Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Staying in the Word...

I downloaded some e-sword applications today... e-sword is free bible and bible study software. I've added an e-sword link to my favorite links list on the right side margin

These applications will come in handy while I'm continuing my study of Proverbs.

Today I just want to be in prayer about several things...

  • How God will use me to be a more effective witness to others...
  • What my role of service at FBC West Columbia needs to be...
  • Our decision to possibly move Connor to a private christian school next fall...
  • Is it God's will for Monica and I to open a new business..?

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I thank You for the e-sword bible tools. Thank you for Rick Meyers using his gifts and talents to make e-sword available. Lord I pray blessings on Rick and his endeavors.

Father God, Monica and I want to use our talents and gifts to the fullest to witness for You. Help us Lord. We want to be right in the center of Your will for our lives. Lord we have an idea for a business that we believe can be used to glorify You. All it is right now is an idea. There is no way that we can really proceed any farther from our idea-stage without a little intervention from You. We've agreed to just give it to You, to pray about it, and then wait on You, Father.

I believe very strongly in this venture, Lord. But I have no idea how we can pull it off. Monica and I agree to just place this idea in Your hands, Father. We're dreaming Big for the Kingdom, Lord.

Lord, there are other questions on my heart as well. Today I just seek quiet time to hear your voice in these matters. I Love you, Father. I trust You. I rest in You.

And I pray these things in the power of Your Holy Name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Monday, January 29, 2007

Proverbs Five, Verses 15-23

The topic of Proverbs Five is adultery and an immoral life-style. Verses 1-14 list and explain the perils of falling into sexual sin. Verses 15-20 exhort a husband to be faithful to his wife. Verse 21 explains why husbands should be faithful, and also just happens to be my memory verse for this Proverb....

....For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord and HE ponders all his paths. (vs 21)

God is constantly watching over us, noting our decisions, pondering our plans, and observing our behavior. He is an all knowing, all seeing God. We can not escape His watchful eye.

Verses 22-23 conclude Proverbs Five reminding us that the wicked shall perish.

You know, when I think of the Proverbs, I equate them to a deadly serious heart to heart Father-Son conversation. I can imagine Solomon sitting down with his son pleading with him to follow the Lord and Live a Godly life worthy of honor and full of Grace.

Sadly, my own earthly Father never had any kind of heart to heart talk with me. But I can imagine having having one with Connor and Elijah. Indeed, one day Connor and Elijah may go back and study my prayer journal. I hope so. And I hope that by doing so that they will gain some insight into what kind of man I really was and I hope that they see my hunger and thirst to know and grow closer to my Lord and Savior.

Isn't it crazy that at one point in my young life I absolutely, vehemently was opposed to fatherhood and having children of my own...? Now I see fatherhood as one of God's greatest blessings. I certainly would not be looking at Proverbs from the same perspective if I was an unmarried, child-less man.

God is Great. God is Good... He certainly has a master plan...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

My precious Lord and Savior, Thank You Father for Your warnings about living an immoral life style. Oh I wish I would have known these things in my youth. It's too bad youth is wasted on the young... But Lord. I have learned the hard way. Through trial and error, and painful mistakes. If I only knew then what I know now, I would definitely not have walked all the paths I've walked...

But Father, knowing what I do know uniquely equips me to be a strong witness to the next generation. And Lord I pray for that opportunity to tell my tales and influence others around me for for the Kingdom.

Oh Lord I love You. I pledge my life to You and offer up every aspect of my day today for Your Glory. Help me to be in Your perfect will and to give My Utmost for Your Highest.

Thank You for my precious family. My loving wife, my sweet children and family are such a blessing to me. Lord, You have given me far more than I deserve. I praise You Jesus. And I pray these things in the power of Your Holy name, Amen.

Starting the week in prayer...

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I thank You for another day of life. I thank You for another day to make a difference in this world. And I want to do just that, my King. Father God I give this day to You. I pray for a productive day, Lord. I pray blessings on my and wife's schedule today. Help us to make the most of our time... Help us to impact others for the Kingdom through our life witness.

Lord, Monica and I acknowledged our 3 and a half year wedding anniversary yesterday. Father, I give thanks and praise You for giving me such a halthy marriage and such a fine wife and family. Thank You for Elijah and Connor. Bless me to be a leader to them Lord.

Father God I love You. And I pray these things in the power of my precious Lord and Savior: Jesus Christ, Amen.

Friday, January 26, 2007

Proverbs Five, Verses 9-14

Here's what Solomon warns will happen to a man who gets involved with an adulterous woman...

Verse 9... He will give his honor to others and his years to the evil one. (Satan)

Verse 10... His wealth will go to aliens and his labor will go to the house to a foreigner.

Verse 11... His flesh and body will be consumed.

Verses 12-14 explain how the man will reflect on his actions before it's too late.

Verse 12... The man will realize how he hated instruction and despised correction.

Verse 13... The man will acknowledge how he did not listen to his teachers and instructors.

Verse 14... He understands that he was on the verge of total ruin.

Nothing good will ever come of an adulterous relationship. God will never put His stamp of approval on that sort of behavior.

This discussion is to be continued....

Dear Heavenly Father, Lord I love You. I have been thinking about this study all throughout the day today. I think one reason there is so much adultery going on around us is because few people have read Proverbs and have accepted You into their hearts. If more people would take the time to read and reflect on Proverbs this world would be a better place. And if more people asked You into their hearts as their Lord and Savior we'd have a revival on our hands...

Father I thank You for everything and praise You Jesus, Amen.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Back to Proverbs...

OK , today I get back on my study of Proverbs. Today we're taking a look at Proverbs Five. And Satan definitely doesn't want this post published. I am now writing it again for the second time this morning. (my first draft was lost due to a 'technical' error...)

Proverbs Five deals with the topic of sexual immorality. I think many in this world struggle with sexual immorality. Many that refuse to admit it. It is not a comfortable topic for some. In my life I have struggled in this area. But Praise the Lord I have been washed by the Blood of the Lamb. I am a NEW CREATION in Christ...! And my mission is to spread the good news and advance the Kingdom of the Lord. My mission is to help set the captives free. Knowledge is Freedom. And Proverbs is ripe with knowledge. Let's explore the first few verses and see what it says about sexual immorality, adultery in particular...

Verse 3: '...for the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, her mouth is a smooth as oil...

Verse 4: '...but in the end she is bitter and as sharp as a two edged sword...'

Verse 5: '...her feet go down to death, her steps to hell...'

Verse 8: 'Remove your way from her and do not go near her door...'

Satan is the master of deception and lies. Sexual immorality can be packaged to look good, sound good, and feel good. But the truth is that it is not sweet and smooth. It is bitter and sharp. It can kill you and cause you to go to hell.

Solomon doesn't pull any punches. He tells it like it is, plain and simple. But these verses are really just the tip of the iceberg. There is much more content regarding adultery and sexual immorality. Solomon continues Proverbs Five for fifteen more verses and then the following two chapters (Proverbs 6 and 7) also deal with the topic of sexual immorality.

But that's enough for today. This is a good start. Let's pray.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for Your Words of Wisdom. You set standards for the way we were to live long ago. Sadly, many have chosen to abandon these standards. Father I certainly haven't always lived up to these standards myself. But I thank You for Your Grace and Mercy. And I thank You for leaving us the Proverbs as guidelines to live by.

Father God I pray for Your blessing on this study. Reveal to me the truths You would have me share with my brothers and sisters. Lord Jesus I thank You and praise you that I am growing in You. I love You Lord, and I pray these things in Jesus Name, Amen

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Taking Spiritual Inventory

Yesterday I succumbed to busyness. It actually started the day before yesterday. (Monday) I worked late at the tennis center, then I stayed up late watching the Australian Open and just scanning the channels watching mindless television while answering email from my laptop. I didn't go to bed until after midnight. As a result, I had a difficult time getting up early for my quiet time with the Lord Tuesday morning. Since I had to be at work early yesterday because there was a tournament scheduled at my club, I hurried off to work without even praying. Although the tournament ended up getting rained out, the day just sort of got away from me after that.

I just stayed busy the rest of the day. Basically I blew off God and did my own thing.

So, let me describe a relationship for you. Imagine if you had a good friend, a best friend let's say. And you two were accustomed to getting together every morning for coffee at the local coffee shop. You might even be accustomed to calling each other through out the day, bouncing ideas off each other, staying in touch.... (these kinds of relationships do exist) Then one morning your best friend doesn't show up, doesn't call, nothing. At first you'd be worried about them. They should have at least called, right...? Then you find out later that they were just too busy to contact you.

How would that make you feel...? Less important than you thought you were, I'll bet.... I think your feelings would be hurt. You might even begin to wonder about the sincerity of your friendship.

That's where I'm at this morning. I know I've hurt God's feelings and I feel rotten about it. Today's that next day at the coffee shop. I can tell that God is bummed out with me. And I've got to try to explain how sorry I am.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I am so sorry for having offended thee. I totally mis-managed my time yesterday. I did not mean too, but that doesn't excuse my transgression. I wouldn't have been too busy for Elijah or Monica. So why would I be too busy for You, my King...? My creator. The Maker of the universe, The Author of time, itself...?

Father forgive me. I'm definitely slipping. I do try to be disciplined and set aside time for you throughout the day, every day. But I know I'm not doing enough. I feel that conviction this morning. I could be doing more. I should be doing more... And Lord, by Your Grace I WILL do more.

I love You, Father. I'm going to make yesterday up to You, I promise. I want to change. But Lord I know I can't change on my own. Lord, I'm asking You, I'm begging You to help me. I need You Jesus. Please come to my rescue.

Free me from the yolk of busyness. Free me from the bondage of being over weight. Lord help me take my thought life captive and submit it totally to You. Father I want to be right in the middle of Your divine will for my life. I want to serve You, my King...!

Lord I am so undeserving of any blessings. Yet I know I am blessed far greater than a good majority of the world. I Thank You Jesus. And I praise You and bless Your holy name.

Amen.


Monday, January 22, 2007

Standing in the Gap for Brother Ryan

Today I'm taking a short break from my study of Proverbs to stand in the gap for a dear friend in Christ, Brother Ryan.

Brother Ryan has a heavy heart. His family is under severe spiritual attack right now. This morning I want to affirm Ryan and pray for He and his family.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I want to thank You for Ryan and what he means to our church. Father God, I pray blessings upon he and his family. I pray that Your will be done in the lives of those he holds dear. Father I pray for healing of strained relationships. I pray for reconciliation. Lord when crisis come into our lives we know it just draws us closer to You. The family situations Ryan brought to our attention are on many hearts today.

Lord I know that many prayers have gone up to heaven for Ryan's family already. That's how this body of believer's repsonds. Father, this morning I just want to affirm Ryan and stand with our small group in prayer for Ryan's Daddy, his brother, and his brother in law regarding their needs.

I am so grateful for Ryan and the strong Christian Witness he presents for the Kingdom day in and day out. He is an inspiration to me, and many others. Thank You so much for the work Ryan does with young people. Thank You for the leadership Ryan displays within our small group bible study.

Father God, I pray that You continue to work Your good work through Ryan. I pray that Ryan be not discouraged, but that he stand on Your promise to work all things for good to those who are called to Your purpose. The fact that Ryan's prayer request has impacted others to spend time alone with You is evident that good things are already happening.

Strengthen Ryan. Comfort him. Give him courage. Grant him rest. Bless his house, oh Lord.

And Father, there were other prayer requests last night as well. I lift up Stephanie's friend who just found out she can't bear a child. We know you've handled that problem before, Lord. And I pray for Bruce and Danta's daughter and the decision they need to make regarding her medical care. Bless that dear family, Lord. And Father I'm sure there were many unspoken requests and needs in that room last night as well.

I just give all these things to You, my King. I rest in You. And I pray these things in the power of Jesus' name, Amen.

Friday, January 19, 2007

Can Proverbs Change the World...? Th Answer is YES...!

The WORD of the Lord is Powerful. It's sharper than any two edged Sword...!

I've been reading, and reflecting on Proverbs Four for the past few days. Solomon sure sounded like he was a good dad. And reading about Solomon has got me thinking about dads, and what it means to be a dad.

My perspective on life has changed completely since I became a father. I wouldn't say I was a selfish person before Connor and Elijah came a long, but I was definitely a lot more self-absorbed. Now I'm really trying to figure out what can I do to make this a better world for Connor and Elijah.

Perhaps I can change the hearts of men with something I write... And then if those men are motivated impact and change other men's hearts it can just explode exponentially from there.

Perhaps it not something I write. Perhaps it could be how I interact with my fellow man. Perhaps it's how I live my life that will make a difference and impact others. -I don't know. I just know that it's my heart's desire to brighten up the area of the planet where I live.

I want to be the best earthly father God has called me to be. I want to be the best husband. I want to give my utmost in every endeavor I under take because that is what God has called us to be. And I want God to get the Glory. Not Sam Chadwell.

OK, so... Back to Proverbs Four. My key Memory Verse from this Scripture is Verse 26.

It is a written not so much as a suggestion, but a command....

'Ponder the path of your feet, and let your ways be established.' -This passage is commanding us to watch where we are going. Sometimes we fall into sin not because we plan to, but because we aren't paying close enough attention to what's going on around us and where we are headed. God calls us to stay spiritually alert at all times and take regular inventory of our life's direction.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord thank You again for great fatherly examples as illustrated in Your holy word, the Bible. Thank You for Solomon. and how his life and legacy has continued to influence generation after generation. Father God, I want only the absolute best for my children. Help me to be all that You have called me to be. Help me to be remembered as Sam Chadwell, a man who loved and walked with God. Lord I don't need wealth, power, or fame. I just want to be faithful and obedient. I want to honor you at all times with my words, thoughts, and actions.

Help me with this study, Lord. I seek wisdom and knowledge so that I might pass them along to my family. I love You, Lord. And I do truly thank You for my many, many blessings. You are good. You are Great. You are Awesome my King and Savior....!

And I pray these things in your precious holy name. Amen.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Proverbs Four -More Fatherly Advice

If you took a look at the first three Proverbs, then Proverbs Four should sound very familiar. This is because Proverbs four basically repeats the good fatherly advice given in the previous Proverbs.

Verses 1-9 explain that Solomon's daddy gave him the same advice when he was a boy and young man and Solomon is just passing that advice down the generational line.

Verses 10-13 remind us again that if we receive Solomon's sayings we will acquire wisdom and live a long, unhindered, life.

Verses 14-19 once again caution us against giving in to the dark side, and to avoid the company of the wicked and perverse.

Verses 20-24 reflect more cause and effect relationships, And Verses 24-27 conclude the pasage with a call to action...! -We'll take a closer look at Verses 20-27 tomorrow.


Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, thank You for Proverbs. What a blessing they are. There is no reason that anyone should be without Wisdom when the Truth is so readily available through Your printed word. Father God this study has already been a blessing to me. I pray this morning for visitors to this site. Let this work be an encouragement to others to read the bible and learn more about what You have to say about how we are to conduct ourselves in this journey of life.

I wish I had begun reading Proverbs when I was a much younger man. Lord I have made so many mistakes in life. But Praise You Jesus for Your Forgiveness, Grace, and Mercy. Thank You Lord that I do not have to walk in the shadow of my previous life. I am a new creation in You, my King.

I love and cherish You, Father. Your words are life. I give You the praise and honor and glory for whatever I accomplish today, and I offer this day to You. I lift Your name up in the Highest and I pray these things in Your Holy Name, Amen.



Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Standing In the Gap in 2007

My spiritual goals for the year are to complete several in depth bible studies. Memorize more scripture, and to Stand in the Gap more consistently this year.

I'm taking the first ninety days of the year to get to know the book of Proverbs better. I think the book of Daniel will be next after that. Beyond the Daniel study I'm not certain what will follow, but I'll let the holy spirit take care of that...

I feel called to share my thoughts, studies, and prayers in this forum but I want visitors on this site to know and understand that it is not about about me. It's about Jesus Christ. I don't want any accolades for what I have written. This is about giving Glory to God using the talents HE has blessed me with. I want this web page to point to Jesus, not Sam Chadwell.

Here's a quick question. We've all heard the phrase: 'Standing in the Gap'. What's a 'Gap'...? And what does that mean to you...?

I believe the gap is the empty space that sometimes separates people from God. It is the distance between an individual and God. If someone stands in the Gap and fills that gap then a bridge is created between that individual and God so that the individual can move closer to God.

A spiritual bridge is usually created through prayer and well wishes, but a physical bridge can also be created when we actively engage those that need encouragement and discipling.

Standing in the Gap should be a way of life for a totally committed man or woman of God.

Who can You stand in the Gap for today...?

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

One Reason God Gave Us Children

Proverbs 3:11-12 says 'Do not despise chastening of the Lord....For Whom the Lord loves he corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.'

God gave us children so that we would teach them and bring them up in His ways.

Indeed, Solomon's Proverbs three is basically a manual of guidance for the young. The verse above really jumped out at me in my study this morning. What first caught my eye is the part about a Father delighting in his son.

I began thinking of my relationship with Elijah. I hadn't previously thought about it in these terms but I DO delight in that little boy. And although I haven't had to administer very much discipline to him at this point in his life I certainly won't hesitate when the time comes because I do love him that much. And the bible says the Lord loves us the same way. WE are HIS children. And that we should not get discouraged when the Lord 'chastens' us.

Wow... If I didn't have kids I wouldn't have the complete understanding of that verse that I do now. It's hard to believe that in my younger days I was adamantly opposed to having children of my own.... I certainly have a different perspective now.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord thank You for making Your love for me love more clear through my understanding of my love for my own children. You are amazing. You are an awesome God. You are my holy Father. It is my desire that You do delight in me as I delight in Elijah.

Father God I'm sure that Brian delighted in Connor as I delight in Elijah. Lord I want to lift up my relationship with Connor to You this morning. And I lift Connor up to You, my King. He's growing up without his earthly daddy, and I can never replace Brian. But Lord I am here for Connor and I need Your help to be the best step dad I can be.

Lord our relationship needs You. This family needs You. THE ENTIRE WORLD NEEDS YOU, FOR THAT MATTER... But Father I want to have a better relationship with Connor. I don't need to be his best friend, but I need to be more to him than I currently am. And I believe that You require more of me than I'm currently giving to that situation.

Father God I love You. And I want to do Your will and be right in the middle of Your will for my life and the life of this family. Lord I can't do that on my own.

I need you Jesus, to come in and rescue me. Today I choose to live my life completely for You, my Worthy King...! And I give You the Glory for my successes and yes, even my failures because I know that when You chasten its only because You love me . Thank you, Lord. Thank you Jesus. And I pray these things in the power and glory and might of Your precious, holy name, Amen.


Monday, January 15, 2007

Prayer for the Homeless

The weather the next few days is going to be miserable. When Monica and I lived inside the loop around the Montrose area of Houston we came across many homeless people every day. This has to be a particularly troublesome time of year for someone who does not have their own residence. So today I lift up the homeless everywhere, but especially here in Houston where it's cold and damp right now.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord right now I am warm, dry, well fed, and comfortable laying on a couch while I enjoy a children's show on television with my precious baby son. But Father I know of many individuals who are literally 'out in the cold' facing the elements, hunger, isolation, and a day to day, moment to moment existence.

Father God I lift up a homeless man named Johnny and a homeless woman named Ziola specifically. Since we moved from Montrose we have lost touch with them. I pray for their physical needs but I also pray for their spiritual needs, Lord. And Father I lift up others who find themselves in the same situation as Johnny and Ziola. I pray that someone shows them compassion. I pray for their well being, Lord.

I am no better than them just because I live a more affluent life-style. Lord Jesus You died for all of us, everyone. Lord You said that the way we treat the least of our brothers and sisters then that is the way we are treating You.

Father, forgive me for those times when I did not help my fellow man. For those times when I drove on and did not engage myself. Lord today I stand in the gap for the homeless. Bless them Lord. And bless those who do try to make a difference and care for this special population.

Father God I love You. I give this day to You Lord. Thank You for blessing me so abundantly. Lord I give You all the glory for my success. I am nothing with out You, my King.

And I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

One Encounter at a Time...

Finding Sanity Amidst The Insanity...

I was visiting with a fellow church member last night after choir practice. He is the manager of a large business in town and we were discussing how difficult it is to hire good employees. He said that he usually has to interview 10-15 people before he will find ONE that might have a good enough work ethic to stay employed. Isn't that a sad state of affairs?

Of those fourteen that did not get hired, I think they must work at many of the other businesses I frequent because it seems to me that customer service just about everywhere is at an all time low. You can tell at the checkout stand when the checker won't have eye contact with you or even speak to you. Or you ask some one at a department store for assistance and they aren't knowledgeable and don't even appear to care. How about going out to dinner and getting a lousy server who messes up your order, hardly ever comes to check on you, yet you observe them hanging out in the back of the restaurant visiting with other wait staff while you are dying of thirst and need a fork and napkin....?

Sigh.... I'm getting worked up just thinking about it. But that's not the correct response. I used to get really irritated with situations like that. But as I have been writing this article I just came to the realization that I am being faced with witnessing opportunities that I am not acting on.

What can we do about poor customer service...? How can we make a difference...?

Well, we can pray, of course. Right then and there in the midst of the chaos we can pray. And we can be positive, instead of negative. I'm a firm believer in positive reinforcement. Visibly becoming angry with someone might change their behavior but it won't change their heart for the better.

An authentic Christian is going to exhibit fruits of the spirit: love, kindness, gentleness, patience, understanding, encouragement, etc... An authentic Christian is, well... -they are Christ-Like...!

True, it is recorded that Jesus did get angry one time in the temple. But how many other times did he exhibit compassion for His fellow man...?

One encounter at a time is how a Christian can effect change. And we may not change the world. But if we can change a life, and if we can save one soul, then we've accomplished something.

We can give in to the world. We can get angry at the incompetence of others and let it that snuff out our light. Or we can take a stand, claiming sanity amidst the insanity and staying true to our mission: to go out into the world and make disciples of all men. We can do that. We MUST do that.

Again, we might not change the world, but we might affect a life or two.

One time Mother Theresa was being interviewed and she was asked how can she stand to spend all her time amongst the sick and dying of Calcutta when it appeared that her presence was not making much of a difference? She responded that God had not called her to be 'successful', but to be FAITHFUL.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord thank You for great lives of faith like Mother Theresa. Thank You for everyday heroes in my own little sphere of existence. Thank You for those who do care and show it in the way they live and conduct themselves. These people impact others in a powerful way every day. These people are right there in the moment, not letting their mind wander. They are paying attention. They are thoughtful and sincere. They care about being the best they can be at what ever they are doing. Help me to be like that, at all times, Lord.

I want to be part of the solution, the cure. I don't want to be swallowed up by the cancer of anger and apathy of those who don't take pride in themselves, their family, or their church. (if they have one.)

Divine Master, help me to be the kind of person that Saint Frances prayed to be. Lord, make me a channel of Your peace. Father God. I love You. And I recognize that all good things come from You. My life is nothing a part from You, Lord.

Raise me up, Lift me up, Jesus. Help me to be more like You. Help me to recognize the God ordained encounters in my life and to react and respond to adverse conditions appropriately.

You are my Awesome Savior, my precious Redeemer. You are my Rock. Thank You for my wonderful family. Thank You for my every day opportunities to serve You, Lord.

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

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Proverbs Three: A case study of cause and effect relationships

I remember back when I was a student at Bible College my favorite professor was always stressing to look for cause and effect relationships... '...The Bible's full of them...' he said. Well, as I was studying Proverbs Three this morning I noticed cause and effect relationships jumping all over the place. (Thanks, Dr Jackson...!)

What is a cause and effect relationship...? Well, the 'CAUSE' is what ever action you start with. The 'EFFECT' is what ever happens as a result of your first action.

Here's a pretty simple example:
If you walk out in the rain without an umbrella, -(Cause) you'll get wet. -(Effect)

So, let's just take a look at verses 1-2 this morning:

vs 1: My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; vs 2: for length of days and long life they will add to you.

Quick Review:

Who's doing the talking here...? -Solomon.

Who's he writing or speaking to...? -His Son, Rehoboam (as mentioned in the book of Kings)

What's the cause...? A) Remember the Law, B) Let your heart keep my commands.

Notice part 'B' is not just keep my commands, but let your heart keep my commands. Solomon wasn't just parenting for behavior. He was concerned about the character of his son.

OK, we have the cause. Now what's the effect..? If Rehoboam does what his daddy suggests, what's supposed to happen...? -He'll receive a longer life.

And does anyone know what happened to Rehoboam...? He became king when he was 41 years old, reigned for seventeen years, but only the first five were good and peaceful. (Chronicles 12:2) Afterwards he began turning from the Lord and had a tough time of it for the remainder fourteen years of his life. (Chronicles 12:14-16) He died when he was fifty six.

The history of Solomon is pretty interesting. And, You really need to have a good background of the life of Solomon to understand from what perspective he was writing the Proverbs from. The books of Kings, Kings 2, and Chronicles are among my favorite old testament books because they are so rich with history.

Well that's it for this morning's study. Today I'd like to lift up my brother in Christ, Bob Coburn. Brother Bob is leading a men's ministry bible study at our church. Brother Bob is a great inspiration to me. He reminds me a bit of Solomon. He is wise, has great knowledge, and most importantly he has a heart for reaching out and discipling. Today I want to lift up Brother Bob and his efforts to serve the Lord at First Baptist West Columbia.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, there are some people that You place people into our lives that have such a tremendous impact on us that we are changed forever. I have been blessed in that way on more than one occasion. I thank an praise You for my dear friend 'Glenn' who first witnessed to me over twenty years ago. I thank and praise You for an awesome man of God named 'Steve' who took me under his wing a few years ago and really lit a fire under me. I have had the benefit of studying under Dr Guy Jackson who's instruction has blessed countless disciples. I am married to a Godly woman whom I love and cherish. And Father God now I have the great privilege of serving in Church with Brother Bob and his fine sons.

I thank You Lord for Godly men (and women) with a passion for discipleship. Lord Your great command was for Your people to go out and make disciples of all men. That's just what Brother Bob is doing. That's what Monica is doing.

Lord I'm constantly asking how do I fit in to all this...? I know one thing. You have called me to be a man of prayer. So I'm praying, Lord.

Father God I pray blessings upon brother Bob and his family. Bless his efforts to effect the hearts of men. Lord bless all those who have impacted me in such a way that I have been changed forever.

I love You Lord. And I give today to You my King. I'm leaving today open to just worship You and bring glory and honor to Your precious, holy Name.

And it is in the power, and majesty, and glory of YOUR Name, Jesus Christ that I pray these things,

Amen.




Tuesday, January 09, 2007

An Offering Of Worship

Today I digress from my study of Proverbs to just confess what's been on my heart lately. For some reason I can't get a particular song out of my head... It's a song that our praise team sang recently during the Christmas Holidays. -An offering of Worship- by Paul Baloche.

Seriously, that song has been in my head for weeks. Then as I was driving my wife's car this morning that song came up on a cd of worship songs my wife has been listening too. That's pretty significant, I think.

Every morning I pray that my day honors the Lord. Sometimes I do a good job, sometimes I don't. That song really gets my day off to a good start because I want my life to be an offering of worship. I just love that song.

I googled the lyric and found out it was by Worship Leader Paul Baloche from Lindale Texas... Lindale. That's a tiny little town in East Texas. The poulation's got to be about 4000. I played tennis in Lindale a long time ago when I was in my 20's. It's a small world too, isn't it..?

Here's Paul's website: http://leadworship.gospelcom.net/index.html

Today I want to lift up Paul and his ministry.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You so much for worship leader Paul Baloche, his music, and ministry. I have been particularly blessed by Paul's music and I'm certain that countless others have been also.

Father I just pray that you continue to work through Paul to impact others for the Kingdom.

Bless Paul, Dear Lord. Bless his family, Father. I lift them up to You. And Lord I give this day as an offering of worship to You. You are my Life, Jesus. I love You. And I pray these things in the power of the name of Jesus Christ, my King, my Lord and Savior, Amen.

Monday, January 08, 2007

Proverbs Three

My study of Proverbs Three is going to take a couple of days at the very least. This morning I'm going to take a look at the memory verse I've chosen from Proverbs Three. It's one of the most widely recognized, and one of first bible verses I ever memorised as a young adult...

Trust the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM and He will make straight your path.

Proverbs 3:5-7

This is some of the most complete and perfect advice I have ever heard before. If we can just follow that advice we will live a happy life. Something else to consider is that any time spent trying to figure out how to get of a touchy situation is time wasted. God's guidance is more than sufficient for all the tests or trials we have to face. But in order to benefit from God's guidance we have to seek it out, first.

I can think of numerous times when Monica and I could not see how we were going to solve a particular problem, but after giving that problem to God things somehow found a way of getting worked out. Believe me, it is difficult to not lean on one's own undertsanding, but if you do acknowedge the Lord in all your ways, HE really will provide you a straight path...!

God is Good...!

Sunday, January 07, 2007

Prayer for Our Sunday Service: January 7, 2007

This morning I want to lift up every aspect of my church and the Sunday service this morning.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord God thank You for First Baptist Church West Columbia. Thank You for the Pastors, volunteers, choir, praise team, nursery workers, Sunday School teachers, technical arts department, deacons, and everyone else who make our Sunday service happen.

This morning I especially want to lift up the choir and praise team. Music sets the stage for our service and prepares many hearts for worship. I pray special blessings on Mark and Pam Stuckey. Thank You for their leadership, Lord. And bless our voices and instruments this morning as we seek to honor You with our talents, Father.

I also want to lift up my wife's Sunday School lesson this morning. I pray that those in attendance are drawn closer to You through the study Monica is facilitating. I lift my dear wife up today and give her authority to teach this morning. Bless her, Lord.

Bless Pastor Dave and his message this morning, Lord. And bless Pastor Ryan and the work he does with the young people of our church.

Father God, I love You and give this day to You, my King. And I pray these things in the precious, holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Friday, January 05, 2007

Wrapping Up Proverbs Two

The past few days I've taken a closer look at Proverbs Two. Back on Wednesday we discussed verses 1-6, the value of Wisdom. Yesterday we looked at verses 7-11, which detailed the blessings that come with wisdom and knowledge.

The first part of Verse 12 explains that wisdom will deliver you from the way of evil. Then the latter part of verse 12 through verse 19 go on to describe wickedness and evil individuals, including those who delight in perversity, crookedness, deviousness, and immoral women. Verses 16-19 pay particular attention to the immoral woman and seductress.

Verses 20-22 close Proverbs two and remind us to walk in the way of goodness, keep to the paths of righteousness, and remain upright and blameless because the wicked and unfaithful will be cut off from the earth and uprooted.

I don't know about you, but being cut off and uprooted from the earth sounds like a very negative experience to me. I believe there will be far better consequences resulting from living an upright life and to remain faithful and blameless.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord Thank You for the book of Proverbs. I have learned much in these past four days of study. And Lord, the more I read about wisdom and knowledge the more I desire it. I know it's all available to me if my heart is in the right place. So Father I just ask you to continue this work in me. Mold me. Shape me. Conform me in your image, Father.

Bless me to be on the correct path of life and righteousness. I want to walk in the way of goodness, Father.

Lord I humbly seek You. I love and worship You, my King. You are a Good and Awesome God. I dedicate this day to You, Lord. In YOUR honor, for YOUR Glory.

And I pray these things in the POWER of the name of HE who died for my sins and made it possible for me to obtain everlasting life, JESUS CHRIST.

Amen.

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Proverbs Two, part 2 verses 7-11

Yesterday we discussed verses 1-7 which listed the conditions that must be present for one to gain wisdom. We learned that gaining wisdom does not come easy. We've got to REALLY want it.

Now, Here's what God does for us when we seek HIM and obtain HIS wisdom and knowledge:

vs 7b... He is a shield for those who walk uprightly

vs 8.... He guards the paths of justice

vs 8b.. He preserves the way of His saints

vs 9... We will understand righteousness, justice, equity, and every good path

vs 11... Discretion will preserve us

vs 11b.. Understanding will keep us

This is an unbelievable package...! Who wouldn't want all these things for their life...? Well, do you remember our memory verse from a couple of days ago...? If you go back to Monday's study, the scripture tells us who would reject this unbelievable offer from God.

Proverbs 1:7.... 'Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge...' This verse was familiar to me even before I committed it to memory. However, Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge is only half the verse. That first part of the verse is very well known. The second part is lessor known: '...But FOOLS despise wisdom and knowledge...'

The bible says that a man who does not seek wisdom and knowledge is a fool. -That man will be susceptible to evil doers and the ways of darkness.

We will take a look at this concept tomorrow.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I have been a fool for so long. Much of my life, in fact. I've owned a bible for as long as I can remember but I've never been really on fire for knowledge and wisdom like I am now. And why now...? Why has conviction finally set in...?

I'm sure that for one it is because of the fervent prayers of my sweet wife, Monica. She has definitely been an inspiration to me. I praise You and thank You for my dear spouse, Lord. She is one of the greatest blessings of my life.

Another reason is Connor coming into our lives and then of course, the birth of Elijah. I want to be the best dad and step dad I can be. So I've never had more incentive to grow and improve myself than now.

