"Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me." (Micah 7:8)

The Lord is ALL WE NEED! Of course, most of us know that and we've heard it over and over and over again, but sometimes a scripture just "hits" us and suddenly we find application for it in our lives.

When we are down, whether physically or emotionally or even spiritually, the Lord is there to shed light on our path and show us the way out.

Many of us have suffered from deep depression . . . some more than others. When I read this verse I could almost see us walking through a deep, dark valley at the midnight hour. Sometimes we seem to walk on and on forever and ever, but then suddenly a glimmer of light can be seen on the path just ahead, and as we approach it, the light becomes brighter and brighter and soon we find ourselves surrounded by the light and the darkness is totally dispelled as we stand in the LIGHT!

He has called us and IS CALLING US out of that darkness into His marvelous light! (Read 1 Peter 2:9) God has commanded that His light shine in the darkness to show us the way! (Read 2 Corinthians 4:6) Jesus is the light and we will not always walk in the midst of that dark valley, but He is calling us out, shining a light to show us the way! (Read John 8:12)

You may not necessarily suffer from depression right now, but perhaps life's circumstances have brought you to a place where you have to moment-by-moment press toward that Light by an act of your conscious will -- like trying to row a boat upstream against the current! But, you must press on. Be encouraged today knowing that God knows exactly where you are at and what you are facing.

Depression is a horrible dark pit that seems to engulf you . . . but there's a Light to press toward. You can't afford to take your eyes off that Light! Physical pain and illness is a deep dark never-ending valley that seems like an eternity to walk through . . . but there's a Light to press toward. You can't afford to take your eyes off that Light!

Family problems, unsaved children, hurting children, abuse, and financial problems can all be a midnight darkness through which it is difficult to see . . . but there's a Light to press toward. You can't afford to take your eyes off that Light!

Press on . . . press on!

Father, I praise You for Your Word, Your promises, and Your faithfulness to perform that which You have promised. You promised to never stop drawing us closer to You, closer to the Light of Jesus, the Light of Life, the Light of Your Glory! Help us all, Lord, to walk in Your strength as we press on closer toward the fullness of Your Light. You're there waiting for us . . . drawing us to You! Help us, Lord, to press on!

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High." (Isaiah 14:13-14)

Just reading these verses we get quite a clear picture of the evil intents of a heart dedicated to "I will!" Just listen to yourself as you carefully read the evidence of strife, bitterness, pride, boastfulness, and the very essence of evil:

"I will ascend . . . I will exalt . . . I will sit . . . I will ascend . . . I will be . . ."

Every day we have a battle going on in our minds . . . it is the battle between "I will" and "Thy will". H. G. Wells wrote a famous book entitled, "The War of the World's". The Bible could easily be considered the written record of "The War of the Wills".

Paul wrote to us in Romans 7:21-23 giving a description of this "war" raging within his own heart . . . "So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members." As you can easily see, this struggle is common to mankind.

There is another One who struggled with this same war as it raged within His heart as well. Matthew 26:42 gives us but a glimpse of the pain involved with making the critical decision between our will and the Lord's will. "He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done." Jesus knew that the Lord's will had to be done, however, that didn't stop or lessen the struggle and agony He went through before finally saying, "Thy will be done."

Take careful note of the decisions (both great and small) you are required to make day after day. Make a conscious effort of making sure that it is "Thy will" that becomes your theme in life rather than "my will "or as Isaiah described so powerfully, "I will!"

Do you have a struggle you are facing in your life today? Ask yourself whose will will be done . . . will you do the will of your Father or will you do what you choose? "Choose this day whom you will serve" . . . make your choice by asking this question, "will I do my will, or will I do my Father's will".

Father, I stand before you so aware of the many, many times I chose my will as opposed to your will. Help me, Father, to always choose your will. As hard as it is, my life MUST bear witness to the will of my Father in heaven. Lord, help me to see clearly your will as opposed to my will. Help me to quickly determine who is speaking to me by judging the words whether they point to you or to me! Father, it is my desire that "Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven". Teach me to hear your voice more clearly. Help me to quickly recognize YOUR will, accept the challenge, and then do it! In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

"Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness." (Psalm 143:10)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

One way to true peace . . . thankfulness! To be truly thankful, we have to acknowledge the Source of every good thing! To acknowledge the Source of every good thing, we have to realize that we have nothing . . . that we are nothing . . . that we can do nothing . . . in and of ourselves! True thankfulness realizes that we have not earned His blessings, but rather that He lovingly chose to bestow them upon us . . . an outpouring of His grace!

Thankfulness comes from a heart of gratitude . . . adorned with humility! True thankfulness will change us . . . transform us . . . renew us into His likeness!

God designed the act of thanksgiving so we could show how much we love and appreciate Him for all He has done. But there is a higher calling . . . being thankful for the things for which we are standing in faith believing! Hebrews describes faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen.

Are there things you are thankful for which you don't yet see? Don't be dismayed when your prayer isn't answered immediately . . . look at it as an opportunity to take a step upward to a higher level of intimate communion through faith in Him who answers our prayers and provides our needs . . . in His time!

Be thankful . . . today and every day . . . and the peace of God will rule in your heart!

Father, I am thankful for all You have done as well as for all You will do for me. I realize that all that I have has come from You, not because I deserve it, but because of Your grace extended toward me. Why You should bless me so, I'll never truly know, but I am so thankful! Father, help my faith grow as I stand in faith for those things which I do not yet see . . . and let Your peace rule in my heart as I learn to live a life of thankfulness unto You! You truly are awesome . . . there is none like You! Amen!

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." (Psalm 100:4-5)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17)

The Word of God is truth. The Word of God is sufficient to cleanse us from all of our unrighteousness. The Word of God is preeminent. The Word of God sanctifies us. The Word of God is alive today in the person of Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord!

There is nothing new nor is there any tool or vehicle by which we can be made clean other than the Word of God. Of course, when talk about the Word of God, I am referring to none other than Jesus Christ the Lord and King of the universe.

It would be good for us to take some time to consider what level of priority the Word of God holds in our life. Have we established the Word of God as a source for all that is true and all that is pure and all that is holy. Or, have we accepted a lesser truth by believing the lies this world tells us through television, radio, written media, through the internet, and even more than that, through our own fleshly desires.

The Psalmist says that he seeks God early in the morning. "Early in the morning will I rise up and seek thee". When I consider my own ways, I see where the Word of God has not been my first daily priority. How many of you acknowledge that to be the truth in your own lives as well?

Recently I read a statement that said, "You cannot recognize a lie until you know the truth". How can we recognize the lies of the enemy unless we have something planted deep within our hearts against which to compare it? Even in this simple statement, it is easy to see the importance of knowing the Word of God.

I encourage you today to make a plan to give the Word of God preeminence in your life. I challenge you to turn off the television. I challenge you to lay down the newspapers, magazines, and the books. I challenge you to turn off the radio. And, I challenge you to give the Word of God top priority in your life. If you do, and if you will, God will reveal to you how easy it is to recognize truth as opposed to the lies of the enemy.

Will you do this? Will you agree to rearrange your life and give the Word of God top priority? No one can do it for you; it is a discipline you will have to establish in your own life. Let's pray . . .

Lord, we come before you today recognizing that we have not given the Word of God preeminence in our lives. Yes, we read the Word of God, but usually only at a time that's convenient for us or when in fits into our busy schedules. Father, forgive us. Lord, convict us every morning when our eyes open at the dawning of each new day, to seek you in the Word of God and to let your Word be established in our hearts giving us the desperately needed guidance and direction for the day. Let us declare as the Psalmist did, "early in the morning will I seek you". Help me today, Lord, to make this commitment and bring it to my remembrance tomorrow and everyday afterward. I love you and I praise you for truth that sanctifies me and keeps me pure . . . I praise you for the Word of God. In Jesus' precious name I pray, amen!

"Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven." (Psalm 119:89)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: Ad it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night." (Exodus 14:19-20)

It never ceases to amaze me how the scriptures unfold as we read and reread and reread the Word of Truth. As many times as I have read this passage, it never occurred to me what is happening. Let me share with you my thoughts, praying that God will use this to encourage you today.

The children of Israel had left Egypt and the enemy was pursuing them. The pillar of the cloud went before them leading them, guiding them, and giving them direction every step of the way. In the distance however, the enemy could be seen approaching and, no doubt, causing the people to be more than just a bit fearful.

Suddenly something strange happened. The cloud which had been before them to guide them and lead them suddenly moved behind them. The cloud blocked the enemy's view of God's people and offered protection from the ensuing armies. Not only did the cloud offer protection, it was a source of light to the camp of Israel but, on the other hand, when the enemy saw the cloud they saw nothing but darkness, which hid the children of Israel from their view.

How glorious! Can you see this? The Lord stood between his people and their enemies. I have no doubt that this happens for us today more than we realize. How many times have we seen the Hand of God intervene in our situations and circumstances and protect us from disaster? How many times have we failed to recognize his intervention and failed to give him glory and praise for protecting us from our enemies. Oh, that we would open our eyes and be quick to see the Hand of God in our lives rather than focusing on our adverse conditions, situations, and enemies in pursuit!

Take some time today and consider the times that God has stepped between you and your enemies protecting you from danger or harm. Consider not only the major battles that have been won, but also consider the small victories you have realized day after day after day. There is no end to what God can do on your behalf.

The Lord said he would fight our battles for us. May we learn to stand still and see the salvation of our God every day of our lives.

Father, we come before you with humble hearts acknowledging that you are our protector, our shield, and our guide. Just as we have seen the cloud of your presence change its position from that of guide to shield and protector, we long to see that in our own lives! We acknowledge that we have failed too often to look for the cloud that is not only guiding us but also protecting us in the face of our enemies. Father forgive us for the many times we have failed to praise you for victory considering that no victory is too small to be considered praiseworthy! Teach us your ways and help us to see your hand guiding, leading, and protecting us throughout our days. I love you Lord, and I praise you for might and your awesome wonders! There is truly none like you and all the earth! Amen!

"For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your reward." (Isaiah 52:12)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

If you for just one moment close your eyes and imagine the glorious appearing of our Lord in the clouds; imagine hearing the sound of the trumpet; and in a flash, your "mortality" has put on "immortality" and you find yourself in the presence of the Bridegroom for whom you have been anxiously awaiting . . . in a split second . . . in the blink of an eye!

How can we describe this event we're anticipating? Glorious? Magnificent? Wonderful?

Ah, but what about those who are not prepared for His coming . . . to them this event will be filled with terror, fear, uncertainty, trouble.

Where do you stand today? Are you anxious or are you dreading this awesome Day? You can be sure of this . . . the Bridegroom, Yeshua, Jesus, is anxious to come get His bride and take her to His side to live, to love, to reign, forever!

He is nearly ready . . . how about you?

Lord, if there is anything in me that is not pleasing to You, please reveal it to me and cleanse me from all my unrighteousness. Father, I set my gaze upon You, my desire for You is ever-increasing and my love for You grows daily! I await your return with humble anticipation, knowing that in and of myself I have no way of being found "worthy", but the shed blood of the Lamb has made it possible for me. Thank you for the blood that cleanses so thoroughly and makes me ready to meet You in the air! Amen!

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." (Luke 21:28)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?" (Luke 24:32)

The disciples had the opportunity to walk and talk with the Lord while He was here on this earth, yet they never grew tired of listening to Him unfold the mysteries of the scriptures before them. Desire for and love of the Word caused their hearts to burn within them while He taught either in front of multitudes, in a small group setting, or on a one-on-one basis.

We have a challenge in this simple verse to ask ourselves when the last time was that our hearts burned within us at the hearing of God's Word. Are we yearning for a nugget of truth from the Word of God? Do we desire His Word more than anything in life? We must be careful not to take the Word for granted or forget what a precious gift it truly is.

Next time you hear the reading of God's Word, consider what the disciples said, "Did not our heart burn within us . . . while he opened to us the scriptures."

If we're in love with Jesus, we're in love with the Word (John 1). If we're not in love with the Word, how can we truly be in love with Jesus . . . food for thought!

Father, learning how the disciples felt at the hearing of the Word suddenly makes me realize that I may not be as in love with the Word as I should be or that I thought I was! Lord, burn in me a desire for the Word; rekindle that fire within me. Renew a hunger for more of your Word in my life so I can say as the disciples, "Did not our heart burn within us, while . . . he opened to us the scriptures?" Amen!

"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)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"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 5:2)

Love . . . our lives must be characterized by love following the example of Jesus Christ, our Lord! We are to display the same love for one another that Jesus did for us by giving of ourselves totally and completely to others. The strength of His love was so great that He was willing to lay down His live and give Himself up to death on our account. Our love for one another should be such that we would be willing to do the same thing for them . . . allow their will to be done in the place of yours!

The sweet-smelling savor relates to the offering of incense the priests would make to the Lord -- the offering of Christ to God was like that pleasant smell . . . His total obedience pleased the Father and made the way for the salvation of all.

All in all, today's verse speaks to us of a love which is so complete, so pure, and so sacrificial . . . a love which is passed on to us! A love so undeserved yet given to us so freely . . . a love for which we praise our Lord Jesus Christ! He's the Lamb that was Slain . . . He's the Risen Lord and Saviour . . . He is Love!

Love Him today and it will be easier to love all those around you . . . and it will be easier for all those around you to love you in return! And, as a bonus, the Lord will be pleased with the sweet-smelling savor produced by your sacrificial love one toward another! Amen!

Father, may my life be a sweet-smelling savor unto you! Help me to love those around me as Christ has shown His love toward me . . . a sacrificial, total love that surpasses all knowledge or comprehension! Thank You Lord, for all You have done for me! As I contemplate Your sacrifice not only this time of year but all through the year, I pray that you will help me gain a little more understanding of the price You paid to purchase my redemption. I am so unworthy, Lord . . . remembering your sacrifice is so humbling . . . I can't say it enough . . . Thank You! Amen and Amen!

"But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God." (Philippians 4:18)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"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 5:2)

Love . . . our lives must be characterized by love following the example of Jesus Christ, our Lord! We are to display the same love for one another that Jesus did for us by giving of ourselves totally and completely to others. The strength of His love was so great that He was willing to lay down His live and give Himself up to death on our account. Our love for one another should be such that we would be willing to do the same thing for them . . . allow their will to be done in the place of yours!

The sweet-smelling savor relates to the offering of incense the priests would make to the Lord -- the offering of Christ to God was like that pleasant smell . . . His total obedience pleased the Father and made the way for the salvation of all.

All in all, today's verse speaks to us of a love which is so complete, so pure, and so sacrificial . . . a love which is passed on to us! A love so undeserved yet given to us so freely . . . a love for which we praise our Lord Jesus Christ! He's the Lamb that was Slain . . . He's the Risen Lord and Saviour . . . He is Love!

Love Him today and it will be easier to love all those around you . . . and it will be easier for all those around you to love you in return! And, as a bonus, the Lord will be pleased with the sweet-smelling savor produced by your sacrificial love one toward another! Amen!

Father, may my life be a sweet-smelling savor unto you! Help me to love those around me as Christ has shown His love toward me . . . a sacrificial, total love that surpasses all knowledge or comprehension! Thank You Lord, for all You have done for me! As I contemplate Your sacrifice not only this time of year but all through the year, I pray that you will help me gain a little more understanding of the price You paid to purchase my redemption. I am so unworthy, Lord . . . remembering your sacrifice is so humbling . . . I can't say it enough . . . Thank You! Amen and Amen!

"But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God." (Philippians 4:18)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good." (Psalm 122:6-9)

Watching the news brings us to the stark realization that we are indeed living in the times prophesied by the prophets of old. Israel, and more particularly, the city of Jerusalem, has been a stumbling block for centuries. But, God has a plan, and He is personally involved in all that is happening there this very moment.

God has revealed Himself through His names and by learning God's names we can come to a greater understanding of His character, His personality, His provision for us, and His will. Let's look at a few of God's names and see Him for Who He is in light of this critical situation and the times in which we are living:

Elohay Tz'vaot . . . God of Hosts or God of Armies (2 Samuel 5:10, "And David went on, and grew great, and the >LORD GOD OF HOSTS< was with him."). The Strong One is a Mighty Warrior and is the Commander in Chief of the armies of Heaven and His people on earth. "Tz'vaot" is translated as a mass of people, especially organized for war . . . an army or soldiers. As "Elohay Tz'vaot" He is the Mighty Warrior in the Heavenlies and on Earth . . . there is NONE mightier than He!

El Gibor . . . the Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, >THE MIGHTY GOD<, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace). God is a mighty warrior and the strongest force in the universe. "Gibor" is translated as "champion, chief, giant, mighty, strong, valiant". What an awesome picture of the God we serve . . . our Mighty Warrior, strong and valiant!

Elah Yerush'lem . . . God of Jerusalem (Ezra 7:19, "The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of thy God, those deliver thou before the >GOD OF JERUSALEM<."). God is uniquely associated with Jerusalem. He is forever tied to the city of Jerusalem. He has made every provision for Jerusalem . . . the city is His regardless of what man may say. It is His eternal capital and dwelling place, and that which He claims as His own is just that . . . His own!

Much of the unrest we're seeing in the middle east right now is a battle over the ownership of Jerusalem . . . just a short study of the Word of God will tell you who really owns it and it will also show us just how capable He is to fight the battle to prove it!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem . . . those that love Jerusalem will be blessed and will know they have touched the heart of God!

Father, we thank You for victories we have seen in the past weeks, for setting people free, and for your protection. Lord, though most of us are so far removed from the reality of the battle in Israel right now, our hearts are knit together with Your people . . . those with whom You have cut covenant, which covenant is for everlasting. Lord, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem . . . we pray for Your will to be manifested in this land. Lord, give the leaders wisdom, protect the innocent, open their eyes to truth, strengthen them and encourage them . . . for Your glory to be revealed to all of mankind as Elohim, God of Strength, Might and Power, and as El Echad, the One and Only True God, the Ultimate Mighty One! Amen and Amen!

"Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim"

(Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem)

Psalm 122:6

© Jan Ross

All Rights Reserved