Love Messes

'Tis the day after Christmas and all through the house … is a mess, and, we didn't even have Christmas here!

Everywhere I look I see signs of love … let me explain!

The mess in the kitchen reminds me of all the food I cooked over the past few days to share with children and grandchildren and friends. The dirty dishes, empty trays, and leftovers remind me of the love we shared sitting at a table enjoying the seasonal delicacies.

The mess in the living room reminds me of the gifts I wrapped … scraps of wrapping paper, scotch tape, gift tags, scissors, bags of ribbon, empty rolls of paper. What a delight! I look at them and can envision the looks on the children's faces as they opened their gifts and jumped up to throw their arms around us with hugs and kisses. "Thank you, Nana! Thank you, Papa!"

The mess in the bathroom reminds me of our hurried frenzy to get ready and on the road so we could spend every minute possible with our family. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are special to this family because of exactly that … family!

The mess in the bedroom reminds me that I've gained weight and can't comfortably wear what I'd planned. Oops, that's not one of the better memories, except that it's a sign of being blessed when I consider our friends and ministry partners overseas who live with so little. It's humbling to even consider why God chose to allow us the privilege of living in these United States—a country of abundant blessing!

The mess in the hallway reminds me of how tired we are after two full days of travel and family and friends and food and fellowship and fun. We came through the door late last night, kicked off our shoes, dropped our coats on the nearest chair and came in to sit down with a bowl of popcorn (like we really needed it!!!) and a movie one of the kids bought for us. While enjoying each other in the quietness of our home, we realized how blessed we are!

Yes, love messes. But there's nothing better than love messes. They're what makes family so worth it all. And, it gives me an excuse not to clean it up since every thing out of place is a reminder of the love we share this Christmas.

Maybe I'll just let the love messes linger one more day!

©Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Silent Night

"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)

"Silent Night" has become an anchor for Christmas celebrations throughout the world. Its lullaby-like melody and simple message of heavenly peace can be heard from small town street corners in mid-America to magnificent cathedrals in Europe and from outdoor candlelight concerts in Australia to palm thatched huts in northern Peru. "Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!" can easily be called the world's best-loved Christmas carol. It has been translated into nearly 300 languages and dialects. Its message of heavenly peace sets the theme for Christmas celebrations around the globe.

Silent Night

Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild.
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Christ, the Savior, is born!

Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy Holy Face.
With the dawn of redeeming grace.
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!

Silent night, holy night,
Wondrous star, lend thy light
With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King
Christ the Savior is here,
Jesus the Savior is here!

[Alternate Verses]

Silent night, holiest night!
Darkness flies, all is light!
Shepherds hear the angels sing;
"Alleluia! Hail the King!
Jesus, the Savior is here,
Jesus, the Savior is here."

Holy light, perfect light,
Christ of God, Oh, how bright
Doth Thy Spirit shine always!
Healing, blessing man each day
With Thy heavenly love,
With Thy heavenly love.

Silent night, holy night,
Wondrous star, lend your light
With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born!

There was really nothing "silent" about this night. There was hustle and bustle in the heavenlies when this miracle Christ-child was born, the baby who, through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, gave us the greatest gift possible. On that memorable night, every bit of busy-ness was directly related to the birth of the Savior.

It was indeed a holy night, but silent? It is doubtful. The skies were ablaze with angelic beings praising and glorifying God for the event they had just witnessed; the manger where He lay was noisome with the animals that more than likely recognized the awesomeness of the visitor to their humble stable.

Take a deep breath, sit down and relax, and spend that much needed time in reflection of who the "Reason" for the season truly is, what He has done for you, Make one more list before you leave your house or office today . . . count your blessings . . . and begin to Praise the Lord for the work He has done in you, for you, through you this past year. Then give a gift to a friend . . . tell them about the precious King of Kings and Lord of Lords that you serve with joy and gladness. Give them a gift that will last forever . . . give them the gift of eternal life by introducing them to the "Reason for the Season"!

Father, my heart cannot be silent any longer! Glory to God! Your Gift of Love wrapped in flesh that memorable night is cause for JOY! Your Gift of Love so freely given, so fully sufficient, so awesomely presented to this world still brings me to my knees in awe and thankfulness! Your Gift of Love so perfectly planned fulfilled every purpose You had in mind, bringing glory to Your Sovereign Reign over all! Lord, the song may use the word "silent", but if I am silent I fear that even the rocks would cry out in my stead . . . may it never be so! I give You glory and honor for that night not so silent when Salvation touched this earth conquering death, hell, and the grave! Silent? Never! I'll shout it from the rooftops . . . Jesus Christ is Lord of All! Alleluia to the King! Amen and Amen!

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:23)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Away in a Manger

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7)

Probably one of the first songs little children are taught during this season is "Away in a Manger". I can remember as a little girl singing this with my class in front of the entire church, each of us stepping out of the choir to say our verse while we recited the entire account of the birth of the Lord Jesus from the Gospel of Luke. It was something we looked forward to each year, singing the sweet lullaby about Baby Jesus and saying our memory verses.

Although some believe this carol was penned by Martin Luther, German religious reformer and author of a number of beautiful hymns, it is almost certainly of late 19th century American origin. Verses 1 and 2 appeared anonymously in Little Children's Book for Schools and Families, by J. C. File, Philadelphia, 1885, and verse 3 is by John Thomas McFarland (1851-1913). The tune most used is the 'Cradle song' by American Gospel song writer W. J. Kirkpatrick (1838-21).

Away In a Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for His bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head;
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes.
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky.
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay,
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray!
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care
And fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there.

While the song, unlike so many we've highlighted these past few days, does not convey the Gospel in song, it tells of the tender newborn Christ-Child who has captured the love and adoration of generations of children and adults alike. Not because He was a baby born in unfortunate circumstances, but because this Child was God in the flesh come to redeem mankind from the curse of sin and death!

The mere mention of His name, the name of Jesus, works to tenderize even the hardest heart during this season. While we could list the pro's and con's of celebrating Christmas in December or celebrating it at all, the fact remains that during this time of year we are given a freedom to share the blessed truth of our Savior's birth with most anyone and they are more apt to be open to listen!

Let's take advantage of this season. There are so many ways you can express your love and adoration of this Christ-Child by sharing His life and death and everlasting reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. Don't be timid! Teach the children the name of Jesus – use simple little songs like "Away in a Manger" and then teach them Who they're singing about. Recount the last two lines of the last verse . . . "Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, and fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there." What better way you yourself to be "fit for heaven" than to share the WHOLE story of Jesus and His love. What better way to fit others for heaven than to share openly about the Jesus who they see lying in a manger.

Father, help me to seek out opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Christ, no longer a baby in a manger, but King and Lord over all creation! Show me ways to use this season to an advantage, more openly proclaiming the love of God and more boldly sharing the Reason for this season. Father, every time I hear a Christmas song, help me remember that it is an invitation from You to speak into the lives of those around me. Father, teach me to be bold and to not hide my love for You regardless of where I am or what I'm doing. If I'm in the store, at work, at home, at a party or get-together . . . wherever it may be, help me to tell the Good News, that You might be glorified! In Jesus' name, amen and amen!

". . .and received all that came in unto him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him." (Acts 28:30-31)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

The Smokescreen

The world of blogs has opened up a whole new dimension of learning for me. Since my sphere of influence is mainly among true believers, it's interesting to me to read others' opinions of what is happening around the world from a not-so-conservative point of view. This morning, I happened upon one such blog. At the risk of appearing to endorse the author (which I do NOT), I want to share some of what she wrote and make some comments.

The title of the blog in question is, "Why Rick Warren is a Problem: Gee, Can't We All Be Friends?" written by the author of "Lingual Tremors". I found the blog because the words "missionary outreach" were picked up by my daily Google search. Sadly, it had nothing to do with a missionary outreach. I was, of course, also interested to see what was being said about Rick Warren of Saddleback Church. So, I took the plunge and read it.

The blog discusses the announcement that Rick Warren would be speaking at the inauguration in January. The author of this blog, very obviously a nominal (in name only) Christian, labels Warren as an anti-gay/lesbian, anti-abortion conservative pastor of a mega-church. Let me quote a paragraph from the blog…

Rick Warren's Saddleback Church is highly contentious in the progressive Christian community.  His stance on homosexuality, on women, on conception are based on a debatable biblical literalism that more progressive churches eschew.  He has deep connections to the "ex-gay" movement.  His deeply conservative theology compares homosexuality to pedophilia, for example.  He publicly attacks theology of the social gospel, the idea of faith through good works, something Warren calls "Marxism in Christian clothing."  In short, Warren doesn't represent anything like the mainline Christianity that I practice.  And so in Warren, we have the typical problem with Evangelicals:  he is primarily interested in salvation.  He is primarily interested in a literal interpretation of the Bible, yet one that chooses selectively what to follow.  And, although in more recent years he has been involved in missionary outreach, his mission work follows his conservative agenda.  Let's put it this way:  his AIDS ministry in Africa isn't about the gay community. [Lingual Tremors]

Regardless of this particular blogger's comments on "mainline Christianity" she practices, and regardless of my opinion of Warren and his "purpose", the deeper point in this quote is that BHO seems to have set himself up as some kind of peace-maker between conservative evangelicals and the liberals by using Warren. Who is compromising more? Warren for aligning himself with the most liberal administration shrouded in lies, deceit, and cover-up ever to take over the reins of this nation? Or, BHO who based his whole campaign on inclusivity rather than exclusivity?

What I see is more deception … someone wanting to appease both sides of the Christian issues. Two years from now (or three or four … or possibly less than one), BHO will make use of his choice of Warren to gain the trust of the evangelical Christian population, luring them into his snare. Sadly, many will buy into it … more sadly, many already have!

As a conservative evangelical Christian, I feel warned in my spirit—warned not to accept any attempt to lull the true Body of Christ into a vulnerable stupor thinking BHO isn't all that bad. I feel warned to be alert, to stay on my spiritual toes, so to speak, and to be very watchful and aware of the turn of the tide. The signs are all around us … things are changing; the world is aligning itself and fulfilling prophecy one minute detail at a time. Everything the prophets of old foretold as led by the Spirit of God when they penned their words on those ancient scrolls is coming to pass right before our eyes. Sadly, however, too many conservative evangelical Christian eyes are blinded to that fact and are willing to consider BHO as a good choice for the future of this nation.

It's time to wake up, to open our eyes, and to stand firmly fixed on the infallible Word of God and its literal interpretation. God is not a God that would give us His Word as a simple framework for some unachievable ideal, but He gave us His Word in the person of Jesus Christ (the LIVING Word) as an example of righteousness, holiness, and a lifestyle pleasing to the Father. That's the Christianity I practice—it's the Christianity any true believer will practice. We have the Word of God to use as our "Plumb Line" for life, very clear and concise guidelines that keep us on the straight and narrow path. Once the Word of God is interpreted through liberal, self-serving, self-pleasing, self-consuming motives, it becomes powerless.

Personally, I feel bad that Warren has allowed himself to be played by the BHO administration, being set up as a false icon of peace, a clay link between the true Body of Christ and the anti-Christ agenda of the liberal population. He's being used. But more than that, he is being promoted as a true representative of the true Body of Christ which, sadly, he is not. His participation in the inauguration as a means to bring together this country on spiritual grounds is nothing more than a smokescreen. I pray true believers will see through it and not get caught up in BHO's liberal, anti-Christ agenda.

___________
© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

We Are the Reason

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (I Peter 3:15)

During this season, more than all others, the "Reason" can be hard to focus on for even those with the strongest faith. Television floods our homes with commercialized Christmas advertisements and programming. Radio fills the airwaves with seasonal songs, many of which fail to even mention the "Reason for the season". Workplaces are full of hustle and bustle trying to get ahead so everyone can take a few days off without the business losing money. Parties, pageants, cantatas, plays, programs, shopping, wrapping, planning, cooking, baking, greeting . . . and the list goes on. Time is soon snuffed out and there is none left to devote quality time with the "Reason" for the season.

Although rarely recognized as a seasonal song, "We Are the Reason" shares a message pointing to the REASON for this season, a reason for hope, a reason for life, a reason for love!

We Are the Reason
by David Meece

As little children we would dream of Christmas morn
And all the gifts and toys
We knew we'd find, but we never realized
A baby boy, one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our life

Chorus
We are the reason that He gave His life
We are the reason Jesus suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

As the years went by, we learned more of our gifts
And giving of ourselves and what they mean
On a dark and cloudy day
A man hung dying in the rain
Because of love, because of love
Because of love

Chorus

Every time I see the cross
I'm reminded that He gave His life
For you and me...

Chorus

We are the reason but
He is the reason we live

There was hustle and bustle in the heavenlies when this miracle Christ-child was born, the baby who, through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, gave us the greatest gift of our life. On that memorable night, every bit of busy-ness was directly related to the birth of the Savior. It was indeed a holy night, but silent? It is doubtful. The skies were ablaze with angelic beings praising and glorifying God for the event they had just witnessed; the manger where He lay was noisome with the animals that more than likely recognized the awesomeness of the visitor to their humble stable.

Take a deep breath, sit down and relax, and spend that much needed time in reflection of who the "Reason" for the season truly is, what He has done for you. Make one more list . . . count your blessings . . . and begin to Praise the Lord for the work He has done in you, for you, through you this past year. Then give a gift to a friend; tell them about the precious King of kings and Lord of lords that you serve with joy and gladness. Give them a gift that will last forever—give them the gift of eternal life by introducing them to the "Reason for the Season"!

Lord, as I consider all that fills every moment of every day, I am alarmingly aware that I often get caught up in the busyness of my days without focusing on the Reason for this and every season. Lord, You are the REASON for my hope …the REASON for this season and EVERY season. Help me to keep my focus on the Word made flesh on that celebrated day so many years ago. I love You Lord! May I never forget Your love toward me through the person of Jesus Christ! Amen and Amen!

"On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord." (John 12:12-13)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Christian Choice Book Awards

We just received word that our book has placed in the Christian Choice Book Awards. What an honor!

The Christian Choice Book Awards contest awarded certificates and prize money to 66 Christian authors for outstanding literary achievement in 22 categories. The contest, which was open to those who released a Christian book in 2007-2008, featured a variety of categories that ranged from Christian living to poetry.

As the first contest of its kind in the Christian publishing arena, the Christian Choice Book Awards represents a unique opportunity for self-published Christian authors to make their voice heard.

In the DEVOTIONAL category, Women of Passions placed THIRD. In a competition of this kind, with 22 categories and hundreds of authors, a third place is GREAT! We're thrilled!

We praise God for this honor! And, we want to thank each one of our Contributing Authors for their contribution to this book. Wow! It's so exciting to see how a group of women, many of whom don't know each other, can share their stories to paint a picture of the goodness of our Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom ALL glory goes for everything that is being accomplished through this book.

Emmanuel: God With Us!

"Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)

Emmanuel . . . God with us! The history of this Christmas hymn is rich with meaning as you will see in the original translation. Each verse of this poetic masterpiece praises the coming of the Savior by a different name: Emmanuel, Branch of Jesse, Day-Spring, Key of David, Lord of Might, Wisdom, and Desire of Nations!

O COME, O COME EMMANUEL

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

O EMMANUEL, God with us, Our King and Lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Saviour: COME to save us, O Lord our God. Amen.

Refrain
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, thou Branch of Jesse's Tree
Free them from Satan's tyranny
That trust thy mighty power to save,
And give them Victory o'er the grave. Refrain

O ROOT OF JESSE, which stands for an ensign of the people, before whom the kings keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: COME, to deliver us, and tarry not. Amen.

O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
And drive away the shades of night
And pierce the clouds and bring us light!
Refrain

O DAWN OF THE EAST, brightness of light eternal, and Sun of Justice: COME, and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. Amen.

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.
Refrain

O KEY OF DAVID, and Scepter of the House of Israel, who opens and no man shuts, who shuts and no man opens: COME, and bring forth the captive from his prison, he who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death. Amen.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of Might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height
In ancient times once gave the law
In cloud, and majesty, and awe.
Refrain

O LORD AND RULER of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: COME, and redeem us with outstretched arms. Amen.

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
And order all things, far and nigh;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go. Refrain

O WISDOM, who came from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end and ordering all things mightily and sweetly: COME, and teach us the way of prudence. Amen.

O come, Desire of Nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace. Refrain

O KING OF THE GENTILES and their desired One, the Cornerstone that makes both one: COME, and deliver man, whom you formed out of the dust of the earth. Amen.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

We can't begin to celebrate His birth unless we celebrate Who He is. Yes, He was a babe in a manger, but He's more than that . . . He's Emmanuel, God with us. Yes, He's a precious child born in a stable and laid in a manger, but He's the "promised" one to rule from the Root of Jesse. Yes, He's a newborn child, but He's the Light eternally dispelling the darkness. Yes, He was born in Bethlehem, but He's the Ruler over all. Yes, He's born from David's lineage, but He is the One promised to sit enthroned on the praises of Israel. Yes, He was an innocent and helpless baby, but He's the Lord of Might. Yes, He was born and robed in flesh, but He is Wisdom from on high, a lamp to our feet and a light on our path. And, yes, He was a precious child, but He's the Desire of the Nations, bringing together in Him all people and making them one.

Rejoice! God with us ~ Emmanuel ~ has come to deliver mankind whom He formed from the dust of the earth! Has He delivered you? Have you been set free? Has that tiny babe in the manger become your Emmanuel? If not, today is the day of salvation. Make Him your Emmanuel and let His Name that is above all names be exalted in your life from this day forward.

Father, there is so much in my heart right now. I am amazed so often when I consider how a simple babe lying in a manger can affect the history of mankind so profoundly! I confess that Jesus, my Emmanuel, is my ONLY way of salvation. Emmanuel . . . God is with me because of the finished work of Calvary. I stand in awe of You, my precious Lord, amen and amen!

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

© Jan Ross
All Rights reserved

Which Star?

"When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2:10-11)

The Magi followed the Star to meet the Christ Child face to face and worship Him. Interestingly, the song we would attribute to these "wise men" is based on a lot of assumption which has dramatized the visit of the Magi to honor the Son of God. However, the song itself gives us some food for thought as we consider its context.

"Who really were the three kings? Some people call them Magi, or Wise Men, or even astrologers. The American Rev. John Henry Hopkins who wrote this carol in 1857 doesn't exactly let us in on the mystery. His greatest explanation is of a more poetic nature in his beautiful description of that "Star of Wonder," guiding us "to the perfect light," one of the great symbols of Christianity. Since his time, many scholars have delved into the controversial identity of these three men named Melchior, Kaspar, and Balthazar but the popularity and message of his carol has remained constant for over a hundred years."

We Three Kings

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts, we traverse afar.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.

Chorus
Oh, star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Born a king on Bethlehem's plain,
Gold we bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign. Chorus

Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh.
Prayer and praising, voices raising,
Worship Him, God on high. Chorus

Myrrh is mine; It's bitter perfume;
Breathes a life of gathering gloom.
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb. Chorus

Glorious now behold Him arise,
King and God and sacrifice.
Alleluia, Alleluia;
Earth to the heavens replies.
Chorus

Aside from the dramatized visit of the Magi from the east, let us consider the words of the chorus that are rich with meaning:

Oh, star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.

There are far too many "Stars" to be followed today . . . some follow movie stars, some follow sports stars, some even follow "religious" stars! Which "Star" are you following? Are you following the Star of Christ . . . or are you following the Star of Christmas? There's a world of difference between the two.

The "Star of Christ" will lead you to Him, just as it led shepherds and Magi to the place where they could meet Him face to face. The "Star of Christ" is found in the heart of God who is full of Grace toward us who desire a greater measure of Him! The "Star of Christ" is found in the one whose heart is fixed on spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the earth, proclaiming, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace goodwill toward men!"

But, we need to beware of the trap laid by the enemy to lure this world into following the "Star of Christmas"! The "Star of Christmas" has its focus on just that— Christmas . . . the stores, the shopping, gift-giving, parties, pageants, cantatas, the hustle and bustle, the busy-ness, all that would rob us of our joy.

When the Magi saw the star, they were filled with "exceeding great joy". If we're not filled with "exceeding great joy" today, then we're probably guilty of following the "Star of Christmas" rather than the "Star of Christ".

The child of God will celebrate the birth, death and resurrection of Christ every day of their life, regardless of the "season", regardless of the "holiday". Celebration of Him should be a lifestyle.

Examine your heart today and ask yourself, "Am I following the Star of Christ or the Star of Christmas?" If you are truly honest with yourself, you may be shocked at your answer.

Father, forgive me for allowing myself to be a victim of the enemy's scheme to take the focus off of You and to put it on everything else. Lord, I want to be single-minded when it comes to my relationship with You. Help me follow the Star of Christ, the only Star that will lead me to where I can worship You face to face. I love you Lord! Thank you for reminding me that You are the only Star that I worship and adore. Amen!

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John 1:7)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Grace and Truth

"For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ."  (John 1:17)

From the manger to the cross, His glory was revealed to all who would receive Him. The same is true today . . . to all those who would receive Him His glory is revealed!

Jewish custom said there had to be two witnesses to establish the genuineness of a given testimony. The presence of grace and truth witness together that Jesus is the light of the world, the Savior, the Son of God. It has been said that truth without grace is cruel, and grace without truth is irresponsible. But when grace and truth come together, the heart of God is made known. The heart of God is present in Jesus—and that is the salvation of the world.

This tiny Child who lay so innocently in His mother's arms had left His heavenly estate to take on a mantle of flesh and become the tangible evidence of Grace and Truth, the witnesses of God's unfathomable love.

Grace . . . that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness; good will, loving-kindness, favor, benefit and bounty.

Truth . . . personal excellence free from pretense, affection, simulation, falsehood and deceit.

All praise and glory belongs to our Father for sending Grace and Truth in the form of His Son to bring redemption to mankind. His whole life, from the manger to the cross, became a picture of the purest form of Grace and Truth.

As we allow a greater measure of Grace and Truth to be birthed in our hearts day after day, all will know that He is alive in us as His glory is revealed through us!

The Baby of Bethlehem
http://newhopemusic.com/songs.a-g/baby.mj.mid

Anointed One, Messiah, Lord
Savior, Christ, Good News, Great Joy
Eternal God, now dwelling with man
The Baby of Bethlehem, the Baby of Bethlehem
Immanuel, the Holy Son
Shepherd, Ruler, Mighty One
Descended to Earth, according to plan
The Baby of Bethlehem, the Baby of Bethlehem

Bridge

With angels we sing Your glory
With shepherds we give God praise
With wisemen we come before You
To worship You all our days!

The Word, now flesh, in Him is life
One and Only, shining Light
Full grace and truth, we now understand
The Baby of Bethlehem, the Baby of Bethlehem
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
Wonderful Couns'lor, King of Kings
No end there will be to Your increase
The Baby of Bethlehem, the Baby of Bethlehem. Bridge

Alpha and Omega, Master and Friend
All in all, Forgiver of sin
Creator, Designer, Beginning and End
The Baby of Bethlehem, the Baby of Bethlehem
All glory, honor, blessing and strength
Wisdom, power, mercy and grace
Past, present and future contained in His hands
The Baby of Bethlehem, the Baby of Bethlehem
 The Baby of Bethlehem

Father, the more I seek You, the more evidence I see of Grace and Truth growing within me. Lord, regardless of the cost to me personally, I want to be a vessel through which Your glory is revealed to mankind. Shine on, Light of the World . . . in me, through me, inspite of me! Amen!

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)

© Jan Ross
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Joy to the World

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King."  (Psalm 98:4-6)

It is so easy to take the old Christmas songs for granted, thinking they're out-dated or old-fashioned! Nothing could be further from the truth! Today's carol, "Joy to the World" was actually written to a musical score entitled "Antioch", named after the city of Antioch where believers were first called Christians (see Acts 11:26).

Go back and read Today's Verse and find the heart of the Psalmist in the words to this song.

Joy to the World

Joy to the world! The Lord is come:
Let earth receive her King,
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! The Saviour reigns:
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sin and sorrow grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground:
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of his righteousness
And wonders of his love.

According to many historical hymnists, of all the sacred carols, "Joy to the World" is perhaps the most positive and uplifting declaration of the message of Christmas although there is no mention of Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the manger or the wise men. While the initial verse announces that "The Lord is come," it is the only one that is related to Christmas and the birth of Jesus. The other verses could easily be appropriate for any season of the year.

One other noteworthy fact is the composer of the tune is generally attributed to Lowell Mason, however, it was his practice to remain anonymous and not take claim to the musical composition. The humility of the composer coupled with the inspiration of the author made for a powerful proclamation of praise to the One who "rules the world with truth and grace"!

The second verse reminds me of Jesus entering into Jerusalem on a donkey while the people are crying, "Hosanna!" The Pharisees challenged Him to rebuke His disciples; His response was, "I tell you," replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." (Luke 19:40)

Joy to the earth! The Saviour reigns:
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy.

Will you join the centuries of men, women, and children in proclaiming, "Joy to the Word! The Lord is come!" If we don't the "fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains", will cry out in our stead! Joy to the world!

Father, You are worthy of all our worship . . . as we sing the carols of the season, help us to remember that we should proclaim Your praise every day of the year, not just during this season. Father, help us to rejoice always for the coming of our Lord, for His birth, His life, His victory over death, hell, and the grave. Father, there are no words to express the overwhelming joy I feel right now – evening the midst of all my circumstances – knowing that you "came to make your blessings flow far as the curse is found". Amen and Amen!

"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."  (Galatians 3:13-14)

© Jan Ross
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Mary Did You Know

"And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:17-19)

When I think of the Christmas story, I am overcome with amazement as I consider the mother holding her newborn Son. As a mother, I can appreciate her love for her newborn, but the mixture of emotions she must have felt…who can discern? What did she know? How much did she really know? What was she thinking? How could she dare to think this tiny babe in her arms would actually save the world from their sins? Yes, she knew better than anyone that she was a virgin, witnessed the angel, heard his voice speak to her of things too hard to comprehend. But, how could anyone take it all in?

The modern classic, "Mary Did You Know" by Mark Lowry and Buddy Green helps us to peer into that tiny stable as "Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart." Here was Jesus; "a tender brow prepared for thorns, a tiny heart whose love will save us" held in the arms of a woman whose heart was pierced with the awesomeness of the tiny life she brought forth . . . "the Way, the Truth, and the Life"!

Mary Did You Know
(Mark Lowry & Buddy Green)

Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby you've kissed the face of God.

The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.

Mary, did you know
that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the Great I Am.

Luke tells us that Mary pondered all that happened in her heart. We don't know exactly 'what' she pondered in her heart, but we know that something was stirring deep inside her. She knew the babe in her arms was divinely and supernaturally conceived. She knew the angelic pronouncements were rightfully exalting God for the advent of the promised Messiah. She knew there was good reason to be still and hide what she knew in her heart yet deep within her spirit she was full of praise for the work of God she now held close to her, wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Don't let this season find you too busy to be like Mary. Keep all these things and ponder them in your heart. It's all about reality—the reality of the mystery of Christ.

When I consider the Gift You gave through the life, death, and resurrection of Your Only Begotten Son, I cannot help but be overwhelmed with awe and praise for such a Great Gift. Lord, help me to focus on the Truth this season, not on the running to and fro, not on searching for the biggest gift, not on the parties, the decorations, the programs, etc. Father, teach me to be like Mary and keep my heart in quiet obedience as I ponder the unfathomable love Mary held in her arms whose very life became the Perfect Sacrifice by which our sins are atoned for and our hearts made pure. Lord, stir in our hearts and empower us to say, "be it unto me according to thy word!" Amen and Amen!

"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)

© Jan Ross
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O Come All Ye Faithful

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth."  (John 1:14)

I remember as a child watching "The Lone Ranger". I will never forget the phrase that got its popularity from this program:  "Who is that masked man?"  Of course, we all knew who it was -- it was obvious in all he said and did.  The mask couldn't hide who he really was.

About 2000 years ago One was born that was "masked" as well. His mask was human flesh.  But when looking at His life, all He said and did, the mask could never hide His identity. He was God in flesh!

The writer of this hymn, J. Reading, did as the others; he wrote a song which contained the sound truth of the Gospel, proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord.  Praise God for words which have survived the test of time and are still readily recognized today by people everywhere. 

O Come All Ye Faithful

O come all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem
Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels,

Chorus:  O come let us adore Him,
O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him,
Christ, the Lord!

True God of true God, Light from Light Eternal,
Lo, he shuns not the Virgin's womb;
Son of the Father, begotten, not created.
Chorus

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation;
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest
Chorus

See how the shepherds, summoned to His cradle,
Leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze;
 We too will thither bend our joyful footsteps
Chorus

Child, for us sinners poor and in the manger,
We would embrace Thee, with love and awe;
Who would not love Thee, loving us so dearly?
Chorus

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.
Chorus

Do you know Who this "Masked Man" is?  The One who was robed in flesh and who dwelt among us?  The One who took on the form of a man and became servant of all?  Do you know Him? Do you REALLY know Him?

His name is Jesus, not only the "reason for the season", but the reason we have breath and life.  "O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!"

Father, You are worthy of all our worship. As we sing the carols of the season, beckoning us to come and adore the "Reason" for the season, help us to always remember that it is that intimate and precious relationship with You that we value, far above gifts, beautiful lights, delicious food, and warm, friendly fellowship with family and friends.  Father use me as I lay my life before You once again in worship proclaiming "Christ, the Lord!"  Amen!

"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."  (Matthew 2:11)

© Jan Ross
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O Holy Night

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  (John 3:16)

I just love the songs of Christmas . . . at least the ones that speak of the miraculous birth of my Lord.  At the time of His birth, the world was looking for Him.  The little Jewish girls dreamed of being the "chosen" one who would be God's appointed mother of the Messiah.  The prophets, the seers and all were looking for something "big" to happen – the earth and the heavens were all pointing to a major event. 

And then it happened . . . "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son" and He appeared clothed in flesh, and was found by angels and shepherds wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.  Was this a holy night? Was it a night divine?  Of a certainty, there could be no other word to describe this night filled with the rejoicing in heaven and on earth at the news of the birth of the Saviour!

O Holy Night

O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till He appeared and the soul felt His worth
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder beams a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine! O night when Christ was born!
O night divine! O night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here came the wise men from the Orient land
The King of kings lay in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend
He knows our need
To our weakness no stranger
Behold your King! before the lowly bend!
Behold your King! before Him bend!

Truly he taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus rise we
Let all within us praise His holy name
Christ is the Lord
Then ever, ever praise we
His pow'r and glory ever more proclaim
His pow'r and glory ever more proclaim

Look at the second verse of this age-old carol originally written as a poem by Placide Clappeau in 1847 and translated from French to English by John S. Dwight . . . "The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger, In all our trials born to be our Friend. He knows our need; to our weakness is no stranger. Behold your King, before Him lowly bend." Here the poet confronts us with the greatest irony of all . . . the King of Kings was born as an infant in a lowly manger in a stable with animals; He lived a life of poverty, faced scorn, and was crucified with thieves. Nevertheless, we bow before Him because He is the King of Kings.

This old Christmas song, like so many other traditional carols, seems to share the entire Gospel in a few short verses.  The author very powerfully summed up the purpose of such a holy night in the third verse saying, "Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother, And in His name all oppression shall cease." God taught us to love one another and to love even those who are unlovable, from those held in man's highest esteem to those in the lowliest positions. Even though we no longer have slavery in this country, we still have prejudice and persecution. We should demonstrate God's love to all of those around us. Like Jesus Christ, we must model love, humility, and a servant's heart.

Are we a model of Christ's love, humility and servant's heart?  This is a question we should ask ourselves every day! 

Love:  Does His love flow through me to everyone with Him I come in contact each and every day? 

Humility:  Am I content with whatever circumstances I find myself in? 

Servant's Heart:  Do I live to give rather than live to receive?

May we all fall on our knees, behold our King, and praise His holy name forever while daily seeking to behold Him as we grow to become a model of Christ's love, humility, and servant's heart!  What better way to share the Good News of today's verse . . . "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  (John 3:16)

Father, I come before You, Lord, in adoration and worship, with praise in my heart for allowing me to comprehend just a little more fully the mission of that holy night . . . to set an example for my life in love, humility, and a servant's heart.  Father, let these words pierce my heart daily, challenging me to be all You have created me to be.  Father, let my heart, mind, and soul glorify You as I fall on my knees beholding my King!  Thank You, Lord, for the gift of Your Son, my Lord and my Savior, Jesus Christ!  Amen and Amen!

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

© Jan Ross
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Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:13-14)

So many of the old traditional Christmas carols have such richness and truth in the lyrics, many of them explaining in a few short words the Good News of the Gospel. In the lyrics of "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" Charles Wesley profoundly presented the awesome revelation of the Reason for this Season . . . the Son of Righteousness! Take a moment to read through the lyrics:

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the new-born King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!

Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem!

Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the new-born King!

Christ, by highest heaven adored;
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of the Virgin's womb.

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail the incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with man to dwell;
Jesus, our Emmanuel!

Hark! the herald angels sing,
Glory to the new-born King!

Hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings!

Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing,
Glory to the new-born King!

It is interesting to note that during this season, people sing and speak of "Peace" when, in fact, there is no peace on this earth . . . no cease-fires, no halt to the threats of terrorism, no end to hatred and crime. But, as Wesley wrote, it's the Prince of Peace who came to bring us peace with God, hence the phrase, "God and sinners reconciled".

Mankind (our flesh, to be precise) is essentially at war against God; we are born of corruptible flesh, sinned against Him, broken His commandments, and made ourselves His enemies. That's why the Father sent His Son . . . to reconcile us to Him by paying the penalty for our sin and becoming the Sacrifice Lamb, shedding His pure and perfect blood so we can be made righteous in His righteousness. "We owed a debt we could not pay; He paid a debt He did not owe!"

Read carefully through the lyrics of this song once again and let them speak to you of the most precious Gift ever given mankind—the Godhead veiled in flesh, the Incarnate Deity, Jesus, our Emmanuel. This Christmas as we sing the traditional carols and hymns, let's not forget the words. Let's use the words to open the door to share with those who may not know Christ, the Everlasting Lord. Everywhere you go, proclaim His birth by simply sharing the words to this song. What greater gift could you give anyone?

Father, as I reflect on this song I am so vividly reminded of Who You are and what You have done. Father, there are no words to express my gratitude . . . no expressions of praise adequate. Lord, I commit to You to share Your Good News with people everywhere in song, in word, and in deed. Lord, let my voice join with the angelic choirs proclaiming Who You are and what You have done. I love you, Jesus, my Emmanuel … amen and amen!

"But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wing" (Malachi 4:2a)

© Jan Ross
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Like a Shepherd

"And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things." (Mark 6:34)

What a beautifully tender description of our Lord! He "was moved with compassion".

You can feel His heart in these words, as if He wanted to scoop up all these precious souls in His arms and carry them away to safety. But, He chose to do something even better . . . He began to teach them!

The life-giving Words bursting forth from His lips gave the people hope, direction, comfort, and guidance. His Word . . . what better way to care for His flock!

Today, follow Him to the secret place of sweet communion where He will teach you through His Word, so full, so rich, and so free! It costs nothing except a small investment of time; the rewards, however, are priceless!

Savior, like a Shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care.
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use Thy folds prepare.
We are Thine, do Thou befriend us,
Be the Guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us,
Seek us when we go astray!
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
Thou has bought us, Thine we are!*
Amen!

*Saviour, Like a Shepherd Lead Us (William B. Bradbury)

"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." (John 10:11)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

No Fear!

"By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil." (Proverbs 16:6)

Have you ever wondered why there seems to be so much evil in the world today? According to today's verse, it could be that the answer is simple: There is no fear of the Lord.

The "fear of God" referred to here indicates much more than reverential awe and respect. The Psalmist tells us in Psalm 25:14 that we can't receive the full revelation of God's covenant until his fear is deeply rooted in us: "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant". This verse connects an understanding of the covenant with the fear of God. In short, all revelation is tied to his holy fear.

Mankind cannot truly "fear" God until they know Him and His nature. Because this age we live in is so self-centered, self-sufficient, and self-serving, few are found that truly set their heart to KNOW God as He reveals Himself to us in His Word.

Is your heart set to KNOW God? Do you long to know and understand His covenants? Is your desire for Him stronger than your desire for anything this world can offer? These are imperative to truly say that you "fear God" and have departed from evil.

Separation . . . Consecration . . . Desire. These three things will open the door to an ever-increasing revelation of Who He Is.

Seek Him . . . Serve Him . . . Love Him! He's worthy.

Father, my desire for You is growing day by day as I spend time with You in a loving relationship with You. Lord help me to further consecrate my life for Your use. Lord, teach me your Word; teach me Your ways, help me to understand the depth of Your love shown through Your covenants, your promises, your Word. I am like a child eager to learn from You. Teach me, Father, till this world has no more hold on me and I am totally Yours in every way. Father I love you with my whole heart. Amen.

"Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day." (Psalm 25:4-5)

© Jan Ross
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Audience of One

"Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified." (Psalm 40:16)

After they had gotten the ark situated and the tabernacle built, the Levites assumed their work was done and began to walk off. David immediately stopped them, telling them that their work had only just begun. You can hear the Levites complaining to David: "But, David! We just walked miles with the ark on our shoulders; we've prepared and sacrificed thousands of animals to the Lord. Aren't we done yet? And besides, there's no veil or Holy of Holies!"

David told them, "No. I didn't restore the Levitical office only to have the ark abandoned here like it was abandoned in Shiloh. Put your ephods back on. Get out your psalteries and harps again. Some of you can go eat lunch, but the rest of you are staying right here!" The Levites, stunned at his command responded, "Well, who are we staying here for, King David? Do you want to listen to us play again? You hear us play all the time! We're tired and we've done enough!"

David turned to them with a passion not understood by his Levites and said, "No, no, you're not playing for me - it's for God, an audience of One. He wants us to worship Him continually. There will never be a time when we've done it enough!"

David appointed psalmists to tend to the ark day and night with musical praise, worship, and celebration.

We are so used to coming into the presence of the Lord . . . we feel His presence, acknowledge it with a few tears and words of praise, and we simply say, "Gotta go!" and we're on our way. Too often we want just enough of God to make us feel good or to give us the tingles or chill bumps up our spine! But He is asking, "Will you stay . . . will you spend time with me?"

Worship . . . an audience of One. It's not about us, our time schedules, our distractions, our energy level. It's not even about whether we worship him 5 minutes or 5 hours without ceasing.

God's passion is to be with us . . . He desires for us to have that same passion to be with Him. He doesn't want temporary visitation rights! Use David as your example and pursue the same passion for worship that David had and don't settle for less.

Father, please forgive me for being in a hurry, for not taking the time to linger in Your presence, for not seeking Your face with a passionate desire. Lord, forgive me for taking You for granted and for forgetting that my praise and my worship is for none other than You. Lord, You are my audience . . . my "Audience of One". Father, be blessed and exalted by my lifestyle of worship. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." (Psalm 27:14)

©Jan Ross
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Let It All Out!

"I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble." (Psalm 142:2)

Have you ever found yourself struggling with the right words to pray when things are tough? Do you find yourself guarding your own words so you don't say the wrong thing or become too vulnerable in your prayers? One of the hardest things for us to do is to be down-right honest and transparent with our Father when we're hurt, in trouble, or facing major difficulties.

Listen to the passion in David's words today: "I poured out my complaint before Him; I showed before Him my trouble." To paraphrase it, "I dumped all my complaints on Him and told Him all my troubles." David held nothing back – he let it all out before the Lord. He didn't allow his own fears or insecurities keep him from total transparency before his God. He came before the Lord with an unguarded heart and trusted Him enough to love him still, even while he was baring His soul.

David was facing more than just a routine inconvenience in life. Saul and his army were after him to kill him though he knew the Lord had anointed him as king of Israel; he just saw 85 priests and their families and livestock slaughtered because they helped him escape. Everywhere he turned he was in trouble. What did he do? He turned to God and he "poured out all [his] complaints on Him and told Him all [his] troubles".

God is there ready to avenge our enemies. He longs to fight our battles for us. He has offered us refuge and a sanctuary from the enemy's snare. But we still hesitate to run to Him with a transparent heart when we're overwhelmed.

Be like David today; pour out your heart to Him. If you feel abused and neglected, let God know. If you are misunderstood or mistreated, let God know. If you are perplexed and not understanding the 'whys' and 'wherefores' of life, pour out your heart to Him, don't hold back. Let Him know the deepest groanings of your heart, the secret pain, the hidden sin, the offenses that have hindered your growth, the times you've been overlooked and passed over for recognition or promotion . . . let Him have it all.

Do you trust Him enough to tell Him everything? David did and David was a man with a heart after the heart of God.

Father, forgive me for holding back and not trusting You enough to be totally transparent with You, as if somehow You don't already know the secret recesses of my heart. Lord teach me to trust You with the desperation of my need and to believe without doubt that You love me enough to give me refuge in the midst of every storm. Teach me, O Lord, and I will learn from You how great is Your love toward me, how awesome is Your salvation, and how magnificent is Your holy Name. In Jesus' name, for His glory, and by His blood . . . amen and amen.

"LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee." (Psalm 141:1)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Be Exceedingly Thankful!

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Giving thanks should come naturally to a believer simply because of the victory that has been given through our Lord Jesus Christ.

But, what exactly does it mean to "give thanks"? The word "thanks" in today's verse comes from the Greek word chairo, a verb meaning to rejoice, to be glad – but not just any kind of rejoicing but to rejoice exceedingly. It also means to be well and to thrive.

When you think about today's verse, our thanks giving should be more than mere words, giving thanks infers action – it means to not only be glad but to act glad. To not only say you're rejoicing but to rejoice exceedingly in your daily activities. It not only means to give thanks, but it also means to live a thankful life – to thrive in your rejoicing and thanks giving . . . it's about living out the victory that was given us through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Years ago, when I sang in our choir at church, we faced the congregation; it was impossible not to notice people's faces. Some were truly rejoicing; others were saying the words but their faces failed to show it, their actions didn't prove it and their sincerity was truly questionable.

Take some time today and get serious with the Lord, let Him know that you are exceedingly grateful for the victory that was given us through Jesus Christ our Lord—more than enough to cause us to "rejoice in the Lord always"!

Be thankful . . . the price paid for your redemption is worth more than anything money can buy, and it's yours absolutely free. All God asks is that you be thankful.

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks unto the Holy One,
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
And now let the weak say "I am strong",
Let the poor say "I am rich",
Because of what the Lord, has done for us
Give Thanks!

Father, I am glad—exceedingly glad for the victory that You have given me through Jesus Christ my Lord. Your bountiful blessings are immeasurable and Your love unfathomable. Lord, help me to live a life of thankfulness not hiding my joy from anyone. Help me to rejoice always, to bring glory to You in all I do and say from a heart that is overwhelmed with thanks and gladness. Thank You, Lord . . . Thank You! Amen and Amen!

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Be Ye Thankful

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

I love the traditional songs of Thanksgiving any time of the year. But with the American Thanksgiving just a few days away, I wanted to share one with you to stir your heart of thankfulness today.

It matters not whether you celebrate Thanksgiving Day where you live, what matters is the heart of the worshipper who hastens to make known God's manifest blessings to all who will hear. Take the time to read the words penned by men centuries ago and join in the celebration of thankfulness . . .

Now Thank We All our God

Based on Ecclesiastics 50:22-24 by Martin Rinkart (1586-1649)
Translated by Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878)

Now thank we all our God,
With heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done,
In whom this world rejoices;
Who from our mothers' arms
Has blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God
Through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts
And blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep us still in grace,
And guide us when perplexed;
And free us from all ills,
In this world and the next.

All praise and thanks to God
The Father now be given;
The Son, and him who reigns
With them in highest heaven;
The one eternal God,
Whom earth and heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now,
And shall be evermore.

Spend some time today thanking the Lord for His provision, His peace, grace, protection, and love. Thank Him for all His hands have done to make a way for us to be reconciled to Him through the shed blood of the Sacrifice Lamb. Thank Him for the ability to thank Him. He's worthy of all our praise!

Father, I am so grateful to You for life, for breath, and for the ability to live for You. I'm thankful for Your great salvation, for Your provision, for Your healing touch, for Your redemption, for Your grace, Your mercy, Your compassion, and Your love. There are no words to convey my heart as it swells with overwhelming praise because of Who You are, not just because of What You have done. I love You, Lord, and I offer You my heartfelt praise as I celebrate Your goodness in my "thanks-giving"! In Jesus' name, amen and amen!

"I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving." (Psalm 69:30)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Second-Hand Relationship?

"Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men" (Isaiah 29:13)

As I read this verse this evening, my heart was pierced. Immediately I asked myself, is my relationship with God based on how other's perceive Him or is it based on first-hand knowledge derived from a personal relationship with Him. The very thought that the Lord may look at us and say, "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me"
brings tears to my eyes. Surely His people are those whose hearts have drawn near to Him and who worship Him in spirit and in truth! Surely this couldn't be speaking about you or me!

No one can bear the responsibility of our relationship with the Lord but us. We cannot depend on our pastor or teacher to spoon-feed us week after week and do nothing of our own initiative during the week to build our relationship with the Lord.

David wrote in Psalm 62:7, "In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." In other words, he found God to be His everything . . . "God is MY salvation!" "God is MY glory!" "God is the rock of MY strength!" "God is MY refuge!" What he didn't say is, "God is MY PASTOR'S salvation and he will keep me in good standing with God!" Or, he didn't say, "God is MY TEACHER'S glory and if I attend faithfully, my teacher will represent God's glory to me!" Again, he didn't say, "God is MY CHURCH LEADER'S refuge and if I stick close to him, I'll be safe!"

Do you see what happens? So many depend on others to be their link to God. God says, "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." All too often people find themselves following man rather than following God . . . "their hearts are far from me."

Don't allow anyone to be your link to God for you. If you do, you'll be sorely disappointed. Man will fail you every time. I guarantee you know people who have been hurt in church and vowed never to return. Why is that? Because they depended on man, they put man on a pedestal; their hearts were far from God.

Beware of cultivating a second-hand relationship with God. Beware of depending on someone else's relationship with God as your security in Him. Release pastors and church leaders from the burden of responsibility for your relationship with God. Know God intimately through a personal relationship with Him. Be like David and say, "God is MY salvation, MY glory, the rock of MY strength, and MY refuge!" God will never fail you, He'll never fall, and He'll never again look at you and say, "their hearts are far from me."

Lord, teach me to be like David and know You as MY salvation, MY glory, the rock of MY strength, and MY refuge in greater measure with each passing day. Lord, I want to know you so personally that though everyone else may fall, my trust and faith in You will not be shaken. In Jesus' name, by His blood, for His glory, amen and amen!

"He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved." (Psalm 62:6)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Third Annual Christmas Contest

It's getting late and we're sorry! But, we can't miss an opportunity to reach out to everyone with an invitation to participate in our Third Annual Christmas Story Contest.

The theme of this year’s Christmas newsletter is “Good News in Bethlehem”. Of course, we know WHO the Good News is … Yeshua, Jesus, the Christ, the Promised Messiah, the Redeemer, the King, the Lord of all! Setting aside any controversy about when the Messiah came to earth in the form of a tiny child, we’re asking you as a writer to share a story from your heart based on the theme “Good News in Bethlehem” and submit it to us no later than midnight on December 1st, only a few days from today.

Here are the guidelines:

1. Your story must be submitted via email to jan@journezine.com.

2. All entries must be received by midnight on December 1st.

3. Your entry (you may submit more than one) must be no less than 300 and no more than 750 words in length; please use a word-counter to help us stay within our limit. Any entry outside the word limit will be automatically disqualified.

4. Your story must be submitted IN THE BODY OF AN EMAIL—NOT AN ATTACHMENT! Please simply copy and paste your entry into the body of an email and send it to jan@journezine.com.

5. Because this is a Christian ministry, your entry must reflect Christian principles and somehow point to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

6. Because we are pressed for time, please help us by including the following information with your submission:

a. Full name

b. Mailing Address

c. Phone Number

d. Email Address

e. Short Bio (under 75 words) with a link to a picture if possible

f. Link to your website and/or blog

7. Finally, make sure your story (or stories) are edited and in publishable form.

By submitting your story, you confirm that you allow Heart of God International Ministries to use your story in their December newsletter to be mailed to all partners and friends of the ministry, to be displayed on the websites, and to be featured in the December issue of JournEzine if your story is chosen. Also you affirm that you release to Heart of God International Ministries the rights to use your story even if you have it copyrighted. Please only submit original material—any forwards or copied or plagiarized stories will automatically be rejected by us.

We have three independent judges who will read your story (or stories) anonymously; we will have removed your name and contact information before submitting the entries to them. We affirm there will be no favoritism—each entry will stand on its own merit.

Now for the good part … the PRIZES, and we’ve made it worth your while to enter! But, in order to keep this post down to a reasonable size, we have put the guidelines and the prizes on the website. Please click on this link for further information: CLICK HERE

We are excited to be able to up to TEN of the top entries in the December 2008 issue of JournEzine, as the judges recommend, primarily depending on the number of entries. But this means you will have to get your story or stories in quickly.

If you have any questions, get back with me as soon as you can. Please feel free to pass this invitation to participate along to your friends and colleagues. We look forward to hearing from you VERY, VERY SOON!

Dead Men Walking

"But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth." (1 Timothy 5:6)

Paul's letter to Timothy is full of instruction for the church. You will find it contains some of the strongest admonition in church government found in the scripture. Among Paul's admonition to the church regarding church government a few verses are directed to the subject of widows. This small verse stands out as having much to say to all of us.

"But she that liveth in pleasure . . ." Pleasure as opposed to surrender and self-control. Pleasure as opposed to denying the flesh so the spirit may live. Pleasure as opposed to dying daily and picking up the cross and following Christ. There is nothing in pleasure that answers the purposes of life; it is not the reason for which life was given.

Not too long ago I saw a 2-minute clip of a movie where a child was sharing with his father something that was fearful to him . . . everywhere he looked he saw people who appeared to be alive but were really dead and didn't even know they were dead.

There are many who are sitting in the churches being deceived into thinking they are alive but yet they are dead, those who have assumed the name "Christian" but who have never surrendered their live to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Many people claim the name "Christian" yet their hearts are dead in sin, living in pleasure and dead while they are yet alive.

Are you alive in Christ or are you as a dead man walking? Are you living a surrendered life or are you living in pleasure? Is your motive in life to fulfill the longing of your spirit or is it to fulfill the lust of the flesh?

It's time to quit being silent and boldly proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and win the lost regardless of the cost. We are so worried about speaking out of place or out of turn. We are far too silent and secretive about our Lord while we see people all around us who are on the road to hell. Many times it appears that our concern is more for not offending someone with the Truth while we allow them to offend us with their irreverent behavior and speech.

1 Peter 5:8 tells us to "be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour". The fact is that he is AS a roaring lion. The righteous should be BOLD as a lion, sharing the Truth, preaching the Gospel, and loving our family, friends, and neighbors into the Kingdom of God. Let's not cower in fear with the roar of the one who walks around looking to devour someone, let's stand with BOLDNESS and proclaim Jesus Christ is Lord and win the lost at any cost.

Father, forgive me for the times I may appear to be as a dead man walking . . . help me to look alive and to emanate the life that I have in Christ Jesus my Lord. Father open my mouth and teach me to share openly, help me to be secure enough in Your love to speak with love and power of Your saving Grace. Be glorified in my conversation, in my zeal, in my fervor, and in my passion to win the lost at any cost. In Jesus' name, amen and amen!

"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me." (Isaiah 6:8)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

We Call Them Believers

"…On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria." (Acts 8:1 NIV)

The history of the early assemblies of believers in Acts is rich; it would do us all good to spend some time reading about the birth of the church and be reminded of the power of God at work to establish His Word in the hearts of both Jew and Gentile.

Tonight my heart is overwhelmed with passion to seek the Truth. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…" To seek Truth is to seek Him. To accept the Truth and to live the Truth is what separates us from mere churchgoers or those who call themselves religious yet are not true believers.

Vladimir Lenin is quoted as saying, "we can close the churches and put the leaders in jail, but it's very hard to drive faith and belief from the heart of a man once he is contaminated by them."

What is a true believer? He or she is one whose belief in God completely consumes their life. A true believer believes inside and out—one whose belief/faith is so much a part of them that they cannot partition their lives. They are believers through and through, in thought, word and deed. A true believer lives his life as led and empowered by the Holy Spirit of God.

Many times people will call themselves Christian simply because they aren't Muslim or Hindu, etc, though their lives bear no fruit—no evidence of living a surrendered and Spirit led life. A true believer, on the other hand, will be "contaminated" by his faith—inseparable from his faith, living a surrendered life as led and empowered by the Spirit of God.

The word "believer" as used in the New Testament comes from the Greek word pisteuo which means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ); to believe, to commit, to put trust in."

A modern-day Saul named Sergei Kourdakov who was ultimately martyred for his faith, was taught by the Soviet KGB that belief is the enemy, not religion or the church. In his book, The Persecutor, he wrote: "The church represents no threats. Religion represents no threat. It's the Believers themselves who are the threat… belief is our enemy, not religion. This is why we don't call them Christians or church-goers. We call them Believers. They believe inside, and to root this belief from their hearts is a very difficult task."

By definition of the word, are you a believer? Would you be found guilty if true believers were being sought out and persecuted because of their faith?

Take some time to consider this especially given the uncertain times in which we live. Search your heart, examine your life; if you are unsure, please contact me or speak to a true believer and ask them to lead you to an abiding faith in Jesus Christ. Don't wait another day…settle this issue now!

Father, I make this declaration to You and I am not ashamed to share it publicly: I am committed; I stand and will continue to stand as led and empowered by Your Holy Spirit. No one can "root" this belief from my heart because I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that You are able to keep that which I have committed unto you until the day I meet You face to face. Lord, I am a believer and I refuse to compromise even in the face of persecution. I acknowledge my faith and trust in Your ability to prevent anything or anyone from separating me from Your love through Christ Jesus. I am persuaded …I am a believer! In Jesus' name and for His glory alone, amen.

"For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Consider Your Ways

"Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways." (Haggai 1:6-7)

Doesn't this sound familiar? It could have been written today rather than hundreds of years before the advent of Christ.

We are never satisfied. We're more concerned about tangible riches than we are about spiritual riches. We've forgotten what Matthew 6:33 means when it says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." We see the "all these things shall be added unto you" but we neglect the first part "Seek ye first the kingdom of God".

The words of the prophet exposed a problem—the people worked hard and spared no effort to insure prosperity. But, their yield was more than disappointing. They had clothing, but no amount of clothing they owned could keep them warm. In fact, nothing seemed to be sufficient to them – food, drink, or clothing. They had money but it fell through their hands like holes in their bags. Why? God was forgotten and when God is forgotten, all is futile, without profit, and in vain.

The prophet Jeremiah said in Lamentations 3:40, "Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD." This prophet's cry still resonates throughout the earth, calling us to search our hearts AND our ways. Our hearts cannot be pure unless our ways are parallel to the passion of our heart.

Proverbs 4:26-27 says, "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil."

When the prophet said, "Consider your ways", he was speaking to each one of us. Do our "ways" cause us to toil without profit, to gain wealth and have nothing to show for it, to have closets of clothes and yet remain cold? If so, we must heed the word of the Lord through His prophet, "Consider your ways!" We can't blame it on anyone or anything other than ourselves – we're responsible to consider our ways and to remove ourselves from evil.

If we aren't careful to follow the words of the Lord found in Matthew 6:33, when we find we have holes in our bag and dissatisfaction with everything we work for, we too will hear the voice of the prophet saying, "Consider your ways".

Father, I hear the voice of the prophet echoing in my heart even right now. I work hard and in many instances I am not yet satisfied. I have much and yet I want more. In many areas I am discontent with what I have, Lord, and I need Your forgiveness. Father, help me to take some time today to consider my ways, to bind up the holes in my bag by seeking You first and finding contentment and satisfaction with all that You have done for me and in me. Father, forgive me and teach me to seek You first (and the kingdom) and then I will be content with whatever You give me, with little or much, with lack or abundance, but most importantly, with You. Help me to search and try my ways and turn again to You in all things! In Jesus' precious name, amen and amen.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Show Mercy!

"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."  (Matthew 5:7)

Merciful . . . compassionate . . . emotionally and spiritually moved to some way help alleviate the pain and misfortune of others; a by-product of love, the kind of love that comes from knowing God and being transformed into His likeness and image.

Being merciful toward others will cause mercy to be returned to you.  I've seen this first-hand almost daily since living with chronic pain for the past several years . . . reaching out and touching others with similar afflictions opens the door for my life to be touched by them.  It's a simple law of love . . . a two-way street!  "Give and it shall be given unto you . . . "  Our Father has set a principle in motion that is anchored in the essence of Who He is according to 1 John 4:16 " . . . God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." 

Make it a habit to allow mercy and compassion to flow freely toward those who suffer or are less fortunate in any way.  Don't turn your back on opportunities to reach out with lovingkindness toward others.  The day may come (and for many has already) where you will need others to show that mercy, compassion and love toward you, especially when you are dealing with major disappointments, chronic pain or illness, or life's hard circumstances.  It's a promise that every one of us will need to stand on at one time or another in our lives -- "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy."  Amen!

Father, I thank You, Lord, for Your promises that are true . . . "yes and amen!"  Lord, all too often I overlook those needing a gentle touch, a loving smile, a warm embrace, an encouraging word . . . all too often I am so caught up in my own needs and desires that I fail to look at the pain around me.  Father, open my eyes so I can see the needs . . . give me a heart of compassion to reach out; help me to be merciful to others in their time of need!  And, Father, help me to plant the seeds of mercy everywhere so that when the day comes that I am in need, I, too, will be blessed with the gentle touch, the loving smile, the warm embrace, and the encouraging word. Let me be a servant to all, Father, to bring glory to You . . . help me to be Your arms outstretch to those in need, in complete obedience to Your Word.  Let Your love flow through this Your servant . . . in Jesus' name, Amen!

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."  (Luke 6:38)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved