I suppose this is about the most busy period of my life to date... And it's more difficult than ever before to keep up with things and prioritize. My formula to cope with all this busy-ness is to try to say no a little bit more, to delegate responsibility when I can, and pray, pray, pray about it.
Dear Heavenly Father, the burden of busy-ness is upon my shoulders. Shield me from it's crushing weight, Lord. Help me to be descerning. Help me to be wise in my priortizing. Help me to operate within my spiritual gifts at all times.
Lord, I realize that my life is not my own. It is Yours. I live to serve You, Lord. And I serve You by serving others. But Father, I sometimes sabotage my own efforts by doing to much. I definitely sabotage my health by lack of sleep, long hours and irregular eating habits.
So Lord I thank You this morning for presenting me with all these opportunities to serve, and I pray for better time management that I might accomplish all you have planned for me to accomplish.
Lord, I love You and I give this day to You. And I pray these things in the power of Jesus' name, Amen.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Carve Out That Quiet Time When You Can
I try to be disciplined in my quiet time regimen. My ideal scenario is to get up early around 4 or 4:30 AM... Read a little bit of The Word, and write a devotional. I also love to listen to Dr Charles Stanley's broadcast at 6 AM when I can...
But when the best disciplined schedules go awry I just try to steal that quiet time when ever I can. As I'm walking to work is a good time for me, or as I'm commuting in the car somewhere. Even as I'm standing in a line at the grocery store. And even when I am getting my regular early morning quiet time, I still like to use those extra opportunities that pop up through out the day to connect with my Savior.
And I can notice a distinct tug on my heart and soul when I'm not getting enough quiet time. Especially when I've had a busy week like this past week. Or, this upcoming weekend...
Today I'm taking the time this morning to just slow down, decompress, and get my act together.
I caught up on some Christian subscriptin e-newsletters that I get regulary and was delighted to read in the Barna Report about noted Author Anne Rice, and what she's been up to lately.
I've read many of Anne's novels and she delves very deeply into the supernatural world of Vampires and Witches. I remember a few years ago taking some time aside to pray for her soul because some of the things she would write about were so graphic, I wondered how she did the research to come up with her material. Especially her knowledge of voodoo and witchcraft. I realized that she must really expose herself to some gory, explicit, and very unchristian situations, whether in person or through research.
Finally, at one point I determined that I wouldn't read her books any more, even though I enjoyed them. I really felt it was harmful for a Christian to fill his mind with so much occultic information, even if it was disguised in the form of a popular fiction novel. And I felt convicted that I was reading Anne Rice type literature and not even coming close to giving equal time to bible reading and other endevors that would have a greater impact on my eternal life.
But according to this report I read, Anne has had a change of heart about her subject matter and is currently writing a series of historical novels about the life and times of Jesus.
Here's a link to the report: http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=Review&ReviewID=17
I'd say that is a good praise report for today. Anne Rice is without a doubt tremendous writing talent. And it's awesome to see her using her gift in a more positive way. I'll look forward to buying her book, reading it, and offering my own literary critique...
Coach Sam
But when the best disciplined schedules go awry I just try to steal that quiet time when ever I can. As I'm walking to work is a good time for me, or as I'm commuting in the car somewhere. Even as I'm standing in a line at the grocery store. And even when I am getting my regular early morning quiet time, I still like to use those extra opportunities that pop up through out the day to connect with my Savior.
And I can notice a distinct tug on my heart and soul when I'm not getting enough quiet time. Especially when I've had a busy week like this past week. Or, this upcoming weekend...
Today I'm taking the time this morning to just slow down, decompress, and get my act together.
I caught up on some Christian subscriptin e-newsletters that I get regulary and was delighted to read in the Barna Report about noted Author Anne Rice, and what she's been up to lately.
I've read many of Anne's novels and she delves very deeply into the supernatural world of Vampires and Witches. I remember a few years ago taking some time aside to pray for her soul because some of the things she would write about were so graphic, I wondered how she did the research to come up with her material. Especially her knowledge of voodoo and witchcraft. I realized that she must really expose herself to some gory, explicit, and very unchristian situations, whether in person or through research.
Finally, at one point I determined that I wouldn't read her books any more, even though I enjoyed them. I really felt it was harmful for a Christian to fill his mind with so much occultic information, even if it was disguised in the form of a popular fiction novel. And I felt convicted that I was reading Anne Rice type literature and not even coming close to giving equal time to bible reading and other endevors that would have a greater impact on my eternal life.
But according to this report I read, Anne has had a change of heart about her subject matter and is currently writing a series of historical novels about the life and times of Jesus.
Here's a link to the report: http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=Review&ReviewID=17
I'd say that is a good praise report for today. Anne Rice is without a doubt tremendous writing talent. And it's awesome to see her using her gift in a more positive way. I'll look forward to buying her book, reading it, and offering my own literary critique...
Coach Sam
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Prayer for Balance
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord Thank You for such a blessing as my tennis camp yesterday. It was a good and fun day for everyone and a good start to the week. Lord, I read in a devotional this morning how the Evil One tries to steal our prayer time little by little every day until there's none left. He steals our quiet time with You and our quality time with family and friends. Many times we don't even know it's happening.
Lord I love You. Thank You for this awesome life You've given me. Help me recognize those times of spiritual attack. Help me be strong in You, and resist temptation.
I pray these things in the power of Jesus' Name, AMEN.
Lord Thank You for such a blessing as my tennis camp yesterday. It was a good and fun day for everyone and a good start to the week. Lord, I read in a devotional this morning how the Evil One tries to steal our prayer time little by little every day until there's none left. He steals our quiet time with You and our quality time with family and friends. Many times we don't even know it's happening.
Lord I love You. Thank You for this awesome life You've given me. Help me recognize those times of spiritual attack. Help me be strong in You, and resist temptation.
I pray these things in the power of Jesus' Name, AMEN.
Friday, January 13, 2006
TFTD Friday: We're in Over-Time...!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You Lord for today. I wonder if who ever first coined the phrase 'thank God it's Friday ' was really, truly thankful to God for the 'day'...? Just what exactly was going through their mind...? I believe that every day is a gift. One thing is for sure:
No one knows how many days they have on this earth in this life. We could walk out our front door any time and never make it back home. That possibility is definitely there. I know many people who never made it back home and I'm certain that when they left that last time they weren't thinking about eternity.
We live in such a sick, mean, cruel world that has deserved judgment for some time now. In my opinion we're living in overtime and the game could end at any moment on the next score.
Lord, what are You waiting for...? What else needs to happen...?
Lord, I want to make the most of this overtime. I want to make a difference. I recognize that all I have is a gift from You. And I have been blessed abundantly, exceedingly Lord.
Father God. I give my all to You. Everything I have, everything I do is Yours Lord. And I thank You for today my King. I thank You for every day. And in Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Thank You Lord for today. I wonder if who ever first coined the phrase 'thank God it's Friday ' was really, truly thankful to God for the 'day'...? Just what exactly was going through their mind...? I believe that every day is a gift. One thing is for sure:
No one knows how many days they have on this earth in this life. We could walk out our front door any time and never make it back home. That possibility is definitely there. I know many people who never made it back home and I'm certain that when they left that last time they weren't thinking about eternity.
We live in such a sick, mean, cruel world that has deserved judgment for some time now. In my opinion we're living in overtime and the game could end at any moment on the next score.
Lord, what are You waiting for...? What else needs to happen...?
Lord, I want to make the most of this overtime. I want to make a difference. I recognize that all I have is a gift from You. And I have been blessed abundantly, exceedingly Lord.
Father God. I give my all to You. Everything I have, everything I do is Yours Lord. And I thank You for today my King. I thank You for every day. And in Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Spiritual Gifts: A Discussion
Have you ever pondered what your spiritual gifts are...? Every believer is given at least one spiritual gift by the Holy Spirit when Christ is accepted into his or her life. (Romans 4-8) Dr Charles Stanley is conducting a series on spiritual gifts right now and I am listening intently to his every word.
I've always felt that my spiritual gifts were encouragement and intercessory prayer. Dr Stanley hasn't gotten to those topics yet. He's been discussing the gift of prophecy the past few days. I've heard many studies and listened to many sermons about spiritual gifts but no one goes as deep and explains it better than Dr Stanley.
I've learned from Dr Stanley's study that the gift of prophecy encompasses much more than just telling the future. It is bundled together with many other qualities and characteristics such as:
I've always felt that my spiritual gifts were encouragement and intercessory prayer. Dr Stanley hasn't gotten to those topics yet. He's been discussing the gift of prophecy the past few days. I've heard many studies and listened to many sermons about spiritual gifts but no one goes as deep and explains it better than Dr Stanley.
I've learned from Dr Stanley's study that the gift of prophecy encompasses much more than just telling the future. It is bundled together with many other qualities and characteristics such as:
- A strong need to express oneself verbally
- Discernment
- Whole hearted involvement
- Willing to be corrected
- Loyal to those around them
- Willing to suffer
- Very persuasive in defining the truth
One biblical character that epitomizes all of these characteristics is the apostle Peter.
Dr Stanley says that the gift of prophecy is fore telling: speaking forth the truth. All believers have this gift to some degree. And, we are all called to speak the good news.
The topic of spiritual gifts greatly interests me. I want to know and understand the spiritual gifts completely so I can recognize them in others and live my own life utilizing my personal gifts to the best of my ability and interacting with the body of Christ and the world for the greater glory of God.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Prayer For the Week
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord, I want to thank You for an awesome week last week, and a fantastic weekend...!
I want to pray blessings on this week, Father. Let it be a week of growth. I want to grow in my faith and walk with You, Father. I want to be a blessing to my family, community, and the world. I want my life to be about service to You, my King.
Father God, please show me areas where I need to improve. I know I need help with my patience. Help me also be more disciplined in the studying Your Word and help me to be the leader You have called me to be. Lord, help me to LISTEN better, especially to You.
Jesus, I don't really need any THING. I have more and am living a better life than I ever thought I would when I was growing up. I have a beautiful, loving family. I feel most favored and blessed, Lord. All I need is a closer walk with You. I'm seeking You, Father.
And I pray these things in the Name of the Lord, Amen.
Lord, I want to thank You for an awesome week last week, and a fantastic weekend...!
I want to pray blessings on this week, Father. Let it be a week of growth. I want to grow in my faith and walk with You, Father. I want to be a blessing to my family, community, and the world. I want my life to be about service to You, my King.
Father God, please show me areas where I need to improve. I know I need help with my patience. Help me also be more disciplined in the studying Your Word and help me to be the leader You have called me to be. Lord, help me to LISTEN better, especially to You.
Jesus, I don't really need any THING. I have more and am living a better life than I ever thought I would when I was growing up. I have a beautiful, loving family. I feel most favored and blessed, Lord. All I need is a closer walk with You. I'm seeking You, Father.
And I pray these things in the Name of the Lord, Amen.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Prayer for Pastor David Barclay
On Sunday Mornings I like to get up early and pray for pastors and their churches. Today I want to lift up Pastor Barclay at First Baptist Church of West Columbia. My family and I visited that church last Sunday and are attending the service there again this morning.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord, Thank You for Pastor David's message last week. It was a great word to start off the new year with. I pray for blessings on Pastor David as he delivers part 2 of his message about growing in faith this morning.
Lift up not only Pastor David, but all the church staff and church body at FBC West Columbia. I pray Lord that David's message speak to me personally as I want to grow in my faith and walk closer with You, my King.
Lord Jesus, I pray this prayer in Your Holy Name, Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord, Thank You for Pastor David's message last week. It was a great word to start off the new year with. I pray for blessings on Pastor David as he delivers part 2 of his message about growing in faith this morning.
Lift up not only Pastor David, but all the church staff and church body at FBC West Columbia. I pray Lord that David's message speak to me personally as I want to grow in my faith and walk closer with You, my King.
Lord Jesus, I pray this prayer in Your Holy Name, Amen.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Top Five Goals For 2006 - A Praise Report
Last night we had a family meeting. I asked Connor and Monica to write down their top Five Goals for 2006. I wasn't looking for New Year's Resolutions, but I wanted us all to each list the Top Five Items of Importance in our lives right now and share them with each other.
To set the standard, I listed my goals first. (at Connor's request) Not surprisingly, we all had very similar goals. Now, in the next few days we're going to get together again to discuss and list how we're going to work as a team to help each other better accomplish each other's goals this year. We're going to be accountability partners for each other.
Now, notice I'm referring to these as 'goals', NOT 'New Year's resolutions'. I don't like the conotation of a New Year's Resolution. Very few people ever seem to be able to keep one of those. What I'm proposing (and what we need) are complete 'life-style changes' for our family.
And I didn't want these life style changes to come in the form of me issuing a proclamation: Hey, we're doing things different around here, now. There's a new sheriff in town, and all that sort of dictatorship stuff... I want our family to be more 'team oriented'. I want to foster a team atmosphere rather than a Monarchy-Plebian relationship.
We're definitely off to a great start because our goals were all very similar. And each of us listed our number one priority is to grow closer in our faith and walk with Christ. That's exactly what I was hoping for. We've done it. We've all agreed on the same thing without any coersion from me. Now we have to ask the difiicult question of ourselves: Do our individual lifestyles reflect our top five goals? I mean, if growing in the Lord is our number one goal, are we living a life-style to achieve that goal...? Out of 24 hours in a day, how much of that time is spent with God...? I haven't even touched upon my other four goals. I'll get to them in future devotional postings. I'd just like to focus on my number one goal today...
This journal is part of my personal process of growing my relationship with God and sharing my faith with my family and community. I try to get up early in the morning before the rest of my family. I have a regular meeting with my Savior. I pray, I worship, I study the Word. And I try to be disciplined with this routine 7 days a week. It makes a huge difference in how my day unfolds.
But let me wrap up this morning's commentary. The Chadwell~Copeland 'blended family' is off to a good start for 2006. We've all agreed that growing with God is the most important aspect of our lives as individuals and as a family unit. I couldn't be more pleased with that. In fact I added the title 'Praise Report' to my post headline as I was concluding this work because that's exactly what it is...!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for my family. We love You and want to serve You and grow in You, Lord. We want our lives to be living testimonies, my King. I pray this morning that You enable me to be the spiritual leader You've called me to be, Lord. Give me Your Wisdom, Discernment, and Grace to accomplish the tasks ahead.
Father God, You are truly an Awesome God. There is none other Like You. I am Yours, Lord. I pledge my life to You, Jesus. And I pray these things in Your Holy Name, Christ my Lord, Amen.
Not surprisingly, all three of us listed Growing in our Faith with our Lord Jesus Christ as our top priority for 2006.
To set the standard, I listed my goals first. (at Connor's request) Not surprisingly, we all had very similar goals. Now, in the next few days we're going to get together again to discuss and list how we're going to work as a team to help each other better accomplish each other's goals this year. We're going to be accountability partners for each other.
Now, notice I'm referring to these as 'goals', NOT 'New Year's resolutions'. I don't like the conotation of a New Year's Resolution. Very few people ever seem to be able to keep one of those. What I'm proposing (and what we need) are complete 'life-style changes' for our family.
And I didn't want these life style changes to come in the form of me issuing a proclamation: Hey, we're doing things different around here, now. There's a new sheriff in town, and all that sort of dictatorship stuff... I want our family to be more 'team oriented'. I want to foster a team atmosphere rather than a Monarchy-Plebian relationship.
We're definitely off to a great start because our goals were all very similar. And each of us listed our number one priority is to grow closer in our faith and walk with Christ. That's exactly what I was hoping for. We've done it. We've all agreed on the same thing without any coersion from me. Now we have to ask the difiicult question of ourselves: Do our individual lifestyles reflect our top five goals? I mean, if growing in the Lord is our number one goal, are we living a life-style to achieve that goal...? Out of 24 hours in a day, how much of that time is spent with God...? I haven't even touched upon my other four goals. I'll get to them in future devotional postings. I'd just like to focus on my number one goal today...
This journal is part of my personal process of growing my relationship with God and sharing my faith with my family and community. I try to get up early in the morning before the rest of my family. I have a regular meeting with my Savior. I pray, I worship, I study the Word. And I try to be disciplined with this routine 7 days a week. It makes a huge difference in how my day unfolds.
But let me wrap up this morning's commentary. The Chadwell~Copeland 'blended family' is off to a good start for 2006. We've all agreed that growing with God is the most important aspect of our lives as individuals and as a family unit. I couldn't be more pleased with that. In fact I added the title 'Praise Report' to my post headline as I was concluding this work because that's exactly what it is...!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for my family. We love You and want to serve You and grow in You, Lord. We want our lives to be living testimonies, my King. I pray this morning that You enable me to be the spiritual leader You've called me to be, Lord. Give me Your Wisdom, Discernment, and Grace to accomplish the tasks ahead.
Father God, You are truly an Awesome God. There is none other Like You. I am Yours, Lord. I pledge my life to You, Jesus. And I pray these things in Your Holy Name, Christ my Lord, Amen.
Not surprisingly, all three of us listed Growing in our Faith with our Lord Jesus Christ as our top priority for 2006.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
An Extraordinary Life is Not Lived Under Our Own Strength
Today I'm continuing my thoughts on Living an Extraordinary Life.
If we are a Believer, we MUST live the life Jesus came to give.
What are obstacles to building a personal relationship with Christ?
If we are a Believer, we MUST live the life Jesus came to give.
What are obstacles to building a personal relationship with Christ?
- Our inability to walk away from destructive habits that enslave
For me that's staying too busy in things that don't make a difference to Kingdom work. Busyness in general is my main destructive habit. Over-eating is certainly another destructive habit of mine. Lastly, I'd say that prejudice is a destructive habit of mine as well. Not racial prejudice, but some times I am guilty of religeous prejudice.
- We Believe the Lies of the Devil
What are some lies of the Devil...? Here are a few:
- We're not good enough to go to Heaven...
- Jesus would never forgive a sinner like me...
The Truth is: No one is good enough. We are all sinners. But the Good News is that Jesus DOES forgive. And we are all welcomed into his presence if we trust in HIM. But the Devil tries to keep us seperated from God. He wages spiritual warefare for our souls 24/7....
The world is a difficult place to live in. There are evil frces out there that would do us harm. But my word of encouragement today is to take heart. Trust in Jesus. He has conquered the World.
We need Jesus. We can't live this life apart from him and survive...!
Monday, January 02, 2006
Totally Pumped to Start The New Year...!
I heard two really good messages yesterday. One sermon came from pastor David Barclay of West Columbia First Baptist Church. He encouraged everyone to grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The second sermon tied in with Pastor David's and was delivered by my hero, Dr Charles Stanley of First Baptist Atlanta Georgia. Dr Stanley spoke about living an extraordinary life.
I'm going to highlight some of Dr Stanley's thoughts here this morning and Pastor David's tomorrow:
What is an Extraordinary Life...?
An Extraordinary Life is a life that includes the presence of Jesus Christ in everything you do...
I'm going to highlight some of Dr Stanley's thoughts here this morning and Pastor David's tomorrow:
What is an Extraordinary Life...?
An Extraordinary Life is a life that includes the presence of Jesus Christ in everything you do...
- It is a Divine Life.
- It is a Life of Purpose
- It is a Life of Faith
- It is a Life of Total Surrender
- It is a Life of Joyful Obedience
An Extraordinary Life is not lived out under our own strength.
- It is a Life of Total Dependence on God
An Extraordinary Life is an Unshakable Life because we are anchored to the Savior.
God desires to lift us to a new level. He desires that we walk away from habits that enslave us and put us into bondage. How would you describe your christian life...? Are you going to live a 'settled for' life or God's Best...?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord, I humbly ask the same request the Psalmist David asked over 200 years ago: ...Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me... (Psalm 51:10)
Father, I want to live an Extraordinary Life. I want to Grow in You. I want to be salt and light to those around me. But Lord, there's no way I can accomplish these things on my own under my own power. I need You, Lord.
I throw myself upon Your mercy and grace. I want Your Best for my life and the lives of my family. Help me in my discipline of diet, rest, and spiritual training. I want to take care of this body of mine and lose the weight that I've added over the years. I want to be disciplined in financial matters and get out of debt I've accumulated over the years. I want to finally read the bible cover to cover this year... No more floundering around lost in the old testament.
Lord, I want to find a church home I can be excited about and become active in and serve the Body of Christ. Father I lift up First Baptist West Columbia today. Thank You for Pastor David and his wonderful words of wisdom yesterday.
Father God I just Love You and Thank You and Praise You for all You've done for me. I love You Lord. And I pledge this new year to knowing You better and serving the Kingdom.
I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.
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