There's a college that, in its' advertisements of late have been using the phrase "true north" in describing the character, ambition and pursuit that their students and potential students possess.

Of course, like so many things do, with seemingly little effort, it got me thinking.

If there is a "true north", then does it not stand to reason there is a "false" north.

As we lead our lives, our homes, our families, and organizations from a foundation of faith are we missing the mark and leading others to do the same and not realizing it?

I can only hope and pray...

... that we are certain of our convictions and beliefs.
... that we are sure of our salvation and redemption.
... that we are alive in the grace of God.
... that we are confident in His love and sovereignty.

So many things call for our attention. Much more calls for our input into decisions. Conversations that prompt us to reflect, consider and discover... not only what lies with in us, but what lies before us and more importantly, what God has in store for our lives.

We can over-analyze our circumstances and we can under-utilize our resources.

Likewise, with our faith; we can over-spiritualize matters as well as under-estimate spiritual power.

Self. Family. Ministry. What a tragedy if we live and move in any direction contrary to the truth and true direction of God.

Let's pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, for pastors and leaders of the church, as well as the home for that matter. May we live a life and a faith that operates "true north" in alignment with God, His Word and His plan. Pray our own agendas, ideals and desires would neither hinder nor defy what God would desire to accomplish in our lives and ministries. Pray both for families and ministries as well as others who would follow the influence of leaders; may their ultimate trust and reliance be placed with God and the redemptive work of the cross of Christ as well as the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

That we would follow God
With one heart, one mind and one voice.
Not moving in any direction we decide,
But in the one true direction He has ordained
Through Jesus Christ.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

If you missed the new episode of American Pickers last night, on the History channel... boy did you miss it!  It was a great show with some amazing finds and as always, incredible stories. However, the previously aired episode that played before the new one was nearly unbelievable.

The guys visited the store property that had been in the family for 6 generations. Five or six businesses were conducted in the same building from something like 1887 thru 1970. And as such, nearly everything that Mike and Frank tried to purchase from the owners was "NFS".

Not for sale.

They did end up buying a couple pieces, but for it seemed at every turn, the reply was no. Not gonna sell that; yeah, can't do that; we're gonna hang on to that...

And that last phrase. Wow.

I know I'm gonna take some slack from those closest to me for writing this perspective, but I couldn't help but wonder, just how much we hang out in our lives that we don't let go. And of course, we immediately think of the material and physical items in our lives that take up space and residence. Yes, there's value, insight and goodness in living "decluttered", but more importantly, we hang on to way too much internal as well, through our mind and emotions.

We allow things to occupy and reside in our spirit and in our hearts that may be understandable and even justifiable for a while, but eventually you have to respond to the words I heard so often before and probably will in the near future.

You can't keep everything. Eventually, you'll have to let it go.

As hard as it is to do, it's necessary. And we're usually better off for it.

So, pray this #associatePastorTuesday for those pastors hanging on to the things, perspectives and circumstances whose time for release has come. Pray for those who are especially struggling, because perhaps the time to let go is overdue and the burden is becoming to great to carry and manage. May God bring healing and peace to hearts, minds and emotions. Pray the Holy Spirit would bring freedom to their understanding and new opportunities to experience the grace and goodness of God as they allow Him to work anew and afresh in their lives.

May a new day dawn
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I went to bed last night, uncharacteristically early and woke up this morning at quarter to three! Just woke up. When it came time to hit the alarm (the one that forces me to get out of bed to do something about it), I couldn't; for I was tangled up between the sheets and the comforter. How they got so twisted I have no idea.

Of course, I was so snuggled and comfortable, that I didn't want to get up. So I laid and rested and wondered... about the coach or the trainer who is attempting to teach the balance of having a long-term vision and short-term goals.

I know we don't have it all together, regarding a number of areas and arenas in life. I know I don't. If you were honest with yourself, neither do you. And pastors and church leadership misses the mark as well. But I got to thinking about Bo Gentry... the strong baseball prospect from yesterday's post in the movie, Trouble With The Curve.

Here's a young man, being scouted for the major league and he's missing a critical skill in his game; in his ability to play. And "everyone" is so caught up in what he has been able to achieve and accomplish, that this one flaw proves to be a fatal setback in his desirability from prospective teams who were grasping to claim him if he was still available when their draft pick time was theirs.

Likewise, our journey is a process; we won't know everything right away nor will we do everything perfect at the exact time we are called to do so. But what a dangerous set of circumstances it must be, to have a long-term vision and be achieving short term goals while having a problem that could unravel the entire deal in a matter of minutes?

Pray this #seniorPastorMonday, that that would not be the case for those who lead the church. Pray for wisdom and guidance in their ministries. Pray for an awareness and sensitivity for areas where there exists a potential for problems or challenges. May God grant them discernment and bring into their life people who would help them correct and change whatever "it" may be. Pray for balance, as they achieve short-term goals while striving for the fulfillment of a long-term vision. May their future not be cut short because they were taken out by a fatal flaw that could have been avoided had it been noticed and corrected in an earlier place and time.

God help us to see what you see
And change in us that which could be our downfall.
That we may be victorious in that which you've called us
For your glory and honor.

- PNC

There truly is a powerful and brilliant message, behind Clint Eastwood's movie, Trouble With The Curve. Clint Eastwood plays an old school baseball scout who has a tenuous relationship with his daughter, who is making a run for partner at her law firm. Meanwhile, Clint's character, Gus is to go scout this young baseball player, Bo Gentry; but with eye-sight that is starting to give him trouble, Gus's daughter is convinced into helping Gus on this trip and hopefully repair their relationship in the process.

It turns out, Bo, for all his talent and potential, can't hit it a curve ball. Of course, the climax of this circumstance comes towards the end of the movie, after everyone is convinced this kid is a gold-mine of a baseball player. However, when the devastating truth comes out... wow. Talk about a "how did this get missed" moment.

Well, except for Gus... who with eye-sight on the decline heard through the power of sound that something was wrong with Bo's swing.

I'm writing this post service (ran out of time this morning), so if you'll permit a little leeway...

Today is Sanctity of Life Sunday. And the message was simply titled: #speaklife.

Obviously there is power in positive words and speaking "life" into people and circumstances, but this was an emphasis on the power and importance of life. From the point of conception to one's last breath.

And on this #effectiveSunday, I found myself juxtaposing the lesson on the movie and the power of the issue of life. Society as a whole and even the culture within the church thinks and considers itself to have it together; to play a great game and exist with an unlimited amount of potential. We've convinced ourselves that we are good and doing good work while we utterly the destroy the lives of the unborn.

Like Bo, we can handle most the game, until someone throws a curve. Likewise with issue of pregnancy. We can handle most of life, until an un-timely or un-desired pregnancy, whatever the circumstances are that surround it, is considered as being thrown a curve. And rather than learning how to win through the circumstance, we choke. And the result is a disastrous display of the unbelievable.

On that note, let's pray this #effectiveSunday, that the church would not be caught off guard by the unexpected. May we be prepared for all circumstances and situations; to live and be victorious. Pray that we would be people that would stand a counter-culture to the world, and speak life and speak up for life. May the issue of life and birth not be the downfall of humanity as we have utterly destroyed the womb and the unborn. Pray God's forgiveness over this nation; that we have allowed such an unbelievable display of recklessness define multiple generations, having justified our decisions throw words that are a disgrace to the glory of an everlasting and loving God.

Lord, help us.
That we would not have trouble with the curve.
But live life right. And speak for what is right.
For the glory of God and His righteousness.

- PNC

Today we celebrate the life of someone very special in our family. Birthdays are always a special time to mark and commemorate the passing of another year of life and growth, of lessons and understanding, joy and trouble.

As we gather in the next few hours with family and friends to share in the blessing of enjoying life with this precious soul, I can't help but consider the sovereignty of God and how He moves and ordains our live. Consider those in your life, who you have opportunity to build relationships and friendships through our time on Earth and be the blessing and encouragement we have been called to be and make an eternal impact.

We often don't give it that much thought. We have our friends and others that maybe aren't so close; but so many days pass where we don't truly cherish and enjoy the quality of our life that has been influenced, shaped and changed through the power of strong family and great friends.

All too often it takes extenuating circumstance, great difficulty or special occasions, to remind us that no matter the trouble and trial we may face or endure, we have and live a blessed life. Not because of what we have, but because of who we are in God and who we share life with because of the people He has placed in our lives.

On this #communitySaturday, pray that God would help to make the most of the relationships that we have, with both family and friends. May we not take those in our lives for granted, only calling on them in times of great triumph or great tragedy. Pray an ever increasing appreciation for the sovereign hand of God in our lives and His wisdom as to who He places in our lives and how and where He places us in the lives of others. As our paths cross, may God help us and use us to impact those around us for the sake of eternity and the cause of Jesus Christ.

That we would rejoice in the celebration of life
As well as the tragedies that we endure in this life.
For the glory of God
And the advancement of His kingdom.

- PNC

Is it just me or does it seem like every day we get further and further away from truth. Not only that, but we get further away from those who speak truth and even wanting little to nothing to do with them. Indeed, we find ourselves in the life and times of those who have exchanged the truth for a lie. Not one lie, either, but the snowball effect that follows.

All because of a rejection of God.

But not only is there a rejection of God, but also a rejection of the people of God.

This is nothing new either, by the way.

Israel pleaded and begged God for a king to lead them, but then turned and rejected the man God had raised up and placed in that position.

The kings all had the moments of circumstance where they rejected the Word of God as spoken through the prophets; some even thought they could handle the duties of the priests.

Nobody likes to be rejected, nor go unheard; especially when it comes to spiritual matters and discerned by church leadership through the roles of pastors, missionaries and others. But as these times are experienced, the words of Christ provide comfort and encouragement.

"Don't be surprise when this happens; they rejected me. They'll reject you as well."

There will always be those who don't want to hear the truth, let alone have anything to do with the truth or allowing it to influence and direct their lives. All the more reason to continue speaking it and praying that it would land on the hearts and minds of those who would heed it.

On this #missionsFriday, pray for missionaries (as well as pastors) who are finding themselves in positions where they are not being well received, for whatever reason when it comes to declaring the truth of the Gospel of Christ. May God continue to grant them strength and wisdom for today and the days to come. Pray that God would continue to move on hearts and minds; that the Holy Spirit would bring them to a place of revelation and understanding. May the truth go forth and the Word of God return, not as void; but valid and life-changing for those who hear and respond.

For the enemy seeks to deceive and destroy
But Christ brings hope and freedom
To the lost, blind and dying
As we each, once were.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I wish I could take credit for the title. But I can't. It was a phrase used by a sermon that I was listening to; the story of Jesus driving out the money-changers. The back story is pretty incredible.

A couple of interesting points. He drove out the cattle. He didn't destroy them, but the handlers did have to rustle them up. The pigeons didn't fly off to the wild blue yonder; Christ instructed their owners to remove them from the temple. Christ wasn't destroying their business; but reminding them where it belonged.

The exchangers initially conducted their business in the valley. And competition was fierce. And they understood those three special words that the marketplace still declares as their mantra today.

Location. Location. Location.

So they kept moving closer to the temple. For convenience. For better service. For increased market share. Then the competition moved closer. And the next guy even closer. And the late-comer, start-up; even closer. And eventually they were in the outer courts; the court of the Gentiles. Where non-Jews who believed in God could come and worship.

But they couldn't. Because the marketplace was chaos. And perhaps not even worthy to be described as controlled chaos. Finally the temple. Someone let them in.

Christ removed the clutter.

But as usually happens, my mind wandered to the modern day church.

More importantly, what's going on in the church, or worse, isn't going on because the courts have become cluttered? What's getting missed? Who is unable to enter? What ministry is being hindered? How is the kingdom of Heaven affected?

On this #deaconThursday, pray that church leadership, especially those in day-to-day operations and advisory roles would have a sensitivity and a keen awareness to the doors and the courts of the church. Pray their mission and ministry would neither be hindered nor interrupted by distractions and matters that do not belong. May God grant them wisdom and discernment as they conduct the affairs of the church and oversee the decisions and direction that the church takes. As God is a lamp and a light in our personal lives, may He also illuminate way and path of the corporate body of Christ; that the church would move in the direction that honors God and pleases the Lord.

Ministry; like life...
So much easier and simpler
De-cluttered.
For the glory of God
And the advancement of the kingdom of Heaven.

- PNC

I had another one of those moments. You've had them.

Moments and circumstances that cause stress, frustration and tad bit of worry. Suddenly the forefront of your mind is consumed, or at the very least preoccupied, with finding solutions and asking certain individuals for advice, counsel and any good ideas.

Then I was reminded of the scene from It's A Wonderful Life.

George Bailey's moment of epiphany, when truth in advertising gives him hope.

"Ask Dad. He knows."

And yet, regardless of age of life and maturity of faith; despite the relationship with Almighty God, of such intimacy as to call Him "Dad", and when we find ourselves in times of trouble and trial our first call is to our phone, rather than to Heaven.

We utilize the satellites, but not our knees.

And as I struggle to figure out comes next even along these lines of thought, all I have is this...

What does our response display about our faith?

To our family. To our friends. To our children. To our local community and the body of Christ at large?

Who is your first call?

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray for pastors, who even in their times of stress and difficulty may neglect to go to God, pray and seek His face first. May God grant forgiveness for such occurrences and may God strengthen their faith; that in all matters, great and small, His Word and counsel would be sought first. Pray God would grant wisdom and discernment as they move forward; may anxiety cease and the peace of God surpass all their understanding. May their unshakeable, unmovable faith be a testament to the sovereignty of God as they trust in His perfect timing.

That His plans and purposes would be accomplished.
Even when we don't see the why, how, when and where of the matter.
For God is good.
And His mercy which endures forever,
Is also new every morning.
Even on the days we don't call out to Him first.

- PNC

Isn't interesting how we can see situations and circumstances and without having the full story or a complete understanding of what and why something has transpired, we make decisions based on the "less than" and incomplete.

We catch a partial glimpse or hear just a nugget and without knowing the context, we place it in a context that we assume is correct or reasonable. Not only is this a dangerous pattern of living, but it's amazing how quickly we can sell ourselves that we are correct.

How do I know this is true?

Because of how resistant one can be when they hear the words, "Hear me out."

It's like we have to be convinced that we are not as knowledgeable on the matter as we thought. And of course, hearing that you are wrong is rarely pleasant, let alone desirable.

But what must consider... how much are we missing by refusing to listen?

What could change?
What could improve?
Relationships? Opportunity? Generations? Eternity?

The possibilities are near endless. But only for those with ears ready to listen.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, that pastors would continue to live and operate ministry with ears ready to listen. May heads and hearts not stand in confidence without understanding. Pray for wisdom and discernment as pastors work through difficult and challenging circumstances. May grace and patience prevail and communication lines be open and clear. Pray that egos, agendas and motives not get in the way of coming to places of understanding and creating solution. Most importantly, pray that pastors would continue to hear God through His Word and the voice and prompting of the Holy Spirit.

For we have the ability to solve problems.
Yet for whatever reason, we become one.
May God work the miraculous
As we remain, walk and listen.
For the work to which God has called us.

- PNC

No matter the size of the church, every pastor needs respite care. Yet, they, just like so many others don't have the time to take time off. Even more true, is what we'll all stated, "I can't afford to take time off."

Both of those scenarios, either being true or feeling true, do not diminish the reality and severity of the matter, in that we can find ourselves doing damage somewhere along the way by not making and taking the time to retreat & reprieve and allow the body, mind, soul and spirit to find rest.

In essence, you reach a point where you can't afford not take the time.

We often times may not even know or see that we are on the verge of doing harm by running ourselves thin. This is why it is so important, especially for ministers, to have people in their lives who are close enough to speak life and recognize that a time of refreshing is needed, lest a pastor runs himself and others into the ground because no friend is around to take their place.

But as we discussed yesterday, with regards to the overall effectiveness of the church, this is just one more area, and a very important one, I might add, where intentionality is paramount. If you don't take time to give rest to the body and soul, eventually your body will force you into taking a rest from life, at which point, who knows how much you'll miss.

Thus, this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for those in desperate need of a break. May they find the time, even in pockets, to take care of themselves. Pray that God would give them wisdom in the management of their time, resources and responsibilities. May God give them strength throughout the day and rest when they lay their head. Pray the stress would dissipate as they find balance and perspective;  intentional when the press in as well as when they step back.

May they be refreshed as much and more
As they refresh those they minister too.
That God would equip and empower them for more
As they serve faithfully with what and where they are.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I read an article last night that outlined the advantages of having smaller churches of 100 rather than a mega-church of 5000. You can do the math. And while it raised some interesting and certainly valid points, many of which we have prayed over daily these past two and half years, I read it with the continual reminder of a phrase often heard around our church.

The larger we get, the smaller we need to get.

An intentional approach.

Increased responsibilities come, but if pastors and staff aren't prepared to grow with them...
Financial issues and problems exist across the board.
Larger churches may prevent more people from stepping into ministry, thinking they aren't qualified for such tasks or responsibilities.
It's easy to get focused on the quantity of people and status rather than the quality of the ministry and the health of the church.

Yet for all these and more, if we focus on intentional ministry...

... allowing more people to minister, as if they were taking on smaller groups rather than being overwhelmed.
... more contribution and participation from the entire church, as if whatever they were doing depended on everyone doing something to come alongside and help.
... focus on growing people and depth of faith, rather than growing congregations and influence of the church.

Being effective and efficient is like being a well-oiled machine. The equipment working together; quality parts doing quality work at the time and place that they are called upon to perform.

And yet the church falls apart, when high-quality people minister in less than quality ways at the wrong time and place.

So, no matter the size of the church in which you are apart, pray this #effectiveSunday that God would help us be intentional in all that we say and do. Pray that churches would be about quality ministry and developing mature faith. Pray that God would give wisdom; and call forth those He would desire to use for greater ministry to those in both the church and the community to help carry the load, reach the lost and impact those in need.

Intentional.
In our hearts, minds, attitudes and words.
In all we do, for the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Who hasn't had a terrible day, week, series of weeks... a seemingly unending barrage of difficult and challenging times that trouble the heart, baffle the mind, unsettle the soul and sandbag your faith.

We get caught off guard when a plan encounters delays, conversations escalate and you find yourself frustrated and out of your mind attempting to understand "what just happened?"

What's funny about the human spirit?

We are informed and aware!

The Bible tells us to not be surprised when trials and trouble comes!

We are then encouraged, in that our present sufferings pale in comparison to the glory that will be revealed in us. In fact, not only do they pale in comparison, "they are not worthy to be compared."

I made the mistake the other day of venting my frustration to a co-worker. And it wasn't that I wasn't being real, or that the circumstance and my response wasn't normal or irrational... but as I thought about it hours later, it didn't display my faith and trust, that all would work out and that God was in control. My reaction was from a place of distraught human emotion, rather than a quiet, spiritual confidence in God.

I heard a message the other day by Joni Eareckson Tada, and if you haven't heard her story, talk about one who is an expert on the topic of suffering. She was talking about how Christ endured His suffering... with obedience.

And I had to ask myself...

How is it that Christ remained obedient while enduring His suffering and yet we all to often stand in defiance at the first sight of suffering.

And as we relate to our community, knowing that those without faith in God are watching how we respond to life as one having faith in God, how much more should be aware of the impact that our reaction makes on our story.

On this #communitySaturday, pray that God would help us as we continue to walk lives of faith as we face great difficulty, challenge and suffering. May we ever be reminded that the future glory is greater. While life is real and the struggle is hard, may we respond from the strength of our faith rather than the weakness of emotion. Pray the power of the Holy Spirit would help us to walk in obedience in the midst of our suffering. May we live and display an attitude of grace, even when it's the last thing we desire to show.

That we would display Christ first.
For our life is not our own.
We are His and our lives for His glory.
Even in suffering.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

"Your value does not decrease based on someone's inability to see your worth." -unknown

How simple.
How true.
How profound.

As I was once reminded of this again this past week, in not so many words, it applies and should comfort to both people of faith and people far from God. Anyone, and all of us, in fact, struggle on any given day to remember and focus on the fact that our worth comes from God and not from man.

We may be earthen vessels, but we are heaven's treasure.

The problems created and the havoc wreaked when we focus too long on the negativity that is being cast our way and spoken to us are disconcerting and stressful, to say the least.

So, do we look at others in our lives as God sees them?
Do we look at ourselves the way God does?

As the old hymn goes...

Keep your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of this earth, will grow strangely dim.
In the light of His glory and grace.

On this #missionsFriday, pray for those, even in ministry and in missions, battling a sense of worth. From whatever source the struggle may come, may the keep their face on Christ and their heart set on the things of God. May the temporary problems of their plight not cause them to falter, stumble or fail, but that they would stand strong, reliant upon their Creator. Pray they would be empowered by the Holy Spirit to press on; that the frustration, emotion and chaos would not overwhelm them, but that they would overcome.

By the blood of the Lamb
And the word of their testimony.
For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

My brother and I have always been incredibly close, despite the more than a few years that separate the days of our birth. But after ending our phone call last night, that lasted over two hours (which I'm trying to recall the last time we were on the phone that long), I couldn't help but wonder the odds.

What are the odds, that on same day, I would hear a radio broadcast of a sermon and a phone conversation on the topic of measuring success was discussed, as it relates to our faith in God and the Christian life; and specifically, that the only outward measurement that matters is discipleship.

I mention outward measurement, though, because on a personal level, my wise brother submitted this thought for my consideration, which I now pass on to you.

"Success is based on one's submission to the Holy Spirit."

How often and all too easily, do we get caught up in numbers. Personally, our emotions rise and fall based on numbers. Jobs held, dollars in savings, relationships or marriages gone bad, screw-ups  of both the royally and the stupid nature. Likewise in ministry, attendance quantity and size of staff, bank accounts and event turn-outs.

We have all these different parameters, and yet for the immediate and finite period of time in our lives, while they may be important and a worthwhile, ultimately they are worthless. For the good that comes from knowing them and learning from them, they can create stress and wreak havoc in both life and soul as they move us away from what really matters.

What is God working in my life and what He is wanting to accomplish through it? If our perspective is off and our focus in wrong, then let the spiritual battle ensue.

On this #deaconThursday, pray for church leadership, as well as the individual within the body of Christ; whose perspective and focus has perhaps be distracted and redirected to the temporal and carnal definitions and measurements of success. May their be a realignment to see with God's eyes and understandings, of our purpose and calling. Pray for faith unwavering and strength to endure; that the struggle would subside as submission to the Holy Spirit is revisited. May we be about what God cares about first and foremost, the lost souls of humanity and in whatever we do, doing so as unto the Lord.

For His glory and by His grace.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Delays.
Detours.
Derailment.
Disaster.

They have a number of things in common, but I would submit that chief among them, is that they come with little, if any, advance warning. In addition, the explanation for their occurrence may take longer than we anticipate and hope. They vary in their degrees of disruption and frustration; some may be no big deal, while others feel like the end of the world.

They happen regardless of person and schedule. In the most ordinary moments as well as the most extraordinary of times, delays and detours and worse can truly mess with our emotions, mindset and attitude. They skew our perspective and disrupt our thinking in ways that we aren't even aware. This is the power they hold and they capacity they have to mess with our spirits; whether it be repeatedly for a few seconds or minutes at time or consistently making larger impacts resulting in us being thrown of our game for days and weeks and longer.

Meanwhile though, stands the perseverance of our faith and the remembrance of the sovereignty of God. And on that train of thought, it's important to remember that positive disruption exists. Delays, detours and more do serve important tasks and critical reminders; that not only is God in control but that He does use everything for His glory and purpose. Even if it does come at the expense of frustration, inconvenience and monetary loss.

Such lessons are hard even for kids in life... and equally so, for adults in the faith.

Well, on that note... shall we pray?

Thanks for joining us for another #youthPastorWednesday and let's pray for pastors who are being thrown off by delays, detours and worse disruptions. May they not be dismayed, nor disheartened, but strengthened and encouraged by the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray their faith would be fortified and their resolve unwavering, as they continue to place their hope and trust in the Hand of God and His Sovereignty. May that which was meant to derail and destroy their lives and ministries serve God's design purposes to advance the kingdom of God and testify to the grace and goodness of the power of the Cross of Christ.

For He knows the plans He has,
For a hope and to future.
To prosper.
Not just life, but life abundant.
For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Author Cameron Morrissey posted a cartoon on social media yesterday morning that I thought was brilliant. The cartoon depicts three business men sporting suits and ties sitting at a conference table. One speaks to the others "I used to lead by example, but it was too much work."

Mr. Morrissey goes on in his blog post to shed light on the 10 daily habits of great leaders, based on this premise. "Great leaders don't just show up in a crisis, they're there day in and day out..."

The with routines and the mundane... well, they are routine. And mundane. While we don't look forward or desire crisis, there is a weird phenomena that comes with them, as if their is an opportunity to shine; to be the hero, the fixer and whatever accolades or opportunities that make come as a result.

While some may be remembered for "being there" when things or life was on the line, whether literally or figuratively, more often than not, it's one's presence in the every day moments of life that consistent make an impact. And that impact is made by anyone who "leads", not simply by position of title or authority.

Is it too much work? Well, it certainly feels like.

But showing up everyday, with the possibility that a memorable, life-changing impact may exist at any moment... is absolutely worth it.

Let's pray this #associatePastorTuesday, for pastors perhaps tired of the routine and daily-nesss of leadership. Pray for those who feel as though they are not leading as they should or are as effective as they should or could lead. May God grant to them wisdom in the days to come. May they seek and find, tools, resources and people that would speak into their lives and encourage and even lead them, to greater depth and maturity of leadership and influence. Pray pastors would be every mindful that leadership begins and ends with service, regardless of what level of authority they may achieve along the way.

For the first shall be last
And the last shall be first.
For the glory of God.
In His Kingdom.

- PNC

I stood slightly in awe yesterday, as during praise and worship, the band played So Will I, from Hillsong. In the third chorus, the lyrics talk about how as God speaks, a hundred billion failures disappear.

A hundred billion failures.

Pastor talked yesterday of the healing of the man who sat by the pool for 38 years. 38 years. And while he didn't have a hundred billion failures, he had the starting point of a long list of reasons and excuses as to why he was by the pool for such a long period of time. But that didn't then, nor does it for people today, hinder Christ from seeing past all of that and asking the basic question that he asked in Scripture.

Do you want to be well?

Those in ministry aren't any better than everyday people. Sometimes are plight and misery are worth hanging on to longer than we should. It buys sympathy. It buys time. It provides reason to procrastinate and prolong doing what we know we should, going where we know to go and living as we are called to live. I've done it. You've done. And perhaps pastor has as well.

We can be defined by the mat that sit upon, rather than taking power over our mat and responding to what Christ has called us to. In spite of a hundred billion failures. Despite, perhaps, our hundred billion excuses.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray that God would strength and encourage pastors through the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray for the miraculous; that God would help them get past the failures and excuses that may exist in their lives and ministries. May they rise up as God speaks into their lives; that a new day would dawn in their faith, heart and mind. Pray they would find freedom and peace, as they are released from the past and the mat that has perhaps defined any arena of their life for far too long. May the truth of God outweigh any criticism from the mouth of the man or the enemy of the soul.

Freedom.
By the word of God.
And the work of the Holy Spirit.
To the life Christ has called us to lead
When He gave up His for ours.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Daydreaming.

We've all done it.  I'm sure we'd love to do it more often if we could. And the reason I'm certain both of those are true, is because we've all looked at the clock at some point in the day and realized, "Um, I/We had best get a move on!"

Daydreaming is a refreshing break in the short term and may even bring about an inspirational and transformational change to a situation or circumstance.

A break in one's day is understandable. A break in one's life is problematic.

I don't know about you, but I've always wondered about people, who when asked how they are doing respond with "I'm living the dream!" Really? Although, I have one friend in particular, who when he says that, I think, "I feel like you're living mine". And parts of my life don't seem like a dream I'd dream... but that doesn't mean someone else wouldn't take it if it was offered to them.

So, to that end, we discover that there needs to be a contentment within our lives while simultaneously possessing a drive towards the life of which we dream.

A vision is like fishing.

What good comes from casting it if one is unwilling to invest the time and effort to reel it in?

Thanks for joining us for another #effectiveSunday and as we go forth, let's pray that today would be an effective and productive day, not only for our lives, but for the ministries that advance the kingdom of God. May we not get caught endlessly daydreaming, but casting meaningful and purposed vision. Pray that we would continue to seek first the kingdom of God and encourage others to do the same, followed by His plan and purpose that He has placed in our hearts. May envy and jealousy be far from us; that the spirit of comparison would not dominate our frame of mind. Pray that we would live and lead the life and faith to which God has called us; not someone else's dream, but His dream for our lives.

That our lives would point to none other
Than the person of Jesus Christ
And the work of the Holy Spirit within us
For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

So I happened to catch a radio interview with a pastor by the name of Ted Cunningham, who has authored several books, including one title "Fun Loving You". He has also co-authored books with marriage/relationship guru, Dr. Gary Smalley.

Pastor Cunningham made a statement though, that is both incredibly true and profound that I thought would be great to expound upon, on this #communitySaturday.

"Character trumps compatibility."

Granted, this certainly applies to marriages and relationships of that nature and intent. But I think there's a bigger application when it comes to friends and business and who we surround ourselves with on any given day. We should certainly be the people of character when we find ourselves in scenarios and surroundings where there are those with whom we disagree or don't get along.

That said, we shouldn't become so enthralled with the compatibility element of any relationship, regardless of it's nature, when the evidence of character is lacking.

Yet sadly, we see it all too often. People begin and continue in all nature of relationships in the name of compatibility while we wonder what could exist and be accomplished if we placed greater emphasis on being and developing people of character.

So, a very simple prayer, this #communitySaturday. Pray that as we engage community, may we be people of character. Pray that we would help encourage those around us to be and live as people of character as well. May we lead our homes and families with that focus and teach our children the same. Pray that we would not be so focused on issues of compatibility, and being a right fit or match, but being people of righteousness.

For life gets real
And it is hard
May our focus be on doing right
Rather than living from a place of ease.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

"Fruitfulness follows faithfulness." - Pastor Steven Furtick.

Taken from the opening verses of Psalm 1, these three profound, but simple words were posted as a meme last night on his church's social media page. Isn't it funny how we know this principle is true, and yet we continually find ourselves hoping that our breakthrough of fruitfulness is always a few days, weeks, months or years closer than what it is.

Notice the statement doesn't come with a timeline, yet as we look at circumstances and situations in our lives, it's the first thing we add. Whether in our own lives or the scenario of someone else's... the comments are the same.

This should have happened by now.
That doesn't seems right.
Something is amiss.
You would have thought after all this time...

And this is a hard battle to resolve. Scripture is replete with stories of people who remained faithful for decades before they witnessed results that people would call "fruitful". Yet we have difficulty with much shorter time-frames. Knowing what to do is a struggle.

Even as I write this, I'm thinking of the lady who called in to the Dave Ramsey show yesterday regarding her families finances. She and her husband started a church plant 6 years ago and the church is still not in a position to support them financially by any means. Objectively speaking, it's easy to agree with Dave on this... you'd think after a year or two, enough would be happening to support them to some degree. Six years is a long time to be barely getting by as a church plant.

But who knows how close they are to fruitfulness because of their faithfulness? Only God.

And many more stories like this are too many to count.

So, on this #missionsFriday, let's pray for missionaries who are facing similar challenges regarding ministry. Pray that God would continue to encourage and strengthen them as they remain faithful, even if the resulting fruit seems lacking. Pray for wisdom and insight, if something truly is amiss or needs to be changed. May God bring revelation as to how best proceed in the days and months to come. Pray for a fortification of their faith and resolve to continue to trust and rely upon God, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable circumstances.

May they not quit,
But press on towards the price
Of the high calling.
For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC