Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Prayer for A Friend

Today I want lift up a friend who's having some domestic issues with his daughter.

Dear Heavenly Father,

God, You are a God of Answered Prayer. You know all and see all. Nothing escapes You. Lord, You are the God who spoke this world into existence. You are the God who once took out nearly the entire world with a flood and will probably do it again with fire very soon. Lord I bow to You today. I fall forward on my face at Your feet, heavenly Father. You truly are a Awesome God.

Father God, You do listen to Your people. Thank You for that, Lord. You have heard my cries, my pleas, my prayers many times over. I know You as a God of Answered Prayer...!

Lord I have a request from a friend to be lifted up over the next few days regarding a situation that exists with his daughter. You know the details, Lord. I just pray that Your will be done in this matter. I pray that the outcome is positive for my friend, Lord. Many times You have used seemingly negative situations for Your Glory. Let that be the case here, Lord.

I just give it to You, Jesus.

And Dear Lord, if I can be so bold as to give you another request: Monica and I are facing an issue with property taxes. Please let Your Glory be known in this matter as well. You know our financial status, Lord. We just give that situation to You also, Gentle Father. We want to be good stewards of our finances, Lord.

Father God I just thank You for listening. I know You will answer these prayers. Thank You Jesus. Thank You for the everyday miracles in our lives. Thank You for providing as you always do. Thank You most of all for providing eternal security in the form of our salvation.

I love You Lord. I want to be right in the center of Your Will. Praise You, Jesus. I lift up Your Holy Name. And in Your Sweet, Holy, Name I Pray.

Amen.

Monday, May 30, 2005

Holiday Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

The Memorial Holiday is upon us. Thank You Lord for the inspiring message brought by Pastor Sal yesterday.

Lord I ask blessings on our service men and women everywhere as they take a stand for our freedom and liberty. I ask for safety and protection for all those traveling today and those who have special events, too.

Father and I ask for grace and mercy for myself because I fall short of Your Glory every day. The spirit is willing Lord, but my flesh is terribly week.

Lord I love You. I give this day to You Father. And in Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

Saturday, May 28, 2005

Prayer for The Weekend

This is a big weekend. There's so much going on in our country and around the world the next few days... I want to lift up everyone in our armed forces today. I want to pray for a safe holiday for the many travelers out there this weekend. I want to lift up my own family this morning.

Dear Heavenly Father,

You are the Savior of the Universe....! Our Most Gracious and Loving Lord. Jesus, You invented Love and You Love in a capacity we can scarcely comprehend. You have a Divine Plan for each and every one of us. It is written that we should pray for each other and bear one another's burdens.

Lord, I pray for the whole world today. I pray for Peace. I pray for an end to greed and hatred and prejudice. Jesus, this weekend we remember those who serve and have served in our armed forces. I lift them up to You, Lord. I lift up the families of these brave men and women, too Lord. Because of their duty and honor we enjoy the freedoms we have today.

I want to lift up those traveling this weekend. I pray for safe roadways and airways. Let this be a weekend of peace and relaxation and no tragedies.

Father In Heaven, Lastly this morning I want to lift up Monica and Connor to You. I pray especially for my sweet wife that she get plenty of rest this weekend. I pray that Connor and I have a good trip traveling to Columbia Lakes this morning and that my tennis event goes smoothly.

Lord, I especially pray for Connor this weekend. He's almost 13 years old, Lord. And he's gone through such drastic life changes in the past two months. We're still working on routines, and rules for living together as a family and there's a bit of friction here and there from time to time. Lord, by Your Grace we will smooth out the rough edges. We Love You Lord, and we Love each other. Help us Father, Strengthen us as a family. Strengthen me as a Leader, Lord.

Help me be a man of Godly influence to my step son. Lord, together we can face any problem. I give thanks and praise that I don't have to figure these things out on my own. I will rest in You.

Father, I do Love You. And I put my faith and trust in You, Dear Lord. I lay these burdens and requests at Your feet. I give this day to You. I will be authentic today. I will be Your witness and Your servant.

In Jesus' Name I pray,

Amen.

Friday, May 27, 2005

Thank God it's Friday

Fridays are my days to reflect and be grateful for what I have and don't have. I'm grateful that we have found an awesome church. I'm looking forward to serving and becoming more active there at Houston Metropolitan Baptist. I'm thankful and grateful for access to all the good bible teaching on the radio and on the internet.

I'm grateful for a good night's sleep. I feel totally rested and ready to dive into the day. Also, I am alert and focused and able to give my all to this devotional. I want to give my Best to God at all times. That's why I like to devote the first part of my day Every Day to study and prayer.

I'm glad to be through to the end of the week and am about to kick off the summer programs.

God has blessed me with a beautiful wife, a step son, and a baby on the way. You can't get much better than that! I'm very happy in my career. It's a challenge at times, but as Pastor Sal said last Sunday that having loving lots of money only gives you more choices and options about what you can be miserable with. Well, We don't have a lot of extra money, but we're sure not miserable, either. I'm grateful and content. I have a much better life than many. Certainly better than I had growing up.

Oh my poor parents. I wish they would have known the Lord like I do. I wish I would have been able to witness more to them before they died. But I am grateful even for my failure in that regard because that experience has made me more firm in my resolve to witness today. And I still have a good opportunity to witness to my brothers and sister.

Yes, today I just sit back and marvel at the life God has given me. A life of Privilege. A life of Responsibility. God has given me a blessed, precious life and I am to be about God's Business with that Life. I am to give my Utmost for His Highest. I am to live a God Honoring Life. I am going to be forty this year. I have lived half of my life already. It won't be much longer before I am gone from this earth and facing Eternity.

Eternity is a long time. Life here on earth is but an instant compared to forever. I am most grateful for God's Gift of Salvation. I think about that this morning. What am I going to be doing in eternity? That's the basis for another whole series study. I can't answer that question. I'm sure I'll be worshiping God, but will God have a special job for me in Heaven...? Whatever the case may be, I'm grateful for the here and now. And I'm grateful for the future.

Dear Heavenly Father, Lord God I thank You this morning with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. I recognize that I have a great life. And I credit it all to Your tremendous grace and mercy because I am not deserving of any good thing. I want to grow in Your Image, Lord, but I have a long way to go. I am so far from perfection, I am not even on the map. But You Love me Lord. And have blessed me greatly.

I love You back and I praise and worship You my Lord and King. I give You my best. I give my everything to You this morning. I will live this day for You, Lord. To witness for You. To Encourage for You. To lift up and comfort the needy. I am here for what ever You call me to.

My Lord, My God, thank You for my blessings. I don't want, or need, or petition for anything for myself today. I just rest in You, the Prince of Peace. I lift the Name of Jesus Christ up on High Today.

And in Jesus' Name I pray,

Amen

Thursday, May 26, 2005

Trust The Lord

Dr Stanley was preaching from Proverbs 3 this past Sunday. He said when you go camping and hiking you have to use a compass at all times or you're going to get off the path. And The Bible is our Compass for the hiking trip of living life.

To sum up Doctor Stanley's sermon he basically said That we need to dive into the bible, the Word of God. He encouraged us to not just be busy, but be busy about the word of God, and the things that matter to God. -That really spoke to my heart because I am fighting 'busy-ness' like crazy. Busy-ness and worry. That is what consumes me at times.

But the bible says that if we Trust the Lord with all our Heart and don't try to figure things out on our own,(under our own power), that HE will direct our path if we acknowledge Him in all our ways....

I've read that verse for years and have always liked the way it sounded but actually applying that principle to my life is one of the most difficult things I've ever tried to do. I like to plan things to completion. I like to have it all worked out to the smallest detail. That's just how I was wired. I'm a perfectionist. It literally drives me crazy when I can't see the solution to a problem clearly. It would have been nearly impossible for me to be Abraham of the old testament.

But I've been in difficult and seemingly impossible situations many times in my life. And God has always been faithful, even when I was not. I'm much better at remaining calm and trusting God now than I ever was in my younger days but I still have a lot of personal growth to go through. I'm definitely a work in progress. I'm like that bumper sticker that says Please be patient, God's not finished with me yet!

It's been on my heart lately to read and study the bible more. And for Monica and Connor and I to set aside time to do that as a family. We've done it only once since Connor's come to live with us, but We need to do it on an ongoing, regular basis. I just pray today that we continue to grow closer as a family and we grow greatly in God's Word together.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord thanks so much for my family. You have trusted me with leading them, Lord. Help me be the man of influence You have called me to be. Give me the discipline to study Your Word every day. Help me hear when you speak to me in that still, small voice. I ask You to direct my Path oh Loving Heavenly Father.

Father I just seek Your will this morning. I want to be busy about Your business, not mine. I Trust You Lord, You have always done right by me. And You loved me so much You even shed Your Blood for me. I just Thank You and Praise You and Love You, Lord.

I give today to You, Father. I will pursue this day with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength because of my deep love for You and my desire to please You. I will give 100 percent effort in all I do even as if I was doing it for You, Lord. That is my offering. I give my life to You Lord.

In Jesus' Name I Pray,

Amen.

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Prayer Requests

Today I'd like to lift up one of my tennis students. Her name is Brittany and she plays on her High School team. She has had soreness in her neck for awhile and now the doctors think it is a pinched nerve. She's in a lot of pain and can't play tennis.

I'd also like to lift up some family members who have been on my heart lately.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I give Brittany's injury to You, Lord. You are the master physician. There are no better heeling hands than Yours. I pray for healing and a speedy recovery for Brittany today. Father God, You are a Good God. -And so worthy of our praise and worship...! Thank You Divine Master for listening to our prayers. Thank You for Your Love and Compassion.

And Lord I continue to pray for my family. My Brother John is ripe for salvation Lord. Keep working on his heart! And I continue to lift up my sis Becky and other brother, Stan. I lift up my nieces and nephews Lord, they need to know You. Father God I feel a special calling to witness to these people. Help me in that regard, Lord. Only You can orchestrate the circumstance. I am ready, willing, and able.

Lord thank You for Monica and Connor. Their love and support give me tremendous strength. I am blessed daily by their presence in my life.

I Love You Lord. I give this day to You. Help me to make the most of the day. Help me to budget my time wisely. I need a good and productive day of marketing my summer programs.

With Your Help, by Your Grace, I can do these things.

Lord Jesus I pray in Your Holy Name,

Amen.

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

Wrapping Up Dr Stanleys' Study

It's taken me many weeks to complete this study but today I'm finally to the concluding concept in Dr Stanley's series on knowing God's will for your Life.

Here were the previous six questions or concepts we must consider when making a decision as recommended by Dr Stanley:

1. Is it consistent with the bible?
2. Is this a wise decision?
3. Can I honestly ask God to help me achieve this?
4. Do I have genuine peace abbot this?
5. Does this fit who I am as a follower of Jesus?
6. Does this fit God's over-all plan for my life?

And finally, after weeks of discussion (and interruption) is question number 7.

7. Will this decision honor God...?

Are you showing reverence or respect for the Heavenly Father by taking this course of action? Is it evident by my action that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior of my Life?

The world watches to see if Christians are hypocritical, so it is extremely important that we guard our walk. I find myself constantly asking myself question number seven. And surprisingly, most of the time I have to stop myself because I'm heading down the wrong path. Negative thoughts lead to negative actions, which often leads to negative consequences. (This sounds like the 'Dark Force' of Star Wars)

I would like to close with a direct quote from Dr Stanley: "If you are in the process of making a difficult decision and are frightened about the consequences, remember that you have entrusted your life to a loving heavenly Father who plans only the best, and provides only the best. You simply can not lose when you obey the will of God."

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for making Your will for our lives abundantly clear. We are to Love You, to Trust You, to strive to know You better and deepen our relationship with You. If we do those things You will make our paths straight. Lord I do Love You and I do want to walk closer with You every day. Thank You for Blessing me with Your Word. Thank You for blessing me with my family and friends. Thank You Lord for the Glorious Gift of Your Salvation...!

Father I ask that You enable my light to shine brightly. I want to be Your example. I want to be Your witness. I pray for the Holy Spirit to season my words and deeds to be salt and light to this world. I pray that I am a perfect example of a Godly man to my stepson, Connor. And that I love my wife as Christ Loved the Church.

Lord Jesus, I love You. I lift up Your name in Praise and Worship this morning. I give this day to You, Lord.

Amen.

Monday, May 23, 2005

God's Plan For Your Life

This weekend I heard two really good sermons that I'm looking forward to reporting on and studying later this week.

But today I continue my study of Charles' Stanley's article on Knowing God's Will.

Doctor Stanley tells us that we need to consider how our thinking, conduct, and here-and-now decisions coincide with the Lord's long-range plans for us. This is why we must teach our children to be very careful about how they decide upon a vocation, choose a marriage partner, and make all the other major decisions in life. In each instance the question is:

Does this fit God's purpose for my life....?

It would be one thing if the Lord left all choices up you us; then we would be free to make every decision without considering his will on the matter. But he has a specific plan for each believer, and it is for our best because he is a loving, all-knowing, all wise father.

I remember the first time I ever heard the term: God's perfect plan for your life. I was a freshman in college back in 1984 and I was discussing a personal issue with the music minister at First Baptist Church in Bay City. Brother Dale explained it all very clear to me and prayed with me. He made me feel a whole lot better that day and really expanded my knowledge about the Kingdom.

Today I'd like to pray for Brother Dale Perkins, where ever he is.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord here we are at the start of another week. I just thank You Lord for the awesome weekend I had. I thank You for the inspired messages I heard this weekend from Dr Stanley and Pastor Sberna.

Lord it's so awesome that You have a perfect plan You for each and every one of us. Doctor Stanley reminded us in his study this morning to seek Your perfect plan for our Life. -Just as Brother Dale Perkins explained it to me a little over 20 years ago. Lord, where ever Dale is today I just want to lift him up. He was and is a tremendous witness for the Kingdom. He was such an inspiration to the youth when I was growing up. I pray for his family, his wife and children. Send Your blessings down upon them.

Father God, thank You for blessing my Sunday. We just enjoyed a really nice family day. I didn't have anything like that with my family when I was growing up as a child and a teen ager. I realize how blessed I am now. You have given me the desire of my heart: a loving christian family.

I just love and praise You, Father. I will live every moment for You, Lord. I give this day to You. For Your Glory, in Your Honor, forever and ever...

In Jesus' Name I Pray,

Amen.

Friday, May 20, 2005

Grateful Praise...!

I completed a huge project yesterday and I am extremely grateful for that...! And while I normally just take Fridays for Thanks and Praise, I've still got a few prayer requests today.

Dear Lord,

Once again I have over done it with my schedule. I worked long and hard yesterday and then foolishly went to the movies late and didn't get home to bed until 2 AM. Consequently, I'm a little worn out this morning. Please lift me up today and keep me safe during my driving commute. Give me patience and let me be of good cheer all day inspite of my lack of discipline in the sleep department.

Lord, I also ask for healing for one of my tennis students. Little Jeffrey hit his head while jumping on his bed and had to have surgery on his ear. I just pray that everything heal quickly and properly with him.

Divine Master, Lastly I just ask that a spirit of peace rest on my family. It's not always smooth-sailing when raising a soon to be 13 year old boy. But we're working through it and just place that in Your loving hands, Lord.

Father God, You have done wondrous things for me. All that I have and all that I am is because of You. I worship You as my Lord and Savior.

I give this day to You Lord. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Thursday, May 19, 2005

Prayer for My Sweet Wife

Monica has a doctor's appointment today. She's been extremely fatigued lately, and having much difficulty sleeping but that is to be expected this late in the pregnancy. I just want to lift her and the baby up today.

Dear Heavenly Father, Lord You are such a God of Great Wonder...! Thank You for my precious wife and baby on the way. Lord I just lift them up to You this morning and all through out the day today. Guard their health. Let today be a good doctor's visit. I pray that Monica gets the daily rest she needs to feel good and energized.

And I love You Lord for the marvelous things You have done in my Life...! Thank You for Connor. Thank You for Family and Friends. I am so blessed. I am Content.

Lord, my one real desire is to draw closer to You. Each and every day, just a little closer walk with You, My King. I long for the day when we'll all be in Heaven, Lord. But until them I'll make the most of the precious time You've given me.

Thank You for my Salvation. Lord I give this day to you. In Jesus' Name I pray,

Amen.

Wednesday, May 18, 2005

Prayer For A Single Parent

I have a friend who is having a difficult time. He's having career problems, family problems, and financial problems all at the same time. He doesn't know what to do. He may lose his house, his job is a dead end and he's a single parent with two teenagers who are getting into mischief.

I've known this man for many years. We grew up together in Bay City and I feel a particular bond with him. We spoke on the phone for a long time yesterday. I just want to lift him up in prayer today. His name is 'JP'

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord God, You are an Awesome God...! -A Loving and merciful God. You have the whole world in Your Hands. Lord You know JP and his problems. I see that You are definitely trying to get his attention. I think JP knows of You but doesn't really know what a truly powerful God you are. JP is still trying to solve his situation on his own.

Help me to show JP that the only way to find a solution to his problems is through You. Yes, sometimes You present someone with difficult impossible situations to break them. Lord I know you are the only answer. We are Nothing without you. Not a Thing. Dust.

Father God, we are called to help our brothers and sisters when they stumble. Help me to be there for JP. I do love him like a brother. I pray for his situation today. I lift him and his family up to You, Lord. I pray that he know the true peace and comfort of a close relationship with You, Lord. I pray for his Salvation.

Divine Savior, I lay this at Your feet. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

Prayer For Mother and Father in Law

Dear Heavenly Father,

I want to thank You for the Blessing of My Mother and Father in Law. They are good people and have welcomed me into their family with open arms. I feel greatly loved by them. They left on a cruise yesterday and I just pray that it be a wonderful time of relaxation for them. Keep them safe Lord. Guard their health. Draw them closer to You.

I pray that they meet new friends and that it be a wonderful time of fellowship. And I pray that You bring them safely home to us, Lord.

Lord I pray also today for a big home project I'm trying to complete by 9 AM this morning. I definitely need Your Grace and Mercy and all your Blessings on this one, Lord. Father I just give it to You.

Lord God, You are an Awesome God. You are capable of anything and everything. I love You, Lord. I worship You, My King. I give this day to You Oh Lord. For Your Glory, In Christ Jesus' Name I Pray,

Amen.

Monday, May 16, 2005

Still Working on Knowing God's Will

I was watching Dr Charles Stanley's television broadcast this weekend and caught the last half of a sermon on knowing Gods will. He does such a good job teaching on that subject I think I'm going to order his cd series on the topic. I know I still have one or two more installments from the article I've been reviewing here but I just wanted to focus on one item that hit me right between the eyes yesterday.

Dr Stanley was teaching about hindrances to knowing the will of God. One of the chief hindrances was guess what...? 'Busy-ness' Everywhere I turn I'm reminded that busyness is a sin. It's separating me from God. Well I'm trying to change that. Yesterday was a really good day. I took it easy and rested up from a tough week. Monica, Connor, and I spent pretty much the entire day as a family. We slept in a little later than normal. We watched church on Television. Then Connor and I cleaned out the garage together. After that we all went to an afternoon performance by the Houston Symphony, then we went out to eat for dinner. When we got home Monica and I worked in the baby room a little bit and then we had an evening of family ping pong matches. We capped off our evening with an hour of family time bible reading.

This was just an awesome family day. I love Monica and Connor so much and realize that God's will for me is providing for my family. Not just monetarily, but emotionally and spiritually as well. I've got to be a leader and set the example. I like that role.

We got to bed before 10:30 PM. That's a must from now on. Especially for Connor and Monica. And I feel pretty energized this morning. Yes, God is Good and He's Blessing me abundantly.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord You are Awesome in Your Majesty. Father of Lights You have lit up my life. Thank You Lord for Blessing me continually. I have the best family a man could want or hope for. And I seek Your divine will for them and for myself. Lord I want to honor You in everything I do, my every breath. I want to raise my family up to love and serve You.

Lord We just want to draw closer to You. Every step in this walk of life, just let it be a little closer with Thee. Father help us be obedient. Help us be consistent. Help us be disciplined in our study of Your word. Father You have given us the perfect driver's manual for our life: The Bible. Help us go to that manual on a regular basis. I pray that Your word permeate our mind our hearts.

Lord I just ask for strength as a leader. I want to be the best husband, father, coach, and friend to my family and the circle of life around me. And hese things I can only accomplish through the Grace of Your Blood that was shed for me. I love You, Lord. And I pledge this day to You. For Your Honor and Glory, In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen
.

Friday, May 13, 2005

TGIF -Thanking God For Friday

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, it's been a good and productive week. I've covered lots of ground and moved farther along in all my projects. I like to just take Fridays and remember all my blessings and there are many of them. I'm most grateful for my life. My life has purpose and meaning. You've been moving and stretching me in directions I never dreamed I would venture. Yet I fully embrace the challenges and trusts You have set before me. Thank You Lord and keep using me for Your Glory.

My life is full of love. I have great friends and family. I have an adoring wife who lights up my days and I have an awesome stepson, too. -And a baby on the way...! I'm having the kind of close, loving family I always longed for and prayed for as a child.

Father God, You have done truly remarkable, amazing things in my life. I give you all the Glory, Lord. I give You all the praise and Honor. You are my King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

I just give this day to you, Jesus. I want to Glorify You with my every fiber, my every word, and my every action. I love You, Lord.

And in Jesus' Name I pray,

Amen.

Thursday, May 12, 2005

Prayer for my Friends

I've been praying for myself enough lately. It's time to recognize some of my Friend's needs. I have two friends who have stressful family situations. Michael Downey just lost his mom last night and another Friend, Cindy Shremshock told me that her mom has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. I have a very special place in my heart for those who have to deal with the loss of a parent, especially a mom.

I loved my mom very much and had a very difficult time dealing with her sudden passing. All day today I will be lifting up the Downey and Shremshock families.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord God thank You for parents, especially moms. This world would be in big trouble without moms. I have friends who are dealing with a loss or the possibility of a loss of their mom today and I want to lift them up to You, Lord. Give them Grace and Peace and understanding. Let this event be something that draws their families closer together. Let them draw close to You father, under the protection and shelter of your out-stretched wings.

Father, I remember My Mom and how much she meant to me and how her loss was so difficult for me. Please Lord, help Michael through this. Send You Holy Spirit to comfort him and his family in their time of need. Help Cindy to make wise choices and decisions in the days ahead as she contemplates moving back to Georgia to spend time with her mom in her last days.

Lord Bless these sweet families who mean so much to me. I lift them up to You today, Father.

In Jesus' Name I pray, AMEN.

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

Prayer to Complete My Projects

Dear Heavenly Father,

Oh Most Holy One, Thank You Lord for another day to live and love and serve and exalt and Honor You, the King of Heaven and Earth. Lord, You are King of All. You are above all things.

You are Sovereign. All Glory and Honor are Yours for ever and ever. Thank You for Your absolutely unconditional Love.

Lord I ask your blessing on my projects today. You know my circumstances, Lord. I just want to get caught up on my backlog of work and start a new life of staying caught up and living the life You would have me live.

I pray that You would help me to work swiftly and correctly. I pray that everything would fall into place smoothly. Lord just guide my steps today.

Father I love You. You have done such great things. Your cleansing blood paid my sin debt, Lord. I am forever grateful. I give this day to you, Lord. All the work I do today and everyday is in Your honor, My King.

In Jesus' Name I Pray, Amen.

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

Prayer for Busyness

I'm still struggling with too much to do and not enough time to do it in. Although I've been praying fervently for peace and to know the will of God in my time management issues I have to confess that I'm still struggling a bit.

I think the Enemy is really trying to hold me down on this one. So today I just take it to the Lord once again. No matter what happens I'm going to claim my quiet time. I'm going to claim my family time. I'm going to claim my exercise time. I'm going to take time to plan meals and eat healthily. I'm going to plan and take time to study the Word. And then with what ever time is left over I'll get my work done.

I may find that I just absolutely have to prune some unproductive areas of my life, but I'll let the Holy Spirit speak to my heart on that matter. In the mean time I'm just going to let God be the God of my life. I'm really going to surrender this time!


Lord God,

I cry out to You once again to help me manage my schedule. I want to know peace. I want to know accomplishment. It can't be Your will for my life that I rush around here and there and be weary and stressed all the time. Help me accomplish my tasks at hand and start a new life. -A truly surrendered life.

And I realize that being surrendered to You doesn't mean that I'll not have troubles. But I do expect that I'll be able to face them with more poise and grace. Lord You always answer my prayers. Thank You for being such a great big God. Thank You for loving Your children and providing for them.

Father, I've been praying about this for some time. And I know that if I keep doing the same things I've been doing then I should expect the same results I've been getting, right...? Help me to do things differently so I get different results. Help me with living the disciplined life I need to live.

I need to set that example for Connor, Monica, and others who look to me as a leader and role model. And most of all, I need to live a life that is God honoring. Lord You gave me this life, and I want to live it to Your Glory.

I love You Lord. And I just want to please You. I give my life to You Lord.

And In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Monday, May 09, 2005

Prayer for The Week

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You dear Lord for another day to serve You. I need You today, Lord. I need strength. I need courage. I won't be able to make it without Your Blessings. I've already been presented with some trying situations and it's not even 6 AM yet...!

But Father God, I know I can do all things through You. Be my Rock today, Lord.

Be My fortress.

I trust You Lord. You are my God, my Awesome God.

Lord help me with Connor today. We'll be spending the day together. I pray this will be a day of good heart to heart communication between us. Father, help me get my gran prix tournament issues lined out and let this be a good tournament, Lord. Father bless my communication with my tennis students today. I pray for good lessons and good marketing of my summer programs and May 14th event.

I have so much on my plate today Lord. It's really too much. But I know with Your help I'll get as much done as I can and little by little I'll peck away at things until it's all done. Then I just pray that I do better job managing my schedule form now on.

Father God, You can do all things. I have no doubt that You can work my day for good. I just lay it at the foot of Your Cross., Lord.

I love You, Lord. I give this day to You. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Sunday, May 08, 2005

Prayer For Mommies

Dear Heavenly Father,

Today I want to lift up Mommies everywhere. What a tremendous blessing Mommies are. I have many shining examples of awesome mommies in my life. I am grateful for each and everyone of them.

Thanks especially for my Sweet Monica. She is a Great Mom. She loves and sacrifices for her family with the best of the Mommies. But she is very extra special because she ministers to MY Family...! We love her and exalt her to You heavenly, Father. She is Your blessing to Connor and I (and Elijah).

We know when we love and honor our mom we are loving and honoring You, Oh Lord.

Father God, Mommies (and Daddy's) really shape the world. But today is Mother's Day so I thank You for my devoted spouse, the loving mother of my son and step son, and my best friend...!

It's kinda neat how one person can have so many identities at the same time. But that can only come from an awesome God like You. Every Good and perfect gift comes from You, Father of Lights. And Monica is a perfect gift, A great shining light in the lives of the Chadwell Family!

Lord God, I love You. I give this day to You Lord. I lift up Monica, and loving, kind, gentle mom's like her all over the world. Bless them today. And Bless the church messages that go out today. I exalt You Lord. I worship You.

And in Jesus Name I Pray,

Amen

Friday, May 06, 2005

Prayer of Thanks...

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord Thank You for Loving Me the way You do. You are my Rock and my Strength. All I have is from You. Everything I accomplish is Through You. I try my best not to get down, not to complain, not to worry. Because I know that no matter what comes along to annoy me, to slow me down, to hurt my feelings.... Nothing can take away the fact that as a child of God I have many spiritual blessings and that I am saved for all eternity. And that is the most important thing in the world. Everything that happens in my life from here on out, every issue and circumstance that comes my way is a test and a trust from You preparing my heart for eternity.

Father God, thank You for my life. It's a good life. A real blessing. Thank You for my loving family and friends. Thank You for my calling as a teacher, husband, father, brother, friend, mentor, encourager and organizer. I welcome the responsibilities and will give you my utmost effort for Your Glory.

I love You Lord, And I give this day to You, my King.

In Jesus' Name I Pray,

Amen

Thursday, May 05, 2005

Praise Reports..!

I love to make Praise Reports and today's are good ones.

I was corresponding with Jamie, friend from Clear Creek Community Church who requested prayer for his friend and colleague who suffered a major heart attack while riding in the MS 150 bike race to Austin.

His friend has made a miraculous recovery...! So Praise be to God...! Let's all rejoice on that one...!

Another prayer request has been answered, too. It looks like we've found a good church to call our church home. We're going to attend as guests a few more times but it looks like we'll be joining the body at Houston's Metrolpolitan Baptist Church. Praise be to God on that one, too...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

You are a God of answered prayer. Wonderful and Marvelous, that's what You are. Thank You for the life of Jamie's friend. And Lord, thank You for prayer and the fact that we can pray to you any time, all the time. I know You hear our prayers.

Thank You for the love and compassion You have for Your people. You are an Awesome, Mighty God. Lord I lift up Your name this morning...! Praise be to God our Savior...!

Jesus I give this day to You. I'll work at everything with 100 percent of my attention and ability in Your Honor, for Your Glory, my King.

In Your Precious, Holy Name I Pray,

Amen.

Wednesday, May 04, 2005

Prayer for Surrender

I heard an interesting discussion on 100.7 FM KKHT Christian Radio this morning.

I've always prayed to be a committed Christian. That sounds good, doesn't it...?

Well, Dr Adrian Rogers of Memphis, Tennessee says that to be committed to something is to do it under one's own power. To totally surrender is to let God have complete control of one's life.

I don't want to be a committed Christian any longer. I want to be totally surrendered to Christ.

Dear Heavenly Father, You can have Your Way with me. I am Yours, Jesus. I surrender to You. What ever the outcome of my life, no matter where the path leads me, I am Yours, Lord. I am surrendered to You. Father, I know that nothing good can come from me. Only Good comes from You working through me and in me. Thank You for Your Grace and Goodness, Lord.

I love You and I give this day to You. Bless my schedule today. And allow my interaction to others be a blessing. Lord, In Jesus' Name I Pray,

Amen.

Tuesday, May 03, 2005

Knowing God's Will

I've been running this study for nearly 10 days now and I keep getting side tracked but hopefully I'll be able to stay on task this week and complete this series taken from an article I read by Dr Charles Stanley, a Teaching Pastor in Atlanta, Georgia..

The Article was called How Can We be Sure of God's Will...? And Dr Stanley outlined 7 questions we believers can ask ourselves to make sure we are within God's Will.

Here's a quick review of the questions I've covered so far...

1. Is it consistent with the bible?
2. Is this a wise decision?
3. Can I honestly ask God to help me achieve this?
4. Do I have genuine peace about this?

And today I'll cover question number 5:

Does this fit into who I am as a follower of Jesus...?

Some things just do not fit a child of God. For example, the Bible says that the body is the temple of th Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:19), so anything that is physically harmful is not in the will of God. Divine discipline comes in different forms. If we disobey the laws of health, we will suffer the consequences, even if we are obedient in other ways.

Another area of concern is the believer's testimony. The way we respond to other people -whether they are family, co-workers, or waiters serving our meal, we should be consistent with the fact that we belong to Christ Jesus and reflect Him to the world. In other words, if we claim to be Christians, it would not be fitting to hold a grudge, gossip, have inappropriate relationships, or express unduly harsh critisism.

When I read question number five and Dr Stanley's supporting material it hit me right between the eyes. I know that God's will for my life is to be in better physical condition than I currently am. I've been struggling with my weight for about 7 years now. I'm definitely out of God's will in that regard. And in the grudge area and expressing harsh critisism I've got some work to do, also.

That will be the focus of my prayer this morning.

Thanks for reading my prayer journal. If you enjoyed today's post you might want to go back and read my other posts on this subject in order to get a better continuity for this topic. -Coach Sam


Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord God I want to be in the center of Your Will. I feel I'm far from it at the moment. Father of Lights, help me defeat my weight issue. Help me to make wise dietary choices and regulate when and how much food I consume. Enable me to get more exercise and return to a physique that is fitting of a professional athlete.

And Lord, You have revealed to me that I have a heart problem in the matter of anger and holding grudges. Help me to let go of past hurts and injustices and just purify my heart, Lord. I want to be all about Love and Saving Grace. Father, I want to be a shining example of Godly reaction to difficult circumstances.

I just want my life to say plainly and clearly that I am a Child of God. Lord I just want to be like You. I need more of You, Lord. I love You, Father and I want to be in the center of Your will.

You have called me to be a Husband, Father, and a Step-Father. You have called me to be a teacher. You have called me to be a comfortor and an encourager. You have called me to pray for my brothers and sisters.

Father God, I just pray that You keep showing me Your Callings for my Life. Help me to prioritize my life. Help me in the area of time management. I don't want to waste one single moment of this precious life You've given me.

Lord, I give this day to You. Everything I do is for You, in Your Name: Christ Jesus. I give 100% to You. I pray this in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

Amen.

Monday, May 02, 2005

Prayer For the Week

I like to take Monday Mornings and Pray for the week ahead. There's a lot going on this week and many, many issues to pray about... I need to start praying long and hard about being a good dad and step dad. I've got to strike a good balance between being a provider and a mentor and leader. It seems I'm spendingall my time working on providing and not as much quality time with the family as I would like. I just started reading a book by noted Family Life author Dennis Rainey called improving Your Parenting. Monica bought us several books from that series to study together.

Speaking of Monica, I need to step up my prayers for her as well. She's going in to her seventh month of pregnancy this week. I'm so grateful Men can't get pregnant...! And I just want to be as loving and supportive of her as I can be at all times. She's doing the best she can to be a good mom and wife and that's a hard enough job as it is without being on the verge of delivering a baby. I love her very, very much...!

I haven't heard from my sister in about 3 days. We try to keep up with each other just about every day so I pray for her and her family. There's always something going on at her house. I pray for their salvation. And for my brothers John and Stanley, too. I wish we were closer. But mostly I pray that they come to Know the Lord Jesus as their personal savior.

I pray today for my Father and Mother in Law. What a blessing they are. I pray for their health and safety and that my relationship with them continues to grow.

I pray for Connor that he is doing well dealing with the loss of his daddy. He seems fine, but I just want to constantly bathe him with healing prayers.

I have lots of things going on at work to pray about. I need to market my summer programs, and finish the Kingwood tournament. I still have a lot of work to do in the proshop... But I suppose it will all get done in due time.

Any way, That's what's on my heart this morning. That's what I'll be praying about this week. And I'll be finishing my study about Dr Stanley's knowing the Will of God series, too.

Thanks for reading my prayer journal. I urge you to take some time and map out your prayer requests and plot your prayer strategy for the week. Pray at all times every chance you get.

I'd like to close this little commentary with a scripture quote that was used at the beginning of Dennis Rainey's book: Improving Your Parenting.

"Unless the Lord builds this house, it's builders labor in vain.... Psalm 127:10

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for the good, productive week that has just passed. You are such an Awesome Provider, Lord. Thank You for my blessings. Father, help me to rely more on You and less on me. It seems I am constantly spinning my wheels being busy. Help me carve out more family time. Help me to be the awesome dad you've called me to be. Help me to be the best husband to Monica and the best brother and son in law I can be. I want to give my absolute best in everything I do, Lord.

Father God, I pray for my sweet wife Monica this morning. I Lift her up to You, Lord. I pray for a healthy pregnancy. I pray for her rest. I pray for her emotional and spiritual state, Lord. I pray that I am a source of comfort and strength and help to her at all times.

Lord Jesus, I pray for Connor today. Deepen our relationship, Lord. I know You have great things planned for Connor. I realize I have been given the great privilege of raising Connor up and I want to do right by him. Help me to be what I need to be for him: A leader, a mentor, a friend...

Father God, I pray for my family out in the world. My brothers and sister, my parents in law... Lift them up, Lord. Guard them and keep them safe. Bless them, Lord. I also pray for Connor's Daddy's family. For Brian's Mom and Dad and brothers and aunts and uncles. I pray for Your richest blessing to be bestowed upon them. I pray for healing comfort and grace for the Copeland Family, Lord.

And Dear Lord, Thanks You for my job and career. Help me to be organized and a good steward of my time. Bless my students Lord. Bless my projects. Let my Christian Witness in my industry be strong.

Lord God I just Love You. I worship and praise You. I offer this day to You Lord. I pledge to serve You and do Your will today, My Lord and King.

In Jesus' Name I pray,

Amen.

Sunday, May 01, 2005

Prayer for the Met

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord please bless our church visit to the Met this morning. Lift up Pator Sberna this morning. Father I pray that we find a church home soon. Lead us to the Church that You would have us attend, Father.

Father we Love You, We trust You, and we offer this day to You Lord. For Your Glory, In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.