Once again, a few things rattled around regarding today's #seniorPastorMonday post.

Until I heard part of a message from Dr. David Jeremiah. He was talking about the humble beginnings of the church he and his wife started in the early days of their ministry. Humble days. As many, if not all, pastors have experienced. And like all, there were days he wanted to call it quits. The struggle is real. The battle is hard. The road is rough.

Yet, someone reminded him of a prayer that always stuck with him and when he said it, it resonated.

"Lord, use what's left."

It continues to amaze, the nature and character of God. He does not waste anything. He does not waste a life. He does not waste an experience. He does not waste an opportunity in which He could be glorified.

While that's a comforting sentiment, it's also one that is hard to swallow. Think of how many times someone has told you there's nothing left to give, and you keep pushing them for more. To challenge and grow; to press in and to press onward. Then God says, I'm not done...there's more.

And we fight it; as other's have done with us.

However, I can't help but ask how many miracles are being held in the power of such a simple prayer... use what's left, God.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray that even if the midst of difficulty, frustration and burnout; may pastors retain the humble posture that would allow God to use what is left. May God strengthen and quicken them when the feel as though there is little left for God to use. May He work the miraculous, as with the loaves and fish. What is of little effect in our eyes, may we commit it to God's care and service to accomplish exponentially more than we could ever fathom.

Clay vessels are we,
Broken and spilled out
For God's plan
And His glory.

- PNC

Isn't funny how life works out sometimes?

There are proven plans and principles, that always work... regardless of who is doing the work or the numbers involved or whatever. There's a plan, there's instruction, there's an example that has been established as precedent. It's doable. It's workable. It's repeatable. And that has been the case for many.

And as such, over time, it has developed into something that is certainly effective, and by and large, efficient.

For the rest of it though... are the times where you aren't sure. And that's usually where God shows up. In the simple steps of prayer and obedience and trusting the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

The conversation that you think would offer the least help, ends up being exactly what someone needed to hear.
What seems to be the most broken and lousy-sounding prayer, ends up getting answered.
The act of kindness or generosity that hardly qualifies as sacrificial to the one who gives it and it means the world (and a changed one at that) to the recipient.

On this efficient and effective focus of a Sunday, I offer this reminder... God uses the foolish things to confound the wise.

And on that note, let's pray this #effectiveSunday, that while it's good to stick with proven plans and processes, may we not disregard or discredit that times, places and means by which God will use to accomplish His will and purposes. May we continually be people who trust that He is working all things out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Pray that we would neither get ahead of where He is moving and leading, nor we stop or step aside because we don't understand what He is working. Pray that the church would continue to walk in obedience to the Word and pray that even when we can't trace God, we continue to trust in Him.

For the glory of God
And the advancement of the Gospel of Christ.

- PNC

So, it turns out that there's a downside to all of today's technology.

While it is good that is has increased our awareness level of many issues and topics, it has also overwhelmed us to the point that it is quite a challenge to keep track of it all; let alone be involved in it all to any level of success. And it is in that level that I think perhaps we forget, neglect or miss the opportunity that lies right before each of our lives.

I was reflecting on this, as upon my leaving work Friday afternoon, learned that I had turned to walk out the door, he had turned in the opposite direction to tell the boss he was putting in his two-week notice. My job isn't one where I see my co-workers often enough to carry on conversations at length. They are few and far between and last a couple minutes at a time.

So, while there may have been a handful of conversations about life and faith, God or the church, I may never know if my life and interaction was enough of a witness for Christ. I know the workplace gets tricky. You are there to do a job. You can't spend the whole time talking about God; there's other things going on in the world, in their life and yours for that matter. But it got me to recall the important perspective... am I caring about really matters.

Our experience is what it is.
Which is just as true for everyone that we come in contact with on a daily basis.
There will also be something going on that will capture our attention, our awareness and understanding and will result in what dominates our speech and interaction.

And it's on that point, that we should pray, this #communitySaturday, that God would grace our engagement with those around us, with His heart and His presence. Pray that our communication would ever be soaked in love and truth. May our faith not position us that we never have opportunity to share it, but that the joy of the Lord would be dominate our perspective and presence that it would be attractive to those around us as well as contagious. Pray there would be a boldness about our lives that would prompt us to engage that others might share in the knowledge and grace of the love of God and the passion of our Savior.

For the cause of Jesus Christ.
And the sake of eternity.

- PNC

Someone was talking about the cost of the some of the national issues that we are currently facing, among them being hot topics such as illegal immigration, which led to the comparison being made between housing the kids involved to the hundreds of thousands of kids that are currently part of the foster care or social services system.

The numbers are incredible and the cost, astronomical.

And I thought to myself, just for the sake of analysis, how much time and money is given to animal rights and rescue causes. The pet industry is big business and I get it... we all love our pets.

Yet while people figure what to do here and there and pay for this and that.... as soon as a ministry steps up and says, we need help with resources and funding, people somehow find ways to hide the wallets and checkbooks. It seems as though "everybody" takes their negative experiences and the tragic stories they've heard and becomes a justifying critic to NOT do something to help, rather than a rational defender of why one's support should advance.

For all the causes whose message is advanced because of people's financial giving, what could possibly be more important than the Gospel of Christ whereby lives are at stake for all eternity?

God doesn't need the money to advance His message; but imagine what He could accomplish through the lives of those who were faithful givers, living in obedience to the life He has called us to live.

On this #missionsFriday, pray for missionaries who are struggling; especially with regards to resources and funding. Pray that God would sovereignly move on their behalf. Pray that the church and the people of God would be people who would be open and quick to give as needs are presented and opportunities are granted to give back to God by financing the advancement of the Gospel. May they not give up or quit, but grow in faith and prayer rather than in frustration and problems.

May God work the miraculous in every arena,
As we do better to love Him and love people
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I remember the day I started a new research job many years ago now. One of the first pieces of advice, I've never forgotten, even if I don't always put it into practice.

There are no stupid questions.

Some may disagree, but you can't live life not knowing what you don't know. And how will you find out if you don't ask?

Even in the smallest of matters and more in the things in which you've put off resolving. For whatever reason in doing so.

Such was my recent experience. A matter that I had been meaning to take care of months ago and it kept getting delayed... albeit it entirely within my control to get it sorted out. So, I finally made the call. And asked for some help from those on the other line who were able help make my case to those who could authorize the solution.

Needless to say, it was 20 minutes well spent. They met me half way. Which makes it that much easier for me to handle my part and responsibility in the matter. But were in not for the asking...

I keep getting reminded by a number of men in my life who have a few years on me; that we all have our moments of getting things wrong. We take care of problems and conflicts thinking we know what we are doing, what's the best way to handle it, manage it, solve it... and we make it worse as often as we make it right. At least if feels as if that is the case.

And those are the times that make me want to stop asking for help; to stop feeling like I don't know what I'm doing. Which is usually about the time that I prove to those around me that I don't have a clue. I'd been better off risking to ask the stupid question.

Even in our relationship with God, wisdom and clarification never hindered anyone, except for when it wasn't provided because it wasn't sought out.

So, on this #deaconThursday, pray that no matter the experience or expertise that church leaders would continue to be people who would ask and seek answers and solutions to that which confuses or confounds them. May they be people who seek the truth; both in God's Word and the circumstance in which they daily face. Pray that fear, shame, arrogance or pride would not keep them from growing in wisdom and knowledge. May they seek the face of God and draw from the life experience and understanding of those around them.

For if we are to live and move in unity
Then we must share in our knowledge
And trust in His grace.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Well, it's Freedom Day!!  Independence Day, as celebrated in these, wonderful United States of America.

Don't listen to the naysayers.
Yes, we have problems, just like every other country.
Our communities have issues, just like all the rest.
There is no "perfect" school anywhere.
And companies are always looking for the next improvement.

Meanwhile, every family has it's battles.
Every marriage has it's moments of strife.
And every life has it's crisis of faith.

There's so much that factors in to the freedom that we enjoy.  And so often we focus on the external things. To go anywhere. To do anything (within the legal framework). To be anyone that we want desire to be. To create a life of our own.

And yet, we don't always experience "freedom" as such. We miss out on financial freedom, thanks to debt and the pressure or desire as the case may be, to keep up with the neighbors, across the street or across the country. People struggle with addictions and substance abuse. We don't experience freedom because of clutter, both physically around our homes as well as that which resides mentally in the one square foot of real estate that is the head. We overthink matters. We overwork the process. We invest our time and energy into everything except that which matters most; relationship.

With God. With family. With friends. With those with whom we share this great land; for which many have lived, fought and died to ensure it's existence.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, let us first thank for freedom. While we celebrate what has been granted to us as a nation, may we remember the true freedom that exists through Jesus Christ. Pray for pastors living an experience that is more stress and struggle than freedom and joy. For whatever challenges they are facing, pray that God would grant them clarity and wisdom. Pray that chains would be broken and states of bondage loosened. Pray for the young people to whom they minister, that are facing similar struggles. May God help them to effective share the truth that God has a plan, purpose and destiny for their lives. May we never forget that freedom always comes at a price... whether by those who serve our country, or Christ who served for all humanity.

For the glory of God
We celebrate true freedom.

- PNC

So, tomorrow is the 4th of July. Another great time of year. Another great time for a church event or outreach. It should be exciting. But do you ever wonder if for a moment, church staff dreads the preparation of such? Perhaps dread is a strong word.

We all have those events that we enjoy being a part of, with activities and fellowship and building various types of community. But what's involved to get to that event... it's not dismay or disgust, well maybe a little bit. I'm not really sure what to call it at the moment.

It's just one of those, wow... it's that time of year already?

You know it's going to be worthwhile.
You know it's going to be great; that everyone including yourself will have a grand, old time.

But the prospect of it all, perhaps doesn't create the excitement and passion that it once did. In which case, perhaps it's time to change things up.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, as we enter another moment of celebration, pray that it would be a day of great impact as we connect with neighbors, family and friends. Pray that God would give wisdom as churches plan and prepare, not only for this day, bur for every event throughout the year. May God help to decide what events need to advance and what is perhaps ready for change. Pray that wisdom and discernment would abound, as they plan and prepare. Pray for a renewed excitement and passion, not to simply be a Christian presence in the community, but to be a point of introduction of the community to the presence of God and the person of Jesus Christ.

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

- PNC

Former front-man for the band SonicFlood, posted a picture of Scripture, the end of chapter 24 in Exodus. An incredible description of the presence of the Lord high atop the mountain. To this day, it is hard to comprehend a "devouring fire" as an analogy for the "awesome glory" of the Lord. No wonder Moses upon reappearing to the people looked like a changed man. For indeed, He had been in the presence of Almighty God.

But not for five minutes, or an hour.
Not for five hours or a day.
Neither even a full week.
No... how about five and half weeks!

I'm not sure what God's fascination is with numbers: I know there's incredibly profound meaning behind them, but here again... 40 days and 40 nights, in which Moses got lost in the secret place of God. Away from every distraction; away from every detractor. Away from every supporter, beloved neighbor, closest friend and annoying relative. (Smile, would you?)

I keep thinking about how much more time I need to be spending in the presence of God. Followed by, if I have distractions as well as responsibilities calling for my attention constantly, and I'm of relative, little importance, how much more for the senior pastors of our churches; whose sermons and entire ministries are directly affected by the quality of their relationship with God and the time spent in His presence?

It is a game changer.
For the casting of vision
For the effectiveness of ministry
For the impact upon eternity.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for those pastors, struggling to not only find adequate time in the presence of God, but mission-critical time. Pray for those struggling with time-management, and delegation of tasks and responsibilities. May God help them steward their time wisely and raise people up who will be more effective and efficient at handling matters that, while important, are distractions to the study of the Word. Pray that people would sense, with every encounter with the pastor, that they have just come down from the mountain of God. Pray for a sense of clarity that only comes from the throne of a sovereign, omniscient Father.

For what good is it to invest into people
If we don't take time to allow God to invest into us
Through His Word
In His Presence,
That others would see His glory.

- PNC

Yes, it's late in the day, this #effectiveSunday. And today is the start of the 37th consecutive month, of daily prayers. This is the Sunday that we pray that the efforts of our words, deeds and planted seeds would achieve what God would desire of us. Indeed, His Word will not return void.

So what is on my heart?

We've forgotten how to live in the moment. We're so quick to make sure we capture the moment that we forget to simply enjoy and create the memory of that moment. And it's that framework and mindset that allows to not be consumed with being effective, but to do what we can to make an impact. In the conversation. In the situation. In the moment of the life who needs feel the love of God and the truth of His Word.

But we don't enjoy the moment. We simply grab our phones to record the moment... as if our memory is worthless. The distraction takes away from the power of the impact that is made in that moment. Live it. Share it. Cherish it in your heart and soul.

And that's my prayer, this #effectiveSunday. Pray that as we go about the coming days and hours, that we would live in the moment and share and speak that which God lays upon our heart and engage as the opportunity presents itself. May we trust that God will accomplish His will and purpose as we are faithful to follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Pray that we would look back upon our days, including this one, knowing that the hand of God was at work; not only in our lives, but through our lives.

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

- PNC

Have you read the latest? Probably not. It's just my personal experience. It seems now there needs to be a debate on civility. As in what it is, who should engage with it and how ones management of it, or lack there of, is dependent on or in response to someone else.

Yes, by all means. Because one more word needed to be redefined (that was sarcasm, by the way)

I truly feel with each passing day, that I know less and less.
And I'm realizing more and more, there is no way we endure the trials and tribulations of this life without God's help.

Called to be in this world, but not of this world.

I've said it before and I'll say it again... the Christian walk is not for the faint of heart. And so many more have endured and currently live beyond my imagination, both in the risk and reward of God's grace and truth.

Which reminds me, while we are all trying to engage in community as the representation of Christ...

Is love really love without truth? Yes, we can get hung up on the truth that we forget to love, but does love exist without it?
How about compassion? Can I show you compassion while speaking a falsehood or enough of the truth to avoid offense?

The conversation will only get harder. The desire to engage will only become more frustrating, while at the same time more necessary. And notice the work of God in people's hearts and minds take time. Some prepare soil. Some plant seeds. Some water the seeds. And some witness the seed become a stalk of truth and believe in God alone. May that be our hope in the face of difficult people and circumstance.

Pray quite simply, on this #communitySaturday, that God would help us to engage and to know how to effectively handle the role each of us play in the process of making an impact whereby someone comes to the saving knowledge of God through Jesus Christ.

For it does not solely depend upon one of us alone,
But all of us desirous to change eternity on Earth
For the glory of God.

- PNC

If I recall, I posted a similar topic a few weeks ago (or months now... I seriously can't keep up), but I was reminded of just how hard it is to come to basic agreements of late. Granted, it was a political volley on social media, but still... I offered the lowest common denominator I could beginning with the words, "can we agree?"

No, was the reply. I can't.

Really? 

When people miss the fact that all of us our flawed failures, we are in trouble. But nearly as much as when we miss this truth about ourselves. Unhealthy pride (that which is not laced with a humble spirit of constant gratitude) is a dangerous gremlin to deal with, especially when it leads to spiritual blindness and spiritual arrogance.

This was Satan's downfall. At look what his first conversation involves. The presentation that He knows more about what's God's Words meant than the person to whom God actually spoke. He called into doubt, God's dynamic reality of command and consequence.

And yet, as we pray for missionaries, this is the communication battle we face.

All have fallen short of the glory of God.
** but others have fallen more than I, so I should be okay.
Unfortunately, that's not how God sees it
** but I don't believe in God, so I really don't care how He sees it.

