Rediscover Your Calling

My Title today speaks to Believers who have walked with Christ for some time but may currently be in a 'spiritual slump'. We all get there from time to time. Sometimes we don't even know it.

I've known that I've been in a slump for some time now. I've been up and down spiritually the past few months. Today's Dr Stanley devotional really touched me deeply. It was direct and to the point. And I feel like a light bulb has just gone off in me.

His devotion was based on Ephesians 2: 8-10. This is the verse that equates life to a track and field event. -It doesn't matter how we start, it's that we end well that matters. Back when I accepted Christ He didn't take me straight up to heaven. He gave me the spiritual gifts of intercessory prayer and encouragement. Then He gave me a ministry of teaching tennis. He expects me to use my gifts to touch lives in a tennis setting to fulfill my ministry. Recently he has given me a wife and family. (another ministry)

I am 40 years old. Who knows how many more years I have left? (Only God.) I've probably already lived at least half my life. I'm entering the last half of my life now and my challenge is to finish well. My prayer life has been very inconsistent as of late. If I'm to finish well I need to better job with prayer.

I have some questions for my readers today: Do you know what Your spiritual gifts are? What is your calling, or your ministry? Where are you in your spiritual life...? Have you just started the race or are you rounding the home stretch...? How have you done in the race so far? Have you slowed down...?

....Well get back in there and pick up the pace!

My encouragement today is to finish strong. Make a difference in other's lives. Start your day with prayer. Finish your day with prayer. And connect with God through out the day in prayer.

A life time of tennis has taught me that to be good at something you have to practice. If You want to be good at tennis You need to practice tennis. If You want to excel at tennis you need to practice diligently every day, more than once a day.

If You want to excel in Life: Practice Prayer.



Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, I have strayed. I have become caught up in the busyness of life once again and forgotten what's most important: My relationship with You. Father forgive me. I do want only to serve You. I praise Your Name Jesus. You have done marvelous, wonderful deeds in my life and the lives of those around me. I understand You have been doing marvelous deeds since the dawn of time....

Father God, You are my Everything. My life is nothing without you. I Love You, Lord. I pray today that You continue to renew my spirit and that others get a sense of the excitement I feel being in this close personal relationship with You, my Lord and Savior.

Lord I trust in You. And I give You back one of the most precious commodities You have given me: Time. And I pray that I continue to put You first in my life. Lord, don't ever let me be 'too busy to pray...'.

I know that when I place You first on the agenda that everything else falls into place. Lord, You are Number One...! I thank You and praise You for my many blessings. Lord I lift up Your Holy Name. You are the Almighty God, the Everlasting Father, The King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

I pledge my allegiance, my loyalty, and my life to You, Jesus. And in Your Holy Name I Pray, AMEN.

The Christ of Christmas

Who is the Christ of Christmas...? He's a little baby. He's God come down to Earth as man. He's our Savior. Our Redeemer. He's the Reason for the Season. He's our Life...!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Some much needed quite time...

I've been in another little spiritual slump lately. This past week I've been too busy to get my morning quiet time. But this morning I got up extra early to listen to Christmas music and enjoy a roaring fire in the fireplace. Ahh, now this is peaceful...

I've been struggling a bit as a step dad. I haven't had the trade mark Coach Sam patience when I should have. This morning I'm going to start getting my act together again. (with God's help)

I realize I am nothing apart from my creator. I certainly won't be able to get through this slump without Him. When I try to do things on my own, I fail miserably. I need Jesus. The Enemy wages war against me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I love You. I need You... Help me be more patient, loving, kind, and gentle. Help me to be more like You, my King. Give me a heart for reaching out to the hurting. Give me the gift of mercy, Lord.

Father God I am a wretched sort. I slip and fall continuously. Purify my heart, Lord. Renew my mind, Father. By the power of the Holy Spirit I know it is possible. I believe in You, Jesus. Thank You Lord for coming down as a little baby and living among us. Thank You for saving the world.

God, You're an awesome God...! I pledge my life to You, Jesus. You have set me apart from the world and blessed me more abundantly than I could ever have hoped for.

I thank You, Love You and Praise You. And I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

Praise Report...!

The Chadwell Family evening finished on a high note after several rocky moments earlier in the day. We were watching a recording from Dr Stanley's Sunday, Dec 18 Sermon. Dr Stanley was continuing his study of the Holy Spirit. Connor had us pause the recording several times to ask us questions and get our perspective regarding the content of the sermon. It was some of the best discussion we've ever had as a family.

I've learned very quickly how challenging it is to raise a teenager today. And at times my frustration level reaches it peak. But Dr Stanley's sermon really hit home. (literally) His series about the Holy Spirit's mission in our lives has had a tremendous impact on me already and the more we watch the recordings over and over I can see the power of the Holy Spirit at work in Monica and Connor, too.

All I can say to that is Praise the Lord...!

Dear Lord,

You are so Good. You are so Faithful. I love You heavenly Father. Thank You Lord for blessing this family. We want only to do Your will Lord. And the Enemy wants only to stop us. But Lord We wrap ourselves in Your Holy Protective Armor and the Enemy is rendered ineffective.

Again, Thank You my King...! I give this day to You Lord. In Jesus Name I Pray, Amen.

TGIF -Thank God It's Friday

While I try to be 'Thankful' every day, I try to be 'particularly' thankful on Fridays. As this morning rolls around I awakened with a lot on my plate. I've got some deadlines to meet and there is seemingly not enough time to get everything done. I think that's called 'stress'. But I thank the Lord that I do have a job. If I were not somewhat busy with work then I wouldn't be able to provide for my family.

With the help of the Holy Spirit I'll be able to complete my tasks on time. This little bit of work related stress is nothing. I am most grateful today for my family. I have the most awesome family in the world, and a very nice life.

Dear Heavenly Father, You have literally showered me with abundant blessings. I have a great family to provide for and raise up in Your Way. And You have given me a good job with which to earn a living and a great house to live in. I am especially thankful for the two young men, Connor and Elijah, that You have entrusted into my care. And of course You have given me an awesome helpmate in Monica who loves me and takes care of me too.

Lord, You have given me an awesome life. Now all I want to do is serve You and stay right in the middle of Your will for my life. Lord Jesus, I give my life for You since You gave Your life for me. I am Yours, Lord. I fully surrender. Everything I have is because of You or from You.

I love You Father and I humbly thank You for everything.

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen

Not Feeling So Worthy Today...

Sigh... I'm feeling a little down today. I could use a dose of the Holy Spirit that I've been writing about. I've just been having too many negative thoughts lately. That's crazy, because I can't think of a time in my life when I've tried to be more in tune with my Savior than ever.

I'm reading The Word, I'm praying, I'm under the direction of several fine bible expositors... And I WANT to be Holy, Sanctified, and of one mindset and purpose: To Glorify God at all times with my life. But I just can't seem to keep my thoughts on Good and Holy Things. I'm getting angry and annoyed with people way more than I should... And that's not like me. (or is it..?)

I have this theory that every Christian goes through periods like this. It's called 'spiritual attack'. The Enemy is prowling about looking for Christians to devour. He lives to make us stumble. Well, I feel like I'm stumbling.

I'm just going to try to have some extra quiet time today. I mean REAL quiet time. Not prayer time where I do most of the talking, but LISTENING time. Maybe I'll hear that still small voice of the Holy Spirit for a change...

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I love You. And this morning I claim Your promise to never leave me or forsake me. Holy Spirit, speak to me, guide me, lift me up, empower me with Your mercy and grace and wisdom and compassion.

Oh my King, I am so grateful for Your blessings. And I have been so unworthy. But Lord You came down from heaven and died for my sins, hallelujah....! I love You, Jesus. I praise and worship You.

Today I am still and quiet. And I wait for You my Redeemer.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen.

The Holy Spirit

Several Bible Teachers I listen to regularly are discussing the Holy Spirit this week. What is the Role of the Holy Spirit in our lives...? Well, Dr Stanley says the mission of the Holy Spirit is threefold:

• Salvation: an ACT of Faith
• Sanctification: a WALK of Faith
• Service: a WORK of Faith

I'd like to do a little mini-study on the Holy Spirit for the next few days. Let's start this morning with the mission of the Holy Spirit with regard to salvation.

John 16:5-8 '...I must go away so I can send the Helper...' The Promise of Jesus, our Heavenly Father was to send the Holy Spirit whom he referred to as the 'Helper'.

The ministry of the Holy Spirit is essential to our Salvation. John 6:44 says: '...No one comes to me unless I draw him...' -We are annointed, and chosen by the Father and then he sends His Holy Spirit to convict us.

Romans 8 states that the Holy Spirit dwells in the heart of every believer.

Our former condition was DEATH. (Ephesians 2) The Holy Spirit gives us a NEW LIFE. (John 3) And once we start a new life the Holy Spirit begins the process of Sanctification, which is tomorrow's study.

Quiet Time

It's important to get enough sleep. But it's also important to get enough quiet time with our Lord. When I don't manage my schedule well enough and I miss my quiet time it throws the entire day off. I'm sort of getting off to a bad start in that regard this morning. I wish that I would have been able to get up earlier. I tried to get up at 4 AM and then at 5 AM, but really couldn't get going until about 6:30...

Now I have to get ready for lessons in a few minutes. Hopefully I can steal away some quiet time at lunch and get back ontrack spiritually. Meanwhile I just pray for grace and mercy this morning.

Lord, I love You. I want to dedicate this day to You. I pray that this is a God-Honoring day. Help me to be the best dad and step dad You have called me to be. Help me to be the best Husband and the best coach.

Purify my heart of negative thoughts, Lord. Help me to dwell on that which is righteous and holy. Lord I need more patience. I need wisdom to raise my stepson and keep him on the right track. I can only be successful through Your help.

Thank You Father. Thank You for this day. Thank You for another opportunity to make things right in the world one relationship, one encounter at a time.

Lord, I pray for my sweet wife Monica who is having the same struggles as I am. Father I pray that our house sells. Dear Jesus I pray for my extended family, especially the ones that do not know You. And Lord I pray for Brazos Pointe Fellowship, it's pastors and sheep.

Father God, I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.

What is the Holy Spirit...?

John 14:16 describes the Holy Spirit as a 'Helper'. How does he Help?

This morning in Dr Stanley's lesson he said the Holy Spirit guides us to the Truth. He's a divine compass. He's omnicient. He's our teacher.

But this is the best definition Dr Stanley used:

The Holy Spirit is our source of spiritual power. He's God's divine energy and authority released in the life of the believer for Godly living and fruitful service.

Have you ever felt filled by the spirit? The bible says that fruits of the spirit include love, joy, patience, peace, patience, goodness, self control, and the list goes on...

Dr Stanley says that our filling stays as long as we live in obedience to God. When we disobey, the filling gows away but the spirit does not. God gives back what we give to HIM. Full surrender means empowerment!

Mid Day Prayer Time and Praise Report

I had a few minutes this afternoon and just thought I'd give a quick praise report. I just had some major dental work done and everything went great. I have a new smile now...! And I'm starting to get caught up on projects that I was behind on and Life is Good...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, You just continue to bless me. Thank you Jesus. I am not deserving of Your wondrous grace and tender mercy but Thank You, My King. Lord I've been hearing many sermons about the holy spirit lately. Thanks for great teachers like Dr Charles Stanley, Dr Woodrow Krull, and the late Dr Adrian Rogers.

Thank You for sending me the Holy Spirit to dwell within me and guide, lead, and convict me.

Lord Jesus, Thank You for Brazos Pointe Fellowship. I lift up that congregation and pastoral staff to You today. And Dear Jesus, thank You for my precious family. I lift them up to You, Lord...

Thank You for the gift of eternal life. Wow...! You're an Awesome God. I love You Lord and just give this day to You. I pray that I am used by You today to influence someone for the Kingdom.

Lord Jesus I humply pray for these things in Your Holy Name, Amen.

Prayer for the Week: December 5-12

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for another day of Life and another day to serve You and grow in You and influence others for the Kingdom. Father God, You have blessed me so tremendously. I sing Your praises my Lord and Savior!

This morning I just dedicate this day to You, Lord Jesus. Help me be more like You in everything I say, do, and think. Help me to be an encouragement in others' daily walk with You. Grant me wisdom and leadership qualities as I raise and support my family. Allow me to be an inspiration to my wife and children.

Father, I recognize the tremendous responsibility and opportunity You've given me. With Your help I can not fail. I claim Victory in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Brazospoint Fellowship Church

We are going to visit Brazospoint Fellowship this evening. This church was recommended to us by a friend from Clear Creek Community Church that I played in the worship band with. The church is in Lake Jackson, about 25 minutes away form West Columbia. They have a Saturday Evening Service which really suits our schedule.

I want to lift up that church's Pastor this morning in my prayer and just ask God to bless our visit this evening and help us determine if this is to be our new church home.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thanks Lord for bringing Monica and I this far in our incredible journey through life together with You. Two years ago when I got married I never dreamed I would have two children and living in the country. But Lord, I go where You lead. And I give You all the Thanks and Praise You so rightly deserve. You are an Awesome God and I love You, My Lord and Savior!

Lord, as You know we are looking for a church home. This morning I want to lift up the church we're visiting later today, Brazospoint Fellowship. I pray that You show us if this is the church You want us to become a part of. Lord we just want to serve You. We want to honor You and exalt You, Lord.

We consider choosing a church as about one of the most important decisions we'll ever make. Lord we leave that to You. Help us to 'Know'.

I pray for Pastor Greg Pickering today. I lift He and his family and that church up to You, Lord.

And I pray these things in Jesus' Name.

Amen.

Thank You Dr. James Dobson

Today I am thankful for Dr. James Dobson. Dr Dobson has been an inspiration and helped myself and many others walk closer with Christ for many years. His radio show recently impacted my life greatly by bringing awareness of anti christian and anti family policies in corporate America.

Thanks to Dr Dobson, I will be changing my spending habits significantly. I was shocked at the news I heard on the radio yesterday. Many businesses that I have frequently patronized support entities that I am opposed to.

Read about Wells Fargo and many other corporate giants that donate millions of dollars to non profit groups that work directly against Christian ministries like Focus on the Family.

I thank God for men like Dr Dobson who stand up for what they believe in and inspire others to do the same. I challenge other like minded individuals to take a public stand with Dr Dobson. I know that I will be more closely scrutinizing where I spend my money from now on!

Weary in the Faith

I haven't posted in a while. I have been weary in the spirit. But I've been praying about it. This morning I read an encouraging article from Pastor John MacArthur. It was entitled '12 Ordinary Men'. He wrote that the apostles were not spiritual giants before they began to follow Jesus. They were just regular citizens. They were lower-class citizens, in fact. Nobodies.

God uses the weak so that there can be no question where their power comes from. If that's the case, then God must be getting ready to use me in a powerful way. In fact, I think God is about to use this entire family because I really feel that everyone has been under spiritual attack for some time now. We're going to try to get plugged into a local area church this weekend. We should have already done that. That should have been the FIRST thing we did...!

Anyway, I know I'm rambling a bit. But I just want to report that I'm coming out of spiritual depression. I'll try to post that link to the John MacArthur article later. His web address is http://www.gty.org

His minitry is called Grace to You.

My Question to my readers this morning is Where are You in your walk with God today..? Are you spiritually weary? Wait on God. Lean on Him. Know that I'm praying for you.

Have a Blessed Day...!

In Christ,

Coach Sam