Wow... Today is the last day of the Year 2008. That's amazing. This year really seemed to fly by. I have to say that I think I've definitely grown more spiritually this year than any previous year. I'm not sure exactly what 2009 is going to bring, but I know there will be many opportunities to share my faith and it is my prayer to be a much more effective witness than I was in 2008.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord I recognize what a great privilege I have been given to live in America. I have the most wonderful life in the world. Father God I am so grateful for what You have done for me. Lord I just pledge to try to live a life worthy of all this bounty.
I think 2008 was like a Great Awakening for me, spiritually. I feel a call to prayer and to witness like never before. Thank You Father God. I love You Lord.
I am ready, willing and able to give my utmost to Your call.
I praise Your Name, My King...! And I pray these thing in Jesus' Name, Amen.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Let's Begin With The Belt of Truth...
Every night for the past month I have been reading Dr Tony Evans booklet on Spiritual Warfare. I am convinced that my prayer life is not what it should be. Dr Evans description of the prayer life of a Godly man who puts his full armor on is a much more detailed and passionate description than I would assign the current state of my own prayer life.
It's like my eyes are finally being opened to what a mediocre prayer life I have. This, in turn, also reflects on what I now consider to be a 'mediocre' personal relationship with God.
Now, -Is my problem purely spiritual...? Eph 6:12 says...Because we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
...I am facing spiritual forces that are far superior to me?
As I was pondering that thought I began to do some research on the Internet for Eph 6:12 and I came across this interesting article...
The article almost persuaded me to think that many biblical scholars down through the ages were incorrect in their interpretation of Eph 6:12. But I remembered a wise professor in bible college telling us to not rely on books or other resources 'about' the bible for our information, but to rely on the bible, itself. Without going into specifics, there are many scripture cross references that 'conflict with the author of that article's interpretation. Romans 8:38 and Ephesians 1:21 are just two scriptures that refer to principalities and powers as different ranks of evil spirits.
I have come to the conclusion that much of my problem comes from issues with my spiritual armor... Starting with the Belt of Truth...
I must first make sure my mind is embracing sound doctrine. This will help to equip my will in serving the Lord. Below are seven helpful aids in embracing sound doctrine as given by one of the old-time teachers of the word - William Gurnall, a Puritan who lived in the 17th century in England.
It's like my eyes are finally being opened to what a mediocre prayer life I have. This, in turn, also reflects on what I now consider to be a 'mediocre' personal relationship with God.
Now, -Is my problem purely spiritual...? Eph 6:12 says...Because we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
...I am facing spiritual forces that are far superior to me?
As I was pondering that thought I began to do some research on the Internet for Eph 6:12 and I came across this interesting article...
The article almost persuaded me to think that many biblical scholars down through the ages were incorrect in their interpretation of Eph 6:12. But I remembered a wise professor in bible college telling us to not rely on books or other resources 'about' the bible for our information, but to rely on the bible, itself. Without going into specifics, there are many scripture cross references that 'conflict with the author of that article's interpretation. Romans 8:38 and Ephesians 1:21 are just two scriptures that refer to principalities and powers as different ranks of evil spirits.
I have come to the conclusion that much of my problem comes from issues with my spiritual armor... Starting with the Belt of Truth...
I must first make sure my mind is embracing sound doctrine. This will help to equip my will in serving the Lord. Below are seven helpful aids in embracing sound doctrine as given by one of the old-time teachers of the word - William Gurnall, a Puritan who lived in the 17th century in England.
Be sincere in seeking the truth. Approach it with a sincere heart. This will make all the difference - 1 Tim 1:5
Receive the ministry of the Word from those God has equipped to serve it. God has given gifts to the body of Christ. A sincere heart will aid you in discerning the truth - Eph 4: 11 - 12
Accommodate the whole body of Christ. Don't restrict yourself to the teachings or doctrines of any one particular group or denomination in your quest for the truth. God has not given the totality of His truth to any one particular group. We must discern the body if we are to grow.
Beware of curiosity 2 Tim 4:3 Strange and sometime obviously wrong doctrine will appear. Witchcraft, New Age and all kinds of teachings will be repackaged as Christian doctrine. Don't let curiosity take you beyond the bounds of your hearts warning.
Be a humble seeker. Never assume perfection in any doctrine or teaching. Watch out for pride. Pride can make you a stranger to the throne of grace and turn humble praying for the truth into ambitious arguments.
Do not be offended at different opinions. It will only allow bitterness and malice to fester.
Know the value of truth in your heart. When you find truth embrace it and keep it. Let nothing tear it away from you. More importantly, live it.
Here is a work by Gurnall regarding spiritual warfare that I am looking forward to going back and reading in it's entirety...
So, for starters I need to be in The Word more...
.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Grateful For Christmas
Yesterday was a peaceful day in the Chadwell House. We had a very nice Christmas. I just want to thank and praise God for blessing my family and I so abundantly. I know that not every family in America has it as nice as we do. And we are certainly enjoying a standard of living far beyond the rest of the world.
I take nothing for granted. I cherish these precious moments.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You my King for a blessed Christmas. I know have a better life than nearly everyone else on the planet.
My Question is: Why is this family so set apart...?
Luke 12:48 says to whom much is given then much is also expected...
Oh I pray that we are good and faithful stewards of all God's abundant blessings and that we are right in the middle of His will for our Lives.
Lord I give today for Your Glory. I hold my negative thoughts captive. I will speak Truth and Love today. I will be encouraging. And by Your grace I will live in peace with everyone making a difference in the lives of those within my sphere of influence.
Father God I stand in the gap today for my family. I pray that You would guard our health. I lift up my sweet sister Becky in New York and pray for intervention with her family. Oh Lord I lift up my brothers Stan and John as well.
Lord as always I stand in the gap this morning for America and it's leaders. Father I am sorry for the direction that America is taking as a country. I pray the young people Elijah and Connor's age. Lord I pray for You to raise up a generation who will know, honor, love You and change this world.
I love You Lord. You have rescued me. Praise be Your name, my King. And I pray these things in the power of the name of my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, Amen.
I take nothing for granted. I cherish these precious moments.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You my King for a blessed Christmas. I know have a better life than nearly everyone else on the planet.
My Question is: Why is this family so set apart...?
Luke 12:48 says to whom much is given then much is also expected...
Oh I pray that we are good and faithful stewards of all God's abundant blessings and that we are right in the middle of His will for our Lives.
Lord I give today for Your Glory. I hold my negative thoughts captive. I will speak Truth and Love today. I will be encouraging. And by Your grace I will live in peace with everyone making a difference in the lives of those within my sphere of influence.
Father God I stand in the gap today for my family. I pray that You would guard our health. I lift up my sweet sister Becky in New York and pray for intervention with her family. Oh Lord I lift up my brothers Stan and John as well.
Lord as always I stand in the gap this morning for America and it's leaders. Father I am sorry for the direction that America is taking as a country. I pray the young people Elijah and Connor's age. Lord I pray for You to raise up a generation who will know, honor, love You and change this world.
I love You Lord. You have rescued me. Praise be Your name, my King. And I pray these things in the power of the name of my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
We're So Smart... But Are We...?
We know so much more than people did 2000 years ago. I mean, look at the advances in medicine and science over the years. We can explain so many things.
Sadly for some, intelligence is a stronghold that inhibits their belief in God. God can't be proved, or 'explained' through science, they say.
Well, my response to that is God can't be disproved by science, either. The fact is there is no irrefutable scientific evidence for the creation of life, the world we live in, the universe, etc...
It was so much easier for people 2000 years ago to believe in God. They didn't have nearly as many distractions as we do today.
I choose to believe the story of Creation in Genesis. I believe the story of Christ's birth in Luke. That pretty much explains everything to me. -And that's much more a believable story than we evolved out of a primordial goo over millions of years and eventually ascended from monkeys.
I'm still hung up on the verse in Luke where it said: 'Mary treasured and pondered these things...' Oh how I wonder what she was pondering...
Too all my unbelieving friends out there: I love You and am praying for you. I don't have scientific evidence to show you proving God's existence. I only have my own changed life as a testimony of the reality of God. I can only point to the lives of many, many believers who have come before me and who gave their lives for what they believed in.
I pray that Your education and intelligence does not continue to be a hindrance to Your Salvation.
Merry Christmas...! -Coach Sam
Sadly for some, intelligence is a stronghold that inhibits their belief in God. God can't be proved, or 'explained' through science, they say.
Well, my response to that is God can't be disproved by science, either. The fact is there is no irrefutable scientific evidence for the creation of life, the world we live in, the universe, etc...
It was so much easier for people 2000 years ago to believe in God. They didn't have nearly as many distractions as we do today.
I choose to believe the story of Creation in Genesis. I believe the story of Christ's birth in Luke. That pretty much explains everything to me. -And that's much more a believable story than we evolved out of a primordial goo over millions of years and eventually ascended from monkeys.
I'm still hung up on the verse in Luke where it said: 'Mary treasured and pondered these things...' Oh how I wonder what she was pondering...
Too all my unbelieving friends out there: I love You and am praying for you. I don't have scientific evidence to show you proving God's existence. I only have my own changed life as a testimony of the reality of God. I can only point to the lives of many, many believers who have come before me and who gave their lives for what they believed in.
I pray that Your education and intelligence does not continue to be a hindrance to Your Salvation.
Merry Christmas...! -Coach Sam
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Contemplative...
Yesterday I attended the funeral of my Great Aunt. Aunt Jo was one of the sweetest people I've ever met. I have many fond childhood memories going to Aunt Jo's house and visiting her. As I listened to her grand children recount their childhood memories it brought tears to my eyes.
I never had an opportunity to discuss salvation with Aunt Jo, or her belief in God but when you look back on her life and examine the rich legacy of lives she touched it is obvious by the testimonies of her family that she had the holy spirit dwelling within her.
The Lord blessed Aunt Jo to live for 96 years... Wow...!
I pray that I touch lives the way Aunt Jo did. It is my hope to be remembered as a kind, sweet man just as she was remembered as a kind, sweet woman.
I give thanks to God that my life was influenced by Annie Jo Lankard.
I never had an opportunity to discuss salvation with Aunt Jo, or her belief in God but when you look back on her life and examine the rich legacy of lives she touched it is obvious by the testimonies of her family that she had the holy spirit dwelling within her.
The Lord blessed Aunt Jo to live for 96 years... Wow...!
I pray that I touch lives the way Aunt Jo did. It is my hope to be remembered as a kind, sweet man just as she was remembered as a kind, sweet woman.
I give thanks to God that my life was influenced by Annie Jo Lankard.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Luke 2:19 An Intriguing Passage...
My family visited our old church for the Sunday morning message this past weekend. It was like a sweet home coming. I felt a genuine warmth that I had not experienced in a long time. And in my opinion Pastor David Barclay preached one of his best messages ever.
The topic of his sermon was of course Luke 2:8-20, the Christmas story.
Some Great Pastor Dave Quotes from the sermon include:
'...As long as we have a pulse then Christ has a PURPOSE for our lives...'
'...The telling and the hearing of the Christ story has much reward for both the teller and the hearer...'
We draw three key topics from Luke 2:8-20:
Adulation: Joy, Praise... We need to be consistent in our praise and worship. The Lord inhabits the praises of His people. Be watchful for impressive words from a fruitless life.
Glorification: Others are attracted when Christ is Glorified. People get swept up in His presence. We need to shine the spotlight on Christ. WHO is center stage in Your life...? WHO is on that Pedestal...? Only one person can be number one at a time!
Normalization: What did the Shepherds feel like after hearing from the Angel's announcement and going to see the Christ Child...? The were 'New Men' going back to the same old job. But now God was part of them and their setting. They told everyone the met about what the angel had told them and finding the Christ Child.
Pastor Dave asked some moving questions that I'm certain stirred a few hearts...
-When we leave church, do we leave God there...? We must strive to allow God to be a part of our every day living...!
-Our relationship with God is something that is intensely personal, but it also needs to be corporately public in our witness to the world. The personal knowledge of the shepherds drove them to public declaration...
Peace and Good Will come from the Prince of Peace...!
And the Scripture verse from Luke tells us that Mary treasured up all this and pondered it in her heart...
She remembered everything and thought about it for a long time... Why did Luke include that verse in his account...? What's the significance of it...? I think it's to make us think about it...!
We need to be modern day shepherds and Glorify and Praise God to everyone we meet about what we know about the Christ Child...!
The topic of his sermon was of course Luke 2:8-20, the Christmas story.
Some Great Pastor Dave Quotes from the sermon include:
'...As long as we have a pulse then Christ has a PURPOSE for our lives...'
'...The telling and the hearing of the Christ story has much reward for both the teller and the hearer...'
We draw three key topics from Luke 2:8-20:
Adulation: Joy, Praise... We need to be consistent in our praise and worship. The Lord inhabits the praises of His people. Be watchful for impressive words from a fruitless life.
Glorification: Others are attracted when Christ is Glorified. People get swept up in His presence. We need to shine the spotlight on Christ. WHO is center stage in Your life...? WHO is on that Pedestal...? Only one person can be number one at a time!
Normalization: What did the Shepherds feel like after hearing from the Angel's announcement and going to see the Christ Child...? The were 'New Men' going back to the same old job. But now God was part of them and their setting. They told everyone the met about what the angel had told them and finding the Christ Child.
Pastor Dave asked some moving questions that I'm certain stirred a few hearts...
-When we leave church, do we leave God there...? We must strive to allow God to be a part of our every day living...!
-Our relationship with God is something that is intensely personal, but it also needs to be corporately public in our witness to the world. The personal knowledge of the shepherds drove them to public declaration...
Peace and Good Will come from the Prince of Peace...!
And the Scripture verse from Luke tells us that Mary treasured up all this and pondered it in her heart...
She remembered everything and thought about it for a long time... Why did Luke include that verse in his account...? What's the significance of it...? I think it's to make us think about it...!
We need to be modern day shepherds and Glorify and Praise God to everyone we meet about what we know about the Christ Child...!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Strength for the Day
Today has the potential to be a challenging day. First of all, it's Sunday. But second of all, I am planning to go to the visitation of a funeral for my Great Aunt Jo. I sincerely hope that goes well. I really struggle at funerals....
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord I thank You for another day of life. Oh how precious life is. I think few people really appreciate the frailty of life. We are reminded of it when someone we know passes from this life into the next. I is a bitter pill to swallow when it's someone we know and love who passes away. This has happened to me. I loved Aunt Jo. And although I am sad for the loss of her I am happy because I know she is in heaven right now singing with the Angels.
Father God I lift up Aunt Jo's family and friends in prayer today. Lord I pray for the right words that I may be some comfort to Connie, Mozelle, and Mimi...
Lord I lift up my own family as each Sunday we face our own unique set of challenges as a family unit. I pray for Connor's day especially. I pray that this morning's message at church particularly blesses him.
Lord I pray for Brother Barclay, Cere, and Paster Greg as they are all no doubt preparing to deliver their morning messages. Bless their messages to change hearts today, Lord.
Oh Lord I pray that You just continue Your work in me. Bless me with patience, Lord. Let my lips only speak words of life today. Let them only be used for building up and edifying others.
Dear Lord bless my precious wife, Monica. No one deserves a peaceful day more than my sweet bride. And as always, I lift up my sweet boy Elijah. I pray he has a great day as well. This is such a precious time for Him, Christmas time... I pray this is a Christmas of fond memories for him.
Father God, you know what my sister Becky is going through. Just lift her up above her circumstances and deliver her to safety, Lord.
I love You My King. I am ready for the day. I have my spiritual battle armor on and am ready to stand firm against the forces that would do my family and I harm. Father the battle has to come through me and I am strong in You. You are my Mighty Fortress and Strong Tower.
I pray these things in Jesus name, Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord I thank You for another day of life. Oh how precious life is. I think few people really appreciate the frailty of life. We are reminded of it when someone we know passes from this life into the next. I is a bitter pill to swallow when it's someone we know and love who passes away. This has happened to me. I loved Aunt Jo. And although I am sad for the loss of her I am happy because I know she is in heaven right now singing with the Angels.
Father God I lift up Aunt Jo's family and friends in prayer today. Lord I pray for the right words that I may be some comfort to Connie, Mozelle, and Mimi...
Lord I lift up my own family as each Sunday we face our own unique set of challenges as a family unit. I pray for Connor's day especially. I pray that this morning's message at church particularly blesses him.
Lord I pray for Brother Barclay, Cere, and Paster Greg as they are all no doubt preparing to deliver their morning messages. Bless their messages to change hearts today, Lord.
Oh Lord I pray that You just continue Your work in me. Bless me with patience, Lord. Let my lips only speak words of life today. Let them only be used for building up and edifying others.
Dear Lord bless my precious wife, Monica. No one deserves a peaceful day more than my sweet bride. And as always, I lift up my sweet boy Elijah. I pray he has a great day as well. This is such a precious time for Him, Christmas time... I pray this is a Christmas of fond memories for him.
Father God, you know what my sister Becky is going through. Just lift her up above her circumstances and deliver her to safety, Lord.
I love You My King. I am ready for the day. I have my spiritual battle armor on and am ready to stand firm against the forces that would do my family and I harm. Father the battle has to come through me and I am strong in You. You are my Mighty Fortress and Strong Tower.
I pray these things in Jesus name, Amen.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Still Seeking Righteousness.... And Standing in the Gap...
I'm reading Dr Tony Evans Book on Spiritual Warfare for the THIRD time now... Oh how I feel so ineffective for the Kingdom right now... I don't have time this morning to fully discuss this issue this morning, but let me say that I am Totally INTO the Word of God right now...! I'm girding up in my spiritual armor this morning and ready to go into battle standing strong against the Evil One.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord I thank You for another day to make a difference in this world. I am so grateful for men of faith like Dr Tony Evans to disciple me.
Father God I am more and more aware of the spiritual battles taking place all around my family and I. Father God I pray blessings over Monica, Connor and Elijah today. Lord, let our home be a safe haven for them. I pray a hedge of protection around them today.
Lord Jesus I pray blessings over my tennis class this morning. Help me to make a difference in the lives of those around me. Father Help me to be more effective in standing strong for You. Help me to understand righteousness and to be more righteous. I don't feel very righteous this morning. Isn't that just the enemy's Lie...?
The bible says The fervent prayers of a righteous man are very effective... Oh My Precious King I pray blessings over America today. Help us as a country to turn to You, Lord. Lord and let me help facilitate that turning by reaching one person at a time with the TRUTH.
Who will I impact today, Lord...? Help me to not miss an opportunity...!
I love You, my King. And I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord I thank You for another day to make a difference in this world. I am so grateful for men of faith like Dr Tony Evans to disciple me.
Father God I am more and more aware of the spiritual battles taking place all around my family and I. Father God I pray blessings over Monica, Connor and Elijah today. Lord, let our home be a safe haven for them. I pray a hedge of protection around them today.
Lord Jesus I pray blessings over my tennis class this morning. Help me to make a difference in the lives of those around me. Father Help me to be more effective in standing strong for You. Help me to understand righteousness and to be more righteous. I don't feel very righteous this morning. Isn't that just the enemy's Lie...?
The bible says The fervent prayers of a righteous man are very effective... Oh My Precious King I pray blessings over America today. Help us as a country to turn to You, Lord. Lord and let me help facilitate that turning by reaching one person at a time with the TRUTH.
Who will I impact today, Lord...? Help me to not miss an opportunity...!
I love You, my King. And I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Lifting up the Family and Friends of Bob Gratzer
I learned today that one of my former tennis students passed away recently. Bob Gratzer was a very neat person. He started playing tennis late in life... He was in his mid sixties when he really started to take tennis seriously.
He had just recently retired and took up tennis to stay in shape and meet people. -That was back in 1984... I was just starting my professional coaching career at the time and working my way through college giving tennis lessons. Bob was one of my first students.
I always admired Bob. He had a great attitude. Even taking up the game in his mid sixty's he just didn't want to get some exercise, he really wanted to be competitive. He wanted to be the best he could be and he loved taking lessons from me because I hit the ball hard which helped him to compete better against younger players.
His obituary said that he enjoyed tennis and golf well into his eighties... Isn't that awesome...? He was ninety when he passed away earlier this week. I remember thinking as I was coaching him...
'I hope I'm moving this well and competing as hard as Bob when I'm in my mid sixties...'
My life was impacted greatly by this kind old gentleman. I have many fond memories of playing tennis with him.
Today I lift up Bob's family and friends who are surely feeling a deep sense of loss at this time...
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord thank You for the life of Bob Gratzer. He touched many lives with his grace, class and keen sense of humor. My own life was greatly impacted by him. I remember that I wanted to be like him when I aged. I suppose I still do. I will never forget Bob.
Father God I lift up Bob's survivors, his family and friends. I pray for comfort and peace in their time of need.
Lord I thank you for tennis, and that it is such an awesome sport that it can be enjoyed by people up in their 80's and 90's... Father God I know this is silly but I hope there is tennis in heaven and that I will be able to enjoy playing tennis with Bob again one day.
I love You my King and I pray these things in Jesus' name. Amen
He had just recently retired and took up tennis to stay in shape and meet people. -That was back in 1984... I was just starting my professional coaching career at the time and working my way through college giving tennis lessons. Bob was one of my first students.
I always admired Bob. He had a great attitude. Even taking up the game in his mid sixty's he just didn't want to get some exercise, he really wanted to be competitive. He wanted to be the best he could be and he loved taking lessons from me because I hit the ball hard which helped him to compete better against younger players.
His obituary said that he enjoyed tennis and golf well into his eighties... Isn't that awesome...? He was ninety when he passed away earlier this week. I remember thinking as I was coaching him...
'I hope I'm moving this well and competing as hard as Bob when I'm in my mid sixties...'
My life was impacted greatly by this kind old gentleman. I have many fond memories of playing tennis with him.
Today I lift up Bob's family and friends who are surely feeling a deep sense of loss at this time...
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord thank You for the life of Bob Gratzer. He touched many lives with his grace, class and keen sense of humor. My own life was greatly impacted by him. I remember that I wanted to be like him when I aged. I suppose I still do. I will never forget Bob.
Father God I lift up Bob's survivors, his family and friends. I pray for comfort and peace in their time of need.
Lord I thank you for tennis, and that it is such an awesome sport that it can be enjoyed by people up in their 80's and 90's... Father God I know this is silly but I hope there is tennis in heaven and that I will be able to enjoy playing tennis with Bob again one day.
I love You my King and I pray these things in Jesus' name. Amen
Unforgiveness
It's interesting how the Holy Spirit works. I've really had a burden on my heart lately to go to the challenging relationships in my life and make them right. Today, Dr Charles Stanley's devotional topic was the subject of 'unforgiveness'. -How appropriate for me...
Dr Stanley summed it all up so eloquently. Here's a link to his post. But I'd also like to summarize his article for my own reinforcement.
Unforgiveness is Bad Because...
-It harms family interactions...
-It hinders prayer life...
-It damages one's personal witness...
-It thwarts spiritual growth....
Hmmm... -Harms, Hinders, Damages, Thwarts... Looks like nothing good can be said about unforgiveness...
I feel that the damage to one's personal witness is the most significant by-product of unforgiveness.
I wish I had realized all this a long time ago. I've wasted YEARS of my life in unforgiveness...!
Well, realization of the problem doesn't mean I've overcome it completely. I'm still working through a lot of baggage. But I'm definitely headed in the right direction.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord thank You for the reinforcement of the importance of forgiving others. Father God I pray that all the bitterness of unforgiveness that has been built up in me over the years through challenging relationships just melt away.
Lord I am sad for all the negative energy I've spent over issues that I should have just let go of. I am so grateful that You are a God of Forgiveness. If You died for all of our sins how can I hold someone accountable for a perceived wrong to me...?
If I do not forgive others then You will not forgive me. Father God I pray this morning that You would bless my efforts to right the challenging relationships in my life.
Lord I confess that one of my biggest challenges ever is with my stepson, Connor. Father God, I truly want to impact Him for You. I know he has trouble seeing You in me. Help me do better with Connor. Help me to be exactly what he needs in the way of a step dad, mentor, and friend. I pray for a well spring of patience with Connor.
I pray that even in times of correction that my words are gentle and encouraging. Lord I believe that I can help Connor change by changing my own mode of operation. But I realize that nothing I do will be effective without giving it first to You.
Lord the good that has come out of this negative situation is my realization that You are in charge here, not me. Help me to forgive like You forgive, love like You love, and bless this family with peace.
That is the greatest gift I can give You, my family, and the world this Christmas.
Lord I'm lifting up Connor this morning. I'm lifting up this family unit, my King. Forgive us Lord and help us to forgive and love each other so the whole world can see what a life filled with the love of Christ looks like.
I love You, Lord. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.
Dr Stanley summed it all up so eloquently. Here's a link to his post. But I'd also like to summarize his article for my own reinforcement.
Unforgiveness is Bad Because...
-It harms family interactions...
-It hinders prayer life...
-It damages one's personal witness...
-It thwarts spiritual growth....
Hmmm... -Harms, Hinders, Damages, Thwarts... Looks like nothing good can be said about unforgiveness...
I feel that the damage to one's personal witness is the most significant by-product of unforgiveness.
The highlight of your testimony is salvation, which centers around the truth that the Lord has forgiven all your sins. How can you stress the importance of this if your listener can’t see even a hint of forgiveness in your own life? -Dr Charles Stanley
I wish I had realized all this a long time ago. I've wasted YEARS of my life in unforgiveness...!
Well, realization of the problem doesn't mean I've overcome it completely. I'm still working through a lot of baggage. But I'm definitely headed in the right direction.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord thank You for the reinforcement of the importance of forgiving others. Father God I pray that all the bitterness of unforgiveness that has been built up in me over the years through challenging relationships just melt away.
Lord I am sad for all the negative energy I've spent over issues that I should have just let go of. I am so grateful that You are a God of Forgiveness. If You died for all of our sins how can I hold someone accountable for a perceived wrong to me...?
If I do not forgive others then You will not forgive me. Father God I pray this morning that You would bless my efforts to right the challenging relationships in my life.
Lord I confess that one of my biggest challenges ever is with my stepson, Connor. Father God, I truly want to impact Him for You. I know he has trouble seeing You in me. Help me do better with Connor. Help me to be exactly what he needs in the way of a step dad, mentor, and friend. I pray for a well spring of patience with Connor.
I pray that even in times of correction that my words are gentle and encouraging. Lord I believe that I can help Connor change by changing my own mode of operation. But I realize that nothing I do will be effective without giving it first to You.
Lord the good that has come out of this negative situation is my realization that You are in charge here, not me. Help me to forgive like You forgive, love like You love, and bless this family with peace.
That is the greatest gift I can give You, my family, and the world this Christmas.
Lord I'm lifting up Connor this morning. I'm lifting up this family unit, my King. Forgive us Lord and help us to forgive and love each other so the whole world can see what a life filled with the love of Christ looks like.
I love You, Lord. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
More on James 5:16...
I remember in Dr Young's sermon this weekend he made special mention of the Greek translation for the word for prayer in James 5:16... He said it was was a special term that meant 'a specific' request, not a broad, general prayer request.
I looked up James 5:16 and identified prayer in the Greek as it's used in that verse.
My wife and I were just discussing recently the need to make our prayers more specific, so hearing Dr Young mention this same topic reinforces my urgency to work on my prayer life.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord I thank You for Prayer. Where would we be without prayer...? I don't even want to consider a life or world without it.
Father God, one of my prayers today is just to do a better job with my prayer life. Help me to be in the Word more and show me what You would have me pray for.
I want to control my thought life better. When something comes to my mind that invokes anger, annoyance, or any negative thought let me be quick to take that thought captive and pray for the situation or circumstance immediately. That is one of my greatest weaknesses.
With that in mind Lord, this morning I lift up my son's tennis coach at school. For years I have harbored negative thoughts and feelings for and toward him because he has been so discouraging to many of my students. Instead of praying about the situation I have stayed angry and negative, myself. I am sad for what that anger has done to me and how it has effected my witness. How can You work through me and bless me when I am negative and harboring ill thoughts towards someone else...?
You can't work through a cracked vessel.
Lord I lift up coach Langner to You, today. I am very sorry for any negative comments or feelings I have had toward him. I don't want this issue to hinder my relationship with You any longer, my King.
I am repentant regarding this issue Lord and at my first opportunity I am going to apologize to Coach Langner and ask forgiveness from him.
Lord please restore me and help me to deal with my anger and negative feelings towards the challenging relationships in my life.
I love You Lord and want to honor You completely with my thought life. Lord I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
Monday, December 15, 2008
James 5:16
One of my favorite scriptures about prayer has always been: "...The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
Yesterday, we watched Dr Ed Young preach a sermon about prayer and he explained this verse in great detail...
He explained what exactly a 'righteous' man was... And I know for a fact that am not one. I am sick. I am sin-sick. I have strayed away from the Truth...
The answer is prayer. The prayer of faith... What is that? It is not a matter of how MUCH faith we have.
It is faith in what...? -GOD...
The Greek word for Prayer in this verse means a specific prayer for a specific sin.
An Effective prayer is one that has energy and power.
What is Righteous...? How do we become righteous...? This is how it works...
We become righteous when we confess our sins and become 'ok' with God. Then we become 'ok' with ourselves. Then we become 'ok' with others... We ask forgiveness... Then we become righteous.
Yesterday, we watched Dr Ed Young preach a sermon about prayer and he explained this verse in great detail...
He explained what exactly a 'righteous' man was... And I know for a fact that am not one. I am sick. I am sin-sick. I have strayed away from the Truth...
The answer is prayer. The prayer of faith... What is that? It is not a matter of how MUCH faith we have.
It is faith in what...? -GOD...
The Greek word for Prayer in this verse means a specific prayer for a specific sin.
An Effective prayer is one that has energy and power.
What is Righteous...? How do we become righteous...? This is how it works...
We become righteous when we confess our sins and become 'ok' with God. Then we become 'ok' with ourselves. Then we become 'ok' with others... We ask forgiveness... Then we become righteous.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Praise Report and Intercession
Let's have a great big shout out to God for enabling me to have a very good tennis event this weekend... I'm singing praises today...
THANK YOU, GOD...!
Now, last night I had two surprising dreams... -Both involved mission work in third world countries... I wonder what's up with that...? -Something else to pray about...! -I can't wait to tell Monica....
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord thank You for the tremendous work You are doing in my life and the life of my family right now... You have always blessed me far beyond what I deserve. Thank You, my King. I recognize that nothing good has come to me because of 'me'. I am nothing but a vessel.
Father God I lift up my family to You today. Bless us to have a nice peaceful, relaxing family day. Lord I pray the same blessing on my sister and her family today as well. Lord I pray Holy Spirit intervention on their relationships with each other.
I lift up my brothers Stan and John and my extended family spread out all over the country today. Lord I thank You for reconnecting me with all my friends on face book. I lift each and everyone of their special needs up to You this morning, too. Lord I pray that you will use face book as a great ministry tool.
I pray blessings over pastors everywhere as they prepare to deliver Sunday messages to those hungry for the Word. Lord I pray that lives will be changed and souls will be saved today.
I stand in the gap this morning for our country and it's leaders. I pray for a revival to sweep across this land the likes we have never seen before.
Lord Jesus, I love You. And I pray these things in Your precious, holy name, Amen.
THANK YOU, GOD...!
Now, last night I had two surprising dreams... -Both involved mission work in third world countries... I wonder what's up with that...? -Something else to pray about...! -I can't wait to tell Monica....
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord thank You for the tremendous work You are doing in my life and the life of my family right now... You have always blessed me far beyond what I deserve. Thank You, my King. I recognize that nothing good has come to me because of 'me'. I am nothing but a vessel.
Father God I lift up my family to You today. Bless us to have a nice peaceful, relaxing family day. Lord I pray the same blessing on my sister and her family today as well. Lord I pray Holy Spirit intervention on their relationships with each other.
I lift up my brothers Stan and John and my extended family spread out all over the country today. Lord I thank You for reconnecting me with all my friends on face book. I lift each and everyone of their special needs up to You this morning, too. Lord I pray that you will use face book as a great ministry tool.
I pray blessings over pastors everywhere as they prepare to deliver Sunday messages to those hungry for the Word. Lord I pray that lives will be changed and souls will be saved today.
I stand in the gap this morning for our country and it's leaders. I pray for a revival to sweep across this land the likes we have never seen before.
Lord Jesus, I love You. And I pray these things in Your precious, holy name, Amen.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Prayer for my tournament this weekend...
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You Lord for excellent weather today. I already feel blessed because good weather makes everything better. Father God I lift up all the players and their parents to you today. Please bless their safety traveling to and from the event today.
Lord I pray for good sportsmanship with the players and their families. I pray for a good tournament experience to be had by everyone. Bless my interaction with everyone today, Father. I especially pray for You to bless my communication skills. Let the world see the You in me today, my King. This tournament could be an excellent witnessing opportunity today. Please help me to recognize and seize the moments for me to influence others for You.
On the home front I lift up my dear sweet wife who was feeling a little run down yesterday. I pray blessings over her to have a peaceful, relaxing day today.
Father God, I am ever mindful of my responsibility as a Christian to pray for our Country and it's leaders and so this morning I stand in the gap for the United States and I lift up President elect Obama and his administration to You. I pray that he change his policies over issues like abortion and gay marriage. Lord I pray that Christians close to him would influence his decisions for life and the sanctity of marriage. Lord I believe that the Holy Spirit can still work a miracle in these situations.
Lord help me to reach other Americans like my nephew Johnny and the many, many young people in this world who either don't believe in You or are just indifferent to anything other than their own selfish desires.
Father God, I give today to You. Everything said and done today will be done and said in Your name for Your Glory.
I love You Lord, and in Jesus' name, Amen.
Thank You Lord for excellent weather today. I already feel blessed because good weather makes everything better. Father God I lift up all the players and their parents to you today. Please bless their safety traveling to and from the event today.
Lord I pray for good sportsmanship with the players and their families. I pray for a good tournament experience to be had by everyone. Bless my interaction with everyone today, Father. I especially pray for You to bless my communication skills. Let the world see the You in me today, my King. This tournament could be an excellent witnessing opportunity today. Please help me to recognize and seize the moments for me to influence others for You.
On the home front I lift up my dear sweet wife who was feeling a little run down yesterday. I pray blessings over her to have a peaceful, relaxing day today.
Father God, I am ever mindful of my responsibility as a Christian to pray for our Country and it's leaders and so this morning I stand in the gap for the United States and I lift up President elect Obama and his administration to You. I pray that he change his policies over issues like abortion and gay marriage. Lord I pray that Christians close to him would influence his decisions for life and the sanctity of marriage. Lord I believe that the Holy Spirit can still work a miracle in these situations.
Lord help me to reach other Americans like my nephew Johnny and the many, many young people in this world who either don't believe in You or are just indifferent to anything other than their own selfish desires.
Father God, I give today to You. Everything said and done today will be done and said in Your name for Your Glory.
I love You Lord, and in Jesus' name, Amen.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Prayer for today...
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thanks You Lord for today. Thank You for another opportunity to impact the world for You. Oh Lord I pray blessings on today. I pray blessings on my precious family.
Season my words to be salt and light today. I give today for Your glory, my King.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Thanks You Lord for today. Thank You for another opportunity to impact the world for You. Oh Lord I pray blessings on today. I pray blessings on my precious family.
Season my words to be salt and light today. I give today for Your glory, my King.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Grateful...
I am grateful for many things today. I am grateful for a nice warm house on a cold wintry morning. I am grateful for a sweet family. Wow... I am blessed.
Here's a prayer request for anyone who browses this blog on occasion.
Recently my 17 year old nephew has emailed me asking me to explain to him how there is a God. He does not believe in God. He has trouble understanding unanswered prayer, why bad things happen in the world, creation, etc...
Here is a great opportunity for me to be the witness God has called me to be. Pray that my correspondence with him has life changing consequences...!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord You are Good...! Thank You for continuing to bless me far beyond what I deserve. Lord I lift up my nephew Johnny to You today. I thank You and praise You for the dialog that Johnny and I are having right now.
Father God I just pray that my words to Johnny flow directly from the Holy Spirit. Lord please bless Johnny to know a close relationship with You. I pray for other Godly influences in his life today.
Lord I lift up his mommy, daddy and brother today as well. Thank You for their presence in my life and the opportunity to serve You, my King.
Here's a prayer request for anyone who browses this blog on occasion.
Recently my 17 year old nephew has emailed me asking me to explain to him how there is a God. He does not believe in God. He has trouble understanding unanswered prayer, why bad things happen in the world, creation, etc...
Here is a great opportunity for me to be the witness God has called me to be. Pray that my correspondence with him has life changing consequences...!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord You are Good...! Thank You for continuing to bless me far beyond what I deserve. Lord I lift up my nephew Johnny to You today. I thank You and praise You for the dialog that Johnny and I are having right now.
Father God I just pray that my words to Johnny flow directly from the Holy Spirit. Lord please bless Johnny to know a close relationship with You. I pray for other Godly influences in his life today.
Lord I lift up his mommy, daddy and brother today as well. Thank You for their presence in my life and the opportunity to serve You, my King.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Living Out the Gospel Message of Compassion and Love
How does the world know I'm a Christian...? Because I blog about it a lot...? I hope not. This blog is more for me than anyone else. It helps me sort things out and make sense of everything.
I hope that the world notices I'm a Christian because of the way I treat others.
Do I live out the gospel message of compassion and love in every single one of my relationships...?
Sadly, no. Well, not consistently anyway.
But I believe it's the challenging relationships that reveal the most about my character and what I need to work on in my life. I recently read an Oswald Chambers Devotional that led me to 1 Corinthians 13
This is a scripture that I am very familiar with, but I do not have it committed to memory and I think that if there was ever an entire chapter of the bible to commit to memory it should be the chapter that defines love.
Not being able to love everyone with the love of Jesus Christ is a big problem for me. I think there are a more than one relationships in my life that are stumbling blocks to my spiritual growth.
Today I acknowledge my inability to love consistently and pray for help in those relational areas.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord I need help. I really need You. Once again I find there's something I can not do on my own. Really, what can I do apart from You...? Well, nothing good or successful.
Father God throughout my life I have always had one or two difficult, challenging relationships that have severely hindered my walk with You and most certainly my witness to those around me.
Lord, as far as it has to do with me, I wish to live at peace with the world. Father God I pray for a total transformation in the way I interact with others. Please remove any trace of negative tone in my communication.
Enable me to continue to take a stand for the things I believe in but still present my message as one of genuine compassion for those around me, especially those who don't think the same way I do.
Lord this all about me. I'm not praying for someone else to change. I recognize that I need to effect some adjustments to the way I operate and interact within some of the relationships in my life.
Lord You are capable of anything. This will be a cinch for You. Father God my heart is very willing. Help me to love more like You. I want to throw off the old man and put on the new. Soften my heart Lord. I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
I hope that the world notices I'm a Christian because of the way I treat others.
Do I live out the gospel message of compassion and love in every single one of my relationships...?
Sadly, no. Well, not consistently anyway.
But I believe it's the challenging relationships that reveal the most about my character and what I need to work on in my life. I recently read an Oswald Chambers Devotional that led me to 1 Corinthians 13
This is a scripture that I am very familiar with, but I do not have it committed to memory and I think that if there was ever an entire chapter of the bible to commit to memory it should be the chapter that defines love.
Not being able to love everyone with the love of Jesus Christ is a big problem for me. I think there are a more than one relationships in my life that are stumbling blocks to my spiritual growth.
Today I acknowledge my inability to love consistently and pray for help in those relational areas.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord I need help. I really need You. Once again I find there's something I can not do on my own. Really, what can I do apart from You...? Well, nothing good or successful.
Father God throughout my life I have always had one or two difficult, challenging relationships that have severely hindered my walk with You and most certainly my witness to those around me.
Lord, as far as it has to do with me, I wish to live at peace with the world. Father God I pray for a total transformation in the way I interact with others. Please remove any trace of negative tone in my communication.
Enable me to continue to take a stand for the things I believe in but still present my message as one of genuine compassion for those around me, especially those who don't think the same way I do.
Lord this all about me. I'm not praying for someone else to change. I recognize that I need to effect some adjustments to the way I operate and interact within some of the relationships in my life.
Lord You are capable of anything. This will be a cinch for You. Father God my heart is very willing. Help me to love more like You. I want to throw off the old man and put on the new. Soften my heart Lord. I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Spiritual Warfare
I just finished Dr Tony Evans' booklet about Spiritual Warfare. It was outstanding. I'm ready to read it all over again.
I don't want to get deep into doctrine this morning. But let me tell you that my head is spinning right now and I am more motivated to be in The Word and in prayer than ever before...!
MORE LATER....
I don't want to get deep into doctrine this morning. But let me tell you that my head is spinning right now and I am more motivated to be in The Word and in prayer than ever before...!
MORE LATER....
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Notice the Date Today? -Lest we Forget...! -Watch, Be Vigilant!
Today is Pearl Harbor Day... The day in our country's history when the reluctant United States was drawn into World War II by Japan's sneak attack on our naval base in Hawaii...
I remembered that 'Pearl Harbor Day' was coming up a few days ago, but lost track of it until this morning... You know, I always get a funny feeling on this day. I think how everyone must have felt in the aftermath of the attack back in 1941:
...shock, horror, panic, confusion... I'm sure there must have been a lot of soul-searching and a lot of praying going on. But oh how the sting of such a horrific event is short lived.
We experienced a similar experience in New York on Sept 11, 2001, but isn't the acute awareness of that sneak attack a faded memory as well....?
Yet, the fact of the matter is that right this very moment at any time we could face an event more catastrophic than we can even imagine. The reality is that this world we live in is broken and the days are evil. We can not afford to go about our daily business pursuing the things of the world ignorant and oblivious to the signs of the times we live in.
December 7th 1941 was a milestone in our history. Sept 11, 2001 was another milestone. Since we don't know when the next milestone will be shouldn't we start living our lives differently immediately...?
Tell someone today that You love them. Tell someone about Jesus Christ. Sew seeds of life into this world's soil. Don't be indifferent to the whole process... Let's not wait for another painful reminder to focus our attention...!
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray today for our valiant servicemen and women who put themselves in harm's way every day. I remember those who have bravely fallen. I also lift up the innocent victims and their loved ones who nave been affected by senseless worldly tragedies. Lord You said there will always be wars and rumors of wars. But what are to do about that? -We are to remain vigilant...!
Father God let us not slip into a complacency in our lives where we forget our history. I pray for increased awareness of world events around us and a deeper understanding our responsibility to be a light shining witness to those within our sphere of influence.
Lord we live in a world where our lives could be demanded of us at any moment. Help us to live each day like it is our last day. Help us to love each other and live meaningful lives that glorify You.
Lord I present my family to You today. I would die for them, Lord. YOU ALREADY DIED for them...! Praise You, my King...! Bless my family, keep them safe from harm. I pray they would grow into a deeper understanding of a close, personal relationship with You, Jesus.
Father God I lift up my country and it's leaders to You. God Please Bless America. I pray for a spirit of repentance to descend upon this land. Forgive us and help us to stop murdering innocent babies through the horror of abortion. Help us to stop pursuing wealth and the things of this world.
Lord Jesus, I love You.
I stand in the gap for my family, friends, and this country today. Thank You God for being a great big God who can do all things. I rest in You, my King. Come what may, Your grace is sufficient.
Lord I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen...
I remembered that 'Pearl Harbor Day' was coming up a few days ago, but lost track of it until this morning... You know, I always get a funny feeling on this day. I think how everyone must have felt in the aftermath of the attack back in 1941:
...shock, horror, panic, confusion... I'm sure there must have been a lot of soul-searching and a lot of praying going on. But oh how the sting of such a horrific event is short lived.
We experienced a similar experience in New York on Sept 11, 2001, but isn't the acute awareness of that sneak attack a faded memory as well....?
Yet, the fact of the matter is that right this very moment at any time we could face an event more catastrophic than we can even imagine. The reality is that this world we live in is broken and the days are evil. We can not afford to go about our daily business pursuing the things of the world ignorant and oblivious to the signs of the times we live in.
December 7th 1941 was a milestone in our history. Sept 11, 2001 was another milestone. Since we don't know when the next milestone will be shouldn't we start living our lives differently immediately...?
Tell someone today that You love them. Tell someone about Jesus Christ. Sew seeds of life into this world's soil. Don't be indifferent to the whole process... Let's not wait for another painful reminder to focus our attention...!
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray today for our valiant servicemen and women who put themselves in harm's way every day. I remember those who have bravely fallen. I also lift up the innocent victims and their loved ones who nave been affected by senseless worldly tragedies. Lord You said there will always be wars and rumors of wars. But what are to do about that? -We are to remain vigilant...!
Father God let us not slip into a complacency in our lives where we forget our history. I pray for increased awareness of world events around us and a deeper understanding our responsibility to be a light shining witness to those within our sphere of influence.
Lord we live in a world where our lives could be demanded of us at any moment. Help us to live each day like it is our last day. Help us to love each other and live meaningful lives that glorify You.
Lord I present my family to You today. I would die for them, Lord. YOU ALREADY DIED for them...! Praise You, my King...! Bless my family, keep them safe from harm. I pray they would grow into a deeper understanding of a close, personal relationship with You, Jesus.
Father God I lift up my country and it's leaders to You. God Please Bless America. I pray for a spirit of repentance to descend upon this land. Forgive us and help us to stop murdering innocent babies through the horror of abortion. Help us to stop pursuing wealth and the things of this world.
Lord Jesus, I love You.
I stand in the gap for my family, friends, and this country today. Thank You God for being a great big God who can do all things. I rest in You, my King. Come what may, Your grace is sufficient.
Lord I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen...
Friday, December 05, 2008
Taking Care of My Body
I was reading Oswald Chambers' Devotional this morning and this portion of the text jumped out at me this morning...
The fact is, I am ashamed at the condition of the Temple I am offering to the Lord right now... But he has recently provided a new venue for me to work at and I have easy access to workout equipment. The workout room is literally right outside my office door...! I can now exercise every day just by coming to work a little early or staying a little late
With God's help I will do just that. I've got to fix up this temple...!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord I thank You for another Friday. Father God You have blessed me so abundantly. Thank You for all these great blessings. Lord help me to make the most of these blessings and to honor You Lord in all that I do.
Lord I have a great opportunity to impact a group of home schoolers today. Thank You for entrusting these young people to me. I pray that you would season my words to impact them greatly.
I pray blessings on my family this morning. Lord I lift up this country and it's leaders today as well. Father God I especially lift up President Elect Obama and his administration to You.
Father God I love You. I want to honor You in every way in every thing I do. Lord I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
I beseech you," says Paul, "present your bodies a living sacrifice." The point to decide is this - "Do I agree with my Lord and Master that my body shall be His temple?' If so, then for me the whole of the law for the body is summed up in this revelation, that my body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. -Oswald Chambers.
The fact is, I am ashamed at the condition of the Temple I am offering to the Lord right now... But he has recently provided a new venue for me to work at and I have easy access to workout equipment. The workout room is literally right outside my office door...! I can now exercise every day just by coming to work a little early or staying a little late
With God's help I will do just that. I've got to fix up this temple...!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord I thank You for another Friday. Father God You have blessed me so abundantly. Thank You for all these great blessings. Lord help me to make the most of these blessings and to honor You Lord in all that I do.
Lord I have a great opportunity to impact a group of home schoolers today. Thank You for entrusting these young people to me. I pray that you would season my words to impact them greatly.
I pray blessings on my family this morning. Lord I lift up this country and it's leaders today as well. Father God I especially lift up President Elect Obama and his administration to You.
Father God I love You. I want to honor You in every way in every thing I do. Lord I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
The AFA: A Great American Institution
Dear Sam,
As we come to the close of 2008, I want to express my appreciation for the support you have given us. The future of our nation is in flux right now. Often it appears that all we have fought for in the past 30 years seems to be crumbling. But we will not despair.
Our cause is just and right. It is our responsibility to do our best to stand opposed to the agents of secularism and humanism and leave the outcome to the Lord. He has not called us to win every battle, as much as we would like to do that. He has called us to be faithful. And that we can do. We intend to go on fighting with all the strength we have. Our children and grandchildren are counting on us.Sincerely,
Donald E Wildman, Founder of the American Family Association
This is a copy of a letter I received via email yesterday. Wow...! I am so inspired by that message. I am not going to give up. I will remain strong and faithful. I will continue to stand up for what I believe in.
God Bless America, and God Bless the American Family Association.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Prayer Requests
I consider it a great honor when someone asks me to pray for them or their special prayer need. Recently an old high school friend of mine with whom I have recently reconnected with on facebook asked me to pray for a friend of his.
Today I want to especially lift up Todd Brewer's Friend, Mark Litton, who has Cancer.
Dear Heavenly Father,
What an awesome beautiful day You have created my King. Thank You so much for all the blessings. Thank You for all the good things in our lives. Father God Thank You for our friends who are near and far. Thank you for all those who have touched and impacted our lives in a positive way.
Lord, this morning I am lifting up a 'friend of a friend'. As You know, Mark has cancer, Lord. And God Bless him, Mark has been a big part of my friend Todd's life and impacted him in many great ways. Father God, I can not understand why there is cancer in the world except that it draws people closer to You. Lord we lean on You as the Great Healer and the Great Comforter in the midst of our trials.
I pray for healing for Mark, Lord. And I pray that throughout this entire experience that You will be exalted and glorified.
Lord I thank You for friends like Todd who believe in the power of prayer. I thank You for good friends like Mark who has been a mentor to Todd. Lord I thank You for the forum of prayer to bring our petitions to You. I pray that some good will come from all this. May this be a time of Mark's family and friends pulling closer together and closer to You, Lord.
I thank You for my own family and life circumstances. I have been richly blessed indeed, my King. Lord I give today up to You for Your Glory. I love You and I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen
Today I want to especially lift up Todd Brewer's Friend, Mark Litton, who has Cancer.
Dear Heavenly Father,
What an awesome beautiful day You have created my King. Thank You so much for all the blessings. Thank You for all the good things in our lives. Father God Thank You for our friends who are near and far. Thank you for all those who have touched and impacted our lives in a positive way.
Lord, this morning I am lifting up a 'friend of a friend'. As You know, Mark has cancer, Lord. And God Bless him, Mark has been a big part of my friend Todd's life and impacted him in many great ways. Father God, I can not understand why there is cancer in the world except that it draws people closer to You. Lord we lean on You as the Great Healer and the Great Comforter in the midst of our trials.
I pray for healing for Mark, Lord. And I pray that throughout this entire experience that You will be exalted and glorified.
Lord I thank You for friends like Todd who believe in the power of prayer. I thank You for good friends like Mark who has been a mentor to Todd. Lord I thank You for the forum of prayer to bring our petitions to You. I pray that some good will come from all this. May this be a time of Mark's family and friends pulling closer together and closer to You, Lord.
I thank You for my own family and life circumstances. I have been richly blessed indeed, my King. Lord I give today up to You for Your Glory. I love You and I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Busy-ness
This is the time of year when everything tends to speed up. I can see my workload increasing. There's so many little extra projects going on now. They key for me is to NOT keep adding on.
I have to remain focused on what God says is important: Knowing Him and Sharing His Word with others...
I need to stay busy, Yes... But that busy-ness needs to be reflecting Christ to others.
Lord, thank You for another day to impact this world for You. I pray for blessings on my day and my family's day, Lord. Father God please guard our health. Monica and I are both working on some sore throats. Keep us well, Lord I pray.
My King, help me to get into and stay completely in the center of Your will for my life. I sense that right now is a crucial moment in time and I do not want to miss an opportunity to fulfil a call you may be placing before me. I pray for discernment. I pray for patience. Father God I pray for blessing.
I love You Lord. My heart is humble and I am ready willing and able to magnify You. Oh Lord I pray these things in Your precious son Jesus' name. Amen.
I have to remain focused on what God says is important: Knowing Him and Sharing His Word with others...
I need to stay busy, Yes... But that busy-ness needs to be reflecting Christ to others.
Lord, thank You for another day to impact this world for You. I pray for blessings on my day and my family's day, Lord. Father God please guard our health. Monica and I are both working on some sore throats. Keep us well, Lord I pray.
My King, help me to get into and stay completely in the center of Your will for my life. I sense that right now is a crucial moment in time and I do not want to miss an opportunity to fulfil a call you may be placing before me. I pray for discernment. I pray for patience. Father God I pray for blessing.
I love You Lord. My heart is humble and I am ready willing and able to magnify You. Oh Lord I pray these things in Your precious son Jesus' name. Amen.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Thanks, Praise, and More Prayer
Wow... I have to start out today's post with a praise report... Yesterday was a nice day for my family. Specifically, there was very little or no friction between my step son and I... YEA....!
Praise the Lord...! God definitely heard my prayers yesterday morning...!
Now, here's something that has been on my heart lately... What does my Christianity, my walk with God, how I live my life... -What does that look like to the world...?
This question came up on a Christian Tennis Pro Friend's Blog at Christianworldview.com. Hmmm... Am I more well known for what I stand against, or what I stand for...?
Which tact is going to influence the world more effectively...? And what does God have to say about all this...?
These are burning questions that are not going to answered in one sitting. These are the kinds of questions that take some time to mull over...
I believe that most people who already share the same mind set like to hear and see someone speak out against a particular issue. Those on the other side of the fence are more likely to dig in and defend their position when the perceive an attack. Are opportunities to persuade others lost with too negative or judgemental a tone...?
I believe the key to persuasion is all in the 'tone' of the deliverer's message.
There's an old cliche that says: You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar...
How did Jesus impact the world...? -With love and compassion. He was a peaceful revolutionary. -That all sounds fine and good. And I believe that.
BUT... If our country's founding fathers had taken that path, would America have even been birthed at all...?
I worry a bit that I come across too harsh at times. But how can a person candy coat an issue like abortion...? How can I not get too emotional when I believe an innocent life is being murdered...?
This is good stuff to pray about...
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord there's a work going on in me that I can't quite figure out. It's keeping me up at night. All I want to do is draw closer to You and be in Your Word, my King. Oh thank You for this quiet time. Others would complain about not getting enough sleep but I love these moments of sweet communion with You.
Father God Thank You for a peaceful family day yesterday. You get all the praise and glory for that one...
My King, I am keenly aware of my role to influence those around me for the Kingdom. Lord I pray for discernment in my speech and specifically in the tone that I use to persuade others. Lord I do not want to come across as negative, hateful, or cynical. Lord I pray Holy Spirit power over my communication skills. Lord Your word says the tongue has the power of life and death. Lord I pray that my words would always speak life.
Father God there is so much to pray for. I stand in the gap this morning for America, it's leaders, for my church, my family, and the corporate body of Christ. Lord I lift up my friend Shamik who is living out what he believes in. Thank You for his witness. God Bless him.
Today is big, busy, long day. Bless me Lord. Help me accomplish much. Lord I am attempting great things for You today. I love You and pray these things in Jesus' name.
Amen.
Praise the Lord...! God definitely heard my prayers yesterday morning...!
Now, here's something that has been on my heart lately... What does my Christianity, my walk with God, how I live my life... -What does that look like to the world...?
This question came up on a Christian Tennis Pro Friend's Blog at Christianworldview.com. Hmmm... Am I more well known for what I stand against, or what I stand for...?
Which tact is going to influence the world more effectively...? And what does God have to say about all this...?
These are burning questions that are not going to answered in one sitting. These are the kinds of questions that take some time to mull over...
I believe that most people who already share the same mind set like to hear and see someone speak out against a particular issue. Those on the other side of the fence are more likely to dig in and defend their position when the perceive an attack. Are opportunities to persuade others lost with too negative or judgemental a tone...?
I believe the key to persuasion is all in the 'tone' of the deliverer's message.
There's an old cliche that says: You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar...
How did Jesus impact the world...? -With love and compassion. He was a peaceful revolutionary. -That all sounds fine and good. And I believe that.
BUT... If our country's founding fathers had taken that path, would America have even been birthed at all...?
I worry a bit that I come across too harsh at times. But how can a person candy coat an issue like abortion...? How can I not get too emotional when I believe an innocent life is being murdered...?
This is good stuff to pray about...
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord there's a work going on in me that I can't quite figure out. It's keeping me up at night. All I want to do is draw closer to You and be in Your Word, my King. Oh thank You for this quiet time. Others would complain about not getting enough sleep but I love these moments of sweet communion with You.
Father God Thank You for a peaceful family day yesterday. You get all the praise and glory for that one...
My King, I am keenly aware of my role to influence those around me for the Kingdom. Lord I pray for discernment in my speech and specifically in the tone that I use to persuade others. Lord I do not want to come across as negative, hateful, or cynical. Lord I pray Holy Spirit power over my communication skills. Lord Your word says the tongue has the power of life and death. Lord I pray that my words would always speak life.
Father God there is so much to pray for. I stand in the gap this morning for America, it's leaders, for my church, my family, and the corporate body of Christ. Lord I lift up my friend Shamik who is living out what he believes in. Thank You for his witness. God Bless him.
Today is big, busy, long day. Bless me Lord. Help me accomplish much. Lord I am attempting great things for You today. I love You and pray these things in Jesus' name.
Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)