"Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee." (Psalm 51:13)

A great deal of thought goes into what we wear each day, how we fix our hair, and how we work to make ourselves presentable to the public. This is good as we wouldn't want to draw attention to ourselves because of our lack of personal care. But, how much care do we put into our daily spiritual lives?

You don't have to be a great teacher, preacher, evangelist, etc. to lead sinners to the Lord. Your lifestyle alone should separate you from the world and cause a non-believer to notice a difference. This difference is your open door to share the message of God's great salvation with anyone who would be drawn to Him as you lift Him up in your daily life. Simply let the love of God shine through . . . sinners will notice, the Spirit will draw them, and the door will be open to share the good news.

So, when you're taking care of your physical appearance each day before leaving the house, take a few minutes to take care of your heart through time spent in the Word and in prayer. You'll be amazed just how careful attendance to this simple discipline will lead to teaching transgressors His way as sinners are converted.

Dear Lord, as I begin each day, help me to remember to take some time to prepare myself spiritually to meet the world. Lord, I pray that You would use me to help those who don't know You to find their way to You through my lifestyle, my attitudes, my countenance. Show forth Your glory through my life and let it shine on all with whom I come in contact. Then I will know that I have prepared myself to teach transgressors Your ways so sinners will be converted unto thee, amen!

"For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6)

© Jan Ross
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"Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn." (Matthew 13:30)

If you're like most of us, you've probably just considered a "tare" to be a weed that grows among the wheat, one that can be spotted easily with the eye, and is easily plucked out of the field prior to the harvest. However, in doing a little word study, there are a couple additional attributes of a "tare" that are worth looking at, ones that actually speak volumes into what Today's Verse is really all about.

Are you wheat or are you a tare?

Wheat is a grain. A tare, however is more than just a weed, it is a false grain. The word tare comes from the Greek word zizanion which literally means darnel or false grain. When the farmer looks at the field, it is nearly impossible to tell the wheat from the tares. They are the same color, the same height, the same shape, grow in the same soil, and from all appearances are the same. It is only upon careful inspection that he can tell the tare from the wheat . . . the false from the genuine.

The Church, unfortunately, has many tares that are growing up amongst the wheat. The difference is that the tares are a false grain . . . they have no substance, no fruit, no purpose for anything other than to fill up space.

Without being so quick to judge others we feel may fit this description, let's turn our eyes inward to make sure WE don't fit this description ourselves. Let's examine our own hearts. Is our love for the Lord genuine? Is our heart right toward God and our fellow man? Are we bearing fruit, or do we just appear to be fruitful? Do we long for sweet fellowship with the Lord, or do we seek after other fellowship? God's remedy for tares is certainly not something we want to reap in our own lives. If we don't find true and genuine love and zeal for God in our own hearts, it's time to get back to the basics and reconsider our relationship with the Lord. Perhaps we've thought all along that we were OK, but suddenly we feel that we're not. Let's pray and ask God to forgive us for the qualities of a tare we are suddenly aware are hiding in our field.

Dear Father, I have read in Your Word that I can never be good enough on my own merit to gain eternal life and make heaven my home, that Jesus is the only way, that He is the Lord and Saviour of all creation, and that it is by His shed blood that I'm accepted in the beloved. Lord, expose any tares in my heart as I look into the mirror of Your Word. Lord, and cleanse me of all my unrighteousness, and create in me a pure heart. Make my life a sweet-smelling sacrifice unto my Lord Jesus Christ for it is in His name I pray, Amen!

"The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one". (Matthew 13:38)

© Jan Ross
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"This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men." (Titus 3:8)

"Be careful to maintain good works." It matters more than most of us are aware of. One of the quickest ways to ruin our Christian testimony is by not being careful to maintain good works.

Simple courtesies in our daily routines make it possibly for the light of Christ to shine through our actions, giving us an opportunity to impact someone's life without even speaking a word. Opening the door for others, considerate driving practices, allowing someone with few groceries to take the place in line ahead of us, smiling at strangers on the street . . . there are any number of ways to "maintain good works."

The other day someone shared with me that they could easily tell people who had a sincere relationship with Christ by their actions. The work God is doing on man's heart will show outwardly; it will be profound in many ways.

Take a reading of your personal "good work meter" and see how you measure up. Did you cut off a driver because you were in a hurry? Did you push your way to the counter ahead of someone without regard to those around you? Have you walked down the street making eye contact and smiling at passers-by? Check yourself and do it often. Make sure your good works are communicating to others that you are different. Don't fall into the trap of treating the world as the world treats you; set a higher standard for your life so the love of Christ will show through every word, every deed, and every step you take.

A quote commonly attributed to St. Francis of Assisi sums it up: "Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary."

Let your good deeds tell the story of the abounding love of Jesus Christ loud and clear.

Father, I must repent. My attitude, my actions, my motives are so often selfish, preferring myself rather than preferring others. Lord, teach me to consider my ways every moment of every day, looking for every opportunity to do good works that will reflect the good work You have done and You are doing in me. Lord, open my eyes and let me see the needs of others so I can do whatever is necessary to minister to them through my actions. Father, teach me to preach the gospel through my good works which will glorify You. Help me to remember that sharing the Gospel when my deeds and actions don't testify to Your goodness is fruitless. Let my life reflect the change You have made in me. In Jesus' name, for His glory, amen and amen!

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

© Jan Ross
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"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—something we all know but something we truly have a hard time grasping! 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. 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 the years; a series of events occurred until the day arrived that I met her face to face. What a marvelous gift from God to finally meet the woman who had given me physical life while still enjoying the love and support of 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...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; give Him the glory and honor 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. 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)

© Jan Ross
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"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." (Ephesians 4:29)

Have you ever stopped to listen to what comes out of your mouth and suddenly feel ashamed for the words you've uttered? Most of us have and regret ever opening our mouth.

Our words minister to those who hear them ... they either minister grace or they cause people to turn away hurt, dejected and may even bear the scars from our words for an entire life. Words, once they are released from our lips travel at the speed of sound; nothing can be done to reverse their affect once they’ve been spoken. Your words bear witness of what is truly in your heart: "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" (Matt. 12:34)

Next time you open your mouth to react to something, think twice and minister grace! Great will be your reward. You may never know the impact your gracious response will have on the person with whom you're talking!

Father, help me by putting a guard over my mouth to speak those things which only minister grace to the hearer. Help me remember that as a representative of my Lord, Jesus Christ, that it is my obligation to point everyone to Him in everything I do, everything I say, and everywhere I go. Help me minister grace to all I come in contact with! Amen!

“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3)

© Jan Ross
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"By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil." (Proverbs 16:6)

Have you ever wondered why there seems to be so much evil in the world today? According to today's verse, it could be that the answer is quite simple: There is no fear of the Lord.

The "fear of God" referred to here indicates much more than reverential awe and respect. The Psalmist tells us in Psalm 25:14 that we can't know the revelation of God's covenant until His fear is deeply rooted in us: "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant." This verse connects an understanding of the covenant with the fear of God. In short, revelation is tied to His holy fear.

Mankind cannot truly fear God until they know Him and His nature. Because this age we live in is so self-centered, self-sufficient, and self-serving, few are found who truly set their heart to KNOW God as He reveals Himself to us in His Word.

Is your heart set to KNOW God? Is your desire for Him stronger than your desire for anything this world can offer?

Separation. Consecration. Desire. These three will open the door to an ever-increasing revelation of Who He Is!

Seek Him. Serve Him. Love Him. Fear Him.

Father, my desire for You is growing day by day as I spend time in a loving relationship with You. Lord help me to further consecrate my life for Your use; I long to be a vessel fit for Your use! Lord, teach me your Word, teach me Your ways, help me to understand the depth of Your love shown through Your covenants, your promises, your Word. I am like a child eager to learn from You! Teach me, Father, till this world has no more hold on me and I am totally Yours in every way. Father I love you with my whole heart, amen!

“Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.” (Psalm 25:4-5)

© Jan Ross
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"The day is thine, the night also is thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun". (Psalm 74:16)

A declaration of God's faithfulness to His covenant!

Ask yourself this question: If God is faithful to His covenant with the earth, the sun, the moon, the seasons, and even time, will He not be faithful to His covenant with me as His child? The answer is easy, of course He will.

He promises never to leave us or forsake us. His Word is true and unchanging. That which He promises, He will of a certainty perform for you and for me.

And what is the sign of His covenant with us? The written Word, signed and sealed by the blood of Jesus, affirming His promises to us that His love and mercy endure forever.

What a totally awesome God who keeps covenants through His abiding love.

Oh Majestic Father, how excellent is Your Name in all the earth. You, who own the day, who prepared the light and the sun, are also able to keep me in the midst of all my circumstances. Help me, Lord, to remember how magnificent, how awesome, and how great Thou art, amen.

“Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.” (1 Chronicles 29:11-13)

© Jan Ross
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"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:12-13)

Are you walking in obedience to His commandment? Do you love others as our Lord loves you? Are you willing to deny yourself everything including your very life for your friends?

Have you ever thought about how deeply you love your own children – even to the extent of giving your own life for them? It would be hard, but if it were necessary most parents would willingly lay down their lives for their children. But this love that Jesus talks about in our verse today demands an answer to a much harder question: Could I ever be able to give of myself to such an extent for someone I don't know, or for someone whom I don't really like? This is what the Lord is asking us—how much are we willing to give out of love for others? That kind of love requires far more than most are prepared to give.

There was a secular song years ago that asked, "How deep is your love?" These words can also be applied to what the Lord is asking us . . . "How deep is your love toward each other…how deep is your love toward Me?" Is it deep enough for you to be willing to lay down your life for your friends? The Lord did it for us; how could we be satisfied to give any less?

We all need to take time on a regular basis to examine our lives, our hearts, our motives, and our level of love for one another. Then ask, “Just how deep is my love?” Meditate on the depth of God’s love for us; it will put things in perspective FAST!

Dear Father, my love for my brothers and sisters needs to grow deep. Help me develop and maintain a loving spirit, gentle and kind yet firm and unwavering toward my friends and loved ones. Help me be an extension of Your love on this earth by loving all those I interact with, putting their needs ahead of mine. Touch through me, work through me, love through me . . . that You may be glorified in me. In Jesus' Precious Name, amen.

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:14-19)

© Jan Ross
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"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." (Psalm 147:3)

Praise the Lord!

All through the Bible we are encouraged to praise the Lord and it is not without reason that we are called to this duty time and time again. Praise serves a two-fold purpose: When it is directed toward and centered in Him, it pleases Him beyond measure. Secondly, praise is in our best interest because it blesses us.

God's love for His people is overwhelming; He takes care of us and makes provision for every need. It is His pleasure to comfort the broken hearted, to bind up the wounded, to set free the captive. He is motivated by merciful love . . . not by anything we could ever do on our own to deserve it.

If you're broken hearted today, if you've been wounded by life's circumstances, take time to praise Him. Press into Him and praise Him with all your might! He's worthy of all your praise.

Father, thank you for your undeserved merciful love. When I am broken hearted, when life deals me a deadly blow and I walk away wounded, it is good to know that You are there ready and eager to heal my broken heart and to bind up my wounds. Father, I love You and praise You . . . just for being You. Amen and Amen.

"Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psalm 107:8)

© Jan Ross
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