Lord, I want to honor You through the honoring and caring of my family. I know I can't do that with out Your help. I can do nothing outside of You. All effort spent outside of Your will is in vain and will be consumed like wood, straw and stubble.

Father God I give this day to You. I love You and praise You, my King. And I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Proverbs Two

Proverbs Two mainly stresses the value of Wisdom

Today I'm just going to discuss verses 1 -7. These verses explain how to gain wisdom from God.

Here are the conditions that must be present to gain wisdom:

  • ...if you receive my words....
  • ...if you treasure my commands within you...
  • ...if you incline your ear toward wisdom...
  • ...if you apply your heart to understanding...
  • ...if you seek wisdom as if it were silver...
  • ...if you search for wisdom as if it were hidden treasure...
If you do all these things then the scripture says you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

Let's take a look at the 'action' words of each bullet: receive, treasure, incline, apply, seek, and search. We could go much deeper and examine each word individually, but for now let's just summarize that wisdom is valuable. It is not easy to come by. Wisdom won't just drop in our laps. We've got to work for wisdom.

Memory Verse:

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Prov 2:6

We'll continue to look at this verse some more tomorrow.

Dear Heavenly Father,

My Lord and Savior, Your servant Solomon, wrote a long time ago that if we wanted wisdom that we needed to seek You. We needed to seek Your word. We needed to value it as much as we valued precious treasure, for Your word IS precious treasure, Father.

Lord I want wisdom. I want to live the Godly life You have called me to live. I want to serve You, Lord. Father God, I DO value Your word. I DO consider it more precious than silver or gold. Your word is Truth. Your word is Life.

I love You Lord. I praise Your name in the highest. I want to honor You, my King. I give this day to You, Father. Blessed be Your Name, Jesus.

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

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

A Study of Proverbs

I'm going to be doing an independent study of the book of Proverbs the next 3 months. What does it mean to do an independent study...?

Well, 'independent' means I'm doing the study by myself. No one else is studying with me. And what exactly is a 'study'...?

Well, a 'study' involves reading a certain passage or verse many times. It involves quiet time and reflection time. It involves looking up background information on the passage or verse. You pretty much ask who, what, where, when, how, and why about every word. A study may also involve looking up how the word was translated from the original Greek or Hebrew text.

By the end of this study I'd like to be able to give a brief summary of every Proverb and I'd like to have a verse memorized from each Proverb. I'm basically going to focus on one or two Proverbs every day and try to go through all 31 Proverbs at least four or five times over the next 3 months.

Proverbs 1 Key Memory Verse:

"Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction..." -Proverbs 1:7

Summary of Proverbs 1:

When we start with the Truth of God we reflect on His holiness, power, love, wisdom and goodness. We build on an unchanging reality that provides us with a firm foundation for life.


Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord at the start of this study I think it is very appropriate to just thank You for the bible. Father I believe that the bible is the divinely inspired word of God. I am ashamed that I am forty-one years old and have yet to read the bible completely through and know as little as I do about the greatest book ever written.

Father God, I pray blessings on this study ahead of me. Help me to know You more completely, Father. Lord I pray to gain the wisdom of Proverbs.

Lord as I sit here I am watching the procession of the funeral of President Gerald R Ford. I thank You for Him. He was a good and wise President who loved You. He stood for many fine attributes like honor, loyalty and courage. Father I lift up his family. I pray for strength and comfort for his dear wife Nancy whom he loved and deeply cherished. I pray for his four children.

In life President Ford was an inspiration. And his memory continues to inspire even in death. Father God I pray that You raise up more strong leaders like Gerald Ford.

Lord, I love You. I give this day to You. Father I pray that I honor You with all my actions today. I pray for a blessing over my time management. There is so much that I need to get done dear Lord. Help me to prioritize and complete my responsibilities with due diligence.

Lastly Lord, I lift up my sweet wife. She is under the same time restraints for workload as I am, maybe even more. She is an awesome wife and mother. I thank You for her and pray blessings on her day.

Father God, I pray these things in Your Holy Name, Amen.

Monday, January 01, 2007

Every Day is Yours, Lord

This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord another perfect, beautiful day. I do rejoice in the wonder of Your creation. I rejoice in Your perfect plan for my life. Father God I acknowledge that every good and perfect gift comes from You.

I love You. You are my Lord and Savior. AND I pray these things in Jesus' name. AMEN.

Prayer for the New Year

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I thank You for the new year. I thank You for this Life. Father I thank You for every breath of my existence.

My King, My Savior, I offer this new year to You. Lord I want 2007 to be my greatest year of service to You to date. Lord I love You. And I just want to grow in You. I totally surrender to You Jesus.

My prayer for this year Dear Father is that my passion to know You more just grows and grows and that I may impact and encourage everyone within my sphere of influence for the Kingdom.

Lord Jesus I pray that Your will be done in my life and the life of my family.

I pray these things in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.