Father Like God

A Happy Father's Day to you Dad's out there in the Bring Me 70 / pray4pastors universe!!

I can't thank you enough for joining me in praying for pastors and those in ministry that help us lead our families, churches and communities. There's so much that goes into fatherhood. And we know the reality of that matter is that it doesn't take much to become a father. But once that is your reality, being a father that is known and respected as "good" or better is work. A lot of work. Even when you have zero energy, mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially.

Fatherhood is an investment... in the most important thing that could ever be entrusted to you. A life created by God who bears His image and your name.

Long before we can do what God has called us to do, we have to acknowledge who He has called us to be... and understand that God's blessing came before His instruction.

Doesn't God give the greatest example of Fatherhood?  An ever-present help in times of trouble!

Dad's who can be called upon in times of trouble can be trusted, most likely, because they were so present when there was an absence of trouble. Simply being present speaks volumes to those who want to know that someone will be available when needed.

It's how we know we can call on the name of the Lord and place our trust in God.  For He has always been and will always be. And I love the idea that even when we can trace God, we can trust Him. We may not know what's going on and why He is doing what He is doing, but we can trust that there is a plan and purpose.

So too, is the way to be both effective and efficient in our lives and ministries... to live with an intentional plan and a grand purpose. Ideally, inspired, blessed and anointed by the hand of God. For immediate after God created man, He blessed them and then gave them an assignment.

Pray, this #effectiveSunday, for God's continued hand of blessing and favor, particular over the fathers who lead our homes and families, churches and communities. May we be the men of God that He has called us to be and do the things in this world that He has called us to do. Pray for a grace about our lives that would testify of the goodness of God even in spite of our mistakes both great and small, of both little consequence and of great consequence. Pray that we would live with an awareness of God's moving in our lives and a sense of awe of the people and responsibilities and resources that have been entrusted to our care and oversight. May we neither neglect the role we play in our relationships, nor be absent from them altogether. Pray that we would follow God's example, to be an ever-present help to those in need as God has been for us when we ourselves have been in great trouble.

Created in the image of God
To reflect the image of God.
All for the glory of God.

- PNC