This is troubling. We allow arguments to enter our spiritual conversation that we would never tolerate in our own homes or other aspects of our lives. Yet we justify so much in order to avoid dealing with the aforementioned dynamic reality of God.

On this #missionsFriday, pray for a spiritual awakening. Pray that God would help His truth to be effectively communicated. Pray for the spiritual blinders to come off and the arrogance to be shaken. Pray that pride by cast aside and that we would return to humbling ourselves before the Lord; worthy of neither His grace nor His glory that has been offered to us freely through the sacrifice of Christ. Pray God's forgiveness for the mess that we have made out of His Creation, as we have continually put other people, things and agendas in higher priority than He.

Fallen and broken
In need of grace and redemption
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Social media isn't all bad. But it is like any other relationship. It is what you contribute to it. That said, for all the accolades that it receives in the name of creating "connections", there are so many levels in which it creates a disconnect.

The power of debate and discussion on opposing sides of a matter or topic are lost. Statements lost in context. Non-verbal communication simply can't be transmitted whatsoever, despite any attempt by the use of many emojis. Sarcasm must be noted with multiple asterisks and even then, people don't pick up on the memo.

It really is an interesting phenomena. As well as entertaining at times. And frustrating quite more frequently.

Communication is an art... and sadly, one that is getting lost online. Despite people's attempts to use ever increasingly lofty terms to describe their argument, like false equivalency. Just spell it out. I think you are wrong and here's why. It seems of late, the only comments that have an element of brevity are those which end in calling the opposing debater choice names or demeaning adjectives. But what do I know? Not much, granted.

But I know this... physical connection is worth pursuing and maintaining. Life moves too fast as it is, without neglecting the actually reaching out to people beyond the screen of the keyboard, whether it be on the laptop or the phone's messenger app. A phone call goes a long way. A knock on the front door goes even farther.

On this #deaconThursday, pray that even as the church makes every attempt to connect with more people, especially through the power of social media, that they would also seek to make every connection possible with those in the surrounding communities that they serve. Pray that the power of the local church would neither be neglected nor dismissed. Pray that relationships would be strengthened as the body of Christ reaches out in physical and tangible ways to help those in need and speak life, hope and truth into troubled minds and broken hearts. While the power of technology is incredible, the power of the Cross of Christ is vital.

May we be about what happens in real time,
With face to face engagement, rather than face to screen.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I always appreciate talking with my brother. He lives out of state and his schedule is crazier than mine, so it's not nearly often enough. But he returned my call late last night and I was reminded once again, just how much I appreciate his insight and advice wrapped up in brotherly love.

Then this morning, I got to thinking about the verse that talks about Jesus staying closer than a brother.

And I realized that there are two responses to that truth.

The first, is a response similar too mine; and that is that it's a pretty incredible thought regarding our walk with Christ as me and my brother are like this! *fingers crossed. When you have a great relationship with your sibling, the closeness a relationship with Christ is easy to grasp, but at times difficult to imagine that it could be even better.

Then there's the opposite response, offered through an entirely different filter. For the person who does not have a close relationship with their sibling, putting a relationship with Christ in such a framework is difficult. And understandably so. There's no context of personal experience.

We see this all the time, in conversations on nearly every issue and topic of the day. You can't possibly understand what that's like if you haven't lived it. And to a degree, that is accurate. Now, granted, not "every" experience needs to be personally lived out, to understand that something is dangerous, horrific or defies logic or belief. We can show compassion, empathy and understanding while speaking truth, even from an entirely different experience.

Having said that though, we've all recognized the bond that develops when the stories and realities of two people or groups come into alignment and they discover that they share common elements throughout the experience(s) of their life... or at least a moment of it.

Children want to know that someone understands their struggles.
Adults want to know that someone has lived their battles.
Likewise, pastors want to know that someone has survived the ministry.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray for pastors that are struggling with their place in life and in faith. May they be reassured, that even if it feels like nobody understands their battle, that Christ does. Pray for the comfort of the Holy Spirit to surround them and strengthen them anew and afresh. Pray also, that God would give them insight as they come alongside, the kids and teens that they minister to; that they would develop a great relationship in which those kids would understand that someone has been through the challenges and difficulties they are facing. May the be the representation of Christ, standing by them, walking with them and speaking truth into them and life over them. Pray God would accomplish the miraculous in drawing the lives of both young people and pastors alike every closer to Himself.

That each of us would grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ
As we do in the relationship of our beloved siblings
Both the ones that exist and the ones we wished existed
For the glory of God.

- PNC

How amazing is it, that the mind can work through a matter and discuss with itself, at great lengths, what the best course of action is? Of course, depending on the circumstance, the mind takes on all sorts of factors and variables and outlines three, five and nine moves ahead. (someone please tell me, I'm not the only one who struggles with this)

This wouldn't be so problematic for the decision making process, except for the fact, that in a matter of moments, you can end up with two very different routes. Ultimately, you may end up at the same result, but the difference in the process is time and energy, cost and risk. It's good if you are decisive, committed and determined to not give a second thought after the fact, constantly wondering if you have chosen poorly... like choosing the Holy Grail without suffering the immediate effects of getting it wrong.

Otherwise, welcome to the second-guess club. (I'm having jackets made!)

Somehow, the idea of Associate Pastor conjures up images of middle-management. You're a decision maker of some note and worth, with your own plethora of people either reporting to you or coming to you, needing input and advice, direction and authorization. There's a handful of things in which you don't have "final say", but there's an overwhelming amount of circumstances in which you are allowed to speak and do so with knowledge and credibility.

Having said that though, it too leaves you in a vulnerable state. What if you do get it wrong. What if you miss an aspect. What if, while the long-term solution was good, you totally fumble the way you should have gone about it. There's plenty of advice that understands and justifies both paths. One might create a big mess now, but at least you know what you're dealing with. The other, may create a bigger mess later and who knows what you'll have on your hands.

This is a frustrating position to be in. Especially when you are the decision-maker, at least to some degree.

So, would you join me again, on this #associatePastorTuesday. Pray that God would help those struggling with the decisions they face. May God give them wisdom, regarding both the short-term outlook and the long-term prospect. Pray they would be surrounded by good advice. Pray that God would help them to make decisions without fear or worry. While there will always be risk and factors beyond their control, pray that it would not be a point that would cause unhealthy anxiety and stress, both within themselves as well as in the relationships of those affected by the decision. Pray that they would walk confidently in Christ; not held down by regret nor held back by mistakes, both of the past and the recent. May God help them move forward, one day at a time, one decision at a time.

For He has not given us a spirit of fear,
But of peace and a sound mind.
For His glory and by His grace.

- PNC

During praise and worship yesterday morning, we're singing Come To The Altar and the phrase "overcome by the weight of your sin" hit me. How often do we truly think about it?

Probably not nearly enough. Does it break our hearts like it breaks God's? Even as we are being sanctified and in the journey to greater reflect the Christ we love and the God we serve? Probably not.

Pastors on the other hand...

I've known many, that while it doesn't hold them back, have a keen sense of awareness of the human condition before God. And not just those whom they minister. They have a continual broken and contrite heart before God knowing that they, themselves, are not perfect and have neither arrived, nor achieved a position or status where there sin isn't ever before them. Yes, it's been forgiven, but they also understand it is only ever, one step behind them as well.

Conversely, just as it can easily become for all of us, so too, can a pastor forget or dismiss the power and damage of sin in relationship to how we connect with God and man. This is a dangerous place to be, because I think it does affect how we interact with others. And more importantly, it changes how we pray and communicate with God as well as how we read His Word.

That should be our wake-up call. But I fear for pastors who no longer are "overcome by the weight of their sin" as they song reads. It creates an opportunity for spiritual awareness to sneak out and away. Perhaps, worse, it opens the door for a contrite and broken to become a little less contrite and broken. And not because God has healed and restored it. But because it creates a sense that perhaps our sin isn't that bad or it's negative impact in our lives isn't so severe. And that is incredibly dangerous ground on which to stand, live and move our being.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray those pastors who perhaps, aren't as "overwhelmed" as they once wear. Pray for those whose heart isn't as broken and contrite as it once was. Whether they are feeling the effect in their ministry or not, pray that God would do a fresh work in their lives. Pray for their relationships as well, both within the church as well as their home and community. May there be a passion for others because the awareness of what God has done in their heart and mind is ever at the forefront of everything they do and set out to accomplish. Pray they hearts would not grow hardened nor the light go dim, nor their love go cold. May God strengthen their faith as they exercise their faith to greater things.

For the advancement of the kingdom of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.
For His glory alone.

- PNC

A very simple train of thought this morning, as I'm getting ready for church, reflecting on the events and conversations of the week. I trust yours went well. by the way.

Effectiveness does not come without a strategy. Whether laid out in great detail or a hunch that a certain approach or message might may be necessary, effectiveness does not happen without an intent, a motive and a follow-through. And I think we often put in more thought and strategy than what is warranted at times. Not that there's not a time and place for a grand plan.

But more often, little is done from a lack of plan altogether.

What is it that you want to do.
Where do you want to go.
What do you hope to be the outcome.

If we understand the long-term game plan; if we remain committed to its' pursuit, if we don't allow the distractions and detractors to have power of us, then the goal will be reached and effectiveness will be achieved.

Where there is hope, there will be a dasher
Where there is a dream, there will be a crusher.
Where there is peace, there will be a conflict.
Where there is gain, there will be loss.
For everything that has an advocate, there will be protest.

But on this #effectiveSunday, may we rejoice that God fights our battles on our behalf, and ultimately, in light of eternity, the end of the Book has been written and we know who wins. Pray for resolve to continue to work the plan God has prepared for us. May we not be detoured or distracted. Pray the attacks of the enemy would fall at the feet of the church. May today be a great victory for the church of Jesus Christ; that the body of Christ would be known by their love and their ability to speak the truth in love to those who would have ears to hear.

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

- PNC

The weekend really is an opportunity to impact community. The week has it's routine. The work schedule. The responsibilities of home and family. Sure, you may make some new connections along the way, but by and large, the week is a pretty set schedule. The same people at work. The same people in your daily routine. Saturday comes and we step out of the grind.

Hopefully there's a freedom, that changes our attitude and our perspective; that gives us hope and enjoyment and that gives us opportunity to step out of our norms and engage in life and conversation of an entirely different nature. While every day is an opportunity to impact our community, it's the moments in which we find ourselves out of our element and routine  that creates something special and memorable.

Sometimes it is memorable because of the lesson learned, other times it is for the shear joy of what has transpired. But the impact is never made if the opportunity is never seized. And God only knows what is missing from our lives and what isn't being done for eternity when we don't step out of our routines... hard as it may be some days.

On this #communitySaturday, pray that we would look for moments to uniquely engage in ways and means different from the rest of the week. May we not be so caught up in our own lives that we miss how God would desire to use us to change someone else's life. Pray that  the stresses and challenges of life would not so occupy our thoughts, time and energy that we disengage to the point that we are ineffective for the cause of Christ.

For we need His help daily
To live as He has called us to live
And do that which He has anointed us to do.
For His glory.

- PNC

I thought I had something to offer on this #missionsFriday, but alas, it escapes me. I just keep thinking how we allow certain circumstances and situations to upset us and outrage us over others. We let one thing slide, yet won't let another go. And if we can look past the emotion of the matter, we just might discover that perhaps we are responding with misappropriation. What upsets us the least should cause the most outrage. And vice versa. What complicates all of this is the filter and understanding that we bring to the conversations that pertain to the matter at hand.

Yet all too often, we forget the bigger conversation. We forget the bigger matter. We forget the people who are engaged in making a difference for eternity that are under much more scrutiny, regulation and oversight across the globe while spending exorbitant amounts of time and resources to change someone's reality.

I'm all for making one's reality better. And I should be even more about changing one's eternity. The struggle is real and life gets in the way. For all of us.

In the meantime, though, there are missionaries around the world who are stepping into worse circumstances than those who are leaving troubled environments. And for them, we pray.

We pray, this #missionsFriday, that God would do the miraculous in the lives and ministries of those on the mission field, especially in dire and troubling environments. Pray that God would guard their lives and families as they reach out to the lost, dying and hurting around the world. Pray that souls would be changed for eternity, regardless of how desperate their realities may be when it comes to daily living.  May the joy of the Lord be their strength and hope, even in spite of hopeless circumstances.

For while we may all of a mission in this life,
May we be about God's mission for the life to come.
For the cause of Jesus Christ
And the advancement of the Gospel.

- PNC

Surely, I can't be the only one who has noticed this phenomenon. We look at today's battles, struggles, frustrations and decisions and spend considerable amounts of time in thought and prayer, in conversation and consideration as to what we should do regarding a matter. Then somewhere along the way, perhaps at some point in the conversation you realize...

... if I had done things differently earlier, perhaps this present situation would be so difficult an ordeal to manage or solve.

We can't live in the past; and by and large, you really can't go back and correct. Certain circumstance you may be able to repair and "make right" and you should, given the opportunity and means. But it's the past that keeps us up, causes a point of frustration and regret and has the potential to bring more confusion to the present day reality rather than bringing insight and clarity as to what we should do differently.

So for what it's worth, while we aren't fortune tellers, neither are we history's correcter. All you have is today's reality, today's resources, today's information and the lessons learned along the way. The ideal solution may not be possible, so while compromise may be point of agony, doing little or nothing about a matter is worse.

On this #deaconThursday, pray for church leadership, that God would guide them in the decisions they face. Pray that regret would frustrate their responsibility. Pray that yesterday's confusion would be useful to bring clarity to the matter at hand. May God grant them wisdom beyond their years and experiences. Pray for their conversations; that communication be honest and real, full of truth and of love; not antagonistic, but productive and fruitful. May fear of the critics and criticism neither hinder nor frustrate leadership from doing what we needs to be done and furthermore, doing what God has called and directed them as He guides their feet and illuminates their path.

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

- PNC

We plan, we strategize, we dream. We talk this and look at that. We prepare on all kinds of levels, pray over all manner of people and circumstances all the while, looking forward to the days ahead... sometimes with greater anticipation than others.

Then life happens. Or Murphy, as it's oft referred to in... albeit in a beloved (read: begrudged) tone of voice.
And you realize a truth that applies to every circumstance, dream and relationship.

You don't have as much time as you think you do.

A problem you know is on the horizon will appear quicker than you anticipate.
A matter which you know can be delayed for a short time will find a way to speed up the clock.
You can no more turn your back on life for a split second anymore than you would your kid and come to find out that half second cost you three and one half years.

You watch life go by, particularly through the lens of ministry and it almost makes you wish it was impossible to blink. But the body needs rest. And the soul need refreshing. And the eyes, time to heal.

For the body needs time to gather its' strength to endure.
And the soul, time to hold fast to hope.
The eyes, time to renew its' perspective.

If anything, life is a lesson in preparedness, for the inevitable as much as the unexpected; for the known horizon as much as the peripheral blind-spot.

We have been given life.
We create life
We steward life.
For however long it lasts, and whoever we may share it will, God help us to live and manage it well.

So pray to that end, this #youthPastorWednesday. May God help us to be good stewards of time, resources and relationships. Pray that God would maximize the investment that we make into fulfilling our calling and purpose and the what we contribute to the lives of those around us. Pray that God would strength and renew those struggling to endure and feel as though hope is slipping from their grasp. Pray for those who feel as though they are losing perspective; may God remind them of who they are, who He is, what He has done and what He desires for their lives.

For as long as we have breath,
Even if we don't have as much time as we think,
He is not done with us yet.
May it be for His continued glory
By His unending grace.

- PNC