"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
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"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
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"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
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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 . . . 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
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"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

"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
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"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
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"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

"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

"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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"Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul." (Psalm 66:16)

The Lord has been dealing with me and teaching me about the "fear of God". In many ways, throughout my day, He is revealing to me areas in which I have become casual toward His Sovereignty, Holiness, and Righteousness. If we would be truthful with ourselves, we would ALL feel the burden of conviction when it comes to recognizing and revering the Sovereignty, Holiness, and Righteousness of our Creator!

In the times when Temple Worship was still going on with the daily sacrifices and other rituals, etc., we can only imagine a High Priest, standing on the outside of the veil which separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies where the presence of God was manifest. As he was about to enter in, a terrible fear came over him. He was afraid! He knew that if he didn't follow the "procedure" just right that he may enter in behind the veil and possibly never come out. It is a traditional teaching that many times the High Priest even tied a rope around his ankle in case he died in the presence of such a Holy God, that he could be pulled out since no one else was able to actually enter in there.

Now since the veil is rent, we walk in and out of the presence of such a Holy God, not giving it another thought! We don't fear His power . . . we don't have a healthy respect for Him. As Christians in this generation, we have become casual about who God really is. The enemy has blinded us through the teachings of contemporary Christianity and we no longer "fear" God as we ought!

Do we tremble at the thought of His mighty hand? Yes, the veil is rent so we can come into His presence through the sacrifice of our Passover Lamb, but does that mean we can take His Holy Presence lightly? God forbid!

We are all unworthy of His love and acceptance. Any worthiness we have is only through Jesus Christ and His blood; anything else in us or about us is but dung. We are nothing . . . He is everything!

May the realization of just Who He is become so vivid in our minds that we will never take the invitation to come into His Holy presence lightly again!

Father, forgive us all for taking You for granted . . . for not standing in awe, for not trembling at the sound of Your voice through Your Word as it speaks to our spirit. Father, teach us as modern-day, end-times Christians to fear You as You reveal Yourself to us in a deeper and more intimate way than ever before. May Your presence be something we treasure, that we not take it for granted another instant. Father, forgive me . . . forgive Your people and teach us all! Amen!

"Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him." (Psalm 33:8)

© Jan Ross
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"For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me." (Nehemiah 4:18)

Let's see if you can picture this . . . men building a wall around a city, busily working with their tools yet armed for battle! Today it would be like a construction crew working on a major project wearing on one hip the carpenter's belt complete with hammer, mallet, wrenches, screwdrivers, measuring tape, nails, screws, and the like, and on the other hip a sword in its shield, unlocked and ready for whatever enemy may come against them.

Kind of a fearsome thought! One writer interprets this "picture" as having a hammer in one hand and a sword in the other! Essentially, the symbolism is the same – building and protecting!

Our jobs as Christians are to be builders of the Kingdom of God while we are fully clad with the whole armor of God, waging an assault on the kingdom of darkness! Build the Kingdom, fight for our families! Build the Kingdom, fight for our marriages! Build the Kingdom, fight for our nation, our state, our cities, our neighborhoods, our churches, our schools – the list goes on and on! We can't lay down our "hammer" because of our calling as Kingdom Builders and we can't lay down our sword because of our calling as soldiers in God's Army!

It takes true grit to be a Builder and Warrior all in one . . . with a strength not our own, with a vision and purpose that is eternal, with a plan that is born in the heart and mind of God!

How do we accomplish such a task?

Jude 20-21 ~ "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."

How do we fulfill such a role?

Ephesians 6:18 ~ "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."

Arm yourselves with prayer and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God! Work to build the Kingdom up ~ don't tear it down with unrighteous thoughts, words, and deeds, but persevere in the power of God as you fulfill your calling as a Builder and Warrior of the Kingdom of God!

Father, work in me, Lord, that I might be all that You have purposed in Your heart for me to be! Lord, teach me to wield the Sword by giving me an insatiable desire for Your Word. Show me how to be a Builder of the Kingdom by building not only myself up in the most holy faith, but by building others up through exhortation and encouragement and living a life before them that draws them to You! Father, I long to be a Builder and Warrior for Your Kingdom . . . teach me all I need to know, anoint me and commission me according to Your good pleasure! Mold me and make me after Your will. Form me into a blessing to You and to others as I hold a hammer in one hand and a sword in the other! Be glorified, Lord, in Your Kingdom Builders and Warriors! In Jesus' precious name, by His blood, and for His glory, Amen and Amen!

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" (Ephesians 6:13-18)

© 2008 Jan Ross
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"And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." (Luke 19:39-40)

The Bible tells us that ALL creation worships Him . . . the Creator! It is odd that if all of creation recognizes Him as Creator and that He is the object of its worship, why does man have such a problem with it? One would assume it has something to do with the "will" of man!

What do you "will" to do . . . hopefully offering the sacrifice of praise and heartfelt worship is of top priority on your daily agenda! The Lord was very plain in his remark that if His disciples failed to give Him the praise, that the very stones would cry out in worship of Him . . . Creation praising the Creator!

Make it a habit of joining the rest of God's creation and praise Him . . . He is certainly worthy! It would be horrible to one day find out that our praise was absent and the very rocks had to voice their praise in our stead!

Praise His Holy Name! He's Worthy!

Father, You are worthy of our praise! Forgive me, Lord, for those days when my lips are shut and praise fails to pour out from a humble, submitted heart. May I never cease to praise You. Right now, Lord, I join with all of creation in praise of You, the One who made heaven and earth and all that in them is! Hallelujah, for You are worthy of our praise! 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)

© 2008 Jan Ross
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"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."  (1 Corinthians 1:18)

We've all been there . . . ridiculed for our faith, mocked for our stand for righteousness. It is absolutely true that to those who don't know Christ, the preaching of the cross is foolishness. In fact, that is one way to tell whether or not someone has a relationship with Jesus . . . do they love the preaching of the cross or not?  The cross represents beauty, the beauty of God's mercy and forgiveness.  And it represents ugliness, the reproach of sin which our Saviour bore in our stead.

The power of His love toward us is wrapped up in the preaching of the cross. A love that never dies or dims with age; a love that never withers away; a love that won't grow stale or wear out; a love that is divine, perfect, and holy! That's the love of our Lord expressed in the power of the cross.

Allow the power of His love to pierce your heart today, to once again do a refreshing and cleansing that will encourage you, build you up, and equip you for whatever He has in store for you.

Father, I love the story of the cross. I love to share it, I love to hear it! It brings me back to the point where I was not following You, but even more so, it communicates the depth of love You have toward me. I am so thankful for Your sacrifice, so in awe of the lengths You went to in order to make a way for me . . . Amen!

"And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:8-11)

© 2008 Jan Ross
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"Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word."
(Psalm 119:114)

Hope. A desire of some good, accompanied with an expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable; an expectation of something that is thought to be desirable; confidence; pleasing expectancy.

Indeed, Webster has much to say about "Hope". In the context of the Word of God, we can see that it is very similar to Faith: "expectation of obtaining before actually seeing it manifested".

As we learn to be "hidden" in the Word of God, and use it as our "shield", we will find a level of hope arising within us that we never thought possible! And, with that hope will come the manifestation of our faith . . . the evidence of things unseen and the essence of things "hoped" for! But, the key is using the Word of God to build up our most holy faith in God's ability to shield us, to protect us, to provide for us, to help us . . . and so much more!

Are you depressed or despondent today, treat yourself to David's remedy . . . "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? "HOPE" thou in God..." (Psalm 42:5).

Father, You are my hiding place and my shield. Help me, Lord, to HOPE in your Word as I work to read more, to study more, and to commit more to my memory! Father, my desire is that your Word becomes a PART of me through daily fellowship with you in it so I will know exactly where my hope lies in times of need! And, when my soul is "disquieted within me," HOPE will rise up and give me the strength to go on. Thank you Lord, for HOPE!

"For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock."
(Psalm 27:5)

© 2008 Jan Ross
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"Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:13-14)

Moses is talking to the children of Israel during the great exodus from Egypt. They had just left Egypt and Pharaoh's army was in pursuit—the Red Sea before them and the enemy behind them. They were surrounded! Moses is offering the people encouragement by the Spirit of God ... "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you TODAY."

We've all read "do not be afraid" or "fear not" over and over again, but Moses is admonishing the people to STAND FIRM and they would see the deliverance that God had appointed for that day!

God has deliverance appointed to us every day if we would just STAND FIRM. This isn't deliverance because of works or because of things we might think we earn by being 'good'. This is divine deliverance that the "Lord will bring [us] TODAY".

Today holds many opportunities for God to deliver us ... from the oppressor, from the snare of the fowler, from the devourer, from the thief, from the destroyer, etc. All He asks is that we STAND FIRM!

What really blesses me, however, is the rest of the verse: "The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."

When God delivers, HE DELIVERS! The obstacles you face right now ... when God delivers you from them YOU WILL NEVER SEE THEM AGAIN!

When God intervenes in our situation, it is a divine deliverance. When He speaks, it's done! When God delivered the children of Israel out of Egypt, they never faced those same enemies (oppressors) again—they were completely destroyed by the hand of God! Sure, they faced other enemies but when God delivered them, they remained delivered (they stood firm even though they were often tempted to return to Egypt). If we will remember the entire story, when God delivered the children of Israel from Egypt, God wiped out the Egyptian army by causing them to drown in the Red Sea. Their enemy was removed and was no more!

Today is a new day, complete with new opportunities to see God's deliverance in our lives. When God comes in to do a work of deliverance, He does a complete work! The only way we will ever face today's "Egyptians" again is if we refuse to allow God to have His way—we do that by not standing firm but meddling in God's business and/or turning back again into the situation He desires to deliver us from.

Stand firm! Don't allow God's deliverance to be in vain! Be still ... the "Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still"! Amen!

Have a great day of deliverance! Enjoy the incredible blessings of the Lord!

Lord, I praise You for Your delivering power at work in my life! Oh God, forgive me for failing to stand firm and allowing You to do the work of deliverance. Forgive me for meddling in Your business by trying to work things out on my own. Help me, Lord, to trust You for complete and total deliverance from today's "Egyptians" and, then, help me to remember that the battle is Yours and I only need to be still. Deliver me from my oppressors, Lord, and lead me into Your victory so Jesus will be glorified and His triumph over the enemy will be seen. Be glorified, Lord … in Jesus' name, amen and amen!

"All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands." (1 Samuel 17:47)

© 2008 Jan Ross
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"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)

America has prospered, it's no secret! From it's humble beginnings only a little over two centuries ago to the strongest, wealthiest, and most progressive country in the world . . . God has indeed blessed this nation. Why? Because of the statement we see written everywhere: "One Nation Under God", or "In God We Trust"! Our forefathers intended for the United States of America to be a God-fearing, united people whose faith is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ and His righteousness! Who would have thought that 200 years later the very essence of our foundation is being criticized and judged to be unconstitutional!

Today's verse talks about the healing of our land . . . preceded by the humbling of ourselves, fervent prayer, seeking the face of God and turning from our wicked ways. As with most promises of God, the healing of our land is conditional upon these requirements. Unfortunately, we have become a land without humility where prayerlessness has invaded the lives of most (including innumerable Bible-believing Christians). The inhabitants of this land seek the face of prosperity rather than the face of God. They yearn for materialistic wealth and happiness; their god has become a token acknowledgement of an icon void of any semblance of righteousness, holiness, or sovereignty. The wicked ways so vividly defined in the Word of God have now become an accepted lifestyle out of fear of man rather than fear of God.

We are truly living in the last days. America, this beautiful land graced with God's bountiful blessings, will undoubtedly reap the rewards for her sin. Pray for America. Pray for our leaders. Pray for our pastors and evangelists. Pray that God would withhold judgment because of the righteous living in the land. Pray that as our eyes are cast on the Middle East and the daily turn of events which are framing our history that we neglect not to intercede on behalf of our nation and all those in positions of authority.

"America, America, God Shed His Grace On Thee"

Celebrate the freedom you have today taking extra time to thank God for His abundant blessings! He's worthy! He's AWESOME!

LORD, God of the heavens and Father of all nations, I humble myself before You today, acknowledging my own sin and the sin of this nation. I pray that You will revive us by the power of Your Word and the sanctifying power of Your Spirit. Forgive our sins, be merciful toward us, and bring renewal to our land. In the name of Jesus and by the power of the Spirit I ask this. Amen.

"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." (Proverbs 14:34)

© 2008 Jan Ross
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"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 "polish"! But, how much "polish" do we put on 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. The "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. Don't put on an "air", just let the love of God shine through . . . sinners will notice, the Spirit will draw them, and the door will be open to share!

So, when you're "polishing" your physical appearance each day before leaving the house, take a few minutes to "polish" your spirit through time spent in the Word and in prayer. You will then teach transgressors His way, and sinners will be 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 taught transgressors Your ways and sinners will have been 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)

© 2008 Jan Ross
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"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." (2 Timothy 3:1)

Today's verse speaks for itself! All one has to do is read through the headlines to understand that we are living in perilous times.

Christians On Trail in Algeria for Spreading Faith
Gay Marriage Legalized
Oil Prices Hit All-Time High Above $142
North Pole May Be Ice Free for First Time
AIDS Growing Global Disaster
Teen Arrested for Murdering Baby in School Bathroom
Presbyterians Wrangle Over Sodomite Clergy
Honey Bees Mystery Die Off Will Lead to Higher Food Prices
Demand at US Food Banks Skyrocket

. . . and the list goes on!

These are indeed "perilous times" in which we live, there's no doubt. We have no guarantee of tomorrow or even the next hour, yet so many of us live a less-than-committed life to the Lord assuming that we can always press in "tomorrow".

It should become increasingly apparent to all of us that time is short and that we are living in the times which were recorded by the prophets of old, the last days. Whether the Lord will return tomorrow or next year or even ten years from now doesn't give anyone the right to take chances by living a less-than-committed life. We must be ready!

Let's search our hearts right now . . . am I holding onto something which hinders my walk with God? Am I actively sharing Jesus with my lifestyle, my behavior, as well as my verbal witness? Is there anything I could be doing that I am currently not doing which would make me a more effective Christian?

Dear friends, allow the Spirit of God to stir your heart with the need for a stronger commitment to Him. Feel the urgency of the hour in which we live and share the love of Christ with everyone . . . holding nothing back! Love others enough to let them know that the Lord loves them and He's waiting with arms open wide to receive them unto Himself . . . but do it before it's too late! There's an urgency . . . feel it, act on it, pursue your call to share God with everyone you meet. Today, not tomorrow or next week, today is the day of salvation; you never know who will answer that call because you loved them enough to share!

Father, I feel that urgency stirring deep within my heart and I know there's much that I can do. First, however, I need to recommit my life to you, submitting my heart, mind, and soul to You, forsaking all others and acknowledging You as Lord and Master Controller of every area of my life. Also, Lord, I pray that You show me how to love everyone enough to share the good news of Your great salvation with them. Father, give us the necessary time to reach our loved ones as well as those we don't know, teaching them just how urgent this hour truly is. Finally, Lord, I pray that You would help us all to see Your hand move in the events we see taking place in our world and discerning the times in which we live and realize Your great peace in the midst of trouble. Father, I love You . . . more than anything I love You! Amen and Amen!

"O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD." (Psalm 31:23-24)

© 2008 Jan Ross
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