I Have a Voice!

What an honor to be given a "Voice" on Julie Arduini's blog: The Surrendered Scribe. Please take a minute and check out my post entitled, "Voice of Faith."

Julie is a precious sister in the Lord whom I've come to love and appreciate in so many ways. We're blessed to include Julie as one of the twenty-six unique authors for our Women of Passions anthology project due for publication this summer. You're not going to want to miss the opportunity to read Julie's stories – you're in store for a blessing!

Thanks, Julie, for giving me a "voice" on your blog. What an honor … one I don't take lightly!

 

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Peace: A Precious Gift

"And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." (Mark 4:39)

Peace . . . a precious gift! We all desire it, yet we all find ourselves in the midst of storms, sometimes one right after the other! But have you noticed that when the Master speaks into your situation, peace is not far off?

The disciples were busy, frantically fighting the storm while the precious Saviour slept peacefully. As a matter of fact, it wasn't until the disciples woke Him up being overcome with fear and doubt and uncertainty about the future that He arose and spoke "Peace" into the situation! This is a wonderful example of how we spend our lives. We are at rest with the Saviour during the "calm" . . . yet when a storm arises we struggle and struggle trying to control the situation ourselves. Yet every time, without fail, when we finally run to Him asking for intervention, He speaks "Peace" and the storm comes under His control and we're once again living in the PEACE that only He can give!

Are you walking through a storm right now? Have you struggled long enough on your own to control the situation? It's time to call upon the "Peace Speaker" and ask Him to take control. Then, submit to His will in the situation and you will find that long, sought-after PEACE!

Father, forgive me for the struggles I endure on my own because of my stubbornness. Help me to be quick to seek Your face when the storm arises . . . help me to find PEACE early rather than waiting until the storm seems to overwhelm me. Father, I want to live a disciplined life before you even when the storm clouds aren't in sight . . . I need to know You more, I need to love You more! You're the greatest thing in all my life . . . You are my all in all! Amen!

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)

 

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

A Gracious Gift

"Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound" (Romans 5:20)

God's grace . . . what a gift! In these last days we're seeing sin abound . . . some even say that the state of this world would make Sodom & Gomorra blush. Whether or not that's the case, it still remains that this generation has surpassed previous ones in its ability to perpetrate evil in unthinkable ways without conscience!

The good news is, however, that as sin increases, so does the Grace of God!

Greater measures of God's grace can be found in:

Grace to Endure . . . When the sinfulness of those around us seems to have increased, we can praise God that His grace has also increased our ability to endure persecution.

Grace to Shine . . . When it seems like there's nothing to be happy about, God's grace gives us the ability to keep smiling, to keep praise on our lips and a song in our heart . . . not because of the condition of this world, but because of Who He is!

Grace to Evangelize . . . An increased measure to share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is being found in the hearts of believers today. It seems the more we see God's goodness and grace in our lives, the more we want all those around to share in His amazing love!

Grace to Go Through What's Happening In the World Today . . . persecution, trials, tribulations . . . an extra measure of God's grace enables us to face whatever comes our way!

Grace Inwardly and Outwardly . . . God gives us a supernatural ability to resist sin and temptation by His Grace.

When you feel evil all around you . . . when you feel the weight of oppression bearing down on your life, look up . . . God's Grace has made a way for you to endure whatever you're facing. His Grace is absolutely and unquestionably sufficient!

Father, thank you for your Grace . . . when I'm in need, when things around me seem to be falling apart, when I'm weighed down with oppression, when I feel that I can't go on any longer, your Grace becomes my way through. What a wonderful expression of Your love toward us . . . toward me -- Your Grace so completely sufficient! Amen!

"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." (James 4:6-8)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Make Up Your Mind!

"...How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him..." (1 Kings 18:21)

Whoever said there are no absolutes was sorely mistaken. Black or white! Right or wrong! Hot or cold! God or Baal! How many times have you wanted to shake someone and tell them they have to make up their minds . . . either serve God wholeheartedly or don't bother trying!

God is merciful, God is love, God is full of compassion and grace . . . BUT, God is holy; He is a jealous God! He will not tolerate gray. He will not tolerate mediocrity! He will not tolerate lukewarmness! He will not tolerate half-heartedness in a relationship with Him!

God is drawing us to a level of relationship with Him like never before. It is one of singlemindedness . . . sold out, submitted and consecrated to Him! He is preparing His Bride for His soon appearing by strengthening the relationship . . . causing the yearning for Him to increase day by day as we anticipate His coming!

Before you shake someone else for being double-minded, check your own heart. Are you single-minded toward God or are you walking in the lukewarm, middle-of-the road state that breaks the heart of God? We all need to examine our hearts in response to the drawing of His Spirit.

Father, forgive me, Lord, for not always being single-minded toward You. Forgive me, Father, for trying to live as the world while I try to live a Christian life. I realize, Father, that I cannot continue to live like this . . . help me to make a choice to serve You with ALL my heart, mind, soul and strength regardless of the cost to me personally! Father, as I anxiously look for the day when You tell Your Son to come get His Bride, cleanse me and make me ready to be presented to Him as pure and spotless! Lord, may my consecrated and set-apart life be a praise to You bringing You glory! Amen!

"Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils." (1 Corinthians 10:21)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Stinking Thinking

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

Very little else can be said about our verse today. Paul, in his letter to the Church at Philippi, clearly defined a Godly thought life. The mind seems to be the arena that the enemy attacks through the most. He plants seeds in our thoughts, and then it is up to us what we're going to do with them.

Will we allow the enemy's seeds of "stinking thinking" to take root and grow, or will we cast out those seeds before they can ever take root?

Our flesh wants to entertain gossip, slander, lies, etc., but we have authority through the shed blood of Jesus Christ our Lord and Master to cast down those thoughts which are not according to God's standard. It is our duty to train ourselves to quickly recognize thoughts that are contrary to the mind of Christ and deal with them immediately, not giving them any opportunity to take root and grow.

It is has been said that the human mind has about three to five seconds after a thought enters the mind when a decision must be made; if it isn't dealt with in that time, it's likely to cause or affect the individual's behavior. That doesn't give much time for decision-making . . . we need to quickly recognize "stinking thinking" and change our thought pattern!

Take note today of what thoughts you allow yourself to dwell on and use the authority vested in you by Jesus Christ to "Cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." (2 Cor. 10:5)

Dear Lord, my thoughts are not always your thoughts or even pleasing to you. Help me exercise the authority you gave me over my thought life and help me think only on those things which are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report, full of virtue and full of praise. May my life including my thoughts bring glory to You in every way every day!

"And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever." (1 Chronicles 28:9)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

 

Chocolate Donuts

Ok, I admit I need help! Chocolate donuts with my coffee in the morning is about as good as it comes. The exquisite combinations of flavors tickle my taste buds. But, tell me, why is it that the things which bring us so much pleasure are so bad for us? Obviously, there's something wrong with me. Normal women don't indulge in such fattening, artery-clogging fancies in the morning. And, it's not like I do this every morning, but when a chocolate donut graces my kitchen counter, it calls out to me, "Come and dine!" I'm powerless to resist.

The Bibles tells me to "resist the chocolate donut and it will flee" [TJV-The Jan Version]. But have you ever seen a donut flee? I mean, does it suddenly grow little legs and scamper off into some hidden place where it won't be a temptation to me? Surely, the little round fellow would leave a trail of chocolate, I'd simply follow it to its hiding place, consume it, and that would be the end of it. Actually, the thrill of the hunt may make the prize even sweeter, so wouldn't it be better just to eat it before more sweetness is piled on top of the creamy chocolate? After all, it's packed full of sugar and calories without the added sweet thrill of victory!

In all seriousness, I rarely indulge but when I do, I live with regrets. I know I've opened the door to guilt and shame because I've allowed myself to yield to temptation. Actually, the chocolate donut is a silly example of how we allow sinful thoughts to lead to sinful actions. Our eyes fix on the forbidden fruit, we cannot resist, we make excuses and justify our sin, and we partake only to find ourselves plagued with guilt and shame after the fact.

James 4:7-8 officially says, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (NIV) We have a remedy for temptation that's been tried and proven over and over and over throughout the centuries. The power is not in resisting temptation; rather, the power is in submitting ourselves to God.

When we position ourselves near to God with submitted hearts, we find strength to resist temptation, even if it's a luscious chocolate donut with morning coffee. James tells us if we come near to God, He will come near to us. We have to make the first move toward Him to find that place of strength in the face of such great temptations.

Although my taste buds may disagree, there's nothing sweeter and more satisfying than being close to the Lord, sheltered under His wings, and infused with power to resist temptation. So, today I'll let those little chocolate donuts sit there on the counter ... I've found the place of true guilt-free pleasure and shame-free satisfaction in Christ.

Tomorrow? Well, Lord help me stay strong!

"Blessed is the man that
endureth temptation: for
when he is tried, he shall
receive the crown of life,
which the Lord hath promised
to them that love him."
(James 1:12 KJV)

 

© Jan Ross 2008
All Rights Reserved

 

Count Your Blessings

"I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me."
(Psalm 13:6)

Today's verse might remind us of a song most of us have heard at one time or another in our lifetime: "Count your blessings, name them one by one . . ." But, when was the last time you actually did this?

It is easy to become so overwhelmed with life's circumstances and situations that we become blinded to the fact that God has indeed dealt bountifully with us! His mercies are never ending; His loving kindness is greater than life itself! His salvation is sure and His forgiveness is complete! His peace is real in the face of every storm; His provision is made manifest in the face of every need!

Has He dealt bountifully with you? When you stop and consider all that He has given you and done for you, a song of praise is due him! You say you can't sing? Make a joyful noise . . . but whatever you do, praise Him, thank Him, exalt Him! He's worthy of all our praise . . . it is due Him! Start off the day right with a song of praise on your lips, with a peace in your heart knowing that He has indeed dealt bountifully with you in every matter that concerns you!

Father, you have indeed dealt bountifully with me . . . I praise You for all You have done, for that which I see and even for that which I don't see. Lord, I glorify You and magnify You for Your goodness toward me. Words are hard to find that express my heartfelt gratitude and the depth of my love for You. It's not just what You have done that I praise You for . . . it's who You are . . . who You are to me! You are my All In All! Amen!

"Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God." (2 Corinthians 9:11)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Holding Fast

"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ . . ." (Galatians 6:14)

Paul was bold in his proclamation of faith, not wavering, but holding fast to that which he believed with all his heart.

Why? Because he truly embraced the cross of Christ and all it stands for . . . His sufferings, His death, and our salvation through a crucified Redeemer! As a matter of fact, Paul was so far from being offended or ashamed at the cross of Christ, that he desired to glory in nothing else and it was his determination to preach the cross till he drew his dying breath regardless of the cost to him personally. Paul knew that without the cross there would have been no redemption, no joy, and no hope.

How do we compare today? Are we offended or ashamed when someone asks us about our faith? Do we find our solace and comfort at the foot of the cross where our sins were washed pure in the crimson flow? Do our lives show that we "glory" in the cross of Christ by esteeming nothing or no one higher than Him and regarding His sacrifice as the most important gift ever given to us?

Take a few moments to examine your heart today, then answer this question: In whom or in what do I glory most . . . can I boldly proclaim with Paul, "I GLORY in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ!"

Father, my desire is to be like Paul in his pursuit of the riches contained in the cross of Christ. Forgive me for when I have been ashamed or even timid and teach me to be bold. But more than anything today, Lord, teach me to glory in the cross esteeming the sacrifice of Christ above all else. Thank you Lord for your immeasurable gift of love that I'm learning to cherish more and more as each day passes! I love You, Lord! Amen!

"But, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends." (2 Corinthians 10:17-18)

© Jan Ross 2008
All Rights Reserved

A Rose Garden?

"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen" (I Peter 5:10-11)

We were never promised a rose garden! Suffering is as much a part of the Christian's life as faith; it comes in different ways and it produces fruit in our lives!

When we think of "suffering" we immediately think of physical pain. Although that is one aspect of suffering – a very REAL aspect of suffering – it is not the only one. It also has to do with feelings, passions, impressions, pressures, and sensations. Suffering has everything to do with discomfort, disappointment, disillusionment. But even amidst all this, suffering can be our most cherished friend!

Enduring suffering will make you perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. A diamond is made only through intense pressure being applied for a very long time. But after the pressure is gone, a beautiful gem appears which is perfect and strong. In order to get to this point, however, the stone had to endure intense pressure . . . it had to allow the applied pressure to do its perfect work! Then it needs to be cut, polished, and handled with masterful perfection in order that its unequalled beauty can truly be appreciated.

Are you under pressure . . . are you suffering? Rejoice for what you are experiencing is the process of creating something beautiful in your life! Endure suffering and see the handiwork of God as He "presses" you into a beautiful gem, as He cuts and polishes and handles you with Masterful perfection. Allow Him the privilege of making you stablished, strengthened, and settled . . . reflecting the brilliant, magnificent glory of your Creator!

Father, I don't like to suffer . . . I don't want to suffer! Help me to endure the discomfort of suffering, help me to count it a privilege to be found worthy to suffer so my life may shine brightly as a beautifully polished gem. Father, have Your way in my life regardless of what path You choose for me to walk! I love You, Lord . . . there is no one like You . . . I trust you, Lord, to know what's best for me! Amen!

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." (Matthew 16:24-25)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Be Informed! Be Alert! Do Not Fear!

Do you believe in dreams and visions? I'm not one to go around sharing what I see in my dreams, but I've had some strange things happen the past few days. Sunday night I was late going to bed, trying to wind down from the weekend activities at church. I finally drifted off into a deep sleep and began dreaming.

I was on a large plane and a man rose up who I recognized as a terrorist leader -- an agent of the antiChrist. This man did something and the plan was disabled and we came in for a crash landing, although no one was hurt. Upon landing, the doors were opened and we were met by soldiers escorting us to a huge stadium where we stood in line like one would at the bank waiting for an available teller. When it was my turn, I was asked to give up all my money and was given a certain "allotment" of cash in the form of Ameros (the new currency they're planning to make trade easier between Mexico, the US, and Canada – the currency of the new North American Union sometimes referred to as "CanMeriCo"). After exchanging money, I was led to another window where I was issued an allotment of necessities -- a couple outfits, a blanket, and a pillow, kind of what you might be issued in prison. From there the people were split up -- I was sent to another line; when it was my turn, I was escorted to a small room. At that time, the phone rang and I woke up -- it was just after 3:00 am. Immediately the thought came to me: "Be informed! Be alert! But, do not fear!" I knew God had spoken to my spirit in response to this s-t-r-a-n-g-e dream!

On the phone was my daughter... her bed had been shaking with another aftershock and she was filled with fear. Something was stirring her. After talking for a while about God's protection, she calmed down, and we finally said goodbye.

I had planned the night before to watch a DVD by Joe VanKoevering in the morning while Ron was at work. I had only an inkling of what it was about -- end-times prophecy from the Prophecy Conference in Florida this past January. Anyway, I popped it in my computer and began to watch it. I sat here stunned. On the DVD, Joe was talking about the "Amero" and "CanMeriCo", the overwhelming signs of the soon-coming of Jesus Christ in all His glory, the hidden (but proven) political agenda of the "powers that be" to create this North American Union similar to the European Union, dissolving the US's sovereignty. It was not only amazing, but it was unsettling how it seemed to be so parallel to the theme of my dream the night before.

I normally don't put a lot of stock into dreams, but this was one that when I woke up, I knew God had a message. More than the details of the dream, his message was, "Be informed! Be alert! Do not fear!"

That's the message to us all as we see things coming together. With these earthquakes in diverse places, tornadoes in unusual places, the insistence that Israel give up her land to the "alien" among her -- the alien among us buying up our land and bailing out our bankrupt banks ... all I can do is cry out to God for mercy.

This morning my youngest daughter called. She and her husband have been watching Glen Beck and talking about the end-times -- what an awesome conversation. She opened the door for me to share with her that it takes more than being a 'good person' and knowing 'who' Jesus is -- the only place we'll find refuge when these things come upon us is under the shadow of His wing. And, to be that close to Him, we must have relationship. She was so open—God is moving in their home. Hallelujah!

These are the days the prophets spoke of when God reveals Himself and the soon-appearing of His Son to His people -- days when the people are beginning to wonder what's going on with gas prices, food shortages, unusual natural disasters, etc. Now is the time people want to know and are open to listen -- let's not neglect to seize the opportunity to tell them.

Jesus is coming soon ... sooner than we can possibly imagine!

Jan Ross © 2008
All Rights Reserved