Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Prayer of Thanks

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, You are Good...! You have blessed my family and I so much. You have blessed America. Father I love you. I praise You. I lift up Your name on high...!

Lord all that I have is Yours. All that I have accomplished or will accomplish is because of Your divine Grace and Mercy. I give you all the glory, Jesus...!

Father God, I love You. I ask that you help me to be obedient to you. Let my light shine in dark places. Lord I thank you for the many opportunities You have given me to serve. Help me to be watchful and not miss a single one of them.

Thank you Jesus. Thank You for this life and the everlasting life to come. Lord I give this day to You and I pray these things in the powerful name of Jesus...!

Amen.

Monday, August 28, 2006

It's Getting Close To 9/11



I received a newsletter from the George Barna Group that published a report on the faith of Americans as we enter our 5th year since the tragic Setember 11th attacks of 2001. The Barna Report stated that according to their survey, overall the faith lives of Americans is virtually the same as it was prior to the 9/11 attacks. See the report by clicking here.

I wish the Barna Group would have interviewed Monica and I... We are forever changed by that horrific day and I know many others who are, too.

Dear Heavenly Father,

You are meet us in the storms of life. You are an awesome God. You are my Lord and Savior. Father God, You've got my attention. My faith life is much different than it was prior to September 11, 2001. I am deeply disturbed by the recent Barna Report about the faith of Americans.

Father God, today I stand in the gap for Americans. I Do believe in You, Lord. I Do believe in the sanctity of life and freedom. I can't believe that America as a whole has forgotten You, and that the tragic events of September 11, 2001 has not had a lasting impact on the faith life of Americans.

Lord I pray for this great country. I lift up the families of those who lost loved ones in 9/11. I lift up the leaders of this country. And I especially lift up the believers whose faith has not grown stronger since the 9/11 attacks.

I specifically pray for their hearts, Lord. I pray that we all draw closer to You. Father I love You and I give my life up for You.

And I pray these things in the power of the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Friday, August 25, 2006

Sacrificing Truth on the Alter of Unity

Simply being a Christian does not automatically immunize us from deception. Scripture's numerous warnings are meant to be heeded. If Christians couldn't be deceived, then the Holy Spirit would be wrong about those who will "depart from the faith" (see 1 Timothy 4:1).

Sadly, this departure from the faith will be so great that the Lord Jesus Christ asks us to consider whether He will actually find faith on the earth when He returns (see Luke 18:8). Since Christians today are trading in the truth of the faith for interfaith unity and are falling for the false gospel of the (New Age) New Spirituality that says all religions are equally valid paths to God, it's no wonder the Lord Jesus Christ asked this.

The universal religion with its spiritual transformation is not coming; it is here. The Angel of light's kingdom is gathering together "all men of peace" from "every world religion" "as the embodiment of the emerging Kingdom of God on earth."

Despite its deceived claims that its message hasn't changed, today's Christianity is embracing the teachings of the counterfeit kingdom. As a result, it is being steadily transitioned away from Jesus Christ, the Rock of Offence, to the universal "Christ" who broadly accepts people within all religions/faiths. Its purposeful pursuit of unity with the world truly is uniting today's Christianity with the world.

For more information, In the Name of Purpose: Sacrificing Truth on the Altar of Unity is presented on this site as a free e-book. Presenting numerous quotes, this book documents the un-scriptural path of the Purpose-Driven Paradigm, which is culminating in Rick Warren's interfaith P.E.A.C.E. Plan (set to publicly launch this Fall 2006).

Among others, the book includes quotes from Rick Warren, Ken Blanchard, William Easum and Thomas Bandy, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Neale Donald Walsch, Alice Bailey and her spirit guide Djwhal Khul, as well as quotes from Scripture, A.W. Tozer, Charles Spurgeon, Warren Smith, Ray Yungen, Chuck Baldwin, Paul Proctor, etc.

If you are led to help pass on the information contained, this e-book may be linked to as well as freely distributed (without alteration). Click here to open the e-book in a PDF file. (The file is 2.19 MB and can take from one to several minutes or more to open depending on your connection speed.)


ATTENTION PRAYER WARRIORS:

The commentary above was taken from Author Tamara Hartzell

It can be found on her website: http://inthenameofpurpose.org

I found that website through reading a blog called: Herescope which is dedicated to exposing false doctrine.

These two websites are influencing my Christian belief system greatly and I wanted to share them with you. Please check them out when you get a chance. You may email me privately at coachsam@earthlink.net with your comments if you wish.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, today I pray that the TRUTH be revealed...!

I feel that many believers are being deceived right now and led astray through slick advertising and false teaching.


Jesus I pray for discernment. I pray for wisdom. Help me Dear Lord to know You better. Let me know the TRUTH, my King.

Lord I pray right now for those who stand in the gap for TRUTH. I lift them up to you, Jesus. Bless them, Father. Amplify their voice.

Thank You, for blessing my life so abundantly, my King. I love you Lord and I give this day to You. And I pray these things in the power of Your Awesome and Most Holy Name, Amen.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Believers Are Guaranteed Eternal Life

John 3:14-15... Just as Moses lifted up a snake into the desert, so the Son of man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him shall have eternal life...

John 3:36...Whoever Believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life for god's wrath will be upon him...

John 5:11-12... This is the testimony: God has given us eternal life and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son does not have life...

Does anyone see a pattern here...? To Believe = To Live Forever


Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord Jesus, I believe in You. You are my Savior, my Redeemer, and my Rock. I am strong in You, my King. Apart from You I am nothing. Father God I give this day to You for Your glory.

I pray blessings on America and it's leaders. I pray protection over our troops abroad. Lord bless my family. Heal my sweet wife and keep my baby and stepson safe today.

Lord I pray for my co workers at Columbia Lakes Country Club and our staff meeting to come later today. Jesus I love you. I give my life to You, Lord. I am Your servant. All that I have and have accomplished is of You.

Thank you Lord for Your precious gift of eternal life. Help me to share that good news with others and be a strong witness today. and I pray these things in the power of Your holy name, Amen.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

The Believer Will Dwell in the House of the Lord Forever

Well, it's no coincidence that I've taken some time off from my devotional routine and I've had some rough days spiritually. Last night before I went to bed I vowed that no matter what happened today I was going to start my morning off giving time to God.

God wants and deserves my very best, and for me that's the first part of my day. A day that begins with reading a little scripture, taking a little reflective time, and spending time with the Creator and Savior of the world is going to be a good day no matter how one slices it...

Today I want to continue my study and discussion of Eternal Life. Throughout the next few days I'm going to look at various scripture references regarding salvation and life everlasting.

Psalm 23:6 says '...Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever...'

What is the house of the Lord...? Why it's heaven, of course! And how long will we dwell there..? Forever...! (that's Eternal life)

John 14:1-4 says '...Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me. In my Father's house there are many rooms; if it were not so I would have told you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will return and take you with me so that you may be where I am....

In this scripture Jesus says much.

1. He is offering encouragement to his disciples: (do not be troubled...)
2. He commands us to have faith. (Trust).
3. Jesus speaks about Heaven: (My Father's house).
4. He alludes to dying for our sins: (And if I go to prepare a place for you...)
5. He speaks of conqueing death and his triumphant return: (I will come back...)

That really is Good News, isn't it...? If we trust in the Lord, if we give our lives to Him and ask Him to come into our hearts as our personal Lord and Savior we will not perish but have eternal life...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for blessing us with Your holy sacrifice. By dying on the cross You atoned for our sins made it possible for us to enter into heaven and have life everlasting when we pass away from this existence on earth.

So what are we here for anyway...?

Are we not here to draw closer to you and to influence others to do the same...?

We are here to live lives that make a difference, not for our own pleasure. We are here to love and serve the Lord God our Creator and Savior.

Lord I do love You. I know I don't always show it very well. In fact, sometimes I do a horrible job witnessing for You and honoring You. Father forgive me. I do want to give You my best...! I set aside this morning for You. I set aside this day for You, Jesus. Lord I give my life for You.

Father thank You for the many divine appointments You have placed in my life. I thank You for my precious wife. I pray continued healing upon her. I pray blessings on baby Elijah and my stepson Connor. Father I thank You for the sweet little boy who comes to the tennis courts every day. And Lord I thank you for bringing my friend home safely from Iraq.

Lord there are many others too numerous to mention here but you know them all. I will be thinking about them and praying for them throughout the day today. Father I do lift up my mother and father in law. I lift up my brothers and sister. I lift up my tennis sudents. Bless them Jesus. Keep them safe and healthy.
Father God I pray these things in the most powerful name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Friday, August 18, 2006

I've been thinking about this....

The commentary below is from an anonymous author. It ties in with the series I started a few days ago on eternal life... I believe that God places 'storms' in our lives to draw us closer to HIM. As we approach another anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy in a few weeks I am reflective of that terrible day. I remember thinking how thousands of people left for work or travel that morning and never made it back home. They had no idea what they would be facing in just a few short hours. And the truth is that none of us knows what the next moment will bring. So how are we living our lives right now. Are we living for eternity...?

Question: "Where was God on September 11?"

Answer:
God is always here with us. But if we reject Him, He will leave us. If we seek Him, He will come to us. Scripture says, "And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found by you,' declares the LORD." It's not a question of where was God, but where were our hearts and our minds as individuals.

Similarly, the Bible tells us to call upon Him while you have the opportunity: "Seek the LORD while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near." The obvious implication is that a time will come when He will not be so accessible. He is near to each one of us right now, and He answers prayers.

Even in the midst of the carnage following the World Trade Center attack, there were dramatic, miraculous answers to prayer. There were also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. These emotions of love, compassion, and mercy come from God. When we honor firefighters and police who were willing to risk their lives to save other people, we're acknowledging God's activity reflected in human beings. Where was God on September 11 ? God was there. And He is there in the midst of every crisis that strikes your life.

Nevertheless, we must also remember that if we reject Him, His covering and His blessing can leave us. As a nation, we need to remember that in years gone by, our heavenly Father protected us. It behooves us as a people to remember our gracious Protector, our King, and our Lord, and ask Him to come and look after this, nation again.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, I come to you this morning seeking peace and seeking direction. You know my heart Lord. You know that I am having trouble with some relationships in my life. Lord help me with my patience. Help me to always be on guard and prepared for the enemy to attack my thought life. Help me to control the words that come out of my mouth.

Father God I want to worship you in all my words, thoughts and deeds. Just help me Jesus. Help me be the kind of step dad Connor needs. Help me to be more encouraging, more motivating, and more sensitive to the needs of this young man whom you have entrusted into my care. I'm falling way short in this area, Lord.

Help me to be the best husband, father, coach, friend, and neighbor to my family, students, and the community around me. Lord you have called believers to live different lives, to be set apart from the world... Many times it is difficult to tell my life apart from that of an unsaved man.

Lord I feel an urgency about something. I don't know what it is for sure but I do know that my heart is not right with multiple relationships and circumstances in my life. And I know that these relationships need to be fixed before I can grow closer to You.

Lord I do praise you that you are here with me. I'm not facing any crises alone, ever...! So Lord I rest in You. I love You my Lord and my Savior...! And I give this day to You. I give my situations to You Jesus. You can fix any problem. No difficulty is to big for the Creator of the Universe...!

Father God thank You for my family. Thank you for the promise of eternal life. Thank You for every precious second of existence here right now. It is my prayer that I make the best use of this time You have given me. Help me to know Your will. Help me to know You better, Jesus.

I pray these things in Your precious holy name, Amen...!

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Still Lifting Up My Wife...!

By the end of the day yesterday Monica reported that she was starting to feel a little bit better...! The doctor said it would be several weeks before she would be back to normal. I'm just glad she's on the mend. -YEA...! Thanks again to all the prayer warriors who have expressed love and concern. And of course, to God be the Glory...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord Jesus, thank you for the blessing of my sweet wife. I lift her up today again Lord. Bless her. And bless my baby Elijah who is cutting more teeth and is experiencing a little pain, too.

