Somehow, as time and circumstance progress we fail prey to the temptation that we have been warned not to fall into as stated in the book of Romans... that we not think more highly of ourselves than we ought.

And yet it's so easy to do. Whether in the place of prominence or a place of obscurity, none of us are immune to pride. It's a dangerous place for the Christian, as well as the Pastor.

I was reminded yesterday of the joke, most often made by fathers regarding parenthood and child-rearing. It's the phrase used by a well-known comedian from back in the day. It was reminder of profound reminder of the truth of the relationship.

"I brought you into this world and I'll take you out. And it doesn't make any difference to me; I'll make another one look just like you."

Oddly enough, the eternally profound truth is that if any father is permitted to make such a justified statement, it is God.

Which leaves me wondering... is there ever a split-second of relief and reprieve where God isn't wondering in the deep recesses of His Sovereign mind:

"Who do these people think they are? Have they truly forgotten who I am?

On this #associatePastorTuesday, may I offer these words as representative of the sentiment we would all do well to share. Pray forgiveness, for indeed we have all thought more highly of ourselves than we ought. Forgiveness, for while we may have not fully forgotten who God is, we have limited Him; placed Him in a box; doubted His wisdom, debated His Sovereignty, questioned His plans and acted outside His purposes. Help us Lord, for it's Your love that has brought us into this world and it is by Your grace and mercy that keeps You from taking us out.

May we remember and acknowledge anew and afresh;
You alone are God.

- PNC

Well, I don't know about you, but we experienced an incredible move of God yesterday morning during our service. I hope, trust and pray that you did as well.

So powerful was the time of prayer at the altar towards the end of praise and worship portion, that Pastor stood on the platform announcing that he felt impressed to hold of his sermon until next week. In an effort to "not break the Spirit", he reiterated the very simple truth... that even from the pulpit, it's possible to speak the right thing at the wrong time.

So he tabled the sermon. Followed by asking what the congregation was asking, which was, well, what are you preaching? For a man who admitted he didn't have any idea, God gave him something pretty quick to speak on.

And man, what a great word it was.

I know that such happenings are not the norm for every service, nor probably are they for every church. I get that.

But I relay this experience to share that the church as whole can truly miss out on the presence and power of God in their individual lives and their corporate gatherings by sticking to the plan. In fact, as I was sitting down to type this, I was reminded of the verse that talks about how man makes plans in his heart, but God guide his steps.

Every member of the body of Christ would do well to remember that at any time on any given day, God could speak... "while you may think you're going in that direction doing this, we're actually gonna go over there and do that instead."

And I say that as I feel changes on the horizon even in my own life... and God could switch thing up fast. Of course, if I'm not sensitive to His moving, perhaps this moment in my life is His switching up and if I weren't open to it, I'd be missing it. So we'll see what God has in store.

But that requires an open spirit to the leading of His Spirit.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray that pastors would never lose their sensitivity to the moving hand of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit; both in their own lives and in their leadership of the church. Pray for those who have lost it or are feeling distant. May there be a turning point in their hearts and minds, ever closer towards God and the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray they would not be so set in their ways and plans that the miss some incredibly profound and powerful moments of His presence and His Word as it relates to what God is speaking and doing in the world. Both locally and globally, may we see His Hand lead, guide and move afresh upon the land.

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

- PNC

I had an interesting idea the other regarding the Christian faith. In this fast paced, fast food, move faster-everything culture, we all too often expect God to move quickly. And yet, all too often that is not the case.

Meanwhile, there is one instance in which God quickly moves.

Salvation.

It is faster than drive-thru fast food!

God's presence is as quick as the mention of His name.

It is however, in the waiting upon God, seeking His face, trusting in Him and walking in obedience that is the long drawn out process.

It's the difference between a 2-3 minute wait in line and prepping 2-3 days in advance of the huge party of family and friends that is coming over for Thanksgiving!

Meanwhile, we take forever in coming to God, then expect Him to be hurried in moving on our behalf after accepting Christ.

Is it possible our frustration with God regarding His timing in our lives as believers is on par with His level of frustration with us while we were (are) still sinners?

Yes. The answer is yes.

The joy of being a Sovereign God for eternity; the story of our life for humanity.

I'm not saying at really does work this way. I'm saying in my finite wisdom, it certainly feels as though life works this way quite often. And for quite a few people as well.

Be that as it may, here is my prayer that I ask you join me in.

On this #effectiveSunday, pray that many would be efficient in the coming to faith in God through Jesus Christ quickly. May they no longer delay the prompting and leading that is taking in place in their lives, bringing them to the realization of their need for a Savior. Pray for the effectiveness of the faith, that people would not be dismayed, detoured or derailed in the moments and circumstances where it's difficult to wait and persevere. Pray for strength, wisdom and patience in the decisions and challenges that we face. May we not quit on God as we wait. Pray for a renewal of our reliance on Him... regardless of how often we have to remind ourselves of some simple truths.

His thoughts are higher,
His ways are different.
Our minds are finite
While His timing is perfect.
For our lives are His
And He uses every moment for His glory.
Praise be to God, forever and ever.

- PNC

I still have that profound, yet simple concept roaming in the deep recess of my mind that I shared a day or two ago. The weeks continue to pass all too soon, it seems like I only know 3 days that exist and the others, I can't keep track. At any rate... I love this picture.

Jesus is not sitting in heaven, pleading with God the Father to add one more name to the Book.
He did, however, send the Holy Spirit to plead with man, that He would turn to God and repent.

Life is full of choice.

Some are made for us. Some circumstances leave us little to zero options. So "choice" is really the only move available... for even "do nothing" is still a choice; as there's always something that could be done that would simply make matters worse.

What we do, what we say, what we believe, what we engage in, devote ourselves to and invest our lives and resources in... every waking second is a choice.

A moment for God to be glorified.
A moment for God to work the miraculous.
A moment for life and laughter
A moment for trouble and tragedy.
A moment for grace and understanding; love and truth; purpose and calling.
A moment for ministry and testimony.
A moment for relationship, with both God and man.

We don't have time to waste time... writes the man who wastes more time than he cares to admit.

We don't have time to miss on a move of God in our lives and witness the same in the lives of others. Let us draw close to Him while the days draw nearer to His return and closer to those around us, that they too will see and know God for themselves.

Pray, this #communitySaturday, that indeed, the church community would make choices that bring glory to God and display His active role in our lives, regardless of where we find ourselves and what decisions stand before us awaiting our input. May we have the mind of Christ in our conversations and thoughts, as we look to Him to guide and direct our steps. Pray God would help us to be wise stewards, not only with our finances, but also with our time, our knowledge, wisdom and experience, as well as our words and deeds. Pray God would accomplish the miraculous in the lives of those who desperately need Him as we reach out to them, desirous to be used by God for His plans and purposes.

May we be ever-so sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
That we would choose God and seek His face.
And subsequently choose wisely as we live our life.
For His glory and honor.
That humanity would see our lives
And choose God for themselves.
For now throughout eternity.

- PNC

While listening to the Dave Ramsey show yesterday on the radio (which I encourage everyone today) I was reminded of just how simple (and easy) it is to speak life into those who aren't feeling alive. Whether it be having an off-day or borderline despair, what does it really cost to say "I believe in you."

We are so quick to allow our frustrations and emotions dominate our day... and they dominate our day, because of our mind and where we allow it to go. We hear, acknowledge and conform to the message of society that is focused on rights and offenses and the correction of all sorts of injustices. And I'm not saying there's not a legitimate element there and a time and place for such a discussion. However, we are to be people who are transformed by the renewing of our mind.

It costs us nothing to believe in those around us.
However, it did cost Christ everything to send the message that God believes in us and that we are too believe in Him.

Consider this...

There is not one human experience or emotion that Christ hasn't endured. Rejection, betrayal, loneliness, homelessness, false accusation (by both the establishment and public opinion).

Yet I heard a powerful explanation regarding the Christian faith.

Jesus is not in Heaven pleading with the Father to add one more name in the Book of Life.
Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to plead with man to call on the Father that their name would be added.

The responsibility to accept Christ is on humanity, yet the power of Christianity is in the relationship established through testimony. I've been where you are, yet I believe...

So pray, this #missionsFriday, for missionaries who are working to advance the Gospel. May they be strength and encouraged as they work to build relationships and communicate the power of the Gospel of Christ to an ever-increase world who needs to know they need Jesus. Pray for hearts and minds of lives who are search for answers and understanding. May today be the day they come to know the person of Jesus Christ. For those missionaries struggling with burnout and tiredness, may they rely anew on the power of God; to rise one more day, call on the name of the Lord and believe in the power of God that today would be a day of the miraculous as lives as transformed.

Indeed, may people not conform to the world,
But transformed; by the power of God
May His Word come alive in hearts
And active in our lives.
That they world would see
They need Jesus.

- PNC

So, I'm reading chapter 26 of Numbers yesterday afternoon. I know... such an exciting book. But it's the recounting of the families of the tribes of Israel. And it's mind-boggling.

76,000 here.
45,000 there.
Another 53,000 for this tribe.
And 64,000 for that tribe.
And them over there... another 32,500
And that group... 60 more thousand.
Plus, the other half of the twelve tribes.

And I got to thinking about the promise God made to Abraham. Your children will number the stars and the sands.

Pastors often have incredible stories of what God has spoken to them regarding ministry and what He deposits in their hearts and writes upon the dreams of their minds. Yet ministry takes it's toll. As does life.

And sometimes, things are quite what the seem. What appears to be happening may not accurately describe one of two realities.

