"...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

"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

"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)

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!

© Jan Ross 2008
All Rights Reserved

"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

"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

"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

"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

We've all been there! The bills are due and there's not enough money; the children are sick, the car won't run, there's not enough groceries to feed the family, the garden didn't produce the yield expected, those that owe you money don't have it to pay back, the bank account is depleted, the utilities are about to be turned off, everything that could go wrong is (or has) gone wrong.

At this point we have two choices. We can do as Job's wife advised and curse God and die, or we can keep our eyes fixed on our Provider and choose to "rejoice in the Lord, [and] joy in the God of my salvation." It's a hard decision, but it is OUR decision nonetheless.

All too many people have fallen beneath their circumstances only to say that they "can't" take any more or they don't see any way out. What they're not seeing is the fact that God is our total care-giver and our temporal circumstances have absolutely NOTHING to do with Who He is! In that, we can rejoice in the Lord and joy in the God of our salvation. He is Lord whether we "see" Him working in our situations or not. He is Lord whether we "feel" it or not! The fact is He is Lord, PERIOD! There is none other AND He is all we need!

So when the storms of life seem to overtake you, just remember He is LORD. Then, go on and rejoice in that! He knows our circumstances, He knows our weaknesses and our strengths, He knows US! So, rejoice in the Lord and joy in the God of your salvation; He is worthy of ALL our praise!

Father, though life's circumstances would seem to overwhelm me, I choose this day to rejoice in You and take joy in the God of my salvation. The things of this earth fall into perspective when I remember Who you are and Whom I serve; help me to remember these things. Finally, Lord, I rejoice in what You have done, in what You mean to me, in what You have accomplished on my behalf. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You and not my circumstances. Circumstances are a lie . . . You are TRUTH! Amen!

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." (Psalm 42:11)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." (2 Timothy 2:19)

As a child I can remember when I did something wrong, I would run and hide or try to hide the thing I did wrong from my parents. I knew that I had disobeyed them and was ashamed, hurt, and afraid of the consequences I knew were about to befall me! But even as a child, I knew there was no place I could hide that my parents could not find me, or if I attempted to hide the object I broke or ruined, somehow they always found it. It was a fact of life, no doubt about it!

In a child's eyes, parents are the ultimate authority, the ones they love the most and the ones they fear the most! Many times we, as Christians, act the same way in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. We do something wrong and immediately we want to hide. Of course, we know we cannot hide from Him, but we have a tendency to "sweep things under the rug" and not deal with them, a way of hiding from Him. Why do we do this? Most times it's because we don't want to suffer the consequences for what we've done wrong and by denying it we hope that the problem will just "disappear".

The Lord knows us. He knows where we are at all times, what we are doing, what we are thinking! He knows what motivates our actions! Actually, He knows more about us than we know or are willing to acknowledge. He knows our strengths and our weaknesses . . . He knows us!

Take special note today of the ways you "hide" from God by not coming to terms with sin in your life. Then, quickly repent and thank Him that you are covered by the Blood of the Lamb and accept His cleansing and purifying. Respect Him and "fear" Him as a child, love Him and honor Him in all you set your hand to, today and every day!

Dear Father, so many times I find myself "hiding" from You so I don't have to deal with my problems or my sin, not because I don't love You but because I fear the consequences. Lord, help me to trust You and to be secure in our love—Your love for me and mine for You! Lord, I love You more than anything or anyone . . . help me, Lord, to show my love by running TO You rather than AWAY from You when I have missed the mark. Amen!

"Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD." (Jeremiah 23:24)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38)

The Spirit of God dwelling and working in us is as a fountain of living, running water, out of which plentiful streams flow.

The word "rivers" is used to express an abundance or a full supply! It literally means that we shall pour out the large and liberal and constant blessings on the world. instruments of God to pour out fountains, ever-flowing streams of His life-giving blessings.

It is the nature of Christians to give to others the very thing which we have been given; no one can be a true child of God and not desire that others know Him also!

Allow those rivers to flow through you, out of your innermost being, to all those with whom you come in contact! Let the Lord use you to share the blessings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. Remember, you may be the only opportunity some people may have to meet and know our King of kings and Lord of lords!

If He is worthy of all our praise. And, He is without doubt! He's worthy of our willingness to be used in any and every way possible to bring the life-giving living waters to the world!

Father, thank you for accepting me as your child; thank you for the rivers of living water flowing out of my innermost being. Lord help me to release the flow to all with whom I come in contact. Help me to allow your love, your life-giving water to impact the world that you may be glorified in all the earth! Amen!

"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah." (Psalm 143:6)

If you have ever been through the desert, you have an idea of what a "thirsty land" looks like. The ground is parched, cracked, and its cries for water are nearly audible!

Our hearts are much like that desert ground, nearly audibly crying for the presence of the Lord. Without Him, the heart is parched, cracked, and dry and non-productive!

Today, in your devotional time, reach out to the Lord and allow your thirst for Him to grow in intensity as never before. The stronger the thirst, the more of Him it will take to quench that thirst. The more of Him you have, the less room there is for the world and its baggage!

Stretch forth your hands unto Him. Allow your thirst for Him to drive you closer day by day! Remember, "in His presence is fullness of joy" . . . evidence of a thirst that has been truly quenched!

Father, forgive me for not always thirsting after You as the desert ground thirsts for water. Lord, forgive me for allowing the world to entice me away from seeking you with my whole heart! Father, increase my thirst so that You will be glorified in my life as I learn to draw from you the only Water that will quench this dry and thirsty soul! Amen!

"Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw." (John 14:13-15)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"And Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." (2 Corinthians 7:10)

There is a vast difference between admitting or confessing your sin and feeling true sorrow for your sin. In fact, in light of this verse, we may have unconfessed sin our lives.

A heart that is truly seeking the Lord will feel a sense of sorrow for sin. We can look at the children of Israel for an example. Exodus 33:4 contains a key word – "mourn."

"When the people heard these distressing words,
they began to mourn and no one put on any ornaments."

The children of Israel were a very expressive people. When they celebrated, they really celebrated. When they mourned, they really mourned. The word "mourn" in this verse speaks expressly about wailing and lamenting with great sorrow. Why were they mourning? Because they sinned and God revealed their sin to them. We see in them a pattern for us, teaching us how to respond to God when confronted with sin. It is important that we learn from their example, as we tie these two verses together.

I personally can think of times that I have done wrong and I have casually asked the Lord to forgive me but there was no change of attitude in my heart, there was no sorrow, there was no lamenting, there was certainly no mourning. In my mind I was satisfied that I had repented, but our verse today says something very different. "Godly sorrow" brings repentance, not a casual admission of wrongdoing.

Repentance can come with responses of sorrowful emotions from the extreme wailing and mourning the children of Israel experienced, or deep regret, or sincere sadness for having offended the Lord. However, if you're honest with yourself, there have been many times your admission of wrongdoing has been simply that, acknowledging you did wrong to ease your own conscience. If you look at it though, this is not true repentance that reflects "Godly sorrow".

Take some time today and search your heart, asking the Lord to reveal to you any areas of wrongdoing to which you need to apply "Godly sorrow." It may be that you need to ask God for a sense of sorrow for the sin for which you are repenting. We know that if we ask according to God's will, that he will give it to us; we are batting 1000 when we ask of him something that he desires from us.

Allow yourself the privilege of experiencing true sorrow for your sins. You will find a burden lifted that you never realized was there. Don't back away from this opportunity to bless the Lord and to reap the benefits of living with "no regret".

Father, I can honestly say that there have been many times I have done something I knew to be wrong, casually asked forgiveness and never thought another thing of it. Forgive me, Lord, for not approaching You with heart of true sorrow for offending Your Most Holy Throne. Lord, help me to approach You sincerely and honestly with a heart determined to please You even when I miss the mark. I want nothing more than to stand before you pure and free from any chains that might bind me to this old world. Lord, I ask you to teach me Godly sorrow and help me to quickly recognize when I offend You. Purify my heart, oh God, and help me to be a pleasing and submitted vessel of honor set apart to glorify You. There is nothing I would rather do! In Jesus name, amen!

"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12)

© Jan Ross 2008
All Rights Reserved

"And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marveled at him." (Mark 12:17)

April 15 is a day dreaded by many Americans. It's a day on which many must reckon their dues to the IRS, a day when many make decisions in their heart to be honest or to "bend the rules" just a bit.

Integrity is a word that seems to have lost its meaning throughout the recent years. Not long ago it was common for a contract to be made binding on a "word" and a handshake. Now it seems that even though a signed document exists, notarized, certified, and filed in court, a good lawyer can find a loophole which will enable a promise or vow to be broken if one takes a notion and has enough money put away to pay the lawyer. So much for integrity! How our actions must grieve the Father!

Set an example for others around you. Be diligent to pay "Caesar" what is owed. Your diligence may not be noted here on earth, but your Father, who is in heaven, sees and will reward you openly for your truthfulness and example of integrity and responsibility.

Give unto Caesar that which is Caesars, but then be sure to give to God that which is God's . . . everything you are and everything you hope to be, totally, unreservedly, and unashamedly.

Father, integrity is something that I very much admire in people—when they say they will do something, they do it. Lord, You told us to render unto Caesar that which is his; I have done that. Now, Lord, help me to render unto You that which is Yours—all of Me. Lord, I give myself to You once again. I surrender my will, my hopes, my dreams, my purposes, my all. Accept all that I am and all that I ever hope to be as an offering; may it ascend to heaven as a sweet-smelling savor pleasing and acceptable to You. I love You, Lord . . . Amen!

"For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad." (Luke 8:17)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way." (Exodus 33:3)

The Lord is talking to Moses; the people are stubborn and rebellious and God said He would not go with them because of His anger toward them. If anything, this passage shows the emotion of God when His people rebel against Him. Thank the Lord for His mercy and grace . . . thank the Lord for the blood of Jesus!

What an interesting term "stiff-necked" is. The Hebrew word actually is like a farming term – a term used when a farmer attempts to put a yoke on an animal and he won't turn his head in compliance – he holds his head stiff and resists the yoke. It's easy to see why the Lord called the children of Israel "stiff-necked." It's also easy to see how we could be called the same thing.

An interesting verse ties in with this reference to a "stiff-necked" people found in Matthew 11:28-30 . . . "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." But yet this verse is referring to rest and associating it with the yoke.

The children of Israel resisted the yoke of God's authority. Jesus tells us in Matthew 11 if we will take His yoke upon us that we will find rest, that His yoke is easy and burden light. In other words, if we accept the yoke of God's authority, we will find rest.

Have you ever noticed when you are struggling with frustration and disappointments and disillusionment in life, the very fact that you are struggling is a sign that the yoke of God's authority is being resisted? Yet, when God is in His rightful place in your life, the yoke of His authority brings peace and things seem to flow much easier—have you ever noticed this?

Jesus invites us to take on His yoke, to allow Him to place it on us without a struggle and without being "stiff-necked," and we will find we have rest for our souls and His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

Obedience is the remedy for a stiff neck and, when mingled with humility, the stiff neck soon becomes compliant and easily submits to the yoke of God's authority.

God's authority—the authority of His Word is the yoke which brings ease and rest to your life. Lay your burden down; stop struggling with life's problems and let your obedience to God's authority produce in you the peace that passes all understanding!

Lord, forgive me. Change my heart and show me how I can submit to Your authority. Father, I long for the rest, the light burden, the easy yoke Jesus spoke of in Matthew. Help me to apply Your authority in my life every place and in every area I have appeared to have a stiff neck. Help me, through obedience and humility, become compliant and submissive to Your will in order for Your peace that passes all understanding to be produced in me. Show me Your ways, teach me Your will, and help me to obey with a grateful and joyful heart. In Jesus' name, amen.

"The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." (Exodus 33:14)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18)

There is no sin too big for God to forgive. There is nothing you could do to cause Him to withhold His cleansing from you!

We must never be ashamed to come to Him, confessing our sins and seeking His forgiveness! He said as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our sins from us! His cleansing is thorough, complete, and permanent!

Are you holding back "secret" sins because you think they're too big for Him to handle? First of all, there are NO "secret" sins . . . secondly, there's nothing too big for our God!

Turn it all over to Him today and allow the cleansing flow to permeate your total being, rendering you pure, spotless, and totally cleansed!

The blood . . . the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb of God will cleanse you and make you white as a new-fallen snow, fresh and pure! Glory to the Lamb of God whose blood was shed for you and for me!

O Lamb of God, thank you for the blood that flows today as it did two thousand years ago . . . still cleansing, forgiving, and setting free any and all who seek You and ask Your forgiveness! Father, help me walk in constant awareness and thankfulness for the blood that was shed for me by honoring You in all I do and say each and every day. And when I mess up, Lord, lead me back to the River of Forgiveness to be cleansed and purified once again! Glory to the Lamb of God, whose blood has taken the stain of my sin and made it white as snow! Hallelujah! Amen!

". . . Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (Rev. 1:5-6)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come." (1 Corinthians 11:26)

What an intimate time of fellowship the Lord had with His disciples that night that He was betrayed. He loved these men so much . . . so much so that the Last Supper was a final attempt to prepare them for what was about to happen.

When He was to wash his hands only, He took the basin and towel and washed the feet of His disciples . . . He was ministering His love through His servant's heart to them. Nothing was beneath Him . . . not even washing the dirty feet of those who would not too many hours later betray or deny Him.

When it was time for the Passover meal, He showed them the broken bread and the poured out wine . . . then He explained that it represented His death.

The bread . . . unleavened . . . pure and without sin . . . representing Himself . . . broken for all! The wine . . . the blood . . . for the remission of sins . . . poured out for all!

We can look back and wonder how His disciples could have been so blind. How could they, in light of everything they had just experienced in that Upper Room, still doubt His love for them? We're quick to judge them for their lack of faith and their disbelief, but the fact remains that we are no different! We doubt His love for us every time we find ourselves backed in a corner or facing tragic circumstances or feel overwhelmed with life. We struggle with the fact that He loves us so totally and completely when we feel distant from Him or we are going through a battle. All too often, when things get a little tough, we begin to question His love!

Take time today to reflect on His unconditional, unfathomable, immeasurable, and unconditional love for each of us! Then, give Him your love through total surrender and obedience in return. He held nothing back from you . . . hold nothing back from Him!

Father, what can I say other than, "Thank You" for loving me so completely and perfectly that you made a way for me through the pure and spotless Lamb that was slain. Lord, help me to remember the depth of Your love for me always. Help me to express my love to You by surrendering more completely to You through obedience to Your Word. Oh Lord if it wasn't for your unfathomable love for me through the gift of Jesus Christ, I would never be able to enjoy sweet fellowship with You! You are truly awesome, Lord, and magnificent in all Your ways. What a privilege to be able to call You "Lord"! Amen and Amen!

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15)

Is there anything that distracts us more than material things or cares of this life? Or, perhaps we have things in our lives that have consumed us and direct every thought, word, and/or deed!

For a long time when I would read about the children of Israel molding a golden calf to worship while Moses was on the Mountain surrounded in the cloud of God's glory, I got so mad! I would think, "How on earth could these people be so ignorant?" One day my eyes opened and I saw many idols in my own life which I had created with my own lusts and desires! For so long I never realized that some of the material things in my life had become an idol! I never recognized that my worries, fears, and cares of this world were at enmity with my God! These things can so easily become idols wherein we turn our affection and our attention solely on them and lose sight of the love of the Father!

Steve Green recorded a song that so aptly explains this verse and puts into context of our everyday lives . . . the name of the song, "I Repent":

I regret the hours I have wasted
And the pleasures I have tasted
That You were never in!
And I confess that though Your love is in me
It doesn't always win me
When competing with my sin!

And I repent, making no excuses!
I repent, no one else to blame!
And I return to fall in love with Jesus;
I bow down on my knees
And I repent!

I lament the idols I've accepted
The commandments I've rejected
To pursue my selfish end!
And I confess I need You to revive me,
Put selfishness behind me,
And take up my cross again!

And I repent, making no excuses!
I repent, no one else to blame!
And I return to fall in love with Jesus;
I bow down on my knees
And I repent!

"I Repent" . . . each one of us could repeat those words and they would apply to our individual lives. This is exactly what our verse today is about . . . "Love not the world neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

Where do you stand today . . . where do I stand today? Are we struggling with our love relationship with the Father? Perhaps we need to prayerfully reread the words above and make no excuses, but bow down on our knees and with a heart engulfed in Godly sorrow, simply repent! Amen!

Father, as I read through the words to that song and reflect on my life and how its emphasis seems to be on things temporal rather than spiritual, I indeed repent for the time that I've wasted among things other than those which bring glory to You. I pray that you will help me be a better steward of my time, my energy, my creativity, my thoughts, my talents, etc., so that You alone will be glorified through my life! I lose sight of this from time to time, Lord, but you alone know that I love you and desire to serve you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen!

"Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." (1 Cor 3:12-15)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp . . . Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD." (Psalm 150:3-6)

Praise Him . . . Praise Him . . . Praise Him! The last psalm goes out with a SHOUT! Praise Him!

Take a few moments and read Psalm 150. The whole psalm is condensed in the words of the very last verse . . . "Let everything that hath breath, praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord!"

With all that is going on in the world today . . . wars, rumors of wars, terrorism, disease running rampant, children killing children . . . it sometimes becomes a challenge to keep praise on our lips! But, our focus must be on the Lover of our Souls rather than on the circumstances in the world around us. This old world will one day fade away, but our relationship with the Lord is everlasting! To be eternally with Him is our goal, regardless what tomorrow brings!

As long as we have breath in our bodies, our life's theme should be praise! Is He worthy of our praise? No person, no thing, no anything could be more worthy!

So, as you go about your day, just remember, "Praise Ye the Lord!"

Father, I praise You for who you are, not just for all the wonderful things You have done. There is none like You in all of creation, and no one found as worthy as You of all my praise! Lord, as I look around me, read the news accounts, hear the reports on television, and even see it firsthand in my own family and neighborhood, I still choose to offer up my praise to You, having an assurance that You will never leave me nor forsake me, You have a plan and purpose for my life, You are for me and not against me, You are faithful in all Your ways! You are my Redeemer, my Sanctifier, my Saviour, my Peace, my Joy, and my Comfort and without You I am nothing at all! May my praise be received as an acceptable sacrifice unto You today and every day! I can't say it enough, Father, I PRAISE YOU! Amen!

"Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD." (Psalm 150:1-6)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

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

A survey of the Old Testament reveals a very interesting pattern. Stones were often used to mark an encounter with God, a reminder of God's covenant with man, or a reminder of victories won.

Joshua 24:27 is one such example, "And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the LORD which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God."

Is it no wonder that Jesus quickly rebuked the Pharisees for attempting to silence the praise of the people as he triumphantly entered the city of Jerusalem riding a colt amidst the waving palm branches acknowledging his majestic reign as King. The children of Israel understood the significance of Jesus' statement regarding the stones crying out.

You can well imagine that all around them stood stones which, according to what they had been taught from early childhood, were a memorial to God's faithfulness to their forefathers. And when Jesus proclaimed that if the people did not offer Him praise and adoration, all they had to do was look at the stones all throughout the region that had been set in place telling the story of God's provision and victory over their enemies.

It is also a proven scientific fact that stones are affected by sound. Joshua told the people that the stone "shall be a witness unto us for it hath heard all the words of the Lord which he spake unto us." The stone not only marked a tangible memorial, but also bore witness to the voice of the Lord to His people.

How marvelous is the Word of God! The Old Covenant and the New Covenant met together in Jesus Christ. He was the link between both covenants, and He still is. Psalm 85:10-11 says, "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven." Mercy . . . provision of our Righteous God to a people who never deserved it. Truth . . . Jesus Christ, the "way, the truth, and the life" springing out of the earth. Jesus said He did not come to do away with the law, but to fulfill the law. His reference to the stones crying out (testifying) is just one example how He fulfilled and brought clarity and understanding to the pages of the Old Testament.

Take some time to day and declare your praise and adoration for the Messiah, the King of kings and the Lord of lords . . . "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" And remember, there is a memorial set in Stone proclaiming God's faithfulness to all generations, the Stone which the builders rejected that has become the Chief Cornerstone of our faith.

Father, may my praise for you never cease. You are glorious. You are marvelous. There is none like you in all of creation. You are righteous. You are holy. You are mighty and full of strength. You are my hiding place. You are my strong tower. You are the Most High God. You are my Provider. You are my Protector. You are my Shield and Fortress. You are the praise on my lips. At your Word the world became. Glory be to your most Holy Name. Redeemer, Savior, King, Lord, Almighty God, Prince of Peace, Everlasting Father, Healer, Deliverer, the Author and Finisher of my faith. My Victorious King, I worship You and praise You and give You all the glory due Your most marvelous name. Hosanna in the highest! Hallelujah! Amen!

"For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it." (Habakkuk 2:11)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

We are excited to share the latest issue of JournEzine with you.

The traditional Resurrection Day celebration was very early this year, several weeks before Passover. In an attempt to focus on the Resurrection from a "less-than-traditional" point of view, this issue may be somewhat unusual.  We're honored to include some new authors this month who will lead us to a greater understanding of the meaning of Passover and how it relates to us as Christians.     

We are also thrilled this month to feature Mid Stutsman.  Mid is a precious friend of this ministry and an accomplished author.  But, before I give anymore away, let me simply encourage you to read her Interview
and her feature story, Behold, the Lamb
based on a true story in current headlines. 

There's something included in JournEzine
that is sure to touch your heart, we promise.  So, let's celebrate our Lord's resurrection together as you "open the pages" of April's issue of JournEzine.

CLICK HERE TO READ
April Issue of JournEzine

Jan Ross
Heart of God International

"When they professed themselves to be wise, they became fools. For they turned the glory of the incorruptible God to the similitude of the image of a corruptible man . . ."
(Romans 1:22-23)

I can easily remember my mother's words when I willfully disobeyed her thinking I knew better than she did . . . "So, you think you're pretty smart, do you?" Oh, those words cut to the quick, not because she meant harm by them but because she was right! I made a choice to disobey because I was convinced that I knew better than she did, that I had everything under control.

How many of us have been there or may even be there right now . . . willfully disobedient to God because we think we can handle our situation and God's way just seems too hard or not quite appropriate for our "special" circumstances! That's just like us humans – we always think our circumstances are unique, special, or extraordinary . . . this is a major cause of willful disobedience. How many times have you heard someone say, "Oh, God understands!" or "The Bible isn't specific about this so it's not disobedience!" or "I'll go ahead this once and repent quickly, but it's the only way to deal with this problem right now!" And, perhaps you've even said these things yourself.

Today's verse talks about this very thing . . . professing to be wise. But look at the next verse: "they turned the glory of the incorruptible God to the similitude of the image of a corruptible man . . ." In other words, they usurped the will of God making a "god" of corruptible man in the place of our incorruptible God.

Our decisions to disobey make us the authority, put us on the throne, and deflate the image and glory of God to the level of mere man. Oh yes, this is a hard word . . . one that cuts to the quick, but is true nonetheless.

Take some time right now to search your heart . . . is there any area that you have chosen YOUR way as opposed to God's way? Are there any "special" circumstances in your life that may have opened the door for you to take control rather than giving God control by obeying His Word? Allow the Holy Spirit to expose these areas and repent . . . don't be foolish by turning "the glory of the incorruptible God to the similitude of the image of a corruptible man". "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7) Let God be God and let His glory be established in your life!

Father, so many times I have found my own way through a situation rather than trusting You to lead me and guide me through Your Word. So many times I have thought my circumstances warranted special consideration . . . not once considering that my disobedience was robbing you and bringing you down to the level of mere man. Oh Lord, I repent . . . I am so sorry for choosing my way above Your way and for neglecting the leading of Your Spirit to trust You in ALL things. Lord, I choose to submit to You, to resist the devil when he draws me away, and I know that by this the enemy will flee and that Your glory will be established in my life. Lord, help me to recognize my foolishness in comparison to Your glory in all that I do in thought, word, and deed. In the name of Jesus that He might be glorified, amen and amen!

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." (James 4:10)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more." (Psalm 71:14)

Hope breeds praise! We are all facing situations which seem impossible . . . more now than ever before! But in the midst of each and every situation, there is hope regardless of how bad things seem. Hope because God's promises are true; He's never neglected or forgotten anyone in their time of need, regardless of what it looks like in the natural!

Hope and faith go hand-in-hand . . . Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." When we apply faith to our hope, we find substance in the things we hope for. Perhaps the manifestation has not yet been realized, but it's almost as if we can reach out and grab it, it becomes that real! When we couple hope with faith, we will soon find ourselves full of praise to the One who works all things to our good!

Praise will increase our faith . . . faith will give substance to our hope . . . the result will be more praise. As long as we continue to have hope . . . praise will spring forth from our innermost beings in response to God regardless of what we're facing, how bad it seems, how hopeless it appears.

Hope begets praise, praise begets faith, faith begets substance to our hope, and substantive hope begets praise! Now, praise increases . . . it's an automatic response to faith in God's ability to move in every situation!

The next time you find yourself facing an impossible situation, think about this cycle that will make way for the Lord to manifest Himself in your situation ultimately bringing Him glory and honor!

Father, as I learn to turn my fears to hope, teach me to increase my hope and my faith through praise! Lord, You are worthy to be praised . . . so much more worthy than anyone or anything! I am learning, Father, so please be patient with me . . . teach me how to please you in the midst of a trial so I can maintain a Godly attitude when it comes to challenges I face. Lord, I praise You . . . I praise You for what you have done in my life . . . but even more than that, I praise You for what You have done for me through the ultimate sacrifice of the Lamb of God, Your son, Jesus! You are truly awesome . . . You are worthy of ALL praise! Amen and Amen!

"But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more." (Psalm 71:14)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved