Monday, August 31, 2009

Where Are My Priorities..?

It concerns me that sometimes in the morning when I get out of bed I'll feel compelled to check my email or face book BEFORE I dive into a devotional.

I see that as a HUGE problem. Blogging used to be my big addiction and now face book is definitely an issue for me, too. Oh, I do spend a lot of time ministering encouragement and mentoring through those venues but I should NEVER put them before time spent with God, Himself.

Here are some Lyrics from Rich Mullins song: One Thing

...Save me from those things that might distract me, please take them away and purify my heart. I don't want to lose the eternal for the things that are passing 'cause what will I have when the world is gone if it isn't for the love that goes on and on...

YOU'RE MY ONE THING....! -and the pure in heart shall see God... Matt 5:8

This is a good message. We are in the world but not of it. Got to focus on God and not be distracted by what's going on. Must keep my mission clear: Represent my Lord and Savior and let everyone see the Joy that is in me because I am saved.

Praying for a pure heart today. How can I get a pure heart...? Pray for it. And spend time in the WORD.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help me focus in a world of distractions. Let me see things through Your eyes. Help my heart, Lord. I love You, Father . I give today to You and ask You to bless and order my steps. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Praise Report Friday...!

I'm excited to begin a regular feature on my blog: It's Called Praise Report Friday: I'm going to begin counting my blessings every Friday. I'd like to put a new spin on TGIF -'Thank God it's Friday'...

So Yesterday, MAFA got off to a great start. Monica's Art Classes went very well. Yay... -And my tennis classes went very well, too... -Yay...! Those were two prayer requests that have been completely answered by God. Oh, God is Good!

I'm still in prayer for many special prayer needs of my friends and family. I'm still in prayer for sanity in my work schedule.

But God is really showing me how to trust in Him these days. He does always come through. My problem is that I feel I often limit his blessings by working too hard under my own power.

God is God. He created the heavens and the earth. He speaks things into existence. He is all powerful and can do anything He wants whenever He feels like it. The bible says that God has a good and perfect plan for my life. I will know the will of my Heavenly Father if I listen for His voice, Read and study His Word, and Obey His commands.

Obedience is the key. The problem is that sometimes (many times) being obedient costs us. But that's where my favorite 'life principle' kicks in: Trust God and leave all the consequences to HIM. That's what God is showing me right now...

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You Lord for loving me so much that You died on the cross for my sins. I would be nothing without You. I'm so grateful Your spirit is indwelling inside of me. Lord help me to let You be God. Help me to let go of fears and just trust and rest in Your promises...

Give me boldness and courage to stand up for You in a day and time where few are living for You. Father God I am living for You. I love You, Lord. And I give today to You, I'm following You no matter what it costs me...!

I know that taking a stand like this means that the forces of darkness will mount up an attack against me. But scripture says that if YOU are for me, who can be against me...? No weapon formed against me will prosper.... I have Your promise that I can do all things through You who give me strength. -AWESOME GOD...! -I love You, Lord.

You know my needs, Lord. I humbly lay them at Your feet. Father I continue to lift up the DiBlasi family, the Marquez family, and the Mariani family to You. Bless them Lord. Bless all their special needs of healing and deliverance.

Father God I lift up my Friend in South Africa, Werner. Thank You for the work You are doing in Him right now. Oh Lord I lift up my Brothers and Sister and all my family and Monica's family to You. Thank You for family, Lord.

Lord I lift up America to You. I call for repentance and prayer and beg You to heal our land and sway our leaders to follow You. America is on a path to self destruction. I stand in the gap in prayer this morning for my country.

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






Thursday, August 27, 2009

Fiery Furnace...

Things must have looked bleak to outsiders. The young men were put into the furnace and the King ordered it to be made seven times hotter than normal. The extreme temperature even killed those who were attending the furnace on the outside...

But the Lord was with them and walked with them over the glowing coals. He delivered them.

Now, that is a reward for faithfulness...!

Dr Charles Stanley always says: Trust God and leave all the consequences to HIM...

Those are good words to live by...!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I love You. Thank You for showing me some things I need to attend to. I submit to You, my King. I want my life to be pleasing to You. Please keep showing me and rooting out things in my life that do not bring You Glory.

Lord I lift up my precious wife today. I lift up all the teachers and students at the MAFA school today. Bless them as they start the first day of enrichment programs for their school year.

Father God I continue to lift up the DiBlasi family. I'm believing in YOU for a miracle.

Lord I pray for the Chadwell family resources. Bless what we have to go a long way, and bless our ability to increase the harvest. Help us to be good stewards of Your Providence, my King.

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

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Intercession

I am lifting up a dear family I have known for many years: The Ted DiBlasi family. Ted was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Ted is a good man who has a precious family that love him very much. They all love the Lord. I'm praying for peace and comfort for Ted and his family, and I'm praying for complete healing!

Is ANYTHING to difficult for the Lord...? NO...! Friends, Join me in praying for COMPLETE HEALING for Ted.

Father God, Ted's condition is a shock and surprise to many and soberly reminds us the stark reality that life is so very precious and so very fleeting.

Please bless Ted. I selfishly ask for You to allow Ted more time here on earth. Heal him, my Lord. Bless his family.

Lord Jesus I love You and Praise You. I give today to You, my King. Help me be right in the center of Your will, my King. Bless my precious family, too Lord. I am so grateful for them.

Father God I present my work situation to You. Bless me to make the right decisions related to how I earn my living. Oh Lord my Lord, please bless my family's finances.

I am not anxious. I eagerly anticipate Your Blessings, my King. I'm waiting on YOU..!

Father God thank You for everything. Thank You especially for salvation. I can be certain of my future because of what You did on Calvary.

Father God thank you for Your peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus' precious name I pray, AMEN
.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Strength

Today my prayer is for strength. I need spiritual strength. I'm facing some big decisions right now and need the Lord's wisdom and guidance.

I need physical strength as well because I am running on too many days and nights with little or no sleep.

My focus is all over the place and I need to be able to cut out distractions and fine tune my attention to make progress on and complete some projects I have in the works.

I need to focus more on my relationship with God, my prayer life, my quiet time, and time with family. These are areas that are currently under great spiritual assault from the enemy.

That's my morning spiritual assessment.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Another reason to NOT lean on one's own understanding: 1 Cor 1:19

Scripture verse Proverbs 3:5 has been on my mind lately: Trust the Lord with all Your heart and lean not on your own understanding...

This morning's Spurgeon Devotional shed light on a companion verse that further explains WHY we should not lean our own understanding: 1 Corinthians 1:19... For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate...

I've got to quit trying to spend so much time contemplating things out so much. Oh that is difficult to do.

But so many bible verses just encourage us to Trust only in God... Here's a good web link for further reading on that topic: http://www.seekgod.org/bible/delightingod.html

Keep it simple. Just obey God and leave all the consequences to HIM. -That's what Dr Stanley says.

I've got to quit trying to be so 'smart'.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord thank You for speaking to me through the bible this morning. Thank You for just laying the scripture verses on my heart like You do. Thank You for the revelation of Your Word.

You are ALIVE in me, my King. You give me strength and power, Lord. Father God I don;t have to know what's coming around the corner. I just need to trust in YOU

And I do.

I love You Lord. I give today to You. I pray blessings on teachers and students going back to school today. Lord I pray blessings on my own students and classes today.

Father God I lift up my sister to You. Please bless her visit this week. Lord I lift up Arno and Judy to YOU. Bless them, Lord. Bless their health. Bless their walk with You, my King.

Lord I pray special blessings on my schedule and all my deadlines. Help me stay on time and on target.

Father God You get the thanks and honor and Glory for every good thing in my life. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

All Nighter...

Wow... I slept for a few hours earlier this evening but awakend about 1 AM and have been up all morning... I've worked on my website a bit, but my thoughts keep turning to spiritual matters.

I have some deep burdens of prayer. There are people within my sphere of influence that desperately need ministering. And as I just wrote that, a scripture verse comes to mind. It's where Jesus rebukes the man for worrying about the splinter in his neighbor's eye while the man himself has a log in his own eye. Matthew 7:5

Hmmm.... I know that I'm not perfect, just a simple work in progress. Still, in my life I've already lost loved ones whom I am fairly certain died without knowing a personal saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

I can not stand to see history repeat itself. I feel a need to clear my schedule of any and all wasted, 'busy' time in order to be available for intercessory prayer and to focus on the things that are important to God...!

Hard Questions to Ask Myself...

Is God Number One in my Life...?

How much time of my day is spent engaging in activity that has nothing what so ever to do with advancing the Kingdom...?

How much do I trust God...? How do I manifest that Trust...?

Oh I have a lot of soul searching to do....

To be continued...

Friday, August 21, 2009

Dear Heavenly Father...

Oh today I need to get my act together. My Precious King let me start the day just acknowledging how Great You Are and how I am so under Your Authority.

Lord I recognize my many short comings. Help me to be more patient. Help me to be slower to anger. I read somewhere that the safest place in the world to be is right in the middle of Your will for our lives. Oh that's where I want to be, Lord.

I love You my precious Savior. You have blessed me greatly. You gave Your life for me. Lord I want to return the favor by living an Extraordinary Life totally devoted to You.

Father God I'm dealing with many issues at the moment. You know what they are. I realize that the road ahead may be difficult, but I rest in You, my King. I trust in You, Lord. I pray that You help me to be more like You.

I pray blessings on my family today. Help me to be a great blessing to them. Lord You are so Good. I rest in You, my King. Thank You for being my Savior and thank You also for being the Lord of my life. I love You Jesus and pray these things in Your precious name, AMEN.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Lifting up a Local Family Suffering Loss

I just read on facebook a link that one of my friends posted...

http://thefacts.com/story.lasso?ewcd=06fd204f2c390b3c

A local family in Lake Jackson was touched by the war in Afghanistan when their son was killed by a roadside bomb. He was 25 years old and was supposed to be flying home this weekend to celebrate his daughter's one year birthday. How tragic.

I don't know this family personally, but my heart grieves for their loss. I am very grateful for the men and women that serve our country.

The bible says that our lives are like a vapor. Oh how true that is... We don't know how much time we have here on earth. Stories of lives tragically cut short are very sobering.

The article didn't say if the young man killed was a Christian or not. I pray that he was. And I pray that the Holy Spirit is right there in the midst of his family right this very second dispensing comfort.

Heavenly Father,

Lord I pray blessings on the Jon Rape family this morning. Thank You for Jon and men like him who serve our country every day. Father God, I lift up Jon's family to You this morning. Bless them. Comfort them Lord in their moment of need. I pray that hearts and eyes are turned to right now, my King.

Father God I thank and praise You for my own family and another day of life to protect, provide for, and impact them. Thank You for my precious wife and children. I lift them up to You as well, Lord.

I pray traveling mercy on my sis this morning as she is traveling to Texas for a visit. I pray for rest and restoration for her during her stay.

I love You Lord. I give this day to You for Your Glory. I Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Morning of Intercession...

I'm up early with one thing on my mind: INTERCESSION...

Here are some of the situations and individuals I will be praying for throughout the day:

  • My Stepson Connor's safe travel home from California
  • Ralph Marquez
  • FBC West Columbia Pastor Search Committee
  • Monica and Elijah
  • Robin Welborn
  • Teachers, students, and school administrators
  • My Sis
  • Judy and Arno
  • America and our elected officials

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord my requests are many. But You are God enough to handle them, and then some. I trust You Lord. And I praise You in advance for knowing my heart and already working on these things behind the scenes even as I compose the words. I praise You and thank You for a great life. -A life I don't deserve.

Thank You for Your Grace, my King. God You ARE GOOD...! You NEVER FAIL.

I pray for speedy recovery, I pray for discernment and wisdom, I pray for salvations, I pray for Your Divine WILL to be accomplished in every matter, Father.

Lord I love You. I am seeking Your face, my King. I want to honor You my King. I give this day to You, Lord. And pray these things in the holy name of JESUS CHRIST, Amen.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Questions and Answers...

Here are some things going through my head this morning:

What is the last thing on my mind as I drift off to sleep at night...?

Answer: Jesus.

What is the first thing on my mind when I awaken in the middle of the night, or the morning..?

Answer: Jesus.

What is my purpose in Life...?

Answer: Obedience to Jesus, and to Worship HIM.

What is the greatest gift I can give my Children...?

Answer: Teach them to know and love Jesus.

Who am I going to lean on in times of trouble...?

Answer: Jesus.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord it's pretty clear to me that YOU ARE THE ANSWER...! I love You. I offer today up to You, for Your Glory. I pray blessings on my day and my family's day.

I thank You for another day of life to impact those around me for YOU. Father God I pray for my witness today. Let my life be a living testimony of YOU.

Today I have peace and a sense of calm that I haven't felt in a long time. I know that's all YOU, Lord. Come what may, I WILL trust You, Jesus.

Thank You For Your Lordship. Father God I pray these things in Jesus' Name, AMEN

Friday, August 14, 2009

What's My 'Spiritual Temperature'...? -HOT...!

The bible says it is better to be either hot or cold, not luke warm... 'I think I'm HOT!

Here's some great sermon notes I came across as I was researching Revelation 3:15-16

http://www.letgodbetrue.com/sermons/pdf/hot-cold-or-lukewarm.pdf

My spiritual condition is literally consumed with seeking God's face!

Father God,

Thank You for firing me up for You. And thank You for sending people into my life to inspire, motivate and encourage me to stay focused on and live for You.

Help me encourage and motivate others for You, Lord. And not for my glory, but Yours, my King. Father God You have placed me in a unique situation to be able to impact a great number of people within my sphere of influence. Season my words to a most effective witness.

I love You Lord. I live to serve You.

Father I present my family to You this morning. Bless them Lord. Bless my wife to complete her art project today. Bless Elijah and Connor to have a great day of growing in You.

Lord I lift up Ralph, a good friend who is in the hospital with heart issues right now. I pray for healing for him and comfort for his sweet family.

Lord I pray for my tennis camp today. Help me to really reach the participants this morning not only with a tennis lesson but a life lesson. That's what coaching is about. That's what you've called me to.

Father God, I pray for my country this morning. Oh I weep for America this morning but pray for the small remnant to stand strong and true. Lord I pray for this country's leaders that they would turn to You.

Lord Jesus, you are the ONLY answer. Help me to carry on. Help me to be obedient. Help me to trust. I know that You will provide for Your children. So why do I have anxiety at times...? Isn't that unbelief..? I am sorry for my times of doubt. Heal me in that area Lord.

Thank You for my wife who constantly points to You and is such a blessing and encouragement to myself and those around her.

I pray and give thanks for many things this morning Jesus, but I recognize that the greatest gift of all is what You did on Calvary. Thank You. I love You. And in Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Seeking God and Praising HIM

I awakened this morning not with a hunger and thirst for food and water but a hunger and thirst for the WORD OF GOD.

This Verse was on my mind: Psalm 103.1..... Praise the Lord oh my soul and all that is within me...

I love that. Let everything that is within me praise the Lord...! Today I am praising God with my lips and with the words I write and post but I can honestly say that I have the Joy of the Lord in my heart and in my soul....!

HE Really is WITHIN Me...! It's a good feeling. Oh God is Good. He is Perfect and Holy.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord...!

Father God, I love You. I give You thanks and praise for every good and perfect thing in my life...! I can't explain it but I know that good things are going to happen today. I'm giving You thanks and praise for that right now, my King.

I'm giving You my heart, Lord. You gave Your life away for me and I will never be the same again. Thank You for Your Goodness. Thank You for Your Blessings. Thank You for not being fair and giving me what I deserve. Thank You for Grace and Mercy.

Thank you for the Cross. Lord i give today to You for Your Glory. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Prayer

Honestly, I've never been more 'burdened' with prayer needs and requests than now. And I don't use the worrd 'burdened' as in it's a burden to me personally, I use the term to mean a sense in my spirit, or a call from God.

I have hardly been able to sleep the past few days...

Here are some of the most urgent, pressing things I feel the need to spend time in prayer about:

#1.......... The eternal salvation of my family and friends who may not be saved. -God specifically placed these people in my path and within my sphere of influence. What am I doing with the knowledge of the Good News of Christ...?

#2.......... Abortion. Uggghhh.... America kills thousands of babies every week. Innocent blood is on my hands if I have knowledge of this atrocity and do nothing... God is not going to let this continue without severe repercussions...!

#3.......... There is much more but I'm out of time this morning... To be continued...

But let me conclude with this question....

Does anyone else feel the same quickening of their spirit regarding these issues...?


Dear Heavenly Father,

My mind is divided. I can barely focus on the daily task of living in light of the enormous prayer needs of the world and those around me. I am consumed with intercession.

Father God, calm my mind. Comfort me. Bless me Lord. Enable me to carry on. Help me to hold up the Standard. Lord I lift up my precious wife who stands with me in agreement on these issues.

I pray specifically for Monica's day today. Bless Monica to complete her art projects today.

Oh Lord I love You. Thank You for my life and the opportunity to make a difference in this world.

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Lots to Pray For....

Wow... I have lots to pray for. This morning I'm starting with thanks and praise. For such a time as this I was placed upon the earth... I'm thanking God for the opportunity to impact those around me for HIM. I'm thanking God for a precious family. There are many, many things to be thankful for. I don't want to take one single blessing for granted.

But oh, there are so many interests to intercede for... I could literally spend the entire day in prayer. I think I will.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, I love You. I place You at the very top of my day, first on my list of priorities. Lord You are the ONLY hope for this lost and perishing world. I sense that time is very, very short. Father God I am in Your service.

I'm trusting You and leaving every consequence up to You. My one request today is for You to help my focus and keep my eyes and heart turned to You.

Thank You for another day of life. I give today to You, my King. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Jury Duty Today..

Hello Friends,

I have not been posting for awhile. I've sort of taken a break from blogger for awhile. but am trying to discipline myself and my time to post here more often.

Today I have Jury Duty. Can't say I'm thrilled about it. But am ready to do my civic duty. My prayer today is that I am able to impact society for Christ. I think that this morning I will have a chance to tell the world I am a Christian. I am ready for what ever God has in store for me.

Praise God for my many blessings...!

Sam

Monday, August 03, 2009

Fear God and Obey HIS Commandments

Today's good word is Deuteronomy 13:4...


It is the LORD your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Keep His commands and obey Him; serve Him and hold fast to Him. NIV

I love this verse from Deuteronomy.

-And I love one of the things that Dr Charles Stanley always says: Trust God and leave all the consequences to HIM...


Friends, I've been going through a 'spiritual winter' these past few weeks. But Praise the Lord, I'm coming out of it.

To God be the Glory...!

Every Good and Perfect gift comes from HIM...