It’s the Eyes!

When I was less than a year old, my biological brother was born. We were adopted—by different sets of parents. He was raised by a family about 20 miles from where I grew up, but it wasn't until I did some research after our first child was born that I even learned I had a brother. Much to my surprise, there was another human being with the same set of parents as me, a concept totally foreign to me having been raised in an adopted family.

Tom and I met each other face-to-face about 8 years ago for the first time. We met yesterday for the second time when I traveled to Tampa to be with him for his wife's memorial service—she passed away on December 21^st.

Although there are some similarities between us, it's the eyes that gives us away. When I look into his eyes, it's like I'm looking into the mirror. We both are prematurely gray, we both have the same shaped legs and our toes look the same. We both have short necks and fair skin. But it's the eyes that takes away any doubt to anyone who sees us together … we're definitely siblings.

Amy Grant sang a song back in the 80's called "My Father's Eyes". Looking at the eyes is like looking into the heart – there's a depth in the eyes that goes past the natural color, shape, clarity, etc. When someone looks into my eyes, I want them to see "My Father's Eyes", looking into His heart as it is being formed in me.

What or who do people see when they look into your eyes? While it blesses me to know there's another set of eyes out there that look like mine, I pray that more than anything people see "My Father's Eyes" when they look at me—His heart emanating from the innermost part of my being.

________________
© 2007 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

How Concerned Is God About My Happiness?

As I talk with people day after day, it's so obvious everyone is dealing with something. And, in their dealing with whatever challenge they face, everyone responds differently. Standing for a marriage, a healing, salvation of loved ones—all of these take a lot of determination and strength. A combination of faith and obedience is necessary in order to handle what we feel with our emotions and what we see with our eyes. It's so easy to get caught up in "feelings"; they ultimately turn the focus on US rather than on God and what His purpose is for us in the call to stand in faith on His promises to us.

There comes a time when we finally have to give it all over to God and just focus on pursuing our relationship with Christ, raising our children, making a home for them, etc. This, unfortunately, is an important part of any stand: letting go and letting God do the work that it's so obvious we cannot do on our own. We can't change the hearts of our husbands, we can't change the progression of disease, or the eternal destiny of a loved one ... only God can. But, we CAN change our own hearts as we learn to conform to the will of God.

There is a statement, however, that I've heard so many Christians use—something that is simply not true. Our unhappiness leads us to somehow believe that God wants us to be happy. We map out our own futures based on our belief that God doesn't expect us to live in unhappy circumstances. This often leads us to do and say things that ultimately focus on US rather than on the reality of our Christlikeness.

God never, never, never in His Word made any effort to make His people "happy". Our happiness is never guaranteed and it's certainly not a promise of God we can stand on as we set the course of our lives.

On the contrary, "happiness" is a state of mind that comes from contentment. And contentment is what God wants for us—not in our circumstances, but in Him and His ability to provide for us everything we need that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). God is the only One who can truly satisfy. He is the only One who can give us true contentment.

The Apostle Paul learned this through his life—he learned to be content in whatever circumstances of life he found himself in.

Phil 4:11-13
"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

No matter what Paul went through, he found contentment which is really what we're searching for—it's what we call "happiness" or "joy". Paul also made another powerful statement through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit:

James 1:2-8 (KJV)
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways."

Be careful to read every word of that scripture because it tells us what happens when we fail to find joy (peace and contentment) in our circumstances … we become a double-minded man, wavering, and unable to receive anything from the Lord.

God never guaranteed Adam or Eve happiness. He never guaranteed Abraham happiness. He never guaranteed Moses, or David, or Isaiah, or the prophets, or the apostles that they would live a life of happiness. But He DID promise that He would satisfy their every longing—that He would provide for them what their soul longed for. He promised He would lead them and never forsake them. He promised He would give them joy unspeakable and full of glory—if they would obey His Word. This is not equivalent to the earth's "happiness"; this is an ETERNAL joy that has no bearing on whether or not we get what we want, have what we want, or find what we are so desperately searching for.

1 John 1:1-4 (KJV)
"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full."

What makes our joy full? Fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, the Word of Life—the Life manifested and bearing witness in us through the eternal life which has been given to us as children of the Most High God.

Joy, happiness, and contentment are guaranteed us in Christ, not that we attain positions or possessions, but that we find peace in Christ Jesus who gave His all that we might find satisfaction in Him to the point that nothing else in life matters—not marital bliss, not pain-free life, not even the salvation of a loved one. And, when we come to that point, we can let go of all that matters and let God do as He wills because we have already found what we seek after – true joy and contentment.

If we can't find that place in God, our lives will continue to be miserable and wretched as we continue to seek after that which was never promised to us. Don't set your goal in natural happiness or in satisfaction from things on this earth. We are eternal creatures, living but a short span of time on this earth in order that our eternal joy may be full. It's a small price to pay, even if we life to be 100 – it's nothing compared to eternity.

So, let go of the idea that God wants you happy. God wants you established in His kingdom, fulfilling His purposes in you and through you. This is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

_____________
© 2007 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

“…and Ransom Captive Israel”

My heart is deeply touched this morning with these words. As I get ready for our Christmas service this morning at church, the words to an age-old Christmas carol wrap their arms around my heart and squeeze until there impression is forever left behind:

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
In ancient times did'st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

My prayer forever shall be, "and ransom captive Israel". Will you join me today in praying for the peace of Jerusalem?

Lord, lead captive Israel to her Deliverer. The price has already been paid. Lead her forth from the Egypt of blindness and unbelief. Open her eyes and reveal to her the Key of David. Make her safe on the way that leads to our Emmanuel. Draw captive Israel from the depths of hell and give them victory o'er the grave through their Redeemer Deliverer … Emmanuel—Yeshua, the Christ! In Jesus' name, amen!

_________________
© 2007 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

You Don’t Have To Be Sightless To Be Blind

A blind man stumbled along a busy city sidewalk using his cane to guide him. Moving through the crowds, he mumbled words only those close to him could hear: "I see! I see!"

A handicapped woman was late for work; she, too, stumbled along the busy city sidewalks. Worried she may lose her job, she tried to hurry past the blind man until she heard his words: "I see! I see!"

Curiosity demanded she stop. "Sir, obviously you can't see. What do you mean 'I see'…I'm not sure I understand."

The blind man eagerly responded. "You don't have to be sightless to be blind. I am blind, but I see more than most. Oh yes, I see!"

Suddenly unaware of the time, the woman began to inquire of the blind man. The more he spoke, the more aware she became of her own blindness—it became more real than her own frail body. Right there on the busy street the blind man prayed with her. When she opened her eyes, she began to see like never before.

Remembering the hour, she hugged the blind man and left. With a new spring in her halted steps, she echoed his words: "I see! I see!" All the way down the sidewalk she was so amazed at the sight she had—her sin was gone, she was free from guilt and shame. She had been blind though she had sight. Now she had sight with renewed strength, and she could see.

The handicapped woman arrived at work, late as usual. But the change in her was obvious; her employer inquired of her. "Are you feeling better today?"

With a smile and a tear in her eye, the woman spoke, "I am lame, but now my strength is renewed. I have been blind but now I see…I see!"

How is your sight today?

Lord, open my eyes that I may see my need for a closer walk with Jesus Christ, the One who renews my strength and makes my blind eyes see…draw me ever closer, Lord, Thee. Amen.

"At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases,
sicknesses and evil spirits,
and gave sight to many who were blind."
(Luke 7:21 NIV)

_________________
© Jan Ross 2007
All Rights Reserved

It’s Snowing!

He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. (Psalm 147.16 NIV)

Having grown up in the northern US, I am accustomed to snow and not just a little bit. My memory takes me back to the times I walked to school with snow up to my hips. I fondly reminisce about drifts of snow as high as the roof of our house, climbing a ladder and sledding down far into the back yard.

Then there were the days Dad tied the toboggan on top of the car and took us to the ravine not far away where the slopes were long and exciting for all snow-lovers. I really think he was as much a kid as we were—maybe even more so!

This morning, I woke up earlier than usual. We were experiencing a winter storm with a mixture of rain, snow, sleet, and ice. As the wintry mix pounded against the window by my bed, I was reminded once again of the magnificence of our God and His incomparable artistry.

I had to get up…something new, something fresh, something marvelously unique was happening outside. I couldn't sleep knowing that millions and millions of unique snowflakes were being fitly joined together to form a blanket of pure white, hiding the mud and slush beneath. Imagine for just a moment, looking down from heaven on the earth once laced with grime and filth now covered with a pristine blanket of purity. What a picture! What an inspiration!

Psalm 51:7 comes to mind as I look out the window several hours later as snow is still blowing: "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow."

What could be whiter than the fresh-fallen snow? The answer should be enough to jump start your day: The only thing whiter than fresh-fallen snow is a heart that is cleansed by the precious blood of the Lamb of God.

Have you been washed whiter than snow? If not, let's pray:

Prayer: Father, I confess that I need a Savior—my heart stands in need of cleansing so I, too, can be pure and white—whiter than the fresh driven snow. In Jesus' name, amen.

Country Cousins

The words "Over the River and Through the Woods" have special meaning to me. Our grandparents had all passed on, but we had something better--cousins who lived in the country. Allow me the privilege of reminiscing just a bit....

It was like clockwork. You could count on it year after year. Early, before the sun rose, we would get up and sneak into the living room. The streetlight reflected off the white snow creating a mysterious spotlight on the tree and all that lay beneath.

Dad always heard the scampering of our feet and got out of bed to get his movie camera ready. He soon appeared with the light-bar and camera to capture us peeking at the names on all the packages under the tree. Of course, there were no sneaky pictures back then. We became good actors under Dad's direction.

As soon as he flipped the switch on the wall, the tree lit up and the Christmas train began its journey around and around and around the tree. Each year Dad added one or two more cars to the Christmas train. He loved his trains. Any other time, the basement was filled with trains and landscape scenery, and the sound of cars chugging around the tracks.

The handmade stockings were hung on the fireplace, where the embers from the fire the night before were still smoldering. A quick poke and a smattering of fresh kindling, and the fire was blazing once again.

The glass of milk and small plate of homemade cookies left for Santa were mysteriously empty, an obvious sign he'd been at our house. Dad once again turned on the light-bar and aimed the camera at the hallway. Mom emerged--the light of his life until the day he died.

Aunt Lu always spent the night on Christmas Eve. She didn't have a family of her own and was very involved in ours. She babysat us while Mom and Dad visited with friends and neighbors on Christmas Eve, their own adult tradition. Presents for her were included under the tree.

Mom was quite the decorator. Her tree was always done exquisitely with blue and green lights, blue and green glass balls, and silver tinsel. The star on top stood out in contrast; it was only by Dad's insistence she even allowed it. In later years, she called it the "sputnik" because it reminded her of a satellite. I'll never forget the scowl on her face every year he stood on a chair to put it on top of the tree. I look back and realize he probably loved watching Mom's scowl more than he loved the ornament. He was a tease--always!

Mom brought out some hot chocolate and kuchen for us to nibble on while we opened presents. We were giddy with delight and couldn't wait to see who would be first. We took turns--it was Mom's way of keeping order in her family. One gift at a time was opened, while all looked on with excitement under the hot floodlights.

Before long, all the fancy wrapping was gone and toys were stowed away under the tree. It was time to get ready for Church. Adorned with our Christmas outfits, we walked into the Church and took our usual seat in the third row on the right side of the sanctuary. Although the sanctuary was cold, Mom always made us take off our coats so everyone could see our new outfits.

Immediately after the service, we went back home. The tree looked different in full daylight. Now that the excitement was over, the magic of beautifully-wrapped gifts was gone. Dad turned on the train again as it began its eternal journey around the tree; he sat down with a cup of coffee to admire his new cars. Mom and Aunt Lu were busy in the kitchen making a snack before we left for Uncle Ray's.

The trunk of the car was already packed with ice skates, scarves, gloves, hats, leggings, and boots. Dad tied the toboggan atop the car. A quick bite to eat and we were on our way--over the river and through the woods to Uncle Ray's country home.

The trip usually took about two hours--probably the longest journey we knew as children, not because of the distance, but the anticipation of what lay ahead caused us to count the minutes until we turned down the familiar dirt road.

I couldn't wait to see Fred, my favorite cousin. His older brother, Larry, was okay, but he wasn't too interested in us until we got out on the ice. Boys from a neighboring farm joined us on the ice for a wild and frenzied time of hockey. Larry loved ice hockey, and although we only played once or twice a year, he considered us ample opponents since he could hit the puck right past us every time. Arlene was my shining star. She skated like a ballerina, so light on her feet; she was so beautiful.

Fred and I usually left the game--the older boys were too aggressive for us. We loved the barn and we'd climb in the hay, swing from a rope tied to the rafters, tumble a few times, and run through the snow back to the house. Back and forth, running and throwing snowballs, and working up an appetite for Christmas dinner.

Eventually, Uncle Ray stepped out the back door and rang the big cast iron dinner bell. Its bellow could be heard all around.

Everyone came running, tracking snow and ice into the basement door. We all brought our frozen gloves upstairs and laid them on the open oven door to dry while we ate. We didn't want to have to wait any longer than necessary to return to the winter wonderland of snow, hills, ice, and fun.

When everyone was finally seated at the huge, crowded dining room table, Uncle Ray stood to ask the blessing.

"Lord, we thank thee for this food, for family and friends, for memories of Christmas past and for the joy of fellowship today. We give thee thanks for thy Son, Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate together as family. For thy bountiful blessings, we give thee thanks. Amen."

_____________
© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved
Featured in FaithWriters Magazine in December 2007

Are You Ready for Christmas?

The streets are busy, the malls are full, and everyone's making plans. The most common question you hear this season is: "So, are you ready for Christmas?" How do we respond? Are we truly ready for Christmas?

Dictionary.com (Unabridged) defines Christmas as "the annual festival of the Christian church commemorating the birth of Jesus: celebrated on December 25."

The American Heritage Dictionary defines Christmas as "A Christian feast commemorating the birth of Jesus; December 25, the day on which this feast is celebrated."

The Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary (Beta Version) defines Christmas as "a Christian feast commemorating the birth of Jesus; a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Christ."

American Heritage New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition defines Christmas as "a festival commemorating the birth of Jesus, traditionally celebrated on December 25 by most Western Christian churches. Although dating to probably as early as a.d. 200, the feast of Christmas did not become widespread until the Middle Ages."

The simple question, "Are you ready for Christmas" is an open door to share the good news of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. It may not be "politically correct" but it certainly is spiritually pertinent—not to some, not only to Christians, but to all mankind.

How ready are we to celebrate the birth of Jesus? How would Jesus have us celebrate His birth?

We all know the commercialism of Christmas has gotten way out of hand. People nearly bankrupt themselves each year in order to provide gifts and host parties and such during the Christmas season. But is that what Jesus really wants? It seems to me when we celebrate someone's birthday, we should be designing the celebration to please the One whose birthday we celebrate. What would be the best gift we could possibly give Him?

There's a song I remember from my childhood that seems to answer this question in a simple way:

What Can I Give Him?
By Christina Rossetti

What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd,
I would bring a lamb.
If I were a wise man,
I would do my part,
But, what can I give Him?
Give Him my Heart.

The essence of the simple song captures the heart of Christ, not only at Christmas but throughout the year. If we are to celebrate His birth, His life, His death, and His resurrection, let's give Him what He wants most – the hearts of all mankind.

So, next time someone asks you, "Are you ready for Christmas?" go ahead and share with them that you have already given Him the gift He longs for most. Then, use the opportunity to share the true meaning of Christmas and the one gift that represents the spirit of Christmas—a surrendered heart.

God bless you this Christmas. May your celebration be one that reflects the gift that is most pleasing to the One whose birth we celebrate!

_____________
© 2007 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Blessed…Simply Blessed!

When our children were little, life was hectic (to say the least). For those who don't know the details, after nearly five years of being childless, we were miraculously (proven and verifiably—undeniably miraculously) blessed with Andrew. Then, along came Dana about 18 months later. Then, Debbie showed up 12 months later. With three little ones under three, we felt a strong leading of the Lord to open our home and adopt older "special needs" kids. Barbara and Martha came to live with us when Debbie was about 9 months old; about a year and a half later, Glen became our sixth child. With busy toddlers and older children needing special care and attention, our days were non-stop for many years. Then, Martha went off to attend Christ For the Nations in Dallas, Barbara married Freddie, and Glen found Hope (we always knew there was hope for Glen J). When Glen and Hope married, Andrew graduated high school, then Dana, then Debbie. Soon we were having grandbabies—not just a few, but lots of them! At present count, there are thirteen with another due in May. Yep, we're blessed … simply blessed!

This past weekend we were in Kentucky for our family Christmas. Glen and Hope opened up their home to the whole crew. With five kids of their own, it seemed more logical for us to go there than for everyone to travel up north to the frozen tundra where our house isn't geared for babies and there aren't ample toys to keep thirteen kids occupied while adults visit!

But this Nana is sitting here today simply full – full of wonderment of God's ability to multiply blessings! I can't express to you what it's like to hold the evidence of the love and covenant commitment my husband and I have shared for nearly 36 years, all wrapped up in little warm, cuddly bundles of love called grandchildren. Although the oldest is getting ready to graduate from high school, they're still our bundles of love, from the oldest to the youngest.

I look back at my own childhood. I was adopted and, for me, it was hard to understand the deep meaning of family. I had a great family, but there was no real "connection". I didn't look like anybody, aunts and uncles couldn't look into my eyes and see the image of their own children. There was no resemblance to anyone else. Suddenly, when my own children began to have babies, I saw their Papa's ears, their Nana's eyes, their mama's hair, their daddy's toes. There was a connection! It was a revelation that just blew me away!

But, then I noticed something else. Our adopted children's children bear the resemblance of their own parents and, undoubtedly, they have their natural grandparent's ears and eyes and hair and toes. But I see something else … I see in them some of what we imparted to their parents as they were being raised in our home. I see a love for God, a gentle and kind spirit, a need to give of themselves for others. I see in our adopted kids' children their Papa's gentle ways, their Nana's ability to love, as well as their own mommy and daddy's physical features. How remarkable is this! And, it reminds me of our own "adopted" Father, who took us—children of the father of this world—and made us His and raised us as His own. I'm reminded that we bear the resemblance of our Heavenly Father—not physically, but inside, in our hearts, our motives, our personalities, and our spirits. Yes! The resemblance is there!

I'm overwhelmed this morning with pure amazement of how the Lord can take two young people like Ron and I were all those years ago and build in us and through us such a marvelous family—not a perfect family, but a family nonetheless.

Lord, I am blessed … simply blessed! Thank You from the bottom of my heart for such a wonderful time of reunion with our children and grandchildren. I miss them all so much, but I know we're here for a reason and I've found contentment here because of You. But, Lord, this morning I ask You to bless my children—bless them with Your abundance, with Your presence, and with Your love. Watch over our grandchildren. Instill in them a heart to serve You all the days of their lives. Establish Your Kingdom in them as You increase Your Kingdom through them, from the youngest to the oldest. Lord, bless Glen and Hope, Dale and Martha, Freddie and Barbara, Andrew, Dana, and Debbie and Tim. Watch over and guard the hearts of Jacob, McKenzie, Logan, Lyndsey, Hayden, Daniel, Lydia, Joshua, Abraham, Brandon, Dylan, Levi, and Macailyn. Keep them ONLY unto Yourself. Into Your most capable hands we commit our huge and still growing family, that You might be glorified and Your Kingdom increased. Use each one, Lord, to spread the Good News that Jesus Christ is Lord of all. Yes, Lord, Ron and I are blessed … simply blessed in all You have done to make us into a family. We may be a bit disjointed at times, we may suffer from the distance between us, but we are family and recognize the awesome privilege and honor to be part of Your plan and purpose in this generation. Amen and Amen!

__________________
© 2007 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Bless It Forward

I read a letter from a friend this morning and that contained a statement that jumped out at me. "Never keep something that God has intended for you to give away."

Woah! It hit me like a ton of bricks! Yes! It makes sense in light of the fact that everything we have in life is borrowed or on loan from God. Our ownership, regardless of how many legal papers we have proving ownership, is only temporary; ultimately all that we have belongs to the Lord.

Ps 24:1 bears this out: "The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." If the Lord entrusts something to us, we must be careful to do with it as He leads—if it is to give away, give it away!

I've come to believe one of the problems with the Body of Christ is that we're not listening closely enough to God for instruction. We assume everything He gives us is to benefit us personally when, in fact, most of that which He gives us is intended to be given away.

I'm reminded of a movie I saw once—I think it was called "Pay It Forward". Well, I believe the same principle exists in the Kingdom of God except it would be called "Bless It Forward". Rather than giving to someone because they have given to you … give to someone BEFORE they give to you out of sheer obedience to God.

Bless others BEFORE you've been blessed. Take what you have: talent, energy, encouraging words, material wealth, abilities, etc., and begin to give it away. Why? Simply because God already owns these things in us. Remember? "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." (Psalm 24:1) Everything we are, He has given to us – not to keep or to squander on ourselves. Not to fill our heart with pride or self-satisfaction because of our achievements. Not to make us feel like we have achieved some status level in the Kingdom of God. But, simply because God gave these things to us intending for us to give them away.

Don't wait for others to pour into your lap the abundant blessings of this Christmas season. Take the initiative to give—not just a little, not just a token, but ALL that God has given to you because chances are that God never intended you to keep what you have … He intended to use you as a single link in a chain that continues blessing His people again and again and again.

Got talent? Give it away!

Got gifts? Give them away?

Got abilities? Give them away?

Got money? Give it away?

Been blessed with nice things that bless you? Bless someone else with them. The blessing you will derive will far surpass the blessing of keeping those 'nice things'.

"…The Lord Jesus himself said: `It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35 NIV)

Bless It Forward. Not only this Christmas season, but all year long!

_______________
© 2007 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

It’s Snowing!

This morning I woke up early … before the sun even thought about rising, an unusual occurrence for me! I came out to sit in the recliner and realized the ground was indeed white. It snowed over night and is still flurrying even as I write this morning.

As I look out at the snow and feel the reminiscent chills shiver through my body, my memory takes me on a flight in times past when my Dad took us sledding. We had so much fun! I remember the year he bought our toboggan – it was large enough for 6 adults or about 10 kids. When we took it to the hills, people gathered around—everyone wanted a ride. And what a ride it gave! Slick as a whistle, sliding down the hillside farther and faster than any sled. It's length spanned the little creek at the bottom of the hill and gave us a ride that seemed to take us into the next county! What a delight!

Of course, there were the times we drove to Uncle Ray's house, smack-dab in the middle of the snow belt in Geauga County. I couldn't wait to see my cousins…Fred was my favorite. His older brother, Larry, was okay but he wasn't too interested in us until we all got out on the ice. Uncle Ray had two—not just one, but TWO ponds on his property back behind the big red barn. Boys from neighboring farms would join us on the ice for a wild and frenzied time of hockey. Larry loved ice hockey and although we only played a few times each year, he considered us ample opponents since he could hit the puck right past us every time.

Fred and I usually left the game—the older boys were too aggressive for us. We would go treasure hunting in the barn, normally ending up in the loft where there was a rope tied to the rafters. We'd swing on the rope and tumble into the hay loosely bailed below. Such a treat! J

I can remember running back and forth from the house to the barn, making snow angels, snow forts, having snowball fights. We even made an igloo one year large enough to stand in.

Oh, and who could forget the sound of the dinner bell! Aunt Ruth would send Uncle Ray outside to ring the bell … something hot and delicious was always waiting for us. We'd all come running, shed our boots and gloves and scarves and hats hoping they'd dry off while we were eating. Sometimes we took our gloves upstairs and put them on the open oven door after Auth Ruth took her goodies out.

Such memories come with the first real snows of winter! What an amazing delight it is to know God's artistry in this visible earth was made not only for His delight, but to bless us as well.

Thank You, Lord, for the beauty of this earth. I can't wait to see the beauty of Your eternal throne—my eternal home! What a sight it must be! You're incredible, Lord … who can compare to You?

___________
© 2007 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Christmas is Coming and I’m Pooped Already!

Well, I suppose the title is a little out of character for me, but facts are facts. On December 4 I am already tired. The house isn't completely decorated yet, there are still gifts to purchase for grandchildren, the cooking and the baking and all the womanly responsibilities that go with the season … I run out of breath just thinking about it all!

We have our family Christmas this next weekend and I can't begin to count how much is left to do to prepare for it. With 13 (going on 14) grandchildren waiting to see what goodies Nana and Papa are bringing, we can't let them down. Our adult children haven't been together for an entire year … do you know what it means to this Mama to have all her youngin's under the same roof again? My heart is about to burst!

But, why do we put ourselves through this year after year after year? Every year it seems like the season comes faster and every year it seems harder and harder to go through the process of tree, decorations, wreaths, candles, nativities, and lights. Why? What's the purpose of it all anyway? If it's so hard, why do we bother?

Thanks! I'm glad you asked, partly because I need the reminder—we all do! The reason why has more to do with 'The Reason Who' than anything.

Jesus: The Reason Who

As I was reading in Isaiah 7 last night and saw the promise of Immanuel who would bring true deliverance to God's people, I got my reality check … the one I needed—the one I need every Christmas season. The trees, boxes of decorations, lights, candles, and wreaths, although somewhat symbolic, stand in the shadow of the True Light, the Messiah, the King, born of a virgin—the seed of woman (Huh? Only men have seed!)—such a miracle birth of unprecedented enormity. A birth that continues to impact this world thousands of years later. Surely, Jesus is "The Reason Who".

When my focus is turned once again to Him, when the songs of the ancients reel through my heart point to the magnificent glory of such an advent, I am assured that there is indeed good reason for my labors of love.

Yesterday as I was decorating our tree, I found myself singing (I always do that when I'm alone—no one else would want to hear it!). Sometimes songs just bubble up out of nowhere and I'm not even aware of what I'm singing until I stop to listen. Yesterday's song eludes me right now, but I can already feel a new song today—I don't even know all the words, but the words that speak to me are the words I remember. I just take some liberties and make up the rest of the words to reflect the praise in my heart. And, really, there's so much to praise God for! Jesus! He's the Answer! He's the Reason! He's Everything! He fills in the blanks when the praise is directed toward Him.

Jesus: He brings sanity in my insane world. Jesus: He makes my songs complete. Jesus: He gives me the strength to press on during these weeks of Christmas activities with family and church and friends and loved ones. Jesus: His Presence energizes me and makes everything all right!

Today and tomorrow as I prepare for our weekend with the family, I'll continue to reflect on the Deliverer who touched this earth with His holy Presence as a babe born to a virgin girl who gave her permission to God to use her as He saw fit … "Be it unto me according to Your will." I can't imagine the sacrifice she made to simply be obedient to Yahweh. Her time of preparation for the birth of the Son of God demanded things of her we'll never understand. Yet, she did it—with contentment in her heart knowing that the Babe she was carrying was indeed the Deliverer the prophets had spoken of hundreds of years before.

Enjoy your Christmas preparations this year. Enjoy your family and your friends and the times of fellowship together. But never … NEVER forget Jesus: The Reason Who! You may be like me and feel like your energies are already expended before the season really begins. But focusing on remembering not only "why" but "WHO" gets me through and it will you, too!

Have a blessed Christmas season. May all your toil be a labor of love because of Jesus: The Reason Who!

__________
© 2007 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

 

I Can’t Believe It!

Startling News: It's nearly 6:30 am and I'm awake! Well, that's not the news that startles me today. What startles me is that it's December 1 already and the year is nearly gone. But with the old year nearly gone it means there's a new year dawning just over the horizon—a new year filled with new opportunities to serve the Lord.

There isn't a lot of time this morning to write … I teach today in Columbus. But I just wanted to share another "I Can't Believe It!" with you … it has to do with the Annapolis Summit and the way so many are led to believe that partitioning Israel is a good idea. While it may seem good in man's eyes, it is in direct violation to the covenant God made thousands of years ago with Abraham—a covenant that has never been broken by Him, and is still in effect through Abraham's descendants through his child of promise, Isaac.

I've watched the news, read reports, listened to historians talk on the issue. There are so many differing opinions, even among the church. But why? Why does the church not take God's Word for what it says? Why can't the church stand in support of God's covenant. Israel was never replaced by the church … scripture bears it out that the church was "grafted in". God's heart is still moved with great love and compassion toward Israel as He looks forward to the day of complete restoration, when she acknowledges Yeshua as her Messiah.

Many argue that the Palestinians are the ones being displaced. They argue on behalf of Palestinian Christians who are victims of Israel—unbelieving Israel—asking where is the justice? My only answer to that is God's justice is beyond our comprehension. We cannot apply man's reasoning to God's reasoning; we cannot apply our criteria for justice to God's ways. God's ways are indeed higher than man's; man's reasoning is but foolishness to God.

But I have a question. Where are those who are appointed and anointed to preach the truth? Why are they not teaching the Palestinian Christians the truth? This may seem like a strange observation, but here's what I see. In talking to my friends in India who were born Hindu and raised in the Hindu way, when they become Christians and begin to study the Word, they understand covenant and they understand God's promise to Israel. They don't have a problem with God's heart toward Israel. When I talk with my friends in Kenya who are born and raised without religion or with a form of a mixture of culture and religion, when they become true believers and begin to study the Word, they have no trouble accepting the fact that God has made promises to Israel and He will keep His promises to them.  No questions! 

So, why is it when Palestinians become Christians, they aren't taught the Word the same way?  Why do they still see themselves as the victims?  We're all victims—not of political pressures or economic pressures or cultural pressures, we're all victims of being born with a sin nature, with flesh that would rather rebel against God than conform to His Word.  To not teach the Palestinian Christians the truth of God's Word concerning Israel, or to allow them to maintain their jealousy over land that was undoubtedly given to Israel by God Himself, is wrong—wrong on the part of those teaching and preaching the Word to the Palestinian converts.  Just as Gentiles have to reckon with the fact that Israel is God's chosen people and we're "grafted in" through the shed blood of Jesus, the Palestinian Christians need to reckon with the fact that God has a plan for them, but it's God's plan they need to conform to.  To pitch fit after fit about land that the Scripture proves has belonged to Israel as a result of God's covenant with Abraham through Isaac is to rebel against the very Truth they claim to believe as born-again Christians.

Where are the preachers? Where are the shepherds? Where are those who are bold enough to proclaim truth? If Palestinian Christians were taught the truth, they wouldn't feel like victims any more than you or I feel like victims of the enemy. It would be understood that we all have battles to face in this life—some because of our natural heritage, some because of the decisions we make in life, and some simply because we proclaim the name of Jesus the Messiah. But we ALL have battles!

Paul teaches us that it is a privilege to suffer for the cause of Christ. This is what needs to be preached throughout the earth, including the Palestinian Christians. "To live is Christ, to die is gain" is the motto of the persecuted Church.

It saddens me that the Palestinian Church is persecuted—I pray for them, and I pray that God will send laborers to them who will dare to preach the truth to them. But the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ is persecuted in many nations … we should be praying for all our brothers and sisters in the faith, that God would strengthen them and give them the courage to stand in the face of persecution for their faith.

These are just my thoughts this morning. But, I really wonder if the whole issue couldn't be more simply viewed as more a problem with the Shepherds and Teachers/Preachers who are not preaching/teaching the truth to the Palestinian Church than it is with the people themselves, although they generally act out what they are taught. 

There needs to be a revival of Truth in the ministerial gifting of pastor, teacher, evangelist, prophet, and apostle.  Too much truth is being conceded in order to please the people.  The message of the Gospel isn't an easy message.  But the Palestinians are no more victims than you and I are because we're all subject to the temptations of this sinful flesh.  God teaches us to be TRANSFORMED by the RENEWING OF THE MIND so that God's will can be seen.  That even means the Palestinian Christians who still feel the land belongs to them. It's deception clear and clear.

Let's pray that God will reveal the truth, but more than that, let's pray that Israel's eyes will be opened to the truth, that the Palestinian Church will open their eyes to the truth, and that the Prince of Peace will soon be acknowledged as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem … Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim!