I've been reflecting the past couple days on my childhood. I think I have an idea why this has transpired... most likely the sometimes surreal realization of just how quickly life passes, as if we were going slower than the posted limit in the far right lane.

A comedian from my childhood, had a story in his act of getting his tonsils taken out as a kid. He remarks that when you're 5 yrs old and your life passes before you, it's pitiful. There really isn't that much of a life to pass before you.

I was kinda surprised, as I reflected, what memories came to mind from days gone by. Moments I wish were different, odd moments, that some would question how or I why one would remember "that, of all things". Be that as it may, whether you have a 5-yr old sitting next to you as you read this, or you are 50, life is indeed short.

The moments and the memories you are create when you are 50 should be and are meant to be cherished, The same goes for the kid who will one day look back and remember being just 5 years old.

For times with my family, for the times with friends, for the teachers who spoke life to me, for the pastors who imparted God's Word and wisdom, for the lessons I've learned from those who didn't care that I was around or maybe would rather I wasn't....

Where would I be, had I not known all this time that God has a plan and purpose for every person born. He had a plan long before that, even.

It makes me consider all the more... what will my kids remember. Life is too short to mess up your kids by failing as a parent.
There's a lot that I mess up, granted, but as Steve Martin says in his character Tom Baker in the movie Cheaper By The Dozen,

"If I screw up raising my kids, nothing I achieve will matter much."

I need God's help to raise Godly kids. Godly family that will help me when I fail. Godly friends who will support and encourage me when I'm frustrated and watching the advancement of gray hair as I stand at the mirror. And I need pastors and teachers who will help me, do what they helped my parents do.... build a foundation of faith that will last a lifetime... however quickly or slowly it may pass.

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, for pastors and teachers, as they play a vital role in helping to instill a solid foundation of faith in the hearts and lives of today's youth. May they not be discouraged by the distractions that call for kids attention, in hopes of robbing their soul. Pray that parents and pastors would model a life of faith and Godliness that helps kids understand, we do not have to go through life alone. May kids today know and understand that God indeed has a great plan and a meaningful purpose for their lives, to walk daily with God, to experience the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ and to live in the power of the Holy Spirit.

May we forever be, lives changed for eternity. Whether we are 5 or 50. Whether we quickly fade away or live to see our children's children... may we leave a legacy that honors the work of God in our hearts and minds. For today. For tomorrow.
For His glory.

- PNC

A brief conversation over the weekend that didn't last more than a couple minutes, and a passing thought yesterday morning that didn't last more than a couple seconds. Together, they bring you today's #pray4pastor reading.

A pastor over the weekend reached out to me for just a moment, to say "thanks" for praying for pastors, referring to the daily work that goes into Bring Me 70.  I said no problem or you're welcome and in a matter of seconds it was over. However, a few hours later, I reached back out to that pastor... offering my thanks for his encouragement; not realizing his acknowledge of Bring Me 70 was something it turned out I needed that day.

He followed my thanks with this insight... "praying for pastor is not something that a lot of people do" (that's there not a predominant voice expressing the need - my paraphrase). Then he added, that as pastors, "it's not something we [they themselves] can call attention to."

Yes, there will be public moments that a congregation is asked to pray for a specific need for a pastor, something they are believing will happen for the church or the community; perhaps there is a physical situation or something that is (somewhat) public knowledge, that a pastor will ask for prayer.

By and large, though.... they won't stand at the pulpit and ask for prayer over situations that resemble what they hear about from parishioners. Kids that are away from God, marital strife, financial strain, pending health complications that doctors have yet to pinpoint, leadership decisions and challenges.

We go for prayer for all these matters and usually to our pastors.
Where do pastors go for all these matters of their own?

While you're thinking about that... I had this moment yesterday morning. While praying for a friend of mine, the words came out without my even thinking about them.

Lord, answer the prayers of my friend.

We ask God to answer our prayers and we pray for our friends, but how much more can we stand in agreement with our friends, than that God would hear, honor and answer their prayers? They may even be praying for you and you being willing to put your self on hold, so God can work in the life of prayers being offered elsewhere... who knows what God might accomplish?

What are your pastors praying for? While they are privately battling issues unknown, they more often than not, continue to set themselves and their own matters aside; to pray for those in their church, their ministry, the community... to be used by God in a greater capacity, beyond their own ability, to continue to carry out the work of the Lord. All while silently being distracted and frustrated from within, because few stand and know how to stand, in agreement with what they face.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday... first that God would forgive us, for putting ourselves and our prayers front and center; that we have not concerned ourselves more with the well-being of others and more importantly, the lives of our spiritual leaders. Pray, that God would hear and answer the prayers of our Pastors. For their vision, for their wisdom, for their hopes & dreams; for their fears and challenges. Pray for the battles they face at home... may the power of the Holy Spirit intervene and intercede on their behalf. Relationships restored. Finances will flourish. Emotions balanced. Wisdom received. Vision made clear. Joy fulfilled. Hearts made glad. Pray that church pastors and leaders will be strengthened and renewed to lead with clarity of purpose and a fresh anointing for the calling that has been placed upon their lives.

LET THERE BE LIFE!!!!  In churches and ministries that are drying up and burning out. Come quickly, we pray.

To God be all glory, honor and praise.

- PNC

Two Sundays in a row now, my Pastor has cut his sermon short and moved to a time of prayer at the altar.

Why? you ask. Something wrong with the message?

Nothing. In fact, they were both so "on point" you really wanted him to continue; it was that good of a message.

He cut them short, because he recognized what he prays at the opening of every message. "God, people didn't come to hear (his name here), they came to hear a word from You."

It's easy to go to church and get "caught up" in the personality and the dynamics of the pastor and the service at large. And it's tempting for the pastor to do the same.

But one that knows and understands that its God who moves on the hearts and lives of man and not the oratory skill of the finite mind, has a greater chance to experience moments such as this.

It's a matter of awareness. And the timing was perfect, as God does. People responded... not to a man; but to the work of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. It was an incredible moment....two Sundays in a row; that would have been missed had a pastor focused more on completing his message than hearing the direction and prompting of the Spirit.

All too often, it's easy to get caught up in position. For the one who holds it, the one who aspires to it, the one who looks up to it. If all three don't recognize it's the work of the Holy Spirit to accomplish the plans and purpose of God and not the position itself, the experience changes. Drastically.

A pastor out of tune will be as frustrating to listen to as is one's favorite instrument or radio station. Maybe it won't be that bad initially and you'll bear through it for a while, but spiritual maturity somewhere along the way will recognize something is amiss.

That's when all sorts of trouble can begin.

Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, that trouble never begins. Pray that would pastors, in number and maturity, would increase in their awareness of the promptings of the Holy Spirit... for the power of God to work in spite of them if He can't work through them. Pray for a humbleness in pastors... may they always be willing participants, to prefer to be worked through. May their be a keen sense to the time and the place and message that God has... not a "one-size fits all" sermon or a "canned" speech as though it were an entirely different audience every week. May God do the miraculous in the lives of His church and His people, as pastors recognize their position and do their part to remain tuned-in to Heaven and in-step with their own walk with God.

Strengthen the faith of our Pastors, today. Ready. Willing. Able. For all that God is in store for their lives and their ministry.
For the cause of Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Properly tuned for His glory.

- PNC

In conjunction with yesterdays' prayer that the community would be hearers of the Word, there are many in the church still struggling to respond appropriately when they hear the Word of God.

It's entirely possible we oversimplify our faith at times.

Just trust in God.
Just read your Bible.
Just spend time in prayer. (even if it's a 70-second challenge)
Just share your story
Just be loving (on days other than Valentines)
Just....

Be the body of Christ that brings glory and honor to God.

And yet, daily realizing the work involved to make the right decisions... more easily said; not so easily done.

Do the right thing, at the right time, with the right measure, with all your heart.

All of which come as a matter of habit (thing), experience (timing), discernment (measure) and attitude (heart)

Maybe it's just me that struggles with this..

We have good intentions. We start off strong. We're ready to go. Then life. Frustration. Set-backs. Minor victories over-shadowed by major setbacks. The slow-down begins.

(Maurette Brown Clark is singing It Ain't Over as I'm writing this, listening to Pandora.  "Keep fighting until your victory is won")

What if, for as easy as we make our faith out to be, we give up all the more easily?

Effective and efficient work isn't easy work. It's hard work done well, with right tools, resources and manpower with right attitudes.

If the church isn't so equipped, doing the work of the Lord after we've heard it will be more of a struggle than God ever intended for us to carry out.

Pray this #effectiveSunday, God help your people be the body of Christ you intended for us to show to a lost & dying world in desperate need of You. May we overcome the things that hinder us from doing the right thing. May we learn the timing for what God has in store for us to accomplish. Pray for discernment, that we may proceed with the correct measure. Pray we carry out the plans and purposes God has for us with good attitudes and a clean heart. May the body of Christ be found as a magnet, drawing this lost world to God through the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace and mercy of the cross of Christ.

On this day when the world acknowledges the power of love, may many experience the love of God. Eternity changed as hearts are transformed. For the glory of God. Thank you, for so loving the world that you sent your Son, Jesus Christ.

- PNC

You may or may not have seen or heard yet, the story about the professor from Purdue, who made, what appears to be threatening statements of violence against women who fall on the pro-life side of the abortion argument.

Whether his statements are sarcastic or not remains to be seen as an investigation into his remarks has begun, but one can't help wonder what's in his heart as his mouth speaks.

Upon reading about this the other day, it got me thinking about how we engage community.

Most don't present their beliefs and share their faith in hopes of stirring up conflict and causing problems. For those who oppose, I don't think they hope to stir up problems, either. For the most part, at least.

It does seem that most people who "preach" the importance of practicing tolerance, seem to forget how to do so when someone makes statements from a position of faith and spirituality.

Be that as it may, as much as we should consider our statements of faith and positions on the issues that face our world today, we should also commit to prayer the hearts of those who will see and hear us.

The truth is hard to hear, hard to accept and often difficult to respond appropriately. On occasion, it's difficult to share in the first place.

I can't fathom, how much more important it is, that we cover our communication between the church and the community in prayer. So, let us begin here.

Pray, this #communitySaturday, that the church would effectively communicate the truth... of our faith in God, the transforming power of Jesus Christ and the relevancy of Scripture to our daily lives. Pray for the hearer... may the hearts be ready to receive, not the words of man, but what God would desire to work in their lives. May the love, grace, compassion, forgiveness and conviction of God's word supersede our feeble attempts to be politically correct, tolerant and all avoidance of being offensive.

We can not share the love of God  to one person on our own strength any more than we can live a single moment without God's provision of air. For at one time, every person will be a Hearer of the Word. May many more become Doers.

By the grace and for the glory of God.

- PNC

It dawned on me yesterday afternoon, as I continued to reflect on the prayer posts for the past few days, in light of the movie on pastors, that starting a fresh ministry can't be spur of the moment.

While the pastor who stayed behind and wound up on a power trip, forever changed for the worse, the pastor who couldn't wait to venture out received a harsh and swift reality check of what it would take.

It wasn't covered in prayer and aside from trying to convince the other pastor to go with them, outside counsel, let alone wise counsel, was never sought. When they talked about how to pay for it, they simply said "We'll use the trust fund payout we are expecting."

It was a stark contrast to the verse that talks about counting the cost, lest one is not able to finish the project and becomes the object of foolishness to all who pass by.

There was a time where stepping into missions and planting churches was simpler than it is today. Be that as it may, such decisions were made from a true calling of God and were covered in prayer.  

God doesn't do anything half-hearted. He can not be the God of the impossible, while not being able work every out detail and decision to accomplish His plan and purpose for His glory.

What God is in, God will provide whatever is needed to accomplish it.

When we try to go it alone, justify it with reasons other than "calling", seek to accomplish it on our strength rather than reliance on God, on our own insight and wisdom instead of the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

A church plant. A mission. A position of leadership, influence and authority. Everyday life. 

Sure, you can try it on your own, but when you have the opportunity to have God write your story, why would you want to leave Him out of it?

Pray, this #missionsFriday, for Pastors and missionaries, just getting their start. May there be a true calling and anointing upon their lives, visible and confirmed by those whose faith is strong and mature; known for Godly counsel and spiritual discernment. Pray God raise them up as they prepare for the work of the ministry; that they will complete the process excited and prepared. May they not be dismayed or discouraged if things don't always go as planned, but they remain steadfast to will of God and what He desires to accomplish. May they be committed to follow and honor the direction God provides, trusting His ways and thoughts are higher. Prayer their spiritual ears be attuned and their spiritual eyes open and focused on God, while keenly aware of their surroundings.

Pray God's blessing on their endeavors as Ambassadors for Christ.
For the glory of God as they live life as we all do. One day at a time, by His grace, in His love, and with His strength.

- PNC

 I didn't cover in yesterday's Don't Make Messes post, about the pastoral movie I watched recently.

Throughout the movie, the handling of situations and the conflict and tension between pastors and deacons was deep. Indeed, some showed genuine concern for what was transpiring and tried to respond appropriately. Others, responded in the flesh. Others acted our their own power trip, using title and position as an overarching reason

It was incredible. I know pastors and boards have disagreements and sharp ones at that, as we discussed a few weeks ago, but I truly hope and pray that tensions and tempers between pastors and deacons remain at bay, rather than what this movie portrayed.

Interesting enough, (back to real life) our Wednesday night devotional was on seeking wisdom and advice. The premise, was the story of Moses and his father-in-law.. Jethro gives some great advice as to how Moses should handle the nation of Israel.

Practical, efficient, true wisdom,  Moses receives from his father-in-law. And Scripture says Moses did all his father-in-law had said to do. This wasn't an exercise in obedience, so much as it was recognizing what was being offered... insight that would help Moses for the course of his tenure as the nations' leader.

Pastor offered this great insight into delegation. (I'm paraphrasing)
The purpose is to allow one the time to work on what they do best. You delegate so that you can do the "thing" that nobody else can do. If you don't, you'll find yourself doing everything but the one thing that only you can do and if it gets done at all, it won't be done well.

Solomon asked for wisdom. And everything he could have asked for was added. Why? Because wisdom is the ability to put matters into proper context and perspective, to think carefully and consider calmly what the best course of action is given the surrounding circumstances.

Yes, it takes work. But it's worth it. And if pastors and deacons alike are carefully to utilize such a method, then I'll sleep better knowing their are many more healthy dynamics between deacons and pastors than was portrayed on screen.

On this #deaconThursday, pray that there would be a proper spirit of wisdom and service to those who hold advisory positions. Pray cooler heads, would indeed prevail in tense moments of disagreements. May a spirit of unity, respect and passion for the work of the ministry be the underlying current that dominates conversations, meetings and decisions. Pray the power trips of pastors and of deacons do not cause a path to destruction that leaves a church in ruins, but may the be a renewed sense of cooperation to work together for the advancement of the gospel in the communities where they are planted.

Wisdom from on high. For what man does on his own will falter. But with God, all things are possible.
May we have the mind of Christ, as we seek first the kingdom of God.

- PNC

I recently watched a movie about Pastors, desiring to advance their ministerial career. The story line was one of a perfect storm of Pastoral leadership gone awry.

Two pastors are waiting for their next move within the church. One, impatient leaves, taking his wife and their expected trust fund to start their own church. The other, suggesting being patient "a little longer" stays. After starting the new church and beginning service, they quickly find out the trust fund balance wasn't nearly what they expected. The new church is short-lived.

While that's going on, the patient pastor writes an anonymous letter, leading to the Senior Pastors removal, along with that of his right-hand man, a life-long friend. After some conflict, the "patient" pastor takes charge. Then, the power trip begins.

For the purposes of this post, the downward spiral begins when he shows symptoms of what I'll call the MMW effect.

Don't mess with the message. - God is pretty clear on this point.
Don't mess with the money. - An offense more appalling than politicians' and taxpayer dollars
Don't mess with the women. - This never bodes well for anyone, whether it's a two-income marriage where both make minimum wage, the CEO who's millions come with extra zeros or the Pastor whose pulpit reaches a few or many.

If there's away to do the wrong thing, perfectly... this character pulls all the stops.

