Father, Forgive Us

Well, first things first, on this incredibly somber Monday morning.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the pastors, leadership team, congregation and community of First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas.

I'm shaking my head in disbelief, yet simultaneously frustrated on a number of levels.

Of course, society's commentary is already well under way.

How the church should respond.
How government should respond.
How legislation should respond.

These are incredibly complicated times. And yet they are blatantly simple times.

What is at work in the world has been a long-time coming, even more so as the created world continues to want nothing to do with it's Creator while simultaneously crying out for something greater than itself.

I don't know.

All I have right now, is the words of Christ.

Don't be surprised when this happens. The world hated Me. They will hate you also.

Yet somehow, the Christianity community will be known by there love for one another.

I don't know what tomorrow holds for any of us.
I do know that God holds tomorrow. Furthermore, He holds the whole world in His hands. And if we are to get through tomorrow, even if the whole world stands opposed to us, we will need the strength and grace of God to abound in our lives, homes and churches.

And lest we forget... let us be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Wisdom... comes first. May God fight for those who are His as we stand for Him.

Pray this #seniorPastorSunday for wisdom to navigate these certain, yet uncertain times. Pray for the strength to persevere in the face of evil and overwhelming odds. Pray for favor between church and community; that our love and passion for good and righteousness would emerge victorious. Pray for peace and comfort for this Sutherland Springs. May the Holy Spirit bring healing and restoration and may joy rise from this tragedy. A day of new beginnings. A day of revival.

God, come quickly.
Heal this very broken land.
That we turn from our wicked ways
And fall at the base of the Cross of Christ.
In surrender to your glory.
For the honor of your Name.

- PNC