"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart . . ." (Proverbs 3:5)

Trust . . . a small word with a big meaning!

A child finds it so easy to trust his parents for they have given him everything he needs to sustain him in life plus they have given him unconditional love and affection.

Our level of trust is solely dependent upon our level of intimacy and communion with the Lord. Once we have realized that He has given us everything we need to sustain us . . . once we have found Him to be the source of unconditional love and affection, then our level of trust will exceed and surpass any doubt or fear in the midst of life's sorrows and disappointments.

Press in to Him today and begin to see Him as the source of everything you need to sustain you in life, including the love and affection only a Father can give to His children!

If you expect people to meet your needs, you will be sorely disappointed; however, if you allow Abba Father to be your All in All, trust in the Lord will not only be easy, but constant.

Abba, Father, there are times I find it very hard to trust You as my total source. Draw me close and hold me so I may find comfort and sweet communion with You. It is there that my trust will develop into total confidence in Your ability to care for me even in the midst of life's biggest disappointments. Just to be close to You, that's all I desire ... draw me close to You! In Jesus' Name, Amen!

"In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness." (Psalm 31:1)

© Jan Ross
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"Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account." (Philippians 4:17)

A servant's heart . . . what does that have to do with this verse? Everything!

Paul had a servant's heart; he had a heart to minister to the people, to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, to see people's lives changed, to witness the miracle of precious, holy fruit growing in the lives of all those who heard his message. Although the need may have been there for Paul to receive a monetary blessing from the people he ministered to, his heart—his servant's heart—so much more desired to see fruit abounding in the lives of these people.

Today, we seem to get caught up in pursuing the "hand" of God rather than the "heart" of God. We want to know how we can be blessed…what is the "button" that triggers God's material blessings. But unfortunately we all too often lose our zeal to pursue the heart of God. Our longing is not after Him alone, it's after what He can do for us.

We serve a holy, magnificent King who has given us all there is to give; He's made provision for us in every area of our lives. He knew us before the foundations of the earth; He knew what we would need to lead a fulfilled life. He did all this by giving us His heart. All we need to do to walk in His abundant blessings is to apprehend the heart of God and cherish it more than silver and gold, more than houses and cars, more than life itself.

Inspect your heart today. Are you seeking after God's "hand" or are you pursuing His "heart"? Paul didn't want anything material gift for his labor of love, He wanted to be sure the people bear fruit, the fruit that grows from a servant's heart turned toward and ever pursuing His Master.

Father, please forgive me when I lose sight of my goal—he desire to apprehend Your heart. Help me to always seek You and acknowledge You in everything. Help me to desire fruit in others' lives as well as my own rather than pursuing material riches and gain. Lord, help me keep my eyes focused on You, desiring You, and pursuing You from a servant's heart . . . a heart always pursuing the Master. Amen and Amen.

"Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." (John 15:8)

© 2009 Jan Ross
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"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." (Jude 1:21)

The Cross . . . where Mercy met Justice!

We should have received death, yet we've been given life. We should have been beaten and crucified, yet we've been set free from the penalty of sin.

Jude fully understood Mercy as he admonished us to "look for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."

In all that we do, everywhere that we go, all that we set our hand to, in every circumstance in life, "look for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ". When we should have received justice, mercy that bought us eternal life is ours because of Calvary.

Never lose sight of it . . . never forget it!

Dear Lord, God of Mercy . . . how can I ever thank You for such an awesome gift! I could never have deserved such Mercy, yet You bought it, paid for it, and have given it so freely to me! I will praise You from now throughout eternity for making a way for me to receive the greatest gift of all . . . Mercy from the One who gave His all so we could call You, Abba, Father!

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)

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"And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt" (Exodus 13:17)

The Israelites had just been delivered from the hand of Pharaoh, the relentless ruler whose heart was hardened toward them. God had a plan for His people , a plan that would take time – His time.

God visibly led the children of Israel on their journey with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He could easily have led them to their destination in a very short time; however, they would not have been prepared for the battle that awaited them. The children of Israel, during their time of captivity, had been laborers not warriors. Their spirits were broken because of life's circumstances while in captivity.

It amazes me to think that God, when we were delivered from bondage by the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, could have led us directly to the fulfillment of His promises to us. But, like the children of Israel, He knew we wouldn't be ready for the giants we would encounter without a time of learning and growing and building up of our faith . . . without a time in the wilderness.

God knows our frame and He understands our weaknesses. As He leads us away from our former captivity, God limits our trials according to our strength, not allowing us to face more than what He has enabled and equipped us to face. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

While the children of Israel went about their journey out of bondage into the Promised Land for forty long years, it was a time of testing and preparation for the giants they would encounter when they arrived.

God is preparing us one day at a time to face the giants found in our tomorrows. We need not worry about not being able to deal with what our future may bring for God has proven Himself faithful time and time and time again. Just as He brought the children of Israel out of bondage, the Lord brought us out of bondage strengthening and preparing us for journey toward our destiny.

Take a moment and thank the Lord for His abundant love, a love that causes Him to lead us every moment of every day and night. He has a plan that will prepare us for what tomorrow brings while He gives us the strength to walk through today. In other words, He's got us covered.

Lord, You amaze me! Thank You for loving me enough to purchase my freedom from the "captor" and to lead me through this life's journey to my destiny. Father, thank You—it's obvious that You've got me covered. By the blood of Jesus and in His name I pray, amen and amen!

"It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him." (Lamentations 3:22-24)

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"And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech." (Genesis 11:6-7)

Nimrod, whose name means "rebellion", sought to build a tower reaching the heavens so they could make a name for themselves. The earth was of one language, the people were one, and because of that they were powerful; there was nothing they could not accomplish because they were in one accord.

Matthew 18:19 says, "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." Oh, if we could only grasp this truth!

God looked down upon Nimrod as the people of the earth were in one accord and He knew that they could accomplish anything. Not only were two of them in agreement, they were ALL one voice, one tongue, one purpose. Unfortunately, their purpose was to build a tower (Babel), which was an act of pride and rebellion.

Jesus told us that if we could possibly come into agreement with each other, that nothing would be impossible for us . . . it would be done for us. Our agreement must be bidirectional; we must be in agreement vertically (agreeing with the Word of God and His promises to us), and we must be in agreement horizontally (agreeing – in unity – with each other).

There is power in unity; anointing flows in unity. Psalm 132 gives us a glorious picture of unity . . . "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore." The body in unity allows the anointing to flow and opens the door for blessing. The perfect picture of unity.

Have you ever asked why your prayers aren't answered even when you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are asking according to God's will? Do a self-check and examine your heart. Are relationships in your life partitioned by jealousy or strife? Are there walls of division in your associations and relationships because of selfishness or pride?

Tear those partitions down—those walls of division. Come into agreement with God's promises and with your brothers and sisters. Become one voice with one purpose so that "nothing will be restrained" from you. It's God's plan that we be one voice with one purpose in one Body.

Lord, teach me to walk in unity and in the flow of the anointing from the Head on down so whatever I ask in Your name as I stand in total agreement with Your Word and with Your Body will be done and You will be glorified in the midst of Your undivided church. Teach us, Lord, to walk according to Your will as one voice with one purpose. In Jesus name, by His blood I pray, amen and amen.

"That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one" (John 17:21-22).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." (John 13:14-17)

One of the hardest things in life is to cast down pride and a self-serving attitude to concentrate on being a servant to others.

In today's world, everywhere we look we're enticed to consider ourselves before anyone else. Abortion serves self, homosexuality serves self, drug and alcohol abuse serve self, divorce in many instances serves self!

Jesus, through His example of love and humility, challenged us to consider others more highly than ourselves through service. John F. Kennedy once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." This easily applies to us as Christians . . . "Ask not what others can do for you, but ask what you can do for others."

If we could only learn to focus on others' needs . . . to serve them with an unselfish heart, our needs would be met as well . . . "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed." (James 5:16a) In other words, focus on the needs of others and God will make sure our needs are met as well.

To have a "servant's heart" allows God to use us as His instruments to minister to all those around us.

Oh, that we would all learn to have such selfless compassion!

Lord, help me to remember that being a servant, having a servant's heart, and serving others is what pleases you. Help me to follow your example of love, humility, and selflessness -- becoming less aware of self and more aware of others. Because of Your love and in Your precious Name I pray, Amen!

"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another" (Romans 12:10)

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"The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea."
(Psalm 93:4)

The Lord on high . . . He is an immovable anchor cast in the storm. The Lord does more wondrous things than the noise of many waters; they cannot disturb His rest or rule; they cannot defeat His designs and purposes. God is mighty to preserve His people from being ruined by these many waters and His people's spirits from being terrified by the noise of them. He can, when He pleases, command peace in our lives. The unlimited sovereignty and unrelentless power of the awesome God we serve encourages His people, even in all the storms we face in life!

Who is mightier than the waves of any trial in our lives? The Lord on High!

Who can calm the raging storms in our lives? The Lord on High!

Whose love knows no end? The Lord on High!

Who is mightier than the mighty waves of the sea? The Lord on High!

Who is the soon coming King? The Lord on High!

Hallelujah to the Lord on High!

"O LORD our Lord, how majestic is thy name in all the earth!" (Ps. 8:9) You ARE mightier than the waves of any trial in my life for You ARE the Lord on High. There is none like You in all the earth or in the heavens above the earth! You are the immovable anchor in the midst of my storms. Help me remember when the waves billow out their deafening sound in my life that You will be there to calm the sea for Your voice is mightier than the noise of many waters! Hallelujah, Amen!

"Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah." (Psalm 24:10)

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"Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains." (Psalm 147:8)

He makes "grass to grow upon the mountains" . . . meditate on that for just a moment.

A while back as I listened to a guest pastor share the Word of God at our local church, my heart suddenly leaped within me. God opened my eyes to an important truth through his simple sharing. Although he used this illustration in a slightly different context, today's verse brought life to it as God stirred within my heart.

Having been from South Carolina, this pastor's family often traveled through the Blue Ridge Mountains to his home. His wife and daughter were usually in the car saying things like, "Ahhhhhhhh..... such beauty! Look at the flowers . . . look at the rustling river over the rocks . . . look at the sun peeping through the towering trees . . . "

In fact, they usually very audibly and descriptively enjoyed the picturesque testimony of God's greatness that was so prominent along the way. But, while in the driver's seat, all he could see was the mountain ahead as together they ascended on the long and winding road to the top of one mountain only to descend and repeat the ups and downs over and over again until they reached their final destination.

The difference between the passengers and the driver was the focal point. But, in our journey through life, what is OUR focal point? Is it the scenery each step of the way? Or, is it on the arduous task of climbing the mountain that seems to never end? Our choice of focal points will frame our attitudes, bringing us either sheer delight in seeing God in every step we take or dismay as we contemplate the hard climb ahead.

Through every mountain there are joys. We just have to take our eyes off the mountainous road ahead of us and enjoy the scenery displayed each step of the way. God is everywhere . . . He's with us, manifesting His blessings, sharing His beauty, and giving us joy along the way as we make our way up and down each mountain. And, He's even in the valley between the mountains. It's all in our perspective.

Psalm 148:7-9 says, "Praise the LORD from the earth . . . mountains, and all hills . . ."

Let's join in praise to Him who not only created the mountains but who also is in our very midst as we climb, showing us His glory along the way! If we don't praise Him in the midst of our mountains, the mountains themselves will proclaim praise in our stead!

Father, it is in realizing that You have created the mountains that I can learn to praise you for them while going up and while going down. Help me to stop along the way, admiring the beauty of Your majesty as I behold Your presence with each step I take. Teach me to look for You every day in all places, both the easy and the hard, the steep and the level, the mountains and the valleys. Thank You, Lord, for the grass upon the mountains . . . the evidence of Your Hand along the way. I offer my praise to You, oh Lord. Amen!

"And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen." (Psalm 72:19)

© Jan Ross
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"And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." (Revelation 19:8)

There are few if any significant events in our lives that would surpass our wedding day. The bride in her white gown and the groom eagerly waiting the moment their eyes meet as they enter into a covenant with each other and with God. Preparation for the wedding took a lot of time and careful planning, paying attention to each detail so as to not overlook anything. The bride takes special care to prepare herself for her new husband. Her hair has to be just right; her nails groomed perfectly, her dress without wrinkle or spot, her veil carefully positioned to complement the appearance of innocence and purity. All in all, the wedding day is one that is long anticipated, and its memory is one that lasts throughout a lifetime.

The Bride of Christ can be similarly compared, however. Her dress is not one that was purchased by her; it is one that is GRANTED to her because she has made herself ready. The fine linen garment is most like a gift from the Savior himself, which was lavished upon His bride. It is fitting that the garment is linen as it represents the righteousness of the saints. We need to realize, however, that the garment is NOT hers by personal merit or gain, it actually belongs to the Savior . . . His righteousness is her covering. It is the gracious bestowment of the Lord; and the reference here must be to that righteousness which is obtained by faith, the righteousness that results from justification through the merits of the Redeemer.

Have you made yourself ready? Are you positioned to be granted the garment made of fine linen, clean and white? Are you clothed with His righteousness?

These questions are the most important you could ever ask yourself. Set your sights upon Him as you begin your preparation for the day you will hear the blowing of the shofar and the message proclaimed, "Behold the Bridegroom Cometh . . . prepare ye the way of the Lord!"

Lord, what a beautiful picture of Your bride! Lord, help me remember that being granted the privilege of wearing the robe of white linen has nothing to do with me and EVERYTHING to do with You. Your righteousness is given freely to those who bear Your name and are walking in Your light! Lord, I long for the day when I will hear, "Behold the Bridegroom Cometh . . . prepare ye the way of the Lord!" Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen and Amen!

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

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"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." (Philippians 4:11)

One of the hardest things for many of us to deal with is adversity. For some reason, Christians have come to believe that their lives will run smoothly and trials and tribulations will not come nigh them if they live a good life. Nothing, however, could be farther from the truth.

Adversity is to become our friend, not our enemy. Adversity, trials, hardships, brokenness, etc., are tools God uses to reshape, remold, and fashion us after His image. This is why Paul said in Philippians 4:12-13, "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Paul's sufferings and adversities were not unlike ours . . . he lived in the flesh and dealt with the flesh on a daily basis. Yet, regardless of the degree of suffering, Paul knew that his source of strength was in Christ.

Where is your source of strength today? Is it in Christ as Paul so beautifully explained, or are you having a difficult time maintaining stability in the midst of adversity? If you are having difficulties, just remember again Paul's words . . . "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Surely this includes trials, temptations, adversities, hardships, and brokenness. Recognize these things as God's work in your life, and don't despise what God is doing . . . allow Him to have His perfect will to perfect all things which concern you! Amen!

Father, teach me to submit to Your will for my life, to be content in whatever situation I find myself, and to grow through adversity. Lord, total submission means allowing You to have Your way in Every area of my life . . . help me to give myself totally to You for there is where I will find perfect peace even in the midst of trials and hardships. Thank You, Lord, for loving me enough to give me the strength and courage to endure adversity. Amen!

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)

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"For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." (Ephesians 5:31)

Today is our Wedding Anniversary! On February 12, 1972 we were united in marriage having entered into a covenant with one another and with God making a formal and public commitment to love, honor, and cherish each other in the good times and in the bad. And believe me, having raised six children has given us the opportunity to experience both the good times and bad! We praise God for His faithfulness through it all.

Since that memorable day our lives have been woven together time and time again to the extent that although we are uniquely individual, we are also uniquely one. It's a mystery how this happens. Paul said in Ephesians 5:32 that the mystery is akin to the relationship between Christ and the church. During the course of our marriage, we have taken on attributes and characteristics that belong to each other. We think alike, we act alike, we respond alike, and more so as time passes.

I can remember as a young girl, there was a family two houses up the street from us. They were unusual just like our family—they had adopted children. Our mothers would occasionally get together for coffee while we played together. The families stayed close all through my childhood until I married and moved away. The mothers would often share their stories of people who didn't know that we were all adopted would comment on how much we looked like our mothers. I can remember them laughing to the point of tears at times; they would just get so tickled.

When I was about eight years old my mother took me to the dentist for a regular check-up. He had been the family dentist for many years and knew the family well . . . at least he thought he did. After my check-up, he turned to my mother and told her that he felt so sorry for me—my teeth were just like hers. He went on to explain how often he could tell immediately which parent passed down the genetic code for teeth, their shape, size, color, etc. Being the wise woman she was, she just let him talk. On the way back home, she laughed and laughed. The dentist never even knew that I was adopted. I was my mother's daughter and he thought he could prove it by the characteristics he witnessed.

This is the same mystery with the church. The more we spend time with the Lord, the more closely we will resemble Him, being woven together as one, intertwined, and inseparable.

Take some time today and examine your life. Do you bear a family resemblance to your "Betrothed"? Is your life more like Christ than like your old nature? Can He be seen in every aspect of your life? Are people convinced by your behavior that you belong to Him?

Father, I want to be more like You; I long to have people see You in me as my flesh fades in the glory of Your presence that surrounds me and dwells within me. Lord, just as I take on some of the attributes and character of those with whom I am close, my desire is to be like You and even more so with each new passing day. Father, let Your character, Your integrity, Your love, Your compassion, Your mercy . . . let Your life be seen in me so that all will know that I am part of Your family as they see You in me. In Jesus' name, amen!

"And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." (Matthew 19:5-6)

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"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)

How can mortal mind 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 thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." (Matthew 6:6-8)

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"From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
(Psalm 61:2)

No matter where we are, no matter how far we are from home, we can cry to Him for help and He'll hear our cry. Wherever we are, we have access to the throne of grace where we will find help in the time of need. That's a promise, one that will lead us to the Rock every time there's a need. One commentator said, "That which separates us from our other comforts should drive us so much the nearer to God, the fountain of all comfort."

No matter how overwhelmed our heart may feel at times, it must be lifted up to God in prayer. There is no other solution for life's problems, and He's always there with arms opened wide; many times He's waiting for us just to ask for His help.

The next time you're at the end of your rope, or your circumstances seem to be swallowing you up, or problems are overwhelming you, be sure to run to Him in prayer . . . no amount of wishing and hoping and positive thinking will rescue you like the arm of the Most High reaching down and guiding you to the path of deliverance from your situation.

Remember, if He leads you to the rock (and He will), you will be on top of your problems and see your circumstances from a far different perspective. This Rock is Christ, and we are safe if we are in Him.

Father, thank You for reminding me that You are always near, that I can, at any moment, reach out to You and You will concern Yourself about my business. Father, I must confess that many times I am overwhelmed, but I thank You and praise You for the assurance that there is a Rock that is higher than I. It is Your desire to meet my every need regardless of where I am, what the situation is, and how difficult the circumstances are. Lord, thank You for all You've done . . . Amen!

"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." (Psalm 18:2)

©Jan Ross
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"I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me." (Daniel 4:2)

God is good . . . there's no doubt about it. He's constantly working on our behalf, showing Himself strong in our weakness, making provision for us when we are lacking, shining a light on our path when we are blinded. Our God never ceases to amaze us with His wisdom and grace!

As a wife and mother, nothing pleases me more than hearing my husband or children tell others about the special things I do for them or how much I mean to them, and I'm sure that fathers/husbands feel much the same way. But, how often do we tell others about the special things the Lord has done for us or just how much He means to us? He is the Lover of our Souls . . . He loves us with an everlasting love. His love cannot be matched, not even by the love of a spouse or children or a parent, yet we find it so hard to tell others what He really means to us.

Make a conscious decision today to speak of His wonders, tell of His love, and show His goodness through your testimony of His greatness! Faith will arise in your heart and the Lord will be glorified through your conversation.

1 Peter 1:15 says, "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation." What better way to be holy in all manner of conversation than to declare His works and tell of His wonders to the world.

Father, forgive me for not freely telling others of Your wondrous works in my life, of Your everlasting love for me, and of Your goodness and mercy. Lord, help me to open my mouth and show forth thy praises; help me to order my conversation aright by sharing Your love with the world. There is none like You, O Lord, in all the universe. You are worthy to be praised. Amen!

“Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.” (Psalm 96:3-4)


© Jan Ross
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"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6)

Righteousness . . . to bear the image of God, to be made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, to have the whole man renewed in righteousness so as to become a new man; to have an unparalleled interest in Christ and the promises of God. This is righteousness!

We must truly desire these things, we must "hunger and thirst" after them as one who is hungry craves food and drink, as one who cannot be satisfied with anything else. We must have an attitude that cries, "Please give this to me or else I will die!"

Hunger and thirst are appetites. We consume what we need for the moment, but yet before long we experience the same "emptiness" which drove us to hunger and thirst initially. We must stay filled with His righteousness, continually drinking from the Well to replenish and be refilled, again and again and again.

Those who "hunger and thirst" will do labor for their supply. This indicates they will not only desire the spiritual blessings, but take pains to receive them.

Are you hungry and thirsty? Are you replenishing your supply by running to the Source for meet and drink? Are you continually drinking from the Well to be refilled again and again and again?

Test your "hunger" and "thirst" levels. If you do not have an appetite craving His righteousness, His presence, His blessings, then you need to run to the Rock of your Salvation and renew your commitment to Him today, asking that He fill you with a "hunger" and "thirst" for Righteousness. Then you will be filled! What a promise! What a provision! What a Lord!

Father, I do "hunger" and "thirst" for your righteousness. I see myself as in a dry land where my thirst is yearning to be quenched and my hunger craving to be filled with Your righteousness. Father, forgive me for not seeking after you with a hungry heart and help me to see that You are the only One who can fill My heart to overflowing with your blessings. Father, fill me up to overflowing. Amen!

"Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD" (Psalm 118:19)

© Jan Ross
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"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake." (Matthew 5:11)

Everyday people face ridicule for the sake of Christ. It comes in many forms but the source of the attack is the same in ALL cases. This has been the scheme of the enemy since the time of righteous Abel; it has been ongoing from the Old Testament times and it is continuing throughout the Church age. Persecution comes in many ways, but it always has the potential to make you stronger. God allows us to go through persecution so we will seek Him more, so He can reveal Himself to us in greater measure, and so we will see a greater extent of His great mercies toward us.

There is an attitude in many Christian communities today that we as Christians are to live above ridicule, poverty, defamation, etc. The Word of God is full of examples of some of the strongest men and women of God enduring torment, ridicule, defamation, and affliction. But, then why are those who suffer in such manner "Blessed" according to our verse today?

If you encounter such opposition in your daily life, friend, count it a blessing that you are found worthy to suffer persecution. Stand firm, and take the example of our Lord as He stood in front of His accusers, and be silent. Allow God to fight the battle for you as He says, "Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord, I will repay." The battle is the Lord's, not ours.

Endure persecution and be blessed, for this life shall quickly pass; any form of persecution is a small price to pay for the glory that awaits us in our eternal home.

Father, help me endure whatever persecution comes my way, whether it be ridicule, name-calling, false accusations, misunderstandings, or whatever. Lord, help me to excel in virtue regardless of what men say to me, thinking about me, or do to me. Help me to remember that vengeance is Yours and the battle is Yours! Father, be glorified in my life, my attitudes, my actions, my words, my thoughts, and my deeds. Amen!

"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake" (Philippians 1:29)

© Jan Ross
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"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name." (Psalm 103:1)

Sometimes our emotions are far from being responsive to God in praise. But the Psalmist makes it very clear that we do have control over our emotions, that we can deliberately turn our despair into praise and bless the Lord.

David asked himself a question, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance." (Psalm 42:5) If you can inquire about your soul's disquieted state, it would seem to indicate that you could change it by an act of your will.  For the most part, we are not victims of our emotions; our emotions are subject to us.  They are a choice.

Emotions in and of themselves are not bad; however, they can be a tool in the hand of the enemy to hide the victory we have in Christ and to distract us from enjoying the benefits of being joint heirs with Him, accepted in the beloved.

The next time you are feeling low, defeated, or less than the victorious Christian you are, take control of your emotions and begin to bless the Lord by letting praise pour forth from your lips.  Deny yourself the luxury of focusing on the negative that surrounds you and touches your life. Change your focus and your thoughts toward the goodness of God and all He has done for you. Make a conscious effort to think on that which is full of truth, that which is honest and just and pure. Think on things that are lovely and of a good report. And, if there be anything worthy of praise . . . think on these things. (Philippians 4:8) Soon you'll find yourself, and all that is within you, caught up in praising Him for He is Holy, Righteous, and Worthy of all our praise.

Use your emotions for His glory and soon you will ask yourself, "Why were you so disquieted?"

Your hope is anchored in God, your joy is complete, and blessing the Lord with all that is within you is your response.

Father, Your name is Holy. Your name is Wonderful. Your name is Worthy to be praised. When my soul is disquieted, when I'm overwhelmed with the world and its problems, help me to break forth into praise and adoration of the One whom I love more than anything . . . Jesus my Lord and my Saviour  . . . the Holy, Righteous, Anointed One. Amen.

"I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." (Psalm 34:1)

© Jan Ross
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"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

"If God be for us, who can be against us?"

Is God really for us? How many times have we asked ourselves that question when things don't go our way or when we see things happen that we don't understand, especially after we've prayed about them?

The fact is, God is not only FOR us, He's reconciled TO us. He's not against us, He's in covenant WITH us, He's working FOR us on our behalf. All that He is and all that He has; all that He does and all that He plans to do is for us! Even when it seems that His acts are against us, you can be assured that they are for us.

So, if all this is true, who can really be against us? Who can stand in the face of the Almighty God and dare to challenge Him in His dealing with us? Nothing . . . no one . . . can prevail against Him regardless of how great, strong, malicious, or evil they appear to be.

Who dares to fight against us while God Himself is fighting for us? The enemy may try his hardest . . . do his worst in this world to undermine the power of God, but we must remember that he is conquered . . . principalities and powers are spoiled and disarmed, and triumphed over in the Cross of Christ! The enemy is a defeated foe and the victory is won! It's already done!

If God is for us . . . and He is . . . no one or nothing can stand against us; God is in control.

Father, forgive me for allowing fear of what the enemy can do to me take my focus off what You have already done! Thank you, Lord, for Your sacrifice on the cross, for conquering principalities and powers, for defeating the enemy and winning the victory for us! Help me remember, Lord, that You are for me and NOTHING can stand against me because You are in control! Hallelujah!

"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."
(Isaiah 41:10)

© Jan Ross
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"And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence." (Exodus 33:15)

"If your presence will not go with me, don't send me!"

Moses, a man who knew the importance of the presence of God, who found safety and security in the presence of God, who realized there was a price to be paid for the presence of God, was determined not to go forward without the presence of the Lord!

When was the last time we told the Lord, "If your presence doesn't go with me, I won't go"? That's exactly what Moses was saying . . . he was convinced that he didn't want to go anywhere that God wouldn't be with him. He understood just how important God's presence was in accomplishing anything he set his hand to.

The Old Testament word for "presence" means essentially, "the face". It speaks of intimacy, of closeness, of knowing. Moses wanted to see God face-to-face wherever He led him!

The presence of God is precious as we pursue Him or seek Him out. 1 Chronicles 16:11 tells us to "Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually." The word "seek" means to search out in worship and prayer!

Adopt a Moses-like attitude and be stubborn! Let God know you will go nowhere that He doesn't lead, that you want His presence to be with you everywhere you go, in everything you do, at all times! A familiar commercial ad on television tells us not to leave home without a specific credit card . . . adopt the same tenacity when it comes to the presence of God -- Don't leave home without it! In fact, don't do ANYTHING without the presence of God going before you, going with you, and surrounding you! Seek His face and know that His presence is near!

Father I'm so aware that many, many times I go about my daily routine totally oblivious to Your will for me, not having spent the time to seek Your face and invite You presence! Forgive me, Father, because I long to be like Moses . . . I long to know that Your presence is with me wherever I go. And, if it's not, Lord, give me the courage to stay still until I know that You are with me, leading the way! How I long to dwell in Your presence, Lord, knowing that You are with me and that You have prepared the way before me! Father, it is You whom I seek, it is You whom I love, it is Your presence that I need, every hour of every day that I live! In Jesus' name, amen!

"When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek." (Psalm 27:8)

© Jan Ross
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