"They were that close to the action; and had a meager faith." - Allister Begg.

I had an early start at work this morning, and happened to catch part of Allister's sermon being broadcast. He was talking about the disciples being on the boat in the storm when Jesus walks on the water. And yet, just prior, He had fed the 5000. Is it that hard to believe that one miracle was "possible" but walking on water was somehow now, not possible?

This seemingly has transitioned into a part 3, on the concept of hiding in ministry.

You're "in the group" and "in the know" and so assumptions are made about one's faith and prayer life and every other aspect of their life and that things are going well, or they are standing incredibly strong when things are not... going well.

We assume a "closeness to the action" of God equates to a strong and great faith.

And yet Allister points out, that isn't always the case; as evidenced by the disciples.

Perhaps, as much as this could be true for those in ministry, certainly it's true, if not even more, of the youth of church leaders. They witness the faith and ministry conducted by their parents, and yet can disengage to a level of meager faith and even, God forbid, a missing and abandoned faith.

And may that be our prayer. By all means, pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that pastors would have great faith as they lead the church and its' people. Likewise, though, pray for their children, who are watching and learning from the front row (both literally and figuratively). May they come to a place in their generation, where they experience their own revelation of God and come to a genuine and passionate faith of their own, placed in Jesus Christ. May they not rely on the coattails of parents and grandparents and other pastors and teachers. Pray God would do a great work in their lives; for the purpose and plans that He has ordained specifically to their lives. Pray they would not live in the shadows of ministry, but step into their own, as Christ is displayed in their lives. May the temptation to hide in ministry, whether it is the pastor or the pastors family doing so, be cast aside.

That we would step into the fullness
Of what God has called us forth to complete
For the glory of God

- PNC

Leave it to God, to deposit a nugget of a perspective buried in the book of Numbers!

So, I'm reading chapter 33 and we arrive at the part where God is giving Israel instructions regarding entering the Promised Land and basically take it over and kick everyone out. And then He tells them, whatever you leave behind will be a prick to you... literally, a pain in your life. A "source of trouble". Then God promises to deal with Israel, as He plans to deal with the inhabitants of Canaan.

You've heard of the term, and the book for that matter, Immediate Obedience?

This passage had me asking... is this a great example of Thorough Obedience?

I struggle with immediate obedience. I'm the last person that should discuss this topic at a level of thoroughness. Procrastination is may daily adversary. So, I pondered this with an element of conviction.

And along with that, are the words of a concept that perhaps I've known existed by didn't considered worded as such.

"Ministry is a great place to hide."

I touched on it yesterday, but it is true. We don't often think of calling out pastors and church leadership to guard against danger and ensure their straight and narrow journey. There's an invisible barrier, that while we connect with them during the message on Sunday, we don't necessarily connect with their mess the rest of the week. As they minister, it's almost as though it is one-sided.

So, where do pastors go when they need ministry? Because ministry is, in fact, NOT meant to be a hideout.

Yes, they are doing good work; but the potential for things to fall through and become points of danger are just as real and just as possible as it is for us; when we are neither thorough in our faith and more importantly, in our obedience.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, pray for a thorough obedience. Pray that they would be careful to listen closely to the specific directions and instructions that God may be speaking into their lives and ministries. May God help them guard against points of entry that would cause them to stumble, to miss the mark and not fully accomplished what God has called, ordained and prepared them to do and go. Pray that ministry would not be a place to hide, but to lead; to encourage others to follow them as they follow Christ.

Genuine in faith.
Real in life.
Accountable in truth.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

How's this for a refreshing truth regarding our relationship with God?

You can't outpace God's grace.

You're welcome... I'll be here all week.

Actually, it was funny; earlier this morning, between a conversation and two messages with the span of an hour and all three of them touched on Adam & Eve in the garden and breaking of man's relationship with God and what transpired. We've all done stupid; and as Dave Ramsey likes to say, stupid with zero's attached.

But isn't incredible, that God's grace exceeds all.

Pastor stated it quite nicely during Sunday morning's message as well.

"God's better at loving you, than you are at destroying yourself."

And isn't interesting, the positions we find ourselves, where we thing perhaps we are safe; that there's a veil or a protection... foolishly thinking like Adam did, that a temporal covering will cause God to not take a second glance. People will go so far as to seek leadership and places of prominence, hedging bets that they won't get called out more often than not. There's even the tendency to want to hide behind ministry... for who will make sure they are spending enough time in the Word and in prayer and the like.

Granted, that eventually, hopefully will become obvious if they aren't, then again, we'd probably be surprised how long many have slid under the spiritual radar of their church community. Yet as horrible and disconcerting as that is, for all the mistakes we make, especially in positions of leadership, God's grace exceeds our ability to outrun it.

That shouldn't be permission to run further, but an invitation to make a course correction and live within its' sufficiency.

So pray, this #seniorPastorMonday for those who are, for whatever reason, attempting to outrun and outpace God's grace. Perhaps they are caught in a pattern that they can't break or feel as though they are beyond a point of no return, may God extend  His love, compassion and conviction to bring them back from the brink. Pray that they would neither burn out from the responsibilities of the church nor hind behind it to neglect their relationship. May a genuine and active faith prove to show their health and ministry to be effective day in and day out. Pray the lies of the enemy would be silenced and his tricks thwarted. Pray for a return to the living and basking in the presence of God rather than our sinful desire to move beyond that relationship in search of something that would be of eternal detriment.

For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Among the many facets that come together to create effectiveness, lie two pivotal bearings.

Knowing where you are.
Knowing where you are going.

Listening to Stryper's latest album, they ask a poignant question, in the third track, simply titled Lost.

Are we lost?

We all have things to do, goals to accomplish and directions in which we are heading. We are facing many battles, struggles and obstacles along the way. Does it take much to throw us off course and lose our bearings? Hopefully not. But when the beat-down is strong, what is keeping you in the game?

What's more... what is keeping you in advancement mode. Yes, sometimes it is survival mode, but the advancement remains reachable, hopeful, and worthwhile. Because we hold fast to the truth. We hold fast to the promise. We keep our eyes on the goal, while having a keen awareness of the surroundings.

There is no effectiveness in burnout.
There is great effectiveness in continuance, especially where there is clarity of vision and purpose.

Pray this #effectiveSunday for those feeling lost and overwhelmed by their state of existence. Pray that they would hold fast to the promise and faith which has brought them to today. May God strengthen and quicken them; that they would neither quit nor retreat, but advance with renewed focus and intensity. Pray for increased awareness and clarity that would serve to increase their hope and trust in what God desires to accomplish in and through their lives.

Once lost; now found.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

There's a special place in my heart for the law enforcement community. I know not everyone shares that sentiment, in recent years. There are those who probably shouldn't be on the force no more than certain people probably shouldn't be in education and dare I say, certain people probably shouldn't hold a leadership role within the church.

That said, you have to appreciate the willingness of law enforcement and other emergency response teams to serve this thing called community. Indeed, they do make an incredible sacrifice on a daily basis. Putting life at risk; seemingly playing roulette with tragedy and danger, not knowing when either will occur and strike their livelihood and lifestyle.

With strong sense of desire to help others, they exemplify the character of neighbor. To be of assistance to those in need; to come to the aid and defense of those in trouble and to speak truth in world full of confusion, deception and brokenness. It's a tough gig, yet a necessary one.

Now we can't all throw ourselves in the line of fire, both literally and figuratively... and we've all seen and heard of circumstances were someone has interjected themselves where they should have and perhaps created a problem where none existed. However, how much stronger would community be, if as a preventative measure even, we took greater care and concern for those around us to connect, engage and impact those around us.

Pray this #communitySaturday, that indeed, the church would be a people that would connect. May we seek and take advantage of opportunities to reach out and build relationships. Pray for the lost and the hurting in our societies who are living troubled lives. Pray for those who are in positions to reach them, to interact with them and help them. Pray God would grant all of us discernment and understanding; that the lines of communication would bring forth the truth and ultimately, lead to the sharing of God's truth.

For once we all were lost
But God desires that everyone be found
In right relationship with Him
Through the cross of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Interestingly enough, I listened to a radio show this morning, that I don't normally listen to... I found myself bouncing from the curious to the disgust. Most of it was an exercise is making sure my head turned in both directions, repeatedly... with the occasional facepalm.

Towards the end of it, one word summarized the wisdom of what I think was supposed to be entertaining. Vetting.

Every relationship, whatever it's nature and whatever the foundation that it is built upon, begins and thrives based what is found through the vetting process. Little did I know, this theme would reemerge later in the day, in various political commentary and debate.

The employment process is entirely about vetting.
So, is dating for that matter.

And you know where it's going. If any organization could place a high priority on the importance of vetting, it's the church, when it comes to choosing it's leadership and operations team. All the same factors are in play: values and belief systems, mission and purpose, shared goals, commitment and loyalty, perspective and skill that is contributed and so much more.

If the people that are chosen to help lead and advise the ministry of the church and they end up becoming a hindrance or worse, a stumbling block, the resulting damage could have both generational and certainly, eternal consequences.

Pray this #deaconThursday, that God would grant wisdom as churches and leadership go through this process. Pray especially for church plants and young churches; that earlier on they would establish a sound and solid foundation of leaders on their team; upstanding people of Godly character... properly and efficiently vetted. Pray that God would give pastors a discerning spirit; resisting the temptation to put people into a position just because there is an opening and a person wanting to fill it. May God lead, guide and direct paths, that they may intersect at a time and place that the coming togehter of leaders results in the buidling of the kingdom of God and the body of Christ.

For the sake of eternity
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I think we've all, at some point and time in our journey of faith, applied the human perspective or response to God. Whenever I feel as though I am being convicted or challenged, I call it a spiritual whack upside the head, aka, the loving affection only a Dad can give a son as a way of "that was really stupid, don't do it again." I'm sure you have your own examples.

Regarding a different arena of life, we all found ourselves in positions less than idea, but we had to make do as best we could, with the resources or position that was available at the time. Say for instance, employment. Jobs that were horrible, but were a stop-gap to an even worse situation; or perhaps they were a sacrifice for reaching a long-term goal or financial gain. Perhaps it was a stepping stone to something bigger and better and so, we put up with it because again, it served a greater purpose.

And much like we apply human behavior to God's vantage point, I could help but wonder if in their quiet times, they have felt about ministry, having a similar experience that we've felt in the marketplace. I know; this is another one of those things that you don't want to think happens within church leadership.

But if we acknowledge and fully understand that pastors are just as human as the rest of us, then I think it's unrealistic to think that at some point, a pastor hasn't gone home and wondered what they were doing. They may be leading a ministry that is not their gifting or passion, but they serve just because there is a need. As such, there is a frustration that exists, because while they are trying to make the most of it, it's not "ideal" or desirable. Likewise, people in various positions of church leadership and authority can be just as difficult to deal with and work with on a daily basis as though with secular jobs.

Again... we hope that's not true and pray that's not true; but we shouldn't be all that surprised if such a story were ever told.

That said, we revisit a recurring theme, even covered a few times in recent days...

God doesn't waste an experience.
The ones that are most frustrating to us are the most opportune for Him to accomplish His purposes.

Pray this #associatePastorTuesday for those pastors that are in a place of frustration and difficulty. Whatever the circumstances of their battle and struggle, may God give them a grace in every daily interaction. May God help them keep the perspective that He is at work in their life as much as He is in the lives of those where there is a spirit of contention and discouragement. Pray that God would give them wisdom and direction; seeking for divine insight and communication and timing regarding the decisions that need to be made, the steps to be taken and the words to be shared. Pray for a peace and rest; that in the late and dark hours, discouragement and despair would not overtake them, but that hope would arise and take it's place as they trust God once again for daily reliance and provision.

For the glory of God
And the advancement of the kingdom of Heaven.

- PNC

We prayed a couple weeks back about ownership, regarding church leadership. If I recall, the discussion revolved around the mistakes and failures that leadership finds themselves in; whatever the reason behind the circumstance. What jogged my memory about the post was earlier today, I was listening to a portion of Stryper's latest album and they song Own Up played, dealing with this very subject.

As the song played, I had a thought-provoking analysis; that like any good analysis began with a question.

Is there a difference between taking ownership on a personal level and taking ownership on a public level?

I think the simple answer is, yes!

Why is this possible?

First of all, I think it's possible for people to take public ownership of a problem, but it doesn't really take root in their heart and mind that they would do something different the next time around.

The reverse is equally possible and perhaps, even more profound. I can take ownership of something in my life, perhaps that God is working on and allow the Holy Spirit to do His work; however long it takes, and yet that problem or issue never becomes a public acknowledgement.

We know that our mess, God uses to create message, but not every message involves every detail. So the private issue, may or may not become a major point upon which someone expounds on as they tell their story. But the work that God has done in them in their private, quiet time of prayer, devotion and reflection can be a noticeable shift; even a major breakthrough for their life.

Thus, indeed the power of ownership is double-sided. With a time, place and process for both. In their own right, both unsettling prospects to endure. But what God creates as we submit to the process...

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for pastors that are struggling with the issues that God is dealing with them in their private and personal time. Pray that they would not believe the lies that there is not a problem, where God is saying otherwise. Pray for the conviction of the Holy Spirit to be balanced by the redemptive love of the Father. May whatever stands in the way of them being able to be honest with themselves, step aside. Pray for breakthrough; for strength and healing as pastors go through this process.

For we do not live this life alone.
The God who brings conviction
Also sends us comfort, healing and restoration.
For His glory alone.

- PNC

We had a special service at church this morning, dedicated to school teachers and educators. It was a great time of giving and recognition and the pastor shared his message of the teachers who made a difference in his life. So often we think of the words or events that changed our truly, personally changed our lives, but that's not quite as powerful as the people with whom we have experienced a direct point of contact.

It's easy to reflect on what we have accomplished and point back to a time when information changed our lives or an event turned the course of things and a new shift changed the dynamics by which we lived, moved or perceived reality. Conversely, though, we can all point to a person or a relationship that has created a point of frustration and hindrance where we felt as though we were truly held back or disadvantaged by circumstances that were by and large, out of our control.

"Perhaps if someone else had done differently, I too would be doing differently."

I'm not absolving the individual into making excuses, but at the same time, legitimate negative factors do take their toll and have to be accounted for if we are to work towards solutions to overcome the obstacles that may lie before us, whether they be there on purpose or by accident.

That said, if you know your effectiveness has been hindered by people in the past, then is that not all the more reason to live today in such a way, that later, people will reflect upon your life and count you as one who moved them closer to greatness rather than held them back?

Pray this #effectiveSunday, that indeed we would live with intention and purpose; to live great lives and build up those around us. May we recognize the greatness within those around us and call them out to live better than they are. Pray that we would live with a spirit of love and communicate with words of truth. May we people who would seek opportunitiy to make a difference in the lives of those around us, as Christ has work in our lives to make a difference for eternity.

For we were created with purpose,
For a hope and future
That we might glorify God
And point others to Him.
For the sake of the Gospel of Christ.

- PNC

I continue to be amazed by the goodness of people. So much going on, so many concerns and worries and battles in life that we all experience. And the power of community comes to light, when we take time out of our insanity to speak life into someone else'. We take a break from our own lives in order that we might contribute an opportunity for someone who needs a break from theirs.

Live is constantly moving; always advancing.

Like a merry go-round, hanging on for dear life is probably safer than jumping off. That said, staying on is a delicate balance between excitement and fear; joy and sorrow.

It is that perspective that points to the power and importance of being surrounded by good people. And everyone needs good people in their lives; therefore with that understanding, why would you want to be the contributor of something where people feel worse about themselves or life, after having been around you?

Community is only as beneficial as the character of the people who contribute to it. And that is an element of our lives that only God can transform.

On this #communitySaturday, pray that God would help us of us, to be better people of Godly character, on display to a world who desperately needs to be reconnected with its' Creator. Pray that despite whatever our current circumstances may be, that we would not miss the opportunity to be a blessing to those around us. May we take advantage of the opportunity to be an encouragement and support to those in need; as we have all been there ourselves and perhaps forgotten the fear and frustration the creeps in during stressful times. Pray that we would always be open to the prompting and leading of the Holy Spirit and follow accordingly.

For we have been blessed to be a blessing
And given life, to give life.
Created, to give glory to our Creator.

- PNC

Every once in a while, this happens. I have something for a post and before I know it, the idea, the train of thought, the phrase or keyword that I wanted to build from... lost.

Like misplacing your keys or the CD that you had in your hand yesterday, so to, does the important go missing... just that quick. Or so it seems.

Yet, I'm comforted in that God loses nothing. He wastes nothing. If anything, He is Re-cycler.

He re-uses circumstances.
He re-uses people.
He re-uses events.

The test becomes testimony.
The mess becomes a message.
The curse gets changed for our course.
What was meant to destroy us becomes a pivot point for destiny.

Neither the minister nor the one needing ministry is out of God's line of sight.
His view is unobstructed. He reach of love goes farther than our ability to run from Him.

This truth is as important for the one who has never heard it as it is for the one who needs to be reminded of it.

God starts the flame to that which has never come alive in Him; and rekindles that flame that has burnt out.

Pray this #missionsFriday, that God's Word would go forth. May missionaries be encouraged and strengthened. May those in need of the message be comforted and convicted. Pray that lives would forever be changed; transformed by the truth of the Gospel and filled with the love of Jesus Christ. May the spirit of discouragement and bondage be lifted and replaced with the rising up of clarity and purpose. Indeed, may there be a pivoting, from eternal destruction to eternal destiny.

One purpose,
One God
One glory.
All of us for Him.

- PNC

So, the past few days, I've one album in particular, on repeat. And I'm loving it. The album is titled "Beautiful", from a band by the name of The Walter Eugenes. It's a great Christian Rock album; I've had it for a few years, and I'm enjoying it more with every play through.

A number of songs hit really close to home, both in their message and the events that have transpired in the lives of some close friends. But the lyrics in the song, Hole For A Heart have a phrase which we've all stated at some point in our lives.

"I would have done it differently, if I had known from the start..."

"I could have known, but I would not see; if I would have listened from the start..."

Books have been written; and could be written from this perspective! I don't know of a single person, who hasn't reflected upon at least one circumstance and shared this sentiment of frustration. I think there's a reason hindsight is 20/20. It's because we don't the time to adjust our vision, our vantage point and our approach to the situation. Consider how many adjustments the optometrist makes before ordering your lenses? They get it dialed in!

Us? Not always. Not so often. Not nearly enough.

If you find yourself wishing you had known more from the start, then we aren't we asking every question possible when starting something new? Yes, I understand that the best laid plans get side-swiped and sabotaged, but great confidence comes from clear vision You can't know what you can't see; you can't deal with what you refuse to see.

Pray, this #deaconThursday, that God would given clear vision and insight to the tasks and projects that are currently underway and especially, those which are being taken into consideration. May their be clarity of communication and understanding of processes and perspectives. Pray for a spirit of unity despite an airing of differences. Pray God would grant divine direction where there has previously been a spirit of confusion. May God prepare the way and show it; that church leadership advance in confidence and obedience.

That we would not be a people who lack vision
But see what God sees
As He sees it
For His glory and purposes.

- PNC

It's a weird thing...well, maybe not weird. I'm not sure what to call it. I look at life and consider all that I don't know and find myself wonder, how did I go through life and miss picking up that information? Especially if it was easily accessible? Why didn't I learn how to do this and that, have a certain experience, gain certain understanding and perspective... things that would have been greatly beneficial in adulthood.

Conversely, I consider what I do know and the perspective that I do have and consider myself grateful... for while there is much that I wish I knew "how" to do, there are important things which know "what" to do is sufficient.

Why is that the case?

Because having a what is workable. The how part of things can be navigated and figured out. Lots of time invested and energy exerted, but the process can be worked. The circumstances that stop you in utter confusion and blankness, however, are incredibly frustrating if you find yourself responding as if you are useless. "I don't know WHAT I am to do here."

If there was a goal, or a purpose... a desired outcome or expectation; you at least know two things.

You know where you are.
You know where you to go.

The power of one's accomplishments has many factors, for sure. The why, we may or may not fully understand. The how may or may not be clearly spelled out in instruction form. But where there is a teachable moment of talking or showing what to do accomplishes much.

I'm quickly and more frequently realizing that I would have an easier time knowing what to do as an adult, if there were more "what to do" moments in my youth. In many areas of life. But what if, in matters of faith, I didn't know "what".

Lots would be missing. Much more would never get done.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray that God would give clarity to both pastors and the young people that they lead, in the circumstances of life and faith where they are unsure of "what" they are do.  Whatever the matters and issues of life are, pray that God would give them insight and revelation. Pray that the foundation of faith would be well established at an early age. Pray that pastors would not get frustrated by that which they don't know and understand, but live in confidence of Who they know and the "what" for which they were created. May the help to establish that same understanding in the lives of the young people they lead.

For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Dear friends of mine, were at the children's hospital early this morning for what was the third "major" surgery for their baby girl. I left them a voicemail as they were en route for the 6am check-in and I was wishing that I didn't have to go to work, but instead was on my way to hang out with them while they waited.

I don't do well in hospitals... I really don't know how I'd fare, dealing with the mess and the stress that they've endured. They're heroes. It's been an incredible journey.

But as the day progressed, I found myself considering the unbelievable number of pastors whose calendar is full of hospital visits and home visits, accident scenes and the like. Conversations with marriages on the verge of divorce and in teens in trouble of many kinds.

Reality hits hard and many of us are surrounded by those whose battles and struggles we only know a glimpse of; sometimes only due to the power of social media. Because it's near impossible to devote one's entire day to relational investing; of knowing who is going through what and what can be done to help or meet a need.

There is simply too much. The need is too great. The people too many. The situations too dire.
It's impossible to carry it all, hear it all, deal with it all to say nothing of being able to solve it all.

And people understand that; pastors can't do it all and shouldn't do it all, even when people perceive they can or believe they should. We rely on our pastors, but we should rely on God more. We expect a lot from our pastors, but we should believe God for more.

Does life deal out more than we can handle? Yes
But God is sovereign.

T.D. Jakes said it like this, if I recall properly. All things may not be for our good, but God is working good, in all things.

So, no matter what we face, we do not do so alone, for those in Christ Jesus.

Let's pray, this #associatePastorTuesday that God would continue to use them, as they minster to countless people and needs, putting the needs and struggles of others above their own. Pray for strength as they walk with people during times of trial, suffering and loss. Pray for wisdom and discernment, as they engage in conversation and counsel. May the be the support, encouragement and correction that God has revealed to them necessary for that specific time and circumstances. Pray for grace as help others life lives of real faith as they battle the real world.

For our battles are not against flesh and blood,
But powers and principalities.
For Satan has a plan of destruction,
But God has a mission to build.

- PNC

It goes without saying, ministry is an investment.

An incredible, "lifelong" investment. I use quotes, because people of all walks of life come to salvation at every stage of life and go through an number of life-changing encounters before recognizing a formal call upon their life to full-time ministry. But yes; a truly, full-fledged investment.

One of considerable time.
One of unspeakable sacrifice.
One of great study
One of eternal love.

But the stakes are high. Eternally high. The rewards are priceless. The risks are life-altering. I'd go as far as to say death-defying, but sadly, the more accurate reality, are the instances where ministry is death-resulting.

Oddly enough, Matthew Ward's song Armed & Dangerous is playing.

"Prepare this warrior's heart..."

Ministry is a battlefield. It make look easy. It may have an appeal. But any pastor will tell, it is not for the faint-heart. The beauty found with ministry is incredible. The tragedy witnessed is, at times, unspeakable. They continual stand at the forefront of decisions that will not only impact and influence eternity, but will fall one of side of its' line or the other.

Not wanting to have the conversation of eternity's line doesn't remove it's existence. We either deal with eternity by proactive choice or reactive default. Thus, so too, is ministry an intentional step forward or a reactionary step back.

Which is the same choice for every investor reading the prospectus.

Pray this #seniorPastorMonday that God would strengthen the hearts of those who've experienced more of the risk and loss side of the ministry equation. May their be an increase in the beauty and reward of ministry; not that it is all colored roses, but that the struggle and defeat would not overwhelm them to burnout. Pray for protection as they daily face the risks of ministry, whether they be great and dangerous or minor and mundane. Pray that God would grant them wisdom as the encounter and engage with those whose decisions are on the verge of impacting eternity. May God be glorified and lives forever changed for good, for the glory of God.

Whatever the choice,
May it be done so wisely
For a foolish investor,
Is a dangerous investor.

- PNC

There is no effectiveness of results if there is no motivation to begin; and limit results if what was begun is not continued.

There's any number of obstacles and mindsets that hinder and altogether prevent events from happening. And somehow, somewhere, something needs to propel us... advance us... MOTIVATE us to press on and press thru to do that which needs to be accomplished.

Of course, it helps if we know exactly what it is that we wish to accomplish. That goes without saying, but it helps to repeat it. Perhaps even say it aloud as you read it.

It helps to know exactly what it is that we wish to accomplish!

That alone should be motivation even; provided it's a big enough Why.

Dave Ramsey talks about this all the time. If the reason for doing something is motivation enough to move forward, then you don't have a big enough reason. The dream should be huge. A business and leadership author calls them BHAG's.

Big. Hairy. Audacious. Goals.

Too often times, we get focused on size as if it were an obstacle that can't be overcome. However, quite the opposite is true. The end result needs to be a big enough target, that in our pursuit of it, we will never miss hitting it.

With that mindset, the effectiveness of the church and its' ministry, should be an ever-increasing, daily occurrence.

So, pray this #effectiveSunday, that the church and its' leadership would not lose their motivation, nor their sight on the goal and vision of their purpose. Pray that they would neither lose hope, nor burnout from the fatigue of the process. May God strength their spirits and renew their hearts and minds. Pray their focus would be sharp. Pray for clarity where there is confusion; hope for despair and peace in exchange for chaos.

Continual advancement.
For the cause of Jesus Christ
And the glory of God.

- PNC

I commented on Friday's post, for a brief moment, on such buzz words as derisive and tribalism. There's a good form of tribe, that has been established when people talk about business, and the culture within an organization and that's great. You want people on board, moving towards the same goal and mission in that environment.

But turn the tables to something like politics and it becomes a criticism for those who can't see the perspective of those whom they disagree. There's a group that is bent on sending the message that community is damaged and in trouble. That certain people are evil and certain beliefs and ideologies are horrendous. And in the midst of it all, is a desire for the truth from a culture that has devalued the truth. Perhaps because of everyone's loyalty to their own "tribe".

Community is what you make it.
Community is what you focus on.

Are there problems? Sure.
Is there room for improvement? Absolutely.
Can you change the world? At some point.
Can you transform your circle of influence? Yes.

Community starts with the individual. It will be seen as derisive when there is a group determined to send that message. It will not be seen as such for those focused on common ground, common purpose and recognition that everyone around us as well as the one in the mirror is both fallen and capable of greatness.

Community will be great when people pursue the building of great relationships. That requires truth. It requires true compassion. It requires true love. And commitment to seeing people through the eyes of Christ. Anything short of that creates opportunity for other hindrances and attitudes to dominate in ways that are neither good, nor beneficial.

On this #communitySaturday, pray that our perspective and filters would not stand in the way of truth. Furthermore, pray that our faults and failures would not hinder our ability to build relationships and extend friendship, even with those whom we may disagree on any number of issues or beliefs. May God work the miraculous, as we live with eyes open, looking for opportunity whereby God might be glorified.  Pray that the message of Christ would go forth from the messes that have happened in our lives. May we communicate the love of God and the truth of the Gospel in a world that struggles to see past their own experiences and cultural loyalties.

May we be a people sold out
Only to the purpose for which God created us.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

It's been said recently, if you've read the headlines or watched the news, that "the truth isn't truth."

I made the mistake of engaging in a brief conversation on this 4-word concept and at some point, had to step back with a certain perspective.

With society's recent obsession in recent years, to redefine and reassign meaning to words, mindsets and attitudes, it's really not any surprise, than any person, let alone someone in a leadership role would utter such a statement.

But on a larger, spiritual scale, when a people abandon the concept of the existence of "absolutes", then there is room for compromise, dilution and contamination.

Things become loose, that were meant to be tight; unsealed, that which was meant to be protected and exposed, that which was to be covered.

What's profound about the truth, is that when it is not complete, then it no longer exists as it should. A car whose engine oil has mixed with the coolant is problematic. A watered-down fountain drink is undesirable. A meal in which the ingredients are out of proportion is a recipe for an uneaten meal.

People can argue about the current landscape being derisive and tribal and there will always be people who focus on others first. But lets' be real. The people of God must be committed to God. And if Jesus Christ is the Truth, and His Word is truth, then at the end of the day, we are to be pursuers and communicators of truth, but in this life and the Life that is to come.

Even within church leadership and on the mission field; where there is even greater risk for speaking and declaring the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.... if that isn't the primary, uncompromised message, then we aren't doing anyone any favors. Regardless of how much they don't want to hear it, or having anything to do with it.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, that no matter the cost, there would be a continual, renewal of boldness to seek and speak truth, both on the issues of life and the presentation of God. Pray for barriers to be broken in the hearts and minds of those who have become too accustom to a diluted message. May the Holy Spirit do a work within them, that they would be ready to receive the Word of God and the plans and purposes for their lives. Pray there would be no fear of society's retribution and repercussion. Pray for boldness, in a world that has no remorse for sharing any other aspect of their life and lifestyle; may spiritual, Biblical truth go forward.

In a message that is vital
To one's eternal destiny,
For the glory of God.

- PNC

James McDonald shared an honest statement in a recent broadcast... one I thought incredibly appropriate for #deaconThursday. In essence, he made the point that it's problematic when we place a higher value on people and their wisdom than we do the prompting of the Holy Spirit and the power of Christ.

Seems elementary, doesn't it?

And yet it happens often... as in daily.
Those in the pews esteem their pastors insight, charisma and perspective more than going directly to God.
Just as easily, so can pastors rely more on the counsel of their deacon board more than God's Word.

It's dangerous ground, for sure. Consider a time in your life, when you did the same? I don't suggest that as a reminder of the pain that memory recreates, but as a frame of reference that once again, pastors and church leadership are just as human and flawed as the rest of us. Sometimes more so, for out of a great mess comes a great message. And some of my favorite pastors have come from incredible backgrounds that have produced amazing testimonies.

Even that statement alone, if allowed, could be a launch point for temptation even in my own life, to give them greater importance and influence than the very work and word of God. It is with great care and intention that we must guard who we give preferred seating in our hearts and minds, and that ultimately, only the Divine resides on the throne

Pray, this #deaconThursday, that pastors and church leadership alike, would indeed, take great care in keeping God first, especially in the direction and decisions of their ministries and churches, as well as their own lives. Pray for revelation and warning for those who have perhaps gotten the seating arrangement in their lives out of order. May God reestablish His rightful place. Pray the power of the Holy Spirit would neither be lost, nor hindered, nor the eyes of the leadership blindsided or skewed. May their be a clarity of the spiritual vision in this fallen, physical world.

Give us eyes that see,
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,
But powers and principalities of this dark age.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

Kids are back in school or are about to be, and Michael W. Smith's classic song, Live & Learn. Indeed we are always living and learning, Michael. In fact, somewhere buried in the archives, is a post after the song's title that expands on this. But in a slightly different direction than I had originally planned for this #youthPastorWednesday, are the words of James McDonald.

There's a difference between a student of the Word and a servant of the Word.

Tell me that is convicting!

It's the difference between knowing information and knowing what to do with the information.

There's so much more that could be written... and I probably have in the past three plus years. But I'm not sure that I could wish anything more, for pastors, for today's youth and even myself for that matter; to not only know more about God and more of God, but to be doing what He would have us to do with what He has already shared with us through Scripture.

Let that be the challenge and prayer for our lives, on this #youthPastorWednesday. May we be, not only better students of the Bible, but better servants of it. Pray that our youth and the pastors and parents who lead them, would instill and build a foundation of faith that trusts in God alone and seeks His face for their purpose and calling in life. May their identity forever be found in Jesus Christ. Pray for an ever-increasing desire, for the Holy Spirit to be active and at work; bringing fresh revelation and insight, now only through the power of prayer, but by the reading and study of God's Word.

Study, to show thyself approved
Serve, in order to be found faithful.
For the glory of God.

- PNC