Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You Lord for a good night's sleep. And thank You Lord for another opportunity to give glory to You and impact this world for Good.
Lord I pray blessings on my day. I pray for kind, gentle, encouraging words to come out of my mouth. Bless my many encounters through out today as I engage the world.
Father God I pray that others will be able to see You in me today. I pray for Holy Spirit power to indwell me. Lord God You can do all things. I believe in You, my King. You have good plans for my life. You have good plans for my family.
I love You Lord. I give You praise, worship and glory, my King. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Back to Spurgeon
I really love to read the works of Charles Spurgeon. I try to read his morning devotional every day. Today's devotional was particularly moving. The verse that it focused on was Mark 14:72.
When the apostle Peter remembered Jesus' prediction that Peter would deny him three times it made him so sad that he wept.
In studying Spurgeon this morning In came across a word I was not familiar with: Bochim
I did an Internet word search on it and came across a new website that I'm really excited about. First of all the word 'Bochim' means 'place of weeping'. And here's a link to the new website I found... http://www.studylight.org/
There are many bible study tools and interesting links, including a Spurgeon Link.
So, back to my topic this morning. Peter denied Jesus twice before the rooster crowed. We deny Jesus any time we sin. That means that I deny Jesus just about every day... That's pretty hard to swallow but I believe that's the truth. And you know, that makes me really want to cry.
I really and truly want to eradicate all trace of sin in my life. But my problem is that I continually slip into the trap of trying to do it under my own power. I must lay it down daily before God and trust Him to get me through.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord I bare my soul before You. You know my weaknesses and short comings. You know my sins. Help me, Father. Lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil. Lift me up build me up. Set my feet upon Your solid ground. Hold me close, Lord.
Lord Jesus, please send Your Holy Spirit down upon me. Help me to walk in the Spirit all day today. Oh Lord season my tongue with speach that brings life. Allow me to greatly impact those around me today. I lift up my camp to you this morning. I pray that this mornings camp will be a life changing event for a young person.
Thank You for Andres and Wesley helping me with the camp this morning. I lift them up to You as well, my King.
Father God, You are a wonderful, awesome God. I love You Lord and I am so sorry for denying You all those times. With the help of your Grace I will sin no more. Lord I pray all these things in the power of your Holy Name: Jesus Christ, Amen.
When the apostle Peter remembered Jesus' prediction that Peter would deny him three times it made him so sad that he wept.
In studying Spurgeon this morning In came across a word I was not familiar with: Bochim
I did an Internet word search on it and came across a new website that I'm really excited about. First of all the word 'Bochim' means 'place of weeping'. And here's a link to the new website I found... http://www.studylight.org/
There are many bible study tools and interesting links, including a Spurgeon Link.
So, back to my topic this morning. Peter denied Jesus twice before the rooster crowed. We deny Jesus any time we sin. That means that I deny Jesus just about every day... That's pretty hard to swallow but I believe that's the truth. And you know, that makes me really want to cry.
I really and truly want to eradicate all trace of sin in my life. But my problem is that I continually slip into the trap of trying to do it under my own power. I must lay it down daily before God and trust Him to get me through.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord I bare my soul before You. You know my weaknesses and short comings. You know my sins. Help me, Father. Lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil. Lift me up build me up. Set my feet upon Your solid ground. Hold me close, Lord.
Lord Jesus, please send Your Holy Spirit down upon me. Help me to walk in the Spirit all day today. Oh Lord season my tongue with speach that brings life. Allow me to greatly impact those around me today. I lift up my camp to you this morning. I pray that this mornings camp will be a life changing event for a young person.
Thank You for Andres and Wesley helping me with the camp this morning. I lift them up to You as well, my King.
Father God, You are a wonderful, awesome God. I love You Lord and I am so sorry for denying You all those times. With the help of your Grace I will sin no more. Lord I pray all these things in the power of your Holy Name: Jesus Christ, Amen.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Arms Wide and Heart Abandoned...
This month our family celebrated two great milestones... Connor observed his 16th birthday on July18th and Elijah had his 3rd birthday yesterday (the 28th). It's amazing to watch these two boys growing up. It's also amazing to note how much the world has changed in just three years.
Have I changed very much...? Well, not enough to keep up with the times. Pastor Cere painfully pointed out to me at church on Sunday that I hear lots of good spiritual information on a regular basis but I'm only taking it in intellectually. I've been deceiving myself thinking I'm growing. The fact is that growing intellectually is not growing spiritually. The proof is in the lack of fruit in my life... I'm still suffering with many of the same sins I've had for years. I've been deceived like many others have been deceived...
Well, today I acknowledge these weaknesses and just fall upon the name of the Lord.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord, help me change to be a man of deeper convictions and ACTION. -Not just some of the time, but all of the time. Father God, allow me to grow to become a difference maker in this world. Right now I hardly register as a blip on the radar.
I want to raise up Connor and Elijah to love and cherish a close personal relationship with You. How will they see that if I don't model it first...?
Father God I come to You in all humility with arms wide and heart abandoned to You, THE ONE who gave YOUR ALL for me. Lord this morning I give You my all.
Father I live for You.
I love You Lord. My strength is in You. I can do all things in You. Oh praise You, Blessed Savior.
Thank You my King for two fine sons. Thank You for a precious wife. I will honor You by caring for them in the best manner I am am able and give You the glory every step of the way...!
Father by Your Grace these demons who have been waging their attack on my spiritual growth are bound and conquered....! I am Yours, Lord.
Father I rest in You. In Jesus' name I pray.... Amen.
Have I changed very much...? Well, not enough to keep up with the times. Pastor Cere painfully pointed out to me at church on Sunday that I hear lots of good spiritual information on a regular basis but I'm only taking it in intellectually. I've been deceiving myself thinking I'm growing. The fact is that growing intellectually is not growing spiritually. The proof is in the lack of fruit in my life... I'm still suffering with many of the same sins I've had for years. I've been deceived like many others have been deceived...
Well, today I acknowledge these weaknesses and just fall upon the name of the Lord.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord, help me change to be a man of deeper convictions and ACTION. -Not just some of the time, but all of the time. Father God, allow me to grow to become a difference maker in this world. Right now I hardly register as a blip on the radar.
I want to raise up Connor and Elijah to love and cherish a close personal relationship with You. How will they see that if I don't model it first...?
Father God I come to You in all humility with arms wide and heart abandoned to You, THE ONE who gave YOUR ALL for me. Lord this morning I give You my all.
Father I live for You.
I love You Lord. My strength is in You. I can do all things in You. Oh praise You, Blessed Savior.
Thank You my King for two fine sons. Thank You for a precious wife. I will honor You by caring for them in the best manner I am am able and give You the glory every step of the way...!
Father by Your Grace these demons who have been waging their attack on my spiritual growth are bound and conquered....! I am Yours, Lord.
Father I rest in You. In Jesus' name I pray.... Amen.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Intellectual Workouts at Church
Yesterday was our first day back at church in a long time. During the worship period of the service I went up and received prayer. I feel like a different person today. Praise the Lord...!
Cere presented a good message. It was very convicting, as usual. He's always making us think about changing. But that's the problem. For most, myself included, Sunday sermons are an intellectual workout that seldom produces change. Here I am after a whole year at life church and I'm still struggling with some of the same sins I always have.
But for some reason I do feel different today. I think yesterday was really a 'breakthrough' day for me spiritually. I'll be exploring this topic for the next few blog posts...
Today I just have to give praise for my sweet little boy's Birthday. Today Elijah turns three years old...! Wow..! Three years...! What a blessing...! Oh my precious little Elijah... How we all love him...!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Today is truly a happy, blessed occasion. Thank You Lord for times like this. Father God I give You all the credit for everything good in my life. Thank You for delivering me from the bondage of anger and busy-ness. Thank You for my precious family and the occasion of Elijah's 3rd birthday. Thank You Lord for the trials that refine me and draw me closer to You.
Father God I am most definitely not a perfect man. Oh I have many faults. Lord I am very sorry for my sins and I will do everything in my power to make them right. I want to honor You by living a life of purpose dedicated to You, my King.
Father God I can face today because of Your grace and wondrous mercy. Thank You Jesus. Thank You for the healing. Thank You for the courage.
God You are a good and awesome God. I totally give today back to You for Your Glory, in Christ Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Cere presented a good message. It was very convicting, as usual. He's always making us think about changing. But that's the problem. For most, myself included, Sunday sermons are an intellectual workout that seldom produces change. Here I am after a whole year at life church and I'm still struggling with some of the same sins I always have.
But for some reason I do feel different today. I think yesterday was really a 'breakthrough' day for me spiritually. I'll be exploring this topic for the next few blog posts...
Today I just have to give praise for my sweet little boy's Birthday. Today Elijah turns three years old...! Wow..! Three years...! What a blessing...! Oh my precious little Elijah... How we all love him...!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Today is truly a happy, blessed occasion. Thank You Lord for times like this. Father God I give You all the credit for everything good in my life. Thank You for delivering me from the bondage of anger and busy-ness. Thank You for my precious family and the occasion of Elijah's 3rd birthday. Thank You Lord for the trials that refine me and draw me closer to You.
Father God I am most definitely not a perfect man. Oh I have many faults. Lord I am very sorry for my sins and I will do everything in my power to make them right. I want to honor You by living a life of purpose dedicated to You, my King.
Father God I can face today because of Your grace and wondrous mercy. Thank You Jesus. Thank You for the healing. Thank You for the courage.
God You are a good and awesome God. I totally give today back to You for Your Glory, in Christ Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Matthew 11:28-30
I love this verse... 'Come to me you who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest.... Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. For I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. -For my yoke is easy and my burden is light....'
First of all, it describes me perfectly:
Lord Jesus I pray these things in Your holy name, Amen...!
First of all, it describes me perfectly:
- I am weary, and heavy-laden.
- I am not rested.
- I know I can learn from Jesus.
What does it mean to take his yoke upon us...? Jesus is asking us to put ourselves under the yoke of His Lordship. If we share our burdens with Jesus they are sure to get lighter...
Jesus is gentle and humble of heart... Oh how I want to be like that, too...!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord You are Good. You are Mighty and Awesome. I know You have planned great things for me but I have made a mess of my life with busy-ness and procrastination. Oh Lord I am so weary right now. I just keep making the same mistakes over and over again.
But thank You Lord for never giving up on me. You have given me my dear sweet Monica as a help-mate and an encouragement. You have given me Your word daily. I hear great messages on a regular basis from the likes of Dr Charles Stanley. And of course I have guidance from the greatest counselor: Your Holy Spirit.
Father God I keep trying to do things under my own power and it's getting me absolutely no where except farther and farther behind. Lord Jesus, today on this Sabbath Day, this day of rest, I ask You for Your Yoke. Oh I need rest for my soul. Lord let me learn from You. Help me to be gentle and humble.Lord Jesus I pray these things in Your holy name, Amen...!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Hebrews :4:16 Drawing Near
I like this verse. And do I need mercy and grace right now more than ever...!
Dear Heavenly Father, Hold me up lift me up today. I need You Lord. I love You Lord. And I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father, Hold me up lift me up today. I need You Lord. I love You Lord. And I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Fighting Negative Thoughts....
Philippians 4:8 says:
Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things....
When I feel anger start to well up within me I claim that verse.
(...this verse is getting a workout today...)
-Coach Sam
Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things....
When I feel anger start to well up within me I claim that verse.
(...this verse is getting a workout today...)
-Coach Sam
Finding Pupose: Living a Life Surrendered to God.
I am grateful today for my sweet family. I am grateful for a nice home, and a job. God has blessed me abundantly. And what have I done for Him...? Not very much. I've merely been 'existing' lately.
I feel a yearning deep within me to repent from this life of mediocrity. With God's help, today I will be more pro-active telling others about Christ. I will make more of a difference in the lives of my family and the lives of others around me.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord I confess that I have not been living a life fully surrendered to You. Today that will change. Father God I love You and give You praise and Glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
I feel a yearning deep within me to repent from this life of mediocrity. With God's help, today I will be more pro-active telling others about Christ. I will make more of a difference in the lives of my family and the lives of others around me.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord I confess that I have not been living a life fully surrendered to You. Today that will change. Father God I love You and give You praise and Glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
In Prayer....
This morning I'm lifting up everyone affected by the hurricane off the south Texas coast.. I'm also lifting up my dear sweet mother in law who is traveling back to California today after an extended stay. And of course I'm lifting up my sweet wife.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Repentance
I did a search for the word 'repentance' on Dr Stanley's website this morning. He has written twenty-four articles on the topic of repentance in the past year alone. Here is the article I used for today's blog. I want to read absolutely everything Dr Stanley has to say on this topic.
Why am I doing a research of repentance...? Well I feel I'm in need of it, of course. There's something definitely going on within my spirit right now. I do not feel good. I have a bit of anger within me that I've been having trouble letting go of. I know that it's separating me from God and I can't stand to live like this a moment longer.
Here are some things Dr Stanley says about repentance:
...It's a heartfelt sense of remorse over the fact that the Father has been grieved.
...Although other people may be hurt as well, when we hold our sin up to the love of the Father expressed through the Cross, we see that is where sin is darkest.
...Repentance also includes taking full responsibility for our sin. David didn’t blame Bathsheba or make any excuses for himself. He said, “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me” (Ps. 51:3).
...God is looking for us to be honest about our weaknesses, our failures, and our frustrations. Honesty promotes fellowship. As long as we are open and honest with the Lord, He can continue to work with us, even after we have sinned.
I'm repenting today and diving back into the arms of my beloved Savior....!
to be continued...
Why am I doing a research of repentance...? Well I feel I'm in need of it, of course. There's something definitely going on within my spirit right now. I do not feel good. I have a bit of anger within me that I've been having trouble letting go of. I know that it's separating me from God and I can't stand to live like this a moment longer.
Here are some things Dr Stanley says about repentance:
...It's a heartfelt sense of remorse over the fact that the Father has been grieved.
...Although other people may be hurt as well, when we hold our sin up to the love of the Father expressed through the Cross, we see that is where sin is darkest.
...Repentance also includes taking full responsibility for our sin. David didn’t blame Bathsheba or make any excuses for himself. He said, “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me” (Ps. 51:3).
...God is looking for us to be honest about our weaknesses, our failures, and our frustrations. Honesty promotes fellowship. As long as we are open and honest with the Lord, He can continue to work with us, even after we have sinned.
I'm repenting today and diving back into the arms of my beloved Savior....!
to be continued...
Friday, July 18, 2008
God's Perfect Love
Wow... Dr Stanley's message this morning perfectly addressed the issue about love I had a few days ago... Remember when I said that I didn't 'hate' anyone but there were definitely a few people whom I didn't 'Love'...? Here's what Dr Stanley has to say about that...
Hey, I know for sure that I am not perfect. In fact, my past is very colorful and I am honestly quite ashamed for the man that I once was. I was definitely a thief, persecutor, and outsider in my former life. And sadly, I am occasionally those things even today at times. The fact is, I'm 'currently a work in progress'.
Everyone is...
But if I have truly accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior, then I have no choice but to give grace to those whom 'annoy' me, because I was once 'them'.
I think loving with God's love means that You've finally got your eyes open wide and see things (especially yourself) more clearly. -And I think my vision is starting to get better...!
Praise God...!
We were created to be members of God’s family and recipients of His perfect love. Through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus, He demonstrated just how much He loves us. When we receive Christ as our Savior, we become His children. We experience His unconditional love. Divine affection for us does not vary in quality or quantity. It’ll never end or even diminish. No circumstance can cause the Lord to stop loving us. ...The human mind can’t fully comprehend divine love. In Christ, thieves, persecutors, and those who may look like outsiders are all equally loved. -Dr Charles Stanley
Hey, I know for sure that I am not perfect. In fact, my past is very colorful and I am honestly quite ashamed for the man that I once was. I was definitely a thief, persecutor, and outsider in my former life. And sadly, I am occasionally those things even today at times. The fact is, I'm 'currently a work in progress'.
Everyone is...
But if I have truly accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior, then I have no choice but to give grace to those whom 'annoy' me, because I was once 'them'.
I think loving with God's love means that You've finally got your eyes open wide and see things (especially yourself) more clearly. -And I think my vision is starting to get better...!
Praise God...!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Great is God's Faithfulness...Lamentations 3:22-23
Dr Stanley's devotional this morning got me thinking how many times I have witnessed God's power, mercy, comfort, and blessing in my life. It's really staggering.
Today's key scripture verse comes from Lamentations. It's been a long time since I read that old testament book. I think I'll go back and read it this evening.
Father God, Thank You Lord for the many blessings in my life. You have been faithful. Lord I just pray this morning that my hunger and thirst to know you more never wanes or dries up. Instead Lord, I pray that You increase my hunger and thirst. Oh Lord I pray I would devour the bible as I used to consume my favorite fiction novels. And Lord I just want to draw closer to you. To know You more.
Lord, Help me put my 'story' together about all the wondrous things You've done for me over the years. You really have been faithful, Lord. Even when I have not been
I love You, Jesus. I rest in You. Father God if lift up my family to You. They are so precious to me. I pray blessings upon them. Keep them safe, and may they grow in You as well.
In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Today's key scripture verse comes from Lamentations. It's been a long time since I read that old testament book. I think I'll go back and read it this evening.
Father God, Thank You Lord for the many blessings in my life. You have been faithful. Lord I just pray this morning that my hunger and thirst to know you more never wanes or dries up. Instead Lord, I pray that You increase my hunger and thirst. Oh Lord I pray I would devour the bible as I used to consume my favorite fiction novels. And Lord I just want to draw closer to you. To know You more.
Lord, Help me put my 'story' together about all the wondrous things You've done for me over the years. You really have been faithful, Lord. Even when I have not been
I love You, Jesus. I rest in You. Father God if lift up my family to You. They are so precious to me. I pray blessings upon them. Keep them safe, and may they grow in You as well.
In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Exodus 16:21
...They gathered manna every morning....
God provided for His people in the dessert every single morning. He didn't give them a storehouse of food. They had to depend upon Him every single day for their sustenance. And so must you and I. We must trust Our Lord and Savior each day to be the Great Big God he is. Providing for His people in the dessert is just one of the many examples the bible records of God's faithfulness to His children.
I have a word this morning that God will do the same for me and my family. I should not expect to 'get rich' any time soon, but I can and should expect a steady flow of God's daily blessing and rest secure in the fact that He is Good and will meet all my family's needs. I will seek Him daily with eager expectation of his wondrous provision.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You Lord for our Daily Bread. I love You and will trust in You. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
God provided for His people in the dessert every single morning. He didn't give them a storehouse of food. They had to depend upon Him every single day for their sustenance. And so must you and I. We must trust Our Lord and Savior each day to be the Great Big God he is. Providing for His people in the dessert is just one of the many examples the bible records of God's faithfulness to His children.
I have a word this morning that God will do the same for me and my family. I should not expect to 'get rich' any time soon, but I can and should expect a steady flow of God's daily blessing and rest secure in the fact that He is Good and will meet all my family's needs. I will seek Him daily with eager expectation of his wondrous provision.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You Lord for our Daily Bread. I love You and will trust in You. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Love...1 Corinthians 1-13
I've been thinking about love a lot lately. I love my family so much. I would do anything for them. I would lay my life down for them in a heartbeat. God's love is bigger, wider, taller and deeper than that. I mean think about it. God invented all things. HE must have invented love.
Love is the most precious commodity on the earth. Remember: every good and perfect gift comes from God...! God is Love.
Who needs Hate...? Who needs indifference... ? Those emotions can not be part of a true believer's existence.
Love is the greatest power on the earth. -For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son so that we might not perish, but have eternal life...!
Jesus told us to love one another like He loved us.
So What is Love...? Well, one way the bible describes love is by explaining what it is not.
Love is not selfish. True love puts the needs of others before our own needs. -I could go on and on but I must stop for brevity's sake.
I will close for now with this: The greatest act of love ever recorded was Jesus going to the cross to save our souls. If we dwell on anything today let us dwell on that...
To be continued...
Love is the most precious commodity on the earth. Remember: every good and perfect gift comes from God...! God is Love.
Who needs Hate...? Who needs indifference... ? Those emotions can not be part of a true believer's existence.
Love is the greatest power on the earth. -For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son so that we might not perish, but have eternal life...!
Jesus told us to love one another like He loved us.
So What is Love...? Well, one way the bible describes love is by explaining what it is not.
Love is not selfish. True love puts the needs of others before our own needs. -I could go on and on but I must stop for brevity's sake.
I will close for now with this: The greatest act of love ever recorded was Jesus going to the cross to save our souls. If we dwell on anything today let us dwell on that...
To be continued...
Monday, July 14, 2008
Real Love 1 John7-8
This morning I read 1 John 4. I have a feeling I'm going to be studying the books of John for awhile...
1 John 4:7-8 tells us that God is love, and if we don't love one another then we can't really know God.
Verses 20-21 tell us that if we say we love God but have hate for someone else then we are liars and deceiving ourselves for we can not love God and hate someone else at the same time.
I definitely have love present in my life. The love of my sweet precious family are definite givens. We love each other. I love them and they love me. I know what love is. -I am blessed.
Now what is hate...? Is hate merely the absence of love, or is it something deeper, worse than that...?
I can't put a definition on it this morning.... I don't think I have 'hate' for anyone in the world. But if I don't have love for them what do I have...?
There are definitely relationships in my life that are strained and dysfunctional. There are people in my life whom I seek to avoid in order to not have negative thoughts, feelings and emotions about.
Are those relationships separating me from God and keeping me from enjoying the fullness of life that God wants me to have...? Yes, I think so.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord I'm praying for a heart transplant this morning. Help me to love with Your Love. Lord my love is so ineffective and so inadequate. Your love is bigger than this whole universe.
You said that people would know us and we would be set apart by our love for one another. Father help me to love more completely. Help me especially with those difficult relationships in my life. I don't want anything separating me from Your Love, my King.
You loved even the most vile of sinners. You died for us all. Thank You, Lord. I praise You, my King. I bow down to you Lord Jesus. I give those difficult relationships to you, my King.
I know you will heal them. I know you will heal me. I love you Lord. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name,
Amen.
1 John 4:7-8 tells us that God is love, and if we don't love one another then we can't really know God.
Verses 20-21 tell us that if we say we love God but have hate for someone else then we are liars and deceiving ourselves for we can not love God and hate someone else at the same time.
I definitely have love present in my life. The love of my sweet precious family are definite givens. We love each other. I love them and they love me. I know what love is. -I am blessed.
Now what is hate...? Is hate merely the absence of love, or is it something deeper, worse than that...?
I can't put a definition on it this morning.... I don't think I have 'hate' for anyone in the world. But if I don't have love for them what do I have...?
There are definitely relationships in my life that are strained and dysfunctional. There are people in my life whom I seek to avoid in order to not have negative thoughts, feelings and emotions about.
Are those relationships separating me from God and keeping me from enjoying the fullness of life that God wants me to have...? Yes, I think so.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord I'm praying for a heart transplant this morning. Help me to love with Your Love. Lord my love is so ineffective and so inadequate. Your love is bigger than this whole universe.
You said that people would know us and we would be set apart by our love for one another. Father help me to love more completely. Help me especially with those difficult relationships in my life. I don't want anything separating me from Your Love, my King.
You loved even the most vile of sinners. You died for us all. Thank You, Lord. I praise You, my King. I bow down to you Lord Jesus. I give those difficult relationships to you, my King.
I know you will heal them. I know you will heal me. I love you Lord. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name,
Amen.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
1 Peter 4:10-11
Wow... What a difference a few days make. I'm a little more rested now and I feel completely different than I did 48 hours ago. -I'm ready to 'serve' again.
This morning Dr Stanley's devotional used 1 Peter 4:10-11 as a basis for today's message. I have to say that I believe that God has definitely answered my prayers for strength and courage and I'm ready to once again be HIS hands and feet.
Monica is feeling better, too. Oh Praise God...!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord I am humbled by Your grace and mercy. Thank You for the improved health of my precious wife. Thank You for Elijah sleeping through the night. Thank You for just allowing me to rest and awake refreshed for the first time in days...!
Father God I Love You. I thank You and praise You. I lift Your name up on high...! Father I remember my sweet sister Becky this morning and lift her and her family up to You. I lift up my brothers Stanley and John as well. I don't know what all is going in their lives right now but You do, and You are in control.
Lord I lift up Connor as he travels home today. Keep him safe and grant him traveling mercy. Bring him home to us, my King.
Father I give this day to you. I give it for Your glory and honor, for ever and ever, Amen.
This morning Dr Stanley's devotional used 1 Peter 4:10-11 as a basis for today's message. I have to say that I believe that God has definitely answered my prayers for strength and courage and I'm ready to once again be HIS hands and feet.
Monica is feeling better, too. Oh Praise God...!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord I am humbled by Your grace and mercy. Thank You for the improved health of my precious wife. Thank You for Elijah sleeping through the night. Thank You for just allowing me to rest and awake refreshed for the first time in days...!
Father God I Love You. I thank You and praise You. I lift Your name up on high...! Father I remember my sweet sister Becky this morning and lift her and her family up to You. I lift up my brothers Stanley and John as well. I don't know what all is going in their lives right now but You do, and You are in control.
Lord I lift up Connor as he travels home today. Keep him safe and grant him traveling mercy. Bring him home to us, my King.
Father I give this day to you. I give it for Your glory and honor, for ever and ever, Amen.
Friday, July 11, 2008
1 Peter 5:10
I've found a new verse this morning that has been of particular comfort to me: 1 Peter 5:10.
In this verse Peter alludes to the fact that the storms and trials of life only serve to strengthen and mold us.
I am claiming this verse and holding on to Jesus like never before.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord, thank You for scripture. Thank You for speaking to me. Thank You for making me stronger. Lord I will not give up. I will not quit. I will carry on and I will rest in You. You ARE my strength. You give me encouragement to PRESS ON in life.
Today I pray a special blessing over my family. I pray for continued healing for Monica. I pray for a good day for Connor and Elijah. And I lift up Judy who has flown all the way from California to spend some time with us.
Lord I also lift up my precious sister Becky who is dealing with her own plate of dire circumstance. I thank You for my sis and pray blessings on her this morning.
Father God I'm just going to be quiet for awhile. I'm just going to be still. I will rest in YOU. I love You Lord. I give this day to You. In Jesus' Name I Pray, Amen
In this verse Peter alludes to the fact that the storms and trials of life only serve to strengthen and mold us.
I am claiming this verse and holding on to Jesus like never before.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord, thank You for scripture. Thank You for speaking to me. Thank You for making me stronger. Lord I will not give up. I will not quit. I will carry on and I will rest in You. You ARE my strength. You give me encouragement to PRESS ON in life.
Today I pray a special blessing over my family. I pray for continued healing for Monica. I pray for a good day for Connor and Elijah. And I lift up Judy who has flown all the way from California to spend some time with us.
Lord I also lift up my precious sister Becky who is dealing with her own plate of dire circumstance. I thank You for my sis and pray blessings on her this morning.
Father God I'm just going to be quiet for awhile. I'm just going to be still. I will rest in YOU. I love You Lord. I give this day to You. In Jesus' Name I Pray, Amen
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The Psalms
Well, many of you in the 'know' are already aware that my family suffered the loss of our unborn baby this past weekend. My dear precious Monica suffered a miscarriage in the early hours of Saturday, July 5. As I write this I can't believe that it's actually been five days already since that horrific event. Honestly, I'm still numb.
It's been near impossible to go back to work but I've managed through it, but only by the grace of God and because of the many prayers and well wishes of a great body of believers have I been able to carry on.
This is something I can not handle on my own. Only the Holy Spirit can fix me. I have been comforted by Psalm 62:8. I will rest in HIM...!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Oh Lord, I am hurt. I am weary and weak. I can scarcely go on... But You know that. You are aware of my situation. Lord I am humbled. I am broken. There is not an ounce of pride left within me. I cry out to You, my King. Lord You are my refuge. I trust in You, my Lord and Savior.
Father God I give my broken-ness and my weak-ness to You. You are my strength, Lord. Lift me up, hold me up. Set my feet upon Your solid ground.
Lord I love You. I need You. I can't make it without You. I surrender to You Lord and I pray these things in Your Beloved Son's Name: Jesus Christ, Amen.
It's been near impossible to go back to work but I've managed through it, but only by the grace of God and because of the many prayers and well wishes of a great body of believers have I been able to carry on.
This is something I can not handle on my own. Only the Holy Spirit can fix me. I have been comforted by Psalm 62:8. I will rest in HIM...!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Oh Lord, I am hurt. I am weary and weak. I can scarcely go on... But You know that. You are aware of my situation. Lord I am humbled. I am broken. There is not an ounce of pride left within me. I cry out to You, my King. Lord You are my refuge. I trust in You, my Lord and Savior.
Father God I give my broken-ness and my weak-ness to You. You are my strength, Lord. Lift me up, hold me up. Set my feet upon Your solid ground.
Lord I love You. I need You. I can't make it without You. I surrender to You Lord and I pray these things in Your Beloved Son's Name: Jesus Christ, Amen.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Prayer for Independence
I listen periodically to a christian radio station called KSBJ... It's 89.3 on the FM tuner here in Houston. I overheard a little survey they were doing recently where they were asking listeners:
What are we Declaring Independence from this holiday...?
I thought, Hmmm... That's a good concept. I mean, of course we need to always and forever remember that the Fourth of July is a celebration of the birth of our Nation, a time when our forefathers declared they were independent from the rule of the British Crown. But, that's an excellent idea for us to take a moment to declare our independence from something, at least one thing that is keeping us in bondage.
For me that would be.... Busy-Ness
I've suffered from being too busy for as long as I have blogged and before. Remember the acronym for 'busy'..?
B....Being
U....Under
S....Satan's
Y....Yolk
Today I am definitely declaring independence from 'busy-ness'. -And it's going to stick this time..!
Of course, I'm going to begin by praying about it... Then BELIEVING that God will answer my prayer.... You see, that's my problem. I always HOPE that God will answer my prayer. Sadly, I've been a little weak in the faith department...
In my personal studies I just finished Hebrews and I've just started the book of James. You know, James has much wisdom.... James 4:10 Says for us to humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord and HE will lift us up.
James 4:14 tells us that our lives are like a vapor that appear for a moment and then vanish away... Wow, that verse really motivates me to make my 'moment' here on earth to count for something meaningful. Right now I'm wasting my 'moment' in 'BUSY-NESS'. T
My favorite verses from James Chapter Five, are Verses 15-16 -The prayer of faith will save the sick... The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous an avails much....
BUSY-NESS is a sickness. But praise the Lord: The prayer of Faith will save the sick....!
To be continued...
What are we Declaring Independence from this holiday...?
I thought, Hmmm... That's a good concept. I mean, of course we need to always and forever remember that the Fourth of July is a celebration of the birth of our Nation, a time when our forefathers declared they were independent from the rule of the British Crown. But, that's an excellent idea for us to take a moment to declare our independence from something, at least one thing that is keeping us in bondage.
For me that would be.... Busy-Ness
I've suffered from being too busy for as long as I have blogged and before. Remember the acronym for 'busy'..?
B....Being
U....Under
S....Satan's
Y....Yolk
Today I am definitely declaring independence from 'busy-ness'. -And it's going to stick this time..!
Of course, I'm going to begin by praying about it... Then BELIEVING that God will answer my prayer.... You see, that's my problem. I always HOPE that God will answer my prayer. Sadly, I've been a little weak in the faith department...
In my personal studies I just finished Hebrews and I've just started the book of James. You know, James has much wisdom.... James 4:10 Says for us to humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord and HE will lift us up.
James 4:14 tells us that our lives are like a vapor that appear for a moment and then vanish away... Wow, that verse really motivates me to make my 'moment' here on earth to count for something meaningful. Right now I'm wasting my 'moment' in 'BUSY-NESS'. T
My favorite verses from James Chapter Five, are Verses 15-16 -The prayer of faith will save the sick... The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous an avails much....
BUSY-NESS is a sickness. But praise the Lord: The prayer of Faith will save the sick....!
To be continued...
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Prayer for Camp
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord Thank You for another day to impact the world. I lift up my tennis students in Bay City this morning and it is my prayer that I impact them greatly this morning. Father God I pray that I help improve their tennis this morning and also increase their awareness of you.
I love You Lord. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name,
Amen.
Lord Thank You for another day to impact the world. I lift up my tennis students in Bay City this morning and it is my prayer that I impact them greatly this morning. Father God I pray that I help improve their tennis this morning and also increase their awareness of you.
I love You Lord. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name,
Amen.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
2 Timothy 1:7
God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but one of power, love, and discipline.
I like this verse of encouragement. The context is a message Paul sent to Timothy. We are not to be shy when it comes to speaking to others about God.
I came across this verse in Dr Charles Stanley's Morning Devotional. In it Dr Stanley gives a six question checklist to ask yourself if you are drifting away from God. It's a quick study and definitely work the click...! I didn't need the checklist to know that I have been 'drifting', but reading that article was good affirmation for me and helped me to pinpoint some problem areas.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord thank You for Your Word. Help me to stay in it daily. Lord thank You for the opportunities to witness daily. Help me to not miss a single one. Father, help me to not be timid, but bold in speaking about You.
Lord the powers of darkness are trying to wrestle me down. I pray that You would send Your Holy Spirit to hold me up, lift me up. Set my feet upon Your solid ground.
Father God, I love You. I want to serve You and be an effective witness for You. I offer my life as a willing sacrifice, Lord. I am Yours.
I thank You for my precious wife and children Lord. I have been blessed beyond measure with an awesome family and I am forever grateful. Father God I pray You protect them and keep them safe from the snares of the enemy. I especially lift up Monica's health to You, Lord. I pray for a peaceful, restful, healing day for her, my King.
Lord I commit this day to You. I give it all for You Glory, and I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
I like this verse of encouragement. The context is a message Paul sent to Timothy. We are not to be shy when it comes to speaking to others about God.
I came across this verse in Dr Charles Stanley's Morning Devotional. In it Dr Stanley gives a six question checklist to ask yourself if you are drifting away from God. It's a quick study and definitely work the click...! I didn't need the checklist to know that I have been 'drifting', but reading that article was good affirmation for me and helped me to pinpoint some problem areas.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord thank You for Your Word. Help me to stay in it daily. Lord thank You for the opportunities to witness daily. Help me to not miss a single one. Father, help me to not be timid, but bold in speaking about You.
Lord the powers of darkness are trying to wrestle me down. I pray that You would send Your Holy Spirit to hold me up, lift me up. Set my feet upon Your solid ground.
Father God, I love You. I want to serve You and be an effective witness for You. I offer my life as a willing sacrifice, Lord. I am Yours.
I thank You for my precious wife and children Lord. I have been blessed beyond measure with an awesome family and I am forever grateful. Father God I pray You protect them and keep them safe from the snares of the enemy. I especially lift up Monica's health to You, Lord. I pray for a peaceful, restful, healing day for her, my King.
Lord I commit this day to You. I give it all for You Glory, and I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
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