Caging the Wild Bear

"Those who know your name will trust you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." (Psalm 9:10)

Forsaken! Forgotten! Abandoned! These are the feelings so many of us encounter from time to time, especially during periods of increased stress, pain, bad reports from the doctors, friends who don't understand, and family who seems to suffer from helplessness. These feelings are real, and they seem to overwhelm us like an ocean's waves, rising and receding in some form of unearthly, unmetered tempo.

Dealing with feelings like these is like trying to cage a wild bear. We seem to capture them, get them tamed, and suddenly they rare up and break out of their boundaries to unsuspectingly attack.

There are two keeps unlocking the door to security and assurance even during the seasons of attack: Knowing God and Trusting God.

Knowing God is more than merely acknowledging His existence—it's a very personal knowledge and pursuit of an intimate relationship through prayer and time in God's Word. Knowing God is learning His character and understanding who He is and the depth of His love toward us.

Trusting God is more than merely acknowledging that He is in control—nearly everyone will tell you, "God is in control." But, knowing God is in control by laying down our desires and allowing His plan and purpose to be developed and fulfilled in us is the form of trust that the Psalmist is referring to.

When we seek the Lord, we begin to understand the character of God and His unfailing love in a deeper way. When we seek the Lord, we begin to understand that our lives are secure in His most capable hands regardless of how we feel. When we seek the Lord, we learn to rest in the assurance that we will never be forsaken, forgotten, or abandoned.

Most precious Father, help me to remain secure in You even in the midst of times when I feel so insecure. I choose to believe that You will never forsake me. I choose to seek You to know You and trust You at all times. Amen!

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© Jan Ross 2007
All Rights Reserved

With This Ring …

Many of our family and friends gathered yesterday to witness my great-niece's marriage. It was a beautiful fall day, the church was beautiful, the bride was beautiful, and the ceremony was beautiful. But I couldn't help but dream of another wedding—a wedding that hasn't taken place yet.

There was my great-niece in her pristine wedding gown, her hair perfectly coiffured, her veil sparkling in the light, her body lightly tanned, her beauty was profound. Her groom was so eager to receive her as his bride, standing and watching her walk down the aisle, taking one step after another toward him and the beginning of a new life of oneness with him. The look of love was in his eyes as he beheld her extravagant beauty.

Our Bridegroom is eagerly waiting the day we will be escorted to His side in a ceremony that will surpass any other. I can just picture him with the look of love in his eyes as he beholds the beauty of His bride—His church. Having taken the time to prepare herself, she takes one step after another toward Him, already one through betrothal, but soon to be one as the marriage of the Lamb is consummated in His Father's house.

Sometimes we forget that as the church, we are preparing ourselves as a bride would prepare herself. We should never forget to pay attention to every little detail of our preparation as my great-niece did before the moment she took the hand of her groom at the altar.

Are our garments soiled or wrinkled? Have we been bathing in the oils (anointing) preparing ourselves for our beloved Bridegroom? Have we been aware of every out of place thing in our hearts that would distract from the beauty that captures our Husband?

These and many more questions stirred my heart yesterday as I watched Marcie and Brandon stand before a company of witnesses, hand in hand, eye to eye, heart to heart, covenanting to be one flesh, indivisible and inseparable for the rest of their lives.

Congratulations Marcie and Brandon! May your love grow with each new day. God bless you!

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© Jan Ross 2007
All Rights Reserved

Polka-Dotted Sidewalks

Nature astounds me, that's all there is to it! Every morning I take Gracie for her walk I am faced with the incredible artistry of God's creation.

Sunny days hold a special treat with the breathtaking sunrises, the gentle breezes of fresh air tippy-toeing across the wheat fields on the other side of the road.

Partly cloudy days astound me—this HUGE fluffy clouds like wads of pristine cotton floating in mid-air. The beauty of the clouds is only surpassed by their billowing majesty.

A few days ago I walked outside as it had just begun to rain. The air was cool, the clouds were hanging low, the trees were rustling with fall leaves floating to the ground and there they were … polka-dotted sidewalks. The grey concrete dotted with droplets of rain reminded me of my mother's favorite sandy colored dress with dark grey polka-dots. But even more incredible to me was the feeling of freshness—a brand new day, the air being cleansed by showers from heaven, the scent of fall leaves mixed with morning dew … such magnificence!

While wondering why I'm so taken by creation's beauty, I remembered how the Psalmist seemed to also be mesmerized by his surroundings. Look at Psalm 27:1-11 and see for yourself:

Endow the king with your justice, O God,
the royal son with your righteousness.
He will judge your people in righteousness,
your afflicted ones with justice.
The mountains will bring prosperity to the people,
the hills the fruit of righteousness.
He will defend the afflicted among the people
and save the children of the needy;
he will crush the oppressor.
He will endure as
long as the sun,
as long as the moon, through all generations.
He will be like rain falling on a mown field,
like showers watering the earth.
In his days the righteous will flourish;
prosperity will abound till the moon is no more.
He will rule from sea to sea
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
The desert tribes will bow before him
and his enemies will lick the dust.
The kings of Tarshish and of distant shores
will bring tribute to him;
the kings of Sheba and Seba
will present him gifts.
All kings will bow down to him
and all nations will serve him.
(Psalm 27:1-11)

Psalm 72 ends up with these words which seem to sum up my passion for the beauty of God's creation: "Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen." (Psalm 72:19)

After reading that, I don't feel so strange even if I see polka-dots on the sidewalks!

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© Jan Ross 2007
All Rights Reserved

Broken Branches Die

Do you ever feel that you're "spinning your wheels" as fast as you can go, yet nothing seems to be working right for you? Do you ever feel like you've done everything you know to do, you've followed all the formulae, you've read all the "how-to" books, you've even sought the counsel of those you felt were more knowledgeable, yet your problem still exists?

I've got the answer you're looking for. More importantly, the answer we're all looking for is found in June 15:5. "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

Perhaps we've neglected the most important thing—to draw our strength from the Vine, "for without Me ye can do nothing!"

Just like a branch that has fallen off a tree will dry up and die within a very short time, so will we if we do not stay "attached" to the vine! We draw our life, our sustenance from the Vine and without Him we are nothing, we can do nothing . . . we are helpless. Life would be easier for us if we would learn the lesson quickly . . . apart from the Vine, we will die!

But, let's look at it another way. Attached to the Vine we can do anything! Philippians 4:13 reminds us, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Without Christ we can do nothing—with Him we can do ALL things! Without Him we will die, with Him we have life and life everlasting!

I'm so thankful for the Vine! I'm thankful that He abides in me! Without Him I can do nothing ... with Him I can do all things! Lord, teach me to abide – to stay firmly attached to the Vine at all times in every area of my life! Amen!

Father, all too often I attempt to work things out on my when all along You are there waiting for me to just ask! Lord, help me to remember that as long as I draw my strength and nourishment from You, then I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Father, help me stay attached to the Vine in ALL areas of my life for You must be Lord of all, or You're not Lord at all. In the name that is above every name, Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen!

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© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

New Every Morning

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions [mercies] never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Mornings are hard! I wake up barely able to walk to the bathroom, desperate to take my meds, sit down with a cup of coffee and wait until the pain and stiffness ease. And, every morning it's the same. No surprises, nothing new—the same routine day in and day out.

But, God has prepared something special, something specific for each new day even in the midst of our routinely difficult mornings. Mercies! Not just one mercy, but mercies. And, not the same mercies as yesterday … new mercies each and every morning.

The Lord proves His faithfulness to be great—greater than what we know. The word "great" comes from a Hebrew word meaning manifold or multiplied by myriads. In other words, God's love provides to us new mercies every morning because His faithfulness is manifold and multiplied by myriads.

It reminds me of another scripture: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…" (Ephesians 3:20). It's His exceedingly immeasurable greatness that makes new mercies available to us every day, even when we're struggling with pain of chronic illness, more than we can ask or imagine.

I'm so thankful the Lord isn't like everyday pain and stiffness. He gives NEW mercies proving His utter faithfulness resulting from His great love. Today's mercies will not be tomorrow's mercies. Today's compassion toward us will never become routine. Each new day contains new compassions—new mercies.

Did you happen to notice any new mercies today? Look for them … be aware of and thank the Lord for each new mercy He has extended toward you from His incredibly compassionate love.

Oh Lord, teach me to find new mercies for each new day. Teach me to exalt in Your great love and compassion toward me. Thank You, Father, for the greatness of Your faithfulness toward me. Amen!

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© Jan Ross 2007
All Rights Reserved

Purposeful Worship

I'm sitting here near tears this morning as I consider worship. Why do we worship God? For what purpose is our worship? Do we worship Him to get a "pumped-up" feeling? Do we worship because we gain strength and, if so, what do we do with that strength?

I just listened to a song that seems to sum up exactly my thoughts this morning and I would be blessed to know that you took the time to listen, to pray, and to examine your own motive for worship.

I propose to you that if our worship doesn't catapult us into service, obedience, sacrifice, and love, then our worship has been for selfish gain.

Please take a moment and visit Shirley's blog and encourage her by letting her know that her song has challenged you to examine your own life of worship.

Father, teach us to worship You with a pure heart, to offer you a sacrifice, holy and acceptable to You. Teach us how to take the benefit of time spent in Your presence and use it for service, for obedience, for sacrifice, and for love. Teach us to be worshippers with purpose, not simply worshippers who enjoy a brief surge of "feel-good" feelings. We love You, Lord, and commit to live a life of worship, pleasing to You--for Your glory, amen!

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(c) Jan Ross 2007
All Rights Reserved
"Worship" by Shirley

The Peril of Shifting Eyes

"And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me." (Matthew 14:29-30)

We are probably all pretty much alike. When God answers a prayer, when we’re having a good day, and when things are going well, we seem to have faith to accomplish just about anything! Peter saw Jesus walking on the water, his faith was increased because he saw the Lord walking on the water doing the miraculous and extraordinary!

But our similarities also include fear. When we suddenly realize that we are helpless to change our circumstances, or that we’re trusting in the unseen in a matter of life and death, fear immediately rushes in and robs from us our faith. This happens when we take our eyes off the Lord and put them on our inabilities rather than God’s abilities.

The moment we shift our focus from the Lord Jesus Christ and back onto ourselves or our circumstances, fear rushes in. It is as if a door is opened and someone is standing there inviting fear in.

Keep your eyes fixed on the Lord both in the times of great faith and in the times of little. Your gaze directed at Him will strengthen your faith. Keep your eyes on the Lord not on the storm around you.

Remember, it's all about Him and not about us – always and in all things!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in his wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace!

Father, help me to trust You, both when I feel You near and when You seem afar off! Help me to walk strong in faith bringing glory to You and You alone. Amen.

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(c) Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Calm the Raging Sea

“The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, ‘What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?’” (Jonah 1:11)

Most of us have heard the story of Jonah many times over. The big fish swallowed him up and spit him out on dry ground three days later. Those of us living with chronic illness can identify with Jonah in more ways than one. But the question of those on the ship with him speaks to us.

How many times have we looked toward heaven with tears in our eyes, crying out, “What do You want me to do to make the raging sea calm down?” And, that’s exactly what chronic illness feels like -- a raging sea that refuses to grow still.

Jesus’ disciples were in a similar situation while He slept below the deck of the ship carrying them to the other side of the sea. Responding to their cries for help, “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be Still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” (Mark 4:39) The ship remained in the water, but Jesus calmed the wind and the waves.

Don‘t hold back--cry out and ask the Lord to calm the raging of your seas. He may appear to be sleeping through your storm, but He hears our cries and He moves according to His will. He may not remove us from the midst of the “sea”, but He will calm the waves pounding against us. All we have to do is call on the name of Jesus. He will speak into our storms and say to the waves assaulting us, “Quiet! Be Still!”

He’s not asleep … He hears your cry. “Quiet! Be Still!” He’s speaking peace into our lives--peace that comes through faith.

Lord, teach us to turn to You in the midst of our storms for You are the great “Peace-Speaker”. Amen.

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(c) Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Renovation, Transformation and Metamorphosis

Looking at the Church today it is easy to make a comparison to the walls of ancient Jerusalem--the walls are breaking down and sin is entering in with little resistance.

"And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire." (Nehemiah 1:3)

Rather than the Church influencing today's society, today's society is influencing the Church. In other words, the Church looks more like the world than like a pure and spotless Bride preparing herself for her soon-coming Bridegroom.

"...the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down."

But, God is raising up Nehemiahs to repair the walls and to go into action rebuilding the standard which sin has torn down. The modern-day Nehemiahs understand what it takes to rebuild.

Paul tells us that we need to be changed. We need to have a major renovation take place in our thinking AND to have our thinking affect our actions and our lifestyles. The key word is "transformation", a word that comes from a Greek word similar to our word "metamorphosis" meaning a change in form and habits becoming something totally different from its original state. Without "transformation", our hearts will continue to harden against the Lord and society will continue to influence the Church until it is no longer recognizable as a holy and peculiar people set apart unto the Lord.

It has to start with you and me. We can't wait for others to begin to change; we are not accountable for them-we're accountable for ourselves. What areas in your life need to change? Ask Him how How can your life more clearly reflect the Light of the world? Is your thinking and your behavior pleasing to Him or have you fallen in the trap of going along with the modern trends in today's culture leading you away from a holy lifestyle?

Nehemiah didn't just accept the circumstances of the broken walls of Jerusalem. He sought the Lord, then he saw God supernaturally make a way for him to do what God had called him to do. God will do the same for you and me. All we need do is ask Him. We need to let Him know we want to be part of the rebuilding of the true Church, not the broken down and ravaged body that has accepted the world's pressure to conform.

Dare to be a Nehemiah. Pray, confess sin, fast, wait before God, and storm the gates of heaven for yourself, your family, and on behalf of the Church. Be a part of the solution; doing nothing will only find you part of the growing problem.

Father, my heart is heavy when I think of the Church You built up to reign in and to dwell in and to use for Your holy purposes. The affects of sin have diminished the power You have intended the Church to display in order that Your glory might be manifest throughout the earth. Although I don't understand how it came to be this way, I do understand that if You are not glorified, if the Word of God is not revered, then the evil in this world has entered in because the walls have not been rebuilt. Help me to recognize those things in my own heart that need to be transformed into Your likeness and Your image. I want to change, Lord, and I want to recognize those things in me which smell of conformity to this world's standards. Lord, change me! Lord, transform me! Lord, let a true "metamorphosis" begin in me and spread to those around me. But, start it in me, Lord. I need change! In Jesus' name and for His glory I pray, amen and amen.

"And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven." (Nehemiah 1:4)

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© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

The Biggest Little Word

One of the most widely known verses in the Bible, contains one of the least understood phrases: "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)

God's love surpasses anything our minds can comprehend. His love is limitless, His love is complete, His love is perfect!

As we're tempted to look down our noses at people who are, for whatever reason, less than “acceptable”, we need to remember God so loves! So often we fail to understand how God could love someone who has committed a heinous crime, and yet God so loves! We may be repulsed by someone who has walked all their lives through the dirt and dust, but yet God so loves. We might look into the eyes of someone who has never brushed their teeth, combed their hair, or taken a bath but that doesn't matter to God--He so loves!

"So"…the biggest little word in the Bible. How does God love us? He "so" loves us! Included in "so" are all the agonies of the cross! Nothing withheld, the greatest sacrifice, captured in the word "so".

God is not just loving, He is love! Everything there is to know about God is wrapped up in the word "love".

Agape, a Greek word for “love” is love with no expectation of return; loving because it's one's nature to love. That's the kind of love God has for His creation…overwhelming, mind-boggling, supernatural, immense, total, complete, and lacking nothing!

As we strive to know Him more and more each day, our understanding of the awesomeness of His love will increase. He longs for an intimate, loving relationship with us which will grow as we fix our gaze upon Him, set our affection upon Him, and have an undivided heart toward Him.

Father, the depth of Your love toward me is overwhelming. My mind can hardly comprehend a love such as Yours toward a people who are so undeserving! Lord, I long to grow closer to You, closer than ever before, closer than yesterday yet not as close as tomorrow! Father, without Your love, I am nothing, nothing at all! How can I ever thank You for such a gift so freely given? Thank You for “so” loving me! In Jesus’ name, amen!

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© Jan Ross 2007
All Rights Reserved

Who Could Ask For Anything More?

A few years ago, there was a car manufacturer who was easily recognized by a commercial jingle which went like this, "Who could ask for anything more?" and went on to say its name! Essentially that's what Psalm 118:6 says to us: "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?" In other words, with the Lord on our side, who could ask for anything more? We have nothing to fear!

The verse goes on to say, "what can man do unto me?" The answer is simple . . . NOTHING! Man can do nothing that the Lord is not aware of. There's no sense to get upset with people for their wrongs against us. . . if we're a child of God, He's is watching over us and protecting us always ~ He never takes His eyes off us! In fact, Isaiah 49:16 says, “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.” In other words, we are more than just tattooed in the palms of His hands; we are engraved and cannot be erased! He cares so specifically for us that He has our names before Him at all times!

The next time you find yourself in a situation where fear comes knocking at your door because of what you perceive man can do or has done against you, just remember that NOTHING can happen to that God does not allow...and He will always make a way for you in the midst of that problem IF (and only IF) you are His child, called by His name!

What do we have to fear? Nothing, for the Lord is on our side!

Father, so often I lose sight of the fact that You love me, that You are on my side, that nothing can happen to me that You are not aware of! Help me, Lord, to draw on your strength, to stand in the midst of persecution, and to represent You well in the midst of conflict. Help me to not allow fear to overwhelm me for You are in control! Amen!

“If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say; If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 124)

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© Jan Ross 2007

Purposeful Peculiarities

One of the hardest things for Christians to do is share their faith publicly. Whether we are talking one-on-one or standing in front of a crowd, witnessing is a scary exercise, not for the faint of heart. But, nothing could be farther from the truth. Sharing our faith, publicly or in an intimate setting, doesn't have to be that way at all. Let me explain ...

Public preaching and/or witnessing aren't always done with words--our lifestyle often preaches louder than any words we could say. A favorite quote of mine is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi (it's debatable whether it actually originated with him), but it sums up our call to ministry: "Preach always, use words only when necessary." In other words, our lives should stand out as being different; I believe both Paul and Peter used the word "peculiar".

Titus 2:14
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

That word "peculiar" means to be "beyond the usual" or to stand out as light against the backdrop of darkness of this world.

Whether we preach on a street corner at the top of our lungs or quietly pray for a broken heart in a public restroom, we're being watched. If our lives don't reflect the words we preach, we've done nothing other than claim the gospel as counterfeit. We must be living proof of God's ability to redeem, transform, and "call out of darkness into His marvelous light".

You don't have to run up to people with your Bible and immediately start preaching to them. In fact, nothing will drive them off faster! Rather, make yourself known to them as someone who cares, who listens, and who is on their level. Talk about children, cars, school, work, family ... anything that you notice in them that will make them feel comfortable with you as one who understands their place in life. Then, once you've got them talking and listening and sharing, gently guide them into a conversation about the Lord and how He can make a difference in their life. Know your Bible, be ready to answer questions, but most of all be ready to pray.

My favorite thing in the whole world is to go to the grocery store. While I'm pushing my cart up and down the aisles, I hum or sing quietly. When I approach someone going the opposite direction, I make eye contact and smile, acknowledging them with a simple "hello" or "how are you". I can't tell you how many times people have stopped me to tell me it was the first smile they'd seen in days, the first time someone cared enough to ask how they were, etc. Many times I'd end up praying for someone in the grocery store. It's amazing ... I didn't have to say much of anything, just show I cared and show that I have something genuine to share with them, and the door opens right up.

Look for opportunities to show you care, to let your "peculiarities" show, to present yourself as someone who is genuine and who isn't afraid to be different. You'll be surprised how often the door will open to share the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ and minister His grace and mercy to someone drowning in the cares of this world.

© Jan Ross 2007

Sipping and Puffing Christians

Sipping and puffing Christians has been a point of controversy forever – well, maybe not forever, but for a very long time.

Essentially, anything we do to harm our bodies is sinful. Here are some scriptures to consider:

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

1 Cor 6:19-20 ~ “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”

2 Cor 6:14-18 ~ “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people." "Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

Eph 2:19-22 ~ “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”

I’m reminded of the tabernacle of old, the purification process the priests would have to go through before entering the tabernacle and the awe and fear they had of defiling themselves in the face of a Holy God. Did you know that so deep was their fear and awe of God that the High Priest was not allowed to sleep for 24 hours prior to the Day of Atonement for fear he would have a dream that would defile him? Purity and cleanliness was of utmost importance to the priest ministering in the tabernacle.

Since we are the tabernacle/temple of God, it would seem that the same emphasis on cleansing and purity would be expected of us. But it’s a little different … we have the blood of the Spotless Lamb that purifies us and cleanses us – there’s no way we can become pure enough to come face-to-face with the Most High God.

The Bible is very specific that we ARE the temple of God, the place of His dwelling. As natural men and women living in these imperfect bodies of flesh, the Holy cleanses us with the blood of the Sacrifice Lamb so He can set up His throne in our hearts.

But, He expects us to do our part. It’s not enough just to say, “I’m cleansed by the Blood!” and go on and do whatever we want that might defile our bodies. We’re told that “… to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17). We’re called to keep ourselves from sin:

“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.” (Rom 6:11-14)

So, is smoking sin? Let me ask you … is gossip sin? Is unforgiveness sin? Is lust sin? Is pride sin? Is fear sin?

Is drinking sin? The Bible is pretty specific about drunkenness … we are NOT to become drunk. But what about a glass of wine or a social drink … is it sin? I believe there is some consideration here that is more specific about smoking. God didn’t include smoking in the Word because it’s obvious that He gave us our bodies, not to destroy, but to be His temple – a place where He can dwell. But drinking is totally different.

If you look in the Bible at those who drank to the point of drunkenness, bad things happened. Noah was drunk, his son uncovered his nakedness and the enemies of Israel were born – the Canaanites. Lot got drunk and had incestuous relationships with his daughters. Being drunk has a very negative impact in scripture.

But is a glass of wine wrong? Did Jesus drink wine or strong drink? I don’t believe He did. There is great controversy over this, but I think the Word can be rightly divided and properly discerned to give us the answer we need.

First of all, as part of the Passover preparation, great effort was taken to rid the entire house of any remnant of yeast – yeast represents sin. The Passover wine was NOT fermented wine because fermented wine is made with yeast or leaven. Jesus, during the Passover celebration we call The Last Supper, drank “wine” but it could not have been fermented. Jesus was a devout Jew, followed Jewish customs and traditions. He even said He didn’t come to destroy the law but to fulfill it … He was the embodiment of the law – the Living Torah. How could the Living Torah partake of something that the Torah teaches against? Nope, it didn’t happen!

What about the wedding supper at Cana in Gallilee where Jesus turned the water into wine? Was that fermented wine? Look back at the scripture (John 2). The guests had already gotten drunk on the fermented wine. There were pots of water (these were Jewish people, mind you) … the pots were filled with water for ceremonial cleansings, water that had been sanctified by the priests and stored for their cleansings according to the law. Jesus used this water to turn into wine – a wine that was markedly different in taste and the Word says, “He thus received His glory, and the disciples put their faith in Him.” (John 2:11) What kind of Spotless (PURE, HOLY, and UNDEFILED) Lamb would turn pots of ceremonial cleansing water already sanctified by the priests into something that contained yeast (representing sin) so the guests would become more drunk than they already were? The "wine" he prepared for them was fruit from the vine ... sweeter than any wine they had ever tasted. Jesus said, "I am the vine". The wine he made at the wedding celebration represented divine fruit, making "glad the heart of man" (Psalm 104:15).

And, along those lines, why would we think that the Spotless (PURE, HOLY and UNDEFILED) Lamb of God would partake of something that represented sin? Heb 4:15 says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin.” Get that … WITHOUT SIN! Nothing defiled Him! Not food, not drink, not lust, not pride … NOTHING defiled Him!

Under the Old Covenant, if a man took a vow of Nazarite, he was to abstain from any alcoholic drink. The priests who ministered in the temple (those from the priestly tribe) were forbidden to drink any fermented drink. If we are kings and priests unto the Lord, what should we think about fermented drink?

I realize that many will disagree with this, but I just ask you to seek the Lord using the FULL counsel of the Word. We can’t take isolated verses and build a doctrine on it any more than we can take an isolated verse and declare something clean that is unclean. There is enough precedence in the Word to prove that the child of God is to abstain from fermented drink.

For some it goes further than that … personal conviction enters into this as well. God specifically revealed to me that drinking is wrong for me. But, for me to look down on a brother or sister for drinking with a haughty or prideful attitude is just as wrong as the actual act of drinking.

We are to afford to others the same mercy that has been afforded to us.

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.” (Gal 6:1-5)

In other words, we have to watch our own hearts even when we see someone else doing something we know to be wrong lest we enter into sin with our own attitudes!

© Jan Ross 2007

Jonah and “Free Will”

In ministering to women of all ages day in and day out, there are several questions I've heard repeatedly. For instance, several have asked what God does when man’s “free will” goes against the will of God. Will God intrude on someone’s “free will” in order that His will be done?

This is a good question, one that we can learn much about in the Word of God. Here are some scriptures that give us an idea of what God thinks of man’s “free will”:

"In his heart a man plans his course,
but the Lord determines his steps."
-Proverbs 16:9

"Many are the plans in a man's heart,
but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."
-Proverbs 19:21

"There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
that can succeed against the Lord."
-Proverbs 21:30

Have you considered Jonah? Let me share something about Jonah that might help to answer this question in a way that gives us even more evidence of God’s prevailing will and purposes in the heart of mankind.

God sent the prophet Jonah to Nineveh to preach judgment to the people there. These weren’t just ungodly people; they were violent and committed shameful atrocities on the people. I won’t go into details, but Nineveh’s king Ashurbanipal was one of the most violent kings in history and he boasted of his evils. He was indeed a scary man. This is why Jonah didn’t want to go there … he feared for his life. He probably wouldn’t have refused to go if it would have been just a matter of being shot with an arrow or put into jail, but the horrendous atrocities this government inflicted on people was truly something to fear. Hence, Jonah disobeyed God.

The other reason behind Jonah’s disobedience had to do with his understanding God’s reason for sending him there … he knew God wanted to forgive the people in Nineveh—it’s why God sent him to preach repentance to the people. Jonah hated the Ninevites because of what they had done to so many. He didn’t want to be a vessel of restoration or forgiveness. He would rather see them die and spend eternity in hell-fire.

You know the story, in fleeing to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, Jonah went down to Joppa and found a ship. He paid the fare and boarded the ship and off he went.

NOTE
* God’s will was that Jonah go to Nineveh to preach judgment on the people.
* Jonah’s will was to disobey God and run from Him, run from responsibility, and run from his calling.

While on the ship, the waters began to rage and the ship was endangered because the prophet of God was aboard. Jonah knew he was in rebellion – he even told the people he was fleeing from the presence of God.

Jonah 1:10 ~ This terrified them and they asked, "What have you done?" (They knew he was running away from the LORD, because he had already told them so.)

Not only was Tarshish not God’s plan for Jonah, it was COMPLETELY in the opposite direction. It was deliberate! In order for Jonah to find a ship bound for Tarshish, he had to travel about 60 miles. Tarshish was located 2,000 miles from Joppa! Jonah ran as far as he could go from the divine commission the Lord had given him.

Twice it is mentioned in verse 3 alone that Jonah tried to do the impossible thing – fleeing from God.

Jonah 1:3 ~ But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.

But get this … Jonah fled KNOWING he was doing wrong! He knew that if he had obeyed, the people would repent and God would have had mercy on Nineveh. He didn’t want that – Jonah wanted the people of Nineveh to perish because of the horrible things they’d done.

Jonah 4:2 ~ “…That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.”

Jonah knew God’s grace and compassion, His character of being “slow to anger and abounding in love”.

But he soon learned that his own ideas and plans – his own will was no match for God’s. God wasn’t going to allow him to simply flee from his responsibility. God made life pretty uncomfortable for Jonah.

Jonah’s reaction to God’s call is remarkable! We might say, “how dare he refuse the call of God and run like he did!” But don’t we essentially do the same thing each time we disobey by doing what WE want to do rather than what God purposes for us?

NOTE
*God did NOT intervene to prevent Jonah from doing his own thing. He didn’t prevent Jonah from paying the fare, boarding the ship, and heading for Tarshish; he allowed Jonah to act on his own will, making his own decisions.
*God is gracious to disobedient servants and He will let them make decisions that go against His will.

The circumstances we face in life are often like what we see happening in Jonah. God’s will is one thing, man’s will is another.

But, the good news is that if God could change Jonah’s mind through some pretty horrible circumstances, then God can do the same in our situations.

Just because we see people going against God’s will and doing horrible things or rebelling against God’s authority, doesn’t mean that God’s will is then foiled and God Himself is suddenly at the mercy of man’s “free will”. NEVER!

God is no respecter of persons and what He does for one, He’ll do for another.

God won’t sit idly by and allow His plan to be interrupted by the schemes and manipulations of man. What He determines will be done will indeed be done. He is NEVER at man’s mercy. Man is at HIS mercy!

Think about this the next time you decide to choose your own will over God’s. Think about Jonah when God calls you to give and you decide to keep. Remember Jonah when God sends you to minister to the sick or the imprisoned and you sit on your couch and read a book. Don’t forget Jonah when God calls you to teach or to work in the nursery or to scrub toilets and you decide that’s not what you really want to do.

We might get away with running from God for a season. But eventually we’ll find ourselves in the murk and mire of a fish’s belly. And, getting out of the mess we’ve created by our rebellion and disobedience isn’t easy – think of Jonah being expelled onto dry ground … you can only out of a fish’s belly one of two ways and neither one is a pretty picture!

It’s not worth running from God. It’s not worth demanding our own will when we know God has shown us His will. God will indeed have His way and His sovereign will WILL be done! We can choose to do it His way the first time and be blessed or do it our way and share in Jonah’s experience.

What about you? I choose to do God’s will … in His time according to His purposes that He might be glorified. Remember, delay in responding to God’s will is no different than disobedience. When God calls, go, do, and enjoy His incredible blessings!

When our will conflicts with God's will, it is not a question of who will win, it's just a question of how long we're going to fight the outcome.

© Jan Ross 2007

Only One Thing Is Needed

I’m teaching a women’s Bible Study on Thursday evenings at our church. We spent about five weeks on the seven churches of Asia Minor from Revelation 2 and 3. During our study of Christ’s letters to these churches, we all became powerfully aware of our need to be the “bride” we’ve been called to be . . . a bride in waiting, preparing diligently for her wedding day.

Very often, I’ll have a dream that sticks with me longer after I wake up. I’ll pray and ask the Lord to speak to me through the dream or to remove it from my memory. Well, recently I had a dream which stuck with me – it “bothered” me and wouldn’t leave me alone.

In the dream, I agreed to marry a man I didn’t really love. He was alone and I could help him. I told him the “love thing” didn’t really matter. I was just offering myself to him because it seemed like the right thing to do. We were sitting in a restaurant and I looked up at him and realized I would have to give up a lot to be his wife and suddenly wasn’t so sure I wanted to go through with the wedding. At times I’d look at this man and I didn’t even like him and my feelings for him disgusted me — I couldn’t imagine thinking the thoughts I was thinking. But, finally I settled it in my mind … he needed me and I was one who lived to serve. So we went on with the plans understanding there would be some major adjustments made before the wedding day. And, of course, all the adjustments were to be on my part if I truly had a servant’s heart. I was pre-occupied with the cost to me personally and almost backed out of the arrangement. But I remember putting on the wedding dress and presenting myself to my husband.

That’s about all I can remember. Please understand that I don’t expect understanding to come from every dream. But, those lingering dreams very often are meaningful and I always pray and ask the Lord to use them to speak to me. Apparently He did so with this dream.

What the dream showed me is that I’m not IN LOVE with Christ as I once was – I do a lot to serve Him but I’m lacking in the love area because I’m preoccupied. I didn’t realize that, but I can see it. He also showed me that I count the cost of serving Him too highly, not that I should stop serving, but I should spend more time simply loving. My attitude toward Him is the “love” thing really doesn’t matter. The fact is, however, that it does matter.

The Lord is revealing to me that I’d much rather work for Him than to simply sit at His feet and love Him. He also showed me that it is hard for me to just sit and gaze into His eyes – the thing that disgusts me is my own reflection seen in His loving eyes.

He showed me that by serving Him, I avoid facing some issues in my own heart—those very issues that I saw reflecting in His eyes. The Lord also showed me that while He loves me, my thinking that He needs me is simply pride. And, of course, the adjustments that would have to be made before the wedding day must take place in my own heart, not because of my “servant’s heart”, but because His bride will be spotless and without wrinkle.

But finally He showed me that He will bring me through and draw me into a deeper love relationship with Him, not by more service, but simply by loving Him as I present myself to Him dressed in robes of His righteousness.

The thing is, I live to serve the Lord. My entire life is wrapped up in ministry of some sort. I love the Word, I love to teach the Word, I love to pray with women and minister to them. I love to help in any way I can. I love to be an ambassador for the Kingdom of God. These are the things that keep me alive and pushing myself beyond what would otherwise be impossible to me. And, I love the Lord! The problem is, I don't take the time to just sit and love Him. I'm so attached to Him in the arena of service that intimacy has taken a back seat to service. And, it must not be so! Intimacy must come first and service flow out from there. And, it's intimacy that He is calling me back to.

The dream had a bittersweet interpretation for me ... one which requires me to open my heart and work on some areas I’ve tucked away neatly. It’s time to ruffle up the storage closet and get rid of the cobwebs and the stuff that has snuck in and taken up space, making room for a simple and loving relationship with Christ … choosing “what is better”.

"[Martha] had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:39-42)

© Jan Ross 2007