He is Faithful!

"He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God." (Romans 4:20)

Abraham through his display of faith brought glory to God. Here was a man ripe with old age not only still waiting but expecting the manifestation of a promise God had given him many years earlier. Everything was against him, yet he stood strong knowing God was not a liar and would perfect that which concerned him even if it meant doing something extraordinary in his life.

The challenge to us today is to bring glory to God through our example of faith. God has made us promises; we are in covenant with Him, yet we all too often doubt His provision for us by fearing He will not keep His promises for whatever reason.

Since "fear" is the opposite of "faith", do a check on your life and see if you are walking in expectation or walking in fear. Then go ahead and transform your "fear" into "faith."

"Perfect love casteth out fear" . . . if you love Him, you'll bring glory to Him by casting out fear and allowing faith to arise in your heart regardless what you're facing or what circumstances you find yourself in.

Trust the Lord. He is more than able to do that which He promised He would do. He is FAITHFUL!

Father, forgive my unbelief, forgive my fear, forgive my lack of trust! I long to glorify you through my faith—help thou my unbelief! Teach me how to cast out fear far from me and walk in faith in all which concerns you so you will be glorified through my life also. In my life, Lord, be glorified today! Amen!

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4:18)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Let’s Talk…

Normally I write about the sanctity of life during January, the month celebrated by many as the "Sanctity of Life Month". However, there are other times throughout the year when the issue of abortion and the rights of the most innocent of all stir me to share my heart. Today is one such day.

Heart of God International Ministries strongly believes in the sanctity of all human life regardless of age, gender, race, or perceived "quality of life". As president and co-founder, it goes without saying that the issue is one that stirs my heart passionately … abortion is murder, it robs an innocent child of the right to life, and it sentences the mother to a lifetime of guilt, shame, and haunting "what-if" questions that can never be answered.

I believe that God alone confers life (Genesis 1:1-31); therefore, we are responsible to God to care for our physical life and that of others. If the circumstances require, we must be prepared to risk our life in the service of our neighbor (John 15:13); but the general rule is that we must respect our physical life and employ every worthy means to maintain it. Since God alone confers life, God alone must decide when it is to be ended (Psalm 31:14,15).

Because a human baby at any stage of gestation is sacred and blessed of God, we believe that we have the responsibility to protect the life of the unborn (Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:41). It is our firm conviction that abortion and euthanasia of aged, mentally incompetent, terminally ill and otherwise handicapped, for reasons of personal convenience, social adjustment or economic advantage, are morally wrong.

Why should we value life?

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Genesis 1:27 (KJV)

But now, Oh Lord, Thou art our Father, we are the clay, and Thou our potter; And all of us are the work of Thy hand. Isaiah 64:8 (NAS)

Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, and the one who formed you from the womb, "I, the Lord, am the maker of all things..." Isaiah 44:24 (NAS)

When we consider these verses—God's Word—we are faced with a quandary. God values life, it is He who forms life and allows it to begin. When He allows conception, it is because He has a purpose in mind for the life He begins. This is true when the child is conceived within the marriage relationship or without. The bottom line is, no life begins without God having a purpose for that life.

If a child is conceived out of wedlock, there is a bigger picture than what the expectant mother sees. While she is caught up in the emotion of learning she's pregnant, she very often forgets that the child has a destiny, a purpose in the mind of God that affects not only her life, but the lives of those who will be influenced by that child as he/she grows. To deny this child the opportunity to fulfill God's purposes for him/her, is to stand in the place of judge, jury, and executioner of an innocent life.

Why should we value life? Because no life begins without God purposing it to be. And, if God purposes a life to begin, He will not violate His own Word and lead anyone to take that life. God is the author of ALL life … He alone has the right to determine when that life should end, a time when His purpose for that life is completely fulfilled.

Phil 1:6 says, "…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (NIV) God WILL carry on the good work He began in the womb of the mother. And, He alone will carry it on to completion. He WILL be glorified through the tiny life growing in the womb regardless of the circumstances surrounding the child's conception.

God created the preborn.

Did not he who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us both within our mothers? Job 31:15 (NIV)

For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. Psalm 139:13-16 (NKJ)

Even when it appears to have been a "mistake" or a horrible set of events attached to the new life growing with the mother, it is God who created that life. Life, in God's eyes, is marvelous because that little child has the potential to grow and reflect His own glory as transformation begins in the heart of the redeemed. In other words, when God creates the preborn, He creates a living being who is designed to carry the presence of God into the world, to be light in the darkness, and to be evidence of His mercy and grace through the Lord Jesus Christ.

God is concerned with preborn.

Listen to Me, O islands, and pay attention, you peoples from afar. The Lord called Me from the womb; from the body of my mother He named me. Isaiah 49:1 (NAS)

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5 (NKJ)

But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace,... Galatians 1:15 (RSV)

When a mother and/or father are unsure about this new life, the Lord is grieved. He has already established a plan and destiny for the child so much, in fact, that He created a unique set of DNA for the child, a genetic makeup that will grow into a unique individual who will never be duplicated or replicated. If that little life is terminated, that one unique individual will never exist. The child cannot be replaced or substituted. The world misses out on the opportunity to engage in the life of that one unique person woven together in the mother's womb in response to God's specific pattern.

Who is responsible for life and death?

The Lord brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up. 1 Samuel 2:6 (NIV)

Thou shalt not kill. Exodus 20:13 (KJV)

Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths. Isaiah 59:7 (KJV)

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.... Deuteronomy 30:19 (KJV)

When a mother determines her child should not live, she (and the father, if he is in agreement) stand in the place that belongs only to God. God alone confers life. God alone ends life. No one has the "God-given right" to take the life of an innocent child. God would never give anyone the "go-ahead" to end an innocent life, conferring upon mortal man the right to make a decision that only He can make, a decision that will ultimately reap consequences – blessings or cursings.

Is man permitted to take life before birth?

If men who are fighting hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman's husband demands and the court allows. But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. Exodus 21:22-25 (NIV)

Thus says the Lord: "For three transgressions of the people of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they ripped open the women with child in Gilead...." Amos 1:13 (NKJ)

Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. Matthew 18:14 (NKJ)

Never despise one of these little ones; I tell you, they have their guardian angels in heaven, who look continually on the face of my heavenly Father. Matthew 18:10 (NEB)

The scripture is plain. There is no just cause for taking the life of the innocent. There are consequences for the choice to abort – consequences that will follow for a lifetime.

Should a child conceived as a result of rape or incest be aborted?

Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin. Deuteronomy 24:16 (NKJ)

God is the author of life, even when the circumstances surrounding conception are horrific. If a mother cannot live with the reminder of the violence inflicted against her, she should grant the child the opportunity for life in a loving home where the child will have an opportunity to fulfill his or her destiny in the Kingdom of God. The Bible doesn't stipulate that children born in wedlock are any more precious to Him than children born of nightmarish circumstances.

God alone gives life and that life has the potential to be a blessing under any circumstances.

Should a child who might be born deformed or retarded be aborted?

So the Lord said to him, "Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord?" Exodus 4:11 (NKJ)

So tremendous, however, were the revelations that God gave me that, in order to prevent my becoming absurdly conceited, I was given a physical handicap - one of Satan's angels to harass me and effectually stop and defeat. Three times I begged the Lord for it to leave me, but his reply has been, "My grace is enough for you: for where there is weakness, my power is shown the more completely." Therefore, I have cheerfully made up my mind to be proud of my weaknesses, because they mean a deeper experience of the power of Christ. 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (PME)

Yet, to shame the wise, God has chosen what the world counts folly, and to shame what is strong, God has chosen what the world counts weakness. 1 Corinthians 1:27 (NIV)

Should a woman have control over the life in her own body?

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NAS)

Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 1 Peter 2:16 (NIV)

Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine.... Ezekiel 18:4 (NAS)

Is abortion the solution to crisis pregnancies?

Can a women forget her nursing child, and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Isaiah 49:15 (NAS)

Faith is the solution to crisis pregnancies. Prayer is the solution to crisis pregnancies. Trusting God is the solution for crisis pregnancies. Abortion is NEVER a solution to a crisis pregnancy.

Does God forgive those who have had abortions?

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NKJ)

God IS indeed faithful to forgive. But, first, there must be an admission of guilt. And, along with that, there must be Godly sorrow for the sin of abortion. Without Godly sorrow, there is no repentance for sins. (See 2 Cor. 7:10)

What about the people who perform abortions?

Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen. Deuteronomy 27:25 (KJV)

But your eyes and your heart are intent only upon your own dishonest gain, and on shedding innocent blood and on practicing oppression and extortion. Jeremiah 22:17 (NAS)

But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death. Proverbs 8:36 (KJV)

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13 (NIV)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NKJ)

Those who take innocent lives are as guilty as those who submit to the procedure. There must be repentance with Godly sorrow. Those who refuse to repent will give account for the sin of murder of the innocent lives they took.

So...

Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (RSV)

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

Don't allow the world to sell you the line that you have a right to make such a decision. You don't!

To take the life of an innocent child is the most selfish action a woman can take. It is a cold-hearted decision that ignores the innocent life and exchanges the potential for a full life for selfish motives.

If you're considering an abortion, take a moment and look into the eyes of a little child. Imagine yourself telling that child you would prefer he or she had never taken their first breath. Imagine yourself telling that child your own rights for happiness are more important than his or her rights to grow and learn and love and laugh. Imagine telling the child that his or her life is totally insignificant compared to your life.

Don't take the life of your child … allow the little one growing in your womb the right to love, life, and the pursuit of happiness – unalienable rights conferred upon every man, woman, and child bought and paid for by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior who, Himself, could have been the victim of an abortion had His earthly mother determined her unborn Child conceived outside of marriage was not worth the opportunity of life.

Please, contact me and let me pray with you … let's talk through your decision and put a stop to the lies of the enemy leading you to do something you will regret for the rest of your life.

___________
(NAS): New American Standard
(NIV): New International Version
(NKJ): New King James
(RSV): Revised Standard Version
(KJV): King James Version
(NEB): New English Bible
(PME): Phillips Modern English

Our Holy God

"Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy." (Psalm 99:9)

Our God is holy . . . worship Him!

This message remains the same throughout eternity. There is no changing, no modernizing, no updating, no altering its truth. God is holy and He deserves our worship!

Worship is born out of a love relationship. If we love Him, we will worship Him! Actually, our acts of love ARE worship! True worship takes place on the inside . . . in the heart or spirit of the worshipper. Worship pleasing to God must be offered with a pure heart, transparent and humble!

But, even more than that, worship is connected to Truth . . . the Truth of the gospel, the Truth about the sacrificial act of Jesus Christ and its necessity to purchase for us the right and ability to worship!

David understood the importance of worshiping in truth when he wrote, "Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear (worship) your name" (Psalm 86:11).

Finally, worship must become a part of our daily lives because worship is a lifestyle! If we say we love Him, then we will worship Him in "spirit" and in "truth"!

Do you love Him? Then, "Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy." Worship Him! He is so worthy!

Father, I love You, I adore You, I praise You for You alone are Holy! Help me live according to Your Word; help me learn to live a lifestyle of Worship before You through my obedience to Your Word and through offering my praise and adoration to You with a clean and pure heart! Lord, I love You . . . I worship You, for You alone are Holy! Amen!

"Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore." (Psalm 86:11-12)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Guard Your Mouth

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." (Ephesians 4:29)

Have you ever stopped to listen to what comes out of your mouth and suddenly feel ashamed for the words you've uttered? Most of us have and regret ever opening our mouth!

Our words minister to those who hear them ... they either minister grace or they cause people to turn away hurt, dejected and may even bear the scars from our words for an entire life. Words, once they are released from our lips travel at the speed of sound; nothing can be done to reverse their affect once they've been spoken. Your words bear witness of what is truly in your heart: "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" (Matt. 12:34)

Next time you open your mouth to react to something, think twice and minister grace! Great will be your reward. You may never know the impact your gracious response will have on the person with whom you're talking!

Father, help me by putting a guard over my mouth to speak those things which only minister grace to the hearer. Help me remember that as a representative of my Lord, Jesus Christ, that it is my obligation to point everyone to Him in everything I do, everything I say, and everywhere I go. Help me minister grace to all I come in contact with! Amen!

"Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." (Psalm 141:3)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Understanding 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 know the 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, 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 who truly set their heart to KNOW God as He reveals Himself to us in His Word.

Is your heart set to KNOW God? Is your desire for Him stronger than your desire for anything this world can offer?

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

Seek Him.

Serve Him.

Love Him.

Fear Him.

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 . . . I long to be a vessel fit 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)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

How Deep Is Your Love?

"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:12-13)

Are you walking in obedience to His commandment? Do you love others as our Lord loves you? Are you willing to deny yourself everything including your very life for your friends?

Have you ever thought about how deeply you love your own children – even to the extent of giving your own life for them? It would be hard but if it were necessary most parents would willingly lay down their lives for their children. But this love that Jesus talks about in our verse today demands an answer to a much harder question: Could I ever be able to give of myself to such an extent for someone I don't know, or for someone whom I don't really like? This is what the Lord is asking us . . . how much are we willing to give out of love for others. I know that it requires far more than we can ever hope to imagine!

There was a secular song years ago that asked, "How deep is your love?" These words can also be applied to what the Lord is asking us . . . "How deep is your love toward each other…how deep is your love toward Me?" Is it deep enough for you to be willing to lay down your life for your friends? The Lord did it for us; how could we be satisfied to give any less?

We all need to take time on a regular basis to examine our own lives, our own hearts, our own motives, and our own level of love for one another. Then answer ourselves, "Just how deep is my love?" If we fail this love test, we need to meditate on the depth of God's love for us! It will put things in perspective FAST!

Dear Father, my love for my brothers and sisters needs to grow deep. Lord help me develop and maintain a loving spirit, gentle and kind yet firm and unwavering toward my friends and loved ones. Help me be an extension of Your love on this earth by loving all those I interact with, putting their needs ahead of mine! Touch through me, work through me, love through me . . . that You may be glorified in me! In Jesus' Precious Name, Amen!

"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." (Ephesians 3:14-19)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Sign of His Covenant

"The day is thine, the night also is thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun". (Psalm 74:16)

A declaration of God's faithfulness to His covenant!

Ask yourself this question: "If God is faithful to His covenant with the earth, the sun, the moon, the seasons, and even time, will He not be faithful to His covenant with me as His child?" The answer is easy, of course He will!

He promises never to leave us or forsake us. His Word is true and unchanging. That which He promises, He will of a certainty perform, in your life and in mine!

And what is the sign of His covenant with us? The written Word, signed and sealed by the blood of Jesus, affirming His promises to us that His love and mercy endure forever!

What a totally awesome God we serve that He keeps covenants through His abiding love!

Oh Majestic Father, how excellent is Your Name in all the earth! You, who own the day, who prepared the light and the sun, are also able to keep me in the midst of all my circumstances. Help me, Lord, to remember how magnificent, how awesome, how great Thou art! Amen!

"Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name." (1 Chronicles 29:11-13)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Adopted!

"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:16-19)

Love that surpasses knowledge. It's very difficult to explain, but when you have loved your spouse for decades you experience what this means. When you love a child and do what you never dreamed you could do for another human being, you understand this phrase. And when you stand before God, adopted as a full heir of all his great riches, a full sibling to Jesus Christ the Lord, and know you are seen as holy, without reproach, and blameless, you begin to understand this phrase.

Sometimes the mere thought of the love God has toward us is more than overwhelming. When I think of my shortcomings, when I consider my struggles, when temptations cause me to stumble I wonder how could a God so holy and so divine still love me! Then I turn and look into the eyes of my husband of 36 years, my children and grandchildren . . . they are not perfect, they miss the mark more than just a few times every day, they stumble and fall because of imperfect motives and desires, but my love for them not only remains strong in spite of it all, it grows with each passing day! And yet, this devoted and faithful love I have toward them pales in comparison to the love God has for us!

Take some time today to consider just how greatly our God loves us. Contemplate His faithfulness even when we're not so faithful! Consider the purity of His love and the promise He has made to us that His love will never fail! He deserves our love, worship, and sacrificial obedience in return! Where else can we find a love so perfect and so complete? Who on earth can possibly love us like our God? What will you offer Him today as your reasonable act of worship in response to His great and abundant and perfect love toward you?

Holy and incredible God, help me to comprehend the depth of Your love toward me and teach me to return that same love to You! Lord, forgive me when I fall, pick me up when I stumble, and restore me when I fail, teach me to show my love toward You in a greater way with each new day! Father, words are not enough to express, deeds seem empty and meaningless . . . all I do to show my love toward You seems meaningless in comparison to all You have done for me. Father, my heart's desire is to know You in experience just as I know You in faith, that I might be more like You with each new day because of Your endless love toward me! Teach me to love as You have loved me . . . in Jesus' name, amen!

"Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!" (Psalm 31:19)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Not For Any Other Reason …

Do you ever sit back and wonder why you do what you do, how you got yourself into whatever it is you're going, etc? I sure do. It's like I continually examine my motives – is what I'm going producing fruit fit for the King, or am I trying to prove something to myself or those who know me, or am I simply fulfilling a calling and humbly accepting the assignment?

This morning I woke up early and just laid in bed talking to the Lord and considering my life at this point, asking these very same questions. I want to make sure my heart is right. I want to be sure my motives are pure. And, most of all, I want to be sure all my labor is pleasing to the Lord and bringing Him glory.

But, then, if you're like me, after you begin to contemplate these things, the enemy comes in with his garbage to discourage, to stop, and to hinder the work God is doing through you. Well, at least that's the way he does me! LOL And, I'm pretty sure I'm not a unique case! So, I do my best to push those accusations out of my head and focus on honoring God with my thoughts.

I finally lay in bed long enough this morning and got up. I came out to the family room, got situated in the recliner, opened my laptop, and watched my email filter in. The verse for today sent to my inbox each day seemed to be no coincidence: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." (Colossians 3:23)

Yep! That's the motive of my heart. It's what keeps me moving. It is the reason I live and breathe and having my being … to work for the Lord. I don't need man's approval because I've already got the approval of the One who matters most. He's accepted me in the beloved, washed me whiter than snow, raised me up and set my feet on a Firm Foundation, and filled me with His precious Holy Spirit.

What an honor to work for the King! There is no greater calling, no more important assignment … no honor greater than serving the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Creator of the universe, the Loving Shepherd of my soul! Wow! What a privilege to serve … what a privilege to give my energy and talent and ability to the Ancient of Days, the One who sits on the throne, the Holy One of Israel – my Redeemer and Lord!

Not for any other reason …

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

No Small Miracle

"Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them." (Psalm 89:9)

Such awesome power that when the waves of the sea rise up, He can still them! No small miracle, for who else can claim to control even the winds and the rains? None . . . no one but our God!

But the waves and rage of the seas are not the only tumults He calms by the mere raising His hand. As you go through difficult times in your life, it is His arm that stills the waves of depression, poverty, sickness, disappointment and disillusionment. Take a few moments and meditate on today's verse. Our God is so mighty! He's so powerful! He loves us so much!

Quit trying to control your own circumstances. Rather, allow God to intervene; allow Him to still the hand of the enemy, to calm the storm, the winds and the rains! The Lord is with you, waiting to lead you through the storm. Let Him have His way and trust Him rule your raging seas!

Father, I face waves in my life of various magnitudes. I pray, though, Lord, that I would be quicker to recognize the waves and the roars of the seas as a means to inch my way in closer to You. Help me, Lord, to quit trying to control my circumstances and to meet my own needs! Teach me to wait on You by letting go and once again giving You the place of Lord of my life! Father, all I need is You . . . all I want is You! Amen!

"And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" (Mark 4:39-41)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

God of Promise

"He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform."
(Romans 4:20-21)

Non-wavering, unshakable, strong, and true was the faith of Abraham. He knew beyond a doubt that God was fully able to do everything that He had promised. He was so persuaded by God's ability, that he never questioned God's timing for the fulfillment of God's promises to him.

God has made many promises to us which are found in His Word. Would that we all had the faith of Abraham when it comes to seeing the fulfillment of His promises to us!

The next time you are clinging to a promise of God, stop and consider Abraham and his response to God's promises: "he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that what He had promised He was able also to perform."

God will make a way where there seems to be no way. He's a God of covenant—a God of promise! The things He said He will do, He will do! Amen!

Father, when I think of Abraham and what he had endured while holding fast to your promises, I am encouraged that you will do the same for me. I thank you, Lord, that you are the same yesterday, today, and forever. That which you promised in your Word to me, You are able also to perform. Amen!

"I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King. Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters . . . I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:15-19)

© 2008 Jan Ross
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Fractured by Design

"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." (1 Corinthians 13:12)

Have you ever looked closely at a stained glass window? The hand blown, manually cut, leaded pieces fit together to form beautiful artwork which very often tells a story. When the sun beams its radiance through the carefully structured artwork, the sight is breathtaking. No two hand-made windows are alike . . . each tell a story of their own!

Our lives are much like this stained glass artwork. We once were fractured pieces of glass which appeared meaningless, lacking any type of radiant beauty. As the Lord picked up each piece, one by one, and applied His grace and His mercy as the "lead" which secures the pieces together, a beautiful picture began to form.

Day by day, moment by moment, the Master Artist is fitting the pieces of our lives together. As He shines His glory through us, a most magnificent scene is revealed. It's a picture of Grace and Mercy; it's a portrait of a Father's Love for His child!

If your life seems a bit "abstract" or "fractured" at times, it's only because another piece of the picture is being put in place and secured by the mercy of God. Remember that whatever you're going through, God will use every little piece of your life to complete the portrait which will radiate His beauty, His glory . . . His love to a world that is lost and dying as His brightness shines through you for all to see.

Father, thank You for picking up the pieces of my life, applying Your mercy and grace, and fitting me back together to where Your glory can be seen through me, Your radiance can shine through me, and Your mercy can flow through me! I can't say it enough, Lord, You are truly awesome and I love you! Amen!

"But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:15-16)

© 2008 Jan Ross
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Mercy Me!

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever"....."When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up." (Psalm 23:6 and 94:18)

Mercy follows us all of our days . . . it is greater than our worst sins! The Psalmist paints such a beautiful picture of mercy in its application to our lives.

God's mercy is manifest in the life of David. Even though he was a "man after God's own heart," David knew the extent of God's mercy; it had everything to do with God and nothing to do with him.

Today's verses also paint a picture of God's character, of His total provision for us in our less-than-perfect state. Psalm 23 shows us that mercy follows us all the days of our lives. As we journey through this life, we all have a tendency to slip, to mess up, to fall short. But as Psalm 94:18 points out, when we fall, His mercy is there –it follows us and holds us up!

No matter what the circumstances, no matter what the cause, if we are pursuing God's will for our lives, His mercy will follow us all the days of our lives so when we do slip, it will hold us up!

Father, Your Mercy is unsearchable, yet such a treasured gift! There are so many times I fall short of your glory, so many times my foot slips on my path toward You. Yet, Your Mercy is there to hold me up and set me back on my journey. Thank you for showing me Mercy when I deserve it the least, and thank You for reminding me that Mercy has everything to do with You, nothing whatsoever to do with me, what I do, where I go, or who I am, for I am nothing—absolutely nothing without You! Amen!

"For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth; That thy beloved may be delivered: save with thy right hand, and answer me." (Psalm 108:4-6)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

A Blood Bath

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace" (Ephesians 1:7)

The sacrificial blood of Jesus is the most precious gift ever given to mankind. Purer than the purest gold. More precious than the finest silver. More costly than any jewel. More significant than any man's accomplishments could ever hope to be!

The blood of Jesus which was spilled at Calvary is the most unique, complete, perfect, sufficient, and effective sacrifice ever made or ever could be made.

The blood of Jesus saves, heals, delivers, cleanses, purifies, washes, redeems, restores, renews, atones, and totally provides for mankind whatever is necessary for total and complete redemption and restoration! And, it's all available to any who would repent of their sins and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. A simple transaction, 100% guaranteed – surrender all and lose nothing but gain more than words can describe!

Oh, the blood of Jesus . . . it still washes white as snow!

Father, I thank you for the blood of Jesus for without it I would never have had access to You, I would never have experienced a relationship with You, and I never would have had anything to celebrate. But because of the blood that my Precious Jesus spilled, I can celebrate the new life You have given me through its cleansing power. Thank You, Lord, again and again and again for the Blood of the Spotless Lamb, Jesus Christ, my Redeemer . . . my Lord! Amen!

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (Revelation 12:11)

© 2008 Jan Ross
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Thankful Thursday?

You see it on Christian blogs and discussions boards everywhere! The word "Thankful" just seems to go with Thursday. But what do I have to be thankful about?

Someone turned up the heat and humidity outside! I've had to dig and study today to prepare for my Bible Study lesson tonight after being away for five weeks. I can't figure out what to make for supper that would be different than the same hold hum-drum food we always eat. The vacuum cleaner winks at me when I see it as if to remind me it hasn't been used recently. The picture window in the family room has doggie-nose prints all over it but I can hardly get myself to clean it since it will look the same again by tomorrow! Well, at least the laundry is basically caught up and my husband's shirts are ironed … there's something to be thankful for, for sure!

Thankful Thursday? Let me give it another try … what do I have to be thankful about?

My heart is filled with joy – oh how I love the Lord and being an Ambassador for His Kingdom!

I'm enjoying my time in the house today with the air conditioning cranked up and the humidity gradually leaving the house – so incredibly thankful I don't live in India where temperatures have been above 51 degrees (that's equivalent to about 129 degrees for us)!

Time in the Word today stirred my heart in some very personal ways – don't you just love how the Spirit of God shines His Holy flashlight on certain passages that seem to just jump off the page at you?

And, look what I found in the pantry … something new, something different, and something I think Ron will enjoy when he gets home from work. Now, that's something to be thankful for!

The vacuum? Well, perhaps IT should be thankful I'm giving it another day of rest – that makes me happy and very thankful that I'm blessed to have floors that get dirty. I've been in homes with dirt floors, no glass in the window (wonder what Gracie would do without the picture window???), no tables to eat on, no plates or silverware … oh, yes! I'm thankful!

And, do you know what it makes me feel like knowing my laundry is "basically" caught up? You guessed it – I'm so thankful we have clothes to wear, a washing machine to clean them with, and an iron to make them look crisp and fresh. These things we take for granted far too often … remember, I've been there and seen it with my own eyes.

So, yes, Thursday is a day to be Thankful. But, then so are Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday!

First Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Hmmm… I wonder if Paul wrote that on Thursday!

 

© 2008 Jan Ross
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Behind Closed Doors

"And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you." (John 20:26)

The disciples were locked up in a room. Eight days the doors were shut. Their faith was being tried. They wondered why things happened the way they did, recounting the incredible miracle of His death and resurrection. Then, suddenly, as if from no where, He appeared to them. No door opened. No window opened. Yet, He was in their midst!

How many times have you been in the midst of circumstances which seemed confusing? You knew the Lord heard your cries, you knew He answered prayer, yet you felt so far from Him. But then, in the midst of "closed doors", in the privacy of your "prayer closet", you suddenly realized you were there in His presence. He opened no door. He threw open no widow. He just appeared. And, suddenly, the peace that testified of His awesome presence flooded your heart, mind, and soul. You knew without a doubt that He was near, that He cared, and that everything was going to be alright.

Each encounter with the living God is one that leaves an imprint through answered prayer and increased faith. His presence is where confusion cannot remain, where doubt and unbelief are dispelled, and where faith is nurtured and cultivated. But, why is it that we resist the drawing of His Spirit? Why do we continually attempt to work things out on our own? Why do we busy ourselves with fretfulness and frenzied worry rather than scheduling time in our prayer closet to meet with the One who holds the key to our victory?

Why not schedule some time there today and every day! And, when you need to meet with Him, when you're desperate for answers, you'll find everything you need "behind the closed doors" of your prayer closet!

Lord, I long to meet with You, to fellowship with You. I long to know You more and more every day. Although my schedule is busy, Father, help me set aside time each day to meet with you "behind closed doors" for it is there that all my doubts will be dispelled as Your presence is made manifest in the midst of my circumstances! Amen and Amen!

"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." (Matthew 6:6)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

All About Covenant

"And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you." (Judges 2:1)

A covenant between God and man is a binding contract; it is a promise, a divine ordinance, an alliance, a pledge. When the Lord took us to be His peculiar people, it was never His intention to cast us away. Rather His intentions were that we should find Him unchangeably constant to us. He told us plainly that the covenant He entered into with us would NEVER be broken by Him . . . it was forever!

He loves us with an everlasting love . . . His mercies endure forever . . . He's the same yesterday, today, and forever . . . in Him there is no variableness or changing . . . He will never leave us nor forsake us . . . His love toward us is perfect!

When you feel all alone, when you're going through that that valley, when the clouds seem to engulf you, remember His Words . . . "I will never break My covenant with you."

We serve an awesome God, for sure!

Many times, Lord, I find myself questioning Your love for me when I'm going through a deep valley and when circumstances in life seem to overwhelm me. Help me remember that You are the One on Whom I can depend regardless of any situation or circumstance I may face. Finally, Lord, thank You for Your ageless and unchangeable promise that You will never break Your covenant with me! Amen and Amen!

"The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day." (Deuteronomy 5:3)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Knowing God’s Will For Your Life

"Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)

If you want to know what the will of God for your life is, this verse outlines it perfectly . . . prayer and thanksgiving are not only isolated words of petition and gratefulness to the Lord, they are a lifestyle -- they are the will of God for your life!

This verse has always been one to raise the defense mechanism in the heart of the believer . . . "How can I pray without ceasing? I have work to do and I have my family and other things to tend to!" But prayer is a lifestyle . . . being in constant communion with the Lord, aware of His presence, talking with Him, and loving Him moment by moment in our innermost being!

Much the same with thanksgiving . . . we are admonished to live a life of gratitude and praise to the Lord for His mercy and His goodness. This is not to say there shouldn't be special times when we set out to pray and make our petitions known to God, but offering ourselves as a sacrifice holy and acceptable to Him certainly includes living a lifestyle of prayer and thanksgiving!

So, pray without ceasing, and in every thing, and at all times live a life of thanksgiving and praise! He is so worthy!

Father in heaven, although I set my petitions before you when I pray, Lord help me remember to keep my mind stayed on you, to commune with you day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment! What a priceless privilege I have found in living a life of thanksgiving to You, for You are worthy of my total praise . . . You are worthy of all the glory . . . You are worthy! Amen.

"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." (Luke 21:36)

© 2008 Jan Ross
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Building a Case

"He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:15-16)

If you had to convince an unbeliever that Jesus Christ is the Risen Lord, the Son of the Most High God, the King of all Creation . . . could you do it? What would you say to someone who had been taught differently all their life or perhaps had never had any teaching at all?

Jesus Christ . . . who is He? First off, there is not one man in all of history that has caused such controversy throughout the ages with the exception of Jesus the Christ! From the Genesis account of the fall of man to the last words of the prophet from the Isle of Patmos recorded in Revelation, the scriptures testify of Him before, during, and after His ministry here on earth. The Old Testament paints a detailed picture of His conception, birth, life, death, burial and resurrection and it is proven through the detailed account of the same in the New Testament. One only needs to look and Jesus, the Son of God, is found! The statistical chances of every Old Testament prophecy of the Messiah being fulfilled in the life of one solitary Man are astronomically absurd!

There are over 300 prophecies in the Old Testament about Christ. These include:

1. Christ will be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)
2. Christ will be preceded by a messenger, John the Baptist (Malachi 3:1)
3. Jesus would enter Jerusalem on a donkey (Zech 9:9)
4. He would be wounded in his hands and betrayed by a friend (Zech 13:6)
5. The betrayal would be for 30 pieces of silver (Zech 11:12)
6. The silver would not be returned and would be given to the potter (Zech 11:13)
7. He would not defend himself at trial (Isa 53:7)
8. He would be crucified (Ps 22:16)

. . . and the list goes on to include over 300 prophecies! If each of those had a chance of one in ten (and many of them are very specific and would have much higher odds) the total odds become 10 times 10 times 10 (continued for 298 more times) or written in mathematical short hand is 10³⁰⁰. Given the odds of one in 10³⁰⁰ that one man would be able to fulfill all the prophecies from the Old Testament, which were written over thousands of years, and we know from history that one man did fulfill those prophecies - the evidence is clear. Christ is the Messiah, He is Lord!

Of course, this is just one way to build a case for Jesus being who He says He is! We can spend hours upon hours, day after day, recording specific arguments leaving no room for doubt. But ultimately the proof is seen in the lives of individuals who have been touched by His love! If someone wants proof, all they need to do is peer into the heart of one who has been transformed by His power and cleansed by His shed blood! The proof is in the heart of man, bearing witness to the Truth!

Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father but by me." There is no other truth . . . Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, the Resurrected and Risen Lord is TRUTH HIMSELF!

Father, teach me to let the proof of the Resurrected Christ be evident in my life to all who cross my path. Let Your light shine through me unhindered by disobedience or rebellion! I need to know you more intimately, I need to grow closer to You . . . I need to fix my gaze upon You and not take my eyes off! Father, let me be like the moon that has no light of its own but only reflects the light of the sun ~ may my life reflect the brightness of the glory of the Son of the Living God, Jesus Christ the Only Begotten Son of the Most High God! I love you, Jesus . . . amen and amen!

"Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also." (1 John 2:22-23)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved