This past weekend marks the 29th anniversary of one of the most tragic bus accidents in our nation's history, as a church community was returning late from an outing on a Saturday night when their bus was struck by a drunk driver traveling on the wrong side of the freeway.

Read more here:
www.nytimes.com/1988/05/16/us/fiery-crash-kills-27-in-kentucky-as-truck-and-youths-bus-collide.html

I have a number of pastor friends who are close friends with the pastors who were leading that church at the time of this tragedy. And as a friend posted to social media yesterday, he offered this comment, regarding the pastor and his wife... "{she] called all the families who lost loved ones in this tragedy yesterday. As she has every year, for 29 years now".

Though their ministry continues in other realms and other places, such was the impact on this community and obviously this church, that they are still ministering to those whose lives were forever changed on this earth by this loss.

It just got me thinking about the power of legacy. And the power of pastors who remain committed to the call of God upon their lives to serve the Kingdom despite whatever great triumph or tragedy they may encounter along the way.

I simply can't fathom, actually. What a time for God to show up and accomplish the miraculous. Which He did in the aftermath. But what a dangerous time, for the enemy of our souls to accomplish much destruction and havoc to the foundation of faith in peoples' lives.

Thus, will you join me this #seniorPastorMonday in prayer? Pray for this church family specifically and these pastors, who after all these years continue to reach on those impacted. May God strengthen and encourage them, that even though time heals, it's the power of God that continues to work and accomplish His purposes through the affairs of life. Pray the testimonies of His grace and glory would continue to be declared from this community; that what the enemy meant to steal, may God return with blessing, favor and increase. Pray also, for pastors' like the Tennison's, who perhaps have struggled to keep the course and such tragedies have taken them out of the ministry and calling God has for them as life has simply overwhelmed. May God accomplish the miraculous in their lives even this day.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.
No matter what your life looks like.
Yesterday, today and tomorrow,
The I Am has the whole world in His hands.

- PNC

Life really does get boring at times.

The rote and routine of daily life takes it's toll. Tasks get old and anything that interrupts and adds to the load, the time or the stress can really throw us off our game... especially if we aren't paying attention.

We get things done effectively through systems and efficiency because of the longevity of which we've been doing them. Yet, even I notice, the rates for those two factors decrease based on my energy and enthusiasm to get something accomplished.

When it's half-hearted, whenever it gets done today is the mindset I find myself distracted. What's the latest update from friends on Facebook; who has cool ride is for sale on Craigslist; is  there anything good on television or maybe something great on YouTube... the possibilities are endless thanks to technology in our hand.

This, by the way, is why we applaud Mother's. Parenting is a full-time job in itself, it's matters not who is working outside the home... family is work. Hard work.

Yet even taking care of things around the house and kids can be as mundane and taxing as any other responsibility one may have in the workplace or the church-place.

But with a spirit of love and diligence, faithfulness and fulfillment... whatever you do, do as unto the Lord; and the effectiveness and efficiency of the task or project at hand changes course for the better.

As we celebrate Mothers on this #effectiveSunday, would you join me in praying that God would strengthen them (and the rest of us, really) for the days when our hearts and minds are not fully devoted to what is in front of us to accomplish. May there be a spirit of renewal and rejuvenation over such times and stress. Pray for stress levels and tensions be diminished, as even the routine and normal things of life mount to problematic conversations and moments of challenge.

God we look to you...
On the special days of celebration
On the regular days of life.
For your glory.

- PNC

On a number of occasions this past week, the word of the day throughout various conversations and sermons playing on the radio was "isolation". It's so easy to disconnect. Even when we look like we are connected; that just might not be the case.

Just because something is plugged in, doesn't mean that it is up and running.

Likewise...

In our friendships and relationships, it's entirely possible to be "together" yet, exist at some level of isolation. As if the television was on while people sit on the couch browsing Facebook or Craigslist. And I get it. It's easy to do.

Long days at work. Decompress. Disconnect. Put on a distraction or background noise.
And disappear into the abyss of a phone screen.

I'm not criticizing anyone. If anything, I'm acknowledging my own guilt.

So, on this #communitySaturday, it begs the question. Are you engaged?

What are you doing to engage?
What connections are being made?
Do your relationships sense and understand their value?
Are we living life intentionally?

Of course, if we are isolated externally, then it's hard not to consider if and where we are isolated internally? And more importantly, what is state of our connection with our Heavenly Father?

Let's pray this #communitySaturday for those are living in isolation. First, may God strengthen and minister to those whose connection with Him is in a sad state of affairs. Pray for Christians who are struggling in life as they feel spiritually, emotionally and psychologically isolated. Pray for a greater understanding of the times in our life and a greater sense of appropriately disconnecting from the problems of everyday life as well as making intentional moves to connect rather than withdraw. As move towards a healthier state of faith, may we take more steps to connect with others; that we may help keep them from the dangers and pitfalls of isolation.

For we were made to live life together.
Connected to each other
As we are connected to Almighty God.
May we not forsake the people and relationships God has granted us
That remind us of His love and grace...
To reflect Christ to a World in need of Him.

- PNC

The amazing thing about the broken state of humanity is the opportunity it creates, whereby we witness the miraculous hand of God through the working of the super-natural. What glory is to be gained by the Lord, if the trials and troubles of life fail to position us in such a way that we can not deny that the only viable solution that is of an any worth or value, let alone eternal, is to call upon the name of the Lord?

None.

Nobody receives glory for coming through in circumstances where they were not requested.
No relationship is fulfilling, where a person is not desired, sought and pursued.
There is no meaning in isolation.

Conversely, there is gratitude in a need that goes unmet. We often get discouraged and frustrated because God doesn't answer or meet our needs in the time, manner or reasoning that we would like or prefer. Yet we fail to miss that our biggest need, God actually provided for, long before we were born; let alone our understanding the eternal gap that exists between the presence of God and the soul of man.

The power of the miraculous... the glory of the super-natural; for our lives in light of eternity, it begins with the Cross of Christ and the point of salvation.

Yet as life encroaches and crowds in on us, even this simple truth can get stuffed in the background of the mature believer as much as the lost has yet to hear the words.

So will you join me this #missionsFriday? May God continue to work the miraculous in our hearts and lives for His glory. May we be reminded throughout this day, of the power of God unto salvation. Pray those who hear would receive and those who have received be reminded; that if God could provide something that incredible well in advance of our lives, than He is at work for everything that follows. Pray the spirits of missionaries would be strengthened and encouraged, even this hour. May God continue to guide and direct them as they trust in Him; knowing that whatever they have need of, that God has already moved on their behalf.

For God delights in relationship.
Desirous for us to share our lives with Him
To the degree He has shared His Son with mankind.
As He works in the affairs of humanity.
Accomplishing the miraculous, through the power of the supernatural
For His glory and the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

We've talked and prayed many times over, for wisdom and guidance among the leaders and advisors within the church. As if life wasn't full of difficulties and complexities already, society keeps moving and pushing issues and scenarios which seemingly take us to the next level.

There's one more caveat in the mix. One more factor to consider. One more twist to the plot.

It's no wonder sometimes why those closest to situations are shaking their heads in confusion while observers are shaking their heads in disbelief.

What adds to the fun is that each of us, at one time or another has looked at the situation of which we are not the decision maker and thought we had or have a better way to handle things. Yet all too often we miss the mark in making the right decisions for the circumstance which are ours to handle, manage and correct.

Consider then, what is trending in the churches over the past few years. We've placed a greater emphasis on growing the church and less emphasis on actually building the church. So things look good to the observer, yet the decision makers are missing the mark when it comes to making disciples.

Pastor Chuck Swindoll was discussing this phenomenon yesterday during a radio broadcast, then he dropped this gold piece of wisdom...

We need a greater sense of  "adherence to the truth, rather than agreement with the majority."

What's popular, what's comfortable, what's "trending"... sure, they be nice and attractive options, but it that what is truly best for the decisions we face or does moving in such a direction simply add to the complexity and confusion that will await us further down the road.

So will you join me in prayer, this #deaconThursday? Pray that our pastors and church leadership would indeed have a great sense of adherence to the truth. May we not get so caught up in trends and opportunities that we move farther away from the spirit and will of God for His church. In times of increasing complexity and confusion may God grant wisdom and direction to leadership; to do so with integrity, love and compassion. Pray that God would guide and direct conversations and decisions; that the church would continue (and return where needed) to making disciples, rather than growing crowds.

May lives be impacted for eternity
That spiritual truth would develop deep roots in hearts and minds.
To draw closer to the presence of God
Whereby we better reflect the character of Christ.
For the kingdom of God is near.

- PNC

Youth Pastor friends of mine are getting married this weekend. In honor of this life-event, I thought it would be good to share a great thought I heard yesterday during the radio broadcast of  sermon.

He was speaking on marriage and reiterated an often made statement, that with regards to ministry it's important to major on the majors. However, in marriage, the importance shifts to majoring on the minors.

Eternity is beyond belief. The kingdom of God is beyond description. The body of Christ is large; the depths of Scripture are like treasures buried in the tunnels of rabbit holes. And we could severely miss the miraculous of the Bible, the profound wisdom of His Word and the complexity of His character by focusing on the minor points of faith rather than the fullness of the Gospel.

Thus, in ministry, there's needs to be a focus on the things that matter most.

Conversely, there's marriage... which is full of difficulty without the pressure and responsibility of ministry. Yes, it's important to be on the same page on the major issues. Agreement and unity contribute to one's success and longevity. It's not that you'll always agree, nor feel united, but you're committed to getting through the process.

Meanwhile, there's daily living. And just like our personal relationship with God, it's the little things that contribute to the richness of the relationship. The time in conversation. The time in fellowship. The time in prayer and activity. These are not "big ticket" items. Yet, when they are lacking, the sense of richness is gone. And the door is left open for feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness.

This is when people start looking for an exit... both in the human relationship and their relationship with God.

And once again, the kids are watching.
At home and at church.
At the marriage of their parents.
At the marriage of their pastors.
At the marriage between the church and Christ.

Let's pray this #youthPastorWednesday. Pray for this marriage of my friends; that God would help them as they walk through life in marriage and grant them wisdom as the lead in ministry. Pray for the youth, who will sit under their ministry and watch their marriage. May they understand the depths and richness of a genuine relationship with God and a realistic comprehension of Godly and God-centered marriage. Pray for the homes of pastors and church leadership that may be experiencing difficulties; and the kids are indeed watching and learning about relationships at both a physical and spiritual level. May God work the miraculous in such circumstances; that healing and restoration would occur, and that grace and forgiveness would abound.

As a three-strand cord is not easily broken,
May the marriages of those in ministry be fortified
And ministry all the more effective,
As they operate from a place of health
Because their leadership lives and moves in health.
For the glory of God.
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I recently witnessed the power of Psalms 34:18

"The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit."

It got me thinking just how often we look at situations and while they may seem at the time like they are a bigger deal than what they really are (if we put them in a proper perspective or timeline), we don't always find ourselves responding to them correctly.

Sure, there's a time to be upset about our circumstance. Frustrated with the details of the situation. Perhaps it's someone else' fault; more often than we care to admit the problem lies with ourselves.

It's amazing just how quickly, even when we aren't looking, pride stands up.

We don't want to go. We don't want to do. We don't like to hear. We don't want to feel.

Yet the power of God lies in the power of confession.
It exists in the admission that we cannot live life on our own
We cannot endure the trials and troubles of this life on our own.
Even when situations are caused by our own misdoings and misgivings; God is able to move in the circumstances of our lives that begins with our standing before God... broken and contrite.

It's easier to do when it's obvious. Sometimes.
It's often much harder, though, when it comes to the refining points of faith.

So, pray this #associatePastorTuesday, for pastors that God is dealing with and refining. Pray for the situations and circumstances where it may be harder to acknowledge that their heart aren't spirit aren't as broken and contrite before the Lord as what He desires. Pray for those pastors who feel perhaps God is not moving in situations and circumstances; may their be an illumination in their hearts and minds even this hour that God moves through the power of confession. May they find mercy for their mistakes and grace wherever they may go.

That God would accomplish the miraculous
For those who would call on His name
Whereby we are saved.
For His glory.

- PNC

We all have those mornings that we just aren't in the mood for getting up and out of bed. Perhaps you slept well, or maybe you didn't. But where you are is just to wonderful to give up in light of what you may or may not have to face once your feet hit the floor. Does something major await that you don't want to deal with and figure out?

Whether or not disaster looms ahead or there's just a sense that another day for potential problems  is lurking, it's time to examine what's going on.

Even a leader can miss this in their own lives, but one of the marks of a good leader (as stated by a friend of mine) is that they recognized when someone on their team is already stretched.

You are already doing X and Y... you are not taking on Z as well.

And if they insist on Z, then the next question is whether X or Y is being given up.

The lack of ability or awareness of a leader is what causes burnout among the team. Thus, if they can't spot it in others, one wonders if they have placed such boundaries in their own lives. Do they recognize them? Do they follow them when they get close to taking on too much.

Moments such as this contribute to not wanting to get out of bed and take on the day. It may seem like it's a minor deal; but like most everything else, that's how major stuff begins. Neither external monsters nor internal strongholds are created overnight.

So, thanks once again for joining me in prayer, this #seniorPastorMonday. May today be a day of refreshing and rejuvenation. Pray pastors would arise refreshed and strengthened; ready to take on the challenges of the day, even in the face of difficulty and disconcerting matters. May the spirit of discouragement be lifted as a spirit of peace takes over within them. Pray for wisdom and guidance as they lead their teams and staff; that there would be a prospect of hope and a countenance of potential as they place their trust in the most High God, anew and afresh.

May Hell tremble under the feet
Of those who arise under the anointing of the Holy Spirit
And the power of God.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

A couple of articles came across my social media newsfeed in the past day or two. One of them was a satirical piece on the power, or lack of their off, of worship songs being utilized in the service, which was clever in it's own right.

The other two, however described reasons as to why churches where closing their doors as well as what preachers are doing other than preaching the Gospel of Christ. 

In both articles, the bottom line (even for the satirical worship article) was what happens when the church moves away from preaching and declaring the truth of the Word of God.

More concerned with comfort and entertainment.
More careful not to offend than a commitment to the full Gospel.
More emphasis working out the trivial than understanding the truth.
And the list goes on...

You could probably create your own list, based on churches you've attended, visited and the length or lack of time you hung around. The same is true for how long you've participated in a particular ministry.

Yet, I come back to the same reasons I'm hooked on Classic Christian Rock... a solid commitment to the Word of God. Though the sounds and methods change, the uncompromising message does not. Only our stance and approach to delivering it is what impacts its' effectiveness.

**funny, I'm listening to The Healing Rock online station and the founder of The Healing Stream Media Network discussing the difference between hype and anointing regarding their latest radio station.

Once again, the timing of God... uncanny.

So, will you join me this morning?

Pray, this #effectiveSunday for the delivery and impact of the Word and worship of ministry. Pray the Word would not be diluted or watered down for fear of offense, misunderstanding or social pressures. May there be a trust in the transforming power of the work of the Holy Spirit as people offer up their praise to the throne of God. May today be a day that hearts and minds are moved; that lives would forever be changed for the eternal glory of God. Pray the church would indeed be a house of prayer, as we move forward in the plans and purposes God has laid before us to accomplish His Will among His Creation.

Empowered to impact our World
With the Word of God.
For all eternity.

- PNC

We often take this time on #communitySaturday to pray God would help us impact our community with the love and message of Christ.  Yet, if I can change things up this weekend...

Meet Lee Shaw, who you can read and hear about some of his story here:
www.napachaps.com/chaplain-lee-shaw.html

Shaw, was a local pastor in 1996 when he was approached by the police chief to minister to the law enforcement community. Today, he leads a team of chaplains who minister in times of crisis to agencies and communities in 15 counties! Shaw wrote a letter to a pastor friend who shared the letter in a sermon I heard the other day. To hear the details of this letter is astounding. You can imagine the scenarios and the crises that were outlined.

Families dealing with the aftermath of an accident
Families dealing with the announcement of an officer injured or killed in the line of duty
Helping first responders cope and continue with life after repeated trauma scenes.
And so, so  much more.

Just replaying the list in my mind and recalling my reaction... at one point it was just dropping. The list of scenarios and situations just kept coming.

But what a transition, to step outside the four-walls of the church to be even further to the front-line of the community by ministering to people in times of extreme crisis and trauma. What's beyond even this... Shaw traveled to Ground Zero on three separate occasions, he was on-site at Sandy Hook and also, in response to Hurricane Katrina.

Thus, the impact we can make on our communities and those who serve the front-lines of our communities are great. And the opportunities are greater. Yet we can all begin in prayer.

Would you join me, this #communitySaturday, in pray for Shaw and his team and others like him (i.e. my cousin, who is a military chaplain). Pray that God would strengthen them as they serve, for if the potential for burnout exists anywhere, it's on the front-line of trauma and stress. May they be surrounded with people who would be their encouragement as they encourage and minister to others. Pray that God would go before them and prepare the way, for the never know what they what sites and circumstances upon which they will step.  Pray for protection. Pray for wisdom; that they would be empowered by the Holy Spirit; to share timely words in moments of tragedy; to speak life in spite of great loss. May ministries like this witness the miraculous, as God moves in the affairs of man, even at most chaotic times of life.

All for His glory
To show compassion.
To share grace.
To express love.
Though life may change on Earth,
May lives be changed for Eternity.
To reflect Christ to a world in need of Him.

- PNC

I heard a great phrase yesterday in a sermon and thought to myself, well, isn't that brilliant.

It was simply this...

"Beyond the cross."

The Cross of Jesus Christ is a pivot point for every life who stands before it. It is the moment in time, in which the life that makes a decision for or against Christ, makes a decision that impacts eternity. Meanwhile, it means a life transformed for the remainder of their days here on Earth.

Yet, this struggle I'm about to explain, exists for the one who stands at the cross for the first time as well as for the umpteenth time.

In this life, we take things beyond the cross that were never meant to go that far.

Jesus left it all on the cross. His life. Our sins. He doesn't hang on to it and carry it with Him as He returns to Heaven. Yet we come to Christ for salvation, then continue our lives after the Cross with the very things that we were leaving at the time of our decision. For the believer, we do the same. We go back and pick up our cares and concerns that we have laid at His feet.

Do we not believe in the transforming work of Christ?
Do we not understand the sacrificial work of the Cross?

Is it possible we don't live empowered by the Holy Spirit as much as we could or should be living because we take the struggles and concerns of this world with us, beyond the Cross where Christ has told us to leave it with Him?

It is a struggle for both the seasoned saint and the newly saved. Yet on this #missionsFriday, it affects the testimony of both, for what we could and should be accomplishing for the kingdom of God.

Thus, will you join me this #misssionsFriday. Pray for those believers, yes, even in ministry and missions, that are struggling in the work that God has placed before them because of our propensity to take life before the Cross beyond the Cross. May we leave, forever, the things and concerns that God desires to remove and manage in our lives. Pray that we would be about the burden Christ would have us to carry, rather than our own, for ours is great and His is light. May we not stand in the way of the work God is attempting to accomplish in our lives and through our lives that will forever impact eternity.

For life before the Cross has nothing
To the life that waits beyond the Cross.
The demarcation line was drawn with the blood of Christ.
May we live for the glory of God
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

So, today is the National Day of Prayer.

And on this #deaconThursday, it's hard not to acknowledge how awesome it is, to be able to call a nation and a society to prayer. I can't help but consider the wisdom of our founding fathers; the care and wisdom they took in their conversations and decisions as a vision was laid to build a nation of freedom and liberty.

Yet, many of them, acknowledged their place, position and authority to be granted by Almighty God and so they too understood, the importance of seeking His face for the direction they were to take. And while I'm sure disagreements and disputes abounded in those early days, I know there was a sense of unity and a clarity of calling as God gave them long-term vision

We've come a long ways since; and in many ways veered far off course.

But as was suggested to Israel;

If my people who are called after my name will humble themselves and pray, I will hear from heaven and heal their land.

So, whether "land" be where healing needs to take place at an organizational level, or at a national level, may the church be a culture that speaks truth and love to a lost and dying world in need of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Pray, this #deaconThursday, for the nations of the world. Indeed may the people of God humble themselves and pray. May their be a healing in our land; for churches in distress and for the community and culture outside the church; which daily reminds us of the need for Christ. Pray for revelation, as the power of God works in hearts and minds. Pray for wisdom in our conversations and discussions; and who we surround ourselves with in terms of both support and as well as opportunity to influence. May the church be the counter-culture; to reflect Christ in hopes that all will call upon the name of the Lord.

As we humble ourselves and pray,
God would do what only you can do.
Hear from heaven and heal our land.
Forgive us we pray, as we turn from our wickedness
And seek your face... not only in response to a national call,
But in reliance to our daily need for you alone.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I'm so excited!!

Friends from a former church we used to attend together announced last night, via social media, since is was "real-life" official, that they were venturing into the world of full-time ministry. They are taking a campus pastor position at one of the campuses of an area church.

The transition though...they have a road in front of them. Though life has been busy and we haven't connected with them in a while, one of these days, I'd like to get the full story; as he acknowledged that this was a change that he didn't see coming. Though they have been active in church ministry at some level for as long as I've known them, he is stepping out of a corporate gig in order to fulfill this calling and pursue this opportunity.

Steps of faith like this always amaze me. I have my suspicions as to the reasons why, but that's neither here nor there... at least not right now.

It doesn't matter if steps like this are taken at the onset one's ministry or well-seasoned and versed in ministry matters. What's next with God is miraculous balance of excitement given the level of unknown variables that exist. It's as if decisions in the corporate world can be narrowed down to specific, calculated risks while ministry decisions barely account for the risks. The sovereign hand of God simply trumps any calculated risks we could consider when it comes to ministry.

Yet, no matter where one is in ministry, no matter what they are instilling in their audience about the Christian faith, His purpose outweighs the plans of man. It's eternal. It's fulfilling. It's ever-lasting.  More rewarding. The list is endless.

Whatever the process, nothing man does holds a candle to what God desires to accomplish through those who are open to going wherever He leads. Even at the most unexpected times and places of life.

Join me, this #youthPastorWednesday, as we pray for those both in ministry and debating the prospect of ministry. May there be an overwhelming peace and confidence as God reveals His plans for their lives, whether for the first time or the next time. Pray for an unshakeable trust, even when the illuminated steps of our path are few to zero. Pray for God's provision and protection as such steps are taken; that resources, people and funds would at the picture as God ordains; frustrating and unsettling as His timing may be... may His peace surpass all our understanding.

For He works all things together.
Even when the change is unexpected.
For the supernatural move of God
Supersedes the natural works of man.
Every time. Without fail.
For the glory of God and the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

This 700 post milestone has had me thinking the past few days... what else would be different if I had been working on them as faithful as getting to this mark. It got me thinking, perhaps again, about habits and disciplines.

Fitness 2-3 times a week for the  past 23 months?
Saving $1-$5 every day for the past 700 days?
Memorizing a Scripture a day?

I caught an pieces of an interview the other day with Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife... she still has every love letter he has written her. And he still writes them!

Going back more than 700 starts to get a little depressing. As I consider this next generation of pastors that we have brought on staff even at our own church in the past two years, I can't help but think of the disciplines I wish I would have implemented in my life when I had more time, energy and focus to actually make them happen and apply them to my life,

My health would be different.
My financial outlook would be different.
My relationships probably would work better.
My approach to life might be less stressful.
Perhaps my career would  be different, if I were more critical in my education.

I don't say all this from a place of regret or frustration seeking sympathy; but from the understanding that whatever it is that we set out to accomplish, whether in life or ministry, or anything else for that matter, the sooner one starts the better.

Late starts, no matter how much you put in, rarely catch up to the place you would be if from starting earlier.

Thus, will you pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, for this next generation of pastors stepping in to various places of ministry. Pray for strength and wisdom in whatever they set out to do. May their be a focus and an energy in their lives and their approach, that would set a foundation of living a principled and disciplined live and ministry. Pray God would place people in their paths, that would help guide and encourage them along the way; providing insight and strategies that would set them on a course for success; not just on this earth, but in their effectiveness for the kingdom of God.

For even as, today is the today of salvation for those who hear the word,
May today be a day of fresh starts and new beginnings.
For yesterday cannot be changed,
Tomorrow has yet to be written
And His mercies are new this morning.
Even this very hour as you read this.
For the glory of God, we pray these things.

- PNC

Well, we are here.

Yesterday was consecutive post #700. Today marks the start of the 24th month since the relaunch.

Wow, how time does fly. And yet, I know this pails in comparison to the years of service that pastors, missionaries and other church leaders have put in to the body of Christ. It fails to reach the number of sermons prepped or hours spent visiting those under hospital care. It fails to reach evangelistic efforts and time spent helping those less fortunate in the community. It does begin to reach the hours upon hours spent in prayer, seeking the face of God and the miraculous power of the blood of Jesus Christ.

While I'm proud in what God has helped accomplished through this, I know it's a fraction of a contribution. On it's own though; it looks different. And that's the power of perspective.

Certain milestones and benchmarks are reached and at times, it may seem like an opportunity to back off. For indeed, breaks are good. Everyone needs a break now and then. Yet it would be easy to look at such moments and decide to go out on a high-note, when there is still so much to do.

When we rest on our laurels and our trophies; the accomplishments we may have achieved, is usually when we are most prone to things going south. The temptation to coast is great; yet that is what begins the downward trend the moves us away from the great accomplishments that, by the grace of God, we have achieved before hand.

So, while congrats may be in order, be encouraged to keep up the good work and fight the good fight of faith.

Thanks for joining me once again; as we pray this #seniorPastorSunday. Pray for the resistance against temptation to rest on laurels and accomplishments. May the pursuit of the advancement of the Gospel and God's will always be at the forefront, even in the face of great success and victory. Pray that pride would not overtake the perspective that God is not done with any of us yet; that none have arrived. Pray a continual seeking of the face of God; that His hand would not missed, nor His directives misunderstood. May we see His handiwork, as pastors and leaders continue to seek to be His hands and feet extended to the body of Christ in service to the kingdom of God.

That we would ever be about the work of God
No matter how great the work is that is complete.
May we be as Paul,
Ever pressing on towards the prize of the high calling.
For the glory of God.
For the cause of Christ.

- PNC

Well, I am simply blown away. And my boast is in the Lord.

When I started revamping this site two years ago in May, I didn't know what God had in store; nor what this project would do in my own personal faith. June 1 marks the completion of two years. Meanwhile, today marks the threshold of 700 consecutive Daily Prayer posts.

I remember having the conversation with God when I was trying to figure out exactly what I hoped to see this site accomplish. I felt in my Spirit, God's answer was a very simple start.

"Well, you have webpage titled "Daily Prayer". Why don't you begin by writing one every day?

My only concern was how quickly repetitious this site would become, so I simply replied, "If I'm writing every day, I'm gonna need your help."

For any one in ministry, especially full-time, if there is any ever desire to be effective for the kingdom of God, that is the first response.

Whatever you want me to God... I'm gonna need your help.

I'm constantly reminded I can't do this life on my own. My faith. My work. My marriage. My kids. My finances. My health. This ministry project.

I fail every time I attempt to do it on my own and feel to seek the wisdom and strength from the hand of God. It's an easy enough trap to fall into... you have a good day and think it can be repeated. But the first time you leave God out, can be distinctly marked as if it were a skipped payment on your credit report. (not that God is keeping that kind of score).

Nevertheless... 700 of anything isn't without notice. Yet, it pails to what churches and pastors have accomplished, both in shorter periods of time and tenured ministries. And they, like myself, still only have one response.

Moving forward, God... I'm gonna need your help.

Thanks for joining me, these past 700 days. And let us join in prayer, once again this #effectiveSunday. May today be a day of victory for the kingdom of God. A day of 700 salvations. A day of 700 addictions broken. A day of 700 marriages restored. A day of 700 families healed. May today be a day of increase, strength and wisdom for churches. Pray that we would continue to arise daily and call on the name of the Lord. May we seek His face and see His hand at work in our lives; that through our reliance on Him, He would prove Himself faithful to do His part as we continue in the plans and purposes He has placed upon our hearts.

Lord, I thank you for the past 700 days of insight
Lord, I commit the next 700 days to you.
That You do what only You can do.
For my life and this project is nothing;
If you are not first in it and with it.
For your glory, I pray.

- PNC

Is it just me or are the days running together? Faster. More frequently. It's getting harder to remember what happened and when. Either that, or I am getting older. (And everybody older than me reading this says "just wait until...") I can see the comments already.

I think it was last Sunday (see my point?) that we were discussing cross-generational churches. Then yesterday on Equipped Radio with Chris Brooks, I caught part of interview in which they were discussing research on the millennial  generation and what they loved about their church.

Overwhelmingly, the response that stood out, was that church was like a family. It's truly how it should be, as we are the family of God. Scripture is replete with we are His children and joint heirs with Christ and the like.

One conversation they shared was the research they were doing with a particular focus group when I young person started attributing their love for their church with the name of one man. Then everyone in the group agreed, upon the impact of this "guy". Hearing of his involvement, they were prepared to meet someone who was just an incredibly engaged young, youth pastor.

On the contrary, and quite to the contrary at that... the man everyone loved is 77 years old. He attends kids sporting events; visits school campuses, connects with them over coffee or whatever and genuinely seeks to impact the generation coming behind him.

All this got me thinking, naturally. As we the discussed the difficulty in fostering healthy families in the church if the leadership families are in various states of unhealthiness, so present is the difficulty in fostering effective community relations outside the four walls of the church, if the church body itself isn't a healthy, functioning community. The 77-year old saint being a prime example.

Thus it begs a question for all of us, myself included.

Who in the generation before me, am I allowing to speak into and invest in my life?
Who in the generation that follows me, am I speaking into and invest in their life?

Thoughts to consider, as we pray this #communitySaturday. Pray for the church community to continue to reflect the character of Christ; to reach across the various dynamics that differentiate us and bring us closer together through the love and grace of Christ. May we people that make a greater impact in the communities in which we live because of the people within the church that have invested in us. Pray that we in turn, would continue to seek opportunities to invest in the next generation; that they may continue to the good work of bearing witness to the glory of God and the gospel of Christ.

May our communities be places of health;
Because our churches are places of health;
The result of healthy homes, being led by healthy people.
For God is working on all of us
As we allow the power of the Holy Spirit
To reflect in greater dimension the character of Christ.
For the sake of the world.

- PNC

"The most miserable man in the world, is not the one who is lost, but the one who is saved; and out of fellowship with God." - Adrian Rogers.

Is it possible that this statement could be any more true?

If it is not the epitome of burnout, surely it most be considered one of the pinnacles. It matters not, whether we are talking about an "everyday" Christian or a ministry leader... life happens to all of us. Life attempts to crowd out other things and other priorities in lives. Even as we've prayed for distractions and interruptions these past few days, we are continual barraged with matters that take our focus and attention from where it truly needs to be... the fellowship and presence of God.

Christianity is an intentional faith.

If we would rather not God be considered passive; One who has created us then left us to ourselves, but rather actively pursues us, then how much more should our faith be actively responding and interacting with God?

The human condition is broken.
Yet God is continuous in His attempts to bring us to a place of wholeness.
Meanwhile, man may or may not understand the fullness of the broken state, but is constantly attempting to find wholeness by any means other than God.

Even for the one who is saved, we can miss this mark... despite trying to accomplish it with Christian activity or things that revolve around the faith.

But long before Jesus called the disciples to accomplish anything for the kingdom of God, He called them to the simple concept of fellowship with Him.

So, as we pray for missionaries on this #missionsFriday, pray for those in various stages of burnout; who are finding themselves in states of frustration and distress because life and perhaps even ministry has crowded out times of fellowship. May God work the miraculous healing in the hearts, minds and souls and bring them to a place of wholeness as only He can accomplish. Pray for grace, as we are often harder on ourselves than what others place or demand of us. May there be a sense of forgiveness as God brings them through a process of restoration. Pray a return to be as intentional in our pursuit of God as He is in His pursuit of us.

That was meant to be distract, derail and destroy
Would only serve to strength our resolve
To remain committed to the things of God
To pursue fellowship with Him.
To fulfill the calling and purpose He has placed upon our hearts.
For the glory of God and the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I just want to say thanks, to those of you who join us daily in praying for our pastors, missionaries and church leadership. I trust and pray this is a blessing and is accomplishing the miraculous for the kingdom of God.

In terms of consecutive posts, today is #697! I can hardly believe how much time has passed and I continue to be blown away by the perspectives I sense God granting to me daily for the next post. In fact as I reflected yesterday on the volume of posts that exist now, I couldn't help but consider the ironies of God.

On rare occasion, there's been an event or conversation that has happened days after a post, but much more frequently, probably weekly if one were to keep track, the ironies come hours and at times, even mere minutes after a posted has gone forth. It's a remarkable phenomenon to reflect on, as I have shared them with friends at certain times.

Yet no matter what it is that you are working on, distractions will come. As a friend reminded me last night, even when you think you get a few good days in, the enemy attacks.

"Oh, all is well? How do you feel about this?" (insert new problem or dilemma)

We all get distracted and thrown off task. Yet let me say this... except for in the event of certain death or disaster, where you are found to be the only source of help, there really isn't so great a crisis to interrupt you that can't wait a few more minutes or sometimes even seconds, for you to finish the task at hand. Even if you can get to a place where you can safely walk away for a while without losing your place... for walking away to deal with the distraction can so disrupt the task, that it will cost you time for sure and potentially even money by not finishing.

Whether you get thrown off in the preparations that will make a task easier or you are actually working on the task and get called away, distractions have the potential to cause disaster or at least wreak some havoc into your life. It happens in the largest of organizations, it happens in the smallest details at home and it certainly can happen in ministry.

There will always be a new problem arising that will be trying to gain the attention worthy of being put at the top of the priority list. The problem is that you will find yourself stressed beyond what is necessary, for you will continually find yourself in crisis management mode, rather than productive, getting-stuff done mode. Sure, there are days and times for crisis mode, but making it a pattern of living... well, they pay experts good money to handle that kind of work.

So, thanks for joining me again, this #deaconThursday. Would you pray for church leadership and operations. Even as our church faces some projects to take care of on our campus, some of them unexpected, others were known in advance; may God grant wisdom and direction in managing and resolving these issues. Pray for the resources to made available to implement solutions; pray for the conversations that will occur in pursuit of those solutions. Though man makes plans in his heart, may God guide the steps our leaders.

That He may receive glory.
Even in the mundane and the daily tasks.
Whether they be trite and minor
Or major and heavy-hitting,
May God help us remain focused.
On the task at hand;
To the purpose which He has called us.

- PNC

I caught part of an interview with Chuck Swindoll the other day, regarding his latest book, on getting the most of the Scriptures. Pretty much from the onset, it took an interesting turn, as they talked about his childhood and growing up in the Swindoll home looked like. Amidst the description was his conveyance, that his parents rightly applied the Scriptures when it came to discipline and that it was indeed, a home where the grace of God was displayed, even when correction was a part of the conversation.

It prompted introspection even for me, to consider how well (or not so well, at times) I am leading my children.

At the same time, they started discussing the difficulty that permeated an entire generation within the church. They discussed the longevity; for how long and how quickly, for a time, parenting within the church turned to legalism and how often Scripture was not properly used for correction. Furthermore, the element of grace may or may not have been as present as it probably should have been... perhaps missing altogether. Are we missing a more effective church as a result?

Add to this, if we can, the difficulty of ministry legacy. In subsequent generations of pastors coming into the ministry from homes where parents were church leaders; how has the health of their home-life impacted how they approach pastoring? Even now, I'm trying to think of preacher's kids who, when they've stepped into ministry on their own, haven't started out working with kids and teens.

Thus, if they're coming into ministry having come for a home where the element of grace may have been lacking in matters of correction and discipline, one must consider how that will impact the next generation of kids.

I'm thinking of some of the challenges in my own home and thinking I need prayer! (insert smile)

Will you join me once again, this #youthPastorWednesday? Pray for kids and youth pastors that are struggling with ministry, because of the challenges they faced in their younger days. May God help them overcome, perhaps feelings of inadequacies or inferiorities... may their setbacks become the set-ups for their comeback. Pray God would grant them wisdom and discernment as they lead the next generation in spiritual matters and in the faith. May the pressures of a legacy ministry not weigh them down or burn them out, but inspire them; as they have witnessed the grace and goodness of God, may they be moved to share that experience all the more.

May healthy homes
Lead to healthy ministries.
That build healthy churches.
To impact healthier communities.
For the advancement of the grace of the Gospel.
For the glory of the kingdom of God.

- PNC