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