Camoflage Sunday

Pastor Mike Hoggard has 'Bib Overall Sundays' at Bethel Church in Festus Missouri where (just for fun), everyone wears bib overalls to church on a designated day.  My son Elijah decided that we needed to have a 'Texas Version' of bib overall Sunday and he decided we would have 'Camo Sunday' yesterday.

 Elijah was totally camouflaged, but I only own one pair of camo shorts and they are a little too big for me these days but I was happy to get in the proper uniform of the day.  Elijah loaned me one of his camo caps to round out my ensemble.

We enjoyed church at our house this past Sunday, streaming Pastor Mike's Sunday School and Morning service to our television.   I made a delicious breakfast of biscuits and gravy.   Connor was home and we had a complete family in attendance.

In church, Pastor Mike taught on the reign of King Hezekiah.   Here are some of my notes from his sermon:

Hezekiah: He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses. 2 Kings 18:5-6

I wish America had a leader like Hezakiah.   At least I can lead my own family in that manner!  2 Kings 18:5-6 is an inspiring verse!  

The Lord provided an AMAZING day for us yesterday.     PRAISE GOD!

Coach Sam's Tip from the life of Hezekiah:  Cleave to the Lord today.  Depart not from following HIM.  Keep His Commandments!

Praise Report...

Last night I enjoyed a fun family evening with Connor, Elijah, and Monica. That's right, everyone was present. We enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by my precious wife, and then watched sky angel together for several hours after that.

I honestly can not remember the last time all four of us enjoyed a peaceful family evening together... PRAISE the LORD...!

It's no coincidence that this blessing came around Easter time...

Praise God from who ALL blessings flow...

Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You Lord Jesus: Giver of All Good Things...! Lord, I take credit for nothing good in my life. Every Good and Perfect Gift comes from You...!

I love You Lord. I am not worthy of anything good yet YOU have chosen to bless me and not only that, You have blessed me ubundantly. Father, I am so sorry for my sins that nailed You to the Cross. Thank You for Your Grace and Mercy.

Lord I pray continued blessings on my house. Please continue the good work You have begun in this family. Help me to be the husband, daddy, coach, and friend that You have called me to be.

Father God, You are truly an AWESOME GOD...! I lift Your name up on High...!

And in Jesus' Name I pray, Amen...!

Obedience and Faithfulness

Today's Oswald Chambers Devotional was good... http://utmost.org/god%e2%80%99s-purpose-or-mine/

He stated that although we may have a 'lofty' goal in mind for ourselves, achieving that goal might not be God's purpose for us. God's will is for us to be obedient, period. The Process, 'striving for the prize', is God's will for us... It was surprising to me to learn that our 'success' is not necessarily God's will.

Our 'obedience' is God's will.

We must be 'faithful', not successful. So don't feel like a failure if you did not come in first place. Don't feel like a failure if your plans fail.

This hits very closely to home with me because as a young man I always used to equate my win-loss record in tennis with my self-worth.

Oswald's devotional this morning is definitely worthy of at least a two day discussion. More tomorrow.

Father God,

Thank You for another day of life. Thank you for my sweet, precious son Elijah as we celebrate his fifth birthday today. Wow, what a joy and blessing it has been to have him for a son.

You are an awesome God. I am so unworthy of your kindness, generosity, mercy, and goodness. Lord You are doing a work in me and are far from being finished. Lord, by Your grace, with your enabling, I will be obedient today. I will be faithful.

Lord you keep pushing me out of my comfort zone. PRAISE YOU, JESUS for stretching me and making me into much more than I ever thought I would be. And I know you are not even close to being finished with me yet.

Thank you for the saints who have gone before us and lived lives of note. That great cloud of witnesses prove that all things do work for good for those who are called to Your purpose.

I Love You Lord. I thank you for calling me. I thank You and Praise YOU for my sweet wife who motivates me to press on. Lord I pray blessings on this house.

Father God I love you. And in Jesus' name I pray, Amen.