Bad decisions executed flawlessly. Pretty sure this is what's known as a royal screw-up. Brilliant stupidity also comes to mind.

As the movie unfolds.... conflict. drama. tension. The story line progresses and it borders on worst-case scenario situations.

Sadly, I recall a real-life story of a Pastor who experienced a fall from grace. Huge ministry. Big money. And when someone told him things were getting out of hand and it was time to shut it down, he didn't. Why? Because the ministry was doing so well. At least financially. And it was taking control. That pastor's demise came much like the movie. Too big to fail leads to a loud thud upon one hitting the ground.

1500-1700 pastors leaving each month? Somewhere, someone is leaving because of a problem from messing with the message, the money, or the people. Some pastor is probably battling it right now. The fallout hasn't happened yet, but it's getting awfully close. It's scary. It's heart-breaking. It's problematic. It's preventable.

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, for all pastors who have succumb to some level of a power trip. For younger pastors, those just starting out working with kids and teens, pray God help guard their hearts and minds. May they remain focused on fulfilling their calling rather than climbing ministries' ladder. Pray for pastors in trouble, whether the spiral is just starting or about to unravel before their very eyes... may God work the miraculous. Pray the spirit of pride, ego and position be broken; that God may do a corrective, cleansing work in their heart. In time, may they experience healing and restoration in their life regardless of what consequences may result from the fallout.

God, help the congregations and communities affected. May such events not hinder the advancement of the Gospel.
May God work all things, even events tragic as portrayed in the movie, for His good. For His glory. By His grace.

- PNC

I hate being the bearer of bad news.

I hate it even more on the occasion I'm the lead character.

And it's easy, after any given number of occasions to begin to default to worst case scenarios and how people might respond to current circumstances based on how different people responded on prior occasion to an entirely different set of circumstances.

How appropriate to have watched Facing The Giants over the weekend. Fear of outcomes before they happen. Attitudes of defeat before we have taken steps towards any attempts at victory.

So a confession of our trust in God becomes a test..A binary state. You do. Or you don't. And so do I. Or not.

I had an epiphany yesterday afternoon.

God's love. His compassion. Forgiveness. Always available.
Man's... not so much. Not always. Not when we think we need it most.

Thus, is it possible it's easier to confess our sins to God than it is our faults to man?

Our failures in this life may not even be sin. Just mistakes. Bad calls. Missed opportunities. Yet owning up to them.... is challenging. Difficult. Frustrating.

Whatever we have to offer... complete or incomplete, we and all of our stuff belong to God, first and foremost.

Pastors have it too. Experiences and responses carry over. Mistakes and missteps have opportunity to follow us. Ministry can frustrate and just like life, details need to be sorted out. But whatever transpires, trust in God for all circumstances...

If we say we trust Him, then we must. When we struggle to do so, we must pray.

On this #associateTuesday, pray for pastors struggling to continue to trust in the midst of difficult circumstance with outcomes unknown. Pray for the faults and failures that the enemy attempts to hold over, to hinder from moving forrward in all that God has planned. Pray for God's grace in matters where there are concerns that man's response is greater than God. May their be a reassuring peace that accompanies the knowledge that God is on the throne, still in control & working all things together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

His mercies are new every morning, as we walk in His grace & live for His glory.

- PNC

I received what I believe to be a confirmation from God, that the purpose of Bring Me 70 is on it's way to becoming a reality. During Sunday mornings' sermon, Pastor talked about the power of the spiritual discipline of prayer.  And not just praying for blessing, provision or healing which are noble... just not perhaps noteworthy.

The difference? When someone shares an experience of blessing, they offer details. Provision? You have to hear how desperate my situation was, then something amazing happened. Healing?  Oh it was no big deal. I'm fine now. Said no one, ever. Details! We want to know what happened!!

Then we pray... in generalities. Yet, we have in our mind specific outcomes. How can we pray for anything in general, whilst having detailed expectations, but are then frustrated when situations seem unanswered because of how they appear.

God is all about detail. Look up what happens to planet earth  if we were any closer to or further from the sun. Spun slower or faster in our rotation.

As I thought about this yesterday afternoon, it was followed by a scene from the movie Facing The Giants. An older man, roaming the halls of a Christian school prays over the students as he passes by each locker...praying for revival. In a brief conversation in which the man speaks life and encouragement to the frustrated football coach, the man shares the story of two farmers.

They both prayed for rain, as they were in desperate need. However, while waiting for rain, one farmer went out and prepared his field; planted his crop. Which do you think was ready for their expected answer to prayer?

Pray with a specific outcome in mind. Work in a way to maximize the answer when it arrives

I have nothing, if I post every day, "Lord, help pastors to not burnout in their ministry." Thanks for joining with me to pray specifically for pastors and church leaders to continue in the calling God has placed upon their lives.

So, pray...specifically! On this #seniorPastorMonday, for pastors literally on the verge of burnout. May God supernaturally intervene in their lives with encouragement and support. While a number of factors are probably in play, pray for resolution to the dominate situation that is prompting and driving their desire or decision to leave ministry. Pray God begin to rollback the stress and tension that is upsetting their heart, mind and spirit. Pray for circumstance with their kids and frustrations in marriage that are contributing factors being considered. For the weariness, the anxious and the exhausted...God strengthen and fortify the body and soul. Rest and wellness. Wisdom and wholeness.

Fresh anointing. Fresh vision. Fresh perspective. Fresh passion for the calling of Christ.
By the grace of God. For the glory of God.

- PNC

If you've yet heard the phenomenal brilliance that is the musical talent of Robert Randolph & The Family Band, then you are truly missing out. I forgot their album, Unclassified, was in the car yesterday and my sometimes finicky CD changer actually loaded the CD. Going In The Right Direction is the first song on the album, a song my oldest daughter loves to hear. She immediately recognized it and asked me to "turn it up". I was happy to do so... as this is the song to set your alarm to when you don't want to go to work tomorrow morning. 

Forgive me (this post is slightly longer than normal) and, for the 3rd day in a row being musically-based, but read these lyrics and tell me this doesn't accurately describe one's life, before and after accepting Christ.

I was lost, I thought the losing dice were tossed
I didn't know where to go, I didn't have no one to turn to
I'm glad I found you just in time
Wont miss those things I left behind

'Cause we were going in the right direction
'Cause we were going in the right direction

Now I've found the road I need to travel down
I don't know what tomorrow brings
Day by day with you I'll do the same thing
I'm so glad I'm standing on my own two feet
No more running into that dead end street

'Cause now I'm going in the right direction
'Cause now I'm going in the right direction

I thought my life was over, I thought I was lost
I just knew that there was an end to the road
But I know where I'm going right now
I know I'm going in a right direction

You better get right or you're gonna get left
You better get right or you're gonna get left
You better get right or you're gonna get left
You better get right or you're gonna get left

Ministry is an incredible process. The planting and watering of seeds, as Jesus states in the parable. The sovereignty of God in the providence of events and experiences in ones' life; the "risk" of free will and the choice of humanity, The salvation decision. The daily sanctification process.

Ministry never ends. Nor should it, as becoming more like Christ is not something one arrives at, but we push toward, as a goal.

Should it ever fail to be efficient and or cease to be effective, the work of Christ in one's life will go on; but how will they suffer the setback? Bitterness and frustration set in. Cynicism takes over and before long, there is a break down in one's faith in God. No, they may not have turned and headed back in the wrong direction, but their pursuit of God looks nothing like God's pursuit of them.

Hard to swallow, I know. My pursuit doesn't always look like how I know it should either. But don't you want to do something meaningful for someone who has done more for you than you thought was possible? That is the dynamic we have in our relationship to God.

What a shame to not handle the opportunity wisely and responsibly as an expression of gratitude.

So, we pray this #effectiveSunday, God we need your help. Forgive us for not passionately pursuing you as you sought after and continue to seek us. Forgive us, for the times we as a church have left a bitter taste...in the one contemplating making a salvation decision... for the one who came to you long ago and somewhere along the way we fumbled it up. May you grant us grace, as people come to Christ, turning their life to the "right direction". May they not be dismayed, distracted, detoured or derailed by imperfect people whom you still love enough to call the spotless bride of Christ. Help us to handle the ministry and work of the gospel well. Efficiently. Effectively. Wisely. Responsibly.

We are eternally grateful for your grace and glory, God. We look to you. We seek you. We need you. We trust you.
Hear our prayer. Come quickly to our aid.

- PNC

Another song, by the same title as yesterday's #missionFriday post was playing in my mind for most of the day Friday. From their 1992 album, Big World, Mylon Lefevre & Broken Heart reminds us of the power of God in our lives when things get difficult and we are exhausted from life.

"You gotta face Love, when Love comes down." - Mylon Lefevre

Mylon has an incredible testimony. His family was well known in the gospel music industry and his life took off, when he met Elvis while they served in the Army together and Elvis recorded Myon's first song. To date, Mylon has recorded over 40 albums. In the 70's, he played with Eric Clapton, the Who, Billy Joel and tons of other bands. However, the pressure and stress of life and the industry took control of his life through a serious cocaine & heroin addiction.

Yet, God had plans for his life in 1980, when He accepted Christ at a Christian concert. Today, he and his wife preach around the globe, sharing an incredibly profound truth: whatever the lowest depth of life in which one finds themselves, they are never out of reach of coming face to face with the power of God and the transforming work of Jesus Christ.

As Mylon says on his website, www.mylon.org, that its probably a good thing that only God knows ALL of his sins, it's not necessary that people know every last sin in our life. But we do need to understand and share as people come to know Christ, every sin must be confessed to Him is able to forgive and forget, never to be held against us.

It's a message we all need to be reminded of from time to time. It's a message we all need to be ready to share.

On this #communitySaturday, pray that as the church engages community, Christ would intervene in conversations and make Himself known and revealed to people in their point of need. May they not feel that they are out for count in this life, nor are they out of reach from the transforming power of salvation. May people not encounter today, what Mylon encountered for a period of time with the church... that he didn't fit in, belong in, or had the appearance to be a part of the body of Christ.

God is not one who discards and discounts He creation. He had a plan for Saul and look at the exploits he accomplished. He had a plan for Mylon and through his obedience, God is diong incredible things through his ministry as well as 30+ years of Christian rock. "If we are willing, He is able, to let the power of His Word renew your mind." - Mylon.

God's plan fulfilled. Using our story to tell His. By His grace. For His glory.

- PNC

Yesterday afternoon, I had a great tune from one of my favorite bands playing in my head. The song is called Love Come Down, from Resurrection Band's, 1985 album, Between Heaven 'N Hell. Founding member, Glenn Kaiser and a couple other "REZ" members currently play as the Glenn Kaiser Band.

Resurrection Band was an incredible rock band for it's almost 30 year run. Based out of Chicago and the Jesus People USA community, their music dealt with some of the hardest-hitting issues facing the world, all of which remain to this day. Abortion, gangs, crime, poverty, injustice, political turmoil, family upheaval and so much more. In the midst of all of it though, through Glenn's now 40+ year run of ministry through music, remains a firm foundation of the message, of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

For the lowest person, in the darkest corner of society, having failed on such a disastrous level that they want nothing to do with society... for the travesty and most tragic of environments in which people have found themselves or have fallen victim, that we wouldn't wish such scenarios upon people we can't stand... Christ came to seek and save, those who are lost. Those who are forgotten. Those who have been neglected, abandoned and abused.

While other religions focus on what you have to do, Christianity focuses on what you have to give up.

"You gotta die to get life an' you'd be better off dead. But when you loose, you win. That's the way it is. That's when the love come down.". - REZ, Love Comes Down

He who seeks to save his life will lose it, but to him who is prepared to leave his life behind to pursue God...

It's a great and noble thing to pursue God; except for all too often we forget God is in passionate pursuit of us. Not the perfect us, but us as we are. Us where we are. The worst possible version of us. His mission... an extended hand of love.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, that people would not be deceived that their lives, the value and worth of their purpose, would somehow diminish by accepting Christ. May the truth of the gospel be revealed, that life in Christ alone lasts for eternity; that everything on earth pales in comparison. Pray for the discernment of the Holy Spirit as they hear the message of Christ; there is but one way to God, one name by which we are saved.

As Christ died to give life, may we be more aware that we too must die to our self, to get life. And we are, better off for it.
By the grace of God, for His glory and the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I was driving through a region yesterday and the wind was in full force.

Had I been on a bicycle traveling with the flow of traffic and the wind behind me, I probably could have kept up with traffic. But alas, I was in a vehicle not designed for windy days and it was a head-on battle for a given stretch of road.

In a 60mph zone with the pedal to the floor and I was still a couple digits short of doing 60. Speedometer not budging. It took everything just to maintain the pace.

Of course, this insight once again came seconds after informing God I had nothing for this daily prayer post. Thanks God.

How often does this happen in real life? Things are going quite well and moving right along. Whatever "it" is, we're making good progress, on schedule, processes and systems are running smoothly and everyone is getting along. Life is good.

Yet, external forces beyond our control are waging war... determined to slow you down and knock you around a bit, if not altogether off course. At a minimum, you'll be frustrated that moving forward now takes more effort than it did just a few miles ago. More likely, you'll arrive more tired and late. Plus whatever else has transpired while you were en route.

Without fail, such battles always seem to last longer than you anticipate, as well. This brings to light other concerns. Fatigue. The wearing down of the will, mind, emotions, body and spirit.

The list of potential problems to which we are now vulnerable because of fatigue... well that could take a while. I know this because the day is catching up with me as I write this. Suffice to say, we've all witnessed first-hand the mistakes, problems and disasters that result from fatigue. Which is exactly what the father of lies, whose sole mission is to "seek, kill & destroy" would love to watch unfold in our lives.

Don't allow it. Trust God. Give Him control.
Pray for strength and grace to keep moving forward, even if it's all you can do to simply maintain speed.

And on that note....

Pray, this #deaconThursday for churches having difficulty "maintaining speed" as they carry out ministry and work to fulfill their calling in the communities they serve. Pray against the forces of darkness that are attempting to distract, detour and derail the plans and purposes that church pastors and leaders have set out to accomplish. Pray the stamina of the Holy Spirit to enter the hearts and minds of those suffering from fatigue. May their be a "second wind"... the power of God quickening them physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually, to combat the storms designed to take them out.  Pray a fresh anointing and a refreshing move of the Spirit that they may be equipped and prepared to continue to press forward... even if with all their effort, they just maintain the course and maintain the pace.

Destined to Win. For the glory of God, we pray.

- PNC

There's a phrase that has been roaming around my head off and on for the past few days, perhaps, even the past few weeks...

Don't despise small beginnings. A reminder that was brought to the forefront Sunday night, regarding the comment about comparing starting positions.

The other... advice offered to the Apostle Timothy... don't let anyone look down on you because you are young.

Youth. Small beginnings. They go hand in hand with each other, because nobody just starting out immediately steps into greatness. Even Jesus, when found in the temple at age 13, was not yet speaking to multitudes of thousands.

It's easy to get caught up in watching numbers. Church attendance. Finances. Investment opportunities. Risk factors and reward potential. The impact your work is having... it can all be tracked. And is. And used accordingly for future plans.

Even for Bring Me 70... my stats page was down for the past few weeks while tech support sorted it out. What a great surprise to see December and January had set record visit numbers. And February is off to an even stronger start. Yet something as simple as not seeing a like or a share on Facebook or Twitter and you wonder if anyone knows you exist!

Thus, I was excited and humbled at the jump-start of people joining Bring Me 70 for the #pray4pastors 70 seconds challenge.

Yet, even as I prayed over this project, I was reminded early yesterday morning of Christ. Sure, he drew the crowds, but for those who were close...

It wasn't 1200 disciples. But 12. And the inner circle of friends? Not 300. But 3.

The multitudes saw the miraculous on a massive scale. However, Scripture is replete with accounts of people who encountered Jesus just as they do today. One-on-one at their point and place of need.

What good is a conversion rate if the conversion doesn't last?
For the interactions Christ had with the person right in front of Him, destinies were changed for eternity.

If that weren't enough; he rebuked those who tried to keep the children from coming to Him.

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, for Pastors struggling as I did, in watching numbers. Whether finances be tight or attendance plateaued, pray their focus remains on people having a genuine encounter with Jesus Christ, whether they be adult or child. Pray this upcoming generation of kids and youth come to a firm foundation of faith; that regardless of what comes of this world and what rises against them, may the trust and rely solely on God. At a time when it's so easy to seek other things, people and sources for solutions, may leaders and followers alike, within the body of Christ, seek the face and kingdom of God first.... and His righteousness. And may all the other "things", whatever they may be and however many they may number, be added as He sees fit.

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

- PNC

Another interesting statement was made Sunday night during our gathering. Essentially, the statement made was "You started with more when you were in the position I'm in now, than what I'm starting with."

Isn't that just like us? I wasn't one the one who made the statement, but don't think for a minute, that I haven't said the same thing myself, Probably fairly recently.

It's easy enough to do, actually.

Comparison catches us off guard, as if all experiences and environments are the same.
And if one of us isn't "keeping pace", then we consider it a handicap... as though we are on the golf range.
I need a margin of error to level the playing field. Yeah... if only real life worked like that.

Pastors experience this problem just as much. Church growth and attendance. Building programs. Ministry effectiveness in the community. The trend of "multiple campuses". Leadership and positions of influence that are recognized outside the 4 walls of where they pastor. And so many more factors, for all pastors....kids, youth, worship, outreach, college.

The truth is, man was formed from the dust of the earth, from the palm of God's hand. He breathed LIFE into His creation. Who we are, what we are capable of and the plans and purposes we were designed to live out were established by God. He is worthy of all that we are able to give, because of who He is. An item or object does not value itself. It is valued by it's Creator. It is valued by the one interested in purchasing it.

We were created by God.
We were bought with a price... the life of God's Son.

We were worth creating. We were worth redeeming. We are worth God's continual pursuit of His creation.

I can't remember who said it, but I love the line, God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

If anyone should have been passed over by God, it was Paul. An expert in denouncing God and destroying His creation. Yet God saw His worth. If those abilities, knowledge, influence, and status could be used to honor and glorify God what would happen for the cause of Jesus Christ? And in the sovereignty of God, a way was made that got Paul's attention. Fortunately for Paul, he responded as we all should. God is worthy. I am not. But God establishes people where He wants and needs them, whereby, regardless of where one is, they have worth.

Sinner, saint. Pastor, parishioner.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, pray for pastors struggling in their worth and the temptation to compare. May their eyes remain focused on who they are in Christ and the ministry to which they have been called in the community in which they have been placed. May they not feel as though they are inferior or playing church with a handicap, but that God would use them were they are planted. Pray against the spirit of discouragement and defeat that would attempt to take them out and take them down from their place of ministry in an attempt to strip them of their calling. May the power of the Holy Spirit lift them up, strengthen their hearts and minds and fortify their focus.

To Him who is Worthy... all glory and honor to God. For the health of the body of the Christ.

- PNC

As Pastor spoke this morning on his latest series regarding spiritual health and exercise, I came to realize an important point that leads to burnout.

When we start neglecting spiritual disciplines, we leave ourselves exposed to spiritual attack. Unprotected and left vulnerable, we might not even realize it has happened, or if we do, it may not even be a conscience decision.

Interestingly enough, he was talking about how much time he spends in the Word, as it was a major point of his sermon. It also was the point we focused on during our Life Group meeting Sunday night.

It turned out to be an incredible night of shared experiences, as we discovered together what problems and potential problems arise when "life happens" and we get more focused on trying to maintain and stay afloat rather than seeking first the things of God and allowing God to take care of the rest.

It also proved to be a great reminder; that the enemy of our sous will find and execute any means necessary to set off a series of attacks that will cause us to react in our flesh instead of resting on the promises of God that are yes and amen to them that believe. He know how to get us frustrated to the point that we go half the day before realize we haven't spent a single minute in prayer. He knows how to get us anxious to the point that we will seek all sorts of outside counsel and advice from experts before we call on the name of the Lord to move on the heart and the mind of one we love.

What fire is being fed? The one that destroys as it wreaks havoc on the landscape of your life? Or the one that brings a level of security, warmth, peace, rest and comfort... for the body, mind and soul?

Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, for pastors struggling to maintain and strengthen their spiritual disciplines. Pray for guarded hearts and minds; that any corrections that need to be made in terms of safeguards would be sorted out in quick and proper manner. May there be a return to the basics; nothing fancy, overly-spiritual or overtly-religious... just a genuine desire to seek first the things of God and a passion to know Him and experience life as He has planned and purposed for us in advance.

May the fire of God never be extinguished in our lives, lest we disgrace and dishonor the work of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit within us all.

- PNC

In what can be considered part 3, of #missionFriday 's Take This Message post, I almost titled this post Advancing The Message.

We prayed about the delivery. We prayed about not messing it up. And now, making sure we are effective upon completion of its safe delivery.

Effectiveness is measured by what is gained and maintained.

Sure there is an "effective net gain" with the understanding that there will be losses sustained along the way. But if you are losing more than you are gaining, then you remain on a "net losing" streak.

Think about this for a moment.

We are losing more pastors in a month to burnout than a good number of churches see in new salvations over the course of a year.
 
Surely, we are not consistently adding as many new pastors into ministry on a monthly basis as we are losing. Most organizations can't sustain a loss in personnel of this magnitude. The mega-corporations can manage for a while, but eventually, even they move back into hiring and increasing their workforce. Otherwise, they start taking drastic measures to scale back operations accordingly. Also, something the church should not be doing.

More people in need. More people hurting. More people seeking spiritual significance. More people closer to the very eternal outcome they don't think will actually, ever happen.

MORE. In dire need of the truth, of the super-natural power of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, capable of saving every degree of sinner, even if we are the only ones who think such a thing exists. To God, we are all in need of His Son.

And we are all in need of effective ministry that leads us to become more like Christ and draw closer to God.

Pray this #effectiveSunday, that Pastors will experience a rejuvenation in their ministry, as they receive good reports of what is transpiring in their ministry and community. For those that are close to burnout, may the Holy Spirit work anew and afresh, that the power of the message is from God and not man. May God move on the hearts and lives of those who hear, prompting their response to God in accordance to what is going in their lives. Forgiveness, reconciliation, restoration, healing, salvation, deliverance...

For whatever we need from the Lord, His response has always, simply been: I AM.

Advancing the cause of Jesus Christ, for the glory of God.

- PNC

One has to be careful what with they "speak into existence" (or type as the case may be). Yesterday, we talked about portraying Christ, to a lost and dying world, appropriate for #missionsFriday.

What I didn't see coming, were the events that were about to unfold less than 30 minutes after clicking "publish". The event that started it all was frustrating enough. The kindness of a few. The next two people involved weren't "helpful" in the way you would expect people in those positions to be and we'll leave it at that. The next person involved is when I fumbled the ball... the moment, where if they knew or had an inclination that I was a Christian... well, suffice to say, I'm pretty sure I didn't come across as one.

Frustration, rather than faith, had taken a controlling interest in expressing my emotions. I wasn't it around when the last two persons got involved. I'm told it was probably all for the better, as one of them wasn't cool-headed. Not a good combination if someone got the impression I wasn't either.

Say all that to say...

Just because Christians are sinners saved by grace, doesn't mean we aren't one step away from falling far short of grace.

Narrow roads = close edges. So the message bears repeating.

Sinners saved by grace are just one step away from falling far short of grace, at any given moment.

That's also about the time people run out of having grace and patience with us. Which is how situations escalate... or have the potential to do so, which can cause people to make preemptive decisions based on perceived outcomes... even if perception has no chance of coming reality.

The message of Christ is strong and powerful, yet must be handle with care. Why? Because we are dealing with broken people, with wounded souls, damaged emotions, less than honorable thoughts and intentions and hearts with holes prone to fear and hesitant to trust.

Meanwhile the saved, are still works in progress. So our brokenness, wounds, damages, and out of line thoughts and intentions, not mention fears and trust-issues and you have a recipe for a less than pleasant interaction rather than one in which God is glorified.

Thus, on this #communityFriday, pray as I did yesterday, for forgiveness for times we fumble the message of Christ. May the power of the Holy Spirit transcend situations of mounting frustration, to work in the hearts and lives of both sinners and saved sinners. May the grace we have received from God be the grace we share with others, despite our feelings of the moment. Pray the church seek, in a greater dimension, to be used of God and influenced by the Spirit and resist the urge and opportunity for our flesh to come forth as if Christ has changed nothing in us.

God we need your help... starting with me. More like you today, than I was yesterday morning.

- PNC

... back to the street! Our Wednesday night prayer devotional at church, was the guide to proper conduct. What we should be doing to live a life that honors God. The last point was the focus of our closing prayer: evangelism.

Whatever we do, say and accomplish in this life, for the glory of God, it means little if we don't actively seek to share what God has done in our lives. It's hard to do, mostly because we make it that way. Leading by our lifestyle may cause intrigue, but we can't wait forever for someone to ask us about the difference in our lives.

Petra, wrote a powerful song, many years ago, using Matthew 22:9 and 28:12 as a basis.

It's so easy to lose the burden - Take our eyes off the fields // Settle into apathy and forget what the harvest yields
It's so easy to think we're finished with our labor for awhile // Kick back and let somebody else go the extra mile

[Chorus:]
Jesus said Go (Go!) into all the world // Make disciples of all men
We gotta Go (Go!) to the highways and compel them to come in
As long as there's a tearful eye that cries alone at night // As long as there's a weary soul ready to end the fight
As long as there's an aching heart that still has strength to beat // We gotta take this message back to the street
We gotta take this message back to the street

It's so easy to stay untangled in everyone else's life // Don't get involved with strangers - don't get involved with strife
It's so easy to save your own life - resting on what you've done // But Jesus would leave the ninety nine to try to save the one

Indeed, this is how it works. We forget we are harvesters. We think we need a break. As times change, we want to keep to ourselves and out of the drama. We have our own lives, our own stuff.

Yet, this is the definition of missions. Leaving what you have to find what you don't. While we may not go into the field, full-time as a vocation, we are called to share the message full-time through the course of daily life.

Nobody waits for a mission. They go on a mission.
Any waiting is done, in anticipation of an assignment. Which has already been stated.

On this #missionsFriday, pray not just for missionaries in the field, but for the entire body of Christ.... ambassadors for the cause of Jesus Christ. Pray, the church is reminded daily, their introduction to Jesus is made by those who know Him. May the church be quick to give the introduction. May we hear the needs and share the message. Christ's death brings life. He gave, in order that all might have.

Life. Not just Bios. Zoe. Abundant. Fulfilled. Purposeful. Eternal.
May we GO...in the name of the Lord; for the glory of God. Christ's Ambassadors.

- PNC