Father God I pray for Connor's day at school. And I pray for my day as well. Guide me, Lord. Help me accomplish much for I am very much behind on many projects.

But Lord, I just trust in You. I have faith in You, Jesus. You have delivered my family and I through every trial. Father God You know all the issues I am dealing with. Lord help me prune my life and make more family and community time.

I love you Jesus. You have blessed me abundantly and You died for my sins. There is no greater gift than that...! Lord help me to sin no more. Help me to live a life totally abandoned to You and totally honoring You. Father today I give this day to you. Jesus I pray these things in Your precious holy name... Amen.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Praise Report

Thank You everyone who called and emailed yesterday expressing concern and support for my wife. Here's an update on Monica's status: We went for a visit to our family doctor yesterday and he diagnosed her with 'costochondritis' which is a severe infection and inflammation of the sternum and chest lining. She is still in much pain but she is now on the correct medication to make her better...! Praise the Lord that her condition has nothing to do with her heart...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord God, I thank You and Praise You that Monica's condtion was not as serious as we feared. Now I just pray for a swift recovery for my sweet wife. Jesus, You are truly the Great Physician...! How wonderful and Marvelous You are, my King.

And Lord I thank You for the tremendous outpouring of love and compassion from the body of believers out there. I am truly amazed at the number of phone calls and emails I received from my post yesterday. God You are an awesome God... And my family and I are truly blessed.

So dear Lord, as another morning rolls on I just dedicate this day to you. I thank You for prayer and that You are a God who truly does listen to and answer prayer. You are my Lord and Savior and I love You Jesus with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Help me today to be more like You. Help me to be obedient. Help me guard my thoughts and to be positive. And Lord help me to recognize any God ordained appointments that might come my way today.

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

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Prayer for Monica

My sweet wife has been very ill lately. We spent most of the day at the emergency room yesterday because she has been having severe chest pain. After extensive tests it was determined that she was not having a heart attack but they could not explain the cause of her chest pain and she left the hospital feeling worse than when she came in...!

We're going to visit another doctor today.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for the gift of my precious wife. I love her very much and do not want to see her in pain. Father I pray for a swift healing of Monica. Help the Doctors figure out what is causing her discomfort. Lord this is uppermost on my prayer list. Everything else pales in comparison.

Father God, sometimes You allow trials into our lives to see how we will react, to keep us dependant on You... Well Lord, we give this trial to You. You are the Great Physician. You are our Lord and Savior. Lord we worship and praise you. We are totally dependant on You, Jesus.

I pray these things in Your Holy Name, Amen.

Friday, August 11, 2006

Running Late

Oops.. I over slept this morning. My cat knocked the alarm clock on the floor last night. I didn't realize it but the alarm volume was lowered in the fall. The alarm was sounding fine, it's just that the volume was so muted that I couldn't hear it. The good news is that my body feels great and well rested. The bad news is that this puts me a little behind schedule for the day but I didn't really have too many firm deadlines, I just wanted to get an early start on some big projects I need to complete today...

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I thank You and praise You for my life...! You have done great things for me. Father God I give you the glory. I give You the Thanks. I am nothing without You, my King.

Lord, You know my heart, You know my desires. You know everything, Jesus. I pray blessings on my sweet family this morning. I lift up my friends and co-workers to you, my Lord. Father I pray for myself as well. Help me to be a faithful, obedient witness today.

Jesus I love you. I give my life to You. And I pray these things in Your precious holy name, Amen.

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Prayer for CBISD

Today is the start of school for Brazoria County ISD. My step son Connor is one of the hundreds of kids going back to school this morning. While I pray for Connor every day, I'd like to recognize his classmates and teachers as well today.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I lift up the students and faculty of Columbia-Brazoria ISD today. Bless this time for them. I pray for this exciting time for the youth as they get back into a regular routine. Lord I pray especially for the children who know a personal relationship with You. Going to public school will be a perfect opportunity for them to let their light shine among others who do not know a saving relationship with you.

Father I lift up the teachers and administration. They have dedicated their lives to the training up of our young people, such a high and noble calling.... Lord I pray for the bus drivers, the cafeteria workers, the janitors and all the support staff without which school could not function properly.

Lord God, you are an awesome God. Thank You Father for these significant people in the lives of our children.

Dear Jesus, I also pray for my homeschool tennis students. I will see many of them for the first time since the spring, and I'll get to meet many new students, too Lord. Thank You for the blessing of new students. Lord I lift up my tennis classes this morning to You. I pray that I teach great lessons and I impact each and every participant in a personal way. Help me to be extra encouraging, extra positive today, Lord. I want to shine for You, my King.

Lord I love You. And I give this day to You. Father, bless my wife and baby Elijah today. They are my pride and joy. Thank you for the precious gift of my family. I am truly most thankful Lord for these sweet blessings and opportunities to serve You.

Oh Father, thank You too for a nice day yesterday working with Connor. We accomplished much and had a great time together. I pray also for the sale of our home in Houston. Lord Jesus I pray that Your will be done in that matter.

My precious Savior I pray these things and more in the holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Who will pray for you...?

My wife and I were discussing prayer yesterday and who and what we've been praying for and about lately. We're both praying for the sale of our house in Houston... We're both praying for family members. And then we starting thinking about people who might not have anybody praying for them. Have You ever considered that...?

This blog started out a few years ago as a prayer ministry at a church Monica and I attended. It was while we attended this particular church that I discovered my calling to intercessory prayer. There are many out there who need prayer. There are those who are lost and need prayer for salvation, and those who belive but need encouragement.

My challenge to you reading this journal today is to make sure you stand in the gap for someone every day. Pray for that person. Lift them up to the Lord.

Do You need prayer...? I'd love to pray for you. Email me privately at coachsam@earthlink.net and I'll spend some time on my knees for you.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord God I thank you for prayer. Lord you have blessed my so greatly. I just sing Your praises my King...! Father today I lift up my family. I pray that Monica and Elijah have a good night's sleep and a good day today. I pray for Connor and I as we get up early to go to Houston and work on our property there. Bless our time together, Lord.

Lord, I pray for whoever shot out our kitchen windows with a bb gun. I forgive them, Lord. and I pray that they find You, Father and put an end to their destructive ways.

Father God, I pray an extra special blessing on those who might be reading my blog for the very first time today. If they are searching for comfort let them find it here. Father You are a great big god and Your love and mercy knows no limits.

Lord Jesus, I do pray for the sale of our home in Houston. I know it will happen in your perfect time. And I lift up those buying our home who ever they are. Bless them Father. Bless their finances. That property is just right for someone Lord and I know you will lead them there.

Lord, I want to stand in the gap today for my Brother John and sister Becky. I pray for their relationship with You, my King. They know of You but I'm not sure if they really know You personally. I pray that they would be able to draw closer to You, Father. And Lord I have another brother (Stan). I pray for him also. Please heal our relationship, Father.

Father God, I also want to lift up Monica's parents in California. Bless them, Father. They are considering moving here to Texas to be closer to us. Lord if that be Your will I pray that it be done. I love and cherish them so much. I want Elijah to grow up having his grandpa and grandma close. I want Monica to have her mom and dad close. Lord You know how much I value family. My heart leaps at the mere possibility of having Judy and Arno closer. I praise you, my King that this is even a remote possibility. But Lord I leave it all in your capable hands.

I Love you Jesus. You are my God. My Savior. My Deliverer. I give this day to You. And I pray these things in Your Holy Name, Amen.

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

A Few Special Prayer Requests

This Blog is about many things. Some times it is about instruction in The Word. Sometimes it is about encouragement. It's always about prayer... -Especially intercessory prayer.

Today I have for a few special prayer requests and I ask all the prayer warriors reading this blog to join me in bringing these petitions to the Lord.

Prayer request # 1: My wife and I have been trying to sell a house in North Houston for nearly a year and are yet to get even a single offer. We've lowered our price several times but are still waiting. I know that the 'right' family for that house is out there, and I ask for patience that God's will be done in this matter.

Prayer request # 2: Pray for my personal organizational and time management skills. I need to do a better job managing my time. I'm still struggling with being too busy. I've got to prioritize and eventually prune away some unproductive activity so I can spend more time with my family.

Prayer Request # 3: Pray for my co-workers and the upper management where I work. I believe God has positioned me at Columbia Lakes Country Club to be His Light. Right now it's very dark around here and my light is dim and flickering. I pray that wise decisions be made by upper management regarding the day to day operations. I pray also that I might be a more effective witness by doing my job well and keeping a positive outlook during otherwise negative situations.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, I'm leaning on You today to get me through. I'm struggling. I'm struggling in my prayer life, and my thought life. You know me, Lord. You know my heart. Lord I want to live totally for You. Help me to be a good steward of my time and resources that I might Glorify You in all I do, Father.

Lord, I pray for the family out there You are preparing to purchase our home. Bless them, dear Lord. And bless us by taking that home off our hands. Father I know you are behind the scenes in every circumstance working things for Good. Give me patience as I wait on You, my King.

Father God, I think You are reminding me that I am nothing apart from You. Oh I know that. There is nothing that I've ever accomplished that has not come from You. I give You all the credit, all the glory. You are the Lord of my Life. And I pray that I live my life in a manner that tells the world that I belong to You.

Thank you Lord for my blessings. Thank you for my family, home, and career. Lord thank You for Your promise of Eternal Life...!

Lord thank you for the many witnessing opportunities You place before me. Help me to recognize them and bring glory to Your Name.

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


Monday, August 07, 2006

Negative thoughts...

I was planning on continuing my series on eternal life (and I will,) but this morning I came across a good article by Dr Stanley on what the bible has to say about negative thoughts.

In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses the battles of the mind. He praises the church at Corinth for their mental successes, saying, "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing that raises up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). What does it mean to take a thought "captive"? It means we are to examine and compare each thought we have against the standard of thinking set for us by God.

The fourth chapter of the book of Philippians provides an insightful glance into the ideal state of mental "health" God intended for his children. Beginning in verse four, we're first encouraged to rejoice in the Lord always. Next, we're instructed to be anxious for nothing but rather to lift our concerns to God in prayer and supplication (v. 6). Finally, we're encouraged to dwell on the things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, excellent, praiseworthy and of good repute (v. 8). According to these words from God, is it acceptable to obsess over problems, worries, and fears? Absolutely not. Instead, we should leave our burdens with God and turn our thoughts to positive things.


Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, You are wonderful. Lord, You are marvelous. You are an awesome God...! Many times through out the day I stop in awe thinking about the complexity of all Your creation. During those times I just praise You and give You thanks. But many other times I dwell on something negative. I'll focus on some problem, or I'll think poorly of someone else. I know it is wrong to think that way, but it seems I'm catching myself more in the act of negative thinking than otherwise... Help me, Lord. Help me to hold these thoughts captive. Help me to dwell on good and pure thoughts. This negativism is truly a bitter poison that spoils my witness, and my life.

Father God I pray that my thoughts, words, and deeds honor You. Lift me up, dear Jesus. I need to be a good and strong witness to my wife and children. And Thank You for my family, Lord. Thank You for the blessing of a nice family day yesterday. I do feel refreshed and ready to dive into this new week.

Lord I do pray for the sale of our property on Arncliffe this week. Father, I lift up my foot injury to You this week as well. Lord I want to pray for peace at work. I lift up my co-workers. I pray for wisdom within the upper management. I pray that Your will be carried out here at Columbia Lakes.

And dear Lord, I pray for peace in Israel. If peace is possible Lord, let there be peace. You can do anything, Lord. It seems crazy, all this fighting and killing... Father God, I know many that are praying for this situation besides me. I trust You to work it all out in a way that only You Can. Lord I just leave this and all my other petitions in Your more than capable hands.

Lord I love You. I offer this day to You Lord. Let me not miss one single opportunity to show the YOU in me today. And I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Prayer for Monica

Lord, My sweet precious wife has had a difficult night. She has only slept a few minutes because the baby was restless and the cats were noisey. Father I pray that she find rest the remainder of the morning. Lift her up, sustain her.

She is such an inspiration and blessing, Lord. Thank you for the blessing of my wife. I love her very much...! Give her rest, Lord. She is weary.

And Father I pray this in your Son's name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

More on Eternal Life...

As You know, I've been conducting a discussion series on eternal life. This morning, Dr Stanley's morning devotional very succintly describes this topic. I have cut and pasted his article in it's entirety for your information....!

Eternal Life: You Can Be Sure
1 John 5:13

Welcome to the In Touch Devotional. In writing to the early church, the apostle John wanted to make something perfectly clear: God offers His children everlasting life. In Christ, men and women should have no fear of physical death. Their true lives—their eternal lives—are secure in Jesus.

First John 5:13 is a unique Scripture passage. In it, John plainly states his purpose for writing. The point of his entire ministry was to empower believers with the unshakable faith of eternal life in Christ.

The basis for this foundational truth lies in the unchanging promises of God. Over and over in his gospel and letters, the apostle declares God’s assurance of never-ending life. For example, he quotes Jesus’ promise of eternity in John 3:16, 6:37, and 10:27-30.

The unconditional love of God is another reason we can trust in eternal life. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that He wants an everlasting, intimate relationship with each one of us. To accomplish this, He demonstrated His love in a remarkable way… by providing our salvation at a great price. (Romans 5:6-11; 8:33-39)

The finished work of Christ on the cross is another basis for belief in eternal life. By offering His life as a sacrifice on our behalf, Jesus provided the means of salvation once and for all. Our part is to accept the gift He so freely gives. (Hebrews 10:23-28)

Finally, the witness of God’s Spirit to our hearts should empower us with an unshakeable faith in everlasting life. Our Heavenly Father places His Holy Spirit within every believer to testify to the truth of our salvation. (Romans 8:15-17)

Scripture tells us we can have complete assurance of our salvation in Jesus Christ. Does your day-to-day life reflect this confidence?


Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord thank You for the wisdom of Dr Stanley. He makes the bible so easy to understand...! Father God, I pray today that someone reading this commentary today will have their life transformed. Lord I pray that You continue to transform my life.

Father, there are so many out there who are living their lives just existing. I have been one of those people, and I still slip back into that rut every now and then. But Lord the whole reason we are here is to glorify You. We are called to live lives that make a difference. And what could make more difference than spreading the word about salvation and what happens to us when we die...?

Death is NOT the end... And since it's not, then how we live our lives in the here and now really matters. I pray that this concept is clearly illuminated in my journal the next few days...!

I sing Your praises my King. I worship You, Lord. You are my Savior and Redeemer. Jesus, I love You...! And I give this day to you, Lord. Father I pray that I honor You in thought, word, and deed today. Let me be a witness, Lord. Bless my efforts, Jesus.

And I pray these things in Your precious holy name, Amen.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

More about what I Believe...!

Scripture makes it absolutely clear. Eternal life is available to every person on earth. ...Whoever shall call upon the name of the lord will be saved....(Romans 10:13) 'Whoever' means 'any and everyone'....

Sickness, disease, and death are all bound to the world. But in Christ, everyone has already overcome the worst this world has to offer—even death. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. (1 John 5:4-5) -Our faith in the Lord Jesus and what he did for us saves us...!

As believers, we should be shouting this message from the rooftops! The people around us are longing for a word of life. But too many Christians have remained silent. Why? How can we keep secret what God went to such great lengths to reveal? We can live forever! Who in your life needs to hear this amazing truth today?

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, let me speak 'Life' today. I pray for all my encounters today, Lord. Let me lift up others with good news and encouragement. Father I pray that my many conversation topics will be turned to spiritual matters. And Lord when that happens I just pray that the holy spirit work through me, a willing receptacle.

Father God I ask that You bless my journal writing this week. I know that I've never written about a more serious and important topic. And Lord I just pray that I be strengthened by this week's in depth study of the promise of eternal salvation.
My King, this morning I pray blessings over my family. Lift up, guard, and protect my sweet wife Monica. I pray that she awaken this morning refreshed and ready to have a good and productive day. I pray for baby Elijah that he play and learn and develope as a little one year old should. Lord, I thank You that this little baby will know a loving relationship with You through the environment he's growing up in. Who knows what Elijah will grow up to accomplish in Your Name...?

And Lord I lift up my dear stepson Connor. I pray that he grow closer to You. I pray that he would have a hunger and thirst for a better knowledge of spiritual matters and that he live his life out in evidence of his relationship with you.
And Lord I pray that I am an encouragement and role model in that regard and not a hindrance...!

Lord, thank You for my blessings. Father I just give this day to you. I love you, Lord. And I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Praise Him...!

Praise the Lord...! I've been dealing with a very painful foot injury for several months and I'm happy to say that it's finally on the mend...!

I'm a blessed man, pure and simple. I have a job that I really enjoy, a wonderful family, I attend an awesome church, and I have my health...! Hallelujah...! God is Good.

I'm definitely not going to sit here and think for one second that anything good in my life is because of my own doing... No, it's all God...!

You're an Awesome God... Thank You Lord for these many blessings. But thank You Lord most of all because of Your gift of salvation...! Your sacrifice has made it possible to spend eternity in heaven with You! Help me stay Kingdom - minded at all times, dear Jesus. Help me keep my focus pure and true. Lord help me to be obedient to You. Help me to be the Godly daddy and husband and teacher You have called me to be.

I love You Jesus...! And I pray these things in Your precious holy name, Amen.

How Do We Feel About Eternity...?

That is the question....? Are you living for the here and now or are you living for eternity...?

My wife and I were discussing this last night... We want to make sure that we don't get bogged down in 'just existing...', we want to live lives of great impact for Christ. We want to live what Dr Charles Stanley calls an 'Extraordinary Life"

Have you ever thought about what you are going to do for the rest of your life...? And then the big question...

What happens AFTER your life on earth...? Do we exist in some other form in some other dimension...?

The bible discusses life after death extensively. Jesus said that he came so that we might have everlasting life.... How long is Eternity...? I'm not sure but it sounds like an awful long time..!

It seems that how we spend our time in the here and now determines how we'll spend our life in Eternity. And I'm not just talking about our 'works' in the here and now. I'm also talking about our mindset...

This is a big heavy topic. And it's one that I can not hope to cover entirely in one morning devotional, so I'll let this discussion sort of be the theme topic this week...!

Dear Heavenly Father, Lord God I'm praising You this morning. I feel rested and ready to dive into this day. I've got Your word in my heart. I'm smiling. I feel greatly blessed to be an heir to Your eternal kingdom. Lord I don't know how many days I have left on this earth. There may be many or today might be my last. What ever happens Lord I love You. I have faith in You to work it all out for good. Father God, I pray that I be used mightily by You today. I pray that my light shine brightly. Help me to be extra encouraging, extra supportive today. Help me to be extra positive today. That's my hallmark, Lord. (Well, that's You shining through me...) Thank You Father for the gift of encouragement. Thank You Father for the gift of intercessory prayer. Thank you Lord for the gift of teaching. I pray Lord that you bless this discussion thread. I hope this topic turns some heads and stirs some hearts. Lord I hope this discussion firms and galvanizes my resolve to live a life totally abandoned to you. Lord I cover my family in prayer this morning. I especially pray for my dear sweet wife who struggled a bit yesterday. I pray for my baby Elijah that he has a particularly nice day today. I lift up Connor that he honor You by being a thoughtful, helpful, and obedient son to his mom. Father I lift up my sister and brothers that they might know a closer walk with You. My Lord and Savior, I give this day up for Your Glory. Today is not about Sam Chadwell. It's about living in the power and the glory of my Risen Savior Jesus Christ in whose name I now humbly pray. Amen.