The Lord's Grace is Sufficient...!

In 2 Corinthians 12:9 the Lord says: 'My grace is sufficient for you. My power is made perfect in weakness.'

I'm going to hold to that promise today because I feel really weak right now. And I accept my own weakness. I've tried to be too strong, too proud, for too long. I've tried to do things under my own power for too long. It just doesn't work. -God is breaking me. Maybe I'm already broken, I don't know for sure. If I'm not already broken, I'm getting close. That's for certain.

For me it still keeps coming back to the revelation that I accepted Christ as my Savior a long time ago, but I didn't really make him Lord of my life. Jesus told the weary to come unto Him. He said his burden was light and his yolk was easy...

I'm weary. But God's Grace is sufficient. HE will meet all my needs. Our God is an awesome God...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your Grace, Lord. Today I stand strong in You. Apart from You I can accomplish nothing. Apart from you everything I try to do turns to ashes. But in You I am a new creation...! Praise You, Jesus!

Father God, I die to myself this morning. The old Sam Chadwell is no more. Help me Lord. Get me through today. Let Your power rest on me and in my weakness I pray that you make me strong.

Lift up my dear sweet wife. Help her to realize her potential in You, my King. Father God help both of us know that we are in Your will for our lives. Are we doing what we are supposed to be doing...? I don't know if we are. It seems that life shouldn't be such the struggle that it is right now. Are we just being tested or are you moving us in a different direction?

Lord I want to honor You with every ounce of my being. Show me Your way, oh King of Kings and Lord of Lords. God you are my God. And I will ever praise You. I love You, Jesus. and I pray these things in Your precious, holy name, Amen.

Need You...

Lord I need You. I can't make it with out You, my King. I'm crying out to You. Father of Lights, Every Good and Perfect Gift comes from You. I'm ready for a change Father. Show me Your will. I will praise You, Lord. No matter what the outcome. I give this day to You, Jesus. I am Yours my King.

Forever amd Ever, Amen.

Struggling...

Dear Heavenly Father....

I'm struggling Lord. You know that. In Fact, You know what's going on much better than I do. Help me to figure things out. I'm ready and willing to do what ever You have called me to do, but right now I haven't the foggiest idea if I'm in Your will or not. I'd like to think I am and these circumstances I'm facing are just trials and tests of my faith.

I do trust things to work out for good. But I'm totally ignorant as to what I'm supposed to be doing right now. I'm facing set back after set back and stumbling block after stumbling block no matter what I try to do.

There's no reason for me to waste precious time. I'm ready for what ever you have in store for me Lord, just please let my direction be crystal clear. I don't understand things Lord, but that's OK because scripture says to trust You and to not lean on my own understanding, anyway.

Scripture also says that if I acknowledge You in all my ways that You will make my path straight.

Dear Lord I need a straight path. I only want to honor You and serve You, my King. Father Forgive me. Father Help me...

I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Praise HIM

I was just browsing blogger because I couldn't sleep tonight and I came across this great post that really spoke to me... I've definitely been a 'Martha'...!

Balmoral Uniting Church: Are you a Mary or a Martha?

I want to lift up this sweet little church in Australia this morning.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thanks Lord for giving me just what I need right when I need it..! (Just like You always do...) Lord I pray blessings on this church and the author of that post. The author was just being faithful and blogging what You have laid on their heart. I'm sure they had no idea that they would impact someone's spiritual walk on the other side of the world. Thank You for working through this church to reach me.

I love You Lord. You are an awesome God... Amen.

Prayer For Elijah

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You so much for my sweet little boy, Elijah. We are celebrating his 2nd birthday today...! He is such a joy to his mother and I. I thank You and praise You for his life. I pray extra blessings on him today.

Lord, You are so good. I love You, my King. Help me to raise up Elijah to walk closely with You. He has opportunities that no one in my family has ever had. I know he is destined to do something very big for the Kingdom and it's mine and his mother's responsibility to raise him up correctly. Help us to be the Godly influence he needs, Lord.

Lord I that You keep my sweet baby safe and well. I give him to You Lord...!

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

The Fifth Wettest July in History

On the local news channel last night the weather man said that the greater Houston area was currently experiencing the seventh wettest July in recorded history but that by the end of the day today we will have moved to the fifth wettest July ever recorded.

As I was listening to that broadcast I wondered if they were counting the great flood of the bible...? I doubt it.

But any way, this rain is significant. My livelihood is dependant upon working outside and those opportunities to work have been severely limited lately.

Monica and I have been taking turns encouraging each other that God is in control. God knows our situation. Good knows our needs. He has always been faithful to meet those needs so we stand strong in that knowledge. We are not certain if this is just a test of faith or God's moving us in a different direction. Perhaps its a bit of both.

But one thing is for certain. We are drawing close to God. For me, I don't think I've ever been more aware of the presence of God in my life than right this very moment. -And that's a Good Thing.

Of course today is Friday. This is the day of the week I have set aside to regularly take an inventory of God's blessings in my life. And although the rain is 'slaying' me I have to praise God for the rain because I doubt I would be drawing so close to HIM in a time of plenty.

I will not be discouraged no matter what my physical circumstance. I am grateful for my life. I have a beautiful family, live in a nice home, and have plenty of food to eat. I have been blessed greatly and abundantly. For sure these are some of the lean times of my life, but the Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord!

Lifting Up A Friend Today

Dear Heavenly Father,

This afternoon I'm lifting up a friend. I don't know specifically what is going on in his life, but You do, Lord. You are all knowing and all seeing. You are the maker of the universe. Father God You spoke our world into existence. There is no problem, trouble, or difficulty that You can't handle.

Lord I just give this situation to You. I pray for a swift resolution and I pray for any healing that needs to take place. I pray for an end to any pain and suffering. I pray for my friend's finances too, Lord. Take his burden, Lord. Make his load light and easy.

I pray for his spiritual well being, Father. I stand in the gap for him today. Draw him close to you, my King. Comfort him this very moment. Strengthen him. Protect his family. Lord Jesus You are in control here. I commit his needs to You.

Father God, thank You for my friend and for his asking me for prayer. I consider it an honor and privilege to pray for the needs of others.

Thank You also for being an awesome God who listens to and answers prayer.

Father God I love you and I pray these things in Jesus' Name, AMEN.

Church On A Mission: Equipping the Saints...

Mat 5:14 You are the light of the world. -A city set on a hill cannot be hid....!

I am feeling more and more bold to share my faith in every circumstance, every day, all day long. A big reason for that is the new church Monica and I are attending. It's really unlike any church we have ever attended. It's mission is to equip the body of Christ to minister to each other and the world. In the two short months that we have been attending Life Church of Angleton, Texas we have felt convicted, stretched, and challenged spiritually in ways we had not imagined possible.

I know this church is 'the Real Deal'. And I Praise God and Thank Him for leading us there...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord You are my Shepherd. You are in firm control of my life. You are constantly guiding and leading me. I am so grateful Father that You have led my family to Life Church. Though storms rage all around us and we have no idea what the future will bring, we stand strong on Your promises to deliver us.

Thank You Lord for what You are doing in our lives and community. You are an Awesome God. We love You Lord, and want to be right in the center of Your will for our lives.

Lord my prayer today is that You would help me to be still and listen for You.

I want to honor You Lord. I want to give glory to You. I want my life to be a city on a hill, to be salt and light to those around me.

Father God I Yield to You. I am ready, I am willing. Hold me close. Never let me go. If it be Your will, please work through me to touch lives for You today. If I am not ready to be used, please show me the areas in which I need improvement. Transform me, Lord.

And Father I lift up my family to You today. I pray blessings over Monica, Elijah, and Connor this morning. I lift up my friends and co-workers today as well. I pray for those Divine appointments in my life. Help me to recognize them and seize the opportunity to be You to them.

Heavenly Father I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

Surrendered

Lord I am surrendered to You. Today I give it all to You. Nothing I have is my own. Nothing I accomplish is under my own power. I am Your servant, totally committed to doing Your will.

Show me Your way. Lead me My King. Use me for Your glory. I love You my heavenly Father. You are my Rock. You make me strong. I am a conqueror in you, Jesus.

I love You Lord. And I give You thanks, praise, and worship. Lift me up Oh Lord. Help me to walk in You.

Father I pray these things in the name of Your Sweet Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Staying Focused...

Lord I need You this morning. Help me stay focused. Help me stay sharp. I'm slipping. I'm falling. I'm weak. Help me be strong in You... Pastor Bob Kraft sent me some verses to stay on track... One of them was Romans 8: 35-37

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors.

He then followed the scripture with this comment: To warrant the correct kind of attention you must be doing something right...!

Lord, I want to be 'right'. But sometimes I have trouble figuring out what 'right' is... I used to think 'right' was being a workaholic. But I know that's not correct.

Today I'm faced with many things that I absolutely need to do. I also have many things that I'd like to do. There's really not time to do the things that need to get done let alone the things that could get done.

All I can do is prioritize, and do what I can do to the best of my ability and give it up for Your glory. The rest of the things on my plate I just leave for tomorrow. Through it all Lord I'm recognizing that You are God. You can take care of this. You WILL take care of this.

I can't see how this will all work out but You've got the whole world in Your hands. Managing Coach Sam's Schedule is a cinch for You...!

