History is important. It also, sadly, can't be rewritten after the fact.

But whatever the topic, even or subject matter, whether on a personal level or a national level, it is necessary to have an accurate analysis. Granted we don't always have all the information or the complete story until months, years and decades later, even; but an accurate account is crucial for a number of reasons.... most importantly, to help us not repeat that which went wrong.

Ironically, I'm writing this after following a thread on social media, about a young couple in their 20's becoming debt-free and yet struggling with feeling as though they are wasting their time to be able to enjoy "life" during their 20's. And tons of comments follow... about how much farther they will be ahead by making the sacrifice now in their youth, rather than living life to the full and literally paying for it one, two and three decades later. Comments are flooding in by people who are 2 and 3 decades later, and kicking themselves for not doing what this young couple is accomplishing.

We can talk about a barrage of social, cultural and national issues for which this truth applies, the need for accuracy regarding history but we'll leave that to the experts who do that sort of thing daily. On a personal level, regardless of stage and position you find yourself in life today, it's easy to get caught up and burned out thinking about how the prospect of tomorrow would be different had you done yesterday differently. And in the middle of that is now doing what is necessary today, rather than what is desirable today.

Better to sacrifice early, by choice, than later, by force. 

Everybody deals with regret differently, especially in their own lives, where's it's easy to tell and repeat our side of the story, rather than the whole story or convince ourselves that situations and our stupidity wasn't as bad as everyone else saw it to be (speaking for a friend *wink, wink). I would think to deal with such matters while engaged in some incredible challenging circumstances in the lives of others through the avenue of ministry would be incredibly difficult.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, pray for those pastors struggling with regrets and decisions of long ago. Even though they can't be changed, pray that they would have an accurate analysis what happened, so that lessons can be learned that haven't already and wisdom can be applied moving forward. Pray that God would redeem the time that was lost, by bad decisions, missed opportunities, misguided dreams and unproductive activities. May God use their experience to help others in their journey, as they are reminded once again of the powerful truth of God's sovereign hand...

He works all things together
For those who love Him
And are called according to His purpose.

- PNC

Have you noticed the conversation changes when among leaders?

It sounds different (or at least it should). The nature of the conversation takes on a different form. The dynamics of the conversation work on a whole other level. If you are in a leadership role, you've experienced this. In fact, if you aren't, you've noticed a different dynamic when you engage leadership.

Your approach to them changes.
How you handle yourself in their presence changes.
Your expectations regarding what you hope will come from the interaction... change.

Words matter.

Consider how you speak about frustrating circumstances in your life... in your workplace, on the home-front. Words are the result of an attitude and the change when leadership is engaged, because we recognize whose company we are in! Yet for as much as we can forget that whoever is in our presence is valuable, so too can leadership drop the ball and possess the wrong attitude and correspondingly, communicate the wrong statement.

So, the question remains for us all of us, but especially the leadership...
... are we conversation changers for the better or because we are bitter?

Let's pray this #seniorPastorMonday, that pastors would not succumb to the frustration and angst of the circumstances and challenges they face. Pray that God would give them wisdom and discernment in navigating the matters that are brought before them. Pray that the conversation would change, because they are in the room. While we all face difficult moments, pray such times would neither detour nor derail their attitudes, and as a result, their speech in response to the problem(s) at hand. In all things, may God be glorified, as they seek and trust Him to bring about good, in moments were good is seemingly hiding from our finite vision.

That we may see with God's eyes,
And respond to life with His heart.
For His glory alone.

- PNC

We had a powerful discussion this morning during the Men's Breakfast at church. Our round-table style, cafe-conversation involved a brief hermeneutics exercise on the book of Philemon. It's basically, a who, what and why analysis of the book, as well as the theme and main points of what the author is trying to convey, followed by a take-away of how the content can be applied to our lives today.

So what's up with Philemon?

Well, it is #communitySaturday, so in a word...

COMMUNITY.

We know community isn't perfect. But Philemon is a lesson in what community could and should be. A man betrayed is advised to accept his betrayer, after the betrayer not only comes to Christ, but serves an important role in the ministry. Paul advises Philemon to essentially do the right thing, by not holding the past against this man, and if he is unable to forgive, he should hold it against Paul.

It's a powerful picture of a man transformed by Christ. (the betrayer)
It's a amazing picture of a man reflecting Christ. (Paul)
It's a dynamic picture of a man encouraged to be more like Christ. (Philemon)

Such circumstances are as difficult in today's day and time as they were for Philemon's church. We want people to be transformed by Christ. We pray to that end. We converse with them to that end. But if we've been wronged by anyone, even if they were a part of the church community when the wrong occurred, we have a hard time accepting people as brother's and sister's in Christ.

If you haven't dealt with this problem personally, you know someone who has.
If you haven't yet, I pray that you don't ever; but then again, everyone is human. Even Christians.

We all hope we reflect Christ, yet we all struggle when we are encouraged to further reflect Christ. What does that tell you?

Pray this #communitySaturday, that God would help us be the community that reflects the person and character of Christ to a community and world desperately in need of Him. In this complex society and system of laws, pray that would be people who would pray for lives to be tranformed and may we live as though we ourselves, have been truly transformed. Pray that our church leadership would set the example of Christ, as Paul set for Philemon and his community. May we not get hung up on the past and the wrong, as troubling, problematic and unbelievable as it actually exists; but place our trust in God along and the power of the Cross of Jesus Christ.

For He is able to exceedingly above and beyond
That which we could ask or imagine.
Even through the power of forgiveness, healing and restoration.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Four years. Fourteen Years. Forty-nine years.

We commit to a decision.
We commit to a person.
We commit to a process.
We commit to a life.

And life has its' ups and downs, twists and turns; moments that make you pause in gratitude and others that come to halt and cause you to question.

All sorts of questions...
... is it worth it?
... am I doing the right thing?
... am I in the right place? at the right time?
.. (you finish your list)

Such moments seem to come waves with a rhythm and at nearly every rung of the ladder of roles and responsibilities.  The days you think that you perhaps you are "done" are combated with dreams and visions of what could be accomplished if you pressed in and pressed on; forging ahead as you continue to build upon the experience and wisdom that has brought you this far.

Don't let the pending burnout and the build-up of frustration prevent you from the calling and anointing that God has graced you with thus far. Yes, there are seasons of change, but there's a difference between God changing seasons and people abandoning ship.

On this #deaconThursday, pray for those within church leadership who have either quickly reached a place of great difficulty or have built a level of longevity to where they feel they can no longer continue. Pray that God would strengthen them and quicken them, body, soul, mind and spirit. Pray that God would give them wisdom in the decisions they face and the challenges they are working to overcome. May the storm not overtake them, but that they would continue to place their trust in Him and persevere through the process.

May life neither discourage them,
Nor the enemy defeat them;
But that they would live victorious
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Perhaps something clicked between yesterday and this morning, but it wasn't too far into the day when I started reflecting on some of the incredible life stories of recent pastors whose ministries and leadership I have enjoyed in recent years. The truly epic journeys that some of these men and women have endured, if not them, personally, their parents or grandparents whose lives got a hold of revolutionized.

A pastor with a grandfather who, after God called him into full-time ministry paid off his old gambling debts.
A pastor who had a biker for a father and a bar-maid for a mother... and yet God changed future generations.
A pastor, who at one time nearly stood at the edge of a wayward life... but God rewrote his future.

It's an incredibly powerful testimony to have such a conversion experience in the life of a pastor or ministry leader. And while it can be disconcerting to those who don't have such a powerhouse story; the legacy that begins with such stories is amazing.

It's amazing to watch it unfold in the generations that follow.
It's also a little scary, as we have watched numerous times, one generation witness a dramatic impact in their ministry and then the next generation somehow, somewhere along the line, dropped the torch. And the church suffers. Maybe not immediately, Maybe not entirely. But eventually.

As pastor has mentioned many times, every generation needs it's own revelation of God. For one generation's revelation is the next generation's religion. And that is when the legacy of ministry is placed into jeopardy.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for pastors, especially those who do have an incredible testimony behind their ministries. Pray for their families and the generations that follow them; may the legacy be protected, not for their name sake, but for the sake of eternity. Pray that God would guard their homes and children; that they would not have to face and overcome the challenges and demons that previous generations battled. May generational curses be broken and generational promises established and fulfilled. Pray the impact of one's ministry would be increased by the generations that follow because of their own revelation of God, rather than hindered by allowing to become a religious exercise.

For God did not grant freedom,
That we would return to enslavement.
Victorious for the cause of Jesus Christ
For as many years that remain.

- PNC

It truly makes thing significantly more effective and efficient when things are done in order. There is a process for everything, and where there isn't, plan on one being established and written in the near future. This is how things get lost... through a loss in the passing on of knowledge.

However, along with the obtaining of knowledge and experience, should eventually come the acknowledgement of that achievement. Such was the case in church this morning, as two of our leaders were in the church were officially introduced as on-staff Pastors, having completed the requirements within our fellowship of churches to receive pastoral credentials.

They will continue to serve, now, not as leaders over their ministries, but Pastors.

I know, sometimes a title is simply a title. And sometimes, the title is a perception things.

(I"m reminded of the episode in The West Wing, where the executive assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff attempts to jokingly refer to herself as the Deputy Deputy Chief of Staff.) Guess, you had to watch it for yourself.

So, while the title should instill a level of respect and recognition of someone's abilities and expertise, it should also not negate the fact that they were probably quite accomplished long before the title. (As evidenced by how many people receive honorary degrees, even posthumously.)

Having said that, the kingdom of God has it's team dynamics, just like any other team. Some are leaders and decision makers, others are encouragers, doers and dreamers. Some are detractors, side-liners, naysayers and seat-fillers. We don't like to think that some of those dynamics exist, but it doesn't take long to be a part of a church, to notice that they do appear.

It's awesome to be effective for the kingdom of God, even when you don't have the title. Conversely, it's a tragic state of affairs for a ministry or positions within ministry to lack effectiveness, particularly by those who do hold a certain title. If you have it, all the more reason to accomplish the most good you can with it. If you don't have it, do all you can, regardless.

On this #effectiveSunday, pray that ministry would continue to advance and grow, in effective and efficient manner by those who are knowledgeable as well as those who are recognizable. Pray that the people of God would be about His plan and purposes, regardless of a specific or title that accompanies the work and ministry in which they are engaged. May each of us use our time, talents and treasures to advance the cause of Jesus Christ and point others to a relationship with the same.

For we all serve a function and purpose,
Some externally, some internally,
Some in seeming obscurity
But God neither wastes a role, nor a responsibility
To be used for His glory.

- PNC

Life and relationships are interesting dynamic... as if I needed another personal reminder of this truth. It goes without saying, that life is a series of stages and people come and go; some with the purpose of goodness and other with the intent of ruin.

You'll have friends who will stand by to the point, you consider them more family than actual blood relatives.
At other times, you'll have family who will be standing by you while you wonder in the back of your mind, what happened to the friends who weren't were they said they would be when the time came?

As the strong of a nation lies in the security of it's borders, so to the strength of one's life relies on the healthiness of it's own boundaries, especially with regards to relationships.

The people who tell you that they value you, perhaps don't to the degree you think they should.
People say one thing to your face and later talk to someone else about your face.

Toxicity brings to ruin everything it comes in contact with, whether the effects be immediate or gradual. So too, can people bring us to a similar, disastrous existence both in quick, swift fashion and in the delayed wearing down of one's soul.

While we are you we are, more importantly, we need to be who God has called us to be and declared over our lives.

I read recently, that if you committed to making a 1% improvement in any area of your life and did so daily, by the end of the year, it would a 365%.

Thus, whatever your place in life and whatever your existence is within the "community", there's no reason tomorrow can't and shouldn't be an improvement and a year from now, nearly unbelievable.

Today's prison should not delay tomorrow's freedom.

On this #communitySaturday, pray that God would start with us; that as people of faith, we would not bring toxicity into the lives of others. Pray that God would help us manage, balance or even purge where necessary, the toxic relationships that exist within our own lives. Pray that we would be people who live according to God's ways and Word, rather than people's expectations, beliefs and opinions. May there be a grace about our lives, that overcomes the stress and tension that often disrupts the truth about life and reality. Pray that God would use us to point a lost and dying world to Him; that our own stress in life would not be stumble for others. May our lives bring glory to God, rather than disgrace and may God give us wisdom and discernment to know when we should persevere in prayer or to part ways in peace.

For a healthier community
Because we are healthy and strong in Christ alone.
For the glory of God, we pray.

- PNC

I'm so glad and grateful that God is sovereign.  He has a plan and a purpose that is far superior to what man can fathom and dream. If not, then what is He doing?

You've asked that before, regarding the people in your life. Perhaps even of those, in authority over you. Are they trying to set me up for failure? Do they like watching my struggle? Sure, they may have a grand purpose, but being in the dark as to what that purpose might be makes it difficult for one to persevere through the process and incredibly frustrating to endure in the midst of the process.

Nobody likes the state of existence in which they are on a need to know basis. And right now, you don't need to know. Yet, that all too frequent occurrence with God's sovereign plan and divine purpose.

If we admit that in the life of the "everyday" believer, there are spiritual forces at work against us that manifest themselves in the physical realm, then how much more are the forces against those on the front lines of advancing the Gospel of Christ and claiming eternal ground in the souls of humanity?

Pray this #missionsFriday, that God would minister to those struggling with the next steps of ministry. Pray for the battles and challenges they face and that are mounting against them. May they feel neither defeated nor detoured, but focused on the purpose God has called them to complete. Pray their faith would be found steadfast and unwavering; able to withstand all attacks of the enemy. Pray they would continue to trust in God, especially in the darkest hours of the longest days, in which they feel as though they are being taken to task for reasons unknown.

For greater is He who is them them
Than he who is in the World.
For the cause of Jesus Christ
And the glory of God the Father.

- PNC

For all the incredibly brave and noble people who fill and stand in the gap in all sorts of leadership roles, there are plenty who give it bad name, as well as do a less than stellar job, by seeking these rolls for the wrong reasons.

Sadly, pastors have done it... but worse, so have the advisors. And pastors have chosen people for wrong reasons just as people have desired the role for their own wrong reasons.

Also wrong... using the phrase "wrong reasons" four lines in row. But... you didn't notice that.

What concerns me, as well as complicates the reality of the matter, is the conversation we had a few days ago, regarding society's rush to judgement in nearly every arena of life. Not that we haven't been that way for quite some time, but it's gotten significantly more prevalent... no doubt due in part to the onslaught of social media.

The people you think desire leadership with honorable intentions and the decision makers and those who sit as a part of the process sometimes miss the mark. And the people who you thought didn't have an ounce of honorable intention in their soul end up being surprisingly on point. I didn't say perfect. All too often we demand what doesn't exist, then act surprised that our expectations weren't meant.

It truly is a strange phenomenon. But what do you expect from a flawed humanity?

So, on this #deaconThursday, pray that those who seek leadership roles, especially within the church, would indeed be people of honor and integrity; desirous to serve the community rather than satisfy their ego. Pray for discernment for the pastors and others who have input into who steps in advisory roles. Pray also for the church as whole; that we would exercise sound principles, understanding and reasoning when it comes to assessing people and circumstance. May we not rush to judgement, whether through condemnation or commemoration. Pray that we would speakers of truth because we are seekers of the truth.

And while we may make the decisions,
May God direct our steps
And illuminate our paths.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Nothing reminds you that the clock is running, with or without your knowledge, like your oldest child having a milestone birthday. And while I'm incredible proud of how much progress has been made in the past year, part of me feels I should be equally proud for retaining some semblance of my sanity in the process.

Then I remember the coming years will go by even faster, which means they are all the more critical, both to the success of their live and what I need to do as father during that same time.

If almost hard to fathom that God waited until the days of Noah to say, forget it... I'm starting over with you people.
Even more amazing, is that He hasn't doesn't so again, given today's cultural mess that we've created.

Parents always look to larger families... "I can't hardly handle my two kids... how do you do it with 5? (or insert the numbers from your conversations). We've all been there and had those talks. Super parents. And there's the rest of us... lol

Yet the lessons we've learned by the example that God has set for us are invaluable, incredible, and some days, darn near impossible. And if we've learned anything from the days of Noah, it's that our days are numbered, when it comes to setting our kids on a trajectory that will establish them as world changers for the kingdom of God. And we are daily reminded, that we too, should be about changing our world, starting with our family unit and our local community.

Let's pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, that God would give wisdom, both to those raising kids and those ministering to our kids. Pray that the foundation of faith would be firmly established in their hearts. Pray that God would give us grace for every new morning and an attitude of long-suffering as direction is given and guidance is instilled. Pray that pastors and parents alike would set a Godly example of living, as God has given examples for us, that we might be conformed and transformed into the image of Christ.

May generational curses be broken
And generational faith established
To love God and serve people
For all of our days;
However numbered they may be
And however many remain.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Someone was talking about the cost of the some of the national issues that we are currently facing, among them being hot topics such as illegal immigration, which led to the comparison being made between housing the kids involved to the hundreds of thousands of kids that are currently part of the foster care or social services system.

The numbers are incredible and the cost, astronomical.

And I thought to myself, just for the sake of analysis, how much time and money is given to animal rights and rescue causes. The pet industry is big business and I get it... we all love our pets.

Yet while people figure what to do here and there and pay for this and that.... as soon as a ministry steps up and says, we need help with resources and funding, people somehow find ways to hide the wallets and checkbooks. It seems as though "everybody" takes their negative experiences and the tragic stories they've heard and becomes a justifying critic to NOT do something to help, rather than a rational defender of why one's support should advance.

For all the causes whose message is advanced because of people's financial giving, what could possibly be more important than the Gospel of Christ whereby lives are at stake for all eternity?

God doesn't need the money to advance His message; but imagine what He could accomplish through the lives of those who were faithful givers, living in obedience to the life He has called us to live.

On this #missionsFriday, pray for missionaries who are struggling; especially with regards to resources and funding. Pray that God would sovereignly move on their behalf. Pray that the church and the people of God would be people who would be open and quick to give as needs are presented and opportunities are granted to give back to God by financing the advancement of the Gospel. May they not give up or quit, but grow in faith and prayer rather than in frustration and problems.

May God work the miraculous in every arena,
As we do better to love Him and love people
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I remember the day I started a new research job many years ago now. One of the first pieces of advice, I've never forgotten, even if I don't always put it into practice.

There are no stupid questions.

Some may disagree, but you can't live life not knowing what you don't know. And how will you find out if you don't ask?

Even in the smallest of matters and more in the things in which you've put off resolving. For whatever reason in doing so.

Such was my recent experience. A matter that I had been meaning to take care of months ago and it kept getting delayed... albeit it entirely within my control to get it sorted out. So, I finally made the call. And asked for some help from those on the other line who were able help make my case to those who could authorize the solution.

Needless to say, it was 20 minutes well spent. They met me half way. Which makes it that much easier for me to handle my part and responsibility in the matter. But were in not for the asking...

I keep getting reminded by a number of men in my life who have a few years on me; that we all have our moments of getting things wrong. We take care of problems and conflicts thinking we know what we are doing, what's the best way to handle it, manage it, solve it... and we make it worse as often as we make it right. At least if feels as if that is the case.

And those are the times that make me want to stop asking for help; to stop feeling like I don't know what I'm doing. Which is usually about the time that I prove to those around me that I don't have a clue. I'd been better off risking to ask the stupid question.

Even in our relationship with God, wisdom and clarification never hindered anyone, except for when it wasn't provided because it wasn't sought out.

So, on this #deaconThursday, pray that no matter the experience or expertise that church leaders would continue to be people who would ask and seek answers and solutions to that which confuses or confounds them. May they be people who seek the truth; both in God's Word and the circumstance in which they daily face. Pray that fear, shame, arrogance or pride would not keep them from growing in wisdom and knowledge. May they seek the face of God and draw from the life experience and understanding of those around them.

For if we are to live and move in unity
Then we must share in our knowledge
And trust in His grace.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Well, it's Freedom Day!!  Independence Day, as celebrated in these, wonderful United States of America.

Don't listen to the naysayers.
Yes, we have problems, just like every other country.
Our communities have issues, just like all the rest.
There is no "perfect" school anywhere.
And companies are always looking for the next improvement.

Meanwhile, every family has it's battles.
Every marriage has it's moments of strife.
And every life has it's crisis of faith.

There's so much that factors in to the freedom that we enjoy.  And so often we focus on the external things. To go anywhere. To do anything (within the legal framework). To be anyone that we want desire to be. To create a life of our own.

And yet, we don't always experience "freedom" as such. We miss out on financial freedom, thanks to debt and the pressure or desire as the case may be, to keep up with the neighbors, across the street or across the country. People struggle with addictions and substance abuse. We don't experience freedom because of clutter, both physically around our homes as well as that which resides mentally in the one square foot of real estate that is the head. We overthink matters. We overwork the process. We invest our time and energy into everything except that which matters most; relationship.

With God. With family. With friends. With those with whom we share this great land; for which many have lived, fought and died to ensure it's existence.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, let us first thank for freedom. While we celebrate what has been granted to us as a nation, may we remember the true freedom that exists through Jesus Christ. Pray for pastors living an experience that is more stress and struggle than freedom and joy. For whatever challenges they are facing, pray that God would grant them clarity and wisdom. Pray that chains would be broken and states of bondage loosened. Pray for the young people to whom they minister, that are facing similar struggles. May God help them to effective share the truth that God has a plan, purpose and destiny for their lives. May we never forget that freedom always comes at a price... whether by those who serve our country, or Christ who served for all humanity.

For the glory of God
We celebrate true freedom.

- PNC

Former front-man for the band SonicFlood, posted a picture of Scripture, the end of chapter 24 in Exodus. An incredible description of the presence of the Lord high atop the mountain. To this day, it is hard to comprehend a "devouring fire" as an analogy for the "awesome glory" of the Lord. No wonder Moses upon reappearing to the people looked like a changed man. For indeed, He had been in the presence of Almighty God.

But not for five minutes, or an hour.
Not for five hours or a day.
Neither even a full week.
No... how about five and half weeks!

I'm not sure what God's fascination is with numbers: I know there's incredibly profound meaning behind them, but here again... 40 days and 40 nights, in which Moses got lost in the secret place of God. Away from every distraction; away from every detractor. Away from every supporter, beloved neighbor, closest friend and annoying relative. (Smile, would you?)

I keep thinking about how much more time I need to be spending in the presence of God. Followed by, if I have distractions as well as responsibilities calling for my attention constantly, and I'm of relative, little importance, how much more for the senior pastors of our churches; whose sermons and entire ministries are directly affected by the quality of their relationship with God and the time spent in His presence?

It is a game changer.
For the casting of vision
For the effectiveness of ministry
For the impact upon eternity.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for those pastors, struggling to not only find adequate time in the presence of God, but mission-critical time. Pray for those struggling with time-management, and delegation of tasks and responsibilities. May God help them steward their time wisely and raise people up who will be more effective and efficient at handling matters that, while important, are distractions to the study of the Word. Pray that people would sense, with every encounter with the pastor, that they have just come down from the mountain of God. Pray for a sense of clarity that only comes from the throne of a sovereign, omniscient Father.

For what good is it to invest into people
If we don't take time to allow God to invest into us
Through His Word
In His Presence,
That others would see His glory.

- PNC

Yes, it's late in the day, this #effectiveSunday. And today is the start of the 37th consecutive month, of daily prayers. This is the Sunday that we pray that the efforts of our words, deeds and planted seeds would achieve what God would desire of us. Indeed, His Word will not return void.

So what is on my heart?

We've forgotten how to live in the moment. We're so quick to make sure we capture the moment that we forget to simply enjoy and create the memory of that moment. And it's that framework and mindset that allows to not be consumed with being effective, but to do what we can to make an impact. In the conversation. In the situation. In the moment of the life who needs feel the love of God and the truth of His Word.

But we don't enjoy the moment. We simply grab our phones to record the moment... as if our memory is worthless. The distraction takes away from the power of the impact that is made in that moment. Live it. Share it. Cherish it in your heart and soul.

And that's my prayer, this #effectiveSunday. Pray that as we go about the coming days and hours, that we would live in the moment and share and speak that which God lays upon our heart and engage as the opportunity presents itself. May we trust that God will accomplish His will and purpose as we are faithful to follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Pray that we would look back upon our days, including this one, knowing that the hand of God was at work; not only in our lives, but through our lives.

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

- PNC

Have you read the latest? Probably not. It's just my personal experience. It seems now there needs to be a debate on civility. As in what it is, who should engage with it and how ones management of it, or lack there of, is dependent on or in response to someone else.

Yes, by all means. Because one more word needed to be redefined (that was sarcasm, by the way)

I truly feel with each passing day, that I know less and less.
And I'm realizing more and more, there is no way we endure the trials and tribulations of this life without God's help.

Called to be in this world, but not of this world.

I've said it before and I'll say it again... the Christian walk is not for the faint of heart. And so many more have endured and currently live beyond my imagination, both in the risk and reward of God's grace and truth.

Which reminds me, while we are all trying to engage in community as the representation of Christ...

Is love really love without truth? Yes, we can get hung up on the truth that we forget to love, but does love exist without it?
How about compassion? Can I show you compassion while speaking a falsehood or enough of the truth to avoid offense?

The conversation will only get harder. The desire to engage will only become more frustrating, while at the same time more necessary. And notice the work of God in people's hearts and minds take time. Some prepare soil. Some plant seeds. Some water the seeds. And some witness the seed become a stalk of truth and believe in God alone. May that be our hope in the face of difficult people and circumstance.

Pray quite simply, on this #communitySaturday, that God would help us to engage and to know how to effectively handle the role each of us play in the process of making an impact whereby someone comes to the saving knowledge of God through Jesus Christ.

For it does not solely depend upon one of us alone,
But all of us desirous to change eternity on Earth
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Social media isn't all bad. But it is like any other relationship. It is what you contribute to it. That said, for all the accolades that it receives in the name of creating "connections", there are so many levels in which it creates a disconnect.

The power of debate and discussion on opposing sides of a matter or topic are lost. Statements lost in context. Non-verbal communication simply can't be transmitted whatsoever, despite any attempt by the use of many emojis. Sarcasm must be noted with multiple asterisks and even then, people don't pick up on the memo.

It really is an interesting phenomena. As well as entertaining at times. And frustrating quite more frequently.

Communication is an art... and sadly, one that is getting lost online. Despite people's attempts to use ever increasingly lofty terms to describe their argument, like false equivalency. Just spell it out. I think you are wrong and here's why. It seems of late, the only comments that have an element of brevity are those which end in calling the opposing debater choice names or demeaning adjectives. But what do I know? Not much, granted.

But I know this... physical connection is worth pursuing and maintaining. Life moves too fast as it is, without neglecting the actually reaching out to people beyond the screen of the keyboard, whether it be on the laptop or the phone's messenger app. A phone call goes a long way. A knock on the front door goes even farther.

On this #deaconThursday, pray that even as the church makes every attempt to connect with more people, especially through the power of social media, that they would also seek to make every connection possible with those in the surrounding communities that they serve. Pray that the power of the local church would neither be neglected nor dismissed. Pray that relationships would be strengthened as the body of Christ reaches out in physical and tangible ways to help those in need and speak life, hope and truth into troubled minds and broken hearts. While the power of technology is incredible, the power of the Cross of Christ is vital.

May we be about what happens in real time,
With face to face engagement, rather than face to screen.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

How amazing is it, that the mind can work through a matter and discuss with itself, at great lengths, what the best course of action is? Of course, depending on the circumstance, the mind takes on all sorts of factors and variables and outlines three, five and nine moves ahead. (someone please tell me, I'm not the only one who struggles with this)

This wouldn't be so problematic for the decision making process, except for the fact, that in a matter of moments, you can end up with two very different routes. Ultimately, you may end up at the same result, but the difference in the process is time and energy, cost and risk. It's good if you are decisive, committed and determined to not give a second thought after the fact, constantly wondering if you have chosen poorly... like choosing the Holy Grail without suffering the immediate effects of getting it wrong.

Otherwise, welcome to the second-guess club. (I'm having jackets made!)

Somehow, the idea of Associate Pastor conjures up images of middle-management. You're a decision maker of some note and worth, with your own plethora of people either reporting to you or coming to you, needing input and advice, direction and authorization. There's a handful of things in which you don't have "final say", but there's an overwhelming amount of circumstances in which you are allowed to speak and do so with knowledge and credibility.

Having said that though, it too leaves you in a vulnerable state. What if you do get it wrong. What if you miss an aspect. What if, while the long-term solution was good, you totally fumble the way you should have gone about it. There's plenty of advice that understands and justifies both paths. One might create a big mess now, but at least you know what you're dealing with. The other, may create a bigger mess later and who knows what you'll have on your hands.

This is a frustrating position to be in. Especially when you are the decision-maker, at least to some degree.

So, would you join me again, on this #associatePastorTuesday. Pray that God would help those struggling with the decisions they face. May God give them wisdom, regarding both the short-term outlook and the long-term prospect. Pray they would be surrounded by good advice. Pray that God would help them to make decisions without fear or worry. While there will always be risk and factors beyond their control, pray that it would not be a point that would cause unhealthy anxiety and stress, both within themselves as well as in the relationships of those affected by the decision. Pray that they would walk confidently in Christ; not held down by regret nor held back by mistakes, both of the past and the recent. May God help them move forward, one day at a time, one decision at a time.

For He has not given us a spirit of fear,
But of peace and a sound mind.
For His glory and by His grace.

- PNC

During praise and worship yesterday morning, we're singing Come To The Altar and the phrase "overcome by the weight of your sin" hit me. How often do we truly think about it?

Probably not nearly enough. Does it break our hearts like it breaks God's? Even as we are being sanctified and in the journey to greater reflect the Christ we love and the God we serve? Probably not.

Pastors on the other hand...

I've known many, that while it doesn't hold them back, have a keen sense of awareness of the human condition before God. And not just those whom they minister. They have a continual broken and contrite heart before God knowing that they, themselves, are not perfect and have neither arrived, nor achieved a position or status where there sin isn't ever before them. Yes, it's been forgiven, but they also understand it is only ever, one step behind them as well.

Conversely, just as it can easily become for all of us, so too, can a pastor forget or dismiss the power and damage of sin in relationship to how we connect with God and man. This is a dangerous place to be, because I think it does affect how we interact with others. And more importantly, it changes how we pray and communicate with God as well as how we read His Word.

That should be our wake-up call. But I fear for pastors who no longer are "overcome by the weight of their sin" as they song reads. It creates an opportunity for spiritual awareness to sneak out and away. Perhaps, worse, it opens the door for a contrite and broken to become a little less contrite and broken. And not because God has healed and restored it. But because it creates a sense that perhaps our sin isn't that bad or it's negative impact in our lives isn't so severe. And that is incredibly dangerous ground on which to stand, live and move our being.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray those pastors who perhaps, aren't as "overwhelmed" as they once wear. Pray for those whose heart isn't as broken and contrite as it once was. Whether they are feeling the effect in their ministry or not, pray that God would do a fresh work in their lives. Pray for their relationships as well, both within the church as well as their home and community. May there be a passion for others because the awareness of what God has done in their heart and mind is ever at the forefront of everything they do and set out to accomplish. Pray they hearts would not grow hardened nor the light go dim, nor their love go cold. May God strengthen their faith as they exercise their faith to greater things.

For the advancement of the kingdom of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.
For His glory alone.

- PNC

A very simple train of thought this morning, as I'm getting ready for church, reflecting on the events and conversations of the week. I trust yours went well. by the way.

Effectiveness does not come without a strategy. Whether laid out in great detail or a hunch that a certain approach or message might may be necessary, effectiveness does not happen without an intent, a motive and a follow-through. And I think we often put in more thought and strategy than what is warranted at times. Not that there's not a time and place for a grand plan.

But more often, little is done from a lack of plan altogether.

What is it that you want to do.
Where do you want to go.
What do you hope to be the outcome.

If we understand the long-term game plan; if we remain committed to its' pursuit, if we don't allow the distractions and detractors to have power of us, then the goal will be reached and effectiveness will be achieved.

Where there is hope, there will be a dasher
Where there is a dream, there will be a crusher.
Where there is peace, there will be a conflict.
Where there is gain, there will be loss.
For everything that has an advocate, there will be protest.

But on this #effectiveSunday, may we rejoice that God fights our battles on our behalf, and ultimately, in light of eternity, the end of the Book has been written and we know who wins. Pray for resolve to continue to work the plan God has prepared for us. May we not be detoured or distracted. Pray the attacks of the enemy would fall at the feet of the church. May today be a great victory for the church of Jesus Christ; that the body of Christ would be known by their love and their ability to speak the truth in love to those who would have ears to hear.

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

- PNC