Surrounded

There's nothing like the onslaught of news reports to remind you of the power of great leadership while simultaneously reminding you of the stupid decisions made by  leaders at every level. There are better ways, of course. But that's not my focus, except to say once again, there is a great dichotomy that occurs within leadership and the people with which they surround themselves.

I'll be the first to admit I don't deserve grace, but I have no shame in stating that I wouldn't plead for it either. We've all done stupid. Or as Dave Ramsey often calls it, "getting a Ph.D in d-u-m-b".

People. Can't live with them... can't.... well, you fill in the blank. Full of surprises, we are. Sometimes the people upon whom we place high expectations and they somehow, some way, some day, severely miss the mark. And others, upon whom there is little expectation, in just as an impressive manner, find themselves greatly exceeding it.

And regardless of your position in relationship to the leadership, who doesn't benefit by being the type of person that leadership can count on in their time of need and their day of trouble. Nobody ever does everything perfect. And while political correctness goes off the deep-end on any given day, we also have to be true to ourselves. But more importantly, especially within Christiandom, we need to be the people who God has created us to be, as well as who He has called us to be... and do.

Pray this #deaconThursday, that God would give wisdom to the pastoral and leadership team of the church. Pray that their would be a covering of grace and forgiveness for the stupidity and repentance and correction for the sin. Pray that God would give discernment in handling the troubling circumstances in this polically-charged cultural. May the leadership be ever-increasingly aware, not only of the times in which we live, but more importantly of the direction and prompting of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray that ministry would not be hindered by humanities' flaws, but enhanced by heaven's fortitude.

Surrounded by His presence
Even when ours leaves a lot to be desired.
For the glory of God.

- PNC