It's What's New!

A summer quickly approaches, so does, among others things, the popular time for weddings. Last night we attended the wedding of my wife's cousin. Upon getting back to the residence, we scrolled through social media for a few, to discover the daughter of friends from our former church had gotten engaged. Such a fun time.

After so many years of marriage (insert your anniversary counter), it's exciting to see the smiles and laughter and enjoyment of "young love". Perhaps life has taken it's a toll and you forget what it was like in your own relationship, or you do remember and it just feels so far removed.

Either way, I got to thinking as we were about to leave last night about the vows. We often have grand ideas about wedded life and how things will go and work out and more. And life does hit. And it its hard.

We all hope to be effective and achieve long-lasting marriages with happiness along the way, despite the inevitable trials and struggles that simply can't be denied nor averted. While we plan and strategize, hope and pray, we simply don't know. Which is why there is power in the vow.

For better or worse.
For richer or poorer.
In sickness and in health.
Til death.

The process of effectiveness begins with commitment... no matter what it ends up looking like, we will work together to accomplish the dreams we hold and the purpose for which we have been created.

So, while I ask that you join me in prayer this #effectiveSunday, that all churches will experience a powerful day of coming together in the presence of God, I feel a specific sense for new church plants. Pray for the special challenges and needs they face as they work to become known and established in their neighborhoods and communities. May their efforts result in increased numbers and support. May more established churches come alongside to encourage and invest in these teams and pastors. Pray for creativity as they spread the word on the streets; that God would lead and guide their steps and conversations. Pray God would provide resources and people to help carry the burden and pressures of ministry start-ups. May they witness results for the kingdom of God; that any attempts of the enemy to thwart or hinder would be defeated and that they would not be detoured, distracted or derailed. Pray the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit to go before them and prepare the way as well as the hearts and minds of many; that God would accomplish the miraculous as people are committed to the process with only a hope of what level of effectiveness they may achieve.

Living life one step at a time
Advancing the kingdom of God one heart at a time.
May God continue to illuminate our steps and our path
For His glory and the salvation of many souls.
Impacting our cities for the cause of Christ.

- PNC

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