Friday, November 30, 2007

Seven Hundred...!

Wow... As of yesterday's blog entry I have published 700 times to this prayer journal since 2004. Now, I'm not being prideful or anything like that. I do think of it as a neat milestone to acknowledge, though. And I give thanks to Our Great God From Above who empowers me to carry on each day.

Some people don't understand how a person can justify so much time blogging. For me, blogging is like oxygen. It's how I work things out. -I can't just think a concept or idea into a finished product. I have to see it written down to be able to organize my thoughts. I have to be able to cut and paste blocks of text and create something that is meaningful, something that makes sense. It's very gratifying to observe a single thought blossom into an essay.

I love that I am able to go back and see what I was thinking and how God was speaking to me at this same time last year, or the year before that. It's nice to have a record of answered prayer. And I rest assured that my spiritual journey is well recorded for posterity and that both Elijah, Connor, or anyone else might one day be able to glean a spiritual nugget from some thought I have preserved here in this forum.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this blog forum. Thank You for this technology that we can use to advance Your Kingdom. Oh Lord it's simply amazing how You work all things for Good to those who are called to Your purpose. Father God, I know one of Your purposes for my life is to blog about You. I pray that You are lifted up here today and that You get the Praise and the Glory You so richly deserve.

Thank You Lord for getting me on track yesterday as I got off to a rocky start. Thank You that today I am already building up some spiritual steam to make a big impact in the world for Your Kingdom today, and it's not even 7:30AM yet...!

I so dearly appreciate the morning devotions from Charles Spurgeon. It's very cool indeed to consider that when You were inspiring Spurgeon to pen his devotionals over a hundred years ago that You knew I would be inspired by them today, and You were already caring for me before I was born...!

Lord You are a wondrous provider. I thank You for Your Blessings Father. I thank You for working on my heart...!

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

Amen.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Taking Thoughts Captive...

Dear Heavenly Father,

It's not even 9:30 AM yet today and I've already had to take many thoughts captive... Lord I just thank You that you are a God who can and will fix problems. Father God, I just lay it all down at Your feet this morning.

Help me to be strong. Help me to face some critical issues in my life head on and get beyond the same obstacles I've been facing day in and day out for some time now. Lord I want to honor you in everything I do. I love You, Lord. I give this day to You. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name.

Amen.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Lifting Up The Life Church Missionaries.



Today it is on my heart to pray for Mike and Sandy Collins who have been on a missions trip in Africa for about a week now. They and another couple from our church have traveled across the ocean to share their faith and make a difference in other peoples lives.
I lift them up today. I pray blessings on what they are doing and trying to accomplish. I pray for every sort of traveling mercy and a safe journey home. I hope that many lives are changed forever by their courageous acts of faith and compassion. They are real life heroes giving their utmost for God's Glory...!

Monday, November 26, 2007

Ecclesiastes 9:10

My stepson Connor and I have started a routine of doing a devotional together every morning. Today's prayer journal commentary and devotional is taken from CH Spurgeon's Daily Devotional... I really enjoy the Spurgeon Devotionals. They are a little bit difficult to understand because of the time period they were written in, but there is always a good message contained in Spurgeon's writings.

Today's Scripture: "Whatsoever thy hand finds to do, do it with thy might."—Ecclesiastes 9:10

It's amazing how much commentary Spurgeon was able to pull out of that little verse... Here's the 'short' version:

Spurgeon first takes the word 'whatsoever' and defines that as works that are 'do-able', not merely ideas in our head. He goes on to give a great quote:



One good deed is worth more than a thousand brilliant theories... CH Spurgeon


He also tells us that we should think of Ecclesiastes 9:10 in 'present tense' and we should act now, today. He urges us to not procrastinate.

Finally, Spurgeon explains what 'do it with thy might' means. This is the nugget of truth for me.

We are called to do everything for the Lord and to the best of our ability at all times.

We do not know exactly how much time we have on this earth. But one thing is for sure... There's no time to waste. Spurgeon closes with a reminder to pray for divine inspiration and blessing and to wait patiently on the Lord. ...All sound advice!

If you would like a .pdf file of my complete study and life application notes for today's devotional I'll be glad to provide them for you. Please email me at Coachsam@chadwelltennis.com


Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Charles Spurgeon's keen insight into scripture this morning. Father God I thank You Lord for the works of all the great Christians whom have come before me and left their mark on the world. Lord I pray for Connor and myself this morning. Help us to not procrastinate. Help us to be diligent about the study of Your Word, my King. And I pray that by the daily renewing of our minds that our lives will be transformed.

Father God I lift up my sweet wife to You today as well as Baby Elijah. Thank You Lord for the blessing of my sweet family. I want to do is glorify You by serving them all the time. I want to honor You Lord in everything I do.

Lord I pray for Your will to be done in my life, not mine. You made me a strong willed person Lord. But I give that will back to You Father. Please do not let my will hinder me or those around me.... I ask for Your guidance, Lord. Are You calling me to bloom right here where I'm planted, or do you have in mind for me to go on the road more? Make it more clear to me what my career path should be....

Lord I'll wait patiently on You but meanwhile I will do everything I do to the best of my ability in Your honor.

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


Sunday, November 25, 2007

Still Thankful

I took time off from blogging this holiday. I just rested and enjoyed quality time with the family. That was just what I needed. And it was a good Thanksgiving weekend. The weather forced me indoors and I had to cancel two events I had spent much time organizing, but that's the way it goes.

I'm still grateful and thankful for the many, many, bountiful blessings God has bestowed upon me.

This morning I'm blessed with a few moments of precious silence to post my thoughts. Monica will be up soon and then Elijah and finally Connor.

I want to lift up our Pastor this morning. I know that Cere is probably up right now too, praying and reviewing this morning's message. I thank God for his leadership and the inspiration and motivation he gives us every Sunday. I am grateful and thankful for Sonny and Elton, too.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord You are so good to my family and I... Thank You Dear God. Thank you everything.. Especially a nice family day yesterday. Lord I look forward to another great day today. I pray for Cere and his message this morning. I pray that it touches hearts and changed lives. Lord I pray specifically for my heart and the hearts of everyone in my family. Lord I lift up my brother John this morning and hope to see him in church today.

Father God I Love You. I give this day to You. I will follow You, Lord. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen...

Friday, November 23, 2007

Thanksgiving...

Dear Heavenly Father...

Thank You Lord for blessing me so abundantly.

Thank You for my wife and family. Thank You for a beautiful home. Lord I have so many blessings, but the greatest blessing is Your precious gift of Salvation.

Because of Salvation my hope is secure and I can be about Your business, Lord.

Father my prayer is one of grateful humility this morning. I love You, Lord. I praise You, my King.

I only ask that You help me to be more like You with each breath that I take. Help me to be more encouraging, more patient, and give me a boldness to witness to those around me. Help me to recognize opportunities and seize them.

Oh Lord that is my prayer this morning. And I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Two Ways To Look At Ourselves...

Isaiah 64:6... We are Unclean. Even the Best things we do are not worthy. Pretty depressing, huh? This is what the old testament says is the true nature of man and his actions.

Now I like how Dr Charles Stanley said it in his devotional this morning:

Of course, for the Christian, every day of the year should be a time of Thanksgiving. But on this holiday officially set aside for giving thanks, why not take the opportunity to reflect humbly on God’s countless blessings—of forgiveness, salvation, and life itself...? Let the day be a time when you truly commit to placing Him first in your lives. -Dr Charles Stanley


Here's what the New Testament says about us in Colossians 1:21-22....

Yes, we were terrible. But that was the 'old' self, the 'Former'.... Jesus died for as so we could be reconciled. In reconciliation we were made new. Now we can boldly approach the Throne of Grace!

I am grateful for many things. But Salvation is Number ONE at the top of the list!

THANK YOU, GOD...!

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Claiming Victory

Dear Heavenly Father,

Today is a big, busy day for my family. I am already feeling pressure and a little bit of stress. Father I just shake it off this morning and wrap my self in Your many abundant promises. I ask for Grace and Mercy, Lord. I ask for forgiveness for negative thoughts I've had recently. Lord the Evil one is trying to position himself to steal the joy and happiness of my family and many others around me.

IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN...!

Father I lift up my sweet wife to You. I pray for her, Lord. Bless her with rest and peace, my King. Lord I claim Sweet Victory in the POWER of Your name. JESUS. YOU are my Champion. If You are for us Lord, WHO can be against Us...? No, the enemy will NOT prevail here.

I love You Lord. I give this day to You. And I pray these things in the precious name of Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is inspired by God. It is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness so that the man of God may be adequate and equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

How timely that Dr Stanley's Early Morning Devotional today uses Timothy as a scripture reference. I just listened to an excellent sermon yesterday from another great bible teacher, Chuck Swindoll, who used Titus as his subject. Both Timothy and Titus were students of the Apostle Paul. Dr Swindoll is doing a series on Paul and was explaining how Paul mentored Titus.

This verse speaks volumes to me today as I will be starting a series of morning devotionals with my stepson Connor. We will be going over Charles Spurgeon's Morning devotional this morning but I am going to begin our devotional with a prayer using the 2 Timothy 3:16 verse above.

Post Script... Wow...! I enjoyed the Spurgeon Devotional, but it was a little difficult to understand at first.

It was Lamentations 3:58. -I confess I am not well versed in the book of Lamentations so I definitely learned a lot this morning. Charles Spurgeon is generally regarded as one of the greatest bible teachers ever. I thoroughly enjoyed getting in the Word with Connor and I'm looking forward to making that a daily routine from now on...!

Monday, November 19, 2007

What I Learned Yesteday at Church...

I learned a lot at Church Yesterday...

Of Course, I already knew that God loves us. But I also learned a few other keen details.

God is especially interested in our spiritual growth ,but he is patient for the harvest.

John 15: 2 says: He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

God is into our purity and production... If we are not bearing fruit, we're going to be 'whacked' by God. If we are bearing fruit we are still subject to being 'pruned' so we will bear even more fruit...! -God is a master and expert gardener...!

So, what conclusion should we draw from that scripture? Cere said: -We must be conscious of the fruit we are bearing all the time. Growing all the time is important...!

The key phrase here is 'all the time'... All the time means 'daily', for sure... If you want to be hard core about it, All the time could also be interpreted as 'hourly', or every 'minute'.

'All' is a pretty inclusive word, not leaving anything out. 'Time' is a relative term. It could mean many things. But, how ever you define units of time there's certainly no time to waste...

An entire day spent without reaching for and growing toward God is not a good thing.

My wife's life is an excellent example of time well spent. She is constantly immersing herself in the bible, scripture memorization, bible studies, and teachings. She is an inspiration to me and many others in her sphere of influence.

Yesterday Cere told us that God had called us (Believers) into other people's lives to turn them around. We've got to do four things to impact those around us.

1... We've got to appear friendly... We must have compassion, be caring, sympathetic to the feelings of others...

2.... We must sacrifice... Place the needs of others before our own. Be prepared to lay down our lives if necessary.

3... We must share... Giving our time, integrity, honesty, and resources...

4... We must speak... We should admonish 'with/in love'. We must risk being the 'bad' guy... We have to call others out in Grace when they are straying from the path...

More to be continued...

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Holding Those Thoughts Captive... -Amazing Grace!

Pastor Cere continues to motivate us with compelling sermons. This morning he gave us another great another one... Every Sunday is like a pep-rally that pumps me up to head into another week of spiritual warfare in the world. I'm glad I was filled with God's Grace this morning because this evening I have been especially challenged in my thought life.

I'm fighting anger over a wrong I have suffered by someone whom I think highly and dearly of...

Let me say this: I hate getting angry. Anger really is a consuming fire. I've never really had an issue with anger in all my life until recently. A few minutes ago my blood pressure went through the roof when I found out that a colleague of mine had cancelled a tennis tournament that we were working on together yesterday. He was supposed to coordinate the finish of some matches that were rained out last night. (I was at church all morning and left him in charge)

The problem is he canceled the tournament due to weather at 9:30 AM in the morning. The tournament wasn't even supposed to start until 12 Noon. The skies were completely clear by late morning and it was sunny all day this afternoon. I'm shocked. The tournament could have easily been completed this afternoon.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with tennis tournaments, it's unheard of to cancel a tournament at 9:30 AM unless there's a hurricane bearing down on you.

I didn't even find out he had canceled until 10 PM tonight... I was furious when I found out.

But I've prayed about it and I'm doing better now. Please understand that there's no way I would have been able to calm down so quickly except by God's Grace.

Speaking of God's Grace, Monica bought the movie Amazing Grace which was the story of William Wilberforce, a great Christian and social reformer of the early 1800's.

I love to study the lives of great Christians who have come before me. William Wilberforce was a man who really lived out his faith and changed the world around him. He's a true inspiration.

God's Grace really is Amazing...!

Saturday, November 17, 2007

A Light in the Darkness

It's interesting how I have read passages of the bible for over twenty years and only just recently I am understanding their meaning load and clear. -I've been reading a book by Dr Charles Stanley lately entitled 'Living in the Power of the Holy Spirit', and that book combined with the instruction I'm receiving at our local church has really shown me that all things really do work together for Good....

The moment You accept Christ as Your Savior the Holy Spirit comes to live inside of You. The Holy Spirit comes to You for two reasons...

1. The Holy Spirit enables and empowers us to 'be' witnesses of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying word.

2. The Holy Spirit enables and empowers us to 'do' the ministry of Jesus Christ in our service to other believers.

The Bible tells us that all believers are called 'according to God's Purpose' (Romans 8:28)

I'm just realizing why I find myself in dark situations so much... It's not because God's punishing me. It's not because I'm out of God's will. It's not the Evil One tormenting me.

I understand clearly now that God is calling me to be a light in the darkness. So I need to change my game plan a bit, it seems. I've been trying to avoid dark places and situations. I've been avoiding confrontation, especially in the work place.

So I'm going to embrace and engage the environment God has placed me in. I'm not going to necessarily go out looking for trouble, but if I do encounter adversity in the future, I know I can count on the power of the Holy Spirit to sustain me.

I realize now that over the years that I've missed many opportunities God has presented to me because of my fear of the dark...

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for beginning to open my eyes regarding my true purpose on earth. Thank You for showing me that I have much work to do right here in my own home and community.

Lord I have shirked my responsibilities for too long. Help me to make an impact on those around me starting this morning.

Father God, it's never too late to turn one's life around. I feel I'm doing that today, this morning.

I love and praise You Lord. You have rescued me. You are all I want. You are all I need.

Bless me to bless others, my King. Lord I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

Friday, November 16, 2007

Perspectives..Thank You Lord!

This morning I'm just reflecting how much God Loves me and how blessed I am. I am secure in my salvation which is the most important thing in Life. But in addition to that I have been blessed with a wonderful wife and family. Those two little details are are a couple of the nicest 'bonus' blessings a man could have. We can stop right there for now, but rest assured there are many other blessings in my life, too.

On Fridays I try to keep my petitions to a minimum and mainly just send up thanks and praises to Heaven all day long.

I know that God probably doesn't need a break from petitions, but I need a break from petitioning. So today I'm not going to ask for much of anything. I want today to be a day where God just gets the Glory for being God!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for today. I'm not asking for anything extra today, Lord. I am content with the blessings You have already given me. I love You Lord. You have been good to me and now I want to be good to You.

Praise You, Jesus. I give this day to You, Father... And I pray these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Is Jesus On Your Christmas List..?

I mentioned this yesterday. I've never really had Jesus on my Christmas List in my entire life. Over the years I've always had My family, significant other, and friends on my 'list'. But I've never had the ONE whom it makes the most sense to have on my list. The True Reason for the Season...!

Pastor Cere is making that perfectly clear in his current message series entitled 'Wise Men Still Bring Him Gifts'. -And it is really touching my heart. Today's commentary is a continuation of that discussion.

We learned that the best gift we can give Jesus for Christmas is leading someone to salvation. The next thing we can give Him is a pure life. And that involves holding the heart and mind captive.

What else can we give Him...? What other components constitute a pure life? How about pure speech?

Clean words and words of encouragement and life are the only words that should come out of the mouth of one who has given their life to Christ. I' do fairly well in that area accept around a few select people and it's those relationships that I need to put most of my efforts into right now.
Monica and I completed the Alpha course at church recently and we just started the Beta course last night. Wow it was great. It was about living Your faith and truly changing Your life. I was inspired. I'm changing. I want to change more.

This has really been an incredible year of spiritual growth for me....!

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Christmas Shopping...?

In all my years (42) I've never really thought of 'Giving God a Gift' at Christmas. I have always thought about God and used his birthday as my reasoning for giving gifts to others.

Have you ever heard the phrase question: What do you get the person who has everything...?

Well, Cere Muscarella of Life Church in Angleton nswers that very question in his current series: Wise Men Still Bring HIM gifts.

Cere spoke two weeks ago about the number one gift we could and should try to bring God this season is His favorite thing: Souls. Wouldn't it be nice to bring someone to salvation this Christmas?

But what else could we bring HIM...? Well, Jesus is pure and he loves gifts of Purity!

Where is Your heart? What do you dwell on...? What are your fantasies? Are they impure, ungodly, and self, or Purity, Godly, and Kingdom minded?

It's our warfare to cast down imaginations and abstract things that stand against our knowledge of God and to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ... 2 Cor 10:5

Those are two things I'd like to give God this Christmas: a pure heart and mind! But I'd like to really go all out on gifts to Jesus this season so this discussion is not over. (although I'm out of time this morning...)

More tomorrow.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

God is in Control... Romans 8:28

...And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose....

This is a promise that I am claiming because I love God and I know that I am called according to His Purpose. And that purpose for my life is...

-To Grow in HIM

-To Glorify HIM in Everything I do

-To Tell Everyone I meet about HIM

-To Rescue the Souls Men and Women around me.

That is MY MISSION... The rest is just details, right?

Ah, but right now those details are demanding my attention...!

Right now I am going through a severe test in my life. I am being challenged with severe demands on my time like never before. I am being challenged physically like never before. My family has been challenged financially like it never has been before.

It would be easy to get discouraged if I weren't armed with the knowledge of scripture and God's Grace. I can't see 'good' coming directly from any of the circumstances I'm currently facing. But I rest in the fact that God is God and I am not.

I have got to keep my focus on the mission and trust God to work out those 'details'.

GOD IS IN CONTROL


Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I am not going to let my circumstances discourage me and keep me from my mission. I realize You are always behind the scenes orchestrating events and circumstances and I have no idea what might happen next in my life except that You will ultimately work it for 'Good'.

My concern is that I stay within Your will. I want to glorify You, Lord. I want to grow in You. I want to impact those within my sphere of influence for Your Kingdom. And if it be Your will, I want to rescue everyone of the lost souls that I can before my time here on earth is done.

Father God I Love You. I give today to You, my King. I trust You. I will not Fear. You are in control. You are my Rock, my Fortress.

Lord I praise You and lift up Your name on high.

Sweet Jesus, please bless my family today. I pray for a day of accomplishment for my wife. I pray for a day of wonder and discovery for Elijah. I pray for Connor's relationship with You Lord and that He grow to realize all the blessings You have in store for his life..

Lord I pray for myself today, too. I need a day of accomplishment, too. And I pray that You lessen the pain in my feet. Help me to eat well and exercise as much as I can to reduce my weight as quickly as possible.

Father God I want to lose this weight to honor You.

Lord I say this again: I love You. And I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.


Monday, November 12, 2007

New Week..New Mind....New Life...

OK, Yesterday morning I blogged about renewing your mind. And I expressed that Sundays were my favorite day of the week because I had the opportunity to attend an awesome church.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend the service because my wife and I were scheduled to work in the nursery yesterday morning. Oh well, I'll have to get the CD...

Working the nursery went ok, but afterwards I went on the have sort of a bad day. God definitely did not get the Glory he deserved yesterday. I know I owe God a big apology...

So I was in not too good a mood last night when I went to bed, but before I drifted off to sleep I made a point to read some of God's word. I read some of the psalms. And I believe God spoke to me last night . I've got to be strong in Him like David was.

David had it way worse than I do and God certainly came through for him with flying colors! But David WAS a man after God's own heart. I've been asking God and myself lately What sort of man am I...? And, how's my heart these days...?

By some strange coincidence, I was reading an article on Dr Stanley's website this morning regarding having confidence in God. It was just what I needed to hear. PRAISE GOD!

God DOES always come through. I'm just going to keep clinging to His promises to meet my needs. I'm going to cling to His promise to meet me at my point of need. I'm going to cling to His promise that I am a new creation in Him. I am going to cling to His promise that no weapon formed on earth can prosper against me.

Paul told us that our battles are not fleshly ones, but spiritual. -Boy did he have that right!

Lord, help me learn to rely on You in the small struggles I experience, and also help me believe You and Your Word about bigger challenges. Teach me to trust in Your perspective, rather than relying on my self, or worrying about the opinions of others.

My problem is a faith issue. It's a heart issue, Lord. Lift me up, my King. Hold me up. Place my feet upon Your solid ground. Lord lift up my family, too. When I struggle, they struggle also. Please Heal Me, Father. Heal my heart.

I love You Lord. And I pray these things In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Get Renewed....Romans 12:2

One of my favorite scriptures is Romans 12:2, which speaks of 'Renewing your mind.'

The English Version puts it this way: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Of course, The Message Translation explains it a little more succinctly, in my opinion...

...Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you....

Whatever the today's culture says or embraces is probably backwards or is a lie. The Apostle Paul told us to 'renew' our minds. What does that look like...?

Well, for starters it looks like going to church on Sundays... I love Sundays best of all as my favorite day of the week for that reason. Renewing your mind also looks like reading the bible. It looks like scripture memorization. Renewing you mind looks like listening to the teaching of great bible teachers on the radio. And most definitely, it looks like prayer and quiet time.

This morning I lift up Pastor Cere and clergymen everywhere as they deliver their Sunday messages.... And I pray for renewal and revival...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Bless Your Word as it goes out all over the world today. Lord I pray for a renewing of my mind. Father God I lift up Cere, our Pastor today. Thank you for Him and His Bold Witness.

Lord I pray for my family, especially my dear sweet wife Monica as she is very weary. Help me to help her more and be exactly the support system she needs.

Father, You have Blessed me so abundantly. Thank You. My King. I love You, Lord.

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

Friday, November 09, 2007

Thanks God....

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I thank You for loving me so much that You went to the cross for me. You suffered like no one has ever suffered before. I can't bear to think of the punishment and agony You went through. And I can hardly fathom the love You have to do that for a poor wretched sinner like I was and still am on occasion.

Thank You and Praise You that those 'occasions' when I do slip and fall are fewer and farther between each other as time passes and I am transformed more into Your image each day. I love You Lord and consider myself to be one of the most blessed people on the planet.

Thank you for the sweet blessing of the love of my life, Monica. Thank You for the sweet blessing of my baby boy, Elijah. And Father thank You for entrusting in me the responsibility of raising Connor. That is indeed a blessing and an honor that I do not take lightly.

Lord I thank You for leading me down my career path. I'm not quite sure where exactly You're leading me at this particular moment but Father I trust You to make things right. I trust You to provide.

Father God I thank You for great leaders of men like Pastors Cere and Sonny. I thank You for my brother in Christ Steve Clark who openly lives his life as if he's on a 24/7 round the clock search and rescue mission to save the souls of men.

Lord Jesus I thank You for my life. Thanks for the air I breathe, the blood that flows, and the heart that pumps it through my veins. The human body is such a complex miracle all unto itself!

Father there are so many blessings I haven't mentioned. But I am thankful, none the less.

And Lord I will live today for You. I will glorify You in thought, word and deed today. my King.

You are my God and I worship You on High. And Father God I pray these things in the power of Your sweet son's name: Jesus Christ, Amen.

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Romans 12:10-14

In his letter to the Roman church the apostle Paul gave specific instruction to believers.

10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
11not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.


There are many excellent reccommendations listed above. Notice that tucked away right in the middle of the passage is 'devoted to prayer'. Prayer is always wrapped in the midst of holy living.

Today I'm recalling one of the times when God really answered one of my prayers.

I was at a low point in my life and was very discouraged. I was having relationship issues and career issues. Nothing was going well for me. In short, I was miserable. -And I prayed for God to send someone into my life to intervene. I prayed for an angel. I prayed for a miracle.

Shortly afterwards I met a man at a coffee shop. We became acquanted over the next few weeks and I observed that he was very close to God. He was always spending time in the bible. He was always praying, and always had a kind, friendly word for others.

I asked him one day if he would mind spending some time in counseling and discipleship with me. (I was thinking of us getting together a couple of times to visit.) To my amazement not only did he agree to spend some time with me, but he suggested that we spend ONE YEAR in the word together.

What happened next significantly changed my life forever. This gentleman encouraged me to go to bible college and really stuck by me during some difficult times. We did meet for one solid year and my life will never be the same again because of that time he spent with me.

Whenever I read Romans 12:10-14, I think of my dear brother in Christ, Steve Clark. God used Steve in a mighty way to deliver me from bondage on many levels.

And God most definitely answered my prayer for intervention...!

Our God is such an Awesome God...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I am still blown away by what Steve did for me. He gave me the incredible precious gift of his time. I thank You for he and his wife. I pray blessings on them this morning.

Lord Jesus, Steve really showed me what it looks like to live a life fully devoted to you. Now I'm a living example of the power and might of Your Grace and Mercy... Not to say that my life is perfect, but I am walking with You through it all, trying to effect everyone around me for You.

-And that's what matters most.

I love You, Lord... I give this day to You for Your Honor and Glory. By Your Grace I will walk in the center of Your will for my life all day long. I Praise You, Lord. And I pray these things in Jesus' name,

Amen.

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Colossians 4:2.... Devote Yourselves to Prayer

Remember that family I mentioned in yesterday's post...? Well, I was eighteen years old and in the company of that family before I first heard an authentic prayer. It was a genuine, personal conversation with God. When I first heard this family pray I remember I was struck by the familiarity in which they prayed. They spoke to Jesus like they really knew Him. -And they did!

Prior to that, my only experience with prayer was stale, memorized prayers that were recited in monotone, devoid of any emotion or personality. I remember reciting those prayers by heart but not really having any idea what they were about or who I was really speaking to.

Colossions 4:2 says: 'Devote oneself to prayer, and keep an attitude of thanksgiving about it...' When I read that scripture I am reminded of that family who first showed me what prayer was all about. They were truly devoted to prayer. And they were thankful. Their prayers always included thanks. In fact, what really got my attention was that they always thanked God for my presence in their life.

They were a great source of inspiration and encouragement to me. They were the first people who ever witnessed to me.

Lord, today I lift up that dear sweet family: The Gerald Meyerdirk Family. Thank You for their faithful witness and for caring enough about me to lead me to You. I lift up Gary and his family to You Lord. Bless them where ever they are today, Father. I can't thank them personally, but I can certainly pay it forward and live the kind of life that was the example they lived out before me. -And I can devote myself to prayer like they did.

Thank You Lord for prayer. I love You Lord. And I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen!

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Call Upon The Name of the Lord and be Saved!

That's the good word today...!

For the next few days I'm just going to tell stories about how the Lord has worked miracles in my life..!

One of the earliest instances of God at work in my life was coming in contact with a Godly family during my college years. This family showed me what a life surrendered to Christ looked like and I've never forgot...!

More about how they witnessed to me next time...

Until then... May God richly bless you...!

Your Brother in Christ,

Sam

Monday, November 05, 2007

My Struggles...

Wow... I'm struggling today with my attitude. And it's right on the cusp of my wife having a huge spiritual breakthrough. Well, I refuse to let the Enemy win this one...! With God's help I will persevere and overcome these forces of darkness that pursue me...! I praise God today that I have a wife who is strong in the faith. I praise God that I matter enough to the enemy that he is after me 24/7, trying to bring me down. HE WILL NOT PREVAIL...!

I'm dealing with my attitude right here and now. Jesus went through too much for me. I'm not about to give up for one second. Oh I get discouraged, but that's fleeting.

I am weak, but GOD IS STRONG. In my weakness God Perfects me. (if I let HIM...)

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I just fall on my face at Your feet this morning. I'm praying for help, Lord. I need YOU.

There's a chorus that says Call upon the name of the Lord and be Saved...!

Lord, I know that chorus is speaking about Eternal Salvation and I am already saved in that way, but I need saving from discouragement.

I need to be able to love others with YOUR love. I need to be able to love others who don't love me. I need to be able to love others who take advantage of me and are mean and rude to me. I need to be able to love others who constantly disrespect me.

I haven't been able to accomplish that. I know the issue is within me, deep inside my heart. Father God, it's rendering me powerless and weak. I really can't go on like this...

Father God I am calling upon Your name this morning. Jesus, in the power of Your name I ask forgiveness. And I ask that You allow me to forgive those who have offended me. The issue is forgiveness, Lord. It's most definitely a heart issue. And I know that if I do not forgive others then I myself will not be forgiven. Lord this is separating me from You and keeping me from being used by You and I can't bear that.

Lord Jesus, help me. I love you Lord. Let Your Love lift me up beyond where I am right now and set me down in a field of peace. Lord Jesus I pray for the transforming power of Your Holy Spirit to heal my heart. I do not want to be the man I am any longer. I run to You, Lord. I hide in Your embrace. You are my shelter in the storm. Thank You Lord. Thank You My King.

In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Sunday Morning Prayer.. How I'm Feeling today...

Some thing's going on inside of me... I've been unable to sleep well. I've had difficulty writing. I've really been unable to function, period. It's some sort of spiritual dryness that's overtaken me.

Meanwhile, my wife is absolutely on fire with the Holy Spirit. Our Pastors at church are on fire.

Me, I'm not. I know from Dr Stanley's teachings that we Christians are not supposed to trust our feelings. We are supposed to trust the WORD of God and HIS promises.

God has promised so many things. And he has already come through for me many times in my past. He is coming through right now and he undoubtedly will come through later on, too.

So, what's my problem...? I guess it's that I just can't get a true sense of God's direction for my life. I have several relationship issues with people around me. My heart is not where it should be regarding certain people and topics.

I think God is saying take care of these things before I show you anything else... I think God is saying that He can't use me until I take care of these things. God may not even be listening to me any more until I get my heart right... (I hope that's not the case...)

Dear God,

Lord I know You are probably disappointed in me right now. I have had negative thoughts and attitudes in regard to some relationships in my life. I know I need to right those wrongs. I am truly sorry for the way I have acted and the things I have said. I am certainly sorry for the things I have thought. I know that all sins begin as a thought....

Lord, I am going to try my best to right those wrongs and seek forgiveness from those whom I have harbored ill feelings towards. As far as I am concerned I will live in peace with those around me from here on out.

Father God, help me. Clean out my heart of all the negativism. Let You grace flow in abundance through me. Change me, Lord. And let others see that change. 'Let my life song sing to You'. as the poplar song by Casting Crowns says....

Father I love You. I want my life to Glorify you, Lord. It hasn't lately. But all that can change right now. Right this instant. Father I can't do this on my own. It's only through You, Jesus.

You are the ONLY WAY. So I rest in You, my King. Thank you Lord for being God. Thank You for my many blessings.

Lord I lift up our church Pastors this morning. I lift up the volunteers. I pray for the visitors today to our church, especially the unsaved. Lord I pray for people like me who have been rendered ineffective for a period of time.

I pray for my family and friends and everyone within my sphere of influence. Lift them up Lord. Bless them. And I humbly pray these things in Jesus' name, AMEN.

Friday, November 02, 2007

Two Radio Blessings

On Thursdays I teach tennis classes in Nassau Bay and League City all day. It is a long day and I am on court for seven hours, plus I have a two hour round trip commute. It's pretty physically demanding but I believe it is worth it because I am impacting many people.

But I was significantly blessed yesterday as I was driving home in the evening. I was greatly impacted bu the messages of two Christian radio programs: Unshackled and Insight For Living

Unshackled is a radio Christian Drama about the life of someone who accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Insight for living is the Bible Teaching Ministry of Dr Charles Swindoll.

It's interesting how two completely different ministries were on the radio back to back and had messages that fit so completely together. Dr Swindoll spoke about many topics in yesterday's message. But one was the first of the ten commandments where the Lord commands: Thou shalt have no other Gods before Me.

-I always thought (and was taught) that commandment meant to have no other 'God', but I thought it was referring to the 'anti-Christ', or 'some person' who said 'they' were God.

But Chuck explained that our Lord was also referring to 'anyone or anything'.

Things and activities can take the place of god in our lives. That we spend the majority of time engaged in is where our heart is and that is 'Our God'... -I had never looked at it from that perspective before.

What made it hat clear to me afterwards was the unshackled character last night who came to the conclusion that in what ever activity we spend the most time of our day doing, -That is our God, or idol.

When I heard that I thought oh wow... Do I seek God predominantly throughout the day...?

-No...

Do I get wrapped up in the details of life far too often, (like the unshackled character) staying busy in things that don't make a bit of difference to Kingdom Work...?

-Yes...

Do I have a whole lot to be thankful for today, especially for a grace filled God who so far has postponed his judgement wrath on me..?

Absolutely...!

Thursday, November 01, 2007

What is Righteous?

The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29 (NIV)

The word PRAYER is mentioned 155 times in the NIV. But the words righteous and righteousness are mentioned 512 times...!

According to Proverbs 15 The Lord hears the righteous.

So WHO are the Righteous? What does it MEAN to be righteous?

Here is today's Meriam Webster Dictionary Meaning of the word 'righteous':

1: acting in accord with divine or moral law : free from guilt or sin

2 a: morally right or justifiable b: arising from an outraged sense of justice or morality

3 slang : genuine, excellent


huh...?


Here is the definition of 'righteous' from Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary :

1. Just; accordant to the divine law. Applied to persons, it denotes one who is holy in heart, and observant of the divine commands in practice; as a righteous man. Applied to things, it denotes consonant to the divine will or to justice; as a righteous act. It is used chiefly in theology, and applied to God, to his testimonies and to his saints. The righteous, in Scripture, denote the servants of God, the saints.

2. Just; equitable; merited.


Well, the 1828 definition explains it MUCH more clearly...

If we want God to hear our prayers we can not be wicked. We must be righteous.

The Righteous ARE....

-Just.

-Holy In Heart.

-Observing the Lord's commands.

-Servants of God.

-The saints.

The Lord hears the prayers of these kinds of people...!