Submitting To God

Surrender. That's what I do today. I just surrender. Lord, I'm going to try to grab some quiet time today and just listen for Your still small voice.

Father God, I just want to know You more. I want to know that I'm following the correct path for my family. I've got to defeat this stronghold of 'busy-ness' once and for all. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment.

Yesterday, I was reviewing some sermon notes from the very first sermon I heard Pastor Dave Barclay preach. He said the priorities of our lives should be these two things:

#1 is: To know HIM.
#2 is: To make Him known.

How simple. How elegant. That's it. Is it possible for my life and the lives of my family to be that simple...? I want that for the Chadwells. (It's not right now...)

A familiar scripture verse came to mind while I was reading Pastor Barclay's sermon notes. "...Seek Ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and All These Things shall be added unto You....!' -I've got a problem with that one... My problem is that I've got that scenario inverted. I'm running around staying busy and focusing on seemingly everything else first before seeking the kingdom of God.

Oh God does figure in to my daily routine, but he's not the number one seed in my tournament. I'm still going out and trying to live life under my own power, and I'm falling miserably short each and every day...!

Father God, I submit to You... I need You Lord. Please just take control of my life. Typically every morning I tell You I love you and I give the day to You. But then I go out the door and take the day back for myself. I think about you when I wake up and when I go to bed, but that in-between time is kinda thin...

Well, today really is going to be for You. Lord Jesus I ask that You create in me a new spirit. And I pray that everything I do today I do as if I'm doing it for You, for Your Glory. Father I really do want to see what it looks like to Love You with all my heart, mind, and soul. I do love You, Jesus. And I'm going to start showing evidence of that today. Father God I give thanks and praise and glory to You today. You are an awesome God. You are a kind, loving Father who wants nothing but good for his children. You showed the world the most awesome example of agape love through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus.

And I pray these things and submit my life to that same Jesus Christ my Lord and Personal Savior, Amen.

Spiritual Relationships

Dr Stanley's morning devotional was excellent today. He was discussing our spiritual relationships with other believers. The article described other believers as our spiritual family. Here are some of the highlights:

As believers indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we all belong to the family of God and have a special relationship with one another. We are spiritual brothers and sisters, called by God to live in loving agreement with one another.

How can we learn to lay aside our own goals and preferences in order to help our spiritual family? By remembering how precious we are to the Lord and how important others are to Him as well. Biblical love —in Greek is Agape. This type of love —willingly sacrifices so that someone else might benefit.

Agape Love is the super glue that keeps the body of Christ together and enables us to put the interests of others ahead of our own. Diligence and cooperation, along with lots of love are divinely given fruits of the Spirit and are necessary to preserve the peace. (Ephesians 4:3; Galatians 5:22-23)

When I think of Agape love one of the first people I think of is my sweet wife Monica. She is always placing other's needs before her own. (-Especially in our family) I will some times get on her case for neglecting her own needs but it's something she just can't 'rewire'.. She is most definitely a Godly wife and Mother and a real blessing to everyone around her.

Another great example of Agape love is my sister, Becky. I've always said that she's the 'nicest' chadwell. (and she is...) My sis has been sacrificing her own needs, wants, and desires for the good of others all of her life. She is definitely the super glue that holds her family together.

Today I'd like to honor my wife and sis by praying for them. They are my earthly family and my spiritual family as well. I consider myself greatly favored by God to have such people in my life...!

Father God, thank you for these two incredible women in my life. They are a truly a joy and a blessing. They are an inspiration. They are Your hands and feet, my King. They embody the essence of true agape love.

I lift Monica and Becky up to you today, Father. Bless them. Bless their families. May they continue to always be a blessing to those around them. Do not let the enemy distract or discourage them. Indeed, I stand in the gap for them in that regard.

I pray for their busy schedules. I pray for quiet time for them. I pray for their health. Thank You Father for Monica and Becky. God, You are an awesome God. I love You Lord and I give this day to You and I pray these things in Your Holy Name, Amen.

Praise Report

Today I'd like to report that Monica and I are celebrating our third year of marriage...! Praise the Lord...!

It's so amazing how meeting Monica, falling in love, and getting married has changed my life...

When I met Monica I wasn't even really looking for a girlfriend... I was 35 years old and I was resigned to the fact that God had called me to be single. But Monica definitely is the one for me, and our marriage has truly been a blessing.

We've put God at the center of our marriage since day one and he's been more than faithful to provide for us along the way. We've faced some difficult times, but weathered every storm. The bible says that a rope made of three cords is not easily broken. And our marriage is testament to that.

Our marriage is symbolized by our wedding rings. Our rings have 3 interlocking circles, arranged sort of like an abbreviated version of the olympic symbol. But our 3 interwoven circles signify the three person team of Monica, God, and I...!



Dear Heavenly Father,

I give thanks, praise, and all the glory to You, Lord Jesus for my marriage. I lift up my wife and family to You today. Thank You Lord for these blessings. You are a Great and Mighty God...! I love you, Jesus.

I pray that my marriage and relationship with Monica is an inspiration to others. I remember Lord when I looked around one time as I was in my early 30's, I realized that I didn't really have an association with one happily married couple. Not One. That's so terribly sad. You did not design marriage to be a burden, but a blessing.

Father God I pray continued blessings on this marriage and that You use our relationship to witness to others. Lord, please guard my wife and keep her safe. I do love and cherish her. I know that treating my wife well is honoring You. And above all else I want to live a life that is worthy and honoring you my Lord and Savior.

I realize Lord that everything I have is from you. Nothing is of my own. It's all yours Jesus, even my marriage. And again I just thank You and prasie You my King...!

I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

Living More for Jesus

Something's going on with me spiritually right now. I'm feeling like living more and more for Jesus every day. The more and more I pray and meditate on it then the more I realize that my time here on earth needs to be spent in winning souls for the kingdom. I need to be living a life that makes a difference. I need to invest my time in other people's lives. I feel convicted that I'm not realizing my potential for the Kingdom right now.

God has called me to be an encourager and an intercessor. And I think that God has some big stuff in store for me to do. But I've been plagued with what I call 'busyness' for years now. 'Busyness' is Satan's way of slowing me down and keeping me from advancing the Kingdom and achieving God's will for my life.

I've got to face the obstacle of 'busyness' once and for all and start living my life 100% for the Kingdom. I know that there are many Divine appointments that God has lined up for me and I'm dropping the ball. I've got to arm myself with the sword of the spirit and get in the thick of the battle. There are many eternal lives at stake.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord Jesus You are Holy. You are Divine. You are my Savior. You are my King. I worship You Lord. I just lay down face first at Your feet begging forgiveness and asking Your Holy Spirit to fill me up so that You might be poured out again and again in the lives of others.

Father God, I want a right relationship with You. Show me Lord what I need to prune from my schedule and my life so that I can be a more effective witness. Help me in the area of discipline. I have to learn to become a better organizer of my time.

I have so many prayer requests, Lord. But You know them. You know how desperately I want to witness to my family and friends. Lord I care about their eternal salvation. Lord you know everything. I give it all to You Lord.

Father God I pray for the family that You are preparing to buy our house in Houston. Bless them Lord. I lift them up to You.

Father I continue to pray for vacation bible school at my church. Bless the little hearts that are attending this week and I lift up the teachers and volunteers as well. There is no greater work a man or woman can do than invest in the lives of others.

Lord You invested everything in the World. You lived, suffered and died for my eternal salvation. You made the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus. Thank You for giving Your life. I owe you mine. Lord I give this day to you. It's all about You, Jesus. I love you.

Father in your sweet, holy, precious name I pray... Amen.

Prayer for vacation bible school

Dr Stanley gave a powerful sermon this weekend on my favorite topic: Prayer. I want to just listen to it over and over again... (In fact I think I will...) Among other things, Dr Stanley focused on intercessory prayer, and in the next few days that will be the topic of my morning discussion and musings.

This week our church is hosting vacation bible school. I'd like to take this morning to lift up everyone involved in VBS. There's nothing more important than helping a little child or youth know Jesus.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord God, You are awesome and mighty. You are my King, my Redeemer. There is truly none other like You. When I look at this world You created, all the brilliant color, all the diversity of life I stop in amazement at how anyone can go through their life and not believe in You, or to doubt Your existence.

Divine Master, I love you. I give my heart and soul to you. I pledge my life to you.

Sweet Jesus, I pray a big blessing on our churches' Vacation Bible School this week. I lift up the teachers and the volunteers. I pray for the young hearts that are about to be transformed by a closer walk with Thee.

Lord, I pray for myself today, as well. Please help me to know You better. Help me to pray better. Help me impact and make a difference in the lives of others through prayer.

Thank you for Dr Stanley who tirelessly preaches Your word. I lift Him up today as well.

Lord God, I pray these things with confidence and assurance in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Prayer for Connor

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I want to lift up my stepson Connor. It has not been easy for Connor this past year. He's lost his dad, and moved from two houses and changed schools twice in the span of just 15 months. But Father he's done remarkably well inspite of everything. and he's been a blessing to Monica, Elijah and I. Father God I thank You for Connor...!

Today he's traveling to Missouri to visit his grand parents from his father's side of the family. Lord I just pray for a safe trip for Connor. I pray for his Grandpa Kieth as he has to commute over two hours to pick Connor up from the airport. Father, grant traveling mercy to them all.

And then Lord I just pray that You just bless thier time together. Family time is special time. I'm glad that Connor will get to spend some extended time with family members that he doesn't get to see as often.

Lord Jesus I pray these things in the power of Your holy name, Amen.

More on Forgiveness...

Ok... It seems that every time I turn around these past few days that I find a reference to forgiveness. Is that a coincidence...? I don't think so. It's truly amazing how God communicates.

Remember that the harsher we judge others then the harsher we will ourselves be judged.

Forgiveness is the key to success. AND It's doubly important that we forgive ourselves. I'm not good at that, either. But that's where my great big god comes in...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord You are a mighty and awesome God. You created the heavens and the earth. You can do anything. Father, help me to be more forgiving. help me to not be so critical of myself. I know that these burdens are hindering me from fully serving you. How can I serve others completely and witness Your Goodness when I'm carrying around a spirit of unforgiveness...?

Father God, thank you for speaking to my heart through commentary and sermons. Lord, help me to be more disciplined to read the bible daily. Help me to boldly proclaim that You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

I love You Lord, And I pray these things in Your holy name, amen.

FORGIVENESS

Here's a random thought I came across this evening in an online newsletter I subscribe to:

'Forgiveness of others is mostly for our good, not theirs. Unforgiveness eats at us like cancer. It can literally make us sick. We cannot grow spiritually without learning to forgive.'

How true, how true... I'm just going to let that one sit there awhile and mull it over for a few days...

I definitely have some forgiveness issues on my plate right now...

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, You are the most forgiving person who ever lived. In Your model of prayer You instructed us to ask for forgiveness from You as we also forgive those who have trespassed against us. Lord I need lots of help in that area.. I'm bad at forgiving.

When someone 'wrongs' me I tend to hold onto it. And I agree with the author of the quote above. Unforgiveness most definitely stunts spiritual growth...!

Father God, help me with my forgiveness issues... I want a pure heart that can be used by you, my King...

I pray this in the power of the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen

Praying for Aunt Frances

I have a family member who was recently diagnosed with stage one lymphoma. She starts cancer treatments next week and I just lift her up in my prayers today.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord God, you are an awesome God...! You are so faithful... I still stand amazed daily at how You continue to bless my family and I.

Lord, I present Frances to You today. Bless her, Lord. Heal her, I pray. Heal not only her body, but her spirit, Lord. I pray for her relationship with you. Father God I just intercede on behalf of my aunt today.

Lord I have other family members with desperate needs as well and I just lift up my brothers and sis this morning too. I pray that they might know the healing power of a right relationship with you.

My King I worship You. I give You thanks and praise for this day. I know that today I will be a conquerer in You. Father God I love You and seek to be obedient to Your will. I pray that You will use me in a mighty way today.

Lord Jesus I pray these things in Your holy name, Amen.

Praise Report

I have to report that I had a wonderful Weekend. Saturrday was Monica's birthday and we had an awesome day. Yesterday was Father's Day. Everything was just perfect for my special day, too...! And Elijah started to take his first steps yesterday...! Church was nice, lunch was nice, and we just hung out at the house and enjoyed family time the rest of the day. It was just a nice, relaxing weekend for coach Sam and Monia...

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for a great weekend. I had a rough week and really needed the down time. You are so faithful to Your people. What an awesome God... Lord, I praise You for Your Glory.

Father I pray for those who are stranded this morning in the Houston area by evere weather. Lift them up Lord.

Lord I pray too for my tennis camp this week. I pray for a successful camp. I am looking forward to meeting many new people today and pray for some witnessing opportunities.

I love you Lord and I give this day to You.

In Jesus' name I pray... Amen...

Prayer for Fathers

Father's Day 2006.... My earthly father (Gordon D. Chadwell) has been gone for 6 years. He passed away in 2000. It's painful and difficult to recall memories of my father. In fact, it's so hurtful that I try to not think about that relationship too much. You see, we did not really have much of a relationship growing up. Dad worked a lot. I didn't see him too much. For the most part it was unremarkable. but when the family did have interaction with him it wasn't always pleasant. He and mom didn't get along very well and sadly the most vivid memory of my childhood years is of mom and dad fighting. Sadly, I can't recall any bonding, or any special moments with my dad. -Not One...

Dad did do a good job of teaching me one thing, though. He showed me what a life without Christ looks like.

One of my big regrets is that I didn't spend more time trying to witness to my dad after I became saved. I see that as one of my greatest failures. But I know that God forgives me and I must forgive myself. And now I have not one chance, but TWO opportunities to be the best dad I can be...! I Praise the Lord for my dad because without him I would not be here now. But I also praise the Lord that I am not the father my dad was.


Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord God, thank you for the life I had growing up and the relationship I had with my dad. It wasn't good, but it was what it was and I learned a lot from it. Indeed, as I reflect back now I see that I am still learning from it.

I thank You for the blessing of Connor and my chance to be his step dad. Father God I pray that I can be just what he needs. I'm sure he is reflecting on his dad today too and it may be painful for him because he had a great relationship with his dad and I can only imagine how much he misses him.

Lord I thank You too, for baby Elijah. I cherish every moment with that sweet little boy and love him so much... I want to be the godly father and role model both Connor and Elijah desperately need to make it in this world.

And Lord Jesus I love You, too. Thank You for my life and the lives of my sons. Thank You for being the ultimate role model of a loving, kind and gentle father. I praise You, my King. And Father God I lift up fathers everywhere today. I pray especially for Daddy's in the world that don't know You the way I do. And I pray that they would know You before it's too late.

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Getting Back On Track

I listened to Dr Charles Stanley's message this morning. He spoke about the difference between condemnation and conviction. He spoke about the awesome grace and forgiveness Jesus gives to those who have given their lives to Him. It was a good message.

I've felt convicted a lot lately about getting out of my bible study routine. How, Why do I get off track so much...? I'll be rolling along for days, weeks, sometimes even months of diligent, fervant seeking the Lord, only to be derailed by circumstance and busy-ness. I honestly believe it's satanic, demonic attack. And my problem is that I keep trying to do things under my own power.

But I can never master my own circumstances apart form the Divine Master... When will I get that through my thick head...? The Answer: Never. Not as long as I keep trying so hard. I've got to just accept Christ's forgiveness and walk in the light with Him every moment. I've got to put on that spiritual armor every morning, first thing. And I've got to continually cover my family, relatives, and friends in intercessory prayer.

I like to go back in my prayer journal archives and see what I was praying about six months, a year ago, and beyond... It's interesting to see where I'm coming from or moving towards spiritually speaking. It's interesting to see the ebb and flow of my spirituality.

Anyway, I'm getting back on track...

Today I lift up my family, and I continue to pray for opportunities to share Jesus with the world

Father God, Thank You Lord for this life. Lord I pray that my life makes a difference in the salvation of others. I realize that every encounter is an opportunity, Lord. And I have no idea how You might use me today, but I am ready. I pray that given the chance to witness, that Your words will be on my tongue and in my heart....

I want to serve you and be obedient to You. I want to magnify Your NAME.... I love You Jesus, and I give this day to You, for Your will. For Your Glory, Amen.

Need a Little Lift

I'm pushing myself a little to much today. I'm working on little sleep these past few days. I didn't exactly plan it this way, Its' just how things worked out. Back about ten years ago I used to be in a routine of taking a nap every afternoon. That might be a good routine to revisit as a lifestyle for this summer. I am definitely looking forward to a nap today after I get home from lessons. But this morning I have to put my head down and stay focused on the tasks at hand.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I know it's not right to ask you to defy the laws of physics and give me eight hours of rest in four hours of sleep. Lord I won't ask that of you. I will ask that you just help me get through this morning. Help me stay focused the next few hours. Help me get my work done quickly and accurately.

Lord I don't want to keep forcing myself into situations like this. Divine Master help me to manage my schedule better from here on out. I do count it a privilege to be able to get up early and spend time with you my King... These early morning moments with you are precious indeed...!

Father God I just praise you And give you thanks for my life and for the many opportunities You give me every day. Right this second I need You more than I've ever needed You, Jesus.

Lord, as I read in a friend's devotional first thing this morning: show me the things I need to let go of to take my life to the next level. I want to draw closer to You, Jesus. Lord I need that lift. I have lots to do in little time. Hmmm... That's actually not just a theme for my day today, It's a theme for my life. No one knows how much time we have left. And so there's an urgency. There's much to do in little time... It makes time of the essense, doesn't it...?

Jesus, I want to use my time wisely. I want to spend my time seeking You, drawing closer to You and helping my family, friends, and the world to know You better. Isn't that what you want for me...? But listen to me... I'm telling You what I want... Really Lord, I just want to be conformed to your will. Not my will, but YOUR WILL BE DONE...!

Oh my King, I just throw myself on your mercy this morning. Get me through this day, Jesus. I can't do it by myself. I am nothing without you...! I love You, Lord. And I pray these things in the precious name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ...!

Lifting Up My Wife...

I was just making some coffee for my wife who will be getting up in a few minutes. I've been thinking about her day ahead and just wanted to say a prayer for her.

Lord, Monica is tired from all her traveling. She put in a full day yesterday and has lots on her plate today. She will be facing some difficult traffic this morning heading to Houston and then she has a bunch of little errands to run after Connor's orthadontist visit.

I just lift her up to You, dear Lord. She is such a blessing to me and this family. I am so grateful for Monica. I pray that she has a smooth day inspite of all she has to do. I pray for witnessing opportunities for she and Connor today.

Thank You for my sweet wife, Lord. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Who To Intercede for Today...?

I very seldom awaken and have difficulty knowing what to pray about. But today is a rare morning. I got on my knees and thanked God for the day, but over all I've had trouble focusing my prayers this morning. Of Course there's regular prayer topics like friends and family but the Lord normally gives me specific needs for which to intercede.

Today I'm just going to let God be God and lead me. This morning I'll pray for those Divine appointments that I have no control over what so ever.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord You are God of the Universe. You are Maker of all things. I stand in awe at Your wondrous creation. Father today I lift up all those who have trouble believing that You exist. How can they doubt a master designer...? And Father I pray for all those who DO believe in You but their lives don't always evidence that fact. (I suppose I'm in that category, myself).

Help Believers like me do more for the kingdom. Help us to be aware of the divine appointments that will come our way today and throughout the course of the week.

Father God, Thank You for my Blessings. Thank You for my awesome wife and kids. Thank you for the privileged life I live. Help me to never believe that anything I have is of my own doing. Keep me humble, Lord. Keep me close to you. Give me a kind, gentle, patient spirit.

Lord God I love you. I give this busy day to you Father, for Your Glory. And I pray these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

Praise Report...!

My Family is safely back home from two weeks of traveling and visiting in California. It's good to have everyone under one roof again...! God is Good!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you Lord for my family and for watching over them on their journey home...! Lord I Thank You. Lord I Praise You.... You are an Awesome God!

Father God, I pray today for the church service this morning at FBC West Columbia. Bless the Praise and Worship team today, Lord. And Lift up our leaders Brother Mark and Pastor Dave.

I pray that we draw closer to you and that hearts are changed and souls are influenced for Your Kingdom today.

Lord Jesus I pray these things in Your sweet holy name, AMEN.

Prayer for Traveling Mercy!

My family flies back tonight after an extended stay in California visiting Monica's parents. Please join me in prayer that everything goes well with their trip home....


Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for my family. I love them so much...! I have missed them tremendously. But thank You too, for the quiet time I've had. That's been good for me as well.

Lord, I just pray for a safe trip home for my family. I pray especially for Elijah. It's difficult for a small baby to fly for 3 or 4 hours and not get fussy. If Elijah has a good trip then Monica and Connor will have a good trip, too.

Father I pray that Connor is particularly helpful to his mom today. I pray for witnessing opportunities for both of them. And Lord I lift up my Mother and Father in Law as they adjust back to a 'quiet' house hold. Thank You for them, Jesus. They are a blessing.

Father God I just pray for me, too. I have a bunch of things to get accomplished before Monica gets home and I need Divine intervention to accomplish what needs to be done.

Lastly dear Master, I pray for Pastor Bob Kraft at the French Open tennis tournament. Continue to bless his ministry and help me find a way that I can start supporting him a little bit financially. Lord I am so blessed and I just want nothing more than to be a blessing to others.

Thank You Lord for this day. Thank You Lord for Life. I give my life to You, my King. I love You. And I pray these things in the power of Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Living in the Reality of Christ's Return Should Make A Difference In Our Behavior

The following is a commentary by a gentleman names Gred Laurie. I found it on my crosswalk.com morning newsletter. This article is very timely for myself because I've been thinking a lot about Jesus' return lately. I've been thinking how he wants me to spend my time. Should I be aimlessly spinning my wheels in pursuit of senseless 'busy-ness'...? Or should I be doing stuff that makes a difference in the lives of others and winning souls for the Kingdom...?

Duh...... -Let's see which is it...?


By Greg Laurie on Crosswalk.com:

Remember the New Testament story in which Jesus sent His disciples across the Sea of Galilee? The Bible says that He waited on the shore and was up on a mountain praying. As the disciples were making their way across, a great storm began to rage, and they thought they were going to die. They rowed hard to try to get back to land, but without success. Then we read that at the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the water. The fourth watch would be the time just before the dawn. This means that Jesus came to them after they had been at sea for nine hours. Then He came and rescued them.

Some of us may feel like the disciples did. We might be saying, “Lord, we have been battling away in this world. When are you going to come again? Are you paying attention to what is going on?” Of course He is. God is aware of everything that is happening. And know this: God is not late; He is always on time. The Bible says, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 NKJV). The only reason the Lord has not already come is because He wants more people to come into His kingdom.

We need to be ready and prepared to meet the Lord when He returns. It is wise thing to periodically ask yourself, “Am I living in such a way that I would be doing something I would be ashamed of if the Lord were to come back?” Living in the reality of Christ's return should make a difference in our behavior.

Luke 12:43 says, “Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes” (NKJV). If watching is the evidence of faith, then working is the evidence of faith in action. Watching for the Lord's return will help us prepare our own lives. Working will ensure that we bring others with us. That is the plan.

Jesus said, “ ‘Surely I am coming quickly.' ” The answer of the true Christian will always be, along with the apostle John, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20 NKJV). Anything that would prevent us from that answer or make it difficult to say reveals something that is out of place in our lives. Therefore, we must periodically examine all of our ambitions, pursuits, hopes, dreams, and plans by this truth of the Lord's imminent return.

Jesus is coming back again. It might be sooner than some of us may think. Let's be ready...!

Prayer for the First Baptist Worship Team

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord God, Praise be Your Name. You are Wondrous an Almighty. My Ever-living Savior and Redeemer. I worship You my King...!

Father I lift up the music ministry at FBC West Columbia this morning. I thank You for the individuals who make up the group and ask special blessings on them and their families. I pray Father that we are able to minister to others through song and prepare hearts to be receptive to You, Jesus. And Lord I pray for our hearts as well. We want to honor and magnify You Jesus. It's all about You, Lord.

I am grateful to be a part of this ensemble. I thank You for the leadership of Brother Mark. Lord You are Good. We sing praises to you, Jesus.

I pray these things in Jesus' name,

Amen.

Morning Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I just praise You this morning. It's another beautiful morning and should be a bright, shining day. I thank You for just being the great big God that You are. For being the Creator, The Giver of Life... You are an Awesome God and Master of the Universe.

Today I'd like to lift up a friend who is making some big decisions very soon. Decisions that will affect his family, career, and the rest of his life. Lord You know who this person is. I just pray that the decision he makes is Your will Father, not his. I pray blessings on my friend and his family.

Lord, I'd also like to lift up some family members who need to know a true relationship with you, Lord. There's nothing that I'd like to see more than for my brothers John and Stan and my sister Becky to truly know a life saving relationship with You, Lord. And I pray that I am a constant good witness to that end.

Finally Father I'd like to lift up MYSELF that I make good decisions and occupy MY time in the pursuit of Godly things. I pray that I do not continually overload my schedule with 'busy-ness'...

And Father I pray that I am a good employer to those helping me part time this summer. I lift up Jeff, Josh, Brittany, Vanessa, Lance, Matt, Jake, and Kyle. Father, I pray that my very life and life-style is a witness. I love You above all things my King and only want to be Your faithful obedient servant. I give this day to You, for Your Glory. And in Christ's name I pray, Amen...!

Thanking God for my Wife...!

I got up early this morning especially to pray. I was on my knees thanking God for the day and His many blessings. I was just thanking Him for being an awesome God. The time was 2:50 AM... And my prayer time was interrupted by a phone call. It was my sweet wife who couldn't sleep and just wanted to call me to tell me how much she loved me. Oh what a double blessing that is...! I was just praying to God thanking Him for my wife and then she calls me....

What an encouragement...! Praise the Lord....! My wife is such a good wife. I know without a doubt that she loves me to the depth of her being. And of course I love her just the same. We are a great team.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You again Lord for the blessing of my precious wife Monica. I lift her up to You Lord. Bless Her, Farther. Bless her witnessing opportunities. Keep her from discouragement. Keep her safe and healthy.

Father God I thank You for Monica's parents. Without them there would be no Monica. They are good people who constantly model love for their family. They have been very good to me, Lord. I lift them up to You also, Lord. I pray for their relationship with You, Jesus. I pray for their physical health and their spiritual health. Bless them, Lord.

My King, I have a good life. I can't ask for anything for myself except that You show me witnessing opportunities today and help me to be bold for You... I love You Lord. And I give this day to You. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Lifting Up My Divine Appointments

This week starts my first full week of summer tennis programs. I'd like to lift up my students this morning and pray blessings on their efforts to improve their tennis skills.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, I thank You and give You praise and honor and glory this morning. You are an awesome God who loves us unconditionally. There are no restrictions and no limitations to Your love. You are the very essence of love. Father, help me to walk obediently before You. Help me through times of temptation. Help me to be an inspiration to my students this summer. I lift up the young people and their parents who will be attending my camps and lessons this morning. I pray that I present a Godly witness at all times. Let my words be words of encouragement. Let my words speak life and love. Thank You Father for these divine appointments. Help me to make the most of every opportunity. Help me to be bold about witnessing.

Lord, I lift up Pastor Bob Kraft at the French Open today. I pray blessings on him and those he is ministering to this week. Father I also lift up my family who are traveling in California. Keep them safe and I pray for witnessing opportunities for them. I cover Elijah, Connor, and Monica in prayer this morning. Divine Master I give this day to You. I love You, Lord. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Prayer for Strength and Intercession

Dear Lord, I am under spiritual attack this morning. The evil one is seeking to discourage me.

Due to some technical computer malfunction I just lost a prayer I had been writing for nearly an hour this morning. Now I don't have time to write it all over again. But Lord You know that prayer. You know my heart. And You know how much I'm struggling spiritually right now.

Father I just pray now that You give me relief from discouragement today. Help me to become strong in You again. I know that if You didn't have big plans in store for my life then the evil one wouldn't be bothering me.

Lord I just lay my burdens down at your feet this morning.

My special intercessory requests this morning include a little boy's mom who has a terrible toothache. I pray for her, Lord. Give her relief. Give her healing oh divine Healer...!

I pray for my family. They are in California on a holiday and I'm back here in Texas. I don't like being separated from them but I know You will protect them. Lord I pray for witnessing opportunities for my family while they are traveling. Bless my family's encounters and relationships, Lord.

Father God I pray for my brothers Stan and John and my sis Becky. Just show Yourself to them in a powerful way, my king.

And Lord I lift up my friends at the French Open today. I pray especially for Pastor Bob Kraft and lift up his ministry to professional tennis players.

God You are a great big God and I love You. I pray these things in the precious holy blood of Jesus. Amen.

Prayer of Intercession...

Dear Heavenly Father,

Oh what an awesome God You are...! Lord today I lift up my sweet wife and family back in California. Bless them Lord and keep them safe. Father I lift up Pastor Bob Kraft and and his ministry this week at the French Open. I trust You to take care of his physical needs today.

I pray that he reaches many souls for You today, my King.

Lord, I have a camp this morning and pray blessings on it and it's participants. Help me be a good witness today Lord. Lord Your word be on my heart and lips.

Jesus, I give this day to You. I pray these things in Your holy name,

amen.