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 I woke up this morning, and for some reason, quickly began thinking how "finding mission" can be a simple as having open eyes and an open heart, that says, "where is there a need and does it bother me enough that I would want to be a part of the solution."
Enter, Raegan Glugosh, Founder of Touched Romania, a ministry that cares for abandoned babies in Romania. Some 4000 newborns, whose mothers are actually encouraged by the system to walk out of the hospital without their babies. Is that not incredible? One of the ways in which Raegan and her team serve... a holding ministry. It's a simple as it sounds. People come in and simply hold babies... and while doing so, obviously cover them in prayer; for God's plan and purpose for these young lives to be fulfilled. Wow. Now I know what will be on my mind most of the day. And hopefully yours, too. There will always be a need, for even Christ stated to his disciples, that the poor would always be with them. So, the only question that matters is, once a need is recognized, what will people to do to fill it? There's a problem. How will you solve it? A burden. How will you carry it? Open eyes. Open Hearts. Mission: Found. On this #missionsFriday, pray for missionaries fulfilling the call of God on their lives. Pray for Raegan and her team; and others like her... whose mission seems oh so simple in concept; yet is challenging, difficult and emotionally draining with each passing moment. Pray the grace of God in these circumstances, where the inheritance of the Lord has been immediately discarded. Pray for broken political and social systems that have helped create this problem. Pray for broken hearts and the role they play in continuing the cycle. Pray for strength and stamina, grace and peace, provision and protection as missionaries such as Raegan serve and continue to do so, despite insurmountable odds and heart-wrenching situations. May we all find and fulfill the mission God has for us. For His glory. By His grace. For the cause of Jesus Christ. -PNC
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 Texting my brother at certain points throughout yesterday afternoon, I was sharing my excitement regarding a decision he helped my figure out over the weekend. After some back and forth, I expressed my thanks. He texted back that I was welcome, although he didn't do much.
"Wisdom & encouragement, bro...priceless." Apparently I had forgotten the often stated sage advice, which he included in his response: "Wisdom comes from experience and experience comes from bad choices." The "haha" on the end of the text made me smile, until I realized, had I made the decision he helped encourage me to make a few yrs ago, let alone 10 yrs ago, things would be very different indeed. Then, I got to thinking about churches. About ministry. About the sovereignty of God. About His hand, turning what the enemy intended to harm and destroy, to bring glory to His name and to work His purpose in our lives. This all confirmed of course, during Wednesday nights' service..."if we knew then what we know", but the problem is had you done things differently, you wouldn't be where you are now, which despite your satisfaction or lack thereof with the here and now, God still has a plan in place for your life, family, career and ministry. So, now...it's just a matter of not living in the past, not letting bad decisions get the best of you and not allowing the frustrating consequences of those decisions that are now present day reality detour you from making good decisions moving forward. "If God be for us, who can be against us. We can live in victory today." - DeGarmo & Key Pray, on this #deaconThursday, for those in churches and ministries, struggling with today's reality because of yesterday's bad decisions. Pray for those having difficulty understanding the how and the why of God's desire and ability to use our mistakes for His glory. Pray for those exhausted, from "everything" seemingly going the wrong way in their lives at nearly every turn. May they realize the break they need in life, is found in Christ and the breakthrough ready at God's command. Pray for those tempted to give in to the victim mindset; that while the struggle and challenge is real, may the have the mind of Christ... knowing, understanding and fulfilling the truth, that greater is He who is within me, is greater than he who is in the world. Bad decisions. Useful. For the glory of God. For those whose hearts are set on Him. Notice King David...a man after God's own heart; not a man's decisions after God's own heart. David's heart knew His place with God, even when his decisions failed to line up. He paid the consequences, yet he died, having fulfilled God's purpose in his generation. Likewise, let it be said of us. -PNC  Yesterday afternoon, I had to wait for the guy coming alongside the driver side of my vehicle to pass, so that I could get out of the lane I was in....marked as an "exit only" lane.
After safely moving over, I had a "thanks...that was not my exit" moment. I had to laugh as I reflected on the great scene from Turner & Hooch. Tom Hanks' character has just taken possession of junkyard dog "Hooch", whose owner was murdered. Hanks' character, best described as "spotless", walks Hooch through the house that first night, laying down the rules of the house, stepping into each room and ending each series of rules with the words, "This... Is Not Your Room." Kids and teenagers are rough. And that was when I was a kid... and a teenager, for that matter. Figure out what to do in life, where to go and with whom. Lots of wrong turns, turns-around, and parking at a corner gas station trying to figure out which way you were supposed to be heading. I love driving and always have, long before I ever got my license. I still have the aforementioned moments. Both on the road and in life decisions. I can only hope I do well by God with the inheritance of children that He has entrusted to me and my wife. And I can pray for the pastors, teachers and advisers they will have in their lifetime. So there you have. Pay attention on the road. Watch for the correct exits and entrances. And pray. While driving. It helps. All of it. You should try it. Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, for wisdom, as children and youth pastors preach, teach and counsel young people. Pray for their effectiveness in helping to teach and reinforce the life-long skill of decision-making combined with a lifestyle of prayer. Pray for discernment in handling the moments of wrong turns and figuring out the right direction, both in their own lives and in the lives of the youth they serve. Pray the proper understanding of reading and interpreting life's road signs. May the grace of God overshadow the frustrations of the journey.. For life is a journey. Eternity is the destination. For the grace of God. For the cause of Christ. A generation of discerning, alert and skilled drivers of life, who place greater trust in God than their own abilities regardless of their years of knowledge and experience. May the know how to use the truth of Scripture and the prompting of the Holy Spirit as their GPS and trust-worthy road map. -PNC  I had an interesting morning, yesterday. Driving along, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through me as I prayed over situations and family and friends.
Then, the prompting hit...prayer's catch. A college friend came to mind and the prayer began. And when I thought I was done praying... no, you're not done yet. Continued praying some more. Thought I was done, but no... no release. Some 8-10 minutes later... I finally felt a release of the Spirit; to pray about other people, other matters. But not until there were tears on my face as I sat in traffic, waiting to proceed through a construction zone. So often we pray and it's easy to move through situations and individuals and on to what or whoever may be next. I had opportunity late last night to find the friend online and encourage them, that they were doing good work, faithful to the plan and purpose God had for their life; that they should keep the faith and continue to fight the good fight. Nobody likes being passed over, nor readily dismissed. Neither should our prayers take on similar characteristics of our time and consideration. Consider the massive amounts of people and circumstance that flood the church offices on any given day. In a place and time where it would be easy to offer a quick prayer, a short Scripture and a succinct piece of advice; care and compassion are paramount in expressing and revealing Christ to those in need. That takes time, even when the time is hard to find. It must be found. People's faith, how they handle their fears and how they face the facts of their reality hang in the balance. On this #associatePastorTuesday, pray Pastors would be effective managers of time. May they have a keen awareness peoples needs and the time & investment needed, albeit, in light of other responsibilities. Pray a continued willingness for the Holy Spirit to lead and guide, even when it messes up schedules; to pray, guide and advise situations with compassion, knowing that people need to understand they are important in light of eternity and should not be easily dismissed. We need a move of God in our lives, our nation and our world. May the effectual, fervent prayer of man avail much for the glory of God and the cause of Jesus Christ. It doesn't matter if it last 70 seconds over 70 days, or 70 minutes over 700 days, we may never quit believing God to perform the miraculous through the power and the gift of prayer; especially when we following the prompting and leading of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to make intercession for us, when we don't know how to pray. -PNC  In days when authenticity and genuineness are quickly disappearing, they are also character traits that are more readily recognizable because they seem so infrequent.
Failures in ministry and a lax spirit in Christendom regarding the ability of its people to relate and share the faith in tangible ways to a lost and unbelieving culture has led to a great deal of skepticism when it comes to spiritual matters. Interestingly enough, even people of faith are becoming increasingly aware of those who have a genuine and authentic faith in God versus those who are in the church... for lack of better words, playing church. However, one never wants to think or believe that this is possible from ministry leadership. Yet we all have our doubts and suspicions, that when you look at ministries, something seems amiss, that can't quite be pinpointed. That said, for those in ministry whose faith is seemingly unshakable (not that they haven't had insurmountable challenges), for those who love serving others and the body of Christ large, for those who have a heart and passion for people to have a genuine, ongoing encounter with God... these servant-leaders can not be missed. By anyone. These are the men and women we need in ministry. These are the people we can't afford to burn out. These are the individuals and families we need to continue to serve the church and the local community. These are leaders that must know they are appreciated, supported and needed. And above all, they are covered in prayer; brought before the throne room of heaven, daily. On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray an increasingly authentic and genuine spirit from those in the pulpit. Pray for the situations and circumstances they face, personally, at home, regarding matters that perhaps only a select few within the church will ever know. Pray, a spiritual hedge against moral and ministerial failures; that healthy relationships and healthy boundaries would come together and remain strong, that they would live and lead above reproach. May God continue to pour out His spirit, anew and afresh on these servants as they faithful give of themselves to the cause of Jesus Christ, relying not on what they can give of themselves, but on what Christ gave of Himself for us all. Finally, pray for those ministries, that at times, seem suspect, that something is "off". Pray for a spirit of discernment, wisdom, correction and reconciliation come into being, if and when time and place of circumstance demand those elements. May the grace and love of God abound in such circumstances, and God, not willing that any should perish, bring them back into right relationship and proper alignment with Him in due season. Bless your servants, who lead us closer in our walk of faith with God. We do not live life alone, not one of us. Thank God. -PNC  My brother and I loved playing this game when we were kids. I remember at least once, we had a game last about a week, as we would play it after school for a while, then slide it underneath the couch until the next day. So much fun!
I called him Friday night to get his input regarding what was on my mind. Always a man with great insight (through his own experience and observations), he replied to my concerns, this is how we do it and it makes things so much easier. I explained my concerns in taking the risk of that decision, and that while I knew he was right, it made me nervous in actually following through on his advice. Partly, because it was a step of faith to continue to trust God that He was with us in this area of our lives. Saturday morning, I took his advice, made the decision, followed through on it and took the time to go through where everything should go. Later in the morning, I had to call..."brother, you were right! I can't tell you how different this feels! What a peace of mind!" So it goes,with most of life, whether in the marketplace or in ministry. There will always be risk; but having someone whose counsel and advice can be trusted because the person from whom it comes, has traveled that road and while the road has been challenging, they have safely traversed it Granted, we've all made the wrong decision and at times paid for it dearly and literally... but that shouldn't dissuade us from trusting again, that God has a plan and a purpose for us and that He is able to take our bad decisions and our experience, even the misfortune, and use it to create opportunities where He is glorified, lives are changed and challenged and that peace in this life is possible. It requires prayer as you seek the face of God, sound advice as you seek wise counsel and trust that God will help you make the right decision for what He has in store for your life. Pray, this #effectiveSunday, for those in ministry (as well as the marketplace) whose life experiences are causing them to hold back from making decisions through which God desires to accomplish something great. Pray that fear and worry and anxiety not overtake them to a place where delay and indecision causes further damage and irreparable harm. Pray for a return and continual positioning of ourselves, to seek the face of God, first and foremost. Pray wisdom, will indeed come from those who ask of God, who gives generously. Pray for sound advice from those whose counsel we seek, from people who place their trust in God, where God has worked through miraculous through their own decisions, good, bad and devastating. What the enemy intends to use to harm and destroy us, would God use to accomplish the miraculous to protect us and restore us. For His name sake. For the glory of God. For the encouragement of the body of Christ. Risk will be rewarded. -PNC  ...prayer only works when you actually do it.
I've had a number of people in the past few weeks that God has brought to mind to pray over their lives. I have to tell you... the look on their faces, for the few of them that I've seen in person, asked how things were going and tell them I was praying for them, has been meaningful. To know and hear that one is being prayed for without them coming to you specifically with situations and requests of "I need prayer", is powerful and meaningful. Then today happened. A close family member has been blessed with a great career. It blows my mind how God has worked in his life. Over the past few days, I felt lead to pray for creativity in generating new business. When I asked him how things were going because I had been praying for him, he comes back with their having found some good 4th quarter opportunities, despite things slowing down, effectively, industry-wide. WOW! How cool... so you're getting some nuggets. That's awesome. To which, he essentially replies, a couple are more than just nuggets. Now, that stuff has probably been in the works before I started praying. Maybe it wasn't. I may never know and there's a list on your prayer focus that you may never know either. However, you don't know what's not happening through one's lack of prayer, just as much. Prayer works. I can't help but wonder what's happening in the lives of those that come to mind as I go through my day. It made my day, hearing the report of my family. And thanks to all of you making October 2015 the highest traffic month of Bring Me 70, since it's inception, I can't wait to hear of what God is accomplishing in pastors, churches and ministries as a result of these daily calls to prayer. I may not know this side of eternity, but that just makes heaven all the more worth the wait. Thank You. Pray, this #communitySaturday, for a greater desire to pray. For family. For friends. For pastors and churches. For politicians and communities. May we have a heart to hear and follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit, as people and situations are brought to our remembrance; for situations unknown, yet God places a sense of urgency. Pray an awareness about our lives, that we would know how to pray; not for the sake of being "in the know" or having an "inside scoop" on a situation, but for the purpose being able to pray specifically, earnestly. An effectual, fervent prayer that avails much. For the glory of God. For the betterment of community. Regardless of the outcome, post-prayer, what God does in the person who prays, the focus of the prayer; the perspective and lessons obtained...prayer allows God to work as He sees fit. To work the miraculous in our lives, according to His sovereign plan and divine purpose. -PNC  Something clicked as I stood during the worship portion of last nights' service. Listening to the music come through the speakers, I though to myself, this is world-class.
I'll write this cautiously, as I know there's been great debate in church trends of late... creating environments to "compete" with other venues and events that have little to nothing to do with spiritual matters this side of eternity That said, here are some things to consider...keeping in mind, not all churches are revamping their sanctuaries to follow whats trending... 1) If a church changes its environment to "compete" instead of creating a place that will usher in the presence of God, they shouldn't change. 2) The environment of Heaven, in which we will experience the glory of God, is head & shoulders above anything man can design here on earth. Remember, while earth talks about "the gold standard", gold in heaven, is a baseline. The streets are paved with it. 3) Colossians 3:23. The Message Bible writes it in this manner: Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work. Churches can and should minister with excellence. Preachers should deliver the Word of God with excellence. Worship expands a range of elements, from standing in awe of God, to dancing before the Lord as David did, but whatever the experience, do it with excellence. But in all of these things, be careful that the method does not overshadow the message, of the gospel of Jesus Christ, Son of God, to stand in the gap of sinful man, a perfect sacrifice, lived with excellence, setting an example for all to follow. Pray, this #deaconThursday, that regardless of the environment, ministry will be done with excellence. Pray that communities and their people will be served, as though it was indeed, a "world-class" moment. Pray, that while the methods of church services may change, the truth of God's Word and the application to our lives will be paramount. Pray that the Body of Christ will carry out the mission of Heaven, will excellence; bringing glory and honor to the One who gave His very best for all eternal benefit. May we not waste our second-chance at eternity on second-rate living a life meant to glorify God and lift up the name of Jesus Christ. For the glory of God. Humble servants for the cause of Christ. Reaching the lost for eternity...with heaven-class excellence. -PNC  So this is triple word meaning day.
1) As a dad, I am rarely right.(often trumped by my wife and 2 daughters) My dad, a great man, is usually more right than I, although I'm pretty sure that's the voice of experience more than his masculine state or marital status (still often trumped by mom, even though she was the one outnumbered in our house). Our Father God, Creator of all things, always right. And while we may not always be right, we should strive to do right. By God. By man. By our own self. 2) I thank God for the framers of the U.S. Constitution. Rights have their time and place, but spiritually speaking, we need to take a step back, or 5-10, when staking our right to be right puts us wrong with God. That bears repeating. Be very careful, that your right to be right doesn't place you wrong with God. 3) God stands strong, firm and consistent. He remains true to His self. To His very nature. He is never out of alignment, out of place, out of sync, with His plans and the execution thereof. Whatever God does, He must remain true to His character This is what makes living out one's faith so challenging; the very essence of the struggle over man's soul, is the battle for his rights (regardless they be right or wrong) or submitting to the sovereign authority of Almighty God who knitted you together in your mothers' womb. Puts a whole new spin on "honor your father and mother" just thinking about that, doesn't it? Do you desire to be right? Do you desire to demand your right? Do you desire to submit in order to be in right standing with God? The first may occur on occasion. The second may have legal precedence. The third impacts eternity. I'll be the first to acknowledge, I need help raising my kids. Would I rather them hear about my being right; having rights or being right with God? My answer determines what kind of adults society will deal with. Are they going to be a lost cause to the culture, or declaring the cause of Christ to a culture who has lost their way? Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, for this generation of young people that kids and youth pastors are watching live life. In this "right to be right about my rights" mentality, pray for wisdom and guidance as they work to bring clarity and truth to a generation focused on following self rather than Christ. Pray for strength and renewal for those tired of the superficial drama that comes from "all about me" attitudes. Pray a spirit of compassion as pastors work through the emotional, psychological and spiritual barriers as they bring the truth of a loving, sovereign God who desires right standing with Him. Relationship with God through the price paid by Christ's sacrifice of self. If any one being, was in a position to demand His "right to be right about His rights", it is Jesus Christ. Yet, even the Son of God, chose wisely, to be in right standing with Father God. A decision that impacted eternity for all of mankind, for all of eternity. For the glory of God. For the cause of Christ. One Father. Right in His Righteousness. Desirous of right standing with Him. -PNC  In an ever changing, fast-paced society, its easy to continue looking at major decisions and what's next opportunities with anticipation of how things could be better when compared to the frustrations and concerns of our present position.
It's why they call it "climbing ladders." Should anyone stop moving, everyone coming behind who is also trying to make progress gets stalled by the one who decided not to continue, at least for the time being. That said, there's incredible value and merit to staying put. There's a great piece of advice in the movie Facing The Giants, where a seasoned Christian man encourages the football coach, facing potential firing, that God is not done with the coach... that until God moves him, the coach is to grow where he is planted. It's certainly a balancing act, as one should guard against complacency, yet, I surmise that stability fosters greater growth at a faster pace, than "constantly" changing environments. The key to success here, is to continually seek the face of God of what He desires to accomplish in and through one's life and purpose from their current position. We always think we have to be "somewhere else" in life for God to accomplish His work, while He says, where I have placed you works for what I have in mind... keep moving and it won't. Said every parent to every kid ever...."STOP MOVING!!" Sometimes, I think God just folds His hands, looks at man and says, "I'll wait. I'm not going anywhere." And we play the typical prodigal... having to find out our way is wrong, before we realize how great it was with what God had going on. So...pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, for those "consume" by what's next in their ministry, their family, their finances. Pray that they continue to seek God and how He plans to use, grow and develop them in their current position. Pray they not be distracted or tempted to move where God is not leading or directing, simply because their is an appeal of some nature, that looks better than the challenge or difficulties that are wearing them down. Pray they remain true to the plans and purposes for which God has called them; trusting that by staying planted where they have been placed, that God will honor their faithfulness and obedience in ways they don't expect. Finally, pray, that should they be facing a time where a transplant is on the table, they will again, seek and trust God and whatever weighs in the decision process, they will follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit and the fulfillment of God's will and not just the "greener" aspects of what's next. LIFE... for those planted by Living Waters. Divinely placed and positioned by the hand of God. For His glory. By His grace. The sovereign Hand of Providence at work in our lives; where stability fosters growth leading to greater effectiveness for the cause of Christ, we pray. -PNC  An interesting and profoundly true statement was made during yesterday mornings' worship service. Its' that you will "run out of words" in your attempts to describe God. Consider the futility of one who is in a word, finite describing one who is all-knowing, all-seeing, all-present, all-powerful, unbound by both time and space... in a word, infinite.
Of course, with my seemingly, growing perspective to see life through the scope of pastors and ministry, I heard the phrase "run out of words" and knew it was as just an accurate description, albeit negative, about what transpires when a pastor burns out. For the burnt-out pastor and others in ministry, by the very nature of burnout, they have in fact, run out of words. They feel they have nothing left to give or to say, that it's not working or improving lives. Perhaps they've run out of words, because they are struggling to rely on God for what He has for their life and the lives of their church. Whatever their take on the matter and however it has come to be, when there is no longer the power of God in the words from the pulpit, wisdom in the words during counseling, or compassion in the words during loss or suffering, the body of Christ and the community suffer. Those who walk in for the first time, will sense something "not quite right" if they can't pinpoint it. Regulars and members, will certainly notice something is amiss. Maybe not right away, but long before one runs out of words, the words they use make less of an impact. They become so obscure that nobody knows what's being preached on; perhaps the delivery won't be up to par or the words simply fail to land on the hearts and minds of the listeners in a way that elicits a response. God is not one for empty promises; He does not call people to deliver an empty message. We pray for you, this #seniorPastorMonday, may God place in your heart, the words necessary to prompt you to keep going and not quit. You are of great value to your church, your community and the kingdom of Heaven. Pray that God strengthens and encourages Senior Pastors to draw closer to Him, with greater confession, great conviction, and greater courage; to call out to Him; to trust and rely on Him anew and afresh. May the sustaining power of all-mighty God refresh and revive pastors this day, daily from this moment forward. Pray the message of Christ be not delayed as Paul experienced during his travels, but that the Holy Spirit would go before pastors, paying the way to take their church and the ministry to new levels. We need you to keep going. And for the times you can't, stand firm. Let God refuel you, lest you run out fuel.... and words.  We all have the moments where you wonder how you can be good in one area of life, things are going well, the pieces are coming together nicely and fitting! (which is important, in it's own right)
Then there's areas of your life, where it's not. Whether it feels like it to you personally, or appears that way to others, there's simply that one piece, that one area, that one discipline, that if you "got it" it would launch you to the next level of putting the puzzle together. Figuring out what the "piece" was occurred yesterday. And of course, writing the concept that one piece, could be keeping you from putting other pieces together... a light-bulb moment. And it's not even time for church yet! If it's true in my life, it's probably true in yours. At for that matter, your family. Your friends. Your business. Your community. And the reason for Bring Me 70... your church. What areas of operations, ministry and disciplines are amiss in coming together that prevent the church from "firing on all cylinders", things, people or methods that hinder them from being the most effective and most efficient in moving forward with the vision of their ministry they are attempting to fulfill? Pray, this #effectiveSunday, for wisdom as churches consider, reflect and talk-through areas of operation and methods where pieces of ministry don't seem to be matching up, for any number of reasons. Pray for guidance in whatever counsel is sought out, that advice and the decisions that result would come into alignment with the will of God, the truth of His word and consist with the vision and plan for ministry God has placed upon them. Pray for a spirit of grace and of patience, as changes of implementation may or may not happen as quickly as hoped or desired and the struggle to improve does not create set-backs in their ability to move with more effective and more efficient ministry. For the glory of God. For the cause of Jesus Christ. For the sake of us all, in our desire to live better lives for Him and those around us. In His name, we pray. -PNC  Two guys working in the dark. Three friends holding a handful of smartphones with the flashlight app on each of them. One friend capturing the moment...on his phone, of course. Another friend stands in the background, watching in appreciation, the body of Christ coming out to help her with an issue on her property. Welcome to "doing life together".
While we had a great time for the two or so hours we were there, we had a good few moments where the comedy came so easily, it didn't feel like work. Reminds of me of the advice, if you enjoy what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. The same is true for helping friends, family and even strangers in their time of need, whether its one of life-threatening seriousness or the mundane, can't do it by myself task. Either way... if you truly enjoy helping out when someone puts forth a request, then it's really no big deal to respond. But to the friend in need, appreciation extends from the depths of the heart. Healthy friendships foster healthy lives. Strained friendships foster broken lives. Maybe not to the point where a person can't function properly, but someone will sustain damage to their heart, mind and perspective where it will affect future interaction with people, whether in social settings or professional. You'll feel burned and reluctance and bitterness will keep you at bay from being a blessing or receiving one, should you be the one in need. Amazing how God works...I'm typing this, as Phil Keaggy's video on YouTube, "Worship and Song In Guitar Artistry" is playing. He's closing out the performance at Wheaton College, with a song from The Salvation Army Band, singing the lyrics, "heart to God, hand to man". This is friendship. This is community. This is the body of Christ. Love God. Love your neighbor. Show yourself friendly. Be the kind of friend that others will wish they had. Be the kind of friend others will be inspired to be by your example. Pray this #communitySaturday, for healthy friendships to dominate our culture and society. Pray for broken people to be made whole through the power and blood of Jesus Christ, for while hurt people hurt people, those who have been healed and restored offer healing. Pray those who have been shown grace will show grace. Pray that in this "woe is me" mentality, people will use discernment with their friends, as not to spur them towards regret and retreat from for being friend, both now and in the future. Pray God is glorified through people coming together, sharing life, sharing truth, sharing a cup of cold water with those in need, happy to help, able to do so, willing to be a friend, grateful to have a friend, all accompanied by the words, "be blessed in Jesus' name" for whereas we have received from Him, I now give to you. Love, compassion, forgiveness, hope, healing, restoration. For the glory of God. For the sake of our friends. Community. Hard at work. Even at dark. The Light of the world, with the help of some apps from our smartphones. -PNC  God doesn't issue plans that don't work.
God doesn't reveal strategies that are ineffective God doesn't lay out a purpose for which there is not an eternal need. There is #nowasteinheaven White God heals the broken, God does not create broken. His plans are complete, not lacking in detail. His strategies can not be outdone by the enemy. His purposes last beyond our finite time on earth. It's challenging to remember these truths in everyday living. One would think it'd be easier when in ministry. A piece of cake (or pie, depending on your preference) if on the mission field. But I dare say, even missionaries have their days, wondering if plans are working. Considering if the strategies are effective. Knowing the final result, salvation, fulfills an eternal need; but the purpose of what all transpires leading up to salvation... some of that could be questionable at times. None of us know what tomorrow has in store, which is why we are reminded to be careful of saying "tomorrow, we go here and there and do this and that, conduct business, buy....and more". The making of plans is fine, but if it is not God's will... This is the difference between complete in Him and broken of self versus broken from Him and complete in self. The war of the wills. One is infinite. One is complete. Flawless. Perfect. Sovereign. Eternal. The other... human. God does not create broken, but He would be foolish to pass over the value of our brokenness that He can use and utilize for His glory. A testament of His grace. An example of His handiwork. A result of His love. An effective, eternal, Masterpiece. On this #missionsFriday, we pray for you, missionaries... remain confident in God, whose plans work. Rest in His effective strategies. Walk forward knowing His purposes are eternal. Pray that missionaries will know, understand and follow God's will for the regions and the people they serve. Whatever their past, whatever their experience, whatever their failure, pray that find and remain broken of self, but complete in Him, lest they serve the mission field and the kingdom of Heaven in vain.  "God does not waste pain... nor mistakes."
- Rhonda Trask, Lead Pastor, Brighton Assembly of God The amazing character trait of God's sovereignty is found in the simple truth that He has no plan B. Like any good Father, you want your kid to make the right decision, but knowing their nature, you plan for what you know they will choose. Nehemiah, in preparation to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem reminds God of the promise He made to Moses regarding the promised land, including "even if you are exiled", meaning God knew the outcome should the nation of Israel continue on the trajectory of their decision making. And they did continue and paid for it. And when the time came, God was ready and Nehemiah's purpose comes to the forefront. We've been talking the past number of weeks about decision making in day-to-day church operations. The stuff that may or may not get noticed when everyone shows up on Sunday morning. The activities, events and ministries that are prayed, planned and implemented consume great time and effort, long before they are announced. And along the way, conversations that transpire from past experiences, struggles, problem areas, bad decisions, mistakes and the resulting aftermath that still hurts when highlighted. HEAVEN HAS NO TRASH RECEPTACLE! THE BOOK OF LIFE HAS NO 'FILE 13' SECTION. THERE IS NO STORAGE CLOSET OF LIVES THAT NEVER WORKED RIGHT OR GOT THEIR ACT TOGETHER. THERE EXISTS NO WALL OF SHAME FOR THE MOMENTS WE REGRET. NO LIFE IS DISCARDED ON HEAVEN'S FLOOR AWAITING AN ANGEL CHILD TO SWEEP UP THE UNDESIRABLE. HEAVENS' STREETS HAVE NO SWEEPERS!! (capitalized for those who read the opening quote and thought you were an exception!) As for you deacons, admins and staff... We pray this #deaconThursday for your lives... while congregations and visitors may scratch their heads and "what were you thinking" comments, we pray for wisdom, guidance and discernment in the decisions and situations you face; not for the purpose of everyone agreeing with or liking you or the outcome, but that your church operations would be in alignment with God's Word, His Will and the mission and vision He has for the community in which He has placed you. We pray God's grace on your lives... past mistakes, bad decisions, the aftermath, the fallout, the regret of the act and the consequence... may grace abound with the blood of Christ that covers a multitude of sins and the stuff that stands in the way of a stronger, closer, healthier relationship with God. We pray encouragement... God has not overlooked you, neglected you, forgotten about you or turned from you. He has not discarded you, tossed you or thrown you away. He does not play trash can basketball with His creation. May you be reminded today...you are loved, needed, respected and appreciated. Sunday would look vastly different without your work Monday-Friday. -PNC  Listening ears is a "game" we started playing with our daughters, to figure out a way to capture their attention in hopes that they pay attention long enough to hear and understand what we wanted from them.
Needless to say, it still gets played daily. However, unlike real games, where if played long enough, you actually get better, this continues and seemingly takes more effort with every passing day. I keep having moments back to my childhood, whether I don't remember what I did wrong and the times I got in trouble, at least in my pre-teen years. or...I'm not sure. Whatever happened from me to them, these girls are a trip. Then I consider God... in His genuine, loving, compassionate nature, looks at His creation and in a moment of Fatherhood, experiences the smile that accompanies the "face-palm". It truly sheds light on how we should respond to our earthly children. It does in fact, shed great light on how we should respond to our Heavenly Father. Despite our moments of failure, the frustration we cause, the fear that encroaches to affect future decisions and behavior... all of this on top of the times we forget or neglect to "turn-on" our spiritual listening ears, God remains constant and patient as He waits for our attention to be fully turned to what He has for us and what He wants to speak into our lives and reveal into our hearts and minds. Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, that the difficulty and frustration that comes from kids and teens who've turned off their ears will not weigh so heavy as to prompt burnout. Pray a grace and understanding that's often hard to remember... life happens in seasons. Pray in this high-speed, hi-def graphics, digital theater surround sound, instant access culture, that the human spirit does not loss its ability to wait on God, to be a peace with the silence of His presence and to be ready and expectant to hear His still small voice. Pray pastors and parents alike, learn from what they are trying to instill in the kids they are raising and reaching for Christ... the importance of spiritual ears, ready to hear what the spirit is saying to the church, that is the body and the Bride of Christ. The sweet nothings that accompany love and affection, from God, are everything we need to sustain us and keep us, guide and direct us, prompt us and warn us, of the plans and purposes ordained in advance for us to accomplish for His glory. Let him who has ears, hear. Daily. If he will, but keep them turned on and attuned to the things of God. To the Word of God. To the voice of God. To the prompting and leading of the Holy Spirit. For the cause of Christ. -PNC  Who wouldn't and doesn't expect a return on their time, their treasure or their talent?
Effective product design, hard-earned money and the life of one who is capable of so much more if only one would take the time to make a contribution in them. It matters not what will remain here on earth with our name on it after we are gone. That said, giving is the currency of heaven. What is done in this life as an act of love on behalf of Jesus Christ counts as a transaction in heavens' registry. The difficulty is that, while that's true, it is difficult at best and excruciating at worst to watch someone in their faith experience constant frustration in this life as though prayers and efforts are landing seriously short. However, much like Wall Street, to witness long-term gain, you have to stay in the market. On this #associatePastorTuesday, pray that all pastors and associates in particular, will trust God anew and afresh, finding the courage and the staying power to remain in the marketplace of ministry. Pray they will see tangible, life-changing moments that will alter peoples' destinies for eternity. Pray for breakout and breakthrough for those issues that have held people captive whereby they have struggled to experience life with a positive outlook, having the joy of the Lord at the very root of their being. Pray pastors will witness the yielding of much fruit in the lives of those they minister, recognizing that through their sacrifice and willingness to serve, God is utilizing the message of the Cross to change their communities, in order that none would perish, but all would come to repentance. For the glory of God. Through the power of the blood of Jesus Christ. With the help of the Holy Spirit. An incredible, eternal reward awaits. An earthly investment. A heavenly return. An eternity changed. One life at a time...and we've none to spare! -PNC  My friend made a great point during our small group gathering last night while discussing Sunday mornings' service.
As we discussed competing and contending gods (from the story of the rich, young ruler), she mentioned how even self-reliance can be a competing, contending god in our life. Competency on the job, effective management of her team, ability to produce results and create viable solutions to challenging problems... it can be done and she proves it daily. Yet, taking the time each morning to pray and confess her need to rely on God for whatever she may face throughout the day (something I've been challenged do this past week as well) and it's amazing how easier and less stressful her day unfolds. As she's sharing, the words of my pastor mentioning his 23 years of ministry at the same church began ringing in my ears. If it's easy to rely on our abilities and competencies in corporate America, how much more would it be to do the same in ministry. To say the right things, advise the right things, quote Scripture, preach the right things... even on this site, I pray, it's God through me and not simply my perspective from years of church and thousands of services. Granted, the insight helps, just as much as my friends' experience in her field, but I can't rely on that any more than she. Likewise, neither can men and women in the pulpit. In the words of Abraham Lincoln, "you can fool some people all of the time, and all people some of the time, but you can't fool all the people all of the time." In school, on the job, at the home or from the pulpit, self-reliance eventually wears off and runs down. Only God, never fails and always sustains. Pray this #seniorPastorMonday, a fresh understanding of our daily need to confess our reliance on God. Pray persons from all walks of life and especially those in ministry will acknowledge how much more God can accomplish when we seek and ask for His help, strength and guidance rather than relying on our own experience, energy and knowledge. Pray that God will do the miraculous, as exponentially more is accomplished fort the kingdom of Heaven on any given day that what we could do for God on our in a month or even a year. May we allow God to work and have His way through open surrender to Him rather than pushing through the days problems on our own merit. "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Eph. 3:20-21 -PNC  Social media is an interesting dynamic. Rival college football teams played each other Saturday night. And whatever caused a bad-turnover in the last 10 seconds of the game, caused the team that was ahead by 2 points to lose. And the reactions to both the win and the loss depending on who you were rooting for...well, it appears to have gotten ugly. Fast.
Last I knew, it was still a game. Conversely, social media was elsewhere singing the praises of a band's latest album, whose ministry over the decades has reached for eternity, people who would never think of setting foot in church; or returning if they had once been burned, for that matter. Disclaimer: there are bands and musicians with talent who don't use it to make an eternal impact for the glory of God, as much as there are players, who may not be the most talented on the team who do use their talent for God. So this isn't a music v sports "one-up man-ship" post. But watching the dichotomy unfold last night, it became apparent why church needs to be effective and efficient. I know people are passionate about sports, but when it takes precedent over what's being accomplished for the kingdom of God by those believing their gifts and abilities will be used for His glory and prompt a turning or returning of the heart towards God, then one should be concerned. It's why churches dread summers when kids sports schedule begin taking up Sunday mornings. It's why Pastors struggle on whether to make changes to Sunday night services. It's why Youth Pastors invest so much into getting teens to events and Childrens' Pastors pray their regular kids aren't the only ones attending Vacation Bible School. And it's problems like these that take their toll in the steps leading to pastoral burnout. Life may be fun and games and I love partaking in both, but the line of demarcation between life and eternity is deadly serious. Pray today will in fact, be an #effectiveSunday. Pray the reactions to conversations and sermons will lead to positive changes in peoples' lives, both for their time on earth and their time in eternity. Pray the seriousness of eternity is made apparent, through the truth of Gods' Word, not to decide out of fear, but out of faith; genuinely knowing and understanding Christ came to draw us towards Him, not force Himself upon us. It's the difference between relationship and well... God is a gentleman. It's the difference between standing at the door and knocking versus knocking the door down. Pray this culture comes to understand Christ came to care for the heart of man, not crush him. For the love of God. For His Glory. Life has it's games. Life itself, not so much. Eternity demands a decision, not a chance. -PNC  Well, if this pic doesn't describe the nature and character of God...you remember the praise song from a number of years ago; "I stand, I stand, in awe of you?"
In this day and culture of human achievement, feats of great strength and mental ability and the focus on self-awareness, we're quickly arriving at a place where mankind thinks we are the end all, be all. Whatever problems and social ills we face, if we provide more education, offer more money and write more legislation, we can fix it. Especially if we make it free by leveraging "other peoples' money". Whatever ideologies haven't worked in the past, didn't have the brilliant minds of today. This is dangerous ground, whereby we should tread very lightly, if we dare tread at all. Scripture tells of a woman who had a bleeding issue. Twelve years. Twelve years and all her money. And the doctors had no solution. Money didn't fix the problem. Of course, we should keep in mind, they weren't exactly doctors as we know modern medicine today. Be that as it may... the experts of her day couldn't do everything people expected and hoped for any more than todays' "experts" are able. Experts, education, money and legislation under the guise of "legal reform" won't solve what our society and culture in this nation and abroad need. Where the experts are falling short, God stands tall. If only we didn't go through all our money on other "solutions" before reaching out to Him to save us, to heal us, to deliver us from the suffering we face day after day. May God help us this #communitySaturday, as we reach out to those around us, desperate for solutions to problems which money and experts have been unable to correct. Pray for relationships, marriages, addictions and diseases of all kinds for which all manner of help has been sought except the face of God. May there be a shift in our society that returns and looks to God rather than the self-acknowledged greatness of man. Pray for a fresh move of the miraculous in the hearts and lives of man, that they would experience the incredible grace and goodness of God, that the to would be left breathless in His wake, standing in awe, of a Holy God. By the grace of God. For the glory of God. Live changed forever. For eternity. Won by One. -PNC |
AuthorJust a man, attempting to fulfill God's plan. Husband, Dad, Dreamer. Blogger. Archives
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