With or Without

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.  (John 15:5)

Do you ever feel that you're "spinning your wheels" as fast as you can go, yet nothing seems to be working right for you? Do you ever feel like you've done everything you know to do, you've followed all the formulae, you've read all the "how-to" books, you've even sought the counsel of those you felt were more knowledgeable, yet your problem still exists?

Perhaps we've neglected the most important thing—to draw our strength from the Vine, "for without Me ye can do nothing!"

Just like a branch that has fallen off a tree will dry up and die within a very short time, so will we if we do not stay "attached" to the vine! We draw our life, our sustenance from the Vine and without Him we are nothing, we can do nothing . . . we are helpless. Life would be easier for us if we would learn the lesson quickly . . . apart from the Vine, we will die!

But, let's look at it another way. Attached to the Vine we can do anything! Philippians 4:13 reminds us, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Without Christ we can do nothing—with Him we can do ALL things! Without Him we will die, with Him we have life and life everlasting!

I'm so thankful for the Vine! I'm thankful that He abides in me! Without Him I can do nothing . . . with Him I can do all things! Lord, teach me to abide – to stay firmly attached to the Vine at all times in every area of my life! Amen!

Father, all too often I attempt to work things out on my when all along You are there waiting for me to just ask! Lord, help me to remember that as long as I draw my strength and nourishment from You, then I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Father, help me stay attached to the Vine in ALL areas of my life for You must be Lord of all, or You're not Lord at all. In the name that is above every name, Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen!

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© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

“Based On Your Visit Today…”

I have to laugh and I'm sure you will as well. Here's the short article:

The Associated Press
updated 6:23 p.m. ET, Fri., Sept. 26, 2008

PORTLAND, Ore. - A patient treated for agonizing abdominal pain received this surprising news in the hospital’s paperwork: “Based on your visit today, we know you are pregnant.”

Surprising indeed for 71-year-old John Grady Pippen.

The staff at Curry General Hospital in Gold Beach gave the retired mechanic and logger the ridiculously happy news this month, along with some pain pills.

Hospital administrator William McMillan says an errant keystroke caused the hospital’s computer to spit out the wrong discharge instructions for the grandfather.

© 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26907144/

"An errant keystroke caused the hospital's computer to spit out the wrong discharge instructions..." Can you imagine? Think about the consequences if this had been a situation where the hospital staff treated him for an illness he didn't have, or gave him medication to which he was allergic simply because of "an errant keystroke"!

I'm so incredibly grateful we can trust God's input through His infallible Word. We don't need to worry about "an errant keystroke" leading us astray or giving us a false remedy for sin-sick souls. God's Word is COMPLETELY trustworthy! The problem is, we don't believe it or somehow we believe it doesn't pertain to us.

The Word of God is absolutely truth. No errancy. No misleading information. No wrong instruction. No hint of fallibility.

Don't put your trust on any individual (even if they're a pastor or teacher) to replace the instruction and remedy for sin found in the Word of God.

Man fails. Computers fail. God never fails!

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(c) 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

No More Fearful Timidity

"By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you-I, Paul, who am "timid" when face to face with you, but "bold" when away!" (2 Corinthians 10:1)

"Janet, please come to the platform."

I got up out of my seat; my knees felt like overcooked spaghetti noodles—limp and mushy. Carefully walking to the front, a sweat broke out on my brow and my chest began to tighten…I couldn't catch my breath. Dropping my notes on the way up the steps, I leaned over to pick them up and passed out cold.

Fear! That ugly emotion literally paralyzed me—fear of being in front of a group of people, fear of every eye in the room on me, fear of being judged, fear of making a mistake, fear of people laughing at me, fear of stumbling over my words, fear of failing to accomplish the task, fear of the sound of my own voice. Fear literally choked me that morning over 40 years ago.

But, put a pen in my hand and a piece of paper in front of me and I was in my element. Better yet, bring me a typewriter and I could whip out an article or story or letter to anyone in a matter of minutes. Communication with the written word was as natural for me as talking was for most others.

Years have come and gone. Fear looms and lurks around corners waiting to trap me, but I'm wise to that old device. In an effort to defy old man fear, I have purposely allowed myself to be put in situations where I had to speak, not only in front of a ninth grade class, but in front of thousands.

When I came across 2 Corinthians 10:1, I understood all too well what Paul was saying. Today it is still much easier for me to communicate through writing. But I won't let the enemy intimidate me with fear when it comes to speaking. As with Paul, sometimes I may appear "timid" when speaking face-to-face, now it is the gentleness and mercy of Christ speaking through me, not fearful timidity. My newfound "boldness" to speak openly is based on the authority I have as a believer communicating the Word of God.

Do I still struggle with fear before a crowd? Only if I take my eyes off Christ and put them on the circumstance. But when I'm speaking to one or thousands, if my eyes are on Christ and I am acting as His spokesperson, what have I to fear?

The life of Paul continues to amaze me as I study. He's such a "normal" man with real issues that were overcome as Christ in him become more and he became less. I'd be willing to admit I'd like to be like Paul, but my true goal is to be like Jesus who is the reason Paul became such a powerful influence in the early church.

Nope … I don't want to emulate Paul, I choose to be a reflection of Christ as His image is perfected in me for His glory and His alone.

Father, I admit that I deal with fear—sometimes fear of speaking, sometimes fear of failure, sometimes fear of many different things. Thank you for the assurance that there is nothing to fear as long as I dwell in You. Lord, Christ must become more as I become less. I simply want to be more like Jesus every single day. In Jesus' Name and for His glory I pray. Amen

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)

© Jan Ross 2007
All Rights Reserved

"If I Die, Please Take Care of My Family"

This morning I had the blessed opportunity to chat with Pastor in India. He wanted to enlist our prayers for the persecuted church in India; we've shared with you details of what is happening in previous posts. However, the terrorism continues to escalate. Pastor related to me that he has now been targeted because of the work of Heart of God in India in the tribal areas. Many people are denouncing Hinduism and accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as their Messiah; souls are being saved, new believers are being baptized, and new churches are being established. Pastor and his team take a large panel truck into the forest area along with sound equipment and elders from his church in order to preach and teach the Word of God, delivering convicting messages of the power of the Gospel to save.

To make a long conversation short, Pastor made three requests of us; I've left these in his own words:

1. Please pray because I will continue to evangelize and preach Gospel so many souls will be saved.
   
2. Please pray for protection for me and family because radicals have targeted us due to great work of evangelism in tribal areas.
   
3. Please take care of my family if I should be killed for the glory of God. I am ready to die and have no fear.
   

We praise God for our partners in India; they are courageous men because the Spirit of God is strong in them. Their lives are truly committed and they continue to make sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. We urge all our friends and partners to enter into a season of prayer covering for Pastor and those who do the work of ministry with him.

God bless you as you stand with us for protection and shelter from the enemy of those who labor for the Lord. Please also remember those in the State of Orissa who are enduring unbelievable persecution because of their witness for Christ.

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© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Mid's Point: Dark Portrait Painted

Mid's Point: Dark Portrait Painted
Mid Stutsman wrote this today ... please take a moment to read it and share your thoughts. America is at a crossroads; I keep saying that. But the signs are all around us. When will we wake up? It's time to realize that the American life may soon be a thing of the past. The handwriting is on the wall, but who will interpret it? Only those who are reading with spiritual eyes. ~Jan

Mid's Point: Dark Portrait Painted

Mid's Point: Dark Portrait Painted

Mid Stutsman wrote this today ... please take a moment to read it and share your thoughts.

Because You’re My Friend

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."  (John 15:13-14 )

Friendship is something to be cherished and Jesus knew that quite well. While walking and talking with the people, one can hear Him saying:

When you are sad, I will dry your tears.
When you are scared, I will comfort your fears.
When you are worried, I will give you hope.
When you are confused, I will help you cope.
And when you are lost, And can't see the light.
I shall be your beacon, Shining ever so bright.
This is my oath I pledge till the end.
Why you may ask? Because you're my friend.
(Author Unknown)

What better example of a "friend" than the one Jesus set for us. He is a friend to us when we are unfriendly, when we are fearful, worried, confused, lost, and so much more.

All He requires for the status of "friend" is that we be obedient, a small price to pay for a GREAT reward—His "friendship."

It is interesting that many (if not most) people seek out friends in "high" places, people that have "positions" or "status". If we're honest with ourselves, we will have to admit that we've been guilty of this also, always looking to befriend the one in charge, the one with the power, or the one with the most popularity. It seems to fulfill a need deep within us. But, there is One who has more power, is totally in charge, and whom more people know or have known in the history of mankind . . . the Lord Jesus Christ!

Are you His friend? If not, you can meet Him today and establish a "friendship" born out of obedience to His Word. He longs to be your friend. We, in turn, should long to be His friend!

Father, I do long to be considered Your "Friend"! Help me, Lord, to be more obedient to You, to walk in Your ways, to heed Your call! Lord, when I think of what it means to be Your Friend, I am overwhelmed, again, of Your mercy toward me for without Your mercy, I could never enter into a "friendship" relationship with You. You are holy, righteous, and pure—I am reduced to nothing in Your sight except through the applied Blood of the Lamb! Thank you for the Blood which makes it possible for me to enter into Friendship Relationship with You! Hallelujah! Amen!

"And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God." (James 2:23)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

More Than Meets the Eye

"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."  (Psalm 37:4)

WOW, what a verse! When most people read this verse or hear it quoted, they immediately begin to think of all their desires and how thrilling it would be to have every dream fulfilled. But, there is much more to this verse than meets the eye.

The word "delight" literally means to be soft or pliable, to SUBMIT. In other words, the Psalmist was indicating that as we submit to the Lord, He shall give us the desires of our heart—he will not only place those desires IN our heart, but He will also fulfill them.

Submission is something that is not fun to think about ; it carries with it personal responsibilities to not only acknowledge the Word of God but to ACT on the Word of God. Submission is dying to our own desires and allowing God's desires to manifest themselves in our lives. But, submission is a fact of life for the Christian, not that we HAVE to, but that we WANT to in order to lead a life pleasing to our Father.

Do you have strong desires deep in your heart? Chances are they have been planted there by the Lord and as you submit to His will more and more each day, you will begin to see these "dreams" manifested in you. If you have (or had) young children, remember how much you longed for them just to submit to your will when you gave them instructions or a task to accomplish. Then, remember how proud you were when they finally caught on and began to submit. Our Father longs for our submission to His will much the same way, and He rejoices with us when our will becomes one with His!

Bless the Lord, submit to His will and He WILL give you the desires of your heart—the very desires He planted to bring Him the glory He deserves. Blessing Him also blesses us, but even if it doesn't bring a blessing in return, our heart must be determined to submit to His will regardless of the personal cost, just because He is who He is. Amen! 

Father, how I long to live a life that is pleasing to You! Lord, submission is not always easy for me, but it is my heart's desire to please You by determining that my will be one with Your will, that Your desires become my desires, that Your plan for my life becomes mine. Lord, as I daily grow more submissive to You, give me strength to deny my flesh, to die to my flesh, in order that Your purposes and plans for my life can be manifested for Your glory. Lord, those desires You have planted in my heart, let them become a praise to You as they are made manifest as a result of my submission and obedience to Your will for me. Lord, be glorified in my life. I love You and long to please You with all my heart! Amen! 

"Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." (Proverbs 16:3)

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© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Pink Fingertips

I've learned to cherish pink fingertips, that's all there is to it! But, I'm sure you're wondering what on earth I'm talking about. Let me explain …

Two weeks ago, Dana and I left for Washington, DC to be with Andrew while he had surgery. We packed up the car, got little Ethan all settled in (he's not fond of the car seat), got our maps and backed out of the driveway. Only 427 miles to go … we were on our way.

We got down the road about six miles and I realized my foot was a bit heavy on the accelerator; I commented to Dana and immediately backed off to slow down just as I noticed a Highway Patrol car coming over the rise ahead. My stomach sunk. I knew … I just knew I got caught. I watched as the car passed me, the brake lights came on while the patrolwoman did a u-turn right past me, blue lights began flashing. I pulled over …

"Ma'am, may I have your license, registration, and proof of insurance? You were doing 65 in a 55."

Of course, I was rattled. I fumbled around finding all the documentation and handed it to the patrolwoman with a smile. I knew I was wrong—no excuses here! When done, I thanked her and told her to have a nice day and apologized for not paying closer attention. She smiled and said it happens to everyone from time to time.

Only 421 miles to go … we were on our way—again!

I debated whether I should call my husband or not. Nope! I wanted to tell him in person since news like that over the phone isn't always the best. After all, it was only a silly speeding ticket and he got one a few months back for going faster than me. His ticket was more expensive, so I felt somewhat justified. [ha ha]

We went on our trip and I mostly did better with my heavy foot. There were a couple times I thought I got caught again, but there were people around me with heavier foots! Again, I felt somewhat justified.

We had a wonderful trip and Andrew's surgery went better than expected. We made it home the following week with a little blue slip in my purse. I set aside some money from the trip to pay my ticket before the court date—there was no sense in appearing in court since I was guilty and fully admitted it to the patrolwoman. Days passed and it remained in the back of my mind to go pay the ticket. But for some reason, I thought I remembered the patrolwoman telling me the court date was September 29^th so I never checked.

Yesterday, I was cleaning up the kitchen and had that unmistakable nudge from the Lord … Go check the date on the ticket!

I remember answering audibly, "Ok, yes Sir!"

So, I walked over to my purse and unfolded the dreaded blue slip only to find the court date had already passed and I was in contempt of court. I panicked! What am I going to do? How will I explain this? How much will the penalties and court costs be? How can we afford it? Is there a bench warrant out for my arrest? Will they take me into custody and fingerprint me? Will I have a police record now?

Well, you can imagine how all these thoughts were bombarding me. Ron was at work; Dana was working in the living room. I told her about the situation and we both agreed to just be truthful and explain that I had the dates mixed up and pray for leniency.

I cautiously drove to City Hall (I couldn't afford to get stopped knowing there may be a bench warrant out for my arrest). As I arrived, I noticed my friend's van was there—she was working. Praise the Lord! So I parked and went on in and caught her attention. When she came out I had to fight back tears while telling her my story. "What's going to happen to me? Am I going to be arrested?"

She explained that it was no big deal and I wasn't in any trouble; the court here gives plenty of time for people to come in to pay their tickets. We walked to the desk and handed the clerk my ticket and cash, and before I could say thank her, I had a receipt in hand.

Praise the Lord! I mean, really … PRAISE THE LORD!

On the way out, I looked at my hands … my fingertips were still pink and not stained by ink from fingerprinting. I deserved so much worse. I was wrong. I broke the law and then I was late in paying my fine. I deserved the stain that comes from sin, but my hands were clean.

Mercy!

Forgiveness!

Cleansing!

Suddenly, I stopped and thanked the Lord for His mercy and forgiveness and cleansing. I so deserve to bear the stain of my own sin. But I stand before Him clean—not only with pink fingertips but my heart is cleansed by Jesus' righteous blood that was shed for me.

"Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" (Mark 1:41)

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© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Thoroughly Merciful

"Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter." (Psalm 118:19-20)

David is a wonderful example of God's mercy which was continually displayed throughout David's life. When he deserved judgment, mercy was granted; when he deserved punishment, mercy was applied. As a matter of fact, David was so assured of God's eternal mercy that he could boldly proclaim himself as numbered in the ranks of the righteous . . . his sins had been thoroughly purged and cleansed.

It is so easy to allow our past to keep us from the presence of the Lord. I can think of so many things that I've done in my life which by all rights should keep me from entering into His presence and worshipping at His feet. Guilt. Shame. Feelings of unworthiness. But, it's His mercy—His grace—His blood that makes us righteous in His eyes.

David's testimony of God's grace is our key to victory over the past, over things that hinder our worship. Would that we all could grasp His understanding of God's unfailing love and tender mercy!

My prayer is that we grow to more fully comprehend the thoroughness of God's mercy and walk in the freedom granted to us into His holy presence where we will find fullness of joy!

Dear Lord, Your mercy is all-encompassing and ever present in my life. Help me, Father, to comprehend the depths of your merciful love toward me so I can unashamedly enter Your gates with thanksgiving in my heart for all you have done for me. Help me to remember when my thoughts return back to my past that You were there in my past, You are here in my present, and You will be with me in the future. Help me remember You have accepted me and forgiven me . . . thoroughly; washed me clean and purified me through the shed blood of Jesus. Remind me, dear Lord, that my life (including my past, present and future) is not about me in any way . . . it's about You! In the precious, holy Name of Jesus I pray, Amen!


"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." (Psalm 23:6)

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© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved