An interesting thought came to mind yesterday, just moments after praying that God would reveal what He might have for this prayer post. The thought was thus.

There are only two things to do when down (from having either laid or fallen to that position). You can remain there or you can rise up. I chose the word "rise", because, that is what Jesus modeled for us after the resurrection. Granted, he was dead, but when that angel rolled the stone away, Jesus had a choice to make. Remain where he was or choose what was better.

When given the choice, after having completed His purpose on earth, He chose to rise up and move on to what was next... returning to heaven to prepare a place for us,

Likewise, we too, have the choice... remain down or rise again.

What was an interesting follow-up to this, was during last nights devotional during the Wednesday Night Prayer. Joshua and Caleb outvoted on what to do about Canaan. 40 years, he had to wait patiently, enduring the down-right stupid decisions. Yet it doesn't throw him off. He doesn't get bitter, it doesn't take over and consume him. He waits...for the promise. For the leadership change, for the generation change... essentially, for the nation and the culture to change. Decisions that were made that negatively impacted his life for an extended period of time and he simply stayed close to God and what he know was coming from the Lord. Incredible.

On this #deaconThursday, for those in church operations, admins and deacons, affected by decisions and circumstances that they disagree with or perhaps, are out of what they know to be God's will, plan or direction. Pray they will stay close to God and hang on to His promises. May they not allow in bitterness and frustration to overtake and consume them. May they not remain in a down and defeated position and mentality, but with strength and courage, by the power of the Holy Spirit, rise again with the help and grace of Almighty God.

May there not be a found, an attitude of grumbling and complaining, for which a promise is withheld until that generation and their attitude passes. God help us, today. By your grace. For your glory.

- PNC

Being a kid is hard work, regardless if at age 4 or age 14. Being a parent, also hard work. Regardless of the age... of both the parent and the kid. Being a pastor who works with kids and teens... you guessed it. Hard work. And lets not forget teachers, while we're at it, and the craziness of the classroom, whether it's just the kids or parent-conference season! Very hard work.

I was winding down last night, just thinking about the dynamic of the relationships that go into raising kids...raising adults actually, if you remember that post from a number of months ago. All of them coming together, to ensure they get a solid foundation for life and a spiritual footing of faith that will sustain them regardless of where life takes them and whatever the enemy of their souls throws at them.

At times are changing. There's lots more cool stuff for kids now, who are excited to be living in the time they do. Then there's the previous generations, saying, you guys have cool stuff, but we had great fun. Childhood is vastly different these days. And so is being a parent. It's weird. It's frustrating. It's a little disconcerting. It's also, a great blessing.

And through it all.... we still need a ton of prayer. Massive amounts of wisdom. And grace that never runs out. Do you know where to go for such supplies?

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, for these that are struggling with their place in life. Kid, parent, pastor, teacher...each rewarding and frustrating in their own right. Pray for strength and wisdom in the decisions they make and the lessons they learn. Pray for the foundation(s) that are being established in this generation of young people. Join me, as I pray for my kids; "that they would know God, love God, seek God and folllow God. With all their heart, soul, mind and strength. All the days of their live.

For the glory of God. May the next generation impact the world for the cause of Jesus Christ, the like of which has yet to be seen, in modern times.

- PNC

In my favorite, political television drama, there's a scene where senior adviser is having a conversation with his assistant as the discuss a book written by a fictional consultant. In picking a passage at random; the assistant reads;

"It's good to be trapped in a corner. That's when you act". To this, the assistant acknowledges that that happens to be true. To which, the adviser replies, "It is. In my case, it's the only time that I do."

As I was pondering this, I got to thinking about deadlines. Deadline is an interesting word. Just hearing it, I imagine being called to the line, asked if you completed your assigned task and if not, sorry. Depending on your boss, this may feeling literally true, but it's not. Still, the pressure to get it done is there.

Left without a purpose, a plan, a timeline, not much will get done. What's the point in rushing to a goal that doesn't exist? Or the point of strategizing a plan that's not going to get implemented. Let's not forget everything that one encounters along the way to accomplishing the task at hand. Things meant to distract, dissuade, detour and derail. These are the things that come against you, that push back on your life, until time and space run out. It's at these times, that people and pastors start considering throwing in the towel. Maybe not on life altogether, but their job, their family, their friends... their ministry.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, that pastors will be given a level of wisdom and discernment beyond themselves, in the situations and challenges they face. May they be encouraged, that the work they set out to do will be completed. Pray they be renewed in their focus to seek the face of God and pray over all situations. May they be empowered, not in their own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, to complete the projects and assignments they face. When up against the line and backed up to the wall, may they experience victory through the power of the Holy Spirit and the hand of God at work in their lives.

- PNC

Sunday morning, Pastor preaches a message from Hebrews chapter 11. But instead of speaking on the greats of the "Hall of Fame" of faith, he speaks on the four (un)honorable mentions, that the author admits he doesn't have time to discuss at length in this passage of Scripture. Yet despite their flaws, there was something worthy to note, for the history book of all time.

Then last night, I put in a movie as I went to bed and the scene arrives, where a decision is revealed that affects every ones life. And the two to whom the decision is revealed, both sit in awe. The "un-qualifed" saying, are you sure? I'm not ready for this. Meanwhile, the "qualified" is saying, are you sure? She's not ready for this!"

It reminds of a quote, though I can't remember who said it first at the moment:

God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

There's so many times in life one feels they are in over their head. Followed by times, where for whatever reason, you feel that you could or should be doing something entirely different than what you are. This becomes especially difficult, if we start looking on external factors... it becomes the movie scene. "I'm not ready for this; it should be them." And the other party; they aren't ready for this, it should be me."

Whatever the case may be, it happens to all of us; even Pastors. Church size, "results" of a message or service, measured by salvations, baptisms or compliments, ministries offered, growth of multiple campuses... just about anything can get in the way of simply doing the ministry one is called to do. It takes prayer to stay focused.

On that note, pray this #seniorPastorMonday for pastors to keep and remain strong, in their ability to keep the main thing, the main thing. May distractions of comparisons not overtake them or distract them for the ministry and purpose God has specifically laid out for them. Pray that their qualifications, experiences and faults not stand in the way of their trusting and seeking God to do the miraculous in their church and community. Pray their personality and ego not become an issue, that they think more highly than they ought, of their abilities in ministry that they are no longer effective. May they stay true to who they are, what they have been called to do and place their trust and humility in God alone; that it is He who accomplishes a great work through our faithful service.

For His glory and the cause of Jesus Christ. The work of the Lord fulfilled through His laborers on earth.

-PNC

I was amazed again yesterday, what can happen as we confess our need to God for His help in our circumstances; praying that He would work the miraculous; praying that He would handle all the details for His glory and honor.

Then this shows up on my quotes app this morning:

I believe God is managing affairs and that He doesn't need any help from me. With God in charge, I believe everything will work out for the best in the end. So what is there to worry about." -Henry Ford.

Thanks Henry. Nothing. There is absolutely nothing to worry about. As we commit our plans to the Lord. As we seek His face, that He would grant us wisdom and direction in the situations we face and the paths that lay before us.

It's so cool to watch the handiwork of God. It truly is like watching a master craftsman or a top-shelf artist.

Ford's words are a great reminder, as we are three days into 2016, that whatever new ideas, directions and decisions are being acted upon to accomplish more for the kingdom of God, may we not fret and freak and frustrate. Simply trust, believe and obey.

Let us not be anxious for anything, but in all things with prayer and supplication, let our requests be made known unto God.

On this first #effectiveSunday of 2016, may these words ring true and come to our remembrance often. Indeed, may we not freak out and frustrate over situations that don't go our way; that don't work out as desired, but remain faithful to what God has called us to do; knowing the master craftsman is it under control. We need not worry that He is second-guessing the affairs of man or His working the miraculous throughout. Pray pastors and churches not let past situations and circumstances stand in the way of being able to trust, believe and obey, anew and afresh today. Sovereign God is still on the throne, still in control, still concerned with the lives of His creation.

We look to you O God, confident; you've got this...my life; the whole world, in your Hands.

-PNC

ChurchLeaders.com posted an article this morning on the 10 real reasons Pastors quit too soon. After reading, it occurred to me why so many of those reasons are accurate and valid in way too many instances. Congregations don't engage their Pastoral team in community and events outside the church.

Yes, they'll be there for church events, but still that's church related. How often when people go out to dinner after service (or any other night of the week, for that matter) they invite the Pastor. How often, when your kids have a sleep-over, you invite the PK's as well, because who knows when the Pastor had time to work on the marriage without being interrupted by kids? What Pastor wouldn't like to be invited to your Saturday morning round of golf or the Pastor's wife to brunch and some shopping?

We have no problem inviting the new neighbors next door, our "favorite" co-workers, the kids in the neighborhood we can stand to handle or the client with which we just closed a huge deal. Inviting Pastors? That's passed our comfort zone. Until we have major life issues with which we can't share with other people...then it's, "we need to talk to you."

This mentality is so wrong on so many levels, yet it happens way to often. And while it's understandable in nature, it's not sustainable. We wouldn't do it with our closet friends. We don't like it when we're the odd-man out. Why would we do it to those entrusted to speak into our lives on spiritual and practical matters of life, not only our own, but also the lives of our children and our friends and families.

Pray this #communitySaturday, we would start the new year afresh, inviting Pastors into our lives outside of the four walls of the church. Pray we go out of our way, to express our love and gratitude for their ministry, their service to God and their faithfulness to the body of Christ. Pray Pastors would be encouraged today, in the challenges and struggles they face: loneliness, exhaustion, frustration, insecurity, resentment, difficulty in marriage/parenting/finances. May the body of Christ come alongside and lift up tired arms, as Hur and Aaron did for Moses, as we do for our friends and families, as Pastors have done for us.

Take the lead in expressing thanks to your spiritual Leaders today. For the glory of God; we are the body of Christ. Every member is valuable, for one doesn't say to the other, we don't have need of you and the body doesn't say to the head, "our way or the highway".

Moving forward together, for the cause of Jesus Christ.

-PNC

IIt's a new season. It's a new day. It's a new year! In case you missed your social media news feeds blowing up well wishes and crazy fun over a celebratory midnight-moment.

A time for new vision; new goals; new resolutions; new commitments. As we realize where we missed the mark, we figure what adjustments and changes need to occur, priorities revisited and plans revised.

Then, the things and people that have brought you to where you are; that you dig deeper to become stronger, with more determination than ever, to press forward in the direction and calling you know for which you were made to go. These things remain. Faith, hope and love. And the people with whom share those fundamental elements of living.

As we look upon 2016 with spiritual vision on this #missionsFriday New Year's day, may we revisit, revise and renew our commitment to be the light on the hill that points others to the Light of the Word. As God has plans and purposes for us all, as well as knowing the desires of our frail and fallen hearts, may we seek His face, anew and afresh for what He would desire to accomplish in our lives and in the world in which we daily live. And it begins as we acknowledge our place in prayer.

Pray this #missionsFriday, that 2016 would the year that many people come to know the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, as they experience His love and forgiveness in a powerful and meaningful way that directly encounters the stuff that resides in their heart. May the faith of the believer be strengthened as they grow in the wisdom and grace of God, acknowledging Him in all their ways; seeking His face in all matters and trusting Him for every step they take forward.  May the excitement of the New Year be sustained by the Holy Spirit, not as a feel-good moment, but for each and every morning we wake up to God's grace made anew.

Living life one day at a time; as it was, is and can only be lived. For the glory of God. For the cause of Jesus Christ.

Godspeed, for whatever you may face in 2016.  We are never forsaken or abandoned by God... for He still loves the World.

-PNC

It continues to amaze how the days play out. And I am still learning through the moments of frustration... that never seem to stop building on each other.

Focus on making the best decision for the "thing" that you are doing right now, right in front of you. It is so easy, at least for me, to go into some sort of auto-pilot mode and it doesn't work. You have to stay engaged; you have to stay focused; you have to work the process. The system works best, if you work it right.

There is a delicate balance though, as one decision affects the next; impacts another and the next thing you know, you are a day late and dollar short. At a minimum, you are an hour behind for most of the day.

Decisions are like prayer. You have to take care of what's right in front of you, You have to consider all approaches, in making sure nothing is missed or overlooked. This is why you must stay engaged in the process. This is why you must stay engaged in prayer. Lest one wrong move or turn that causes movement downhill and how it will look when it ends, who knows.

On this New Years Eve of 2015 (aka: last #deaconThursday), pray (again) for the decisions and situations facing pastors and church decision makers. May the be diligent in completing and resolving the situation or task at hand. May they be thorough in matters of complexity, to cover and consider all aspects, ensuring that nothing is missed or overlooked. Pray their prayer life to be strengthened; that they would be effectual in bringing the needs to God; fervently seeking His wisdom. Pray fresh revelation and a move of the Holy Spirit; that while unable to predict the future, may God guide their steps and light their paths as they move forward in the plans and calling He has placed upon them.

Decisively moving forward; not rolling downhill, losing control. May 2016 be the year of favor and blessing for God's people as we seek His face in all things; regardless of our place and walk of life. For the glory of God. For the cause of Jesus Christ.

-PNC

I don't even remember how this happened, it came just so quick this morning, but I was thinking about #youthPastorWednesday for what seemed like only a second or two, when I thought about the verse from Jeremiah 17.

He shall be like a tree, planted by water, that sends out its roots to the stream. It has no fear of heat. It leaves remain green. It is not anxious when the drought comes, for it always bears fruit.

It was the first line that stood out. Trees planted by water.

This is the next generation. Flowers have their place, as do plants. But when storms hit, it's the trees that provide cover; that block the wind; that shield from the elements. The next generation of adults need to have a pivotal moment in their life, when spiritually-speaking, they were planted near the Living Water, as Jesus depicted Himself to the woman at the well. At an early age, a root-system of faith that is nourished and fed by Christ must be established; that they may endure all that nature's elements may throw and blow their way.

There will be tests and trials and destructive attempts on their life as we all have faced, but a deep faith, grounded in Christ will endure and remain constant, in expressing the love and adoration to God Almighty.

The world is coming to a place where its needs people of strength. Pillars in their communities, fortified against the forces that would lay waste to anything it's path.

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, that God would help us raise, mentor and pastor kids and teens who would be as trees, planted by water. May the trust in the Lord God Almighty with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. May the truly have no fear of drought, always full of life, knowing their source of supply comes from God. Pray they always produce fruit that reflects and advances the cause of Jesus Christ. As pastors and parents partner together in bring up this generation...

May they forever impact the landscape of this world, for the betterment of its people; for the kingdom of God.
To God be the glory, as the body of Christ moves forward in prayer today.

-PNC

I went to bed last night and woke up again this morning, both times, the megachurch pastor in Georgia who committed suicide recently, still roaming the forefront of my mind.

As 2015 closes in less than 72 hours, I can only imagine the year that some pastors and churches have endured. Incredible moves of God, for sure... but also great tragedy. Great loss. Seemingly insurmountable frustration. Faith-breaking situations. Struggles so real, that if people knew even a fraction more of what was going on than they perhaps already know, they would shake their heads in disbelief... having nothing to offer in terms of comfort or strategy that might bring help to the person and/or situation.