Things can look to be doing well, even great at times, and yet life, ministry and the faith of those in ministry may not be as strong and established as one would be led to think and or believe.

Conversely, one might look at the ministry and think or perceive things are not going so well; that they aren't making an impact in the lives they are reaching and speaking into and yet years later, they testify to the difference that was made.

Why consider such things? Because as I read through the counting of these families, I couldn't help but remember God's instruction. For all the victories and tragedies in the days of Israel, God continually tells them... pass these events on, to your children and your children's children and to their children. To the eight and tenth and beyond generations.

Let me be the first to admit... I would do well to tell my kids more often what God has done in me and what He has brought me through; to help build and ensure that they don't have just any foundation of faith, but a solid, unshakable foundation.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, let's pray for pastors, struggling perhaps with the disconnect with where they hope and believe their ministry should be and the impact they desire versus its' actual state of existence. Pray God would encourage them and reignite the dreams and goals that have perhaps grown dim and faint. May God grant them insight as to where and how, if any improvements need to be made or the ministry needs to change. Pray they would not grow weary in well doing, but continue to press in  to the presence of God.

May they leave a legacy of impact.
Let the stories told be one of love and compassion, truth and grace
That lives would be forever changed as a testament for the glory of God
And not as a detriment to the cause of Christ.
For we His Creation.

- PNC

I had an interesting thought yesterday afternoon, as I was listening to the political discussion of the day.

What if the nation of Israel responded to the failures and faults of its' leadership in like manner as we do in modern society with our leadership, both in the culture of politics and the church?

Can you see the headlines of the Israeli Times during King David's reign?

A Royal Affair to Remember. Our only question, what really happened with Uriah?

Or these other potential breaking news reports:

Moses banned from entering Promised Land for having disobeyed direct instruction from God.
E!'s True Israeli Story: One Fatal Haircut.
The First 48 Hours: Egyptian officials have no leads on the guard found dead; buried in sand.

And hundreds of others.

And yet, today's news and society, critics on every level, from every perspective and belief are quick to judge guilty without the full story. From the worst kinds of evil, to the slightest hint of impropriety, we go to town on our leadership as if we could do better without any wrongdoing of any sort if only given the chance to fill such shoes. Yet knowing the scrutiny we would be subject to, we decide not to risk it... choosing instead to join the ranks of those who point fingers.

Public opinion condemnation seems to stand with greater authority and impact than any judge or court could enforce; let alone what God would do, where He to release the restraint of His wrath and judgement, of which no one would outrun, escape, nor explain with any decent and reasonable justification should we be given any period of time to do so.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday for our leadership. May God guard their hearts and minds as they continue to do the work of ministry to which He has called them. Pray they would live and stand above reproach; not that their lives are perfect, but that they would not fall to the moral trappings and temptations that have taken down such good leadership in days gone past. Pray that God would help the church to use wisdom and discernment in our criticism, as well as our support, of both the leaders of the church as well as those in government. Pray for both current and future pastors; that they would remain committed to the truth of God's Word, to the ministries of the church and most importantly, to their families.

For what is unstable in private settings
Will become disruptive in public.
May we stand firm in the faith
As we rely upon God alone.
That His name would be lifted up
Despite our flawed humanity.

- PNC

A friend of mine who is the President of a Christian university posted recently on a blog post that highlighted the current situation in Canada. They have essentially denied adoption privileges to a couple, because of their religious beliefs.

Over the course of the adoption, their views on sexuality and marriage became an issue during the process. As it was explained to the couple, their religious beliefs regarding sexuality were incompatible with the adoption process"

Needless to say, this is kind of a scary, and dangerous issue should culture continue on this trend.

So, my friend receives a comment from a young man who is prepping for ministry. When it was all said and done, it left my friend in a sad and disheartened realization. The young man thought posting the article was an act of "fear mongering" and as such, he was ashamed to be associated with anyone who would write such a piece or advance it's message by posting it on social media.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, this is why we pray for pastors. It's not so they continue to teach and preach acccording to tradition and preference and any one's personal understanding or experience. It's that they preach the Word of God. It's that they preach Biblical principles.

God instituted family.
The Bible states that true religion is caring for orphans and widows.

How will the church and the Christian community care for kids in need through the avenue of foster care and adoption if the state calls the faith to be incompatible with the process. What happened to the world's position on humanity not being in alignment with the Creator of said humanity? Furthermore, what happens if the church and it's leadership continues to look more like the conforming to society's perspective and understanding than the truth?

I get that the truth is uncomfortable. But it is where freedom lives. Otherwise we are slaves to a lie, and ultimately, to the many that follow.

Let's pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, that our pastors would be people who would not be afraid to take a stand and continue to declare truth. Pray for our future leaders, that they would know the truth, even in the face of a culture that pushes for them to conform, even they aren't so forthcoming in calling it as such. Pray the church would indeed be leaders in compassion and love, leading with integrity, grace and honesty... even when the conversation is uncomfortable. May God continue to grant wisdom to the church and leadership; that we would not be disheartened, nor dismayed.

For we know in whom we have believed.
We know to what we have been called.
We know Him who has created and redeemed us.
By His love. By His grace. For His glory.

- PNC

One of the Christmas movies that's been playing already as we enter the holiday season, as been about a corporate exec's search for the perfect Christmas tree to put in their company's business plaza in downtown Chicago. The tree they had planned to use at the beginning of the movie got damaged in transit and thus, the deadline began to find another.

They do, but the family has close ties to the tree and it's hard for them to consider donating it to  the cause. But as the story unfolds, the family talks about how the grandfather and grandmother had planted the tree decades ago, and were growing old together, watching their tree grow.

Effectiveness and growth is a long-term prospect. It requires vision. It requires hard work. It requires patience.

Most have a positive outlook and dream for such things. Yet, sadly as I look throughout this post-modern culture and society, I see more and more evidence that there are many who have a vision towards destruction and demise.

It certainly does appear there is an agenda, despite the confessions of many who seem to deny it. And I don't mean for this post to be to lean and move in that direction, except to point out that society's prolonged moved away from the things of God seems to be more effective than the calling and commission of the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

So, on this #effectiveSunday, pray for a renewed commitment to the ministries of the church and the advancement of the Gospel. Pray today would be a day that lives are forever changed and transformed as the truth of Jesus Christ goes forth. Throughout the day, may hearts and minds be opened to receive from the Lord as much as they are to receive from that which society presents, which is detrimental to and decay for the soul. May God go before us in our efforts as we seek His face and rely upon Him to strengthen us each and every day.

To be about the work of the Lord
Despite culture's efforts to hinder the Gospel.
Though they are strength,
We can do all things through Christ who strengths us.
For the glory of God the Father
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

There's a scene from The West Wing, where President Barlet is standing in the Oval Office with his wife Abbey and at the end of the conversation, she "concedes that she was wrong about the thing" and quickly proceeds to follow it up with "however..."

It is at "however" though, that the President stops her and delivers this brilliance.

"No, no however. You were wrong. Just be wrong. Just stand there in your wrongness and get used to it."

A very lovely, and humor scene of marriage that somehow never quite works out to be so endearing. Not that I'm speaking from experience or anything. (wink, wink)

We live in a world where certain things are just plain wrong. The problem is we all seem to be in varying degrees of agreement as to what attitudes, behaviors, words and deeds constitute "wrong", both on an individual and cultural basis.

The conversation of course, is getting more and more difficult as we continue to work to communicate with community with the truth and love of God. Yet religious views and political leanings often stand in the way, of hearing, receiving and understanding truth. And it doesn't help that we only seem to allow certain arenas of life to be told where are wrong and by whom. Case in point, some people are commended for pointing out to their bosses that the boss was wrong, other employees are fired for continuing to do things wrong after being told by the boss to stop doing things the wrong way.

In essence, in society's effort to move us toward being more open-minded to differing views we have moved away from being able to receive and make true and positive correction... which everyone seems to be calling, waiting and hoping will happen. Each to their own satisfaction, of course. But alas, only One person can help.

As Herman Cain states in the post I referenced the other day...

"Evil is flourishing and America has made a cultural decision to let that happen, and to reject the God who overcomes it."

So, on this #communitySaturday, would you join me again? Pray that as much as we have made a decision to allow evil, may we equally and just as quickly make a decision to turn from evil and repent of our wickedness. Pray for people's open-mindedness to be sensitive to the moving of the Holy Spirit, and that they would allow the truth and power of God to speak into their lives, hearts and minds. May the church be a source of truth, spoken in love... not as the world defines it, but as Christ calls us to be and live. Indeed, pray for repentance and a turning towards God, not only for America, but for the World.

For He holds us in hands.
We are His workmanship
To be used for His purposes
And His glory.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.
Until the whole world knows.

- PNC

I'm chuckling, just a little bit, but also, incredibly self-conscious, as I consider where I've missed the mark. We talked yesterday regarding Moses and Aaron and for whatever reason, their not following through on a direct instruction from God.

Meanwhile, yesterday afternoon, as I continued through Numbers, in chapter 22, is the story of Balaam. And again, God gives a clear direction to Balaam, regarding whether he should go with the princes of Moab and Balaam goes... not waiting for the prerequisite that God instructed him to wait upon.

Of course, the cool part of the story is that God speaks to Balaam through his donkey.

But the powerful part of the story is what was going on in the spirit realm. Balaam's life is spared because another being in his life sensed something was going on and was attempting to protect him. Balaam didn't realize what was going on, but someone (in this case, his donkey) knew better.

