IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR THE LORD!

12-31-2010. .  . .IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR THE LORD!

"If the LORD had not been on our side--let Israel say-- if the LORD had not been on our side when men attacked us, when their anger flared against us, they would have swallowed us alive; the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away." (Ps 124:1-5 NIV)  As we go through the final hours of 2010, reflecting over the events of this past year, this text has to be our testimony.  As we think about where we are standing today, think of how it could have been, but it didn't turn out that way.   And, again we must say, "If it had not been for the Lord who was on our side."

Prayer: Lord, You've done it again.  You have brought us through and to another year.  Thank you!  Thank you, Thank You!  We bless your name!

Ps 124:6-8. . . . Praise be to the LORD, who has not let us be torn by their teeth. We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler's snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD,  the Maker of heaven and earth.  NIV

WE SHALL REAP!

12-30-2010. . . .WE SHALL REAP!

"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.  That's why whenever we can we should always be kind to everyone, and especially to our Christian brothers." (Gal 6:9-10 TLB)    It's always right to do what is right!  Never weaver from this stance even if the good we do is not appropriately acknowledged.  While it can be discouraging at times, that is no reason to give up, give out, give in, give over or quit!   Remember, the law of reciprocity is set: whatever we sow, that shall we also reap!  Correspondingly, there is a 'Cut Off' time coming for evil doers and those that seem to prosper in their way.  Don't be fooled, they will be cut off.  Resolve in the coming year to keep doing what is right!  We shall reap!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for every opportunity You gave us this year to do good.   Help us continue without getting weary!  Lead us into harvest!  Amen.

1 Peter 4:19. . . . So if you are suffering according to God's will, keep on doing what is right and trust yourself to the God who made you, for he will never fail you.  TLB

HERE WE COME!

12-29-2010. . . .HERE WE COME!

"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.  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!  2011. . . . 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

ANTICIPATE!

12-28-2010. . . .ANTICIPATE!

"Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.  Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."  (Isa 43:18-19 KJV)  2010 is ending in just a few days. What happened, happen and what didn't, didn't!  As God's children, we have the blessed privilege of looking ahead with great expectation to the 'New Things' He has for us in 2011.    Let your 'Expectation' fuel your 'Anticipation' for something new.. . .something fresh. . . .something greater in the coming new year!   Remember, God does not lie; His word is true.  Therefore by faith, Anticipate!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for 2010. Because of your word, we have great expectations for 2011. By faith we anticipation what we expect! Amen.

2 Cor 1:20. . . . For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. KJV

INHALE. . . .EXHALE!

12-27-2010. . . .INHALE. . . .EXHALE!

"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse.  Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved." (Matt 9:16-17 NIV)   Human respiration consist of two phases; Inspiration and Expiration.  During the inspiration phase, we inhale fresh oxygen into our lungs which is then, distributed via our blood stream, to all parts of our bodies.  During the expiration phase, we exhale the used unwanted gases (CO2) that if they remained, would be very harmful to us.  As we prepare for the new year,  we must check our respiration!  Breath in (Allow) only those things (and people) that renew, refresh and replenish our body, mind and most importantly, our spirit.  Expel everything (including everybody) that if it (or they) remain in our lives, will be harmful, hurtful, and a hindrance to us.  C'mon now;  INHALE. . . . .EXHALE!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for 2010!  It is only through your favor that we stand at the completion of another year.  Guide us now through the Inspiration/Expiration process, as we prepare for the new year.  Amen.

Matt 9:16-17. . . . No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.   Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.  KJV

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

12-24-2010. . . .MERRY CHRISTMAS!

As we celebrate and commemorate the birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus the Christ, Coretta and I thank you for following and supporting "Excerpts For Living." Your 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 to overflowing and that His love will forever embrace and keep you!

From our family to your family, have a Merry & Blessed Christmas!

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 blessed them beyond measure and show them great and mighty things they have not even imagined! I declare health, prosperity, protection and provision 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

ONLY JESUS CAN!

12-23-2010. . . .ONLY JESUS CAN!

Acts 4:122. . . . Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. KJV

"Santa can't bring you Salvation. . . .Only Jesus Can!"

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the true gift of you Son. Through Him alone comes salvation.  May all the world receive your great gift.  Amen!

Acts 4:11-12. . . .For Jesus the Messiah is (the one referred to in the Scriptures when they speak of ) a 'stone discarded by the builders which became the capstone of the arch.'    There is salvation in no one else! Under all heaven there is no other name for men to call upon to save them."  TLB

CHRISTMAS LIVING!

12-22-2010. . . .CHRISTMAS LIVING! 
 "His purpose in all of this is that they should seek after God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him-though he is not far from any one of us. 28 For in him we live and move and are! (Acts 17:27-28 TLB)    "Christmas Living is the best kind of Christmas Giving."

Prayer: Father, thank you for giving your Son. Jesus, thank you for giving your life! May my live duplicate your example of sacrificial giving. Amen!

Acts 4:32. . . .All the believers were of one heart and mind, and no one felt that what he owned was his own; everyone was sharing.TLB

WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM!

12-21-2010. . . .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

NO ROOM IN THE END!

12-20-2010. . . ..NO ROOM IN THE INN!

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7 KJV)  No room for them in the inn?  Jesus the Christ....waiting to be born, but men say, 'No room in the inn'. Our lives should never become so inundated, occupied or otherwise obligated to the degree that we have no room for Him?  Are we busy this Christmas season filling our homes with gifts from the mall instead of filling our hearts with the gift of Him? Is there yet still, 'NO ROOM IN THE INN?

Prayer: Father, thank you for the greatest gift of all, your Son, Jesus the Christ! May all creation make room and readily receive Him. Amen!

John 1:10-12. . . .He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 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: KJV

WE ARE WHO WE ARE!

12-17-2010. . . .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 lead us and verify to the world 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

HIS WORD ENDURES FOR EVER!

12-16-2010. . . .HIS WORD ENDURES FOR EVER!

"For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:  But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you." (1 Peter 1:24-25 KJV)  Everything we have is temporary and will pass away.  Somethings sooner, other things later, but all will pass away.  There is however, one thing we have that will never pass away and that is New Life which came about by His word!  Our 'New Life' from Him, will continue into,'Eternal Life' with Him.  It's certain, because His word endures for ever!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the certainty of your word that endures for ever!  We live out our new lives for you now and look forward with joy, to living our eternal life with you in the place you've prepared for us!  Amen.

   

Heb 12:27-29. . . . And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.   Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:   For our God is a consuming fire. KJV

UNFAILING UNCHANGEABLE WORD!

12-15-2010. . . .UNFAILING UNCHANGEABLE WORD!

"If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?  But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.  I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.  (Ps 130:3-5 NIV)  There is no record; there is His WORD!  Where would we be without it.  Although periodically, the enemy my go diving in the sea of forgetfulness to try and dredge up our past, our hope remains steadfast in His unfailing, unchangeable Word!

Prayer: Lord, thank you that your Word does not change.  Thank you for lasting forgiveness and your everlasting promise to forgive.  Amen!

1 John 1:9-10. . . . If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. KJV

WORD IN WORD OUT!

12-14-2010. . . .WORD IN WORD OUT!

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Ps 119:11 KJV)  Whatever is in the heart will come out of the heart.  Jeremiah says of the heart, "it is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jer 17:9)  The only buffer against deceitfulness and wickedness is the WORD!  There are those, I'm sure, who would deny the presence of these unwanted characteristics in their hearts .  For you I'd recommend a review of Matthew 15 & Mark 7.  For the rest of us its simple, replace the undesirable characteristics with the WORD!  Word in...Word out! 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your Word!  Increase our hunger and thirst for it until, we are full of it, and it, full of us.  Amen!

Mark 7:20-23. . . . For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts of lust, theft, murder, adultery, wanting what belongs to others, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, pride, and all other folly. All these vile things come from within; they are what pollute you and make you unfit for God." TLB

COMPLETELY COVERED!

12-13-2010. . . .COMPLETELY COVERED!

"As the rain and snow come down from heaven and stay upon the ground to water the earth, and cause the grain to grow and to produce seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry, so also is my Word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It shall accomplish all I want it to and prosper everywhere I send it."  (Isa 55:10-12  TLB)  Most of the country awakened to a beautiful covering of snow on the ground.  It has blanked everything!  Our streets; driveways, automobiles, our yards, and our roofs are completely covered.  Humm, "COMPLETELY COVERED!  God's purpose in sending His word was (and is continually true) so that we would be completely covered.  Where He sends it, there is produce and prosperity!  If we find areas in our lives where these results are not present, pull the cover (His Word) over them and watch the transformation!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your word!  You don't lie and are never wrong.  Help us to keep the cover of your word pulled up over every area of our lives so that we are never found barren and unfruitful.  Amen.

Isa 55:12-13. . . . You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills, the trees of the field-all the world around you-will rejoice.  Where once were thorns, fir trees will grow; where briars grew, the myrtle trees will sprout up. This miracle will make the Lord's name very great and be an everlasting sign of God's power and love.  TLB

EMMANUEL!

12-10-2010. . . .EMMANUEL! (RE POST 12/3/09)

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matt 1:233 KJV) The awesome God of heaven; the Omnipotent and Omniscient God has come to be with us in the person of Jesus the Christ! Gospel artist Fred Hammond pinned it this way "What is man that thou are mindful of him - could an awesome God find common ground with him - Just to know that you desire to be with me - Fills my heart with so much joy!" Emmanuel. . . . . God is with us!

Prayer: Lord, I am overwhelmed that as awesome as you are, You desired to come and be with us. Thank you that your decision was based our worthiness. Amen!

Isa 9:6. . . . For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. KJV

CHARGE IT!

12-9-2-2010. . . .CHARGE IT!  (RE POST 12/3/09)

"And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. (James 2:23 KJV)  Abraham believed God and God charged his account (imputed unto him) with righteousness. When we believe God, He charges our account as well. Not only with righteousness, but with favor, peace, joy and unlimited blessings! Believing God is like telling Him, 'Charge It'!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your favor and all your blessings. I will keep believing you. Amen!

Eph 1:17-197. . . . That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, KJV



A POWERFUL KEY!

12-8-2010. . . .A POWERFUL KEY!  (RE POST 12/3/09)

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. (Mark 11:24 KJV) One should not deduct from this passage that whatever is desired, no matter what it is, can be received. That's simply not the case.  What is true however is, our desires must be in line with God's will. The key point here is that one 'Believes' in association with what one prays!  Why pray if you don't believe what you say you will see?  It's a powerful key. . . .pray, and Believe!

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you hear and answer our prayers. We believe you through faith and stand in expectation of receiving those things we desire. Amen!

Mark 11:22-24. . . .Listen to me! You can pray for anything, and if you believe, you have it; it's yours! TLB

BELIEVE AND BE SAVED!

12-7-2010. . . .BELIEVE AND BE SAVED!  (RE POST 12/1/09)

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16 KJV)  How amazing it is that anyone and everyone can be saved because God made the prerequisite so simple; BELIEVE!  Not whoever does no wrong. . . .not whosoever goes to church every Sunday. . . .not whosoever has money and notoriety. . . .not whosoever is perfect; but whosoever 'Believes'! Aren't you glad you are or were among the 'Whosoevers'? Today, Believe and be Saved!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for making the way to be saved so easy. By believing on your Son, Jesus we have eternal life! Lord save everybody!!!! Amen.

Mark 16:15-16. . . .Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. KJV

BELIEVE AND RECEIVE!

12-6-2010. . . .BELIEVE AND RECEIVE!  (RE POST 12/1/09)

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Heb 11:6 NIV)   God is our source and our recourse. He is the supplier of all our need according to His riches in glory. However, if one is to receive from Him, one must first believe in Him. First believe in Him, and then receive from Him!

Prayer: Lord, I believe you and I believe in you! You reward all those who believe and seek you. Thank you for your faithfulness!

Heb 11:6. . . .You can never please God without faith, without depending on him. Anyone who wants to come to God must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely look for him. TLB

NEVER YIELD, PUT UP YOUR SHIELD!

12-3-2010. . . .NEVER YIELD, PUT UP YOUR SHIELD!

In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan.  (Eph 6:16 TLB)  NEWS FLASH!!!!!!  We are in a battle!  The enemy, Satan, is not playing.  He is constantly shooting a barrage of fiery arrows at us.  Those arrows may come in many forms and take on different shapes.  No matter how many may come or in whatever form or shape they may take, we will quench them all with our shield of faith!  We never yield, we put up our shield!

Prayer: Lord, we are determined to fight the good fight of faith.  We will never yield in spite of being constantly fired upon by the enemy!  Faith is our shield!  Amen.

1 Tim 6:11. . . .Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.  NIV

STRONG RESISTANCE!

12/2/10. . . . STRONG RESISTANCE!

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." (1 Peter 5:8-9 KJV)   The devil will never give up on testing us to see if at any point we will weaver in our faith.  It is the only way he can win!  The only hope he has to steal, kill and destroy our established position of victory.  This is why we must be ever vigilant and alert to ensure that we offer him nothing less than strong resistance in the faith.   He'll have no alternative but to flee in haste.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving us the gift of faith!  With it, we will resist the devil and push back his advances in opposing your Kingdom.  Amen!

1 Peter 1:7. . . . These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it-and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of his return.  

TLB

VISIBLE MANIFESTATION!

12-1-2010. . . .VISIBLE MANIFESTATION!  

"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 its desired end.  How could Jesus not respond to seeing the roof where He was, literally torn off by the actions of faith!!!!  Will He not also respond when He sees the visible manifestations of our?

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

WHAT'S YOUR LIMIT?

11-30-2010. . . . WHAT'S YOUR LIMIT?

Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.   And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.  (Matt 21:21-22 KJV)  Never under estimate the power of Faith!  The impossible is suddenly possible!  The immovable, moves!  The possible is only limited by our faith!  What's your Limit?

Prayer: Lord, you have given to each of us the measure of faith.  With it, may there be on limits to the possible.  Amen!

Matt 21:21-22. . . . Then Jesus told them, "Truly, if you have faith and don't doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this Mount of Olives, 'Move over into the ocean,' and it will.  You can get anything-anything you ask for in prayer-if you believe."  TLB

NEED FAITH!

11-29-2010. . . .NEED FAITH!

"And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.   Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you."  (Matt 9:28-29 KJV)  If the miraculous is to happen for us as it did the blind man, it will be because our your faith!  Faith actives the power of God on our behalf.  Need a miracle.....Need faith!

Prayer: Lord, we believe you can do all things.  By faith we believe and receive.  Amen! 

Heb 11:6. . . . But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.  KJV

THANKFUL!

11-26-2010. . . .THANKFUL!

"No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thess 5:17-18 TLB)  Whatever happens to us, for us, even against us, we know that God is at work always for our good.  Bad things will happen to good people and good things will happen to the same.  In both instances, our disposition remains the same; THANKFUL!

Prayer: Lord, in everything and for all things, we remain thankful.  Amen!

1 Thess 5:16-18. . . . Be joyful always;  pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. NIV

DIVINE IMPERATIVES!

11-25-2010. . . .DIVINE IMPERATIVES! 

"MAKE a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.   SERVE the LORD with gladness: COME before his presence with singing.  KNOW ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.  ENTER into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: BE thankful unto him, and BLESS his name.  For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." ( Ps 100 KJV)  HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!  A great way of expressing our thanks to God today and everyday is to carry out the divine imperatives found in this psalm.   MAKE - SERVE - COME -KNOW - ENTER - BE - BLESS!   If motivation is needed, verse 5 should suffice!

Prayer: Lord, all that you command, this we will gladly do and more.  Thank you for who you are and all you've done.  Amen!

Ps 34:1-3. . . . I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace.  I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart.   Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name. TLB

FOREVER AND EVER!

11-24-2010. . . .FOREVER AND EVER!

"Then he turned my sorrow into joy!   He took away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy so that I might sing glad praises to the Lord instead of lying in silence in the grave.  O Lord my God, I will keep on thanking you forever!" (Ps 30:10-12 TLB)  When someone gives us something or does something for us, it is proper and fitting to say 'Thank You'!   When we consider all the amazing things God has done for us, and the amazing ways in which He's done it, saying thank you once is just not enough.  Like the psalmist, we are compelled to keep on telling Him thanks forever and ever!

Prayer: Lord, you are so awesome and we cannot thank you enough for all you done for us.  Nevertheless, we will exhaust all our efforts trying.  Amen!

Ps 140:13. . . . Surely the godly are thanking you, for they shall live in your presence. TLB

THE WORLD NEEDS TO KNOW!

11-23-2010. . . .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!  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!" 5 Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world.  TLB

HE IS GOOD!

11-22-2010. . . .HE IS GOOD!

"Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."   (Ps 106:1 KJV)  One need not think very hard or long to discover a reason to give God thanks.  No one can deny the obvious; HE IS GOOD!  Those who don't know should accept the invitation of Psalms 34:8 "Oh taste and see that the Lord is Good!"  Once you do, you too will give thanks for that very reason! 

Prayer: Lord, we give you thanks today and everyday because you are Good!  Amen.

Ps 34:8. . . . O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. KJV

11-19-2010. . . .EASY COME EASY GO!

"Then Job stood up and tore his robe in grief and fell down upon the ground before God.  "I came naked from my mother's womb," he said, "and I shall have nothing when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had, and they were his to take away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." In all of this Job did not sin or revile God."  (Job 1:20-2:1 TLB)  A great deal of emphasis in life is placed on the acquisition of things.  While there is nothing wrong with acquiring and having things, we must never get so attached to then that we forget God, the real source from which they came.  It is He that gives us power to get wealth!   As quickly as we may acquire things, we can loose them just as quickly!  Easy come Easy Go!  In either state, honor God and bless His name!

Prayer: All things come from you oh God.  While we are thankful for all things, we never elevate them to the position of idol! Amen!

Deut 8:18-19. . . . But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.  And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish.  KJV

BECAUSE OF WHO WE ARE!

11-18-2010. . . .BECAUSE OF WHO WE ARE!

"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 trust us in adversity!   God doesn't trust Satan with us, (which is why he limits what Satan can do), but He trust us with the 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

AFTER THIS!

11-17-2010. . . .AFTER THIS!

12 So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.  16 After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations. (Job 42:12 &16 KJV)  No matter what we have to go through, there are two things that are for certain; there is a beginning and an ending to it!  It's really not a matter then, 'what we go through,' but 'how we go through!'  Unwavering faith in God's providential care will ultimately result in victory and greater blessings.  Remember, it may be challenging now, but AFTER THIS!!!!!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your love and providential care that always results for us in victory and blessings! Through the intensity of our dilemmas, help us always remember this and not weaver.  Amen! 

Job 23:10-12. . . . But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.   My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.   Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.  KJV

HE WILL BLESS US FOR IT!

11-16-2010. . . .HE WILL BLESS US FOR IT!

So Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite did as the Lord commanded them, and the Lord accepted Job's prayer on their behalf.   Then, when Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his wealth and happiness! In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before!  (Job 42:9-11 TLB)  Never underestimate the influence of friends.  Although they are friends and their intentions well meaning, even the closest of them may offer advice that is not so sound.   In such times we must have grace enough to cover them as we maintain our cause and stance before the Lord.  He will bless us for it!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for friends.  Help us to always have grace enough to cover them as we like Job, maintain our cause and stance before you.  Amen!

Job 1:20-22. . . . Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.   In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.  KJV

JUST COME CLEAN!

11-15-2010. . . .JUST COME CLEAN!

Then Job replied to God:  "I know that you can do anything and that no one can stop you.  You ask who it is who has so foolishly denied your providence.   It is I. I was talking about things I knew nothing about and did not understand, things far too wonderful for me.  "[You said,] 'Listen and I will speak!   Let me put the questions to you!   See if you can answer them!'  "[But now I say,] 'I had heard about you before, but now I have seen you, and I loathe myself and repent in dust and ashes.' (Job 42:1-6 TLB)   What do you do when you've 'bucked up' to God and He calls you on the proverbial carpet for it?  There is nothing to do or say; simply, as Job did, come clean!  Our finite minds and limited understanding may cause us to question God and His ways.  He remains faithful and unchanged.  He could take another approach, but in love he doesn't.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your patience with us in times where we mouth off unwisely!  Although, you call us on the carpet, You do it in love!  Thank you.  Amen. 

Heb 12:5-6. . . . And have you quite forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you, his child? He said, "My son, don't be angry when the Lord punishes you. Don't be discouraged when he has to show you where you are wrong.  For when he punishes you, it proves that he loves you. When he whips you, it proves you are really his child." TLB

CHOOSE A SIDE!

11-12-2010. . . .CHOOSE A SIDE!

"But when I, the Messiah, shall come in my glory, and all the angels with me, then I shall sit upon my throne of glory.  And all the nations shall be gathered before me. And I will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and place the sheep at my right hand, and the goats at my left." (Matt 25:31-33 TLB)   Ultimately, all people and all nations will stand before the King.  He alone knows and will identify all who belong to Him.  The judgment then will be His alone.  The choice now however, is ours.  Choose a side. . . .Sheep or Goats!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the opportunity to chose our side now before you judge then.  We gladly choose you today and always!  Amen.

2 Peter 3:9-10. . . . He isn't really being slow about his promised return, even though it sometimes seems that way. But he is waiting, for the good reason that he is not willing that any should perish, and he is giving more time for sinners to repent.  The day of the Lord is surely coming, as unexpectedly as a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the heavenly bodies will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be burned up. TLB

WHO SHALL BE ABLE TO STAND!

11-11-2010. . . .WHO SHALL BE ABLE TO STAND!

"For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin first among God's own children. And if even we who are Christians must be judged, what terrible fate awaits those who have never believed in the Lord?  If the righteous are barely saved, what chance will the godless have?  So if you are suffering according to God's will, keep on doing what is right and trust yourself to the God who made you, for he will never fail you. (1 Peter 4:17-19 TLB)  Take a look around!  The things that are happening and the people being exposed, even prominent Priest, Bishops and Pastors in both Catholic and Protestant churches is not a coincidence.  It is judgment!  As shocking and appalling as some of the revelations have been and will be, if its like that in the church, think of how it's going to be when it (judgment) expands from the church into the streets.   As the old song says, "Who shall be able to stand!"  Trust yourself to God now and be saved!

Prayer: Lord, you are the righteous judge and your judgments are just and true.  May we live in such a way that your all discerning eyes have nothing to expose concerning us!  Amen.

Ps 139:23-140:1. . . . Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. 24 Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.  TLB

WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW?

11-10-2010. . . .WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW!

"Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." (Heb 9:27-28 NIV)  As surely as we live we shall all surely die.  Are you ready for what comes next?  Judgment!!!  There will be nothing we will be able to do then but be judged on what we are doing now.  WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW?

PRAYER: Lord, we look forward to one day standing before you without fear, knowing we have live in such a way that fear is not necessary.  Amen!

Jude 24-25. . . .Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.  KJV

SWEEP AROUND OUR OWN FRONT DOOR!

11-9-2010. . . .SWEEP AROUND OUR OWN FRONT DOOR!

"You have no right to criticize your brother or look down on him. Remember, each of us will stand personally before the Judgment Seat of God.  For it is written, "As I live," says the Lord, "every knee shall bow to me and every tongue confess to God."   Yes, each of us will give an account of himself to God.  So don't criticize each other anymore. Try instead to live in such a way that you will never make your brother stumble by letting him see you doing something he thinks is wrong. (Rom 14:10-13TLB)  The time it takes to criticize and scrutinize others would be better spent ensuring that our own behavior, actions, and choices are not impacting others negatively.  Seeing that we all must give an accounting to God for our own deeds, it's best we sweep around our own front door!!!!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for eyes to see.  Help us use our sight to see the flaws in ourselves and work to correct them.  Amen!

Ps 50:16-22. . . . But God says to evil men: Recite my laws no longer and stop claiming my promises,  for you have refused my discipline, disregarding my laws.  You see a thief and help him, and spend your time with evil and immoral men.  You curse and lie, and vile language streams from your mouths.  You slander your own brother.  I remained silent-you thought I didn't care-but now your time of punishment has come, and I list all the above charges against you.  This is the last chance for all of you who have forgotten God, before I tear you apart-and no one can help you then. TLB

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO SAY!

11-8-2011. . . .WHAT ARE WE GOING TO SAY!

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." (2 Cor 5:9-10 NIV)  While our salvation will not be at stake when we stand before the judgement seat of Christ, we will have to give an account of all our deeds as they are laid bare before our eyes and more importantly, His!   Just take a moment and think about all the things you wouldn't want to share with your best friend, family members, husband or wife.  While they may never know, Christ knows and will require an explanation!  What are we going to say?  What can we say?   With the time we have left to live, I think it best we do our best to eliminate everything from our lives that we don't want to have to explain later.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for being a loving and forgiving God.  Your mercy endures forever!  Amen.

Lam 3:22-23. . . .It is only the Lord's mercies that have kept us from complete destruction.  Great is his faithfulness; his loving-kindness begins afresh each day. TLB



GOD SAYS YES!

11-5-2010. . . .GOD SAYS YES!

"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)  God says yes when our request are in line with His will and desires for us.   God wants us to have more than what we have right now; therefore, we should want only what God wants for us!  Then, when we make request of Him, GOD SAYS YES!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for hearing and answering our prayers!  Thank you for granting our petitions that are in line with your will and denying those that are not.  Help us not to pout in times of denial, but to yield to your will.  Amen!

 1 John 5:14-15. . . . And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.  KJV

MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE!

11-4-2010. . . .MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE!

"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)  God has no problem with keeping evil from us.   In fact, evil is rendered powerless against the power of God!  The challenge is, keeping US from evil!!!!  Jabez didn't pray for God to keep evil from him, but to keep him from evil.  The apostle Paul states, "When I would do good, evil is present with me."  To do evil is a choice!  Though it is present with us, we don't have to choose to partner with it!  The choice is ours!  Make the right choice!

Prayer: Lord, our desire is to always please you.  Admittedly however, there are times when our choices are not pleasing to you.  When it comes to doing evil, help us to always make the right choice.  Amen!

 James 1:13-16. . . .And remember, when someone wants to do wrong it is never God who is tempting him, for God never wants to do wrong and never tempts anyone else to do it.  Temptation is the pull of man's own evil thoughts and wishes.  These evil thoughts lead to evil actions and afterwards to the death penalty from God. 16 So don't be misled, dear brothers.  TLB

HIS HAND IS UPON US!

11-3-2010. . . .HIS HAND IS UPON US!

"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)  From the very beginning, God's hand has been upon us.  Every other thing created, came into existence by and through God's spoken word.  When it came time to create man, God placed His hands on us and formed us from the dust of the ground; breathed into us the breath of life and we became living souls!  It all started with His hand upon us!  If it is to continue successfully, it will be because His hand is upon us!  Ultimately, when life comes to an end (and it most certainly will) we will be able to go to sleep (die) in peace as long as God's hand stays upon us!

Prayer: Lord, your hand has been upon us from the start.  Keep your hand on us now and forever more!  Amen!

 Ps 139:7-10. . . . Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?  If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.  If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.  KJV

ARE YOU READY FOR MORE!

11-2-2010. . . .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 Him.  As He enlarges and expands our internal coast, correspondingly, our external coast will enlarge and expand as well!  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

NOT SELFISH, SELF-FOCUSED!

11-1-20-2010. . . . NOT SELFISH, SELF-FOCUSED!

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)   We are instructed in the Word to pray always and that our prayers should not be selfish prayers.  Not withstanding that, the reality of the matter is, there are times when the focus of our prayers turns from others to ourselves.  Not in a selfish way, but a self-focused way!  Such is the prayer of Jabez!  Lord, bless (barak) me indeed!  Adore....show favor to....lifT up in praise!   When the world and  vicissitudes of life beat us down, we can turn to God in a self-focused way, and He will lift us up!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for blessing us indeed!  Amen!

Ps 61:1-2. . . .Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.   From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.  KJV

LOVE AS HE LOVES!

10-29-2010. . . .LOVE AS HE LOVES!

"I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Live within my love.  When you obey me you are living in my love, just as I obey my Father and live in his love.  I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your cup of joy will overflow!  I demand that you love each other as much as I love you. (John 15:9-13 TLB)  The Living Bible renders these words of Jesus strong and emphatically, "I DEMAND that you love each other as much as I love you!  Keep in mind now, that Jesus loved us enough to give His life for us!  Who do we love enough to give our life for?   Literally give our life. . . . not necessarily.  Real love however, considers others before considering ourselves!  If we would just begin there, what a great difference we'd see in the world.  Obey His command and Love as He loves! 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for loving us and showing us how to love.  Help us now, carry out what you've so wonderfully modeled for us.  Amen!

John 15:12-14. . . . I demand that you love each other as much as I love you. 13 And here is how to measure it-the greatest love is shown when a person lays down his life for his friends; 14 and you are my friends if you obey me.  TLB

LET IT HAPPEN!

10-28-2010. . . .LET IT HAPPEN!

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.  (John 15:2 KJV)   What may appear to you to be a time of bareness, is really a time of replenishment!  Apples don't grow on trees to simply hang there and look pretty!  The fruit is taken from the tree  and used for it's designated purpose.  The removal of the fruit from the tree makes room for more fruit to come.    What was needed to produce the last harvest, may not be needed to produce the next.  The pruning process is necessary!  Let it happen!

Prayer: Lord, prune us as you will in order that we may continuously increase our fruit production.   Amen!

Ps 1:1-3. . . . Oh, the joys of those who do not follow evil men's advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God.  But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely.   They are like trees along a riverbank bearing luscious fruit each season without fail. Their leaves shall never wither, and all they do shall prosper.  TLB