Raising Children: Proverbs 22:6

Oct 2012

I love this photo of Elijah and I.  It was taken at a pro / am  tennis tournament I was competing in at the Briar Club in Houston.    I consider the raising of my children and the shepherding of my family as one of my greatest responsibilities.     I pray over them every day and read scripture to direct my paths so that I will provide an example for them to follow.

The bible instructs us to train our children in the way they should go.  Prov 22:6.  Because this can be a difficult task at times the bible also encourages us to not grow weary in doing good. Gal 6:9.

But ultimately, children are a true blessing from God:  Psalm 127:3-5

One thing for SURE:   I count myself: TWICE BLESSED...!

Heavenly, Father,

Thank you for allowing me to be a parent.  Lord I do not take that duty lightly...!   Father God help me to be the parent that Elijah and Connor need.  Help me to be a Godly example.  Help me to train them up, to know, love and serve YOU, Lord.  

And Father you have placed many young people in my path who could use a little extra encouragement,  Lord help me to influence these young men and women for your kingdom, too.    Thank you for these many opportunities.

Father God thank you for YOUR son, Jesus.   I pray these things in Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Give Us a Hunger and Thirst for Your WORD...!

Heavenly Father,

Bless the Lord O my soul.  Lord thank You and praise You for Your Holy Word.   Your Word is Truth and Life.  It is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.   Father God give me a hunger and thirst for more and more of YOU.   

Father God, help me to direct my family down the old path that leads to You.   Lord bless my communication to my family and friends.  Help me to always speak the Truth in Love and be an encourager to those around me.

I love You, Lord.  You are my Savior and Deliverer.   Father I lift up Elijah, Connor, and Monica to you.  Guard, protect and bless them.   Lord bless my family to be a blessing to each other and those around us.

Thank You Lord for circumstances that draw us close to You.  And Father God thank You for another day to worship You through this life you have given me.   Father I love my family and coach tennis to the best of my ability not for my own end, but all for Your Glory.

In your precious holy name I pray: JESUS...!

 AMEN.

John Charles Ryle ~ Old Paths

Christmas present from Monica: JC Ryle books

I was delighted to receive for Christmas several books by JC Ryle, one of my favorite Christian authors.

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.  ~Jeremiah 6:16

But I say:  I WILL walk in the old paths.  My family and I WILL serve the Lord God Almighty. 

We will not go the way of the world...!

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.  ~ 2 Peter 1:21

Father God, help me to lead my family in the old paths set down by holy men inspired by the Holy Ghost.  Your words are PURE WORDS, Lord.   They are a lamp unto my feet.  Bless me to know Thy Word..  Lord give me a hunger and thirst for it and enable me to lead my family with courage and conviction.  Help me to stand for You when the world rages against against everything good and true and right.

Father I lift up my family and friends to You.   Lord I especially lift up  Jerry Delay who is feeling poorly right now.  Lord restore his health.    Father I lift up Elijah and Connor to You.  Help me to lead them down the old paths.

Lord thank you for a wonderful Christmas.  Thank You for your son Jesus.   I pray these things in Jesus' name.

Amen

Prayer request ~ Jerry Delay

Pleas pray for my good friend: Jerry Delay.  He is not feeling well.  

Psalm 12 ~ The Words of the Lord are Pure Words...

¹ (To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David.) Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

² They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.

³ The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:

⁴ Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?

⁵ For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.

⁶ The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

⁷ Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

⁸ The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.

Coach Sam's Commentary:

Friends, just let these holy, God inspired words soak in today !   Every verse is a message unto itself...!  To God be the GLORY.!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help, Lord.  Father keep me far from vanity and double mindedness.  Help me control my tongue.  Father, remember thy servant.  Remember the poor and needy.  Lift my family and friends up, Lord. Guard and protect us.  Lord Your words are Truth and Life.  Give us an everlasting hunger and thirst for them.

Lord I lift up America and its leaders this morning.  Thank you for prayer.  Most importantly: Thank You for Jesus.  ~ AMEN,

What are you watching for?

Shepherds Watched By Night...

In Luke’s account of the Christmas story, shepherds were on guard keeping their flock of sleeping sheep safe when they saw a great gift from God…a visit by angels in the starry heavens.

What are you watching today? Are you numbly in step with much of the world, filling your time with mindless entertainment, or are you longingly looking for God’s great gifts, anticipating their appearance on the horizon? Don’t miss what the Lord is doing in your life and in America. Like the faithful shepherds, keep your watch by day and by night.

When I can't sleep at night I consider that an opportunity to pray and get in the WORD.  I cherish the 'quiet time'.  I sure wish the frantic pace of this world would slow down.   The shepherds were watching and waiting and they witnessed the coming of our Lord into this world as a little baby.

Now today, WE are watching and waiting for the Lord to come into this world again.  But this time HE will be riding with the clouds, shining like the sun...!   Rev 1:7, 14

Oh Come Lord Jesus...!


Dear Heavenly Father,  

 Oh Lord let me be found seeking after and watching out for You and your glorious return.  Father I pray a blessing on my precious family today.  Lord I lift up my tennis students and their families to You, also.  Help me to be a witness to them, Father God.

I love You Lord,  Every good and perfect gift come from YOU.  You are my Provider, and my Deliverer.  Thank You for the precious gift of Your Son, Jesus.  And Lord I pray that You come again soon and make fix this broken world.

I pray these things in Jesus' Name,

Amen

Philippians 4:8 Change Your Thinking and Change Your Life

We must guard our thoughts.  The bible tells us what we should be going on inside our head.  It's all listed in Philippians 4:8.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

What we continually put into our heads will dwell there.  And what dwells in our heads will eventually dwell in our hearts.

The bible tells us we can discern a man or woman's heart by the way they speak.

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.  Luke 6:45

It all starts with what we put into our mind and what our thoughts are.   The mind is our greatest spiritual battlefield.  In fact, the mind has been mankind's battlefield since the beginning of time, otherwise the Apostle Paul would not have penned this topic in his letter to the Philippians.

Friends,  We can ALL improve in the area of our thought life.  I am definitely not speaking from a position that I have already 'arrived' and taken every thought into captivity, myself.  Oh no.  In fact, I ask for prayer from you on my behalf in that regard.  But it starts with confessing in prayer that your thought life needs work.  Humbly ask God to help clean up your thoughts.  Ask Him for a hunger and thirst for His Word.  He will be quick to answer that prayer, I assure you. 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for meeting our needs through Your Precious Holy Word.  Your Words are Life, Lord.  Father God, my thoughts are not what they should be.  They often stray.  Guard my thoughts and my heart, Lord.  Help me to only fill my head with thoughts that honor You and bring you Glory.  

Lord please continue to give me a hunger and thirst for Your Word that is transforming my life.  

Thank You for making me a new creation.  Thank You for the blessing of my precious family.  I lift up Monica, Connor, and Elijah to You right now.   Guard them and keep them safe from the world and the snares of the enemy.  I pray for a hedge of protection around their thoughts and hearts today.

Father I also lift up my tennis students and EVERYONE who is within the sphere of my influence.  Lord I pray that You will bless and protect them, also.  Lord send people into their lives to water the seeds that have been planted.  Lord I pray that You would transform their lives as You have transformed and continue to transform mine.  

Lord thank You for the struggles that keep our attention directed towards You.  Praise You that You have overcome the world.  Praise You God that You are BIGGER than anything the enemy tries to discourage us with.  I will keep my eyes on You, not my problems.  Thank You for loving us and sending Your Son to be born, live, and die for our sins.

I love you Lord, and I thank You and Praise You:  

And ALL this In Jesus' Beautiful, Holy Name I pray...   AMEN

When Discouragement Strikes: Galatians 6:9

ATP Pro Andy Murray

Discouragement is one of the Enemy's favorite weapons.  When we get discouraged, life can fall apart in a hurry.  Then, if unchecked, discouragement can lead to a more serious condition:  Depression.

I have faced discouragement on numerous occasions, especially in sports.  I suppose the higher one sets their goals then the greater the possibility to be discouraged. In life if you are brave enough to show love, there is always a chance to become hurt and broken.

Its interesting how discouragement affects people differently.   The bible has much to say about handling setbacks and discouragement.  One of my favorite verses is Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

We've just got to hang in there.  The right thing is the right thing.  Keep on doing good.  Do not 'faint'.    But don't try to accomplish everything under your own power, either.  Do not trust in your self, or others, or money and riches...

Trust in the Lord with all your Heart.

Don't forget Psalm 20:7-8   ...Some trust in chariots and some trust in horses, but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen and stand upright.

God uses discouragement to steer and guide us...  Closer to HIM.

If you would like to pray with someone or would like someone to pray for you, I am here.  I don't even have to know any details.  God knows.  Thank you.  I consider it an honor and privilege when someone asks for prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the struggles that draw us closer to you.  Lord I will praise you in both my hour of triumph and in the hour when I am my weakest.  You are a good God.  I thank you for my precious family.  I thank you for the opportunity to share your love to a dark and desolate world.  Bless my family Lord.  Guard them and keep them safe.  Shield them from the snares of the enemy.

Lord you know my struggles.  I pray for grace, and that you would order my steps, Lord.  Father I pray that you would keep my heart tender.  Give me patience, Lord.   Let me not grow weary.  Help me to faint not.

I love you Lord, and I thank you and praise you for all my blessings.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen.

John 13:35

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35

“Let us note that our Lord does not name gifts or miracles or intellectual attainments as the evidence of discipleship, but love, the simple grace of love, a grace within reach of the poorest, lowliest believer, as the evidence of discipleship.  If we have no love, we have no grace, no regeneration, no true Christianity..."
~Pastor JC Ryle, 1816 - 1900

I love the preaching of Pastor JC Ryle.  There are few pastors today that speak the truth like Pastor Ryle did.  Praise God for men of faith who have gone before us and took a stand for Jesus and bore record of Christ's love by living a life of love.

Hebrews 13:1-3 says this:  Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.  

Remember, we are all in this life together...!  Unless we esteem others as more important than ourselves we are not living true Christianity.  And this 'esteeming' has got to begin in our own homes within our own families, first!  In this day and age we must be cautious, but we can not and should not turn a blind eye to those in need.  I believe every encounter is a divine encounter.  Every encounter is another opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ to a dark world that is desperately in need of  truth and light.

But watch out for this warning Christ gave his disciples and all believers:

...Take heed that no man deceive you.

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.   ~Matthew 24: 4-14

Friends,  I believe we are witnessing some of the prophesies of Matthew 24 taking place before our very eyes.  I honestly can not believe the changes I am witnessing in America and the world here in my life time.  There is truly a GREAT diminishing of 'brotherly love' in the world.  I would dare say the 'love of many IS waxing cold'.

'...But he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved...'

Friends, I am calling you to 'ENDURE'.  Take a stand for the Truth.  But to know the ''TRUTH' you have got to be in the holy word of God every day.  And don't just listen to a preacher preach, be in the word YOURSELF.  Daddies and Mommies:  Read God's Holy Word to your children.  Have them read it out loud.   

Instead of 'family TV time' every night watching your favorite sitcom or drama, how about 30 minutes of 'Word of God and family prayer time', first...?   Is 30 minutes a day, every day asking too much...?

There's 24 hours in every day. Can't we give even a little of that time back to the Lord...?

Brotherly Love.  It starts at home.   Our family is our FIRST ministry.

Heavenly Father,  

Help us to stand for You in these dark and perilous times. Lord I lift up mommies and daddies that I know and love.  Bless them and their example to their children.  Father God give us all a hunger and thirst for your precious holy word.  Lord let no man deceive us.  Guard us and protect us from temptation. 

 Preserve our witness, Lord.  Oh let brotherly love continue in our time. Strengthen us, help us to endure.  We love you, Lord.  And we thank You and praise You.

In the precious name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior,

Amen.

Got Questions? Here's the Answer: Matthew 6:33

 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

Every situation under the sun is recorded in the bible.  I am learning more and more to tap into this wonderful resource every day.  Here is what the bible says about itself:

 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12

But we have an enemy seeking to separate us from God.  The stuff of earth competes for the allegiance I owe only to the Giver of All Good Things.    Don't give in to the world.

The apostle Paul gives us more advice in Romans 12:1-2:  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the  renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  

Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind...   That means we need to read scripture.  Lets fill our head with the Word of God, not the STUFF of the world.   I'll tell you what: I am ready to be renewed.

This time of year we observe the birth of Jesus.  I love the Christmas story:  He was born in a manger...  The lowly shepherds gathering round... The Three Wise Men seeking Him...

The significance of both Shepherds AND Wise men bowing before Jesus is that our Redeemer came into this world for everyone, BOTH the lowly and the esteemed.   

Look to Jesus.  Come to Jesus.  SEEK HIM.

The Word of God says to be not conformed to this world.  

Seek the REASON for this Season: JESUS.  

Wise Men still seek Him.


Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for your precious holy word.  Bless Your Word, Lord and Bless our understanding of it.  Lord Your word commands us to be in the world but not of it.  Your word tells us to seek You FIRST.   Help me to do just that, Father.  Continue to give me a hunger and thirst for Your Word.  Help me to be a blessing to my family and those around me.  

Father God, order my steps today.  I lift up my sweet precious wife Monica to You, and my sons Connor and Elijah.  I am praying blessings over them today and every day.

I love You Lord, and pray all these things in the beautiful name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior..

Amen

Romans 6:23 The Gift of Eternal Life

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 ~ King James Version (KJV)


With everyone focusing on gift giving right now, this is actually one of the best times of the year to talk to people about the PERFECT GIFT.  God's perfect gift to mankind long ago was Jesus.

JESUS is TRULY the reason for the season.  Sadly, many people prefer to have the Christmas season without Christ.  

A devotional I read this morning prompted this journal post and stated:  "Jesus cautioned about laying up earthly treasures that can be destroyed or stolen. It is time for us to acknowledge the folly of pursuits for earthly pleasure and security in things.  We should look instead to the Cross, from which the greatest gift: absolute security in life continually flows."  (from Presidential Prayer Team)

The Chadwell family is not about 'Santa Clause' in our home, but we do observe a holiday tradition of a Christmas tree and enjoy to exchange a few modest gifts each year. And we simply focus on celebrating the day Jesus came into the world.  We know December 25 was probably not the exact date in history it happened but we have set aside this day of observance.

Its wonderful to look back on previous Christmas Seasons and relive precious family memories.  If you don't have a tradition like this, start one, this season.  But make sure everything revolves around and honors the TRUE MEANING of Christmas: JESUS CHRIST...!

Prayer Request -John Gardner

Prayer Warriors,

Please lift up my dear friend, John Gardner.  He is sick at home today. I love John.  He has long been a great source of inspiration and encouragement to me. Praying for and wishing John a speedy recovery.

Your Brother in Christ,

Sam Chadwell

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.  2 Cor 5:17 KJV

Psalm 20:7 ...But we will remember the name of the LORD our God

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.  ~ Psalm 20:7

This verse is taken from Psalm 20.  The entire psalm is only nine verses.  Click Here to read it in its entirety.

So just what is the 'name' of the Lord our God...?   Why is 'LORD' written in all CAPS in some places in the bible and not in others?   Here is a good link that answers and explains this question.

While other people put their faith in worldly things like themselves, money, and military might, the author of Psalm 20 and his people trusted in God. -AND SO SHOULD WE.

My advice is to read the bible every day. Let the Holy Word of God penetrate and saturate your heart, mind and soul.  Which translation should you read...?  King James Authorized Version   I would like to greatly caution you on using a newer, modern translation that is supposedly 'easier' to read.

The Bible is a collection of 66 books written by about 40 authors, in three different languages, on three different continents, over approximately 1600 years.  If you are faithful to read it your life will be transformed..  I have a strong testimony of what the Lord has done for me.  HE has done and continues to do a tremendous work in my life.

Friends, I would love to tell you the story of how hope is built on the Love of Jesus.   Call upon the name of the Lord and be saved!  Remember the name of the Lord our God.  You can call him Jesus.  He died for You so that you might have everlasting life..

I love you and wish you a wonderful day in the Lord.

Your brother in Christ,

Coach Sam

Ephesians 6:10

Ephesians 6:10 (KJV), “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”

I awakened early this morning and prepared breakfast for Connor and myself.  As I opened my refridgerator I noticed I had everything I needed to prepare a  nice breakfast:  eggs, sausage, cheese, potatoes, milk, bread, coffee, juice, and plenty of other non breakfast food items if I needed them.

I have a warm clean house with electricity and indoor plumbing.  I have a beautiful wife and family that loves me dearly.  I have a car in the driveway.  I have sweet cuddly kitties.  I have good friends.  I have my health, and Amen: Praise God for that...!

But the most precious thing to me is my eternal security in Christ Jesus.  That is the GREATEST blessing of my life.   A long time ago a family that loved the Lord took time to be the hands and feet of Christ to me.  They showed me the kind of family I longed for.  They showed me a family that loved and served the Lord Jesus Christ and each other.

Then later in my life when I was going through a difficult time struggling with sin, The Lord sent a man into my life who dedicated an entire year to mentoring and disciplining me in the WORD of God.

God has always been faithful to send people into my life to guide me back on track.  Of course I have Holy Scripture to lead and guide me, too.  I am just now learning to tap into that great resource continually.  The point is: my successes stem from absolutely nothing I have done or accomplished on my own.  Everything I have and EVERY good thing in my life comes from my heavenly Father.  God gets all the glory.

I could sing of His love forever.  God has been so good to me.  I can sing of restored relationships, I can sing of restored health, I can sing of lives transformed by the love of Jesus.

I have to share that some areas of my life don't seem to be going the way I would prefer.  But I trust God has His perfect plan for my life and I am going to keep praising him at all times, especially within the midst of struggles.   It's the struggles that draw us to a closer walk with Him. 

Things may not always turn out the way I want them to, but I trust that a Sovereign God knows my needs and will be faithful to provide.  He has a perfect plan for me.  My job is to be obedient and faithful and let God be God.

Charles Stanley states, “Faithful obedience in every situation is crucial because God may be testing and preparing us for bigger opportunities.  We only have two choices (1) obey the Lord and find out what He’s willing to do with the rest of your lives, or (2) disobey Him and spend a lifetime wondering what He could have done if we’d only obeyed.  Little decisions may often seem insignificant, but to God they are a big deal.  If we’re not willing to obey Him in small matters, why would He trust us with greater assignments?”

Ecclesiastes 12:13  plainly states to fear God and obey his commandments...

We can be obedient through God's power.  He called us to be strong in His power and might. (Ephesians 6:10)

God is Good.  He is my Provider. I struggle to be obedient.  Praise God for his Grace and Mercy.

My simple prayer for today:

Thank you God for my blessings.  Every good and perfect gift comes from you.  Lord help me to glorify you in every way.  Help me to be obedient.  Lord help me to stand strong in You and be a faithful witness to my family, friends, and those within my sphere of influence.  Protect and preserve my testimony, Lord.  I love you and pray these things in your beautiful name: Jesus.

Amen
.

Phillipians 2:3, 14-16

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.  Phil 2:3 KJV


I woke up with this verse on my heart today.   Be humble. Put others first.   I need to live this command.  I need to model it for my family. 

Then  I read on through more of Philippians 2 and came to verses 14-16:

Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;  Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

When I read the phrase 'in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation...'  I thought:  God is referring to America, and many other nations.    ~ And what are we to do...?  We are to shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life!

We are to read the word of God, allow it to penetrate us and let it transform us into the likeness of Jesus.

Be Humble. Be in the Word.  Be in Prayer. Let Christ Jesus have his way with you.

I will continue a study of Philippians tomorrow.

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your precious, holy Word..   Your words are life.  Father thank you for the struggles that draw me close to You.   Father thank you for my precious wife and family.  Lord lift me up, hold me up.  Set my feet upon your solid ground.  Transform me Lord in Your image.  

Father please continue to give me a hunger and thirst for Your Word.   Order my steps, Lord. Everything I do is for Your glory.    Lord bless my efforts to be a good steward of your providence.  Thank You Lord for providing.  

Father God I pray that You would show me Your perfect will for my career.   Go be fore me, Lord.  Prepare Thy way, my King.    I love You and pray all these things in the beautiful name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior,

AMEN,