"You are my witnesses," declares the Lord, "and my servants whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, and will there be one after me." (Isaiah 43:10)

The verse I chose for today totally blesses me and I pray it does you as well.

Have you ever wondered why God "chose" you? Most of us have, at one time or another in our lives, gone through a time in our walk that we really wondered why on earth God would choose us to be His children. We see ourselves as so insignificant that it's hard to understand why the God of the Universe, the Most High, Almighty, Sovereign, El Elyon, El Shaddai would choose 'me' to serve Him.

Look closely at this verse, though. ". . . my servants whom I have chosen so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he." That's why He chose you . . . that's why He chose me. So we will KNOW Him and BELIEVE Him and UNDERSTAND that He is God.

The word "know" in this verse is the Hebrew word "yadha". It is an ancient term which encompassed a very personal level of familiarity and was often used to depict the close relationship between a husband and wife. One of the greatest reasons you are on this planet is to learn to KNOW God intimately and with reverent familiarity. God wants us to KNOW Him so He chose us to reveal Himself to us.

But, there's more. He not only wants us to KNOW Him but to BELIEVE Him. To believe Him is to trust Him and in order to trust Him we must know Him. The Hebrew word for "believe" is "aman" which means to be firm, to be enduring, to trust.

The "trust issue" with God is a monumental problem in the lives of most Christians. We know the promises of God and yet we don't trust God to fulfill His promises. Why? Because we don't KNOW Him intimately; we don't know Him to be trust worthy on the level of knowing as described in this verse. We cannot trust someone we do not know; conversely, if we know someone to be trustworthy, we will trust them.

Finally, the third reason God has chosen us is to UNDERSTAND that He is God. But how can we understand that He is God? By knowing Him and believing Him. By allowing Him to reveal Himself to us through His Word.

We cannot KNOW God on this level by a short devotional like this delivered in your email or posted on a board. To know God on this level requires diligence to become intimately acquainted with His Word. His Word is the written record of who He is, revealing to us His personality, His character, His plan, His purposes, and His love for us.

Study the Word . . . develop an insatiable hunger and thirst for the Living Word. Don't allow anything else this world can offer to satisfy you. Learn who Your God is and He will reveal Himself to you in ways you never dreamed possible . . . He will manifest Himself to you through diligent study of His Word.

You have been chosen to KNOW Him, to BELIEVE Him, and to UNDERSTAND that He is God . . . don't wait another day. Set your mind to search the Word diligently. There isn't a more satisfying and fulfilling goal known to mankind.

Father, sometimes I feel so empty and so dissatisfied with life, not really understanding why You would choose me to be Your child. I feel almost lost sometimes, wandering around thinking I know You but knowing down deep within that I really don't "know" you on this level. Father, show me how to study Your Word; give me a hunger and a thirst for the Living Word. Open my heart to seek after You diligently through Your Word, so I can KNOW You and BELIEVE You and UNDERSTAND that You are who You say You are. Lord, I want more of You . . . I confess that I NEED more of You. Lead me to the never-drying fountain that more than satisfies my thirsty soul! In Jesus' name, amen and amen.

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him"  (Colossians 1:16)

Can your imagination imagine it? Can your understanding understand it? All that has ever existed, all that exists today, and all that will ever exist comes from our Lord . . . they were, are, and will be made BY Him and FOR Him. What an awesome God we serve! What a mighty God we serve! What a powerful God we serve!

Today's verse is a wonderful reminder that nothing escapes the attention of our God. He created everything for a reason. It is also a reminder that with Him all things are possible. If he can create the universe in such a detailed and complex way, He can take care of our daily needs. He's not stumped by our unusual circumstances. Neither is He overwhelmed by the greatness of our troubles. As a matter of fact, we are reminded that there is a REASON for everything He has created. We may not see the reason behind the circumstances of life we find ourselves in, but we are assured that there IS a reason and He is working on our behalf . . . creating the way where there seems to be no way.

Look to Him today even though your circumstances may seem overwhelming . . . and remember, if He can create a universe with all the principalities, powers, thrones and dominions . . . He's certainly able to take care of you. He is MORE than able!

Father, forgive my unbelief again. It is so easy to be overcome with the weight of my circumstances and not see the manifestation of Your awesome provision. You truly are great, awesome, and mighty . . . there is none like You, no not one. Help me remember, Father, that you are my Waymaker . . . You're still in the "creation" business . . . making ways where I fail to see them! I love you, Lord! Amen!

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." (Revelation 4:11)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words."  (Jeremiah 18:2)

The Potter's house:  a place where broken vessels are made new . . . a place where the Master Potter works on each vessel individually to refine, to strengthen, to mend, to reshape, to prepare it to be the beautiful, useful, unique vessel it was created to be.

It is His sovereign right to form our lives as He pleases. "As the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand." How often do we have a preconceived opinion of the course our lives will take only to have the Master Potter change everything?  Through circumstances, situations, and other influences in our life, He Himself sets the course for us -- most often not the direction WE would like to go, but the direction He has planned and purposed for us.  It is so awesome to realize that we are part of the Sovereign Creator's plan for all of mankind. 

We need not be dismayed when we feel the reworking of the Master Potter in our lives but rather rejoice that His purposes are continuing to be accomplished as we stay submitted and pliable in the Master's hands.

My desire, O Lord, is to be used of You, to please You, and to stay submitted to You all the days of my life. I give my life to You again, I renew my commitment to You again, and I submit to Your masterful work in my life as You mold me and make me after Your will. You are the Potter, and I am the clay . . . have Thine own way, Lord, have Thine own way! Amen!

"Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand."  (Isaiah 64:8)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also." (Matt 23:26)

Isn't it just like man to judge the outside without regard to the inside? Not only did Jesus know that, but advertisers today know it as well.  After all, when we go down the aisle at the store, what attracts us first?  Easy!  We quickly find ourselves drawn to the best label, the brightest colors, the most appealing packaging of the product.  If this weren't true, there would be little need for advertising designers.

Think about it . . . the packaging of any item immediately impresses us and molds our thinking so strongly that often times we take home the items that were presented with the most color and visual appeal only to find out that it wasn't at all what we had expected.  We are visually impressed with nearly everything.  Homes with the best landscaping appeal to us, stores with the best advertising draw us in, churches that look inviting from the outside stir our curiosity.

We are all too often concerned about how things look, so much so that we take more time cleaning and preparing that which is outside than we do that which is inside.  Consider how much time every day you spend showering, fixing your hair, selecting your clothes and coordinating your outfit.  The details of our daily outward cleansing are many, and we're diligent to attend to each one and, for the most part, we wouldn't dare venture outside without having completed our daily personal grooming routine.

But, the Lord Jesus, when speaking to the Pharisees made a statement that demands our attention:  "Cleanse first that which is within."  Immediately I'm reminded of the Psalmist as he wrote:  "God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; to see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary." (Psalm 63:1-2)  The Psalmist is desperate to cleanse the inside of his vessel first . . . not only first, but EARLY in the morning.  He longed for that encounter with the Father every day so much so that he likened his heart to a dry and thirsty land yearning for the heavenly outpouring.

As we learn to prioritize our time, using it wisely with more focus and attention given to our inner man than our outer shell, we will find that our outward appearance will begin to bear a glorious resemblance to our Father, an appearance that will be noticeable to all you interact with.

Take the Psalmist's advice . . . seek Him early --- EVERY DAY.  It's a worthwhile priority that has eternal consequences.

Father, I'm amazed.  I didn't realize I spent so much time concerning myself with my outward appearance in comparison to the amount of time I spend each day tending to my heart.  Oh Lord, forgive me . . . Father, I feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit right now as I consider my daily priorities.  Help me to heed Your voice.  Help me to respond to Your gentle nudge every morning as You invite me to take care of inner cleansing first as I spend time in Your presence.  Lord, teach me to always keep my priorities in order, regarding my time with You as most important in every day.  Lord, teach me, help me, and guide me as I rearrange my lifestyle so that the inside of my vessel will be first in the order of my daily routine.   Father, thank You for the reminder that without You, I can do nothing and that includes starting my day off right.  In Jesus' name, by His blood, for His glory I pray . . . amen and amen.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."  (Matthew 6:33)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:15-16)

This Laodicean church was the only one of the seven churches in Asia Minor who received no word of encouragement from the Lord. Can you imagine being a church and yet not having anything going on that was found to be pleasing to the Lord?

Just realizing that makes me want to examine my own life. If Jesus wrote me a letter, would He find something to offer as encouragement? Would He see something good in me that He could point out specifically and commend me for?

I doubt the Church at Laodicea expected to receive a rebuke like they did. After all, they were busy doing "deeds". That means they weren't just doing nothing. They were doing things, but the things they were doing were a mixture of hot and cold which, when mixed together produced a lukewarmness that was found to be "spewable" to the Lord. And, perhaps that's really what we need to be looking for.

Luke 24:32 gives us an example of "hot": "They asked each other 'Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?'"

Matthew 24:12 references "cold": "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold".

Laodicea most likely attempted to appear "hot" with busyness but they were motivated by a "cold" heart. The result was lukewarmness that warranted Jesus' harsh words of rebuke.

The Word of God is our "thermometer". Let's use it to take our spiritual temperature. Are our works hot but motivated by a heart that's turned cold? If so, we, too, could be rebuked for our lukewarmness.

Romans 12:11 describes how we, the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, should measure up when we take our "spiritual temperature": "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."

Father, show me any coldness within me. Help me to maintain my spiritual fervor in loving you, serving you, and obeying you. Teach me, Lord, how to please you, how to keep that fire burning within my heart even when the hard things in life come upon me. Oh, Lord, I long to live pleasing to You. I don't want to be "hot" in deeds but "cold" in my relationship with You. Ignite the embers of my heart, fan the flame, so I can burn with passion and zeal for You. I love You, Lord … in Jesus' name, amen!

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:5-6)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds."  (Psalm 36:5)

God's mercy and faithfulness toward us . . . totally unmerited and undeserved. Mercy and faithfulness are attributes of God which are passed on to us because of His goodness and for His pleasure.

What an awesome thought! It is for His own pleasure that He is merciful. It pleases Him to be forever faithful toward us. To receive His mercy and to recognize and truth in His faithfulness is a form of praise to the Most High God. He is glorified as we learn to walk in the fullness of all He gave us so freely.

His hand of mercy can be seen in our lives each day as we sense His faithfulness to us in spite of our shortcomings. With humility of heart and meekness of spirit, we offer our sacrifice of praise to One who gives such a precious, costly gift. Our gift back to Him consists of our love, devotion, adoration and most importantly, our obedience.

Take a few moments right now to thank Him for His MERCY and FAITHFULNESS . . . for God IS good and His mercy endures forever.

Your mercy, Lord is forevermore . . . Your faithfulness is beyond measure. How can I ever thank You for all You have given me? I am rich with Your richness; I am blessed with Your blessings; I am filled with Your fullness. Thank you, Lord for Your mercy and for Your faithfulness. There is none who can compare to You. In Jesus' name, by His shed blood, and for His glory I offer my praise . . . Amen!

"The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD." (Jeremiah 33:11)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!" (Numbers 14:2)

The murmuring and complaining of the children of Israel seemed to never stop! When things got rough their immediate response was always much the same, "Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt." Don't be too shocked, we're not much different

When I have read this passage, or a similar one, several times over the past few weeks it suddenly became apparent to me that God was sending me a message about my lack of gratefulness and appreciation for all that He has done for me. No different than the grumbling and complaining children of Israel! I could often hear the words swirling around in my mind, "It would be so much easier if I only hadn't . . ." – you can finish the sentence. You most likely have moments when you say the same thing.

When we consider all that the Lord has given us, the blood of the Spotless Lamb to cleanse us and make us whole, guaranteeing our victory in the face of every enemy, how can we not be full of praise and gratefulness. When we think of the way He provided for us to be reconciled to Him even while we were yet dead in sin, how can we not fall on our faces in total submission to His awesome plan. When we reflect on all the times He made a way for us where there seemed to be no way, when His presence was with us even when we weren't expecting it, when we made bad choices yet His love never failed . . . when we contemplate all His goodness, His mercy, His total provision, how can we not be overwhelmed with His faithfulness, His mercy, His constant and abiding love.

We are given the examples of the Israelites' dissatisfaction and longing for "the good old days" as admonition to find another way to respond to all the changes that happen in our lives. Let us ever join the Psalmist . . . "I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:1-4)

Father, so often my grumbling and complaining about my circumstances must break your heart as my dissatisfaction rises to the throneroom as a clanging cymbal. Please forgive me, Lord, for not always acknowledging that You are Lord in the good times and in the bad, that You have not lost control of my life, that You are always there making a way for me even if I don't see you at work. Oh Father, I repent for all the times I showed dissatisfaction rather than praise, when I exhibited poor responses to Your hand at work in my life, when I failed to see Your will being done as opposed to answering my prayers in a way I thought You should have. Lord, forgive me. Cleanse me. Renew a right spirit within me. Help me to always be like the Psalmist with Your praise always on my lips, rejoicing with a heart of thanksgiving. You deserve the glory and the honor, in Jesus' name, Amen and Amen.

"Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being." (Psalm 146:1-2)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time" (1 Peter 5:6)

Promotion comes from God, whether it's on the job, in ministry, or just in everyday life. Any attempt to promote ourselves is counterproductive to the will and plan of God in our lives and will likely end in failure or, at the very least, become burdensome and less than fulfilling! God's way is always the best way!

Humility, on the other hand, is reducing oneself to lower circumstances. Humility presents itself as behaving in an unassuming manner devoid of all haughtiness. And, humility accepts less even when more is deserved!

Consider some definitions of the word "humble":

1. Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful.
   
2. Showing deferential or submissive respect.
   
3. Low in rank, quality, or station; unpretentious or lowly.
   
4. To bring low; to reduce the power, independence, or exaltation of; to lower; to abase; to humiliate.
   
5. To make humble or lowly in mind; to abase the pride or arrogance of; to reduce the self-sufficiently of; to make meek and submissive.
   
6. To abase; lower; depress; humiliate; mortify; disgrace; degrade.
   
7. Thinking lowly of one's self; claiming little for one's self; not proud, arrogant, or assuming; thinking one's self ill-deserving or unworthy, when judged by the demands of God; lowly; weak; modest.
   

With an honest time of self-examination, how many of these definitions of "humble" do others see in your life? Don't be surprised if you find yourself lacking some of these qualities in your life. Don't be surprised if you feel the Holy Spirit shining His spotlight on some issues in your heart even now as you read this!

To be Christ-like is to be humble; the result of humility is in God's very capable hands and it will be realized in the hearts of those who have learned true humility!

Lord, my desire is to be a humble servant, willing to accept any circumstance I may find myself in. My flesh is weak but, Lord, my spirit is willing to seek after humility. Help me, teach me, lead me, Oh Father, in the way that is most pleasing to you, regardless of the cost to me personally! Help me to submit my heart to You; do Your perfect work within me and be glorified! Amen!

"And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." (Matthew 23:12)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint."   (Isaiah 40:31)

There is a reason for everything including waiting. Here is a modern-day "parable." I believe it will bless you and teach you about today's verse!

Sitting at the drive-through window at a fast food restaurant a while back, I did the usual thing . . . I drove up to the speaker at the menu and ordered. I proceeded to the first window and paid, then drove to the second window and waited for my order. After sitting there for a few minutes, the clerk slid back the window and said, "Will you please pull over to the side; your order is not ready."

I was a little upset, but I pulled over and waited. I thought, "Why do other folks order and drive straight through yet I have to wait." I waited for another two or three minutes. It seemed like hours before the clerk finally ran out, tapped on the window, and handed me the order.

Of course I asked her what took so long. She replied, "You wanted the 'special sauce' which meant it had to be especially made for that sandwich, it doesn't usually come with that one.

This scene is a reflection of our prayer life. We make our requests known to the Lord. Our menu is His Word where He has given us His promises, explained the cost (the conditions we must meet to receive the promises), and He assures us that He will give us the desires of our heart. But if God doesn't answer immediately or within our predetermined timeframe, we become impatient.

"Lord, I prayed yesterday, and You still haven't answered. I can't wait much longer. Why is it taking You so long?"

Others around us are seeing their prayers answered – God is moving in their lives. Yet, it appears that we've been overlooked or neglected. Then just when you think things are about to work out and your prayer has been answered, He pulls back the royal curtain of eternity, and states, "Please pull over to the side and wait a while longer – I'm not finished yet!"

This particular day, it frustrated me to no end until the clerk brought out my sandwich. Then, the revelation became clear. Suddenly, in the quietness of my heart, the questions were never-ending: Do you know why the Lord has put you on the side? Do you know why you have had to wait for this blessing? Do you know why He has put you through more this time than ever before? Do you know why it seems as though He has not heard you and He does not care? Do you know why it seems like you have had to go through more tears, more pains, and more struggling this time?

Then, the small still voice: "Because the answer is custom made for you and since you made a request, and He only gives good and perfect things, it will come in His time and not yours. Custom-made answers from God take time because they are prepared in a way that is perfect for us."

Maybe the "parable" isn't perfect, but I believe God's message to us is perfect. How many people have driven away before the clerk brought their food, and how many people have missed their blessings because they did not wait? Have patience. Keep on waiting. You made a request, now wait on God's answer – He knows the need and He has the answer!

"But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31) They who wait shall receive an answer!

Father, forgive me for my impatience! So often I ask things of you and, because of my anxiousness, I become frustrated and begin to doubt. As simple as this parable was, Lord, it showed me where my lack of trust in You has often cost me a special blessing from You. Forgive me, Lord, and help me to remember that all things are done in Your time, that you see the bigger picture and know what I need when I need it. Help me remember that Your ways are higher than mine and that Your love for me never fails. Lord, I want to trust You more, I want to love You more, I want more of You! Amen!

"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." (Psalm 27:17)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." (James 1:4)

"That ye may be perfect . . . "

The "perfect" man referred to in today's verse is the one who is mature, full of integrity and virtue. What is maturity? The following description of "maturity" is by an unknown author but aptly describes the Christian's goal to be "perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

Maturity is the ability to do a job whether you are supervised or not; finish a job once it is started; carry money without spending it; and be able to bear an injustice without wanting to get even. Maturity is the ability to control anger and settle differences without violence. Maturity is patience. It is the willingness to postpone immediate gratification in favor of the long-term gain. Maturity is perseverance; the ability to sweat out a project or a situation in spite of heavy opposition and discouraging setbacks. Maturity is the capacity to face unpleasantness and frustration; discomfort; and defeat without complaint or collapse. Maturity is humility. It is being big enough to say, "I was wrong." And when right; the mature person need not experience the satisfaction of saying, "I told you so." Maturity is the ability to make a decision and stand by it, as opposed to the immature person who spends their life exploring endless possibilities and then doing nothing. Maturity means dependability; keeping one's word; coming through in a crisis.

To be mature in God's eyes, one must not only possess these qualities, but be found complete in Him, having heart (not head) knowledge of the Word, being humble yet totally convinced of His forgiveness and mercy. Moreover, maturity is walking in reverence to Him, responding to Him in obedience, resigning oneself to His will, trusting implicitly in Him, and retaining the motivation to worship Him and Him alone!

Are you mature? Are you complete? Seek His face, read His Word, grow in His wisdom, be faithful in all things. You will soon find that you are not only on the path to becoming "perfect" according to today's verse, but you will reflect the ever-challenging image of "Maturity" in your walk with Christ.

Father, when I compare my ways against those of a "mature" Christian, I am found lacking. Lord, help me to grow in maturity so my life will reflect Your awesome mercy and grace. Lord, help me to put away childish things and immaturity and to take on maturity so others may see a true representation of Your glory in the earth today! Amen.

"Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature." (1 Corinthians 14:20)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me." (Psalm 139:9-10)

"Thy right hand shall hold me!" When I consider the hand of God holding me, I'm overwhelmed! Isaiah 41:10 gives us some direction for today's thought: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

The right hand of God! The place of power and strength and the seat of authority are seen in the right hand of God … the hand that holds you and me!

Colossians 3:1 gives us some more information which will bless you today as you consider that the right hand of God holds you: "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God."

Romans 8:34 says, " … It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us."

Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest, sits at the right hand of God interceding for us and His intercession holds us tight, keeping us from harm and danger, protecting us and shielding us! Our righteousness is found in His right hand! Our help is found in His right hand! Our strength is found in His right hand! And, it is His right hand that is clasped tightly around us, holding us close as the Great Intercessor stands between us and the Father pleading on our behalf continually!

Is there any doubt in your mind that God is able to keep you from falling? Is there any reason for insecurity and fear? Can you not see that God is very aware of every detail of your life? Oh, that we would all come to trust in that right hand that keeps us and holds us – the same hand that was nailed to a rugged cross, the same hand upon which you and I are engraved as we are ever before Him (Isaiah 49:16).

The right hand that holds us reigns as Sovereign over all! In the words of King David as he went in to the presence of the Lord and cried out with passion, "How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears." (2 Samuel 7:22-23) Amen and Amen!

Father, when I think of Your right hand, I am overwhelmed that You would care for me with such love and such power! When I think of my Great High Priest at Your right hand interceding for me constantly, taking my prayers and needs and making You aware of them . . . I am overwhelmed! Your right hand, the seat of power and authority – the same hand that holds me and keeps me safe! Words cannot express my heart's response to the care and protection provided by Your right hand! I am humbled that You would care for me so intimately, I am honored to be Your child. Thank You, Lord . . . Thank You! In Jesus' precious name, by His powerful blood, and for His glory and His alone I pray, amen and amen!

"Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you . . . O great and powerful God, whose name is the LORD Almighty, great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. Your eyes are open to all the ways of men; you reward everyone according to his conduct and as his deeds deserve." (Jeremiah 32:17-19)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."  (Psalm 19:14)

Words are very powerful; they can build one up, they can tear one down; they can produce life, they can deal a deadly blow; they can edify, exhort, glorify, and praise.

The Psalmist wants to use the standard of the Word, the Law, the Testament, the Statutes of God as a standard by which his words are judged. But he takes it a step further, a place where we dread to go . . . he wants to allow God to judge the "meditation of [his] heart"!

Most Christians are willing to submit heir "words" to the leadership of the Holy Spirit; however, very few are dare to venture past that to the point where they will allow the Lord to judge the meditations of their heart. When your meditations become implanted within the heart's womb, they bear fruit.

Take a few moments and examine the "fruit" implanted in your heart. Is it sweet or is it bitter? Sweet fruit cannot grow in a bitter environment. In fact, a bitter heart corrupts and eventually kills the fruit it is producing.

Recently I read a quote worth passing along: "Bitterness is the poison that we drink thinking we are killing the other person." In other words, the bitterness produced in our hearts does nothing to the one toward whom we are bitter, but it works as a poison to the one who is bitter. Allowing bitterness to grow in us is spiritual suicide and many times it affects our physical health leading to illness and even premature death.

What is hiding in your heart? Are you pleased to open the door of your heart and let the Lord in? Will your meditations be found acceptable in the sight of God?

Oh Lord, you know my heart and You see the meditations of my heart. May they ever be found pleasing in Your sight. Reveal to me any roots of bitterness in my heart and help me, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to pluck those roots out before they grow in strength and corrupt the fruit growing in my heart. If the meditations of my heart are not pleasing to You, if the words of my mouth are displeasing, Lord, show me, forgive me, help me, cleanse me, and purify me so that I may speak of and think on those things which bring life, build up, edify, exhort, glorify and praise. Oh Lord, cleanse me and make my heart right before You for You are my heart's desire . . . there is NONE like You! Amen!

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing." (Ezekiel 47:12)

There is absolutely nothing for which God has not made provision! He has considered it all; nothing escapes His knowledge and His purpose . . . there is a purpose for everything under the sun!

In Kenya, a land where little is much and where nothing is taken for granted, a simple dose of tender loving care can heal the deep wounds of the heart. As a team of missionaries, we had the awesome privilege of not only seeing the need from a distance, but we were called to touch, embrace, hold, and even kiss the cheeks of many who needed only to know they were loved!

But then, there were those who were sick, some even nearing deaths door . . . no money, no doctors, no medicines. Their only hope was out of reach for them because of the lack of means to receive help. Medicines prescribed by volunteer physicians and medical professionals were made available to hundreds of people during one of this ministry's outreached to Kenya . . . "leaves for healing" saved numerous lives as attested by the doctors after three days of medical camps in regions where the sting of death and disease touches nearly every home.

Having witnessed this with my own eyes, it's easy to see how the "water from the sanctuary flows" to those in need, giving food and leaves for healing. This verse spoke so powerfully to me as we were serving food (the Word of God) and leaves of healing (medicines) as the water (the Word) was flowing from the sanctuary (the heart of God)!

When you begin to think you have nothing to offer, that you are insignificant in the Kingdom of God, remember the times you reached out and embraced the unembraceable or loved the unlovable! Remember the times you lent a helping hand to one in need, the time you offered words of encouragement to a downcast friend. You, too, were as the water flowing from the sanctuary, serving food and leaves for healing.

Do you consider yourself insignificant? Not hardly! Begin to thank God for every opportunity He has given you and begin to pray for more opportunities to be a vessel He can pour through . . . He's waiting for you to ask!

Father, use me! I make myself available to You to be used to serve "food" and offer "leaves for healing" to those You bring into my life. Forgive me for not taking opportunities You have already brought to me. Help me to look for them and to take advantage of every chance to minister Your grace to those in need. "Here I am, Lord, use me!" for Your glory, that Your Kingdom be increased and Your name magnified in all the earth! In Jesus' name, amen and amen!

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"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)

This verse has made a profound impact on my life and I pray that by the time you read this, it will have left the same imprint on your heart as it has mine.

Through the leadership of Moses, God divinely and miraculously delivered the children of Israel out of Egypt and set them on their course to the Promised Land. They saw the hand of God protect them, spare the lives of their firstborn, lead them through the Red Sea, shield them with a cloud from their enemies, lead them with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, no one was sick, clothes didn't wear out, and so much more! Yet, they murmured and complained, "We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic: But our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes." (Numbers 11:5-6)

Oh, what an ungrateful people! God provided manna – bread from heaven to feed them, to meet their physical needs while they journeyed through the wilderness. Yet, all they could think of was onions and leeks and garlic from Egypt! In essence, they were eating at the Lord's table but were longing to eat at the devil's table at the same time. What was God's reaction? "Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased." (Numbers 11:10)

Just as the Hebrew children needed to finally put Egypt and all it stood for behind them and gratefully focus on all that God had blessed them with, we need to learn to hate the world and all it stands for. We are no longer part of the world – we are citizens of Heaven. We cannot drink of the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils. We cannot partake of the Lord's table and of the table of devils at the same time. We cannot serve two masters.

We cannot be Ambassadors of the Kingdom of God and represent both the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of this world. This world is now a foreign land to us; we're just here on temporary assignment. Our cravings must be that of the Kingdom of Heaven and all God provides for us, unmixed and unmingled with the things of this world yet permeated with gratefulness and praise! Whose Ambassadors are we? We can't be a part-time Ambassador for the Kingdom of God and part-time Ambassador of a foreign land.

"If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." (John 15:19) If the world hates us as Christians, why are we still trying to eat at the world's table?

Let the Holy Spirit minister to you and listen intently to the voice of your Shepherd. Are there areas in your life where you are living in compromise? Submit to the leading and admonition of the Spirit of God right now and let Him do His perfect work in you, delivering you out of your "Egypt" into His total and perfect care.

Don't read another word until you listen to the voice of God revealing your heart to you. Will you listen? Will you obey?

Father, I am so amazed at Your Word, how it shines on my life and reveals hidden recesses in my heart, exposing sin that is unconfessed, will that is unsurrendered, and motives that are unredeemed. Oh Lord, forgive me. Cleanse me of all unrighteousness, expose everything in me that is an offense to You, and give me both the desire and the strength to lay it all down and surrender totally to You. Lord, help me to ever keep today's verse in my heart, quickly revealing areas of compromise and sin so that I might lose my desire for "Egypt" and apprehend all that You have provided for me through the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior at whose table I am honored to be seated. In Jesus' name, by His shed blood, and for His glory and His alone . . . Amen and Amen.

"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)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Dost thou know the balancing of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?"  (Job 37:16)

Knowledge is increasing day by day. Scientists are discovering new strains of disease, new dimensions of space, breakthroughs in medicine, etc. Millions and millions of dollars are being spent each year in research and development to further enhance the technology we live with on a day-to-day basis.

While all of this is impressive to some, we ought always to be impressed with the fact that we cannot even begin to know the "balance of the clouds" or the "wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge." There are things which mankind will never know . . . no one will ever be able to measure the sum of all knowledge.

The next time you think that you accomplish something special, remember this verse; we are NOTHING without Him. We cannot even begin to compare to His knowledge, His wisdom, His power! We serve a mighty, awesome God, Ruler of the universe. In Him we live and move and have our being. Without Him we are nothing. Everything we are, everything we hope to be, is because of Him . . . there is none else besides Him!

Father, forgive me for not always acknowledging your greatness! I am guilty with all others of losing sight of the fact that compared to you, we are totally nothing. I thank you, Lord, that you have reminded me that no matter how wonderful my accomplishments may be, there is no one or no thing that can compare to You! Lord, help me take on an attitude of humility and thankfulness for each thing you've given us, for each thing we learn, for each talent we possess, for each mystery of life that is uncovered. For any knowledge at all is a precious gift from You, oh omniscient Lord! Amen!

"O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep." (Psalm 92:5)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear."  (Isaiah 65:24)

What mortal mind can begin to comprehend the ways of our Lord? He has no bounds; there is no limit to His understanding and knowledge! There is no place He hasn't been or anything He hasn't considered! He knows all . . . past, present and future.

That's an interesting thought. He knows everything past, present and future. Some would want to attribute this type of time-transcending knowledge to those with "psychic powers", the enemy's counterfeit for the omniscience and omnipresence of the Most High God!

God is eternal, not bound by segments of time. God is omnipresent; He exists everywhere at all times, including in our past, in our present, and in our future! He's present in yesterday (He knew us personally before we were born). He's present in today (He has personal knowledge of or a personal relationship with us today). AND He's present in tomorrow (He's already there in our tomorrow as He is not constrained by time).

So, when the Lord says, "before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear" we know that He has already heard the call and seen the need before we even knew it existed. It's true! "Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." (Matthew 6:8)

Let faith arise in your hearts. There is no situation that can befall you of which He is not aware and in which He has not already intervened. He has eternity in the palm of His hands! Hallelujah!

Father, You are more wonderful and glorious and Your ways are so much higher and awesome than I had ever imagined. Lord, each day as I read Your Word and I meditate on You I see a greater depth of Who You are than I had ever seen before. Lord, thank You for loving me so much that You would make provision for my needs before I even realize I have them! You are truly amazing to me and Your love and provision is overwhelming and humbling. All I can say is, "Thank You, Lord!" Amen!

"But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me." (Psalm 66:19-20)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."  (Matthew 18:11)

By nature, we are lost souls, just as a traveler is lost or out of his way. The purpose of Christ's advent on this earth was to save that which was lost, to bring us back into relationship with our Creator, to restore us, to reinstate us, and to put us on the right path to eternal life. His was a mission of reconciliation, of seeking out those who are lost and reconciling them to the Father. He laid down His life for us. He risked it all so we would have it all, an eternal inheritance (Ephesians 1:11).

If you would take but a few moments to consider what price was paid for our inheritance, the concept of total self-sacrifice – a glimpse of God's immeasurable love toward us can be seen. Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:18-19 is that we "may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God."

Consider the greatness of His love today; you'll find yourself lost in its overwhelming greatness! We truly serve an awesome God. A holy God. The Most High God. There is none like Him!

Father, as I contemplate the love You have shown me by seeking me out to save me, I become overwhelmed with emotion. I realize that I couldn't deserve such a display of love, but am ever so grateful for your gift of salvation today and every day! I'm so glad you risked it all to save me from the path of destruction I was on. How can I ever thank you enough? Truly there are no words to express my gratitude. Amen!

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."  (Revelation 3:15-16)

According to today's scripture, "half-way" just won't get it! It's either all or nothing. The "in-between", in fact, is abominable . . . spewable!

Everywhere we go we see people who are not committed to anything. It is almost an epidemic. People will not (for various reasons) commit to much at all, not to their families (look at divorce rates), and not to God Himself. In essence, if it is going to cost them something personally, people find it hard to make any type of true, lasting commitment.

Commitment is the vehicle by which we live our Christian life. Commitment is not half-way, it's not lukewarm. Commitment is giving of oneself wholly and completely to God and His service, not sometimes, or every once in a while. Commitment is all; it's jumping in with both feet with nothing held back.  Commitment is being a Christian in every area of our lives, not just on Sunday, not just when we're with other Christians, not just when we feel like it.  Commitment is being a Christian ALL the time.

The lukewarm, non-committed Christian is, in God's own words, not pleasing to Him at all. An abomination . . . spewable.

If you're not a committed Christian, sold out and giving ALL of yourself to Him and to His service, please take time today to search your heart. Confess your sins of lukewarmness and make a commitment, a REAL and lasting commitment to serve Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. He is worthy of all we can give, and so much more.

Father, thank you, Lord, for showing me what is important to You. Father, please help me to be "hot" at all times, not compromising, and always committed. Lord, I love you and truly desire to serve You all the days of my life in a manner that is pleasing to You regardless of what it costs me personally! For your glory, Amen!

"Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the LORD. And the people did according to this promise." (Nehemiah 5:13)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)

The simplicity of faith has suddenly become the focus of my meditation ~ accepting God's Word at face value, believing it with my whole heart, and acting on it fully expecting Him to do the very thing He said He would do!

Simple faith understands that God cannot lie and He will ALWAYS do what He says He will do! Simple faith declares that the Word of God is not only alive and at work in our lives but it believes with expectancy and without doubt! Simple faith understands that God is not pleased with anything less than faith! Simple faith refuses to acknowledge doubt in God's ability to perform His Word! Simple faith simply believes!

I met a woman in Kenya who understood the simplicity of faith to an extent I never before had considered. She simply accepted God's Word at face value and totally expected it to work on her behalf. Her faith was not only "simple" but it was pure, unwavering, and lacking any element of doubt. If God said it, that settled it! Although this woman lived in conditions that would cause most of us to doubt her understanding of the abundant life we seem intent on chasing after, she glowed from the inside out as she walked in simple faith, trusting God because He said He would do certain things for her. This precious woman taught me much as I watched her life, as I saw her children, and as I saw the manifestation of what she believed as God performed His Word in her life time and time again.

All too often we complicate the Word of God by mixing it with our understanding and application, trying to figure out how it fits within the framework of our own ability to comprehend it. But I feel challenged to become like this precious Kenyan woman who walked in the simplicity of faith and saw the hand of God move in her life again and again and again.

If God promises He will do something, He will do it! If His Word states something as truth, it is truth! All He asks of us is to believe Him, without doubt and without question! And, when we do, nothing can stand in the way of receiving all that He says He will do because simple faith pleases God! Amen!

Father, forgive me for complicating the simplicity of faith! Lord, help me to simply believe You and to take Your Word at face value with a determined heart to believe without doubt. Father help me to discern the enemy's tricks as he complicates the simple and makes it into what appears to be an insurmountable mountain in our path. Teach me, Lord, to walk with simple faith, with an undivided heart, and with the kind of faith that pleases You. I want to see Your Word alive in my life like never before, Father, so that the benefits of simple faith at work in me will bring You glory as Your Word is confirmed. Oh Lord, help me to live by simple faith full of expectation and void of any doubt or unbelief. Be glorified, my precious Lord, and let Your glory be seen in the lives of those who dare to walk in simple faith! Amen and Amen!

"Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints." (Jude 3)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise."
(Galatians 3:18)

God is a God of covenant; He is a God of promise!

The Word of God is full of promises made by God to His people. His provision for everything that pertains to life and godliness (see 2 Peter 1:3) is promised to us in His Word! What God says He will do – the promises He makes – is like a binding agreement … He cannot lie. When He says He will do something, you can count on it – it's done! "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." (2 Corinthians 1:20)

Faith gives us the ability to walk in or receive the inheritance that God has promised to us. Faith originated in what God said, not in anything else such as man-made creeds or doctrines. The bookstores are filled with self-help books describing ways to do nearly anything you can conceive! But the Word of God is the written testament of what God has said – what He has spoken into existence. The exercising of our faith will not only enable us receive all that He has provided for us, it's the ONLY way to walk in the fullness of His plans and purposes for us. Unlike all other books, the Word of God is alive and powerful; its message never fades or dims with age. It never outdates itself and it never becomes obsolete. The Word of God is as pertinent to believers today as it was the day it was written through divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

God's promises have not been done away with … they are a part of His promise to Abraham and His seed and that includes us! When you read the Word remember that it is personal to you, and your seed, and their seed … to all generations!

Father, thank you for reminding me that Your promises are still for us today. Teach me how to walk in faith to receive that which You have promised me. Open my eyes to learn what Your Word has to say to me personally! Help me to learn to rely on Your Word for my daily sustenance; may it become more important than my physical nourishment. Lord, I want to please you, I want to know You, I want to walk in the fullness of what You have provided for me . . . the inheritance which You promised to me, to my seed, and to my seed after me! In Jesus' Name . . . Amen!

The LORD Almighty has sworn, "Surely, as I have planned, so it will be,
and as I have purposed, so it will stand." (Isaiah 14:24)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved