Waste Management

"God does not waste pain... nor mistakes."
                         - Rhonda Trask, Lead Pastor, Brighton Assembly of God

The amazing character trait of God's sovereignty is found in the simple truth that He has no plan B. Like any good Father, you want your kid to make the right decision, but knowing their nature, you plan for what you know they will choose.

Nehemiah, in preparation to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem reminds God of the promise He made to Moses regarding the promised land, including "even if you are exiled", meaning God knew the outcome should the nation of Israel continue on the trajectory of their decision making. And they did continue and paid for it.  And when the time came, God was ready and Nehemiah's purpose comes to the forefront.

We've been talking the past number of weeks about decision making in day-to-day church operations. The stuff that may or may not get noticed when everyone shows up on Sunday morning. The activities, events and ministries that are prayed, planned and implemented consume great time and effort, long before they are announced. And along the way, conversations that transpire from past experiences, struggles, problem areas, bad decisions, mistakes and the resulting aftermath that still hurts when highlighted.

HEAVEN HAS NO TRASH RECEPTACLE!
THE BOOK OF LIFE HAS NO 'FILE 13' SECTION.
THERE IS NO STORAGE CLOSET OF LIVES THAT NEVER WORKED RIGHT OR GOT THEIR ACT TOGETHER.
THERE EXISTS NO WALL OF SHAME FOR THE MOMENTS WE REGRET.
NO LIFE IS DISCARDED ON HEAVEN'S FLOOR AWAITING AN ANGEL CHILD TO SWEEP UP THE UNDESIRABLE.

HEAVENS' STREETS HAVE NO SWEEPERS!!

(capitalized for those who read the opening quote and thought you were an exception!)

As for you deacons, admins and staff...

We pray this #deaconThursday for your lives... while congregations and visitors may scratch their heads and "what were you thinking" comments, we pray for wisdom, guidance and discernment in the decisions and situations you face; not for the purpose of everyone agreeing with or liking you or the outcome, but that your church operations would be in alignment with God's Word, His Will and the mission and vision He has for the community in which He has placed you. We pray God's grace on your lives... past mistakes, bad decisions, the aftermath, the fallout, the regret of the act and the consequence... may grace abound with the blood of Christ that covers a multitude of sins and the stuff that stands in the way of a stronger, closer, healthier relationship with God. We pray encouragement...

God has not overlooked you, neglected you, forgotten about you or turned from you.
He has not discarded you, tossed you or thrown you away. He does not play trash can basketball with His creation.

May you be reminded today...you are loved, needed, respected and appreciated.
Sunday would look vastly different without your work Monday-Friday.

-PNC

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