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