Are You Cut Off?

 

"And it shall come to pass; when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto the land whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal." (Deuteronomy 11:29)

 

The Word of God confirms itself over and over and over again. One only has to study to quickly see that there are hidden treasures awaiting those who will dare to seek for them! The Psalmist says in Psalm 119:162 . . . "I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil."

Today's verse has such a hidden treasure found in it. The blessing found upon Mount Gerizim . . . the curse upon Mount Ebal! Let's look for just a moment . . .

A blessing on Mount Gerizim! That sounds somewhat curious . . . there must be something else found here. The Hebrew word for "Gerizim" comes from a root word which literally means to "cut off" or to be "separate" or "a piece of"! The blessing is found where we are separate from the world. 2 Corinthians 6:17 tells us, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord" . . . the blessing of being a child of God is found as we are cut off from the world and separate ourselves from those things which are unholy!

Now look where the curse is . . . on Mount Ebal. The Hebrew word for "Ebal" literally means "bald or bare" and comes from a root word meaning "ruin or a heap" . . . "do amiss, bow down, make crooked, commit iniquity, pervert, do wickedly, do wrong."

There is a stark difference between that which is blessed of God and that which is cursed!

On which mount do you want to live in? Mount Gerizim wherein is found the blessing from being cut off and separate from the world, or Mount Ebal where there is nothing but ruin, perverseness, and barrenness? Remember, we cannot live on both mountains . . . you cannot "drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils, you cannot be partakers of the Lord's table and of the table of devils." (1 Corinthians 10:21)

The answer is easy . . . we want to live where the blessing is found!

But the question must be asked . . . Are we willing to pay the price?

 

Father, as I once again consider the richness of Your Word, I am confronted with my sin of compromise. So often I find myself still longing for the food at the "table of devils" while the rich manna from heaven is proportioned to my exact need at the "Lord's table"! Forgive me, Father, for not being "cut off"! Lord, shine a spotlight on the areas of my life that are found to be compromising my commitment to You. Let me see in the mirror of Your Word the areas of my life that come from Mount Ebal and help me to totally align myself with Mount Gerizim wherein is found the blessing of the Lord! Teach me Your ways, lead me and guide me as I "come out from among them and be separate"! In Jesus' precious name, amen and amen!

"For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth." (Deuteronomy 14:2)

 

© Jan Ross
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Our Daily Bread

 

"Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction." (Psalm 119:92)

 

The Word of God is our daily bread. Without it, we will perish.

Deuteronomy 8:3 says, "He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." When Christ was tempted of the devil in the wilderness, He quoted this scripture pointing out that physical bread is not what sustains life, but rather it is the Bread from Heaven, the Word of God.

There is no satisfaction in life to be found apart from the Word of God! There is no way to live in victory apart from the Word of God!

Just as the children of Israel gathered the manna sufficient for each day at dawn every morning, we must also find the Source of our life on a daily basis. We cannot, again like the children of Israel, hope to gather enough daily manna once or twice a week and expect it to sustain us. If you will note, the manna from heaven was sent daily, to be gathered daily, to be eaten daily, and if it was not totally consumed each day it spoiled and bred worms (ref. Exodus 16).

The Psalmist recognized how important the Word of God was for health and life. It is no different for us, and we have no other provision given to us by God that will sustain us and meet our need for each day.

It is noteworthy that the daily schedule of gathering manna was set at the same time every day, at the break of dawn, with the exception of the one day of the week where they would gather enough to sustain them for two days so they would not violate the Sabbath laws. Can we hope to attend church once or twice or even three times a week and expect that to sustain us on the days between services? The children of Israel had to leave their tents and go out to gather the manna, making it a necessary routine to gather enough provision for each day.

If you do not already have a habit of gathering daily manna the first thing in the morning (we can look at the example given to us in Exodus 16 and find the pattern for collecting daily manna), make it a habit! Establish your life and your schedule to allow you the necessary time to do your daily collection first thing every morning to give you the strength to make it through the day. And remember that today's manna will not be sufficient for tomorrow; tomorrow's manna must be collected tomorrow morning, etc.

God's provision is absolutely amazing! He left out absolutely no detail in providing to us a plan for victorious living. Take advantage of his roadmap for life found that in the Word of God and find satisfaction for today's hunger "according to the pattern"!

 

Father, your word is so complete! And the Word of God is so rich! You have provided to us everything that we need to sustain our lives in the Word of God. Help us, Lord, to be diligent to satisfy the hunger in our souls by collecting our daily Manna from Heaven before we start each day as part of our early morning rising. Father, help me to hunger after your Word more than I hunger after other things. Help me, Father, to crave your Word and to find satisfaction nowhere else. Father, give me this day my daily bread, today and every day as I commit to seek you early in the morning gathering your provision for me each new day. Thank you, Lord, for showing me your provision and your plan for victorious living. In Jesus' precious name, amen!

"I am the living bread that came down from heaven." (John 6:51)

 

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

He Really Is ALL We Need

"Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me." (Micah 7:8)

 

The Lord is ALL WE NEED! Of course, most of us know that and we've heard it over and over and over again, but sometimes a scripture just "hits" us and suddenly we find application for it in our lives.

When we are down, whether physically or emotionally or even spiritually, the Lord is there to shed light on our path and show us the way out.

Many of us have suffered from deep depression . . . some more than others. When I read this verse I could almost see us walking through a deep, dark valley at the midnight hour. Sometimes we seem to walk on and on forever and ever, but then suddenly a glimmer of light can be seen on the path just ahead, and as we approach it, the light becomes brighter and brighter and soon we find ourselves surrounded by the light and the darkness is totally dispelled as we stand in the LIGHT!

He has called us and IS CALLING US out of that darkness into His marvelous light! (Read 1 Peter 2:9) God has commanded that His light shine in the darkness to show us the way! (Read 2 Corinthians 4:6) Jesus is the light and we will not always walk in the midst of that dark valley, but He is calling us out, shining a light to show us the way! (Read John 8:12)

You may not necessarily suffer from depression right now, but perhaps life's circumstances have brought you to a place where you have to moment-by-moment press toward that Light by an act of your conscious will -- like trying to row a boat upstream against the current! But, you must press on. Be encouraged today knowing that God knows exactly where you are at and what you are facing.

Depression is a horrible dark pit that seems to engulf you . . . but there's a Light to press toward. You can't afford to take your eyes off that Light! Physical pain and illness is a deep dark never-ending valley that seems like an eternity to walk through . . . but there's a Light to press toward. You can't afford to take your eyes off that Light!

Family problems, unsaved children, hurting children, abuse, and financial problems can all be a midnight darkness through which it is difficult to see . . . but there's a Light to press toward. You can't afford to take your eyes off that Light!

Press on . . . press on!

 

Father, I praise You for Your Word, Your promises, and Your faithfulness to perform that which You have promised. You promised to never stop drawing us closer to You, closer to the Light of Jesus, the Light of Life, the Light of Your Glory! Help us all, Lord, to walk in Your strength as we press on closer toward the fullness of Your Light. You're there waiting for us . . . drawing us to You! Help us, Lord, to press on!

 

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)

 

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Hyssop ~ the king of the herbs

“…from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows in the rocks.” 1 Kings 5:13 (NIV)

Hyssopus Officinalis ~ hyssop ~ the purple-spiked, fragrant, culinary and medicinal herb is mint-flavored and slightly bitter. The hyssop of our gardens today is not native to either Israel or Egypt, for the Biblical plant is native to the Mediterranean area.

The word “hyssop” is of Greek origin – hussopos. This supposedly referred to Hyssopos of Dioscorides, named from azob, a holy herb that was said to be used for cleaning sacred places.
Hyssop, ezov in Hebrew, za’atar in Arabic, is a plant with a woody stem and branches. Because neither its leaves nor its flowers are outstanding, they need very little room to grow.

For thousands of years it has been used in Middle Eastern and Arabic cooking. Hyssop is a protected plant in Israel, but can be bought dry at the market, or enjoyed as ready-made Za’atar, sprinkled on a pita bread or in salads.

In Biblical times it was a well known plant, and may have been commercially available for the children of Israel before God led them out of Egypt.
God told the Israelites:

“And you shall take a bunch of hyssop, dip it in the blood that is in the basin and strike the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin. And none of you shall go out of the door of his house until morning.” Exodus 12:22 ( NIV)

Each year the Exodus is commemorated by the Jewish people during the Pesach holiday.
The Samaritans living on Mount Gerazim (Samaria, Israel) still carry out the laws of the Pentateuch exactly as written, and use hyssop for their Passover rites.

The Law of Moses, gave clear guidance in matters of health, which centuries later scientist had to admit would have saved many people’s lives had they abided by these God-given rules of living. For the Israelites, hygiene was of utmost importance while living and traveling in the desert with so many people. When someone was healed of a skin disease, this is what had to be done:
“Then the priest shall command to take for him who is to be cleansed two living and clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet, and hyssop. And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water. As for the living bird, he shall take it, the cedar wood and the scarlet and the hyssop and dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water.” Leviticus 14:4-6

Later, the Jewish priests used the strong-smelling hyssop to cleanse the Jerusalem temple. Today, Roman Catholic priests wave the hyssop holy water sprinkler towards the congregants as a symbolic cleansing.

Hyssop was a well-known plant in ancient times. King Solomon, famous for describing plant life, also mentioned the hyssop:
“Also he spoke of trees, from the cedar tree of Lebanon even to the hyssop that springs out of the wall; he spoke also of animals, of birds, of creeping things, and of fish.” 1 Kings 4:33

In ancient times hyssop was used for medical purposes, from treating sore throats to the healing of wounds and bruises. Research carried out at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem has shown that hyssop does have infection-fighting properties.

Because of its camphor-like odor, in 17th century Europe hyssop was a popular air freshener (used as a potpourri) and also used to improve the smell of sick rooms.

Jewish tradition symbolizes pride with the lofty cedar tree, while the lowly hyssop represents modesty and humility.
When a leper was confirmed healed, the cleansing ritual consisted of using cedar wood and hyssop. Rabbi Isaac bar Tavlai explained, “This is because the leper had been proud like a cedar, but God humbled him like hyssop, that is crushed by everyone.”

According to tradition, when the High Priest made atonement for the sin of the people on Yom Kippur (day of Atonement) by offering the needed sacrifices, the scarlet woolen string that was tied to the Temple door turned white.
David probably refers to this, when he writes,
“Purify me with hyssop till I am clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow,” Psalm 51:7.

Prior to their Exodus from Egypt, in order to protect them against the angel of death, the Israelites were told to smear the blood of the Pascal lamb with a bunch of hyssop on the doorpost of their houses.
While Jesus hung on the cross,”… a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop and put it to His mouth.” John 19:29

Jesus, the unblemished Pesach Lamb, gave himself to be sacrificed. By shedding his blood for us we are cleansed from our sins; as if purified with hyssop, we are washed and whiter than snow.

Who Will You Serve?

"For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High." (Isaiah 14:13-14)

 

Just reading these verses we get quite a clear picture of the evil intents of a heart dedicated to "I will!" Just listen to yourself as you carefully read the evidence of strife, bitterness, pride, boastfulness, and the very essence of evil:

"I will ascend . . . I will exalt . . . I will sit . . . I will ascend . . . I will be . . ."

Every day we have a battle going on in our minds . . . it is the battle between "I will" and "Thy will". H. G. Wells wrote a famous book entitled, "The War of the World's". The Bible could easily be considered the written record of "The War of the Wills".

Paul wrote to us in Romans 7:21-23 giving a description of this "war" raging within his own heart . . . "So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members." As you can easily see, this struggle is common to mankind.

There is another One who struggled with this same war as it raged within His heart as well. Matthew 26:42 gives us but a glimpse of the pain involved with making the critical decision between our will and the Lord's will. "He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done." Jesus knew that the Lord's will had to be done, however, that didn't stop or lessen the struggle and agony He went through before finally saying, "Thy will be done."

Take careful note of the decisions (both great and small) you are required to make day after day. Make a conscious effort of making sure that it is "Thy will" that becomes your theme in life rather than "my will "or as Isaiah described so powerfully, "I will!"

Do you have a struggle you are facing in your life today? Ask yourself whose will will be done . . . will you do the will of your Father or will you do what you choose? "Choose this day whom you will serve" . . . make your choice by asking this question, "will I do my will, or will I do my Father's will".

 

Father, I stand before you so aware of the many, many times I chose my will as opposed to your will. Help me, Father, to always choose your will. As hard as it is, my life MUST bear witness to the will of my Father in heaven. Lord, help me to see clearly your will as opposed to my will. Help me to quickly determine who is speaking to me by judging the words whether they point to you or to me! Father, it is my desire that "Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven". Teach me to hear your voice more clearly. Help me to quickly recognize YOUR will, accept the challenge, and then do it! In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

"Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness." (Psalm 143:10)

 

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

 

Be Thankful

 

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

 

One way to true peace . . . thankfulness! To be truly thankful, we have to acknowledge the Source of every good thing! To acknowledge the Source of every good thing, we have to realize that we have nothing . . . that we are nothing . . . that we can do nothing . . . in and of ourselves! True thankfulness realizes that we have not earned His blessings, but rather that He lovingly chose to bestow them upon us . . . an outpouring of His grace!

Thankfulness comes from a heart of gratitude . . . adorned with humility! True thankfulness will change us . . . transform us . . . renew us into His likeness!

God designed the act of thanksgiving so we could show how much we love and appreciate Him for all He has done. But there is a higher calling . . . being thankful for the things for which we are standing in faith believing! Hebrews describes faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen.

Are there things you are thankful for which you don't yet see? Don't be dismayed when your prayer isn't answered immediately . . . look at it as an opportunity to take a step upward to a higher level of intimate communion through faith in Him who answers our prayers and provides our needs . . . in His time!

Be thankful . . . today and every day . . . and the peace of God will rule in your heart!

 

Father, I am thankful for all You have done as well as for all You will do for me. I realize that all that I have has come from You, not because I deserve it, but because of Your grace extended toward me. Why You should bless me so, I'll never truly know, but I am so thankful! Father, help my faith grow as I stand in faith for those things which I do not yet see . . . and let Your peace rule in my heart as I learn to live a life of thankfulness unto You! You truly are awesome . . . there is none like You! Amen!

 

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." (Psalm 100:4-5)

 

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

 

 

Top Priority

 

"Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17)

 

The Word of God is truth. The Word of God is sufficient to cleanse us from all of our unrighteousness. The Word of God is preeminent. The Word of God sanctifies us. The Word of God is alive today in the person of Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord!

There is nothing new nor is there any tool or vehicle by which we can be made clean other than the Word of God. Of course, when talk about the Word of God, I am referring to none other than Jesus Christ the Lord and King of the universe.

It would be good for us to take some time to consider what level of priority the Word of God holds in our life. Have we established the Word of God as a source for all that is true and all that is pure and all that is holy. Or, have we accepted a lesser truth by believing the lies this world tells us through television, radio, written media, through the internet, and even more than that, through our own fleshly desires.

The Psalmist says that he seeks God early in the morning. "Early in the morning will I rise up and seek thee". When I consider my own ways, I see where the Word of God has not been my first daily priority. How many of you acknowledge that to be the truth in your own lives as well?

Recently I read a statement that said, "You cannot recognize a lie until you know the truth". How can we recognize the lies of the enemy unless we have something planted deep within our hearts against which to compare it? Even in this simple statement, it is easy to see the importance of knowing the Word of God.

I encourage you today to make a plan to give the Word of God preeminence in your life. I challenge you to turn off the television. I challenge you to lay down the newspapers, magazines, and the books. I challenge you to turn off the radio. And, I challenge you to give the Word of God top priority in your life. If you do, and if you will, God will reveal to you how easy it is to recognize truth as opposed to the lies of the enemy.

Will you do this? Will you agree to rearrange your life and give the Word of God top priority? No one can do it for you; it is a discipline you will have to establish in your own life. Let's pray . . .

 

Lord, we come before you today recognizing that we have not given the Word of God preeminence in our lives. Yes, we read the Word of God, but usually only at a time that's convenient for us or when in fits into our busy schedules. Father, forgive us. Lord, convict us every morning when our eyes open at the dawning of each new day, to seek you in the Word of God and to let your Word be established in our hearts giving us the desperately needed guidance and direction for the day. Let us declare as the Psalmist did, "early in the morning will I seek you". Help me today, Lord, to make this commitment and bring it to my remembrance tomorrow and everyday afterward. I love you and I praise you for truth that sanctifies me and keeps me pure . . . I praise you for the Word of God. In Jesus' precious name I pray, amen!

 

"Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven." (Psalm 119:89)

 

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Cloudy Protection

 

"And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: Ad it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night." (Exodus 14:19-20)

 

It never ceases to amaze me how the scriptures unfold as we read and reread and reread the Word of Truth. As many times as I have read this passage, it never occurred to me what is happening. Let me share with you my thoughts, praying that God will use this to encourage you today.

The children of Israel had left Egypt and the enemy was pursuing them. The pillar of the cloud went before them leading them, guiding them, and giving them direction every step of the way. In the distance however, the enemy could be seen approaching and, no doubt, causing the people to be more than just a bit fearful.

Suddenly something strange happened. The cloud which had been before them to guide them and lead them suddenly moved behind them. The cloud blocked the enemy's view of God's people and offered protection from the ensuing armies. Not only did the cloud offer protection, it was a source of light to the camp of Israel but, on the other hand, when the enemy saw the cloud they saw nothing but darkness, which hid the children of Israel from their view.

How glorious! Can you see this? The Lord stood between his people and their enemies. I have no doubt that this happens for us today more than we realize. How many times have we seen the Hand of God intervene in our situations and circumstances and protect us from disaster? How many times have we failed to recognize his intervention and failed to give him glory and praise for protecting us from our enemies. Oh, that we would open our eyes and be quick to see the Hand of God in our lives rather than focusing on our adverse conditions, situations, and enemies in pursuit!

Take some time today and consider the times that God has stepped between you and your enemies protecting you from danger or harm. Consider not only the major battles that have been won, but also consider the small victories you have realized day after day after day. There is no end to what God can do on your behalf.

The Lord said he would fight our battles for us. May we learn to stand still and see the salvation of our God every day of our lives.

 

Father, we come before you with humble hearts acknowledging that you are our protector, our shield, and our guide. Just as we have seen the cloud of your presence change its position from that of guide to shield and protector, we long to see that in our own lives! We acknowledge that we have failed too often to look for the cloud that is not only guiding us but also protecting us in the face of our enemies. Father forgive us for the many times we have failed to praise you for victory considering that no victory is too small to be considered praiseworthy! Teach us your ways and help us to see your hand guiding, leading, and protecting us throughout our days. I love you Lord, and I praise you for might and your awesome wonders! There is truly none like you and all the earth! Amen!

"For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your reward." (Isaiah 52:12)

 

© Jan Ross
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Are YOU Ready?

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

 

If you for just one moment close your eyes and imagine the glorious appearing of our Lord in the clouds; imagine hearing the sound of the trumpet; and in a flash, your "mortality" has put on "immortality" and you find yourself in the presence of the Bridegroom for whom you have been anxiously awaiting . . . in a split second . . . in the blink of an eye!

How can we describe this event we're anticipating? Glorious? Magnificent? Wonderful?

Ah, but what about those who are not prepared for His coming . . . to them this event will be filled with terror, fear, uncertainty, trouble.

Where do you stand today? Are you anxious or are you dreading this awesome Day? You can be sure of this . . . the Bridegroom, Yeshua, Jesus, is anxious to come get His bride and take her to His side to live, to love, to reign, forever!

He is nearly ready . . . how about you?

 

Lord, if there is anything in me that is not pleasing to You, please reveal it to me and cleanse me from all my unrighteousness. Father, I set my gaze upon You, my desire for You is ever-increasing and my love for You grows daily! I await your return with humble anticipation, knowing that in and of myself I have no way of being found "worthy", but the shed blood of the Lamb has made it possible for me. Thank you for the blood that cleanses so thoroughly and makes me ready to meet You in the air! Amen!

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." (Luke 21:28)

 

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Burning Hearts

 

"And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?" (Luke 24:32)

 

The disciples had the opportunity to walk and talk with the Lord while He was here on this earth, yet they never grew tired of listening to Him unfold the mysteries of the scriptures before them. Desire for and love of the Word caused their hearts to burn within them while He taught either in front of multitudes, in a small group setting, or on a one-on-one basis.

We have a challenge in this simple verse to ask ourselves when the last time was that our hearts burned within us at the hearing of God's Word. Are we yearning for a nugget of truth from the Word of God? Do we desire His Word more than anything in life? We must be careful not to take the Word for granted or forget what a precious gift it truly is.

Next time you hear the reading of God's Word, consider what the disciples said, "Did not our heart burn within us . . . while he opened to us the scriptures."

If we're in love with Jesus, we're in love with the Word (John 1). If we're not in love with the Word, how can we truly be in love with Jesus . . . food for thought!

 

Father, learning how the disciples felt at the hearing of the Word suddenly makes me realize that I may not be as in love with the Word as I should be or that I thought I was! Lord, burn in me a desire for the Word; rekindle that fire within me. Renew a hunger for more of your Word in my life so I can say as the disciples, "Did not our heart burn within us, while . . . he opened to us the scriptures?" Amen!

 

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

 

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Walk in Love – Ephesians 5:2

 

"And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor." (Ephesians 5:2)

 

Love . . . our lives must be characterized by love following the example of Jesus Christ, our Lord! We are to display the same love for one another that Jesus did for us by giving of ourselves totally and completely to others. The strength of His love was so great that He was willing to lay down His live and give Himself up to death on our account. Our love for one another should be such that we would be willing to do the same thing for them . . . allow their will to be done in the place of yours!

The sweet-smelling savor relates to the offering of incense the priests would make to the Lord -- the offering of Christ to God was like that pleasant smell . . . His total obedience pleased the Father and made the way for the salvation of all.

All in all, today's verse speaks to us of a love which is so complete, so pure, and so sacrificial . . . a love which is passed on to us! A love so undeserved yet given to us so freely . . . a love for which we praise our Lord Jesus Christ! He's the Lamb that was Slain . . . He's the Risen Lord and Saviour . . . He is Love!

Love Him today and it will be easier to love all those around you . . . and it will be easier for all those around you to love you in return! And, as a bonus, the Lord will be pleased with the sweet-smelling savor produced by your sacrificial love one toward another! Amen!

 

Father, may my life be a sweet-smelling savor unto you! Help me to love those around me as Christ has shown His love toward me . . . a sacrificial, total love that surpasses all knowledge or comprehension! Thank You Lord, for all You have done for me! As I contemplate Your sacrifice not only this time of year but all through the year, I pray that you will help me gain a little more understanding of the price You paid to purchase my redemption. I am so unworthy, Lord . . . remembering your sacrifice is so humbling . . . I can't say it enough . . . Thank You! Amen and Amen!

"But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God." (Philippians 4:18)

 

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Pray for Peace – Psalm 122:6-9

 

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good." (Psalm 122:6-9)

 

Watching the news brings us to the stark realization that we are indeed living in the times prophesied by the prophets of old. Israel, and more particularly, the city of Jerusalem, has been a stumbling block for centuries. But, God has a plan, and He is personally involved in all that is happening there this very moment.

God has revealed Himself through His names and by learning God's names we can come to a greater understanding of His character, His personality, His provision for us, and His will. Let's look at a few of God's names and see Him for Who He is in light of this critical situation and the times in which we are living:

Elohay Tz'vaot . . . God of Hosts or God of Armies (2 Samuel 5:10, "And David went on, and grew great, and the >LORD GOD OF HOSTS< was with him."). The Strong One is a Mighty Warrior and is the Commander in Chief of the armies of Heaven and His people on earth. "Tz'vaot" is translated as a mass of people, especially organized for war . . . an army or soldiers. As "Elohay Tz'vaot" He is the Mighty Warrior in the Heavenlies and on Earth . . . there is NONE mightier than He!

El Gibor . . . the Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, >THE MIGHTY GOD<, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace). God is a mighty warrior and the strongest force in the universe. "Gibor" is translated as "champion, chief, giant, mighty, strong, valiant". What an awesome picture of the God we serve . . . our Mighty Warrior, strong and valiant!

Elah Yerush'lem . . . God of Jerusalem (Ezra 7:19, "The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of thy God, those deliver thou before the >GOD OF JERUSALEM<."). God is uniquely associated with Jerusalem. He is forever tied to the city of Jerusalem. He has made every provision for Jerusalem . . . the city is His regardless of what man may say. It is His eternal capital and dwelling place, and that which He claims as His own is just that . . . His own!

Much of the unrest we're seeing in the middle east right now is a battle over the ownership of Jerusalem . . . just a short study of the Word of God will tell you who really owns it and it will also show us just how capable He is to fight the battle to prove it!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem . . . those that love Jerusalem will be blessed and will know they have touched the heart of God!

 

Father, we thank You for victories we have seen in the past weeks, for setting people free, and for your protection. Lord, though most of us are so far removed from the reality of the battle in Israel right now, our hearts are knit together with Your people . . . those with whom You have cut covenant, which covenant is for everlasting. Lord, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem . . . we pray for Your will to be manifested in this land. Lord, give the leaders wisdom, protect the innocent, open their eyes to truth, strengthen them and encourage them . . . for Your glory to be revealed to all of mankind as Elohim, God of Strength, Might and Power, and as El Echad, the One and Only True God, the Ultimate Mighty One! Amen and Amen!

 

"Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim"

(Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem)

Psalm 122:6

 

© Jan Ross

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Power to the Faint – Isaiah 40:29

"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength." (Isaiah 40:29)

There is a place in God where we can find increased strength . . . strength to live a holy life according to His will for us. It seems ironic that what we call "surrender" is actually the means to the most powerful place found in God!

A soldier in wartime dreads the moment when he is cornered on all sides by the enemy and forced to surrender . . . he willingly gives up all his personal rights, leaving him totally vulnerable to his captor. But with God, this is exactly what He desires for us . . . to totally surrender to Him . . . to willingly give up all our personal rights and become totally vulnerable to Him! He wants to "captivate" us totally through our surrender to Him!

"To them that have no might he increaseth strength" . . . When our might and our strength to do things our own way are surrendered to Him, we lay down our will to the Father enabling Him to increase His strength in us . . . He is able to empower us for service . . . He is then able to provide everything we need that pertains to life and godliness.

"We must decrease that He may increase" . . . "to them that have no might he increaseth strength"!

Have you totally surrendered? Have you decreased that He may increase? Is the strength in your life His strength or are you living on your own might? Examine yourself today and make a decision to totally surrender to Him so His strength will be increased in you . . . so He will be seen in all you do, everywhere you go, and in whatever you set your hand to! Glorify Him today through total surrender . . . it's our highest calling!

 

Father, I long to be totally surrendered to You. It is a place I desire more than anything . . . not for the empowerment, not for the blessings, not for any other reason other than to glorify You! Father, I recognize total surrender as my highest calling . . . but I'm calling upon You for help as I fall so short of the mark so many times! Help me surrender to you totally . . . help me decrease that You may increase . . . help me walk in my highest calling . . . total surrender to You! Amen!

"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." (2 Chronicles 16:9)

 

© Jan Ross

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Creation’s Praise – Isaiah 55:12

 

"For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." (Isaiah 55:12)

Today's Thoughts

Praise and Joy are related! They can be manifest in many ways . . . smiles, laughter, clapping, dancing, singing. But if we withhold our praise, the Bible tells us that even the rocks will cry out because His presence demands praise!

The trees are a wonderful example of praise . . . when the morning mist is settled upon their leaves, their branches are seen reaching toward heaven, glimmering in the sunlight, drinking in the freshness each new morning gives them. In that they find the strength to reach just a little higher than the day before as a result of the nourishing and refreshing they receive as daily provision from their Maker!

In the noontime when the sun is hot and bearing down upon them, their branches can be seen reaching even a little higher. Trees respond to the blistering heat of the midday sun by reaching toward it, not holding back away from it, knowing that the fiery trial brings with it an invitation and provision for growth and health like no other time of day! The heat actually provokes praise!

But, finally, in the peaceful evening of the day when the sun is painting the sky with the artistry unequalled by mankind, setting and calm rests upon its busy boughs, the trees are still pointing toward the heavens. Gently hushed from the day's winds and heat, having been a magnificent dwelling place for the birds and a refreshing shade for the grass, the tree still stands still, rooted, and grounded never ceasing their example of total praise and adoration of the Creator!

Trees respond to the presence of sunlight . . . the leaves can almost be seen following the sun as it changes position in the heavens during the course of each day! From trees we can learn a wonderful lesson! By following the sun (the Son) we have the opportunity to find ourselves responding to His presence moment by moment during the day with an attitude of praise. As we practice His presence and respond with heartfelt praise, the rocks will never have to be disturbed from their place of rest to cry out in our place!

 

CREATION'S PRAISE

"Morning mist blankets the earth

Disappearing as the sun rises;

Glimmering trees stand in awe from the sight

Reaching their arms toward the skies.

 

Noonday sun warms the face of the earth

Erasing the dew left behind,

Warmth at midday draws praise from the trees

Extending their arms even higher.

 

Evening sun delicately paints the skies

Resting from a full day's work;

Sleepy trees so aware of His peace

Never cease to honor His presence!

 

Watch and listen to creation's praise,

Psalms to the Artist resound!

Take note, mankind, see the Glory of God;

To His Majesty, render praise loud!"

 

Today's Prayer

Father of Creation, teach me to be like a tree with my heart to responding to You in endless praise . . . unceasing joy . . . continuous expressions of adoration regardless of my circumstances! Father, I love You and yearn to walk in the fullness of joy, in the place where You are glorified in me, through me, and by me. Lord, don't allow anyone or anything to take my place in praising You, but rather teach me to respond to Your presence on a minute-by-minute basis with heart-rending praise! You are so Worthy . . . You deserve all the praise! Amen!

 

"And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." (Luke 19:40)

 

© 2008 Jan Ross

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A Refining Work

"But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." (Job 23:10)

Today's verse just keeps coming back to me! The Lord keeps speaking something into my life through the revelation that life's hardships have a purpose . . . a Holy and Divine purpose! It is so often easy to fall into feeling sorry for ourselves because of the set-backs we experience in life. We face disillusionments, disappointments, heartache, physical and emotional pain, sorrow . . . the list could go on forever. But when we realize that there is a reason . . . a Holy and Divine purpose for these things . . . we can submit to the work of the Master Refiner with determination to allow the "good work" which He has begun in us to be completed, regardless of the personal cost!

When we walk through the valley of life's sorrows, it appears that the Lord is doing a REFINING work in us. It is at these times in our life that He's decided it's time (once again) to burn out some of the impurities and to take another step toward making us into that pure vessel He has purposed us to be! But, this process is the most painful . . . the fire burns – it hurts -- it's nearly unbearable, and it gets VERY tiring after just a short while. We lose patience with the Master Refiner as He's doing His work in our lives. We want it over. . . and we want it over NOW! The sad thing is (at least for us) that if He stopped the process when we begged Him to, we would actually be worse off than before He started.

Can you see it . . . a piece of gold, roughly shaped, yet somewhat usable. The Master Refiner decides it's time to make this piece of gold into something He had been planning for a long time. He then puts this gold in the fire and it starts melting down to a liquid. The fire gets hotter and hotter . . . the gold becomes softer and softer as the heat gets higher and higher. The gold begins to scream out . . . "STOP! It's too much! I can't stand anymore!" If the Master Refiner listened to the gold, he would have to just let it set in its melted state. It would be totally useless, not only to Him, but to anyone else. So, the gold has to endure the Refiner's Fire. If only the gold itself knew the magnificent outcome . . . the vision the Master Refiner had for it . . . it would be easier to submit to the fire. But, because of the impurities in the gold, it is unable to see the finished product forever etched in the unsearchable mind of the Master Refiner.

We all wonder when it's all going to end and have the never-ending question in our minds . . . "Why do I have to go through all this?"! But we just have to know . . . be convinced in our hearts . . . that God has us right in the palm of His hand. He knows our frailties, He knows our pain. He knows our disillusionments, He knows our weakness. He knows . . . He knows . . . He knows! So, He has gone to work on us to further perfect us to be a vessel of honor unto Him. After all, that's what it's all about, isn't it? We ALL want to be a vessel of honor unto Him . . . mete for His use . . . suitable, pleasing, and glorifying to the Master Refiner.

Be blessed, my dear friends . . . God isn't through with us yet. Submit to His work in your life. Go ahead and grit your teeth and bear the pain for soon it will have produced its work in you to make you pleasing and acceptable . . . a marvelous glory unto Him!

Father, Master Refiner, have your way with me! There, I've said it, Lord! It was hard to say, but I really mean it . . . do in my life what needs to be done to make me, mold me, and shape me into the vessel of honor You have planned for me to be! Lord, I submit to Your refining fire, to Your strong hand that molds me and shapes me for Your glory. Father, help me to remember that the fire I walk through now has a Holy and Divine purpose in my life. Have Your way in me, Lord, so when anyone looks at me they will see only a reflection of You! Amen!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

© Jan Ross
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Upside Down and Backward

"Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof." (Matthew 13:31-32)

Many sermons, many books, many Bible School and Sunday School lessons have been written on this verse, all of which give us greater understanding. Do you ever feel like the "least" of anything? Many of us do from time to time . . . many of us do ALL the time. But, in fact, that is often by God's design. Many times in our lives we will be challenged with becoming "least" in order to become "great."

The Word gives us many examples of this concept . . . here is one that comes to mind: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." James 4:10

We are all called to a walk of humility, unselfish, undemanding, and totally immersed in Who He is rather than who we are. This takes unabashed humility. To regard all others more highly than ourselves, to give of ourselves totally to Him, to love unconditionally, to seek to minister to each other from a pure heart . . . a servant's heart.

It doesn't take much for a seed to begin growing, just a little fertilizer and a little water. Just a little Word dropped into a receptive, fertile heart will begin to grow to make us what God has intended us to be. Ask the Lord to reveal to you the "grain of mustard seed" He has sown in your heart and see how it has grown and is still growing to make you and mold you into the "greatest among herbs" that you can be as you love and minister to Him and to others from a humble servant's heart. Never consider the work that the Master is doing within you as too minute or trivial, for He is watering the seed He planted in you to perfect the things that He has begun in you.

Father, help me to see myself as You see me, a mere grain of mustard seed which You are watering, cultivating, and nurturing as I grow into a beautiful hearty plant, strong in You, with roots growing deep as I drink from the rivers of Your Spirit. Thank you, Lord, for all You have done and are doing to make me and mold me into Your image. Whatever it takes, Lord, create in me a humble, servant's heart that seeks after You with all that is within me, all the day long. Amen and Amen.

"He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." (John 12:25)

© Jan Ross
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Be Wise, Watchful, and Alert

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8)

"Look both ways before you cross the street!"

We've all heard that warning . . . an attempt to keep us safe from possible injury while crossing the road!

"Be sober, be vigilant!"

We've read that warning . . . because our adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour!

We must be watchful against our foes, remaining constantly aware of their schemes and tricks to not only deceive us, but to wound us spiritually. We must watch carefully, as you would when you know you are in danger. We have to be on guard against the wiles and the power of our enemy.

The enemy is opposed to us . . . he resists our efforts to do good and all our efforts to obey God! He attempts to alarm us by his roar . . . he would have us believe that he can overpower us like a crouching lion creeping toward his foe. He represents himself to us as the great and raging king of the jungle who by his roar would intimidate all of us so we might become an easy prey. But we must also be aware that he is sneaky, silent, and misrepresenting himself to us as an angel of light. The enemy is worse than any man we can conceive; he is not a common adversary but one that aims at our very souls. He is an accuser and a devourer, malicious in every way.

But, here's the good news. As strong as our enemy appears, as loud as his roar seems, as malicious and seductive as his ways become, he is a defeated foe. He would like for us to be in constant fear of what he can do, or . . . he would like for us to totally ignore him. But we're instructed to be wise, to be watchful, to be aware . . . NOT to live in constant fear.

We have this promise that the victory is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord. "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 15:57) We serve an omnipotent Lord, who reigns over ALL! Nothing can ever separate us from His love . . . Hallelujah, what a mighty God we serve.

Omnipotent Father, Lord of all, thank you for your Word . . . thank you for your warning to be sober and to be vigilant when it concerns the wiles of the enemy. Help me to be strong when I feel like I'm being stalked, not allowing him to win confidence knowing that he has succeeded in putting fear into my heart. Amen!

"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD." (Isaiah 54:17)

© Jan Ross
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The Blessing of Servanthood

"But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." (Romans 6:22)

Being a "servant" carries with it a negative impression--bondage, servitude, enslavement, burdens, etc. By definition, that's exactly what a servant is. But the context of Today's Verse sheds a totally different light on the word "servant." Actually, it is used in the context of a "gift."

This verse explains four "gifts" which are given to those who have new life in Christ:

WE ARE FREE FROM SIN

WE BECOME A SERVANT OF GOD

WE ARE GIVEN FRUIT UNTO HOLINESS

WE ARE GIVEN EVERLASTING LIFE

These are all benefits . . . including the privilege of being a servant.

We are designed to be servants, either to sin or to righteousness. There are no in-betweens. There is no other way. We either serve God or we serve sin.

The choice is ours as it was in Joshua's day: "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve."

Choose God and you choose LIFE! Being a servant then becomes a benefit, a privilege, and a blessing rather than a burden.

What is your choice?

Father, it is my choice to serve YOU above all else, not only for the benefits but just because I love YOU! You have put in me a servant's heart which makes me glad to serve YOU! I don't count it a burden to serve you, as I am bonded together with YOU through Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour. Thank you for freeing me from sin, allowing me to be your servant, gifting me with fruits of holiness, and giving me everlasting life. Lord, for all this I cannot begin to thank you enough. Your blessings are truly without measure. Amen!

"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods . . ." (Joshua 24:15-16)

© Jan Ross
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Here Comes the Judge!

"So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." (John 8:7)

We are so keen to other's faults but oblivious to our own most times. Judging others seems to be a favorite pastime for many of us while we neglect the more needful thing of judging our own motives and actions against the Word of God.

Jesus knew that this woman was guilty, there was no doubt. Yet, her accusers were also guilty . . . maybe not of the same sin, but of other sinful acts and motives. He alone had the power to judge the intents of her accusers' hearts, and He alone had the power to free her from the sentence of death dictated by the law.

We all deserve death, yet Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, stills the voice of our accuser and has freed us from our death sentence. The wounds He bore, the bruises He received, the chastisement He endured, the price He paid, the blood He shed, and the death He died have washed away our sin and set us free from the sentence of death of which we are so very deserving. What can wash away our sin? Nothing . . . but the blood of Jesus!

Dear Lord, nothing but the blood of Jesus can cleanse me and make me whole . . . nothing but the blood of Jesus can purify my heart! Oh, how precious is the flow that makes me white as snow! No other fount I know . . . nothing but the blood of Jesus! I thank you for the cleansing, saving, healing, delivering blood . . . the blood that was shed on Calvary . . . for me! Amen!

"Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven" (Luke 6:37)

© Jan Ross
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How Sincere is Your Vessel?

"And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect." (Genesis 17:1)

Abraham had received the promise from God years before the timing of today's verse. In fact, so many years had passed that his faith was being challenged by the aging process of his own body as well as that of his wife. We're told in Romans 4:20 that Abraham "staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God". But now, Abraham hears from God who tells him three things:

I am God

Walk before Me

Be thou perfect

If anything would make a man stagger, it would be the third phrase uttered by God . . . "Be thou perfect!" How can we be perfect? What does God really mean when He tells us to be perfect?

The word "perfect" actually speaks of "sincerity." To be sincere, not to be masked or to present yourself as something you are not. In ancient times, when someone would go to the potter's house to buy a clay vessel, they would take the vessel they chose and set it in the sun for a short period of time. The sun would soon reveal any cracks the potter may have repaired revealing an "insincere" vessel; it was representing itself as whole when all the while it was a damaged vessel.

God wants us to be sincere, to be absolutely honest before Him. If there is a "crack" in our lives, He wants to be the Master Potter and repair it because any other repair job just won't do. No other potter's hands can do the work of the Master Potter.

Do you want to be whole and complete? Let the Master Potter mold you, make you, and repair you; let Him make you a vessel of honor unto Him, pure and blameless, whole and complete. Sincere. Perfect in His eyes.

Father, Master Potter, I present myself to you as a broken, crushed, and mutilated vessel, one that has been marred by the enemy. Make me new. Mold me, reform me, repair me, and make me complete, sincere, and perfect in Your eyes. Father, whatever it takes, take me and do what needs to be done that I may be that perfect vessel of honor unto You. Amen.

"For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy."
(Leviticus 11:45)

© Jan Ross
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Our Reasonable Service

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Romans 12:1)

Take my heart and form it
Take my mind, transform it
Take my will, conform it
To Yours, to Yours, O Lord!

The chorus to a song we sing at church sums up our verse for today: presenting our entire being as a living sacrifice unto God. Lord, take our hearts and form them into your image; take our minds and transform them to your likeness. Lord, take our will and conform it to your will, into Your image, into Your likeness, and according to Your will.

Whenever I've read this verse in the past I always applied it to my physical body, to give it to martyrdom if necessary. But, it's more than that. It's saying that my "body" in His eyes is my entire being—my heart, my mind, my will AND my physical body. All of me must be presented to Him as a living sacrifice. Such a sacrifice is holy in His sight. It is the reasonable service of a servant to a Master. It is a small token of gratitude to One Who has given His all for me.

How can I ever hope to hold back anything from Him . . . if I love Him, I'll give Him my all. After all, He is my all. He deserves my all. He IS my all!

Dear Lord, again I pray, from the depth of my innermost being:

Take my heart and form it,
Take my mind, transform it,
Take my will, conform it,
To Yours, to Yours, O Lord!

Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. Take everything I am and everything I ever hope to be and use it, Lord, for Your glory. You are my ALL IN ALL . . . You are EVERYTHING to me. You ARE!

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)

© Jan Ross
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I was just reading a blog by Dee Yoder and thought it was so awesome that she posted some music on her blog! So, I followed some links and figured out how to do the same. Hope you enjoy the music I selected (I kind of used the same selection she did for the most part) ... Rich Mullins is one of my favorites. Thanks, Dee!

Oh, and by the way, you will want to visit Dee's blog ... she has a giveaway beginning midnight tonight!

Do You Know Him?

"Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD." (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

It is so easy to get caught up in the wonderful things we do for the Lord, how wonderful we are, and what good Christians we are. One of the biggest stumbling blocks the enemy places before us is "US!" He makes it so easy to pat ourselves on the back and say, "Well Done!" But God's ways are much different. He's very specific when He says, "If man is going to glory in anything, let him glory in this -- that he understands Me and knows Me!"

What is it to "know God?" It is to have a relationship with Him wherein you walk with Him, you talk with Him, you trust Him, you learn from Him, He becomes your best friend, you go nowhere without Him. You live with Him moment by moment, learning more of Him as each minute passes. You begin to know His thoughts, to know His ways, and ultimately know His heart.

Do you "know" God today? Make it a priority in your life to get to know Him more day by day until you can say, "I understand Him and know Him" according to today's verse—when the object of your boasting turns from you to Him, and Him alone!

Dear Father, my heart longs to know You more, to love You more, to walk in right relationship with You. Father, forgive me for being so aware of ME and so NOT aware of You. Help me to see Your face, Your hand, Your leading everywhere I go and in everything I face so I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that I KNOW YOU INTIMATELY! "And He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own!" This is my heart's desire—to know You in such a way that I feel Your holy awesome presence with each breath I take! Amen!

"It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God-that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:30-31)

© Jan Ross
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Profitable Pleasant Praise

"It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night," (Psalm 92:1-2)

This Psalm was meant to be sung as a song of praise to the King of Kings. It is a good thing for us to give thanks to the Lord.

Praising God is good in itself, and it is good for us as well. It is not only our duty and tribute we pay to the Lord, we are unjust if we withhold it.

Praising God is pleasant and profitable . . . it is work that is its own wages.

Praise is the work of angels and the work of heaven. But consider this . . . the angels were created to praise Him; they are continually in His presence singing praise and glorifying and magnifying Him with songs of worship and exaltation. However, when just one of us begins to praise Him, He stretches out His arms, and clears a path for us to come into His presence. The songs of angels suddenly fade into the background while His complete attention is focused on our sacrifice of praise.

The angels may have been created to praise Him; we choose to praise Him and thereby gain His uninterrupted attention as He dwells in the midst of our praise.

Finally, praise will dispel fear. Praise will build faith. Praise will send the enemy aflight. Praise will draw us into His presence.

Begin today to allow His praise to be on your lips continually, a reasonable act of worship and sacrifice to the One Who is most worthy of all.

Father, I praise You . . . You are worthy of all my praise. From the first word uttered in the morning, till the final "good night", I pray Your praise will be on my lips . . . continually. Help me to show your lovingkindness through my expressions of praise to all I meet; teach me to rest in Your faithfulness each night. Put a song of Praise in my heart that I might enjoy Your presence with me wherever I may go. All praise and glory to you, my Lord . . . Amen.

"O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise." (Psalm 51:15)

© Jan Ross
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So Full, So Rich, So Free!

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

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

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

The life-giving Words bursting forth from His lips gave the people hope, direction, comfort, and guidance. His Word . . . no better way to care for His flock.

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

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

Shepherd, lead me by Your Word. Draw me into sweet communion with you where I will be taught of You and learn from You. Savior, like a Shepherd lead me, be the Guardian of my way. Keep me, Lord, and defend me and draw me close when I go astray. You have bought me with Your precious blood, Lord, and I am Yours! Amen and Amen.

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

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

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

Be Contagious

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation." (Isaiah 12:2)

Fear is most likely the strongest emotion most people feel these days. With the economy, natural disasters, and any number of things happening, it's easy to understand why. But, as representatives of the kingdom of God, we must rid ourselves of any hint of fear in order to minister peace to those who don't have the assurance of salvation. Our hope is in Christ, not in what the natural world can afford.

The prophet Isaiah was so 'right-on' in his words to us: God, our Salvation, our source of trust (or faith) which dispels fear. What can man do to us if the Lord is for us? What can our enemies impose on us if our trust is anchored firmly in the salvation of our God? Understanding the depth of God's salvation, His love, His protection makes it easy to place our trust in Him and not live in fear regardless of what is happening in this world.

Let me encourage you to become contagious. Let faith rise up within your heart and carry it with you wherever you go, spreading trust and contentment and hope to all with whom you have contact. Like a dreaded flu bug passes so easily from one to another, spread faith as you go about your routine. When someone speaks of fear, share faith. When someone appears to be afraid or terrorized, spread that faith and trust which is firmly planted within your heart. Be a beacon in the darkness of this hour, allowing the light of God's salvation to shine through you brightly, drawing others to you as you share the Reason for the hope that is within you.

This is our duty, dear friends, in these times of uncertainty . . . to lead people to the Rock that is secure, a firm foundation that cannot be moved. With a failing economy, threats of terrorism, rumors of wars, and the uncertainty of tomorrow, let the Lord be your strength and your song . . . trusting, believing, and standing firm in faith that He alone is your salvation!

Father, the hearts of many are terrorized. But, O Lord, You alone are my Salvation, and in You do I put my trust. You, O Lord, are my strength and my song! I will sing for joy knowing that Your great salvation is the foundation of my faith, the anchor of my hope, and the strength I need to make it through each day. Use me Lord, open my mouth so I may speak forth Your Word, sharing the hope that is within me, and showing the world that in You there is no reason to fear. Lord, I love You and I trust You with my life . . . with my family's life . . . with my friends' lives. Father, You, O Lord, are my strength and my song . . . You, O Lord, are my Salvation. Amen and Amen!

"Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth." (Isaiah 12:5)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved