Sunday Praise

This weekend has gone really well so far. I've been coaching a bunch of junior players at a state championship tournament in New Braunfels. On Saturday morning we dedicated our effort and performance to the Lord and the kids played very well. We have two matches this morning to wrap up the tournament and I just give to day to God again.

I wish that we didn't have to play tennis on the Lord's day since we are I just pray that good sportsmanship and fair play will be our witness this morning.

Father God I lift up my young athletes to You this morning. Bless our efforts. Keep us safe from injury. Let our performance be for Your Glory today. We just give it all to You My King.

And back home I lift up my family. I lift up Pastor Cere as he prepares for his morning message.

Lord I pray that souls are won and hearts and lives are changed today.

Father God I love You and I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen!

Thankful for the Mysteries

Well First of All, today is Friday and everyone knows that I take the 'TGIF' theme to the extreme...

I was driving home last night from a long day of tennis lessons and I was thinking how grateful I am for God's Blessing to be a coach and to have an opportunity to impact many lives every week. Then I was pondering life itself. God breathed life into every living thing. Isn't that amazing...? I mean you have outer space where nothing can live by itself, then you have our world with it's atmosphere, the air we breathe, gravity to hold everything in place, an incredible eco-system that sustains itself.... There's nothing like it any where else in the universe that we know of. Then look at all the different people in the world. It's just amazing this vast, vibrant world God created for us to exist in with each other.

It's incomprehensible how God came to be. He just was. Even before time. God invented time, you know. And God is everywhere at the same time. God knows everything. God can do anything. And God's love is a mystery.

I mean, we can love. But God loved us so much that He sent His son to die so that we might have eternal life. It's all difficult to take in at once.

But one thing I know for sure, I am grateful to God for my life and what He has done for me.

Thank You, God...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord in our lifetime we will probably never unravel the mysteries I wrote about earlier but Father I thank God and Praise you that You are a God of Order and You have everything figured out and are in complete control of my life.

All I have to do is live for You, and worship You with my all. And I do just that, Father.

I love you Lord, I lift You Up. Father God I am very appreciative to be able to take a group of kids away for a tournament this weekend. I pray that You give me powerful words of motivation and encouragement this weekend. I pray for good behavior from the kids and parents. I pray that everyone give their best effort on and off the courts.

Lord I love You and I give this weekend to You, For Your Glory, Amen.

Cere Says...

Here are just a few qoutes and notes from this past Sunday's Message from Life Church in Angleton.

• We Love Honor and Recognize that are bodies are gifts of God. -We are Vessels of God...! We are called to be Fit in mind, heart, and body.
• Our Body deserves the very best maintenance we can give. Our body is the most valuable and beautiful art forms ever created.

God is returning. We must stay busy preparing for Him. We must be busy. We must contunue working unto the end of our lives.... 2 Timothy 4-5 -I will stay alert without hesitation or distraction because HE has asked me to...

We must stay alert because of Spiritual Warfare. 1 Peter 5-8

God is giving men time to repent... 2 Peter 3

Keep the Watch... Be Awake... Be Alert.... We do not now the appointed hour our Lord will return...! Mark 13:32-37

Keeping it Simple Today

Lord, I'm just working on 'Self -Keeping' today. It is my prayer to keep my thoughts on You. I want to dwell only on what is good and right and holy. Let no negative thoughts creep into my mind today.

Help me Father. Heal my heart that I might love like You Love. Oh Lord I pray these things in Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Back to Praising God in the Storm

Cere preached a masterpiece this past Sunday. I'll probably be blogging for the rest of the week from the notes I took yesterday. God answered my prayer in that regard with a grand slam home run.

I won't say that my other prayer went unanswered, because I think I failed, not God. My heart is heavy today because of that. My heart is the problem. God's still working on me.

Dear God,

You are Good. I am Not. Please help me. Heal Me. Make me more like You. That is my prayer this morning.

I love You Lord, and I pray these things in Your holy Name.

Amen.

Prayer For Pastors

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I praise You and I thank You for a good day yesterday. Father God You are an awesome God. Lord today I know that every day should honor and glorify You, but Sundays we set aside especially for You.

Today is about going to Your house.

Today is about family time.

Today is about rest.

Let me start this morning by lifting up Pastors everywhere as they deliver messages in Your Word today. Father this morning I lift up Pastor Cere in particular as he preaches on the 300. I pray that lives are changed through the power of Your Word delivered through Cere's message. Lord I specifically lift up my family, especially my relationship with Connor.

You know, It seems that weekends (Sundays in particular) are difficult days for this family. Father God, by Your Grace, and as far as it has to do with me, I will have a peaceful day glorifying You, today. I pray to be grace-filled in my communication with others and I pray to be filled up to overflowing with patience, kindness, love, joy, all the fruits of the spirit, Lord.

Father God let the world see the authentic changes in me and let it all be to Your Glory.

I love You my King, and I give my life to You. In Jesus' precious name I pray,

Amen.

God is Good...

Wow, what a difference a week makes... This time last week I was praising God, but it was praising God within a Storm.

Last week the storm clouds cleared.

I believe that God monitors our attitude. And I definitely believe that we should praise God in good times and challenging times. God rewards faithfulness and obedience.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord...!


Dear Heavenly Father,

I know You don't care for lengthy, puffed up prayers. Today Father I simply thank You for blessing me with a lovely, sweet wife and great kids. I thank You for a career that I really enjoy and I thank You for all the ministry opportunities that come my way each and every day.

Lord I thank You for the Grace, Mercy, and the Patience You have with me on a daily basis and I only ask that You give me a measure of that Grace, Mercy, and Patience for all the encounters in my day as well.

I love You, my King. I humbly thank You for my many blessings. You are an Awesome God. Show me Lord how I can better serve You. I want to honor You with my life.

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

Prayer For the Sick

A good friend and brother in Christ emailed me that his wife's 85 year old mom, Noreen, is in need of prayer for complications following a hip replacement surgery. Please pray that the doctors will be able to stabilize her hemoglobin; isolate all the abnormal intestinal areas and correct them with laser surgery; thereby returning all her natural circulatory functions. Please pray for Noreen's strength, especially her heart, in consideration of the enormous strain that it's under. Pray that her heart will remain strong and that she will come through the surgeries and the post operative rehabilitation in good shape.

Please pray for Noreen, and her children Molly, Pam, Debbie, Al and Mike. Please pray for Molly as she leaves for San Francisco tomorrow morning to teach a 4 day class.

Another prayer request came in from a friend from our old church: April's Grandmother is 83 years old. She has been recovering from an upper chest infection. She went into the hospital yesterday with pain. She is having gallbladder problems and will have to have it removed. she is in need of a pace maker replacement and is also having kidney problems.

And lastly, please be in prayer for the Men's Fraternity of FBC West Columbia as they are going on a spiritual retreat this weekend.


Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for our many blessings. Lord I give thanks and praises for the long lives of Noreen, and also for April's Grandmother. Father God as they are both in failing health I ask for their healing. I pray that these health conditions give cause for all parties involved (including their extended families) to draw into the closest possible relationship with you. Above all, I pray that Your will be done in these matters.

Lord I also want to lift up the Men's Ministry at FBC West Columbia as they will be on a retreat this weekend. I pray for their spiritual renewal and growth.

Father God thank you for prayer. I cherish my prayer time with You every day. I love You Lord. And I give this day to You, Father. For Your Glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Doing Better Now, Thank You

Boy, was I in a bad mood at the end of the day Sunday... And I started off Monday kinda blue, too. But I'm doing better now. Time heals wounds, at least for me, any way. I'm not good at staying angry for very long. -Thank God...!

I'm not so good at being patient any more it seems, either. But I suppose that's something else that I need to pray about and give to God.

I'll be forty two years old in less than a month now. I'm learning more and more each day how little I know... Isn't that crazy? I mean, I'm learning basic stuff about life, God, and human relationships that I should have already known for years now.

It's no surprise that as I study the bible more closely that God is revealing stuff to me. God really does have a funny sense of humor sometimes as he reveals things to me about myself through the relationships in my life.

I know all this may sound vague and hazy but let me put it this way: I guess I'm going through a 'spiritual growth spurt' right now. -Just like adolescent puberty, it can be kinda strange and awkward at times...

God is working on me right now, -IN A BIG WAY...! More on that tomorrow.

Life Principle # 20... Disappointments Are Inevitable, Discouragement Is A Choice.

Hmmm.... This is an interesting concept... -And very appropriate for my spiritual outlook right this second.

Please excuse my brevity but I'm going to have to take a break from this blog for awhile...

Your Brother in Christ,

Coach Sam

Life Principle # 8 -Fight All Your Battles On Your Knees and You'll Win Every Time...!

I turn to the teaching of Dr Charles Stanley Dr Charles Stanley just about every day. He has really brought biblical truths and principles alive for me. I love reading the 30 Life Principles outlined in his study bible. Today I am particularly drawn to Life Principle # 8.

I love to start every day in prayer. I like to take time out throughout the day to pray as the spirit leads me. I do try to fight my battles on my knees.

Recently Monica and I have been praying for direction and affirmation. We have been praying for some financial assistance. Witout going in to great detail, let's just say that due to some recent developments our bills were exceeding our income.

But Praise the Lord, He has once again been faithful. Yes, Our God is an AWESOME GOD...!

Today I lift up Dr Stanley and his ministry. And of course I lift up Pastor's everywhere, especially Cere, Brother Dave, Pastor Sal, Dr Wisdom, Bruce, and Yancey.

Thank You Heavenly Father for these Godly men who have shepherded and ministered to my family and I over the years. I pray blessings on them this morning. Bless their messages that are going out today. And bless ears to hear those messages, Lord.

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

Dr Charles Stanley Life Principle # 26 Adversity is a Bridge To A Deeper Relationship To God

In this Life we may not always understand how all things work for 'Good'... But God does...! Romans 8:28

The quote above was borrowed from Dr Charles Stanley's website. Today's Life Lesson of the Day was just what I needed and it led me to Life Principle 26 which deals with adversity in the life of a believer. Boy was this just what I needed this morning. Dr Stanley is such a gifted and talented bible teacher. He brings thoughts and concepts together so succinctly. And the title I chose for today's post says it all... Adversity truly is a bridge to a deeper relationship to God.

I've walked with God for over 20 years. But looking back throughout that time nothing has pulled me into a closer walk with HIM than trouble, obstacles, and facing difficult circumstances.

I am facing adversity on multiple fronts right at the moment. But God is Good. God is Graceful. And I know that God is in Control of these circumstances.

In spite of some adverse situations and circumstances Monica and I are facing, I feel confident that we are on the right track. I have never had more new tennis students in a short span of time than these past few weeks. This is undoubtedly God's Blessing. And I know God wants me to use my coaching influence not only to teach tennis, but also to be a strong witness for HIM. In fact, I'm sure now that teaching tennis is definitely secondary to my main calling: Letting God's Light Shine through Me in the Form of Encouraging Words. It's neat how my talent: Coaching, and my Spiritual Gift: Encouragement, go hand in hand.

In other good news, Monica is gearing up to begin focusing on her art more. This makes my heart leap with joy because I've never known or seen a more talented artist. A light like Monica's should never be hidden under a bushel. And her art is just one of the many ways that God's light shines through her. I'm always trying to encourage and enable her to that end.

I recently added an art gallery page to my website. Unfortunately the . jpeg files I posted do not even come close to doing her talent true justice, but still, what she can do with a pencil and a paper is simply astounding to me...!

Ours is a pretty good story, I think. Monica and I are two people who love God and each other. We both consider the other person more important than our selves. And we are working together with God in the midst of great adversity. But we know that our God is a God that's BIGGER than any trouble we might face. If we do get discouraged for a moment here and there we encourage each other and God's WORD is always there for us, too.

We're in Good Hands...!


Dear Father in Heaven,

Once again Lord I thank You for the adversity We are facing. Would I have been as close to You now during a time of prosperity...? I don't think so. Praise You, Jesus...! Thank You for my troubles, but thank You also for my blessings: My dear wife and family, Dr Stanley's Life Principles Teaching, new students, and all things that ultimately work for good.

I love You Lord. I ask you to bless my day and my wife's day today. Monica was up late last night with Elijah allowing me to sleep so I could do well today, now I lift her up, Lord.

Thank You Jesus, and I pray these things in Your Holy Name, Amen.

Thanking God For the Good and the Bad...

Well, I've sure got a lot to be thankful for. God is at work in my life in many different areas. I've had pain in my feet now for a days. That is a particular problem since I need to be on my feet for my job. But this morning I awakened with a different perspective. I now have a feeling that the pain is a blessing. I believe that God is sending me the pain so that I have a constant reminder to get in shape and lose weight.

This time it's for real. Every day from now on I will be about making smart eating and exercize choices. I've got to get under 200 lbs and give my poor feet some relief...! This pain is, well painful... But this pain is also definitely a blessing. And I praise God that he loves me so much that he would force me to change my life style like this.

My family is also undergoing a financial struggle at the moment. But I praise God amidst that storm as well because this finacial struggle is forcing us to really draw close to him every minute of the day. When we had more income regularly coming in and paying the bills was not really a problem I definitely walked in my own power too much. Now I'm learning to give everything to God. We're still struggling but through those struggles God is taking us into a much closer relationship with HIM and is also moving both Monica and I into entirely new directions career wise. God is also at work drawing us closer togther as a family, so I praise God that HE is in full control of my circumstances. It's much better to just lean on God and not have to it all myself...!

Physical daily pain and financial difficulties are two areas that people who walk in the world would easily stress over and get discouraged about. But those who walk on the Holy Spirit know better!!!


Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank You God for my current situations, especially my own physical pain and financial struggles which serve to drive me right into Your loving embrace!.. And Thank You dear Lord for my more pleasurable blessings as well. I've got an awesome wife who loves me and constantly stands with me in prayer daily. Her walk with You Lord is one of my greatest sources of strength and inspiration. Thank You Father for my precious spouse, Monica...!

And Father in Heaven thank You for my little boy Elijah and my stepson Connor. I love them both very much and praise You for entrusting their care to me. Becoming a Father has completely changed my life...all for the better of course. I can't imagine life wothout those two!

And Lord we have so many creature comforts here in this country I'm not even going to begin listing all the ways You have set America apart from the rest of the world. But thank You Lord, and I stand in the gap for America today too, Lord. May God Bless America...! Thank You Lord for my career, and thank You my King for our wonderful church and spirtual shepherds Cere and Sonny.

Lord I have evrything to be thankful for and nothing to be discouraged about. I do thank God it's Friday...! I love You Lord and give this day to You. I have no special requests today Lord. Please continue to work in my life as You see fit. Keep molding me and transforming my life into one that is useful for building up the kingdom. It's all about You, Lord. And I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen!

God is in Control...

Yesterday evening the forecast for today predicted an 80 % chance of rain because a Tropical Storm was making it's way in our direction. Since our financial situation dictates that I really need to bring in income every day right now, the thought of a second day of rain in a row did not sit well with me since Thursdays are one of my busiest teaching days.

My prayer as I drifted off to sleep last night was that I would make the best use of today no matter what the weather, but I was prepared for another 'office' day today.

Well I have to give praises this morning because the storm changed directions over night and is heading east now and it looks like we will not have any rain today what so ever. -Praise Be To God...! Honestly, I'm learning more and more to not believe anything the weather man says any more.

So now obviously I'm in a very good mood this morning because the Lord is giving me a beautiful day to teach and I will no doubt have a lot of new students... Yea...! I serve a Good and Mighty God...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord You are Good and Your Mercy Endures Forever...! Thank You Father for providing a good day for me to work and earn income to enable me to take care of my family. There really is nothing that You can't do. And Lord YOU ARE FAITHFUL to those who honor You.

Father God I am grateful for every blessing. Every good and perfect gift comes from YOU. Lord You are Perfect...! And I recognize Your Greatness and how wonderfully I have been blessed.

Lord thank You for my precious family. I cherish them. I thank You for Life Church and how it's changing my life. Father I thank You for the many challenges I'm facing right now. While it's not fun going through some of them I realize that their purpose is to draw me into a closer personal relationship with You Lord and the bigger the difficulty or challenge then the better You're going to look when it's all worked out. YOU Get the Glory, Lord.

I recognize that this is ALL YOU, Lord. Life is all about You. YOU are in control. YOU are the God of my finances, Lord. I will trust You and honor You with my money. You are Lord of my Life.

Father I give this day to You. I pray belessings upon those in the storm's path because surely as I wasn't prepared for a dry day, others were probably not prepared for a wet, windy day... I pray blessings on my students and my lessons today, Lord. Let me present a strong witness for You, my King...! I Love You Jesus and I pray these things in Your Most Holy Name, AMEN.

Intercession For Wendy

At the top of my prayer list today is a dear sister in Christ who is a member of the body at Life Church. 'Wendy' is feeling overwhelmed with raising a child that has some health issues. She is tired and weary. Praise the Lord that I have been blessed with two healthy boys but I have definitely felt overwhelmed dealing with behavior issues so I stand in the gap for and with Wendy today lifting her up to our Wonderful, Awesome Heavenly Father.

I also want to lift up John Laughlin, a friend of a friend today. John is grieving over the loss of his daughter in an automobile accident which occurred a few days ago. And let's continue to lift up Roberta Kovach who lost her husband Steve recently, and the family of Dr D James Kennedy, of Coral Ridge Ministries.

Father of Lights, You are an awesome God who never changes. You have created us and this world around us. You know us intimately. You are well aware of the situations and circumstances that I have mentioned here and you are well aware of un-named situations and circumstances that are on my heart. Father I love You and I praise you that You use adversity to mold us and shape us in Your image. I praise You that You use circumstances to break us and bring us closer to You. Lord we will praise You in good times and we will praise You in the midst of the storms of Life. Thank You Lord that You are God who saves.

Lord Jesus I lift up Wendy and her six year old son to You. Give Wendy extraordinary patience. Give her Grace to face the challenge of raising her son. Give her peaceful sleep, Lord. And give her soul peace, Lord. Father God There are many standing up for Wendy today and You said that when two or more are gathered in Your name that You would be right there within the midst of them. Lord what an awesome promise...! Thank You, Father.

And Lord I lift up John Laughlin, Roberta Kovach, and the Kennedy Family who all have recently experienced the loss of a loved one. Oh how I know how that feels... But, Lord You do, too. You gave up Your son so that we might conquer death. Father God I pray for comfort and healing for the grieving.

Father God I love You. I give this day to You. Show me what I can do for You today, Lord. Let me be Your hands and feet, Lord. I thank You for the opportunity to serve You, my King. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.

9/11... My Thoughts Over The Years

I've been reflecting on 9/11 a lot the past few days. This morning I decided to go back and research what I have written the past few years about this infamous day in history that changed our world forever...

2006.... 'This world is not a nice place. That's a fact. But I can do everything I can to make my part of the world as nice a place as possible. And I must do that for the sake of my wife and children.The main thing I can do is to live a Godly life and set an example for those around me. I can try to influence everyone I can for Christ. ...And I can pray...'

2005.... 'Anything could happen to us at anytime of the day, any where. We really do have to live in constant expectancy that we might see our Savior at any minute.He could come to us.... Or we could go to Him. That's really a very sobering thought isn't it...?'

2004.... 'Three years ago today our world changed forever. The unthinkable happened. Our lives will never be the same. I believe that it was a wake up call to America. God was trying to get our attention. Well, He Got Mine...'

These were thoughts the past three years. In 2003 I was still writing my journal by hand in spiral notebooks. Those notebooks have long been packed away but I'm going to get them out tomorrow and review my thoughts...

I feel strange today. Like I don't know how to act or something. Part of me wants to just be quiet, 'chill out', and not do anything. The other part says 'Get to it, man... Time is short...!'

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord this is a tough day for Americans. It is a tough day for the world. I read in another news post how Islamic Extremists are viewing today as some sort of holiday to celebrate like we celebrate he 4th of July. How sad that is... This is a crazy, crazy, evil world we live in. This world is burning with anger.

Father God You are a God of Love. And You have the whole world in Your hands. And You have anointed Your children to go out into the world to pull people out of the fire. Thank You Lord for being a God who Saves...!

Lord Jesus, what can I do for You today to advance the Kingdom...? I want to be used by You my King. I love You Lord and I pledge my life to You this morning. And I pray these things in Jesus' Precious Name, Amen.

Dr D James Kennedy: American Patriot and Inspiration

Dr Kennedy went home to be with the Lord this past week. I mourn the loss of Dr Kennedy but am happy for him at the same time. He has left a very troubled world and has joined the great cloud of witnesses mentioned in Hebrews who are standing around the finish line cheering us on.

I listened to Dr Kennedy for years on the radio when I was frequently commuting to work . I would occasionally watch his broadcast on television, too. He was a great inspiration to me.

God has taken another one of His faithful home. Praise Be to God...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for the life of Dr Kennedy. He was and still is an inspiration to myself and many others. Father God, You are showing me so much about myself lately. You are showing me so much about Your Word. Thank You for these changes. Don't stop. Keep molding me, shaping me, and transforming me. I am a new creature in you, My King.

Lord, I continue to feel this urgency deep within me. Either my time is short, or time for this world is short. Maybe it's both... Whatever the case I am ready, willing, and able to serve YOU. And that is my prayer today. HOW can I serve You...? What can I do for You Lord? My lfe is about You. It's not about me. I'm not going to keep asking you any more for petty little things like helping me pay my bills. I KNOW You will meet my needs. I'm just going to go out there in faith, do my job, and let You bless me. I know You will. You have never once failed to meet my needs...! You promised that if we seeked Your Kingdome first that everything else would be added on.

Lord, You are NUMBER ONE...!

I love you, Lord and I lift You up t0 honor You. You are my God...! You are an Awesome God and I worship You. I give this day to You, Father. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Sunday Services

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord we come to another Sunday morning and I want to lift up Pastors all over the world as they prepare their hearts and minds to deliver messages in Your Name. I pray that hearts will be changed today Lord. I pray that lives will be lived different as a course of what is heard this morning in churches across this land.

Father God I especially lift up Cere, Pastor Sal, Brother Dave, Dr Wisdom, and Bruce Wesley as they minister to the local bodies of Christ here in the greater Houston area. Lord I lift up Pastor Bob Kraft in New York as he wraps up his mission trip to the US OPEN.

Thank You for the faithful witness of all these men, Lord. Bless their words this morning Lord and bless the ears of the audience to hear Your message.

My precious Lord and Savior. I love You Lord. I just give today to You. Everything I say, do, and even think today will be done in You for Your Glory, Lord. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Why I've Given Up Alcohol...!

I definitely drank more in my younger days than I have in recent years. A few years ago, when Monica became pregnant with Elijah she began abstaining. And in support of her, I did as well.

After Elijah's birth we have never really got back into drinking very much at all except for an occasional glass of wine, or a margarita with a weekend meal of Mexican food....

I have been under the assumption that wine was OK, but hard liquor was OUT... But a recent online discussion from our church weblog has made a total abstainer out of me. Unfortunately I can't post a direct link to that discussion, but you can follow this link and scroll down or click on September 4 Topic Discussion. That particular discussion led me to want to research all the biblical scriptures related to what God says about drinking and abstinence.

As I prepared to conduct my research I discovered that The pastor of Life Church of Angleton has actually published a paper on this topic. Pastor Cere is such a gifted communicator. His message cleared up misconceptions that I had and also gave me new insight into scripture verses that I had previously overlooked and glossed over. After reading Pastor Cere's paper I have no taste for alcohol what so ever...

If You drink alcohol, please read this article and find out exactly what the bible says about Christians and drinking. It very well could change your Life...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I love You and give You praise Today. Thank You for recently opening my eyes to the truth and what Your Word says about abstaining from the consumption of alcohol. Mine is a life that is changed because of Your Precious Holy Word.

Father God I pray that Your Word goes out all over the world and the Holy Spirit convicts many hearts today.

I give this day totally for Your Glory, my King, and I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen!

Friday Thanks

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for a great day yesterday. As always you have moved to meet the needs of my family. I am very grateful for all the new tennis students who began my fall tennis program yesterday. Lord You are wonderful and marvelous...!

I give You all the glory for my coaching success, Lord. It is You who I give my all to. I want to give my BEST to honor YOU, my King...!

Father God, I lift up my Sister today as she is entertaining Pastor Bob in her home for dinner this evening. I pray that it be a peaceful, relaxing evening for Pastor Bob and that it's a blessing to my sister and her family to be in the presence of a man who walks so closely with You, my Lord. Thank You dear Lord for bringing about this set of circumstances.

And Lord, I thank You once again for Life Church of Angleton. That church is about the business of transforming Lives through a relationship with You. It is certainly transforming mine. I just lift up Pastors Cere and Sonny to You this morning. Thank you for their leadership and their shepherding, Lord.

Father God, I have much to do today. I thank You for plenty of Good work. I pray that I not allow it to overwhelm. Help me to prioritize, divide, and conquer..!

I will not stress today. I will do the best I can with the time I have and let that be enough. The rest can get done tomorrow. Lord the enemy always tries to overwhelm me with busyness, among other things... It is a strategy that has worked for years. But praise YOU Lord, that together WE are breaking that stronghold.

Post script... -In my first draft of this post I wrote that ' I ' was breaking down that stronghold, but after a careful proof reading and tug at my heart I went back and edited it to ' WE ' instead. -thank You, Holy Spirit...!

I realize that by myself, ' I ' am Nothing. But with You, and IN YOU, I am a Valiant Warrior and a Mighty Conqueror...!

I have VICTORY in YOU, Lord. Praise be YOUR Name, JESUS...! AMEN.

God's Word is an Immovable Anchor in Times of Storm

God's primary form of communication with us is the written Word, the Bible. I love reading the bible. I've been reading the bible since I was a little boy. Unfortunately, as a young person I ddin't grasp or understand the importance of what I was reading. I feel as only recently my eyes have been opened to the marvelous truths that have been tucked away in this fantastic book.

I am inspired and encouraged by the life illustations of the bible, the stories of great men and women of faith who have given their all for the sake of Heaven. I want the same to be said of me: Sam gave his ALL for the sake of the Kingdom.

Dear Lord,

Thank you Father for Your inspired Word, the Bible. The answer to every life question lies between it's covers. Sadly, many won't ever own or read a bible. My life might be the only bible some people ever observe. Help me Father to live a transparent life that might bring honor to You.

I love You Lord. I am seeking to be closer to You this mornng. Do not deny me. Draw me close my King. Show me how I can better serve You, Lord.

I loe You, Jesus. And I pray these things in Your most holy name. Amen...

Phillipians 4:8-9 Life Lessons

I've stated this before but the Apostle Paul is one of my favorite authors. And Phillipians is one of my favorite epistles. Phil 4:8-9 is featured in Doctor Stanley's Early Light Devotional this morning.

In this verse Paul instructs us to dwell on Truth. He also tells us to think about things that are honorable, right, pure, and lovely. He says that we can look to him as an example because he does these things. And, He says if we do these things then the God of Peace will be with us...!

That sounds like a good deal to me!

Dr Stanley puts it this way, If God is not in something, then Satan is.... If we put garbage into our heads then garbage will come out of our mouths and be manifested in our lives.

A good case in point is television. While there are a few good educational shows out there, television is mostly of the world and does not emphasize the things of God. And I believe the internet is the most dangerous invention ever and is rapidly undermining our culture...

ok... I'm just ranting this morning. Just remember Dr Stanley's sage advise: Where God is not present, there you will find Satan....!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord help me control my thought life as Paul descibes it in Phil 4:8-9. Help me guard against negativity. Enable me to be a life example like Paul was. Father God I want only to serve You. Please continue to show me how You would have me minister to those around me, especially my own family, Lord. 10 Inverness Lane in West Columbia is my primary mission field...!

Father God lift up my dear sweet wife who is in battle right along side of me fighting spiritual warfare day in day out. Bless her Lord. Restore her health and energy, Father.

Lord I believe You want me to be more bold a witness in my career and in my professional contacts. That is a sticky area, Father. Help me to be 'gentle' in this regard.

Father God, I know You are well aware of my financial situation. Lord I will just trust in You to meet our needs. Help me to make wise financial decisions, Lord. I want to honor You with Your provisions and blessings.

Father God, I love You. You are my King, You are my everything. I praise You, Jesus. And I pray these things in Your precious holy name, Amen.

The Lord is with You, Oh Valiant Warrior...! Judges 6:12

Pastor Cere spoke about the legend of the 300 this past Sunday. In my personal studies this weekend I've been reading Judges chapter 6 and 7 over and over trying to get more background about Gideon. I find Gideon's call both interesting and inspiring and I see many parallels in the Gideon story and my own story.

First of all, chapter 6 opens with the statement of how wicked the Israelite's were and that God delivered them to the Midianites for seven years. They were lost in Sin. -And God disciplined them through the oppression of the foreign invaders. They cried out to God for help and he sent them a prophet, Gideon.

Now the Lord sent an Angel to Gideon to give him his call to service. Gideon was skeptical But the Lord persisted. Gideon did not feel worthy that he could accept his call. He did not believe in himself. But the Angel was firm in his encouragement of Gideon. Gideon asked for signs from the angel that he was legitimate and the Angel provided signs.

Gideon was convinced.

I see many parallels in this story to what is going on in my own life right now. I don't know if it's fair to say that I have been 'wicked', but since accepting Christ back in 1986 I know I haven't really grown in the spirit like I could have and should have. And yes, there have been many times that I have not been walking closely with the Lord.

But lately, I have most definitely been feeling a call to step up my service to the Lord. Monica has felt a call, too. God has been working in both of us in a powerful way these past few years. Right now we're both at the 'asking for signs' stage in our story and are waiting patiently on the Lord's revelation to us. It seems that the more spirit filled we become then the more the enemy oppresses us. But Praise the Lord that in Him we are stronger than the forces that oppose us...!

Being led to Life Church of Angleton is no accident, that's for sure. I know God is in control and everything is unfolding as it is supposed to. God is God and I am not. I will trust in the Lord.

God told Gideon that Gideon was a Valiant Warrior...! And God assured Gideon that He was with him. I think in the context of Life church that Cere is our Gideon, and Monica and I are part of the 300. But in our own sphere's of influence, We are the Gideons to our own 300's.

Monica and I are Valiant Warriors. And Connor and Elijah will be, too...! It's our task to train them up...! That much is clear.

But we are facing some very difficult life circumstances right now. And we can't see a clear direction for our life's path. We are waiting on the Lord. We are praying. We are trying to be faithful and obedient. We are trying to be patient. Oh Lord, Give us Strength...!

If anyone reading this post today is moved by these words, I ask for your prayers for my family. We could use some prayer and encouragement right now. We just want to be in the center of God's will and to grow in Him and impact the world around us for the Kingdom...!


Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord God You are a Mighty God. You are Powerful. You are Wonderful and Glorious. You are my Lord and Savior. You are my King. I bow down and worship You this morning. Lord God I love You. I am Your humble servant. Lord I ask You this morning how can I serve you better..? What are You trying to show me right now in the midst of these struggles in my life?

Lord show me some clear direction with my career path. I'm open to whatever You have in mind. Father God, You promised to meet our needs and I know You will. And I thank You and praise You for being so faithful. I am already blessed. I have a beautiful, wonderful, caring loving, supportive wife. I have a family, house, car. I have the 'American Dream'. But Lord all that pales in comparison to the gift of everlasting life provided for me through Jesus' sacrifice.

Thank You Lord for sending Your son to save the world. Father I pledge my life in service to You in honor of Your son who gave His Everything for me.

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

The 'Stuff' Legends Are Made Of... Gideon's Army

Pastor Cere preached a very compelling sermon yesterday morning. (Doesn't he always..?)

He opened up by speaking about 'Fealty'. I wasn't very familiar with that term. But he explained it was a combination of faithfulness and loyalty.

[fealty \FEE-uhl-tee\, noun:1. Fidelity to one's lord; the feudal obligation by which the tenant or vassal was bound to be faithful to his lord.2. The oath by which this obligation was assumed.3. Fidelity; allegiance; faithfulness. http://dictionary.reference.com/help/luna.html]

Next, he went on to tell the story of Gideon's 300. This story can be found in Judges 7.

Basically, Gideon took 300 Warriors and with God's help they defeated a force of foreign invaders who out numbered them about over 400 to 1. The theme of the story is that God is in the miracle business and if you have the 'mindset' of God then anything is possible.

Pastor Cere is taking us through the next eight weeks of 'the 300' series discussing the attributes of the 300 Warriors who stood with Gideon. Cere challenged each and every one of us in the congregation to have the kind of fealty to the Lord that Gideon's Army had and to stand firm and to transform our community for the Kingdom of the Lord.

I'm Pumped. I'm Psyched. I can hardly wait for next week's sermon...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for another week to serve You. Thank you for another day in this precious life You have given me. Lord Thank You for Pastor Cere, Life Church, and the body of believers You have brought us to. It is definitely my prayer that we are anointed to go out and transform and claim our community for YOU.

Father God, thank You for a nice family day yesterday. You are truly an awesome God.

Lord I do lift up the friends and family of a former student of mine: Steve Kovach. Apparently Steve passed away this past weekend. I especially lift up Steve's wife Roberta. Steve was a dear sweet man who will be greatly missed by many. I never had an opportunity to discuss spiritual matters with Steve and I wish I had. I'm sure that he is with You right this very second, Lord.

Thank You for allowing our paths to cross. Lord help me to make more of encounters with men like Steve and couples like Steve and Roberta. There are no 'chance' encounters out there. There are no 'mere' mortals. And every soul is either an eternal splendor or an eternal horror.

Father God help me to make the most of my connections and my Divine Appointments. Everyone I encounter may have some wisdom to impart on me or I may have some wisdom to impart to them. It's always going to be one or the other. How many blessings have I missed because I failed to engage or be engaged..?

Lord help me.

Show me how I can be used by You and then use me!

Father God I love You and thank You and praise You for Your glory. All the 'stuff' of Legends comes from You, my King.

I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Pride: Get Behind Me...!

The message of the Bible is one of brokenness, humility and meekness. The very foundation of the Kingdom of Heaven is “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:3-5). Jesus said: “Learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29). Only the humble receive grace (James 4:6 and 1Peter 5:5). David got it right when he said: “A broken and a contrite heart – These, O God, You will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17).

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I love You. You are wonderful and glorious. You are kind and gentle and lowly in heart. Father I want to humble. I want to be gentle and lowly in heart. Help me to be more like You, Jesus.

Oh Lord in heaven, I cry out to You to heal my spirit...! Bless me Father. Bless my family. Renew me Lord. I seek You with all my heart soul and mind...

Lord Jesus, I lift up Pastors Cere and Sonny and everyone in ministry this morning. I specifically lift up Pastor Bob in New York this morning.

Lord I lift up my family, Monica. Connor, and Elijah. Bless them and bless our day, Oh Lord. We desperately need a good day as a family.

Father I will do my best to give my Utmost for Your Highest, and with Your intercession, by Your Grace, I and my family will carry on and our lives, our days will Glorify You. Thank You Father. I pray these things in Jesus' name, AMEN.

Prayer for the Weekend

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord You are An Awesome God...! I love You and Thank You and Praise You, my King. Father God I just give this weekend up to You. I pray special blessings on my family, especially my extended family around the country.

Lord I lift up Pastor Bob as he witnesses to tennis pros and their families in New York this weekend during the US OPEN. May his efforts bear much fruit.

Father God I just pray that this weekend You show me what I can do for You. I just want to serve You. Everything I do today will be in Your Name, for Your Glory. Please bless the words that come from my mouth to build up, encourage, and edify all who hear them.

Father God Above all I pray that Your will be done, now and forever. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen...!