My Jesus, My Savior... I love You Lord. I trust in You. I AM STRONG IN YOU...! And nothing can separate me from You and Your Love.

Thank You Lord for all of creation. I just marvel at what you've done. I mean look at the Giraffe. Look at the Elephant. What marvelous and complex creatures. How about we human beings... ? We have the advanced ability to think, have emotions, create things... Lord You are Wonderful. You are amazing...

Oh there is so much more to this life than the petty little things I seem wrap myself up in...

Father God help me to live for You and to honor You with my life song. Help me to do Your will. Help me to be a man of influence, not affluence.

I lift up my family this morning. I lift up my co-workers. I lift up my church. Bless them Lord. And enable me to be a blessing to them...

Oh God I pray this prayer in the Power of Jesus' Name, Amen!

Prayer for Direction

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for an Awesome weekend, and an awesome day yesterday at church and with my family. Father God, I'm really trying to honor You with my time. I don't want to let one precious moment that You have given me go to waste. I realize there are only 24 hours in a day and I have to allocate some for labor, some for rest, and some for family. All the 24 hours of the day are Yours, my King. But I also want to set aside special time each day just for You and I, Lord. (Like right now...)

Lord, before I really dive into my day I just want to be quiet for a moment and let You speak to me and lead me. Give me direction, Lord. There are so many tasks I could undertake today. Help me to prioritize and make the most of my time.

Whatever I do let it be for Your glory and honor.

Father God I cry out to thee:

Lord God, Heavenly King, My Savior, My Redeemer, My Rock, My Help in Times of Trouble.. God You are so Good. I love You. I trust You, Lord. Thank You Jesus.

Lord I give it all, my everything to You. And I will follow where You lead. Praise You Jesus! You are a God who Saves...!

Lord I pray blessings on this day. Bless my communication and interaction with others. Let me be an instrument used by You to advance Your Kingdom. Help me to be the best I can be, and to give all that I can. I will honor You with my words thoughts and actions today, Lord. and what ever happens good or bad I'm going to praise You and give You glory.

Father I pray special blessings on my dear wife this morning. Enable her to have a productive day for Your glory, too Lord. She is a great wife and mommy and I thank You for my precious Monica. And Father I lift up Connor on his trip today. I pray that he is having a good time and is enjoying time with his grandparents and uncles. Bless his trip Lord and bring him safely home, Father.

Lord I lift up my sweet little Elijah this morning, too. He is missing his brother, Lord. I pray for his day that he stay busy and happy and that he not miss Connor so much. Thank You for Elijah. He is truly a special gift from You.

Lord I do thank You for everything. I consider myself so abundantly blessed. I can't even begin to complain or bring anything negative before You, my King. I just want to show my gratitude to You by living the life you have called me to live and carry out the assignments you have given me. -And that brings us back to the original topic of my prayer. Direction.

Lord I am looking at the road map of today. I just need You to highlight the journey.

I love You you Lord. I praise you Lord. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Lifting Up the Pastor

Lord God, I lift up Pastor Cere this morning. I know he is probably up right now going over his morning's message, as are many Pastors around the country. I pray for them this morning. I stand in the gap for them, Lord. Bless them Father and Bless their messages to in turn bless the multitudes.

Father I love You. Help me to prepare my heart for worship this morning. I only want to give You Glory and Honor today, Lord.

Thank You Lord. Praise You Jesus for a Glorious Day. And I pray these things in Your precious holy name, Amen.

Sunday Thanks and Praise

Praise You Jesus, My Blessed Savior and Redeemer...!

Thank You Lord for a very good day yesterday with the tennis tournament. Everyone was holding their breath to see what the weather was going to do but You were in control and not a drop of rain fell on the tournament yesterday...!

Lord I had a very nice day with Elijah at the tournament and during that time Monica was able to get a lot of things accomplished on the home front so all in all I'd say it was an excellent day. Thank You, my King.

Father God, I'm going to take a closer look for the next few days about the difference between being saved and really making You Lord of my life. I'd like to say again that it's a concept I hadn't thought of until recently. I think many people are deluding themselves into thinking You are Lord of their life just because they have accepted You as Savior. But that's definitely NOT the case. Accepting You as Savior is acknowledgement of WHO You are and WHAT You've done. Making You the Lord one's life is really submitting oneself to Your authority. It's filtering every thought, word, and action through a 'biblical view' lens and sifter. It's doing the right thing time and time again... It's Living the WORD.

And that's impossible to do under one's own power. But I think many people don't even realize they are operating under their own power. (I didn't really understand it, myself) And that's why there's so many baby Christians out there. I've been 'saved' for over 20 years but I'm just now getting past the stage of being a 'baby christian'. Oh I have and have had lots of biblical knowledge in my mind for awhile, but what value has that knowledge been when my heart hasn't been right...?

And what has sparked this change, this boldness in me...? Well, lots of things. The Lord has been working on me for awhile, but here are the highlights from the past few years:

• Marrying the right woman...
• Becoming a Dad...
• Becoming a Step Dad...
• Becoming Broken again and again...

God, thank You for opening my eyes to finally see. Thank You for making my life what it is. Thank you for my struggles, they draw me close to You and make me stronger. Thank You for my opportunities. I won't fail You, Father.

Lord Jesus, I love You. I give today to You, my King. You are Not just my Savior, You are the Lord of My Life...! I worship You and give You thanks and praise and glory and honor and worship now and forever, Amen.

Surrendering The Day To God

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I give today to You. I praise You that You are not only my Savior, You are the Lord of my Life... Until recently I didn't distinguish a difference between the two. It's easy to be saved. You already saved us. -We just need to acknowledge that.

But making You the Lord of one's life is something completely different. It really is a surrendering process. Giving up control of one's life is very scary and not easy to do.

I've been saved for over twenty years but have only really surrendered my life very recently.

Lord, I thank You for starting the day off a little more dry than normal. You are an Awesome God. I love You, My King.

I lift up my family today, especially Connor who is away traveling for the next couple of weeks. Please keep him safe during his holiday. Father I lift up all the tournament participants in the Sweetwater Gran Prix this weekend. If it is Your will, Lord please keep it dry for the whole weekend.

Father God, thank You for my life. Help me to make the most of it. Bless my career and business Lord. I have given them to You. Father You have my complete attention. I am living totally for You. Show me Your way. Guide Me. Lead Me. I will Follow You.

And I pray these things in Jesus' Name, AMEN.

Thank God It's Friday...

While I try to recognize the Lord's Blessings at all times, I've tried to make it a routine to set aside specific time every Friday to reflect on how God is at work in my life. I don't want for one second to take for granted all that God has done for me, and what HE continues to do on a daily basis. God answers prayer. And this journal is about prayer. It's good for my own reflection because as I get older my memory is just not what it used to be.

But most importantly, this journal gives glory and honor to THE ONE who is most deserving of all my thanks and praise... JESUS CHRIST....!

My family has been struggling specifically in the area of finances lately, but while the weather has not been very conducive to my daily earnings for some time now, I have made good use of my time off the tennis court 'getting better organized'. And I've just recently come to the realization that while I profess 'faith'. I'm not living that faith because I am spending too much time 'working' and in the pursuit of money.

Due to the nature of my work, when we need more money I just try to work harder, and work more hours in an effort to keep the finances flowing. When the money comes in, I say that God is blessing me. But I've been deceived. I realize now that I've really been trying to accomplish my goals under my own power. I'm not really giving God a chance to help me.

So as I mentioned in an earlier post, I'm not going to work around the clock any more. I'm operating under set hours and will give 100% of myself to that time, then the rest of that tme belongs to my family and my Lord. What ever I can't get done or can't earn during my appointed work hours, God will make up for me. Yes, I'm taking God on as a partner in my business.

God owns everything ayway. He's just loaning his stuff to me for awhile. -That's what I was reminded about this past Wednesday at church...! (Thank You, Truth Project...!)

Good is Good, He is drawing us close right now. We are standing on the promise that he will supply our needs. And at a time when we really can not predict what will happen next, we are standing strong in faith...!

I am very grateful for Life Church that spiritually nourishes and encourages my family. I am very grateful for my dear sweet wife who stands beside me and loves me so perfectly. She is truly a special blessing. I have also been greatly blessed by Elijah and Connor's presence in my life. Elijah enables me to see the world through a child's eyes. And Connor shows me many things about myself that I need to work on. And while that can be very concerning at times, it is a blessing, none the less.

Having a sweet, beautiful family is enough in itself to give me hope, but Praise the Lord, I have eternal security and life everlasting because Jesus died for my sins and I have accepted Him as my personal Lord and Savior... And as a child of God I know I am covered and protected by many, many promises.

God Loves Me. He is stretching and growing Me right now. God has big plans for my family. And we are standing on God's promise to work all things for good and that He will meet all our needs.
Life is hard, but God is Good. Blessed be the name of the Lord...!


Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for blessing me abundantly. Thank You for never once failing to meet my needs and the needs of my family. You are an awesome God. You are powerful and mighty. You are able to restore and redeem us. -And you do that daily. I love You Lord, I trust You. I will follow You no matter what the cost.

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

God's Answer...

Wow... If you read my post from yesterday morning you can probably discern that I am struggling a bit in my spiritual walk. But praise the Lord I was lifted up by the message I heard at church last night...

Yes, God responded quickly. You see, last night's Truth Project topic was about 'Labor'. -And it was just what I needed to hear.

We were reminded several things in last night's message:

• God was the original worker.
• God worked for six days and he rested on the seventh.
• God owns everything and freely gives us his stuff to work with.
• Skill and the ability to work come from God.
• Work should be done only for God's Glory.
• Work is a divine blessing.

So, here's what I'm going to do...

• I'm going to work a sane schedule, leaving time for family and church.
• I'm truly going to give everything I do to God.
• I'm going to be faithful to God in all areas of my life
• I'm NOT going to be discouraged.
• I'm going to be patient and listen for that still small voice at all times.

Now, God hasn't given me EVERY answer. How I will handle what may or may not happen in the future is a matter of faith. But God definitely spoke to me enough in last night's message that I am encouraged to carry on.

And it's interesting to note that as soon as I felt a peace about the labor issue that Satan immediately began to attack me on another front...-my relationship with other family members.

My wife and I discussed it at great length last night. There does seem to be an incredible spiritual warfare going on right now in our lives. But we are going to stand strong against the Evil One. I wasn't much of an encouragement to my dear wife last night, but a good night's sleep and quiet time with the Lord has set me straight.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I'm not going to try to compose a long flowing prayer this morning. I just want to say that I love you. I need you. I'm sorry for my bad attitude. I'm seeking You, Lord. I'm truly trusting in You. I'm grateful for what I have and I freely give it all back to you, my King.

Lord I ask blessings on me today and I ask that I be a blessing to others.

I pray these things in the power of the name of my Blessed King Jesus, my Lord and Savior Who reigns down now forever and ever, Amen.

Waiting On God....

I'm trying desperately to find some balance and to get on a routine schedule, but I haven't figured it out yet... I figure that God has got to have a different life plan for me. But I have to do what I'm doing until God show's me something. Right now I'm just waiting on God....

I know a person has to be still to hear the small voice of God. I'm anything but still. I should not be up at 12:21 AM blogging but that's just how crazy my schedule is right now. Of course my summers have always teneded to be 'full', but right now I'm running a frantic pace that I won't be able to keep up with for too much longer...

I say that I'm 'giving it to God'... -But I'm coming to the realization that I'm deceiving myself. If I was truly giving it to God then I wouldn't be working around the clock slaving away tring to make ends meet. I'd be living a normal schedule with somewhat set, routine hours of operation.

Is killing myself physically giving honor to God...? I don't think so... God wants me to have a sane life...

I just really truly want to honor God in everthing I do.... Lord, help me...!

Prayer and Praise

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I come to you a little burdened this morning. I'm dealing with busy-ness like never before. Father God I throw myself at your mercy and cry out for help today. I need you Lord, I need You. Make my burden lite. Only You can forgive me and restore me. Father, Monica and I are trying to live life for You and for Your Glory. We need You Lord. We (I) lay everything down at the foot of Your cross. I'm surrendering, Lord.

My life is Yours to make of it what You will.

Lord Jesus I thank and Praise You for the awesome church we are attending. I thank you for Pastor Cere and ask continued blessings on He, his family and the ministry at Life church of Angleton. Thank You Lord for the convicting sermons that pastor Cere brings to our attention week after week. Thank you for using Pastor Cere the way You do. You are an awesome God and I love you. I pray these things in the name of Jesus. amen.

Prayer for Sunday Services...

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord God, I thank You for today. Monica had a great conference and came home on fire for You..! Praise You, Lord! Thank You Father for that Blessing.

Lord, I have a special prayer request.. Father, I especially pray for Sunday church services in a few hours. Bless Pastors' messages as they go out across the land. I pray for a special annointing of YOUR WORD all over the world, Lord.

Father God, I especially lift up Pastor Cere at Life Church, Pastor Dave at FBC West Columbia, and clergymen everywhere. Lord bless these men, their families, and their ministries.

Father, You know what's going on in my life right now. -You know all things. Lord, I give my troubles, my cares, and my concerns to You. Father God You are my Deliverer. I will trust and obey. I am yours, Lord.

I love You my King. And I pray these things in the Powerful Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Our Family Growing In God...

'Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever...' 2 Peter 3:18

In a recent family discussion I asked my wife Monica and my stepson Connor to make a list of the three or four things that are most important in their lives. (I did likewise.)

Not surprisingly, We all listed improving our relationship with God as our number one priority. But what does that really look like in action...? Here's what we're doing so far...

1) We are attending an awesome church together. 2) We are doing a family bible study together. Although we had previously started this study, we got distracted and off schedule but are back on track after our renewed commitment to grow in God both individually and as a family. 3) We are all working on independent studies and trying to set aside specific time every day for prayer and meditation.

I don't know what it looks like in other Christian households but that's what it's like around here. As the head of the household it's my responsibility for my families' spiritual welfare and as a leader I'll admit that I've done a poor job up to this point.

But no time like the present to step up to the plate, right...?

I can't sleep tonight. There's a restlessness in my spirit. I don't know what the reason for that restlessness is but I do know God is trying to get my attention. And he's got it...!

I've never been more keen on my relationship with the Lord than right this moment. You see we've been facing a great deal of adversity lately. But Praise God we will not bend to adversity...! We'll just draw close to God. That's what we're doing right now. We're drawing close.

God is Good. God is Great. God is our Restorer and Redeemer. God is our Provider. God is our Deliverer.

Blessed be the name of the Lord. Jesus Christ!


Dear Heavenly Father,

My Gracious King, Lord, and Savior I owe my life to You. Lord I want to serve You to the best of my ability. I want everything I say, do, and think to bring glory and honor to You. You are so worthy of this thanks, praise, and worship. Thank You Lord for blessing me with such an awesome family.

I couldn't be more pleased with my wife. She is an awesome helpmate and soul mate. What a great blessing You have bestowed on me in my precious Monica. Lord, I love and cherish her and pledge to always be the best husband to her that she could possibly imagine. I want to lift her up this morning in prayer Lord. I pray for her walk with You. I pray for her schedule. I pray for her physical health, Lord. I just want to lift her up in every way possible.

Lord I want to lift up Connor, too. he recognises the need to draw close to you as well and he's making an honest effort. I am so proud of him. Help me to be just what he needs right now. help me to be firm, but encouraging. Help me to see things from his perspective. Help me to be more patient. Lord I want to be a blessing to Connor. Please show me what that looks like. I recognize that bringing up Connor and Elijah might be the greatest contribution I can make to this world and I take that role very seriously.

Father God I thank You for my little baby Elijah. I wish I could spend every moment of my day with him. He is truly a miracle. Thank You Lord. We all love little Elijah.

Lord you have done so much for me. You have given me so much. I know that all good things come from You. Thank you, Father God.

I love You and give you all the praise, glory and worship you so richly deserve...

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

Getting into the Word...

Pastor Cere was on vacation and our church had a guest speaker yesterday. He made many good points which I will highlight in my next few posts. He gave us many scripture references and spoke very candidly about hindrances to believer's walks of faith...

Here is a scripture that had personal significance to me...

James 1:22... Be doers of the word, NOT hearers.

I think I've been a HEARER of the word more than a DOER... -But that's about to change... (immediately!)

The speaker listed three hindrances, three things that 'mess us up' our Christian Walk...

#1 Hindrance... IGNORANCE -Referring to those who don't even take time to crack open their bible. They (I) literally don't know what they're (I'm) missing....

#2 Hindrance... DISTRACTION / BUSYNESS -This is me. I've openly been discussing my 'busyness' for years... Wasting precious time is one of my greatest transgressions.

#3 Hindrance... OUTRIGHT REBELLION -Some Christians know exactly what they need to be doing but they flee the Lord and their responsibilities...


Honestly, to some degree I've got all three of the hindrances listed. So what can I do...?

REPENT... No more stealing God's time and resources.

RENEW... My commitment to follow Jesus.

REVIEW... Go over scriptures. Study the WORD.

RESTORE... Jesus as the Lord of my Life.


Dear Heavenly Father,

Today I choose to follow You completely. Lord I leave everything at the foot of Your cross this morning. I don't want to live life the way I've been living it previously. Show me areas I need to change, Lord. I don't want to be ignorant of You. I don't want to be distracted and so busy all the time. I don't want to live in Rebellion.

Father God, I am completely open to Your leading. I want every aspect of my life to be pleasing to You and bring glory and honor to Your name.

Lord I have been so unworthy. -And I am so remorseful for having offended Thee. Lord I firmly resolve with the help of your Grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin...

Lord You have called me to be many things but I've been running away from my responsibilities. -I'm taking a stand TODAY. No more running.

I WILL be the Godly Husband and Daddy that You have called me to be.

I WILL face these GIANTS.

Lord, I WILL Follow You.

This morning Lord I pray special blessings on my sweet wife Monica who is doing her best to hold this family together. Lord, thank You for Monica. I would be in BIG trouble without her. Lord I lift up Connor and Elijah this morning, too. Bless their sleep right this very moment. Bless their day, Father.

My Lord and Savior Jesus: I re-dedicate my life to YOU this morning. Thank You, Lord for saving a wretch like me...! Lord I am no longer operating under my own power, but Yours. You get the Glory for today, Lord. I am nothing. YOU are EVERYTHING. Lord, I lift up your name on high.

THANK YOU KING JESUS...!

I love YOU, Lord. And I pray these things in your precious holy name, AMEN!

Severely Tested Today...!

Wow...! Today was not what I prayed for, that's for sure. I don't want to go into great detail at the moment. Let's just say that today included lots of 'drama' on several different fronts.

I have to say that I'm a little discouraged. But you know. I truly believe that God uses adversity to mold and shape us. He uses difficult, incomfortable situations to stretch and grow us. Times like this make a person dig deep. Times like this draw us closer to HIM...

GOD DEFINITELY HAS MY ATTENTION...!

I had to go back and re-visit what I wrote first thing this morning because the turn of events really 'shook' me this afternoon...

Here's what I wrote earlier this morning:

God is Good.....God knows my situation......God won't give me any difficulty without the resources to face that difficulty......But God's Timing is not My Timing......I will be Patient......I will Trust and Obey...... I will be Faithful.......God is in control and HE can do all things.

In spite of ANOTHER unexpected rough day today I still cling to those beliefs...!

Dear God,

I love you. Please hold me close and don't ever let me go. I pray these things in Jesus' Name, AMEN.

Expectations....

I'm expecting a good day today. It's the Lord's Day. I've been looking forward to church all week. I can't wait to hear what Pastor Cere will preach about this morning. I don't know what the topic is, but I know the message will stretch me and touch my heart like it has every Sunday for the past five Sundays.

I NEED A GOOD DAY!

Honestly, it's been a rough week. The weather has not been conducive to my livelihood lately. Raising a teenager and a two year old simultaneously can present a challenge as well... Life has been hard lately... But here's what I know:

God is Good.

God knows my situation.

God won't give me any difficulty without the resources to face that difficulty.

But God's Timing is not My Timing.

I will be Patient.

I will Trust and Obey.

I will be Faithful.

God is in control and HE can do all things.

Blessed be the NAME of the Lord, JESUS...!


Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I call on You this morning. I need You, Lord. Lift me up. Help me prepare my heart to worship You today. Lift my sweet wife and family up too, Lord. Help me to lead them. Help me to be just what they need as a husband, a daddy, and a spiritual leader. Lord I give today to You. I know You are in control. Thank You for the Hope and Joy You Bring. -You are an Awesome God...!

Father God I pray blessings on Pastor Cere this morning. I lift up Elton and the praise team, and all the church body behind the scenes that will minister this morning.

Lord I lift up every Pastor and church body across this great country that will come together in corporate worship this morning. I pray for powerful messages and changed hearts.

Father God I love You. I praise You. I give my life to You. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name, AMEN.

Thank You

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Friday. Thank You for my Family. Thank You for my life. Thank You Lord for the challenges that draw me closer to You and keep me there.

I'm facing some 'Giants' right now, Lord. But I'm not blinking. I'm resting in You.

Father God, You know my situation. And You know my heart. Lord I'm going to honor You no matter what. I'm going to give You my BEST.

You are deserving of My BEST, Lord. Because You gave my Your Best, first. Thank You for showing me how to live. I love You, Lord.

I lift up my wife today. I lift up Connor and Elijah. Lord I lift up myself. I'm weary Lord. But there is an enormous task ahead.

Father I can't accomplish all that needs to get done today but by Your Grace I will carry on.

I'm giving this day to You, My King. And I'm giving You my Best. Whatever get accomplished today is by You and You get the credit for it. I offer today up for Your Glory.
And I pray these things in Jesus' name,

Amen.

Getting Ready For Rain...

You might think this is a funny title given that our current weather pattern has been rain, rain, and more rain for the better part of a month. Of course we're ready for rain...!

But actually the phrase 'Getting ready for rain..." in this case refers to a scene in the movie 'Facing the Giants'. In this scene Coach Taylor is being discipled by an elder. The elder tells him the story of two farmers. Both farmers desperately needed rain for their crops. Both of them prayed for rain. But only one of them actually went out and prepared his fields for planting. So, which one trusted and had greater faith in the Lord...?

Well, the one who actually prepared his field to receive rain...

God wants to bless us and meet our needs. But we have a role in all this, too. We have to do our part... We've got to get ready for Rain....!

America, America, God shed HIS Grace on Thee...

Those lyrics from the song 'America the Beautiful ' have been on my mind a lot the past few days. You see a few days ago Monica and I saw a commercial on television from the Department of Homeland Security which advised everyone to have an 'emergency plan' in place in the event of a terrorist attack.

Now how sobering is that...? Monica and I hardly ever watch TV and it is even more rare that we would pay attention to a commercial. But that commercial really hit home. And it brought to mind the reality that the WORLD hates America. Well, MUCH of the world hates America.

-Yes, there are those in the world who would love to do us harm. But, it's a good thing for us that God shed HIS grace on us, right...? I mean, how much can our country's homeland security really do to assure our safety...? They are already issuing 'disclaimers' on public television.

The real question on my mind is how much longer will God continue to shed HIS Grace on us...? I don't know. All I can say it's a good thing that I'm not God because I probably would have already cut my losses.

What can I do for America...? I can try to make America stronger by raising a Godly family. I can make America stronger by giving 100 % of myself to what ever I am doing. I can stand in the Gap for America in prayer.

And Pray to the THE ONE who IS my ETERNAL HOMELAND SECURITY:

JESUS CHRIST...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for shedding Your Grace on America. I don't know if our country really deserves it any more, Lord. I guess that's why it's called Grace. But Lord I stand in the gap for my country this morning. I lift America up to you, My King. I pray for the Restoration of our country, Lord.

Father God I pray for an awakening. I pray for a revival, Lord. I pray that love and peace will triumph over darkness. I am grateful to live in America. Help me to be worthy of Your Grace. Help me to be faithful and true. Help me to be the witness You have called me to be.

Father God I lift up this Nation to You. I love You Lord. I thank You for Your ample blessings in my life, my family's life, and this Great Country called America.

And I pray these things in the Power of the the name of Jesus' Christ,

Amen.

The Voice of God

I seem to be hearing a central theme lately. That theme is Have Faith in God. That theme is to Trust in God That theme is to Live a Life that Honors God.

It sounds like a 'no brainer', right...?

Well, of course it is. Believers know that is how a person who has truly surrendered their life to Christ is supposed to think and live. I'm just saying that for some reason all this just seems 'crystal clear' to me right now. I believe this 'reason' is due to several recent developments.

First of all, my family and I have been consistently ministered to by Pastor Cere at Life Church of Angleton the past five weeks. Pastor Cere preaches with a passion and conviction I have rarely observed in my entire life. I can't remember a time when I've ever been more challenged, inspired, and convicted spiritually on a Sunday morning than I have been in the past five Sundays.

Another factor is that movie: Facing the Giants. (Which incidentally Pastor Cere introduced to us...) I told Monica that I wanted to watch that movie a few more times. I want to show it to my students. Seriously, if you have not seen that seen that movie, you MUST see it. I promise It will change your life.

And finally, a third factor is the steady consistent witness of my dear sweet wife. I love her so much. Monica is the perfect help mate to me. (as I hope I am to her, as well...) It does seem that when I need encouragement and discernment, she is always there always giving me a Godly perspective. She is a great woman of Faith. She is a great woman of prayer. She loves and trusts God with the kind of reckless abandon that effects and influences everyone around her.

She has lifted me up and restored me on so many occasions I have lost count and don't even try to keep score any more. Certainly, I am always there for her also but here lately it seems that I am getting the much better end of the marriage deal.

Oh God is Great. God is Good. HE takes care of me. HE provides for me. Troubles may come my way but God is equipping me to handle what ever life dishes out...!

Blessed be the Name of the Lord...!

Inspiration For the Game of Life...!

My family became acquainted with the movie 'Facing the Giants' about a month ago at church. The Pastor did an outtake of the movie and commented on all the spiritual ramifications of the scene. It was so compelling that Monica went out and purchased the movie for our family.

I have to say that it is without a doubt the best movie I've ever seen, period.

As a coach who loves God and wants to honor HIM in absolutely everything I do, this movie sums up my coaching philosophy exactly.

To Me, coaching a sport is more than just teaching the fundamentals of that particular sport. And in the movie 'Facing the Giants', Coach Grant Taylor does just that.

All I can say is buy the movie, see the movie, invite your friends and your children's friends to see the movie....!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for the movie Facing the Giants. It has impacted me greatly. You are such an awesome God...! I love You Lord. On this Sunday morning I give You thanks and Praise for being the great big God You are.

Father God I lift up Pastors everywhere as they prepare for this morning's service.

I especially lift up Pastor Dave at First Baptist West Columbia and Pastor Cere at Life 4-Square in Angleton. I pray that hearts will be touched and forever changed this morning.

And Lord You know the burdens I'm bearing. Father God I just lay them at Your feet this morning. Thank you for making my load lighter, My King.

I love You, I trust You, I Rest in You my Beloved Savior.

And Lord I pray these things in the power and Might of the Name of Your Precious Son Jesus Christ,

AMEN.