While I'm the farthest from being an expert on the subject of suicide, I imagine there are a number of process-stages that one goes through in arriving to the decision to go through with the act. I also, believe, that given how life builds up and situations and frustrations compound, it's harder to know exactly, just where one is at in the process.

Everyone copes and manages life differently and there are so many things in the world that are changing so much, there's more to the process that's hidden than perhaps we realize.

Burn-out. If not managed well, life will scourge our hearts and minds... and the life that was once beautiful; you can't even tell what it is or what it used to be any more. For those in ministry, this is their edge, And with 1500-1700 a month walking away; who knows who is next? Who knows just how close they are?

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, for pastors struggling with suicide. Pray for those who are at the various edges of life and decisions that could forever affect, their life, that of family and friends; those who sit in their churches and under their ministry. Pray for the healing and restoration of their hearts and minds through the power of God and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. May they be brought back from the brink of the edge they find themselves. May they know they are loved and appreciated; for indeed, they are. More than they and much more the people express.

Rescue those in need; especially those who lead. For the glory of God and the cause of Jesus Christ.
May the healing of our land coming through the healing of our leaders

-PNC

It's the day after Christmas and things are beginning to return to normal. Perhaps the house is still a mess (which may be common); perhaps you're glad to have more space, now that the Christmas presents are out of the way. And with Christmas falling on a weekend, we're thinking about all the stuff that needs to get done before going back to work on Monday.

With all of that, the birth of Christ forever changed all the days that would follow, as it does for anyone has a child. Yet Christ is the only One whose gift of life comes with the promise of life after death. No day should be normal after coming to Christ. Yet it so often does, as its easy to do. Not even intentionally, do we find ourselves living life "normal", instead of forever changed by the power of Jesus Christ.

And if the difference isn't noticed in the life of the believer, then how will an unbeliever have an expectation or desire that their life could be complete with Him, rather than the life they lead today?

As we close out this Christmas season, may we remember on this #communitySaturday, the lives that were forever changed through salvation in Jesus Christ. May we remember the impact they made on the world around them; many an impact on the world that allows us to enjoy the life we live today. Pray the change Christ has made in us be on the forefront of our minds as we share life with our fellow man, living and communicating in ways that express the difference Christ has made in us

There is no normal, after Christ has entered the room called your life. Neither is life normal after one has ignored Christ' knock on the door of their life.

May God continue the good work He has started in us and start a new work in those who have yet to accept Christ as Lord.

For the glory of God and the cause of Jesus Christ. Answered prayer in the form of lives changed for eternity and earth.

-PNC

I had to smile yesterday afternoon, as I thought about #missionsFriday and Christmas landing on a Friday. And I believe it was a God-moment, as to just how quickly it occurred to me... Christ left His place of comfort and familiarity to go to a place most would not, to reach a lost people group with the message that God had a plan to restore humanity and bring them in, to right relationship with Him. 

Only this missionary was the message, rather than communicating the message a lost people.

Perhaps you've seen the meme being posted throughout social media, that shows a Christmas wreath on the left side and a crown of thorns on the right. Over the wreath, the phrase "Tis the season. Over the crown, "For this reason".

It really is quite incredible to consider. For all those who don't think they have value, that they are of worth, that have never been told that there is a reason and purpose for this thing called "Life", Christ came to bring life. Not just life on earth, complete with meaning, but eternal life; using His life to bring us into right relationship with God the Father.

What a journey. Moments of joy, moments of sadness. Miraculous stories untold. Realizations of rejections from those who refuse to hear. Sounds like many a missionary journey. Paved by the very first; planned by God from the very beginning.

This is perhaps the most profound point of the gospel; that sovereign God made a way of redemption well before the fall of man.

Jesus Christ on a cross, for the salvation of man through the plan of redemption was not a "hail Mary" (forgive the pun) by God in a "oh my goodness, what do I do" moment of strategy.

God is not a half-way, half-thought, half-hearted God. He goes all the way, not having missed a thing, not having given less than the very best of all He had. A price can not be placed on a life, let alone a person's one and only child. Yet that's exactly what God did... because every man, woman and child was and remains, worth every drop of Christ' shed bled.

On this #missionsFriday Christmas, pray many would hear and respond to the message of Christ. May the gift of eternal life be the greatest gift received this joyous day, for it remains, the greatest gift ever offered. Pray for divine appointments and family, friends and strangers cross paths on this day of occasion, the celebration of the birth of Christ...the first missionary.

-PNC

The human body continues to amaze me. You go sit down for just a few minutes and your body knows what you need. Two hours, maybe four. Six hours, perhaps even eight hours later... all you did was sit on the couch for five minutes. And it's morning time. Its 3 am. And you may or may not have an idea that you were running low on fuel, but not fumes... at least not yet.

It's been a long year... that has gone by terribly fast. And on this Christmas Eve, in the frenzy of gifts and family and services and outreaches to the community and families in need, today is and will be a difficult day to balance. Plus some still have to go to work today!  (at least for a little bit)

Just remember, minus the appearance of the heavenly hosts and the star that lit up the sky,  Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem with little fan fair. None to be exact. Just the presence of Almighty God and the expectation of His beloved gift to humanity. In the final moments of insanity before Christmas day and the celebration of God's gift to us, through the exchanging of gifts with us, may we remember the gift that truly matters. As much as we love to catch up on rest, it's coming to Christ and the rest we have in Him that matters for all eternity.

For all those who are burdened and heavy-laden... REST. In the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Pray, this #deaconThursday, for deacons, administrators and staff (and pastors for that matter) worn out; physically exhausted, mentally-spent, emotionally weary from the activity and ministry of church and ministry. On this Christmas Eve, may they be strengthened and renewed; quickened in their mortal bodies by the power of God. Pray for the outreach and services that will continue today and tomorrow as we celebrate the birth and life of Christ. May many people experience His love and forgiveness and experience the greatest gift one could ever receive... the gift of One laying down His life for a friend. Pray many would receive that gift, for those who do are called the friends of God. And He is not willing that any should perish.

For the cause of Jesus Christ and the glory of God. May Heaven and Earth celebrate over the lives of those who receive Christ as the greatest Christmas gift ever given!!

-PNC

I'm thinking about the Pastor that committed suicide, that we prayed over yesterday and my heart breaks the kids. Christmas is stressful enough for how life unfolds during the holidays. Sometimes, it doesn't take much. Other times, the drama and the circumstances that pile up is just too much to handle. Then ministry kicks on.

The extra events; the extra programs and outreaches, the extra demands and requests that come in for those in need (which are higher in number simply because it is that season) .. the extra hits everyone. And the kids of those in ministry are left to watch it all play out.

Their are some professions where you expect a level of risk; a level of danger. It comes with the territory and you know if something where to happen, on the job, that was part of the gig. Pastoral ministry, by and large, save for persecution, isn't one of the professions that you would normally associate with such risk. But when a pastor commits suicide because of the demands and expectations of the calling to ministry; clearly something is out of sync.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray for the kids of those in ministry; that are negatively impacted by the hours and the investment their parents and family are making in other people. Pray for understanding and patience as pastors and family work to find balance between home and church. Pray that families would fortify themselves and that strong friendships and support systems would come alongside, to help carry the responsibilities and provide relief  for those struggling in the management of family and faith. Pray pastors would be strengthened and encouraged to focus on their family this holiday season; may the be refreshed and strengthened; ready for what God has in store as 2015 comes to a close and a new year around the corner.

May the faith of families be strengthened anew, ready for the calling God has placed upon them. For the glory of God!

-PNC

“He needed to take a break from ministry and the way our culture is, the culture forbids that. How much do you share? How much grace do people allow?” [furthermore...]

“It’s hard to be honest. It’s difficult for some preachers to be honest. Every pastor needs a pastor to kind of lead and guide them. But it’s hard for us to really find that relationship because often pastors are trying to compete with or cremate you. And so it’s difficult to find camaraderie.” - Dr. E. Dewey Smith Jr., senior pastor at The House of Hope Atlanta, on the suicide of Pastor Teddy Parker  **read article here: Pastor commits suicide while congregation waits

It really is amazing what we have come to in this culture. We desire authenticity and genuine communication and as soon as one replies "If you really want to know..."

No, thanks... I didn't really want to know. And the wall is built. Grace is contingent. So is forgiveness. Love comes with strings. Compliments are based on performance  Feelings towards the sermon depend on the  level of conviction we feel. Tithing, attendance, inviting neighbors and friends, one's desire to get more involved in (or withdraw from) ministry all follow suit.

I really can't get over this tragedy and stress enough, the importance of praying for pastors and churches. This is utterly unacceptable.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, for all pastors, struggling with any phase of burnout, from walking away to thoughts of suicide. Pray for the miraculous power of healing and strength to fill them and combat the frustration and loneliness they face. Pray for the families affected who don't know where to turn or who to seek for help. May God be their refuge and strength during these times.

God help us... and this culture that desperately needs to return to you.

In the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

-PNC

As our Pastor closed Sunday mornings' service, he gave an altar call for people that were going to be around family and friends in the coming days and weeks who do not have a relationship with God, as well as people who work or live near those who, likewise, need to hear the message of Christ. Pastor then proceeded to say, that He was responding... for the nephew in his family who is away from God; and not just away, but with a multi-generational history of family members who gave their lives to full-time ministry, the nephew is far, far away from God.

He than followed it up with a phrase that perfectly sums up the reasoning behind Bring Me 70 and the need to #pray4pastors.

"No family is exempt."

For whatever reason we think pastors are, they are not. For whatever reason we think they should be, they have never be. For whatever reason we hope they might be, it's never going to happen.

Pastors and their families are neither exempt or immune... to arguments and disagreements, frustrations and challenges, struggles that last for extended periods of time; tragedies of life and the heart-breaking moments of regrettable decisions made by family members they care for deeply.

All of which, sounds exactly like the life of everyone who attends church as well as everyone who has never set foot in church.

Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, for Pastors and their families who have members wanting nothing to do with God and the church. Pray they would be strengthened and encouraged with the hope that God has a plan for them to return, just as the prodigal came to his "what am I doing" realization. Pray for the challenges and difficulties Pastors face on the home front, for the moments of  stress and tension that we all experience and try to work through. May there be a grace about their lives, that would cover them, realizing they don't have to maintain some level of perfection because of their position. Pray God would accomplish the miraculous, as they seek Him and trust Him, anew and afresh, for the prayers that weigh heavy on their heart.

God is greater, than the situations that would seek to take them out and the challenges that are planned to burn them out. May their hearts and minds be fortified as they focus on God and the ministry for which He has called them to carry and fulfill for the kingdom of Heaven. For His glory. For the sake of the cross. Redemption, in the name of the Lord.

-PNC

I woke up this morning, and it didn't take long that I phrase I used yesterday came to mind as I thought about the effectiveness and efficiency of the church...the pulse of the community.

It does little good to know the "heartbeat of God" and what He is concerned with, if the church doesn't also have its finger on the "pulse of the community" to know what is going on, amiss, and needed.

Ideas, solutions and programs that aren't in line with the first and relevant to the second will accomplish little compared to their actual potential.

This is what Christ modeled for us, in His ministry. Everything He did was in step with God's will and plan while remaining relevant to the needs of the people He came in contact with. It also explains why every miracle, while similar in nature, are different in execution... because the individual was different.

So it is for communities. Programs and solutions won't and shouldn't be a "one size fits all" philosophy, for the character and nature of the community in which my friends serve are entirely different from where I'll be for church in just a little .

We must seek the face of God to know what He for us. We must seek to know the community and what they need from us.

On this #effectiveSunday, pray that churches would strength their spirits, as they seek the face of God... for the plans He has for their people, their pastors, their ministries and their purpose within the community. Pray for divine appointments and open doors of opportunity to meet relevant needs in tangible ways. May God be glorified as the church offers effective ideas and efficient solutions to the challenges of the communities in which they serve.

For the glory of God and the cause of Jesus Christ. His hands and feet extended to the world, through the body of Christ... that is the local church.

-PNC

I am still in awe of what God is accomplishing through the ministry of my friends, whose church I told you won their rezoning appeal for their new location. I continued to reflect on it for the past few days, as I recalled the statements of those impacted and shared out that church is engaging community.

The "coolest" impact, were the three team members of the area's NFL team, that showed up to the city council meeting, to share their stories of the difference the church is making. But other stories came with just as much of a "wow" factor.

One such story, was that of a county jail worker. My pastor friends took our tour of the facility and at the end, without solicitation, asked what the could do to help. A short time later, they had purchased equipment for the jail that allows the inmates to watch the church services online! Inmates are expressing their realization that they are thankful to be in the jail, because it has now brought them in touch with the church... and God is doing a work in them. Furthermore, parishioners started corresponding with the inmates to offer encouragement, support and prayer!

The other story was how the church is helping the community in the fight against human trafficking. Because of the churches efforts, they are working in ways that are actually putting the area community on the forefront of bring leadership-level solutions to this destructive industry.

I say all of this to demonstrate that a true heart for people and the community should prompt and move the church to actively seek ways to make a tangible and relevant impact in their area. It may not be this big, but it could be...just by asking.

On this #communitySaturday, pray that churches would be challenged to expand their ideas of what is going on the community and the needs they can serve. May they actively engage community leaders and decision-makers who have the pulse of the community and approach problems with the heart of Christ as they work to offer solutions. Pray for timely and relevant solutions, that offer genuine support and provide visible progress towards improving situations and the lives involved,
Pray healing and restoration, love and forgiveness go forth, forever changing the status quo that says "it's always been a problem, and always will be a problem."

Almighty, Sovereign God has for us life...abundant and eternal; and solutions for the times people find themselves in places God never intended for them to go. May the church find and fulfill its purpose in helping people get back on track; both with God and with life.

To God be the glory... for lives eternally changed, by the power of God, the cross of Jesus Christ and the hands of the church.

-PNC

DeGarmo & Key released an album in 1989, titled The Pledge. Wow...that seems so long ago. Dana Key passed away a few years ago, and if you've never heard of his work, you are missing out. An incredibly talented and anointed musician, to say the least.

In the title cut song, the Pledge simply states:

He died for me; I'll live for Him.

As the song played on YouTube, on a video that had over an hours worth of other D & K songs, I reflected on the state of affairs regarding missionaries around the world.

For way too many, their commitment to live for Christ because He died for them, has resulted in dying for Him merely for professing their "pledge" to Christ.

Thanks to the fall of man and the evil in this world, we have come to witness people who would rather destroy others than experience the love and forgiveness made available to them through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. And thus, people have sacrificed their lives in honor of their commitment to Christ, in hopes that even through their death, people would find life because of Christ' death on the cross.

Pray this #missionsFriday, for those being persecuted and sought for all forms punishment for the having and expressing their belief in Christ and their commitment to sharing His life. Pray for strength and courage during this time, that like Paul, even in prison, may the boldly share the love and forgiveness of the cross. May their sacrifice not be offered in vain; but that through their experience, may many more come to know Christ as a result, than perhaps having through their life of ministry. Pray for families and friends impacted... may the  comfort of the blessed hope rest upon them, assured we will share eternal life together.

For the glory of God and the cause of Jesus Christ. His love and forgiveness available through His death; that we have life and life eternal; even if sharing it means sharing in Christ' death as well.

-PNC