I like to take Fridays to Count My Blessings and I've got many. First of all, I'm coming off of a very successful weekend of great weather and two very good tournaments. I was stressed going into last weekend but I have to give God all the credit and glory for a happy ending.
This has been a good week of starting to get caught up on everything. I'm still very fatigued but I'm definitely making headway on my projects. Connor is doing very well, that's a blessing all unto itself. Monica and the baby are well, too. And we have a new arrival... A sweet little puppy named Hannah. She'll be very good for Connor. He loves her very much...!
I've got good health and a good job. I just celebrated my 22 month wedding anniversary yesterday. And I've got a baby on the way... I really can't ask for more....
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You Lord for Blessing Me. I know I've got it good. And I give You all the Praise and Glory. Today I ask for nothing, Lord. I just bask in this life You've given me. Thank You for my sweet wife and loving stepson. Thank You for Judy and Arno who are always looking out for our best interest. We are so fortunate to have their advice and experience in our corner...!
Thank You Jesus for my sis in New York. And thank You for my brothers, too. Lord I've got some really good friends, too. Thank You for them. Father God, Thank You for my many tennis students. I am grateful for their love and respect.
Lord There's nothing I need. (Except more of You) I just Love You, Lord. You have given me life and then You died so that I might live forever. You are an Awesome God...!
I give this day to You Dear Lord. In Jesus' Name I Pray.
Amen.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Afternoon Devotional
Dear Heavenly Father,
I'm so sorry for not spending this time earlier this morning. I let other things come before my time with You. Father Forgive Me. There is nothing Higher than You. How can I sit here and ask for blessings if I'm not placing You first above all else...?
Lord God You are my Everything. I love You and Worship You, My King. I plead for Grace and Mercy. I lay at the foot of Your Cross and give it all to You, Jesus.
Lord I do ask for a blessing on this day that I so rudely started without giving You the proper respect You so richly deserve. Hear my prayer Lord and lift me up. Help me to be obedient, Lord. Help me to thirst and Hunger after You. Let my life glorify You, Lord.
In Jesus' Name I pray,
Amen.
I'm so sorry for not spending this time earlier this morning. I let other things come before my time with You. Father Forgive Me. There is nothing Higher than You. How can I sit here and ask for blessings if I'm not placing You first above all else...?
Lord God You are my Everything. I love You and Worship You, My King. I plead for Grace and Mercy. I lay at the foot of Your Cross and give it all to You, Jesus.
Lord I do ask for a blessing on this day that I so rudely started without giving You the proper respect You so richly deserve. Hear my prayer Lord and lift me up. Help me to be obedient, Lord. Help me to thirst and Hunger after You. Let my life glorify You, Lord.
In Jesus' Name I pray,
Amen.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Praying to Know God's Will Some More
Today is the third installment in my review of knowing God's Will for Your life. I've been studying an article written by Dr Charles Stanley, a teaching pastor in Atlanta, Georgia. The first two posts included 3 of the 7 questions Dr Stanley recommends you ask yourself when trying to determine if you are within God's will. Today We'll look at question number 4: Do we have genuine peace about this...?
Colossians 3:15 says, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts." But what does it mean to have peace? Some people "Pray" about their decisions without giving God an opportunity to respond. They simply talk about their own desires and assume they have a divine go-ahead. But that is not seeking the will of God.
Dr Stanley says to know if you are genuinely under God's will, lay down at night before you go to bed, take a moment to be still and bring your concern to the Lord. If there isn't a ripple in your heart and your conscience and emotions are saying nothing but 'Yes', and you understand God to be saying 'Yes', then you have perfect peace. Should you sense anything else then you should stop and wait and pray about it some more.
Sometimes the timing is just not right. God will not give you perfect peace about an issue until the timing is precisely correct. It can be frustrating to wait sometimes, but think how safe we are as believers. God will never lie to us or mislead us. He will always lead us in the direction that is in our best interest, and we need to be wise enough to follow. He simply will not give us peace about something that is not His will.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You Lord for the teaching of Dr Charles Stanley. I wish I would have known what I know now when I was younger...! I have been searching for 'peace' in many situations throughout my life. Just help me Lord to be still and listen for Your voice. Help me to be patient, Lord.
Lord I just thank You for my family. Thank You for the freedom to raise my family any way I see fit. I will raise them up to love and serve You, Lord. Father God, I pray that this series touches many hearts the way it is touching mine. Lord, don't allow the enemy to sift me. Guard me and protect me and my family, Lord. We are strong in You, Jesus.
Lord I pray for the spiritual life of my family. Help us find a church home soon, Lord. And Lord I have many individual prayer requests to lay before You. You know my heart, and You know the needs of my friends. Father I just give it all to you. God I'm just going to let You be God.
You are an Awesome God and a Mighty God. You love me and You died for my sins for my salvation. You will not let me fall. I love You, Lord. I trust You. I seek to draw closer to You.
Blessed be Your Name, Jesus Christ. And in Your Holy Name I Pray,
Amen.
Colossians 3:15 says, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts." But what does it mean to have peace? Some people "Pray" about their decisions without giving God an opportunity to respond. They simply talk about their own desires and assume they have a divine go-ahead. But that is not seeking the will of God.
Dr Stanley says to know if you are genuinely under God's will, lay down at night before you go to bed, take a moment to be still and bring your concern to the Lord. If there isn't a ripple in your heart and your conscience and emotions are saying nothing but 'Yes', and you understand God to be saying 'Yes', then you have perfect peace. Should you sense anything else then you should stop and wait and pray about it some more.
Sometimes the timing is just not right. God will not give you perfect peace about an issue until the timing is precisely correct. It can be frustrating to wait sometimes, but think how safe we are as believers. God will never lie to us or mislead us. He will always lead us in the direction that is in our best interest, and we need to be wise enough to follow. He simply will not give us peace about something that is not His will.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You Lord for the teaching of Dr Charles Stanley. I wish I would have known what I know now when I was younger...! I have been searching for 'peace' in many situations throughout my life. Just help me Lord to be still and listen for Your voice. Help me to be patient, Lord.
Lord I just thank You for my family. Thank You for the freedom to raise my family any way I see fit. I will raise them up to love and serve You, Lord. Father God, I pray that this series touches many hearts the way it is touching mine. Lord, don't allow the enemy to sift me. Guard me and protect me and my family, Lord. We are strong in You, Jesus.
Lord I pray for the spiritual life of my family. Help us find a church home soon, Lord. And Lord I have many individual prayer requests to lay before You. You know my heart, and You know the needs of my friends. Father I just give it all to you. God I'm just going to let You be God.
You are an Awesome God and a Mighty God. You love me and You died for my sins for my salvation. You will not let me fall. I love You, Lord. I trust You. I seek to draw closer to You.
Blessed be Your Name, Jesus Christ. And in Your Holy Name I Pray,
Amen.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Praying to know God's Will: The Series
OK, I'm back to my series on knowing God's Will. In my first installment last week I highlighted the First of seven questions that Dr Charles Stanley says we should ask ourselves to make sure that we are in God's Will for our Life.
The first question was to ask ourselves is our decision or action taken consistent with the bible...?
The second question is to ask yourself if this is a wise decision...?
Dr Stanley says to answer this question you must ask yourself several others: What are the future consequences? Am I rushing in to something? Where is this going to take me? Will it create debt? Will it harm anyone?
As you ask these questions the Holy Spirit will bear witness to your spirit whether moving ahead is right or wrong. But you must answer these questions honestly because Satan wants to help program your mind so that you will rationalize and conclude that what you want to do is ok.
A third question to ask yourself is this: Can I Honestly Ask God to Enable Me To Achieve This..?
Some people will tell you that it is ok to ask God for anything, but that is not the case. For example, even if you need money badly you can not ask God to permit a deceptive or fraudulent scheme. Remember: Anything you acquire outside of God's will sooner or later turns to ashes.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come to You this morning seeking Your Will as always. Help me to know Your Will, Father. Help me to slow down and have quiet time so I can hear Your still, small voice. Lord, You have blessed me in so many ways and I am eternally grateful. But the one thing I seek Lord is to Know You more intimately. Help me to discipline myself to study Your Word more. Make a quick work in me, Lord.
Protect and shield me from the snares of the enemy. Bless my family and my work. Use me to be a blessing to others Lord. Help open my eyes to clearly see the circumstances before me and act in a Godly manner at all times.
Lord let my witness for You be strong, for I never really know who's watching.
Father God I just Love You. I pledge my life to You, Lord. I will honor and serve You, My King. I give this day to You, Lord. I pray that I am a good steward of my time today. By Your Power and Might I will dive into this day with supernatural energy and stay focused on task all day.
I pray for my tennis students, today Lord. Many of them are competing at their school regional tournaments today. Lift them up Lord. Keep them safe, healthy, and injury free. Bless my lessons today, too Lord. Allow me to make a difference in someone's life this afternoon.
Lord Jesus Bless my wife as she goes for a Doctor's appointment today. I pray that all is well with Monica and the Baby. I also lift up my stepson Connor this morning, Lord. He seems to be doing fine coping with the loss of his daddy but I just ask that You continue to guard and protect his tender little heart, Lord. Help me endeavor to fill his daddy's shoes and to be a spiritual leader to my family.
Lord Jesus I have many more special requests, intercessions for others... But Lord they are too numerous to list here this morning. But You know my heart Lord. Please Lord bless my Friends and their needs.
Lord Jesus, In Your Holy Name I Pray, AMEN.
The first question was to ask ourselves is our decision or action taken consistent with the bible...?
The second question is to ask yourself if this is a wise decision...?
Dr Stanley says to answer this question you must ask yourself several others: What are the future consequences? Am I rushing in to something? Where is this going to take me? Will it create debt? Will it harm anyone?
As you ask these questions the Holy Spirit will bear witness to your spirit whether moving ahead is right or wrong. But you must answer these questions honestly because Satan wants to help program your mind so that you will rationalize and conclude that what you want to do is ok.
A third question to ask yourself is this: Can I Honestly Ask God to Enable Me To Achieve This..?
Some people will tell you that it is ok to ask God for anything, but that is not the case. For example, even if you need money badly you can not ask God to permit a deceptive or fraudulent scheme. Remember: Anything you acquire outside of God's will sooner or later turns to ashes.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come to You this morning seeking Your Will as always. Help me to know Your Will, Father. Help me to slow down and have quiet time so I can hear Your still, small voice. Lord, You have blessed me in so many ways and I am eternally grateful. But the one thing I seek Lord is to Know You more intimately. Help me to discipline myself to study Your Word more. Make a quick work in me, Lord.
Protect and shield me from the snares of the enemy. Bless my family and my work. Use me to be a blessing to others Lord. Help open my eyes to clearly see the circumstances before me and act in a Godly manner at all times.
Lord let my witness for You be strong, for I never really know who's watching.
Father God I just Love You. I pledge my life to You, Lord. I will honor and serve You, My King. I give this day to You, Lord. I pray that I am a good steward of my time today. By Your Power and Might I will dive into this day with supernatural energy and stay focused on task all day.
I pray for my tennis students, today Lord. Many of them are competing at their school regional tournaments today. Lift them up Lord. Keep them safe, healthy, and injury free. Bless my lessons today, too Lord. Allow me to make a difference in someone's life this afternoon.
Lord Jesus Bless my wife as she goes for a Doctor's appointment today. I pray that all is well with Monica and the Baby. I also lift up my stepson Connor this morning, Lord. He seems to be doing fine coping with the loss of his daddy but I just ask that You continue to guard and protect his tender little heart, Lord. Help me endeavor to fill his daddy's shoes and to be a spiritual leader to my family.
Lord Jesus I have many more special requests, intercessions for others... But Lord they are too numerous to list here this morning. But You know my heart Lord. Please Lord bless my Friends and their needs.
Lord Jesus, In Your Holy Name I Pray, AMEN.
Monday, April 25, 2005
Prayer for Angleton High School
I learned yesterday that the principal at Angleton High School took his own life Friday night in a suicide. I'm not certain of all the details of the incident but I do know many Angleton High School students and faculty. Today I just want to lift up the family of the deceased and everyone in Angleton who is dealing with this tragedy, trying to make some sense of it all.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord, it is so sad to hear news like I just posted in the preceding paragraph. My heart sank when I heard the news. I didn't know the gentleman who took his own life, but I do know that he had a mom and dad and probably a brother of sister, an aunt and uncle.... Surely there are immediate family who are now in a deep state of mourning. Father, I pray for this man's family and friends that they be lifted up and comforted in their time of need.
Father, I also know many Angleton young people. I pray that they learn a valuable lesson from all this. I pray that they understand that this man's decision was the wrong one.
He effected a permanent solution to what was most likely only a temporary problem.
No, Suicide is NOT the way. It is NEVER the Way. Taking away life is wrong. Lord, I pray that incident changes lives forever in a positive way. One that says "Hey, Don't go Here." This incident will no doubt open the door to many conversations about death and eternity. Perhaps this will bring someone to the Lord. That is my prayer today.
Lord, I pray for everyone all over the world who is dealing with a difficult situation right now and they think their best option is suicide. Send a friend or colleague or family member to intervene. I pray for Life Today, Lord. I pray for Your Will to be done in the aftermath of this tragic event. I pray for Your Divine Comfort and Counsel.
Lord, Be with Us.
In Jesus' Name I Pray,
Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord, it is so sad to hear news like I just posted in the preceding paragraph. My heart sank when I heard the news. I didn't know the gentleman who took his own life, but I do know that he had a mom and dad and probably a brother of sister, an aunt and uncle.... Surely there are immediate family who are now in a deep state of mourning. Father, I pray for this man's family and friends that they be lifted up and comforted in their time of need.
Father, I also know many Angleton young people. I pray that they learn a valuable lesson from all this. I pray that they understand that this man's decision was the wrong one.
He effected a permanent solution to what was most likely only a temporary problem.
No, Suicide is NOT the way. It is NEVER the Way. Taking away life is wrong. Lord, I pray that incident changes lives forever in a positive way. One that says "Hey, Don't go Here." This incident will no doubt open the door to many conversations about death and eternity. Perhaps this will bring someone to the Lord. That is my prayer today.
Lord, I pray for everyone all over the world who is dealing with a difficult situation right now and they think their best option is suicide. Send a friend or colleague or family member to intervene. I pray for Life Today, Lord. I pray for Your Will to be done in the aftermath of this tragic event. I pray for Your Divine Comfort and Counsel.
Lord, Be with Us.
In Jesus' Name I Pray,
Amen.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
More Thanks And Praise
Today went 1000 Percent better than I thought it would. It started out with me oversleeping and being rushed to get to Clear Lake. But everything else fell into place including finally securing an unpire for the Giammalva Gran Prix.
My player party this evening went very well. I enjoyed a nice evening with Monica and Connor and although I've had to stay up kinda late to get some extra tournament things done, I count today as one of my best days ever. God is truly blessing me abundantly...!
Dear God,
You are Awesome and Holy and Mighty and well... Just a Great Big God...! Thank You for lifting me up today. I give You all the Glory and Honor for my day. Father God You consistantly meet all my needs. I am ashamed of ever worrying. Lord, with Your Help, by Your Grace, I will overcome my feelings of doubt and worry.
You are in Control. You are the Lord of My Life. Thank You Lord. Thank You again for all my Blessings. I love You. I am Yours, Lord. Use me in service to You, Lord Jesus.
In Your Precious Holy Name I Pray,
Amen....!
My player party this evening went very well. I enjoyed a nice evening with Monica and Connor and although I've had to stay up kinda late to get some extra tournament things done, I count today as one of my best days ever. God is truly blessing me abundantly...!
Dear God,
You are Awesome and Holy and Mighty and well... Just a Great Big God...! Thank You for lifting me up today. I give You all the Glory and Honor for my day. Father God You consistantly meet all my needs. I am ashamed of ever worrying. Lord, with Your Help, by Your Grace, I will overcome my feelings of doubt and worry.
You are in Control. You are the Lord of My Life. Thank You Lord. Thank You again for all my Blessings. I love You. I am Yours, Lord. Use me in service to You, Lord Jesus.
In Your Precious Holy Name I Pray,
Amen....!
Friday, April 22, 2005
TGIF Another Day of Thanks
As You know if you frequent this blog very often, I take Fridays to just count my blessings and I try to take a break from so much petitioning. I'll continue my study of knowing God's will on Saturday morning. This has been a particularly long and some what stressful month.
But the countdown to the weekend truly has begun. I am very grateful to get to this stage of the week and still be standing. -And still have my wits about me. I definitely couldn't have made it this far with out the love and support of my sweet wife Monica. I've got two tournaments going on this weekend simultaneously. One at my Club at Columbia Lakes and the other at the Giammalva Racquet Club. I'm pretty much done with my involvement with the Giammalva Gran Prix except for delivering some T-Shirts and medals.
Mark my words: I will never try to run two tournaments the same weekend again... EVER!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You Lord for granting me the stamina to crank out the long difficult days I've had recently. You always hold me up, Father. Lord, You have never let me down.
I've got many blessings to count this week. First of all, I have to acknowledge Monica and Connor for loving me and supporting me through my busy time. They are among my my greatest blessings. My health is hanging in there and I praise God for that. The baby is healthy and still due around July 24...! That's definitely a blessing. I had a very nice conversation with my younger brother a few days ago. God's hand was definitely in that...!
I was turned down by a screen printing company for a t shirt order because 5 days wasn't enough lead time for them to complete the order and I ended up finding a local vendor who did a great job and charged significantly less than the one who turned me down.
Lord Jesus, Just thank You for consistently meeting my needs. You are truly an awesome God.
I love You Lord, And I give this day to You.
In the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit I pray,
Amen.
But the countdown to the weekend truly has begun. I am very grateful to get to this stage of the week and still be standing. -And still have my wits about me. I definitely couldn't have made it this far with out the love and support of my sweet wife Monica. I've got two tournaments going on this weekend simultaneously. One at my Club at Columbia Lakes and the other at the Giammalva Racquet Club. I'm pretty much done with my involvement with the Giammalva Gran Prix except for delivering some T-Shirts and medals.
Mark my words: I will never try to run two tournaments the same weekend again... EVER!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You Lord for granting me the stamina to crank out the long difficult days I've had recently. You always hold me up, Father. Lord, You have never let me down.
I've got many blessings to count this week. First of all, I have to acknowledge Monica and Connor for loving me and supporting me through my busy time. They are among my my greatest blessings. My health is hanging in there and I praise God for that. The baby is healthy and still due around July 24...! That's definitely a blessing. I had a very nice conversation with my younger brother a few days ago. God's hand was definitely in that...!
I was turned down by a screen printing company for a t shirt order because 5 days wasn't enough lead time for them to complete the order and I ended up finding a local vendor who did a great job and charged significantly less than the one who turned me down.
Lord Jesus, Just thank You for consistently meeting my needs. You are truly an awesome God.
I love You Lord, And I give this day to You.
In the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit I pray,
Amen.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Praying to know God's Will
One of my favorite bible teachers is Dr Charles Stanley. He is a Pastor in Atlanta Georgia. He has several websites. Here is one of them: http://www.intouch.org
I subscribe to a monthly devotional magazine that Dr Stanley publishes. The month of May features an article titled How Can We Be Sure of God's Will...? In the article Dr Stanley gives us seven questions to ask ourselves.
The first Question we must ask ourselves is:
Is It Consistent With The Bible...?
Look for scriptures that either indicates this is the right way to go or gives you reason not to proceed. Even if you cannot find verses describing a situation comparable to yours, look for applicable truths. God's Word is full of life principles; a single passage can offer wisdom that applies to many circumstances. Psalm 119:11 says, 'Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.' In other words, scripture is a guide, but in order to be useful, it must be read, and it's wisdom must be stored in your heart.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord I want to know Your perfect will for my life. I want to be obedient to You. I want to be faithful. I want to always be the Godly Witness You've called me to be. Lord, my walk with You is suffering for lack of consistent time in Your Word. Dr Stanley's number one question is am I reading the bible regularly...? I pray a lot, but maybe I should pray a little less and spend more time in the Word. I will resolve right here right now to set aside bible study time on a more regular basis. And I will get my family on a routine schedule, too...!
Lord, help me to do what is right. I need You, Lord. I am nothing apart from You. Father God, You have done such great things for me. And I am very grateful. Surely I can show my love by reading Your Word every day. I love You, Father. And I give this day to You, my King.
Help me fight Fatigue and allow me to put in a good strong day and accomplish many tasks on my to do list. And Dear Jesus, I do want to remember my prayer request from earlier this week.
Please lift up Jamie's Friend who suffered a heart attack this past weekend, Lord I ask for continued blessings and healing on the Phillips family in the hill country. Father I continue to pray for the North Houston Youth Tennis Association and the vacant board positions. And Lord I ask You to bless the Giammalva tournament this weekend. Help me find an umpire for that event, Lord.
Father God, I ask also that you lift up my tennis students today. Help them to stay focused during their lessons and allow them to learn everything I have to teach them today. If it be You will, Lord I ask for an opportunity to share the Gospel with someone today, Lord.
I pray these things in Christ Jesus' Name,
Amen.
I subscribe to a monthly devotional magazine that Dr Stanley publishes. The month of May features an article titled How Can We Be Sure of God's Will...? In the article Dr Stanley gives us seven questions to ask ourselves.
The first Question we must ask ourselves is:
Is It Consistent With The Bible...?
Look for scriptures that either indicates this is the right way to go or gives you reason not to proceed. Even if you cannot find verses describing a situation comparable to yours, look for applicable truths. God's Word is full of life principles; a single passage can offer wisdom that applies to many circumstances. Psalm 119:11 says, 'Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.' In other words, scripture is a guide, but in order to be useful, it must be read, and it's wisdom must be stored in your heart.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord I want to know Your perfect will for my life. I want to be obedient to You. I want to be faithful. I want to always be the Godly Witness You've called me to be. Lord, my walk with You is suffering for lack of consistent time in Your Word. Dr Stanley's number one question is am I reading the bible regularly...? I pray a lot, but maybe I should pray a little less and spend more time in the Word. I will resolve right here right now to set aside bible study time on a more regular basis. And I will get my family on a routine schedule, too...!
Lord, help me to do what is right. I need You, Lord. I am nothing apart from You. Father God, You have done such great things for me. And I am very grateful. Surely I can show my love by reading Your Word every day. I love You, Father. And I give this day to You, my King.
Help me fight Fatigue and allow me to put in a good strong day and accomplish many tasks on my to do list. And Dear Jesus, I do want to remember my prayer request from earlier this week.
Please lift up Jamie's Friend who suffered a heart attack this past weekend, Lord I ask for continued blessings and healing on the Phillips family in the hill country. Father I continue to pray for the North Houston Youth Tennis Association and the vacant board positions. And Lord I ask You to bless the Giammalva tournament this weekend. Help me find an umpire for that event, Lord.
Father God, I ask also that you lift up my tennis students today. Help them to stay focused during their lessons and allow them to learn everything I have to teach them today. If it be You will, Lord I ask for an opportunity to share the Gospel with someone today, Lord.
I pray these things in Christ Jesus' Name,
Amen.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Prayer for My Wife
Today I just want to lift my wife up today. She loves me so much that she can't help but have empathy for me. Since I've been going through a rough time lately it's rubbing off onto her!
Dear Heavenly Father,
First of all I just want to thank You for my wife, Monica. She is such a kind, sweet, loving woman. She's a great Mom. She's a great wife. She has sensitive feelings about many issues that are near and dear to me. She's such a good complement to me, Lord.
Father God, I just want to lift my sweet wife up to you this morning, and all day. Lord. She's been working so hard to be a good mom to Connor, to be a good wife to me, to manage the house hold, to help me in my business, to just generally stay on top of things.
And to top it all off, she's carrying a baby..! That's enough to fatigue anyone. Lord I pray for strength for Monica. I pray for rest for her. I pray for peace. Let today be a good day of many accomplishments, Lord.
Help me to be the best husband to her. Help me to always be kind, compassionate and understanding. Help me to be a strong spiritual leader to her and Connor. Oh Bless my house, oh Lord!
Father I love you. And I want to give You Praise and Honor by Loving my family and taking care of them to the best of my ability. Thanks again for my family. I've always wanted a family like this. And I will always give them my Best, Lord. Because that is what You've called me to do.
Father I give this day to You, for Your Glory.
In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father,
First of all I just want to thank You for my wife, Monica. She is such a kind, sweet, loving woman. She's a great Mom. She's a great wife. She has sensitive feelings about many issues that are near and dear to me. She's such a good complement to me, Lord.
Father God, I just want to lift my sweet wife up to you this morning, and all day. Lord. She's been working so hard to be a good mom to Connor, to be a good wife to me, to manage the house hold, to help me in my business, to just generally stay on top of things.
And to top it all off, she's carrying a baby..! That's enough to fatigue anyone. Lord I pray for strength for Monica. I pray for rest for her. I pray for peace. Let today be a good day of many accomplishments, Lord.
Help me to be the best husband to her. Help me to always be kind, compassionate and understanding. Help me to be a strong spiritual leader to her and Connor. Oh Bless my house, oh Lord!
Father I love you. And I want to give You Praise and Honor by Loving my family and taking care of them to the best of my ability. Thanks again for my family. I've always wanted a family like this. And I will always give them my Best, Lord. Because that is what You've called me to do.
Father I give this day to You, for Your Glory.
In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.
Rough Day...
I need grace today. Boy do I need Grace. Today God really stretched me.
Father in Heaven,
I just take the Good with the Bad. Sometimes I just can't figure out why some things happen the way they do. But Lord I'll just continue to Love You and Praise You and Glorify You.
Help me to move beyond this Yucky day and start fresh tomorrow. Renew me Lord. Restore my Spirit. Help me help me to learn from my experiences today. Let me be particularly mindful of my tongue and the words I choose. Help me to be patient and thoughtful.
Lord Please Lead Me. Guide Me. Help me to be more like You.
Father thank You for my blessings. Thank You for my trials. Trials show a man what he's really made up of. Keep molding me Lord. I know you're not finished with me.
Father help me sleep tonight. I need restful sleep. Thank You Jesus for going to the cross for my sins and giving me everlasting salvation. I love You Lord.
In Jesus' Name I Pray,
Amen.
Father in Heaven,
I just take the Good with the Bad. Sometimes I just can't figure out why some things happen the way they do. But Lord I'll just continue to Love You and Praise You and Glorify You.
Help me to move beyond this Yucky day and start fresh tomorrow. Renew me Lord. Restore my Spirit. Help me help me to learn from my experiences today. Let me be particularly mindful of my tongue and the words I choose. Help me to be patient and thoughtful.
Lord Please Lead Me. Guide Me. Help me to be more like You.
Father thank You for my blessings. Thank You for my trials. Trials show a man what he's really made up of. Keep molding me Lord. I know you're not finished with me.
Father help me sleep tonight. I need restful sleep. Thank You Jesus for going to the cross for my sins and giving me everlasting salvation. I love You Lord.
In Jesus' Name I Pray,
Amen.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Prayer Requests
They last few days I've received many prayer requests so today throughout the day I'll be lifting up these special interests in prayer and I ask the Prayer Warriors reading this blog to join me.
"Pat" has asked for prayer for the Northwest Houston's Youth Tennis Association. The NWYTA has 4 board positions on it's Board of Directors that need to be filled by June.
"Marty" in Austin is dealing with a serious illness . Please Pray for Marty and his family.
"Jamie" has a close friend named Mike who suffered a heart attack during the MS 150 last weekend. At last report Mike was in Critical Condition.
Dear Heavenly Father,
What an Awesome, Mighty God You are...! Thank You Dear Lord, for the gift of prayer. Today I lay several needs at Your feet. Father, Lift up the Marty and his family who have been struggling for some time with Marty's illness. I don't know all the details Lord, but I do know Marty's wife Jan. I feel a special connection to Marty and Jan now that Monica, Connor and I are a family with another on the way. What would happen to my family if I was struck down with a terrible illness? I am honored to pray for them and I pray for healing for Marty and stress relief for he and his family. A long term illness is so draining on everyone. I lift them up today, Lord. Right here, Right now. I pray for your blessings on Marty and his family. Give them courage. Give them Grace. Grant them rest. In Jesus' Name I Pray.
Lord, I also want to lift up Jamie's Friend, Mike. When we hear about a heart attack victim we immediately go into prayer for that person and their family. Every victim is someone's mom or dad, son or daughter, or brother or sister. Many People are affected when a heart attack happens. I don't know about Mike's eternal salvation but I pray for him in that regard today.
When I hear about a heart attack, I am instantly reminded of how fragile life is and anything can happen at any time so we must always live in expectancy. Father God I pray for Good to come from Mike's heart attack. First of all, if it be Your Will, I pray that he survive this. Second, I pray that many lives are changed with this close brush with death. I just lift up Mike and his family and friends today, Father.
Lastly, I want to lift up the Northwest Houston Youth Tennis Association. I have known of this group for many years and just recently have become acquainted with one of it's officers and they are a Believer and have asked that I pray for the association. A youth tennis association is a very worthy cause and certainly near and dear to my heart. Organizations such as the NWHYTA provide the programs through which young people can enter the pathway to tennis and they are the most important steps in junior tennis development. I pray that God Blesses the leadership of the NWHYTA and sends new volunteers to the board. Send those with a heart for Children's tennis. I pray for these volunteers and their families, Lord. And I ask blessings on those who have already put in years of work developing this organization and steering it on it's course and mission to promote youth tennis.
Father God, I just want to Thank You again for the opportunity to pray for these situations. As Christians we are all called to pray for each other without ceasing. I Thank You for prayer. It is so easy just to plug in to You any time of the day, 24 hours a day. Prayer is a blessing.
So Father, I Pray in Your Name, For Your Will to be done in these matters. I love You, Lord. And I give my life to You. I'll endeavor to use this day to honor You, for Your Glory.
Amen and Amen.
"Pat" has asked for prayer for the Northwest Houston's Youth Tennis Association. The NWYTA has 4 board positions on it's Board of Directors that need to be filled by June.
"Marty" in Austin is dealing with a serious illness . Please Pray for Marty and his family.
"Jamie" has a close friend named Mike who suffered a heart attack during the MS 150 last weekend. At last report Mike was in Critical Condition.
Dear Heavenly Father,
What an Awesome, Mighty God You are...! Thank You Dear Lord, for the gift of prayer. Today I lay several needs at Your feet. Father, Lift up the Marty and his family who have been struggling for some time with Marty's illness. I don't know all the details Lord, but I do know Marty's wife Jan. I feel a special connection to Marty and Jan now that Monica, Connor and I are a family with another on the way. What would happen to my family if I was struck down with a terrible illness? I am honored to pray for them and I pray for healing for Marty and stress relief for he and his family. A long term illness is so draining on everyone. I lift them up today, Lord. Right here, Right now. I pray for your blessings on Marty and his family. Give them courage. Give them Grace. Grant them rest. In Jesus' Name I Pray.
Lord, I also want to lift up Jamie's Friend, Mike. When we hear about a heart attack victim we immediately go into prayer for that person and their family. Every victim is someone's mom or dad, son or daughter, or brother or sister. Many People are affected when a heart attack happens. I don't know about Mike's eternal salvation but I pray for him in that regard today.
When I hear about a heart attack, I am instantly reminded of how fragile life is and anything can happen at any time so we must always live in expectancy. Father God I pray for Good to come from Mike's heart attack. First of all, if it be Your Will, I pray that he survive this. Second, I pray that many lives are changed with this close brush with death. I just lift up Mike and his family and friends today, Father.
Lastly, I want to lift up the Northwest Houston Youth Tennis Association. I have known of this group for many years and just recently have become acquainted with one of it's officers and they are a Believer and have asked that I pray for the association. A youth tennis association is a very worthy cause and certainly near and dear to my heart. Organizations such as the NWHYTA provide the programs through which young people can enter the pathway to tennis and they are the most important steps in junior tennis development. I pray that God Blesses the leadership of the NWHYTA and sends new volunteers to the board. Send those with a heart for Children's tennis. I pray for these volunteers and their families, Lord. And I ask blessings on those who have already put in years of work developing this organization and steering it on it's course and mission to promote youth tennis.
Father God, I just want to Thank You again for the opportunity to pray for these situations. As Christians we are all called to pray for each other without ceasing. I Thank You for prayer. It is so easy just to plug in to You any time of the day, 24 hours a day. Prayer is a blessing.
So Father, I Pray in Your Name, For Your Will to be done in these matters. I love You, Lord. And I give my life to You. I'll endeavor to use this day to honor You, for Your Glory.
Amen and Amen.
Monday, April 18, 2005
Prayer to Spend Time Wisely.
I've got another very full week ahead of me... Today and tomorrow are especially crucial to the success of a good weekend. Then, after this week is over I absolutely must get some sanity in my schedule and life. Time is the greatest commodity a person has. And to waste time is a great sin. We just don't know exactly how much time each of us has. These very will could be my last minutes on earth. Then again I still might have 25 years or more left.
The fact is, no one knows the exact hour that their life span will come to a conclusion. All I know is that I want to spend every moment in worthwhile pursuits.
I want to spend my time doing things that honor my Lord and Savior. I want to spend time in Love with my family and friends and in service to the body of Christ. I want to spend my time being a witness to the Kingdom of God.
Dear Lord,
I Love You, Lord.
I need You, Jesus.
Father, Help me to budget my time wisely. Help me to always pursue Your will and to never waste my time in foolish worldly activities.
Let me not spend time in anger. Guard me from wasting time in worry, Lord. For you will supply all of our needs. For Truly, if we are Your children, we shall not want. Lord, help budget my time to allow for more rest. Allow my sleep to always be peaceful.
Finally Lord, help me to be wise in saying No sometimes. Probably my greatest downfall is my inability to decline opportunities that would needlessly take up time that would be better spent in other areas.
Especially now with a wife and two children, my time is most certainly not my own. I have to juggle these 24 hours you've given me with great care. Because I do love You and worship You I want to honor You, Lord with every minute You've given me.
Thank You for this time today, Dear Lord. And Thank You for my Salvation. That's what it's all about, Father God. I praise and worship You, Lord. And I ask these things humbly in Jesus' Name.
Amen.
The fact is, no one knows the exact hour that their life span will come to a conclusion. All I know is that I want to spend every moment in worthwhile pursuits.
I want to spend my time doing things that honor my Lord and Savior. I want to spend time in Love with my family and friends and in service to the body of Christ. I want to spend my time being a witness to the Kingdom of God.
Dear Lord,
I Love You, Lord.
I need You, Jesus.
Father, Help me to budget my time wisely. Help me to always pursue Your will and to never waste my time in foolish worldly activities.
Let me not spend time in anger. Guard me from wasting time in worry, Lord. For you will supply all of our needs. For Truly, if we are Your children, we shall not want. Lord, help budget my time to allow for more rest. Allow my sleep to always be peaceful.
Finally Lord, help me to be wise in saying No sometimes. Probably my greatest downfall is my inability to decline opportunities that would needlessly take up time that would be better spent in other areas.
Especially now with a wife and two children, my time is most certainly not my own. I have to juggle these 24 hours you've given me with great care. Because I do love You and worship You I want to honor You, Lord with every minute You've given me.
Thank You for this time today, Dear Lord. And Thank You for my Salvation. That's what it's all about, Father God. I praise and worship You, Lord. And I ask these things humbly in Jesus' Name.
Amen.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Prayer for Vineyard Church
Today I'd like to pray for a church we're planning to visit. It's called Vineyard Church. It's supposed to be a lot like Clear Creek only smaller and a whole lot closer to where we live. I've attached a URL for them below.
http://www.houstonvineyard.org
Dear Heavenly Father, I just pray today for Vineyard Church. Lift up the Pastor this morning. Bless his sermon to touch many hearts today, Lord. I also pray for th congregation of Vineyard. Draw closer to them as they draw closer to You, Father. And Lord, please help us find a church home. We need that, Lord. We just want to settle down and serve You in the Body of Christ.
We pray for patience as we seek Your will in finding a church home. Lord, we thank You for the many friends from Clear Creek and all over who have been staying in touch through email and phone calls lifting us up in prayer. God, You are an Awesome God who answers prayer and takes care of His own. I love You, Father. I pledge my life to You. I promise to lead my family in Your Word and filter all my decisions through the lense of a biblical world view.
Father, Thank You for Vineyard Church and what it means to the community. I lift them up to You, Lord. All Thanks and Praise and Glory and Honor are Yours, Lord.
In Jesus' Name I pray, AMEN.
http://www.houstonvineyard.org
Dear Heavenly Father, I just pray today for Vineyard Church. Lift up the Pastor this morning. Bless his sermon to touch many hearts today, Lord. I also pray for th congregation of Vineyard. Draw closer to them as they draw closer to You, Father. And Lord, please help us find a church home. We need that, Lord. We just want to settle down and serve You in the Body of Christ.
We pray for patience as we seek Your will in finding a church home. Lord, we thank You for the many friends from Clear Creek and all over who have been staying in touch through email and phone calls lifting us up in prayer. God, You are an Awesome God who answers prayer and takes care of His own. I love You, Father. I pledge my life to You. I promise to lead my family in Your Word and filter all my decisions through the lense of a biblical world view.
Father, Thank You for Vineyard Church and what it means to the community. I lift them up to You, Lord. All Thanks and Praise and Glory and Honor are Yours, Lord.
In Jesus' Name I pray, AMEN.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Prayer for Marketing My Tournament
I don't normally pray about tennis issues. Maybe I should since my life revolves around tennis so often. You know, more and more I look at coaching and providing tennis services more as a ministry than a vocation. Well, I suppose it's both. Today is the deadline for my tournament in Columbia Lakes. I could really use some more entrants. I'd like to at least double the current turnout if not triple it. That doesn't seem humanly possible, but I won't limit God in this. He's been so faithful to me all my life, I believe that any thing is possible.
But what ever the turn out, I just pray today for a good event. An event in which all the players get good matches and have fun. I pray for no disputes or disagreements. I pray that the weather and scheduling go smoothly. I just pray that my personal interaction with everyone is such that they see Jesus in Me.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord, You are such an Awesome God. You know everything. You can do anything. Father I hope for many more tournament entries to come in today, but Lord whatever happens I'll be content with that and will give my utmost to produce the best tournament I can.
Father, I ask that you season my words today as I call people to invite them to play in my tournament. Help me to be persuasive. Help me to be thorough in my calling. Help me to communicate clearly. Lord this community needs a good tennis tournament. Tennis is such a good and wholesome activity. If more people were hooked on tennis then they wouldn't be hooked on other things that aren't nearly as healthy for them.
I'm just trying to build a nice program that will impact lives for years to come. And it all starts with this tournament. Father, I can't do it with ot You. I wouldn't dream of trying to undertake a project of this magnatude without giving it to You in prayer.
Dear Lord, I just ask that You help me to make the most of this opportunity.
I give You all the honor and Glory. Nothing good that happens comes from me. It is all coming from You working in and through me. Lord, I do pray that I never get puffed up with pride. Let me always operate in humility, Lord. And Father, protect me from those who might try to bring me down with harsh words and criticism. Help me to always deal with my detractors with Grace, Mercy, and Wisdom.
Father whatever the outcome of my quest to increase attendence, I will be faithful to You. I just pray that Your Will be done in this matter. I love You, Lord. I give all the praise to You. Thank You Lord for this day. Thank You for my health. Thank You and Praise You for my family whom I love and cherish. Thank You for Columbia Lakes, Lord. And all it's staff and residents. I pray that interaction with me is a blessing to them. I just want to honor You in all my endeavors, Lord. And I humble ask this in Jesus Holy Name, Amen...!
But what ever the turn out, I just pray today for a good event. An event in which all the players get good matches and have fun. I pray for no disputes or disagreements. I pray that the weather and scheduling go smoothly. I just pray that my personal interaction with everyone is such that they see Jesus in Me.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord, You are such an Awesome God. You know everything. You can do anything. Father I hope for many more tournament entries to come in today, but Lord whatever happens I'll be content with that and will give my utmost to produce the best tournament I can.
Father, I ask that you season my words today as I call people to invite them to play in my tournament. Help me to be persuasive. Help me to be thorough in my calling. Help me to communicate clearly. Lord this community needs a good tennis tournament. Tennis is such a good and wholesome activity. If more people were hooked on tennis then they wouldn't be hooked on other things that aren't nearly as healthy for them.
I'm just trying to build a nice program that will impact lives for years to come. And it all starts with this tournament. Father, I can't do it with ot You. I wouldn't dream of trying to undertake a project of this magnatude without giving it to You in prayer.
Dear Lord, I just ask that You help me to make the most of this opportunity.
I give You all the honor and Glory. Nothing good that happens comes from me. It is all coming from You working in and through me. Lord, I do pray that I never get puffed up with pride. Let me always operate in humility, Lord. And Father, protect me from those who might try to bring me down with harsh words and criticism. Help me to always deal with my detractors with Grace, Mercy, and Wisdom.
Father whatever the outcome of my quest to increase attendence, I will be faithful to You. I just pray that Your Will be done in this matter. I love You, Lord. I give all the praise to You. Thank You Lord for this day. Thank You for my health. Thank You and Praise You for my family whom I love and cherish. Thank You for Columbia Lakes, Lord. And all it's staff and residents. I pray that interaction with me is a blessing to them. I just want to honor You in all my endeavors, Lord. And I humble ask this in Jesus Holy Name, Amen...!
TGIF Another Thankful Friday
Today was an awesome day. The weather was beautiful. My lessons went well. I took the afternoon off and spent a little quality time with my family. I have a ton to be thankful for...!
Dear Heavenly Father,
God, I just want to thank You for repeatedly meeting my needs. Your Blessings are more than enough for me. Lord, I couldn't ask for a sweeter family. I've got good health, a nice house, a nice job, awesome friends, and You died for my sins so I can look forward to eternal life in heaven.
Lord, today I have no petitions, no requests. Just thanks and praise for You..! I love You Lord, And I lift You up in worship today. You are a mighty God. You are my personal Savior. Father God, Thank You for my life. I give it freely back to You.
In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father,
God, I just want to thank You for repeatedly meeting my needs. Your Blessings are more than enough for me. Lord, I couldn't ask for a sweeter family. I've got good health, a nice house, a nice job, awesome friends, and You died for my sins so I can look forward to eternal life in heaven.
Lord, today I have no petitions, no requests. Just thanks and praise for You..! I love You Lord, And I lift You up in worship today. You are a mighty God. You are my personal Savior. Father God, Thank You for my life. I give it freely back to You.
In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Still Surrendering...
Dear Heavenly Lord,
I love You, Father. No matter what comes my way I'll be true to You. I'm still surrendered to You, Lord. My life will never be the same again. And I know that for all my resolve the enemy is doubling, even tripling his efforts to tear me down, I will not fall. You are my Rock, Lord. You are my Fortress. I am strong in You and weak without You. In You no weapon formed against me shall prevail. Apart from You I would never make it.
Lord I am Yours. Your servant. Your instrument. I'm just seeking You. I'm trying to filter my life and every decision I make, every reaction I have, and my every thought through a biblical world view.
Lord, I just want to be united with You in Heaven one day. And I want all my family and friends there, too. Help me to help them find You. The appointment of a family is something we have absolutely no control over. That is Your Divine, Sovereign Will. Don't we owe special attention to our family...? And our friends...? Aren't they Divinely appointed, too...? You know every single person who's going to cross my path today, Lord. I pray that I don't miss an opportunity to minister as You would.
Lord, I need You. I'm weak and worthless apart from You. Lift me up today. Help me to be obedient to Your Word. Help me to be the best possible steward of my time. I fear there's not a whole lot of time left, Lord. I sense an urgency in the air. Is this world spinning faster and faster? I believe it is. But it's not out of control. You are in charge, Lord. The whole world is in Your Hands.
And I take solace in the fact That You are greater than the enemy that is trying to bring me down. Father God I just lean on You. I rest in You. You are my Peace, My Joy, My Comfort...! Thank You Lord for sustaining me. Thank You for Guiding me. Thank You for friends and family who love me and lift me up.
Lord God, Thank You most of all for Your Precious Gift of Salvation. You are Life. You gave me life. And You are MY Life. Thank You, Jesus. Praise You, Jesus. And in Jesus' Name I Pray, Amen.
I love You, Father. No matter what comes my way I'll be true to You. I'm still surrendered to You, Lord. My life will never be the same again. And I know that for all my resolve the enemy is doubling, even tripling his efforts to tear me down, I will not fall. You are my Rock, Lord. You are my Fortress. I am strong in You and weak without You. In You no weapon formed against me shall prevail. Apart from You I would never make it.
Lord I am Yours. Your servant. Your instrument. I'm just seeking You. I'm trying to filter my life and every decision I make, every reaction I have, and my every thought through a biblical world view.
Lord, I just want to be united with You in Heaven one day. And I want all my family and friends there, too. Help me to help them find You. The appointment of a family is something we have absolutely no control over. That is Your Divine, Sovereign Will. Don't we owe special attention to our family...? And our friends...? Aren't they Divinely appointed, too...? You know every single person who's going to cross my path today, Lord. I pray that I don't miss an opportunity to minister as You would.
Lord, I need You. I'm weak and worthless apart from You. Lift me up today. Help me to be obedient to Your Word. Help me to be the best possible steward of my time. I fear there's not a whole lot of time left, Lord. I sense an urgency in the air. Is this world spinning faster and faster? I believe it is. But it's not out of control. You are in charge, Lord. The whole world is in Your Hands.
And I take solace in the fact That You are greater than the enemy that is trying to bring me down. Father God I just lean on You. I rest in You. You are my Peace, My Joy, My Comfort...! Thank You Lord for sustaining me. Thank You for Guiding me. Thank You for friends and family who love me and lift me up.
Lord God, Thank You most of all for Your Precious Gift of Salvation. You are Life. You gave me life. And You are MY Life. Thank You, Jesus. Praise You, Jesus. And in Jesus' Name I Pray, Amen.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Dear God, You win. I surrender....
Dear Heavenly Father,
I'm up at 3 :30 AM this morning trying to get all my work done today. Even starting at this hour I have such an overwhelming volume to complete that as it stands I still should have difficulty completing all my assigned tasks today.
Lord, I'm desperately trying to get caught up. What is wrong with me? What are you trying to show me? Could it be that I'm just going about my life all wrong...? Lord, I suppose need to prune some activities out of my life, but what?
There's just no way I can keep running at this pace much longer. Father, help me out of this jam. I just seek Your will, Lord. And how many times have I been here, Lord...? -Just asking for help in this one area and then I'll straighten up...? Lord I am not worthy to stand before you. But Father, by Your grace and mercy I do stand here and I do ask forgiveness.
Lord, I totally surrender to You. I'll lay everything down for You, Lord. I am your humble, lowly, servant. Father, I know that everything I have is from You. My very life is from You. My wealth, my family, my possessions, they are all Yours, Lord. And they are blessings from You. Thank You, Jesus. I know I've got it better than most of the rest of the world. I don't want any more. I just want to be faithful to You.
So here I am Lord, humbled by Your Majesty. I'm laying face first at Your cross. Lord, I'm just begging You to lift me up and guide me closer to You. I pray for peace this morning. I pray for patience. I pray for discipline to stay on task and complete my assignments. I pray for wisdom Lord, to make wise decisions for my family. Father God, apart from You I am nothing. I am just a weak, useless being. But in You I am powerful and can do all things through You who strengthens me. Thank You for that promise. Father, I want to be strong in You...!
Lord, Renew my heart, mind, and spirit. I want to one with You. Let my light shine brighter today than ever before. Let me be all about You and Your Kingdom today, Lord. Father, I love You. God, are an Awesome God. You are Mighty and Powerful. You know everything. You certainly know my heart, Lord. Show me what I need to do to be more like You. Help me to be a blessing to my family and all those around me.
Thank You Lord, for hearing my plea. Thank You that You loved the world so much that You sent Your son to die for my sins and the sins of the world. Oh Father, Thank You. Lord, I just rest in You. My God, My Savior, I am secure in You. I give this day to You, Lord. And by Your power and grace and mercy I will get everything done today. I will change my life today, Lord. I'll stop trying to do things on my own under my own power. I surrender, Lord. Help my to be obedient to Your word. Help me to be a good steward of my time, talent, and treasure. I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.
I'm up at 3 :30 AM this morning trying to get all my work done today. Even starting at this hour I have such an overwhelming volume to complete that as it stands I still should have difficulty completing all my assigned tasks today.
Lord, I'm desperately trying to get caught up. What is wrong with me? What are you trying to show me? Could it be that I'm just going about my life all wrong...? Lord, I suppose need to prune some activities out of my life, but what?
There's just no way I can keep running at this pace much longer. Father, help me out of this jam. I just seek Your will, Lord. And how many times have I been here, Lord...? -Just asking for help in this one area and then I'll straighten up...? Lord I am not worthy to stand before you. But Father, by Your grace and mercy I do stand here and I do ask forgiveness.
Lord, I totally surrender to You. I'll lay everything down for You, Lord. I am your humble, lowly, servant. Father, I know that everything I have is from You. My very life is from You. My wealth, my family, my possessions, they are all Yours, Lord. And they are blessings from You. Thank You, Jesus. I know I've got it better than most of the rest of the world. I don't want any more. I just want to be faithful to You.
So here I am Lord, humbled by Your Majesty. I'm laying face first at Your cross. Lord, I'm just begging You to lift me up and guide me closer to You. I pray for peace this morning. I pray for patience. I pray for discipline to stay on task and complete my assignments. I pray for wisdom Lord, to make wise decisions for my family. Father God, apart from You I am nothing. I am just a weak, useless being. But in You I am powerful and can do all things through You who strengthens me. Thank You for that promise. Father, I want to be strong in You...!
Lord, Renew my heart, mind, and spirit. I want to one with You. Let my light shine brighter today than ever before. Let me be all about You and Your Kingdom today, Lord. Father, I love You. God, are an Awesome God. You are Mighty and Powerful. You know everything. You certainly know my heart, Lord. Show me what I need to do to be more like You. Help me to be a blessing to my family and all those around me.
Thank You Lord, for hearing my plea. Thank You that You loved the world so much that You sent Your son to die for my sins and the sins of the world. Oh Father, Thank You. Lord, I just rest in You. My God, My Savior, I am secure in You. I give this day to You, Lord. And by Your power and grace and mercy I will get everything done today. I will change my life today, Lord. I'll stop trying to do things on my own under my own power. I surrender, Lord. Help my to be obedient to Your word. Help me to be a good steward of my time, talent, and treasure. I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Prayer for Spiritual Discipline
I'd say that I'm in a bit of a rut spiritually. I periodically get like this. I'll allow the circumstance of the day, week, or season over rule my discipline. Right now I'm just suffering through a period of intense busy-ness. I have way too much on my plate and if I don't figure out a better way of doing things I'm going to fail God, myself, and my family.
I heard part of an Adrian Rogers sermon the other day and he stated that the average person spends the first half of their life sacrificing their health for their finances. Then they spend the second half of their life spending their finances to restore their health. I'm afraid that's the track I'm on. I definitely don't have the peace about me that I've had in the past. So what's different...? The pressure of growing a business...? The pressure of being a dad and a step dad...? Well, all those are factors... But I can't put my finger on it exactly.
All I know is that I can't figure it out on my own. I need Jesus. I need some spiritual discipline. I want to have my act together. And it's not going to happen by myself.
Lord God in Heaven,
Hear my cry this morning. I need You, Lord. I want to draw closer to You. I don't want to be wishy-washy any longer. I want to be on fire for You. Please Lord, give me a hunger and thirst for more of You. Don't allow my to be swayed by situations. Let me always do what's good and right and just and holy.
Divine Master I need Your wisdom as I make difficult decisions about my career, finances, and family. Lord, I seek Your Will in these matters. Reveal Yourself to me through the reading of scriptures. Help me to be a good leader to my family. Help me to be a good mentor to my step son Connor. Help me to be a good daddy to my baby son on the way.
Lord, my life is turning out way different than I ever thought it would. It's not a bad thing, just different from what I had in mind. Father I embrace my calling as a dad and step dad but Lord I can't be the best I can be with out You. Bless me Lord. Help me to be more disciplined in the study, understanding, and the application of your word.
Thank You Lord Jesus, Savior, God Almighty. You are Lord over Heaven and Earth and my personal Savior. I love you Lord. And I give this day to You.
In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
I heard part of an Adrian Rogers sermon the other day and he stated that the average person spends the first half of their life sacrificing their health for their finances. Then they spend the second half of their life spending their finances to restore their health. I'm afraid that's the track I'm on. I definitely don't have the peace about me that I've had in the past. So what's different...? The pressure of growing a business...? The pressure of being a dad and a step dad...? Well, all those are factors... But I can't put my finger on it exactly.
All I know is that I can't figure it out on my own. I need Jesus. I need some spiritual discipline. I want to have my act together. And it's not going to happen by myself.
Lord God in Heaven,
Hear my cry this morning. I need You, Lord. I want to draw closer to You. I don't want to be wishy-washy any longer. I want to be on fire for You. Please Lord, give me a hunger and thirst for more of You. Don't allow my to be swayed by situations. Let me always do what's good and right and just and holy.
Divine Master I need Your wisdom as I make difficult decisions about my career, finances, and family. Lord, I seek Your Will in these matters. Reveal Yourself to me through the reading of scriptures. Help me to be a good leader to my family. Help me to be a good mentor to my step son Connor. Help me to be a good daddy to my baby son on the way.
Lord, my life is turning out way different than I ever thought it would. It's not a bad thing, just different from what I had in mind. Father I embrace my calling as a dad and step dad but Lord I can't be the best I can be with out You. Bless me Lord. Help me to be more disciplined in the study, understanding, and the application of your word.
Thank You Lord Jesus, Savior, God Almighty. You are Lord over Heaven and Earth and my personal Savior. I love you Lord. And I give this day to You.
In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
Monday, April 11, 2005
Prayer for the week
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for a good and productive weekend. It was just a great time of accomplishment and time also time spent with the family. I cherish weekends like that...! But Lord, I need your Grace to get through this upcoming week. I'm a little run down physically but I pray that you will keep me going and give me strength to carry on. Just day by day, one day at a time, Sweet Savior!
Today Lord my prayers are for me. I just need You. -More of You. I want to put You first in my life. I want to honor You in all I do and say. Divine Master I just ask You bestow Your blessings upon me. Help me to be a good provider for my family. Help me to make wise decisions, and be a leader. Help me to be a spiritual leader. Help me to know Your true will for my life.
I fervently seek You, Lord. And I give this day to You. For Your Honor and Glory, in Christ Jesus' Name I Pray, Amen.
Thank You for a good and productive weekend. It was just a great time of accomplishment and time also time spent with the family. I cherish weekends like that...! But Lord, I need your Grace to get through this upcoming week. I'm a little run down physically but I pray that you will keep me going and give me strength to carry on. Just day by day, one day at a time, Sweet Savior!
Today Lord my prayers are for me. I just need You. -More of You. I want to put You first in my life. I want to honor You in all I do and say. Divine Master I just ask You bestow Your blessings upon me. Help me to be a good provider for my family. Help me to make wise decisions, and be a leader. Help me to be a spiritual leader. Help me to know Your true will for my life.
I fervently seek You, Lord. And I give this day to You. For Your Honor and Glory, in Christ Jesus' Name I Pray, Amen.
Friday, April 08, 2005
TGIF Very Thankful Today
Today I'm counting my blessings. I have a life. And it's a good life. There are a few struggles here and there, but over all I have been blessed abundantly. I feel particularly blessed in my relationship with my stepson, Connor. He absolutely loves tennis and that is a blessing. He loves the Lord Jesus Christ and that's a blessing.
God has given me the loving, close family that I've always wanted. God is Good.
Dear Heavenly Father, I'm not asking for anything today. I just want to count my blessings and praise You. Why You chose to bless me so much I'll never know, but I do thank and praise You, Lord. You are an Awesome God. You are so worthy to be praised.
Lord God I love You. I give this day to You, Father. I will do my best to walk in obedience and glorify You. Thank You Jesus. Thank You for the healing Blood that gives us salvation. I Praise You and lift You up. In Your Holy Name, Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, I Pray,
Amen.
God has given me the loving, close family that I've always wanted. God is Good.
Dear Heavenly Father, I'm not asking for anything today. I just want to count my blessings and praise You. Why You chose to bless me so much I'll never know, but I do thank and praise You, Lord. You are an Awesome God. You are so worthy to be praised.
Lord God I love You. I give this day to You, Father. I will do my best to walk in obedience and glorify You. Thank You Jesus. Thank You for the healing Blood that gives us salvation. I Praise You and lift You up. In Your Holy Name, Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, I Pray,
Amen.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Spiritual Attack
I really feel like my family is under spiritual attack. Every turn we make, every step we take we just seem to get more and more bogged down. I think God is definitely trying to show us something. Perhaps he's just trying to get us to rely more on him. Perhaps he wants me to find a new job closer to my home. Perhaps he wants me to find a new home closer to my job. Perhaps he wants us to find a new church home. Perhaps he wants us to try to get by with just one vehicle. There are so many questions to answer. So many issues to address...
My poor wife is being brave, but I know she is very, very weary. I just pray that she gets the rest she needs and quits trying to work herself to death. (That's my job...!)
I'm of the mind to just sit back and pray. I want to slow down for a few days. I don't want to make any rash decisions. I just want to take stock of the situations at hand and let God speak. I want to listen.
Sometimes I think I get caught up in the frantic pace of life and of scheduling myself from morning to night. Too much of that and I just disconnect. I'm unable to hear God's still, small voice.
My life has changed so drastically in the past six months with the baby on the way, and then even more drastically in the past week with Connor coming to live with us full time.
I just need a bit of quiet time to take stock and rethink my life. I've got to get closer to God. And I've got to be a true leader to my family. I've got to be strong for my wife and children. I must make wise Godly decisions because every choice I make has implications and affects the lives of others around me. Others whom I love and cherish.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Oh Divine Master, I just fall on my face at your feet. I need Your saving grace tonight, Lord. I am so weak. So weary. I just need You Lord. I need Your Clarity. Your Vision. I need Your patience, Lord. I need Your wisdom. Father I seek You. I humbly seek your will.
Search me. Search my heart Oh Lord. Reveal to me the areas I need to correct. There are so many directions I could take. So many decisions I could make. I want to make the decisions You would have me make, Lord. I wait on You.
I know You have plans for Good in store for my family. These struggles will melt away into triumphs. Through You Jesus. In You, Lord. I just lay this at Your feet. I pray that You restore my wife Lord. She is more weary than I. Just Bless Her. Lift her up. Give her courage. Give her peace.
And Lord, just guard Connor's little heart. Continue to help him work through the grief he's facing. Help me to be a blessing to him. Season my words to be a comfort and an inspiration to him, Lord. Let both Monica and I provide a loud, clear witness and testimony of the power of prayer, faith, hope, and love.
Father God I just call for healing for my family. I call for unity for my family. Let us be strong. Let us be one in You, Lord. I pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Eternal Savior, who bought our lives with His precious blood.
Amen.
My poor wife is being brave, but I know she is very, very weary. I just pray that she gets the rest she needs and quits trying to work herself to death. (That's my job...!)
I'm of the mind to just sit back and pray. I want to slow down for a few days. I don't want to make any rash decisions. I just want to take stock of the situations at hand and let God speak. I want to listen.
Sometimes I think I get caught up in the frantic pace of life and of scheduling myself from morning to night. Too much of that and I just disconnect. I'm unable to hear God's still, small voice.
My life has changed so drastically in the past six months with the baby on the way, and then even more drastically in the past week with Connor coming to live with us full time.
I just need a bit of quiet time to take stock and rethink my life. I've got to get closer to God. And I've got to be a true leader to my family. I've got to be strong for my wife and children. I must make wise Godly decisions because every choice I make has implications and affects the lives of others around me. Others whom I love and cherish.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Oh Divine Master, I just fall on my face at your feet. I need Your saving grace tonight, Lord. I am so weak. So weary. I just need You Lord. I need Your Clarity. Your Vision. I need Your patience, Lord. I need Your wisdom. Father I seek You. I humbly seek your will.
Search me. Search my heart Oh Lord. Reveal to me the areas I need to correct. There are so many directions I could take. So many decisions I could make. I want to make the decisions You would have me make, Lord. I wait on You.
I know You have plans for Good in store for my family. These struggles will melt away into triumphs. Through You Jesus. In You, Lord. I just lay this at Your feet. I pray that You restore my wife Lord. She is more weary than I. Just Bless Her. Lift her up. Give her courage. Give her peace.
And Lord, just guard Connor's little heart. Continue to help him work through the grief he's facing. Help me to be a blessing to him. Season my words to be a comfort and an inspiration to him, Lord. Let both Monica and I provide a loud, clear witness and testimony of the power of prayer, faith, hope, and love.
Father God I just call for healing for my family. I call for unity for my family. Let us be strong. Let us be one in You, Lord. I pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Eternal Savior, who bought our lives with His precious blood.
Amen.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Prayer for Organization
Dear Heavenly Father,
I slept in today and am feeling quite a bit rushed this morning. I need Your Divine Intervention to get my day on the right track. I am so far behind on my projects that I really don't know where to start. I just lay it all at Your Feet, Lord. I know that You organized the Universe and You can certainly help me organize my day. I pray for Clarity to prioritize my tasks and have the most productive day possible. Help me to make the best possible use of my time.
I love You Lord. I Trust in You. You will never let the Righteous Fall. Help me to be Righteous. Help me to be Obedient to Your Word. Just Lift me up today, Jesus. I'm weak and weary from the past weeks' events. But I need to be strong. I need the Strength that only You can provide.
Lord Jesus, I pray for my wife and stepson, Connor, also. They've been through a tremendous ordeal. Help them heal up. Help them to rest up. Help Monica get Connor settled in and on a regular routine. That is my plea, Lord. That is my prayer. Thank You Lord for Prayer. Where would we be without Prayer...?
Father God, You are an Awesome God. And in Your Precious Son's Name I Pray,
Amen.
I slept in today and am feeling quite a bit rushed this morning. I need Your Divine Intervention to get my day on the right track. I am so far behind on my projects that I really don't know where to start. I just lay it all at Your Feet, Lord. I know that You organized the Universe and You can certainly help me organize my day. I pray for Clarity to prioritize my tasks and have the most productive day possible. Help me to make the best possible use of my time.
I love You Lord. I Trust in You. You will never let the Righteous Fall. Help me to be Righteous. Help me to be Obedient to Your Word. Just Lift me up today, Jesus. I'm weak and weary from the past weeks' events. But I need to be strong. I need the Strength that only You can provide.
Lord Jesus, I pray for my wife and stepson, Connor, also. They've been through a tremendous ordeal. Help them heal up. Help them to rest up. Help Monica get Connor settled in and on a regular routine. That is my plea, Lord. That is my prayer. Thank You Lord for Prayer. Where would we be without Prayer...?
Father God, You are an Awesome God. And in Your Precious Son's Name I Pray,
Amen.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Prayer for River Oaks Reformed Presbyterian
I had just started a routine a few weeks ago of lifting up individual churches on Sunday Morning. Today I want to lift up Connor's church back in Tennessee. River Oaks Reformed Presbyterian is a lovely church. The church body was tremendously supportive of Connor, Monica, and I during the days that followed Connor's Daddy's passing.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I am so grateful for churches like River Oaks Reformed Presbyterian Church in Tennessee. It is just awesome to see your spirit alive and well across this land. You are such a Mighty and Awesome God.
I pray for that church body, that they know comfort and peace in their morning the loss of Brian. I pray for Pastor Spinks as he gives his gospel message today. I pray that the Truth be revealed through Pastor Spinks and that many come to the Lord today.
Father God, I pray for our church situation here in Houston as well. Lift up Connor this morning. Bless Monica's health today as this past week long trip took a lot out of her. Give me strength and clarity to prioritize the mountain of work I need to get caught up on.
Lord, I just lay these requests at Your Feet this morning.
I Love You, Lord. I Praise and Worship You. I give this day to You, Father. By Your Grace, Your Glory.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I am so grateful for churches like River Oaks Reformed Presbyterian Church in Tennessee. It is just awesome to see your spirit alive and well across this land. You are such a Mighty and Awesome God.
I pray for that church body, that they know comfort and peace in their morning the loss of Brian. I pray for Pastor Spinks as he gives his gospel message today. I pray that the Truth be revealed through Pastor Spinks and that many come to the Lord today.
Father God, I pray for our church situation here in Houston as well. Lift up Connor this morning. Bless Monica's health today as this past week long trip took a lot out of her. Give me strength and clarity to prioritize the mountain of work I need to get caught up on.
Lord, I just lay these requests at Your Feet this morning.
I Love You, Lord. I Praise and Worship You. I give this day to You, Father. By Your Grace, Your Glory.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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