Serving The Lord... Psalm 100:2-3

I had a difficult day yesterday. Going to church did not help me very much except to hear a scripture reminding us that we did not wrestle against flesh and blood but against powers and principalities, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places... -Ephesians 6:12

I realize that I am wrestling with the rulers of Darkness. My wife and I discussed this in great detail last night. And we prayed together. We prayed for each other. We prayed for our family and our country. Then I awakened throughout the night praying for myself, my family, this country, and this world.

Wow what a difference a few hours of humble praying can make.

My attitude is much better this morning. My scripture verse today is Psalm 100 2-3 - Today I will serve HIM with gladness...! Thank You Monica for lifting me up. There really is Great Power present when two or more come together in HIS Name...!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You so much Lord for my precious wife who loves me and prays for me and our family constantly. Lord I do pray a hedge of protection around myself and my family today. Guard us from the assault of the enemy. Father God help us move past self keeping and on into ministering to those around us. Father God that's our true mission: Search and Rescue....

Oh Holy Spirit, I am not worthy to receive You but I pray that You indwell and empower me for a day of good service to the Kingdom. Bless my tennis camp this morning, Lord. Help me to speak words of life and encouragement. Lord working with young people is the greatest work a man can do. Thank You for this opportunity my King.

I love You Lord. You have rescued me. I pray these things in the power of Your Holy Name, Jesus Christ.

Help...

Wow... I am struggling spiritually today. Isaiah 6:5 is my cry: Woe is me for I am undone...!

I need a lift... I'm spending the rest of the day in The Word....

Prayer for Camp

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for another day, another opportunity to grow in You and impact those within my sphere of influence. Lord I'll be teaching tennis to a camp of young people this morning and pray a blessing over the camp participants and my assistant. Father God I pray for a life changing experience this morning. I know it's just a little tennis camp but someone might be at a turning point in their life this morning and a word of encouragement and affirmation might just make all the difference in their life today.

Lord I want to be Your hands and feet. Help me to recognize and read situations where I can be of use to You. Let me walk fully in the power of the Holy Spirit this morning. I love You Lord. Everything that I have is from You. Everything that I accomplish today is because of You.

Father God You get the Glory today! -In Jesus' name I pray, Amen,

Prayer for Bay City Youth

I grew up in Bay City, a small town along the gulf coast in south east Texas. I have been blessed with the opportunity to return there and impact the local area youth with a summer tennis program. This morning I'm lifting up the youth I'll be coaching.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for allowing me another day to make a difference in this world. I lift up all the participants in my classes this morning, Lord. Holy Spirit help me to present a particularly strong, compelling witness today.

Father God I also lift up my dear Sweet wife today as she has been under the weather for over a week. Lord I pray for your perfect will in my life to be realized. I love You Lord. You are my King.

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Honoring The Lord With My Life...

Romans 12:1 is one of my favorite scriptures. It states that our entire life is to be offered to the Lord. Everything we do, say, and think should honor and glorify HIM.

Is my life like that...? Uh... Sadly, no... Not enough.

But, this morning it's like I was just reading that verse (Romans 12:1) for the first time. And I'm excited. Today I may be faced with temptation in some area of my life but I am going to over come it.

With the help of the Holy Spirit I will take every thought captive. Only positive, edifying words will come out of my mouth. I will give My Utmost for His Highest. Today I plan to start living life a little slower, a little more simple. I'm saying good bye to 'busy-ness', because that in no way honors God.

Today my life Will be a living sacrifice to the ONE who gave his ALL for me.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord today I want to totally surrender to You. I want to shed the world and it's wicked influence from my life. Holy Spirit, please enable and empower me to change. Help me to make a big difference within my sphere of influence today. Help me to be a strong, effective witness for the Truth.

Father God I pray that others will see the YOU in me. Lord I trust You. I believe in You.

You are my God. I praise You. I worship You. Father I give You thanks for all the blessings in my life. I love You, Lord. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Prayer For Faith

This morning I'm praying for faith. I've been reading in Hebrews about all the men of great faith. My faith seems so small. I have a 'hopeful' faith, but that isn't really faith at all. What I need is an 'expectant' faith. I need the Faith of Hebrews 11:1-3.

Lord with so many great examples of Your faithfulness recorded in the bible, how can I be short on faith....?

Father God, I do believe that You made the heavens and the earth. I do believe that You have power over everything. I know that You will activate the Holy Spirit to work in my life if I only ask and believe. Lord I'm asking this morning. And I pray that You would strengthen my faith.

Father, help me to live a sinless life from here on out. Help me to right the wrongs in my life. Lord I believe that You still have great work for me to do for You but mt biggest hindrance is myself. Help me to get out of the way.

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

Random Thoughts

My Mind has been racing lately. Especially at night. I've been having trouble sleeping. Why is that...? I think God is trying to get my attention... What is he trying to tell me...?

God is trying to tell me that He wants to be number One in my life....!

God is letting me know that my life is divided....!

God is telling me that I'm way, way too busy with things that don't make one bit of difference in this world....!

God wants me to change...!

Here's a scripture verse that comes to mind this morning:

Ephesians 2:10... -For we are His Workmanship, created in Jesus Christ for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we could walk in Him.

God has already prepared good works for me to do. So what are they...? Am I doing them...?

I'm sure that some of those good works are telling others about Christ. They are about boldly living my faith before men. -I'm not bold enough in real life. I'm much bolder behind the computer screen using the keyboard. But God wants me to take a stand for him in my every day conversation with others. God wants me to make a stand with the way I live my life, with the way I spend my money.

God hates procrastination. I'm the world's worst procrastinator. So what am I waiting for...?

... A better moment....?

...The right time...?

It's now. It's time to really, totally, recklessly abandon my self to God...! It's time to take some inventory and make some changes.

It's time to take some action...!

First of all... It's time to really super charge up my prayer life...

Dear Heavenly Father,

Oh Lord all I can do is say how terribly sorry I am for wasting so much precious time pursuing things of no consequence. I've wasted time just being 'busy'. Oh I recognize so many familiar traps the enemy uses to ensnare me time and time again.

But Praise you Lord, You have rescued me...! Father God, Holy Spirit, Jesus... I love You...! There's nothing I want more in this world than to draw close to You. Lord I want to do Your will.

Help me to be more bold about my faith. Lord let there be no doubt about who I serve. I don't serve man. I don't serve money. I serve the most holy, most excellent living God who has prepared good works for me to do before I was even born....!

Father God this morning I take authority over the things that bind me. I take authority over 'busyness'. I take authority over procrastination. I take authority over negative thoughts. I take authority over anger.

Lord Jesus in your precious holy name I bind these snares and entanglements and dismiss them. Lord I live for You. I live to bring glory to Your name. Lord help me to shed the old self and just live in the new life that you have called me too.

Father God, help me to tell others about You. Lord I thank You and walk out the door of my house this morning with the confidence that You will answer this prayer. I believe that You have already answered this prayer.

I am a new creation...! Thank You Lord. Thank You Jesus. And I pray these things in Your most precious holy name, AMEN...!

Prayer for My Wife...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for my precious wife, Monica. You have blessed me beyond measure with the perfect life partner. I love and cherish her so much. Father God I pray for an extra special day for Monica as she celebrates her birthday today. Oh what a special day, Lord.

I would give my bride anything in the world if it were in my power. But I know there is no 'Material Thing' that she truly covets. Lord I pray this morning that I would just be the best husband to Monica that I can be. She is so gracious that she would say that I already am, but I know I can do better in many areas. And Lord with Your help I will do better.

Today Lord I just lift Monica up to You. I thank You for her presence in my life and for what she means to our family. She is the best wife and mommy to our children that I could have ever hoped for. I pray the sweetest blessings upon her today.

In Jesus' Name I Pray, AMEN...!

Prayer for our Country

I was watching the early show this morning on television and saw the report that at 5 PM today Gay Couples in California can can legally get married. I am shocked and saddened at this turn of events. America keeps slipping further and further down a slippery slope.

What can I do about what's happening in California...? Well, first of all I can (and must) PRAY. Everyone in America who loves and fears the Lord must pray. What happens in California will eventually effect all the states.

What else can I do...? Well, I can and must do everything within my sphere of influence to effect change or at least make my stand known. I can write letters to law makes. I can Blog about it. I can Talk to people. This an opportunity to share my faith.

Dear Heavenly Father, Lord this situation is bigger than me, but it's not bigger than YOU. Father God I stand in the gap for America today. I am NOT OK with the liberal direction that our country is moving in. As a nation we continually gravitate towards a lifestyle similar to Sodom and Gomorrah.

Father God, I am aware that I have a role in all this. I need to share my faith to those around me. Help me to take a stand for TRUTH. Help me to take a stand for what is RIGHT. Help me to make a difference today!

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

In His Father's Footsteps...

Here's a cute photo of Elijah and I last summer (2007). I had been mowing the yard and I was wearing a blue bandana. Elijah was inside the house watching me through the window and he wanted to work in the yard, too. But he wanted to wear a blue bandana because he wanted to be just like his daddy, so Monica obliged him. I remember that day fondly. When they came outside He had the biggest smile on his face I have ever seen. -Elijah wanted to be just like me...!

If Elijah is going to follow in my footsteps, I have to make sure that I'm always walking a godly path I'd want him to follow. I want him to always see me trying to follow my heavenly father. I want him to see how much I love God. And I want him to be just like me (and his mom) in that regard, because we both love Jesus very much.

Jesus gave us an earthly example of how to live. And His standards are high ones. Let's all try to follow in our heavenly father's footsteps.

And What did Jesus do...? He loved. He served others. He gave his life away. And in John 13:15 Jesus plainly states: '...for I gave you an example that you should also do as I did for you...'

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for setting an example for us to follow. Thank You for giving us children to train up in Your image. Lord I pray that I am the best daddy I can be. Help me to train up Connor, Elijah, and the little one on the way to be just like You.

Oh it is such a joy and a blessing to be a parent...! I love You Lord. -And I give this day to You.

Lord I ask a special blessing on my tennis tournament today. I pray for good weather and good behavior from the kids and parents. I pray for safety for the participants traveling to and from Columbia Lakes today.

God thank You for an opportunity to impact many others today. And I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen...!

A Word and a Prayer for Fathers this Weekend.

These Two scriptures came to mind as I spent time with God this morning. They are good words for anyone, but I think they are especially appropriate for Believing Dads. this weekend.

But flee from these things you man of God and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

1 Timothy 6:11-12

What are these 'things' we are to flee from...? Verses 9-10 describe those 'things' as the love of money and the desire for the things of this world. But I think we can fill in the blank with any thing that is not wholesome, good, and edifying to us. We should flee from anything that corrupts our hearts.

The bible says: 'If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content...' (1 Tim 6:8) We really don't need any thing else, do we...? I'd much rather spend the bulk of my time pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness... And that's what I'd like my children to remember seeing me pursue, as well. My greatest legacy to my kids will be that I lived a Godly life and loved them with God's Love, and they will know God better because of the life I lived before them.

The other verse that comes to mind this morning is from an early chapter of Hebrews.

Take care Brethren that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day as long as it is still called 'today', so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:12-13

I absolutely love that verse. It's both a warning to protect our hearts from evil and a command to lift each other up all the time. Just think what this world would look like if more people followed the advice of that verse...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for Your Word. Thank You Lord for making me a father. Lord I lift up daddy's everywhere this morning. Being a daddy is the greatest job in the world. At times it can be a difficult, challenging job but the privilege and honor of raising up godly offspring is worth all the struggle.

Help me Lord, and help daddy's everywhere to always keep our eyes on You. Protect our hearts Lord. Help us to live lives of righteousness, goodness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Bless our witness to our children and the world around us. Help us Lord to be particularly encouraging to each other and our families.

The greatest gift daddy's can give their children is a life example of a man who loves You and has given his life to You, my King Jesus. Father God I love You. And I want to wish You a Happy Father's Day.

In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

The Power of a Praying Father

Lately I've been listening to many radio sermons and teachings about Fatherhood and Father's Day. A couple of days ago I listened to a very moving interview with Dr James Dobson when he recounted memories of his daddy. He said his daddy was 'a true man of God' and 'a man of intense prayer'. He went on to say that his 'Focus on the Family' ministry success was the direct result of his daddy's fervent prayer life.

Immediately following Dr Dobson's Focus on the Family Broadcast was Pastor Paul Shepard who discussed the 'power of a praying father'... (That was quite a coincidence)

I have been thinking about those two broadcasts non stop the past forty-eight hours. Then, today's Spurgeon Devotional scripture highlight is "Thou art weighed in the balances and art found wanting."—Daniel 5:27

Wow... Is God ever speaking to me right now...!

Of Course, I'd like to think of myself as a 'good' father, but after listening to these recent radio broadcasts I realize I've still got plenty of growing to do, that's for sure... -Especially in the area of my prayer life and prayer habits.

Pastor Shepard stressed the importance of not just praying for one's children, but praying 'OVER' them. That is, having them physically next to you and you laying a hand on their head or shoulder while you pray out loud for them to hear.

I never really thought of it in those terms but then immediately I thought of the times that Godly men have laid their hand on my shoulder and prayed specifically, especially for me and my needs. It impacted me greatly.

Why am I NOT doing that for Connor and Elijah right now, today...? I mean really, what's more important than providing for my family spiritually...? -NOTHING.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord You are so Good. Thank You for all the Godly examples of Daddy's you have provided for me. Father I want to be the best daddy to my kids that I can possibly be. I see raising my children up to know You as my life's greatest work. Help me to be the best I can be. Show me all the areas in my life that I need improvement in. Help me to change. Conform me to Your image, Lord. Oh Lord, let there be less on me and more of You in me.

Father God I know without a doubt that this is within Your perfect will for my life and the life of my family. I know this is one prayer request you will absolutely answer.

Thank You again, Lord. I love You. I give this day to You, for your glory and in honor of You. And in Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Explanation of Angels: Hebrews 1:14

The first book of Hebrews mentions angels quite a bit. I like the reassurance that angels are put into service to help believers in this world. I'm looking forward to an in depth study of Hebrews this next week.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I give this day to You. I lift up my tennis students to You. I pray for good classes this morning. I pray that I present a Godly example this morning and all throughout the day. Lord I pray that i make a difference in the life of a young person today.

Father God I want nothing more than to be right in the middle of Your perfect will for my life and my family's life. Bless me to know Your will, my King. Lord if I face adversity today I pray You will send ministering angels my way to help me.

Thank You Lord for being such a good and awesome God. I love You. You And I pray these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

Spurgeon Explains Romans 14:8

Why are we here...? Why didn't Christ just snatch us up to heaven the moment we accepted HIM...?

Here's a quote from Spurgeon's daily devotional that explains it perfectly:

We are here that We may "live unto the Lord," and may bring others to know His love. We remain on earth as sowers to scatter good seed; as ploughmen to break up the fallow ground; as heralds publishing salvation. We are here as the "salt of the earth," to be a blessing to the world. We are here to glorify Christ in our daily life. We are here as workers for Him, and as "workers together with Him." Let us see that our life answereth its end. Let us live earnest, useful, holy lives, to "the praise of the glory of His grace."

Hmmm... How's that for your daily marching orders...? I don't know about You but I'm ready to make a difference in this world today....!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Oh Lord I am a sinner. There is very little good that is in me. But Father I recognize that by Your Grace I am saved. Father God, help me to sin no more. Help me to rid myself of every barrier that would prevent me from being used to for Kingdom work.

Lord I can't do anything under my own power, but through you I am a mighty warrior. Though You I am a Conqueror. In you I am Victorious....!

Thank You Father for Blessing me so abundantly. Every good and perfect gift comes from You, Father...! Lord Jesus I lift up my family to you this morning. I lift up all my tennis students and the camp I will conduct in League City today. Father I pray that others might see your light shining through me today. Use me as Your vessel, my King.

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

Strength

I've been reading the new testament the past few months. I've gone through the gospels and just completed the letters of the Apostle Paul. I'll be starting Hebrews this evening.

I love the verse: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

This morning I spent a good deal of time praying for strength. I prayed for all kings of strength. I prayed for physical strength to meet the bodily challenges of lessons in the morning and afternoon in the Texas heat and humidity. I prayed for spiritual and emotional strength to face the daily assault from the evil one who prowls around like a hungry lion hoping to ensnare me.

I prayed for strength for my beloved spouse and life partner Monica. She is used daily by God as a source of inspiration and encouragement to me, and a host of others.

I know that what ever challenge I face today I will come out more than a conqueror through HIM who strengthens me.

Here's a good article I came across on Phil 4:13

Lord, I love You. You have rescued me. You lift me up. You are my fuel, my unlimited energy source. Father God I trust in You. I rest in You. Lord Jesus I'm going to keep this dialog ongoing with You all day. I want to stay tuned in to You, Father.

Lord I ask blessings on my sweet wife and family. I also lift up my precious sister Becky who is being persecuted daily. Grant them all Your divine strength, Lord. Grant them peace and rest.

Father God I pray these things in Jesus name, Amen.

Discussion about Prayer

Last night in Alpha the topic was 'prayer'. One of the questions that came up was how has answered prayer strengthened your faith...?

I was thinking how Monica and I have had so many answered prayers that now when we face a crises we very seldom worry, we just trust in God to work it out.

There is a God. He knows everything. God can do anything. Nothing is impossible with God. I firmly believe that.

So why would I worry at all, ever...? I don't know. I must say that I think Monica's faith is a bit stronger than mine. She tends to have to encourage me more than I have to encourage her. But it's neat how we pick up each other's slack.

God really picked out the perfect spouse for me...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I'm all about thanks this morning. I'm so grateful for my sweet wife. I'm grateful for new tennis students today. What a blessing to have the opportunity to impact the life of a young person. Father God help me to portray a strong witness for You. I give this day of service to You, Lord. I pray that I honor You today in word and action.

Father God I ask blessings on Elijah today. I pray he has a day of wonder and amazement. I lift up Connor as he spends time in California with is grandparents.

Lord please bless Monica and our unborn child. I pray for a day of rest and good health for my precious bride. I pray that she is able to accomplish everything she wishes to accomplish today.

Lord, I'm Believing that YOU WILL answer these prayers. And I thank You now as if they are already answered.

I love You, Lord. You have truly rescued me. You are all that I want. You are all I need. Father God I pray these things in confidence in the power of Jesus' name, Amen.

Lifting up my Sweet Wife

Dear Heavenly Father,

I lift up my wife this morning. Bless her Lord. Guard her health. Keep her strong. Keep her well. Father God it is written that every good and perfect gift comes from You.

I do consider my family as a precious perfect gift. And I especially thank You for my sweet wife. I love her very much. -And I love You Lord for the gift of my sweet bride.

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

Praise Reports...!

Here's a Couple of Big Praise Reports!

First of all, I've been in a great deal of physical pain the past five weeks with a knee injury. A doctor diagnosed that I probably have a meniscus tear and recommended surgery as soon as possible. The problem for me is the amount of money it will cost me for fees not covered by my insurance, and also the time lost from work during my recovery. Not to mention I am at the busiest time of my season right now with camps and activities booked pretty solid for the next two months...

Well, Monica and I have been in prayer about this from the beginning and I know that many others have been praying for me, also. Well, yesterday afternoon I noticed that it wasn't aching as much as usual. Last night I was virtually pain free. -The first time in weeks and weeks...!

This morning the pain is still greatly diminished. I am just going to give 100% credit to God our Father, The Great Physician..!

I am also happy to report that camp yesterday went very well and we are off to a great start.

Praise be to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ...!

Dear Heavenly Father... Thank You Lord for easing my physical pain. Thank You for blessing my with a nice tennis camp this week.

Lord I lift up Pastor Bob at the French Open. I lift up all those whom he is working with and will meet during the next few days at Roland Garros. Father God I thank You for strong men of Faith like Pastor Bob who provide great role models and sources of inspiration to seekers and believers every where. Bless Him, Lord. Bless his family and keep them safe during his absence. Comfort Him as surely he misses his wife and children.

Dear Lord, I lift up my own family to you as well. Bless them, Lord. Keep them safe. I pray you guard their health and protect them from the snares of the enemy. I pray that for myself, too, my King. Father God I love you and I give this day to You. I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

Prayer for Tennis Camp

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I am very grateful for the young people who are coming to attend my tennis camp this week. I pray blessings upon each and every one of them. I pray they have a good time and improve their tennis.

Father God, these students didn't sign up for a 'Christian' camp, but Lord most of all I pray that I present a strong Christian witness to them. Let them see You in me, Father.

Father God I Love You. I give today to Your glory, my King. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name,

Amen.