Praying Together on Monday 4/30/2012

Father, thank you for the love you've shown me, the grace you've give and strength to face the uncertain. You've been with me, present every step of our journey together. 

I've had so many moments of doubt, question(s) etc., but you have never failed to win and warm my heart as I thought I was growing cold. In those moments of solitude when I wept because of my thoughts of failure and being forlorn, your promise came back to me, your Holy spirit's presence wrapped Himself about me and gave me strength to go on. Thank you!

For these my brothers and sisters who face the challenge of life and ministry, and these who love you and wonder what their role or your pleasure is, quiet their hearts and remind them that you love them. Not as they wish they were, but as they are.  Welcome Holy Spirit, thank you for spending time with me. 

"There is none like you, on one else can touch me like you do, I could search for all eternity long and is none like you!" Thank you for being my Abba Father. Thank you for the gifts you've given me, my I find the ways and means to use them for your purpose. Thanks you for making me your own, I wasn't looking for you, you sought me out to redeem me for yourself. I'm your's now, for whatever purpose you want and will. do your best work, as only you can. 

Bless the week before me, may I face it with the certainty you are with me in whatever I face; remind me, that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. bless those that I work with and those I work for or on behalf of. Bless this work and grant those I work with or for to have the courage to fight for themselves and others. We don't stand alone, you are here with me, as the 'captain of the Lord's host..." We are not alone! Just one more day, may we walk in silence about the impenetrable wall of Jericho that we might see what you can and will do if we are but willing to follow you direction. 

I bless you for your victory in my life and where I live work and yes, even at play, in Jesus name I pray, Amen!!!   

From my Morning Devotional - 4/23/2012

Do You Worship The Work?

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We are God’s fellow workers . . . —1 Corinthians 3:9

Beware of any work for God that causes or allows you to avoid concentrating on Him. A great number of Christian workers worship their work. The only concern of Christian workers should be their concentration on God. This will mean that all the other boundaries of life, whether they are mental, moral, or spiritual limits, are completely free with the freedom God gives His child; that is, a worshiping child, not a wayward one. A worker who lacks this serious controlling emphasis of concentration on God is apt to become overly burdened by his work. He is a slave to his own limits, having no freedom of his body, mind, or spirit. Consequently, he becomes burned out and defeated. There is no freedom and no delight in life at all. His nerves, mind, and heart are so overwhelmed that God’s blessing cannot rest on him.

But the opposite case is equally true–once our concentration is on God, all the limits of our life are free and under the control and mastery of God alone. There is no longer any responsibility on you for the work. The only responsibility you have is to stay in living constant touch with God, and to see that you allow nothing to hinder your cooperation with Him. The freedom that comes after sanctification is the freedom of a child, and the things that used to hold your life down are gone. But be careful to remember that you have been freed for only one thing–to be absolutely devoted to your co-Worker.

We have no right to decide where we should be placed, or to have preconceived ideas as to what God is preparing us to do. God engineers everything; and wherever He places us, our one supreme goal should be to pour out our lives in wholehearted devotion to Him in that particular work. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might . . .” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Praying Together on Monday 4/16/2012

Abba, I thank you for your protection and blessings as we travel, I don't want to take you for granted. 

Thank you for the ministry you've given and the blessing it brings to those who need it. It is by your grace alone that I am your son and servant. Whatever I am or become it's all of you. 

I pray for these who serve alongside me, for those in far flung places, where no one or very few know their name; where doubt and fear seems to be their only companions. Grant courage and your strength to fight on. I pray for those who wonder, " ... what's next?" a special blessing. 

I thank you for those who are blessed with friends and staff to help carry their load, give them a spirit of unity as fellow-labors together in Christ. Rebuke my (their and our) need to be the center of attention, or central figure, we need each other; this isn't a work I can do alone. I thank you for help to carry the burden and allowing me to know you are there with me (us.)

Grant that there would be resources and workers in your vineyard; you are the Lord of the harvest.   

Love ya, T.A.B. 

P. S. Your feedback is always welcome. 

The Most Valueble Thing ...

A young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door.......... 

Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday." Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.

"Jack, did you hear me?"

"Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said.

"Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it," Mom told him.

"I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said.

"You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said.


"He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important. Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said.

As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time.

Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture. Jack stopped suddenly...

"What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked.

"The box is gone," he said

"What box?" Mom asked. 


"There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,' Jack said.

It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.

"Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."

It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from work one day, Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read. Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. "Mr. Harold Belser" it read. Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside......

"Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life." A small key was taped to the letter. His heart raced as tears filled his eyes.  Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch. 


Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found these words engraved:

"Jack, Thanks for your time! -Harold Belser."

"The thing he valued most was.....my time."

Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant, asked.

"I need some time to spend with my son," he said.

"Oh, by the way, Janet, thanks for your time!"

Think about this. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.

1. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

2. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.

3. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

4. You mean the world to someone.

5. If not for you, someone may not be living.

6.. You are special and unique.

7. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you trust God to do what's best, and wait for 'His time', sooner or later, you will get it or something better.

8. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good can still come from it.

9. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.


10.. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

12 .. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know, and you'll both be happy .

13. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that you think they are great.

Now I don't often ask you to do this, but just this once, send this on to all the people you care about. If you do, you will certainly brighten someone's day and just might change their perspective on life.....for the better.

The most valuable thing

A young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door..........

Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday." Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.

"Jack, did you hear me?"

"Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said.

"Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it," Mom told him.

"I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said.

"You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said.

"He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important. Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said.

As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time.

Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture. Jack stopped suddenly...

"What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked.

"The box is gone," he said

"What box?" Mom asked.

"There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,' Jack said.

It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.

"Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."

It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from work one day, Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read. Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. "Mr. Harold Belser" it read. Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside......

"Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life." A small key was taped to the letter. His heart raced as tears filled his eyes.  Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch.

Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found these words engraved:

"Jack, Thanks for your time! -Harold Belser."

"The thing he valued most was.....my time."

Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant, asked.

"I need some time to spend with my son," he said.

"Oh, by the way, Janet, thanks for your time!"


Think about this. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.

1. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

2. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
A young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door..........

Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday." Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.

"Jack, did you hear me?"

"Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said.

"Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it," Mom told him.

"I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said.

"You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said.

"He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important. Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said.

As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time.

Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture. Jack stopped suddenly...

"What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked.

"The box is gone," he said

"What box?" Mom asked.

"There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,' Jack said.

It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.

"Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."

It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from work one day, Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read. Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. "Mr. Harold Belser" it read. Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside......
A young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door..........

Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday." Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.

"Jack, did you hear me?"

"Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said.

"Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it," Mom told him.

"I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said.

"You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said.

"He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important. Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said.

As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time.

Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture. Jack stopped suddenly...

"What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked.

"The box is gone," he said

"What box?" Mom asked.

"There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,' Jack said.

It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.

"Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."

It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from work one day, Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read. Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. "Mr. Harold Belser" it read. Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside...... 

"Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life." A small key was taped to the letter. His heart raced as tears filled his eyes.  Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch.

Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found these words engraved:

"Jack, Thanks for your time! -Harold Belser."

"The thing he valued most was.....my time."

Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant, asked.

"I need some time to spend with my son," he said.

"Oh, by the way, Janet, thanks for your time!"


Think about this. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.

1. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

2. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.

3. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

4. You mean the world to someone.

5. If not for you, someone may not be living.

6.. You are special and unique.

7. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you trust God to do what's best, and wait for 'His time', sooner or later, you will get it or something better.

8. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good can still come from it.

9. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.

10.. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

12 .. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know, and you'll both be happy .

13. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that you think they are great.

Now send this on to all the people you care about. If you do, you will certainly brighten someone's day and just might change their perspective on life.....for the better.

THANK YOU!!! 4/9/2012

Abba, I thank you for the prayers of your children for Barbara and our family during the past week. We were able to get through it, I believe because of their prayers and your honoring their request for us. I thank you for each and every one of them. 

It proves again the value of words of blessing spoken over each of us in times of struggle, loneliness and pain. We all have these times, fortunately they are but a few compared with your greater blessings. I pray you will bless them not because they prayed or sent an e-mail and cards, but because they dared to honor, believe and trust your Word, " ... pray one for another, love one another." 

So today, I pray for these who love you. We may not know each other well, but because we are you children, we are related. Distance keeps us apart, and because we don't know the struggles, difficulties and challenges we each face, sometime, I (we) think no one cares, or I'd rather not brother them with 'my problem's).' And even if they knew, why would they care or what would they do? Oh, dear Father, comfort and give rest to our troubled minds. No matter the problem, the 'whatever ...,' You are BIGGER than it or they or them. Thank you for being present, for sitting or walking with me. 

Most of these men and women are involved in some form or type of 'ministry,' they are my fellow laborers, and I'm praying for them on the day after one of the two 'biggest' day on the Christian calendar. Much of which they hoped for didn't happen, and they (and I) blame myself. Someone is thinking or planning to resign as a result of what 'think' was a failure or defeat, Oh come Holy Spirit and gently but firmly encourage that heart. May they put their pen or keyboard down and not write or submit a resignation letter or communication because of what they think was a 'failure,’ yesterday or even recently. Give them courage as the secretly cry out, ‘WHAT’S THE USE. Where are the results???’ 

Bless their families to sense your love for them as well; for those who are sick or caring for s sick or disabled family member grant a rest bit for even a brief time. Jesus, we need you now, in this present moment. 

For that one, who sits before a blank piece of paper or an empty computer screen and not know what if anything they can place into or on a manuscript, I pray for inspiration so profound and powerful they become thankful when the work is done to their surprise. THANK YOU for all of your gifts, and the gift you have created them to be, yes, even when they question their own worth. Come Holy Spirit do your best work and thank you for the surprises we become aware of as we journey with you. I thank you for the reminder that I am yours. Use me (us) as you will, because that is your pleasure. We love you Jesus, with thanksgiving for your life giving sacrifice, AMEN!!!

-- 
T.A.B.

Praying Together on Monday - 4/2/2012

Abba, 

Today I begin by thanking you for whom and how you made me. How often have I asked you to remake me into what I thought I wanted to be, I honor you that you have ignored my foolish requests. You know what it is you desire for me to be and become, so I thank you for your Divine outline for my life. It isn't what I want, as it is what you desire and calling me to trust you and become. 

Yes, Lord I'm frustrated by what is and isn't going on around me. Forgive my anger because of what you have made others to be and I am not. If you wanted me to be them, you would have created me accordingly. So, THANK YOU for your gifting in my own life. Grant me patience to allow you to finish the work you started. Stand before me Jesus and allow me to see myself as you do. No, not the wishful wishing and wanting, but to see myself as you know I can be if I allow you to do your best work. 

Someone asked me, "what's up with you,..." frankly I won't admit it to anyone other than yourself, I have no idea, thank you for allowing those grand 'ideas,' I wanted and wished for, but you have not inspired. They would have made me look so good and 'cool.' but you were never in them or even near them, it was all about me. Forgive me Lord! Just as you were "led of the Spirit into the wilderness, ..." (Mark 1:9-15) it seem I too am there. Okay Lord, here I am, what do you want to do here??? Thank you for being here, I'm not alone, the room is quiet with only the sound of the waterfall, the light of a candle and humm of the computer fan to remind me, YOU are present as well. You are more than enough, THANK YOU!!!

If your purpose is that I become a blessing to others, grant me peace with your movement and direction. I am yours, not by any choice of mine, you sought me out, called me by name and somehow moved me to that one place I never wanted to be, yet I thank you for here, this place and time with all of its  challenges, frustrations, questions and yes, pain. I am not alone; you are present here, working things out, but choosing not to allow me to see you hand. Thank you for the awareness of Your presence. I thank you for here, this place, even as I struggle; thank you for your comfort and hope. Hold me tightly, I want to say all the right things, and yes, even believe them, but Abba, I need you more now than ever! 

I thank you for the interruptions, those annoying interruptions, which try to draw me away from these times with you. I thank you that you don't seem to mind, you just want to spend time with me, THANK YOU! It’s so easy to love you, because you're wonderful! AMEN!!!
-- 
T.A.B.