Yet this is why God speaks to Balaam through his donkey. Balaam, unaware, keeps trying to move forward... not thinking anything was wrong. The angel of the Lord who stands before him even acknowledges, Balaam wouldn't not have survived.

All of this got me thinking... how much trouble to we get into because we don't heed the spiritual warnings to back off, turn away or even, turn around. Hence, my aforementioned, self-conscious chuckle.

This further affirmed last night, by a piece written by Herman Cain, on his explanation of why mass shootings are becoming so frequent. It's a brilliant write up that I highly recommend, but he "pens" these words are he bring his thoughts to a close:

"It's because we've arrived at a consensus that we don't need God, and we can work out right and wrong for ourselves. So people do. Or they just disregard the whole idea and perpetrate evil, because hey, why not?"

Such a perception and thought process that permeates this culture creates quite a block to any evangelistic efforts. What's worse, is that at times, even Christians and those in ministry can find themselves, at a place of either not needing God or not needing God as much. Of course, this is a dangerous place to be, for what if you missing the warning signs that would keep you from all kinds of trouble and perhaps, even certain death.

So, let's pray this #missionFriday, that missionaries would rely all the more on God and His Word. May their be an awareness in their lives and from those they surround themselves with, to know what is at work in the spirit realm and where God is directing them. Pray for their efforts to reach the lost with the Gospel. May God break through and tear down these walls and misconceptions about Him that culture has seemingly embraced ever so tightly in recent years. Pray for hearts and minds to be changed and transformed. May we ever alert to the leading and guiding of the Spirit and the power of God at work in our lives. Pray for a massive move of repentance and returning to God, before it is too late.

That we would be people who seek God.
To obey His Word.
To speak the truth
And change our world.
All with the help of God alone.
For the glory of God
And the advancement of the cause of Christ.

- PNC

I'm letting you know now, I'm developing this thought process as I type and literally have no idea, where God will take this. I simply know what stood out to me, as I read from Numbers 20 yesterday afternoon.

It's the passing of Aaron, for the disobedience of he and his brother Moses, regarding God's instruction of speaking to the rock after Israel's complaining of the wilderness.  Of course, Moses still has a few more years, before his passing, as he too, obviously is not allowed to enter the Promised Land, for the same point of disobedience.

So often we look at the failures and fall-outs of church leadership and think it's all on the Pastors. But it's not. Aaron's story reminds us that advisors and counselors to the leadership are just as much held accountable.

Miriam's death, Aaron's death and ultimately Moses' death was a signal to Israel. God was and remains serious about His instructions and the follow-through, thereof.

I read an interesting blog post that explains this passage. Among the things that it points out, was Moses couldn't lead them into the land, as a representation of the Law. Miriam couldn't, as a representation of the prophets. And Aaron could not do so either, as the priest. Furthermore, the ceremony at the end of that passage, where the priesthood is transferred from Aaron to Eleazar, shows us that our relationship with God is not dependent upon the person. The office of the priest is higher than the flawed person who holds it.

Thus, it really is a pretty incredible concept that Jesus Christ is our High Priest, as well as the fulfillment of the Law.

That said... flawed people remain leading the people of God. And we too, are often as discontented and difficult as the Nation was for Moses and Aaron.

And on that note... let's pray this #deaconThursday for our flawed leadership. Pray that they would be men and woman who would not only hear from the Lord, but do and be as He directs and speaks into their lives. Pray that God would help them to seek and give wise counsel, rather than be persuaded by a frustrated and discontented people. Pray for a healthy respect and understanding of the office of authority that God has established, even when the people who hold the office miss the mark, even on a grand scale.

That we would not only hear the voice of God,
But follow it as well.
Our relationship with God forever strengthened.
For the plans and purposes of God.

- PNC

Well, I just very well might have gotten through to my kids. I've been trying to explain to them and get them to understand that the acquisition of certain things require time... and money.

For the most part, as an aspect being an adult, we understand this. Some of us, better than others. Getting kids to arrive at this understanding? Not so much. The world of instant and fast consumption keeps increasing, particularly, as we are ever more connected, often with one less middle-man.

So getting them to understand that the bigger hopes, dreams and desires take time and money has been a process. Every time we do this little thing, we go to this place or that, we purchase this little thing or that over there... it all takes away from our truest, desired, yet-to-exist realities.

As I was discussing this in terms the kids could understand, I had my epiphany. Is this not what we do with God?

He knows what He has in store for us.
He knows what He desires to accomplish in our lives.
He knows our hearts, yet He knows what's best.
He knows His love, but understands our will.
And in the midst of it all, exists grace. Because of His love.

But what is our response when He says "Wait."?
What is our response when He says "No."?
What is our response when He simply sits in silence?
(as if to say what I've often told my kids... "asked and answered")

Sometimes I think adults have a harder time in our relationship with God and the working out of communication and understanding of faith matters than we do in the relationships with our kids and the working out of communication and understanding of life principles.

How this phenomenon happens, I'm not sure. But I know it exists. Sadly, in my own life. Realistically, probably in yours. Most likely and perhaps even recently, also in the life of your pastor.

On that note... pray this #youthPastorWednesday for pastors dealing with tough and frustrating realities. For those frustrated by their current realities compared to their desired existence, pray that God would strengthen and encourage them. May God bring revelation to their hearts and minds. Pray for a clarity from the Holy Spirit regarding any sense of frustration or confusion regarding their lives and ministries. May God restore a sense of hope and energy to those exhausted and tired. Pray a new day would dawn, that a turn would be made, as the press in ever-closer to the throne of God and a fresh sense of His presence, even amidst the trials and trouble daily living.

To retain the faith of a child,
Even when our patience level is null.
God help us anew,
As we balance life on Earth,
While Heaven is home.
May we look to you alone,
For your glory, we pray.

- PNC

Well, first things first, on this incredibly somber Monday morning.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the pastors, leadership team, congregation and community of First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas.

I'm shaking my head in disbelief, yet simultaneously frustrated on a number of levels.

Of course, society's commentary is already well under way.

How the church should respond.
How government should respond.
How legislation should respond.

These are incredibly complicated times. And yet they are blatantly simple times.

What is at work in the world has been a long-time coming, even more so as the created world continues to want nothing to do with it's Creator while simultaneously crying out for something greater than itself.

I don't know.

All I have right now, is the words of Christ.

Don't be surprised when this happens. The world hated Me. They will hate you also.

Yet somehow, the Christianity community will be known by there love for one another.

I don't know what tomorrow holds for any of us.
I do know that God holds tomorrow. Furthermore, He holds the whole world in His hands. And if we are to get through tomorrow, even if the whole world stands opposed to us, we will need the strength and grace of God to abound in our lives, homes and churches.

And lest we forget... let us be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Wisdom... comes first. May God fight for those who are His as we stand for Him.

Pray this #seniorPastorSunday for wisdom to navigate these certain, yet uncertain times. Pray for the strength to persevere in the face of evil and overwhelming odds. Pray for favor between church and community; that our love and passion for good and righteousness would emerge victorious. Pray for peace and comfort for this Sutherland Springs. May the Holy Spirit bring healing and restoration and may joy rise from this tragedy. A day of new beginnings. A day of revival.

God, come quickly.
Heal this very broken land.
That we turn from our wicked ways
And fall at the base of the Cross of Christ.
In surrender to your glory.
For the honor of your Name.

- PNC

I keep looking at the world and hearing what I often hear with my kids. And I keep wanting to have the same response as the question I ask them.

How hard is it to play nice?

Let me be clear... I'm not talking about "co-existing". And I'm not delving in to that matter here and now. However, for all the national and international debate taking place on any number of issues, at the end of the day, we are responsible first and foremost, for our individual words, attitudes and actions.

And seriously, I know certain people and personalities can rub us the wrong way and strained and stressed relationships of any kind can certainly be difficult to navigate, but how hard is it to smile?

A friendly acknowledgement of the life of another as you walk by each other.
By and large, you'll really notice the couple of seconds or minutes lost, by deferring to another through the simplest of gestures?

Regardless of religion, politics and economic differences, friendliness costs nothing but two seconds to determine every morning that you will display love and respect through the simplest word or deed of kindness.

Society does better than the church... or so it seems some days.
But a few minutes on social media quickly reminds me that the church should be leading the way in this lifestyle. Plus, we are instructed to love God and love our neighbor.

We keep trying to instruct our children to play nice, but we so often fail to do so as adults. And of course, the inconsistent message places them in a position where they are prone to repeat the cycle of broken adults. And sadly, that's what the world is full of.

Broken kids, who've become broken adults, who've in turn raised more broken kids...

And we watch the news and read our newsfeed and wonder what and how the world is and become so broken. Meanwhile, we deny and ignore the only source of healing and restoration.

So, before this post gets any longer, let's pray this #communitySaturday, that God would help us to be the church He has called and purposed us to live... to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. May we be people of kindness as we interact with a world full of broken people and broken kids, living stressed out lives and engaged in strained relationships. Pray that we would be people who would not only reflect Christ, but encourage those around us to engage with Him. May God continue to grant us wisdom and discernment as we live through the current chaos and that He would accomplish the miraculous through our conversations.

That God would go before us,
As we step forward in faith and obedience
To be used for His glory and purpose
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

What is wrong, slowly becomes more acceptable. What was rare and infrequent has become the oft-repeated normal.

A pastor relayed the contents of a conversation he had recently with a young man from India who had visited the church. The two of them talked for a few moments, when the young man asked the pastor to keep his hometown in prayer; for the in the week prior to their conversation, tragedy had struck.

More like evil, actually.

As it turns out the local mob had paid a visit. To the missionaries. Where the broke both their arms and the legs. Solely for being Christian.

It was the same pastor who stated a perspective that we don't often think of... at least I don't, for reasons unknown. The very first recorded act of persecution. Do you know the answer? It also happens to be the first ever recorded act of murder.

Cain and Abel. Cain killed Able because Abel's sacrifice was acceptable and righteous and Cain's was not. Able was killed for his faith and relationship with Almighty God.

As this pastor stated:

The first to be murdered was the first to be martyred.

One source estimates that anywhere between 100,000 to 150,000 Christians are killed annually for their faith. A British study from a year or two ago, put out a conservative estimate at 105,000.

105,000 killed annually.
288 per day.
12 per hour.
1... every. 5. minutes.

One martyr every five minutes.

At 150,000.... 411 per day. 34 per hour. 1.4 every 2.5 minutes. How utterly insane is this? Yet we should not be surprised when this happens. It's also going to become more frequent.

Yet society and culture continue to push for openness and diversity, acceptance and tolerance; freedom to be and do whoever and whatever one desires and feels like, truly, on any given day.

But for the Christian...well, you're reading the same social media status updates and commentaries as I am. And the 100,000+ that aren't being murdered, hundreds of thousands more are being ridiculed and mocked. And never making headline news are the bodies being beaten and broken for the cause of Jesus Christ; even though they are a worse human rights violence than one's "right" to be offended. God help us all.

And pray this #missionsFriday, for those missionaries and Christians around the globe that are experiencing unbelievable persecution, beyond our belief, but quite the norm over the centuries. Pray for this society and culture who continues to reject God and mock and torture those who profess their belief in Him. Pray for a strengthening and a quickening for those suffering for the sake of Christ. May God work the miraculous through their lives, through their testimonies, and through their ministries. May their labor not be in vain, but produce the fruit for which the seeds of the Gospel were planted.

May God bring a healing to the land
As we are brought to a place of repentance
That we would turn from our wicked ways
And fall at the face of God and the feet of Christ
For His Word will not return void.
Every knee will one day bow.
What a day that will be.

- PNC

Yesterday morning, I managed to catch part of a political talk show and as the host prepared to play a clip regarding the recent tragedy in NYC, (our thoughts and prayers go out to those families and friends impacted in that community and city-at-large), I thought, how important of a perspective to keep in mind, not only for any leadership role, but especially church leadership.

The show host introduced the clip by offering their personal opinion on the matter and it was simply that the man speaking in the audio clip said too much. Of course, the audio clip was shocking and I as I listened, I couldn't help but talk to the radio! Why are you sharing that? Wow, that's a little much. And the guy kept going.

Suddenly, I was in awe. Not only did I not want to know that information, but the guy stated it for public, and worse, global consumption. Seriously?

I understand. For the longest time society kept some pretty horrendous existences behind closed doors, both in private and public life, whether at home, church or business. So, I get, for certain circumstances the need and desire for "transparency". I utilize the quotes though, because so much more has changed in our culture, especially when it comes to misunderstandings and the power of offense, that certain situations, details and plans are better kept to those who directly involved.

Not everybody needs to know everything. Not everybody can be trusted with everything.

The world is getting smaller. News travels faster. And things get out of control and out of context faster than the 0-60 time of your favorite exotic sports car.

Thus, of all organizations, if anyone should have a proper understanding followed by a wise and balanced approach between a leadership that is transparent and one that is discerning, it should be the church. But in reality... the church still struggles, both at the local and global level.

And on that note, let's pray to that end on this #deaconThursday. May God impart supernatural wisdom and discernment to the leadership of the church. Pray for a keen understanding and respect for the time and place regarding the dissemination of information. Pray for a humble spirit and a desire for wise counsel as they navigate the power of today's communication tools and how words and deeds are received and perceived in these difficult, 21st century days. May church leadership possess and continue to advance with a spirit of unity to the situations and circumstances they face and the people that are involved in them. Pray the spirit of offense would be far from us; that God would heal and restore such instances where trust has been broken and betrayed.

For we are not perfect,
But daily being transformed.
God help us navigate the process
To live, lead and serve with integrity.
For the glory and honor of God.

- PNC

There are two days that you can't control, or so says Dr. Tony Evans.

7 days a week. 365 days in a year (366 in a leap). And there's only two days which are beyond your control right now.

Yesterday. And... Tomorrow.

And yet regardless of our age, status and position in this life, we continually find ourselves battling between two states of mind while we live in the gift that is called today. All too often we live today frustrated about what went wrong yesterday or freaking out about what could go wrong tomorrow.

Even sitting here now, thinking about what's next, I find myself wishing that this particular life skill of enjoying today and not worried about the before and after was one that I had mastered sooner in life.

Some matters are not that important, and it the moment is a short-lived, "ugh" moment. Others have long-lasting impact and even longer-lasting consequences and for those that directly impact eternity or can played through to an eternal perspective... those circumstances and the thoughts of them that consume and preoccupy our hearts and our minds can be debilitating.

We are adults... surrounded by kids, wishing we had done things differently as kids and hoping that tomorrow we will be better adults. While we try to teach them what to do, we continue to search for ourselves what we should do. And in light of our faith, what God would have us to do.

For our calling, our anointing, our gifting. For the plans and purposes He has ordained in advance for us that we should walk in them. But we don't and can't... when we try to control what is beyond us. The yesterday that has passed. The tomorrow that awaits. There is only today.

Pray this #youthPastorWednesday that God would work the miraculous in the lives of pastors who still have their moments and even days where the past frustrates them and the future overwhelms them. Pray God would grant to them strength and peace; as He work in them to cast all their cares on Him. May pastors hold ever so steadfast to the promises of God and what He has declared and spoken over their lives. Pray that God would intervene in lives where the need to be better stewards of the time He has given exists.

For indeed He does have a plan.
And God is at work in our lives
Through the power of the Holy Spirit.
May we live faithful to the calling He has placed upon us.
For His glory, as we live and learn in His grace
And His mercy that is new every morning.

- PNC

I caught part of sermon broadcast yesterday morning from a local pastor and I kind of wish I had heard more of it. But a profound point was made through quite a humorous analogy.

The pastor was talking about the early church and how their efforts to spread the Gospel was not a competition. In proving his point, he talked about the one conversation we don't see in Scripture. The power of Peter's shadow compared to Paul's shadow. And of course, we don't hear about the power of Paul's shadow... he's too busy traveling on all the missionary journeys!

There isn't one ministry that is greater or more worthy within the body of Christ. There's not a pastor that is more important than another. There is not a volunteer that is more valuable than the next.

So here's pastor's profound point.

The church is not meant to compete against each other, but to complete each other.

One letter changes the entire dynamic of the relationships within the local church and with churches as a part of the global Christian community.

Oddly enough, or coincidentally, whichever suits your preference, that same concept also changes the entire dynamic of every personal relationship an individual aside, regardless of the realm or arena of life in which that relationship exists.

So, it begs the question... are churches, their pastors and leadership teams and the ministries that come forth from them in competition with each other or working to complete each other in the eternal mission of the body of Christ?

Let's pray this #associatePastorTuesday that churches and their leaders would continue and begin anew where necessary, to work to find ways to complete each other. May we not get so caught up in what is in front of us that we miss what other opportunities God may have placed before us to help others rather than try to get ahead of them. Pray for wisdom and discernment in how relationships are handled, how teams are managed and how the work of the ministry proceeds. May everything that is said and done be for the glory of God; let nothing become a hindrance to our witness that humanity would look upon the church with disgrace.

A beacon to the world;
A city set on a hill.
To testify of the glory and grace of God
Rather than to best one another in the flesh.
For the advancement of the Gospel of Christ.

- PNC

I had somewhat of an "ah-ha" moment yesterday afternoon, as a series of thoughts passed through my mind, hoping that something would stand out as inspiration. And I didn't see this one coming. But somewhere between pastor's message on having a hunger for God and Isaiah Thomas' writing on commitment and the connection was made.

So here it is.

Everything that we do in life is acted upon from one of two driving modes.

We walk and progress in our journey with either a driving hunger or a driving fear.

We are either in passionate pursuit or disabling doubt. As much as taking risk with consideration of consequence can be problematic, so to can living in hesitation with too much consideration given to the unknown create undue stress and frustration.

Life and faith requires careful consideration of planning and purpose, for sure. But at the same time, past experiences, failures and trials that "didn't work out" can become a debilitating hindrance. As a result, we are moving forward with strong intentionality or we are moving forward with even stronger restraint.

One would think, or more likely assume, that pastors automatically have a passion and hunger for God and ministry. And for the most part that is correct. But the reality of burnout cannot be denied or ignored. Which means at some point, something has changed. The hunger has diminished, which creates room for fear.

Something changes in the approach to ministry, in the handling of problems, in the communication of vision and in the health of relationships. And rarely do such circumstance turn out like the happy endings of the Hallmark movies vortex to which my wife has made me fall victim. But they have the potential to do so, as we continue to lift them up in prayer and encourage them in their life and ministry.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray that God would indeed strengthen their pursuit and passion of Him and the work to which He has called them. May they move forward with purpose, unhindered by fear, but walking with confidence. Pray that past mistakes and failures would not have a debilitating influence in the lives, but by the power of God, may they use those lessons as a positive source of discernment as they are led of the Holy Spirit. Pray they would remain ever so and even more hungry for God, His Word and His church.

A force to be reckoned with.
Because they are not dominated by fear.
But controlled by the Spirit.
For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC