We are on the eve of the most evil days on our calendar. Sadly, most who read this will think I'm going a bit overboard. I'm not … I promise you!

This past Sunday, I had the privilege of presenting a sermon I entitled, Deliver Us From Evil, based on the phrase from the Lord's Prayer. It has occurred to me that most of us pray amiss when we pray those words, especially if we willingly participate in the evils of things such as Halloween. Yes … I said evil.

It is understandable that the "world" celebrates this day since they have no relationship with the Holy One of Israel. But, it is NOT understandable that Christians celebrate Halloween … not in any shape, form, or fashion. I found a quote that sums up what I'm trying to say and really puts the controversy into perspective: "For a Christian to celebrate Halloween is as bizarre as a Holocaust survivor celebrating Hitler's birthday." Stop a moment and re-read that. There's no difference.

Jesus shed His most precious, pure, spotless, and holy blood so we can be FREE from evil, FREE from the penalty of sin and death, FREE from the chains that bind us to the grave. Yet, so many in the Body of Christ willingly celebrate the "lord of death" every October.

Halloween isn't a cute, innocent excuse to have a party. It's not even a fun time to do something strange by dressing up and parading around the neighborhood with a bag expecting strangers to fill it up with candy. And, anyone who thinks so is blinded by the father of lies himself.

If you're a parent or grandparent, please … don't allow your children or grandchildren to participate in the "high holy day" of the occult world. Don't allow them to partner together with the archenemy of God and call it cute or innocent. Any celebration on this day is falling into the trap of the enemy—he lures us by making it fun and all about the kids.

I have put together what I've called an 'INTELLIGENCE BRIEFING' about the origin and the dangers of Halloween. Please feel free to download the pdf file, share it with others, pass it around to friends and family. Then, please … pray protection over your children and your grandchildren. Pray for their minds and hearts and souls to be protected from seeds of evil and lies and deception from taking root and growing in them. Take some time and do some research … become informed and stop allowing the enemy's tactics prevail.

Paul gives us the answer to the bombardments of evil being shot at us as firey darts by the enemy of our souls. Ephesians 6 gives us clear explanation about how to fight against the spiritual forces of darkness ruling this world. But the Armor of God is absolutely no good to us unless we put it on and use it. The 'INTELLIGENCE BRIEFING' covers this as well.

I pray this year, the eyes of many will be opened and the malicious deception of the enemy will be exposed. I pray that you, a blood-bought Christian, won't become another one of the multitudes of people who contribute over $2.4 Billion to the Halloween profiteers. The only two more popular reasons for partying on our calendar are New Years Eve and the Super Bowl.

Take a stand … make a determination in your heart and say with me, "I Won't Compromise!"

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

“And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.”  (Acts 4:18)

What would you do?  How would you react?  Have you given this any thought?

Surely by listening to the news, discerning the time in which we live is not too difficult.  An attempt to silence the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ has already been seen in many nations and it’s going to get worse.  Untold numbers of worshippers have to meet in secret, whispering, hiding, and closely disguising their lives so they can continue to gather as the Body to worship the Lord of lord and King of kings.  It’s hard to fathom.

What would be your response if a law was passed that prohibited you from speaking about the Lord, mentioning the name of Jesus, and preaching the Christ of Calvary?  Would your motivation be fear, causing you to go into hiding and never let it be known that you are a Christian?  Or, would your motivation be faith, with wisdom and care leading your life in a way that the light of the Christ you serve shines through you without ever speaking a word?

Regardless of your eschatological views, we all must admit that this is a very real possibility even in our own lifetimes. 

Do you have enough of the Word of God hidden in your heart to carry you through a time that you might be commanded not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus? 

Ps 119:11
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Ps 119:16
I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

Ps 119:38
Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.

Ps 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Ps 119:114
Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

Ps 119:133
Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

John 17:17
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Acts 4:29
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

Consider your own “Word-Level”.  Are you running low or are you well prepared?  You don’t have to go into battle with an unloaded gun.  Open the pages of the precious Word of God and begin loading your weapon.  And, if your weapon is already “loaded”, make sure your ammunition isn’t old and outdated.  Keep it fresh daily.  Remember, the weapons of our warfare aren’t carnal (flesh and blood), but they’re mighty through God.  His Word is your most priceless possession, but it’s not worth a red cent unless you read it, receive it, and recycle it daily.

Father, it’s hard for me to fathom not being able to speak the name of Jesus or to teach openly the truth found in Your Word.  Forgive me for taking this right and privilege for granted when there are, right now in our world, people who suffer great persecution for gathering together to worship You.  Oh Lord, forgive me for not recognizing my freedoms and for not being grateful for the privilege of assembling together, preaching and teaching the Word, and sharing the name of Jesus and pleading His shed blood.  Lord, help me to be more diligent in my personal study time as I hide Your Word in my heart.  Father, I don’t know what the future holds, but I want to be ready and prepared.  Father, help me to be that one who has studied and shown to be approved, the workman that doesn’t need to be ashamed but who rightly divides the Word of Truth.  Teach me, Lord, and I will obey.  Open my heart and I will receive.  Open Your Word to me and I will hide it in my heart.  In Jesus’ name, amen and amen!


“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."  (Psalm 91:1)

What does it mean to "dwell in the secret place of the Most High?" Ask yourself these questions: Are you at home in God, at rest in Him? Are you acquainted with Him throughout your whole being? Is your heart-work the service of God? Do you worship within the veil, loving to be alone with Him and converse with Him in solitude?

Marriage between a man and woman has two faces—one that is seen in public and one that is perceived only in private between the husband and wife. A married couple holding hands, walking arm-in-arm, exchanging winks or touches . . . all these are "public" faces of a marriage relationship; all these are good and necessary but superficial and not intimate by definition. But, that which takes place in the "secret place" need not be spoken of, but the fruit of the intimate relationship can be seen without any word of public testimony.

Have you found that place of true intimacy with the Lord? Do you love being alone with Him, conversing with Him, sharing with Him, learning from Him? Have you learned to set aside some quiet, alone time to be in His presence where an intimate relationship can develop and grow?

Don't take your time with Him lightly, but nurture it and allow it to grow deeper and deeper day after day for if we DWELL in that "secret place" of the Most High, we will ABIDE under the shadow of His wing.  No safer place can be found in all of creation.

Father, although our relationship has grown and blossomed since I first met You, I long for a deeper, more intimate relationship with You. I long to find that "secret place" where I can dwell and find my safety under the shadow of Your wing. Lord, help me love You more, know You more, serve You more! Lord, help me surrender to You more and more each day, that our relationship can be seen and perceived by all who meet me without ever having to say a word. Father, be glorified in our relationship today and every day! Amen!

“Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.”  (Psalm 57:1)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

“Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?”  (James 3:9-11)

Have you ever tried to pick up something that was too heavy?  What was your immediate reaction?  Most likely you cried out in pain and dropped it, or kept silent and suffered for it later.  Regardless of your reaction, you reacted. 

The burden of bitterness is too heavy for anyone to carry.  In fact, if we pick it up and attempt to carry it, it will weigh us down and eventually crush us to the point that we will be unable to function.  Yet, day after day we pick up bitterness and try to walk around with it strapped on our back.

Can you imagine someone walking around with a huge block of cement on their back, weighing them down while they’re singing in the choir or tending the nursery?  What about if this burdened one is teaching children’s church or is an usher at the church?  First thing everyone would notice is that they’ve got a load that they don’t need to be carrying.  Secondly, people would immediately be distracted by that huge block of cement on their back before they heard a word that person uttered.  They can wear a big smile, beautiful clothing, expensive perfume, but the all attention will be drawn to that burden they’re carrying.  Preach the best sermon, but the burden shows.  Sing the best song but because of the burden, no one hears. 

Bitterness does the same thing . . . do you see it?  The burden of bitterness is too heavy for us to carry. 

What is bitterness?  The dictionary defines it as proceeding from or exhibiting strong animosity marked by resentment or cynicism.  Interestingly, the Greek word for bitterness has its root in a word meaning “tent” or “pitch”.  In other words, bitterness plans to stay around for a while – it intends to pitch a tent and take up residency!

* Bitterness divides . . . Jesus prayed that we would all “become one”.  (John 17:11)
* Bitterness pollutes . . . we are to love one another with a pure heart!  (1 Peter 1:22)
* Bitterness destroys . . . our words are to be as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)
* Bitterness offends . . . we are to hold our peace. (Proverbs 11:12)
* Bitterness is of the flesh . . . we are to live by the Spirit and reap eternal life.  (Galatians 6:8)

The list obviously could go on and on but it’s not necessary.  If you are carrying a burden of bitterness, drop it and let it go.  Don’t entertain it any longer.  Don’t let it control you life and rob you of abundant life in the Lord Jesus Christ.  If someone has wronged you, forgive them.  If you feel cheated, misunderstood, used, abused, or hated, drop that burden of bitterness and go on.  Carrying the burden of bitterness will keep you from picking up the freedom bought with the precious and priceless blood of the Lamb.  Don’t allow bitterness to destroy you and destroy your relationship with the Lord and with others.  The burden is too heavy to carry and you weren’t created to bear it.  Don’t take another step without dropping it and walking away.  Do it for yourself and do it for those you love!

Father, I do have bitterness in my heart toward [fill in the blank] and because of [fill in the blank].  I knew it was there but didn’t really consider it to be a burden too difficult to carry . . . I thought I was handling it but I see now that I’m not.  Lord, with Your help I’m going to drop this burden right now and leave it at your feet.  You promised You would fight my battles for me.  I realize that I’m not able to fight this kind of battle – it’s not a battle with flesh and blood.  Father, help me to forgive totally and to go on and not look back.  Help me to draw on Your strength as it is made perfect in my weakness.  Forgive me for carrying this burden much too long . . . give me the courage to go on so that You will be glorified in me and through me.  I love You, Lord, and I long to be wholly Yours without the burden of bitterness which is too heavy for me to carry.  In Jesus’ name, by His blood which sets me free, and for His glory which is so deserved . . . amen and amen!

“Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”  (Psalm 55:22)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." (Proverbs 14:34)

You probably think this is going to be about the elections . . . well, maybe a little, but not for the most part.  It's more to do with living a life sanctified and set apart for the Master's use.  It's about living above the base lusts of the flesh and conducting our lives in a fashion that is pleasing and acceptable in the eyes of God.  After all, that's what He's commanded us to do.

Leviticus 20:7 says, "Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God."  But, what does "sanctify yourselves" really mean?  One commentator says, "We must cleanse ourselves from all the pollutions of sin, consecrate ourselves to the service and honor of God, and conform ourselves in every thing to His holy will and image: this is to sanctify ourselves."

We are to keep ourselves from sin . . . make informed decisions, think before we act, weigh our choices and then make the choice that is right according to the Word of God. Every temptation that comes our way brings with it a choice . . . one way will lead to destruction, the other way to abundant life.

According to 1 Peter 1:15-16, we are called to be holy in all manner of conversation.  All of our fellowship and interaction with others MUST have its basis in holiness.  Anything less will rob the testimony that God is building on the earth today … through YOU!

Father, my heart's desire is to live a life sanctified unto You.  Help me to consider my choices in all I do, then act on the right choice as a way of bringing glory to Your Name.  Lord, teach me Your ways through Your Word. Be a shield all around me, O Lord, as I journey along life's path.  Give me strength to choose righteousness and to disdain sin using the Word of God as my pattern.  Lord, I love You; thank You for Your presence and direction in my life.  Where would I be without You, Lord?

“And to make thee high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour; and that thou mayest be an holy people unto the LORD thy God, as he hath spoken.”  (Deuteronomy 26:19)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

“And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.” (Ezra 7:25)

Judges are important to us all, particularly those of the higher courts in every nation.  They bear much responsibility to the people, but if we look closely at the Word of God, judges have a great responsibility before the Lord; however, so do those who “set” the judges according to our verse today!

Ezra was told to “set magistrates and judges”, not just any magistrates and judges, but those who know the laws of God!  When Moses was told to appoint judges, he was to find men “such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness . . . ” (Exodus 18:21-22).

For those readers who are in the United States, you are keenly aware that this is an election year.  It is interesting to note that our vote will have much to do with the Judges who will be appointed or “set”.  The Word of God tells us that Judges should be those like in Moses’ day, men “such as fear God, men of truth…”

Regardless of where we live, as Christians we have dual-citizenship being citizens of Heaven and citizens of our homeland.  If our government has granted us the right to vote to choose our leaders who will appoint our judges, we must be good stewards of our right to vote while we pray for Godly leaders and those who will have a bearing on righteousness in the land.  If we live in a country where we are not given those rights, we still have an awesome responsibility to pray for our leaders and those who rule over us, those who will also have a bearing on righteousness in the land! 

Isaiah 1:26 says, “I will restore your judges as in days of old, your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City."   The judges, according to Isaiah, are responsible for righteousness!  Keeping this in mind, if there is any reason for us to exercise our right to vote and pray for our leaders, this is it! 

Prayerfully contemplate your vote, remember these verses and God’s mandate for Judges who are appointed or “set” over the people.  God led Moses and Ezra and Isaiah to appoint Judges who would have a direct bearing on righteousness in the land.  Since He never changes, it would be safe to assume that when we cast our vote, we should look to the Word of God and vote God’s will! 

Father, it weighs heavily on my heart concerning the governing of the nations.  You sovereignly placed each one of us in the nation of our birth – we didn’t decide where our birth would occur!  By that, we understand that You have sovereignly given each of us a task to be good stewards of our nation by exercising the rights afforded us to create and oversee the government that You would have in place!  Lord, help me to know how to vote, to be discerning with my vote, and to remember that righteousness exalts a nation!  Father, I thank You that I am a citizen of Heaven while I am a citizen on the earth in the country where I reside!  Just as I would never disregard my rights and privileges of my citizenship in Heaven, show me how to be a good steward of my citizenship of this land.  Father, finally I pray for all the leaders of my country; give them the wisdom to lead us with integrity, sincerity, and power from on high!  In Jesus’ name, amen and amen!

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

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready."  (Luke 14:17)

"Come, for things are now ready." Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us ... that's a certainty!

We are now living in a time where now only is prophecy being fulfilled before our eyes, the table is being set for the greatest banquet imaginable.

Are your ears in tune with the Master's voice? Will you hear and respond when He says, "Come!" Or, will you be like those who were invited but found themselves too busy with things in this world and not able to set them aside to be with the King of all kings!

It is time to examine our hearts to make sure that our ties to this world are not so strong as to delay our response when we hear Him say, "Come, for all things are now ready!"

Father, I have examined my heart and found that there are many areas in which my ties to this world are stronger than my ties to You. Forgive me, Lord, for not giving you pre-eminence in all areas of my life. Help me shed the excess baggage that this world requires so I will be ready to leave when I hear your voice say, "Come!" Oh, how I long for that day! Amen!

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”  (Psalm 1:1-2)

The book of Psalms starts off with three areas of personal problems:  Walking in the counsel of the ungodly; standing in the way of sinners; sitting in the seat of the scornful.  Immediately, the Psalmist gives us the preferred alternative . . . our delight should be in the law of the Lord – the Word of God – as we meditate in it day and night.  In other words our delight should not be found in the counsel of the ungodly, the way of the sinners, or the seat of the scornful, it must be in the Word of God.

What is the counsel of the ungodly?  Have you ever stopped to think about that statement?  Matthew Henry is rather strong in his interpretation of the first part of this verse:  “A godly man, that he may avoid the evil, utterly renounces the companionship of evil-doers, and will not be led by them.”  Psalm 119:115 says, “Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.”  Those who do not fear God have no understanding of the things of God and are in rebellion against Him.

What is the way of sinners?  Simply put, the man who fears God does not follow the same path or way of those who have no fear of God.  The way of sinners is not the way of the child of God!  Proverbs 4:14-15 says, “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.”  Avoid the path of the sinners, don’t follow the ways of those who do not know the Lord, don’t use them as rolemodels, or allow them to influence your life.  Those who do not fear God have no knowledge of the path which leads to righteousness and holiness.

And, what is the seat of the scornful?  Again Matthew Henry offers an explanation:  “The scornful are those that set their mouths against the heavens.”  They shun good and adhere to evil, their wickedness makes them proud and they boast in their sin.  Their consciences appear to be seared and they have no regret for their rebellion and wickedness.  Those who do not fear God have nothing in them that appeal to the Godly man or woman.

But . . . But!  But the righteous delight in the law of the Lord!  We find comfort in God’s Word.  We find fulfillment in knowing God through His Word!  Our lives are sustained by His Word as His promises are revealed and we cling to them for hope in our times of need.  We run to the Word when we have troubles and we find help.  We draw from the Word the very essence of our life . . . it is our manna from heaven in the right proportion to meet our need for that day. 

John 1:14 gives us a reason to meditate on the Word of God day and night:  “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.” 

Do you allow the Word to guide you, or are you following after the counsel of the ungodly?

Do you follow the path of righteousness and holiness revealed to you in the Word, or are you standing in the way of sinners?

Do you willingly and eagerly obey the Word with humility and a tender conscience, or are you sitting in the seat of the scornful?

Finally, do you meditate on Him in the daytime and in the nighttime?  Is your gaze fixed on the Lover of your soul?  Do you delight in Him?

Father, I need help . . . I see where I need to make some changes in my life but am powerless to do it on my own.  I need Your strength to be made perfect in my weakness so that I can pursue You with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength.  Father, forgive me for times I’ve neglected to use wisdom in my associations.  Forgive me for not eagerly seeking Your Word to find the answers to situations in my life.  Forgive me for seeking answers I desperately need from those who have no understanding of godliness.  Help me to seek You first, Your kingdom first, Your righteousness first with the understanding that You are all I need in every situation and every circumstance I could ever face.  I love You Lord, and I love Your Word!  In Jesus’ name, amen.

“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)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

“But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”  (1 Samuel 16:7)

God looks on the heart, not at the outward appearance of man.  That is so contrary to the way our society does things.  If you doubt me, look at the television, the billboards, the magazine covers, etc.  For the most part, the most handsome faces and shapely bodies are advertised as the “norm” and everyone who doesn’t conform to this level of “beauty” needs help.  So, the make-up companies make money in an attempt to help women cover up their flaws.  The personal diet companies are making untold millions while everyone tries the latest fad diet to lose weight to look like some model or superstar.  I could go on but there’s no need . . . it’s quite clear.
Aren’t you glad that God looks past our outward appearance and discerns the heart? 

Samuel made the mistake of assuming the most handsome and “kingly” looking son of Jesse would be the one he would anoint as king of Israel.  The Lord, on the other hand, had in mind a young shepherd boy who, when summoned to meet the prophet, was more concerned about leaving his sheep unattended than meeting with Samuel.  His heart was tender . . . like the heart of God. 

I want a heart like God’s, don’t you?  Let’s start by not judging by appearance but rather looking at the heart of men and women and understanding that they are ALL the handiwork of the Creator, made to glorify Him and to bring Himself glory.

Father, I admit that all too often I get caught up in judging others by their appearance, forgetting that the outward appearance has little to do with the treasure hidden in the heart!  Lord, teach me to grow in character that most resembles You, with a heart like Yours, that sees beauty beyond the veil of flesh, the beauty hidden in the heart of redeemed man!  In Jesus’ name, amen and amen!

“Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.”  (2 Corinthians 10:7)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

“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” is a phrase that's challenged me. But it’s not just for me.  This should be a daily challenge for ALL who call themselves Christian.

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 not only asking "What Would Jesus Do" but DOING what Jesus did. 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 demands I do whatever I do so that Christ might be glorified, so that He is the focus of my life, so people see Him and not me. Radical obedience demands I disregard those things which seem to be important to me so that Christ becomes of paramount importance to me.

I have thought I was living a radically obedient life. But each day I learn there are more areas that absolutely MUST be submitted to radical 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 Christ-likeness. Unless we're willing to be radically obedient like Christ was radically obedient, then we have no right to bear the name Christian.

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 Christ-like 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.  I choose a greater level of obedience so that Christ might be glorified – Him and Him alone.  In Jesus’ name, amen and amen.

“ For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him” (Philippians 1:29 NIV)

_____________
© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved