Thankful For Tennis

I've been thinking a lot lately how tennis has always been my refuge. Tennis has shaped my life. It's affected who my friends were, how I spent my time, how I spent money and earned money. Tennis has been my sanity and sometimes my insanity.

I am grateful for Tennis. Thank You Lord For Tennis.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, You are a Good God. You are my Lord and Savior. You are my Strength. You are my Rock and my Shelter. You are my Friend. Lord You were at work in my life before I ever knew You. That amazes me.

Thank You Lord for steering me into tennis. Thank You for all the positive influences You have placed in my life. Any number of things could have become of my life. But circumstances in my life have led me to this moment in time, and this morning I thank You and give You praise.

Lord I praise and give You thanks for all the good things in my life: My family, my friends, and the awesome church I attend. I live in a comfortable house. I have enough to eat and nice clothes to wear. I have a reliable vehicle. And I have tennis, which as I have described above always been a presence in my life.

Lord I have never felt too comfortable praying for myself. With all You have already done for me, how could I be so bold as to ask for anything more...?

Well I don't want any 'things', that's for sure. I would like help to be faithful and obedient. I could always use more patience. Father help me to always be right in the center of Your will for my life.

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

Early Morning Devotional

Today is starting off well. My favorite thing to do is to get up early and enjoy quiet time with my precious Lord and Savior. And that's just what I'm doing this morning. I've had difficulty getting into that kind of a groove the past few months, though. I've just been so tired. My alarm would go off early, but I just couldn't get up. Today however when that alarm went off I jumped out of bed with a spring in my step. I can't explain it, but I feel refreshed this morning.

I like to get up at 4 AM, The house is typically quiet at that time except for Rylee, the family dog's snoring and maybe our cats rustling about. This morning in particular there are no distractions.

My first thoughts of the morning were 'Lord I'm going to serve You with all my heart today!' I have so much gratitude for what my Lord and Savior has done and is currently doing in my life... All I think to do is just continually give thanks and praise. Oh God is Good...!

Many mornings I like to browse Dr Charles Stanley's website for inspiration and direction. In his morning devotional today he focused on Ephesians 4:14-16, our need for spiritual growth.

It's important that we try to grow in Christ. Finding Salvation is only the beginning of the journey. Growing in Christ and then sharing what we know and helping others begin their journey is what God has called all believers to do.

Pastor Cere at Life Church of Angleton said it something like this: 'If getting saved were all God wanted of us then he would take us to heaven the moment we got saved.... But No, he leaves us here to affect the world around us...' (Sorry Cere, you said it much more passionately than I wrote it...)

All I know is that I've lived for too long without making any kind of impact in this world for the gospel. And here lately God is really opening my eyes to three things:

1) His Wondrous Glory

2) Role Models in my Life

3) The Needs of Others and My Opportunities to Minister

Starting tomorrow morning I'm going to expand on those areas God is illuminating in my life.

This morning I just want to proclaim God's Power and Might. He is Wonderful and Awesome. He is the Ever Living, All Powerful, King of Kings and Lord of Lords...!


Father God, I love You, Lord. You are Amazing. You are GOD. I lift up Your Holy Name this morning, my King. I praise You. You are Glorious. I live to worship You my Lord and Savior.

Jesus, You know my needs. You know my desires. Let not my desires supersede YOUR Will for my life. I do want to be right in the center of Your will, oh Lord.

Father I lift up my wife and family to You today. I lift up Pastor Bob and his ministry today. I pray for my friends who are struggling with life issues today, Lord. Let them find their answers in YOU.

Lord I lift up Cere, the rest of church staff, and the church body at Life Church as they prepare for the Intensive Discipleship Training Course starting this evening.

Thank You Lord for breathing life into me. I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

Words to Live By: Proverbs 16:20

"He who gives attention to the word will find good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD."

This pretty much says it all, doesn't it...? It's concise and succinct. It's Truth.

Proverbs is one of my favorite books in the bible. Look how much information is packed into this one stand alone verse. Proverbs is rich with many nuggets such as this. -Words to live by!

Today's exposition of scripture comes down to two simple questions:


1.) Do you want to find good...? Then pay attention to the WORD.

2.) Do you want to be blessed...? Then trust in the LORD.


Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord thank You for YOUR LIVING WORD, the bible. Father, I was visiting with my stepson Connor yesterday and he gave me a statistic that I was not aware of: The world's population now stands at roughly six billion. My first thought was the question of how many of them are saved or have even heard about YOU? My next thought was wow, the earth's population has come a long way since Adam and Eve.

Now I'm thinking how set apart I am from the world knowing what I know about YOU, and THE TRUTH. Thank You Father for the saving knowledge of what Your Son JESUS did for not only me but all six billion out there.

Lord I do want to find good and I do want to be blessed. By Your Grace I will follow the advice of Proverbs 16:20 and I will spread Your Message of Good News to all within my sphere of influence. Help me to be disciplined in daily study. Help me to be bold in the sharing of my faith. Just let me live what I believe.

Father I continue to lift up my family and friends to You today. Margaret is back in the hospital again with another heart attack. Elijah is still under the weather, Danta's mom had her surgery yesterday. Pastor Bob Kraft is ministering to those in need at the US Open. And this morning Lord as I pray for the above mentioned needs, I do have several unspoken prayer requests, too.

And You know what those are, My King.

Finally Lord, Help me to influence my share of the 6 billion. I rest in You. I trust in You, my Savior. I will follow You. I love You.

And in Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

Standing in the Gap For Many Today

The main purpose of this prayer journal is to lift up others in prayer. Today I have many prayer requests...

Monica and Elijah... Elijah went to the Doctor yesterday and has been given some medicine that seems to have side effects that are worse than his original illness. He had another restless night with all his congestion. Monica did not sleep well last night and says she is starting to get a sore throat now...

Danta's Mom Judy.... Our good friend Danta emailed us that her mom is going to have her gall bladder and part of her liver removed today.

Pastor Bob Kraft... Bob is a tennis pro / missionary who is ministering to players, coaches, and tournament staff at the US Open. The Grand Slam tournaments are his mission field.

Coach Sam's Friend... I have a friend who is battling depression.

Coach Sam's Other Friend... I have another friend who is struggling in his career and marriage.

And in light of all the more dire circumstances above I almost feel guilty in this request, but the Chadwell Family Finances could always stand to be lifted up in prayer...

Dear Heavenly Father,

My Lord, My God, and My Savior, wondrous is Your name in all the earth. How marvelous Your power and might. You are most holy and Your tender love and mercies endure forever. You are an awesome God who reigns supreme over all the earth and the heavens. You know all and nothing escapes Your perfect vision.

Father God I know You are already perfectly aware of these situations but they have been placed on my heart to specifically recognize today. I bring them before You in total humility and pray above all else that Your will be done in these matters.

Lord I pray for the health of my wife and son. There is nothing I wouldn't do for them. I thank You so much for blessing me with their presence in my life. I give their health to You and trust You to heal and restore them. Allow the medicine Elijah is taking to do what is supposed to do and make him better.

Lord I lift up Danta's mom, Judy. What a joy and privilege it is to have Godly friends like Danta and her husband Bruce. Danta has specifically asked for prayer for her mom. I want to lift her mom up but I also want to lift up Danta and the rest of her family, too. I know firsthand what it's like to have a beloved family member go into surgery with life threatening circumstances looming. So Father I pray for healing for Judy but also I ask for strength, peace, and patience for Danta and her family as well.

Father I lift Up Pastor Bob and the work he's doing at the US Open right now. I pray for a ripe harvest of fruit from his efforts. Lord I now there are many tennis pros out there who need You. I pray that Your message through Pastor Bob will be heard loud and clear.

You know about my two friends who are suffering various trials in their personal lives. Lord You have placed them in my life and given me a sensitivity to their needs. In my life I have certainly been depressed and discouraged. I have had career issues and motivational problems. Praise You Lord that I have never had any issues in my marriage, but I was the child of a bad marriage and definitely know what that looks like.

Lord I lift up my two friends to You. Help me to minister encouragement to them and show them what You look like. Let me be Your hands and feet to them, Jesus.

Finally My Precious Redeemer, I commend my finances to You. As usual there is not enough to go around in a timely manner. Is that because we haven't been faithful in the past? Are You asking us to give up some 'things' or activities...? Are You trying to move us in a different direction...? Are You just drawing us close to You...?

Father God, help us to stretch what You have blessed us with already and enable us to keep up with the demands of our needs. Lord I want to be a good steward of Your Providence. Help me to make wise financial decisions. Father I'm praying that You not only help us to meet our current needs but bless us with extra income to get ahead and be more of a blessing to others.

Lord, we are totally open to Your will in this matter. We will follow You where ever You lead us. We totally trust in You to meet our needs. We rely on You for everything, Father. I can do nothing under my own power. I must give every circumstance of my life to You. And IN YOU I can do all things....

Thank You Lord. Praise You Jesus. I love You my King, and I pray these things in Your precious holy name, AMEN.

Lots To Pray About

It's the start of a new week... We've had kind of a difficult weekend.... Elijah started getting sick Friday afternoon with a cough and he's had a miserable time at night with congestion and not being able to sleep. And when Elijah doesn't sleep, NO ONE SLEEPS!

We'll be taking him in to see Dr Rogers this morning for sure. So Elijah is at the top of our prayer list this morning.

I'm also praying for Pastor Bob Kraft who is ministering at the US OPEN right this minute! He sent me an email newsletter recently that really touched my heart. Now there's a man who is passionately following the Lord. What an inspiration he is... I pray for his day today and his week this week. I pray that he wins many souls for the Lord and plants many seeds for the Kingdom! I lift his family up as he travels far away from them. I don't know how I could be without my wife and kids for that long a period... My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to Pastor Bob.

Today is also the start of the new school year for many kids and teachers in this area. I most definitely want to lift faculty, students, and school employees up this morning. -Especially my stepson Connor who is starting high school today!

My wife needs special prayer today as well. She's had an especially difficult weekend getting even less rest than I have. I don't know any mom or wife who does a better job at taking care of her family than my Sweet Monica. (My Sis Becky is pretty close, but sorry Sis, I'm a little biased here...)

My wife is such a tremendous support and inspiration to me. I can't wait each day to log on to her blog and see what has poured out of her heart. But she hasn't written in over ten days. Things have been busy and hectic here as usual and quiet time to be able to organize and compose one's thoughts has been at a very high premium lately. I have to get up at 3 or 4 AM to write, myself...

Speaking of me, I don't normally like to pray for myself but I'm lifting 'Me' up today, too. I'm weary. My body is constantly in pain somewhere. My workload is very demanding.

I do have a sense that I'm right where God wants me to be. -He just wants me to do things a little differently and re prioritize life a little. It's those few small details that escape me, though.

I do feel good spiritually, and that's certainly a blessing. But I most definitely need prayer for managing my time and finances.

Dear Heavenly Father,

God of Mercy, God of Love, Lord you are Most Holy and I love You. You have blessed me so abundantly. I praise You my precious Lord and Savior. I thank You for Godly role models like my wife and Pastor Bob. I thank You for the blessing of my boys Connor and Elijah. I lift them all up to You today, Father.

Each has his or her own special needs Lord and You know each and every one of them. You even know things they need that I may not even be aware of. That's why You are God and I'm not...!

Father God, I trust You to meet every one's needs. You promised You would do that and you can not lie so I know You will make it so. You uphold the righteous and work all things for good to those who are called to Your purpose.

Lord I know that I am called to Your purpose. And right this very second You are grooming and shaping me. You are ordering my steps, my path, and direction. All the circumstances and situations I am facing right now are intended to mold and conform me in Your image.

Well I don't understand what is going on, or where exactly I am going, but like Abraham I will follow You, Lord. I will trust and obey. I don't know how, but I know that You will meet all my needs. You always do. Sometimes You wait until what seems like the last possible second but I know it is all in Your perfect time.

God, You are a Great Big God and I Worship You. You are an Awesome God...!

Jesus, My King, My Lord, My Savior, I give today to You. I totally surrender to You. I'm holding nothing back. You get my Best, Lord. My Everything. And I pray these things in Your most holy name, AMEN!

Under The Shadow of Our Steeple...

Here's a video from one of my favorite Contemporary Christian Bands, Casting Crowns. I have heard this song on the radio and listened to the CD many. many, times... It makes me think of the many ministry opportunities right before me in my sphere if influence each and every day.

John 14:13-14 Why We Pray in Jesus' Name...

This scripture is highlighted in Dr Stanley's morning devotional. It's a great scripture verse to be thankful for.

John 14:13-14 says that God will grant requests that are asked in HIS NAME so that Glory will be given to HIM... That's truly good news that God listens to and answers prayer...!

I am very thankful for prayer. God has been listening to and answering prayer in my life for a long time. When I was a younger Christian I thought we finished our prayer with Jesus' name because that's who we were praying to. Even though I had read that verse before I didn't fully discern it's meaning at the time. I did know that 'Amen' meant 'Make it so..,.' But John 14:13-14 is pretty much a guarantee.

Oh God is so Good...!

Thank You Lord for my many blessings. It is so amazing to see You at work in the lives of those around me. Thank You for the work You are doing in my family right this minute. Thank You for great shepherds like Cere and Sonny and all the church staff at Life Church.

Father God thank You for prayer and the promises You have given us regarding prayer. God You are an awesome God.

I Love You Lord. I give this day to You. I thank You and Praise You in Jesus' Name, Amen!

2 Corinthians 12:7-9 -Regarding Weakness

I can hardly wait to meet the Apostle Paul in Heaven one day. He was such a remarkable man. And I have so many questions to ask him... One question is what was the 'thorn in the flesh' that he spoke about in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9...? It's a mystery. But he probably didn't mention it's exact nature because if he did then many readers might not identify with the passage. For instance, if his 'thorn in the flesh' was poor vision then those who had perfect vision might not pay as much attention. They'd think, 'Oh, this doesn't apply to me....'

No, I think Paul was shrewd to not mention the nature of his affliction. Now, every reader can identify with him and imagine that had the same affliction they do. -And we all have afflictions and handicaps of some sort.

Paul's life was a great example because he turned his affliction from a bad situation into a means to glorify God.

We all must learn to do that. God does have 'Good' plans for each of His children. Trials and tribulations serve the purpose of humbling us and driving us to HIM. God can't do vey much with the PROUD. He does HIS BEST work through weak vessels.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for the Apostle Paul and the work You accomplished through Him. His life is an inspiration to me. He handled pain, suffering, and humiliation with Grace. -Your Grace. Paul encourages us to rejoice in our weaknesses. That is so opposite of today's worldly thinking.

But You called us to be in the world but to not become like the world.

Lord, help me to be a difference maker in the world today. What can I do for You...?

I am as open as I can be. My only prayer is that You lead me. Make my path clear. Let me serve You with the gifts and talents you have blessed me with.

Father God open my eyes. Don't allow me to miss another opportunity. And when I face adversity, when my own personal thorns in the flesh stick deep please give me the grace and peace and oneness of purpose that You gave Paul.

Lord I Love You. You are a Great Big God. And I know You love me right back. All of creation speaks of Your wondrous love. Thank You for my life. Thank You for my wife and family. Thank You for the opportunity to serve You. And most of all, thank You for the precious gift of Everlasting Life made possible only by the sacrifice of blessed King Jesus, AMEN.

Still Lifting Up Margaret

I spoke with my brother John yesterday. Margaret is stabilized for now but the Doctors are planning to perform some tests today to determine if they will need to perform a double bypass heart surgery. Please continue to keep Margaret in Your Prayers.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I thank You for being a Great Big God who is in control of all things. Father God You are quite aware of Margaret's health situation. I lift her up to You, Lord. I lift up the Doctors, Nurses, and other health care workers who will be ministering to her. Father, I pray for Margaret's physical heart, and her spiritual heart as well. No doubt she's been contemplating all sorts of thoughts about mortality and what is important in her life right now.

I pray for her complete healing Lord. And Father God I pray these things in Jesus' name, AMEN.

Phillipians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ...

Oh what a familiar verse... It's a verse we all should claim every day. It could change a life.

I was on Dr Stanley's website reading a life principles notes segment earlier this morning and one of the piercing questions he asked was Are You on thin ice with God...?

My answer to that question is Not Any More... -But very recently I was....!

He went on to explain about God's Patience and Love and Kindness. If God was not patient then he would have destroyed this world a long time ago. He said that many Christians have been living their lives the same way for many years, never changing, never growing.

That was me. I was stuck in a spiritual rut for many years. I was operating under my own power and not doing things through Christ. I can't point the catalyst of my recent change of heart to one specific event, but rather to a combination of many circumstances that have ultimately brought me to me knees before the Lord.

I used to try to be strong. But it was all me. Now I'm happy to be weak. Because I know that in my weakness HE will make me strong.

I'm going to claim Philippians 4:13 every morning from now on. I'm going to remind myself that my life is not my own. Life is not about ME. It's about GOD.

And Me...? Well I'm still a frail work in progress. Just last night Monica and I were having a meeting regarding our personal finances. She had made a list of all our bills remaining this month and gave me the grand total. Honestly, my very first thought was it will be difficult, but I do think I can earn that much. Then I immediately caught myself.

No, I can't do that, I decided.

But The Lord and I should definitely be able to pull that off...! The old self would have dove right in head first and might have possibly accomplished the goal but would have just about killed himself during the process. -THE NEW SELF walks close with God as a partner and leans on HIM. Praise the Lord I am never alone.

In Christ I can do all things who strengthens me...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord thank You that when I am weak you make me strong. Lord I can not do anything under my own power, but through You I can do anything...! Praise You Lord!

Father God, I do thank You for illuminating that promise to me. And I claim it this morning, Lord. I need You more than I ever have today.

By Your Grace I will accomplish all my tasks today and more..! And Lord I am open to You. I am Wide Open to anything You have in store for me today. What is Your will for me today my King...? I can do anything for You and through YOU.

Father I intercede this morning for Margaret. I intercede for the family and friends of the trapped mine workers and rescuers. Lord I stand in the gap today for the my family, The American Family, and families all over the world, Lord.

Oh, if every family would learn the Eternal Truth of Philippians 4:13, this would be such a different world. We would train up a generation of difference makers.

Lord I love You and give this day You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Lifting Up Margaret -URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!

My brother's girlfriend Margaret Garcia suffered a heart attack this weekend and has been life-flighted to Methodist Hospital in Houston. Please be in prayer for Margaret, her family, and my brother John...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I lift up Margaret to you this morning. Heal her, Lord. Bless her, Father. I'm not certain as to the severity of her condition but I know that You are in complete control of this situation. Please comfort Margaret's family and friends close to her. Lift up my brother John who cares about Margaret deeply.

Father God, You are the Great Physician. Bless Margaret's doctors and nurses and the medicine she is taking. Thank You Father for the Medical technology that can and will help her. Lord I trust that Your will be done in this matter.

I give You Praise and Glory for being a God who listens to and answers prayer. I love you Lord, and I pray these things in the healing power of Jesus' precious name, AMEN.

Family: The First and Primary Mission Field!

The family unit is the key to changing our culture and our world.

Strong, Godly families can have a tremendous impact on this world. Satan knows that and has been attacking the family unit since Adam and Eve first stated their own family.

I had the privilege of attending a home school conference this past weekend and was encouraged by the number of Godly, Christian families and businesses I came in contact with. It gave me a bit of hope to know that there are so many others who stand in the Gap for what is Good and Right.

I know that God is ultimately in control of everything. But He has called His People to stand out and be different. We are to be in this world but not of it. And because of what we know, we are to be used by Him to impact those around us. We are called to make Disciples of all men. That means EVERYBODY, not just the male gender. And we're supposed to begin with our local community and work outward.

For me, it starts with my own family. This is my FIRST and PRIMARY Mission Field. God is not going to allow and enable me to impact the rest of the world if I can't take care of business at home, first.

So I continue my prayer theme from yesterday. My Family is still under attack. And I imagine many other families are also under attack. I stand in the Gap for them as well today.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Again I come to You Lord just asking what can I do for You...? Sadly I do have some burdens to give You. And If some of these burdens seem familiar it's because they are. Why have I taken them back on again...? I don't know, but I praise You that I do really think I'm starting to catch on as to what my role and purpose in life is. Forgive me for being so dense, Lord. Father, I do want to do Your will. I want to make the most of the opportunities You have given me. Thank You for my family, Lord. They are such a blessing, and I lift them up to You.

I stand in the gap for my wife and Connor and Elijah this morning. I stand in the gap for other parents and their families as well.

I praise You God for being bigger than my problems and the problems of this world.

I trust You Lord, I ask You to guide my steps and continue to lead me. Father God I love you. I want to live a life that is pleasing to you. I want to be a difference maker in this world. I praise You Lord for opening my eyes. I give today to You Lord.

And I pray these things in Jesus Name, Amen.

Sunday... The Lord's Day..!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord God today is the one day of the week we set aside especially for You. We get up early and prepare for a morning of instruction, praise and worship in Your Presence. We are supposed to rest today. We are supposed to make today all about family. That is Your Will for Sunday.

Father God, I want to honor You in that way. But before that can happen for me I have to make a public confession: I'm struggling with a heart condition. I am under spiritual attack, Lord. And I know I can't win this battle without intercession. Thank You Lord, that I'm not completely alone. I know my wife is right there in the spiritual trenches praying for me. And there's probably many others behind the scenes whom I don't even know about praying for me too. (Thank You for them as well...)

Lord, Satan is trying to render me ineffective for the Kingdom. He is doing his best to discourage me. Help me, Lord. Change my heart. Lord, You blessed me with abundant patience. You made me to be a great encourager. Help me to be more patient and more encouraging to the one person in my life that needs it the most.

Father God, I recognize a divine appointment in my life that I am failing to minister to.

I keep thinking about the story of the Shepherd who left the ninety-nine sheep to go after the one who was lost. The funny thing is that sometimes I think of myself as the shepherd and sometimes I think of myself as the one...

Yesterday I was probably the 'one'. Help me to be the 'Shepherd' today.

So there it is, Lord. You are already quite familiar with this situation , but I wrote it out just so I could see it more clearly.

The problem is definitely my own heart. Not someone else, or their behavior. . I'm praying for a change of heart, Lord. Can I have a heart transplant this morning...? Soften my heart, Lord. Let the evidence of that come through clearly in my words and actions today.

Lord You have blessed me so abundantly in so many areas and I am truly grateful. But Lord, what I am asking for this morning is the most important blessing I have ever asked for. Change my heart, Lord. Put it in the right condition where I can be used by You fully to make the greatest impact in the lives of those around me.

Father God I thank You and Praise You right now because I know You will grant this blessing. Honestly, I do already feel a little better now than when I began composing this prayer about forty minutes ago. I can tell You're already at work on this.

Lord, I know You can and will honor this request. You can do all things. And I know this is Your will for my life. All the other little little struggles I face are insignificant compared to the topic we're discussing this morning. This is one of those 'Giants'. I'm facing a 'Goliath' this morning. But You will arm me with my slingshot and small smooth stones.

God, You're an Awesome God, And I love you. I give today up to You. I give every moment for Your Glory. Thank You for answering this prayer, Lord. Great is your Mercy. Great is Your Glory, My King.

In Jesus' Name I Pray, Amen.

Maybe I'm Finally Starting To Get It...

Yesterday I was on the road quite a bit. I drove to League City for a home school camp, then to Alvin for a private lesson. Then I went south to Galveston to pick up some t shorts for a tennis tournament, then to Bay Area Racquet Club to drop off t shirts, then finally back home. I put nearly 200 miles on the car. During that time I listened to many sermons on christian radio.

One particular sermon really hit home me. I can't remember who delivered the sermon but I definitely remember the message. The topic was prayer and what we should be praying about (and what we should pray for...)

When I examine my own prayer life I realize that I slip into this routine of praying for my own needs and desires far too much... Prayer SHOULD NOT be about me, but God. I should be asking God 'what can I do for HIM, instead of What can He do for me'...

The bible tells us to seek His Kingdom FIRST, and then all the other things shall be added on afterwards. The bible also tells us not to worry, that God is in control. He already takes care of the birds of the air and the lillie's of the field and he will definitely take care of His People.

I think if I really make my focus more on God than myself I'll be a lot better off... I hear the words of Dr Charles Stanley echoing in my mind right now: 'Trust God for Everything and leave all the consequences to Him...!'

Dear Lord My God,

Forgive me Father for being so focused on my own needs much of the time. I recognize that if I only focus on You then You will not only provide my needs but You will give me the desires of my heart. Who knows, You might even exceed my expectations....

But that's what I want to do for You my King.

I want to exceed YOUR expectations.

So here it is... What can I do for You Lord...? That's all I really want to know.... That's the only enlightening I need this morning. Show me how I can minister and serve those right here in my own household and community. Isn't my mission field right here...?

Lord my prayer today is about YOU. I love You and want to serve You. Oh I have needs, but I don't need to mention them in this forum because You know what they are....

Father God thank You for the recent encouragement I received from other believers who read my blogs. Thank You for blessing me so abundantly. I am extremely grateful to be able to sit on a comfortable couch in an air conditioned house with my laptop and compose this prayer. I am grateful for the technology to post this blog on the Internet.

Lord I do want to intercede on behalf of some other special needs this morning. And I know You are already aware of these situations but just know that they are on my heart as well....

I lift up Luis who recently posted on our church blog. I lift up the Librarian with Chrohn's disease. I lift up the families of the mine workers in Utah. Lord I ask special blessings on those mentioned.

Lord I also lift up all the participants and staff for the Gran Prix Tournament at Bay Area Racquet Club this weekend. I pray for good weather and that Coach Mike and Jamie have no problems what so ever to deal with.

Lord I have lessons this morning. I pray that I give excellent lessons. Help me to be a witness for the Kingdom in my interaction with others today.

Jesus, I give this day to You. It's all about You, My King. For Your Glory and Your Praise...!

And I pray these things in Your Precious Holy Name, Amen.

Thanking God For Friday

We've made it to another weekend. Oh how the days seem to fly by now....! And there's a kind of built in sense of urgency within me to be about God's work and HIS purpose for my life.

I regularly set aside Fridays to give thanks and praise to the Lord for all HE has done in my life. In case there is any hint of pride within me over any accomplishment from the previous week, I completely blot that out realizing every thing I have, every breath I take, is a gift from God and I want to set my heart straight and give credit where credit is due.


Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord God, Thank You for this past week. Your Glory was revealed in the completion of Connor's room. Your power and might was evident in the tremendous storm we had yesterday.

Thank You Lord for always being in control. Thank You for being mindful of everyone and every circumstance, all the time. Thank You for the presence of Connor and Elijah in my life. Oh Lord thank You for my precious Monica. Father God thank You for my sister Becky and my brothers Stan and John. Thank You for Judy and Arno, and all of our extended family.

Lord I KNOW I have a good life. Oh there are some bumps in the road. There a few challenges here and there, but I'm not going to get myself all wrapped up in the small things of life. You are aware of all those 'details' and You will supply all my needs.

Father God I Praise and Worship You this morning. I ask only that You help me to be strong in You. Help me to be faithful and obedient.

I wish my life to be a living sacrifice for You, Lord. I love You my King and I give this day to You. Lord I pray these things in Jesus name, Amen,

Let It Rain..

We've got a lot of rain here this morning and it's supposed to rain a good portion of the day. On the one hand I could be discouraged because my lessons are being rained out, but on the other hand I can use this time off the court to get better organized...!

I've got to take the positive track. Getting upset and worried over things I can not control is pointless. All things work for good for those who are called to HIS purpose. -I know that I am called to HIS purpose.

And What is HIS Purpose for Sam Chadwell?

1. Grow in Him... Spend time daily in the WORD.
2. Be Obedient... Follow the commandments laid out in HIS WORD.
3. Use My Spiritual Gifts for HIS Glory.
4. Make Disciples of all Men. -Snatch them from the Fire...!

OK, so my attitude is set. My mission is clear. God will help me make up my lost income. My time today will be invested in my fellow man....!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I just thank You for being God. Thank You for this life You have given me. I recognize that I am a servant, Lord. And Father I want to serve with the greatest of my ability. Today I give my all for You. Help me in the area of patience with others. Help me to be obedient. Help me to make the best possible use of my time. And Lord I pray that You help me impact this world for You. I recognize that I can do nothing under my own power. It's all about You and through You, Jesus.

Lord I lift up my Family to You today. I lift up the missing mine workers we have been hearing about on television. Father God I consecrate today to be used for Your Glory.

I love You my King, and I pray these things in Your precious son's name, Amen.

Our Lord Reigns, He Is In Control...

1 Corinthians 13:12 is the scripture verse in Dr Stanley's Devotional this morning. Once again this devotional hits 'home' with me. I read several different versions of the scripture verse but the one that made that verse most clear to me is THE MESSAGE, translated by Eugene Peterson. It's very interesting how different versions of the bible can illuminate certain scripture. In case you didn't click the link or aren't familiar with that scripture it basically says that we can't always see the big picture of events and circumstances in our lives. But one day we will have perfect knowledge. We will come face to face with God and it will all make sense.

Coach Sam's Translation: Sometimes life just doesn't make sense... But hang in there, the journey can be long, arduous, and often perilous. But the ultimate destination is worth the trip...!

Today's message is to be encouraged in the midst of adversity. God uses difficult circumstances to conform us to his image. And we know from Romans 8:28 that God works all things for Good to those who Love Him.

One thing is for sure: I Love God. And another thing is for sure: My family and I are facing difficult circumstances and struggles right now. And we have never been more attuned to what God's will for our lives is until this very moment.. But we do firmly believe God is in control. And we cling fast to the promise of Romans 8:28.

I hope that I get an opportunity to witness to my friends and relatives about God's will and the perfect plan HE has for their lives. I know many who have lost faith and hope in God because of natural disasters that have taken scores of innocent lives, and the general depravity of man and the way mankind treats one another. Today's message is about HOPE. God DOES Reign. He IS in control...!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You Lord for giving me just what I need right when I need it. You are never too soon or too late. You are just right. Father God, I was very encouraged by the reminder that seemingly bad circumstances often have a silver lining. Lord You Know me and my circumstances. You know that I am clinging tightly to you as a drowning man clings to a life preserver.

I love You Lord and I know that You will deliver me from this adversity. And it will be a GREAT TESTAMENT of Your GLORY. -You DO work all things for Good. Thank You for Your Goodness. Thank You for Your Saving Grace. Oh Lord, I am amazed at Your Wondrous, Marvelous, MERCY.

You are an Awesome God. I live For YOU. I give today to YOU. Every thing I do today is in Your Name, For Your Glory. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Praises to HIM

Connor returned home from his summer travels. YEA...!

AND... We had several blessings yesterday. Several answers to prayer. I just want to testify today how God is so Good and Faithful. God is so Real in my life and in the life of my family.

But as God is so Real, Satan is very real, too. He is always on hand it seems trying to steal and kill our Joy. He is constantly shooting fiery arrows my way. If it's not one thing, it's another, right?

So today I'm just going to continue to stand strong IN CHRIST. Because IN HIM I am more than a conquerer and can do all things...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I need You today. This morning as I seek You I pledge to die to myself, shedding the old Sam Chadwell. The new Coach Sam is renewed in You. I am washed and redeemed in the blood that was shed for ALL men. I AM Strong IN You, Jesus.. I AM even More than a Mighty Conquerer IN YOU, My King.

The Evil One will not prevail over me because I am a child of GOD, a co-heir to throne...! Praise You Father of Lights. Every Good and Perfect Gift comes from YOU. I love You Lord. And I walk in Victory today because of what You did on the cross for Me.

Praise You my King. I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.

In Awe of an Awesome God....

It's times like right now that I am humbled to the point of near speechlessness. It is such an incredible experience to communicate with God, to go to HIM in prayer and know that HE hears and will answer.

1Ch 5:20 says: ...And when they prevailed over them, the Hagrites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried out to God in the battle, and HE granted their urgent plea because they trusted in HIM.

First Chronicles 5:20 was the Life Lesson feature verse on Dr Charles Stanley's website this morning. I have heard the recurring theme lately about trusting in God and it's interesting how Dr Stanley always seems to bring things into proper perspective for me. In distress, God expects we should cry to Him. In our spiritual conflicts, we must look up to heaven for strength; and it is the believing prayer that will be the prevailing prayer. -Matthew Henry's study notes.

I'm in distress right now. But PRAISE HIM...!

I do Trust in God.

There is no God like My God, My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ...!

It doesn't matter what life issue I'm facing (or you're facing), God is bigger than anything and EVERYTHING we will ever encounter.

I observe God's Glory with every moment spent with my precious little boy, Elijah. I see the Marvelous Wonder of God in the love my dear sweet wife has for the boys and myself. I sense the awesome presence of God all around me in the beauty of nature, His Creation.

And Praise You Lord, You are a God who Saves, Redeems, and Restores us...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I Trust in You. I know that You are fully aware of the fact that we need a contractor to come through for us this morning for the home improvement project we are eager to complete before Connor comes home this afternoon.

Lord You are fully aware of our financial situation. I have no idea how that will all work out, but I will be faithful and honest with my finances and I trust that You WILL take care of Your People.

Father God I pray and TRUST that You will bless my relationship with Connor. I lift Him up as he travels across country a good portion of the day today. Lord I especially lift up my wife today as she works dilgently preparing Connor's homecoming.

And Lord I Thank and Praise You for the work You're about in me. I feel like a completely different man than I was one month ago. I love You Lord. I TRUST YOU. And I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

Lifting Up The Nursery at Life Church

Today Monica and I are volunteering at the Nursery at Life Church.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I want to thank You for Life Church and the body of believers who attend there. Of course I want to lift up the pastor this morning, and all the church volunteers who make church happen. This morning I lift up all the children in the nursery. I pray extra blessings on all those who will be in mine and my wife's care this morning.

Father God I thank You that we have such an awesome church to serve in...! To You be the Glory...!

And Father God I do have a special prayer request here from home this morning. You know what it is. I pray for a swift answer to this request. Of course, to me timing is of the essence here but I know that Your ways are not my ways so help me to be patient, too.

Lord I love You. You are an Awesome God who is in complete control of every situation.

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

Influencers

I have been reflecting recently about men and women who have greatly influenced my life. Dr Charles Stanley was the first major influencer I profiled. No one has done more for my Christian walk than Dr Stanley. I was browsing his website early this morning. He will turn 75 years old and will be celebrating 50 years in te ministry this September. -Wow, what a life...! He's been influencing people for Christ longer than I've been alive....!

I hope God has in store for me to influence others for another 50 years...!

Today I'm reflecting upon some of the first men who ever encouraged me to try my hardest and to do my best... They were my little league baseball coaches Vic Skrabanek, and Johnny Miller. I don't remember too many specific details, but I do remember how positive and encouraging they were. And I remember they were Godly men. I remember getting in a huddle and praying together with the team before, after and even during the games!

To be continued...

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You Lord for placing G0dly men in my path as a boy and a young man. The memory of the faithfulness they showed continues to impact me some 30 years later... Lord help me to be a Godly influence like those men. Help me to sow seeds of life.

Father God I need Your strength today. I am feeling tired and weak this morning. But I love You Lord and give this day to You. I know You will lift me up Lord. Thank you my King. I pray t=these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

Giving Thanks

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I grow more in awe of You with each and every passing day. You are such an awesome God. I become more and more aware of Your power and might with every breath I take. I simply can not imagine someone denying Your existence. How can anyone say there is no God when all of creation declares Your Majesty..? How can anyone be shrouded in so much darkness to deny You...? It's because the enemy is cunning and deceptive. The enemy wants to steal, kill, and destroy us. The enemy wants to take the souls of men for everlasting torment.

Praise You Father I am Your Child and a co-heir of Your riches and treasures in heaven.

Father God, I thank You for my life. I thank You for my precious family. I thank You Father for the clear direction of my calling and the calling of all Your children who claim You as their Lord and Savior. You have called us to the ultimate rescue operation. You have called us to snatch souls from the fire. Our mission is the Great Commission: To go out into the world and make disciples of all men...!

Lord I realize now more than ever that you really aren't that concerned with where I teach tennis, or even if I teach tennis at all for that matter. You just want me to be faithful interacting in other people's lives encouraging them to a personal relationship with You. I can clearly see how You are preparing my way. You are leading me. LORD YOU ARE IN CONTROL...!

Father God Thank You Lord for being the Great Big God that You are. I can't thank you enough for my precious wife and family. Oh what a joy and blessing they are, Lord!

I thank You also Father for giving me a peace about our families' financial situation. Although the numbers still do not 'add up' I can see a steady progression in the right direction and I know that You will be faithful to meet all our needs. Father God I pray for You to enable Monica and I to be good stewards of the resources You have blessed us with to date and to just help us stand strong in You.

You are our strength, oh King! You are our Rock. What a firm foundation we have in You. We can weather any storm in Your shelter and protection.

Father God I love You. I give this day to You, Lord. Help me to honor You. Help me to fulfil Your mission for my life. Lord I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen!

Mark 11:24 Faith and Prayer

Dr Stanley's Early Light Devotional this morning was very compelling. His focus was Mark 11:24. I have to say that once again the message is very timely for my situation. I did a 'faith check up' this morning. -And my faith is hanging in there. Oh it gets tested and I get a little shaky at times, but a several things help me to 'carry on".

The first and foremost thing that keeps me going is.... Getting in the WORD. It's awesome to read a passage like Mark 11:24 and know that throughout the course of history that other people, (many others) have faced and questioned issues of their faith. The bible addresses pretty much every issue every person has ever faced in life. Some verses and passages are more difficult to understand than others, that's agreed. However, that's where prayer to the Holy Spirit Kicks in....

The next thing that keeps me going and helps me carry on is PRAYER. Prayer sustains me. That's one reason I try to be diligent in this prayer journal. My morning prayer time focuses and settles me. Certainly I am offering up prayers of praise, worship, and petition all day long, throughout the day, but it is this early morning devotional from which I draw the greatest strength for my day.

Of course, I am blessed to have great encouragers in my life...! When ever my faith has been tested the Lord has always sent 'saints and angels' to minister to and encourage me. There's nothing more encouraging than having someone pray for You, or pray over You. One of the greatest encouragers in my life has been my dear sweet wife! My wife and I take turns lifting each other up. We are perfect for each other. Praise the Lord...! He has done marvelous things for us!

Yes, numerous, countless situations in our lives have been circumvented by God. He has intervened, many times at the last possible moment to save our day. It would be crazy to not trust in Him completely. Yet can I say that I have the faith that can move a mountain...?

Sadly, No. But by God's Grace I will get there. He's definitely not finished with me, yet!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I love You. I NEED YOU. I can't function and don't want to function without you, my King. Thank You Lord, for being a Great Big God who hears and sees all. Thank You for being a God who listens to and answers prayer. But Lord You did say that there were some restrictions upon Your answering prayer. It depends upon the condition of one's heart.

Help my heart, Lord.

Father God, I have a special request for a friend of mine who's having struggles in his life right now. You know who I'm writing about Lord. He's seeking, He's searching. I lift him and his situation up to You. Bless him Father, send him the answers to the questions he asks. And Lord of course I have special circumstances in my own life that I need Your intervention with, too.

Honestly I've made a mess of some things in my life. Lord I take responsibility for my actions and from this point on I just want live a life that is totally, 100% within Your Will. Lord I give it to You. And I DO BELIEVE that You will get me through this crises I'm facing. And I DO BELIEVE You will help my friend.

Thank You Lord! Thank You my sweet, gracious, heavenly father...! I love You, Lord and I give this day to You. I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen...!

Every Encounter is a Divine Appointment

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for changing my perspective. I'm starting to see the bright side of things in circumstances that would otherwise be negative situations. Dr Stanley's life principle number two is really working...! My new game plan is to obey You and just leave all the consequences to You. That's really a perfect game plan. It certainly takes the guesswork out of decision making.

Father God, I am blessed. -And You are an Awesome God...! Praise You Lord!

Today I rejoice that I can go to work with my little Elijah and have a good and productive morning enjoying quality time with my sweet precious son. Thank you for that, Lord.

I love You my King. I dedicate today to You. Help me to be faithful. Help me to be obedient. Help me to be Your Ambassador. I pray that I am encouraging and wise in my conversations today. I pray that I am patient.

I realize that EVERY ENCOUNTER is a DIVINE APPOINTMENT.

Every interaction is an opportunity to let Your light shine. Thank You for my change in attitude and perspective. -There are no 'mere mortals' out there....!

Lord I pray that Your Holy Spirit work through me today. Father God I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

Life Principles

I'd like to share a little spiritual nugget with you today. I was thinking last night about various people who have impacted my spiritual walk along the road of life... One of the greatest influencers has been Dr Charles Stanley of First Baptist Church in Atlanta. I usually go to his website every day for instruction and guidance. I especially like how Dr Stanley has thoroughly studied the bible and discerned 30 key life principles that we all should live by.

Click this link to go directly to Dr Stanley's Life Principles page: http://www.intouch.org/site/c.dhKHIXPKIuE/b.2287431/k.6F41/30_Life_Principles.htm

I have come to a point in my life where I realize that God has placed a particular call on my life to have more impact on those around me for the Kingdom. I have been far too passive for far too long... I have been blessed with a career that places me in contact with many people on a daily and weekly basis and I have an opportunity to sow seeds of life in every encounter.

It is my prayer today to be an effective witness. It is my prayer to be bold and live the TRUTH. Dr Stanley says in Life Principle #2: Obey God and leave all the consequences to HIM. It is my deep desire to be obedient in every area of my life and to be a blessing to others.

The Enemy is seeking to thwart my efforts. Praise the Lord that Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world....!

Dear Heavenly Father, I love You Lord. I need You. I bow down in obedience to You. Please continue to show me Your will. Show me Your way. I submit myself as a holy and living sacrifice, Lord. And I pray these things in Jesus name, Amen.

We Live Our Lives With Our Days Numbered...

Pastor Cere preached with a sense of urgency yesterday morning. Of course, he always does. And I love his style of preaching. I've never observed someone preaching with more passion and conviction. One of his main scripture references yesterday was Luke 14:23...

Go out and compel people to come in....that My house might be filled...!

In this scripture Jesus is telling the apostles to go and evangelize. -And so we must do the same.

-THERE IS NO TIME TO WASTE...!

-THERE IS AN URGENCY...!

-THIS IS AN EMERGENCY...!

-SOULS ARE PERISHING...!

Luke 14: 12-14 says ...Humble yourselves and focus on the needy...-Commit everything you have to go get them...

That is our mission. Our Church is a Rescue Ship, not a Pleasure Cruise...! Life Church is equipping us to snatch the lost right out of the fire.

We've got a job to do... Let's be First Responders...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the work You are doing in me right now. Help me to be more bold in sharing my faith. I'm realizing that is Your calling for me. I'm realizing that it's probably not crucial exactly what I do for a living. But it is crucial that I live a life of FAITH no matter what I do. Oh Father God I do want to be obedient to You. I want to hold every thought captive. I want to serve You, Lord. I want to be in the center of Your will at all times.

I love You, Lord. And I give this day to You. Help me to be organized. Help me to make the most of my time. Time is precious. There is an Urgency in the air. People are perishing. -And there are no 'mere mortals'. Everyone is either an eternal splendor or an eternal horror.

Oh Lord, I fall down at the foot of Your cross this morning. I humble myself before You. Lift me up Father. Lift my family up, Father. Bless us and enable us to be a blessing to others.

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

Good Day...

Today was a good day. It was the kind of day I dream of for my Sunday. We got up and spent the morning at church... We had the Truth Project at 8:45 AM and then our regular worship time at 10:30 AM... We heard two inspiring messages.

Afterwards we drove to Bay City, had lunch, visited a local park and played with Elijah, then went to visit my Grandmother, Mimi. We got back home around 7:00 PM, I took a nap, then we enjoyed some leftovers for dinner and now here I am...

It was a totally relaxing day. No stress. Great family time. Now a little blogging time. I feel so rested and refreshed. Honestly, I haven't felt this good in a long time. Today was a real blessing...!

THANK YOU LORD!


By the way, if you have never read my wife's blog, she just posted some phenomenal commentary on CREATED, You have to check it out...! I really believe Monica has been anointed by the Holy Spirit to teach and minister on a variety of levels. God is working in our lives right now in a powerful way and her post today is evidence of that!

Sunday Morning Blogging

I'm up early this morning. I didn't sleep well last night. I'm not exactly sure what made me so restless. It was probably a combination of things.

Yesterday Monica and I watched Dr Stanley's weekend service on television. It was excellent as always. Dr Stanley spoke about how to handle struggles in life. It was a very timely and appropriate sermon for me. I know God is stretching me, molding me, conforming me, and drawing me close right now. God has my complete attention, that's for sure...!

This morning I've been struggling with whether to make this Sunday 'a day of rest', or try to get caught up on some projects that I am terribly behind on...

I'm going to rest. I'm taking today to just glorify God by resting and enjoying time with my family. Family is more important than work, right...? Honoring God is more important than work, right...? If I can't get all my work done in the six days of the week prior to Sunday then I'm just working too much, right...? Can I get an AMEN on that...?

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord Thank You for Dr Stanley's sermon yesterday. The Holy Spirit was definitely speaking to me through him...! Father God, help me. Help me to relax. Help me to not worry about tomorrow. Help me to just be in the moment with You. Help me to take this day (Sunday) and recharge my body and spirit. Then let me just dive into tomorrow with a fresh vigor and vitality.

Lord bless my wife in that way, too. I want only the best for Her. Your Best. And Lord I know that I need to model the behavior I'm looking for in her. I want to be a blessing to my wife, to help her become all that You have in store for her.

Father God I lift up Cere and the pastoral staff at Life Church today. I pray that today many lives are impacted and forever changed by what is presented this morning. Thank You for anointing Him to lead and Shepherd and thank You for bringing us to Life Church.

Lord I lift Your name up on High. Praise you Jesus for being the awesome God that You are. You are the author, the designer, and creator of everything that exists! As Dr Stanley said yesterday: You are always in control. So Lord I will not worry. I'm trusting in You. I love you Father God. I give my life to You, my King.

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

Thank You, Lord...

Dear Heavenly Father,

Oh Lord I love You. Thank You Lord for blessing me with a very nice day yesterday. I put in a good full work day and then spent precious quality time with my sweet Monica and Elijah. It was an excellent day. You are a Mighty and Awesome God...!

Father God. I know every good and perfect gift comes from You. Yesterday was a perfect gift!

Lord Jesus, I pray for another day like that today. Please bless my tennis drill this morning with good attendance and allow me to impact the participants in a great way. Help me to get lots of work done off the court today, too Father. Sometimes I don't see how I can get everything done that needs to get done but You are God and nothing is impossible with You!

I lift up my family today. Bless them Lord. -Especially Connor who is away traveling. Father God I continue to pray for direction for my life and my family's life... You seem to be blessing me daily with new tennis students so I can't help but think that I should remain in coaching. Thank You Lord. Coaching and impacting others through encouragement is the desire of my heart!

But Lord I pray that You just continue to reveal Yourself to me. Continue to open my eyes, Lord. Father God I just want to serve You and honor You with my life. What ever You have in store for me I am ready, willing, and able.

Thank you for blessing me, Lord. And Father I pray these things in the name of Your Precious Son, My Lord and Savior: Jesus Christ, AMEN.

James 1:2

Hmmm... Today is going to be a good day. I started off my morning laying in bed praying about the day and what I was going to write about and focus on in my prayer journal. When I walked into my office this morning, I found a bible open on my desk with scripture underlined.

Consider it all joy, my brethern, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of Your faith produces endurance. James 1:2

No doubt my wife was doing a study recently and this is where she left off...

A Pastor told us once that whenever we faced severe trials it meant that either we have unconfessed sin in our lives, or we were probably about to make a big impact for the God's Kingdom. I pray this morning that God is sharpening us for a big impact.

It being Friday, this is my special day set aside to give thanks and praise for God's blessings. I am in awe of the blessing of the the WORD OF GOD. The bible is THE TRUTH. It has an answer for every life situation that could ever happen. All we have to do is read it. -All Sam Chadwell has to do is read it...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I love You. I give You thanks and praise this morning. I thank You especially for Your Word. Help me to hide Your Word in my heart. Help me to live in obedience to Your Word.

Thank You Dear Lord for the trials that mold, shape, sharpen, and give me direction. Honestly Lord, if I wasn't facing adversity, I might not be so focused on You. But You do have my attention. You have Monica's attention.

We are listening for Your still small voice. We are watching for signs. We do count these trials as blessings. And Lord if I still have any unconfessed sin in my heart show me. I want only to live a life that is pleasing to You. I want my every action and my every thought to give glory to You.

I know for that to happen I have to be a vessel worthy of your using. So keep refining me, Lord. What ever happens I will praise You.

Bless me Lord. Sanctify me. Prepare me for service to you. I love You. I thank You for my precious family. I ask that You continue to bless them, Lord. And Father I pray these things in Jesus' Name, AMEN.

The Truth Project

The Church Monica and I have been attending has been doing a study of Focus on the Family's Truth Project. Last night our church family met for dinner and then discussed how the Truth Project has impacted each of our lives.

Cere and Sonny (our Pastors) moderated the discussion, answered questions, and provided insight of their own. Here are some bullets of information from my personal study notes last night...

Quick Summary of The Truth Project:

• The Truth Project is a 13 week study of world views
• What is a definition of Truth? Where does Truth come from? -The Word of God.
• It is the hope of the Truth Project designers that upon completion of the series that What God says is EVIL, -WE see as EVIL!
• There are no 'mere mortals' out there. Everyone is either an eternal splendor or an eternal horror.

Quotes and Paraphrases from Cere and Sonny:

• There is no strength left in mere religion, too many Christians have been 'on a cruise ship' and have not been living effective lives for the Kingdom.
• Don't get caught in the Tunnel of the Funnel...!
• Until You're broken You're not useful for the Kingdom...!
• Speak the TRUTH in Love with a heart of compassion and with a genuine care and concern.
• Never be in a hurry for the harvest. Leave that up to God.
• Never compromise the truth.
• Christians are the Infuencers: The Ambassadors of God!
• Use the measuring rod of God's still small voice in our hearts.
• We should not hold on to ANY THING of this world.
• We need to be about our Father's Business: -Get our mind off the junk... -Get our eyes off the world... -It's time for the Harvest.... -We need to literally snatch the lost from the fire...!

What Are We Believers Called to Do...?

• WE MUST bear the fruit of WHO we belong to..!
• WE MUST leave behind a legacy for the generations who come after us.
• WE MUST show Truth and reality in our lives. Modeling is more important than anything else.
• WE MUST offer HOPE (a little ray of light) to the Hopeless.
• WE MUST BE AVAILABLE to let the Holy Spirit do the work.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for the Truth Project. Thank You for leading us to a church that is truly passionate about equipping itself to minister to the the lost and to each other. Thank You for church leaders like Cere and Sonny and the many others behind the scenes who make church happen and who motivate, encourage and inspire us daily. What a tremendous work You are accomplishing in this body of believers...!

Lord in my own personal life I thank You for what all is going on with Monica and I. I feel a little bit like Abraham right now. I sense 'A Call' on this family. We have no idea WHERE or WHAT this call is but we are ready to go where ever You want us and we are ready to do what ever it is You want us to do.

We (I) am being broken right now. Every day I see more and more how I have not been fully surrendered to You, Lord. What will the consequences of that action be? I don't know. But I'm ready to live a different life. I AM living a different life now, Father.

This family is totally, 100% focused on You, Lord. We do want to be Truth and Light to those around us.

Father, I pray a hedge of protection around my family this morning. The enemy is lurking near by. He only wants to steal, kill, and destroy us. I pray blessings on this family, Lord. Hold us up. Lift us up. Guide and protect us, my King.

I love You Lord and my old self dies to You today. Father, I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

The Roots of This Journal...

I've had a fascination with technology for some time now and I began online blogging back nearly five years ago. I started on AOL but moved to blogger.com after a couple of years. Prior to that I just journaled in spiral paper notebooks for many years. I still have many of those notebooks and they go back as far as 1989...

Periodically I like to go back and review where I had come from. It's very enlightening to go back and revisit my 'roots'.

I remember fondly my very first journal. I started it shortly after I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. I called it 'A Christian's Journal'. I feel compelled to go back and read it again, right now. As I get older my memory often fails me and I'm glad that I have these physical memory 'restore points' that I can go back and refer to from time to time.

I hope I have some time this weekend to go back review my thoughts and perspectives on spiritual matters of eighteen years ago. It will be interesting to see how much I have grown (or not grown) over time. I've definitely traveled a good distance spiritually since those days as a 'Baby Christian'. But I know I've still got a long way to go in the maturing of my faith and knowledge of scripture. And I know that some of the same things that hinder me now have been hindering me since the beginning.

This blog: Coach Sam's Prayer Journal is really my modern day sounding board. This blog is a record of my conscience. This blog is a chronicle of prayer requests and answered prayer. The fact that I make this blog public reflects the fact that I want to be transparent to those around me. In the bible we are commissioned to go forth and spread the Good News to the Ends of the Earth... The blog is my testament of faith. It is my witness.

I pray earnestly before each journal entry post and I just chronicle what the Good Lord lays on my heart and conscience every day. Several things are stirring in me right now.

I've been writing a lot lately about my spiritual struggles. Oh they are so very real. My prayer today is for God's Grace. It is for God's Mercy. My prayer this morning is for God's blessings for myself, my family, and all those within my sphere of influence.

Lord God, thank You for the work You have begun in me. I pray You will be faithful to that work until completion. I am wet clay, Lord. I am ripe for Your molding. Father God I love You. I rest in You. I trust in You, my King. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.