Now What...

Depending on what time you went to bed last night, if you were able to do so at all (and depending on how much sleep you got) today will be a very interesting day.

I'm attempting to recall, outside of the last presidential election, a time where there has been such a dog-fight over ideological grounds. Nor, have we ever had two candidates that were so appalling and outrageous for our consideration to lead the nation that has been the envy of the world for an incredibly long time. While times have changed and many in society and culture would rather forget the heritage of America and our Judeo-Christian foundation, one thing is sure... this morning, the church world wakes up to a very different America.

I read an analogy the other day that mentioned the immorality of certain Old Testament leaders. There were those who wanted nothing to do with both the things of God as well as the people of God. Then there were those, who while they wanted nothing to do with the things of God, at least recognized the people of God; and while they weren't "with" them or agreed with them, were willing to defend them and stand up for them.

Today, now more than ever, this is the new America. 

The church is in for a ride, with either someone leading the charge against them or to some degree, someone leading some sort of defense on their behalf. Granted, we place not our trust in man, but in God; however, the challenges of daily life could be on the rise and the church needs to be prepared.

I know I've written in weeks and months past, particularly on Wednesdays, regarding the need for strong foundations of faith in our youth. Today, if they aren't already in the building process, the urgency to build foundations has arrived.

I'm not a conspiracy theorist, I'm not a doomsday-sayer. I'm not the smartest kid in the class; but I'm not naïve either. My hope and trust remains in the Lord God Almighty.

I can pinpoint a large part of the reason for that, to one oft-repeated encourage by those closest to me during my childhood.

"Never lose your sensitivity for the things of God."

That alone, strengthened the foundation that my family, teachers and pastors instilled in me at a young age. It has NOT made me perfect by any stretch of the imagination. It has however, sustained my life when there seemed little on which to hang my hat.

In this day and age, I can't stress the importance of our youth needing the purpose, direction, love and forgiveness that can only come through Jesus Christ. More importantly, we need youth and children's pastors who are just as grounded, just as stead-fast, just as stable in all arenas of life... that they may set an example, of placing their trust in God and proving themselves trust-worthy, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Join with me, in prayer... for our nation, for our youth, for the church.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray that whatever is in store for the people of God and the church as an organization, may we stand firm in our faith and hold fast to the courage of our convictions. May we display the love of Christ and be ready to fulfill the call of God on our lives and what He would have us to accomplish. Pray we would do well, to train our children in the things of God, not that they would only know the works of God, but the character of God. Pray for a strengthening and a quickening for current and up and coming pastors who will lead our kids and our youth, both now and beyond, into adulthood. May the Word of God guide every step, every decision, every conversation.

May God be lifted up, before all men.
May the church advance, through prayer.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, 
But principalities and rulers of this dark age.
God come quickly to our aid, we pray.

- PNC