OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW!

12-31-2013. . . .OUT WITH THE OLD IN WITH THE NEW!

"When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!" (2 Cor 5:17 TLB)  The process of sanctification is continual. Daily, weekly, monthly and yearly we should see more and more of our old sinful nature leave and more and more of the divine nature of Christ manifested.  The more willing we are to release the old, the more willing He is to manifest the new!  So, on this last day of the year 2013, its a good time to say and mean, OUT WITH OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW!   Happy New Year!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for another year.  Lord as we enter a brand new year, one we've never seen before and will never see again, help us to be more yielded to your Spirit!  Let the old be gone and the new come.  Amen!

2 Peter 1:2-4. . . .Do you want more and more of God's kindness and peace? Then learn to know him better and better.  For as you know him better, he will give you, through his great power, everything you need for living a truly good life: he even shares his own glory and his own goodness with us!  And by that same mighty power he has given us all the other rich and wonderful blessings he promised; for instance, the promise to save us from the lust and rottenness all around us, and to give us his own character.  TLB

STEP INTO YOUR NEW SEASON!

12-30-2013. . . . .STEP INTO YOUR NEW SEASON!

"And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't get discouraged and give up."  (Gal 6:9 TLB)  "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up!" (T.A Edison)   You are closer then you think to your breakthrough.  In fact, as 2013 comes to an end, so will also many of your struggles!  God is shifting the season to harvest time and we shall reap if don't get weary now!  Take these three things with you into the new year: ANTICIPATION; realize in advance what God has prepared for you! EXPECTATION; we shall reap based not solely upon what we've done, but upon who God says we are!   DETERMINATION; develop a 'whatever it takes' attitude and don't give up, give out, give in, or give over until you see the manifestation of your blessings and favor!   Now, by faith, step into your new season!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for bring us through another year and season!  Thank you for your faithfulness to your word that has never failed to cover and keep us.  We Anticipate your shifting of the season and with great Expectation we position ourselves to move forward with your flow.  Finally, with Determination we renew our commitment to and your kingdom work here on earth.  Thy will be done in us and in the world! Amen.

Dan 2:20-21. . . ."Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.  He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them.  He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. (NIV)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

12-27-2013. . . .HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As we celebrate and commemorate the birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus the Christ, and culminate another year, Coretta and I thank you for following and supporting "Excerpts For Living."  Your prayers, comments and words of encouragement continue to be a source of blessing and inspiration for us. We wish you and your family all God's choice blessings during the holidays. We pray that the joy of Jesus will fill your hearts and homes to overflowing and that His love will forever embrace and keep you in the coming new year!

From our family to your family, Happy Holidays and have a Blessed New Year!

Prayer: Father, thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus! I pray for every person that reads this blog. I pray that you will bless them beyond measure and show them great and mighty things they have not even imagined! I declare and decree health,, protection, provision, and  prosperity in and over their lives as well as, their families and everyone they are connected to.  Finally, may your peace that surpasses all understanding keep their hearts and minds through Christ Jesus! In the name of our blessed Lord Jesus I pray, Amen!

Num 6:24-26. . . .The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. KJV

PREPARE FOR GREATER!

12-26-2013. . . .PREPARE FOR GREATER!

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." ( Phil 3:13-14 KJV)  Nothing more can be done about the things in our past; that includes the good things as well as, the not so good things.  There is however, much to be done about what lies ahead of us!  Although, there many be giants in the land, (obstacles, things to overcome) we are well able to achieve if we set our minds to press forward no matter what.  The prize is ahead of us not behind us!  Prepare for greater!  2014. . . . Here We Come!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the opportunity to enter into another new year.  We will not be detoured by obstacles or hindrances that may appear in our way.  In

You we press ahead toward the prize!  Amen.

Heb 12:1-2. . . . Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us.   Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; and now he sits in the place of honor by the throne of God.  TLB

DIVINE PURPOSE WILL PREVAIL!

12-24-2013. . . .DIVINE PURPOSE WILL PREVAIL!

"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men." (Matt 2:166 KJV)  Divine purpose will always draw demonic opposition!  The good news is, no matter what the enemy does, or how many attempts he makes to try and stop or kill us, all his efforts will fail and Divine purpose will prevail!

Prayer: Lord, thank you that your divine purpose concerning us will always prevail! Thy will be done. Amen!

Isa 54:17. . . .No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. KJV

WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM!

12-23-2013. . . .WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM!

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." (Matt 2:1-2 KJV)   If only all men were as wise as these. What are we seeking? Who are we seeking and who's sign are we following?  More importantly, where will we end up by following them? "Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." (Isa 55:6-7 KJV)  Wise men still seek Him!

Prayer: Father, thank you for the gift of your Son! May we forever lift Him up that He may drawn all men unto Him! Amen.

Isa 55:6-9. . . .Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call upon him now while he is near. Let men cast off their wicked deeds; let them banish from their minds the very thought of doing wrong! Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy upon them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon! "This plan of mine is not what you would work out, neither are my thoughts the same as yours! For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than yours, and my thoughts than yours. TLB

WE ARE WHO WE ARE!

12-20-2013. . . .WE ARE WHO WE ARE!

"And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.   But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."  (Matt 4:3-4 KJV)  We are who God says we are!  What the tempter says or what our haters say is of little or no importance.  We don't have to prove who we are, (Jesus didn't fall for it) just be who we are!  Never feed off what the world has to offer, (bread alone) but by the proceeding word of God!  It will constantly and consistently lead us and verify to the world that we are who we are!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for declaring, even before we were formed in the womb, who we are!  Living by your proceeding word verifies to the world that we are who we are!  Amen.

Heb 11:3. . . . Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. KJV

COMPLETE SUBMISSION!

12-19-2013. . . .COMPLETE SUBMISSION!

"Mary said, "I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to do whatever he wants. May everything you said come true." And then the angel disappeared." (Luke 1:38 TLB) We may not understand everything that the Lord speaks to us or desires to do through us. In fact, some things may seem virtually inconceivable to us. Nevertheless, in complete submission we too should respond as Mary responded; 'I am your servant' therefore, whatever you say is what I will do!'  In so doing, blessings come to us and through us!

Prayer: Lord, let your awesome will be done in us and through us. We are your servants. Thy will be done. Amen!

Ps 138:8. . . .The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.KJV

LEARN QUICKLY!

12-18-2013. . . .LEARN QUICKLY!

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV)  No man is an island and no man stands alone.  Don't allow pride to stand in the way of promotion!  Humility before God is demonstrated through our humility and submission to those He has place in authority over us.  This teaching process places us on a fast track to promotion.  The quicker we learn, the shorter the length of the lesson!  Learn quickly then and don't be a candidate for remedial training!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for our process to promotion.  Athough at times we may become impatient, help us to humbly submit to the process and to those you are using to perfect us through it.  Amen!

 Prov 16:18. . . . Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall. TLB

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND JUDGEMENT!

12-17-2013. . . .ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND JUDGEMENT!

"Tell them how the Lord our God dried up the river right before our eyes and then kept it dry until we were all across! It is the same thing the Lord did forty years ago at the Red Sea!  He did this so that all the nations of the earth will realize that Jehovah is the mighty God, and so that all of you will worship him forever."   (Josh 4:23-24 TLB)  There is really on one world "SUPER POWER" and He is the Lord God Almighty!  Whether He is acknowledged as such by all nations and all people at this time does not change the reality of who He is!  The time is coming (sooner rather than later) when there will be no choice but to acknowledge; and with that acknowledgement will be His judgement!  

PRAYER: Lord, we pray for our world and world leaders that they may come to know and acknowledge that you alone are the Almighty God!  Empower us now to be your witnesses without fear!  Amen!

Acts 1:7-8. . . . But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."  NIV

THE BEST HANDS!

12-16-2016. . . .THE BEST HANDS!

"My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. (Ps 31:15KJV)  "You're in good hands with Allstate," is the slogan of this well known insurance company.  The implication is that there is no need to worry about anything because with Allstate, you're protected.  To an even greater degree, the same can be said of being in God's hands.  We have no need to worry are fear anything or anyone.  We are not only in good hands, we are in the best hands.

PRAYER:  Lord, your hands are the best hands and we are thankful to be in them!  Amen.

Job 23:10. . . .But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

KJV

DON'T REWRITE THE SCRIPT!

12-13-2013. . . .DON'T REWRITE THE SCRIPT!

"They can see that you are a letter from Christ, written by us. It is not a letter written with pen and ink, but by the Spirit of the living God; not one carved on stone, but in human hearts." (2 Cor 3:3 TLB) Our lives are an open letter from God to the world, written by the Holy Spirit within us! When the world reads us, let what is written be a witness unto Him. Take care that the way we live does not rewrite the script.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that our lives are a living and open letter from you to the world. Help us to daily put our pens down and simply allow your script to be read as written. Amen!

1 Cor 3:16-17. . . .Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? 17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple. (NIV)

THINK ABOUT IT AN BE ABOUT IT!

12-12-2013. . . .THINK ABOUT IT AN BE ABOUT IT!

"There are "friends" who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Prov 18:24 TLB)  It has been said that "A friend in need is a friend in deed."  Most of us have lived long enough and much to our chagrin, have found that statement to be true.  While our frustration may be warranted in most cases, the real question to pondered here is, 'What kind of friend our we?'  A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly! (Prov 18:24 KJV)  Friendless in times of need results from failure to be a friend in times of need!  Think about it and be about it!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for being that friend the sticks closer than any brother!  Help us to never be guilty of failing to be a friend in times of need.  Amen!

Prov 17:17. . . . A true friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. TLB

LOVE IS WHAT WE DO!

12-11-2013. . . .LOVE IS WHAT WE DO!

"Even those closest to you-your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends will betray you and have you arrested; and some of you will be killed.  And everyone will hate you because you are mine and are called by my name.  But not a hair of your head will perish! For if you stand firm, you will win your souls." (Luke 21:16-19 TLB)  As we live out the 'Last Days', haters will increase and be revealed!  Don't be caught off guard and lose focus.  Stand firm in faith and love through it!  Hate is what they do; love is what we do!   Remember, love hardest when it's the hardest to love!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for your example of love.  Even in the face of your haters, you loved through it. Help us to always follow your example and do the same.  Amen!

Luke 21:17. . . .  And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.  KJV

THE GIFT OF YOU!

12-10-2013. . . .THE GIFT OF YOU!

"He came unto his own, and his own received him not.  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" (John 1:11-12 KJV)  Those who we expect will, won't; and those we expect won't, will!  Don't waste any time, effort, or energy in addressing people who don't accept, affirm, and appreciate you! (Haters)  Rather, allow to the fullest degree those that do, to be blessed by the gift of you!

PRAYER: Lord, help us to recognize and bless those that accept and celebrate us and to leave our haters in your hands.  Amen!

Prov 17:17. . . . A true friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. TLB

 

IT'S AS SIMPLE AS THAT!

12-6-2013. . . .IT'S AS SIMPLE AS THAT!

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." (Gal 5:22-23 NIV) Where the Holy Spirit is present, there is evidence of His presence!  No evidence, no presence.  It's as simple as that!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for your Holy Spirit that lives within us.  Let the evidence of His presence be evident in us and in the world.  Amen!

John 14:15-17. . . . If ye love me, keep my commandments.  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.  KJV

POTENTIAL WITHOUT PRODUCTION!

12-5-2013. . . .POTENTIAL WITHOUT PRODUCTION!

"In the morning, as he was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry and noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, "Never bear fruit again!" And soon the fig tree withered up."  (Matt 21:18-19 TLB)  Are we actually producing fruit, or just appearing to have the potential do so?  Potential without production is perpetration! 

PRAYER: Lord, help us to maximize our potential and produce our full capacity of fruit!  May we never be guilty of perpetration.  Amen!

Matt 25:29-30. . . . For the man who uses well what he is given shall be given more, and he shall have abundance. But from the man who is unfaithful, even what little responsibility he has shall be taken from him. And throw the useless servant out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' TLB

AT ANY AGE AND ANY STAGE OF LIFE!

12-4-2013. . . . .AT ANY AGE AND ANY STAGE OF LIFE!

"But the godly shall flourish like palm trees and grow tall as the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted into the Lord's own garden and are under his personal care.  Even in old age they will still produce fruit and be vital and green."  (Ps 92:11-15 TLB)  There is no time limit on fruit bearing!  Our productivity for the kingdom is not contingent upon our ability, but rather upon our availability to be used of God at any age and any stage of our life!

PRAYER: Lord, may we always be available to be used by you at any age and at any stage of our life.  Thy kingdom come; thy will be done!  Amen.

1 Cor 15:58. . . . Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. NIV

PLANTED PROPERLY PRODUCE FAITHFULLY!

12-3-2013. . . .PLANTED PROPERLY PRODUCE FAITHFULLY!

"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." (Ps 1:3 KJV)  The visible, tangible, undeniable evidence that we are in the right place, at the right time, doing the right things, is the fruit we successfully produce!  Season after season and without fail, we continuely prosper!   When we are planted properly, we produce faithfully!

PRAYER: Lord, our daily delight is in you.  Nurish us Lord that we my produce fruit continually!  Amen.

Ps 92:11-15. . . .But the godly shall flourish like palm trees and grow tall as the cedars of Lebanon. 13 For they are transplanted into the Lord's own garden and are under his personal care. 14 Even in old age they will still produce fruit and be vital and green. TLB

FRUIT DON'T LIE!

12-2-2013. . . .FRUIT DON'T LIE!

"Different kinds of fruit trees can quickly be identified by examining their fruit.  A variety that produces delicious fruit never produces an inedible kind. And a tree producing an inedible kind can't produce what is good.  So the trees having the inedible fruit are chopped down and thrown on the fire.  Yes, the way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit produced." (Matt 7:16-20 TLB)  The fruit of our actions is what tells the world who we really are!  The kindhearted, through their acts of kindness; the generous, through the demonstration of their generosity.  Conversely, the deceitful, through their perpetual deceitfulness; the evil, through their acts of evilness.  What are our actions saying to the world about us?  Remember, the fruit don't lie!

PRAYER: Lord, help us daily to produce good fruit and be good examples of the kind of people that represent you in the world.  Let our fruit be truthful without fear.  Amen.  

Matt 5:16. . . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. KJV

TWO REASONS!

11-27-2013. . . .TWO REASONS!

"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." (Ps 136:1 KJV) Need reasons to give God thanks? Psalm 136:1 offers two! First, give thanks because 'He is Good.' It is an undeniable fact that, God is good and he does good!  The good God does is constantly and consistantly directed toward us! Secondly, 'His mercy endures for ever.'  Where would we be if it were not for His great mercy!   His mercy keeps us so that His grace can reach us!  While there is certainly a plethora of other reasons to give thanks, these two are good place to start!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being good and always doing good. Thank you also for your mercy without which we would be consumed. Thank you Lord, thank you! Amen.

Ps 97:12. . . . Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.KJV

THE WORLD NEEDS TO KNOW!

11-26-2013. . . .THE WORLD NEEDS TO KNOW!

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord and pray to him," they sang.  "Tell the peoples of the world about his mighty doings.  Sing to him; yes, sing his praises and tell of his marvelous works." (1 Chron 16:8-9 TLB)  As we give thanks to the Lord this week, make a special effort to publish abroad the wonderful things He has done!  CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, and the like are not going to do it!  As believers and beneficiaries of His blessings, it's up to us to let the world know!  Indeed, the world needs to know!

Prayer: Lord, we give you thanks for your wonderful works and mighty acts!  While we don't have ten thousand tongues, with the one we have, we will let the whole world know!  Amen.

Isa 12:4-5. . . . In that wonderful day you will say, "Thank the Lord! Praise his name! Tell the world about his wondrous love. How mighty he is!"  Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world.  TLB

THANKS-THE WILL OF GOD!

11-25-2013. . . .THANKS-THE WILL OF GOD!

 "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thess 5:188 KJV) Giving thanks to God in every thing is His will concerning us.  Admittedly however, we may find ourselves in circumstances and situations that we may not readily feel thankful to be in.   In fact, we'd prefer not even having to deal with them. Nevertheless, the knowledge that God is working in every situation and circumstance for our good, is cause enough to connect with His will concerning us and simply give thanks.  Don't fight it, flow with it!  It is His will, so give thanks!

Prayer: Lord, in everything we give you thanks for it is your will concerning us.  Help us in the difficult times to remember this quickly so as to not struggle against your will. Amen!

Ps 30:11-12. . . . You turned my wailing into dancing;you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,  that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.  O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever. (NIV)

IN THE ARMS OF PEACE!

11-22-2013. . . .IN THE ARMS OF HIS PEACE!

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:5-7 6 TLB) It is easy to become anxious and uneasy about the unknown and things that are beyond our control. However, if we remind ourselves that God is in control and He has everything under control, we will be able to release our hearts and minds into the settling arms of God's Peace.  It is far more satisfying than our need to understand.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving us your peace to keep us free from worry, calm and steady in in the most unsettling moments.  We rest daily in it's embrace. Amen!

Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. KJV

NEVER FORSAKEN!

11-21-2013. . . .NEVER FORSAKEN!

 “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. (Ps 37:25 KJV)  Ever had someone give up on you . . . .turn their back on you. . . .abandon you? Those of us who have experienced it can tell you, being forsaken is not a feeling or position to be coveted. It leaves one disappointed, discouraged and with many unanswered questions. While the possibility always exist that man will forsake us, no such possibility exist with God!  Taking a retrospective look over the years of his life, the psalmist David accurately observed: From generation to generation, God will never forsake the righteous and will always provide for their every need!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being a faithful God and never forsaking the righteous! I am grateful that I am your child and live in expectation and not in want. Amen!

Ps 9:9-10. . . . The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. 

NIV

INSIDE - OUTSIDE!

11-20-2013. . . .INSIDE - OUTSIDE!

“I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world." ( John 16:33 TLB)  Outside of us situations and circumstances are constantly changing. We can expect trials and turmoil. In fact, if its not one thing, it will certainly be another. On the inside however, there is God’s Peace giving us the calming assurance that all is well and all will be well! Peace on the inside makes bearable the vicissitudes of life on the outside!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for anticipating our need for peace in an ever changing world filled with turmoil and unrest. Your Peace secures us inside while we trust you to control the outside. Amen!

Rom 5:3-5. . . .We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. TLB

TRUSTWORTHY ONES!

11-19-2013. . . .TRUSTWORTHY ONES!

"In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil." (Job 1:1-2  NIV) For every action there is a reaction; for every cause there is an affect!  It stands to reason then, when things happen or go wrong in our lives, our first impulse is to wonder what we did or maybe, did not do to cause it!   Perhaps it's neither!  Consider this possibility; it is simply because of who we are!  We have matured spiritually and live in such a way that God can trust us in adversity!   God doesn't trust Satan with us, (which is why he limits what Satan can do to us), but He trust us with Satan!   Job did nothing to cause his dilemmas, but God said to Satan, "have you considered my servant Job."     How awesome it is to think that God trust us enough to suggest to Satan, consider us!  He knows we won't fail; He knows we won't give up - give out - give in - or give over!    Like Job, we will wait until our change comes, and come, it will!!!!  Stay encouraged trustworthy ones!

Prayer: Lord, sometimes our way seems so hard and our struggles so intense.  You however, know the paths we take.  Hold us in the hollow of Your hand as we continue to demonstrate our trustworthiness.  Amen!

Job 23:11-12. . . . "I have stayed in God's paths, following his steps. I have not turned aside.  I have not refused his commandments but have enjoyed them more than my daily food. TLB

HANG IN THERE AND KEEP FIGHTING!

11-15-2013. . . . .HANG IN THERE AND KEEP FIGHTING!

"And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly."  (Rom 16:20 NKJV)   If you have ever watched a professional boxing match, you've noticed that when the rounds are about to end, the pace of the fighters seem to quicken.  When the final round of the fight comes, the battle seems to intensify all the more because both fighters know this is there last opportunity to get their punches in!  Our battle with Satan has intensified only because he knows his time is short.  Soon, he will be crushed under our feet and our arms will be raised in victory!  Hang in there and keep fighting!  The fight is fixed! :-)

Prayer: Thank you Lord for victory through Jesus Christ.  Strengthen us to withstand the battles in order that we may win the war.  Amen.

1 Cor 15:58. . . .So, my dear brothers, since future victory is sure, be strong and steady, always abounding in the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever wasted as it would be if there were no resurrection.  TLB

ARE YOU READY FOR MORE!

11-14-2013. . . .ARE YOU READY FOR MORE!

And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.  (1 Chron 4:10 KJV)  Are you ready for more?   Not more things or more stuff, but increased capacity to receive more of God!  As He enlarges and expands our internal coast and inflow, correspondingly, our external coast will enlarge in order to accomodate our outflow!  More in, more out!  Again, 'Are you ready for more?'

Prayer: Lord, give us more of thee!  Stretch and enlarge our internal coast while empowering us to handle our expanding external coast!  Amen.

 Matt 5:6. . . .Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.  NIV

ARE YOU SERIOUS!

11-13-2013. . . .ARE YOU SERIOUS?

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen.  You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest."  (Jer 29:10-13 TLB)  It is not enough to simply know that God has a plan for us, and that that plan is one for our good, with a future, and an expected end.  We need. . . . in fact, we must seek God daily to find out the details and directions of His plan.  This knowledge will not come to us automatically or serendipitously.   We must pray with the confidence of knowing that God is listening and waiting to make His plan known to us if we seriously want to know it!  Now, do you seriously want to know it?

PRAYER: Lord, our desire is know your detailed plan for our life and future.  As we continuously demonstrate our seriousness, let your plan be revealed to us!  Amen!

1 John 5:14-15. . . .And we are sure of this, that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will.  And if we really know he is listening when we talk to him and make our requests, then we can be sure that he will answer us. TLB

PRESENT AND PERSISTENT!

11-12-2013. . . .PRESENT AND PERSISTENT!

"For the Lord watches over all the plans and paths of godly men, but the paths of the godless lead to doom." (Ps 1:6 TLB)  Daily the Lord scrutinizes the plans and paths of His own, ensuring their successful completion.  No detail is left to chance.  His guiding hand is ever present and persistent to prevent deviation from His desired path.

PRAYER: Lord, thank you!  When we would go astray, the presence of your guiding and persistent hand is there to prevent our deviation.  Thank you again.  Amen!

Ps 139:7-10. . . .I can never be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God!  If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the place of the dead, you are there.  If I ride the morning winds to the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, your strength will support me. TLB

CHANCE OVER CHOICE!

11-11-2013. . . .CHOICE OVER CHANCE!

"Again I looked throughout the earth and saw that the swiftest person does not always win the race, nor the strongest man the battle, and that wise men are often poor, and skillful men are not necessarily famous; but it is all by chance, by happening to be at the right place at the right time.   A man never knows when he is going to run into bad luck. He is like a fish caught in a net, or a bird caught in a snare." (Eccl 9:11-12 TLB)  A man without God is one left to live life on a "Take it as it comes" basis; absent of purpose and direction.  The fruit of his labor will be nothing and his destination will often be nowhere.  There is a better choice to be made and a better life to be lived!  It's Choice over Chance.

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for giving us a life of choice and not chance.  You daily order our steps and our stops according to your own purpose.  Amen!

 Ps 37:23-24. . . . The steps of good men are directed by the Lord. He delights in each step they take. 24 If they fall it isn't fatal, for the Lord holds them with his hand. TLB

MAXIMIZE EVERY MOMENT!

11-8-2013. . . .MAXIMIZE EVERY MOMENT!

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Gal 6:9-10 KJV) An opportunity denied is beyond our control, but an opportunity missed is completely our responsibility!  We must never become complacent and weary in our working to the degree that we end up squandering our opportunities!  We must capitalize on our creativity and seize every opportunity!  Maximize every moment!  

PRAYER:  Lord thank you for every opportunity to do good!  May our works speak for us now and in the end!  Amen.

James 2:18. . . .But someone may well argue, "You say the way to God is by faith alone, plus nothing; well, I say that good works are important too, for without good works you can't prove whether you have faith or not; but anyone can see that I have faith by the way I act." TLB

GOD OF COMFORT!

11-7-2013. . . .GOD OF COMFORT!

“... What a wonderful God we have-he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials.” (2 Cor 1:3a TLB)  Life is often no bed of roses and at times it can be downright uncomfortable! Yet, it is in those times of discomfort that God manifest Himself to us as ‘The God of all Comfort’.  No, He does not always immediately change our situations and circumstances, but more often than not, He changes us in the situations and circumstances! While all hell may be breaking loose all around us, He gives us a since of well-being on the inside that enables us to emerge with confidence and experience to share with others in their time of affliction and trouble. “…And why does he do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us.” (2 Cor 1:3b) TLB

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being the God of all comfort! You keep us from being unstable in difficult and uncomfortable situations. It is well with our soul. Amen!

Isa 51:3. . . .For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody. KJV

ALLOW IT TO BE SO!

11-6-2013. . . .ALLOW IT TO BE SO!

"Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God." (1 Cor 4:4-5)  Pointing fingers and making assumptions about individuals without knowing their full story is unwise!  Everyone is in the process of becoming!  Who they are today ,may not be who they will always remain!   Time will tell their full story!  Allow it to be so!

PRAYER: Lord, our times are in your hands.  As we evolve through the process of time, give us patience with ourselves and with others.  Amen!

1 Cor 4:5. . . .So be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns as to whether someone is a good servant or not. When the Lord comes, he will turn on the light so that everyone can see exactly what each one of us is really like, deep down in our hearts. TLB

FAITH ACTIONS!

11-5-2013. . . .FAITH ACTIONS!  

"When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee." (Mark 2:5 KJV)  Faith always has a visible manifestation!  One can't simply say "I have faith" and not add actions with it.  Even though the object and or objectives (end results) of our faith may not be seen, the actions of what we believe will!  Faith actions will overcome great obstacles to achieve it's desired end.  How could Jesus not respond to seeing the roof where He was, literally torn off by the faith actions of the four bearing there friend!!!!  Will He not also respond when He sees the visible manifestation of ours?

Prayer: Lord, thank you in advance for responding when you see the actions of our faith.  Amen!

James 2:26. . . .For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.  KJV

SPEAK ONLY THESE!

11-4-2013. . . .SPEAK ONLY THESE!

"All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.  They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge." (Prov 8:8-9 KJV)  Words of wisdom and truth stand strong on legs of integrity.  They require no later explanation or recanting.  Speak only these!

Prayer: Lord, help us to guard our speech so that what we say will stand in integrity.  Amen!

Titus 2:7-8. . . .In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,  Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. KJV