Looking at each piece of the suit of armour, we can easily see that putting on the Armour of God is putting on the Lord Jesus Christ as Paul admonished in Galatians 3:27 – "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore… having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:13-17)

Let's take a closer look . . .

". . . stand therefore having your loins girt about with truth" He is the "TRUTH" – "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

". . . having on the breastplate of righteousness." He is our "RIGHTEOUSNESS" – "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)

". . . your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace." He is our "PEACE" – "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us." (Ephesians 2:14)

". . . taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." He is our "SHIELD" – "But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head." (Psalm 3:3)

". . . take the helmet of salvation." He is our "SALVATION" – "O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation." (Psalm 95:1)

". . . and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God." He is the "WORD OF GOD" – "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)

As you face your daily battles, remember this: If we are born-again, we are one with Christ who IS our WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD.

With Him and through Him we can stand against any wiles of the enemy.

He is IN us, He is ON us, He is IN FRONT of us protecting us and He is BEHIND us as our rear guard; He goes with us into every battle.

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

Lord, help me to gain a greater understanding of just what You have provided for me through your precious Son, Christ Jesus. Help me to realize that I do not need to struggle, but only stand firm in knowing the battles are not mine, the victory is already won, and that Jesus Christ is my complete and total shield against any fiery dart that may be hurled at me by the enemy of my soul. Thank You for Victory in Jesus! Hallelujah, what a Saviour! Amen!

© Jan Ross
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Many of us have childhood memories that we'll carry throughout our lives. Some memories are good and some are not. It has always intrigued me that very often memories are associated with scents.

I can remember specific scents that are associated with unforgettable memories of great significance in my life. As a child the scent of fresh-cut lilacs off a spring bush sitting on the dining room table always brought to my memory the first time my mother snipped the blooms and placed them in the vase. The aroma penetrated every inch of the house with a sweet-smelling savor indeed. My mother would stand nearby at her ironing board and time after time just stop to take a deep breath and comment on the fragrance. She loved lilacs and they seemed to have a tranquilizing effect on her . . . in those moments she was peaceful regardless of the circumstances at home. Oh what a joy it was to walk in from outdoors and just stand there, smelling and watching her enjoy the beauty of the lingering fragrance so strong that it made an impact on the small child I was at the time.

This time of year holds special memories for me. We lived in metropolitan Cleveland and there was a "valley" nearby. Every fall for several years, my dad and I would go for walks in the valley on Sunday afternoons. We'd tread through the fallen leaves, wet with dew and the occasional rainfall. The squirrels would scurry across the branches high above our head and an occasional deer would cross our path. You could hear horses from the nearby stables as they announced their presence! But even with all of nature's most awesome finery, the most significant part of our walks in the valley was his strong hand wrapped securely around mine as we plodded on unforged paths, tripping over fallen trees and stumbling into puddles. But what lingers in my memory is the scent of fall, a scent that catapults me back to these intimate moments with my dad on chilly Sunday afternoons. It was delightful, but even more than that; it has been a memory to treasure all these years later.

So, too, is the sacrifice that Christ, because of His love for us, made nearly 2,000 years ago . . . and the aroma from that sacrifice is still a sweet-smelling savor in the nostrils of the Father! Why? Because that one obedient act of total submission by His Son bought entrance for us into His holy presence.

"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor." (Ephesians 5:1-2)

Oh, what a savored memory in the nostrils of God!

Oh, what a Saviour!

Oh, what a Love Divine!

Father, I love You! May my life be an acceptable sacrifice unto You, a sweet-smelling savor in Your nostrils. Burn out of me everything that is not pleasing to You. Lord, teach me to walk in love and to be a complete, total "follower of God". Help me, Lord, to be constantly reminded of Your unfailing love as I live and breathe surrounded with the handiwork of your creation. My prayer is that the fragrance of my worship and obedience rise to Your throne as a sweet-smelling savor unto You. Father, this is my desire today, tomorrow and every day until I have become nothing and You have become everything in me! In the precious Name of Jesus I pray, Amen!

© Jan Ross
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The grace or favor of God sent salvation to us all. But it also teaches us some important elements of sober and godly living.

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:11-12)

First, we must deny ungodliness. However, before we can deny it, we must understand what constitutes ungodliness. It comes from a Greek word meaning irreverent, impious, or wicked. In order to live godly lives in the grace of God, we must deny ungodliness and flee from it.

Second, we must deny worldly lusts. However, again, before we can deny the worldly lusts, we need to understand what they are. It speaks of longing for those things which are forbidden, things unclean, things that have no part in the life of a child of God.

Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts is never easy. It takes consistency without compromise as we pursue sober, righteous, and godly living.

Three important words to remember . . . soberly, righteously, and godly.

Use your personal time of reflection and prayer today to consider your life. How do you measure up? Are you pursuing godliness? Are you denying ungodliness and worldly lusts? Be honest in your self-examination and listen to the voice of the Spirit as He draws you to repentance and teaches you the importance of sober and godly living for the glory of God

Father, as I consider this, I find that I am in need once again of Your grace. Forgive me, Lord, for I am weak. Teach me to be sober, righteous, and godly so that You might be glorified in me and through me. Father, I love You and choose to pursue godliness in every area of my life; I need Your help! In Jesus' name, amen and amen!

© Jan Ross
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How can we live a holy life? That's one of the most asked questions. Everyone seems to what to know how to live "holy" but most are not willing to do what is necessary to be "holy"! But, yet, we are told to be holy even as He is holy.

Leviticus 20:26 says, "And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine."

Our God is a holy God! The word New Testament word "holy" is translated as purification or state of purity; the Old Testament word "holy" is translated as sanctity, sacred, hallowed, pure. Because our God is a holy God, those who are called by Him must also be holy.

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:17-18)

Take some time today and consider God's holiness; also consider what a holy life would look like, how your life would be different, and what you need to change to "be holy even as He is holy."

Father, I fall so short, missing the mark, and bring to You shame because I don't take Your holiness into account during my day-to-day activities. Father, forgive me! Thank You for the blood of Jesus that cleanses me and makes me whole. Give me the strength to walk in the fullness of Your holiness. Father, teach me, guide me, mold me, and make me after Your will, for Your glory! I love You and long to be pleasing to You in every way, my Lord and my God! In Jesus' name, amen!

"For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy." (Leviticus 11:45)

© Jan Ross
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Prayer is as important to God as it is to us.  In God's economy, it is as important to pray for one another as it is to pray for our own needs.

"Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way" (I Samuel 12:23)

Intercession is not just for those who feel it is their ministry; it is for ALL of us. There is a principle of giving which flows throughout scripture that is the basis for intercession: "give and it shall be given unto you".

So often we find ourselves so caught up in our own circumstances of life that we fail to consider our brothers and sisters may be facing similar or worse challenges.  Through interceding for them in their time of need, the heart of God reaches out not only to them, but also to us. Oftentimes it is a sacrifice to pray for others, but it is one which is accepted as a sweet-smelling savor ascending to the throneroom of God.

Consider your prayer life. How is your time spent?  Do you pray for your needs and those of your family?  Of course you do.  But, do you also spend time interceding for others, placing their needs on the same level as your own?  Job 42:10 says, "And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before."  It was when he gave himself to prayer and intercession for his friends that God was moved to not only replace all that he lost, but He doubled his return.

Consider this carefully. Be balanced in your prayers and you will see the hand of God move not only in your life but in the lives of those for whom you pray.

Father, I'm afraid I have to admit that I often neglect praying for others as much as I should.  I see the principle in your Word that as I pray for others, You are able to move in my own circumstances as well as theirs.  Lord help me to pray according to Your will . . . for me, for my family, for all whom I know that need a touch from You, amen.

© Jan Ross
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Note: If you would like to be involved in Heart of God International Ministries' prayer ministry (Palal Partners), please click here subscribe. Join a group of men and women who intercede on behalf of the ministry, its outreaches, and the many prayer requests sent to us daily from all over. For more information, click here.

Life as a believer is not easy—God never promised us it would be. The Apostle Paul addresses this in 2 Corinthians 4:17.

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."

But, wait a minute! "Light and momentary troubles?" The Apostle Paul apparently didn't understand what it takes to live in today's world. After all, if he really understood he wouldn't have used those words. It might have been more accurate for him to start his sentence with: "For our unrelenting and debilitating troubles…"

But, let's look at the entire verse … these "light and momentary troubles are achieve for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." The fact is that whether our troubles are "light and momentary" or "unrelenting and debilitating," they are fulfilling a purpose in our lives—achieving for us an eternal glory.

The Apostle Paul goes on to say, "So we fix our eyes on not what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (v. 18)

That's the key for us on the good days and on the bad, during the "light and momentary troubles" and what we might consider to be "unrelenting and debilitating" troubles. Our eyes MUST be fixed not on what is seen but what is unseen—not on our troubles but on the "eternal glory" that awaits us.

Admittedly this isn't always easy to do. But we must remember that "what is seen is temporary" and "what is unseen is eternal." Our pains and troubles are temporary, especially when compared to eternity.

Eternity—no beginning and no end. This life is just a fleeting moment compared to eternity. The "unseen" that awaits us will be worth all the "light and momentary" and "unrelenting and debilitating" troubles we have experienced as well as those yet to come.

Fix your eyes, not on your troubles but on the cross of Jesus and His power to redeem us from this life. He purchased our salvation, He paid the ultimate price, so we might receive the "unseen" as our reward. Keep these truths in mind as you walk through your challenging days. Don't allow the circumstances of life cloud your remembrance of the eternal "unseen".

Father, there are days my troubles seem more than I can bear. Help me to remember that what I feel and what I think and what I experience in this life are not what matters. Help me remember there is an eternal glory awaiting all who persevere. Give me the courage to go on with my eyes fixed not on "what is seen, but on what is unseen". In Jesus' name, amen.

© Jan Ross
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The attributes of God . . . what are they? When you think of God, what do you think of? His mercy? His love? His power? In fact, a question was recently raised: "What does it mean to have a heart like God?" Most of us would give answers that reflect his attributes such as love, compassion, mercy, etc.

The Bible gives us a glimpse of the most significant attribute of God, one that we don't often want to deal with. Take a peek into the throne room of God and hear what the angels are saying: "Holy, holy, holy!"

"And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come." (Revelation 4:8)

In the Bible, emphasis is put on words that are repeated or mentioned twice such as "Truly, truly . . ." or "Lord, Lord . . ." But when we see a word spoken three times, it bears a weighty significance that demands our attention.

Isaiah 6:3 confirms the vision of John in Revelation 4:8 when Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up, seated on His throne, and the train of His glory filled the temple. He saw the angels . . . "and one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory." In fact, the sound of the seraphim reverberates throughout eternity as they worship before the Throne . . . "Holy, holy, holy!" They aren't around the throne proclaiming, "Love, love, love!" or "Mercy, mercy, mercy!" They are proclaiming the holiness of God, not just in passing, but over and over and over throughout all eternity.

What is the greatest attribute of God? God is HOLY, HOLY, HOLY!

Consider His holiness . . . and then follow up with Peter's admonition written under the anointing of the Spirit of God: "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (behavior); because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:15-16)

When you are faced with decisions, choices, and opportunities, remember Leviticus 20:7: "Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God." And, as we've just seen, our God is HOLY, HOLY, HOLY – perfectly holy in every way!

Father, as I consider You I often think of You as love, abounding in mercy, full of grace, and mighty in power. When I consider Your holiness, however, I am quickly humbled and convicted of my sin, and drawn to repentance. Father, forgive me for not often contemplating Your holy nature; forgive me for lacking reverence and fear of Your holiness. Cleanse me, Lord, of my unrighteousness and teach me how to be holy as You are holy, holy, holy! In Jesus' name, by His blood, and for His glory, amen and amen!

© Jan Ross
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"Radical obedience" is a phrase that's challenged me. But it's not just for me. This should be a daily challenge for ALL believers.

What is radical obedience? Let me see if I can put it into words. To me, radical obedience is obeying God when it doesn't make sense. Radical obedience is doing God's will when our own agenda makes more sense. Radical obedience is denying my flesh while fulfilling God's purpose for me. Radical obedience is heeding the call of God when, by all appearances, it's out of the question. Radical obedience is not compromising even if it means losing friends. Radical obedience is venturing outside my comfort zone no matter how uncomfortable or unreasonable it feels. Radical obedience is not only asking "What Would Jesus Do," but DOING what Jesus did.

"And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross!" (Philippians 2:8)

Radical obedience demands I do whatever I do in a manner which emulates the attitude found in Christ Jesus as He gave His all, through life and through death, so the Father might be revealed through Him every moment of every day.

Christ must be glorified. He must be the focus of my life. Others must see Him and not us. Radical obedience demands we disregard those things which seem important to us so Christ becomes of paramount importance to us all, through life and even through death.

At times, I've thought I was living a radically obedient life. But each day I learn there are more areas in my life that fail to reflect such humility and obedience.

Look at our verse in context … "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11 NIV)

Jesus is the greatest example of radical obedience. It's time for Christians to understand what it means to be called a Christian – being LIKE Christ. We cannot be a Christian unless we pursue Christlikeness.

Oh, I have so far to go! But it is my desire to pursue radical obedience … not when it's convenient, but when it is most inconvenient. What about you?

Father, forgive me for failing to be Christlike in all I do. I want to change. I want to emulate my Lord Jesus Christ in every aspect of my life. Help me. Empower me. Lead me. Teach me. It is my desire, Lord, to pursue radical obedience. Not for a trophy or a medal or a gold star, but I choose a greater level of obedience so that Christ might be glorified – Him and Him alone. In Jesus' name, amen and amen.

© Jan Ross
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As we read the Word, there are times a single verse stands out and makes us stop to ask some questions. Hebrews 11:16 is one such verse:

"Instead, they were longing for a better country-a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them."

I began to consider this verse and mull it over in my mind. I asked myself if God is not ashamed to be called their God, what would have made Him feel ashamed to be called their God? The answer was right there—God would feel ashamed to be called their God if they had not believed His promise.

The men and women listed in Hebrews 11, often times called the "Hall of Faith," people lived as if there was heaven to gain and hell to shun. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and more … they all "were still living by faith when they died" (v.13). They didn't give up. They didn't throw in the towel just because they didn't see the manifestation of their promise during their lifetimes. Their walk of faith wasn't dependent on what God could or would give them—they already knew what He had promised.

Today we have even greater revelation of the power of God's promises through 2 Corinthians 1:20. Paul tells us, "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God." In other words, what God promised—no matter what He has promised—Jesus ratified and sealed that promise by His blood so the Father is glorified.

To put it simply, God said, "Yes, I will be your God and you will be my people." Jesus shed His blood as a seal of the covenant and said, "Amen! God will indeed be your God and you will indeed be His people!"

Are you living like you believe His promises? Or, are you in danger of causing the Lord to feel ashamed to be called your God?

Trust Him! Believe Him! Know that He is willing and able to keep His promises to you!

"[Abraham] staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness." (Romans 4:20-22 KJV)

Father, there are times I struggle with my faith—those times are hard because what I see with my eyes is not the same as what I read in Your Word. But just like so many whom You call faithful listed in Hebrews 11, Lord, I want to trust You, believe You, and be assured that you are not ashamed to be called my God. Lord, help me to stand firm regardless what the circumstances say and trust you with all my heart. Help me to live in full assurance of Your promises, not moved by circumstances. Help me to believe so that You will be glorified through my life. In Jesus' name, amen.

©Jan Ross
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Paul's letter to the Thessalonians is full of good advice for servants of the Most High God as they live among people "which walk among you disorderly" (v.11). But Paul instructs us, "But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing." (2 Thessalonians 3:13)

Sometimes it's hard to not grow weary in our well doing when others around us appear to be carefree in their disorderly lifestyles.

Sometimes we need a gentle reminder. Sometimes we need to remember that although our "well doing" may be costly to our flesh, it is "the Lord of peace himself [who will] give [us] peace always by all means"(v. 16). In other words, it's worth whatever it takes to allow "the Lord [to] direct our hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ" (v. 5).

We live in a world filled with people seeking their own pleasures, building their own "kingdoms," and storing up their own treasures. The hearts of unredeemed mankind are provoked by nothing less than feeding every fleshly desire that stirs their heart. Their hearts are cold and indifferent to the needs and suffering of others unless by somehow reaching out will benefit them personally. Their flesh craves gratification and their lifestyles feed that craving no matter what it takes.

But we seek to please God, to deny our flesh, to serve one another. And, that's why Paul reminded the people at Thessalonica to "be not weary in well doing." The words still ring true today and bring with them the promise that God will reward us for our life of sacrifice to Him and to others.

Are you tired of living for others? Are you tired of constantly denying your flesh of things that appear to be full of pleasure? Are you tired of laboring for the Kingdom of God? Take heed, dear ones . . . "be not weary in well doing" and know that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ will be with you always.

Father, it seems as if Paul could see into this day and hour when so many are becoming weary in battle. The flesh is weak and craves to be fed yet we rejoice as we die daily for the sake of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Empower us, Lord, to continue and to not be weary in our well doing. Grant us peace as we live in a world filled with chaos motivated by selfishness and self-serving attitudes. In Jesus' name, for His glory . . . amen and amen.

© Jan Ross
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