Monday, December 29, 2014

God Heals In Spite of Rebellion




Psalms 107:20 KJV

"He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from THEIR DESTRUCTIONS." 

Did you know that God wants to heal us from our own ignorant behaviors that have caused our sicknesses?  

Many years ago, I was seeking the Lord on how to pray for someone who was 70 years old and bleeding to death from an aneurysm. Was it right for me to pray for them to be healed? They had been an alcoholic their entire life... plus, they were old. Had they lived out their days? Was it their time to die? In my human heart, I even justified their demise because, after-all, they brought their suffering upon them self.  

Anyway, as I desperately sought the Lord on this persons behalf, the Lord revealed to me that He wanted to heal them IN SPITE OF THEIR REBELLION.  Why?  


Psalm 107:21 KJV

"Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"


My answer for "why" God would want to heal this person who had lived a life of rebellion was found in Psalm 107:21 - "so that they will praise Him!" God wants to work a miracle in our lives... so that we will praise Him! He wants to repay good for evil... so that we will praise Him! He wants to save us from destruction... so that we will praise Him!  

Now, as far as the age of this person was concerned, the Lord reminded me that He didn't want any to perish but for ALL to come to everlasting life through repentance.  

2 Peter 3:9

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but (He) is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

Revelation from God... I needed to pray with faith and sincerity that this person be healed so that they could become born-again!  Death for this person would have meant eternity in hell!  

So... We all gathered around and prayed for this almost dead man to live. And... after 30 days of being in a coma, He was healed!  

This man was my father-one-law and he went on to live another 15 years as a humble and sober man who sought the Lord!

Is there someone that you are praying for today who has brought destruction upon themselves? Perhaps you aren't sure of how to pray. Let me encourage you today that God's plan is to give humanity a good long life on earth and an eternity in heaven. He doesn't want anyone's body to be prematurely broken down and He certainly doesn't want anyone to spend eternity apart from Him. 

When we pray for someone to live - even when they cannot or will not pray for themselves - we are asking God to give them TIME to repent. And friend, TIME is God's grace extended so that faith can be activated - believing for the salvation of that persons soul.  

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

Psalm 91:6

"With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation."

Granted, not everyone will live through certain sicknesses and diseases, but God's good plan is that we pray for healing, we believe for His best, and we accept the outcome. We should boldly go to the throne of grace that we might find mercy and help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

Friend, it's the devil who's out to kill our flesh, destroy our dreams, steal our God-given destiny. God is not to be blamed. God's love is not to be doubted. He is our healer. He is our salvation. He is our hope!


John 10:10

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

I have posted the entire Psalm 107 for you to meditate on. I pray that the Lord will give you a WORD about healing so that your faith will grow to a new level of love and mercy for those who are sick because of their own bad choices.


Psalm 107 (NIV)

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

2 Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—
those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
3 those he gathered from the lands,
from east and west, from north and south.[a]

4 Some wandered in desert wastelands,
finding no way to a city where they could settle.
5 They were hungry and thirsty,
and their lives ebbed away.
6 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
7 He led them by a straight way
to a city where they could settle.
8 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
9 for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.

10 Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness,
prisoners suffering in iron chains,
11 because they rebelled against God’s commands
and despised the plans of the Most High.
12 So he subjected them to bitter labor;
they stumbled, and there was no one to help.
13 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
14 He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness,
and broke away their chains.
15 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
16 for he breaks down gates of bronze
and cuts through bars of iron.

17 Some became fools through their rebellious ways
and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.
18 They loathed all food
and drew near the gates of death.
19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
20 He sent out his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave.
21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.

22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings
and tell of his works with songs of joy.

23 Some went out on the sea in ships;
they were merchants on the mighty waters.
24 They saw the works of the Lord,
his wonderful deeds in the deep.
25 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest
that lifted high the waves.
26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;
in their peril their courage melted away.
27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards;
they were at their wits’ end.
28 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.
29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea[b] were hushed.
30 They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.
31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
32 Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people
and praise him in the council of the elders.

33 He turned rivers into a desert,
flowing springs into thirsty ground,
34 and fruitful land into a salt waste,
because of the wickedness of those who lived there.
35 He turned the desert into pools of water
and the parched ground into flowing springs;
36 there he brought the hungry to live,
and they founded a city where they could settle.
37 They sowed fields and planted vineyards
that yielded a fruitful harvest;
38 he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased,
and he did not let their herds diminish.

39 Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled
by oppression, calamity and sorrow;
40 he who pours contempt on nobles
made them wander in a trackless waste.
41 But he lifted the needy out of their affliction
and increased their families like flocks.
42 The upright see and rejoice,
but all the wicked shut their mouths.

43 Let the one who is wise heed these things
and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Attitude of Gratitude


Have you "shown" your gratitude lately?

John F. Kennedy said, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter wordsbut to live by them." Yes, the proof is in the pudding: Not the having of a thankful heart, but rather, the doing of a thankful heart!

While many are happy to talk about their appreciation for another, very few will actually demonstrate their thankfulness through kind deeds, gifts and generous giving. Even Jesus had a situation where he healed ten lepers, but only one turned back to thank Him.

Let's look at LUKE 17:11-19:

"On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” (ESV)

In verse 19, the King James Version actually says... "thy faith hath made thee whole." Friend, all ten of these lepers were cleansed but only one was made WHOLE! The one who turned back and gave thanks was restored to complete health. He was the one that Jesus noticed and praised for his faith in the power of God.

So often, we forget to show our gratitude toward those who have helped us, encouraged us, prayed for us and taught us in our journey of faith. Never-the-less, the Lord has set up a heavenly system through which He measures the attitude of our heart. In fact, God's divine litmus test for our faith is in direct correlation to our attitude of gratitude. And... our attitude of gratitude is clearly defined by our giving. Likewise, our faith is revealed by our actions. Clearly, the message of Luke 17 is that Jesus is seeking those who will demonstrate their gratitude by turning back and showing their appreciation. 

If you are a child of God, always remember to tithe to your local church. Ten percent of your income is God's - not yours. God says He will rebuke the devils devouring schemes when you are a faithful tither and He promises to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings - so many blessings that you will not have room enough to contain them all.

But... if you really want to see wholeness and favor... if you really want to make all of heaven take note... if you really want to see God do multiplication in your finances - GIVE ABOVE AND BEYOND THE TITHE! Practice giving to those in need. Practice philanthropy. Practice turning back and showing gratitude toward those who have sown into your life.

One way that you can show gratitude for the things the Lord has done for you is by supporting a ministry who is continually working to bring healing and hope to people - just like you!

Did you know that this ministry is delivering help, hope and healing by sharing God's love around the world on a daily basis? We are busy reaching people by:

*Going into the prisons
*Teaching marriage classes and conferences
*Ministering freedom to those who are addicted to alcohol, drugs or other substance
*Helping individuals break free from a generational curse
*Supporting orphans in India and Pakistan
*Producing and airing radio and television teachings (we DO NOT get paid to do radio & TV - it actually cost us money to spread the gospel this way)
*Developing, publishing and distributing materials that disciple the body of Christ
...

Friend, not everyone can "go". Not everyone can dedicate their life to full-time ministry. Not everyone is gifted to teach. Not everyone is patient enough or brave enough to minister to those who are less fortunate or even in prison.  By the grace of God, I have been called to "do" these things but it is only by your financial support, prayers, and words of encouragement that the fuel supply for my vision is made complete. A hand clap is just not enough. Action is needed by friends, followers, family and former students who believe in the work of the Lord through this ministry.

Has this ministry been beneficial to YOU in any way? Have you been taught the importance of forgiveness; been encouraged in your faith; or, maybe you even became a born-again believer through the anointing of this ministry? Did I visit you in prison - whether literal or spiritual? Has your faith or knowledge of the Word grown in any way as a result of my teachings? Perhaps your marriage or family has been restored. Or, maybe your heart is being healed as a result of the teachings of this ministry. Are you a better wife, mom, husband or father because of the teachings of this ministry? Did I speak at a conference you attended and something that I taught made a huge impact upon your life? Have I ever mentored you in any way? Maybe you know someone who would benefit from the voice, hands and feet of this ministry? Would you be willing to sow into a ministry that you'd like to see help your family or your friends? Would you sow into this ministry because you want to see others reap the benefits of wholeness in Christ? Maybe, you would give to this ministry just because you believe in the calling upon my life - you have witnessed my faithfulness throughout the years?

God "is" bringing salvation through our work! He is restoring marriages and families! He is freeing those who are addicted! He is encouraging the broken-hearted! He is strengthening the Body of Christ! And... He is using YOU to empower ME to spread the good news!

Will YOU commit to just $5.00 as a one time gift or monthly way of saying, "THANK YOU, Deborah. Press On, Deborah! I am behind you, Deborah!" A monthly or one time gift of any size is a HUGE blessing! Or, maybe you can give more? Whatever the Lord lays upon your heart to do, know that your turning back and saying THANK YOU is noticed by the Lord and greatly appreciated by me.  


Thank you for making a difference in the lives of others AND thank you for encouraging ME as I continue to press on with Kingdom purposes and vision. 100% of your giving goes to support the ministry. Your gift(s) are tax deductible.

2 Corinthians 9:6
"But this I say, He which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully."



God's rewards are great for those who connect their giving to their worship!  
Don't miss your blessing!

*Deborah Ross Ministries is a non-profit 501 c 3 organization and all donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.

Friday, December 5, 2014

The Joy of Giving!



Earlier today I came across a long Facebook thread on the subject of giving to the poor. Many said that they were happy to give to the poor... but... they continued by saying that those in need should go through the proper agencies for assistance and not ask individuals for help. Thankfully, there were a few saints who humbly chimed into the conversation with a spirit of compassion. But... unfortunately, most of the people who joined the thread made comments from a calloused heart toward those in need.

As I was reading through this very long discussion thread, the Holy Spirit reminded me of a scripture verse on the subject of giving:

Psalms 41:1-3 KJV

"Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness."

Friend, God says He will bless, deliver, and even heal those who help the poor. The Lord doesn't tell us to qualify the poor according to their degree of need. He doesn't tell us to only help those who use discretion in their asking. He doesn't tell us to lead them to an agency where they can fill out complicated forms and stand in long lines before getting an allotment of help. He doesn't even tell us to beware of dishonest beggars. The message of the gospel concerning giving is simply that we should be ready, willing and able to help those in need.

Sure, there will be some who are dishonest, trying to profit from the kindness of others; but even so, the Lord is able to bring conviction, rebuke and even allow consequences to burden those who trick a good hearted soul into helping. It is not our responsibility to judge the outcome of our giving - that's God's job. Our part is only that we give... freely.

I'm so glad that God gives freely to us! I am thankful that the Lord gives in abundance and not in allotted portions. I'm grateful that He doesn't make us stand in long lines and fill out complicated forms before supplying our needs. He doesn't even give according to what we deserve - thank goodness! If He did, no-one would ever prosper. According to scripture, the only condition for unlocking the door to getting our needs - and even our desires met - is simply to be a GIVER! The Lord wants us to look like, talk like and ACT LIKE JESUS!

Luke 6:38 NIV 

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Now, if you are currently the one suffering in the land of "not enough" it is especially important that you begin to practice this principle. You see, the Lord doesn't say "give if you have an abundance." No... He just says GIVE! In fact, when we give out of our lack, we move the heart of God in a powerful way. Giving out of lack takes some serious faith and, friend, the Lord will take care of your needs - and even do exceedingly, abundantly, above all you could ask or think - when you practice "doing" the Word!

Psalm 37:25 KJV 

"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."

God is FAITHFUL! If we practice righteous acts of giving, the Lord says we will not be forsaken. He promises that our children will not have to beg for bread. In other words, the Lord will provide for our family as we provide for His!

Proverbs 28:27 KJV 

"He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse."

Not only is giving to the poor the formula for opening the windows of heaven, but those who turn a deaf ear to the cries of the poor actually risk bringing about financial troubles for them self. Remember... we will reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7)! Friend, any of us could be rich today and poor tomorrow without the blessing of the Lord.

And by-the-way, even the poorest American is wealthy compared to most of the world. (And... what is rich, anyway? Rich is really a state of peace, health, healed relationships and needs met.)

Now, the Lord knows that it is impossible for us to give to every need. Still, He wants our heart to be compassionate. He wants us to "listen" for the voice of the Holy Spirit to direct our giving. When we make calloused remarks about those in need, we are not shining the light of God's love into a dark world. On the contrary, when we practice the "golden rule" by doing unto others as we would have others do unto us, we are living out the gospel of Jesus Christ!

With all of this said concerning the benefits of giving, the immediate reward for GIVING is the GREAT FEELING that you get when you help someone else!

Yes, it is truly better to GIVE than to RECEIVE!

THANK YOU you for being the hand of God in your circle of influence this Christmas and all throughout the year. You are the hands and feet of God in the eyes of those that YOU come in contact with each and everyday.

And... Thank you so much for helping DRM as we help others! Your prayers and financial support empowers us to share the good news of the gospel to lost, broken, hurting people all around the world.

To find out more about what DRM is doing, go to the Deborah Ross Ministries Official Website

Have a wonderful Christmas 2014!

Love in Christ,
Deborah Ross

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