Prayer Matters...

Prayer has always been the essence of what this blog is about. In the beginning,'Coach Sam's Prayer Journal' was a work whose focus was to unite division at a church that Monica and I were attending. Then it sort of morphed into an intercessory prayer blog. Now it is a combination of prayer, meditation and study. It's a reflection of my conscience and how the Lord is moving in my life and my growing relationship with HIM.

I've gone round and round about making this a 'public journal' or private one. I am aware of scriptures that say that we should pray in secret: Matthew 6:6 ...But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

And scriptures remarking specifically about public prayer: Matthew 6:5 ...And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.

I have meditated at length about those two scriptures specifically. I have come to the conclusion that I can't control what people think. And I can't let the fear of what others think hinder me or my prayer life. I know my heart. God knows my heart. And those are the only two things that really matter.

The reasons for this blog are stated up front. I'm here to witness, encourage, and share what God is doing with and in my life.

The Lord reminded me something about prayer the other day. I was watching a Beth Moore study video with my wife recently and Beth brought up the scripture:

Ephesians 6:18 ...And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints....

Beth pointed out that We are CALLED to pray.

1. We should pray all the time.
2. We can pray about anything.
3. We should pray about everything.
4. We should pray for everyone.

But Beth went on to ask WHY should we do these things?

The answer: BECAUSE PRAYER MATTERS...!

Prayer can change things. I know that. But the way Beth Moore presented it, the concept really stood out clearly to me yesterday. So much so that it has inspired today's post.

This morning I could not remember the exact scripture Beth referenced at first so I did a word search on prayer in the NIV and came up with 155 scripture references to prayer.

The bible sure has a lot to say about prayer. The next few mornings I'm just going to take some scriptures and explore what has been written about this topic.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Prayer is a blessing. Thank You for prayer, Lord. It's awesome to be able to communicate with You in this way. But Lord, help me to remember that the flow of communication is a two way street. I pray that You enable me to slow down, be quiet, and listen for You. Please don't allow me to do all the talking and none of the listening.

I love You Lord and want to honor You with my prayer. Praise You, Jesus. I bow down in humble submission to You this morning. Let not my life be about me, but You Lord. Today I focus on You. I seek You First this morning. And You are Number One on my 'todo' list all day long. Everything is about You. Everything I do today Lord will be an act of worship to You. Everything will be done to the utmost of my ability for Your Highest Calling.

Today my life will be lived out in worship to You, My King. In Jesus' Name I Pray,

Amen.

Ways to Wtness: Titus 2:7-8

I love Paul's letter to Titus. In it he encourages Titus to live a life of example to those around him. Paul wanted Titus to pay special attention to the manner of speech that was used in his teaching and interaction with others Titus was instructed to always speak the truth. I wonder if Titus had a problem with using sarcasm as a teaching method...? I know I tend to use sarcasm a little too much. Since not everyone shares the same since of humor, those who tend to use sarcasm too much are bound to offend some people.

Today my prayer is for the Lord to help rid me of sarcasm from my thought life and my vocabulary. I pray that I only speak and think kind, gentle, encouraging words of truth that lift everyone up around me.

Dear Heavenly Father,

The bible speaks about the power of the tongue many times in the bible. Oh tame my tongue oh Lord! Help me to always speak words of Encouragement and Life. Do not allow me to come under scrutiny for harsh or negative words. Help me to speak the truth at all times, my King. I know that is Your will for my life.

I know this is not something I can accomplish on my own for very long periods of time. This change must come from within my heart. I pray that You unleash the power of the Holy Spirit in my Life, Lord. Help me to do YOUR WILL, Father. That is my desire. That is my calling.

Lord I draw close to You this morning. I press in to You. I stand in Your protection as Your child and heir. And no weapon formed shall prosper against me...! I love You, Lord. You have rescued my family and I. -And we will serve you all the days of our lives...

Father I lift up my precious family to You this morning. Bless my dear sweet wife, She is on fire for You, my King. Help me to fan those flames, oh Lord. Help me to be an encouragement and a helpmate to her. I love my Monica, she is such a blessing and I want to see her grow and accomplish and be everything You have called her to.

Lord please bless my stepson, Connor. Father he has potential to be a great man of faith and influence. I pray that I am an instrument of edification and encouragement to him and not a hindrance in his walk with You. Lord my prayer this morning is primarily about my relationship with Connor. I pray that You will help me season my speech and lift him up with words of life. Help me to love Connor unconditionally like Monica does. -Like You do, Lord.

Father I confess my heart is not always right with Connor's behavior. Help me to do better. Change my heart, Lord. I can love Conor with Your Love, Lord..

And finally Lord I lift up my sweet little boy Elijah to You. Help me to be the perfect daddy to him. I can't believe how much I love that child and how much having a baby has changed my life for the better. Lord, Elijah is growing up in a wicked, evil world. He's going to have to face things that I never dreamed of as a little boy. Help Monica and I to train him up right. I pray that he always sees and recognizes how much we love You and that our relationship with You is what defines us. We are nothing without Your presence in our lives.

Lord I love you. I give this day to You. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name, AMEN.

Paul Knew what he was talking about...

In closing his letter to the Colossians, the apostle Paul emphasized three aspects Christian living:

1. Devotion to prayer...

2. An attitude of gratefulness...

3. Thoughtful interaction with unbelievers...

He explained that we should make the most of opportunities to share our testimony. As Paul said, “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6).

Paul had it right. Oh, if only I could live my life like that all the time...! I want that to be ME...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord God I love You. And I am thankful for every moment, every breath of life. Yesterday Cere said that Holy Spirit was every breath of life we take. I totally believe that. If everyone believed that, this world would be way different than it is...

I am thankful. I have a grateful, joyous heart and am fired up to be part of the rescue effort to save the souls of men here in these last days.

Lord I do pray for many opportunities to share THE TRUTH of Your Love. Help me to be bold. Help me to be faithful and obedient. Let my light shine like a brilliant lamp stand.

Father God I give this day to You, for Your Glory. And I pray these things in the power of the blood of Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Prayer for a Good Tournament

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I lift up everyone who is traveling today to play in the tennis tournament I am hosting. Father God I pray that everyone arrive safely and without incident. Lord I pray for many positive experiences today.

Bless my helpers for whom I am greatly appreciative of this morning. Lord I lift up my sweet wife today also because I would not be having a good event without her support in the background so I pray for a good day for her, my King..

Lord I offer this day up to You for Your Glory. I love You, Lord. And I pray these things in Your Precious Son's Name, Jesus Christ, AMEN.

Thanking God Today...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

I am such a mess, Lord. But I thank You and Praise You for one more day to straighten things out. I thank You for another day to work on some relationships. I thank You for one more day to impact those around me for Your Kingdom's sake. Lord I am not perfect, that's for sure.

But You are. And You are an Awesome God. I love You my King. I give today to You, Jesus. I give You my heart, Lord. I give You my soul.

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

Colossians 1:10-14

...walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light... Col 1:10-14 -New American Standard

Wow... Is that a compound sentence or what...? If I were translating that verse it would sound like this:

Straighten up...! See that you please the Lord in everything you do. Grow in Christ, tapping in to his amazing power source. Seek to be steady and patient. And be thankful with a joyful heart because our Heavenly Father has promised we believers a great future with the faithful who have gone before us.

Well, I'm no John MacArthur, but that verse really speaks to me. We need to be steady and patient, seeking God at all times. The world says that WE need to accomplish tasks under OUR OWN power. The Bible says to Seek God First...!

Jesus is THE WAY. -the ONLY way...

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord God I praise You. Thank You for speaking to me this morning. I set my alarm for 4 AM this morning so I could get up early, spend time with You, and then be about my busy day today. Oh Lord, help me accomplish all that I need to get done today. But let me not be rushed and hurried. Let me be steadfast and patient. Father I'm seeking to tap into that supernatural strength that You promise is available to all believers.

Lord I will accomplish great things in Your name today. -Today is not just a work day. It's a ministry opportunity day. I'll have my first opportunity in a few minutes when my family begins to awaken. Bless them, Lord. I lift them up to You. Help me to especially encouraging to Connor today. Enable him to be the mighty warrior for Christ that You have called him to be.... He could be strong and powerful influence to his generation...

And Dear Lord and Savior, please bless Monica's and Elijah's day. May it be a peaceful relaxing day of accomplishment for Monica, and a fun and exciting day of learning and growing for my precious baby boy Elijah... I lift my family up to You Lord.

Father God, I know You are capable to accomplish and grant my requests. And Lord I Believe that You will be in the midst of us all day today, watching over us. Nothing escapes your perfect vision and knowledge. Thank you, Lord. I love You, Lord. I feel much better after spending time with You this morning.

Lord Jesus I pray these things in Your precious name, Amen.

More Marching Orders: Phil 2:15

The following is a great bible verse that commands us how to live. Let's take a look at several different bible translations and see how the meaning of this scripture is revealed...


Philippians 2:15 (English Standard Version) ...that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world...

Philippians 2:15 (New International Version) ...so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe...

Philippians 2:15 (New American Standard Bible) ...so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world...

Philippians 2:15 (The Message) ...Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You'll be living proof that I didn't go to all this work for nothing.

Sam's Thoughts:

I love comparing translations and the four listed above are among my favorites... Three of them use the term 'blameless', to describe our behavior. The Message uses the term 'uncorrupted'. Then we are called to be 'Pure' in the International, 'Innocent' in the American and English Standards, and a 'breath of fresh air' in the Message.

Put them all together and we are called to be Pure, Innocent, Uncorrupted, a Breath of fresh air, without fault and above reproach..

To whom are we ministering too?

The world.

And the world is described as a crooked, twisted, depraved, perverse, squalid, and polluted society. That's pretty visual to me.

Every verse says we are 'of God'. Every verse refers to us a 'light'.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for clarity. Thank You for recording how we are to conduct our lives if we are truly Your children. Lord, thank You especially for THE MESSAGE translation. I love how it presents Your Word .

Help me to be cheerful. Help me to be a breath of fresh air to those around me. Help me to be light.

Oh Lord I feel a little weighted down today. And I've been a little down for a while. Please lift me up. Hold me up. Put my feet upon Your solid ground. I stand on You and Your Word today. You are my Rock. You are my Fortress and Shelter.

In You I can do all things... I Love You Lord. And Father God, I lift up my dear wife to You as well. Bless her Lord. As she surely is a blessing to me. Thank You for Monica. I will honor You by loving her and serving her and my family, Lord.

Praise be to You, Jesus. Praise Your Name, My King. And I pray these things in that holy name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Prayer Promises...

In John 6:23, Jesus says 'If you ask the Father for anything in MY name HE will give it to you..."
Jesus follows that statement with 'You have not because You have not asked...'

Later he told the apostles that they were about to be scattered but he did not want them to fear. He told them in John 6:33: In this world you will have troubles and tribulations, but take courage, because I have overcome the world...

This entire conversation took place at the last supper before Jesus was taken away. The apostles had no idea what was about to happen but Jesus knew everything. Jesus knew he was going away and wanted to give the apostles final instructions and encouragement.

He was very specific that we needed to pray in HIS Name. And He encouraged everyone by reminding us that if we believed in Him the we would have victory because He had victory over the world....

He told us that things would be difficult. He told us that the world would present to us troubles and tribulations. He said to be brave. Jesus said to have courage. He wanted us to face our troubles and tribulations with confidence knowing that He faced great opposition and had come out victorious.

Today's Marching Orders: Colossians 3:23 and Ephesians 4:1-3

Whatever you do, do it heartily as for the Lord rather than for man. Remember, it's the Lord You serve, not man... Col 3:23

Walk in the manner worthy of the calling within which you've been called... Eph 4:1-3


Those were two key scriptures that Dr Charles Stanley used in his excellent sermon yesterday. Dr Stanley exhorted us to:

Do Our Best...

Live Our Best...

And Look Our Best...

After all, we are ambassadors and representatives of Christ Jesus Our Lord... We owe Jesus a Godly Life. Just take a look at the cross and what He went through for our Salvation...!

I love how the Message Bible Translated Colossians 3:23... -Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible.

And while that is a great illustration of worshipping God in the workplace, I think athletes are also called to give their best in training and in their efforts and performances on the field of competition to Glorify God as well.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for Dr Stanley's message. Lord I just ask that the Holy Spirit would enable me to Glorify You in Everything.. I want to live for You Lord. Father God I want to change. I want my life to honor You and what You did for me on the Cross.

Lord I love You and I give this day to You. And I pray these things in your Precious Holy Name: Jesus Christ, Amen.

The Man God Uses...

This morning I awakened early and just laid in bed praying. I thanked God for helping Monica and I host a very successful Home school Activity Camp. I thanked God for my health. I definitely feel better today after a week of battling a sore throat and generally feeling 'bad'...

I've been thinking a lot about lately about God's purpose for my life and the direction in which I am to lead my family. It seems God's really opening a door of opportunity to minister to our local home school community. But I sense God pushing me out of my comfort zone more and more to face other difficult relationships and circumstances.

You see, I really hate conflict. But conflict seems to come knocking all the time. But when I think about the great heroes of the bible I'm hard pressed to come up with anyone who lived a conflict-free life. In the great cosmic battle of good versus evil there will always be conflict.

Who's to say that God will not ultimately use Sam or Monica Chadwell in much the same way he used King David or Esther back hundreds of years ago...? I mean, they both came from humble beginnings and look at what they were able to accomplish through faithfulness and with God's anointing....

Who's to say God will not use whoever reads this post today in a mighty way...? Perhaps HE already is...

As Pastor Cere said the other day in church... 'God's still writing the history of the bible...!' It's amazing to think that You and I might be starring in the final chapter of the Greatest Story ever written, but that's the train of my thinking this morning.

We are God's creation. We were created to join into a close personal relationship with Him. The power is within each and everyone of us to be Mighty Warriors and Ambassadors for Christ.

-I'm speaking about the power of the Holy Spirit that in dwells each and every Believer.

I'm not quite sure of the exact details of my future. But I am a whole lot more sure of my direction and the direction of my family in the days, weeks, months and years to come.

We will love, serve, and follow the Lord... That's the course of our lives...!

Thanks and Praise

OK... I've been bummed out and wiped out with a sore throat this week. I've taken a full course of antibiotics the past three days and am almost well this morning. I'm not 100% but I'm the best I've been since this past Sunday. I was up into the early morning hours visiting with my wife about all that's going on in our lives right now. I love my wife so much. God could not have put me with a better woman. That alone is a great blessing, but God did not stop there he blessed me with children too. Although being a parent has been a tremendous challenge, it's also proven to be one of my biggest blessings ever through stretching and growing me in ways I never dreamed possible...! God is Good and I am blessed.

But this scripture I came across last night is the greatest cause for my peace and joy:

1 Corinthians 2:9...

...No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what Gog has prepared for those who love Him...

Oh I have troubles, I have concerns, but I know my Father in Heaven who loves me will lift me up and sustain me. -And I love my Lord my God. And I can look forward to a future far brighter than anyone can ever imagine in my Heavenly Father's Place...!

So I lift up my hands to THE ONE who died for me. I give thanks and praise to THE ONE who is most worthy of my loyalty. I love You, Lord. I give today to You. I will not worry for today. I will not fear. You are faithful and holy. Lord You prepared a place for me in the heavens with You. Thank You Lord for my life here today and my life yet to come...

My God and King, My Everything: I pray theses things in Your precious son's name: JESUS CHRIST.

AMEN

Sick Today

I'm still sick today... Please lift me up... I'm going to have to cancel all my lessons today!

Need Prayer Today...

I'm asking to be lifted up today. I'm very much under the weather physically. Today I have a monster of a sore throat and I just feel generally fatigued. The problem is I have a ton of work to do today. Honestly, I just wish that today would go away.

I'm also feeling a bit unsure of my career path again... Sigh... At least I know well enough to not make any major life decisions while I'm sick.

So the first order of business is to take it easy today physically. Get to the doctor. Get well. And Go from there... OK. that sounds good.

So my physical issues are sore throat and fatigue. But what of my spiritual issues...?

Weakness. No Endurance...

Pastor Cere said in his sermon on Sunday that Endurance of the Saints comes from the WORD of GOD and FAITH in JESUS.

The fact is that all who live Godly lives will suffer the slings....

Cere reminded us this past Sunday that:

• We were born in battle for battle...
• We have to ignore our pain and needs to be a focused warrior...
• Sometimes we must pay the ultimate price for the ultimate prize...
• We are called to be Like HIM and change the world Like HIM...
• We are Spirit Born and Spirit Bred to Serve the Lord...

To Lead WE SERVE...!

Wow, just reviewing my notes from this past Sunday's sermon actually revives me a bit spiritually...

Dear Heavenly Father, Lord You are Mighty and I am weak. I just rest in You this morning. I take strength and encouragement from the power of Your Word. I know that situations might get difficult but You are molding and transforming me, Lord. And I am more than a conqueror in You, my King. I love You Jesus and I rest in You. Thank You for my weakness and trials, Lord.

I embrace them and just look for You. I cling to You my Lord and Savior. I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Tell the Generations...

Well Cere did preach a good one yesterday. It was so good that we stayed for both services... He said many worthwhile things yesterday but one of the most significant insights he presented is this:

We are in a spiritual warfare for the souls of mankind. And Jesus is still writing the history of the bible today... -We have been given the opportunity to make history...! We Press On in honor of the generations that have come before us. We press on for our loved ones in this generation. We press on for the generations not yet born who will one day have to take up the fight!

-Pastor Cere, Life Church of Angleton, Texas.

I am Spirit filled today! Praise the Lord...! Each and every day I feel more convicted and compelled to tell others about Christ or present some sort of witness for the Kingdom...

Today my prayer is for Connor, my stepson. I lift him up to the Lord Most High... I lift up Elijah, my sweet little baby. I am their watchman. It is my job to bathe them in prayer and train them up right. It is my privilege and my solemn duty as a dad and step dad.

I lift up my beloved wife Monica. She is one of the greatest blessings in my life. God sure did me right when he brought us together...!

Father God,

Lord I present my family to You this morning. Bless them Father. Keep them safe. Draw them close, Lord.Help me to just what they need at this time in their lives. Bless me too, Lord. I am a very imperfect man with many, many flaws and short comings. Lord I know that I can accomplish nothing on my own. It is only through Your power that anything good happens. Every good and perfect gift comes from You, Lord.

I love You Father and I pledge to live today solely for You, my KING. And I pray these things in Jesus' name,

AMEN.

The Big Day

Today is the day that Cere wraps up his series on the 300. I can hardly wait. He promised us his best sermon ever. Since I have never walked away not being blessed by his words of wisdom I am eagerly anticipating church this morning.

So today I just lift Cere up as he delivers his message. I thank God for Cere, Sonny, and all the Pastoral staff at Life Church of Angleton.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for this wonderful life I live. Thank You for my health. Thank You for my dear sweet family, Lord. Father God I especially lift up Pastor Cere as he presents a message that is sure to touch hearts and change lives today. I pray for my heart Lord, it could always use some mending. Father I lift up Connor specifically to You today. Sundays seem to be difficult days for him. Help me to be particularly patient and gentle where he's concerned.

I also lift up my dear sweet wife who is always caring for me and the family, never once placing her needs and wants ahead of others. She's been a little under the weather lately and very much fatigued. I pray for her restoration today.

I pray for a nice family day Lord. I love You Father. And I pray these things in Jesus' name, AMEN.

On Solid Ground

I love the lyrics from the old Hymn THE SOLID ROCK:

'On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand...' It was written by William B Bradbury in 1836.

Think about it. If You are in Christ, You are STRONG. If you ARE NOT in Christ, who or what can save you...? -Nobody, Nothing.

I feel weak much of the time, but when I remember and recite those lyrics I get a little lift. I am very thankful to William Bradbury. His legacy from over 170 years ago still touches hearts today!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for this weekend, for beautiful weather, and for an awesome life. Thank You Father for your patience with me. Thank You for Your Love and Your Generous Blessings. I know that to those who much has been given them much is expected in return and Father God I give it all back to You. I surrender my life to You my King.

You died for my sake and now I die each day to You my Lord and Savior. I love You Lord. I lift Your Name on High... I Praise You Father.

I offer to today up for Your Glory, Lord. I hold every thought captive. Every word, every action will all be in honor of You, Jesus. I am nothing without You, Lord. My hope rests in You, my Solid Rock.

I pray in Jesus' Name, AMEN.

Tell Others About Christ

Last night's Alpha small group discussion was about sharing one's faith... It was good. My wife and I feel more and more bold to share our faith every day...

Today's Scripture Memory Verse is 1 Peter 3:15

Dear Heavenly Father.

Lord I just want to be faithful to share the good news. I want to honor You Lord in every way. I want to give My Utmost for Your Highest. There is no greater calling than to serve You, my King. And I serve You by serving my family, friends, co-workers, and students.

Father God I pray blessings on this day. I lift up my wife and baby who are ill today. I lift up Connor who is having trouble with sports injuries. I pray for healing and peace, Lord.

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

Seek First The Kingdom...

In the bible we are commanded to seek God First, and every thing else will be added afterwards... Matthew 6:33

I'm clinging to that scripture this morning.

Lord, I come to You in the morning. My hope is in You. My rest is in You. Who am I and what is my life without You, Lord...?

Father God, Lead me. Guide me. Make me Your instrument. I am Yours, Lord. I love You. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.

The Man God Uses

Cere spoke about Believers who have walked with the Lord for years and years and are still yet to read the bible cover to cover. ...That's me. -I'm also famous for starting bible studies and not completing them. He said those people DO NOT have what it takes to be part of God's 300.

Ouch. That really hurt. But it's the truth. (right now)

However, I'm going to change that. With God's help, of course. You see, I want to be the kind of Man God uses. I want to make a difference in eternal matters. I want to lead my family and community.

I know God expects more than I've given Him so far. Up to this point I think I've disappointed God. I know I've disappointed myself. But I've got to break out of that old self and break the chains of bondage the Evil One has secured around me.

It starts with prayer. -FERVENT PRAYER. And then it continues by searching the word of God. I will read the bible cover to cover before the year is out. And then I'm going to start over and read it again every year that God continues to allow me existence in this world...!

Time is Short. There may not be many more years. I've got to step up to the plate right this minute...! My wife and children are counting on me...!

Today my prayer is short and succinct...

Dear God, I love You. Please help me! - Amen!

How to Make the Cut for the '300'

OK... We are starting off the week super charged from Pastor Cere's message Sunday morning....!

This current series is inspired by the Legend of the '300'. The '300' was a small group of warriors who faced overwhelming odds and stood successfully and victoriously for Christ! The '300 Principle' applies to any small group called to do more for the Lord. In our case Cere said it's You and I against the World!

Even though the Enemy surrounds us, we will take the Word of God and live it. We will tell the generations unto death! For the rest of our lives we will stand alert, steady, and live our lives with a sense of integrity.

We will progressively move towards God.... Know His ways... And Do Them...!

We have an intentional battle plan. We will take our own initiative. We're not going to let our one or two trips to church a week to be our only form of spiritual nourishment. We are going to seek God and study His word daily drawing closer to Him every possible moment.

It's a Lifetime, 24/7 effort...! The whole goal is the transformation of our lives...! And we are not going to stop until The Lord comes down or He calls us Home!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord we love You. We praise You. We give You thanks for moving messages like the one Cere delivered yesterday. Father God, the world may rage against us and try to drag us down. The world may try to discourage us and distract us from our goal, but WE WILL STAND FAST...!

You promised us we would have troubles in this world Lord, but You also told us not to fear them because You have overcome the world...! Father God I stand in Victory in You this morning. I pray blessings on my sweet family this morning, Lord. I lift up my wife to You.

I present Connor and Elijah to You Lord. I especially lift up Connor to You for a double blessing today, Lord He needs encouragement. He needs a transfusion, Lord. Help me to say and do the right things to him Lord. I haven't the faintest idea how to communicate with him. Father all I can do is lay this at Your feet and let the power of the Holy Spirit make the transformation. Father God I know that all things are possible through You. And every good and perfect gift comes from You.

Lord I call on You in Faith to touch Connor in a way he has never been touched before, I pray for an indwelling and transformation of the Holy Spirit.

Father God I lift Him up to You and I pray for this in the Power of Jesus' name, Amen...!

Encouragement...!

Well, I prayed for an awesome church service this morning and boy were my parayers answered...! Pastor Cere out did himself this morning. And he promised to deliver a total knockout punch next Sunday. Honestly, I can't wait! I'm so glad the Lord has led my family to Life Church. We are definitely being equiped to make a difference in this world!

I'll be discussing my sermon notes tomorrow morning... Please check back!

In Christ's Love,

Coach Sam

Prayer For Our Pastors

Dear Heavenly Father,

This morning I just want to lift up Pastor Cere and Sonny. I pray for an awesome church service this morning. I thank You Lord for the precious time I got to spend with Elijah this morning.

I lift up my family this morning, Lord. Father God I just give this day to You and pray for a peaceful family day. I am clothed in full armor battle gear for what ever spiritual warfare may come my way...

I Love You Lord. In Jesus' Name I pray, AMEN.

The Holy Spirit

Monica and I have been discussing the Holy Spirit a lot lately. Dr Stanley discussed it this morning in his early light devotional, too.

John 14:16-18 speaks about the Holy Spirit. I like the translation that the Message bible uses. When we accept Christ as our personal Savior He sends the Holy Spirit to indwell within us. But we activate the Holy Spirit through prayer. So if we don't pray on a regular basis we are not utilizing the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives!

I still remember a time when I did not pray. Or I only prayed stale memorized prayers I learned as a child. For me, that kind of prayer wasn't communication with God. Praise the Lord I have learned that I can plug in to the power of the Holy Spirit anytime day or night, 24/7.

We are never alone.

God promises to never leave us. He said we are not orphans, but His sons and daughters...!

Lord God Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for Your Saving Grace. Father God I seek a deeper relationship with You. I know that I need to study Your Word closer. Lord Jesus Thank You for my wife who is such an inspiration to me. I lift her up today. Bless her Father. She is weary. It can't be easy to constantly take care of a two year old, a 15 year old, and a 42 year old. I pray Father that I am able to do more to lighten her load and enable her to be all You have called her to be, Father I lift up Connor, too. I pray that his relationship with me is not a stumbling block to You.

And I pray that we are all able to minister to Elijah at all times and that he comes to know You through the way we treat him show him love. Allow us to teach Elijah love by loving one another the way You love us.

Father God I am so thankful for what You have done for me and what You have given me. Lord I just want to love You and serve You and know You more. Father I give this day to You. I pray blessings on my tennis classes today and ask that You fill me to overflowing with Your Spirit so that I might make a mighty impression for You, my King.

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

Swiftness of Days...

Is it just me or does it seem that to me is speeding up...? Is it some type of phenomenon that as you get older the days, weeks, months, and years seem to pick up pace...?

It seemed that I turned around and September 2007 was behind me. I just blinked and it's already October 5. I guess that's a product of being too busy... But what can I cut out of my life to make things slow down? I honestly don't know.

Right now there seems to be an enormous amount of stuff to get done. And it's difficult sometimes to even prioritize it... Of course I know that my time with God comes first. And I'm actually feeling prompting from the Holy Spirit to spend MORE time in the Word... Something's got to give.

Oh well... Those are my thoughts this morning...

Today is Friday. The day I reserve for extra praise and worship and thanks.

I had an excellent turnout for my home school tennis program yesterday. God is most definitely blessing me with a great opportunity to impact many lives in a positive way every week and for that I am very grateful.

The past few days I haven't had very much interaction with Connor, but at least the correspondence we have had was not negative or confrontational. That's Good...! I desperately want that relationship to go well. My dear wife has been a bit overwhelmed lately with caring for the family and keeping up with everything else. I am very much want to help lighten her load. She is such a great blessing to me I can not thank God enough for bringing us together.

Today my feet don't hurt so bad. And that's a good thing... Normally Fridays are my worst days for sore feet because I teach so long on Thursdays. Praise God for my health. I'm losing weight for good this time....!

Dear Heavenly Father, I only listed a few of the many blessings that I am eternally grateful for, Thank You so much my Lord and King. You have blessed me abundantly beyond what I deserve. In this world of dis-satisfaction where everyone wants more and something that they don't have, I am content. I've got more than I'll ever need. I just want to live life to the fullest and proclaim Your Glory to everyone I encounter.

Lord I love You. You are an awesome God. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name, AMEN.

The Time Is Near...Rev. 22:6-7 -Jesus Said it...!

...These words are faithful and true: Behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.... Revelation 22:6-7

God loves obedience. All throughout the bible from Genesis through Revelation God insists that obedience brings astonishing blessing both here and in this life and our lives beyond this world.

Blessed is he who keeps the words.... What is the opposite of Blessed...? -Cursed.

And what can we assume happens to those who DO NOT keep the words of the prophecy...? (The opposite of blessed...)

God IS coming back. When...? No one knows for sure the EXACT time and date. But one thing is for sure: We do know approximately when he'll be back.

He'll be back QUICKLY.

And to me that means sooner rather than later. And that is also enough information to make me take notice and want to live my life a little differently. When God comes back I want Him to find me being about His business...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I feel an urgency today. Time is very short. And I have so much undone. Lord You have delayed Your return to allow Your people to gather in the Harvest. What have I done to help with this Harvest...? -Not Much so far. But thank You Lord that this race is not finished yet. There's still a little time to finish strong.

And Lord while there is still time I want to make an impact on/in this world. Help me to be obedient to Your Word. I want to be used by You. But I know that before I can be used by you my heart has to be healed. Help me. Heal Me, Father. Make me usable by You.

This morning I clothe myself in the armor of the spirit. I am ready for battle, Lord. And I claim Victory in You...!

Father God I love You. You are the Giver of all Good Things. You are My King. You are the Bestower of all Blessings. You are my Everything.

Lord Jesus I pray these things in Your Precious Holy Name, Amen...!

Prayer Life

I think my prayer life is in a rut. And if my prayer life is in a rut then what does that say about my personal relationship with the Lord?

How's Your prayer Life...? Do You have a regular daily appointment with God...? I try to spend time first thing in the morning with God every single day. I used to set an alarm on my phone to go off periodically throughout the day to remind myself to pray for special interests or requests but I got away from that.

I'm really trying to get back in the habit of praying at different times of the day. Although I find that there's no better way to start one's day than in prayer, my day needs a shot of adrenaline that only a good visit with the Lord in my quiet place can provide.

I'm not going to blog every time I pray, but I just wanted to go on record as saying that we should be praying in the spirit constantly. God deserves more than just one time slot, don't you think...?

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for prayer, Father. Lord I just come to You this morning laying all my troubles at the foot of Your cross. I pray for strength to exercise and eat healthily today. I pray for those Divine encounters that You have appointed for me that I might not even know about right this moment.

By Your Grace, In Your Power I will give a strong witness for the Kingdom today.

I want to honor You in every way, my Lord. I love You You, Jesus. You gave everything to save my soul. I live for You, my King.

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

Spiritual Assault

Help...! I'm really been having trouble with negative thoughts lately. And of course it coincides with trying to draw closer to my Lord and Savior. The Enemy just won't let up. He's attacking my family, relationships, time management, finances, and my thought life. Sigh...

All I can do is admit that I've failed and am in need of improvement. Then just throw myself on the mercy of my Redeemer.

Dear Father God,

Lord I had a rotten day yesterday. I'm sorry for my negative thoughts, Lord. By Your Grace I will control my thought life. I want everything I say, do, and think to honor You. Help me to always be patient, kind, and gentle like Your Son, Jesus.

Father I'm starting over today. I'm going to live for You, Jesus. I'm going to have thoughts that are good and pure and holy, Lord. I claim victory in You Jesus.

I Love You Lord. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name...

Amen.

Starting the Week Off With Prayer

Starting today I'm really going to try to kick my prayer life into another gear. I'm taking it to the next level. What does that look like...? Well it will involve both the quantity and the quality of my time spent with God. It will most definitely involve more time reading God's word. And I've got to get on track with some memorization....!

My wife is really keen on hiding the word in her heart and I am inspired to do the same....

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord thank You for this past weekend. I was shown a lot. I have a much clearer sense of purpose now. I think I became a better coach this weekend. You are stretching me Lord and I really appreciate it. I want to be all I can be and do all I can do in Jesus' name.

Father God I lift Your Name up on High... JESUS, Keeper of my heart and soul I pledge my love to You and fealty to YOU, my King. I worship and honor YOU, my Lord.

Lord in Heaven I pray Your Will be done in my life. I pray blessings on my family. I pray blessings today on the group of kids I coached this weekend. Lord I pray for their parents, too. It is so hard to be a parent these days. These are difficult times we live in. But Lord we are called to live in this world and not become of it or like it.

We Believers are supposed to stand out and I pray that we do and the world can see the love in our hearts and become jealous to want to be more like us.

Lord help me to love better. You know the challenges I face. Help me to meet them head on and become an over comer...!

I love You Lord. I give this day to You. And everything I accomplish today will be to the glory and in the power of Your Name, Jesus. Amen,