we be empowered by the Holy Spirit and encouraged by the grace of God, that He is sovereign over all things. Pray that fear would not hinder us, nor our mistakes hold us back from grabbing onto the promises of God and seeing them established and at work in our lives.

For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.
We are over-comers
Because of His great love for us.

- PNC

We pray for our church leadership. We pray for the church as we engage community. And sadly, how many times have we not prayed for the leadership within our community? Those who run them in positions of government, those who influence them by planning and development and those who impact them by how they run their companies and organizations as contributors to the region.

While it's true, that a small, committed group of individuals can indeed change the world, we are also witnessing the reality that a group of people can mislead and redirect the world to levels and places that many would rather not go. Decisions always make an impact, but there is a big difference in motivation... of those who would want positive, generational change versus a dangerous and harmful spiral effect for which there is little discussion of the ultimate outcome.

Other factors come in to play and things happen that are out of one's control, but this is what vision casting is all about. Being able to see the end. And to that effect, when decisions are made at the end result can't be painted, then perhaps that should be an indicator that requires us to reconsider what we are doing and why.

So, on this #communitySaturday, pray for those who lead our communities, whether nationally, regionally or locally. Pray for wisdom and discernment as they plan and implement decisions, strategies and developments. May they have a heart that pursues positive impact and more importantly, a Godly and eternal impact. Pray for understanding in the conversations that transpire; to speak with knowledge and clarity and to decide with purpose and principle.

For a greater community here on Earth
For a greater impact for the kingdom of Heaven.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

It's been said that you can't legislate morality.

To which, I think I've formulated my reply...

Then how can you criminalize immorality?

The best laid plans, the strongest wills, the most determined... the more time passes the more it becomes clear: society is attempting to fix outside behavior without addressing an internal problem.

And we're all works in progress.

The cleanest saint is still a dirty sinner, because the only comparison that matters spiritually is how we stand before God next to the person of Jesus Christ.

It's not a popular perspective, I know... but it is a true reality.

The struggles of society are the same as those in ministry; the battles carry over and at their core, have the same intent... to destroy us and shatter our faith; regardless of how much faith we may have and in whom we place it.  And the conversation is becoming increasingly necessary and increasingly delicate. These are certainly interesting days for Christianity and the advancement of the Gospel.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, that God would strengthen and encourage missionaries in their efforts. May God grant them wisdom in navigating not only their lives, but their conversations with the lives of others. Pray for opportunity and favor in their communication of the Gospel. Pray for a boldness that goes beyond ability; a passion that moves past fear. Pray also, for a super-natural move of the Holy Spirit.

While we can do life without God
Why would you want you?
Lord, help this day...
And every one after.

- PNC

 What an interesting phrase, and concept for that matter. This idea of hit and miss.

It speaks to intentionality. It speaks to perception. It speaks of action and reaction. It takes into account strategy and timing. We highlighted a similar concept yesterday. You think you are on target towards a goal, task or dream and yet still miss the mark, to varying degrees. Conversely, you think you will miss or avoid a matter altogether and yet, nope... this isn't a close call. This is going to make an impact that we'd rather not have to deal with, let alone even be on our radar.

So, what's the lesson.
All the planning in the world doesn't guarantee perfection and all possible precautions don't eliminate risk.

Thus, whatever we do, however we do it, and for however long we deal with it, a never-ending balance exists, between managing risk and working towards greater rewards.

The process of analysis and improvement for our efforts is a seemingly unending one.
Equally, so, the trial of our misses and mistakes can be troubling and frustrating... often for a much longer time than is healthy.

This is how you know you are loved; the person who you continually go to with your triumphs and trials of life that does not tire of the emotional roller-coaster that is your mind and soul stays with you always. This is the grace of God in your life and the work of the Holy Spirit at work in your life, now matter what sun or storm dominates your day.

On this #deaconThursday, pray for God's strength, no matter what their day and days to come may bring. Pray for wisdom in handling the things that are before them calling for their attention. Pray for extra grace and wisdom to handle the things that they do not expect, but will suddenly become both a distraction and a priority. May they not be detoured or derailed in the process, but faithfully stay the course as they serve the work of the church and the ministries therein. Pray for a grace about their lives; even in the midst of the roller coasters between the triumphs and trials of life.

May there be as many good and meaning hits
As there are redemptive and clarifying misses
By the sovereign hand of God
For His purposes and plans are good.

- PNC

I keep finding myself having these moments of thought, consideration and reflection. It's a good thing right, as a reminder that brain is functioning? Or at least attempting to do so? However, on many occasion, I find myself in somewhat of an internal conflict...

Between the lessons I wish I had learned long ago that are still a struggle and the lessons I want my kids to learn long before they have to worry about sharing my aforementioned sentiment.

Take for instance, today's take-away.

Wisdom is knowing the appropriate time to act/react based solely on instinct.

We've all experienced moments of regret in both realms. Times that your instinct was right and you didn't trust them. Times when you ran with your instincts and got into serious trouble. As I reflect on the difficulty of navigating such moments, one thing is clear... not everything can be taught. Some lessons are best learned through living.

That's why they are called life lessons.

Many professions and arenas of life share this dynamic. And ministry is no different. All the study and preparation, conversation and prayer doesn't prepare you for the people you will encounter, the stories they will share, the trouble and trial for which they will seek help... and of course, the x-factor. What God will do in you, through you and reveal to you as you serve in ministry.

The life of faith is an everlasting exercise of the repeated cycle of living, learning and trusting.

Pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that as pastors live and learn, may they continually place their trust. May the Holy Spirit develop within them, an increased sensitivity, not only towards the presence of God and the prompting of the Spirit, but a strong instinct. Pray for the lessons they will learn as they live and serve in ministry; that God would use them to accomplish His purposes and enhance the impact they will make as they share life and faith with kids and youth. May God guard their hearts and minds; that while they may not live a perfect life, may they live one free of regret; having learned when to trust their instinct and when to exercise wisdom in waiting.

Waiting on Him
Living by faith
Trusting in His plan
Always learning
For the advancement of the cause of Christ.

- PNC

I have a working theory...

Leaders get to their position, by and large, by doing things that most others don't. And they accomplish them with more discipline and effort than most as well. There's a difference in attitude and mindset and strategy.

It's not that others can't do it. Anyone can. Leaders don't just step into the front and center. But they have taken steps and put in to practice elements that cause them to progress in a noticeable manner.

It's easy to look at leadership and wish and desire that one was in a different position and place in life, dealing with different battles and different people; perhaps enjoying more benefits and perks even if it came with a different degree of stress. But then again, is there a willingness to do things differently to get there?

Forgive me for another Dave Ramsey quote... I didn't plan this.

"Things don't change unless you do."

Well, that'll preach! And I'm first in line.

But seriously... how much is missed out in both opportunity and reward because we don't do the hard thing, the difficult thing, the hard decision, the challenging process with unfettered and unwavering determination and commitment? Quite a bit, as I'm daily reminded and remembering myself.

That said, at the end of the day, the difference is diligent determination.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, pray that whatever is done; that it would be done with all one's heart, soul, mind and strength as unto the Lord. While that may be stating the obvious for those in ministry, may it be the necessary encouragement that it needs to be for those struggling as they approach and ready themselves daily.  Pray for wisdom in the decision they make, the risks that the take and the strategies that they implement to accomplish the work set before them. May God grant them favor in every realm and may the Holy Spirit lead as they continue in faithful service to the kingdom of God

Bad habits broken
Disciplined disciples at work
For His glory
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

If you've listened to Dave Ramsey for any length of time, you've heard him give some very basic advice, particularly when it comes to investing. And it's great advice for a wide variety of other areas of life as well, but it's this...

Don't put your money in things you don't understand.

The investment can be dangerous. We've all heard the horror stories, or been the victim in the story. I trusted the guy who said he knew what he was doing... and yeah; I wish I hadn't.

I know... you've been reading for 30 seconds and you're wondering what this has to do with ministry and pastoral burnout. Well, Dave recently expounded on that concept and applied it on a grander, more impactful scale. His $200 million business which employs over 600 people. It's an incredible story.

But he shared on the air recently, that there's a lot that he doesn't understand. Like technology. But if he's sitting in a meeting where he's being asked to make an investment... it's his money. If somebody can't explain it with some degree of clarity and understanding so that Dave can see it's value and understand long-term what it will accomplish, then it's probably not happening.

While senior pastors are people of the Word and study the Word is their primary responsibility is to deliver the Word, I think there are many churches who have gotten into trouble over the years for the same reason that many businesses have gone under and many families have gotten into trouble.

Decisions have been made that cost us dearly. Emotionally. Mentally. With our time, resources and connections. And yes, with our wallets and checkbooks. All because someone pulled a fast one us that we didn't see coming. Because we were rushed into the decision making process; whether through fear or an "immovable deadline". Perhaps it was peer-pressure or group-think.

Somehow, some way; the ability to exercise discernment and restraint usually has a bigger payoff than the initial presentation of information leads us to believe actually exists. And when it is not exercised, it costs us... in our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Relational. Financial. Ministerial.

Get burned bad enough and you'll be burnt out for a while.

So... let's pray this #seniorPastorMonday for wisdom. And discernment. Pray for the situations and circumstances that call for their attention, demand their understanding and even more, require their decision. May God grant them the ability to understand that which doesn't come naturally. Pray God would help them to surround themselves with those who will give them wise counsel and direction, as well as guard them from attack and plunder. Pray they would not fear regret nor mistakes because they were rushed or convinced into a decision in which peace and understanding was absent from the process.

May the leadership be wise as serpents
And harmless as doves.
Faithful in ministry;
And protected from those who would desire to derail and destroy it.
For the advancement of the kingdom of Heaven.

- PNC

I had an idea for today's post and somewhere while getting ready for church, I lost it.

Which is what happened at church during the first service... their internet went down. Along with the livestream of the service. :-(

I love technology. And I look forward to going to church and being a part of the community of believers.

And for all the effort, time and prayer that goes into prepping and planning for service, which is all good and well, truly, only a couple of things are needed.

People who are ready to seek the face of God
Someone ready to deliver the Word of God
Hearts ready to hear and respond to the Word of God.

Everything else, while cool, is extra.

Sadly for many churches, one or more of these elements are missing. And while my friend is bummed the internet is down and their team is working on the solution, the word of God goes forth. And it won't be a slow communication response from the cable company that we should be worried about, but a quick response time to the prompting and moving of God and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

For all our efforts and abilities to create a church experience; what we truly need every time we gather, is for a personal encounter with God in His throne-room of grace.

Let's pray to that end, this #effectiveSunday. Pray that the Word of God would go forth and that His hand would touch hearts and lives anew and afresh. Pray that as we gather to worship, that Christ would gather in our midst. Pray that hearts would be ready to receive and minds would be open to be changed by the truth of God's Word. May we allow the power of the Holy Spirit to work within us; not towards perfection, but towards bearing a greater image of Christ to the world around us.

That the people of God
Would gain a fresh revelation of God
For a greater relationship with God
And to be a greater reflection of God.
All for His glory.

- PNC

So, here's the problem with relativism as a belief system.

It creates a moving standard.

You can establish a standard based on the fact that it will need to tolerate being able to move or shift in order to perform a function, but by and large, things fail and go seriously wrong when standards aren't met. Hello, quality control? I'd like to file a complaint.

So, to is life. And as much as I'd like to log a complaint, it should probably be against myself, first and foremost.

For justification is the process of something being made "just as if". It's especially comforting when viewed through the lens of faith. We are justified in Christ, making it just as if we hadn't sinned. God sees Christ in us, rather than the sin in us.

And while that's a beautiful picture, we somehow turn and twist that word around as we interact with society and community. We look at the actions, attitudes and words of others and "justify" either the alternate or similar behavior based on someone else.

Since none of us are perfect in our own right, nor by God's standard, then comparison living is incredibly dangerous. Especially as relativism has become as much of a religion as Christianity itself.

There is but one standard. God's.
And sin has leveled the playing field, making it so that all of us fall short. None of us are perfect.

So, while we comment and consider the words and deeds of others, on this #communitySaturday, let's commit and pray to guarding our hearts, minds, words and deeds first. Pray that we would be self-disciplined, not to live perfect lives, but according to His righteousness, standard and truth. Pray that we would be people of the Word as we live and engage in this world. May we impact our community by living not according to the  comparative nature of main, but the true standard of God.

For this is but God alone.
And we will all stand before Him
Accountable only to Him
Answering only for ourselves.
For His glory.

- PNC

I'm looking at this screen and there's just too much going on. Too much in my mind. So many different situations calling for my attention, that needed to be sorted out and game planned. Then for this, things I've said, things I'd like to say... then again, everyone it seems has something to say as much as things they would like to say.

How often do we forget that with our "rights" come responsibilities.
Is it possible that when we neglect our responsibility, we show our contempt for the right?

I don't know where that came from... green stamp bonus, perhaps?

These days truly worry me... as if people don't know what they are facing because as a society we have seemingly forgotten what we have already overcome. There are many thin95gs going on in current events that prompt this perception, but little cements it as much as a song by Kerry Livgren and his band, A.D. In their 1985 release of The Art of the State, is a song titled Progress.

We're getting better, climbing higher and controlling solutions; but we don't realize that in we are in fact marching backwards. As captains of our fate, we are spiraling downwards.

It's hard to comprehend that there is something more incredible and desirable than the power of God and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that we may have eternal life, but here we are. Christianity seems to be a greater deterrent to people rather than the appeal that one might believe.

You know what's weird? Sin created the divide between God and man. Christ offered Himself as the bridge. And consistent with this seemingly revisionist history that cultures seems to be focused on, we've written the Gospel out of our daily life, let alone our body politic.

Bryan Duncan sings a song titled Remember Me, the story of the thief and Christ on the Cross. And as it's playing currently, I'm thinking... people will arrive before the throne room and will be unable to call for Jesus to remember them into His kingdom, for they did not remember Him during their time on this Earth.

Well, on that note (no pun intended), let's pray... that on this #missionsFriday, that the Holy Spirit would move on hearts and minds; that their would be a drawing to God and the power of the Cross of Christ. Pray for an understanding of sin and a crisis moment of repentance. Pray for a fresh revelation on who God is; that religion would not detract, but a personal encounter would entice. Pray for a turning point on our culture and society as people turn their lives over to God. Pray for healing and health, where the church and the people of God have missed the mark; both in the presentation of the Gospel and in the active living of our faith.

May God supersede the faults of Christians
To reveal His grace and glory that can only be found in Him
For the cause of Jesus Christ
And the advancement of the kingdom of Heaven.

- PNC

I've heard some pretty incredible words of wisdom and perspective in recent days on a variety of big-picture topics as they relate to the direction of our culture and society.

If you'll permit to paraphrase in my own words... the fear of government has taken over one's fear of God.

There was a time when we as a society feared God. Not afraid, mind you. But a healthy awe, respect and reverence. Likewise, we feared our parents; which was a mix of respect and true fear. In fact, our fear of God was instilled in us because of the fear of our parents!

Now, not so much.

We don't look at right and wrong, words and deeds in light of God's truth, love and grace. We act and respond more due to people's perceptions, reactions or how we perceive they might react. While that's always been a far cry from the will and ways of God, it seems like an even farther cry these days.

Beliefs are now biases.
Principles are prejudices.
Conviction is no longer courageous
Discernment is discarded.

We no longer arrive at a place of mutual understanding. We don't even agree to disagree. Sorry isn't enough.
And name-calling is the mic drop moment that ends every conversation.

Christianity and the church even struggles to walk this ever-increasingly fine line. A balancing act that seems to be a set-up and a trap on par with the nature of what the Pharisees laid before Christ himself.

So, while we pray for the strength and fortitude for our pastors, pray also this #deaconThursday for those who serve to complement and complete the leadership force of the local church. Pray that they would be people who know God, as well as His will and His ways. Pray they would be people who would stand by their convictions; live with courage, speak truth, extend grace and show love. Pray they would be guided by the Holy Spirit in all manner of circumstances; and exercise wisdom and discernment as they live and lead. May the power of God supersede all efforts and conversations to do and have an effective ministry. Pray God would prepare hearts, that people would receive what they need from Him, rather than what they think they need from society or government.

For God extended grace
Before He showed His wrath.
Always has; always will.
To the testament of His hope and glory
That all would call upon His name.

- PNC

What is going on in this life?

We all have our struggles and battles. Some circumstance are the annoyance comparable to a stone in your shoe. Others are life-changing on par with the house being on fire. And sadly, some people are living that reality... both figuratively and literally.

Some are facing serious challenges, serious problems and incredibly complex solutions for which people have searched and discussed for years. And of course, it doesn't help that stories that wouldn't have made it past the local news two decades ago are now worldwide viral news in a matter of two hours. 

And so in the midst of whatever is going on in your personal and professional life, enter the onslaught of social media.

Nothing interrupts that life better than a kid who tells you they need help with theirs. Which come to think of it, that's probably the same interruption that God sits in waiting to hear from us.  Not that we interrupt His day, but He waits patiently for us to seek His face and call upon His name.

Yet, the enemy of our souls attacks us on both fronts. With one strategy. Busy-ness. Too busy to interrupt God with our problems and struggles. Too busy to be bothered with the interruption from those who need us most, and more importantly, need to know that they too can approach the throne of grace with any thing that they encounter in this life.

The greatest lesson we can ever learn; the greatest lesson we can ever teach... God wants to hear from you!

Yet sadly, it just too easy to leave God out of even the littlest of matters regarding our days. Which is the beauty of children. They remind us that can come to God with even the littlest of cars and concerns... regardless of whether they make the local or viral newsfeed.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray that as much as we understand that we need to hear from God, may even pastors be reminded that God desires to hear from them. Pray they would not be distracted and overcome by busy-ness. May they keep their time with God in focus and priority; not allowing even the importance of ministry to stand in the way of spending time in His presence. Pray that God would help those involved in ministry to kids and youth. Even in the simplest lessons of faith and life; may those lessons and principles resonate deep in the hearts, minds and souls... that for all their days they would love and serve the Lord with all that is within them.

That they would bless His name,
For all their days.
A disciplined life of faith,
Earlier and greater than what may be true for us.
For God is continually at work within us.

- PNC