Absolutely Nothing
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 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 His arm cannot be shortened. Remember His mercy endures forever. Remember His blood is all-powerful and its purifying power is total and complete.
Finally, remember 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 we find ourselves ashamed to approach You because we have allowed circumstances of life to cloud our vision and challenge our trust. Forgive us 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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Mystery Solved
Have you ever wondered why God “chose” you? Most of us have, at one time or another in our lives, gone through a time in our walk that we really wondered why on earth God would choose us to be His children. We see ourselves as so insignificant that it’s hard to understand why the God of the Universe, the Most High, Almighty, Sovereign, El Elyon, El Shaddai would choose ‘me’ to serve Him.
Look closely at this verse: “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servants whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, and will there be one after me.” (Isaiah 43:10)
Why has He chosen you? “… so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.” That’s why He chose you; that’s why He chose me. So we will KNOW Him and BELIEVE Him and UNDERSTAND that He is God.
The word “know” in this verse is the Hebrew word “yadha“. It is an ancient term which encompassed a very personal level of familiarity and was often used to depict the close relationship between a husband and wife. One of the greatest reasons you are on this planet is to learn to KNOW God intimately and with reverent familiarity. God wants us to KNOW Him so He chose us to reveal Himself to us.
But, there’s more. He not only wants us to KNOW Him but to BELIEVE Him. To believe Him is to trust Him and in order to trust Him we must know Him. The Hebrew word for “believe” is “aman” which means to be firm, to be enduring, to trust.
The “trust issue” with God is a monumental problem in the lives of most Christians. We know the promises of God and yet we don’t trust God to fulfill His promises. Why? Because we don’t KNOW Him intimately; we don’t know Him to be trust worthy on the level of knowing as described in this verse. We cannot trust someone we do not know; conversely, if we know someone to be trustworthy, we will trust them.
Finally, the third reason God has chosen us is to UNDERSTAND that He is God. How can we understand that He is God? By knowing Him and believing Him; by allowing Him to reveal Himself to us through His Word.
We cannot KNOW God on this level by a short devotional like this delivered in your email or posted on a board. To know God on this level requires diligence to become intimately acquainted with His Word. His Word is the written record of who He is, revealing to us His personality, His character, His plan, His purposes, and His love for us.
Study the Word. Develop an insatiable hunger and thirst for the Living Word. Don’t allow anything else this world can offer satisfy you. Learn who Your God is and He will reveal Himself to you in ways you never dreamed possible; He will manifest Himself to you through diligent study of His Word.
The mystery is solved. You have been chosen to KNOW Him, to BELIEVE Him, and to UNDERSTAND that He is God. Don’t wait another day. Set your mind to search the Word diligently. There isn’t a more satisfying and fulfilling goal known to mankind.
Father, show me how to study Your Word; give me a hunger and a thirst for the Living Word. Open my heart to seek after You diligently through Your Word, so I can KNOW You and BELIEVE You and UNDERSTAND that You are who You say You are. Lord, I confess that I NEED more of You. Lead me to the never-drying fountain that more than satisfies my thirsty soul! In Jesus’ name, amen and amen.
© Jan Ross
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Limitless Boundless Power
All that has ever existed, all that exists today, and all that will ever exist comes from the Lord … they were, are, and will be made BY Him and FOR Him.
Can your imagination imagine it?
Can your understanding understand it?
What an awesome God we serve! What a mighty God we serve! What a powerful God we serve!
“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him” (Colossians 1:16).
This verse is a wonderful reminder that nothing escapes the attention of our God. He created everything for a reason. It is also a reminder that with Him all things are possible. If he can create the universe in such a detailed and complex way, He can take care of our daily needs. He’s not stumped by our unique circumstances. Neither is He overwhelmed by the greatness of our troubles, the weightiness of our burden, or the complexity of our need. As a matter of fact, we are reminded that there is a REASON for everything He has created. We may not see the reason behind the circumstances of life we face, but we are assured that there IS a reason and He is working on our behalf … creating the way where there seems to be no way.
Look to Him today even though your circumstances may seem overwhelming. Remember, if He can create a universe with all the principalities, powers, thrones and dominions … He’s certainly able to take care of us. He is MORE than able!
Father, forgive my unbelief again. It is so easy to be overcome with the weight of my circumstances and not see the manifestation of Your awesome provision. You truly are great, awesome, and mighty … there is none like You, no not one. Help me remember, Father, that you are my Waymaker … You’re still in the “creation” business, making ways where I fail to see them. I love you, Lord! Amen!
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)
© Jan Ross
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Regal Staging
This morning I woke up unprepared for what the next hour would bring. The normal routine began with coffee and trying to wake up in order to spend some time reading and considering the Word. Gracie, our 3-1/2 year old cockapoo decided she needed to go outside, so I grabbed her leash and opened the back door as she led me out onto the patio. As she busied herself taking care of her needs, my breath was nearly taken away as my attention was seized by the landscape surrounding me. Immediately, I sensed the presence of the Lord.
After contemplating such majestic scenery, I came inside to try to capture with words the regal staging: The glistening grass shimmers in the morning’s light as the dew reflects the rays of the sun filtering through the mist. Oh, what glory! Oh, such beauty! Behold, the Artist’s living portrait is on display! Draw us closer, precious Lord, that our eyes might perceive Your beauty in all things. Teach us to look for Your presence every minute of every day. Amen!
I’m drawn to consider His mercy, a gift so undeserved yet so lavishly given to us simply because of God’s love for us. A song continues to reverberate throughout my entire being, one phrase in particular: “Your mercy goes much deeper, father than I can see.”
I am reminded of Psalm 36:5. “Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.”
God’s mercy and faithfulness toward us is totally unmerited and undeserved. Mercy and faithfulness are attributes of God which are passed on to us because of His goodness and for His pleasure.
What an awesome thought that fits perfectly into the “Art Show” witnessed this morning. It is for His own pleasure that He is merciful. His mercy is visible in His artistry. It pleases Him to be forever faithful toward us even though we don’t deserve it. There are times I feel like a freeloader, partaking of His gift of mercy and faithfulness yet failing to pay the price. Yet, to receive His mercy and to recognize and trust in His faithfulness is a form of praise to the Most High God. He is glorified as we learn to walk in the fullness of all He gave us so freely.
His hand of mercy can be seen in our lives each day as we sense His faithfulness to us in spite of our shortcomings. With humility of heart and meekness of spirit, we offer our sacrifice of praise to One who gives such a precious, costly gift. Our gift back to Him consists of our love, devotion, adoration and most importantly, our obedience.
Take a few moments right now to thank Him for His MERCY and FAITHFULNESS. God IS good and His mercy endures forever. I need His mercy more every day and am so grateful it goes so much deeper, farther than we can see.
Your mercy, Lord, is deep, reaching parts of our lives we aren’t even aware of, cleansing us and perfecting us, accepting us wholly and deeply. Your faithfulness is beyond measure. Thank you, Lord for Your mercy which goes much deeper, farther than I can see. Amen.
© Jan Ross
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The Champion Wrestler
Years ago when he was in school, our nephew was a wrestler. He was the strongest kid I’d ever seen, seemingly born to be a champion. I can remember his mom and dad reporting week after week how he’d won his matches with ease. He ended up wrestling at the State and National competition levels, winning titles and medals for his strength and power. He literally couldn’t be stopped. He was determined, never took his eye off his opponent, and mustered up all his strength to win no matter who he happened to engage in the competition.
When I think back about this young man, I’m reminded of Ephesians 6:12. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Against whom are we fighting? With whom do we get angry during a disagreement? If we are like most folks, we find ourselves targeting people as if we were in a wrestling match engaging an opponent face-to-face.
According to the dictionary, wrestling is a battle of strength between two opposing forces; it is contending or striving.
Keep that in mind as you consider 1 Corinthians 9:25 which speaks of striving: “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” It is the same word used in Luke 13:24 that says, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.”
Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, reveals to us the reward for this “striving” in chapter 4 verses 7-8: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Our wrestling against principalities, powers, and rules of darkness, against spiritual wickedness in high places, is a part of the striving process we must use as we press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus. It’s a daily passionate striving as we pursue our enemy—not flesh and blood.
In our fight, we must be diligent and remain committed. We’re promised it won’t be easy; the word “strive” indicates resistance which will attempt to press us back in an effort to cause us to lose ground in our pursuit of the prize. We can’t give up; we MUST develop tenacity and determination that will not weaken in the midst of the fray.
Let’s get beyond the flesh and blood and our own corrupt natures to realize that we live in the midst of one spiritual battle after another. Our battle is with the ranks of the enemy although he most often uses those closest to us to engage us if he can and, unfortunately, he usually can. But, it doesn’t have to always be that way.
The Word of God tells us to withstand, to hold our ground. Thank God for the shed blood of the Precious Lamb that gives us the power to stand against his wiles and that has bought for us victory over the enemy. Our battle is against principalities, against powers, etc. The enemy is divisive, scheming, manipulative, crafty, and so on. But, we serve the God Most High, Righteous, and Holy, and Supreme over all; there is none who can compare to our Victorious King of Kings and Lord of Lords … the Champion Wrestler.
Father, help me to remember that my battle is NOT with flesh and blood. Help me to withstand the wiles of the devil, to recognize the enemy quickly and to stand firm against him. Lord, let Your strength rise up within me, giving me the strength needed in the midst of battle. Lord, I am weak, but You are strong. I am vulnerable, but You are my Defense. I am nothing and You are EVERYTHING. I love You, Lord, Amen!
“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:12)
© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved
Waiting School
Sitting at the drive-through window at a fast food restaurant a while back, I did the usual thing … I drove up to the speaker and placed my order. I drove to the first window and paid, then drove to the second window and waited for my order. After sitting there for a few minutes, the clerk slid back the window and said, “Will you please pull over to the side; your order is not ready.”
I was a little upset, but I pulled over and waited wondering what could be taking so long. Other customers drove straight through yet there I sat for what seemed to be eternity before the clerk finally ran out, tapped on the window and handed me the order.
Of course I asked her what took so long. “You wanted the special sauce which meant your sandwich required special handling; it doesn’t usually come with that one.”
This scene reminds me of our prayer life. We make our requests known to the Lord. The menu is His Word where He has given us His promises, explained the cost (the conditions we must meet to receive the promises), and He assures us that He will give us the desires of our heart. But if God doesn’t answer immediately or meet our expectations, we become impatient.
“Lord, I prayed yesterday, and You still haven’t answered. I can’t wait much longer. Why is it taking You so long?”
Others around us are seeing their prayers answered. God is moving in their lives. Yet, it appears we’ve been overlooked or neglected. Then, just when we think things are about to work out and our prayer has been answered, He pulls back the royal curtain of eternity: “Please pull over to the side and wait a while longer; I’m not finished yet!”
On this particular day it frustrated me to no end until the clerk brought out my sandwich. I was in a hurry and didn’t have time to wait. But, the revelation became clear: The answer I was waiting for was custom made for me and since I made a request, and He only gives good and perfect things, it will come in His time and not mine. Custom-made answers from God take time because they are prepared in a way that is perfect for us.
Maybe the “parable” isn’t perfect, but I believe God’s message to us is clear. How often have we missed our blessings because we did not wait?
Have patience. Keep on waiting. You made a request, now wait on God’s answer. He knows the need and He has the answer!
“But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
They who wait shall receive an answer!
Father, forgive me for my impatience. So often I pray and, because of my anxiousness, I become frustrated and begin to doubt. As simple as this parable was, Lord, it showed me where my lack of trust in You has often cost me a special blessing from You. Forgive me, Lord, and help me to remember that all things are done in Your time, that You see the bigger picture and know what I need when I need it. Help me remember that Your ways are higher than mine and that Your love for me never fails. Lord, I want to trust You more, I want to love You more, I want more of You! Amen!
“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalm 27:17)
© Jan Ross
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Prayer Time
Well, the fact is that I could use some prayer. For the past few days, I’ve been really struggling, almost to the point of feeling depressed. Although I can’t go into any detail, the load gets heavy sometimes and I have a hard time keeping my mind set on the fact that it’s not my burden to carry.
Thanks for your prayers … thanks for caring enough to remember to pray for me, our family, the ministry, and everything that goes with it.
Love,
Jan
Wanting Nothing
“Nobody’s perfect!” I’ve heard it more times than I can count. Frankly, I’ve said it more times than I care to admit. It’s a common excuse we blurt out when we’ve made a mistake or done something wrong.
James 1:4 puts a different perspective on those infamous words. In fact, we’re told to be perfect. “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
The perfect man referred to in today’s verse is the one who is mature, full of integrity and virtue. What is maturity? The following description of maturity is by an unknown author but aptly describes the Christian’s goal to be “perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
Maturity is the ability to do a job whether you are supervised or not, finish a job once it is started, carry money without spending it, and be able to bear an injustice without wanting to get even. Maturity is the ability to control anger and settle differences without violence. Maturity is patience. It is the willingness to postpone immediate gratification in favor of the long-term gain. Maturity is perseverance, the ability to sweat out a project or a situation in spite of heavy opposition and discouraging setbacks. Maturity is the capacity to face unpleasantness and frustration, discomfort and defeat without complaint or collapse. Maturity is humility. It is being big enough to say, “I was wrong.” And when right, the mature person need not experience the satisfaction of saying, “I told you so.” Maturity is the ability to make a decision and stand by it, as opposed to the immature person who spends their life exploring endless possibilities and then doing nothing. Maturity means dependability, keeping one’s word, coming through in a crisis.
To be mature in God’s eyes, one must not only possess these qualities, but be found complete in Him, having heart (not head) knowledge of the Word, being humble yet totally convinced of His forgiveness and mercy. Moreover, maturity is living in reverence to Him, responding to Him in obedience, resigning oneself to His will, trusting implicitly in Him, and retaining the motivation to worship Him and Him alone.
Are you mature? Are you complete? Seek His face, read His Word, grow in His wisdom, be faithful in all things. You will soon find that you are not only on the path to becoming “perfect” according to today’s verse, but you will reflect the ever-challenging image of maturity in your walk with Christ.
Father, when I compare my ways against those of a mature Christian, I am found lacking. Lord, help me to grow in maturity so my life will reflect Your incredible mercy and grace. Lord, help me to put away childish things and immaturity and to take on maturity so others may see a true representation of Your glory in the earth today. Amen.
“Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.” (1 Corinthians 14:20)
© Jan Ross
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Environmental Issues
Words are very powerful. They can build one up; they can tear one down. Words can produce life; they can deal a deadly blow. Words can edify, exhort, glorify, and praise. Carefully chosen words can alter an entire life, whereas careless words have the potential to destroy someone’s life.
As a child, I can vividly remember certain things my parents said to me—words that either built me up and made me strong or those which tore me down and depleted my sense of self-worth. Their words echo in my heart to this day; at times I must deal with those words which were carelessly spoken. I’m certain my parents never meant to harm me just as our words are most likely never meant to harm those to whom we’re speaking.
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
The Psalmist wants to use God’s Word, the Law, the Testament, the Statutes of God as a standard by which his words are judged. And, that takes courage! But then he takes it a step further, a place where we dread to go. David allows God to judge the “meditation of [his] heart.”
Most Christians say they are willing to submit their words to the leadership of the Holy Spirit; however, very few are dare to venture past that to the point where they will allow the Lord to judge the meditations of their heart. When your meditations become implanted within the heart’s womb, they bear fruit.
Take a few moments and examine the fruit implanted in your heart. Is it sweet or is it bitter? Sweet fruit cannot grow in a bitter environment. In fact, a bitter heart will corrupt and eventually kill the good fruit it is producing.
Recently I read a quote worth passing along: “Bitterness is the poison that we drink thinking we are killing the other person.” In other words, the bitterness produced in our hearts does nothing to the one toward whom we are bitter, but instead works as a poison to us. Allowing bitterness to grow in us is spiritual suicide and many times it affects our physical health leading to illness and even premature death.
What is hiding in your heart? Are you pleased to open the door of your heart and allow the Lord to judge your thoughts? Will both your words and your meditations be found acceptable in the sight of God?
Father, if the meditations of my heart are not pleasing to You, if the words of my mouth are displeasing, Lord, show me, forgive me, help me, cleanse me, and purify me so that I may speak of and think on those things which bring life, build up, edify, exhort, glorify and praise. Oh Lord, cleanse me and make my heart right before You for You alone are my heart’s desire … there is NONE like You! Amen!
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
© Jan Ross
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Leaves of Healing
There is absolutely nothing for which God has not made provision! He has considered it all; nothing escapes His knowledge and His purpose … there is a purpose for everything under the sun!
In Kenya, a land where little is much and where nothing is taken for granted, a simple dose of tender loving care can heal the deep wounds of the heart. A few years ago, we, as a team of missionaries, had the awesome privilege of not only seeing the need from a distance, but we were called to touch, embrace, hold, and even kiss the cheeks of many who needed only to know they were loved.
But then, there were those who were sick, some even nearing deaths door … no money, no doctors, no medicines. Their only hope was out of reach for them because of the lack of means to receive help. During this particular outreach to Kenya, God used our team to provide care to hundreds of people through the work of a wonderful group of volunteer physicians and medical professionals. When I stop to consider the impact of the three days of medical clinics, I’m reminded of Ezekiel 47:12…
“Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” (Ezekiel 47:12)
According to the doctors and medical professionals, “leaves for healing” saved numerous lives during the free medical camps in regions where the sting of death and disease touches nearly every home.
Having witnessed this with my own eyes, it’s easy to see how the “water from the sanctuary flows” to those in need, giving food and leaves for healing. The verse in Ezekiel spoke so powerfully to me as we were serving food (the Word of God) and leaves of healing (medicines) as the water (the Word) was flowing from the sanctuary (the heart of God)! Living Water flowing from our bellies, from the temple, which we are … the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and the healing He perfected through the volunteer medical staff … it’s almost more than I can fathom! Praise His Holy Name! What a privilege to be used to reflect the heart of God through His Word. It was the process of the work of grace in action … God’s grace poured out to those in need, drawing them to Himself with His outstretched arms. What an incredible picture!
When you begin to think you have nothing to offer, or are tempted to believe you are insignificant in the Kingdom of God, remember the times you reached out and embraced the unembraceable or loved the unlovable. Remember the times you lent a helping hand to one in need, the time you offered words of encouragement to a downcast friend. You, too, were as the water flowing from the sanctuary, serving food and leaves for healing.
Do you consider yourself unfruitful? Not hardly! Begin to thank God for every opportunity He has given you and begin to pray for more opportunities to be a vessel through which He can pour His love and confirm His Word … He’s waiting for you to ask.
Father, so often we feel insignificant in the Kingdom and useless — sometimes we feel like excess baggage, taking up room but not doing our share. So many times we have felt like only highly-visible missionaries can make a difference. Father, use us! We make ourselves available to You to be used to serve “food” and offer “leaves for healing” to those You bring into our lives. Forgive us for not taking every opportunity You have already brought to us … help us to look for them and to take advantage of every chance to minister Your grace to those in need. “Here I am, Lord, use me!” for Your glory, that Your Kingdom be increased and Your name magnified in all the earth! In Jesus’ name, amen and amen!
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)
© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved
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Note: We are accepting applications for the 2011 India Outreach. Our goal is to have the team formed by September 1; please contact me to learn more.
