MERRY CHRISTMAS!

12-25-2019. . . .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 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!

From our family to your family, have a Merry and very 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

CHRISTMAS LIVING!

12-24-2019. . . .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. For in him we live and move and are being! (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 life 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

COMPLETE SUBMISSION!

12-20-2019. . . .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 be virtually inconceivable to us. Nevertheless, as Mary responded, we too should respond in complete submission. '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 me and through me. I am your servant. 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

ANTICIPATE!

12-19-2019. . . .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)  

2019 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 2020.    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 2019. Because of your word, we have great expectations for 2020. 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

IT'S TIME!

12-18-2019. . . .IT'S TIME!

"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. (Rev 1:3 KJV) 

IT'S TIME! It has always been time and will continue to be time to read, hear and keep God's word!  Every word is true and will come true!  IT'S TIME!  Believe it!

PRAYER: Lord, your word is true and will come true!  Thank you for your precious word and the blessings that come to us by reading, hearing and keeping your word!  Amen.

Job 23:11-12. . . . My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.  I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread. NIV

TIME WILL TELL!

12-17-2019. . . .TIME WILL TELL!

"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 make 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 and ours!

PRAYER: Lord, our times are in your hand.  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

HIS WORD ENDURES FOR EVER!

12-13-2013. . . .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!

12-12-2019. . . .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

A POWERFUL KEY!

12-11-2019. . . .A POWERFUL KEY! 

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

CHARGE IT!

12-10-2019. . . .CHARGE IT! 

"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

NEVER YIELD, PUT UP YOUR SHIELD!

12-5-2019. . . .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!

12/4/19. . . . 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!

12-3-2019. . . .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

HE IS GOOD!

11-29-2019. . . .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 does not need to 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

DIVINE IMPERATIVES!

11-28-2019. . . .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

THANKFUL!

11-27-2019. . . .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) 

No matter 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 everythings, 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

THANK YOU FOREVER AND EVER

11-26-2019. . . . THANK YOU 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 have 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

JUST COME CLEAN!

11-22-2019. . . .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

MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE!

11-21-2019. . . .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

WHAT ARE WE DOING NOW!

11-20-2019. . . .WHAT ARE WE DOING NOW!

"Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 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 we 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.  The question is, WHAT ARE WE DOING NOW?

PRAYER: Lord, we look forward to one day standing before you without fear, knowing we have lived 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!

11-19-2019. . . .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

WALK THE WALK!

11-15-2019. . . .WALK THE WALK!

“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. (2 Cor 7:1 NIV)

Holiness: dedicated, devoted, set apart for worship! That’s who we are and what we are called to be in a crooked and perverse generation. It is not a pretense, but a distinction that sets us (believers) apart from the world.  Let us not just talk the talk, but walk the walk!

Prayer: Lord, you are Holy and have called us unto holiness. Not as a pretense, but as a lifestyle. Help us to ensure our lives reflect your call. Amen!

2 Cor 7:1. . . . Having such great promises as these, dear friends, let us turn away from everything wrong, whether of body or spirit, and purify ourselves, living in the wholesome fear of God, giving ourselves to him alone. TLB

THE PRINCIPAL THING

11-14-2019. . . . THE PRINCIPAL THING!

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get Under-standing." (Prov 4:7 KJV)

The acquisition of ‘WISDOM’ is to be a continuing priority in our lives.  In fact, scripture says it is the principal thing! What benefit have we in gaining wealth, fame or positions of notoriety without the wisdom to sustain them. Keep the main thing the main thing. Get Wisdom!

Prayer: Lord, wisdom comes from you. We have not because we ask not. Give us wisdom daily in liberal doses! Amen!

Eccl 7:11-12. . . .Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. KJV

INSIDE-OUTSIDE!

11-12-2019. . . .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 it ain’t 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 make 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

ONLY BELIEVE!

11-8-2019. . . .ONLY BELIEVE!

"Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." (Mark 9:23 KJV)

Belief is the first step in faith. Nothing will happen if we don't believe it can! When we believe however, we open up and access a whole realm of unlimited possibilities.  Today, we remove all the restraints and cast out all our fears and anything that hinders us from accessing the realm of unlimited possibilities.  Only Believe!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the ability to believe. With this ability we access your realm of unlimited possibilities for our life.  Amen!

Isa 7:9b. . . .If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established. KJV

THE WISE LISTEN AND HEED!

11-7-2019. . . . THE WISE LISTEN AND HEED!

"These are the proverbs of King Solomon of Israel, David's son: He wrote them to teach his people how to live-how to act in every circumstance, for he wanted them to be understanding, just and fair in everything they did. "I want to make the simpleminded wise!" he said. "I want to warn young men about some problems they will face. I want those already wise to become the wiser and become leaders by exploring the depths of meaning in these nuggets of truth." (Prov 1:1-5 TLB) 

When the wise speak. . . .the wise listen and heed!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the Proverbs of Soloman! May the wisdom therein be applied daily to benefit both me and the world. Amen!

Prov 1:5-6. . . .A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. KJV

WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND!

11-6-2019. . . .WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND!

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

Free from worry, free from cares; free from troubles and free from stress. A yielded mind is a peaceful mind. What’s on your mind?

Prayer: Lord, I trust in you and my mind is kept in perfect peace. 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

A PARTING GIFT!

11-5-2019. . . .A PARTING GIFT!

"I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart ! And the peace I give isn't fragile like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid." (John 14:27 TLB) 

What a wonderful and thoughtful parting gift....PEACE! Wonderful because, in the mist of life's storms there is nothing more valuable. Thoughtful because, Jesus gave us many things, but as a gift, He gave us His Peace! The very thing that sustained Him during His own agony, He gives to us to sustain us during our agonies.  PEACE! What a wonderful and thoughtful parting gift!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of your peace! We need not ever be troubled or afraid because it!  Amen.

Isa 26:122 Lord, grant us peace; for all we have and are has come from you. TLB