Shout It From the Rooftops!

"O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard" (Psalm 66:8)

Now is NOT the time to be silent, but rather now IS the time to join our testimony with Paul's in saying, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ"!  What better way to bless God than to openly proclaim His praise throughout the earth!

Have you noticed that Christians are becoming more outspoken?  Many are indeed feeling the "call" to proclaim it to the nations that Jesus Christ is Lord . . . the SOON-COMING LORD!  There is no time to waste. We are definitely living in the "harvest season"!  All the signs point to it!

The division between the "wheat" and the "tares" is becoming more and more obvious by the day.  Those who would "fool around" with the Lord and their pretense as a Christian are being found out!  Those who are living fruitful Christian lives are ALSO being found out.  The only difference is those who are truly living for Christ are shouting it from the rooftops . . . Jesus is Coming Soon -- Get Ready!

What is the proclamation from your lips . . . are you openly sharing Jesus with all you come in contact with, or are you ashamed . . . or, are you not convinced yourself that "the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God . . . " (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

Bless the Lord today . . . share of His soon return.  Stand up boldly for righteousness and don't allow the enemy to rob God of being blessed by you through the sinister tools of intimidation and fear!  Make the voice of His praise to be heard . . . by all!

Father, forgive me for the many times I missed the opportunity to share the life-giving power of the shed blood of Jesus to those with whom I come in contact!  Father, my desire is for You to be blessed through me and by me as I make the voice of Your praise to be heard . . . by all! Lord, I love You and want to walk uprightly before you, being obedient to Your Word . . . "Go and tell the world" that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the Father, fulfilling the Great Commission to be witnesses unto the uttermost part of the earth!  Be glorified, Lord, today and every day! Amen!

"Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee." (Isaiah 12:6)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Turned Away from Truth

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."  (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

We are living in a day and time where we see the meaning of these verses more clearly than ever before.  Mankind is searching for answers . . . spiritual answers.  But they're eager for the blessings that come with a life dedicated to the Lord . . . not the self-discipline, not the self-denial, not the self-abasement, not the humility, not the holy, righteous lifestyle! They want all the benefits without a life submitted to the Benefit Giver!

They flock to the churches and the preachers/evangelists/teachers who will preach to them what they want to hear . . . riches, power, success, and the list goes on.  In essence, they have turned away from the truth and have become comfortable with the lies and deception this preaching/teaching offers.  What has happened is exactly what Today's Verse is relating . . . they have turned away from truth and have turned truth into fables!

Where do we stand?  Do we submit to the preaching of the Word of God regardless of how uneasy we feel when confronted with truth? Or, do we search for a more palatable sermon?  The Bible says, "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free."  (John 8:12)  Without the truth . . . there is no freedom!

In order to tell the truth from the lie, the real from the counterfeit, we must be more than just casually acquainted with the truth!  When bank tellers are being taught to recognize counterfeit money, they study the real money so when they encounter a counterfeit, they readily recognize it.  On the same wise, we must read the Word, study it, and commit it to our heart and memory.  Then, when we come in contact with a false doctrine or message, we will immediately know it.

Let's pay particular attention and avoid being like those who will not endure sound doctrine . . . submit to the whole counsel of God and allow the unadulterated Word of God to do its perfect work in our hearts!

Father, I pray that I will never become one of those who turn away from truth and seek after an easier doctrine.  Lord, I submit myself to You again, day after day, to be changed into Your likeness regardless of what it costs me personally!  Help me, Lord, to recognize the false doctrine of the world and to cling to the Truth presented in Your Word.  May I never fall prey to those who preach and teach an ear-pleasing message!  Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You . . . the Author and Finisher of my faith!  Lord, I love you and my desire is for You . . . nothing else can ever truly satisfy! Amen!

"And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth." (John 17:19)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Responses From the Heart

"And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground."  (Nehemiah 8:6)

Surrender . . . reverence . . . humility . . . worship!

Worship is a spontaneous response from a heart overflowing with love and emotion. The response can come in many ways, i.e., raising hands, bowing the head, lifting up the head, tears, loud praise, silent praise, and so on.

Your acts of worship will probably change each time you come into His presence depending on how your heart is touched. The Old Testament high priest, when he entered into the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement, carefully lifted the curtain, got down on his knees and crawled in backwards out of total reverence and fear of the Lord! We see evidence throughout scripture that the presence of God – encounters with the Holy One of Israel – were not to be taken lightly. God's presence was and still is an awesome experience for any child of God, whether a new convert or a seasoned saint!

There are many Hebrew words that have been translated as "worship". In today's verse, the word "worshipped" comes from the Hebrew word "shachah" which means to prostrate oneself, to bow down, to fall down flat, to humbly beseech, to make obeisance, do reverence, to worship. You can get a clear picture of the honor the children of Israel were paying to the Lord through their acts of worship.

Search the scriptures today to find the references for worship . . . search out the postures, the responses, the actions, and even silence and see how they all play an important role in the believer's response in worship. Become familiar with them and as you do, your responses to Him in worship will move to another level!

Love Him the way He deserves to be loved and don't be afraid to express your love according to the pattern found in the Word! He's worthy of our praise and worship! He's worthy of our deepest and most sincere worship!

Father, Your love for me is more than I can comprehend, many times I'm overwhelmed by the awesomeness of Your presence! Help me to learn to express my love to you through surrender, reverence, and humility. Lord, You are so worthy of all my praise and worship . . . help me express my love and adoration in ways that bring honor and glory to You and You alone! Amen and Amen!

"And all the congregation worshipped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded: and all this continued until the burnt offering was finished. And when they had made an end of offering, the king and all that were present with him bowed themselves, and worshipped." (2 Chronicles 29:28-29)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Peace Through Trust

"For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." (Romans 9:15)

God is a sovereign God . . . hard for us to comprehend, but it's true! His plans for each of us are very unique . . . the lives we live are very individual. God has set His holy, righteous plan into motion with purpose and determination in order to accomplish His final goal . . . to provide a pure and spotless Bride for His Son, Jesus Christ.

It is easy to be "jealous" over someone who has had an easier life than you . . . it happens all the time! The question often runs through your head—not one of us is exempt.

When I was less than two years old, my mother gave me up for adoption. I was adopted by a wonderful, loving family who saw to my every need through life . . . they protected me, loved me, provided a stable family for me to grow up in . . . not perfect, but good! Many years passed, I married and had my own family. One day I came home and found that my birthmother had sent me a letter sharing her love for me after all these years! A series of events occurred until the day arrived that I met her face to face. What a marvelous gift from God . . . meeting the woman who had given me physical life yet enjoying the love and support from the parents who invested their lives into me!

One thing I was not prepared for, however, was the reaction of my half-sisters who had been raised by my birthmother. They were JEALOUS . . . I had been given to a family who could lavish their love and affection upon me in a protected, stable environment. On the other hand, however, they were raised in a very different set of circumstances . . . a very unhealthy lifestyle, having been the victims of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Although they said they were glad for me, their question was, "WHY?" Why was I "spared" the hurt? Why was I singled out? Why was my life allowed to be "good" and theirs "bad"? Hard questions, at best . . . questions for which there were no good answers!

God's sovereignty is the only answer that can explain situations like this. "TRUST" is the door to finding peace with God's sovereignty. I had to trust that God knew what was right for my life . . . my sisters have had to learn to trust that God was working in a unique way in their lives as well . . . ultimately to draw us all to Him.

Are you struggling with difficult "Why's" in your life . . . contemplating those questions for which you can find no answers? Assign those problems to God's sovereignty and trust Him that He knows what He is doing in EVERYONE's situation. Know this of a certainty that our lives are indeed "according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will" (Ephesians 1:11b).

Praise God for all He has done in our lives . . . that will ultimately bring Him the glory and honor that is due His Holy Name!

Father, how can I say thanks for all you have done for me, in me, and through me? Lord, many times I get all wrapped up in the "why's" of life, those things that are too difficult for me to understand. Lord, forgive me for not trusting Your sovereign will. Father, help me to remember that I don't have to "understand" everything that has happened to me or my loved ones, but only understand that "...all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) Your sovereignty, O Lord, is far beyond my comprehension, help me remember that You have my life in the palm of Your very capable hand. Amen!

"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever." (Psalm 136:1)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

New News about “New”

"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh" (Hebrews 10:19-20)

The study of the Old Testament tabernacle is one of the most fascinating studies I've ever embarked on. It's a revelation of Jesus Christ as He can be seen from the front gate to the innermost chamber, the Holy of Holies.

The Old Testament priests could only enter the Holy of Holies one time a year, on the Day of Atonement when they took the blood of the sacrifice and sprinkled it on the Mercy Seat. Hallelujah, the veil is rent . . . the veil of Jesus' flesh was torn . . . and now we have a "new and living way" which our Lord made for us!

The Word of God is full of treasures and this particular scripture is no exception! The phrase "new and living way" contains a revelation that will further explain today's verse.

Three different Greek words are translated as "new" in the New Testament. First, the Greek word neos
actually means new but similar. "And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him" (Colossians 3:10).

Next, the Greek word kainos actually means new but different. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Finally, we have the Greek word prosphatos
which actually means freshly slain or newly dead. "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh" (Hebrews 10:19-20)

Each Greek word tells a specific story, but the last word, prosphatos, gives us a wonderful picture of this "new and living way" by which we can go through the veil! Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, the new and living way – the freshly slain Sacrifice Lamb that was dead and is now alive! His flesh was torn, He was slain, and now He is the Living Way!

John 14:6 says, "… I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." In other words, He is telling us that He is the Way – the New and Living Way – the Lamb slain that was dead and is now alive, and no man can come to the Father, no one can enter through the veil, except through Him – the New and Living Way! Hallelujah!

Father, Your Word is so full of Truth! It is so exciting to see the Word confirm itself over and over and over again as we gain greater understanding through our study and prayerful research! Lord, I come to You with two requests: (1) Give me a hunger for Your Word like I've never experienced before – a hunger that cannot be quenched; and (2) Help me to gain a greater revelation of ALL that You have provided for me through the Atoning Sacrifice on Calvary! Help me to apprehend truth today, Lord, as never before! Thank You, Father, for the New and Living Way made for me to enter into Your presence, to sit at Your feet, to learn of You, and to honor You in worship and adoration. Father, I love You . . . I love Your Word! Continue to teach me as I share with others the good news that we have a "New and Living Way" made ready for us to enjoy sweet fellowship with the Most High God of all Creation! In Jesus' name, by His blood, for His glory . . . amen and amen!

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Holy Name – Holy God

"Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain." (Exodus 20:7)

What does it mean to take the Lord's name in vain and why is it such a big issue? There is more than one way to take the Lord's name in vain; although we understand this, we often fail to remember it and apply the principle to our daily lives.

We take the Lord's name in vain by hypocrisy, by not living up to the Name we profess! Read Matthew 15:7-9 and James 1:26. We see so plainly that drawing nigh to God with our mouths, professing Him with our lips is not acceptable if our hearts are not near to Him, if we do not life up to His standard of righteousness. If this is the way we live, our religion is in vain and our hearts are deceived!

We take the Lord's name in vain by breaking covenant with God. If we vow a vow to the Lord, we are bound to Him by covenant. When we do not perform that vow, we break covenant, thus taking the Lord's name in vain – not recognizing or honoring His holiness and making a mockery of Him. Read Matthew 5:33, Ecclesiastes 5:4, and Galatians 6:5. Our words are important to the Lord, they are an expression of our heart (Matthew 15:18). When we do not honor covenant, we do not honor the Lord; when we break our vows or promises to Him, we take His name in vain!

We take the name of the Lord in vain by using it with no purpose, in rash swearing, coarse jesting, profanity; we use it without any just occasion for it. The Lord's name is holy and is not to be used lightly or carelessly, His name is not to be used as an expletive or in any other casual or unwarranted context. When we say His name, it must be with all due reverence, reflecting His holy and righteous estate for He is the Most Divine Eternal Father.

We're told that the Lord will NOT hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. We may consider it a non-issue understanding that we didn't mean anything by it, but He doesn't see it that way! Who is man that he should be so casual with the name of such a Holy God?

Pray and ask the Father to give you a sensitivity to the offensiveness of taking His name in vain, to put a guard over your mouth, and to help you remember that His name is holy and not to be used lightly. Remember, that God Himself will be the avenger of all those who take His name in vain. He is jealous for His honor . . . we ought to be no less in our reverence of His name!

Father, I confess . . . I am guilty! Forgive me, Lord, for not recognizing just how awesome is your Name, for failing to understand that each time I use it Father, cleanse my lips, and let only that which honors Your holiness and righteousness come forth from my mouth. Sanctify me wholly, Lord, even the words that I speak revealing the intent of my heart. Father, I honor Your holiness, Your righteousness, Your majesty, and Your power. I am nothing in Your sight except that which You have redeemed. You have called me by name, help me to honor You with my mouth at all times. In Jesus' name, by His blood, and for His glory, amen and amen!

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Deception vs Truth

"Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist." (2 John 1:7)

"Many" deceivers? That's an understatement! Everywhere we turn we find a different gospel being preached and the sad thing is that people will believe it more quickly than they will the Truth. What makes people so resistant to the Truth that they would rather believe the lie than walk in Truth?

The lie says that there are many ways to heaven . . . the Truth says there is only one: "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh to the Father but by me." (John 14:6)

The lie says that there are no absolute rights or wrongs . . . the Truth says that "if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." (1 John 1:8)

The lie says that if you believe anything hard enough, you'll be saved . . . the Truth says that "salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

The lie says that man is good and if you live a good life, you'll go to heaven . . . the Truth says "there is none righteous, no, not one". (Rom 3:10)

The lie says that there is no God . . . the Truth says "the fool hath said in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good." (Psalm 14:1)

The lie says that Jesus was a good man and possibly a prophet . . . the Truth says "that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Phil 2:11)

We could go on all day disproving the lies of deception flooding the earth today and still not cover them all. But for every lie, there is Truth. The Word of God is Truth (John 17:17). The problem becomes ours when we don't know the Truth, when we haven't taken the time to "study to show ourselves approved, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth." (2 Tim 2:15) We depend on all too often on pre-digested manna—basing our belief system on what others teach and preach, depending on them to receive Truth and feed us what they have already "digested." So many fail to understand the Manna from Heaven, Himself, is longing for us to gather from Him daily as the Israelites did every morning as they were in the wilderness—their gathering was personal, it was an individual gathering enough for himself and his household. They couldn't depend on someone to do the gathering for them.

How can we know the deception unless we know the Truth? How can we know the Truth unless we partake of the Truth? How can we partake of the Truth unless we discipline ourselves to study to show ourselves approved? The Word doesn't change us or equip us by osmosis – we have to make a concerted effort – every one of us – on a daily basis. It's more important to us than physical nourishment, more important than anything and everything we find to do that sustains and supports our lifestyles.

Will we know the deceiver when he comes knocking at our door? We need to be prepared. We need to be intimately acquainted with the Truth – the Word of God! There is no other way!

Father, I confess to You that I long to know Your Word and to be fully equipped, to be an unashamed workman who rightly divides your Word of Truth. But I fall short! So often, my time slips away before I realize that I haven't taken the time to collect my daily Manna. Forgive me Lord because my priorities are often out of order. Lord, teach me to arise early to seek You (Luke 21:38). Lord, give me an unquenchable thirst for Your Word, an insatiable hunger for the daily Manna, an undeniable desire to know You more every day – more than the day before. Teach me, Lord, to quickly recognize deception as it compares to the Truth of Your Word! Teach me, Lord; I want to learn from You – I NEED to learn from You! In Jesus' name, by His blood, and for His glory, amen and amen!

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Lift – Call – Build

"I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints". (Philemon 4-5)

Read today's scripture again . . . I love this! It shows such compassion for others, something that is much lacking in the Body today. Everywhere we go, the focus is on "us"! Lord, bless ME. Lord, supply MY needs. Lord, save MY kids. Lord, heal MY body. Me, My, and Mine. It's everywhere! Yet here we see an exhortation that focuses on others. How would you like to have been the first-hand recipient of such a letter from someone who has been imprisoned for his faith and who suffered persecution beyond our ability to comprehend because of his love of the Lord? What an honor Paul pays to Philemon, a co-laborer and brother in the Lord!

Paul a prisoner, under the most adverse conditions, found opportunity to serve the Lord. And, even though he was about to be put on trial for his life, he never forgot to remember a Christian brother who was far away in distance from him, and to cover him in prayer.

Paul's example to us is one of a man of much prayer. And, the prayer wasn't selfish in nature in the least. Throughout the epistles, we find many instances where Paul is praying for others while imprisoned or off in some remote place. Today's society lives by the adage: "Out of sight, out of mind!" Not Paul!

Here's another example: "[I] cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers" (Ephesians 1:16) And, another: "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy" (Phil 1:3-4).

Let's follow Paul's example and make a habit of blessing others through prayer, not just occasionally, but regularly, passionately, and fervently. Then, let those for whom you are praying know that you are praying for them. Lift them up, call them up, and build them up using Paul's pattern . . . he prayed for them, he contacted them, and he built them up with encouraging words, acknowledging their faith, their fervor, and their zeal. Can you imagine what the Body of Christ would be like if we followed this example daily?

"But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." (Hebrews 3:13)

Father, I fall so short with my prayers focusing on me, mine, and all that pertains to us while You have plainly given us the example through Paul to lift up our brothers and sisters, to exhort them and to encourage them. Father, forgive me for my selfish ways . . . put me in remembrance of others daily who need Your touch, who need to hear that they are prayed for, and whose lives are important to me as well as to You. And, as I pour out myself in prayer for my brothers and sisters, Lord, I know that there will be others who are praying for me and that my needs will not go neglected. Father, teach us Your ways and help us turn from our self-awareness and give us the gift of Kingdom awareness. In Jesus' precious name we pray, amen and amen!

"Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves." (1 Thessalonians 5:11-13)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Are Your “Clothes” Clean?

"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation…" (Isaiah 61:10a)

"He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation"! There's no doubt that a great change comes over us when we're saved! Our most difficult part, however, is the change that we must determine in our hearts to work through daily with disciplines that help us grow in Christlikeness!

Look at Ephesians 4:24 ~ "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." Here's another verse in Colossians 3:10 ~ "And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." The "Garment of Salvation" in Isaiah is speaking of putting on the "new man"!

Many years ago I had a precious friend. She didn't have much in this life but several small children and a husband who believed it was more important for him to be everywhere else other than home. She struggled with daily routines yet she was so sweet. I determined in my heart to help her as much as I could since we didn't have any children at that time. I can easily remember going to her apartment and finding dishes several days old in the sink, children running around in soiled clothes, beds unmade, bathrooms needing scrubbed – in other words, the house needed a LOT of help! This precious friend loved the Lord, but she couldn't rise above her lack of daily disciplines to represent Him well or to care for her family in a way that would be pleasing to Him. I spoke with her often about it, loving her through it all, but she had a difficult time making any change last. As awful as it sounds, I know of times she would take dirty clothes out of the laundry pile and put them on to go to the store or to church. Obviously, it was no secret to those around her that daily disciplines were an issue for her. I lost touch with her after we moved away and often wonder if things ever changed for her.

It does us no good to take a bath and wear yesterday's soiled clothes! We have to adorn ourselves DAILY with the garment of salvation as we work out our salvation with trembling and fear (Philippians 2:12). A daily cleansing is necessary, inside and out! Perhaps it isn't the entire reason for my unusual friendship, but the Holy Spirit taught me a valuable lesson through it!

Paul told the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 15:31) that "I die daily"! We are called to lay down our lives daily and put on the garment of salvation. We can't walk in yesterday's clothes – yesterday's clothes stink. Our Bridegoom is coming after a Bride whose garments are spotless and unwrinkled. He didn't just say "without wrinkle" else we could have just ironed out yesterday's soiled clothes. No! He said, "spotless and without wrinkle" – cleansed by the blood of the Pure and Spotless Lamb!

The garment of salvation . . . a daily renewing and daily following. Don't let this priceless garment hang in your closet; don't try to wear yesterday's soiled garment. We can't iron a dirty garment and be found acceptable in His sight. Let's separate ourselves from our unclean clothing and wear our garment of salvation . . . please our Father in heaven who purchased this garment for us with the highest price possible – the blood of His Beloved Son!

Father, I never realized how often I try to iron out yesterday's soiled clothing in an attempt to "appear" clean. Help me to daily put on afresh the Garment of Salvation as a Bride making herself ready for her Husband. Lord, forgive me for not participating in daily disciplines, not submitting myself to die daily as You have called me to do. Help me, Father, to pick up my cross daily and follow You. Help me to be found both without wrinkle AND without spot, wearing the pure Garment of Salvation, purchased with the blood of the Lamb of God and presented to me as a gift, free of charge. Let me walk worthy of the Garment of Salvation wherewith You have clothed me, for Your glory and Your pleasure. In Jesus' name, Amen and Amen!

"So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows." (Psalm 61:8)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Grow in Grace

"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." (2 Peter 3:18)

The two go together . . . you cannot grow in grace unless you grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Growing in grace is an automatic byproduct of the knowledge of our Lord!

What is grace? It is being found acceptable, to be favored, and to have a divine influence on your heart. Of course we all want to grow in grace – to grow in favor with God, to be found acceptable, and to have Him influence all that we are.

What is the "knowledge" of our Lord? If you ask around, most people you talk to will tell you they believe in God. But do they have "knowledge" of our Lord? Relatively few really do.

This knowledge that Peter describes is more than just acknowledgement. Rather, it is a familiarity with God's character, endeavoring to become acquainted with Him and His personality, to understand Him – who He is, what He does, what He purposes, and what He commands.

Psalm 111:2 says "The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein." Anyone who desires to find or who finds "pleasure" in the Lord will seek out His works. The word "pleasure" means to desire a valuable thing. Anyone who desires the Lord will seek out His works. God delights in those who sincerely desire knowing who and what He is and who inquire with all due humility and reverence to know His will and His works.

How can you grow in the knowledge of our Lord? He has given all we can possibly need to know in the written Word. John 21:25 says "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." Every pertinent piece of information we need to know about Him and our relationship with Him is contained in the Word of God. Yet, while people say they long to "know" the Lord, they fail to open the Book to find out who He is.

Don't be like those who just murmur and complain because they don't really know the Lord, make a commitment to read your Bible daily and spend time with Him in prayer.

Do you want to grow in grace? Begin to grow in the knowledge of Him who gives grace to all who seek Him. Don't wait for tomorrow to begin . . . start now. Don't depend on someone else's study of the Word to help you grow in grace and in the knowledge of Him, open the Book and let the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ grow in you. Grow in knowledge and grace!

Father, sometimes it's the hardest thing for us to discipline ourselves to be diligent in our pursuit of You. Lord, I repent for neglecting Your Word, for not pursuing the knowledge of who You are and to become intimately acquainted with Your character. Instill in me once again a hunger that will not cease. Put in me a thirst that cannot be quenched. I commit to You that I will respond with diligence in my desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of my Lord, Jesus Christ. Help me to never forget. Draw me to Your Word like a magnet and satisfy this longing in my heart to know You more. In Jesus' precious name, by His blood, and for His glory, amen and amen!

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)

© 2008 Jan Ross
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