The Plumb Line

Working It Out

contact@janross.org — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:21:42 GMT

A life of service is the most rewarding and fulfilling lifestyle imaginable. It's easy to understand that our works are important to the Lord as they serve as a barometer measuring the condition of the heart. A corrupt heart will produce corrupt fruit just as a healthy heart in relationship with the Lord will produce healthy fruit bringing glory to Him.

The Lord wants us ALL to be rich in works. Material wealth really makes no distinction in anything that pertains to character or salvation; it does not necessarily make one wise, or learned, or great, or good. In fact, the same truth was pertinent in Paul's time as it is today.

"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

The letters to the churches of Asia written by John in Revelation 2 and 3 show us how each church was judged. Look at what the angel said to each of the churches: "I know thy works . . ." Notice the angel didn't say "I know your heart . . ." but he talked about their works – the churches were known by their works because their works reflected the condition of their hearts.

If you were judged according to your works, what would be known of your heart? Do your works reveal a heart full of faith? Does your life bear the imprint of Christlikeness? Or do your works cause your friends, family, and acquaintances to question whom you serve—God or self?

Let us all be "rich in good works, ready to distribute, and willing to communicate" as our works are closely judged by the One who knows the motive of our hearts. May we never be found guilty of being rich in worldly goods without having a heart producing healthy fruit by being "rich in good works" as well.

Father, I pray that the motive of my heart will be pure as my life produces fruit fit for a King. Expose areas in my life that are lacking and give me the courage to pursue good works at all times and in all situations. Father, teach me Your ways as I daily choose to cast down my thoughts, my plans, my ideas to apprehend Yours. I love You, Lord, and I long to please You according to all that is within me, for Your glory and honor, amen and amen!

"Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." (Proverbs 16:3)

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Running Back

contact@janross.org — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 13:01:09 GMT

Every time I read the story of the prodigal son, I'm reduced me to tears. As a parent, this gives me hope beyond measure. This son had squandered everything his father had given him; he spent all his inheritance and partied until there was no partying left. But the depth of the father's love was untouched by the son's sin. He welcomed him home with arms opened wide.

"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." (Luke 15:20)

The sinful state into which this son fell can be identified with several manifestations: (1) Departure and/or distance from his father; (2) Uncontrolled spending and riotous living; (3) Constant "wanting"; (4) Perpetual dissatisfaction; (5) Could find no relief; (6) Worthy of the punishment of death; and (7) State of madness or frenzy. Unfortunately, every one of these "symptoms" can be found at one time or another in our lives when we are willfully disobedient.

But, here's the good news. Just as the father of the prodigal son immediately forgave him upon his confession of sin, our Father will forgive us and welcome us back into fellowship with Him. All it takes is a humble confession when you run back to Him. He's always there for you, He's waiting for you, and He won't turn His back on you!

Are you out of fellowship with Him? Run back NOW, humbly confess your sin and you'll find that He's standing there looking for you. And, when He sees you, He'll run to meet you and throw His arms around you and welcome you back home.

What a beautiful example of His undying love for us. How much more does our Father in heaven rejoice at our "homecoming." This is such an incredible portrait of our Father's total love toward us. All He wants from us is to humbly acknowledge our sin and come back home to Him.

This parable demonstrates how the Father longs to have sinners repent and return to Him. But, it also must cause us to think about how He longs to see His children recognize His unparalleled love.

Father, there are many times when I choose to disobey and thus hinder our relationship. There are times when I seek my own will and not Yours, when I put my desires above Yours. Lord, forgive me. I want You to reign in my life, to sit on the throne of my heart, to be a part of every fiber of my being. Forgive me, Lord, when I allow these things in my life and allow our relationship to be hindered. Father, I confess I love You, Lord. There is none like You in all the earth, amen.

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Running Back

contact@janross.org — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 13:00:37 GMT

"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." (Luke 15:20)

This parable demonstrates how the Father longs to have sinners repent and return to Him. But, it also must cause us to think about how He longs to see His children recognize His unparalleled love.

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Promises Unbroken

contact@janross.org — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:49:33 GMT

Years ago when still in my teens, the doctors told me it was impossible for me to have children. Obviously, I was devastated. I had always seen myself as a mother, not of just one but of many. I loved children and truly felt God intended me to be a mother.

After my husband and I were married, my desire for children became somewhat of an obsession—I was convinced that motherhood was included God's plan for my life. Every month we prayed it would be THE month. This went on for several years while we continued to believe God for a child. We did everything we could think of that was within our ability to make things work. Then, suddenly, despite every natural fact and medical obstacle, our firstborn son arrived. Thirty-four years later, we have six adult children (three are adopted) and a slew of amazing grandchildren. What a miraculous thing God has done!

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

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

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

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

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

Take some time today and examine your life. Look for areas where you can become more confident of God's promises to you as a believer. He is looking for submitted vessels through which He can accomplish His will in the earth. May He find them in us!

Father, once again I have examined my life and find areas in which my obedience and submission to You are sorely lacking. Forgive me, Lord, and help me to live a life of submission pleasing to You. Father, I long to look into Your Word and grab hold of Your promises to me. Your Word is forever settled in heaven … may it be forever settled in my heart. In Jesus' name, amen.

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Mercy-Full Morning

contact@janross.org — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:08:14 GMT

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

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

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

Surely he understood the meaning of Lamentations 3:21-23: "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."

Think about the scripture ... "This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope." If we could only discipline ourselves to bring this scripture to our minds, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Remember it every time we are faced with doubt and unbelief. Keep it committed to memory for the times we come up against seemingly insurmountable situations. Remember, no matter what…Great is His faithfulness!

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

Read the verse one more time . . . "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Now read the words penned by Chisholm who framed this scripture so powerfully in "Great Is Thy Faithfulness!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness,
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessing all mine, with ten thousand beside!

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

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

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

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

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

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Jumping at the Opportunity

contact@janross.org — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:28:51 GMT

My heart is deeply moved as I attempt to write this. In a land where devastating poverty exists, it is paralleled by spiritual poverty; the comparison can easily be seen with uncanny exactness. In Africa, I've witnessed the effects of nourishment. In small villages or communities where the Body of Christ was involved in the people's lives, ministering to them, working side by side with them, building the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, the fields were greener, the land itself appeared more nourished, and the people (although very poor according to our standards) were rich. However, in communities lacking the Bread of Life, the land was also lacking nourishment to sustain life essentially causing incomprehensible poverty.

The Bread of Life brings life to the physically and spiritually impoverished.

"He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep." (John 21:16)

If you go on to read the very next verse, you find Simon Peter more frustrated as once again Jesus asks him, "Do you love me?" Jesus then tells him "Feed my sheep!"

What greater gift can be given than food – life sustaining nourishment giving strength and bringing health to anyone who will eat? In fact, a great man of God spoke to me on this very subject a few days ago pointing out the necessity of ministering to the physical needs of man before they can receive spiritual nourishment.

Jesus, when speaking with Peter, understood the relationship between spiritual and physical nourishment. His admonition to Peter to "feed My sheep" was more than merely offering a piece of bread to a hungry person, He spoke of the need to involve both the natural bread and the Bread of Life – where life sustaining nourishment which gives strength and brings health can be found.

We claim to love the Lord just as Peter answered, "Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee." When the Lord questions us in the same manner our immediate response is much the same: "Oh yes, Lord, you know that I love you." I declare that He then admonishes us all, "Then feed my sheep!" Don't just feed them physically – they have need of spiritual food. Don't just feed them spiritually – they have need of physical food.

Jump at every opportunity opened up to you to feed the hungry – both physically and spiritually. If you meet the physical needs, you will have greater success ministering to the spiritual needs.

You don't need to go to Africa to find the hungry. Take a friend to lunch, take a meal to a shut-in, deliver a meal to a single mom overwhelmed with life's responsibilities. Then, give them Jesus. Show them the natural bread then introduce them to the Living Bread. Hear the passionate urgency in Jesus' voice: "Feed My Sheep!"

Father, our hearts are so overwhelmed with the desperate need for daily bread – spiritually and naturally. Show us opportunities to feed Your sheep, to minister to physical needs as well as spiritual needs. Put within us a deep passion for those who are hungry; give us courage to accept this calling. Show us opportunities to reach Your sheep with Living Bread – the Bread that more than satisfies. Oh Lord, we pray for those who do not know You as the life-sustaining Bread of Life. Teach us how to reach them – teach them through our hearts of compassion as we surrender once again to You all that we are and all that we do. In Jesus' name, amen and amen!

"And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)

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Absolutely Nothing

contact@janross.org — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:03:16 GMT

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).

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Mystery Solved

contact@janross.org — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:11:32 GMT

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.

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Wanting Nothing

contact@janross.org — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 20:09:11 GMT

"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)

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Leaves of Healing

contact@janross.org — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:05:23 GMT

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)

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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.

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