Do you ever feel that you're "spinning your wheels" as fast as you can go, yet nothing seems to be working right for you? Do you ever feel like you've done everything you know to do, you've followed all the formulae, you've read all the "how-to" books, you've even sought the counsel of those you felt were more knowledgeable, yet your problem still exists?

Perhaps we've neglected the most important thing—to draw our strength from the Vine.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:5)

Just like a branch that has fallen off a tree will dry up and die within a very short time, so will we if we do not stay "attached" to the vine. We draw our life, our sustenance from the Vine and without Him we are nothing, we can do nothing . . . we are helpless. Life would be easier for us if we would learn the lesson quickly . . . apart from the Vine, we will die.

But, let's look at it another way. Attached to the Vine we can do all things. Philippians 4:13 reminds us, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Without Christ we can do nothing—with Him we can do ALL things. Without Him we will die, with Him we have life and life everlasting.

I'm so thankful for the Vine. I'm thankful that He abides in me. Without Him I can do nothing . . . with Him I can do all things.

Father, all too often I attempt to work things out on my when all along You are there waiting for me to just ask! Lord, help me to remember that as long as I draw my strength and nourishment from You, then I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Lord, teach me to abide – to stay firmly attached to the Vine at all times in every area of my life, amen. You must be Lord of all, or You're not Lord at all. In the name that is above every name, Jesus Christ my Lord, amen.

© Jan Ross
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Years ago when still in my teens, the doctors told me it was impossible for me to have children. Obviously, I was devastated. After we married, my desire for children became somewhat of an obsession. Every month we prayed it would be THE month. This went on for several years while we continued to believe God for a child. We applied for adoption. We did everything we could think of that was within our ability to do. Then, suddenly, despite every natural fact, we had our firstborn son. Thirty-three years later, we have six grown children (three are adopted) and fourteen amazing grandchildren. What a miraculous thing God has done!

When I take time to contemplate it all, I can't help but be reminded of Abraham and the family God had planned for him, even when he was considered to be unable to father a child because of his advanced age.

"Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable." (Hebrews 11:12)

From one man, whose body was old and as good as dead (in our eyes we would have considered him to have no more possibility of fathering a child than a dead man would have), sprang forth a nation chosen of God, ordained by God, and loved by God. The entire Jewish nation came from that one man who dared to believe God. As the reward of His faithfulness he was made the father and founder of an entire nation that continues to increase even today.

One wonders if Abraham even had a glimpse of what God's purpose for his life really entailed. Just the thought of it would make us wonder if we really have any clue of what God purposes through our own lives.

Abraham's obedience to God made a way for God's eternal purposes to be fulfilled. OUR obedience to God makes the way for God's eternal purposes to be fulfilled. Abraham, the Father of Faith, was human just like us, but his obedience and faith opened the door to many blessings too numerous to count. Our obedience and faith will do no less.

Take some time today and examine your life. Look for areas where you can become more obedient to His Word. He is looking for submitted vessels through which He can accomplish His will in the earth. May He find them in us!

Father, once again I have examined my life and find areas in which my obedience and submission to You are sorely lacking. Forgive me, Lord, and help me to live a life of submission pleasing to You. Father, I long to look into Your Word and see myself as in a mirror, revealing all the areas of my life that are not pleasing to You. Lord, take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. Amen.

© Jan Ross
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David is a wonderful example of God's mercy which was continually displayed throughout his life. When he deserved judgment, mercy was granted; when he deserved punishment, mercy was applied. As a matter of fact, David was so assured of God's eternal mercy that he could boldly proclaim himself as numbered in the ranks of the righteous . . . his sins had been thoroughly purged and cleansed.

"Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter." (Psalm 118:19-20)

It is so easy to allow our past to keep us from the presence of the Lord. I can think of so many things that I've done in my past which should keep me from entering into His presence and worshipping at His feet. But, it's His mercy. It's His grace. It's His blood that makes me righteous in His eyes.

If we were honest with ourselves, we would have to admit to things that seem to "surface" while praying or worshipping in His presence. These "things" are a trap set by the enemy to rob the Father of our worship. If he can keep us concentrating on how bad we are, we'll never be able to truly worship Him for how magnificent He is.

David's testimony of God's grace is our key to victory over the snare of the enemy. Would that we all could grasp His understanding of God's unfailing love and tender mercy. It goes deeper than we can comprehend. His mercy reaches farther than we are aware. Fathomless. Boundless. Eternal.

Take some time today to consider the depth of God's undeserved and incomprehensible mercy. Walk in freedom through His gates and into His holy presence where we will find fullness of joy.

Lord, help me to comprehend the depths of your merciful love toward me so I can unashamedly enter Your gates with thanksgiving in my heart for all you have done for me. Help me to remember when my thoughts return back to my past that You were there in my past, You are here in my present, and You will be with me in through my tomorrows. And, yet, You have accepted me and forgiven me . . . thoroughly. Remind me, dear Lord, that my life (including my past, present and future) is not about me in any way; it's about You. In Your precious, holy name, amen!

© Jan Ross
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"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (Psalm 37:4)

WOW, what a verse! When folks read this verse or hear it quoted, they immediately begin to think of all their desires and how thrilling it would be to have every dream fulfilled. But, there is much more to this verse than meets the eye.

The word "delight" literally means to be soft or pliable, to SUBMIT. In other words, the Psalmist was indicating that as we submit to the Lord, He shall give us the desires of our heart—he will not only place those desires IN our heart, but He will also fulfill them.

Submission is something that is not fun to think about ; it carries with it personal responsibilities to not only acknowledge the Word of God but to ACT on the Word of God. Submission is dying to our own desires and allowing God's desires to manifest themselves in our lives. But, submission is a fact of life for the Christian, not that we HAVE to, but that we WANT to in order to lead a life pleasing to our Father.

Do you have strong desires deep in your heart? Chances are they have been planted there by the Lord and as you submit to His will more and more each day, you will begin to see these "dreams" manifested in you. If you have (or had) young children, remember how much you longed for them just to submit to your will when you gave them instructions or a task to accomplish. Then, remember how proud you were when they finally caught on and began to obey. Our Father longs for our obedience to His will much the same way, and He rejoices with us when our will becomes one with His.

Bless the Lord, submit to His will and He WILL give you the desires of your heart—the very desires He planted to bring Him the glory He deserves. Blessing Him also blesses us, but even if it doesn't bring a blessing in return, our hearts must be determined to submit to His will regardless of the personal cost, just because He is who He is.

Lord, submission is not always easy for me, but it is my heart's desire to please You by determining that my will be one with Your will, that Your desires become my desires, that Your plan for my life becomes mine. Lord, those desires You have planted in my heart, let them become a praise to You as they are made manifest as a result of my submission and obedience to Your will for me. Lord, be glorified in my life. I love You and long to please You with all my heart, amen!

© Jan Ross
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Obedience is born out of faith. Abraham was one who exhibited great faith in God's ability to lead him in order for him to take a journey to somewhere of which he had no knowledge. He obeyed with blind faith.

"By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went." (Hebrews 11:8)

Abraham's relationship with the Lord was an intimate one; he fully trusted God to give him direction in his life. This relationship wasn't inherited; it was one which grew exactly the same as ours. Abraham didn't just one day wake up and have giant faith; he responded to the call of God, he determined he would trust God, and he found God faithful in everything He had promised.

As we step out in faith believing God to lead us, to guide us, to care for us, to shelter us, to provide for us, etc, we grow in faith, finding it easier each time to reach out in faith believing God. Faith will soon become a way of life.

Faith grows but it starts with simple obedience. No matter how ridiculous it sounds, no matter how silly it seems, we must be obedient to the leading of God. He desires to bless us and our obedience will open the doors to His abundant blessings!

He did it for Abraham and countless others; He will do it for you as well.

Father, I want so much to be obedient to your leading in my life. I want to be obedient . . . period! Lord, I am amazed when I read about Abraham and others and their great faith and how You used them so mightily to perform Your will on this earth. Use me, Lord, as I learn to heed Your call and follow Your voice. Help me surrender my will to Your will. It is my prayer Your will be done first and foremost in my life and in my family, Lord. I love You and I want to please you through my obedience. Amen.

© Jan Ross
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One of my greatest and fondest memories of childhood is the sound of our congregation singing hymns on Sunday morning. In my family's church, there was only the rich sound of the pipe organ accompanying the congregation, led by the pastor. No music could match the blend of four-part harmony ascending to the skies; no words could match the faith-filled words of songs like, "Great is Thy Faithfulness." Hymn-singing was in itself a sermon challenging the heart to trust in our great God.

Thomas Chisholm was born in 1866 in Kentucky. He wrote over 1200 hymns, such as "Living For Jesus" and "O, to be Like Thee." But the hymn we remember the most is "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." Chisholm did not write this hymn because something great and miraculous had taken place in his life. No, he wrote this because over his entire life he had learned to see the greatness of God. At the age of 75, he wrote:

"My income has not been large at any time due to impaired health in the earlier years which has followed me on until now.
Although I must not fail to record here the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God and that He has given me
many wonderful displays of His providing care, for which I am filled with astonishing gratefulness."

Surely he understood the meaning of Lamentations 3:21-23: "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. 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."

Think about the scripture . . . "This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope." If we could only discipline ourselves to bring this scripture to our minds, "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." Remember it every time we are faced with doubt and unbelief. Keep it committed to memory for the times we come up against seemingly insurmountable situations. Remember, no matter what…Great is His faithfulness!

"Morning by morning, new mercies I see!" Those are Chisholm's words, but they must be our words as well. Oh yes! Our covenant-keeping God is faithful and His compassions fail not.

Read the verse one more time . . . "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. 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." Now read the words penned by Chisholm who framed this scripture so powerfully in "Great Is Thy Faithfulness!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness,
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessing all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided -
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Can you join in the chorus? Can you add your sacrifice of praise to God for His faithfulness? Can you look beyond your disabilities, your disappointments, and your disillusionments to proclaim that no matter what, "Great is Thy Faithfulness"?

Spend some time right now – find a place where you are alone for a few moments and pour out your praise as a drink offering before the Lord. He's so worthy…His faithfulness so great!

Father, I can't get past these words . . . great is Your faithfulness! I've never known anyone so faithful, anyone so tender, anyone so forgiving as You. Oh Lord, I'm overwhelmed with praise as it stirs within my heart. Father, when all my friends fail me, You are faithful! When those closest to me let me down, You are faithful! When my family has turned cold toward me, You are faithful! When it looks as if everything is crumbling at my feet, You are there. And, not only are you there, You are FAITHFUL. Great . . . GREAT is Your faithfulness, morning after morning Your mercies are new. I'm overwhelmed by Your love, Your provision, and Your merciful faithfulness. In Jesus' name, by His blood, and for His glory . . . Amen and Amen.

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

© Jan Ross
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Did you ever stop to think about the fact that God "knows" every animal, every beast, every creature that crawls on this earth. Even the sparrow . . . His eye is on each one. Take a moment before you continue reading, and consider what it means that He is more than simply aware of all the life on this planet, He "knows" everything that belongs to Him.

"I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine." (Psalm 50:11)

Yes, we serve an awesome God, a God who is too difficult to comprehend. But what warrants even further consideration is the fact that if He knows every creature upon the face of the earth, how much MORE intimately He knows us. He has invested so much into our lives; we have to understand that His concern for us goes far beyond what it does for the rest of creation.

Mankind was created to be a praise to Him, created to bring Him glory, created to worship Him. All that, yet with a will of our own to make the choice. Will we be a praise to Him on this earth? Will we bring Him glory in our lives? Will we worship our Creator? Consider the difference between the angelic host and mankind. When man begins to praise the Lord, to bring Him glory and to worship Him, He stretches out His arms and clears the throne room to make room for us to come into His presence. While the throneroom is filled with angels praising Him day and night before His throne, they are secondary to one soul offering up a heartfelt word of praise. The Lord longs for and glories in the praise and worship of His people far above the worship of His angelic beings; it thrills His heart when we CHOOSE to praise Him!

He's already there waiting to hear you. Go ahead and praise Him, glorify Him and worship Him. Open your mouth and your whole heart. Pour out your praise to the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords—the Majestic One who gave His all for you.

Father, thank You for loving me and knowing me more than I could ever hope to comprehend. I am so undeserving of Your great and unmatchable love, but I want to love You in return. Lord, I pray You will give me a greater revelation of Your love for mankind through Your Word and through intimate time spent in Your presence. I want to know You more. I want to love You more. The greatest thing in all my life is loving You…Amen!

© Jan Ross
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Traditions are an important part of family life. For our family, they include celebrations when all our six children, spouses, and fourteen grandchildren gather together once or twice a year just to be a family.

Before our family became so large, we would gather at my mother-in-law's house with extended family, and always with an amazing amount of goodies to eat including sloppy joes, macaroni and potato salads, cheese and crackers, little sausages, and the ever popular relish tray. Olives and pickles and more olives … oh how everyone seemed to like the green olives!

Whenever I see the children with their plates garnished with those green olives, I am reminded of Psalm 52:8 … "But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever."

Of course, the green olive comes from the "green olive tree" . . . planted, rooted, fixed, flourishing, and bearing fruit!

Do these words describe you? Are you planted, rooted, fixed, flourishing, and bearing fruit in your Christian walk? Are you firmly planted in the house of God, the place where God resides—in His presence? Have you come to trust in the mercy of God, whose mercy is forever?

It is because of His great mercy toward us that we can ever hope to truly be flourishing as green olive trees. His mercy grants us favor when we don't deserve it. His mercy affords us gifts when we haven't earned them. His mercy provides us with safety from our enemies when we are so unworthy. Without His mercy, we could never hope to abide in His presence or even be called a "green olive tree."

Psalm 37:35 compares the wicked with a green bay tree, a tree with huge, full leafs, but which bears no "useful" fruit. Is your fruit useful or is it deceiving like the bay tree, appearing to be a flourishing tree to the natural eye, but yielding nothing worthy of God's favor?

Examine your life today. Are you a green olive tree? Or, are you a green bay tree?

Trust in the mercy of God to firmly plant you in His presence where there is fullness of joy. He loves you and wants you to prosper, to grow, to flourish, and to bear useful fruit unto Him so that He will be glorified in your life.

The next time your family gets together and your table is spread complete with a relish tray, consider the green olives. You may find it's a great discussion starter in a non-threatening setting leading to serious contemplation by those who don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Be a green olive tree, trust in God's mercy while bearing fruit fit for the Master's table.

Father, I pray that I can stand like David and declare that "I am like a green olive tree planted in the house of God." Father may my life bear fruit that is pleasing to You—fruit that is useful and not deceiving. And, Lord, help me to understand the greatness of Your mercy toward me. But even more than that, Lord, help me to humbly accept Your mercy as an undeserved gift, as unmerited favor, and as a precious gift to someone as unworthy as I. Lord, I love you and want to please you with every breath I take. Amen!

© Jan Ross
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Looking at the Church today it is easy to make a comparison to the walls of Jerusalem. The walls of the Church have been broken down just as Nehemiah spoke in chapter 1 verse 3:

"And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire." (Nehemiah 1:3)

There are local churches as well as entire denominations who wink at abortion, who ordain homosexuals, who have all but done away with any absolutes – and they call themselves part of the Body of Christ.

But, God is raising up Nehemiah's to repair the walls and to go into action rebuilding the standard which sin has torn down.

As true believers, our goal is to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Nehemiah saw the need. Jerusalem's walls had been broken down and his heart was heavy. He mourned the condition of the City of God. It was important to him to do all in his power to rebuild the walls and secure the city and to once again make it a place where God dwelt.

"...the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down..."

We have all grieved over the state of the Church as a whole today. But have we taken the next step and asked God to use us to help build the walls back up? Have we considered what we can do? How can we make a difference? Where do we start?

Consider Nehemiah. He prayed. He confessed sin, not only his own but on behalf of all of Israel. He fasted. He waited before God for an answer. He stormed the gates of heaven on behalf of the broken down walls.

Ask God today how He can use you to build up that which has been torn down . . . how you can be a modern-day Nehemiah. Pray, confess sin, fast, wait before God, and storm the gates of heaven on behalf of the Church. Be a part of the solution; doing nothing only adds to the problem.

Father, my heart is heavy when I think of the Church You built up in which to reign and through which You desire to display Your glory. The effects of sin have diminished the power You have intended the Church to demonstrate in order that Your glory might be manifest throughout the earth. Although I don't understand how it came to be this way, I do understand that if You are not glorified, if the Word of God is not revered, if the evil in this world has entered in because the walls remain broken and in sore need of repair, then we, as the Body of Christ, are neglecting our duty to be a Nehemiah. Father, I want to be part of the solution, NOT part of the problem. "Here I am, Lord, send me." (Isaiah 6:8) Because of Jesus, my Redeemer . . . amen and amen.

© Jan Ross
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One of the most often quoted verses in the Bible begins with one of the least understood phrases: "For God so loved..."

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

God's love surpasses anything our minds can comprehend. His love is limitless, His love is complete, His love is perfect.

Though some may look down their noses at people who, for whatever reason, are less than acceptable, God so loves.

Though we may fail to understand how God could love someone who has committed a heinous, unthinkable crime, God so loves.

Though we may have been wounded by someone who has misunderstood us, spitefully used us, or rejected us, God so loves.

"So." The biggest little word in the Bible. How much does God love us? He "so" loves us.

Included in that little word "so" are all the agonies of the cross. Nothing withheld, the greatest sacrifice of all is captured in the word "so".

As we seek the Lord day by day, our understanding of the awesomeness and vastness of "so" will increase.

How much does our God love? So much. So far. So deep. So great. So high. So thoroughly. So perfectly. So amazingly. He loves "so".

Father, the depth of Your love is so overwhelming. My mind can hardly comprehend a love such as Yours toward a people who are "so" undeserving. How can I ever thank You for such a gift so freely given? Thank You for "so" loving me, in Jesus' name, amen!

© Jan Ross
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Fear and faith are undeniably related. What isn't of faith is simply of fear. The way I look at it is that we approach every situation in life with faith or with fear. Our responses to our circumstances will quickly reveal a faith-filled heart or a fear-filled heart.

Matthew 14:29-30 is a powerful lesson on this topic: "And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me."

Peter's experience has everything to do with faith, and everything to do with fear. Let's look more closely at how Peter's response to his situation is not so different than how we respond.

Faith: Peter saw Jesus walking on the water; his faith was "pumped up" because he saw the Lord walking on the water doing the miraculous and extraordinary. When we feel the presence of the Lord near, when we are built up from a good sermon, a season of prayer, or even an encouraging word, we seem to have the faith to accomplish anything.

Fear: Suddenly, Peter realized where he was – having heeded the Lord's call to come out of the boat, he was walking on water, doing the impossible, having surrendered total control to the One he loved most. When he realized where he was, when he considered his own ability to be greater than the Lord's ability to keep him safe, he began to sink. When we suddenly realize that it is not us but God's Spirit working through us, fear immediately rushes in to rob from us our confidence to step out in faith by drawing our attention to our inability when we should be focused on God's ability. But like Peter, this only happens when we take our eyes off Him.

The moment our eyes shift their focus from the Lord Jesus Christ and back onto ourselves or our circumstances, fear rushes in. It is as if a door is opened and fear is granted entrance.

Keep your eyes fixed on the Lord both in the times of great faith and in the times of little. Your gaze directed at Him will enable you to do all that you've been created to accomplish. And, as you see yourself doing the miraculous and extraordinary, keep your eyes on Him not on the storm around you or on what you think you can or cannot do.

Remember, it's all about Him and not about us – always and in all things.

The chorus to a familiar song is ringing in my heart as I write this evening:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in his wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace!

Father, help me to trust You, both when I feel You near AND when You seem afar off. Teach me according to Your word to grow strong in faith and to stop fear from robbing me of doing the things You have purposed for me to do. Help me to walk strong in faith with my eyes fixed on You, where those things which would give entrance to fear grow strangely dim as the light of Your glory and grace beckon me to come and surrender wholly to You. In Jesus' name, and for His glory, Amen.

"For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:17)

© Jan Ross
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"Dedicated to the one I love... "—an old song from the past. But what about your day? Is it "dedicated to the One [you] love"?

So often we take our days for granted. We wake up and immediately busy ourselves about the day's business, and very often our mind is on everything BUT the "One I love."

"My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up." (Psalm 5:3)

The Psalmist made a point of dedicating his day to the Lord. In the morning when he woke up, the first thing he did was to direct his prayer to the Lord. This simple act of submission and dedication helped him keep his eyes on the Lord all the day long. Obviously, it will work the same for us.

Tomorrow when you wake up, when you first open your eyes, whisper a prayer saying, "Lord, You have given me this day as a precious gift; I dedicate it to the One I love!"

Put Him first in your day and you will find that He's right there in your midst all the day long. Always remember, a day not dedicated to the Lord is a day dedicated to the flesh by default. The flesh will take control – the natural man will rule unless you put the Lord in His rightful place first thing when you awaken. Dedicate your days to Him … the One you love.

Father, I pray my days will never again begin without first acknowledging You in them. Lord, since You are the One I love, I choose to dedicate each day to You from the very moment I awaken. I look forward to being even more aware of your presence with me all the day long, every day, amen.

© Jan Ross
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The outward appearance of man is in many instances deceiving . . . appearing to be righteous to others but full of iniquity in his heart.

One of the most common manifestations of this deadly spiritual problem is malicious gossip. For some reason, some people feel it is their duty to keep the embers of controversy stirring. They thrive on tidbits of juicy gossip, putting on a righteous air and going to others with a pious attitude spewing their poison. The sad thing is that they don't even consider what they're saying as gossip but put on a mask of spiritual maturity in order to gain the confidence of those to whom they speak.

More harm has been done in the Body of Christ through the mouths of malicious gossips than through any other means. Innocent people have been wrongfully accused, young Christians have been crushed, and even some of the most mature, Godly people have been horribly wounded through the words of gossipers.

Take note of the words that come from your own mouth. Are they from a heart of love for God and fellow-man, or are they from a heart corrupt and seeking its own pleasure at the expense of others?

"Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity." (Matthew 23:28)

Examine yourself carefully today to make sure you are not one of those who appear to be righteous but whose heart is full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Father, I confess that I have been known to say things that I knew would wound or hurt others. Please forgive me for my part in inflicting deep wounds and scars on people for the momentary pleasure of appearing "righteous." Lord, cleanse my heart from all unrighteousness; help me to be to all what and who You have called me to be. I long to be a clean vessel through which You can minister to your beloved children. Cleanse me, O Lord, from all my offences that I may be free to serve You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Lord, I love you more than anything, amen.

"The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly." (Proverbs 18:8)

© Jan Ross
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Today we stop to remember. If you live in the United States you, too, will have already been reminded of the horror of terrorist attacks on September 11th. But, dear friends, God has something to say to us, something for us to consider in light of the tragic events that are still vividly imprinted in our memories.

Today's verse, "And the gospel must first be preached to all nations" (Mark 13:10) is included in Jesus' response to the disciples regarding the end of times. Let's take a moment to consider this verse in its context:

Mark 13:3-10 ~ "As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, "Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?" Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, `I am he,' and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. "You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations."

Jesus told His disciples to take action: (1) Watch out that no one deceives you; (2) do not be alarmed; (3) be on your guard; and (4) the gospel must first be preached to all nations.

While we remember those who lost their lives on this day a few short years ago, let's do more than mourn their death. Let's put into action what Jesus told us to do when we see these things happening. Let's share the gospel!

When the Lord gives us specific direction, He also gives us the power to accomplish His directives. Most of us are careful about deception. Many of us do not get easily alarmed. Many have learned to be on guard for the wiles of the enemy. But most of us fail to take seriously Jesus' specific word to us: "The gospel must first be preached to all nations."

Since I've seen first hand how the ministry of the gospel literally transforms lives in foreign lands, my whole focus in life has changed. But you don't have to travel across the ocean to learn this; there is a neighbor who needs Christ, a coworker who needs to hear the Good News, a close friend who needs to be set free.

Don't let this day pass without first sharing the Gospel. Do your part in honoring those who lost their lives on September 11th. Heed the words of Christ and do it because you can see that we are indeed living in the times when nations are rising against nations and kingdom against kingdom.

Ask the Lord for an opportunity today to share the gospel with at least one person, then do it with boldness.

Father, first, I thank You for Your Word. I lift up every family who was touched by the September 11 tragedy and ask You to comfort them with Your gentle touch. Heal their wounds and mend their broken hearts. Lord, I recognize that the times in which we live are desperate times in many ways. Help me to do my part, Lord, while I share the Gospel today. Let Your holy boldness rise up within me. Give me the words to say and the confidence to say them. Speak through me, minister through me, and change at least one life today through me as I choose to obey your Word by spreading the Gospel. Come quickly, Lord Jesus … in Your precious name I pray, amen and amen.

"And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Matt 24:14)

© Jan Ross
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A few years ago, there was a car manufacturer who was easily recognized by a commercial jingle which went like this, "Who could ask for anything more?" and went on to say its name. Essentially that's what today's verse is saying to us: "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?" (Psalm 118:6)

With the Lord on our side, who could ask for anything more? We have nothing to fear.

The verse goes on to say, "What can man do unto me?" The answer is simple: NOTHING! Man can do nothing that the Lord does not allow. There's no sense to get upset with people for their wrongs against you. If you're a child of God, He's is watching over you and protecting you always –He never takes His eyes off you. In fact, Isaiah 49:16 says, "Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me." In other words, you are more than just tattooed in the palms of His hands; you are engraved and cannot be erased. He cares so specifically for you that He has your name before Him at all times.

The next time you find yourself in a situation where fear comes knocking at your door because of what you perceive man can do or has done against you, just remember that NOTHING can happen to you that God does not allow, and He will always make a way for you in the midst of that problem IF (and only IF) you are His child, called by His name.

What do we have to fear? Nothing, for the Lord is on our side!

Father, so often I lose sight of the fact that You love me, that You are on my side, and that nothing can happen to me You are not aware of. Help me, Lord, to draw on your strength, to stand in the midst of persecution, and to represent You well in the midst of conflict. Help me to not allow fear to overwhelm me. You are in control. Amen.

© Jan Ross
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We've all said it in various contexts: "People haven't changed a bit!" Let's look at a memorable day in the life of Christ. The crowds were hailing Him as King …

"And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest." (Matthew 21:9)

But, not many days later, the same multitudes were crying, "Crucify Him!" Alas, people haven't changed a bit.

Have you ever stopped to think about what you would have done under the same circumstances? You've witnessed miracles on one hand; you've heard the angry accusations on the other. You've sat under His teaching; you've also heard him called a heretic. You've witnessed changed lives; you've seen the reactions of the religious leaders.

There weren't many who chose to go against the flow; most followed the crowds. They followed in hailing Him as King one day. Soon afterward, however, they followed the crowd crying, "Crucify Him!"

The time may come in the not too distant future where we will be faced with similar decisions. Will we follow the crowd or will we stay true to the King of kings and Lord of lords? Will we stand for what we know is truth, or will we find our voices drowning in the sea of voices rejecting truth? Will we be like Peter and deny that we ever knew Him, or will we stand with the few who weren't afraid to admit they followed Him?

These are hard questions that we must be prepared to answer. If we don't know what we would do, NOW is the time to make up our minds. Now is NOT the time to ride the fence.

We must be like Paul when he said, "I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day." (2 Timothy 1:12)

Father, I don't want to follow along with the crowd to avoid being singled out because of my faith. Lord, I want to stand up for You, whether in front of my co-workers, my family, my friends, my neighbors, the government . . . whomever. Lord, I love You and I'm committed to You. Give me strength to stand, O Lord, in the face of all creation and cry, "Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" Amen.

© Jan Ross
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Has God ever spoken a promise to your heart that seemed outlandish? Have you ever read promises of God in His Word and thought, "that works for them but it would never work for me"? I think if we're honest we've all dealt with feelings like this from time to time.

Abraham had received a promise from God, one that seemed like it would never or COULD never be fulfilled as he and his wife were both well up in years.

That which God promises, God performs. Unlike most of us, God always comes through. Most promises, however, are conditional upon response from us. Most of His promises are: "If you will . . . then I will." In other words, we have to align ourselves with the will and purposes of God in order to receive all that He has promised to us.

Abraham had a word from the Lord. A living rhema word from the Lord. A promise. A vision from God. But even more than that, Abraham had an established relationship with the Lord. He knew God's voice. He knew God.

"And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise." (Hebrews 6:15)

We would all like to have the faith of Abraham. We don't have to think the faith of Abraham is unattainable. We CAN have it.

A fulfilling Christian life cannot be attained if we neglect to read and study His Word. His Word should take a place of priority in our lives. Many times believers find themselves praying and doing all manner of good works, but they neglect to fellowship with Him in His Word. The Word is alive; it is His heartbeat, it is the image of Himself for us. Without His Word, we have no clue of the glorious, majestic, mighty God that we serve. Faith is built in His Word and without faith, it is impossible to please Him.

If we endure, if we have patience we will obtain that which He has promised. Hallelujah!

Father, help me to be more patient, enduring until I see the manifestation of Your promises in my life. Lord, I want to know Your voice. I want to walk in Your will for my life. I want to have an Abraham-type relationship with You. Father, help me never to neglect Your Word; my faith continually needs to be built up. Lord, I love you. May my life be pleasing to You, amen!

© Jan Ross
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Where do you run when your life's circumstances seem to overwhelm You? To whom do you turn when you face disappointment and discouragement? If you're like most people, the first thing you think about is calling a friend . . . one who will listen and offer a sympathetic ear. Read what the Psalmist had to offer regarding the placement of our trust:

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God." (Psalm 20:7)

Have you ever wondered why we turn to man rather than to God in times of need? Simply because we're like those the Psalmist wrote about, trusting in horses and chariots rather than in the name of our God.

We look for a quick fix. We need a fast answer. We want to see in the natural what is purposed to happen in the spiritual realm. We see the circumstances with our natural eyes which lead us to look for a natural solution rather than a spiritual one. We look for our help to come by way of man; we look for ways to escape the situation rather than position ourselves to glorify God in it and through it. We trust in artificial means of protection while God has covenanted with us to provide genuine and supernatural protection.

Oh, that we would begin to look to God for our help, to be content in our circumstances until we see His hand move on our behalf! We need to run to Him. Not our friends or family members. Not self-help books. Not television personalities. Not the local pub or social venue. When we're in trouble and being pursued by the enemy we need to trust in the name of the Lord our God to lead us through.

We live in a fast-paced world where answers are often at our fingertips, but we are to look to God who has fought our battles for us and already won for us the victory. Remember that God is omnipotent. He was all powerful yesterday. He is all powerful today. And, His power is already manifest in our tomorrows. Trust Him, the only Trustworthy One!

Father, help me remember to run to You in times of need, to look to You for answers rather than looking for answers everywhere else. Father, thank you for providing for my every need through your Name, the Name which is above every Name. And, thank you for being my Victorious Lord. Thank You for going before me and making a way for me, for Your awesome provision, protection, and promise of victory through the Blood of Jesus. In His name and for His glory, Amen and Amen.

"Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. 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. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy." (Psalm 61:1-3)

© Jan Ross
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God has given us all a measure of faith. In this manner it is impossible for us NOT to please Him if we exercise faith. It is truly not the AMOUNT of faith that God is looking for, it's what we do with the measure He has dealt to us.

Sometimes it seems a new Christian has the ability to believe God for anything and God answers their prayers almost instantly. Yet for others, there sometimes seems to be a struggle to receive answers to prayer. Could it be that perhaps the new Christian is exercising pure faith, that which has not been defiled by experience or perhaps by feeling they've somehow earned His attention and action on their behalf? The new Christian simply believes that He is and God rewards their diligence in seeking Him with zeal and enthusiasm as a result of their new-found love.

"And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God." (Mark 11:22)

Oh, that we would all walk once again in the purity of simple faith by revisiting the basics of our relationship with the Lord. Simply believe and receive. No pride. No haughtiness. No questions. No doubts. No fear. Nothing other than pure and simple faith, undefiled and pleasing to God.

Dear Lord, again I find myself at a loss for words. Help me to remember that faith in You is what is pleasing to You. Help me also remember that faith is not something I need to pump up or that Your response is not something I need to earn. Teach me once again, Lord, the very basics of simple faith, diligence in seeking You and ultimately bringing glory to You. It is my desire, Lord, to please You in all I do, every day in every way. Amen.

© Jan Ross
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Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with challenges we as a family face. The burden parents and grandparents bear can just about paralyze us as we struggle to maintain our focus and reestablish our trust in God. Many of you understand this kind of burden … many of you are walking through similar circumstances.

"Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear" (Isaiah 59:1)

We need to be reminded that our omnipotent Lord is able to do anything ; there is nothing too difficult for Him. The rankest sinner is able to be saved; the filthiest life is able to be cleansed. The lowest depression is able to be lifted; the highest mountain is able to be climbed. The most difficult situation is able to be resolved; the most rebellious life is able to be redeemed. There is NOTHING too difficult for Him.

The next time you feel overwhelmed with life's burdens, or if you think you've strayed too far or failed Him one too many times, remember that His arm cannot be shortened. Remember that His mercy endures forever. Remember that His blood is all-powerful and its purifying power is total and complete.

Finally, remember that His ear is never too heavy to hear your prayer. He will never turn a deaf ear to you. He has the answer—He IS the answer for all our problems. Our omnipresent Lord is in the midst of each situation before we even know there IS a "situation".

As you think about Isaiah 59:1 today, take a moment to thank the Lord for His overwhelming love and mercy, and His tender care. Regardless of what things look like to us, nothing is too difficult for Him . . . absolutely nothing.

Father, so many times I find myself ashamed to approach You because I have allowed circumstances of life to cloud my vision and challenge my trust. Forgive me for "shortening" your hand. Father, thank You for your overwhelming love and mercy . . . thank You for Your tender care . . . thank You that there is nothing too difficult for You. Amen.

"Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee" (Jeremiah 32:17)

© Jan Ross
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On the way home from church one Sunday some years ago, I was driving while two of our grandchildren were in the back seat chattering way. Our little four-year old granddaughter proceeded to delve into some deep discussion with her "Nana", giving me a basis for deep consideration in the Word of God! "Out of the mouth of babes . . .!"

Nana: What did you learn in Sunday School this morning?

Child: We learned about Jesus!

Nana: What did you learn about Jesus?

Child: Him lives in my heart!

Nana: How wonderful! Does He live in my heart, too?

Child: Yea, and in bubby's and mommy's and Papa's, too! Nana, where are we going? I'm hungry!

Nana: We're going home and make something to eat.

Child: I don't want anything to eat!

Nana: I thought you were hungry.

Child: I want some candy.

Nana: No, honey, not until after we eat our dinner.

Child: I don't want to eat, I want some candy . . . how Him get in my heart anyway?

Nana: What?

Child: How Him get in my heart? Did I eat Him?

And so this stimulating dialogue went on until we arrived home. The conversation was interesting . . . this child acknowledged Jesus was in hers heart, she stated that she was hungry, but didn't want to "eat", but wanted something sweet like candy. Doesn't this sound like some people we know, too?

Many of us find ourselves wanting only "candy" when it comes to our faith. We want the "sweetness" and "goodness" of God, but we don't want to discipline ourselves to partake of the life-giving Word of God.

To be honest, if we spend too much time seeking after the blessings of God gives rather than submitting to the nourishment found through self-discipline in our relationship with Him, we may soon find ourselves asking along with our granddaughter, "How Him get in my heart anyway?"

How about you . . . have you learned the simple lesson that we must devour the Word, hunger after Him, thirst after righteousness? Or, are you still as this little four-year old who insists that she's hungry but doesn't want to eat except to accept the sweet things she knows are delicious and desirable.

Take some time today to examine your life and especially your habits and methods of seeking Him first and hungering and thirsting after His righteousness. If you are feeding on His Word, you'll never have to question "how Him get in my heart anyway?" You'll KNOW He's there because His Word has been established in your heart.

"Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." (Mark 10:15)

Father, so many times we see the simplicity of a child's faith yet fail to recognize the lessons they teach us by their unquestioning acceptance of truth! Lord, help me to hunger after You even more . . . help me to discipline my life to spend the time with You, devouring Your Word, applying it to my life, seeking Your righteousness, and submitting to Your instruction. I love You, Lord, and I pray that my heart would be consumed with desire for You alone . . . not what You can give me but just You. Amen.

© Jan Ross
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