Pastor Sam's Prayer Blog

PEACE - Jan. 31st, 2008

2008-01-31T07:45:00.000-06:00

This mornings topic is a biggy.
In accessing my internet this morning, I couldn't help but notice in a news article that Brittney Spears had been taken to the hospital again for evaluation. To her, peace is a biggy. She's loosing her kids, her career, her reputation...She needs peace.
A loss of inner peace will compond lifes challenges into overwhelming obstacles.
When Jesus left this world, He made sure He left peace when He left. "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful." John 14:27
Why didn't He leave them money? Money can't buy you peace. Jesus left them something more valuable and beneficial than any amount of money or anything money could buy.
The peace of God is a great mental protector. Philippians 4:7 says "The peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." The word "keep" means to protect and guard as someone would post a guard at the gate of a city.
The Peace of God is a great guide. Colossians 3:15 teaches us to let the peace of God "rule" our hearts. This word means be the umpire. The umpire is the final authority and tells us if something is "safe" or "out" or "foul".
Jesus left us peace when he left and when he comes back, He expects to find His peace still working within us. Peter warns us in 2 Peter 3 to make sure that when He returns that we are found by Him "in peace".
Of all the thoughts I've shared with you this month, I think this one really is the biggy.
Today...tomorrow... next week...next month and next year, you and I will need peace. Thank God He gave us His.

Thanks for reading.

Wanna meet me here next January?
Sam

SURPRISE - Jan. 30th, 2008

2008-01-30T07:20:00.000-06:00

Last week I was in San Antonio for a missions conference at Destiny Church. I normally attend every year and have developed some lifelong friendships and ministry connections. One morning I was ministering and a very short prophetic word came to me concerning one of my friends. "I'm going to surprise you this year". So, without much inner resistance, I shared that with him and his wife. They smiled and we kinda laughed at the thought of God surprising us. Then I began to think...How could it be a surprise if God felt the need to share it with him? My reasoning kicked in. Maybe I hadn't really heard God at all. If God wanted to surprise someone, why would he let them know in advance?
This morning I heard another phrase. "Expect the unexpected". Now I've heard that before...probably preached it. Now it's beginning to make sense. God wants us to be ready for the new things he has for us. He wants us to expect them. Though we may be surprised as to their content and character, we are not surprised at their arrival. We must always be ready for surprises of the supernatural kind. If His mercies are new every morning, then everyday ought to have wrapped within it's packaging a surprise of some kind. It's kind of like your birthday. You know your going to get gifts but you don't necessarily know whats inside the beautifully wrapped boxes.
In fact, as I think of it, if we are not regularly being surprised by God and His goodness, we may be in some unhealthy way disconnected or out of touch..unprepared for the surprise of God.
I may have to write a book. "Surprised by God". Has a cool ring to it...

Wanna meet me here in the morning?
Sam

MOMENTUM - Jan. 29th, 2008

2008-01-29T06:51:00.000-06:00

Momentum is a mysterious force. Sometimes it seems to show up out of thin air. Sometimes it seems you can't muster it up for all the tea in China. The other day, I was in Galveston watching the waves. On this day, there would be big waves, choppy waves, small waves, no waves. In a few short minutes, the waves seemed to have a mind of their own. There was no consistency...no predictability. It was driving the surfers to their cars.
After nearly 24 years in full time ministry, I sometimes feel the same way. We all seem to scream for consistent momentum. We're all searching for the perfect wave. We all want it to finally be easy for a change.
There are moments of great momentum. Someone told me once, "I don't understand momentum but I do know that when it arrives, ride it for all it's worth". The "seize the day" mantra comes to mind here.
As I have been praying this morning, I really sense that momentum is building in the Spirit realm. Here are a few momentum bullet points to consider.
BE PREPARED.
BE ENCOURAGED
BE PATIENT
BE PRAYING
BE WATCHING
BE VISIONARY
BE STRONG
Momentum moves us. Are you ready to move? Are you ready to ride? Are you ready for the journey? Spiritual momentum is building in the distance...It could be of the tsunami sort. It's happened before and who am I to say it won't happen again.
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams, And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy." Acts 2:17,18

Wanna meet me here in the morning?
Sam

CAST - Jan. 28th, 2008

2008-01-28T07:00:00.000-06:00

Someone asked me yesterday if I liked to fish. I LOVE to fish. You see, I lived on Lake Fork for many years and had daily access to one of the best bass fishing lakes in the nation. With each cast, the potential of a record setting bass choosing your lure was always there. The "lure" of "mama bucket mouth" taking my lure keeps me coming back. With each cast, the possibility of a "wall hanger" increases.
Now that I live down south, I am not able to experience that anticipation nearly as much. I do continue to cast though. 1 Peter 5:7 encourages me to be involved with "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." With this type of casting the rolls are reversed. We are not endeavoring to catch something but release something.
Our worries.
Our fears.
Our doubts.
Our troubles.
Our heartbreaks.
Our losses.
Our anger.
Our cares...anything that is unnecessarily weighing us down. We can cast it down at the feet of Jesus and He will take care of it for us. He cares for us! As any good father would do, He will do everything in His power to relieve us of the unnecessary "weights and sins which so easily entangle us". He has the power and authority to deal with it all.
Keep casting.

Wanna meet me hear in the morning?
Sam

WORRY - Jan. 27th, 2008

2008-01-27T06:11:00.000-06:00

Most professional worriers don't truly understand the real dangers of their trade. I've met a few of these "pros" in my time and they almost defend their "worrying ways" as normal or even responsible. I do understand. I've laid awake all night a few times in my life. I've paced the floor for a few hours. I've experienced the "worry wart syndrome". However, worry is a dangerous decision to make.
Worry undermines destiny.
Worry undermines faith.
Worry undermines progress.
Worry undermines potential.
Worry undermines relationships.
Worry undermines productivity.
No good thing comes from worry. Jesus spend considerable time in Matthew 6 teaching about the need to not worry. His answer was to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things would be added unto you." Philippians 4:6 clearly instructs us to "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." The living Bible says, "Don't worry about anything but pray about everything". It seems that the prayer of faith is the key in overcoming worry. That ought to be our habit when the "worry wart" in all of us wants to rise up. This kind of praying not only counteracts the negative effects of worry but launches us into the presence and purpose of God.
Shall we pray?

Wanna meet me here in the morning?
Sam

ORCHESTRATION - Jan. 26th, 2008

2008-01-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

Have you ever watched a full orchestra preparing to perform? Every piece is self absorbed in the process of insuring that their particular instrument is properly tuned. It sounds like mayhem. Their is no orchestration to be found; in fact it's orchestral confusion! Many talented people all doing their own thing. However, when the conductor arrives and the curtain is raised, confusion and individualism quickly fly out the window and with the raising of the wand (not sure what it's really called) beautifully orchestrated music is born.
What's so awesome about God is His capacity to do that for us. With the waiving of His hand, confusion is transformed into a beautiful song. On a much grander note, He can take each of us individuals and tune us together for His greater global purpose. So with that in mind...
Listen for the proper key.
Tune to the master's voice.
Watch for the master's hand.
Follow the master's cue.
You see, God has much more in mind than your little solo in the school play. He's tuning His church to work together to boldly proclaim His praises to all the nations of the earth!
The score has already been written and you and I have been chosen to take part. Better get tuned up. The conductor is about to step up.

Wanna meet me here in the morning?
Sam

OBSTACLES - Jan. 25th, 2008

2008-01-25T08:39:00.000-06:00

The journey of life is filled with many obstacles. Each obstacle we face has it's own unique set of circumstances that requires our attention. Mark 16:1-4 records three ladies on a mission to prepare the body of Jesus for a proper burial. The huge obstacle was the great stone. The question was "Who will roll the stone away from the door for us?" Note the fact that they headed for the graveyard without complete knowledge. They moved forward without knowing how it was going to happen. They knew they had a mega problem to deal with but it didn't stop their mission. It seems the question of "if" didn't even enter their mind.
Of course we know the rest of the story. When they got there, an angel & an earthquake had already rolled the stone away.
If we wait till we have all the answers, before we move out against our obstacles, we may never witness the miracle. It's time to move out today...big stones still roll.

Wanna meet me here in the morning?
Sam

THOUGHTS - Jan.24th 2008

2008-01-23T07:39:00.001-06:00

They are the precursor to action. They are little lords of the frontal lobe. They are inevitable insights into our inner person. Thoughts...how powerful...either for good or for evil. Solomon said, concerning the miser, "as he thinks in his heart, so is he". That's why it's so important for our brains to be washed. We all need a good brainwashing! Our thoughts are prophetic predecessors to action.
They can be controlled. In Philippians 4:8, Paul teaches us the immense importance of such inner governance. "Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate (think) on these things."
Healthy thoughts require practice. We must in all reality train the brain. Mental calisthenics are the most important exercises of all. Allow me to prod your thought life for a moment. What takes up the most space in your thinking these days?
Is it productive or potentially destructive?
Is it positive or negative?
Is it holy or unholy?
Is it healthy or unhealthy?
Is it beneficial or counterproductive?
What "little lords of the frontal lobe" have set up governance in your life? It might be time for an extreme makeover of the mental kind. Just a thought...

Wanna meet me here in the morning?
Sam

THEY - Jan. 23rd, 2008

2008-01-23T07:39:00.000-06:00

We've all probably heard the phrase "The Power of One". I believe in the principle. There is a plethora of illustrations, both historic and present day, of the accomplishments and influence of one person. Here's what I believe about about all of them. There was more than likely a "they" behind the scenes. There's was a "them" behind the curtain somewhere in past scenes of the "ones" life. Every "one" has a "they".
Possibly parents.
Possible teachers.
Possibly friends.
The Bible does tell us that "one can chase a thousand..." However, we must ask why? It's probably because the "one" had a "they". The second half of that verse reveals the real point. "...but two can chase ten thousand". I'm not really sure there is any real "power of one". We need one another. There's really no such thing as independence. We are always dependent upon others on some level. We really do need the "they". Who are some key "they" people in your life?
Recognize them.
Honor them.
Love them.
Support them.
Pray for them.
Thank them.
Listen to them.
Learn from them.
Scripture teaches us the importance of plurality. If there is any "power of one" there is multiplied power in the corporate effort. The day you begin to think it was all because of you will be the day before the fall. Pride comes before a fall.

Wanna meet me here in the morning?
Sam

CLARITY - Jan. 22nd, 2008

2008-01-22T06:58:00.000-06:00

Some things in life need a little clarity. Directions...Instructions...Purpose...Goals...Motives...
As we progress through life, it becomes more an more important to have clarity. A few years ago I had Lasik surgery to bring clarity. What a difference a little clarity provides. When life is foggy everything slows down...or at least should for the sake of safety. Have you ever seen where there was a fifty+ car pileup on the freeway? It was foggy but everyone trusted the one just in front of them to know the way or see the way. The results are many times devastating.
Here's some good clarity directives to assist you this morning to not become a statistic in the foggy times.
If you don't know, don't go.
Wait until the fog lifts.
Proceed with caution.
Make adjustments.
Listen to others.
Seek wise counsel.
Seek God.
Clean the lens.
Take off the blinders.
Turn on the light.
Open your eyes.
Think before you act.
Pray before you panic.
Clarity has many assistants. Make sure you employ them all. They usually all somehow work together. I'm sure there are some I haven't mentioned. One final thought though. Sometimes we are literally progressing forward in life by sheer faith. Now faith isn't stupid but it is obedient. When you need clarity, make very sure you remain completely obedient to the Masters voice. John 10 says He will lead you safely in and out of the sheepfold. David revealed that when he came into the sanctuary was when he understood. Understanding from God is the clearest vision you'll ever have. It's worth waiting for in His presence. He has a way of blowing away the fog.

Wanna meet me here in the morning?
Sam

CHOICES - Jan. 21st, 2008

2008-01-21T06:46:00.000-06:00

One of the old Indiana Jones movies had a one liner that has always stuck with me. In the search for the holy grail, Jones finds himself in a precarious predicament of choosing the authentic cup of Christ in the midst of many impostors. The aged guard said, "Choose wisely". Of course, if you've ever seen just one Indiana Jones film, you know that a unwise choice would be disastrous. He was under great pressure. Knowing that a wrong choice would most certainly usher in his demise, he put his reasoning skills to work and under great pressure....To get the rest of this story you'll just have to rent the movie. Indie is not the point.
I'm glad to know that most of life's choices don't carry such negative consequences; however, some are certainly applicable. We are faced, from time to time, with choices that can, if unwisely responded to, bring devastating effects.
Allow me to just list a few wise choices in the middle of life's choices to assist you as you endeavor to "choose wisely".
Always choose revelation over reaction. A word from God will guide you.
Always choose prayer oover panic. His presence will protect you.
Always choose faith over fear. His confidence will carry you.
Always choose laughter over lament. His joy will strengthen you.
"Choose wisely" and read Proverbs 3. It will also held you to "Choose wisely".
Wanna meet me here in the morning?
Sam

POTENTIAL - Jan. 20th, 2008

2008-01-19T05:27:00.001-06:00

Potential is good...just not good enough. There's no prize for potential...unless a page in your high school year book counts. "Most Likely To Succeed" was someones perspective of potential. Potential means that somewhere, somehow, important elements of accomplishment were either taught or caught and therefore you have potential. Potential is good...just not good enough.
I'm sure skid row is full of potential.
Jesus never looked for potential. In His eyes, we all have potential. Someone once said, "He doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called". In other words, even if you don't have a lot of "potential", your still on Jesus radar. He's not looking for potential, He's simply looking for the "willing and obedient". It doesn't take much "potential" to simply follow someone. In fact, it certainly seems that Jesus sought out those who had the "least" potential. Peter is a great example. He flunked out of rabbi school. His fishing career was on the skids. All that was required of Peter was to follow and Jesus would do the rest. "Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men".
No previous ministerial experience required.
No resume required.
No degree necessary.
No "potential" needed.
Leave your yearbook on the shelf. He already knows that you are one great big bundle of potentiality. He made you that way. Just follow Him and let Him do the rest.

Wanna meet me here in the morning?

Sam

ABSURD - Jan. 19th, 2008

2008-01-19T05:27:00.000-06:00

Christianity to the natural mind seems absurd. It goes against the mental grain of our temporal thinking capacity. We have to understand that... to understand. Some things you'll just never understand until you understand! Christianity just doesn't make sense... However, that's where faith comes in. In fact, Albert Einstein said, "Only those who attempt the absurd will achieve the impossible." Even Einstein wasn't afraid to press the envelope of our limited capacity to understand. Even in my lifetime, some of todays technologies would have been labeled "ABSURD" in my early years. Evidently there were many who are not afraid to "attempt the absurd".
As pioneers of our future, we need to understand that if all we listen to is the absurdity side of life, we'll never achieve the impossible.
There are still undiscovered territories.
There are still undiscovered technologies.
There are still uncharted waters.
There are still untapped resources.
Columbus had his naysayers. I'm sure, if the word absurd were around in his day, he heard it often.
Of course we know...at least we should know, that "with God, all things are possible".
It's absurd to think we can walk on water..Peter did.
It's absurd to think we can raise the dead...Jesus did.
It's absurd to think we can heal the sick...Paul did.
True achievement always requires the pressing of our absurdity envelope.
True progress always requires someone to endeavor to achieve the impossible.
Stay away from those who always use the "A" word.

Wanna meet me here in the morning?
Sam

FEARLESS - Jan. 18th, 2008

2008-01-18T06:28:00.000-06:00

The T shirt said "No Fear". That's a bold statement. Of course, we all know if you wear it on your T shirt it has to be true...I'm sure most wore it as a fashion statement or maybe some hoped that it would work as some form of counter measure like a "Beware of Dog" sign on the front yard fence. However, I think many were guilty of false advertising. Fear is a big battle on most home fronts.
Fear of failure.
Fear of rejection.
Fear of dying.
Fear of ____________________.
You can fill in the blank. Most of us have a few to pick from. I think of Elijah who faced down the 400 prophets of Baal, called down fire from heaven then fled for his life in fear of the threats of Jezebel. That's the way a lot of us are. Great strengths...glaring weakness.
Some fears are a little humorous. Google "phobias" and you'll discover an amazing list that makes you understand why the "No Fear" T shirt was probably so popular.
Read Psalm 3. David was one of my "No Fear" heroes. When things were growing more threatening by the moment, he faced his fears with great faith in the ability of God. He knew some important things about God.
God was his protector.
God was his provider.
God was his Savior.
God was his defender.
That's why he was able to boldly declare, "I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about."
You see, the ability to say "No Fear" doesn't come from the inner understanding of who you are. It comes from the insight and revelation of who He is. Fear is, simply put, a lack of knowledge in the character of God. The more we know Him, the more we can say, "No Fear".

Wanna meet me here in the morning?
Sam

ACCESS - Jan. 17th, 2008

2008-01-16T17:18:00.000-06:00

Do you remember your high school school janitor? Chances are you probably don't remember his name or even what he looked like. But in all likelihood you do remember one thing...His keys!
In today's culture, the janitorial key ring is back in style! The janitors of America didn't know they were pioneering a new level on the cool meter.
Why so many keys? Unlimited access. If you needed into a particular room. Find the janitor! He has the key to every room and closet.
Romans 5:2 reveals the master key for every Christian. "Through whom (Jesus) we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand..." Ephesians 3:12 further establishes faiths unequivocal unlocking power. "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him."
The great thing about this key is that it is free. Ephesians 2 also reveals that faith is a free gift. Jesus Christ has freely given us the key of unlimited access to God and all that He has freely supplied for us. We simply need to carry the key wherever we go and use it at every turn.
We have the Master's key!
We can freely access all that is the Masters!
No more need to fumble in the darkness of night for a key that might fit the circumstances of our moment. Just use the one key that unlocks every lock..."even our faith."

Wanna meet me here in the morning?

Sam

JOY - Jan. 16th, 2008

2008-01-14T20:09:00.001-06:00

They were ten for a dollar! I had to buy them. Though I am not a huge fruit fan, these oranges were so cheap I just couldn't pass them up. So now, just like when I was a kid, I cut them in half, slowly squeeze and lap up all the juice I can from each half then turn the peel inside out and eat the pulp...It's kinda messy but has been surprisingly rewarding. It feels a little like I've been reintroduced to an old friend.
Allow me to introduce you to another long term friends. Say hello to Joy. What a great fruit Joy is. What a healthy fruit Joy is. What a rewarding fruit Joy is. You see, I met Joy when I was filled with the Holy Spirit many many years ago. And even though, I have grown, greyed, married and matured, Joy has remained one of my closest friends.
Joy has stuck with me through it all.
Joy has stuck with me in the good times and bad.
Joy has stuck with me in times of uncertainty.
Joy has stuck with me in seasons of insecurity.

In fact, Joy has...
Strengthened me in times of weakness...
Encouraged me in times of trouble...
Lifted me in the low places...
Comforted me in times of loss...
Kept me in times of confusion...
Made me smile when nothing seemed funny...

What a great fruit..what a great friend.

Wanna meet me here in the morning?

Sam

PERSPECTIVE - Jan. 15th, 2008

2008-01-14T20:09:00.000-06:00

Perspectives are a kaleidoscope of color. Everyone has a little different shade on any particular subject. With the presidential election around the corner, we're being inundated with every one's political perspective. I, for one kind of enjoy it. Though some people's perspective to me seems ludicrous, I applaud them for at least having one! Some try to ride the fence of popular opinion to the point of being accused of "flip flopping".
One thing I do know after many years of pastoral ministry experience is that from time to time, we all need a fresh perspective. A new way of viewing something. I mentioned my HD television in an earlier blog. I went over a year thinking I was viewing HD. When the technician showed up and sheepishly informed me that my TV wasn't set up right to receive HD, I sheepishly informed him that I was the one who set it up. With a few quick selections from the remote, a new perspective arrived in my living room! A whole new way of viewing. Sometimes we get so accustomed to one way, we begin to have the perspective that it's the best way or the only way.
Zaccheus needed a fresh perspective. Though he lived a life of luxury, he still yearned for a fresh view. So..."He climbed up in a sycamore tree ..." His small stature (his limitations) didn't in all actuality limit him. His hunger for a fresh perspective positioned him in a place of revelation knowledge. Jesus walked into his view. Jesus walked into his house. Jesus walked into his life.
Sometimes fresh perspectives come as an epiphany moment when the light mercifully shines into our lives. Most of the time; however, we have to be properly positioned to gain a new way of viewing things.
Could I say to you today that if you have to climb a tree to gain that perspective, it will be well worth the effort. If you have to climb a mountain of obstacles to gain a new and fresh perspective, it will be well worth the effort.
One scripture that comes to mind is Jeremiah 33:3 - "Call unto Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you do not know." The original language reveals that what He will show us was "previously inaccessible". Prayer provides access into the place of fresh perspective.
It seems that God thinks we might need a fresh perspective. He may want to clarify some things in your behalf. I'm sure he does. Whether you climb high or kneel low, a fresh perspective from God is a great way to enter into the new year.

Wanna meet me here in the morning?

Sam

GAME - Jan. 14th, 2007

2008-01-14T06:44:00.000-06:00

Have you heard this line before? "It's just a game". It's usually spoken by those who loose who REALLY really wanted to win. It's an immediate feeble attempt to massage the mental anguish of loss out of our mindset. Last night, when "Americas Team", the Dallas Cowboys, lost in the first round of the playoffs to the New York Giants, I mumbled..."It's just a game. From looking at Jerry Jones face on the sideline, I figured he thought it was much more than just a game. Gee thanks Jessica.

Well my point is this. In life it seems that many times we put way too much emphasis on the temporal. The temporal is just that...It's temporary. It will fade away. It will melt with a fervent heat. It's the eternal that we can't loose and smugly brush off with, "It's just a game". Eternity certainly isn't a game. It's a fight to the finish. Though once we gain our eternal place through faith in Christ, it's still a battle to finish line. Paul said to his son in the faith Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
What's interesting though is that much of the same qualities and characteristics needed to compete well in any game also apply to our more heavenly and eternal pursuits in life.
Perseverance
Discipline
Training
Exercise
Teamwork
Planning
Leadership
Wisdom
Resistance
These and much more are all vital ingredients for those who are serious about eternity. Of course the enemy will whisper to us in our moment of weakness, "You don't need to be disciplined in prayer today, after all, it's just a game."
Do you think he knows he's already lost?

Wanna meet me here in the morning?

Sam

HD - Jan. 13th, 2008

2008-01-12T05:26:00.001-06:00

In Christmas of 2006, Beverly and I bought our Christmas present together. A 50+ inch High Definition TV. Man what a difference! We were amazed at the quality and clarity. Our TV watching habits had been lifted to an entirely new level. I even bought a cheapy surround sound system to add to our viewing pleasure. Last week, I added DVR! Now we're in the stratosphere! One problem came with the new DVR box from Time Warner Cable. Some of the sports channels were not coming in. Before panic set in, I summoned the repair dude to the house. He summoned the more experienced repair dude to the house. They got on the phone with the much more experienced repair dudette. All to no avail. After a long and drawn out process, they simply replaced the box and low and behold, the sports channels were back. Whew! I almost panicked.

Where am I going with this? In all the hub bub, repair dude number one said, "Your TV isn't set up right to receive HD". WHAT???? What do you mean? In a few moments, with the push of a few buttons, High Definition was broadcasting for the first time on my year old HD TV!
For over a year, we simply were not hooked up right. I thought we were. I was just ignorant.
Sometimes we need the voice of experience to step in and get us hooked up correctly. Let's don't allow 2008 to pass us by without a reassessment of our spiritual connections. Our ignorance is no excuse.
We need a fresh perspective.
We need a fresh vision.
We need a fresh insight.
We need a fresh revelation.
Greater clarity than you ever thought possible will come if you do.

Wanna meet me here in the morning?
Sam

COPE - Jan. 12th, 2008

2008-01-12T05:26:00.000-06:00

Most people can cope. Everybody doesn't snap. Most people don't overload to the point of breaking. Most people can cope. You might say, "Well it all depends upon what I might be coping with". Everybody does seem to have certain hot buttons that overload their circuits pretty quickly. Most have pressure points that can, if prodded long enough, quickly boil over.
Here's my point this morning though. Coping is not conquering. To cope is to "struggle with something with some degree of success." Notice the key phrase from Webster. "Some degree of success." You see...
Coping is not a virtue.
Coping is not Christ like.
Coping is not constructive.
Coping is not productive.
Coping is nothing more than slowing the inevitable. It's nothing more than a longer fuse on the same stick of dynamite. At some point, your gonna blow! Some call a longer fuse "patience". Not so. Patience keeps you from snapping.
Patience protects you in times of pressure.
Patience is a virtue.
Patience is a fruit of the Spirit, not a secular methodology of dealing with difficult people.

The Holy Spirit of God wants to lead us to a much higher lever than "some degree of success".
Jesus didn't just "cope" with the devil in the wilderness.
Jesus didn't just "cope"with our sin on the cross.
He was victorious on all fronts and He desires to lead us to new levels of victory in 2008. If your new years resolution is to merely be able to have "some degree of success", then all you need is to count to ten under your breath and grit your teeth and cope. However; if you want more, you need to get this one down. Coping isn't conquering. With that in mind, it becomes imperative to implement new, more mature methodologies. Let me simply name a few.
FORGIVENESS
PRAYER
LOVE
UNDERSTANDING
MERCY
PATIENCE
RESISTANCE
RELIANCE
FAITH

Wanna meet me here in the morning?
Sam

WOW - Jan. 11th, 2008

2008-01-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

Whens the last time something caused you to say "Wow!" I call it the "Wow Factor". Advertisers know exactly what I'm talking about. Their goal, when you pick up their product or watch their TV commercial, is for you to go "wow"! Of course, Jesus was pretty good at delivering on the "Wow Factor".
Turning water into wine...WOW!
Feeding 5000 with one boys lunch...WOW!
Opening blind eyes...WOW!
Healing the Sick...WOW!
Raising the dead...WOW!
Walking on water...WOW!
Dying for me...WOW!
Rising from the dead...Double WOW!
What's interesting about our role in life as a Christian is that we are supposed to deliver on the "Wow Factor" as well. In John 14:12, Jesus declares our "Wow Factor" responsibility.
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these will he do because I go to the Father."
Whens the last time your Christian witness has caused someone who may not know Christ yet to be officially "wowed" by you? Of course, I ask myself that same question. I think we all should. My prayer today is that in 2008, I'll be able to be a WOW Christian. I want to have a WOW faith. I want to be a WOW Pastor. I want to be a WOW Preacher. I want to be a WOW Husband. I want to be a WOW Father...and when I'm on Lake Fork, I want to be a WOW fisherman!
Of course, the only WOW that ultimately really matters is Gods. I'm reminded of a centurion who WOWED Jesus with his faith. Matthew 8:10 records His amazement. "When Jesus heard it, He marveled and said to those who followed, Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel." This man's faith actually "wowed" the Lord.
When I come to the close of my life, I sincerely hope that in His own way, God looks at my life well lived and says..."Well done good and faithful servant..."
Wow, that would be awesome!

Wanna meet me here in the morning?
Sam

REST - Jan. 10th, 2008

2008-01-10T07:06:00.000-06:00

My favorite class in elementary school was RECESS! The time when we all got a break from the ABC,s and the "times tables". Though we would run and play, and wear our little growing bodies down, it was always very relaxing to me. Many times, after lunch and recess, the teacher would let us lay our heads on our desk for a few minutes. They understood the need for rest.
Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30...
"Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Allow me to digress one verse. Verse 27 reveals the real reason for the rest.
"All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him."
The real reason for the rest is revelation! Jesus wants to reveal more of who the Father is to us and the only way He can effectively do it is if we come to Him and rest! Revelation comes when we are peacefully resting in the power and presence of our Lord.
Do you need revelation?
Do you need some special insight into the nature of the Father?
Do you need insight about your future?
Revelation is only found when we come to a place of rest. Once we're resting, revelation flows freely.
Our elementary teachers were smarter than we thought.
"See spot run. Run spot run." I still remember.

Wanna meet me here in the morning?
Sam

COMPROMISE - Jan. 9th, 2008

2008-01-09T07:22:00.000-06:00

"A settlement of differences by mutual concession". When we compromise, we are in essence saying that the differences we had with the opposing party are negotiable. In some cases, this is positive progress for everyone involved. We've all seen major corporations dealing with a striking union. The writers in Hollywood are a perfect example and I'm sure for all of you "LOST" fans, your hoping for a settlement really soon!
The problem arises when the opposing party is endeavoring to loosen our grip on what we might call a "non negotiable". Hopefully, all of us have at lease one "non negotiable" in our commitment cupboard.
I think of the three Hebrew children. If they would only compromise, they would not burn. If they would simply bow down to the kings false god at his orchestrated command, their safety would be secured. For them; however, this was a "non negotiable". Their integrity with the true God was move valuable than their flesh! The king heated up the fiery furnace seven times hotter and threw these uncompromising committed into the fire. We all know the "rest of the story". You can read it in Daniel 3.
They did not bow.
They did not burn.
The Son of God showed up in the fire with them.
Their bonds were loosed.
The king acknowledged their God as the true God.
They were promoted in the kingdom.
There are some things that are more valuable than life itself. A few days ago, a prisoner in the Texas prison system was exonerated of a crime through DNA testing. He spent 20 plus years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. Every year the parole board tried to get him to admit to the crime so they could eventually parole him. They were looking for a compromise. Every year, his integrity was more valuable than his freedom. The truth was more important.
There are some things that should be "non negotiable" in our lives as well. The enemy of our soul is always trying to lure us into a "compromising position"."Resist him steadfast in the faith." (1 Peter 5:9a)
I'm not bowing... how about you?

Wanna meet me here in the morning?

Sam

BLESSED - Jan. 8th, 2008

2008-01-07T07:06:00.001-06:00

Sing with me...
"I am blessed, I am blessed. Everyday of my life I am blessed.
When I wake up in the morning and when I lay my head to rest.
I am blessed, I am blessed."
How about you? Is that your mindset today? I believe the blessings of God are available for all of God's kids. However, many of God's kids can't seem to see the forest for the trees! They're looking for tangible signs.
More money...
More friends...
More square footage...
More, More, More...
What is the measurement you use? What indicator do you apply to yourself or family and friends to determine their blessing level? Allow me speak a word of warning this morning. Let's fall back on a parable of Jesus for this one. Luke 12:16-21 tells the story of a rich man who was so "blessed" that he decided to simply build bigger barns to house all of his "more". This man's methodology of measurement was flawed to the core. In fact, he even declared his bungled belief out loud.
"Soul, you have many goods laid up for man years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry."
God responded as patiently as possible with...
"Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?"
Then Jesus provides a wise warning for us with this statement. "So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
So there you go. Be forewarned that the blessings of God cannot be measured with a temporal measuring stick. In fact, according to this parable, it's very foolish and extremely dangerous to do so. Becoming "rich toward God" is a much better guideline to go by.
Paul gives us an even better perspective about the blessings of God in Ephesians 1:3 - "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ."
So with that in mind...
"I am blessed, I am blessed. Everyday of my life I am blessed.
When I wake up in the morning and when I lay my head to rest.
I am blessed, I am blessed."

Wanna meet me here in the morning?
Sam

ATTENDANCE - Jan. 7th, 2008

2008-01-07T07:06:00.000-06:00

Our days normally require much of us. As a result, we spend much of our days attempting to prioritize what we can or cannot do or where we can or cannot go. When Beverly and I were in the maze of raising our three children, there were actually times when we were supposed to be in two places at once. Many times, we had to "divide and conquer". Beverly would go one way. I would go another and hopefully at the end of the day we would have successfully "attended" to all of life's requirements. I guess that's the life of parenting.
One thing I have learned about attendance. It's hugely important on any level. Our kids just want to know we care enough to show up. Showing up is huge!
I'm sure you know I'm not simply giving early morning parenting tips.

What happens if we don't show up for work?
What happens if we don't show up for a court date?
What happens if we don't show up for a business appointment?
What happens if you don't show up at home after work?
What happens if we don't show up for surgery?

I think you get the picture I'm attempting to paint. It's hugely important to, at the very least, show up for life's high priority responsibilities. You may have no actual duties to perform at your child's recital but your presence is profoundly important. The secret to attending is found in the obvious. Priorities. We normally show up for what we believe to be important.
Just showing up is a mega phone of great communication. Sadly, not showing up communicates an even louder more obvious message.
Many years ago, I was scheduled to speak at a Valentine Banquet at a particular restaurant on a particular highway. I showed up...waited...saw the banquet hall with all it's decorations, slowly peeked at the itinerary of events for the evening and quickly discovered I was not the special guest for the night! I was attending the wrong banquet! I showed up at the wrong place!
What have you been showing up for that really has no eternal value or lasting impact?
Who have you left waiting in the wings that really needed you to just show up in their behalf?
When today's rolls are called over the events of today's eternal purposes, will you be able to say "present and accounted for"?
There's some things that simply require you to show up.
Aren't you glad I didn't quote Hebrew 10:25?

Wanna meet me here in he morning?
Sam

FORWARD - Jan. 6th, 2008

2008-01-05T21:03:00.000-06:00

Ever wonder why the windshield is so much bigger than the rear view mirror? I'm sure you haven't...It's obvious isn't it? The primary purpose for the vehicle is to go forward. If reverse were the main attraction, the rear view mirror would be rather large!
That's the way it ought to be with our lives. Forward should always be our primary purpose. One of the saddest verses about the reversal of progress is John 6:66. "From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with him no more." Hebrews 10:38 reveals how God feels about this tragic reversal of spiritual progress. "If anyone draws back, My souls has no pleasure in him."
Forward does require some honest effort on our part. Though it is within our spiritual DNA to keep moving forward, there are many adversaries. I'm reminded of the children of Israels first temptation to put it in reverse. The Red Sea was before them. The Egyptian armies were quickly approaching and at first obstacle they began to question and complain. As the spiritual forward gears began to grind, the Lord speaks to Moses to "tell the children of Israel to go forward." Of course we know the rest of that story.
Where are you today with your forward progress? Are you "pressing toward the goal" like Paul or have you simply slipped into neutral? Remember this important thought today. Neutral is only one step away from reverse! Some say, "I'll never draw back!" I'll never turn away!" They do however, many times, slip into spiritual neutral and slowly coast to a complete stop. If that happens to be you today, Allow me to boldly declare to you as did Moses to the children of Israel. "Go forward!" Get it in gear my friend. Fill your tanks this morning in church. (It is Sunday you know) Rev up your spiritual engine, get it in gear and "go forward".
Wanna meet me here in the morning?
Pressing Toward the Goal,
Sam

PRESSURE - Jan. 5th, 2008

2008-01-05T06:14:00.000-06:00

Pressure is a necessary & even vital part of life. It just has to be managed correctly. One of my early lessons on the values and dangers of pressure are my remembrances of the sights and mystical sounds of my mother cooking a roast in the "pressure cooker". My father taught me that not enough air pressure in your tires leads to worn tread. Worn tread can then lead to the premature pressure of purchasing new tires! Too much tire pressure is just as destructive. On a more serious note, our blood pressure is so important that medical minds call it a vital sign.
The problem the majority of America has is that we've allowed the pressures of life to get the best of us. Stress is killing us. In fact, the six top causes of death in our country are stress related. Because of all this negative and stressful news, I've coined a phrase to challenge us to a more balanced, stress free life. Here it is.
"Pressure is inevitable...Stress is resistible".
From a biblical perspective, it becomes apparent that this is no new phenomenon. Jesus taught us in Matthew 6 to not worry but "...seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness..."
Paul picked up on that in Philippians 4:6. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."
You see, pressure is inevitable. It's how we choose to handle it that makes us or breaks us.
Here's some power points to help you handle your pressure points.
Handle them with confidence.
Handle them with prayer.
Handle them with thanksgiving.
Handle them with joy.
Handle them with peace.
Handle them with help.
Handle them with focus.
Handle them with wisdom.
All the above mentioned "handles" are available to us 24/7 regardless of our pressure points. Get a firm grip. Stop rehearsing your fears and doubts. Stop allowing your pressure to handle you..You handle your pressure. This is one of the elemental secrets of not being stressed. Being proactive and not reactive.
"Pressure is Inevitable...Stress is Resistible". If you're chronically stressed, take time right now to write down five things you can do today to be proactive in getting a firm grip on the pressures of life. Once you write them down, then go do them. It's past time to take some positive action.
Don't you think it's time to stop being bullied around?
Wanna meet me here in the morning?
Sam

LISTEN - Jan. 4, 08

2008-01-01T06:14:00.004-06:00

We live in a noisy world. Right now as I sit in the comfort of my living room, the sound of a train rumbles in the distance, my cats are meowing for their morning meal, neighborhood dogs are barking, early morning traffic noises are on the rise and I even hear a faint siren in the distance.
Most of the time, we learn to tune out the multiplicity of sounds that do not pertain to us. Sometimes though, there are sounds mingled in the midst of all the hub bub of life that we better not miss.
A baby crying...
A horn honking...
A policeman's siren...
A preacher preaching... (you knew that was coming)
The Spirit of God speaking...
Yesterday I quoted Hebrews 4:7b. "...Today if you will hear His voice..." We can surmise quite a lot from these few words. Allow me to sermonically expound for a moment.
* God has something to say.
* God has something to say to you.
* God has something to say to you today.
* God has something to say to you today if you 're willing to hear.
This morning, let me encourage you to spend a little more time listening. Tune your spiritual ears to hear what the Spirit of God is saying to you. Here are some tips on tuning up your listening skills.
1. Read - He speaks through His written Word.
2. Worship - He inhabits the praises of His people.
3. Watch - He speaks through life experiences.
4. Relate - Many times He speaks through others.
5. Rest - It clears the spiritual atmosphere.
6. Expect - Faith opens the door.
7. Wait - Patience peels away self absorbed layers of our natural resistance.

Listening answers a lot of questions. Listening leads us out of the dark places. Listening allows us to learn new things. Listen...
Maybe you even heard something as you were reading this blog. Write it down. Ponder it a moment. It just might be the Spirit of God. You never know, if God can speak through a donkey, He might even be able to speak through me.
Wanna meet me here in the morning?
Sam

PROCRASTINATION - Jan. 3rd, 08

2008-01-01T06:14:00.003-06:00

Procrastination - "To put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness." This is one of life's biggest enemies to progress. We all procrastinate in some area of our lives. Here's a list of possibilities.
Mowing the lawn... (It's the back yard... Nobody but me sees!)
Fixing the garbage disposal... (don't ask)
Cleaning out the attic... (finally did it)
Studying for tests... (we all did that one)
Exercise...(don't wanna talk about it)
Here's the scary part about this somewhat benign list of probable procrastination tendencies. They usually bleed over into our spiritual pathway of progress. A tendency to procrastinate in one menial area invades more important areas of our lives. In fact, procrastination is ungodly. Ouch! You see, procrastination isn't found in the character of God so therefore it is ungodly. It's not within His nature to put something off that needs to be done today. Aren't you glad He didn't put off sending His Son into the world to save us from our sins?
When we procrastinate, we are actually undermining the purposes of God in our lives that He has planned for us today. We get out of sync with the plans and purposes that are designated in the heavenlies.
God is the God of "Today".
Hebrews 3:7a says, "Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: Today, if you will hear His voice..."
Verse 13 of that same chapter says, "But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today, lest any of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."
There are some opportunities that we'll never be able to recover tomorrow. They may only come our way today.
There are some people we will meet today. We may never see them again tomorrow.
There are some things that need to be done today. Tomorrow might be too late.
There are exhortations that need to be said today. They might not work well tomorrow.
There are some wrongs that need to be righted today. Tomorrow may be too little to late.
There are prayers that must be prayed today. Tomorrow has it's own prayer list.
Ephesians 5:16 instructs us to "Redeem the time, because the days are evil."
David asks God in Psalms 90:12 to "teach us to number our days, that we might gain a heart of wisdom."
Procrastination really is ungodly.
Wanna meet me here in the morning? I have to go mow the yard.
Sam

DEPOSIT - Jan. 2, 2008

2008-01-01T06:14:00.002-06:00

Ever forget to make the deposit? You have every intention to stop at the bank on your way home or during your lunch hour but for one reason or another you get distracted and forget. Of course the next day or two you go about your business doing "business" and before you know it, financial confusion erupts! You then learn the value of actually making the deposit.
In 2 Timothy 1:12, Paul made this confident statement. "...for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day."
Committed means deposited, totally entrusted. Paul understood that until there's an actual deposit there can be no withdrawal. On any level this is true.
With our family
With our job
With our friends
With our church
I guess the mercy of God might allow us to "run in the red" for a season. Thank God for His mercy but the best thing for everyone is to begin making those spiritual deposits everyday.
Many live life on the constant edge of spiritual bankruptcy. They come to church week after week for the purpose of making a withdrawal. After a while, their spiritual reserve begins to deplete and never knowing the importance of sowing to the Spirit on a daily basis.
Don't "run in the red" spiritually in 2008. Not only for your sake. Read 2 Timothy 2:2. "And the things you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit (there's that word again) these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." We must have a full tank spiritually for the sake of others around us. That's what it's all about anyway. Don't enter this new year in the red. It's time to begin making a serious investment into your spiritual bank account. Somebody you meet today, will really appreciate it. Hopefully I was able to drop some change into your account today but don't forget to make your own deposit.
Pressing Toward The Goal,
Sam

CHANGE - Jan. 1, 2008

2008-01-01T06:14:00.001-06:00

I actually woke up this morning thinking these thoughts...
"If you only go where you've always gone, you'll always only be where you've always been."
"If you only sow what you've always sown, you will only reap what you've always reaped"
"If you only lead how you've always led, they will only follow how they've always followed."
"If you only think the way you've always thought, you will always...not sure what to put here...
I think you get the picture.
You could probably make up one now that applies to your life. My immediate unskilled assumpion (I know we all have to be careful assuming things) is that God was encouraging me this morning to be willing to change some things in my life in this coming year. Remembering the root meaning of repentance, led me a little further. "Metanoia" means basically a change in the way you think. Some call it a 180 degree turn. Where does the motivation to make that turn come from? A change in the way we think!
So for me in 2008, I guess some things are going to have to change. How about you?
How can we initiate change? We have to change the way we think about things. Maybe it's time to rethink your thoughts about what you think about.
Wanna meet me here in the morning?
Pressing Toward the Goal,
Sam
p.s. - Jer. 29:11 tells us that we are on God's mind. Go read it and learn what He's thinking about you right now!

Jan. 31st - Price

2007-01-31T07:12:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the last day of the month. As you know, I made a commitment to begin the year with a month of early morning prayer every day from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Though my trip to San Antonio threw me out of sync a little, I managed to pray and blog every morning. As I complete my commitment today, I am really glad to be able to share with you that the price I paid was certainly worth the return. There's always a price. Though salvation is free, there was still a price. I trust you will be willing to invest this year into your spiritual walk with God. I can tell you for a fact, that whatever you invest in time and effort, it will pay a huge return into your spiritual bank account.
Speaking of "PRICE", allow me to share a little end of the month review. Throughout January, I have been preaching on "Prepare Thy Chariot - Readying Your House for the Abundance of God". During this series, I shared five important principles of preparation from 1 Kings 17 & 18. Here they are in the order I shared them.
1. EXPECTATION
2. INTERCESSION
3. CONFRONTATION
4. REVELATION
5. PRIORITIZATION
As I finished up last Sunday, I realized that a minor rearrangement of the topics reveal the acrostic P.R.I.C.E. This is the "price" we must pay for the abundance of God to be released in and through us. As we "prioritize" our world and posture ourselves before God to receive "revelation", we then can begin "interceding" for God's plan, all the while "confronting" the many hindrances that face us, "expecting" all the while that our Father God is taking real good care of us in the process!
So there you go. If you desire to be a vessel that God's abundance flows through in 2007, you better get busy and pay the price. The return on your investment will be priceless!

So concludes http://www.pastorsamsprayerblog.blogspot.com/
I'm sure I'll meet you here in the blog world again real soon. I have really enjoyed writing these daily devotions. Thanks for reading.

Till All Have Heard,
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 31
Matthew 5,6,7

Quote of the Day: - "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." -Walt Disney

Jan. 30th - Focus

2007-01-30T07:33:00.000-06:00

When I was a kid, we would order little "trinkets" and "do dads" off of the back of cereal boxes. It always took way too much time. Six to eight weeks was an eternity! Upon the much anticipated arrival day, they never looked as cool as they did on the back of the Cheerios box. One long awaited item taught me a valuable lesson though so I guess it was all worth it. I received a little plastic magnifying glass. Not only was it very cool to see things up really close but I learned fairly quickly that under the right circumstances and with just the right angle and distance, I could set things on fire!
That my friend is the power of focus. A little kid can take a plastic toy and transform a 72 degree sun ray into something so hot it would set his homework on fire!
Now let's take that power principle and transform it into something a little more productive.
Focusing your life onto God's eternal purposes is a powerful life changing event. It releases supernatural power in your behalf.
The power of focus works on all fronts. It works at home, at school, at work and even at play. I can't tell you how many times while fishing, I missed a fish because I lost focus.
Psalm 17:8 reveals an important area of focus for all of us. David said, "Keep me as the apple of your eye". Two truths come to the forefront here.
1. God is focused on us! One line in the the old hymn "His Eye is on the Sparrow" says, "His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me."
2. "Apple" means "little man". David wanted to be so close to God that he saw the "little man", that is his very own reflection, in God's eyes. Try this out on someone today. See how close you have to get before you see yourself in their eyes. You'll have to get really close and personal so make sure it's a friend!
So with that in mind, what's the focus of your life today? Is life a bit fuzzy and out of focus? It may be time to fine tune your focus in life. If not, everything will continue to come out blurry.

Finally, aren't you glad you didn't have to order this truth off the back of the cheerios box and wait six to eight weeks for delivery? I delivered it right to your hearts door.
So get busy and get focused.

Meet you hear in the morning,
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 30
Psalm 1

Quote of the Day: "Even if your on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." - Will Rogers

Jan. 29th - Alignment

2007-01-29T07:21:00.000-06:00

Our entire universe revolves around he principle of alignment. All the planets have a definitive orbit aligned down to milliseconds. If one element of our solar system were to fall out of alignment it would create a chain reaction of cataclysmic purportions.
Alignment is an important element of life even for your car. If your front suspension is not aligned properly, tires wear out prematurely and not only cause a pain in your wallet but if you don't catch the problem quickly, a pain in your head as it hits the dashboard. Alignment is an important element of life.
Allow me to re visit Sunday mornings message for a moment.
1 Kings 18:36-39 reveals four principles of realignment. The Children of Israel were out of alignment in their relationship with Jehovah God. God used Elijah to get them re aligned.

1. Altar Adjustment - The people had torn down the altar of God. The place of sacrifice. The place of payment for sin. The place of meeting with God.

2. Authority Adjustment - Elijah boldly declared, "Let it be known that you are God in Israel..."

3. Allegiance Adjustment - The prophet proclaimed his undivided allegiance to Jehovah God and boldly declared, "I am your servant". After the fire fell, the people humbly proclaimed, "The Lord He is God, The Lord He is God".

4. Another Adjustment - Elijah reveals the purpose of God when he prays, "Hear me O Lord, hear me, that the people may know that you are the Lord God and that You have turned their hearts back to you again." Life is really all about another!

Do you need an adjustment this morning? Get back to the "Altar". Get back under the "Authority" of God. Boldly declare your "Allegiance" to Him. Place "Another" as a high priority of life.

Meet you here in the morning,
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 29
1 Timothy

Quote of the Day: "The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind." - William James (1842-1910)

Jan. 28th - Friendship

2007-01-28T06:56:00.000-06:00

Yesterday evening I performed a wedding for the son of some long time friends. Because of my needing to get back for the services this morning, He sent another of our long time friends who is also a pilot, down in the company plane to pick me up. It was kind of an adventure. It was also pretty cool to be considered important enough to have someone send the company plane for you. Above all that, being able to turn a solo twelve hour round trip car ride into a two hour travel time was pretty cool as well. With a tail wind, we were scooting along at well over 200 miles per hour!
Anyway, friendship is a powerful thing. The Bible says a lot about friends. I know one thing for sure. I'm glad Beverly and I have them. They're scattered all over the world. They're preachers, missionaries, inventors, contractors, musicians, and a multitude of other things but more importantly they are our friends.
Allow me to share one thought. "And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them and he had called together his relatives and close friends." (Acts 10:24)
The context makes this seemingly mundane scripture come to life. You see, Cornelius, his family and "close friends" are the first Gentiles to receive the gospel of grace and be filled with the Holy Spirit. It happened because of Cornelius and his strong hunger for God. Who did he invite? Family and "close friends". That's what real friends do.
You may not be old enough yet to have too many "close friends". Let me encourage you to keep at it. Keep building friends for life. Keep investing in others. They become more and more valuable as time goes by.
Oh and by the way, most of our close friendships were developed within the context of the family of faith. Be a real friend and invite your "close friends" to church. It may change their life.

Meet you here in the morning,
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 28
Acts 10

Quote of the Day: 'You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you." - Dale Carnegie

Jan. 27th - Priority

2007-01-27T07:58:00.000-06:00

"An established right to precedence". What are the priorities in your world? What has "an established right to precedence" at your house? What or who is at the top of your prioritized picking order?
It's important to prioritize. It's a valuable methodology of productive living. The process could be somewhat painful though. You see, in order to prioritize properly, you must take an open and honest snapshot of all that takes up your time and energy. It all has to be laid out on the table for honest analysis and from a spiritual perspective, it all has to be submitted to the One who is supposed to have the ultimate "established right to precedence" in our lives.
It's called lordship and it really is true that "if He's not Lord of all, He's not Lord at all."
My friend Ron Hammonds has an unsettling but valid insight to God's purpose and plan for our lives. He says, "God has a plan... He will succeed...Even if it costs Him your life". Paul shared the first principle of priority we all need to implement. "I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service." (Romans 12:1)
That's really where the process of priority begins. Jesus did it. Read Matthew 26:39. "...nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." God's plan cost Jesus His life. What are you willing to give up to get God's eternal priorities properly aligned within your world?
It begins at the altar of sacrifice. The reality is this. He created us and He's the one who has the "established right to precedence" over us. We're His top priority.

Meet you here in the morning,
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 27
Romans 10-12

Quote of the Day: "God has a plan. He will succeed even if it costs Him your life." - Dr. Ron Hammonds

Jan. 26th - Excuses

2007-01-26T07:57:00.000-06:00

Flip Wilson had the greatest of one line excuses. Knowing who Flip Wilson is requires you to be at least 50 years old. Flip was a cross dressing comic. That was funny back then! No matter what the problem, he would always say, "The devil made me do it". That line permeated our culture for a season and we all used the devil as our excuse for the inconsistencies and weaknesses in our lives.
Let's go back to the garden. The serpent tempts Eve and she falls for his lie and partakes. Sin enters into the human race. Adam and Eve hide from God. God, of course, finds them.
Adams excuse was, "The woman you gave to be with me, she gave to me of the tree and I ate."
Eves excuse was, "The serpent deceived me and I ate".
The only one without an excuse was the serpent. Of course we know why. He didn't have a leg to stand on!
Ever since Adam and Eve, God's people have had some great excuses. One of the greatest excuse makers of all time was Moses. That's right, Moses. The great deliverer. Read Exodus 3 & 4 and you will see some whoppers!
Anyway, we come from a great line of excuse makers. There always seems to be some "valid" reason we don't fulfill all that God has for us. This year, I want to be a man of no excuses. I want to own up to the responsibilities and purposes that He has for me. We need to have the heart of Mary who said, "Be it unto me according to thy word".

What's your excuse?

Meet you here in the morning,
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 26
Exodus 3 & 4
1 Timothy 4

Quote of the day: "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." - Walt Disney

Jan.25th - Comeback

2007-01-25T07:45:00.000-06:00

"Former heavyweight champion Rocky Balboa steps out of retirement and back into the ring, pitting himself against a new rival decades after his initial glory." Rocky is making a comeback! I haven't seen the movie yet but I'm sure this is the cinematic comeback of the century! How old is Rocky by now, 80?
I love people who "come back" against overwhelming odds. Martha Stewart and Tour de France winner and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong are the 21st century's reigning king and queen of the comeback.
The Bible is filled with stories of great people who made a "comeback" after others had discounted them. Some made a "comeback" after great moral or spiritual failures.
Moses made a "comeback".
Because of disobedience, he couldn't enter the earthly promised land ; however, we find him on the Mt. of Transfiguration with Jesus.
Elijah made "comeback".
After fleeing from Jezebel, He got back on track and we find him on Mt. T as well.
Daniel made a "comeback". Remember the lions den?
Nebuchadnezzer made a "come back". Read Daniel 4 & 5
Jonah made a "comeback".
Peter made a "comeback". Remember his denial then Pentecost?
Jesus made the ultimate "comeback"! "Up from the grave He arose with a mighty triumph ore His foes!" Now that's a comeback!

We serve the God of the "comeback". And oh yes...He's going to make another "comeback" again real soon!

Meet you here in the morning,
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 25
Matthew 24

Quote of the Day: "All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you. " - Walt Disney

Jan. 24th - Regret

2007-01-24T08:28:00.000-06:00

Time is a priceless commodity. Once you spend it, you can never get it back. Have you ever purchased something then realized you didn't really need it or want it. So you took it back. Hopefully they gave you your money back. You can't do that with time. Once it's been spent, it is logged down into history as your past. This is where many get trapped. They can't seem to get past the past.
That's why regret is such an antagonist. Paul had a lot to regret in his past. Somehow though, he got past his past. Philippians 3:13 & 14 log in some fresh perspective about how to do it. "...forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
So, with that in mind...
Forget about it.
Don't look back.
Forget about it.
Look forward.
Forget about it.
Press forward.
Forget about it.
Get a vision
Forget about it.
Regret is a spoiler of destiny. Regret robs hope. Regret paralyzes purpose. Regret sabotages relationships. Regret poisons potential. Regret uproots joy.
Paul also taught us to "redeem the time for the days are evil". (Ephesians 4:16)
You can only do that today.

Meet you here in the morning,

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 24
Philippians 3

Quote of the Day: "Many of life's failures are people who didn't realize how close they were to success when they gave up." - Thomas Edison

Jan. 23rd - Resolve

2007-01-23T07:26:00.000-06:00

Resolve - "to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine". I remember growing up in the Baptist church singing a song about resolve.
"I am resolved no longer to linger charmed by the worlds delight.
Things that are higher, things that are nobler, these shall allure my sight."
A definite and earnest decisiveness and determined attitude is certainly a nobler and much prized commodity in today's culture. It's a shame that resolve has been raised to a noble quality. It should be in our DNA.
Our forefathers were resolved. That's what brought them to our shores. Because of their resolve in the pursuit of freedom from England's dominion, they paid whatever price to keep what they worked so hard to obtain.
This tenacious attitude has been around a lot longer than 1776. I think of a man by the name of Shammah. His resolve is revealed in 2 Samuel 23:8-12. He was one of Davids "mighty men".
He stood all alone in a field of lintels and "stationed himself in the middle of the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. So the Lord brought about a great victory."
It's interesting to note that Shammah's "close friends" felt led to leave the lentils. "...so the people fled from the Philistines." They must have missed David's four part sermon series on "The Rewards of Resolve"!
Not Shammah. He stationed himself all by himself in the midst of the field. Now that's resolve.
You might ask, "Why would a bean patch be worth risking your life for?" What we need to understand is this, "If you give an inch, they will take a mile". In other words, if you let down your resolve in what some might say insignificant and unimportant arenas, you'll eventually compromise in other areas of more importance. You'll give up ground.
Have you given up any ground lately?
Have you compromised your field with Philistine influence?
Have you allowed others lack of resolve to infect your inner territory of determination and tenacity?
It's time to take a stand.
It's time to station ourselves.
It's time to take back what you've forfeited.
It's time for some resolve!
God blesses righteous resolve. May it be said in behalf of all who read this today and chose to station themselves with an attitude of righteous resolve in the field of God's choosing...
"So the Lord brought about a great victory".

Meet you here in the morning,
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 23
2 Timothy 4

Quote of the Day: "Every man dies, not every man really lives." - William Wallace

Jan. 22nd - Addition

2007-01-22T07:48:00.000-06:00

Learning to add is one of the first mathematical lessons we learn as kids...1+1=2...2+2=4...It's an important and foundational element of all of our learning. A whole lot of life is based upon our ability to add. Not only from a mathematical perspective but from a creative perspective. Saturday I made "Maw Maws Peanut Brittle". Believe me the art of addition is key to successful brittle. Of course what to add is vital and when to add it is equally (another math illustration) important as well. There is one moment in the culinary creative process of cooking good peanut brittle that can not be adequately communicated in a recipe. The last few moments on the stove can only determined by experience. The window of opportunity between burning the brittle and success is fairly small. It's and issue of timing based upon experiential knowledge. I was successful and got a thumbs up from the whole household.
I know this sounds a little corny but what's cooking in your life today? What is God endeavoring to create within you? His success depends upon your cooperation. Your willingness to get involved in the process. Though my peanuts were not agents of free will choice, they were definitely involved in the process!
2 Peter 1:1-10 gives a great recipe for all of our lives. Read it through closely. There's a list of ingredients we need to "add" into our lives.
Faith
Diligence
Virtue
Knowledge
Self Control
Perseverance
Godliness
Brotherly Kindness
Love
If we add these all important ingredients into what God is cooking up within us, we'll get the all important "thumbs up" as well.
I love Peters finished product. "For if these things are yours and abound, you will neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:8)
One final thought...
When we begin to "add", God will begin to "multiply". (Heb. 6:14)

Meet you here in the morning,
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 22
2 Peter 1

Quote of the Day: "Courage is being scared to death - but saddling up anyway" - John Wayne

Jan. 21st - Family

2007-01-20T22:13:00.000-06:00

Families are under fire. Undoubtedly you or someone close to you have had major issues within the family. Divorce continues to destroy the family unit. Strife within and strife without. Immorality and covenant breaking is common even within the family of God. Young men & women are entering adulthood with flawed perspectives and faltering foundations. It's heartbreaking to me. It doesn't have to be that that way.
I'm so thankful for my family as well as the family of faith that God has so graciously given to me. I'm a blessed man. What did I do to deserve such a blessed life? Well I do give God all the glory but let me share a few one liners that I think conspired together with the mercy of God to allow me to be so blessed.
- Strong parental leadership.
- Good family fun.
- Consistent spiritual influence.
- Development of great friends.
- Strong loving discipline.
- Good parents on both sides of the family.
- Strong local church support.
- Family involvement in ministry.
- Good communication with kids.
- Good attitudes
- Kids camp & youth camp.
- A small tight knit community.
These aren't requirements, just some building blocks that have helped Beverly and me stay married now for over 28 years and raise three wonderful children who have grown up to be healthy God fearing, church going adults. I'm a blessed man.
We all met over at Staci's house last night and played games. I came in last...I lost the game...but I left feeling like I'd won the lottery. I'm a blessed man.

Meet you here in the morning,
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 21
Ephesians 5

Quote of the day: "If you can give your son or daughter only one gift, let it be enthusiasm." - Bruce Barton

-

Jan. 20th - Revelation

2007-01-20T07:53:00.000-06:00

What comes to mind when you think about "revelation"? The end times? The anti christ? The judgment of God? The Tribulation? The mark of the beast? I remember as a young boy going to church and watching a movie about all that. It really scared me! The image of a falling guillotine is still permanently emblazoned on my memory!
But rest at ease this Saturday morning. My thoughts on "revelation" have to do with spiritual insight. When you read the writings of Paul, you'll discover he...
Spoke by revelation
Traveled by revelation
Learned by revelation
He lived his life walking in the revelation of God for his life. We have it a bit easier than he did. We have the Word of God which is God's revelation to us. The "logos" or written word is "inspired" by God and has the ability to...
Teach us
Direct us
Heal us
Free us
Empower us
Etc...
If all we had was the "Logos" we could successfully fulfill God's plan and purpose; however, we have more. We have the "Rhema" or spoken word of God available to us as well. The "Rhema" will never contradict but only compliment the "Logos". They work together to confirm and complete you.
God wants to speak to each of us every day. We need His "Logos" and His "Rhema" .
Proverbs 29:18 says, "Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law." We see them both operating within this verse.
We need them both.

Meet you in the Morning,
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 20
1 John

Quote of the day: "Live in such a way that you would not be afraid to sell your parrot to the town gossip." - Will Rogers

Website of the day: www.quotationspage.com

Jan. 19th - Position

2007-01-19T07:10:00.000-06:00

With the NFL playoffs in full swing, I still have a window of opportunity to draw on some gridiron illustrations. In the game of football, every player has a "position". Within that position, comes defined duties & responsibilities that interact and cooperate with the bigger and more important team dynamic. If one player gets out of position then the entire team has to compensate and flex and most of the time with minimal results. It takes the entire team, all of which are operating properly within the scope of their defined duties and responsibilities, to be successful.
It's no different in families. It's no different in business. It's no different in government. It's no different in churches. We see this all the time when a volunteer misses their designated duty and fails to inform. The missing link throws the entire team into a state of flex and shift with many people having to function outside of their designated realm of responsibility. Needless to say, productivity goes way down!
The Bible teaches the importance of "position."
We must be positioned "in Christ" - (Ephesians 2:6 & 364 other places!)
We must be positioned "in families" - (Psalm 68:6)
We must be positioned "in love" - (Ephesians 3:17)
We must be positioned "in faith" - ( Heb. 10:22)
We must be positioned "in prayer" - (Luke 6:12)
I could go on but allow me to round out this principle of position. Your position impacts your condition. Most people are frustrated with their condition but are totally out of place in their position. Until you get back in proper position, fulfilling your designated duties and responsibilities for the team, you'll never see much progress in changing your condition.
The biggest difference between us and the game of football is that life is not a game. The ramifications of a life lived out of position are far reaching and ultimately devastating.
Let's reposition ourselves this morning.

Meet you in the morning
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 19
Colossians

Quote of the day: - "Impressions have neither one thing nor the other to do with faith. Faith has to do with the Word of God. It is not impressions, strong or weak, which will make the difference. We have to do with the Written Word and not ourselves or our impressions." - George Mueller

Website of the day: http://withchrist.org/MJS/glchapters.htm

Jan. 18th - Pruning

2007-01-18T07:37:00.000-06:00

When I was in FFA, my AG teacher said, "When it doubt, cut it out". That was all I remember about our session on taking care of trees etc... Rhyming has a powerful effect!
"When it doubt, cut it out".
Jesus said, "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit". (John 15:2)
I'm not sure what "takes away" means but let's don't build a doctrine around it! The point of my thoughts this morning is "prunes". Not the fruit...the painful process of removal. Now before you get painfully nervous about painful pruning, let me ease your concerns a bit. Pruning is good for you!
Pruning promotes health.
Pruning promotes growth.
Pruning promotes strength.
Pruning promotes stability.
When it comes to God's pruning in our lives, we certainly should embrace the thought that He has our best interest in mind as well as His eternal purpose. When you read John 15, you will discover that His eternal purpose for you is to "bear much fruit" and for that fruit to "remain". That's His plan for you and when His plan begins to come to fruition, He is "glorified" and you are purified and sanctified by the pruning of God in your life.
Pruning removes the UNWILLING branches.
Pruning removes the UNHOLY branches.
Pruning removes the UNHEALTHY branches.
Pruning removes the UNNECESSARY branches.
Also remember that "every branch" that bears fruit will be pruned. If you don't want to be pruned then don't bear any fruit. Sit back and refuse if you want. You can then be one that He "takes away". Whatever than means...I certainly don't want to go there so my response to God this morning is "when in doubt cut it out".

Meet you here in the morning,
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 18
John 15

Quote of the Day: "When in doubt, cut it out" - Jack Cook

Web site of the day: http://mtvernon.wsu.edu/frt_hort/pruning_basics.htm

Jan. 17th - Test

2007-01-17T07:12:00.000-06:00

There's always a test. Our parents tested us. Our employers tested us. Our employers continue to test us. Our friends test us. Our family tests us. Our enemies REALLY test us. There's always a test.
Yesterday my youngest daughter Laura came into the office with a letter for me to read. "Out loud" she said. As I read the letter "out loud" in front of her mother, we were excited to read she had made the deans list for excellent academic achievement! Now that always makes a parent proud. Evidently she did good on her tests!
Oh yes, did I mention that our Heavenly Father tests us? Proverbs 17:3 says, "...the Lord tests the heart." This is a test of the internal attitudes and attributes of our inner man.
If today were test day, what would be your outcome? Would "flying colors" be a part of your verbose repertoire?
I think in reality that everyday is test day on some level. We have the choice to pass with "flying colors" or fail.
James said we should "count it all joy" on test day. Really? I don't remember that inner attitude rising to the top until test day was complete and I had passed!
Testing teaches us.
Testing trains us.
Testing proves us.
Testing empowers us.
Testing completes us.
Testing promotes us.
Allow me to put some words in your mouth today. Here they are....
"It's only a test".
Go ahead and say it..."It's only a test".
Say it "out loud"..."It's only a test!"
Let's take it a step further. Feeling bold? Smile when you say it "out loud". "It's only a test!"
Before you know it, you'll be shoutin and dancin!

"It's only a test"...
Meet you in the morning,
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 17
James (yes the entire book!)

Quote of the day: "It's only a test." - Me

Web site of the day: http://www.dallasmavericks.com/ Go Mavs!

Jan. 16th - Attitudes

2007-01-16T07:17:00.000-06:00

I talk a lot about "attitude". Paul the Apostle talked a lot about attitude as well. Bad attitudes are like bad apples... they spoil the good ones. It's impossible to compartmentalize your attitudes. They all mix and mingle and if you have a bad one, it eventually infects the rest, then they are team up together to infect someone else. Bad attitudes are definitely contagious.
Godly people can develop unhealthy attitudes. Elijah developed one that was almost terminal. His bad attitude was built upon a falsehood. He believed he was the only one in Israel who had not bowed the knee to Baal. He believed the entire nation of Israel had rejected Jehovah for Jezebels Baal. As a result of his pity party point of view, Jezebels threats pressed him to run and hide like a scared rabbit. God eventually tracks him down and asks, "What are you doing here Elijah?"
1 Kings 18:22 - "...I alone am left a prophet of the Lord..."
1 Kings 19:10 - "...I alone am left..."
1 Kings 19:14 - "...I alone am left..."
Of course, this wasn't true. Here's God's response to his flawed perspective.
1 Kings 19:18 - "Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all who's knees have not bowed to Baal..."
You see, perceptions become assumptions and assumptions become beliefs. These false beliefs develop our attitudes and our attitudes determine our actions and our actions determine our futures and our...
I think you see how these unhealthy attitudes are so harmful. If you're "sportin a tude" this morning let me strongly encourage you to dethrone it ASAP!
Here's some thoughts...
Get to the root of your rotten attitude.
* Helpful Hint - It's probably selfish in nature.
Attack it with massive doses of Gods Word - the real truth.
Confess your fault to God.
Repent to anyone you may have infected.
Proactively develop good attitudes to replace the bad ones.
(good attitudes are contagious too!)
Go help somebody that needs it.
Get back on course with your life purpose.
Refuse to allow yourself to be infected again.
Stay away from others who carry them.
Hang around those who have healthy attitudes.
*Helpful Hint - You'll find them selflessly serving others.

Be blessed today & meet you here in the morning.
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 16
Colossians (Yes the entire book!)

Quote of the Day: "There is always room for one more servant. The small area in the spotlight can get a bit crowded, but there is always room in the shadows for the person who is eager to serve." - Leroy Eims

Jan. 15th - Half Time

2007-01-15T07:39:00.000-06:00

We're already half way through January. This morning I began my third week of rising early and praying for an hour. I got to thinking that this may be a first for me. Though I have been fairly consistent in my prayer life throughout the past 25 plus years, I can't remember any stretch of time longer than five days where I got up early to meet the Lord in prayer. Needless to say, it has been hugely rewarding. I am beginning to experience the joys of prayer & praise afresh and anew in my heart. I'm sensing some breakthroughs as well. Momentum seems to be building in my spirit. I guess the real challenge will come when January comes to a close and my month of committed early morning prayer officially is completed. My prayer is that I will have arrived at another level of discipline in my spiritual walk.
Today is half time for me. I'm half way through my month of commitment. With the playoffs in full swing, I couldn't resist using a football illustration. Half time is hugely important to the game. Half time provides an opportunity to:
Rest
Rehearse
Review
Renew
Realign
Regroup
Regain
Refocus
Re... you get the idea.
Ten years ago as I was turning 40, I came to the realization that I was in the half time of my life. I picked a few of the above mentioned "re" words and applied them in my life and "low and behold" I ended up in Beaumont Texas pastoring Church on the Rock North!
Half times are important. I think everyday needs a half time.
Here's one word of warning. If all you do is take a break at half time, you will probably get out scored in the second half. The momentum you had going into half time will be lost. The tenacity you had will be diminished.
So this morning I'm picking a few of these "re" words and entering into the second half of my month of early morning prayer and blogging commitment with a fresh anointing & focused attitude. I'm going to keep the momentum of God building in my life.

"I hear the sound of the abundance of rain".
"Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world."
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
"And My God shall supply all my needs according to his riches in glory."
"This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

I'm running back on the field... The crowd is cheering... The band is playing...
Now that's corny if you've never done it. However, if you've ever had the opportunity to experience it, you know exactly what I mean.
"Therefore we also since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Romans 12:1)
Do you hear this "great cloud of witnesses" cheering you on this morning?

Meet you in the morning,
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 15
Romans 12

Quote of the day: "Ultimately we are doing what we do for one of two reasons: to serve ourselves or to serve God." - Bob Biehl

Funny thought of the day:
When I spell checked the text above, the word "pastoring" came up as misspelled. The option was "pestering". Now that's funny! I ended up "pestering Church on the Rock North". Some might think so.

Jan. 14th - Ambivalence

2007-01-13T20:18:00.000-06:00

Ambivalence - "Uncertainty or fluctuation, esp. when caused by inability to make a choice or by a simultaneous desire to say or do two opposite or conflicting things, uncertainty or indecisiveness as to which course to follow".
Have you ever felt ambivalent about something? We all have. Uncertainty; however, is not a licence to procrastinate in making decisions.
One of my pet peeves is ambivalence. Of course I've always called it being wishy washy and from what I can see, God's isn't such a big fan of ambivalence either. Being "cold or hot" rather than lukewarm comes to mind here. He certainly doesn't want us to be ambivalent toward Him. Joshua 24:15 reveals the heart of the matter. "...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve..."

Ambivalence produces instability. James 1:8 says a double minded man is "unstable in all his ways."
Ambivalence produces paralysis. (read 1 Kings 18:21)
Ambivalence produces procrastination. (Joshua 24:5 -"...this day...")
Ambivalence produces frustration.
Ambivalence produces insecurity.

Today would be a great day to break free from the ambivalent attitudes that haunt us...well maybe tomorrow would be better...what do you think? Should we flip a coin? Heads today, tails tomorrow...

Meet you in the morning,
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 15

Quote of the day: "Move fast with reversible decisions - Move less fast with irreversible decisions." Richard S. Sloma

Jan. 13 - Habits

2007-01-13T07:25:00.000-06:00

I woke up this morning at 5:45 a.m. No alarm clock... No external source... I just woke up. Why? It's just a habit I guess. I don't know if it's the fact that I'm now fifty or the fact that it has been my long term commitment to get up and meet the Lord at the place of prayer. My wife says I'm a "morning person". Some people do need more sleep than others so I guess if they want to be a morning person like me, they need to go to bed earlier. Anyway, it's not my intent to discuss sleep habits.
Habits can be good and they can be bad. What are some of your bad habits? Got any? Care to list them? Wanna post them on this blog for all the world to see? I'm sure you don't.
Do you want to break your bad habits? Hopefully you do. Most people do.
Here's some thoughts.

Focus on a good habit you have and strengthen it.
Focus on adding another good habit to develop.
Spend a good amount of time developing it.
Think good thoughts.
Do good things.
Share good things with others.
Hang around good people.
Read good things.
Do all these good things for 30 days.

Romans 12:21 says, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Now that wasn't rocket science! It just takes action on our part. You see, a long, long, long, long, long, long time ago, I took some action. I got up early! Then I did it again and again...

Meet you in the morning,
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 13
Romans 12

Quote of the day: - "If you don't find God in the morning, you'll be searching for Him by the afternoon." - Unknown ( maybe I made it up...can't remember...)

Website of the day: www.e-sword.com

Jan 12th - Strongholds

2007-01-12T07:27:00.000-06:00

When I was a little boy, we had to be creative with our entertainment. There were no video games or Internet to surf and on a good night only three TV channels to watch and if Gunsmoke was on you were out of luck. So to entertain ourselves for hours on end, we would build clubhouses, play "army", or even "Cowboys and Indians". One of the more favorite games that required no costumes or sticks that looked like machine guns or extra lumber, was "King on the Mountain". All it required was a small hill and a lot of tenacity. We would come home worn out and dirty from top to bottom. It was fun though. I remember vividly the absolute joy of being able, if for only a moment, to actually be the "king". You see, I was the smallest and youngest of three brothers. Needless to say, I got thrown around quite a bit.
There are many influences in our lives that always press to be "King on the Mountain". Some are more seductive than others but all seem to have one thing in mind. They want to be king!
Your flesh wants to be king.
Your will wants to be king.
Your mind wants to be king.
The devil wants to be king.
Paul understood this very well. He realized that our greatest battles are of a spiritual nature. 2 Corinthians 10:1-5 has a wellspring of insight about overthrowing unwelcome "kings" in our lives. We learn that...

Our battles are spiritual.
Our weapons are powerful.
Our battles are mostly internal.

When we pull down strongholds, we're literally pulling down "castles in the mind". That's what the word "strongholds" means. Sometimes the way we think is our greatest enemy. Sometimes we believe things that are not true.

Elijah believed he was the last man standing up for God. It wasn't true.
Anorexic people believe they are fat. It's not true.
Depressed people believe there is no hope. It's not true.

Do you have a false belief about you or your circumstances that keeps screaming "I want to be king"?
Jesus taught us in Matthew 6 who needs to have free reign in our lives every day. "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." He's the only influence that has a right to be King in our lives. Your internal enemies may seem too big for you to tackle but believe me, when you get the victory through using the spiritual weaponry that God has mightily supplied, you will experience what I got a taste of years ago. Absolute joy.

Meet you in the morning,
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 12
2 Cor. 10:1-5

Quote of the Day: "The eagle that soars in the upper air does not worry itself how it is to cross rivers." - Gladys Aylward

Jan. 11th - Stay!

2007-01-11T07:24:00.000-06:00

Training your dog to fetch is not such a hard thing. Most dogs are more than willing to run and play with their masters. Our little dachshund Harlee is the master of fetch! The problem is the next level. STAY! "Stay" goes against her nature. Everything she has learned up until this point is full speed ahead. When you throw her toy into the other room and instruct her to "Go get your toy", she knows before you even say the words what she is going to do! However, when I throw her toy into the other room and instruct her to "stay", well that's another story all together.

Jesus wants us to "Fetch".
Now before you get too offended by me using a dog illustration, you better read Matthew 15:26 where Jesus refers to the Gentiles as dogs! I'm in good company here so follow along. Jesus taught us to "Go into all the world..." (Matt. 28:19,20)
I think the big secret in fulfilling this command is first learning to "stay". If we get "Stay" down good, "Go" won't be a problem either. Some people try to "Go" before they learn to "Stay".
Jesus taught us in John 15 to "abide" in Him. This red lettered word of instruction is the equivalent of "Stay".

Abide in Him.
Let Him abide in you.
Let His Word abide in you.

When you read the first eight verses of John 15, you'll also learn that not obeying the masters instruction to "Stay" has some unsettling consequences. I'll let you figure out what "takes away" and "cast out" mean.

Once we learn to "Stay", that is abide in Him, the global instruction to "Go" is much easier also. We'll become real God glorifying disciples who "bear much fruit". That's what "Go" is all about.
Can you hear your Masters voice today? If not, you may not have mastered His command to "Stay".

Meet you here in the morning,
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 11
John 15

Quote of the Day: "One truly finds his or her life only in laying it down for Christ and the gospel." - Dr. David Shibley

Jan. 10th - Ask

2007-01-10T07:30:00.000-06:00

Have you ever been afraid to ask? "Mom, can I spend the night at Johnnys house?" "Dad, can I borrow the car?" "Boss, can I have the day off?" "Honey, can I go fishing with the guys?"
What's the obvious root of these apprehensions? Well more than likely it's fear of hearing an unfavorable response. Someone once said, "It's always better to ask forgiveness than ask permission". I've used this "bit of advice" before and I can't officially recommend it. I've learned that asking is normally the best option.
With that in mind, why are we afraid to ask God things? Are we afraid of an unfavorable response? Why would that be? Is it because we know our motives in asking are somewhat self serving? We do need right motives in our asking. James teaches us that but let's not throw the baby out with the bath water. There certainly is a strong Biblical precedent for asking.

1 Chronicles 4:10 - "...Oh that you would bless me indeed...So God granted him what he requested."
Psalm 1:8 - "Ask of Me and I will give you the nations for your inheritance..."
Matthew 7: 7-11b - "Ask, and it will be given to you...how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him."
James 4:2 - "...you do not have because you do not ask."

I could go on but I think you may be getting the idea. God wants us to ask. We teach this to our children. It's respectful to ask. It's better to ask. It's beneficial to ask. You certainly don't want to get caught with your proverbial "hand in the cookie jar" do you? So what are you afraid of? What will it hurt to ask? Someone told me that most of the time you'll hear one of three responses. Yes...No...Wait...
I have one more. You may not hear anything. What happens when God is silent? It only means He isn't ready to answer you yet. That means you have a biblical requirement to keep on asking. In fact, the greek phrasing in Matt. 7:7 is "Ask and keep on asking".

For what it's worth, I've never been chastised by God for asking.

See you in the morning,
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 10
Matthew 7

Quote of the Day:
"A sucessful man is the one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him." - David Brinkley

Jan. 9th - Practice

2007-01-09T07:16:00.000-06:00

I'm sure you've heard the saying "Practice what you preach". Well this morning I did just that. I put into practice what I preached Sunday. I believed what I preached about prayer so much that I applied it in my own life. I put it into practice.
Allow me to say it this way. Your beliefs affect your behavior. If you believe your house is on fire, it will affect your behavior! People do radical things based upon belief. Ferdinand Magellan's attempt at sailing around the world was radical behavior. Why? Because everybody else believed the world was flat! Not Magellan. He believed the world was round.
People act on false beliefs to. Elijah was a man of great prophetic power and spiritual influence. Read 1 Kings 17 & 18.
He raised a little boy from the dead.
He called down fire from heaven.
He slew 450 prophets of Baal.
He believed some things about God and His eternal purpose that affected his behavior.
However, he also believed something about himself that was not true. 1 Kings 18:22 reveals his false belief.
"Then Elijah said to the people, 'I alone am left a prophet of the Lord...'" He believed he was the last man standing up for God. This false belief greatly affected his behavior when Jezebel threatened his life. Read 1 Kings 19 and you will discover...
He ran!
He hid!
He quit!
He whined!
He wanted to die!
He rehearsed his false belief to God!
Verse 18 reveals the real truth. God speaks to him and says, "Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal..."

How is your belief affecting your behavior? Do you believe some things that are really not true? I know what your thinking... How would I know? It's inevitable. Your behavior is an indicator of your belief.
Do you really believe God answers prayer?

I do. I'm practicing what I'm preaching this morning. I'm raising my sails! I'm on a faith journey to discover new territory at the place of prayer. Jeremiah 33:3 says, "Call unto Me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know."

See you in the morning,
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 9
1 Kings 19

Quote of the day:
"Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities...because it is the quality which guarantees all others." - Winston Churchill

Jan. 8th - Words

2007-01-08T07:16:00.000-06:00

"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me". It would be nice if that were true. It never has been with me. If your emotional and spiritual makeup allows you to have some form of mystical elephant hide that guards you against the hurt of someones ill spoken words, you're way beyond me my friend. In fact, I somehow think if you have gotten that thick skinned it might be a little unhealthy. When we loose our vulnerability to others, we haven't "insulated" ourselves, we have "isolated" ourselves. There's a delicate balance between the two. Scripture does teach us to "Guard thy heart with all diligence, for out of it flow the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23) Negative hurtful words can be devastating and if allowed to take root can pollute and poison us for years. On the other hand, if we isolate ourselves, as a "once burned, twice careful" methodology of protection, we only do ourselves more harm. If we are withdrawn, we miss the positive influence of others. Read the previous verses from Proverbs 4.
"My son, give attention to my word; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Guard thy heart..." (Proverbs 4:20-22)
Here's a thought. The encouraging words provide insulation from the negative words. The way we guard our heart is by being "vulnerable" to the encouraging & constructive words that are available to us by way of the Word of God and good friends.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't personally need constant affirmation from others to keep my spiritual head above water. In fact, sometimes it's a little embarrassing.
Yesterday however, was a differenct story. This past Sunday was the first sunday of the month when our elementary children stay in "big church" with their parents to hear Pastor Sam and learn how to behave in church. At the close of the service, I was greeting people at the door and a young girl handed me a note to the "paster". I stuck it in my pocket and pulled it our later after the crowds had cleared. Written within was this statement, "Paster Sam, Yur the best paster in the whole world! you prech real good."
I'll take that.

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 8
Philippians 4

Quote of the Day:
"Educators take something simple and make it complicated. Communicators take something complicated and make it simple." - John Maxwell

Jan.7th - Effective

2007-01-06T22:33:00.000-06:00

"Producing a decided, decisive or desired effect." That's what it means to be effective. At least according to brother Webster. James 5 says that Elijah's prayers were effective. They undoubtedly produced the desired result. I Kings 17 & 18 reveal his effectual praying power.

1. He prayed that it wouldn't rain and it didn't.

2. He prayed for the widows son to be raised from the dead and he did.

3. He prayed for fire to fall and consume the sacrifice and it did.

4. He prayed for it to rain again after three and a half years of drought and ....it did!

The one key element that I see about his productive praying was one of motive. Just prior to his fiery prayer that consumed the sacrifice, he prayed, "Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that the people may know that You are the Lord God, and that you have turned their hearts back to you again." (1 Kings 18:37)

Note the selfless nature of his prayer. It was for others sake. It was for God's greater glory. I wonder if this might be the reason that a lot of prayers are not effective? Could it be that the motives are flawed? James taught us the importance of purified motives at the place of prayer when he said, "You ask and do not receive because you ask amiss that you may spend it on your pleasures." (James 4:3)

What's your desired effect for your prayers this morning? That's what I'm asking myself today. How about you? Purify our motives oh God.

Blessings,

Sam

Jan. 6th - Help!

2007-01-06T07:22:00.000-06:00

If you are anything like me, you probably don't like to ask for help. It may be the macho in me. Asking for directions comes to mind here. On the other side of the coin there are those who feel they need help for everything. I think both perspectives need help! Whatever side of this quandary you fall on, I have some good news for you.

Jesus promised us a heavenly Helper. John 14:16 introduces Him to us. "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever." Of course we know this Helper as the Holy Spirit. The one sent from heaven to help us in time of need. The Greek word for Helper is "Paraclete" - "One brought along side to help".
What kind of help do you need today?

1. He will help you with directions - John 16:13 - "...He will guide you into all truth..."
2. He will help you with lack of knowledge - John 14:25 - "...He will teach you..."
3. He will help you remember - John 14:25 - "...He will bring to your remembrance..."
4. He will help you stay righteous - John 16:7 - "...He will convict..."
5. He will help you grow spiritually - Galatians 5:22- "But the fruit of the Spirit is..."
6. He will help you witness - Acts 1:8 - "But you shall receive power after the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses..."
7. He will help you pray - Romans 8:26 - "..for we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us..."

I know sometimes we want and need someone with "skin" to be there for us. We do need one another but let me encourage you to take "advantage" of the help that has already been supplied over 2000 years ago. Invite the Holy Spirit to take control of your thoughts, actions and fears. That's why Paul instructed us to "be filled with the Spirit". (Eph. 5:18b) He realized we ALL need the Holy Spirits help.

So with that in mind, maybe it's time the macho comes off and we simply say, HELP!

Talk to you in the morning,
Sam

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 6
John 14,15,16

Quote of the day:
"God's timing is perfect even when it differs from your hectic schedule." - Bob Biehl

Website of the day:
http://www.masterplanninggroup.com/

Jan. 5 - Exercise

2007-01-05T07:15:00.000-06:00

Every year during the month of January, exercise equipment & gym memberships experience record sales. People seem to view the post holiday new year as an excellent time to get in shape. They may even make what some have called "new years resolutions". The intent is right but the commitment usually isn't and Americans continue to be some of the most unhealthy people on the planet. As I get older, the commitment to obtaining "buns of steel" seems to be all but lost. The only buns I seem to be committed to are the ones in our pantry! I'm just kidding...I have actually lost a little weight... Go me!

I am exercising though. 1 Timothy 4:7b & 8 says, "...and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come."

Now this verse packs a big punch for all you new years resolutionists! (is that a word?) Maybe the priority of our exercise should begin with with our spiritual relationship with our Lord? Look at the long term benefits. Our spiritual strengthening has far reaching & eternal implications.
Here's a few exercise ideas...

1. Run! - 1 Cor. 1:24 - "...run in such a way that you may obtain..."
2. Lift! - Psalms 134:2 - "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and bless he Lord."
3. Press! - Phil. 3:14 - "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
4. Walk! - Gal. 5:16 - "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."
5. Work! - John 9:4 - "I must work the works of Him who sent me..."
6. Resist! - ( a form of exercise) James 4:7 - "...Resist the devil and he will flee from you."

Whew! I'm already "sweatin to the oldies". These age old truths are guaranteed to whip you into spiritual shape! All you and I have to do is get disciplined, not simply well intentioned. Here's a quote from me. I actually coined this one many years ago in a brief moment of oratorical inspiration. "The bleached bones of the well intentioned litter the pathway toward the purpose of God." Sounds a bit harsh when I type it but the truth is it takes spiritual exercise and discipline to arrive one day before the Lord and here him say, "Well done".

And remember, "Bodily exercise profits a little..." So get up and get going!

Sam

Suggested reading:
Proverbs 5
1 Cor. 9:24-27

Quote of the day: "The bleached bones of the well intentioned litter the pathway toward the purpose of God." - Me
website of the day: www.pastorsamsprayerblog.blogspot.com Pass it on.

Jan. 4 - Open Window

2007-01-04T07:00:00.000-06:00

My how things change. Two days ago I was snuggled up to the fireplace enjoying folgers in my cup and the presence of God in my heart and this morning I'm sitting in my office with the window up! Of course that's what they say about Texas. "If you don't like the weather, hang around awhile, it will change."
Prayer changes things. Prayer will open windows...even doors. Paul instructed the Colossians in Col. 4:2,3 to "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word to speak the mystery of Christ for which I am also in chains."
Opening doors at the place of prayer requires...

1. Persistence - "continue"
2. Passion - "earnestly"
3. Perception - "vigilant" = watching
4. Praise - "with thanksgiving"
5. Purpose - "to speak the mystery of Christ"

I find it interesting that even when Paul was "in chains", his desire was for an open door for the word rather than an open door in the prison. What a guy...

As I sit here next to the open window, something else has already changed. It has rained...I lowered the window a little...Now the rain has stopped... What needs to change in your life?
Do you feel chained? Keep praying as Paul instructed us in this Colossian passage. He will open windows of opportunity. He will open doors of destiny. Things will begin to change in your behalf if you pray. In fact, I think its snowing!
Just kidding...

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 4
Colossians 3 & 4

Quote of the day:
"That man is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot

Blessings,
Sam

p.s. - You can now post a comment without signing up...post away!

Jan 3 - Investment

2007-01-03T07:15:00.000-06:00

Yesterday afternoon my old antiquated computer finally gave up the ghost. It had been doing strange and unusual things for some time now, so last night I had to make an investment. In order to fulfill my commitment to you my prayer blog reader, I had to go to Best Buy and make a deposit into their coffers! I hope you appreciate my commitment!

Prayer is an investment. As you pray, there are spiritual deposits made in the heavens in your behalf. It's like sowing seeds. The exciting part is that it always yields a wonderful return. Jesus taught us in Matthew 6:20 to "...lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal."
You see, your investment is protected better than anything your bank might promise you. It has a guaranteed heavenly return. If you're like me, you've had numerous times when you could have invested in things but didn't and then you say, "If only I would have bought that stock or purchased that piece of land..." Don't let this insiders investment tip pass you by.
So with that in mind...

1. Invest often! ("pray without ceasing" 1 Thess. 5:17)
2. Invest wisely! ("not my will but Thine be done" Matt. 6)
3. Invest thankfully. ("...but in everything by prayer...with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.")
4. Invest globally. ("ask of Me and I will give you the nations... Ps. 2:8)
5. Invest strategically. ("give us this day our daily bread.")

Blessings and be sure to attend church tonight. I'm beginning my New Years series, Bearing Fruit - Seven Principles of Productivity.

Sam

Suggested reading:
Proverbs 3
Philippians 4

Quote of the day:
"Anywhere with You Lord, provided it's forward." - David Livingstone

Jan. 2 - Preparation

2007-01-01T07:32:00.001-06:00

This morning was a great morning at the place of prayer. Allow me to explain much of the reason why. It was one of preparation. You see, last night, I prepared the coffee pot to come on at 5:45 a.m. I prepared the fireplace with fresh new wood ready to light as soon as I got up. (In the winter it always helps your prayer life to have a fire going!) More importantly though, I prepared myself. I went to bed early so I would not be too tired this morning. I read from a good book about prayer. I meditated on the things of God until I fell asleep. So there you go...It was primarily because of PREPARATION that I had such a good prayer time this morning. John Maxwell said it well, "Those who fail to plan, plan to fail".
Allow me to encourage you to take the word "preparation" and apply it not only to your prayer time but your life. Are you preparing yourself for success? Are you preparing your family for the will of God? Are you preparing your heart to hear God's word? Are you preparing...? Well you get the idea. I think of Joshua's instruction to the Children of Israel just prior to the crossing over into their Promised Land. "Pass through the camp and command the people saying, 'Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you t0 possess.' " (Joshua 1:11)
Allow me to coin a phrase this morning. "No preparation, No promised possession". I'm convinced that much of what God has promised us goes untapped because of a lack of preparation on our part. What are you preparing for in 2007?
This brings me to this months series on Sunday & Wednesday. Sunday I began a series of new years messages titled, "Prepare Thy Chariot - Readying Your House for God's Abundance". Also, beginning tomorrow on Wednesday evening I begin a series called "Bearing Fruit - Seven Principles of Productivity". This series will prepare you to be a God glorifying disciple of Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 15:8, "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples"
Well there you go...Hope to hear from you and you can catch me right here tomorrow morning.

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 2
Joshua 1

Quotes of the day:
"Those who fail to plan, plan to fail" - John Maxwell
"No preparation, No promised possession" - Sam Walker

Jan. 1 - Happy New Year

2007-01-01T07:32:00.000-06:00

Well this morning I began 2007 with a month of early morning prayer. Though I woke up this morning with a bit of a chest cold, I pressed on into the prayer closet and had a good prayer time. Of course my standard methodology is praying through the model prayer in Matthew 6. This method that Jesus taught His disciples over 2000 years ago still seems to work today! Andrew Murray said in his classic book "With Christ in the School of Prayer", "Jesus never taught His disciples how to preach, only how to pray". That statement sums up quite allot for me. Once we get "dialed in" to a consistent and persistent prayer life, everything else seems to follow.
Here's how the prayer seems the break down.

1. "Our Father in heaven" - Begin your prayer time with a recognition of His fatherhood in your life. Connect with God not as an illusive mystical being but your heavenly Father. Romans 8:15 teaches us that we have been adopted into the family of God and we can cry out "Abba, Father".
2. "Hallowed be Thy Name" - Jesus was teaching us that we gain personal and intimate access to our Father by the inroad of Praise. David also taught us this in Psalm 100 when he said, "I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter His courts with praise."
3. "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done" - Daily submission to the government of God in your life is a "must". Without yielding your life to Him, He cannot rightfully work within your life His will and plan. Remember, salvation involves Lordship.
4. "Give us this day our daily bread" - God cares about that which concerns you. He wants us to share our needs with Him. Though he already knows, His desire is to personally connect with you concerning that which concerns you.
5. "Forgive us our trespasses" - This is the only portion of the model prayer that Jesus felt the need to rehearse the importance of. Why? Matt. 6:14 teaches that unforgiveness hinders God's capacity to forgive you. Without forgiveness, we're separated from fellowship with our God.
6. "Lead us not into temptation" - Jesus is teaching us to take a stand at the place of prayer against the temptations of this world. Better here at the place of prayer than out in the world unprepared for the evil ones malicious onslaught. This way, you are battling the enemy on your territory rather than his.
7. "For Yours is the kingdom..." - Finish out your prayer time the way you started...With praise and thanksgiving!

Well there's my quicky version of the teaching of Jesus. It worked well for me this morning! Remember, it's not a vain repetition but an outline.

Some personal thoughts...
I had to apply what I preached yesterday to myself this morning! Funny how that works.
Sundays Takeaway was this: "It should be our reasonable and abiding expectation that our Father God will take good care of us!"
Expectation is the first preparation directive in "Preparing Our Chariot" for the abundance of God.
Expectation should always lead to action. What actions are you working on in light of your expectation that God will take good care of you? just a thought...

Suggested Reading:
Proverbs 1
The Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5,6,7

Quote of the day - Andrew Murray - "Jesus never taught His disciples how to preach, only how to pray."

blessings,
Sam Walker

Dec. 31st - Welcome to my prayer blog

2006-12-30T15:44:00.000-06:00

I'm really glad you have chosen to visit my early morning prayer blog. I have developed this blogspot to provide you with some of my insights and thoughts during this months early morning prayer hour. You see, beginning Monday morning, January 1st of 2007, I'll be up drinking my coffee and more importantly praying. I have always believed that prayer is a vital part of our spiritual journey and also a vital ingredient in being productive for God and His kingdom. The disciples saw this benefit working in the life of Jesus and wisely asked Him, "Lord, teach us to pray". I hope that is your heart as well. Though I have been praying fairly regulary for well over 25 years, I still feel I am in the learning mode. Allow me to share some of the many things I have learned over the years about maintaining a healthy personal prayer life.

1. Prayer is a lifestyle not just a lifeboat. Though prayer does have a saving grace intertwined within it's fabric, it is not simply something you should do when you are in trouble and need help. Healthy praying is developed over time.

2. Discipline is the biggest key to unlocking the blessings of prayer.

3. The "Lord's Prayer" in Matthew 6 is better titled "The Model Prayer". It is an outline of prayer taught by Jesus that covers key elements of a healthy prayer life.

4. As the habit of prayer develops, your spirit becomes more sensitive to God's voice.

5. Habits take about 30 days to develop.

6. "Seven days without prayer makes one weak."

7. "More prayer...more Power"

8. We should become "Prayer Warriors" not "Prayer Worriers".

Let me encourage you to join me this month as I pray. I'll be up praying every morning by 6:00 a.m. If you would like to email me your prayer requests you can do so at psamtnc@sbcglobal.net . I would love the opportunity to pray for you. Also, please let me know you are agreeing with me in prayer and be sure to drop me a email as well.

Here's some suggested reading for the day.
Proverbs chapter one
Matthew chapter 6

God bless,
Pastor Sam