As Long as You Honor God, Anything is Possible

There's a movie that's been out for awhile called Facing the Giants. It's a great Christian movie. The storyline is about a how a football coach and his team dedicate their lives and their season to the Lord with remarkable results. I love one of the recurring themes from the movie when the coach says to the team:

'When we win, we're going to Praise the Lord, and when we lose we're going to praise the Lord. Whatever happens, God gets the Glory...!'

In whatever they did, God was first in their lives. And the Lord honored them for that.

Friends, although that was a fictional movie, I do believe that's really how it works in the super-natural. God does honor those who honor HIM.

Have You turned your 'season' over to HIM...?

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thanks for showing up big in my life yesterday. I love You Lord. My season is dedicated to You, and my life is dedicated to YOU. Everything I do is with You in mind and for Your Glory.

I thank and praise You for a good HPTA meeting yesterday. I am grateful for Monica having a good art event yesterday. I am thankful for a nice evening with Connor and his friend Jimmy yesterday. Lord You are good and all good things come from You.

Today is another day that You have made, and I am rejoicing...! Come what may, I will praise You, Lord...!

Father I pray blessings on the tennis event I will be conducting today. I pray blessings on my precious bride Monica that she has a good and productive day. I wish Connor and Jimmy a peaceful relaxing day on their first day off from school on summer break. And as always I pray for a day of wonder and joy for my sweet little Elijah.

Lord I lift up my Sis in New York and my mother and father in Law in California. I pray blessings and safety on them this morning, too.

Thank You for blessing me, my King. Truly, I am a man who has much. And I know that much is expected of me in return. Lord I recognize that I am merely a steward of Your bounty. Today I give my all to You. I Love You, Lord. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Prayer for Today...

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for Yesterday. And thank You for today. I love the scripture: This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it...!

You make every day. No day just shows up randomly. Every day has purpose. Every day has meaning. Father God, in my life I have taken too many days for granted. I have lived many days only for myself. I am very sorry for that.

Today I am living for You. You have done everything for me. You have given Your life for me. You have blessed me with a precious wife and family and a life better than most of the rest of the world.

I know much is expected of me and I freely give my all to You, my King. Today is for You. I love You and Praise You. I thank You for another day of life.

I ask You to help me to make the most of this day! And I ask a special blessing on my meeting in Houston this afternoon and my wife's event this evening.

Thank You Jesus...! In Your precious holy name I pray, Amen.

God ALWAYS Shows UP... Expect Great Things from God...!

I awakened this morning with this William Carey Quote on my heart and mind...

Expect Great things from God, attempt Great things for God.

William Carey was a Baptist Preacher-Evangelist who lived in the late 1700 to early 1800's.

I first learned about William Carey from my Charles Spurgeon Devotionals. He led a remarkable life. That quote was his life's motto and he did just that. I blogged about him back in August 2008 and memorized that quote.

I believe when you hide scripture and quotes like William Carey's on your heart then God will use that for edification (your own or someone else's) at some later date... I'm glad I memorized that quote because I sure needed the encouragement this morning.

I do expect great things from God. I believe that God can do ANYTHING. He has showed up BIG at the Chadwell house time and time again. I can't believe at this point I would have any anxiety whatsoever given the Lord's track record in my life...!

God Always Shows Up...!

Now, the BIG QUESTION is... -What great thing am I going to attempt for God...?

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for the encouraging words you placed on my heart this morning. Lord You are Good. I love You and I give this day to You, my King...! You are faithful...

I will follow You, Father God. My life is in Your hands. I will not be anxious today. You will order my steps. Father God I need You. I am nothing apart from You.

Lord I pray blessings on my precious wife this morning. Guide her steps as well, my King. Bless Monica with a day of great accomplishment in Your name. Thank You for her help and her witness. Thank You for my wife's sweet, unconditional love. I love and cherish her.

Father God I also pray a hedge of protection around Connor and Elijah today. Please bless them and keep them safe, Lord. Lord I pray that they would learn to both expect and attempt great things from God, too.

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Today

I have an overwhelming amount of work to do today... The only way to start a day like today is right here in prayer and meditation. Actually, the only way to start ANY day is in prayer and meditation.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, I commit today to You. I will not be discouraged. Father God I just pray that You will help me to prioritize my day and knock out as many of these projects as possible.

I love You Lord. I live today to honor You.

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Interesting Conversation....

I had an interesting conversation with a friend this weekend. He asked me that with all the advances in modern technology if I thought our society's quality of life is better now than it was ten or twenty years ago...?

At first I wasn't sure how to answer. How one measures their own quality of life is very subjective and will vary from person to person.

After careful consideration I think our quality of life is worse than twenty years ago. 'Modern Conveniences' have allowed us to stay more busy. The world is moving at a very frightening pace.

In my own life I want to be less busy and have more time to interact with people around me.

I do enjoy the convenience of a personal laptop and am pretty much addicted to blogging. It's hard to believe that computers were just becoming popular when I was in high school, twenty six years ago. Yes, society has changed immensely over the past few decades. And I say it's not so much for the better.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, I recognize that I can not be fully used for Kingdom Work if I am saddled down with busy-ness. Father God I'm praying to You to help me get back to a 'sane' life style and schedule. Let today be the first day of my victory over busy-ness. Help me in the area of time management. Help me to prioritize.

Lord, the same power that conquered the grave lives in me. Through YOU I can defeat busy-ness. I Believe in YOU. I trust YOU. I love YOU, Lord.

I Thank You and Praise You for my precious family. Father God I pray a hedge of protection around them and this house today. Bless them Lord and keep them safe. Bless me to be the model of a Godly husband and daddy to them.

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Prayer for the Family

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I lift up my family this morning. I pray for a peaceful day. Father God bless my communication skills today and my tone throughout the day as I interact with my family and others.

Lord as far as it has to do with me I will live in peace. I love You Lord. I give today to You.

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Prayer for Travelers

I know many are traveling this weekend. Today I'm lifting up travelers, police, and state troopers who will be on the road. I'm also lifting up our family as we are engaged in some major home renovation projects...

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, I'm already hearing traffic accident reports early this morning on the news. I just heard that a police officer was injured during a traffic stop. Father God I lift that officer up to You right now. I pray for travelling mercy for all who are on the road today and this weekend.

Lord I'm lifting up my family as well. Weekends can be a challenge for this blended family anyway, and this will be a extra long weekend.

I claim victory in Your name, my King. I love You and Praise You. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.

Memorial Day Weekend... FREEDOM IS NOT FREE

This is the start of a special holiday weekend. coming up on Monday we will honor and remember all those who have served in our country's armed forces and especially those who have given their life in the line of duty defending our way of life and freedom.

Defending our way of life... Hmm... What IS 'our way of life' any more, any way? I don't know now.

But FREEDOM has become the right to destroy what once was this great country founded on Christian principles...

I WEEP for America and those fallen heroes this weekend. I recognize that the price paid to purchase and to continue to defend my Freedom is a high one...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord thank You for Heroes who have lived and died defending my rights and liberties. And I thank You for THE HERO, Your Son, Jesus who died for my sins so that I could have eternal life.

Lord, recognizing what Your Son did on Calvary is the heart of what we are celebrating this weekend. America was founded primarily by people seeking freedom to worship You as they pleased.

I am grateful to be an American and to live in America. And I am most definitely grateful for those who have come before me and given their lives defending all that I hold dear.

This weekend I remember those throughout history who have given their life and lift up the families of the fallen.

Father God I love You and pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

Praising God...

I have a great life and am very grateful to the Lord God from whom all my blessings flow. I am praising HIM for a sweet little three and a half year old son who was insisting that we watch the movie Ten Commandments last night.

Praying For The Poor

I read a short blog post from a tennis pro friend of mine who is a missionary in Hong Kong, but travels the world ministering to pros on the ATP and WTA tours...

It reminded me of how blessed I am to be living in America and my family and I are able to enjoy the comfortable lifestyle we do. Today I feel really convicted to live under my means as much as possible and use my resources to help others less fortunate than myself!

Couldn't Sleep Last Night: Praise the Lord...!

I was up late last night... I couldn't sleep. I was studying the book of Proverbs and praying... I simply could not put my bible down. I love the book of Proverbs. I hardly slept any, then Elijah awakened me early this morning, but I still feel great today... THAT'S GOD...!

My memory verse today is Proverbs 15.1.... A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger...!

Monica has had this one posted on our refrigerator for a long time....

Oh I'm praying for gentle answers...!

Today is going to be a great day. God is Good!

God is HERE...!

I'm still in awe of Elijah's miracle healing this past week. This morning I awakened with the lyrics from YOU ARE HERE in my head... I love the group Hillsong. I hope you have time to listen to this eight minute live concert video. At about 3:30 into the video, they get to the chorus...

The SAME POWER that conquered the grave LIVES IN ME...!

I CAN NOT get that Chorus out of my head, And don't want to, either...

PRAISE YOU JESUS...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank YOU for being ever-present in my life. YOU ARE HERE...! Praise YOU, Jesus...! Lord every day I just surrender myself to You. I am such a sinner, Lord. But I am truly sorry for my sins.

I ask You to lift me up today my King. Help me to walk closer with You. Help me to point others toward You. Father God I want to honor You with every aspect of my life.

Lord I lift up my family. Please bless my precious wife to have a good and productive day. Bless Elijah and Connor. Keep them safe and let their day be filled with the wonder and joy.

Father God, there is so much hurt, sickness, and sadness in the world. I lift up my friends and family who are in a bad way right now.

Specifically, I lift up my sister and her family in New York. Lord lift Becky Up. I also lift up my friend Brad who is still very ill. I pray for Divine Healing for him, my King.

Father God, I Love You. I'm living for You. In Jesus' Name I pray, AMEN.

Thanks and Praise...

Wow... Yesterday was a nice day...! I had a few lessons in the morning, I did some office work, then had a nice lunch with my wife and worked around the house yesterday afternoon.

Then, to top it all off... I slept well last night! YEA...! I think that's worthy of Praise and Worship!

Today I lift up tournament participants in the Kingwood Junior Gran Prix tennis tournament. I also lift up my own lessons throughout the morning and afternoon.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thanks for giving me a peaceful day yesterday, my King. It was wonderful. I am so grateful for my blessings, -especially my sweet precious family...!

Lord I lift up those traveling to and from tournaments today. I pray for safety. I pray for sportsmanship. Father God lift up those who are running the tournament today also.

Lord I ask for a blessing on my own lessons today. Enable me to be a good coach this morning and to have a great impact on those whom I am coaching.

Father God I just give today to You. My life is all about you, Jesus. I love You Lord. And I pray these things in Jesus' Name, AMEN.

Focus... Isaiah 50:7

I asked God what was my word today, what was my FOCUS...? The response I received was:

Set Your face like flint...

I knew that verse was in the bible but did not know what the address was. After a 'phrase search' I discovered it was Isaiah 50:7.

That verse merits a lot of study and meditation. But on the surface I love the first part of what it says...

For the Lord God helps me...

That's enough right there to make your day. God DOES help HIS children. So set Your face like flint with me.

Be focused and determined to WAIT on the Lord.

Be focused and determined to FOLLOW the Lord.

Be focused and determined to LIVE every moment for HIM...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

I love You Lord. You help me. So I will set my face like flint and know everything will be all right.

Father God I lift up Pat, Brad, and my sis to You. They are all in need of some sort of healing. Lord I present my precious family to You. Bless them, Guard them and keep them safe.

Lord, I pray for this weekend. I don't know what it has in store, but I pray that it is a weekend like no other for Your Glory...

I give today to You, my King. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen

Praise Report...!

Truly, today the Chadwell family witnessed God's Glory.

We were certain that our precious little boy Elijah had suffered a severe broken wrist when a double hung window came crashing down on his hand this afternoon.

His mom and I rushed to his rescue. But poor Elijah was screaming out in pain and his wrist was horribly swollen. It looked exactly like Connor's wrist did this past February when Connor suffered a compound fracture.

We drove to a nearby hospital emergency room in Lake Jackson. It was about a 15 minute drive. Elijah was crying uncontrollably the whole way and my heart was breaking that my son was in such agonizing pain.

About halfway there I told Elijah that I was going to pray for him. I prayed for a miracle healing and for God to take away his pain. Honestly, I've never prayed a more sincere prayer in my entire life. I know Monica was praying right along with me, too.

We checked in to the hospital ER, but just prior to our arrival Elijah started acting like he was feeling a little better. We went through triage and were waiting to see a doctor and get x-rays when Elijah started really showing lots of mobility and strength in his injured wrist. We went back to the triage nurse for a second opinion and decided to just take Elijah home for observation andwe'd visit our regular doctor tomorrow for a follow up if we still had some concerns.

Within 45 minutes of praying for Elijah's healing, he was fine. We praised God all the way home.

Our God is an AWESOME GOD

PRAISE YOU, JESUS...!

Enjoying a Quiet Moment...

I love quiet mornings. This particular morning is very nice. I'm sitting comfortably on the couch in my living room with my laptop and I can hear the birds outside singing praises.

I'm singing praises, too. I'm in love with my wife and she loves me. And we are both in tune with loving and honoring our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Oh, God is GOOD!

I have to say that although there are some storms of life raging around me, I have an inner peace about me. Praise God...!

One area of my life where I feel God is greatly working is in regard to my health and fitness. I've been greatly inspired by the contestants on the Biggest Loser this year, especially by the fact that the winners of the Grand Prize and the At-Home prize were both older than me...!

I was a little sad that none of the contestants used their opportunity on national television to give any public credit or glory to God for their accomplishments. No, instead they all pretty much proclaimed: 'Look what I have done' It was all about 'self''. I wonder if much of that was edited and scripted by the network...?

Oh well... I know that everything Good is from God. I have accomplished nothing on my own apart from my Lord and Savior... In fact, I remember in my youth (before I was saved) I NEVER gave credit to God. It was all about 'me'. But through out the course of my life I have learned that victories won by and for myself are not nearly as sweet as victories gained by and for the Glory of Christ...!

Monica and I are really getting our act together in the way of nutrition and exercise... And it's all in honor of our Lord and Savior...! Yay, God!

Dear Heavenly Father,

First of all, thank You Lord for my precious wife whom I love dearly. I am blessed to have her by my side to love and cherish... Thank You for my help mate and companion. I am incomplete without my precious spouse. Thank You for the mother of my beautiful beautiful baby boy. She is the best mom I know...! Thank You for the love we share for You, Jesus. A rope of three strands is plenty strong to withstand the pressures of life's wear and use.

Father God, I recognize that I have life better than most of the rest of the world. I do not take that for granted for one second. I am indebted to You my King and pledge my life to honoring You and impacting those around me for Your Name.

Lord I pray that am able to speak words of truth and encouragement to those around me. I ask for Your help in my areas of weakness. I want to glorify You at all times my King.

Father I lift up my friend Brad to You. I pray for healing for his body. Raise him up, Lord. Lord I pray for my friend Pat also who is going through some personal struggles. Lift him up and send an agent of encouragement his way, Lord.

I pray especially for my stepson Connor this morning. I pray that he will draw closer to You and we will see his life transformed through the miracle of Your Love. Actually, this entire family needs that, Lord...!

Thank You, Jesus for loving us so much You went to the cross for the sins of the entire world...! That selfless act changed the course of humanity...!

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

Here's a Good One... Phil 4:13

I was sent a really good devotional from a friend this morning. The thought was based off of Philippians 4:13...

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me....

How many times when we pray do we tell God how BIG our problem is instead of telling our problem How Big GOD IS....?

Ouch...!

I pretty much always seem to be focused on my problem more than God. That's got to stop. Right Here. Right Now,

There's a difference between bringing our problems to God and bringing God to our problems.

Some Veggie Tales Song lyric sum it up nicely:

God is bigger than the Boogey-Man...
He's Bigger than Godzilla, or the monsters on TV...
Oh God is bigger than the Boogey-Man...
And HE's watching out for You and Me....

Question: Who or what are the Boogey Men in Your life...?


Dear Heavenly Father...

Lord You ARE bigger than anything I'm facing. Help my faith, Lord. Help my focus. Thank You for my precious wife who is a constant source of encouragement and inspiration to me. Lord Jesus, You ARE my HOPE and my SALVATION. Thank You for my precious family, my King.

Father God we are digging in and standing for YOU. No matter what storm may rage around us, YOU are our Mighty Fortress and ROCK...!

Lord I cover my family and friends in prayer this morning. Bless them, Protect them and Keep them safe.

Today I choose to Follow You and give my Yes to You. I am Yours my King. Praise You, Jesus...! In Your holy name I pray, Amen...!

The Day After Mother's Day

Hmmm.... Here we are the day after Mother's Day. Our Mother's day went well. It was a sweet day of especially honoring my precious wife, Monica. Throughout the day I thought about my own mom who passed away in 2000, almost ten years ago. I missed her. I know she would have enjoyed being a part of the day we had yesterday.

On our way to Johnny Carinos for lunch yesterday we drove past the RED LOBSTER in Lake Jackson. That was always one of my Mom's SPECIAL places to go to... I had to fight back the tears for a moment, thinking about her. Other than that one moment of sadness missing m mom I made it through the day pretty well. It's not that difficult when you have such a wonderful family as I do...

We spent the rest of the day yesterday working and straightening up the house. Ahh... It was a nice, peaceful relaxing Sunday.

PRAISE GOD...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

I just thank You again for a beautiful wife and family. I thank You for an awesome day to spend with them yesterday. I love You Lord. All my praise and worship goes to You...!

My prayer today is that I point others to You, my King. All I want to do is love You and serve You, Lord. Thank You for Life, Jesus. In Your sweet, precious name I pray, AMEN...!

Praise Report...!

Yesterday's tennis events went absolutely great...! God showed up BIG as usual...!

Yay...! Praise Jesus...!

And I went to bed early last night and slept for hours... Yay...! That's another Big Praise...!

I did learn that a dear friend is severely ill. And another friend is severely depressed... So I've got more to pray for today.

But today I mustn't forget to lift up my precious wife for Mother's Day.

I am so blessed and thankful for my Monica. She's an awesome wife and mom...! Really, words can not express what she means to this family. We absolutely could not function and this family would not exist without her.

Lord, Thank You for Monica. She is such a great blessing to this family. She never ceases to share her faith and love of God to those around her with words and actions. She reminds me a lot of Jesus. I thank You for placing her in my life, my King. I pray a blessings on her today and wish that today is a special one for her.

You are an awesome God. I praise You Lord for all Your Goodness. Thank You for Your Providence. I know You are in complete control of the universe. I Believe in You. I Trust in You. I Rest in You. I love You Lord. You have rescued me from myself. You are my Savior, Redeemer, and King.

In Jesus' Name I Pray, Amen.

Prayer for today's Events

Today I have a major tennis event with over fifty people coming to visit my tennis facility this morning. I pray for a good, safe, well organized event.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I just give this morning to You. Father God I give my all for Your Glory today. Bless my organizational and communication skills this morning. Help me to have the best event possible.

Lift Me up, hold me up Lord. I rest in You, my King.

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Lifting Up Tony Bone

We have celebrated the past two Mother's Days by dining out a lovely little country restaurant in Wharton, Texas that was run by a dear sweet couple, Tony and Dianna Bone.

I learned yesterday that the restaurant was closed. I am sad to report that Diana passed away in October 2008 and Tony decided to close the restaurant in April, 2009.

My deepest sympathy goes out to Tony. I pray for peace and healing for him as he adjusts to life without his beloved wife of many years. I can not begin to imagine life without my precious Monica.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord of all Comfort, may Your Spirit rest on Tony and his family and friends as they deal with the loss of Dianna. Lord I didn't know them well, but could see that they loved each other and they ran a wonderful business together. My heart goes out to Tony. Bless him Lord. Lift him up and comfort his hurt and loneliness.

I thank You and praise You for my precious spouse and lift her up to You, as well, Lord.

I love You Lord. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Huge Day...

This morning I am lifting up our country. Our President is telling the world that America no longer considers itself a Christian nation. That statements has so many ramifications that I don't even know where to start.

Is it possible that the majority of Americans are not Christian? Probably. There certainly aren't enough strong Christians willing to stand up and make an impact on those around them in a positive way. Well, even if America is no longer a Christian nation, I am still a Christian. And will remain so until the end. And I will continue to stand up for the Truth...!

Father God,

Thank You Lord for my blessings. Times are hard, but You are Good. Times are Dark, but You are Light. Times are evil and dangerous, but You are my Fortress and Defender. Lord my hope rests in You. I love You Lord. You have rescued me and pulled me out of the fire more times than I can remember.

I have a tough day today. Lots to do and little time to do it in. Lord I just lay it all in Your capable hands. I know You can pull me through it.

And Father God I weep for America today. I am so sad at the course our President and legislators are taking. Our country is denying You at every turn. Help me to impact those around me to effect positive change. Lord I want to stand up for You...!

I lift up President Obama this morning. Turn his heart, Lord. Turn the course America is taking. Lord I lift these requests up to You. And Pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Praising Him...

I'm praising Jesus today...! YAY...! Thank You Lord for all my Blessings. I give today to You, my King....!

What is normal...?

What is normal...? I'm not asking what is normal for the world, I'm pondering what is a 'normal' life style for a child of God...? -What SHOULD be 'NORMAL' for Sam Chadwell...?

I know I'm not where God would have me be with regard to my life and life style. I'm still too busy. But this is something that my wife and I have been discussing for days, now. And we are closer to achieving a 'new normal' for our lives than ever before.

I'm too busy because of pride. Right now, I'm a slave to trying to make a certain amount of money each day, week, and month. I'm a slave to trying to achieve a certain position or status within my profession. I'm a slave to what other people think of me. I'm a slave to eating. This is NOT how God would have me spending my time.

'Normal' should be trying to do and be the best a person can be in order to honor the Giver of All Good Things and Maker of the Universe.

'Normal' should be trying to leave the world in better condition than I found it.

'Normal' should be time spent enhancing and influencing the lives of those around me within my sphere of influence.

'Normal' should be smiling.

'Normal' should be happy and laughing.

'Normal' should be more time spent with my own family.

'Normal" should be love.

I can't say that my life is NONE of those things, but it's not enough of those things the majority of the time.

And TIME is the key word. Once time is spent we can't get it back. My wife and I want to have our act together so we can spend the majority of our time being about Our Lord God's business, not stuck engaged in the 'Enemy's busyness'.

I seem to have lost some of the discipline of my youth.

I used to be so focused on being the best I could be at tennis, and at being an athlete. I worked out daily. Literally every spare moment was spent in pursuit of my dream of becoming a professional tennis star on the world stage. But I was doing all that for me. I was doing it all for my own Glory. I was side tracked by the pride of life. (And still am to a certain extent.)

But Praise God I see what's going on and am turning from the wrong direction. It's all about God and yielding to HIS will and plan for my life. Right now I don't know exactly what God's plan is for my life. But I know what it's not. I know what 'normal' needs to be for me.

Normal NEEDS to be sowing seeds of edification and life into the lives of those within my sphere of influence. I'm doing that some, but I need to do that MORE...!

I need to get back to the discipline of my youth, but that will look like living totally for Jesus Christ...

My prayer this morning is to live every minute of today for Jesus. He's my number one focus. If I do that, everything else will fall into place.

Confession Time...

Well, I have to admit, I haven't been reading the bible this past week like I have been. And I can certainly tell a difference in my spiritual life. I'm still struggling a bit with anger and negative thoughts. I know that I can't conquer anything on my own. And prayer apart from reading the bible and seeking Him is a waste of time...

I got up early this morning specifically to spend some quiet time with God. If I'm disciplined in any part of my life it needs to be in my personal relationship with my Lord and Savior.

I am going to spend some time in the Word this morning and live the rest of the day for HIM.

Here are some things that happened to me yesterday. Over all it was a good day. Church was good. We listened to a missionary from Bulgaria give his testimony. It was very moving.

Yesterday afternoon as I was cleaning the garage I came across some personal items of my mother who passed away in 2000. That was a moving experience, too. I spent a few minutes missing my mom. But I left the moment with a great appreciation for Monica and what a wonderful mom she is to Connor and Elijah...

I am blessed...! -That's it for now... I'm diving in to the Word before I say, do or write anything else...!

Prayer for the Family

In church this weekend Pastor Greg made an interesting observation. Ever since the very first account of family life in the bible (Adam and Eve), the family unit has been under attack from Satan.

Think about it. Cain became jealous of and committed pre-meditative murder against Abel. Joseph's brothers plotted against him and sold him into slavery in Egypt. Even Jesus' own Brother James did not believe he was the Messiah until after his death.

The point brother Greg was trying to make is that there is no 'perfect' family. Every family has strife of some kind. The enemy doesn't leave anyone alone. How true, how true.

Growing up I remember my own family seemed to have more than it's fair share of 'dysfunction'. My perception was that pretty much all my friends had good and normal family lives and I was the only one that was really messed up. I'm sure that was not the case. That was the devil's lie.

Perhaps everyone did a great job disguising their strife and stress. That was the point of Brother Greg's sermon: How people 'masquerade' what's really going on inside them and their lives.

I have to admit that the family I'm raising today is far from perfect, but we're not nearly as dysfunctional as the family I grew up in. Of course, my wife and I have many advantages that my parents didn't have.

For one: My wife and I truly love each other and God is first in our lives. That makes all the difference. But we also have good friends who are also committed to the Lord and who pray for us. Indeed, we pray for each other. And we have the benefit of sound biblical teaching from our local church.

Monica and I are much better armed to defend ourselves and our family from the enemy's attacks than my mom and dad were. That's a good thing. Because I believe that the persecution of the family is intensifying to an unprecedented level, not only in my own house, but everywhere in the world.

The enemy's running out of time. He hates us because God loves us. The enemy's desire is to kill, steal, and destroy. The family unit is the number one target in Satan's cross hairs.

Ephesians 6:10-13 says it all...

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

We must take a stand. For how long...? As long as it takes. Until our precious Savior returns...!

We must stand in Jesus Christ.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I lift up my own family to You this morning. I pray a divine hedge of protection around us today. Help us to block and withstand the fiery darts of the enemy. Help us to control our emotions. Help me especially to control anger. Lord I know it is normal to get angry, but help me to not sin in my anger.

Father God, I lift up the family unit as a whole around the world. I pray you raise up and strengthen Godly families everywhere to influence and impact those around them for Your Kingdom. Lord there are many families out there that are in trouble. My heart goes out to them. I pray for peace, love, and discernment for them.

Lord I thank You for my own experiences growing up as a child. I pray that I use those experiences wisely and not make the same mistakes my parents made. I pray for the bond that my wife and I share. Help us to grow stronger to You. Help us to love each other and be patient with each other, modeling for our children and the world the kind of marriage relationship You intended for us to have.

I thank You for my precious wife and family, Lord. I love you, my King. Truly, You are the giver of all good things. I stand in the gap for my family this morning, and families everywhere.

In the Power of Jesus' name I pray, Amen.