I sat in church this morning thinking about the seemingly insignificant.

Simple impacts.

It's amazing how the simplest of acts can have long-term impacts.
Or at least last for a more extended period of time that we think is normal.

And sometimes, that how life works. You don't know what will make the biggest impact. You don't know what will turn out to become the moment that is held as an example of effectiveness. You don't always see the hidden detail in the process that cranks up the efficiency factor.

Sometimes life is a matter of trial and error; where there is no "we have to have it all figured out before we step out". A learning curve requires movement down the road; otherwise you are just talking about it when you should be experiencing it. Most people don't have it all figured out. I certainly don't. And even when I do, life has a way of changing things up and if life doesn't, just wait a few more minutes... for God certainly might move things around.

Does God have great things in store for us? Absolutely. But they often follow our obedience on the simple. We shouldn't overlook the insignificant, if for the only reason that that is often where God does His best work.

Pray, this #effectiveSunday, that we would be faithful and obedient in the simple acts and words in the moments and times of opportunity where we can make a positive impact. Pray that God would give us wisdom and discernment to know what to do and say; when and to whom. May we not fear the unknown of the future, but live and walk in the power of the present.

For today is a gift.
Created by God
And we have been created to do good works
For His glory.

- PNC

A couple of points worthy of revisitation, as I continue to ponder the word, associate.

It's a reflection of your environment. A complete picture, of your physical surroundings, the people in the space and the emotional and spiritual quality that can only be gauged by one's soul.

The buzz phrase of late, is that "you don't need that kind of negativity if your life."  And social media makes light of it, by highlighting a variety of scenarios... the person in your life who doesn't like coffee; or chocolate, or anything pumpkin spice. The friend who isn't geeked up by all things Disney or conversely, your favorite car brand. We make light of things quite frequently.

But then we consider the thing we survive and tolerate on a daily basis; that at every instance or occurrence steals from us. Perhaps it cuts out a slice of joy. Other times, it feels like a chink in the armor. It may not cut us to the core, nor to the quick, but it's a cut nonetheless.

Death by a thousand slashes may take a while, but death ensues regardless.

Churches have cultures and environments just like any other business and organization. And so do the pastors and boards who lead them. And so the people and places in which we position ourselves become crucial to both our health and our success. On a personal level. On a professional level. And yes, by all means, a ministerial level.

So, pray this #associatePastorTuesday, that God would grant wisdom and discernment to pastors, regarding where they go and with whom they align and associate themselves. Pray that God would use them to be influencers and world-changers because they have been encouraged and spurred on to greater things and in kind, do the same for others around them. Pray also for grace; for churches and ministries where the tension is tight and the environment more stressful and disconcerting than what is normal and acceptable.

For we are not only products of our environments,
But creators of it as well.
As God created us
For His glory.

- PNC

It seems we're watching a dangerous trend recently. And by recently, admittedly, it's probably been the past number of years... maybe longer. We're witnessing an antagonism towards leadership that goes beyond personality differences and disagreements in direction. So great is the dichotomy, that it would seem there is a growing group hoping for the failure of leadership.

I disagree with how you are going about this decision or direction is no longer sufficient. We are witnessing attitudes, actions and statements that reveal the downright ruination of those in leadership and authority. Nowhere is this more apparent that in the political landscape, but we've watched in the business world for years and decades. In the battle of competition and market-share and the domination of a space within an industry, many have secretly and openly wished for the failure and downfall of their nemesis.

Now, I can only hope and pray that our churches are not seeing this, neither from their congregations nor the leadership. But I bring this topic of because I think the cracking of the door of this whole process as well as the animosity that results from the fall-out does rear it's ugly head within the church.

Leadership at every level certainly has its' faults and missteps; glaring mistakes and downright failures. It's understandable to a degree, for we are all human and for the believer, possess the understanding that we all fall short of the glory of God.

But once the crack has broken wide open, regardless of whether or not our hope for demise was secretive or public; we see people use the failure of a leader as justification to no longer trust that leader. And we take it one step further to make an argument against the bigger picture... the organization, the institution, the very foundation.

We take a flaw or bad result and use that as a basis to completely start over. And while there may be a time and place for doing so, that should not be our default rush to corrective action.

For in doing so, you may very well eliminate all the inherent good that does exist and never recover; because of the imbalance of our perspective, one runs the risk that they may never recreate the balance that the people before have striven to achieve.

Pray this #seniorPastorMonday, that God would guard the hearts and minds of pastors as they lead their churches and ministries. Pray that their failures, defeats and mistakes would be few; not from a place of perfection, but as a deterrent for people to use that against them to bring to ruin their life and their ministry. Pray God would give them wisdom as they navigate these challenging times and vast variety of experiences and beliefs that they will encounter on any day of the week. Pray for discernment as the communicate, both on the street and from behind the pulpit. May their be engagement to speak the truth and to show love; for the two are inseparable.

For God does not call the qualified
But qualifies the called.
And Pastors do what they do;
Just like the rest of us.
By the grace of God
For His glory alone.

- PNC

I wonder sometimes just how often people encounter the same (or similar) set of circumstances and trials repeatedly, but for what essentially can be summed up as "the same lesson."

History does repeat itself. However, the way to change the story is to do things differently, the things that you wish had be done differently when it happened the first time or around (or previous times). That's how things get better. Otherwise, you continue to do the wrong thing and fight the same battle and endure the same struggle.

My long-held battle.... rest. Especially, well, I'll admit to recent weeks, but sadly, it's probably been a much longer struggle.

Lack of proper rest kills great effectiveness and strong efficiency. It is an incredible battle.

Responsibilities abound.
Tasks never end.
Relationships demand engagement.

And it's entirely possibly that self-interests can and do occupy an unhealthy amount of time and energy, which robs crucial time from proper rest that leads to greater effectiveness. In other words, procrastination is nobody's friend.

Thus, a body out of balance will run a very rough road and lead an even rougher life. And it won't solely be the fault of the road or of life... but largely on the person's ability to handle it, by taking care of their body, mind, spirit and soul.

Pray this #effectiveSunday, that we would indeed, be people who would take greater care of our bodies, not only physically, but spiritually, mentally and socially as well. Pray that procrastination would far removed from our realm of temptation. Conversely, may we find balance, to find proper rest for the body as well as the soul; that we may get more accomplished not only for that which lies before us, but that for which God has purposed and created us. Pray God would help us to fulfill our destiny and all the more we steward our lives, as lived through the fullness of our beings.

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

- PNC

Parenthood:

The on call, 24/7 job from which you never retire.

It's amazing the potential that kids and youth have these days. So much so, that even in watching and hearing some of their stories, makes me wonder what I've been doing all these years! As if a couple too many have been somewhat wasted. It's not that I'm not grateful for what's transpired; the people I've shared my time with and the outcomes that have brought me thus far. But some days, "what if" looms large.

Take for instance, the story of Edison, which I was reminded of earlier today.

One day, his grade school sent home a note. His mother teared up, as he asked her to read it. She replied, that it stated that he was a genius. The school was too small to serve him well and she should teach him at home. Obviously the rest is history.

But is it? Years later, Edison found the note from that school. And as I mentioned a few days, it turns out parents lie to their kids for conversations they aren't ready to have after all. Fortunately, for the genius Edison, it paid off. The note actually stated that Edison as addled. The school was unable to teach him and they instructed he not return to class.

Wow.

We're in a day and age when "everyone" is seemingly concerned about the messages we are sending to our kids. And yet for all the concern, the messages are consistently inconsistent. And there is no greater reminder of that truth than a few day engaged in the laughter and stress of parenthood. And a few more after that, engaged in ministry.

Pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that pastors would be among those who would deliver consistent messages. Consistent with the truth of God's Word. Consistent with the mission and values of their local church community. Pray they partner with parents who are working to raise kids who fear and honor God with their lives and in their homes. May God work the miraculous in the lives of those who are in difficult places; where they may be at a crux intersection, like Edison's mom stood one afternoon.

While they enemy has already tried to ruin the child,
Christ bids them to come.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I have a friend who is a university president; who among his many brilliant insights and perspectives on a variety of issues has a simply profound, three-word phrase.

Ideas have consequences.

Just when you think we've encountered troubling times on society's landscape, something gets more outrageous, more bizarre... another level of unbelief with increasing frustration regarding the process and procedure of how things transpire.

You look a situation or circumstance and ask, how have we arrived at this place?
Then you reflect on the steps and the courses of action that were taken after a direction was set. Wisdom would tell you to walk; and when things go wrong, it's easily correctable. However, when you through caution and warning out the window and take off running, the warning signs are harder to see, let alone notice with enough time to respond.

Thus, we find ourselves in trouble. All because we looked at an issue and thought the boundaries were too restrictive. So we compromised and made allowance with "safe-guards". We changed how we present and teach and affirm and correct. And I'm not against change. But clearly, certain movers and shakers in our culture were convinced certain changers were being made for the better and after decades of results, perhaps a rude awakening is bringing us to a place of understanding that change for change' sake isn't enough.

Compromise has it's time and place. But like anything else, it depends on the people involved and the state of the relationship. Otherwise, it's simple dilution. And given enough time, whatever was once intact, will fall apart.

Pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that God would grant wisdom and discernment as they lead, both in ministry and life. Pray that they would exercise discretion as they make decisions and give direction. May they be careful in the arenas in which they compromise and truly consider the motive and reasoning to do so. Pray they would be the influencers and leaders in the lives of the youth, where for many of them, we have failed in days gone by.

Better. Not on our own merit,
But by what Christ has accomplished in us.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

An oft-stated line from a previous pastor... information becomes revelation becomes transformation.

We learn. We go. We do. We be. And repeat. This is the process of becoming.

Change is rarely overnight. It is, with much greater frequency, a disciplined series of steps taken towards a specific destination and done so, with great intentionality. Do we get thrown off along the way? Yes. Distracted? Constantly. Frustrated? Often. Discouraged? Well, it usually follows frustration where if goes.

I worry what happens when learning ceases. And worse, what happens when the discipline to do so is lost and forgotten?  It's really dangerous ground for any individual to find themselves. Stagnation. Ignorance. Audacity. There really is no reason to step in the room and leave with absolutely no new information. If anything, there should at least be a perspective to take away or a truth reaffirmed. Anything that does not leaving you looking back at an activity or an event as though it were a waste of time.

Hopefully, at least where people and relationships are concerned, that it is not the parting sentiment. Especially for the church, which is a living organization, full of people that should be so filled with God that we speak life. For the power of to give life is gone, then perhaps Life has parted from us; and while that's dangerous for the believer, it is destructive for a pastor.

Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, that pastors would always keep and maintain a spirit to receive. Pray they would not be tempted to reach and exist at a level where they have arrived or attained all. May there be a continual reliance upon God for His Work and a continual thirst for the understanding of His Word. Pray for a strengthening of discipline to know and to seek the deep things of God.

That the church would be stronger and greater
Because of the increase that God brings to the life of the leadership
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I think at one point and time, we have all had a relationship or friendship that at some level was unhealthy for our lives, if not down right toxic and destructive to our health on multiple, if not every level. And so I write this cautiously, with the full understanding that every life is important and that God cares for all and so should the believer... we should consider carefully who we spend our time with and for what period of time with what motives.

Planting seeds and developing relationships with spiritual motives are great.
Conversations and acts of kindness in an effort to display Christ' love, by all means.
Even done so, simply in the name of being "a decent human being." Granted.

But we are only allotted so much time on this earth.
Only so much time in a life.
Only so much time in a day.
Many people. Much responsibility.

Plus, there's the hindrance that we cannot be in more than one place at a time. So, it's humbling to consider the time that has been invested with people that is simply lost. It may have had some worth at the time, and perhaps the lessons learned brought value to our future, but there's way too many circumstances were we can look and say; that was the wrong place and the wrong person and things would be in an entirely different place in life and with God had we approached people and the relationships surrounding them with greater purpose, intent and clarity of thought and motive.

There's a word for such realizations... regret. Somehow it is seemingly never associated with good decisions... unless from the perspective of there should have been more of them made; even if there already exists a lengthy list.

Pray, this #communitySaturday, for God's help in making wise decisions regarding the people that we come in contact with and the relationship in which we invest any amount of time. Pray for clarity of thought and motives; that are time would be accompanied by a level of understanding and purpose. May we apply that according, so that our lives do not become unbalanced and unstable by spending an unhealthy amount of time with a person that creates more harm and damage to our own lives that health and maturity. Pray God would grant us wisdom and discern to know who He has placed in our paths for His purpose of good and who has been installed a force of destruction and ruin.

For evil exists and is great in our world.
Let us walk in Christ and with wisdom
For the advancement of the kingdom of God.

- PNC

The difference between hitting the refresh button and coming to the place where you realize that you need to regroup...

Time.

As I reflect on certain circumstances of my younger days and even those in recent years, I know this. Life fights in the heavyweight class. And it does not fight fair. I say this, understanding full well that there's a ton that can't be explained, and furthermore that I can't explain. I don't even try. I'm also a firm believer in the sovereignty of God and the promise that He does work everything for the good. What was meant to destroy us does not have to define us

Our identity is not found in the trauma and the tragedy of life; but what Christ accomplished through His life.

Having said that; however, when life knocks in, knocks hard and knocks done, you don't necessarily need to be refreshed. It takes a process of regrouping and getting your bearings. Not an easy skill to pick up and often learned on the front-lines of life; it is a process of  strategy and developing a game plan.

To answer the all-too important question: What are you going to do?

I know, that's a daily decision question. But in the wake of major life events and states of transition and change, the question is critical. Without a game-plan, without a strategic approach and without a proper perspective and understanding of what's going on, it's a question that if it doesn't haunt you, will at the very least keep you up at night.

Like so many other life lessons, I wish I had learned this earlier.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray for those pastors who have been knocked down. Pray that God strengthen them. Pray they would find wisdom and strategy as the regroup, get perspective and rise again. Pray for the lessons that will be learned and the decisions that will be made in the days to come. May they take the opportunities to intentionally build up and speak into the lives of the youth; that while life does play hard and often unfair, God is with them. Never leaving. Never forsaking. Pray they would know and rest, that while they may not yet have a plan, God does.

Plans to for a hope and a future,
To prosper and not harm.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Has anyone else noticed, life doesn't stop. Even one one's life does, in fact, actually stop, the process of living does not stop for the rest of us. Task and responsibilities, relationships and opportunities are seemingly endless leading to incredible amounts of energy expended and time spent into getting things done and making meaningful contributions.

It's no wonder people get stressed, worried and anxious so quickly and so often.

You may not be able to inject an actual solution or "fix" for a particular problem or circumstance, but it's amazing just how often a change in perspective works.

The mind is technical.

Like a notorious computer operating system, or your internet connection or preferred internet browser, sometime you just need to hit the "refresh" button.

Life, like a program, locks up. And simply taking a step back and reevaluating things; putting pen to paper and stating what is known is almost a miracle of relief in itself. Computer techs have a term for this. "Clearing the cache."  It's a simple click of a button, but for the mind, we all too often make it seem more complex than it is.

And that's not to diminish the moments that truly are complex and difficult to discern. But I would argue that that's the time to truly simplify one's perspective and the lens and filter through which they view the matter. Write it down. It helps.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, pray for those having difficulty in stepping back and gaining a fresh take on the matter. Pray for those frustrated by the approaches and methods towards solutions have not worked or seem to be more trouble and cause more problems that what already exists. May God help them to change their perspective and see things from a different vantage point. May the power to breathe bring calm in the midst of the stress. May the prayer of the righteous go forth; that God would hear their plea and grant peace in the midst of the chaos.

For God brings help in our time of need
To those who call upon His name.
May we seek Him first.
For His glory alone.

- PNC

Unless you are Christ, one person can only do so much. One person can only go so far.

The next level, the next plateau, the next stage in advancement and progression always requires something that is not within us. For the believer, we should never try to do anything on our own. For one, God knows the plans He has for us.
Secondly, He cares about us. So if it's important to us, it is important to Him.

All too often though, we get caught up in both the excitement and stress of life and attempt to start working our own game-plan, executing our own strategy and seeking all kinds of advice and resources for help. Do we leave God out entirely?

No, most often we do not.

But more often than we should, we don't rely on Him first. We don't necessarily seek Him first. He is not first to whom we cast our cares. Nor our dreams, for that matter.

Trying everything else, before doing the best; going to everyone else before approaching the best...

God is willing, ready and able to help, intervene and move on our behalf. All it takes is one step towards Him.
How much of our effectiveness and efficiency is hindered from our not being more open to moving in His direction, at a greater and quicker pace than we currently do?

On this #effectiveSunday, pray that we would be even more open. Not only to the things of God and the moving of God, but an opening of our hearts and minds to how and what He would specifically desire to work, build and grow in within.  Pray fear, anxiety and stress from the cares of the world and its' responsibilities would not stand as a stumbling block nor a bondage that would prevent us from seeking and running to God and doing so first. May God work the miraculous, as we seek, pray and go in the direction and prompting of the Holy Spirit.

As we have placed our faith in God
So to should our confidence lie.
To our betterment
For His glory.

- PNC

Leave it to social media to be reminded that the world is small.
Leave it to social media to be reminded that "community" exists, in the presence of just two people, let alone beyond.
Leave it to social media to be reminded that people can call out what they perceive to be true, but be wrong.
And don't be surprised that perhaps those same people weren't as wrong as perhaps what you thought they were.

Social media is reminder that the innocent words and communiques can be misconstrued, misinterpreted and misunderstood. It's a reminder that the non-judgement do make judgements. Everyone makes assessments and evaluations. And we have lenses and filters which cause us to see things differently. Sometime to extreme differences. Other times to fine-line nuances.

Nevertheless, leave it to social media to be reminded that as quickly as we can recognize the worst in people; we can just as easily notice the best. And the good. And the humanity.

Community will always require truth. It will always require compassion.
It will always require as much self-awareness as it will awareness of those around us.

We are in the world, but not of the world. But our identity is in Christ. Which makes us people who can change the world, as Jesus did. Does social media need help? I think that goes without saying. But only, because we know the truth of reality. Society needs help.

Pray this #communitySaturday, that we would be people who would indeed change the world, for Christ. Pray that we would be people of the truth and of compassion; genuine in spirit and kind in heart. May we ever be conscience that people are hurting; living damaged lives and viewing life with skewed perceptions and scratched lenses. Pray God would help us as we communicate our experiences with His truth and a heart to help.

For no man is an island.
Neither in social media,
Nor on this side of eternity.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I was reminded earlier today, of just how much of a struggle the balancing act can be, between ministry and life outside the four walls of the church. People love being involved in ministry and rightfully and commendably so. But sometimes they do so, putting other aspects of their life at risk.

It's not they shouldn't make a sacrifice, nor that certain positions of ministry are risky. However, having a home life that is out of balance or finances that are out of control or relationships that are perhaps less than beneficial can stand in the way of how one approaches ministry.

Stress, worry, anxiety, frustration... the sorting and balancing of life is difficult enough most days. But it is both problematic and dangerous to build a ministry from a personal life that may have some foundational issues. It is a fine line. I'm not suggesting everything needs to be "perfect" before stepping into ministry. I'm reminded every time I sit to write this site, that I'm taking this lesson to heart.

But Paul understood this dichotomy all to well. If the struggle interferes with ministry...

Granted, he was talking about a specific struggle, but the larger point is there. Ministry has enough battles and struggles of it's own without our entering it with our own, unresolved chaos and undue stress... much of which could be avoided or eliminated by out daily decisions.

So, pray this #deaconThursday, that God would help church leadership and staff solve and correct the matters and issues in their personal lives where problems outside the church are affecting their work within the church. Pray that God would give them wisdom in handling those situations and grace in dealing with those involved. Pray that God would grant them strength, for the weary and down-trodden who've recognized their troubled existence has lasted far too long. May God accomplish the miraculous as they commit to bringing order and structure where there is little to none. Pray for increased blessing over their ministry as they get their personal affairs together and on the right track.

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

- PNC

"They were that close to the action; and had a meager faith." - Allister Begg.

I had an early start at work this morning, and happened to catch part of Allister's sermon being broadcast. He was talking about the disciples being on the boat in the storm when Jesus walks on the water. And yet, just prior, He had fed the 5000. Is it that hard to believe that one miracle was "possible" but walking on water was somehow now, not possible?

This seemingly has transitioned into a part 3, on the concept of hiding in ministry.

You're "in the group" and "in the know" and so assumptions are made about one's faith and prayer life and every other aspect of their life and that things are going well, or they are standing incredibly strong when things are not... going well.

We assume a "closeness to the action" of God equates to a strong and great faith.

And yet Allister points out, that isn't always the case; as evidenced by the disciples.

Perhaps, as much as this could be true for those in ministry, certainly it's true, if not even more, of the youth of church leaders. They witness the faith and ministry conducted by their parents, and yet can disengage to a level of meager faith and even, God forbid, a missing and abandoned faith.

And may that be our prayer. By all means, pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that pastors would have great faith as they lead the church and its' people. Likewise, though, pray for their children, who are watching and learning from the front row (both literally and figuratively). May they come to a place in their generation, where they experience their own revelation of God and come to a genuine and passionate faith of their own, placed in Jesus Christ. May they not rely on the coattails of parents and grandparents and other pastors and teachers. Pray God would do a great work in their lives; for the purpose and plans that He has ordained specifically to their lives. Pray they would not live in the shadows of ministry, but step into their own, as Christ is displayed in their lives. May the temptation to hide in ministry, whether it is the pastor or the pastors family doing so, be cast aside.

That we would step into the fullness
Of what God has called us forth to complete
For the glory of God

- PNC

Among the many facets that come together to create effectiveness, lie two pivotal bearings.

Knowing where you are.
Knowing where you are going.

Listening to Stryper's latest album, they ask a poignant question, in the third track, simply titled Lost.

Are we lost?

We all have things to do, goals to accomplish and directions in which we are heading. We are facing many battles, struggles and obstacles along the way. Does it take much to throw us off course and lose our bearings? Hopefully not. But when the beat-down is strong, what is keeping you in the game?

What's more... what is keeping you in advancement mode. Yes, sometimes it is survival mode, but the advancement remains reachable, hopeful, and worthwhile. Because we hold fast to the truth. We hold fast to the promise. We keep our eyes on the goal, while having a keen awareness of the surroundings.

There is no effectiveness in burnout.
There is great effectiveness in continuance, especially where there is clarity of vision and purpose.

Pray this #effectiveSunday for those feeling lost and overwhelmed by their state of existence. Pray that they would hold fast to the promise and faith which has brought them to today. May God strengthen and quicken them; that they would neither quit nor retreat, but advance with renewed focus and intensity. Pray for increased awareness and clarity that would serve to increase their hope and trust in what God desires to accomplish in and through their lives.

Once lost; now found.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

We prayed a couple weeks back about ownership, regarding church leadership. If I recall, the discussion revolved around the mistakes and failures that leadership finds themselves in; whatever the reason behind the circumstance. What jogged my memory about the post was earlier today, I was listening to a portion of Stryper's latest album and they song Own Up played, dealing with this very subject.

As the song played, I had a thought-provoking analysis; that like any good analysis began with a question.

Is there a difference between taking ownership on a personal level and taking ownership on a public level?

I think the simple answer is, yes!

Why is this possible?

First of all, I think it's possible for people to take public ownership of a problem, but it doesn't really take root in their heart and mind that they would do something different the next time around.

The reverse is equally possible and perhaps, even more profound. I can take ownership of something in my life, perhaps that God is working on and allow the Holy Spirit to do His work; however long it takes, and yet that problem or issue never becomes a public acknowledgement.

We know that our mess, God uses to create message, but not every message involves every detail. So the private issue, may or may not become a major point upon which someone expounds on as they tell their story. But the work that God has done in them in their private, quiet time of prayer, devotion and reflection can be a noticeable shift; even a major breakthrough for their life.

Thus, indeed the power of ownership is double-sided. With a time, place and process for both. In their own right, both unsettling prospects to endure. But what God creates as we submit to the process...

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for pastors that are struggling with the issues that God is dealing with them in their private and personal time. Pray that they would not believe the lies that there is not a problem, where God is saying otherwise. Pray for the conviction of the Holy Spirit to be balanced by the redemptive love of the Father. May whatever stands in the way of them being able to be honest with themselves, step aside. Pray for breakthrough; for strength and healing as pastors go through this process.

For we do not live this life alone.
The God who brings conviction
Also sends us comfort, healing and restoration.
For His glory alone.

- PNC

We had a special service at church this morning, dedicated to school teachers and educators. It was a great time of giving and recognition and the pastor shared his message of the teachers who made a difference in his life. So often we think of the words or events that changed our truly, personally changed our lives, but that's not quite as powerful as the people with whom we have experienced a direct point of contact.

It's easy to reflect on what we have accomplished and point back to a time when information changed our lives or an event turned the course of things and a new shift changed the dynamics by which we lived, moved or perceived reality. Conversely, though, we can all point to a person or a relationship that has created a point of frustration and hindrance where we felt as though we were truly held back or disadvantaged by circumstances that were by and large, out of our control.

"Perhaps if someone else had done differently, I too would be doing differently."

I'm not absolving the individual into making excuses, but at the same time, legitimate negative factors do take their toll and have to be accounted for if we are to work towards solutions to overcome the obstacles that may lie before us, whether they be there on purpose or by accident.

That said, if you know your effectiveness has been hindered by people in the past, then is that not all the more reason to live today in such a way, that later, people will reflect upon your life and count you as one who moved them closer to greatness rather than held them back?

Pray this #effectiveSunday, that indeed we would live with intention and purpose; to live great lives and build up those around us. May we recognize the greatness within those around us and call them out to live better than they are. Pray that we would live with a spirit of love and communicate with words of truth. May we people who would seek opportunitiy to make a difference in the lives of those around us, as Christ has work in our lives to make a difference for eternity.

For we were created with purpose,
For a hope and future
That we might glorify God
And point others to Him.
For the sake of the Gospel of Christ.

- PNC

I continue to be amazed by the goodness of people. So much going on, so many concerns and worries and battles in life that we all experience. And the power of community comes to light, when we take time out of our insanity to speak life into someone else'. We take a break from our own lives in order that we might contribute an opportunity for someone who needs a break from theirs.

Live is constantly moving; always advancing.

Like a merry go-round, hanging on for dear life is probably safer than jumping off. That said, staying on is a delicate balance between excitement and fear; joy and sorrow.

It is that perspective that points to the power and importance of being surrounded by good people. And everyone needs good people in their lives; therefore with that understanding, why would you want to be the contributor of something where people feel worse about themselves or life, after having been around you?

Community is only as beneficial as the character of the people who contribute to it. And that is an element of our lives that only God can transform.

On this #communitySaturday, pray that God would help us of us, to be better people of Godly character, on display to a world who desperately needs to be reconnected with its' Creator. Pray that despite whatever our current circumstances may be, that we would not miss the opportunity to be a blessing to those around us. May we take advantage of the opportunity to be an encouragement and support to those in need; as we have all been there ourselves and perhaps forgotten the fear and frustration the creeps in during stressful times. Pray that we would always be open to the prompting and leading of the Holy Spirit and follow accordingly.

For we have been blessed to be a blessing
And given life, to give life.
Created, to give glory to our Creator.

- PNC

Every once in a while, this happens. I have something for a post and before I know it, the idea, the train of thought, the phrase or keyword that I wanted to build from... lost.

Like misplacing your keys or the CD that you had in your hand yesterday, so to, does the important go missing... just that quick. Or so it seems.

Yet, I'm comforted in that God loses nothing. He wastes nothing. If anything, He is Re-cycler.

He re-uses circumstances.
He re-uses people.
He re-uses events.

The test becomes testimony.
The mess becomes a message.
The curse gets changed for our course.
What was meant to destroy us becomes a pivot point for destiny.

Neither the minister nor the one needing ministry is out of God's line of sight.
His view is unobstructed. He reach of love goes farther than our ability to run from Him.

This truth is as important for the one who has never heard it as it is for the one who needs to be reminded of it.

God starts the flame to that which has never come alive in Him; and rekindles that flame that has burnt out.

Pray this #missionsFriday, that God's Word would go forth. May missionaries be encouraged and strengthened. May those in need of the message be comforted and convicted. Pray that lives would forever be changed; transformed by the truth of the Gospel and filled with the love of Jesus Christ. May the spirit of discouragement and bondage be lifted and replaced with the rising up of clarity and purpose. Indeed, may there be a pivoting, from eternal destruction to eternal destiny.

One purpose,
One God
One glory.
All of us for Him.

- PNC

So, the past few days, I've one album in particular, on repeat. And I'm loving it. The album is titled "Beautiful", from a band by the name of The Walter Eugenes. It's a great Christian Rock album; I've had it for a few years, and I'm enjoying it more with every play through.

A number of songs hit really close to home, both in their message and the events that have transpired in the lives of some close friends. But the lyrics in the song, Hole For A Heart have a phrase which we've all stated at some point in our lives.

"I would have done it differently, if I had known from the start..."

"I could have known, but I would not see; if I would have listened from the start..."

Books have been written; and could be written from this perspective! I don't know of a single person, who hasn't reflected upon at least one circumstance and shared this sentiment of frustration. I think there's a reason hindsight is 20/20. It's because we don't the time to adjust our vision, our vantage point and our approach to the situation. Consider how many adjustments the optometrist makes before ordering your lenses? They get it dialed in!

Us? Not always. Not so often. Not nearly enough.

If you find yourself wishing you had known more from the start, then we aren't we asking every question possible when starting something new? Yes, I understand that the best laid plans get side-swiped and sabotaged, but great confidence comes from clear vision You can't know what you can't see; you can't deal with what you refuse to see.

Pray, this #deaconThursday, that God would given clear vision and insight to the tasks and projects that are currently underway and especially, those which are being taken into consideration. May their be clarity of communication and understanding of processes and perspectives. Pray for a spirit of unity despite an airing of differences. Pray God would grant divine direction where there has previously been a spirit of confusion. May God prepare the way and show it; that church leadership advance in confidence and obedience.

That we would not be a people who lack vision
But see what God sees
As He sees it
For His glory and purposes.

- PNC