The Fulfilled Woman - Sanctify My Lips, LORD!

Even Balaam's ass was used of ADONAI to send forth a message...but what about those times when our words aren't from ADONAI?

They are just tantamount to the words of a stubborn jackass.

As I became involved in women's ministry years ago, the LORD continually was calling to my mind the great importance of guarding my tongue.  I found myself praying before receiving any phone calls, 'LORD, make my words to be seasoned with salt they might impart GRACE to the hearers'.

I still pray the same today.  In fact, it is so necessary to our Kingdom Life's work - this business of our lips - that I wonder on occasion just how much unholy worldliness do I allow to flow from my lips.

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. ~ Ephesians 4:29

And just like the s'rafim charred the unclean lips of Yesha'yahu (Isaiah), may the fire of HIS GLOWING WORD so, too, today sanctify my lips and yours...

"Here!  This has touched your lips.  Your iniquity is gone, your sin is atoned for." ~ Yesha'yahu 6:6

Thank You, Abba, for using a jackass like me.  Still, I pray and hope that it is Your Message and not mine that I am conveying...for the sake of HaSHEM!

Shalom aleichem b'Shem YESHUA Adoneinu!

(Shalom be upon you in the Name of Jesus, our LORD)

Carmen Schroeder, Women of the Word

Your All in All

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart . . ." (Proverbs 3:5)

Trust . . . a small word with a big meaning!

A child finds it so easy to trust his parents for they have given him everything he needs to sustain him in life plus they have given him unconditional love and affection.

Our level of trust is solely dependent upon our level of intimacy and communion with the Lord. Once we have realized that He has given us everything we need to sustain us . . . once we have found Him to be the source of unconditional love and affection, then our level of trust will exceed and surpass any doubt or fear in the midst of life's sorrows and disappointments.

Press in to Him today and begin to see Him as the source of everything you need to sustain you in life, including the love and affection only a Father can give to His children!

If you expect people to meet your needs, you will be sorely disappointed; however, if you allow Abba Father to be your All in All, trust in the Lord will not only be easy, but constant.

Abba, Father, there are times I find it very hard to trust You as my total source. Draw me close and hold me so I may find comfort and sweet communion with You. It is there that my trust will develop into total confidence in Your ability to care for me even in the midst of life's biggest disappointments. Just to be close to You, that's all I desire ... draw me close to You! In Jesus' Name, Amen!

"In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness." (Psalm 31:1)

© Jan Ross
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Consider Your Pursuit

"Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account." (Philippians 4:17)

A servant's heart . . . what does that have to do with this verse? Everything!

Paul had a servant's heart; he had a heart to minister to the people, to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, to see people's lives changed, to witness the miracle of precious, holy fruit growing in the lives of all those who heard his message. Although the need may have been there for Paul to receive a monetary blessing from the people he ministered to, his heart—his servant's heart—so much more desired to see fruit abounding in the lives of these people.

Today, we seem to get caught up in pursuing the "hand" of God rather than the "heart" of God. We want to know how we can be blessed…what is the "button" that triggers God's material blessings. But unfortunately we all too often lose our zeal to pursue the heart of God. Our longing is not after Him alone, it's after what He can do for us.

We serve a holy, magnificent King who has given us all there is to give; He's made provision for us in every area of our lives. He knew us before the foundations of the earth; He knew what we would need to lead a fulfilled life. He did all this by giving us His heart. All we need to do to walk in His abundant blessings is to apprehend the heart of God and cherish it more than silver and gold, more than houses and cars, more than life itself.

Inspect your heart today. Are you seeking after God's "hand" or are you pursuing His "heart"? Paul didn't want anything material gift for his labor of love, He wanted to be sure the people bear fruit, the fruit that grows from a servant's heart turned toward and ever pursuing His Master.

Father, please forgive me when I lose sight of my goal—he desire to apprehend Your heart. Help me to always seek You and acknowledge You in everything. Help me to desire fruit in others' lives as well as my own rather than pursuing material riches and gain. Lord, help me keep my eyes focused on You, desiring You, and pursuing You from a servant's heart . . . a heart always pursuing the Master. Amen and Amen.

"Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." (John 15:8)

© 2009 Jan Ross
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Mercy Met Justice

"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." (Jude 1:21)

The Cross . . . where Mercy met Justice!

We should have received death, yet we've been given life. We should have been beaten and crucified, yet we've been set free from the penalty of sin.

Jude fully understood Mercy as he admonished us to "look for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."

In all that we do, everywhere that we go, all that we set our hand to, in every circumstance in life, "look for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ". When we should have received justice, mercy that bought us eternal life is ours because of Calvary.

Never lose sight of it . . . never forget it!

Dear Lord, God of Mercy . . . how can I ever thank You for such an awesome gift! I could never have deserved such Mercy, yet You bought it, paid for it, and have given it so freely to me! I will praise You from now throughout eternity for making a way for me to receive the greatest gift of all . . . Mercy from the One who gave His all so we could call You, Abba, Father!

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)

© Jan Ross
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Lessons from the Bumblebee

“What is impossible with men is possible with God.” Luke 18:37 NIV.

Impossible? The people of the Bible were astonished to see the most unlikely people getting saved, or barren women becoming mothers, or women, who according to human standards were too old, have babies. “Nothing is impossible with God,” Jesus told the multitudes.

Just take a look at the bumblebee!
I must have been about 10 years old when my parents took me and my sisters on a summer holiday camping trip to Germany. It was there I fell in love with Bumblebees.
Our tent stood in a meadow, and early that morning, while munching on a “frische brötchen” (fresh roll) with jam, I spotted an apparently ill looking bumblebee on the ground.

She was making funny movements with her legs, and I wondered if she was dying. Not wanting someone to step on her, with trepidation I stuck out my finger. To my amazement and delight she clumsily climbed on it. I could feel her little claws on my skin, and the tickling sensation of her hairy legs. When I saw her little tongue come out, I braced myself, afraid this round, beautiful furry black and yellow insect was going to sting me.

However, instead of biting me, she began to lick jam from my finger. I couldn’t believe my eyes! I reveled feeling the sweeping movements of her little brown tongue on the top of my finger ~ on an on it went. When the jam was gone, the Bumblebee moved to the palm of my hand, where she began to shiver and shake ~ like an airplane engine revving up. Her wings moved faster and faster, and then suddenly, she was airborne. With a lazy buzz, the bumblebee continued her clumsy flight, in search for nectar, doing her duty to pollinate the flowers and taking care of her offspring.

Ever since that day, when I encounter stranded bees in the early morning, I turn into a ‘bee-rescuer’. It’s such a wonderful opportunity to see these beautiful insects (either Bumblebees or honeybees) up close and send them on their way again, helped by a little honey or sugar water.

According to an internet-folklore myth, (originating from Germany in the 1930’s) aerodynamics tells us that Bumblebees should not be able to fly ~ their body is too heavy to carry them. However, those engineers used figures and equations as applied to fixed-wing aircraft. Nowadays, we know that the bumblebee can be better compared to the mechanics of a helicopter.
Even so, we have a Creator Who is not concerned about scientific conclusions, it only shows how wonderful and intricate His designs are.

As I began to read about Bumblebees, I stood in awe to my Creator God.
God laughs about what the world calls impossible ~ even if it was true that bumblebees shouldn’t be able to fly. They do, and even manage to carry as much as 75% of their own bodyweight in pollen with them.

The fact that this little furry insect is able to decide when to fertilize her eggs or not, thereby influencing the outcome of more queens, female workers and male bumblebees is just beyond me. The female worker bees (who only live about 4 weeks) chose their own favorite flowers (and learn how to enter them) to collect the nectar and pollen, which are brought to the nest. But even in the Bumblebee-kingdom ‘less perfect’ bumblebees fulfill a task: they stay home and perform household duties. Even though some may have weak or deformed wings, they still have an important task ~ taking care of the larvae.
There is so much we can learn from nature.

How often the world tells us that something cannot be done. That was the case with our special needs child. The doctor’s were not sure he would be able to ride a tricycle, or even walk. Well, he proved them wrong, for he learned to do both.

In the eyes of the world the ‘Less perfect’ among us are of no use, or so they think. There is so much we can learn from these precious souls, who ‘bloom where they are planted’.
Sometimes we are the ones thinking that, because we are just ‘ordinary’ housewives and mothers, we can’t do great things for God. But from those ‘weaker’ bumblebees we learn that they are very important, for they look after the next generation bumblebees. Their care ensures the colony’s survival!

Our Creator God is a God of the impossible ~ His ways are not like our ways of reasoning, and even when we try to comprehend how things work, we can’t. It’s just mind boggling.
Nature shows what a great God we serve ~ we may work for Him the way He created us: some as bumblebee queens, with lots of responsibilities; others as workers who fly in and out of the nest, always busy pollinating the flowers, but also providing for the nest. And perhaps you are a ‘weak’ worker bee, not strong enough to be a ‘busy Lizzy’. Still, you can fulfill your God-given task faithfully, even when you’re not out in the open much, like the ‘strong’ worker bees.
And lastly, there are the males: even though their life seems to exist only of just drinking (nectar), chasing queens and staying out all night long (they don’t return to the nest), they too have their tasks to fulfill. It’s not up to us to judge the way they were created ~ in the end, they too are accountable to God.

“Aerodynamically the bumble bee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumble bee doesn't know it, so it goes on flying anyway.” ~ Mary Kay Ash

We may continue to ‘fly’, knowing that with our Creator God, everything is possible! No matter what the world tells us! With Him, even impossibilities ARE possible!

You can read more about the bumblebee in two articles on my blog: Called to Write. Link: http://meandmymouse.blogspot.com/

A professional site about bumblebees: http://www.bumblebee.org/

Freedom from the Captor

"And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt" (Exodus 13:17)

The Israelites had just been delivered from the hand of Pharaoh, the relentless ruler whose heart was hardened toward them. God had a plan for His people , a plan that would take time – His time.

God visibly led the children of Israel on their journey with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He could easily have led them to their destination in a very short time; however, they would not have been prepared for the battle that awaited them. The children of Israel, during their time of captivity, had been laborers not warriors. Their spirits were broken because of life's circumstances while in captivity.

It amazes me to think that God, when we were delivered from bondage by the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, could have led us directly to the fulfillment of His promises to us. But, like the children of Israel, He knew we wouldn't be ready for the giants we would encounter without a time of learning and growing and building up of our faith . . . without a time in the wilderness.

God knows our frame and He understands our weaknesses. As He leads us away from our former captivity, God limits our trials according to our strength, not allowing us to face more than what He has enabled and equipped us to face. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

While the children of Israel went about their journey out of bondage into the Promised Land for forty long years, it was a time of testing and preparation for the giants they would encounter when they arrived.

God is preparing us one day at a time to face the giants found in our tomorrows. We need not worry about not being able to deal with what our future may bring for God has proven Himself faithful time and time and time again. Just as He brought the children of Israel out of bondage, the Lord brought us out of bondage strengthening and preparing us for journey toward our destiny.

Take a moment and thank the Lord for His abundant love, a love that causes Him to lead us every moment of every day and night. He has a plan that will prepare us for what tomorrow brings while He gives us the strength to walk through today. In other words, He's got us covered.

Lord, You amaze me! Thank You for loving me enough to purchase my freedom from the "captor" and to lead me through this life's journey to my destiny. Father, thank You—it's obvious that You've got me covered. By the blood of Jesus and in His name I pray, amen and amen!

"It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him." (Lamentations 3:22-24)

© Jan Ross
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Power in Unity

"And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech." (Genesis 11:6-7)

Nimrod, whose name means "rebellion", sought to build a tower reaching the heavens so they could make a name for themselves. The earth was of one language, the people were one, and because of that they were powerful; there was nothing they could not accomplish because they were in one accord.

Matthew 18:19 says, "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." Oh, if we could only grasp this truth!

God looked down upon Nimrod as the people of the earth were in one accord and He knew that they could accomplish anything. Not only were two of them in agreement, they were ALL one voice, one tongue, one purpose. Unfortunately, their purpose was to build a tower (Babel), which was an act of pride and rebellion.

Jesus told us that if we could possibly come into agreement with each other, that nothing would be impossible for us . . . it would be done for us. Our agreement must be bidirectional; we must be in agreement vertically (agreeing with the Word of God and His promises to us), and we must be in agreement horizontally (agreeing – in unity – with each other).

There is power in unity; anointing flows in unity. Psalm 132 gives us a glorious picture of unity . . . "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore." The body in unity allows the anointing to flow and opens the door for blessing. The perfect picture of unity.

Have you ever asked why your prayers aren't answered even when you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are asking according to God's will? Do a self-check and examine your heart. Are relationships in your life partitioned by jealousy or strife? Are there walls of division in your associations and relationships because of selfishness or pride?

Tear those partitions down—those walls of division. Come into agreement with God's promises and with your brothers and sisters. Become one voice with one purpose so that "nothing will be restrained" from you. It's God's plan that we be one voice with one purpose in one Body.

Lord, teach me to walk in unity and in the flow of the anointing from the Head on down so whatever I ask in Your name as I stand in total agreement with Your Word and with Your Body will be done and You will be glorified in the midst of Your undivided church. Teach us, Lord, to walk according to Your will as one voice with one purpose. In Jesus name, by His blood I pray, amen and amen.

"That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one" (John 17:21-22).

© Jan Ross
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Count it All Joy

There are few passages in my Bible that speak into my life any more profoundly than James 1:2-3: My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience (KJV). Hardly a day goes by that I don't draw on this scripture to maintain my sanity in one way or another. As a woman, wife, mother, and grandmother, each day brings with it at least one (and most times, many) opportunities to "count it all joy" when, in fact, there is hardly anything to be joyful about!

There's a huge difference in 'knowing' this scripture and 'doing' this scripture. The knowing is easy, the doing, however, is not so easy. The phrase "count it all joy" speaks to being HAPPY and REJOICING rather than considering our difficult circumstances as punishment or a curse or even a calamity. Joy! Joy! Joy!

As women, we tend to think we have to bear up and not let our true feelings show. Oftentimes we put on a fake smile to let the world know everything is just fine in our lives when, in fact, down deep inside we're full of sorrow, heaviness, and oppression.

This isn't the kind of joy James is talking about. He's talking about the joy that gives us strength, the joy that reflects the inner transformation that comes from knowing and experiencing God's great salvation. The joy that insists that we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us because we understand we no longer live or move or have our being in our own strength.

James is speaking of genuine joy. He's not telling us to cover up our sorrow or pain, but to allow the root of our joy--the Lord Jesus Christ--to shine through even in the midst of our difficult circumstances. James is admonishing us to be CONVINCED from the depths of our heart that whatever we're facing is going to produce something in our lives that is profitable for us and for the Kingdom of God.

But, how do we do this?

Our children are being kidnapped by the secular influence of public schools.

Our family income is suddenly disappearing because of a failing economy.

Our bills are piling up because we've charged simple living expenses and now there's no way to pay the bills.

The food prices are rising, the cost of living is skyrocketing, we're presented with so many choices for a quick-fix that we know will only lead us down a road to disaster if we can't keep up with our commitments.

The list could go on and on ... divorce rates are escalating, homes are falling apart, natural disasters everywhere we look, churches depending on us to keep them afloat by our financial giving, and more. And, all the while, we're supposed to be JOYFUL!

It would be tempting to think that James didn't understand the times in which we live. But, we also understand that James was only an instrument in the Hand of God to write His Words to us -- His eternal word that is not bound by time, generation, or society. It is as pertinent today as the day James picked up a pen and scribed the words on parchment.

So, how do we do it? How do we accomplish such a difficult task considering the challenges we're facing?

Easy? No!

Necessary? Yes!

Ouch! That means change and change is just another stressor in an already stressful life. But, it's a necessary stressor that will relieve the pressure mounting inside.

My husband and I have a garden each summer ... he does the outside work and I take care of preserving and canning the produce. I love canning! I get huge pots of veggies on the stove, make all kinds of concoctions and can them for use during the winter months. One of my favorite ways of preserving is using the pressure canner. In fact, I'll get two of them going at the same time.

But, being the impatient person that I am, after the food has processed its proper time, I'm already anxious to get the next batch in the canner. I'll take the tongs and jiggle the pressure gauge to check the reduction in pressure, wait a few minutes and do it again. Finally, I'm so tired of waiting, I'll stand there and jiggle the pressure weight until there's no pressure left in the canner, remove the jars and refill the canner with the next batch.

Don't laugh because this is a perfect analogy of how JOY relieves the pressure of all the stressors in our lives.

Our lives can be like the pressure canner. We hold things in and allow pressure to build up until we're ready to explode. We put a "cap" on ourselves by not allowing JOY to have its perfect work in us, releasing pressure. We hold everything inside, allowing things to frustrate us without any release. Obviously, our challenging circumstances in life are nothing to be joyful about. We're not going to laugh when our teenage son is arrested for drug paraphernalia. We're not going to jump ecstatically when our husbands are terminated after years of dedicated employment. We're not going to shout a hearty 'hallelujah' when we learn our unmarried daughter is pregnant, etc.

Circumstances do NOT bring joy; true joy comes from within. When we depend on circumstances to make us happy or bring us joy, we will undoubtedly live swallowed up by sorrow upon sorrow. However, Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us that "the joy of the Lord is your strength". Our strength to endure whatever this life brings our way comes from the true joy of the Lord.

We can cry and grieve circumstances and will have a joy on the inside knowing God is in control, He will see us through, and His strength will grow within us in the midst of our weakness. The key is to separate circumstances from the foundation of joy planted deep in our hearts through relationship with Christ.

There is nothing wrong with grief or tears or sorrow as long as we never allow them to overshadow the joy of the cross--the joy of our salvation. This kind of joy works as the gauge on top of the pressure canner. Circumstances cause the pressure to build up but as long as we don't cover that pressure outlet, we can survive the circumstances. However, when we allow our challenges and trials and persecutions to cover or overshadow our lives, the pressure will mount until we explode.

As you walk through whatever you're facing, never lose sight of the joy of the Cross. Keep your eyes fixed on the Author and Finisher of your faith. Focus on the freedom wrought through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that allows us to rejoice and be exceedingly glad in our hearts while dealing with whatever comes our way.

Let the joy of the Lord be your release even when the world around you seems to be falling apart. It is God's provision for us as women, wives, mothers, and grandmothers who feel the pain of watching those we love and nurture suffer in this life.

It's not impossible ... this is very doable for each of us as long as we keep our focus, train our thoughts to dwell on the gift of joy so freely given to us to carry us through the dark valleys, over the insurmountable obstacles, and along the path set before us.

Joy in the God we love and serve.

Never lose sight of His provision even in the midst of the greatest sorrow we are faced with.

Release the pressures that tend to overwhelm by focusing on the joy of such great salvation and provision -- the promises of our God and King to provide a way of escape with every trial that comes our way (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Our God has not left us helpless. Rather, He's given us a reason to joy with exceeding great joy even in the toughest of times.

© Jan Ross
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Trembling in His Presence

"Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul." (Psalm 66:16)

The Lord has dealt with me me and taught me about the "fear of God" on and off for years. In many ways, throughout my day, He is revealing to me areas in which I have become casual toward His Sovereignty, Holiness, and Righteousness. If we would be truthful with ourselves, we would ALL feel the burden of conviction when it comes to recognizing and revering the Sovereignty, Holiness, and Righteousness of our Creator.

In the times when Temple Worship was still going on with the daily sacrifices and other rituals, etc., we can only imagine a High Priest, standing on the outside of the veil which separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies where the presence of God was manifest. As he was about to enter in, a terrible fear came over him. He was afraid. He knew that if he didn't follow the "procedure" just right that he may enter in behind the veil and possibly never come out. It is a traditional teaching that many times the High Priest even tied a rope around his ankle in case he died in the presence of such a Holy God, that he could be pulled out since no one else was able to actually enter in there.

Now since the veil is rent, we walk in and out of the presence of such a Holy God, not giving it another thought. We don't fear His power . . . we don't have a healthy respect for Him. As Christians in this generation, we have become casual about who God really is. The enemy has blinded us through the teachings of contemporary Christianity and we no longer "fear" God as we ought.

Do we tremble at the thought of His mighty hand? Yes, the veil is rent so we can come into His presence through the sacrifice of our Passover Lamb, but does that mean we can take His Holy Presence lightly? God forbid!

We are all unworthy of His love and acceptance. Any worthiness we have is only through Jesus Christ and His blood; anything else in us or about us is but dung. We are nothing . . . He is everything.

May the realization of just Who He is become so vivid in our minds that we will never take the invitation to come into His Holy presence lightly again.

Father, forgive us all for taking You for granted, for not standing in awe, for not trembling at the sound of Your voice through Your Word as it speaks to our hearts. Father, teach us as modern-day, end-times Christians to fear You as You reveal Yourself to us in a deeper and more intimate way than ever before. May Your presence be something we treasure, that we not take it for granted another instant. Father, forgive me . . . forgive Your people and teach us all. Amen!

"Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him." (Psalm 33:8)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

The Fulfilled Woman - L'chayim!

What good will it do someone if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life? Or, what can a person give in exchange for his life? ~ Matthew 16:26

He enjoys nothing—who lacks communion with Christ.  He lacks nothing—who enjoys communion with Christ. ~ Thomas Brooks “Heaven on Earth” 1667

The old Puritan pastor had it right, didn't he.  We easily forget in the comfort of our Christian lives.  We do the right things and say the right words but as time passes, we realize we are not actually enjoying life, are we? Where’s the joy?  Where’s the peace?  Where’s the love?  

What was Jacob lacking as he struggled ‘til the break of dawn with the Angel of the LORD?  What had pervaded his spirit?  

Afterall, Jacob was a man of great wealth.  He had acquired massive amounts of earthly treasure.  Why then, was he begging the Pre-incarnate Mashiach to bless him even further...so much so that he would not let go of Him until He met Jacob’s request?  Have you given that much thought?

Do you suppose as this Theophany unfolded, Jesus had in mind the very statement He would soon speak in Matthew 16:26 (our Scripture intro above)?  Perhaps His thoughts went something like this...  

“What good has all this earthly treasure brought to your inner man...why, Jacob you still lack something glorious on the inside that only I AM able to impart to you!  And I long to do so.  However, you are unable to receive all the good I have for you in this life as you continue to cling so tightly to earthly treasures that cannot satisfy!  The treasures I have for you cannot be attained from external materials, but rather it comes from the Heavens where My Throne rests.  It is perfect contentment, tranquility, life, soul-harmony, sound-mind, power, love, welfare, comfort, integrity, success, well-being, safety, wholeness...this is what I offer - What I am leaving with you is shalom -- I am giving you MY shalom. I don't give the way the world gives. Don't let yourselves be upset or frightened!” (John 14:27)  

No wonder Jacob wouldn’t let go!

Isn’t this life on earth quite specious as we work hard to acquire so many earthly goods only to find that the LORD has sent leanness into our souls (Psalm 106:15) as we treasured things above Christ?  Solomon’s heart was plagued with this meaningless of life apart from God’s wisdom, love and ways in the book of Ecclesiastes.  Nothing new under the sun, is there?

If your treasure is in earthly things, there your (lean) heart will be.  And in this case, skinny ain't good!  “No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly’ implies that our faithful Father does withhold some good (contentment) from those who make anything else except Christ their treasure.  

I am so thankful that our LORD loves you and me so much that He refuses to allow us to settle for futile nothingness that earthly treasures ultimately bring when our hope rests in them.  Only in clinging to Christ are we richly blessed as with marrow and fatness.  

L’chayim! or To Life! is a common toast among Jewish Believers.  The proper response is... 

L’chayim tovim ul’shalom!  

...To a good life and to peace!

1 A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. 2 So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory.  3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. 4 Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. 5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips. 

~ Psalm 63:1-5

Shalom aleichem b'Shem YESHUA Adoneinu!

(Shalom be upon you in the Name of Jesus, our LORD)

Carmen Schroeder, Women of the Word

Selfless Compassion

"If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." (John 13:14-17)

One of the hardest things in life is to cast down pride and a self-serving attitude to concentrate on being a servant to others.

In today's world, everywhere we look we're enticed to consider ourselves before anyone else. Abortion serves self, homosexuality serves self, drug and alcohol abuse serve self, divorce in many instances serves self!

Jesus, through His example of love and humility, challenged us to consider others more highly than ourselves through service. John F. Kennedy once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." This easily applies to us as Christians . . . "Ask not what others can do for you, but ask what you can do for others."

If we could only learn to focus on others' needs . . . to serve them with an unselfish heart, our needs would be met as well . . . "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed." (James 5:16a) In other words, focus on the needs of others and God will make sure our needs are met as well.

To have a "servant's heart" allows God to use us as His instruments to minister to all those around us.

Oh, that we would all learn to have such selfless compassion!

Lord, help me to remember that being a servant, having a servant's heart, and serving others is what pleases you. Help me to follow your example of love, humility, and selflessness -- becoming less aware of self and more aware of others. Because of Your love and in Your precious Name I pray, Amen!

"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another" (Romans 12:10)

© Jan Ross
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An Immovable Anchor

"The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea."
(Psalm 93:4)

The Lord on high . . . He is an immovable anchor cast in the storm. The Lord does more wondrous things than the noise of many waters; they cannot disturb His rest or rule; they cannot defeat His designs and purposes. God is mighty to preserve His people from being ruined by these many waters and His people's spirits from being terrified by the noise of them. He can, when He pleases, command peace in our lives. The unlimited sovereignty and unrelentless power of the awesome God we serve encourages His people, even in all the storms we face in life!

Who is mightier than the waves of any trial in our lives? The Lord on High!

Who can calm the raging storms in our lives? The Lord on High!

Whose love knows no end? The Lord on High!

Who is mightier than the mighty waves of the sea? The Lord on High!

Who is the soon coming King? The Lord on High!

Hallelujah to the Lord on High!

"O LORD our Lord, how majestic is thy name in all the earth!" (Ps. 8:9) You ARE mightier than the waves of any trial in my life for You ARE the Lord on High. There is none like You in all the earth or in the heavens above the earth! You are the immovable anchor in the midst of my storms. Help me remember when the waves billow out their deafening sound in my life that You will be there to calm the sea for Your voice is mightier than the noise of many waters! Hallelujah, Amen!

"Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah." (Psalm 24:10)

© Jan Ross
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Enjoy the Scenery

"Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains." (Psalm 147:8)

He makes "grass to grow upon the mountains" . . . meditate on that for just a moment.

A while back as I listened to a guest pastor share the Word of God at our local church, my heart suddenly leaped within me. God opened my eyes to an important truth through his simple sharing. Although he used this illustration in a slightly different context, today's verse brought life to it as God stirred within my heart.

Having been from South Carolina, this pastor's family often traveled through the Blue Ridge Mountains to his home. His wife and daughter were usually in the car saying things like, "Ahhhhhhhh..... such beauty! Look at the flowers . . . look at the rustling river over the rocks . . . look at the sun peeping through the towering trees . . . "

In fact, they usually very audibly and descriptively enjoyed the picturesque testimony of God's greatness that was so prominent along the way. But, while in the driver's seat, all he could see was the mountain ahead as together they ascended on the long and winding road to the top of one mountain only to descend and repeat the ups and downs over and over again until they reached their final destination.

The difference between the passengers and the driver was the focal point. But, in our journey through life, what is OUR focal point? Is it the scenery each step of the way? Or, is it on the arduous task of climbing the mountain that seems to never end? Our choice of focal points will frame our attitudes, bringing us either sheer delight in seeing God in every step we take or dismay as we contemplate the hard climb ahead.

Through every mountain there are joys. We just have to take our eyes off the mountainous road ahead of us and enjoy the scenery displayed each step of the way. God is everywhere . . . He's with us, manifesting His blessings, sharing His beauty, and giving us joy along the way as we make our way up and down each mountain. And, He's even in the valley between the mountains. It's all in our perspective.

Psalm 148:7-9 says, "Praise the LORD from the earth . . . mountains, and all hills . . ."

Let's join in praise to Him who not only created the mountains but who also is in our very midst as we climb, showing us His glory along the way! If we don't praise Him in the midst of our mountains, the mountains themselves will proclaim praise in our stead!

Father, it is in realizing that You have created the mountains that I can learn to praise you for them while going up and while going down. Help me to stop along the way, admiring the beauty of Your majesty as I behold Your presence with each step I take. Teach me to look for You every day in all places, both the easy and the hard, the steep and the level, the mountains and the valleys. Thank You, Lord, for the grass upon the mountains . . . the evidence of Your Hand along the way. I offer my praise to You, oh Lord. Amen!

"And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen." (Psalm 72:19)

© Jan Ross
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Arrayed in His Righteousness

"And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." (Revelation 19:8)

There are few if any significant events in our lives that would surpass our wedding day. The bride in her white gown and the groom eagerly waiting the moment their eyes meet as they enter into a covenant with each other and with God. Preparation for the wedding took a lot of time and careful planning, paying attention to each detail so as to not overlook anything. The bride takes special care to prepare herself for her new husband. Her hair has to be just right; her nails groomed perfectly, her dress without wrinkle or spot, her veil carefully positioned to complement the appearance of innocence and purity. All in all, the wedding day is one that is long anticipated, and its memory is one that lasts throughout a lifetime.

The Bride of Christ can be similarly compared, however. Her dress is not one that was purchased by her; it is one that is GRANTED to her because she has made herself ready. The fine linen garment is most like a gift from the Savior himself, which was lavished upon His bride. It is fitting that the garment is linen as it represents the righteousness of the saints. We need to realize, however, that the garment is NOT hers by personal merit or gain, it actually belongs to the Savior . . . His righteousness is her covering. It is the gracious bestowment of the Lord; and the reference here must be to that righteousness which is obtained by faith, the righteousness that results from justification through the merits of the Redeemer.

Have you made yourself ready? Are you positioned to be granted the garment made of fine linen, clean and white? Are you clothed with His righteousness?

These questions are the most important you could ever ask yourself. Set your sights upon Him as you begin your preparation for the day you will hear the blowing of the shofar and the message proclaimed, "Behold the Bridegroom Cometh . . . prepare ye the way of the Lord!"

Lord, what a beautiful picture of Your bride! Lord, help me remember that being granted the privilege of wearing the robe of white linen has nothing to do with me and EVERYTHING to do with You. Your righteousness is given freely to those who bear Your name and are walking in Your light! Lord, I long for the day when I will hear, "Behold the Bridegroom Cometh . . . prepare ye the way of the Lord!" Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen and Amen!

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18)

© Jan Ross
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Lessons From the Almond Tree

“Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see a branch of an almond tree.” Then the LORD said to me, “You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word.” Jeremiah 1:11,12

In the land of Israel, the almond tree doesn’t mind the cold of January. That is when the gnarled, leafless tree begins to bloom. With the fragrance of her pinkish white flowers she beckons the wild bees to an abundant feast.

The almond belongs to the peach family and grows wild in Israel, reaching a height of 4.5 to 6 meters.
The fruit has a soft, velvety cover around an inner shell that contains the nut. Many locals consider the unripe, greenish fruits a delicacy, but most prefer their almonds fully ripe and dried, which are eaten salted or ground into a sugary pulp known as Marzipan.

In Bible times Almonds were an important food item and feature in many stories. For instance, Aaron’s rod miraculously sprouted leaves and almond blossoms at the same time - God’s sign that Aaron and his tribe was chosen as priests. Because of their beauty, the buds and blossoms of the Almond modeled for the Tabernacle’s candelabra. During the seven years of famine, Jacob sent almonds – considered a delicacy - to the Egyptian ruler.

In Ecclesiastes, the almond symbolizes old age - its white blossoms are reminiscent of white hair.
The biblical town Luz, mentioned in Genesis 28:19, probably received its name because their hills abounded with almond trees. Still today, around this time of year, the hills around Jerusalem are dotted with blooming almond trees.

The root from the Hebrew word shaked – almond - is the word shoked, meaning to watch diligently or to wait.
In Jeremiah, Israel’s watchman, it’s used as wordplay. The LORD asks him, what he sees.
“An almond (shaked) tree-branch”, he answers.
The LORD replies, “I will watch (shoked) over my word to perform it.”

God often uses nature to teach us spiritual lessons.
The almond tree is the first to blossom (in mid-winter) and the last to bear its fruit (late fall).
We may trust God to be faithful to His promise that He will watch over each and every season in our lives.

Something Beautiful

“He has made everything beautiful in its time…” Eccl. 3:11

Before we were to meet our new handicapped foster child for the first time, the social worker warned us we would receive a shock.
She was right ~ we did experience a jolt, but then looked past the passive, empty-eyed child laying on the floor and saw a precious human being in need of love and care. He was only three years old and had been through so much already. His young parents couldn’t cope with his multiple handicaps, and saw him as a curse from God. Na’il was born with a rare combination of two syndromes, part of them deformed facial features.
The first time we were able to take him home for a visit, the little deaf and dumb boy immediately felt at home. The three older special needs children that made up our family accepted him like one of them, and even the dogs were happy to put up with him.

Through the years, against insurmountable odds, Na’il grew into a mischievous, often smiling boy who amazed everyone by the way he tackled problems and found a way to ‘tell’ what he wanted.

Our other children were dark haired and their skin brown tinted, and people often remarked that Na’il was the only one who looked ‘like me’. He was partially albino, with white hair, a very fair skin but blue eyes and a radiant smile. To me it was a compliment, and proof of God’s grace, working in the life of this special child.

We saw his beauty, his sweet character and precious soul, but were often rudely reminded that his outward appearance could trigger a gasping response. People sometimes turned away in shock and disgust, while children screamed and ran away. When that happened, we were grateful Na’il was deaf and at least couldn’t hear those responses.
But we, the professionals who worked with him and the people who accepted him as he was, saw him like a lovely flower lending its sweetness to each day. Na’il touched the lives of those he met in a kind and gentle way, just by being himself.

We live in a world where people spend thousands of dollars on facelifts, diets, body enhancement and trying to look ‘perfect’. God however, has a different opinion. In Samuel 17 we read how the people of Israel expected King Saul’s replacement to be a ‘film star’ type of man. But the Lord had young David in mind, and Samuel told the people in verse 17:
“The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

We’ve noticed that people who either worked with special needs people, or had them in their family, always approached our boy with an open heart. He immediately responded to them. Sometimes, brave, curious children asked what was wrong with him. He liked them too.
I felt sorry for the people whose fear for the unknown made them miss the blessing of getting to know a precious soul. All they had to do was look past the deformities, into Na’il’s heart. Then they would see a boy, rejected by the world, but made beautiful by God.

Dealing with Adversity

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." (Philippians 4:11)

One of the hardest things for many of us to deal with is adversity. For some reason, Christians have come to believe that their lives will run smoothly and trials and tribulations will not come nigh them if they live a good life. Nothing, however, could be farther from the truth.

Adversity is to become our friend, not our enemy. Adversity, trials, hardships, brokenness, etc., are tools God uses to reshape, remold, and fashion us after His image. This is why Paul said in Philippians 4:12-13, "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Paul's sufferings and adversities were not unlike ours . . . he lived in the flesh and dealt with the flesh on a daily basis. Yet, regardless of the degree of suffering, Paul knew that his source of strength was in Christ.

Where is your source of strength today? Is it in Christ as Paul so beautifully explained, or are you having a difficult time maintaining stability in the midst of adversity? If you are having difficulties, just remember again Paul's words . . . "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Surely this includes trials, temptations, adversities, hardships, and brokenness. Recognize these things as God's work in your life, and don't despise what God is doing . . . allow Him to have His perfect will to perfect all things which concern you! Amen!

Father, teach me to submit to Your will for my life, to be content in whatever situation I find myself, and to grow through adversity. Lord, total submission means allowing You to have Your way in Every area of my life . . . help me to give myself totally to You for there is where I will find perfect peace even in the midst of trials and hardships. Thank You, Lord, for loving me enough to give me the strength and courage to endure adversity. Amen!

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)

© Jan Ross
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The Fulfilled Woman

Then the two told what had happened on the road and how He had become known to them in the breaking of the matzah. ~ Luke 24:35

Won't you recline, but for a moment, and receive This Bread before we go further?

Imagine now, walking along life's road. Unbelieving. Downcast. Without understanding. Confused. Despondent.

Imagine now the Resurrected Yeshua is walking alongside you. Unrecognized, but there nonetheless.

Does this describe you today? Have you grown uncertain of your place in life? Have you lost your purpose?  

Friend, it no longer has to be the case, for the Risen Mashiach has Bread that will open your eyes to your place and purpose.

Two traveled the road to Amma'us after being dealt a hard blow. Their Savior had perished three days prior. Their hopes of being freed from Roman bondage were now dashed at the finality of their Redeemer's death. How could they go on? What purpose was there now for their lives? Their Mashiach was no longer part of their escape plan. Or was He?

We simply do not see things in our life the way our Lord does. And unless we put ourselves in the position of dining and reclining with Him in fellowship, we cannot see as He sees.

The truth is that we have the things of this world constantly set before our eyes contending for our every attention. And unless we make the time and deliberate effort to come apart, close our eyes (even briefly) to the world and gaze upon El Elyon, we shall remain blinded by the present world's system.  

Unless we choose life, we will not have life. Unless we quiet the clanging cymbals of the world and close our eyes to the worthless worldly images that have set themselves up against HaSHEM, we will have chosen death. Consequentially, our hearts grow dull. However, isn't it completely glorious that the two who walked with Yeshua AFTER HIS RESURRECTION on the road to Amma'us did not even recognize who He was until they reclined with Him? Yeshua then took the Bread, broke It, gave It to them and they ate. Behold, their eyes were opened!

They said to each other, "Didn't our hearts burn inside us as He spoke to us on the road, opening up the Tanakh to us?" ~ Luke 24:32

The two could not let this Man get away just moments before, even though He had called them 'foolish people'! They knew there was something about His Presence. They invited Him into their home to stay 'for it's almost evening, and it's getting dark', they said.  

After their eyes had been opened, they realized that their hearts had burned as He had spoken opening up the Tanakh to them along the road. The road was Amma'us. The Hebrew word meaning is 'Hot Spring'.

Yes, indeed! The Hot Springs of Life had begun to bubble up within them for sure!

To choose LIFE, then, is to choose to SIT before Him. HE has already prepared the Matzah (Word) and has already made the B'rakhah (Blessing).

Yeshua the Guest had become Yeshua the Host! He does that.

It was to the lukewarm fellowship of Laodicea (not unbelievers) that He said...

Here, I'm standing at the door, knocking. If someone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he will eat with Me. ~ Revelation 3:20

This lukewarm fellowship were as blind (Revelation 3:18) as the Two on the Road to Amma'us.

He is knocking. Invite Him in! But by all means, do not forget to recline at His Table after He has entered!

Sit down. Fellowship. Recline. Receive the Bread He gives. Then, and only then, shall we worship in Spirit and Truth with eyes open wide!

'And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of the words spoken to her from the Lord.' 

~ Luke 1:45

Shalom aleichem b'Shem YESHUA Adoneinu!

(Shalom be upon you in the Name of Jesus, our LORD)

Carmen Schroeder, Women of the Word

The Mystery

"For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." (Ephesians 5:31)

Today is our Wedding Anniversary! On February 12, 1972 we were united in marriage having entered into a covenant with one another and with God making a formal and public commitment to love, honor, and cherish each other in the good times and in the bad. And believe me, having raised six children has given us the opportunity to experience both the good times and bad! We praise God for His faithfulness through it all.

Since that memorable day our lives have been woven together time and time again to the extent that although we are uniquely individual, we are also uniquely one. It's a mystery how this happens. Paul said in Ephesians 5:32 that the mystery is akin to the relationship between Christ and the church. During the course of our marriage, we have taken on attributes and characteristics that belong to each other. We think alike, we act alike, we respond alike, and more so as time passes.

I can remember as a young girl, there was a family two houses up the street from us. They were unusual just like our family—they had adopted children. Our mothers would occasionally get together for coffee while we played together. The families stayed close all through my childhood until I married and moved away. The mothers would often share their stories of people who didn't know that we were all adopted would comment on how much we looked like our mothers. I can remember them laughing to the point of tears at times; they would just get so tickled.

When I was about eight years old my mother took me to the dentist for a regular check-up. He had been the family dentist for many years and knew the family well . . . at least he thought he did. After my check-up, he turned to my mother and told her that he felt so sorry for me—my teeth were just like hers. He went on to explain how often he could tell immediately which parent passed down the genetic code for teeth, their shape, size, color, etc. Being the wise woman she was, she just let him talk. On the way back home, she laughed and laughed. The dentist never even knew that I was adopted. I was my mother's daughter and he thought he could prove it by the characteristics he witnessed.

This is the same mystery with the church. The more we spend time with the Lord, the more closely we will resemble Him, being woven together as one, intertwined, and inseparable.

Take some time today and examine your life. Do you bear a family resemblance to your "Betrothed"? Is your life more like Christ than like your old nature? Can He be seen in every aspect of your life? Are people convinced by your behavior that you belong to Him?

Father, I want to be more like You; I long to have people see You in me as my flesh fades in the glory of Your presence that surrounds me and dwells within me. Lord, just as I take on some of the attributes and character of those with whom I am close, my desire is to be like You and even more so with each new passing day. Father, let Your character, Your integrity, Your love, Your compassion, Your mercy . . . let Your life be seen in me so that all will know that I am part of Your family as they see You in me. In Jesus' name, amen!

"And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." (Matthew 19:5-6)

© Jan Ross
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Boundless

"And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." (Isaiah 65:24)

How can mortal mind begin to comprehend the ways of our Lord? He has no bounds; there is no limit to His understanding and knowledge. There is no place He hasn't been or anything He hasn't considered! He knows all, past, present and future.

That's an interesting thought: He knows everything past, present and future. Some would want to attribute this type of time-transcending knowledge to those with "psychic powers", the enemy's counterfeit for the omniscience and omnipresence of the Most High God.

God is eternal, not bound by segments of time. God is omnipresent; He exists everywhere at all times, including in our past, in our present, and in our future. He's present in yesterday (He knew us personally before we were born). He's present in today (He has personal knowledge of or a personal relationship with us today). And, He's present in tomorrow (He's already there in our tomorrow as He is not constrained by time). So, when the Lord says, "before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear" we know that He has already heard the call and seen the need before we even knew it existed. It's true, "your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." (Matthew 6:8)

Let faith arise in your hearts. There is no situation that can befall you of which He is not aware and in which He has not already intervened. He has eternity in the palm of His hands. Hallelujah!

Father, You are more wonderful and glorious and Your ways are so much higher and awesome than I had ever imagined. Lord, each day as I read Your Word and I meditate on You I see a greater depth of Who You are than I had ever seen before. Lord, thank You for loving me so much that You would make provision for my needs before I even realize I have them. You are truly amazing to me and Your love and provision is overwhelming and humbling. All I can say is, "Thank You, Lord!" 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. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." (Matthew 6:6-8)

© Jan Ross
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Fountain of All Comfort

"From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
(Psalm 61:2)

No matter where we are, no matter how far we are from home, we can cry to Him for help and He'll hear our cry. Wherever we are, we have access to the throne of grace where we will find help in the time of need. That's a promise, one that will lead us to the Rock every time there's a need. One commentator said, "That which separates us from our other comforts should drive us so much the nearer to God, the fountain of all comfort."

No matter how overwhelmed our heart may feel at times, it must be lifted up to God in prayer. There is no other solution for life's problems, and He's always there with arms opened wide; many times He's waiting for us just to ask for His help.

The next time you're at the end of your rope, or your circumstances seem to be swallowing you up, or problems are overwhelming you, be sure to run to Him in prayer . . . no amount of wishing and hoping and positive thinking will rescue you like the arm of the Most High reaching down and guiding you to the path of deliverance from your situation.

Remember, if He leads you to the rock (and He will), you will be on top of your problems and see your circumstances from a far different perspective. This Rock is Christ, and we are safe if we are in Him.

Father, thank You for reminding me that You are always near, that I can, at any moment, reach out to You and You will concern Yourself about my business. Father, I must confess that many times I am overwhelmed, but I thank You and praise You for the assurance that there is a Rock that is higher than I. It is Your desire to meet my every need regardless of where I am, what the situation is, and how difficult the circumstances are. Lord, thank You for all You've done . . . Amen!

"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." (Psalm 18:2)

©Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Show and Tell

"I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me." (Daniel 4:2)

God is good . . . there's no doubt about it. He's constantly working on our behalf, showing Himself strong in our weakness, making provision for us when we are lacking, shining a light on our path when we are blinded. Our God never ceases to amaze us with His wisdom and grace!

As a wife and mother, nothing pleases me more than hearing my husband or children tell others about the special things I do for them or how much I mean to them, and I'm sure that fathers/husbands feel much the same way. But, how often do we tell others about the special things the Lord has done for us or just how much He means to us? He is the Lover of our Souls . . . He loves us with an everlasting love. His love cannot be matched, not even by the love of a spouse or children or a parent, yet we find it so hard to tell others what He really means to us.

Make a conscious decision today to speak of His wonders, tell of His love, and show His goodness through your testimony of His greatness! Faith will arise in your heart and the Lord will be glorified through your conversation.

1 Peter 1:15 says, "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation." What better way to be holy in all manner of conversation than to declare His works and tell of His wonders to the world.

Father, forgive me for not freely telling others of Your wondrous works in my life, of Your everlasting love for me, and of Your goodness and mercy. Lord, help me to open my mouth and show forth thy praises; help me to order my conversation aright by sharing Your love with the world. There is none like You, O Lord, in all the universe. You are worthy to be praised. Amen!

“Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.” (Psalm 96:3-4)


© Jan Ross
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Are You Hungry?

"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6)

Righteousness . . . to bear the image of God, to be made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, to have the whole man renewed in righteousness so as to become a new man; to have an unparalleled interest in Christ and the promises of God. This is righteousness!

We must truly desire these things, we must "hunger and thirst" after them as one who is hungry craves food and drink, as one who cannot be satisfied with anything else. We must have an attitude that cries, "Please give this to me or else I will die!"

Hunger and thirst are appetites. We consume what we need for the moment, but yet before long we experience the same "emptiness" which drove us to hunger and thirst initially. We must stay filled with His righteousness, continually drinking from the Well to replenish and be refilled, again and again and again.

Those who "hunger and thirst" will do labor for their supply. This indicates they will not only desire the spiritual blessings, but take pains to receive them.

Are you hungry and thirsty? Are you replenishing your supply by running to the Source for meet and drink? Are you continually drinking from the Well to be refilled again and again and again?

Test your "hunger" and "thirst" levels. If you do not have an appetite craving His righteousness, His presence, His blessings, then you need to run to the Rock of your Salvation and renew your commitment to Him today, asking that He fill you with a "hunger" and "thirst" for Righteousness. Then you will be filled! What a promise! What a provision! What a Lord!

Father, I do "hunger" and "thirst" for your righteousness. I see myself as in a dry land where my thirst is yearning to be quenched and my hunger craving to be filled with Your righteousness. Father, forgive me for not seeking after you with a hungry heart and help me to see that You are the only One who can fill My heart to overflowing with your blessings. Father, fill me up to overflowing. Amen!

"Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD" (Psalm 118:19)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved