Self Evaluation!!!

When was the last time you took a long look at you and had an honest discussion with yourself about you? That is where God has me right now is my life! Last week I met with our LifeWay Regional Rep and he gave me a book, Get a Life, by Reggie McNeal. Wow!!! What a book!!! This book has been challenging me to take an honest look at my life, family and ministry. Self evaluation is a great thing. If, we take time to do it and are honest with God and ourselves. There is no doubt that God made each of us with a purpose in mind. But we ask, for what purpose? There are clues sewn into our lives that point us to our life mission and purpose. Clues like passion, talents, gifts, personality and experience. So, why do we spend most of our lives “running around like chickens with our heads cut off”, while God has something with purpose in mind for us? Take some time to see what you were created to be. Be willing to do it before God even shows you. God really knows what is best. He is waiting on us to step out in faith and be obedient to Him.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you
and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you
will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 1:6)

“Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: I am the Lord,
the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:26)

Generational

What a picture!! Can you believe it? Three generations of women!! Pictured are Shannon, here mother, and yes my daughter, Savannah. I can't believe that I have a daughter that is starting to look like a woman!! How is it that I am getting older (and I think wiser) and the ladies in my life are getting better looking!

This picture was taken at a Mother/Daughter Tea here at our church. I thank God for placing Shannon in my life...she is a great wife, my best friend and an awesome mother!! Savannah has a great example to follow is all of these areas!! Shannon, thanks for being a great mother!! Our kids think you are AWESOME!! So do I!!!

Baseball, Baseball, Baseball!!!

Have I mentioned that baseball season is underway? Wow!! Colby has already completed his JV season with about 25 games. Now, all three Cannon boys are playing baseball! We have something at the baseball field almost every night...if not a game, then we have practice and sometimes both!! We are busy with baseball. Have I said that yet? However, it is a blast!! Jeremiah is wide open in his tee-ball with his hitting, fielding and "Pete Rose" head first slides!! Micah is doing awesome with his baseball. It looks like he is following Colby in the pitching position. He pitched his first game last week and did very well. He is also playing shortstop. Colby is now playing rec. ball and doing very well pitching!! I can't leave out Savannah. She is involved in her vocal groups at school. They are getting ready for a competition in Orlando. So you see, Shannon and I spend our time running taxi for the kids!! WE LOVE IT!!!

Are You Believing God?

Wow...what a question! It sure is easy to answer this question verbally with a yes, but so much harder to live it out day to day in life. God is challenging me in amazing ways lately. My wife and I are doing a Bible Study together right now in our home entitled "Believing God" by Beth Moore. It is an incredible study. I am being reminded that God's power in my life only comes as I continually know and believe Him. Believing is an action word that is continually happening!

As His children God has given us the permission and faith to believe Him.

[11]In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, [12] in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. [13] And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, [14] who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory. [15] For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, [16] I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. [17] I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. [18] I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, [19] and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, [20] which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, [21] far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. [22] And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, [23] which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. (Ephesians 1:11-23 NIV)

I want to share with you five statements that I am being challenged with that are helping me understand what I am believing God about:

1. God is Who He says He is!
2. God can do what He says He can do!
3. I am who God says I am!
4. I can do all things through Christ!
5. God's Word is Active and Alive in me!

Start Believing God Today!!!

Driveway Prayer

Do you know what? You can pray anywhere and at any time! The Bible says, "pray without ceasing." One practice I have been doing for several years is to pray for my family as I back out of the driveway each morning. I pray the simple "Prayer of Jabez" that is recorded in the Bible, 1 Chronicles 4:9-10.

"[9] There was a man named Jabez who was more distinguished than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. [10] He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, Oh, that you would bless me and extend my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!"

And God granted him his request.

The for things that I pray for my life, my wife, my children and my ministry are:

1. Bless us!


2. Enlarge our territory!


3. Lord, let your hand be with us!


4. Keep us from pain and harm!

Do you know what else? God granted Jabez his request. He will also grant your request if you will join Him in prayer.

How's Your Prayer Life??

How is your prayer life? Stop for just a moment and ask yoursef this incredible question!

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." Philippians 4:6

I am in the process of facilitating a prayer class with a group of believers from my church. I am being challenged with both my personal prayer time and my prayer time with fellow believers, the church. I have been reminded in a fresh new way that God wants my life and the church to become a House of Prayer. What an amazing priviledge and task!! Real prayer is hard work!!

"I will bring them also to my holy mountain of Jerusalem and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer. I will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices, because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations." Isaiah 56:7

All around the world God is moving. T.W. Hunt has stated that "God is moving mightily where people are praying."

So, the questions at hand to ask yourself are:

1. If God is moving all around the world because of prayer; is God moving in your world on a daily basis?
2. Does God seem to be working in the life of your church?
3. How is your prayer life?

Start praying and watch God work in your world!!

Take A Stand!!

I was reminded this morning at a Men's Bible Study that people have to take a stand for what they believe. Guess what? If you do not take a stand for something, then nothing will ever stand. Today in one of our local high schools, one of our students is taking a stand on his convictions. In other words, standing up for what he believes. More than likely he will be standing alone in the eyes of his peers. But, let me remind you that as a child of God, God is standing with him and so am I!! What kind of stand do you need to take today?

"The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him..."

(2 Chronicles 16:9 NLT)

Outdoor Adventure

One thing that our family really likes is "The Great Outdoors." We would rather be outside doing something, rather than in the house. This past weekend I had an opportunity to spend some time with my son, Colby, hunting Whitetail Deer in the great state of Georgia. For several years we have been going on an annual hunt in GA with my dear friend, AW. He is gracious to invite us over every year. We have a great time hunting and fellowshipping with each other. His farm is loaded with opportunity to hunt and fish. It is an awesome time! This gives me time as a father to introduce my boys to "The Great Outdoors" as my father did for me and my brother. Next year I will take Micah on our outdoor adventure. He is pumped and ready!! Colby has named our annual event "Cannon Creation Outdoor Adventure." He has named this as a family event, but most of all to make mention that we are experiencing this in God's wonderful creation. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

The Blessing of God

God has so richly blessed us as a family! Shannon and I have an awesome opportunity to help direct our lives and the lives of our children on a daily basis. Children truly are a blessing from the Lord!!

In the days and years ahead we would love to share our family and ministry with you. Please check back to see what God is doing.