Yesterday, I posed the question, of what it takes that one considers the possibility of fulfilling the role and responsibility of pastor. And while we prayed specifically for senior pastors relying on God as they choose their leadership team, my mind continues to track on this subject... if you'll permit a follow-up post.

Not many a pastor has stepped in to an established church or congregation their first time out. Much like most people don't wake up and find themselves CEO or owner of the company.

There is, and should be, a track record of service; in ministry and leadership and responsibility within the body of Christ.

And while there are any number of places to start, I think one of the most crucial, is an attitude of willingness.

All throughout Scripture, when God literally "called" to someone, there was then, just as there is now, two responses. Ignoring the call. Or responding with "here am I"

It's a scary and vulnerable posture to take with God, I confess. It's why I think God doesn't give us the big picture and vision of His plans. If we could fathom the vision and undertaking of it all, we would never get near it. But He extends an invitation to those who are willing.

Is there an ability factor? Yes, but that's often our requirement, more that God's.
Is there a readiness factor? Yes, but again, who's really ready for God to change their life in ways we can't describe?

Whatever you think God would desire to do in our lives, whether it be for the pastorate, any other role of ministry or any eternal impact in your community, it all hinges on our willingness.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, let us obviously, continue to pray for existing pastors as they fulfill their roles and responsibilities. Pray that God would continue to work in and through their lives as they continue to seek His face and rely on Him through the challenges they face. But let us pray also, for those whom God is working out. For those not yet pastors, but God is preparing and calling. Pray for a spirit of willingness on their part, to answer in affirmation and openness. Pray that they would not be overwhelmed, nor succumb to fear over the prospect of what lies ahead, but trust in God that He has good things in store. May there be an obedient response, not only out of response to God's sovereign authority, but to His divine love and perfect will. Indeed, may God change the lives of those whose hearts are set on Him and ready for His plans to go out.

Into the world.
That all may hear and know
The goodness and the grace
Of Almighty God
And the love of Jesus Christ.
By the power of the Holy Spirit.

- PNC

What a day, yesterday was. Church was powerful. The minutes leading up to walking out the door... yeah, let's not go there. The afternoon... for the most part, not that much better. By evening, I think we were just emotionally out.

All that to say, it remains a mystery how God works.

What appeared to be a random meeting late in the afternoon and God orchestra's and displays His arranging of the puzzle pieces known as our life.

A transaction that was to take only a few minutes took closer to 15. Why is that?

In the course of conversation, it turns out he is an associate pastor. Not only did I not see that coming, I had nothing to go on that such information would exist, let alone come up as a topic of brief discussion in the course of a completely unrelated matter.

I left floored in wonder.

In the drive home, which had its' own round of frustration, I got to thinking of just what prompts people to go into ministry and in particular, the pastorate.

Obviously, "the call" if you will, plays a great role. Certainly, ministry leaders and the church-at-large place a great emphasis on the matter. But what makes potential pastors think they can do the job? To fill the pulpit? To lead a community, both of believers and the physical surrounding area in faith, spiritual matters and all around life issues?

Surely, there's a learning curve and an educational process like there is any other formal training. Likewise, there's a series of positions of increasing responsibility like any other field of work. Then again, the early church didn't have such advantages. It was pretty much the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the law and the prophets and the words of Christ. The church existed long before any "school of ministry".

All of this is simply perspective and "food for thought", if you will, but it does bring us to a specific area of prayer.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, let's pray for wisdom and guidance; that senior pastors would know who to choose in adding to their church leadership team. May God give them discernment in the decision process; that the Holy Spirit would reveal to them through prayer and Godly counsel who the person is, that God has set-apart for their church, ministry and community.  Pray again, for a spirit of synergy. May God accomplish the miraculous through the power of agreement. For those that are waiting and perhaps have been waiting for a while to fill open positions, may God give them strength to endure and the patience to see through the process.

For God has great plans in store in the final days.
May He raise up great leaders and even greater partners
To fulfill His calling.
And carry out His plans and purposes.
For the kingdom of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I woke up this morning thinking about prayer. Perhaps because pastor started a new sermon series last week on the subject (which we missed, meaning I'll have to listen to it this week). Or perhaps... I don't know. My train of thought just got derailed and  destroyed.

We know the power of prayer. Perhaps some level of the importance of prayer. We've even been witness to the answering of prayer.

What's amazing about it, though is what is accomplished.

Systems work better when the are in sync and collaboration towards a common purpose.
Processes work more efficiently when tasks are done in order and the various parts are in alignment and in place with where they were intended to be. There is a synergy, to borrow one of my pastor friends' favorite word.

Without prayer, where would you be? Where would I be? The family? Our lives? The church and its' ministries?
On the surface, in our minds, we know the answer.

But, deep down in our heart of hearts with a solid foundation of faith, do we fully comprehend and fulfill our understanding that prayer works as we position ourselves in alignment with heaven. 

How cool is what? What a privilege. What a responsibility. What an honor. What a humbling experience.

On this first #effectiveSunday, I have but one purpose... that as I pray and as the church prays, may we find ourselves aligned with the plans and purposes of Heaven. From His throne, may God hear our prayers, heal our land and move mightily among us.

God, do a great work in us
As we work to great exploits
For the cause of Jesus Christ
And the kingdom of heaven.

- PNC

The family and I went out to breakfast on this #communitySaturday. Not unusual, except this was a "new to us" community.

And the food was really good. Small and it was packed upon our arrival, but we waited. And it got me thinking... in particular about how businesses position themselves as "feeling like home". Having recently moved, this is a phenomenon that I'm sensitive to of late.

What is interesting though, is that we step into the public square wanting to feel as though we are home. And I ask, why not experience community at home?  Who doesn't love to gather with family and friends from the comfort of their own kitchen and couch?
 
The early church did. And today's churches are increasingly building relationships within their church by the congregation meeting in homes as a way to build deeper connections among the people of God. It also gives opportunity to truly invite community to hang out and do life with the community of believers without walking into the doors of the sanctuary.

So, one simple question... is your home a place for community to exist beyond the people you call family? It can be. It should be. It's what I hope our place will be.

Pray this #communitySaturday that the church would greatly impact their community through their involvement in every day life. May open our hearts and our homes, to be the hands and feet of those in need, whether of great and obvious needs or simply building friendship by being friendly. Pray God would grant us favor with our neighbors, to reflect the character of Christ, never knowing what, when and how God might be working in their lives. May God use His church to change the world as they are open to living a real faith in a real God while experiencing real life.

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

- PNC 

I heard a power perspective, that I'd like to relay and check if this doesn't resonate.

Evolution kills the family.

The human race is the only species in which family exists through the existence of relationship.

Relationship, by the way, is the foundation of our connection with God and His Kingdom.

But consider what evolution teaches.

The coming to life as the next phase of animal, rather than an intentional creation.
It denies God and the concept that humanity exists for a purpose.
Without God, their is no basis for morality.
Whatever may become of me in the next life, there is no eternity after this life.
So, with no eternity and no morality, what is to prevent me from fulfilling every whim and notion on any given day?

And is that not what we are witnessing on a daily basis?

No need for God
No need for relationship.
No eternal consequence for our earthly lifestyle.
No fear of tomorrow, nor consideration of today; who might be affected by our decisions.

What authority do you have over me, for you are no better not different than me. Leave me to live my life alone, how I see fit; for I have no purpose, neither was one contemplated as I came into existence.

Is it any wonder then, the world has arrived at such troubled times as these? And yet, this is the mental and spiritual battle that faces the ministry of the Gospel. For while it was once elementary in our culture, it is now, once again revolutionary. 

Pray, this #missionsFriday that God would strengthen missionaries as they battle the front lines of a culture that is far from God. May God give them wisdom, as they encounter every train of thought that has elevated itself against the knowledge of Christ. Pray a spirit of grace and the ability to love; that they would exemplify the character of Christ as they present the truth of God's Word. May the truth stand victorious and the Light scatter the darkness

May God hear our prayers
Answer from heaven
And heal our land.
For the glory of God.
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

If the evil of the world, isn't increasing moment by moment in this world in which we live, then perhaps we are living on different planets.

That said, I've noticed a change. I'm certain that I am not the first to notice, nor do I think that it is a short list of people who have noticed. But the shift has certainly permeated society. We've moved from innocent until proven guilty to guilty until proven innocent. We've gone from granting the benefit of the doubt to a rushing of judgement. From quick to listen and slow to anger to the dismissal of listening and immediate anger. 

The media would have you believe that all is wrong with the world. There is no good, there is no greatness. Some can do no wrong, others can do no right. And in the midst of it, people are worried about what "message" we are sending to our young people.

Well, Scripture tells us plainly, what message we should concern ourselves with!

Whatsoever is pure, lovely, honest, just and true. If anything is praiseworthy, if anything is of good report, if there is any virtue!

But we don't think on these things. We don't encourage these things... at least not at a rate that would curtail the barrage of bad news from today's culture. Everyone is looking for what will fix our country and community, our states and schools, in the marketplace and at the homestead. In all of these environments, where will we ever find a circumstance that fits the life that stand before us. Furthermore, where is the person who exemplifies this? Don't wait for someone else. 

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray that young people and old alike, would be people that would focus on God and the good that He has surrounded use. May they not get caught up in the message of the day by media and peers. Pray they would be people who would seek the face of God and place their trust solely in Him. Pray God would help us a parents and pastors, teachers and coaches, friend, neighbors and mentors to encourage them. Pray for wisdom and direction; that they would live counter-culture to world and in alignment with God's Word.

True, just and honest.
Lovely and pure.
Of virtue and good report.
May we think on such on things.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

For whatever reason, i recently recalled the days of my first "real" job out of college. It was a start-up company. A small, fun company. With sometimes, sporadic payment from clients, which meant that payday sometimes came late. Which got me thinking about yesterday's post regarding when a church closes its' doors.

The boss always makes certain sacrifices. It's a bummer, and quite a frustrating one when the staff and associates suffer as a result. And while my heart breaks for the place and position of the pastor in yesterday's post, I'm also concerned about those who served in ministry with him.

What's next for them? If they are employed elsewhere while pastoring, then perhaps, to some degree, they will be "okay". At least I terms of livelihood. And if they aren't?

And while on the topic of livelihood; there's also mental, spiritual and emotional struggle. As much as I felt life "hung in the balance" whenever payday showed up late, I can't fathom the struggle of church leadership that is affected when a church closes the doors.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, pray for those that are indeed, affected by churches that are severely struggling.... perhaps on the verge of closing or have done so already. May God give them strength in the aftermath and wisdom moving forward. Pray God would meet their needs; not only financially, but emotionally, mentally and physically. Pray for healing and restoration through this process. May God open the next door for those who are wondering and waiting about the rest of us.

For the glory of God
For the cause of Jesus Christ
By the strength and power of the Holy Spirit.

- PNC

I heard the story of a church this weekend that recently closed their doors. It was a church plant, and through a series of events, the pastor felt, surely through much prayer, that this wasn't the time to "force" making it work.

The pastor who was relaying this news, asked of those in the room, how many understood that how difficult a thing it is to continue when so many events transpire, that circumstances simply wear and whittle you down to nothing. Of course, the room understood. Who wouldn't?

Of course, the pastor told his friend he was welcome to come back to the home church. At this, the tired pastor replied, thanks but no.

And the reason?

I'll always be Pastor (name).

You can hear the pain in the explanation. While he would love to be surrounded by friends and support, they will still and perhaps always identify him with the title and office of pastor.

But right now... it's too much. Hurt and pain. Memory and emotion. Of struggle and frustration and on the surface, failure.

Wisely, he's not going into isolation. He simply wants to step in to a church where nobody knows his name and God can refresh and renew his heart, mind and spirit. And perhaps one day, God will have prepared and readied him for another go at the pulpit.

For now, he will simply be known for who he is, not what he is.

And on this #seniorPastorMonday, how many more are exactly where he is? Too many I fear. Pray God would do a mighty and miraculous work in their entire being. Pray a time of rejuvenation and refreshing. May they not get lost in isolation, but may God transform them as they perhaps live in obscurity. May they know they are loved. Pray the Holy Spirit would guard them from depression and the like; that feelings of failure and disappointment neither detour nor delay them.

May they return stronger than ever.
For what the enemy meant to destroy
God meant to rebuild and live again.
For His glory. And in His timing.

- PNC

1000.

I'm humbled that God has answered my prayer thus far. Furthermore, I'm grateful for your joining me on this matter, of raising awareness of ministry burnout and holding pastors and church leadership before the Lord in prayer.

I remember back in May of 2015 when God started giving me a hard time about this website. It has been online for a few years, but I was not diligent in working on it. And I remember specifically, the Holy Spirit dealing with mind, when the realization hit...

"You have a page titled "Daily Prayers" and you aren't posting to that page, daily?"

Yeah... that seemed problematic to me as well.

So... "Lord, I'm going to need your help. Because if I do this on my own, it will become repetitious in about 7-10 days."

And here we are... 1000 days after the official revamp of www.bringme70.com that went into effect 6/1/15.

I haven't looked at the traffic reports for the website in a very long time, maybe almost a year. I used to look daily. I'd be excited and encouraged one day, and bummed out the next. I'm still curious and one of these days will satisfy that curiosity. But whether one of you joins me in praying for pastors or 70 or 70000, there won't be power in agreement if I stop.

Trust me... It's not like I haven't wanted to. 60 hr weeks and family, plus some kind of life. There are days I don't have time.

But effectiveness is found in faithfulness.

Thanks for joining with me and while I appreciate your prayers that God would help me continue this effort, on this #effectiveSunday let us continue to pray for pastors and church leaders and crew who continue to serve in ministry. For all the days, they would rather give it up, because there is only 1 instead of 100 or 1000, may the continue to be faithful. And in there service to the kingdom of God, may He grant to them incredible effectiveness.

For the cause of Jesus Christ
We rejoice in the work of the Lord
By the gracious and almighty hand of God.

- PNC

It's been a long and full #communitySaturday and I offer my apologies, but life planned a full day and time ran away.

That said, social media brought to the forefront, the reminder given to us in the book of John.

Verse 5 of chapter 1, describes the relationship between light and darkness.3

The light shines, which is its' job, as you well know.
The darkness however, struggles. Not to be changed, challenged, illuminated or impacted.

The darkness can't comprehend. It doesn't understand. 
It's been said that knowledge is power, but in reality, it's applied knowledge that is power. Furthermore, it's applied knowledge that leads to wisdom.

But one has to get there.

And while the people of God may be the light of the world, all too often we try to do more than what God has asked and called us to be.

A shining light.

If we aren't shining, anything else we do and whatever the reasons for doing so, really don't matter much. We may think they do, but ultimately, it's secondary and this, perhaps not the best or most effective thing we can do for the kingdom.

So, on this #communitySaturday, pray that we would indeed be the light of the world. Pray that we would be effective in our efforts to shine. May we not get wrapped up in other agendas or causes hoping our shining will influence or affect some other result. Pray that we would allow the Holy Spirit to do its' job as we live faithfully to that which we've been called. May life not overwhelm, distract and disrupt us to the point that our light flutters or worse, fails, in directing people to the person of Jesus Christ.

For the glory of God
For the advancement of the kingdom of heaven.

- PNC

**editor note: apologies for the map. Can't get rid of it from my phone, as I'm typing this.

As I'm getting ready to write this, I find myself thinking about the times that God "called" people out. Not only to do and accomplish His will, but the whole process of physically transitioning one's self from the place that they have known to the place where they have little to no clue. What a challenge! 

Moving three minutes down the street takes effort.
Moving 30 minutes feels like more work than your day job.
Then there's moving 30 hours! Or three thousand miles.

While hesitant at times about the unknown and unanswered, they stepped out in faith, albeit not always with the greatest sense of confidence. 

But they knew and trusted in God.
And so the cost and logistical struggle of where God was taking them from to where He wanted to place them was one that failed to hinder them.

If fact, the one for whom the cost was too great was because of his perspective

Holding on to his stuff kept him from an incredibly amazing walk with God. You almost can't help but wonder what he might have accomplished for the kingdom of God had he heeded Christ' call. I understand the dilemma. We all have stuff. We like our stuff. And some of it is good stuff! But if it stands in the way of what God desires to do in and through your life... talk about a loss. 

Is there anything that is worth taking such a risk?

Pray this #missionsFriday for missionaries. May the cares and things of this world neither hinder, nor prevent God hand and purpose upon their lives. Pray for the miraculous, as they seek the face of God and step out in the plans and directions that God has ordained for them. Pray they would not be tempted or enticed away from the eternal for the appeal of the temporal. 

May the same be true for us
As we grow and mature in our faith.
Drawing ever closer to the presence of God
For His glory alone.

- PNC

Clarity of vision.
Confidence of faith.

It's becoming increasingly apparent that facts no longer hold the advantage over feelings. Passion overpowers logic. The power to dismiss overshadows the power to understand. If the discourse isn't civil, then what is the point?

The values and principles we once held close and dear have been cast aside.
Mutual respect was a given.
Common courtesy was the norm.
Faith was a foundation.
Understanding was a priority.
Truth was critical.

Such qualities are rare in our daily interactions. Until life shakes us to the quick; to our very core.

Then, when we want life to matter, we can't find the character traits in the lives of those around us that reassured us that life did matter; let alone just our life. Then we look to our leaders and wonder why they don't have a plan that will bring about the desired results.

It's a complicated mess that started when we simply began to veer off course. Correction that is not made quickly when it is easy takes forever when when we realize just how much harder it has gotten, while we blindly thought we'd be okay. Clearly, things are not okay.

On this #deaconThursday, pray for the leadership. Pray for clarity of vision and confidence of faith. May they be people of understanding, not driven by fear and outrage, but with purpose and principle. Pray love would be the undercurrent of the conversation; that understanding would mark the discourse and resolution would bring healing. Pray the power of God would direct the steps in the attempts to get back on course. Pray a return to the things of God and the priority of seeking the face of God.

For the cause of Jesus Christ
His purpose. His priorities.
Our lives for His glory.

- PNC

Protect the kids!

This is the scream of a nation for the past few days.

Conversely, your prayers aren't enough.

There is evil in the world and it's abundant. And it resides in the heart.

So, while we can make every concerted effort to fix, solve and rid ourselves of tragedies and troubles of world, it really is a futile exercise.

Are there fixes, improvements and a "betterment" of circumstances? Absolutely.
Should we not search them out and implement them whenever possible. Yes.

Our live is valuable because of what lies beyond this life. And who. 
Christ died not only that we have life on Earth, but Eternal life.

Conversely then, when we dismiss the possibility and value of eternal life, then we have lost the majority of our value for this life Because if there is neither a reward or a consequence upon my death, then what does it matter what I do with my life?

Who are you to tell me I am ruining it? What prevents me from ruining others?

Purpose. Godly purpose for an eternal cause.

Indeed our kids do need protection. The protection of the hand of God and the salvation of Jesus Christ, for only the Creator of humanity can fix the brokenness of humanity.  Do we not send every earthly product back to the manufacturer for repair? Yet we attempt to fix our heart with the solutions of amateurs, rather than the expert.

On this #youthPastorWednesday pray for the youth of today and the people who lead them. Pray for a spiritual revelation and revival in their hearts. For all the things that society pushes to having an open mind, pray their minds would be open to the power and plans of Almighty God. May the Holy Spirit do a transformation in their lives; not only for the remainder of this life, but for the life to come. Pray for the pastors of our young people, kids through college. May God grant them wisdom as they navigate these incredibly difficult and challenging times. And pray for their protection, for indeed the evil in this world is great.

But greater is He that is in us,
Than he that is in the world.
For the glory of God
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Dave Ramsey in a recent broadcast, did a brief monologue on the power and problem of jealousy and envy. As I reflected on his words, I remembered the Christian movie, Brother White. In the movie, an associate pastor, one of many at a megacurch, is frustrated by the delay in advancement to more influence and prominence in ministry. So to prove that he's not ready, the senior pastor sends him to lead one of their campus, churches that happens to be struggling.

He has his work cut out for him, but it's a quick realization of what's going on behind the scenes and the minds of head leadership.

We all too often, and so easily, look at external circumstances, struggles and successes... not realizing nor understanding what all has been endured and overcome to get to the place that we meet people today.

As we prayed yesterday... everyone has the moments where one more thing puts them over the cliff or at least very close to the edge. And everyone handles it differently. You may recognize that there is a problem or struggle. You may not.

But not knowing or understanding and jumping into a state of jealousy and or envy, is dangerous. Why?

Because the attitude and perspective that you hold in conjunction with those of the people you surround yourself with eventually permeates one's heart and mind in ways that will cause you to lose, fail and succumb, rather than win, succeed and overcome.

So, on this #associatePastorTuesday, pray for those pastors struggling specifically with jealousy and envy. Regardless of who or what it may be directed at, pray for a breakthrough in their hearts and minds. Pray for a freedom in who they are and the call that God has placed on their lives, rather than be consumed with comparing themselves to other pastors and ministries. May their be a healing that transpires, as a counter-revolutionary to whatever events and experiences have brought them to this place. Pray they would be made whole and restored; no longer going through life and ministry broken and bothered.

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

- PNC

Is anyone's schedule not crazy, right now?

And yet, when you least expect it... when you least want it to happen. When you can least afford it... life hands you, one more thing.

Is it God challenging your faith?
Is it the enemy attempting to derail your life?
Is it consequences coming back around from previously made, wrong decisions?

Whatever "one more thing" is, it can wreak havoc. Financially. Emotionally. Mentally. Spiritually. 

It's something else that needs to be dealt with, scheduled, delegated and discussed.

Will it work out in the long run and all will be okay? Yes. Sooner or later.

But for not, it's stressful and frustrating. Which makes it as good a time as any to pray.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for pastors that struggling with additional stress and frustration of one more thing. Pray the peace of God that surpasses all understanding would fill their hearts and minds. Pray that God would give them wisdom and discernment as they navigate these days, times and circumstances. May they be surrounded by those who would support and encourage them; that feelings of loneliness and solitude would neither overwhelm or discourage them. Pray the Holy Spirit would lift the heads and their hearts as they place their trust in God.

Even in the face,
Of one more thing.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I think it's fairly obvious to say that some environments are more conducive to effectiveness than others. There's purpose, there is planning. There is a reality that certain tasks and performances were meant and intended for a specific space.

We don't cook in the bathroom.
We don't perform surgery in the back of the garage.
And AA meetings are not conducted in the bar!

Conversely, the church is about being a place of worship; a place to encounter the presence of God.

Is it the only place where such moments can happen? Absolutely not!

But if it was designed for that purpose, should it not be the place that is most effective in fulfilling that purpose?

Let's pray, this #effectiveSunday, that today would be a great day, of people experiencing the power of Almighty God. May lives be changed for eternity Pray that as people enter, hearts would be healed, strength renewed and minds at peace. Pray that marriages would be restored and families made whole. May God be glorified as faith is challenged and fortified. Pray.the name of the Lord would be lifted high as the people of God arise.

Effective.
For the cause of Jesus Christ
For the advancement of the kingdom of God.

- PNC

There's community of all kinds.

Online. Offline. In-line. And in every one of those scenarios, is someone who will get "out of line". And as we navigate these difficult and challenging daya, I'm reminded of the advice I started giving my kids a couple of years ago. "Don't be a jerk on purpose."

There are many other things we can be those around us. Whether family or friends, co-workers or colleagues, neighbors or strangers, we can make the good and right choice.

As believers in God and followers of Christ, we can choose kindness. Compassion. And most importantly, truth.

It's not always easy. It's not always pleasant. It is almost always necessary. In a work becoming more troubled by the moment, would could be more important than the power of relationship and pointing and encouraging others to Christ?

On this #communitySaturday, pray that we would lead people closer to Christ. May we not be the reason people are pushed away or turned off to God, but drawn and desirous of more. Pray we would be the community that attracts, not because of our goodness, efforts and whatever appeal people may have, but because of the grace of God and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. May the church impact community by being the best example of community.

For the glory of God
To the testament of Jesus Christ
With the help of the Holy Spirit.
A light on the hill, unhidden.

- PNC

I really don't know how much more evidence is needed to convince the world that there are spiritually forces at work in the world in which we live. And how crafty of a scheme is it, for the enemy of our souls to continually push the point that we as a people, culture and society are better off without God and then when people try to understand and gain perspective of the tragedy, travesty and evil that occurs, he convinces us that returning to God is not the answer.

But isn't that what one does when they are lost? You turn around and go back to the place where you weren't lost. It's called retracing your steps!

Yet here we stand, in 2018. Lost. Looking for solutions. And coming up with every possible scenario other than looking back to the place of clarity and understanding; the place of confidence and stability.

The process of repentance is easy. The harsh realization that takes place immediately before hand is incredibly difficult.

But like anything else in life, the hard work is worth the price. Sadly, however, it's a price that many don't want to pay.

So rather than pay the price of repentance, we continue to pay the price of consequence.

What will it take? Truth. Spoken in love. To ears that are ready to listen and receive.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, that hearts would be opened and ready to receive the truth of the spiritual matter. May the truth be spoken in love. Pray for the hurting to be healed and the broken to be restored. May God work the miraculous as people repent and turn from evil. May today be a day of positive change for all eternity. Pray the church would indeed be a light on the hill, for those lost in the darkness.

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

- PNC

I'm realizing that I am becoming increasingly nervous... perhaps that's too strong a word. Increasingly unsettled.

My level of unsettledness seems to be rising every time leadership is placed under greater scrutiny and criticism. And I'm guilty of what I am about to explain.

Leadership has, is and will always remain a target for extreme criticism and great scrutiny. However, with each passing day, it becomes more and more obvious that there is no shortage of opinions and perspectives.

Everyone is an expert.

And yet, when there is talk of making a change in the leadership, these aren't first in line to sign up. It's like we've arrived at a place where it's better, easier and dare I say, desirable to have a problem to deal with, but never reach a solution. It's clear a solution is needed, but then what problem would we complain and criticize?

For all of societies woes and culture's demise, what we would communicate regarding, if the world worked as it does in our dreams? Sadly, it doesn't even work as God dreams.

And ironically, the blame for such an environment is the same. Ourselves.

We can no longer have an honest-to-God conversation because of the onset of "political correctness" and the heightened sensitivity to be careful "not to offend." Furthermore, nobody wants to hear the name of God, so, how much of an honest conversation can be had, if we don't analyze the full scope of a problem? Does not each of them have a spiritual element?

The attack on leadership is great. And while many, will acknowledge that such should exist and just as many will deny that such an attack actually does exist, it's the antagonistic battle against church leadership that weighs heaviest.

On this #deaconThursday, pray that God would strengthen and encourage today's church leaders. May God help the church to stand strong and support those He has placed in leadership positions. Pray for wisdom, where policies and practices are created, reviewed, revised and implemented, may they accurately address the true problems and sufficiently solve. Pray the church and the people of God would be careful in our criticism; that are words would build, rather than destroy; help rather than hurt. May God build His church as we build His kingdom.

In light of tragedy and loss
In the face of fear and anxiety.
May we see past struggle and difficulty
And persevere towards the promises of God
That are yes and amen to them that believe.
In the transforming power of Christ
By the grace of God.

- PNC

There's something to be said for a consistent set of principles and their successful implementation. In fact, in reality, there's very much that could be said. More than I will say here.

There will always be extenuating circumstances that will allow principles to be applied differently, to varying degrees, to differing timelines, from a better vantage point of reasoning.

But by and large, it is the consistent application of sound principles that lead people and organizations to establish and build from a position of strength and understanding.

One does not simply arrive to such a place, but certain events have a way of making such an impact that one is driven to search and create strategies that will propel them to another level of thinking, living and sharing life.

Life is not for the hap-hazard, nor the faint of heart. And while principle-living leads to a fair amount of "success", consistent principles combined with faith in God is a force to be reckoned with; not for the purpose of success, but the fulfillment of God's plan and purposes for our lives. And our homes. Our business and organizations. Our churches and ministries.

Pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that pastors would live and lead lives and ministries of consistent principles. In faith and finances, relationships and communication, in public and behind the door, pray that failures would not be the defining element, but the lessons learned that have propelled and moved us to greater things. May the impact that is made on the lives of those affected by ministry be great, not because of the strength and influence of the pastor, but because of the grace and purpose of God. Pray that God would be honored as life is lived in ways and means that bring glory not to ourselves, but the work that He has accomplished with each of us.

Living with clarity and purpose.
With strength and resolve.
And faith placed solely in God.
His Word applied faithfully to our lives.

- PNC