"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Giving thanks should come naturally to a believer simply because of the victory that has been given through our Lord Jesus Christ.

But, what exactly does it mean to "give thanks"? The word "thanks" in today's verse comes from the Greek word chairo, a verb meaning to rejoice, to be glad – but not just any kind of rejoicing but to rejoice exceedingly. It also means to be well and to thrive.

When you think about today's verse, our thanks giving should be more than mere words, giving thanks infers action – it means to not only be glad but to act glad. To not only say you're rejoicing but to rejoice exceedingly in your daily activities. It not only means to give thanks, but it also means to live a thankful life – to thrive in your rejoicing and thanks giving . . . it's about living out the victory that was given us through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Years ago, when I sang in our choir at church, we faced the congregation; it was impossible not to notice people's faces. Some were truly rejoicing; others were saying the words but their faces failed to show it, their actions didn't prove it and their sincerity was truly questionable.

Take some time today and get serious with the Lord, let Him know that you are exceedingly grateful for the victory that was given us through Jesus Christ our Lord—more than enough to cause us to "rejoice in the Lord always"!

Be thankful . . . the price paid for your redemption is worth more than anything money can buy, and it's yours absolutely free. All God asks is that you be thankful.

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks unto the Holy One,
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
And now let the weak say "I am strong",
Let the poor say "I am rich",
Because of what the Lord, has done for us
Give Thanks!

Father, I am glad—exceedingly glad for the victory that You have given me through Jesus Christ my Lord. Your bountiful blessings are immeasurable and Your love unfathomable. Lord, help me to live a life of thankfulness not hiding my joy from anyone. Help me to rejoice always, to bring glory to You in all I do and say from a heart that is overwhelmed with thanks and gladness. Thank You, Lord . . . Thank You! Amen and Amen!

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

I love the traditional songs of Thanksgiving any time of the year. But with the American Thanksgiving just a few days away, I wanted to share one with you to stir your heart of thankfulness today.

It matters not whether you celebrate Thanksgiving Day where you live, what matters is the heart of the worshipper who hastens to make known God's manifest blessings to all who will hear. Take the time to read the words penned by men centuries ago and join in the celebration of thankfulness . . .

Now Thank We All our God

Based on Ecclesiastics 50:22-24 by Martin Rinkart (1586-1649)
Translated by Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878)

Now thank we all our God,
With heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done,
In whom this world rejoices;
Who from our mothers' arms
Has blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God
Through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts
And blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep us still in grace,
And guide us when perplexed;
And free us from all ills,
In this world and the next.

All praise and thanks to God
The Father now be given;
The Son, and him who reigns
With them in highest heaven;
The one eternal God,
Whom earth and heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now,
And shall be evermore.

Spend some time today thanking the Lord for His provision, His peace, grace, protection, and love. Thank Him for all His hands have done to make a way for us to be reconciled to Him through the shed blood of the Sacrifice Lamb. Thank Him for the ability to thank Him. He's worthy of all our praise!

Father, I am so grateful to You for life, for breath, and for the ability to live for You. I'm thankful for Your great salvation, for Your provision, for Your healing touch, for Your redemption, for Your grace, Your mercy, Your compassion, and Your love. There are no words to convey my heart as it swells with overwhelming praise because of Who You are, not just because of What You have done. I love You, Lord, and I offer You my heartfelt praise as I celebrate Your goodness in my "thanks-giving"! In Jesus' name, amen and amen!

"I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving." (Psalm 69:30)

© Jan Ross
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"Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men" (Isaiah 29:13)

As I read this verse this evening, my heart was pierced. Immediately I asked myself, is my relationship with God based on how other's perceive Him or is it based on first-hand knowledge derived from a personal relationship with Him. The very thought that the Lord may look at us and say, "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me"
brings tears to my eyes. Surely His people are those whose hearts have drawn near to Him and who worship Him in spirit and in truth! Surely this couldn't be speaking about you or me!

No one can bear the responsibility of our relationship with the Lord but us. We cannot depend on our pastor or teacher to spoon-feed us week after week and do nothing of our own initiative during the week to build our relationship with the Lord.

David wrote in Psalm 62:7, "In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." In other words, he found God to be His everything . . . "God is MY salvation!" "God is MY glory!" "God is the rock of MY strength!" "God is MY refuge!" What he didn't say is, "God is MY PASTOR'S salvation and he will keep me in good standing with God!" Or, he didn't say, "God is MY TEACHER'S glory and if I attend faithfully, my teacher will represent God's glory to me!" Again, he didn't say, "God is MY CHURCH LEADER'S refuge and if I stick close to him, I'll be safe!"

Do you see what happens? So many depend on others to be their link to God. God says, "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." All too often people find themselves following man rather than following God . . . "their hearts are far from me."

Don't allow anyone to be your link to God for you. If you do, you'll be sorely disappointed. Man will fail you every time. I guarantee you know people who have been hurt in church and vowed never to return. Why is that? Because they depended on man, they put man on a pedestal; their hearts were far from God.

Beware of cultivating a second-hand relationship with God. Beware of depending on someone else's relationship with God as your security in Him. Release pastors and church leaders from the burden of responsibility for your relationship with God. Know God intimately through a personal relationship with Him. Be like David and say, "God is MY salvation, MY glory, the rock of MY strength, and MY refuge!" God will never fail you, He'll never fall, and He'll never again look at you and say, "their hearts are far from me."

Lord, teach me to be like David and know You as MY salvation, MY glory, the rock of MY strength, and MY refuge in greater measure with each passing day. Lord, I want to know you so personally that though everyone else may fall, my trust and faith in You will not be shaken. In Jesus' name, by His blood, for His glory, amen and amen!

"He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved." (Psalm 62:6)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth." (1 Timothy 5:6)

Paul's letter to Timothy is full of instruction for the church. You will find it contains some of the strongest admonition in church government found in the scripture. Among Paul's admonition to the church regarding church government a few verses are directed to the subject of widows. This small verse stands out as having much to say to all of us.

"But she that liveth in pleasure . . ." Pleasure as opposed to surrender and self-control. Pleasure as opposed to denying the flesh so the spirit may live. Pleasure as opposed to dying daily and picking up the cross and following Christ. There is nothing in pleasure that answers the purposes of life; it is not the reason for which life was given.

Not too long ago I saw a 2-minute clip of a movie where a child was sharing with is father something that was fearful to him . . . everywhere he looked he saw people who appeared to be alive but were really dead and didn't even know they were dead.

There are many who are sitting in the churches being deceived into thinking they are alive but yet they are dead, those who have assumed the name "Christian" but who have never surrendered their live to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Many people claim the name "Christian" yet their hearts are dead in sin, living in pleasure and dead while they are yet alive.

Are you alive in Christ or are you as a dead man walking? Are you living a surrendered life or are you living in pleasure? Is your motive in life to fulfill the longing of your spirit or is it to fulfill the lust of the flesh?

It's time to quit being silent and boldly proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and win the lost regardless of the cost. We are so worried about speaking out of place or out of turn. We are far too silent and secretive about our Lord while we see people all around us who are on the road to hell. Many times it appears that our concern is more for not offending someone with the Truth while we allow them to offend us with their irreverent behavior and speech.

1 Peter 5:8 tells us to "be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour". The fact is that he is AS a roaring lion. The righteous should be BOLD as a lion, sharing the Truth, preaching the Gospel, and loving our family, friends, and neighbors into the Kingdom of God. Let's not cower in fear with the roar of the one who walks around looking to devour someone, let's stand with BOLDNESS and proclaim Jesus Christ is Lord and win the lost at any cost.

Father, forgive me for the times I may appear to be as a dead man walking . . . help me to look alive and to emanate the life that I have in Christ Jesus my Lord. Father open my mouth and teach me to share openly, help me to be secure enough in Your love to speak with love and power of Your saving Grace. Be glorified in my conversation, in my zeal, in my fervor, and in my passion to win the lost at any cost. In Jesus' name, amen and amen!

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

© Jan Ross
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"…On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria." (Acts 8:1 NIV)

The history of the early assemblies of believers in Acts is rich; it would do us all good to spend some time reading about the birth of the church and be reminded of the power of God at work to establish His Word in the hearts of both Jew and Gentile.

Tonight my heart is overwhelmed with passion to seek the Truth. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…" To seek Truth is to seek Him. To accept the Truth and to live the Truth is what separates us from mere churchgoers or those who call themselves religious yet are not true believers.

Vladimir Lenin is quoted as saying, "we can close the churches and put the leaders in jail, but it's very hard to drive faith and belief from the heart of a man once he is contaminated by them."

What is a true believer? He or she is one whose belief in God completely consumes their life. A true believer believes inside and out—one whose belief/faith is so much a part of them that they cannot partition their lives. They are believers through and through, in thought, word and deed. A true believer lives his life as led and empowered by the Holy Spirit of God.

Many times people will call themselves Christian simply because they aren't Muslim or Hindu, etc, though their lives bear no fruit—no evidence of living a surrendered and Spirit led life. A true believer, on the other hand, will be "contaminated" by his faith—inseparable from his faith, living a surrendered life as led and empowered by the Spirit of God.

The word "believer" as used in the New Testament comes from the Greek word pisteuo which means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ); to believe, to commit, to put trust in."

A modern-day Saul named Sergei Kourdakov who was ultimately martyred for his faith, was taught by the Soviet KGB that belief is the enemy, not religion or the church. In his book, The Persecutor, he wrote: "The church represents no threats. Religion represents no threat. It's the Believers themselves who are the threat… belief is our enemy, not religion. This is why we don't call them Christians or church-goers. We call them Believers. They believe inside, and to root this belief from their hearts is a very difficult task."

By definition of the word, are you a believer? Would you be found guilty if true believers were being sought out and persecuted because of their faith?

Take some time to consider this especially given the uncertain times in which we live. Search your heart, examine your life; if you are unsure, please contact me or speak to a true believer and ask them to lead you to an abiding faith in Jesus Christ. Don't wait another day…settle this issue now!

Father, I make this declaration to You and I am not ashamed to share it publicly: I am committed; I stand and will continue to stand as led and empowered by Your Holy Spirit. No one can "root" this belief from my heart because I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that You are able to keep that which I have committed unto you until the day I meet You face to face. Lord, I am a believer and I refuse to compromise even in the face of persecution. I acknowledge my faith and trust in Your ability to prevent anything or anyone from separating me from Your love through Christ Jesus. I am persuaded …I am a believer! In Jesus' name and for His glory alone, amen.

"For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV)

© Jan Ross
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"Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways." (Haggai 1:6-7)

Doesn't this sound familiar? It could have been written today rather than hundreds of years before the advent of Christ.

We are never satisfied. We're more concerned about tangible riches than we are about spiritual riches. We've forgotten what Matthew 6:33 means when it says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." We see the "all these things shall be added unto you" but we neglect the first part "Seek ye first the kingdom of God".

The words of the prophet exposed a problem—the people worked hard and spared no effort to insure prosperity. But, their yield was more than disappointing. They had clothing, but no amount of clothing they owned could keep them warm. In fact, nothing seemed to be sufficient to them – food, drink, or clothing. They had money but it fell through their hands like holes in their bags. Why? God was forgotten and when God is forgotten, all is futile, without profit, and in vain.

The prophet Jeremiah said in Lamentations 3:40, "Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD." This prophet's cry still resonates throughout the earth, calling us to search our hearts AND our ways. Our hearts cannot be pure unless our ways are parallel to the passion of our heart.

Proverbs 4:26-27 says, "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil."

When the prophet said, "Consider your ways", he was speaking to each one of us. Do our "ways" cause us to toil without profit, to gain wealth and have nothing to show for it, to have closets of clothes and yet remain cold? If so, we must heed the word of the Lord through His prophet, "Consider your ways!" We can't blame it on anyone or anything other than ourselves – we're responsible to consider our ways and to remove ourselves from evil.

If we aren't careful to follow the words of the Lord found in Matthew 6:33, when we find we have holes in our bag and dissatisfaction with everything we work for, we too will hear the voice of the prophet saying, "Consider your ways".

Father, I hear the voice of the prophet echoing in my heart even right now. I work hard and in many instances I am not yet satisfied. I have much and yet I want more. In many areas I am discontent with what I have, Lord, and I need Your forgiveness. Father, help me to take some time today to consider my ways, to bind up the holes in my bag by seeking You first and finding contentment and satisfaction with all that You have done for me and in me. Father, forgive me and teach me to seek You first (and the kingdom) and then I will be content with whatever You give me, with little or much, with lack or abundance, but most importantly, with You. Help me to search and try my ways and turn again to You in all things! In Jesus' precious name, amen and amen.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)

© Jan Ross
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"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."  (Matthew 5:7)

Merciful . . . compassionate . . . emotionally and spiritually moved to some way help alleviate the pain and misfortune of others; a by-product of love, the kind of love that comes from knowing God and being transformed into His likeness and image.

Being merciful toward others will cause mercy to be returned to you.  I've seen this first-hand almost daily since living with chronic pain for the past several years . . . reaching out and touching others with similar afflictions opens the door for my life to be touched by them.  It's a simple law of love . . . a two-way street!  "Give and it shall be given unto you . . . "  Our Father has set a principle in motion that is anchored in the essence of Who He is according to 1 John 4:16 " . . . God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." 

Make it a habit to allow mercy and compassion to flow freely toward those who suffer or are less fortunate in any way.  Don't turn your back on opportunities to reach out with lovingkindness toward others.  The day may come (and for many has already) where you will need others to show that mercy, compassion and love toward you, especially when you are dealing with major disappointments, chronic pain or illness, or life's hard circumstances.  It's a promise that every one of us will need to stand on at one time or another in our lives -- "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy."  Amen!

Father, I thank You, Lord, for Your promises that are true . . . "yes and amen!"  Lord, all too often I overlook those needing a gentle touch, a loving smile, a warm embrace, an encouraging word . . . all too often I am so caught up in my own needs and desires that I fail to look at the pain around me.  Father, open my eyes so I can see the needs . . . give me a heart of compassion to reach out; help me to be merciful to others in their time of need!  And, Father, help me to plant the seeds of mercy everywhere so that when the day comes that I am in need, I, too, will be blessed with the gentle touch, the loving smile, the warm embrace, and the encouraging word. Let me be a servant to all, Father, to bring glory to You . . . help me to be Your arms outstretch to those in need, in complete obedience to Your Word.  Let Your love flow through this Your servant . . . in Jesus' name, Amen!

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."  (Luke 6:38)

© Jan Ross
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"Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah." (Psalm 62:8)

We have a tendency to look to anyone/anything other than the Lord for answers. In fact, we would rather trust flesh and blood than we would the Lord for most everything. Sad, but true!

David, when he wrote this Psalm, had dealt with misplaced confidence. He saw the error of his way, quickly repented, and wrote these words: "Trust in him at all times – pour out your heart before him."

When you are faced with a major disappointment, to whom do you run? Your best friend? Your internet friends? Where do you take your disappointments, hurts, disillusionments, rejections? Unfortunately, most of us take our problems everywhere but to the Lord. David found himself on the run, alone and away from all that he found comfort in. Yet, his cry was for all of us ("ye peoples") to learn to trust in the Lord, to take our problems to the Lord, to trust Him to take care of us and protect us, and to pour out our hearts to Him, not anyone else!

It is so easy to pick up the phone and dial your closest friend and pour out your heart when someone has let you down or hurt you. But God is calling you to use Him as your refuge ... to run to Him with every issue of life. He alone can help and He alone has the ability to change the circumstances.

"God is a refuge for us!" The word "refuge" comes from a Hebrew word that translates as "to flee for protection, to confide in, to have hope and to have trust." Taking that into consideration, read the words of the Psalmist once again: "Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah." Do you see it? Because of his own experience, David is admonishing us to flee to God for protection, to confide in God when misused and abused, to have hope that He will lead you out of the situation, and to trust God alone.

Don't waste your trust on man. Put your trust in God, tell Him all that troubles you, and let Him be your refuge, your confidant, and your hope! Selah!

Father, forgive me for not running to You first with my problems. Lord, help me to remember that You are ALWAYS there for me, longing to be my confidant, wanting to be my refuge in time of desperation and need. Lord, help me to remember that there is NO ONE more trustworthy than You, there is NO ONE to offer consolation like You, and there is NO ONE like You in whom I can hide in my time of trouble. Draw me to You, Lord, and help me find my refuge in You always. In Jesus' name, amen and amen.

"Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD." (Jeremiah 17:5)

© Jan Ross
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One of the co-authors in our book, Women of Passions: Ordinary Women Serving an Extraordinary God, Yvonne Blake, sends out a daily "Morning Song". I can't tell you how these daily words from the old hymnals have blessed me. For instance, read today's "Morning Song" and, while reading, really meditate on the words and stop to think about what they say. Let these words be your prayer today:

Lord, speak to me that I may speak,
In living echoes of thy tone;
As Thou hast sought, so let me seek
Thy erring children, lost and lone.

O strengthen me, that while I stand
Firm on the rock and strong in Thee,
I may stretch out a loving hand,
To wrestlers with the troubled sea.

O teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious things Thou dost impart;
And wing my words, that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.

O fill me with Thy fullness, Lord,
Until my very heart o'erflow
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show.*

I really encourage you to contact Yvonne and ask to be put on her mailing list. The "Morning Song" reflects the hearts of many powerful men and women of faith in years gone by, a rich heritage so often overlooked in today's modern church.

Yvonne can be reached at yvonblake@hotmail.com. Tell her I sent you and highly recommended her "Morning Song" to be included as part of your morning devotional time.

__________
© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

* "Lord, Speak to Me" by Frances Ridley Havergal
http://mybackdoorministry.blogspot.com

"If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." (Genesis 4:7)

Conviction! Cain was considering his inadequate offering to the Lord; the Lord was displeased and spoke to Cain the words of our verse today . . . "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." Cain made a choice – the wrong choice – and suffered the consequences.

How many times has the voice of the Spirit brought conviction to our hearts when we contemplate offending the law of God? How many times have we ignored that small, still voice and continued in our sin? How many times have we turned and blamed God for the consequences of our own sin?

James 4:7-10 says, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. . . . Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

Be careful to listen to the voice of conviction. Don't heed the enemy's call to sin but rather heed the Spirit's call to righteousness and holiness, to purity and freedom. We have the ability to control these evil desires planted in our mind by the enemy's malicious schemes – we are NOT slaves to sin unless we choose to be.

We can no longer say, "the devil made me do it" because as Paul said in Romans 6:18, "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness."

If we claim Jesus Christ as our Master, our Savior, our King, and our Lord, then we have been made free from sin. The blood of Calvary made a way for us to live in freedom if we will just heed the voice of conviction. Become slaves to righteousness and thus fulfill the Word of the Lord for us all.

Do what is right and avoid the sin that is crouching at your door for surely it desires to have you. You have the key through Jesus Christ . . . use the key and shut the door. Lock it securely and refuse to let sin enter the door of your heart.

Lord, I read about Cain and how he offended You and yet You came and gave him a chance to do what is right and I see how so often You deal with me in the very same way. Lord, help me to heed Your voice, to use the key You gave me to shut the door in the tempter's face and lock it by choosing what is right. Father, help me always to walk in Your ways and to choose You over sin. Help me heed the voice of conviction. In Jesus' name, amen and amen!

"Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness." (Romans 6:12-13)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest." (Luke 10:2)

Harvest Time

^{© Jan Ross}
Harvest time is here again
I love this time of year
Farmers gath'ring ripened fields
As hunters track the deer

Pumpkins, gourds, and shocks of corn
With hardy mums appear
Making fall a special time
As winter's cold draws near

Leaves of gold, of red and brown
God's artistry displayed
Glist'ning in the morning dew
Such beauty He has made

Raking leaves on windy days
The fall chill in the air
Apple cider, pumpkin pie
There's always some to share

Thankful people gather round
And bow their heads in prayer
"Lord we thank Thee, for our bread,
To Thee, none can compare"

God has blessed us with His love
Each heart He will pursue
Harvest time reminds us that
With death comes life brand new

A farmer knows it's time to harvest his crop by looking for signs of readiness. All his natural senses tell him that it's time to gather in the crop before it begins to rot and becomes totally useless! The final "test" of readiness comes from a "knowing" deep within the farmer's heart . . . he just knows it's ready and to delay the gathering would render the whole season's work useless!

We live in a time when that "knowing" is stirring around in each of our hearts, probably more than ever before. We know that with all that is going on in the Middle East that prophecy is being fulfilled and the Body of Christ is being made ready! We look at the social morals (or lack of) throughout the world's civilization and we know that God's Word is being fulfilled! We look at the Church and see those who were once considered "strong in faith" falling away into deception and we know that the time of harvest is near. In fact, as Christians, we have a pretty good sense of "knowing" just as the farmer has when his crop is ready for harvest.

We can feel it in the air, we can hear it everywhere…it's harvest time. We must be busy about our Father's business. This truly is an exciting time in which we live.

"Look up, for our redemption draweth nigh!"

Lord of the Harvest, purify my heart once again that I may be found ready and waiting the moment of Your return. Use me to fulfill Your Great Commission during these last days. Complete any unfinished work in me as I submit myself to You once again for your use in these final days before the harvest is brought in. Be glorified in the earth, be glorified in my life, be glorified! In Jesus' Name, Amen!

"For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come." (Mark 4:28-29)

© Jan Ross
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"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23)

The NIV translation tells us to "Above all else guard your heart, for out of it are the wellsprings of life." Guarding our heart is the focus of today's thought.

The word "diligence" comes from a Hebrew word which relates to guarding a treasure or deposit of wealth, posting someone at the gate or door of a prison to watch or guard carefully. It's easy to understand that the heart is the depository of the most valuable and priceless treasure – it is the wellspring of life! Is it no wonder that what comes out of the mouth originates in the heart (Matthew 12:34).

Our heart needs to be undivided! Psalm 86:11 says, "Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name."

Our heart needs to be pure! Psalm 51:10 says, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Our heart needs to be steadfast! Psalm 57:7 says, "My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music."

How do we guard our hearts? The Word gives us some specific instructions for diligence in keeping or guarding our hearts.

1. Hebrews 10:22 speaks of have our hearts WASHED: "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." The "sprinkling" is a washing by the blood of the Lamb.
   
2. Psalm 119:11 speaks of hiding the WORD in our hearts: "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." We must be diligent to hide God's Word in our heart. This doesn't mean a casual perusing from time to time; it takes a determined effort to study the Word until it becomes part of you, planted in your heart and producing fruit. There is a sign on a local church marquis: "God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts!" The only way spiritual fruit will grow is if the Word is planted, watered, and tended on a regular basis!
   
3. Proverbs 4:7 speaks of WISDOM which is most important: "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." Wisdom is the "gatekeeper" of our heart; with wisdom at the gate, foolishness, sin, and any unclean thing cannot enter in. However, a heart without wisdom will open the door to anything!
   
4. Psalm 27:14 tells us to WAIT: "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." This word "wait" speaks of twisting together or binding together. As we wait on the Lord, we allow Him to weave things into our lives that will strengthen our hearts.
   
5. Finally, Deuteronomy 6:5 leads us to WORSHIP: "And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." Worship prepares the heart for God!
   

May we all learn to keep our hearts with diligence, not taking the matters of life lightly but having a heart steadfast and pure before the Lord!

Father, purify my heart, renew a right spirit within me, and teach me to diligently guard my heart as You have shown me in Your Word! Lord, draw me closer, to intimately seek you, and to regard my relationship with You as the weightiest priority of life! Father, draw me to You and I will respond with a heart seeking after You in every aspect of my life! Open my heart to receive from You all that You have purposed for me and to give to You the glory due Your name! In Jesus' name, by His precious blood, amen and amen!

"Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless." (2 Peter 3:14)

© Jan Ross
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"To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech." (Proverbs 8:13)

The fear of the Lord is a desperate need among Christians. Sadly enough, many claim the name of Christ yet lack fear and reverence of the Most Holy God, casually taking His name in vain, courting sin, and winking at evil. Today's verse says, "To fear the Lord is to hate evil…" If we don't HATE evil, we really have no true fear of the Lord.

When we first read this verse it's easy to lay these offenses on others, looking at other's lives and seeing their pride, arrogance, evil behavior, and perverse speech. But the Lord doesn't want us to look at how others add up; He wants us to examine our own hearts.

Do you hate pride but allow yourself the luxury of thinking a little too highly of yourself? Do you hate arrogance but allow yourself to think you're just a little better than most others? Do you hate evil behavior yet "bend the rules" every once in a while because "God understands"? Do you hate perverse speech by let a word slip now and then?

We are quick to say that we hate evil but we actually mean we hate evil in others. Most of us have not learned to hate evil in ourselves.

For many, one of the hardest things to overlook in others is pride and arrogance. Yet, so often my own attitude declares me guilty of the very thing I hate. Evil behavior and perverse speech are very often easy to accept…we're surrounded with examples of it day and night on the television and in the public. Yet, the prideful and arrogant seem to be a much greater sin in our eyes – our own prideful and arrogant eyes.

"To fear the Lord is to hate evil" is an invitation to do self-examination. Do we really fear the Lord? Then we must hate the evil in our own hearts – there's enough to deal with hiding in the recesses of our hearts to keep us busy for our entire lifetimes.

Father, forgive me for my prideful and arrogant heart. Lord, I forget that my attitude toward others is often proof that my struggle is no different. Oh Father, help me to run to the mirror of Your Word so that the perverseness of my own heart can be exposed and dealt with. Lord, I plead the blood over my life, my heart, my attitudes, and my ways. Father, let Jesus be seen in me as I grow in my fear of and love for You! In Jesus' name, amen.

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

© 2008 Jan Ross
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"When they professed themselves to be wise, they became fools. For they turned the glory of the incorruptible God to the similitude of the image of a corruptible man . . ." (Romans 1:22-23)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2008 Jan Ross
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"…If only we had meat to eat … we never see anything but this manna!" (Num 11:4-6)

I can't tell you how this verse ministered to me! Sometimes I read something many, many times and then one day it jumps out at me with understanding. "If only we had meat to eat … we never see anything but this manna!"

Granted, "man does not live by bread alone," (Luke 4:4). We need more than the physical food in order to survive; we need "every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). The Israelites were tired of bread – tired of the same thing. They seemed to forget that the bread was nourishing and met every physical need they had. But it wasn't enough.

I'm sure you've heard people grumble: "The only thing the Pastor preaches is salvation!" or, "We've been hearing about transformation for months now, we need something new!" or, "All he preaches about is forgiveness!"

Perhaps you've been one of them who have grown dissatisfied with the "manna" that you have been "eating" and you want more. The American church is particularly bad about this – dissatisfaction with the Word being preached, always wanting something different. Always craving … "satisfy me, satisfy me, satisfy me!"

Jesus came that we might find satisfaction in Him. He IS the Living Word—the Living Torah, the Word of God made manifest. Only He can truly satisfy. Yet, we want more! We want feel-good messages. We want to walk out from church feeling like we are important or we are good or we are someone.

But, is that the purpose of the Gospel? Didn't God give us the Word to live by like a roadmap for life? And, if a roadmap for life, can we bypass the hard roads – the roads under construction – in order to just cruise along on the beautiful country lanes?

Let's take some time and think about our own dissatisfaction. If our Pastor preaches a series of sermons that you think aren't for you or that you've grown past what He's preaching, you might be more like the dissatisfied Israelites … "if only we had meat to eat … we never see anything but this manna!"

May we all learn to appreciate every crumb that falls from the Master's table, receive it as the treasure it is, as the life-giving, cleansing, and totally satisfying Word of the Living God that our souls crave so desperately. Let's be careful to not crave that which God has not provided for us. Let's adopt Paul's attitude and learn to be content with the "manna" God provides through His anointed and appointed vessels—let's find satisfaction at the Master's table regardless what His menu includes in any given day. Let's find satisfaction in His Word. Amen!

Father, forgive me. I have craved that which You have not apportioned to me. I have found myself dissatisfied and now see that I am no better than the Israelites who begged for more than the manna – more than Your provision for them. Lord, teach me to receive the manna – the Word of God – with gladness and to digest it and allow it to strengthen me and nourish me. Help me, Lord, to see my anxious dissatisfaction as a craving of my flesh. Help me to trust You to provide for me what I need for live and godliness. In Jesus' precious name, the Living Bread sent from Heaven, amen and amen!

"Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever." (John 6:57-58)

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

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

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

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

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

As we find ourselves facing seemingly impossible situations and disappointments, think about this cycle. It will make way for the Lord to manifest Himself in every situation ultimately bringing Himself glory and honor.

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

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

© Jan Ross
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"But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness'' is the sceptre of Thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Thine hands: They shall perish; but Thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt Thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but Thou art the same, and Thy years shall not fail."
(Hebrews 1:8-12 KJV)

The votes have been cast and the ballots have been counted. There is a sense of unrest in the hearts of so many this morning after the presidential election, yet on the other hand many are rejoicing because we are apparently on the eve of "change". But, regardless of where you stand politically, there are some key things we need to remember.

1. God is still on the throne…nothing or no one can alter that fact.
   
2. Nothing can change the fact that the Word of God is absolute Truth and is still forever settled in heaven.
   
3. The Holy Spirit is still at work in the earth today, drawing mankind to repentance and salvation in Jesus Christ, for which we must give Him praise.
   
4. A knee bowed in surrender at the foot of the cross of Calvary is still the most important event in the life of any man, woman, or child.
   
5. A surrendered and repentant heart will always find forgiveness and mercy as our God is faithful and just to forgive us if we confess our sins.
   
6. The Mercy Seat is still the ultimate "Seat of Authority" and remains available to all who will approach with a humble heart.
   
7. The Great Commission is still the most important and powerful call in the life of every believer.
   

It is so easy to allow what we see in the natural to overshadow what we know to be truth. Let this message today bring to your remembrance the fact that God is still God and that "ALL things work together for good to them that love God, and to them who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Fulfill your calling as Ambassadors of the Kingdom of God. Our citizenship in heaven supersedes and overrides our citizenship on this earth. Our responsibility is to regard the Authority of God and respond to His call to be light shining brilliantly against the darkness of this world and its systems and devices.

Rise up, church of God, and walk worthy of your calling. There is a work to be done … votes and ballots haven't changed a thing in God's economy.

Father, this morning our nation is divided between rejoicing and concern with what the future holds. But, we know You hold the future, no matter what comes our way. We trust You, Lord, to bring forth the manifestation of Your purposes in the earth today. We pray for ALL leaders who You have put into place according to Your sovereign plan … use them ALL to bring glory to Your eternal throne and to usher in the glorious revelation of our Messiah throughout the earth. We love You and trust You … Your kingdom come, Your will be done in earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name, amen.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8 NIV)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." (Proverbs 29:2)

Matthew Henry brings greater understanding to today's verse:

The people will have cause to rejoice or mourn according as their rulers are righteous or wicked; for, if the righteous be in authority, sin will be punished and restrained, religion and virtue will be supported and kept in reputation; but, if the wicked get power in their hands, wickedness will abound, religion and religious people will be persecuted, and so the ends of government will be perverted.

A Biblical description of this process is given by Jesus in Matthew 13:24-26. In that parable, good people had a good field growing good seed. However, an enemy came in and planted bad among the good, thus contaminating the entire field. What afforded the enemy such an opportunity? The stark answer is found in verse 24: "While the good men slept, the enemy came in." Jesus never faulted the enemy for doing what he did, for it was his task and purpose to destroy; Jesus placed the fault on the good men who went to sleep, thus allowing the enemy to do what he did. Very bluntly what has occurred in America happened first because the church went to sleep, and then because the enemy came in and caused the damage.

What can we do? "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men, for [leaders] and for all that are in authority." (1 Timothy 2:1) Prayer is the key! Remember always the words of Abraham Lincoln in his statement:

The truth announced in the Holy Scripture, and proven by all history [is] that, "Those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord."

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"!  (Romans 1:16)

"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." (Proverbs 14:34) Simply put, if a nation stands for righteousness, God will exalt it.  However, if the nation's choice is sin, it will be a reproach in the nostrils of a holy God and bear the consequences!  The same principle holds true in our personal lives . . . righteousness exalts us (makes us pleasing in His sight), yet sin in our lives if a reproach to Him for He cannot look upon sin!

Let's pray . . .

Father, we lift up all men in authority and we pray that righteousness would be birthed in their hearts! Father, we ask You to draw them to repentance, to a heart that is sensitive to the basis for moral justice. Appoint our leaders and lawmakers according to Your will and purposes. Father, hinder the work of the enemy to kill, steal, and destroy through the hands and hearts of evil men. Father, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven! Thank You, Father, for Your prevailing love! In Jesus' name, amen and amen!

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." (2 Timothy 2:1-4)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved