Deborah Ross Ministries

COURAGEOUS - The Movie

2012-02-12T18:42:00.000-08:00

Joshua 1:7

Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.

If you have not been to see this movie, PLEASE BE SURE TO TAKE THE ENTIRE FAMILY right away! This is one of the best. It will make you cry and laugh; but most of all, it will touch your heart. Below is the famous Resolution for all dads from the movie Courageous.

THE RESOLUTION

I DO solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children.
I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.
I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me.
I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength.
I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibly.
I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy.
I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion.
I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family.
I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged.
I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.
I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will.
I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. – Joshua 24:15

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***This movie is produced by the same people who made Facing the Giants and Fireproof.

Breaking the Generational Curse

2012-02-03T08:13:00.000-08:00

2 Chronicles 16:9

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.

I love the scripture verse above! God is looking for someone to bless! I've got my hand up, saying, "Lord, please choose me!" So, what about you? Are you seeking to get your heart and mind to agree that they need to be perfect toward Him, so that He can show Himself strong in your situation?

Today's lesson is a quick overview of how we can - and should - get our heart and mind to fully agree with God.

The simple answer to this question is, of course, by studying His Word! Not by reading a lot of bible study devotionals. Not by solely living off of what the preacher, teacher, prophet, apostle or evangelist have said. And, not by simply reading over the Word of God. No, scripture says that we are to study the scriptures while pondering or meditating upon every word. In doing so, the Word of God transforms our hearts and minds, thus, allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us exactly what it is that God is saying to us right now. He wants to communicate truths that will help each of us in our daily lives... right now!

We should always approach His Word with an open slate saying, "Holy Spirit, teach me." If we have a true desire to break away from generational curses, we cannot go to God's Word while determining to hold fast to own erroneous ideas about His precepts. We should never try to find scripture that supports our personal belief system BUT RATHER find God's truths that change our minds about our personal belief system. As born-again believer's who should become more like Christ everyday, we must cultivate a humble and willing attitude that seeks to know God's Kingdom mysteries, precept upon precept, realizing that He will not force us to do so. In addition, we should never base our faith in God, or form an opinion about God's will, upon the foundation of our personal experiences. Instead, our faith in God should be solely hinged upon His Word - His Commands - His Promises - His Holiness.

In looking at some basic fundamentals of How to Break Generational Curses, or better said, How to Live in Generational Blessings, I'd like to offer you a brief outline to the question... "How do we break destructive, dysfunctional cycles that seem to be passed from one generation to another in our family tree?"

The outline below is NOT exhaustive, BUT, it will get you started on the right path to healing and wholeness...

1) You must PASS THE TEST! What test? Whatever test life presents to you. You must fight to win the battle according to God's promises. Isaiah 48:10 & 1 Peter 1:7

2) Agree to lay your life down for the cause of Christ. Rev. 12:11 & Galatians 2:20 & John 12:24

3) Separate yourself and come our from among them (could be family or family traditions & beliefs). 2 Corinthians 6:17 & Matthew 19:29

4) Repent from ALL known sin... CHANGE YOUR MIND! 1 Kings 8:47-51 & Acts 2:38 & Acts 3:19 & Psalm 51:10

5) Identify and renounce ALL known curses and their origin (the root cause)... decide in your heart and mind to never again make up excuses or exemptions for you or your family members being disobedient to God's word. (Note: You do NOT need to try and "fix" your extended family members. Your job is to LOVE THEM, but not accept their value system if it does not agree with the word of the Lord.) 2 Corinthians 10:5-6 &

6) Do things God's way... IN LOVE! 1 Corinthians 13:8

7) Seek BALANCE in your understanding of God's word... RIGHTLY DIVIDE THE WORD OF TRUTH... find the sweet spot in your belief system! 2 Timothy 2:15

8) Trust in God's LOVE and POWER to set you and your household FREE! Romans 5:8-9

9) Drive out iniquity with the TRUTH applied in LOVE. Psalm 109:14 & Ezekiel 3:18 & Matthew 23:28

10) Pull down STRONGHOLDS in your mind that hinder you from understanding God's Kingdom principles. 2 Corinthians 10:4

11) Stop trying to qualify God's word according to your life experience. Deut. 5:33 & Joshua 22:5

12) Cast away all religious dogma (sayings, questionable denominational beliefs, unbalanced truth, etc.) and seek the BALANCED TRUTH straight from God's word. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you. Colossians 2:8 & 1 Timothy 4:1

13) Change your mind about sickness, disease, poverty, addictions and shortcomings of any kind. Just because it is a fact, does not mean it is God's will... nor does it mean that it is God's truth concerning that situation. Exodus 15:26 & Psalm 103:3 & Deut. 28 & Luke 6:19

14) Don't be a rebel against the ways of God or the teachings of God or the holiness of God. - 1 Samuel 15:23 "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king."

GOD LOVES YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND HE WANTS YOU WHOLE!

FOR MORE ON TODAY'S MINI LESSON...

Invite Deborah Ross to teach/preach/speak at your church or next event.

Consider one of these conferences...

Keepin' It Real Women's Conference

911 Marriage Conference.

Please check out her website and let us know how we can serve at your location! www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

Deborah Ross Ministries, Inc.

P.O. Box 2186

Indian Trail, NC 28079

Start Over

2011-12-31T06:55:00.000-08:00

When you've trusted God and walked His way
When you've felt His hand lead you day by day
But your steps now take you another way...
Start over.

When you've made your plans and they've gone awry
When you've tried your best and there's no more try
When you've failed yourself and you don't know why...
Start over.

When you've told your friends what you plan to do
When you've trusted them and they didn't come through
And you're all alone and it's up to you...
Start over.

When you've failed your kids and they're grown and gone
When you've done your best but it's turned out wrong
And now your grandchildren come along...
Start over.

When you've prayed to God so you'll know His will
When you've prayed and prayed and you don't know still
When you want to stop cause you've had your fill...
Start over.

When you think you're finished and want to quit
When you've bottomed out in life's deepest pit
When you've tried and tried to get out of it...
Start over.

When the year has been long and successes few
When December comes and you're feeling blue
God gives a January just for you...
Start over.

Starting over means "Victories Won"
Starting over means "A Race Well Done"
Starting over means "God's Will Done"
Don't just sit there...

START OVER!

Author Unknown - from Email Ministry

Being Strong and of Good Courage in Marriage

2011-12-05T07:41:00.000-08:00

1 Chronicles 22:13

Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.

When you think of someone who is brave, what comes to your mind? Do you think of a soldier who is not afraid to invade enemy territory? Maybe you visualize a skydiver who thinks nothing of jumping from an airplane. Often times you may stand in amazement at the person who is not afraid to take on a "bigger than life" project. Or, perhaps your thoughts of bravery imagine someone who has the confidence to speak before large crowds of people. For some, being brave simply means not being afraid of the dark.

In the word of God, we are admonished, over-and-over again, to trust the Lord in all things. Trusting in God requires faith. When we act upon our faith - by obeying the voice of the Lord - we step out into the unknown, which requires bravery. Then, once we move toward acquiring what the Lord says we can have, we must remain strong and of good courage so that the devil's sure resistance (which tries to thwart God's promises) won't cause us to back down from our obedience.

Did you know that marriage requires us to be strong and of good courage? From the moment we say "I Do" and throughout our entire journey of life's ups and downs, marriage requires bravery!

Let's think, first, about the obstacles in life that tend to cause many marriages to dissolve: communication problems, financial problems, sexual problems, children problems, in-law problems, agreement problems, spiritual/church problems, addiction problems, sickness problems, adultery problems, lack of team work problems... and the list goes on. The devil comes up with nothing new. He throws the same stumbling blocks across the path of every marriage. Why? Because marriage is a sacred covenant ordained of God that brings multiplication to His Kingdom. Godly marriages produce a lineage of faith and so the devil tries everything in his power to destroy God's formula for creating generational blessings upon the earth.

Joshua 1:6

Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

So, what is a person to do when faced with crippling hardships in their marriage? The answer: FIGHT! Now, we are never instructed to fight against flesh and blood. Instead, the Lord teaches us to war against principalities, powers, and rulers of the darkness. When we fully understand the Lord's desire for us to trust in His love, we will then be able to free-fall into the arms of our faith knowing that His promises not only can, but will, bring healing and blessing to our marriage. God is "for" our marriage. He is "for" our family. The Lord is "for" the salvation of every person and He wants every marriage to inherit a land that is flowing with milk and honey.

In Numbers 13, when Moses sends twelve spies out to report back about the Promised Land of Canaan, ten of the twelve came back with fear and doubt. Yes, they saw a land that flowed with milk and honey just as God had promised. Yet, because they also saw giants in the land, they assumed that it would be impossible for them to ever obtain what the Lord had promised to give them. Ten of the spies allowed fear to overrule bravery; and, therefore, God did not allow them to enter into that place of victory where they could eat of the fruit of His bountiful inheritance.

On the other hand, Joshua and Caleb - who saw the exact same thing as the other ten spies, were not afraid of the giants. God's promises were magnified in their hearts and minds above the obstacles that their eyes beheld. Only Joshua and Caleb came back to report that they were ready to fight for their inheritance. These two spies were confident that the Lord would give them what He had promised. They believed that God was on their side and that He would make a way where there seemed to be no way.

Sadly, the tens spies who feared fighting for God's promises encouraged the entire congregation of Israel to walk in terror. They began to murmur and complain about their circumstance instead of speaking to their trepidation according to the word of the Lord. Because of their unbelief, that entire generation of God's chosen people died in the wilderness, having never walked in the promised land.

Isn't the voice of those doubting spies much like the call of the world today which says, "If things get too tough in marriage, get a divorce. After-all, the giant of adultery... or, the giant of addiction... or, the giant of financial pressure is just too overwhelming to ever overcome. God didn't really intend for your promised land of marriage to come with so many battles, did He? You are justified to murmur and complain against your spouse and against the commandments of God. It's OK to vindicate bitterness in your mind toward those who seem to have it so easy in their marriage. You'll never defeat these giants in your life. You'll be better off to die single than to fight this battle of trying to stay married. Patience and forgiveness are just too hard."

Choosing to enter into battle in order to gain victory requires bravery. In Joshua 1:7, the Lord says to, "Only be strong and very courageous... turn not from it to the right hand or to the left..." When faced with marital hardships that seem impossible to overcome, that is just the time to trust the Lord in all things. It's easy to trust God during times of peace, but the real test of our faith comes when we can believe him in the times of our troubles.

Remember, God will allow His children to choose their path. Then, just as He provided for the children of Israel after they rebelled against His commandments by refusing to fight for their promised land, He will also provide for His children who bail out of their marriage. Still, there will always be that unknown blessing that could have been obtained if only married couples would be strong and courageous in every battle that is set before them. Like the Israelite's who never lived in the promised land, those who give up in their marriage will never experience the blessings that only come through entering into battle.

The Lord has a land of milk and honey in mind for every marriage and every family. He paints a picture of it in His word and then places those desires in our hearts. Yes, He wants His children to have His best and He will be faithful to His word if we will just believe Him and fight against the powers of darkness which try to divert His plan. Marriage takes courage. It requires bravery. But, oh, the prize that awaits those who - like Joshua and Caleb - magnify the promises of the Lord above the obstacles in life.

Some powerful visualizations to help you endure the conflicts that are sure to come in marriage might include: Think of one day sitting in a rocker on your front, with your false teeth, and looking over at your spouse to say, "We made it!" Think of the joy of winning battles together and then testifying of God's power working in your lives. Think of growing old with someone who has seen you at your worst and at your best, yet, still finds you the most beautiful creature on the face of the earth. Finally, think of taking your last breathe as you reflect on the memories of your children, your grand-children, and maybe even your great grand-children whom you have watched inherit generational blessings because of your obedience to fight for the things of God.

Marriage should be a picture of our relationship with Christ. In our marriage to Jesus, we are confident that He will never leave us nor forsake us - no matter how we sin against Him, and no matter what our faults. The Lord is always there for us. In this same way, we should be resolute to our marriage vows as we stand in bravery with our mate (who is sure to disappoint us many times over throughout the course of a life-time). Finally, marriage should be an unwavering commitment to the love story of 1 Corinthians 13 which states:

1 Corinthians 13:4-8:

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.Charity never faileth:

Will you choose to fight for your promised land? Will you choose to be strong and of good courage in your marriage? Because... marriage requires bravery!

By: Deborah Ross

www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

www.HealingABrokenMarriage.com

Investing Your Talents

2011-09-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

James 2:26
"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

Are you living for Jesus? I mean, is your whole heart sold out to Him so that every fiber of your being lives for Him on a daily basis? Or, are you lukewarm in your relationship with Christ? Maybe you love to hear the good news preached - as it tickles your ears. Or, perhaps you really enjoy hearing others testify of their faith. But you? Well, you're just not there, yet.

The Lord is very specific in the scriptures that He wants our whole heart (Psalm 138:1 & Jeremiah 24:7). He wants our absolute allegiance because He knows that it is only through our complete surrender that we position ourselves to receive the blessings He so lovingly desires to give to each of us.

In thinking of giving him your whole heart, I have a couple of questions for you today:

1) Are you born-again? Do you know the time and the place where you chose to follow Christ and repented from your sin? You must be born-again in order to see the Kingdom of God come to pass in your life! - John 3:3

2) Are you plugged into a Bible believing church? The Bible tells us to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. - Hebrews 10:25

3) Are you using your time, talents and resources for His glory? I am thinking of the parable in Matthew 25:14-30 where each servant is given a certain amount of talents and time, but the person who received only one talent was afraid to invest and so he hid his one talent in the ground until his master returned. This did not make his master very happy - at all.

God has called each of us into His ministry here on earth. Now, it doesn't necessarily mean that each of us is to be an "official" apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher (Ephesians 4:11), but it does mean that we each have a unique gift - or perhaps many gifts - that are to be used in the body of Christ for the growth and expansion of the Kingdom of God. In fact, Romans 12:1 says that we should present our bodies as a living sacrifice because that is our reasonable service to the Lord.

So, how are YOU using your gifts for the glory of God? How are you presenting your body as a living sacrifice unto the Lord? I remind you that the evil servant in Matthew 25 who was afraid to invest his talent was stripped of his one gift when his master returned (Matthew 25:28). So, no matter whether you are rich or poor; whether you have many skills or just one; whether you are outgoing or rather quiet in nature; or, whether you are young or old - God wants YOU to participate in His Kingdom Work with what you have!

So, whether giving Time, Talents, or Resources, know that God has placed each of us in His body so that we all work together to accomplish His Will. Every Christian has something to give. He has made sure that every individual has something they can do. Let's not sit back and expect everyone else to do the work of the Kingdom fo God, because God's Word is very clear, He wants our whole heart and He wants us to participate in His daily agenda in this life.

As we use what we have, He promises He will muliply back to us even more!

Matthew 25:14-46 KJV

"For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.  And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal."


In Christ,
Deborah Ross

PS - Thank you for donating your TIME, TALENTS and RESOURCES toward this ministry! You are a blessing! And, you are the hands and feet of Jesus working through every project, every message, and every gift given by Deborah Ross Ministries!

You Need the Holy Ghost by David Wilkerson

2011-09-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

Hello There: I just read this article from David Wilkerson, August 13, 1990, that I thought was very interesting. I hope you enjoy it!

You Need the Holy Ghost by David Wilkerson 8/13/1990

Some of you have been saved for a number of years, some perhaps a year, and some just months or a few weeks. Being saved from sin is wonderful! Old things fade away - and all things become new, I am so glad you're saved!

But to be a good soldier in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ, it's not enough just to be saved. There is much more for you! You need to be baptized with the Holy Ghost!

In Paul's time, some believers didn't even know there was a Holy Ghost. "He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him. We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost"; (Acts 19:2). These people were saved, but it is clear they were not filled or baptized with the Holy Ghost.

I believe we are saved through the power and ministry of the Holy Ghost. But Scripture tells us that in addition to this, there is also a baptizing, an infilling, a possessing that the Holy Ghost does in us! Jesus Himself did not send His disciples and followers into the world until they were baptized with the Holy Ghost. Certainly His disciples had pure hearts. They had faith to heal the sick, to cast out devils. They had the word of the Lord and already had been preaching Christ and gaining converts. They were witnesses to His resurrection. What more could there be? They were willing to die for Jesus! Wasn't their love for Him enough to send them into the world to do His work?

Beloved, none of that was enough! Clearly, there was more: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

These great apostles - this inner circle of followers who knew Him so intimately, who had done such mighty works, who had been baptized in water and fully taught by Christ - needed still to be baptized with the Holy Ghost!

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind.... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:1-4).

The need for the Holy Ghost was evident after Philip went down to Samaria. He saw a great move of God there: "Then Philip... preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.... And there was great joy in that city.... Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John" (Acts 8:5-7, 14).

God's "Holy Ghost Squad" came down! There had been signs and wonders, miracles, unclean spirits fleeing, people crying out to God. The city was full of joy because of all these things! Yet there was still more! "(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost" (Acts 8:16-17).

We have another example in Cornelius. He was a devout believer, "one that feared God with all his house... (who) prayed to God always"; and was a kind and generous man as well. He and his family were pure and holy, their hearts wholly given to the Lord. Yet his devout heart told him there was more.

Cornelius sent for Peter at the direction of an angel. When Peter arrived, he preached for a while - and suddenly the Holy Ghost fell on the people: "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished... because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.... Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized" (Acts 10:44-48).

[This Scripture clearly settles the issue that water baptism is not the baptism of the Holy Ghost. "John indeed baptized with water: but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost" (Acts 11:16).]

Even after his dramatic conversion experience with Christ on the road to Damascus, Saul needed the Holy Ghost. He was hidden in a room in the city, broken in spirit and receiving a glorious revelation of Jesus Christ! God sent Ananias to him with the word that Saul was a special, chosen vessel for the Lord. Yet, still, Saul needed the Holy Ghost to fall on him:

"And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized" (Acts 9:17-18).

You Need the Holy Ghost to Help you Break with the World Once and for All! When the Holy Ghost baptizes you, He takes over! "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (1 Corinthians 6:19).

The Holy Ghost comes to drive out all the remaining claims of the old sinful life! He purges all evil powers. He puts down all rule and authority of the enemy. He raises up a holy standard, and He notifies Satan and his demon hordes that this temple belongs wholly to Jesus! "All principalities and powers of darkness, take heed: Your claims is lost! This is my house, and I have moved in to make Jesus Lord of this body, soul and mind!"

If you have the Spirit of Truth, you will soon line up with God's Word and love to do so! He begins to reveal the mind of Christ to you. And when you read and hear the Word, you tremble and have the power to obey!

The first message He discloses is this: "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance,whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:26).

I have often wondered how those calling themselves Christians can distort the Word of God - how they can read the clear warnings contained in the Bible and yet ignore them. They lead a double life! They invent their own standards and mix freely with the world. They are two people - split personalities. One part continues to do everything sinful and evil, while the other one says, "But that's not me. The real me loves Jesus!"

Scripture makes this division clear: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial?... And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?... 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" (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). How can any lover of Jesus miss or distort this?

How can an actor and actress play in raunchy, sex-and-violence movies and say with a straight face,"God told me to"? How can Christians rent evil movies or go to filthy places and say, "I am a witness for Jesus"? It is because the Spirit of truth is not in them! They need the Holy Ghost to come in and open their blinded eyes!

Jesus said, "I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you" (John 14:16-17).

All the preaching, counseling and Bible reading you can absorb will be dead to you unless you have the Holy Ghost living in you! He makes you to understand and know it is God speaking! Some in our church here in New York have heard these words and warnings over and over again. Yet, after a year or two, they are still babies - still not separated, still half in the world. Why? It is because they don't have the Holy Ghost! He has not yet been called upon to possess the temple of their body! They still have control of their body - and they don't want to yield control to Him!

You need the Holy Ghost, for He is the Spirit of Truth who "shall teach you all things." You won't be sidetracked by a distorted, compromised gospel. "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you" (John 16:13-14).

Holy Ghost Baptism Is For You! Do you really want the Holy Ghost? Do you want Him to fall upon you and baptize you with fire? You have to be convinced this is for you. You must come to the place where you know you are nothing, have nothing and can do nothing without the power and leading of the Holy Ghost.

You must know He is still baptizing, still falling upon believers - possessing their bodies! "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:38-39).

Every hour of every day, multitudes worldwide are being baptized with the Holy Ghost! They have read of this promise in the Bible or have heard it preached. So they cried out claiming the promise, and they have been baptized!

The baptism is especially for those living in these last days. "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh... I will pour out in those days of my Spirit" (Acts 2:17-18).

Jesus told a parable about a certain man who got up at midnight, went to a friend's house and asked for three loaves of bread (Luke 11:5-13). This parable is about the need for the Holy Ghost - about seeking, asking and knocking!

This man had been in his home when a friend arrived from a long journey and was hungry. But the man had nothing to give him. This represents a lack of power, spiritual weakness! So the man who had nothing to give went to the one who had bread.

This man who had nothing to give needed the power of the Holy Ghost. He was desperate!

Beloved, it is midnight and you have family and friends who are hungry and needy - yet in yourselves you have nothing to offer. You need the Holy Ghost! And He is yours for the asking: "How much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" (Luke 11:13).

God wants you to live and walk in the Spirit. You should not have to run to find someone else to meet a person's need. You are called to speak the Word of God as the Spirit moves on you, and to lay hands on the sick and cast out devils just as the apostles did. We are all called to be witnesses who are full of the Holy Ghost and power!

You Must Realize You Do Not Have All Jesus Wants You to Have Unless You Are Baptized With the Holy Ghost! John the Baptist preached, "I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire" (Luke 3:16).

Beloved, the Bible makes it very clear: When Jesus comes to you, He desires to baptize you with the Holy Ghost and fire! The Holy Ghost brings fire - a red-hot, consuming love for Jesus. Why are so many believers hot one minute and then cold the next, never totally yielded, never sold out? Is it because they refuse to let Jesus baptize them with the Holy Ghost?

"When (the Holy Ghost) is come, He will reprove... of sin" (John 16:8). Could it be that these believers are not convicted because the Holy Ghost has not yet moved in - that He has never been invited to take His rightful place in them? If the Holy Ghost were in residence He would be convicting, convincing, probing - holding them to the Word. He is God's plumb line. Anything that does not measure up to Christ, He reveals - and He convicts us and empowers us to conform to His Word! Truly He becomes our Comforter in this, because as He convicts us of sin He empowers us to remove it. That is true comfort!

You Must Be Willing to Let Go of Decorum! That is Your Pride: Etiquette - Primness - Starchiness! In both the Old and New Testaments, the Holy Ghost fell upon people in the most unusual ways! He shook buildings. People's tongues began to praise Him - in new tongues. The Holy Ghost took full control!

At Pentecost he came with a mighty, rushing wind! Fire fell! "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2;4). Can you imagine what this crowd looked like to passersby - 120 people, all preaching and praising God at the same time and in different tongues? It must have looked like drunken chaos!

When the Holy Ghost comes down, things get shaken up. "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together: and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spoke the word of God with boldness" (Acts 4:31).

Some say, "The Spirit came down at Pentecost. We don't need to pray for Him to fall on us now." But throughout the Book of Acts, after Pentecost, the Holy Ghost was still falling on believers!

He fell at the house of Cornelius: "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them" (Acts 10:44). Again, they spoke with tongues!

He fell at Ephesus: "The Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied" (Acts 19:6).

The Holy Ghost will never make you do anything stupid. But He will come upon you in such a way that sinners may think you are drunk! He is not welcome in many churches because He is thought to be too noisy, too upsetting, too unpredictable!

The Holy Ghost Is Received by Faith! "This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" (Galatians 3:2). Saints, this message should ignite your faith, - and by faith you should lay hold of God's great promises! "Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think he shall receive anything of the Lord" (James 1:6-7).

The Lord says, "Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it" (Psalm 81:10). Praying for the gift of tongues should not be our focus; we ought to pray to be baptized in the Holy Ghost - and speaking in tongues is an expression of His indwelling.

Have you asked God for this gift? Are you seeking the Holy Ghost? Are you continually knocking? "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?" (Luke 11:13).

Simply ask and you will receive! Seek your heavenly Father for the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and He will give it to you!

Here in New York City we have come to realize our desperate need to be constantly filled with the Holy Ghost, always dependent on His power and presence, and fully trusting in His ability to do the impossible. For example, we have been led to pray for HARD CASES - praying in the Holy Ghost for the salvation of those considered too far gone to be saved: the pornographers, the drug dealers - the evil-minded big-shot business men who have lost all sense of morality.

We are witnessing great miracles as a result. The most wicked, evil-minded sinners are being strangely convicted by the Holy Ghost: and they are getting right with God.

The Holy Ghost is the HOUND OF HEAVEN, and He is hunting down sinners and the backslidden everywhere. They are falling under an incredible "misery," and are beginning to hate their sin for the first time. They are feeling an urge to seek spiritual help. That, my friends, is the powerful ministry of the Holy Ghost.

We face a mad devil on the loose in our world today. He is unleashing all the power at his command; and legions of evil powers are digging in for the final conflict with heaven. It is going to take more than the dead, powerless religion practiced by most denominations. Our modern church programs are silly - carnal - and the laughing stock of hell. Demonic hordes will simply walk all over backslidden, apostate Christians and pastors. Unclean, unholy Christians are weak, powerless and afraid of Satan's power. They can no more stop the onslaught of Satan than an ant can stop an armored tank.

But Satan cannot stand up to a righteous, Holy Ghost-filled child of God who walks in faith and obedience. Show me a truly Holy Ghost-possessed believer, and I'll show you one who puts the legions of hell to chase.

We don't need bigger churches or more Christian TV or more sophisticated religious methods! We need more Holy Ghost-baptized saints - separated and sanctified - who will live and walk and talk in the power given them! We need to be on our faces crying out to God for a fresh Pentecost: that the Holy Ghost would again fall upon us, our churches, our pastors and evangelists - and rid ourselves once and for all of everything profane and fleshly.

God, send the Holy Ghost! Fall upon us! Baptize us mightily. And send us forth against satanic strongholds with an uncompromising faith that He will prevail in our day!

Marriage - Are You Doing the Word?

2011-08-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

James 1:19 KJV

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man (or woman) be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man (or woman) worketh not the righteousness of God.

- emphasis added -

My grandmother always taught me to "kill'em with kindness." She always said it would be difficult for someone to be ugly to you if you continued to treat them with respect and dignity. As hard as her lesson was for me to understand as a child, today, I can clearly see how her teachings were Biblical principles that God would one day reveal to me as truth. These words were buried deep within my soul as a child, and, no doubt, have helped me to withstand some difficult situations in my own marriage while I patiently waited for my breakthrough to finally arrive.

I think the book of James is a good starting place for us to study in seeking how we can learn to silence arguments and put an end to dysfunction in our homes. James says that we are to be "swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath." Until we recognize that change begins within US, we will forever be trying to "fix" everyone else - in particular, our spouse. We will never rest in the promises of our Lord for complete victory in our marriage, until we settle it in our heart that "we cannot change our spouse!" So, let us take instruction from James that our breakthrough will manifest only if we do our part. We must learn to control OUR MOUTH by praying, "Lord help me to listen more and talk less, so that You can work in my marriage."

In addition, James 1:22 says that we should be "doers of the word, and not hearers only." Now, being a doer of the word does not mean that we make others... "do the word." On the contrary, it means that we make ourselves come into agreement with the word of the Lord even while in adverse circumstances. Marriage is not always easy (especially if one spouse is lost). Even so, as Christians, we are to do our part by being obedient to the things of God - even while it is not convenient. If it were easy to be a "doer of the word", then being a "doer" would not require faith. But, we are people of faith and we need to understand that our faith grows as we exercise it. So don't be afraid to exercise your faith when it comes to being a doer of the word in your marriage.

There is one themed rebuttal that is always spoken to me by someone hurting in marriage: "But you don't know what they did to me" or "You don't understand what I have to put up with." When these valid comments come across my ministry, I gently take these broken souls back to God's word which speaks of self control, controlling our tongue, praying, and trusting Him. Granted, one spouse in the marriage may be like a wild bull running through a china store. Still, that doesn't justify the other spouse to be moved, shaken, or provoked to sin against God. In the midst of a marital storm, we must remember that God is on the throne and He loves our marriage. He is on our side and will fight our battles for us if we will just tame ourselves and lay our marriage on the altar for Him to work a miracle. Malachi 2:16 says, God hates divorce, so our job as a married Christian is to work toward avoiding divorce... even through the fiercest storm.

The devil is forever tempting God's children. He knows that if he can just get a Christian to be drawn away of his own lust and enticed to sin then he can kill them. His greatest thrill is to see sin conceived in a child of God because it is sure to bring forth death in certain areas of their life. For instance, if the devil can get us to enter into arguing with our spouse, he has a better chance at getting us to believe that we are justified in hating them. Then once we are convinced that we don't need our spouse anymore (because we just can't get along), we are now in a position to believe that divorce is OK in our situation. Divorce is the calculated death that the devil is ultimately seeking to arrange in the lives of every married couple. But the devil doesn't stop there. The enemy of our soul will go much further than the initial divorce. Most often, divorce causes bitterness to fester. Bitterness leads to wrath... and wrath leads to revenge. Now does anger, bitterness, wrath, and revenge sound like characteristics of one claiming to be a Child of God? (See James 1:3-15)

So in conclusion, James 1 says that our religion is vain if we don't learn to bridle our tongue. Remember the trying of our faith (especially in marriage) teaches us to have patience. And, the patience produced in us will make us perfect in the end. This means that our faith will be purified in our trials, making us ready to receive the reward that God has waiting for those who believe Him and act according to His word even throughout adverse circumstances.

Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

If you haven't already read my story, I'd like to encourage you to pick up a copy of my book, Healing a Broken Marriage, today. I have experienced, first hand, how God's word will come to pass in seemingly hopeless marital conditions of my own. Today, my marriage is healed and thriving because the Lord is faithful and His word is true! My book is a step by step faith walk of praying for my husband for twelve years as heartache after heartache pointed toward divorce. Glory to God, the devil didn't win the battle and now I live to tell others how they, too, can claim victory in their home. My book teaches practical and spiritual lessons that must be mixed together to bring results.

The Lord doesn't want any to perish. He wants all to come to salvation. As the spouse who professes to know God (I say this because you are reading this article), I exhort you to stand strong and see the salvation of the Lord for your loved one. Believe God against all odds. And, very important, mix all of your faith with God- centered actions that will create fertile soil for your miracle. When you line yourself up with Kingdom principles in your "doing", you can expect results from a God who loves you, loves your marriage, and loves your children.

So take the narrow road, tame your tongue, harness your emotions, exercise your faith, and trust God in all things. He loves you!

Job 6:24 KJV
Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.

Healing a Broken Marriage - Robin LeClair Testimony

2011-08-23T18:11:00.000-07:00

Healing a Broken Marriage - Robin LeClair Testimony (entire) from Deborah Ross on Vimeo.

Biblical Order of the Home

2011-08-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

BALANCING CHILDREN, WORK, AND INTIMACY

God has established order to everything... He is the God of order! When studying scripture as a marriage life-book of "how to", it is easy to see that God has a divine command we must all heed if we want our marriage to endure: the tests of time; the on slot of offense; and the pull of worldly influence. Satan comes to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). He hates families and will stop at nothing by instigating terms for division, strife, and even divorce - in every home - as he slithers his way into situations, circumstances, attitudes, and presuming lifestyles between a man and his wife. So don't be surprised when the gates of hell turn up the heat in your household. There is nothing new under the sun.

On the other hand, married couples can expect to overcome all of life's twists and turns - so that their passion never runs cold - when they commit to making their relationship with each other of highest priority (under Christ). Contrary to the assumption of most unsuspecting married couples, staying true to the marriage vow, "until death do us part", doesn't just happen. It takes work... continuous work...intentional work! But, keeping a marriage alive is not a begrudging chore. Instead, it is a fulfilling journey of growing closer and closer as, together, you work to serve one another!

Speaking of order, 1 Corinthians 11:3 says that the order of the family should be as follows: God, Christ, Man, Woman. As much as women hate to admit it, our role in the marriage is to be a helper to our husbands (Genesis 2:18). The man is to be the head of the household, under Christ, and has the burden of carrying the weight of the home on his shoulders. Even the natural strength of a man over the femininity of a woman paints the picture of God's design for establishing order in the home (see: 1 Peter 3:7). Does this mean that women aren't supposed to work? Not necessarily. It does mean, however, that the predominate role of a woman in marriage should be that of an encourager to her husband and a nurturer to her children; while the prevailing role of the man should be that of a provider and spiritual leader.

WORK

When it comes to work, men and women, alike, all-too-often get caught in a work-a-holic syndrome. The obligations of keeping the bills paid, the lure of a success driven society, and the sin of wanting too many "things" can all lead to burn-out in marriage. God intended for us to have balanced lives and while work is essential, it should never be elevated above the family. After all, you work to make a fruitful life for your family. What benefit is "the good life" if, in the end, the family unit is shattered - all because of the obsessive cycle of making more, spending more, and expecting more? The best way to evaluate your allegiance to your career is through the filter of the following order of importance: #1 - God; #2 - Family; #3 - Business. If your work priorities tend to slip from this formula, it's imperative (for the sake of your marriage) that you reevaluate your motives and restructure your lifestyle - immediately!

INTIMACY

Another mistake I often see young mothers making is that of becoming preoccupied with their everyday duties of nurturing, cooking, shopping, and cleaning, while presuming that their husband will "understand" her constant neglect of affection - especially in the bedroom. I know how it is, by the end of the day a mother is zapped and "one more thing to do" when her head hits the pillow at night can become the dreaded love making task instead of a joyful finale of intimate communion with her man. There is great danger in allowing affection with your spouse to wane. Again, the most important part of your duties as a husband/wife and dad/mom (besides your complete devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ) is that of putting your marriage above all else. Romance, sex, and even date nights MUST be a part of your "schedule" in order to avoid the subtle drift of growing apart. Men, that means putting the remote down, turning the computer off, and making an effort towards being creative in how to spend quality time with your wife, as well. Each partner has an obligation to meet the need of the other when it comes to keeping the flames of passion burning brightly throughout the course of a life-time in marriage.

CHILDREN

In a thriving, Christ-centered marriage, your relationship with your spouse should always come before your relationship with your children! While this may seem like a no brainer, it is actually a big problem with families today. Does this mean that the children are not important? Not at all. It simply means that marriage is - first, and foremost - about the husband and wife honoring one another, as two souls remain one flesh under the banner of Christ Jesus. Children can be very demanding and, while we should aim to be great parents, we should never let our marriage suffer from the pressures of parenting.

In today's American, fast-paced culture, I am seeing more and more parents putting a significant amount of time into the extracurricular activities of their children and the pursuit of keeping up with society. While this may seem like a wonderful thing to do on the surface, an unbalanced approach to activities outside of the home early on, can lead to serious marital problems - later on. After all, what good will all of these endeavors be if after years of running here, there and everywhere, you end up with a broken home - all because you neglected to prioritize your life in such a way that gives glory to God. Psalm 46:10 says to "be still and know that He is God." Carve out time each day to "be still" with your family as you worship God together with the sweet aroma of a balanced lifestyle.

Furthermore, Ephesians 6:1 and Colossians 3:20 says that "children should obey their parents in the Lord." From here, we can see that God's divine order for the home is for the children to come up under the parents (not just the mom and not just the dad, but both parents - functioning in agreement with one another). Many well meaning mothers tend to elevate their children to a position of priority over their husbands. NEVER allow your children to come between you and your spouse. Remember, a healthy marriage ultimately makes the children happy because their confidence will be increased when they live in peace knowing that mom and dad love each other, have respect for one another, and express appropriate affection toward the other. As you and your spouse show forth a selfless, unconditional love that gives high priority to times of privacy, hand holding, hugging, laughter, and honor for one another, your children are learning what a healthy marriage looks like and will likely aim to have a balanced marriage of their own one day, as they learn life application skills from you. This is the essence of what it truly means to train up a child in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6).

In closing, I remind you of the following points about "how to" enrich your marriage so that your love for one another never grows cold:

· God has an order to everything.

· Marriage takes work.

· You must be intentional about making your marriage all that God has planned.

· The devil is working hard to strategize the demise of your wedding vows.

· You must be adamant about APPLYING the Word of the Lord to every area of your marriage on a daily basis.

Don't be duped by the devil. Life is about choices and making the right decisions each and every day will add up to the sum total of the destiny of your family (see: Deuteronomy 30:19). Remember, over half of ALL MARRIAGES (the church is no exception) end up divorced. Shield your marriage from destruction by getting your life in order, NOW!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Deborah Ross is a Bible teacher, speaker, singer, author, and choreographer. Her new book titled, Healing a Broken Marriage: LoveNever Fails, is a great resource for more on "how to" have a healthy, God-centered marriage. Deborah has been married to her husband, Jay, since 1984. Together, they have two teenage sons. Deborah's passion is to know God and her calling is to share His love with the world. To find out more about her ministry go to www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

Herman & Sharron Show With Guest: Deborah Ross

2011-07-24T12:44:00.000-07:00

Part 1 - 15 minutes

Part 2 - 15 minutes

- Watch Deborah on the Herman & Sharron Show -

From Monday, July 25, 2011, on CTN (Christian Television Network)

Regarding re-run air times, viewers will need to check their local listings.

(Direct TV station 376 and Dish Network on station 267. Also now seen on GloryStarNetwork and Sky Angel IPTV on channel136. CTN is also “lived streamed” over the internet and Herman & Sharron can be watched at 10:00am Eastern time over the internet.)

A DVD of the program can be purchased for $19.95 at order-line at 1-800-700-7064.
You will need to give the order-line the program number HS11-7-25 and guest, Deborah Ross.

How to be Born Again

2011-06-09T07:48:00.000-07:00

How to be Forgiven & Born Again

JOHN 3:3

"Jesus answered and said unto him, 'Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'"

The Word of God teaches that unless we are "born-again" we cannot see the Kingdom of God.
This means:

· We cannot "live" in the Kingdom of God;
· We cannot "receive the benefits" of the Kingdom of God;
· We cannot "understand" the Kingdom of God;
· And, we cannot have "eternal life" in God's Kingdom;

... Until we become a born-again Child of God.

Being born-again is a supernatural experience that is - in some ways - much like that of being born from our mother's womb. The difference, of course, is that we are not physically born-again, but rather, spiritually transformed in our spirit man. When we were born from our mother's womb, we did not need to understand the process before we could enter this world. Yet, since the day of our natural birth, we have been continually growing in our understanding so that as adults we can begin to comprehend the miraculous wonder of conception, pregnancy and the childbirth existence.

Being born-again is no different. We don't need to fully understand the concept in order to become a Child of God. We simply believe in faith on the price that Jesus paid for our sins; and then, supernaturally, God plants His seed of righteousness inside of our hearts. That seed will grow throughout our lifetime as we gain a greater understanding of our born-again transformation. From that day forward we will be ever-maturing from that of a new born babe in Christ into a sanctified Child of God.

JOHN 3:16

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

God's Word promises eternal life to everyone who confesses with their mouth and believes in their heart that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:10). Being a born-again Child of God is really simple, and yet, many will fail to understand how to become a Christian because of their unwillingness to turn from a life of sin. Sin separates mankind from God. God is holy and He cannot co-exist with sin. As hard as we may try, we can never completely rid ourselves of sin in order to walk in the favor of God. In fact, everything about our human nature pulls away from God. Romans 8:7 says that we are incapable of following God's laws because our human nature is hostile toward the truth of God's Word.

JOHN 3:21

"But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."

It is only when we allow the light of God to shine down on our hearts that we can see the truth about our sinful condition. Stepping into the light of God requires that we humbly come to the throne of grace with a true heart of repentance from all known sin. Repentance is not just saying "I'm sorry", neither does it try to justify thoughts and deeds with rational explanations of "why". Rather, repentance is a change of our heart and mind. When we repent, we admit our wrong doing or wrong thoughts while standing spiritually naked before God.

In order to be supernaturally transformed (born-again) we must first recognize that we are a sinner who needs a Savior. As God shines His light of truth (His Word) upon our hearts, our response should be a sincere cry of relinquishing our will to His. At that same moment, as we put all of our trust in the belief that Jesus is, indeed, the Son of God, and that He died for our sins; the breath of God blows the wind of the Holy Spirit into our innermost being as we are gloriously changed from a sinner to a saint. We don't have to fully understand it all. We just need to accept, by faith, that God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to make a way for us to live in His Kingdom... now and for all eternity.

MARK 11:26

"But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."

Realize that repentance and being forgiven by God are synonymous with forgiving others. After all, how can we expect God to forgive our sins, if we are not also willing to forgive those who have sinned against us? 1 John 3:15 tells us that if we hate someone, we are a murderer and we should know that murderers do not have eternal life abiding within their hearts.

1 JOHN 4:7-8

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."

In order to truly know God, we must be willing to lay down all grudges, bitterness, wrath, jealousy, malice, envy, strife, and revenge. God is love. If we are to be a born-again Child of God, we too, must agree to love the way Christ loves us. God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to die for our sins even when we didn't deserve salvation. Is there someone who doesn't deserve your forgiveness? Yet, in order to be more like Christ, you will purpose in your heart to forgive them.

JOHN 3:18-19

"He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."

I think John 3:19 explains the reason that Jesus is such a stumbling block for those who don't want to believe He is the Son of God. So many religions accept that Jesus was a prophet or that He was a good man and they may even go as far as to say that He was born of a virgin and that He even died on a cross; however, in an effort to hide from the truth of one's sinful heart, many choose to follow a lie - a false religion - in an effort to make themselves feel as though they will have eternal life... IN SPITE OF THEIR LOVE FOR SIN.

God is love. God loves people. God is Holy. God hates sin. He has made a way for us to be reconciled to Himself. He sent His love, in the form of a man named Jesus, into the world to touch, heal, and save those who will sincerely believe that He is the Christ.

GALATIANS 2:20

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

Jesus gave His life for you and I. Will you give your life back to Him and accept His outstretched hand of mercy, grace, and love? God does not want anyone to spend an eternity in hell (separated from His love). He wants everyone to live with Him forever!

If you want to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior... If you want to be born-again... If you want to be forgiven... Pray this simple prayer with all of your heart:

"Father God, I confess that I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I believe, in faith, that Jesus is truly the Son of God, and while I may not understand everything right now, I do believe that Jesus was born of a virgin, He walked the earth as God in the flesh, He died on a cross, and He was raised from the dead by the power of God. I believe that you, Lord, love me so much that you made a way for me to have eternal life. I confess _____________ (fill in the blank for all known sin). Lord, help me to turn from sin. Change my heart and mind so that I will become more like you. Wash me clean and make me a brand new creature. God, please cause me to understand the Bible. I pray that your Word will come alive in my spirit as I seek to know you more. I give you my life. I worship you. I praise you. In Jesus Name, Amen!"

Now, tell someone that you have made Jesus your Lord and Savior. I would love to be the first person to know that my gift of love (this article) has brought you to eternal life. Comment to me about your born-again experience on this blog... or, click onto my web-site and write to me personally. Now, go and sin no more (John 8:11) for your sins are forgiven and you are truly born-again! Hallelujah!

Yours in Christ,
DeborahDeborah Ross Ministries
Strengthening Families & Encouraging Womenhttp://www.deborahrossministries.org/

Body, Soul and Spirit

2011-05-09T14:26:00.000-07:00

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Have you ever thought about who you are... what makes you tick... or, the core of your existence? Have you sat and pondered the idea of life after death? Maybe you've heard people speak of body, soul and spirit, but to you, this is merely a phrase that describes some type of spa experience alluding to total relaxation through meditation or pampering.

Actually, human beings are made up of a SPIRIT who has a SOUL who lives in a BODY. Initially, this may be too deep of a concept to grasp, but once we fully understand these three aspects of our being, we can obtain a clearer understanding of how God's Word brings life to the total person.

When God said, "Let us make man in our image," He was referring to the fact that man is a triune being in much the same way that God is a trinity. While God is only ONE, the scriptures teach us that He is made up of three parts: Father; Son; and Holy Spirit. In the same way, while each person is only one, each human being is made up of three distinct parts: Body; Soul; and Spirit.

Think of an egg. One egg has three parts. The shell houses the egg white and in the center of it all is the yoke. The same concept is true of the trinity of God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) and the tripartite makeup of man (Body, Soul, Spirit); all are one, and yet, they are three.

When God created Adam, He molded him out of the dust of the ground. Paying careful attention to every cell, blood vessel, nerve, organ, and body part, God created the human body to work in synchronized harmony so that His prized creation could live in a perfectly designed house of flesh and blood. Every body part was carefully constructed so that this new being would be able to take dominion over the earth with physical excellence. This earthly vessel had to be designed so that it could house something God decided to create in His image - something very precious to Him.

Unfortunately, the body seeks to rule for the sake of pleasure. The body is always screaming, "FEED ME, FEED ME!" Left to itself, the human body tends to become gluttonous when it comes to the things that God has allowed with moderation such as: food; drink; touch; adornment; sex; approval; and accolades. In addition, oftentimes Satan will bring drugs and alcohol into someone's life because he knows that the human body can begin to crave these "false highs" and the devil's chief desire is to kill, steal and destroy God's creation. If the body is allowed to rule the being, there will be no thought for long term health and welfare. This does not please God.

So the human BODY is really intended to be nothing more than a shell. It is our God-made "human suit" that clothes our spirit and soul. Because of sin, our bodies will eventually wear out and die, but our real person - our soul and spirit - will escape death to live on, either in the presence of God or apart from Him for ever and ever.  In addition, the Bible teaches us that one day, those who have died to be with the Lord, will be reunited with their glorified body on the day of resurrection. The newly created and completely perfected three-in-one, born-again Christian will continue to live throughout all of eternity as God originally intended: never dying; never breaking down; and never in need. Our bodies will function at optimal (supernatural) level; free from the effects of sin.

At first glance, our soul and spirit may seem to be so closely related that it is hard for us to comprehend the distinct significance of the two. Let's break down the function of each, so that we can gain a better understanding of the spiritual growth of a christian according to the scriptures.  When it comes to understanding human behavior and how to live the life of an over comer - as God commands - it is very important that we study the deep truths of God's Word and how to apply His Word to our total human being.

So let's look first at our SOUL. Our soul is described as our MIND, our WILL and our EMOTIONS.  It is the part of us that thinks, makes decisions and has a personality. We may assume that our soul is the "real us" - the one in control - and often it is. The soul is strong, determined, opinionated, self -centered and selfish when left to itself. The desire of the soul is to give the body comfort. The seat of the soul wants to rule over the total man for the sake of self preservation - whether by means of good or bad. The soul is the part of mankind that chooses to obey or disobey God on a day to day basis. Man's soul was originally created to give God pleasure through fellowship. God allowed each living soul the ability to choose whether it would obey or disobey His voice; but, He yearns for mankind to love Him freely and not out of mechanics or because of tyranny.

For the final touches on Adam's new life, God breathed life into him and man received God's Spirit. The human SPIRIT is the supernatural part of man that is like God. Even so, the human spirit is either that of God - as from the born-again experience - or, it is that of man.  Because of Adam's sin, the Spirit of mankind was separated from God. The only way to reunite a holy intimacy between the creator of the universe and His prized creation is by the shed blood of a living sacrifice. In the Old Testament, that shed blood was from bulls and goats and had to be repeated each year. The blood of bulls and goats never seemed to fully purge man's conscious from the guilt of sin and so God knew that man needed a long term, once-and-for-all, sacrifice in order to be fully reconciled to a right fellowship with the Father.  So, He sent His Son, Jesus, to be that perfect blood sacrifice for all of our sins. It is through the shed blood of Jesus - God's own Son - that mankind receives the Holy Spirit and is once again reunited with their creator, to commune with Him and live forever. This was God's plan from the beginning.

Originally, by the Spirit, Adam was able to talk with God and understand His ways. As Adam's Spirit received instruction from God, his soul and body would then come into agreement with God's plan through obedience; that is, until Adam and Eve decided to break covenant with God through disobedience in the garden. It was then that God's Spirit was separated from mankind, leaving him to function as a body and soul who longed for the living Holy Spirit of God to fill the void in the center of his being.  All humans long to be complete.

Left to ourselves, our soul will inevitably lead our bodies down the wrong path as every decision is based off of a self-centered motive of physical comfort. Our soul only aims to protect the body, but has no basis for differentiating between good protection and bad protection. Our bodies only aim to be fed. Our bodies seek comfort - whether good or bad. In conclusion, a human that is led by body or soul is destined for a life of brokenness and heartache.

God never intended for us to be a ship without a compass. We were originally created to hear His voice and to seek His will daily. This, however, can only be a reality through the power of the Holy Spirit; and even then, we have been given a free-will choice of whether we will obey God's commands or not. Our body and soul must be trained to submit to the Holy Spirit as we grow in the knowledge and understanding of His Word.  That is why we are commanded to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

So as we wash our minds with God's Word (Ephesians 5:26), our soul is strengthened for making right choices that will ultimately preserve the body according to God's wisdom, and not out of fleshly desperation.  Although the soul is the strong-willed seat who desires to control the total man, the born-again Christian who determines to be guided by the Holy Spirit (a much softer and more gentle voice) will enjoy more health and greater rewards in both body and soul. This promise is for this life and for the life to come (1 Timothy 4:8).

When Jesus said the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41), he was explaining how the body and soul are constsantly vying for the leadership position of the human being. Our spirit, whether the Holy Spirit of God or the unholy spirit of darkness, guides our soul through all eternity. Therefore, we should always watch and pray that we might be able to hear the voice of the Lord, and then, that we would be determined to obey the voice of the Lord.

In the end, our soul and spirit will escape this earthly vessel of clay to either stand in the presence of God or to stand in utter darkness - forever.

We are a SPIRIT, who has a SOUL, who lives in a BODY. We are three - yet, we are one. And, on THAT DAY, all of our parts will be judged according to our salvation (marked by our acceptance of the blood of the Lamb) and rewarded for our good works, or the lack thereof.

The Lord wants everyone to be whole in BODY, SOUL, and SPIRIT. He wants everyone to be restored to His original plan. So let's seek to wash our minds with His Word, daily, as He transforms us into the perfect human that He originally inteded for us to be... for all eternity!

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Deborah Ross
Speaker / Bible Teacher / Author / Singer
President / Executive Director of Operations
Deborah Ross Ministries, Inc.
www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

A Healthly Marriage

2011-03-25T05:18:00.000-07:00

My prayer for your marriage is that the following things will become REAL as you study God's Word and press in to have a life-long marriage of joy, peace, intimacy and friendship with your spouse.

POINTS TO PONDER FOR A HEALTHY MARRIAGE...

1) A God centered marriage is made up of 3 - God, Man, Woman - Diagram: Draw a triangle and put God at the top! Write your name on one corner and your spouses name on the other corner. As you both look up to Christ and put God FIRST in all things... your marriage will be blessed!

2) God is "for" your marriage! It "is" His will that you and your spouse love each other until "death do you part". He is on your side in difficult times!

3) You must be INTENTIONAL about keeping a marriage that is ALIVE and THRIVING!

4) FORGIVENESS is a commandment... not a suggestion!

5) Always pray: Lord change ME! Get out of a self-centered approach to Christianity and into a Christ-centered life-style that is willing to lay down all agenda's for the sake of your family. As YOU become more like Jesus, your behavior WILL affect the behavior of your spouse. LOVE NEVER FAILS!

6) Always speak (and seek) the TRUTH in LOVE. Take the masks off. Don't avoid issues. Live in truth yourself... and set a godly example for your spouse.

7) Be willing to leave and cleave by breaking generational curses and by pulling down strong holds that will sneak in to destroy a good marriage over the course of a life-time.

8) Men: Love your wife as Christ loves the church AND gave His life for her.
Some ways to lavish your love on your wife:
*LISTENING TO HER
*GIVING HER GIFTS AND/OR EXTRA MONEY FROM TIME TO TIME TO SPEND ON HERSELF FOR BEAUTY TREATMENTS & TAPESTRY OF SILK AND PURPLE (nice clothing)
*TAKING YOUR TIME IN LOVE MAKING - WOMEN ARE LIKE CROCK POTS... SLOW TO WARM UP
*ROMANCE GOES A LONG WAY - TAKE YOUR WIFE ON A DATE AT LEAST ONCE PER WEEK
*BECOME THE HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD UNDER CHRIST JESUS - DON'T BE A BOY - BE A MAN!!!
*GIVE HER SECURITY IN ALL THINGS - FROM FINANCES... TO PROTECTION... TO THE BEDROOM - SHE NEEDS TO FEEL SAFE WITH YOU
*ALWAYS FLEE THE APPEARANCE OF EVIL - PORNOGRAPHY, ALCOHOL & DRUGS, ETC. WILL KILL YOUR MARRIAGE - INTENTIONALLY AVOID THESE THINGS
*TAKE AN INTEREST IN THE HOME (Honey-Do)
*PRAY OUT LOUD WITH YOUR WIFE
* PUT YOUR WIFE AND CHILDREN ABOVE YOUR BUDDIES AND YOUR SPORTING EVENTS

9) Women: Submit to your OWN husband.
Some ways to lavish your love on your husband:
*GIVING HIM SPACE TO MAKE MISTAKES
*HONORING HIM AS HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD... EVEN IF HE IS NOT SURE OF HIS POSITION, YET
*DON'T WITHHOLD LOVE MAKING FROM YOUR HUSBAND
*DON'T BELITTLE YOUR HUSBAND
*BE HIS HELP MATE - HELP HIM TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN HIS CAREER AND REPUTATION IN THE COMMUNITY
*PRAY DEUT. 28 OVER YOUR HUSBAND
*COOK & CLEAN WITH JOY
*USE PLEASANT WORDS AND PLEASANT TONES WITH YOUR HUSBAND
*BE BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT - PRACTICE BEING BEAUTIFUL FOR YOUR HUSBAND
*LEARN TO ENJOY SOME ACTIVITIES THAT YOUR HUSBAND ENJOYS
*STOP WISHING YOUR HUSBAND WAS LIKE SOMEONE ELSE - INSTEAD, PRAY THAT GOD HELPS YOU TO DIG OUT THE TREASURE FROM WITHIN YOUR HUSBAND'S SOUL
*LOOK AFTER YOUR HOUSEHOLD WITH PRAYER AND WISDOM
*DON'T ALLOW YOUR CHILDREN TO COME BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND
*DO NOT BE A NAG! BE A PRAYER WARRIOR, INSTEAD!

10) Remember - WORDS are powerful!!! Make sure you don't destroy your marriage (or your children) with hurtful words or a demeaning tone.

11) Take up your cross and follow Christ.
Every trial is an opportunity for a miracle! Every burden is an opportunity for YOU to grow in Christ!

12) THE GRASS IS NOT ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HILL!!! IT HAS TO BE MOWED, TOO!
Stop fantasizing about being married to someone else. Make YOUR marriage work!!!

13) READ YOUR BIBLE - Don't depend solely on the preacher. Don't get all of your spiritual reading from devotionals that someone else has written.  Read the pure Word of God and let the Holy Spirit speak directly to you.

14) Cultivate your FAITH.
Faith in God's Word pleases Him. He loves you and He wants to do you good and not evil. Trust Him. (Perfect love cast out all fear.)

15) Believe it or not, in a broken marriage it only takes ONE to bring about healing. If one person in the relationship is willing to live out Christ before their mate and endure hardship for a season (could be years), God can soften the other person's heart and draw them to Himself. I am a living example of ONE PERSON working to have a whole marriage in Christ Jesus.

Read my book, Healing a Broken Marriage: Love Never Fails, to hear my full story and see how God can save your marriage... if you only believe and trust Him in all things.

16)  First and foremost, make sure that YOU and your SPOUSE are born-again, spirit-filled believer's in Christ Jesus. If you have ANY doubt about the salvation of your spouse, this is the first place to begin your prayer for them.

17)  The "D" word does not exist. God hates divorce. Don't think about it. Don't let it be an option.

18)  Unfortunately, many of you reading this blog post have been married before. Be sure to repent of all wrong doing from your first marriage (stop blaming the other person) and ask God to forgive you for your previous divorce. Purge ALL bitterness. Remember, God sees the heart so you can't fake forgiveness. Cry out to Him daily until you have truly forgiven.

Once you have come clean with God, trust him to give you blessings abundantly in the marriage you now have. The gospel is not a message of condemnation, but a message of TRUTH. God wants us to live in truth and to be free from the torment of sin.

Also, be sensitive to any children you may have who were left victims of divorce from your previous marriage. No matter their age, it is often very difficult for them to heal from the effects of a broken home. God would have you to be honest, transparent and sympathetic to their struggles in dealing with their own pain. Plus, some issues won't surface for many years. It could take a life time to bring healing in their life so be patient and don't give up on them. They need you!

BELOW: From Family Fortress Ministries...http://www.familyfortress.org/

(O) Divorce and Remarriage.

Divorce

We believe that the Bible gives three legitimate reasons for ending a marriage:

1) The first legitimate Biblical allowance for ending marriage is the death of a spouse (1 Corinthians 7:39; Romans 7:2-4).

2) The second legitimate Biblical allowance is fornication (Matthew 19:9) which is inclusive of all other sexual sins covered by the term porneia (fornication): homosexuality, bestiality, prostitution, etc.

3) The third legitimate Biblical allowance is desertion of a believing spouse by an unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7:15). Of course when a believing spouse is deserted by a professing believer, the professing believer (unrepentant) can be disciplined by the church, so that the situation becomes that of a believer divorced by an unbeliever. So in effect any desertion can be, with appropriate church involvement, grounds for divorce. The Christian should not initiate divorcing a non-Christian, but should live graciously with their spouse to quietly represent Christ with an infectious demeanor, kindness, generosity, and service (1 Corinthians 7:15).

Remarriage:

In Scripture, whenever legitimate divorce occurs, freedom to remarry is assumed. When divorce is permitted, so is remarriage. The innocent party of a divorce due to adultery may remarry. Remarriage after one has been betrayed by an adulterous spouse does not constitute adultery. The person marrying a previously married spouse who was the victim of an adulterous person also does not constitute adultery. This is implied but not specifically proscribed in Matthew 19:9.

A believer who remarries after a non-Christian spouse divorces the believing spouse constitutes a legitimate marriage (1 Corinthians 7:15).

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Please keep in mind that God is able to restore a marriage after adultery AND He is able to bring that wayward spouse that left you back home again. God is willing and able to save ALL from sin and to bring ALL into everlasting life.

The question's you must ask yourself are:

Am I willing to wait on the Lord?

Am I willing to forgive?

Divorce is NOT God's will. He only makes a way of escape in certain circumstances in which one person is abandoned or betrayed by adultery.

Pray for reconciliation. Pray for forgiveness. Pray for salvation.

In Christ,

Deborah Ross
http://www.deborahrossministries.org/

Prayer for Ministry

2011-03-03T14:40:00.000-08:00

There is nothing like friends who love the Lord with all of their heart and have a deep knowledge of His Word. I love it when these cherished friends take time out to bless you... just because! Patricia Shankle is one of those awesome women of God who blesses my socks off.

You may know Patricia, already. She and her husband, Randy Shankle, travel the country preaching the gospel and promoting their new book, The Protector: The Randy Shankle Story. The Shankle's have recently been featured on the 700 Club, as well.

Patricia is a new member of the DRM Board. The beautiful prayer (below) is something that she dropped in my facebook mailbox the other day. As you read this prayer of encouragement, take it for yourself, too. Let the words of this ordained minister speak to your soul as YOU take hold of the promises of God for your ministry, job, family, and life.

Note from Patricia:

"I have been praying specifically for you and your ministry lately. I am believing God to advance and enable you through His Spirit, where there is no doubt to anyone of WHO is in charge. I pray, and I know you want this, that HIS GLORY will radiate through your words, song, etc. and that hearts will be pierced by His Spirit and they will know it is Jesus that they hunger for. That you will be used mightily in this present hour and that thousands will hear the message of hope and grace through your person and ministry. Not by our might or by our power, but by MY SPIRIT says the Lord. He will accomplish what He has set forth to do! He has called, He has chosen, He has anointed, He has appointed. He that has begun a good work in you, will not only watch over HIS WORD, but He will perform it, perfect it, bring it to pass, finish it! In the meantime.......just shout for joy because your redemption is drawing near to seeing these things coming to fruition. His mighty invisible hand is moving in the unseen realms, but the wheels are turning and this day you ARE going forward! The best is yet to be! Blessings and much love." - Patricia Shankle

THANKS PATRICIA!

Be sure to find The Protector or Patricia Shankle on Facebook.

PRESSING ON... from 2010 to 2011

2011-01-19T10:49:00.000-08:00

IF YOU SAY "WHEN?"... YOU NEVER WILL!

Philippians 3:14

"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Reflecting on the desires, dreams, and goals of my past and how so many of them have become a reality today, I am reminded of how I, too, once said, "When I ___________, then I will ___________."

We've all done it. Perhaps you've said, "When I get my home together, then I'll have a baby." I wonder how many dreams never become a reality because someone thought, "When I get others to affirm me (and I feel ready), I'll start my own business or ministry?" Or, maybe you've vowed, "When I get my life in order, then I'll become a Christian." The flesh always seems to wrestle with the spirit saying, "Once I get all of my bills paid, then I'll tithe." Then again, many giving hearts have justified their reluctance to help someone in need by thinking, "When I have too much of something, then I'll be free to give the extra away."

The truth of the matter is that if we wait on ideal circumstances to have babies, start a business, go into ministry, become a Christian, tithe, or give to the poor... we'll never do it!  Why? Because the enemy of our soul will see to it that we never reach that euphoric place of "perfect conditions" in an effort to thwart and even abort God's plan(s) for our lives.

Satan is in complete disobedience to the things of God and He wants God's children to act the same. He is so jealous of mankind that he will stop at nothing to cripple man's confidence in an effort to cause God's creation to be paralyzed (afraid to act upon the deep desires of their heart). Satan wants us to be fearful of moving forward with the things of God. He knows it pleases God for us to live by faith (Hebrews 11:6) and he yearns to shut down all procreation and all Kingdom living. The devil wants to rule and reign as the god of this world, perverting every beautiful, loving, and true thing that God has planned for all of humanity.

Thankfully, our enemy has been unsuccessful at completely shutting down those dreamers who are not afraid to act on their instincts. There is always a REMNANT who will boldly swim against the noisy tide of "what ifs" - believing that they can accomplish and overcome in any environment and through any situation. And, being a faith walking overcomer who is not afraid to act upon their God given dreams is exactly what the Lord has called each of us to do! Jesus said that nothing is impossible to those who believe (Mark 9:23)!

What is it that God has placed on your heart to do this year? Has God been drawing you to salvation? Is it "your time" to become a born again believer of Jesus Christ; to repent from dead works and surrender to a life of holiness? Or, perhaps God is speaking to you about going to college, starting a business, stepping out in ministry, getting married, having a baby, tithing or being more generous to those in need. Whatever the Lord is saying to your heart, let me encourage you today to take that leap of faith and JUST DO IT!

It pleases God for us to have faith and believe that He will reward us for our efforts (Hebrews 11:6). We are made in His image (Genesis 1:26) and that means we have the same deep desires as those of God that need to be released by faith. He told us to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 9:1). He told us that He has given us the power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18). He told us that nothing is impossible to those who believe (Matthew 17:20). He said we could speak to mountains in our life and they would have to move (Matthew 17:20).

Procrastination is a deadly poison that aims to kill the God given dreams and desires inside of each human being. So if the Lord is speaking to you about moving forward with something this year, that means it's time! Time to live life on the edge... with Christ as your leader, of course.

Friend, the Christian life is far from boring. The Lord has exciting plans for each of us, but we must be willing to get out of the boat of the familiar before He can enable us to walk on water of newness. He never said it would be easy, but He did promise that He would give us the victory in every situation as long as we keep our eyes on Him. So, take a chance! Go for it! Live life out loud! Let 2011 be the year of diving in deep with God! This could be the year of incredible blessings in your life as you say "yes" to Him.

Remember, if you say, "When I ________, I will _________", ... you never will.

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With this message in mind, I'd like to share the dreams, goals, and desires of this ministry and reveal to you where God has taken us from, and where I believe He is taking us to in 2011... and beyond. I continually stand amazed at His calling, His provision, the open doors of opportunity, our faithful volunteers and partners, and the lives that are forever changed through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As you read the statistics below, please pray about how God can use you to impact the lives of others in a powerful way.

DEBORAH ROSS PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL TIMELINE
(Some of the dates listed are to the best of my memory.)

1979 - Opened my secular dance studio at the tender age of 16 in Marshville, NC
1984 - Married Jay and added a second dance & modeling studio location in Monroe, NC
1985 - Opened a Modeling Agency in conjunction with my studios
1990 - Opened a third dance & modeling studio in Wadesboro, NC
1990 - Became a born-again Christian
1992 - Changed the entire format of my dance studio(s) to be totally Christian based. Founded and Directed the Shekinah Glory Traveling Ministry Team.  First child, Preston, was born. In obedience to the Lord, I sold the Wadesboro studio. In disobedience to the Lord, I went in business with another and opened a studio in Charlotte, NC.
1994 - Second child, Garrett, was born.
1995 - In obedience to the Lord, I closed the Charlotte studio.
1996 - I sold the Marshville studio in obedience to the Lord.
1997-2005 - Worked as a freelance television spokes model for various campaigns (this was God's surprise blessing)
1999 - God called me to come completely out of my dance career/ministry to pursue His purpose as an full time minister of the gospel. The vision was not clear, but I knew it was to be world-wide and somehow involved television. To start, I was to come home and see the salvation of my family.
2001-2009 - Part time jobs: Estee Lauder Regional Make-up Artist and Christian Dance Teacher for two different private Christian schools
2000-2002 - Home schooled my children.
2002 - I died - spiritually speaking. Marriage testimony journey begins. See book Healing a Broken Marriage by Deborah Ross
2005 - DRM clear vision began. I'm resurrected! I said "yes" to the call and began working on developing this ministry, speaking & singing at events, foreign missions to Brazil three summers, writing my book, and teaching classes at my church.
2007 - DRM web-site was launched
2007-2008 - Laid the ground work for the DRM ministry...Launched out into the deep! Continued to speak and sing at events, produced CD's and DVD's, developed the Marriage Bible Study, held Bible studies in my home, did research.
2009 - Doors began to supernaturally open in a BIG WAY for DRM... Television / Radio / Speaking & Singing Events / Prison Ministry / Fund Raising Efforts Begin / Volunteers Emerge
2010 - Book Published - Healing a Broken Marriage - Released August 3, 2010. In faith, I stopped all part time jobs to go full-time in ministry as the Executive Director of Operations for DRM.
2010 - DRM 501 c 3 was confirmed in August of 2010

BELOW - DRM GOALS ACCOMPLISHED IN 2010

Proverbs 29:18

"Where there is no vision, the people perish:"

1) Cultivated a core group of STRONG, MOTIVATED, DEDICATED, HARD WORKING, HOLY GHOST FILLED volunteers who are passionate about spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ outside of the church and who COMMIT to putting forth time, talents, and resources toward promoting the vision of DRM and The Remnant. (See vision statement on web-site)
2) Tripled in partnerships and donors from the year before.
3) Acquired the completed 501 c 3 non-profit status for DRM, Inc.
4) Completed the publishing of Healing a Broken Marriage: Love Never Fails and raised over $10,500.00 to stock 2000 books at DRM to be used as love gifts for donations and to sell at speaking events.
5) Deborah Ross served as a speaker, preacher, singer, volunteer and/or interviewee for churches, women's events, prisons, television, radio, newspaper, and magazines that include:
Babbie's House * Atlanta Live WATC-57 * Harvest Ministries Church * Bible Studies at Borders Book Store at Stonecrest and at Hebrews Coffee * SC Prison Ministry with Safer Communities Ministry * Garden of Hope Speaker * FBCIT Life Group Guest Speaker * Deep Springs Baptist Church * Reflect-Remember-Rejoice Breast Cancer Awareness Event * Praise Explosion Celebration * Addiction Recovery Ministry * Rebound Ministry * China Grove Baptist Church * Boll Weevil Festival * Niteline WGGS TV 16 * Friends & Neighbors Show WATC-57 * Exalt! 2010 * MOPS Guest Speaker * WMU Guest Speaker * The Dottie Coffman Show / WIMO1300AM * FBCIT Marriage 911 Conference * Conversations of Courage Syndicated Radio: Cincinnati, Louisville, Lexington, and Indianapolis * Proverbs 31 Ministry Volunteer * Taught praise dance at CDS & MCA * Wrote articles for WeUsedToBeYou Ministry * Wrote article for Kontagious Magazine
6) Launched a new web-site.
7) Held 5 or more DRM board meetings.
8) Wrote, packaged, and FREELY distributed (worldwide) the SAVE IT! BIBLE STUDY / SAVE YOUR MARRIAGE... SAVE YOUR FAMILY. Materials were mailed for launch in the USA, Kenya, India, and Pakistan.
9) Gave money to support other ministries including (not limited to): Daystar; Marilyn Hickey Ministries; The Crescent Project; Compassion International.
10) Held 10 fund raising events including: YARD SALES, BRUSTER'S ICE CREAM SALES, DINNER PARTIES, COUPON BOOK SALES, STEIN MART EVENT, GENIE SIGN-UPS, and preparation for CONSIGNMENT ONE DONATIONS TO BE RECEIVED
11) One photo shoot for ministry publicity.
12) Co-labored with Safer Communities Ministry - quarterly
13) Worked to build national and international awareness of DRM, The Remnant and their cause while ministering to all people the message of salvation through Jesus Christ under the platform heading of Strengthening Families & Encouraging Women. (See mission and vision statements on the web-site)

Proverbs 20:18

"Every purpose is established by counsel:"

BELOW - DRM GOALS FOR 2011

1) To launch a radio ministry show

2) To launch a television ministry show
3) To minister across the USA by invitation
4) To produce more CD's & DVD's

5) To write for Kontagious Magazine & other magazines

6) To hold a Regional and/or National Women's Conference

7) To go on another foreign mission to another country

8) To triple in supporters & donors

9) To give to many more ministries than last year on a regular basis

10) To continue giving media interviews for my new book: television, radio, and newspaper

11) To attend the Women in Christian Media conference

12) To obtain grant funding
13) To teach Marriage Bible studies locally
14) To mail out 50 FREE Marriage Bible Study packages

WHY DO WE DO THIS???

Because we believe:

FAMILIES ARE WORTH SAVING...

HEARTS ARE WORTH HEALING...

SOULS ARE WORTH SETTING FREE...

Friend, I believe in the POWER of the gospel of Jesus Christ and I am about MY FATHER'S BUSINESS as a full time career. The goal is big. The need is great. But, the rewards are even greater!

Would YOU be one who says, "Yes, I'll help, because I want to be a part of the Lord's work through the DRM ministry"? So many will say, "I want to help... and I will... once I get some extra time... or, extra money."

Friend, God is looking for people who will step out in faith and join His work even when it is not convenient.

The wonderful thing about the Lord is that He gives back much more than we could ever give to Him.

Luke 6:38

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."

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CLICK HERE
TO MAKE A DONATION NOW!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

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Romans 10:13-15

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"

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If you would like a FREE BROCHURE containing more information about this ministry, please write to:

Deborah Ross Ministries, Inc.

P.O. Box 2186

Indian Trail, NC 28079

or email at Deborah@DeborahRossMinistries.com

Finish the Race!

2010-11-10T09:36:00.000-08:00

THANKFUL FOR HIS WORD...

Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost

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My husband is a real estate agent. So, the other day he invited me to join him in walking off some property that he is listing. He took me on a very long, two hour, hike of over a hundred and seventy-six acres of forest and fields.  Honestly, had I known, at the beginning of our journey, that we were setting out to walk that far - and through such difficult terrain that included creeks, rocks, logs, steep hills, tall grass, potholes and thick woods - I am not sure if I would have agreed to follow him so eagerly.  His excitement in exploring this property was so intense that I had to keep up the pace - or get left behind!  I focused on his every step, making sure I went "only" where he had, first, proven safe. I trusted him completely.

As I was walking, I was earnestly praying, "Lord, speak to me; I am longing to hear your voice!"  Even though I heard nothing at all from the Lord that entire two hours, I continued to seek Him at every new adventure. Much like Elijah, I was listening to see if God's voice was in the wind, in the birds, in the sun, or in the creek. While His majesty was certainly revealed to me through all of nature, still, I had a strong desire to hear a special word from Him that day; something just for me. I wanted to hear the voice of my Daddy (Abba Father).  I was longing to enter into the Secret Place of the Most High, to bask in the love of my heavenly Father's words of encouragement and affirmation.

As we trekked over, and up, and around, and through... many times we would come to a dead end that required us to look for an alternate passage.  Other times, thick weeds and tall grass blocked our view and made it difficult for us to push through with sure footing. Never-the-less, we kept walking. We didn't talk much; we just pressed onward, enjoying the fresh air and all of nature's beauty as we stayed true to our course.

I guess we could have stopped to rest at some point. We could have even stopped to talk. But, something inside of each of us kept moving our feet in rhythmic motion as we determined to roam this property in one constant movement of anticipation. All the while, I was secretly praying - longing to hear the voice of the Lord.

At the end of our long excursion - and just before we emerged from the woods onto a country road that would lead us back to our point of entry - I was just about to tell my husband, "I can't go any further. My feet are aching... I am thirsty and hungry! Let's take a rest!" That's when I suddenly I realized that our walk was almost complete and so I decided to keep silent, instead.  My resolve to march forward with great anticipation set in as the thought of relaxing - once and for all - catapulted me down that country road and through the open field that led back to our car.  I was dead set on finishing my journey in the comfort of the front seat of my car.

That's when I heard the Lord's voice! Just as my red car - which seemed like an oasis in the desert - came into view, the Lord spoke to my heart and said, "Well done thou good and faithful servant. You have finished the race!"

Wow! The Lord used our day in the woods as an object lesson concerning His written Word to teach me the importance of staying the course, persevering, and following Him with every step.

Here is how He unfolded His message to me:  My husband represented the Lord. As I kept my eyes on my husband's every step, trusting him for safe footing, it was an example of how I am to keep my eyes on the Master - trusting Him in every decision. Then, as we overcame the many obstacles we encountered throughout our exploration while continuing to move forward, we were creating a visual life-lesson of how we should live by faith, everyday. We are to press toward the mark, the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14)! Finally, as we determined to keep our pace in the woods that day, we were creating, yet another, object lesson of what it means to not grow weary in well doing (Galatians 6:9).

The Lord revealed to me how each of our lives are much like that hike in the woods.  Our adversary, the devil, has laid before us many road blocks, many detours, many briers, and many potholes. In addition, the world we live in has a busy and long drawn-out way of doing things that often times wears us down. Still, when we keep our eyes on the Lord and stay in constant movement toward the thing that He has called us to do, we are assured that He will bring us to an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11). That's when we'll hear Him say...

Matthew 25:21

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

You know, I believe this promise is just as true for the life we now live as it is for the life we will live in all of eternity. God's Word has persuaded me to believe that pressing on in the midst of difficult circumstances leads to our breakthrough!  We will enter into the joy of the Lord - even on earth - and actually begin to rule those areas of our lives that were once oppressively overwhelming... if we just keep on, keepin' on.

God is so thorough. To solidify my spiritual lesson that day, the Lord inspired my husband (unknowingly) to take me to see the movie, Secretariat. What a wonderful seal from the Lord as He used that movie to nail down His message of faith and perseverance that I had learned in the woods earlier that day.  Each of our lives contain various cross roads that require us to choose between the status quo of a "sure thing" or a faith walk that involves potential risks.  God's call is usually that of selling-out to the cause and never looking back. Oh, the richness of a life that has taken chances, lived to the fullest, trusted God, and stayed the course. (That's the broad theme of the movie. I'll keep the rest a secret and let you see it for yourself. It's really good!)

I pray that YOU will be encouraged today to run the race that is set before YOU. What is it that the Lord has asked you to do that, perhaps, seems too big or maybe even impossible?  Would you pledge to trust Him like never before? Would you trust Him to bring to pass that thing in your heart that will require total faith and commitment in His Word to achieve? Would you give it all to Him and begin to walk in rhythm on the journey of faith that He has designed - specifically - just for you?

He loves you, and He has good gifts for you (Matthew 7:11). Now go! Take a chance. Live on the edge. Trust Him. Finish your race!

I am thankful for His Word, because His Word is true...

1 Corinthians 9:24

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain."

In Christ,
Deborah Ross
Strengthening Families & Encouraging Women
http://www.deborahrossministries.org/

Everyone's Guide to Demons & Spiritual Warfare

2010-10-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

Have you read any good books lately? I have!

Ron Phillips, a Holy Ghost filled Southern Baptist Minister, shares scriptural truths concerning the reality of Satan's demonic influence and how we - as Christians - should be ready, willing and able to do spiritual battle in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sake of those who are oppressed, possessed, or harassed by the enemy. In his new book, Everyone's Guide to Demons & Spiritual Warfare, Ron begins by revealing his personal journey to understanding the unseen spiritual world.  The Lord awakened this seasoned pastor with fresh oil after a bout from "ministry burn-out" that almost drove him to go AWOL and abandon his call altogether.

As Ron emerges from his "life-changing encounter with the Lord" this Spirit-filled, fire baptized preacher of the gospel comes face to face - not only with a deeper worship experience - but also, a full blown attack from the enemy that was sent to scare him back into mediocrity. In his two year journey of spiritual combat, the Lord taught Ron about the very present reality of the demonic and how Christians are to win the victory.

This book is 278 pages of teaching that will help believers to walk in freedom. Ron unfolds scripture to expose Satan's strategies.  God says that we are "more than conquerors", but if we don't know how to apply His word to our situation, many times we - as Christians - live in slavery to the devils wiles. Then, there are those who willfully open themselves up to demonic spirits through sinful, godless lifestyles. Jesus came to heal the sick, restore sight to the blind, and set the captives FREE. The church needs to wake-up to the sobering fact that the devil still exists and that he is adamant on taking as many people (who are made in God's image) down, as possible. If he can't stop them from becoming a born-again Christian, his next tactic is to thwart God's plan for their life by keeping them in bondage.

Ron does an excellent job of teaching the church how to prepare for battle. His book is easy to read, informative, powerful, uplifting, and scriptural. Nothing spooky - just sound, biblical understanding of the power of the gospel when it is "applied" as a medicine.

Sadly, when the church chooses to either remain "ignorant of" or "afraid of" this important aspect of the ministry of Christ called deliverance, many will suffer a life-time of crippling mind and body offenses that Jesus has already given them the victory over.

A great book!

Presumption Leads to Death

2010-08-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

RIGHTEOUS OR RELIGIOUS...

Psalm 19:13 KJV

"Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression."

FOR BETTER UNDERSTANDING, READ THE ENTIRE EZEKIEL 33 BEFORE READING THIS POST

Do you go to church because you like to see who will be there? Or, maybe you go because it makes you "feel good" to hear a sermon. Perhaps, you are one of those that really enjoys the music. You could even be going just because it is "the thing to do" on Sunday mornings.

I sure hope the above suggestions don't, in any way, describe your attitude about church. Going to the house of the Lord should be much more than a casual past time. Why? Because God is Holy and we should worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. If we call ourselves Christian, we should have a deep longing to know more about the Word of God. We should love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, and strength. Born-again believers should want to "do" the will of God. They should desire to be Holy, because He is Holy (1 Peter 1:16).

Take a look at Ezekiel 33:30-33...

Ezekiel 33:31 KJV

"And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness."

God says that there are MANY who will sit and listen to His Word with glad hearts. They will even go back and talk about the message with favor saying, "That sure was a good message we heard this morning." To many, sermons are simply music to the ears, giving lovely sounds and uplifting notes - but not causing CHANGE in the heart of the hearer. Unfortunately, many people hear the Word of God, but then they have no idea of how to "apply" the Word of God. Still again, many would not even consider "doing" what they heard...it just seems too hard.

The Word of God is sure. Whatever is declared by the apostle, the prophet, the evangelist, the preacher, or the teacher is sure to be the judgement of God if the people of God fail to adhere to the sound doctrine of TRUTH that is sent forth. God's Word is not preached to put people in bondage (as the devil tries to make them think), but rather, to give them LIFE and to give them LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY!

Even so, the Lord has STANDARDS...but, His standards are not to make us feel inadequate. Oh no! His standards are for us to live up to, so that we can receive the full blessing that He has for us, as Children of the King.

Now go back and read Ezekiel 33:11.

Ezekiel 33:11 KJV

"Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?"

God says that He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. He just wants the wicked to TURN FROM HIS WICKEDNESS and LIVE IN THE ABUNDANCE OF HIS GRACE. The Lord does not want anyone to die. That means both physical death and spiritual death. So why do people die? Dying is the result of sin - not the result of God's will. The good news is that, even in death, the Lord makes a way of escape as He offers ETERNAL LIFE to those who are sealed unto salvation by the blood of Jesus. So you see, God wants us to LIVE... now and forever!

As we read on in Ezekiel 33:12-20, we learn that God tells Ezekiel to warn the people that their righteousness will not be remembered in their day of iniquity... they will surely die! In other words, those that profess Christianity, go to church regularly, sing in the choir, and even tithe, who turn their back on God to live a lifestyle of sin - they shall surely die.

I know this is not a popular message, but I think it is one that the church needs to hear. Not only is our Lord the God of Grace, but He is also the God of Righteousness and Judgment. God hates sin. On the flip side of this passage, God tells Ezekiel to announce that when the wicked turn from their wickedness - they shall live!

Ezekiel 33:13 KJV

"When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it."

You might be saying, "That's not God's way. That's not even fair." That's exactly what the children of Israel said! They didn't like the strong Word of the Lord that Ezekiel spoke. In verse 24, they "presumed" that since they were Abraham's seed, they should inherit the blessing... just because. Isn't that just like the church today? Being presumptuous about the GRACE of God.

You see, GRACE is not a license to sin. Rather, GRACE is the POWER TO STOP SINNING! The Strong's concordance says that GRACE is God exerting his holy influence upon souls, turning them to Christ, keeping them, strengthening them, and increasing them in their Christian faith.  Contrary to the church doctrine of many today, Grace is not a "GET OUT OF JAIL FREE" pass. We must meet the conditions of Grace through repentance, or we will live a lie and continue to be lost... even though we might "think" we are saved. The devil loves to play with God's Word in such a way that he twists and manipulates the minds of humanity so that they fall prey to cliche's that Jesus called "doctrines of devils". If Satan is successful in causing someone to live a lie, believing that they are right with God - when, in fact, they are simply RELIGIOUS - he will succeed in luring yet another beguiled soul into an eternal hell.

Then again, if Satan can't claim a soul for eternal separation from God (hell), he will go for the next best thing and that is shutting them up so that they will be ineffective in the Kingdom of God. You see, Satan knows that sin causes death - all death. So, he is forever placing stumbling blocks of temptation before the believer, hoping they will fall into his trap of a lifestyle of iniquity. If he can just get them to FALL INTO SIN he can have access to a host of curses (even death) in their life and thwart their destiny as a Child of God.

I know this message is not popular and I know that many will say, "No, God is full of Mercy and Grace." And He is!!! He is full of mercy and grace, but He is still a Holy God.  New Testament teachings don't take away from the Old Testament character of God. Christ came to "fulfill the law", not do away with it. The character of God has not changed.

Being presumptuous concerning the Grace of God is, in my opinion, like spitting in the face of Jesus (see Hebrews 6:6). Christ died so that we might live! The scriptures say that he was bruised for our iniquity (Isaiah 53:5). He took upon Himself the power of sin and the guilt that sin brings over us so that we can be more than conquerors. He made a way for His Children to live above the curse of sin. For us to preach a weak gospel or to offer a sympathetic stronghold to the sinner is a slap in the face to the POWER OF THE GOSPEL.

Ephesians 2:8 says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith" (KJV).

We cannot have pure faith unless we are freed from the guilt of sin. So as long as we have a sin problem... we are going to have a faith problem.

This is why repentance is so important. Repentance is a true remorse over sin and a sincere humility toward Holy God. Repentance is not being sorry that sin has been exposed. Instead, rrepentance means that we turn from that sin and turn to Christ. When a sinner comes to Christ, he or she is saying, "Lord, I have sinned against You! I am wrong. Please forgive me, cleanse me, and make me righteous in your sight.  I never want to return to that sin (or way of life) again."

I like to look at it like this:

REPENTANCE ignites FAITH
FAITH ignites GRACE
GRACE ignites HOLINESS
HOLINESS ignites LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY

Even in Titus 2:11, the Word of God says, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, TEACHING us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (KJV).

So here we see that GRACE...

BRINGS SALVATION
TEACHES US
HELPS US TO DENY UNGODLINESS AND WORLDLY LUSTS
HELPS US TO LIVE SOBERLY, RIGHTEOUSLY, AND GODLY

So when someone who claims to be a Christian says, "I CAN'T LIVE GODLY. SIN HAS POWER OVER ME" They are rehearsing a lie sent straight from hell. If they are truly a Child of God, they have been empowered - by grace - to be righteous. And living righteous - glory to God - means that we LIVE ABUNDANTLY! That's where the blessings are!

So my friend, let's don't be presumptuous about the things of God any longer and let's don't teach others to be that way, either. God is Holy! He has commanded us to be Holy! The Lord has no pleasure in the death of the wicked! He has made a way for us to LIVE life ABUNDANTLY... in this life and in the life to come!

But... we must live by His STANDARDS. His standards are just. They are fair. They are true.

So REPENT! Come out from among them! Be Holy! Turn from idolatry! Turn from lusts!. Turn from worldly ideologies! Turn from spiritual apathy!

Turn to God. Read His Word. Obey His Word. ...AND LIVE!

1 Peter 1:16 KJV

"Because it is written , Be ye holy; for I am holy."

Deborah Ross

Deborah Ross Ministries, Inc.

www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

News from Deborah Ross Ministries

2010-08-26T06:28:00.000-07:00

News from Deborah Ross Ministries

BELIEVING FOR GOD'S BEST

2010-06-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

Romans 12:2

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that GOOD, and ACCEPTABLE, and PERFECT, will of God."

Do you think everything that comes down the pipe is God's PERFECT Will? If you do, I am afraid you will miss some great blessings that the Lord has in store for you throughout your earthly journey.

All through scripture we read of story after story where God's people were to conquer, fight, stand, believe, defeat the enemy, take back what was stolen, receive, obey, walk in holiness, and proclaim the victory. With overwhelming obstacles and impossible circumstances, people (leaders, prophets, priests, those sick, those surrounded, those held captive - really, ALL people) were commanded to overcome. Unfortunately, with this commandment most often came warfare.

It can seem so much easier to shrink back and settle for something that is just "a part of life" or settle for "the results of some sin" rather than humble ourselves, seek God's face, and turn from our wicked ways (maybe even wicked ways of doubt) to be miraculously delivered, healed or restored.

The forces of darkness have always been adamant about thwarting God's plan. This being said, I have found that in order for me to gain new territory in the path that God has predestined for my life, I must be willing to step out of my comfort zone, ready to encounter resistance. Notice I said "ready" to encounter resistance. Too often, Christians are not prepared for battle because they have spent their time prior to Satan's attack - or God's challenge - drinking milk and not searching the deep things of God. Many will even allow a little leaven (religious doctrine - Matthew 6:12) to water down the power of God's Word working in their lives. Then, once the enemy hits, they simply aren't equipped to fight, nor win the victory.

In addition, strongholds of the mind will cause many Christians to lay lifeless as Satan works them over with lies that he masquerades as truth. Sadly, this is where so many well meaning Christian people will compromise, justify, settle for, and propagate their weak interpretation of scripture as they fold in battle.

God wants to show Himself strong in our lives so that His glory will prick the hearts of those watching. He wants to use our struggles and our victories to spread His fame throughout the entire earth. Sure, God can (and will) get the glory in every situation of a Christian's life - whether in victory or in defeat - however, I believe He is always encouraging us to travel the road to victory. He wants to do a miracle on our behalf!

The scriptures say, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" - Hosea 4:6. This is why it is imperative to study God's Word diligently with childlike faith. God doesn't want any of His children to be defeated. He always makes a way of escape, but we must find it AND we must choose to take it.

Are you trusting God as Moses did by:
*persevering through difficult times;
*believing God's Word against all odds;
*stepping out in faith to ACT on His instruction;
*and by standing your ground until deliverance comes?

Like Pharaoh, the devil will fight you tooth and nail to keep you in bondage, sickness, poverty, and spiritual complacency. You must be willing to fight the good fight of faith in a radical way if you want to live in the Promised Land of this earthly life. Sadly, far too many Christians choose to die in the wilderness either because of lack of knowledge, doubt, fear, unbelief, or they'll simply grow weary in well-doing.

Let's look at Exodus 6:3. It says, "And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them." God Almighty or El Shaddai means He is the One True God - He is the Most Powerful God. Jehovah or Yahweh means the Existing One. "Name" means reputation, fame, and glory. In other words when Moses asked God, "Why have you brought trouble upon these people?", speaking of the Israelites in bondage to Pharaoh - Exodus 5:22-23. God replied, "I am going to make Myself known as the One And Only True God to all nations by showing my undeniable glory through signs, wonders, and miracles. Everyone will SEE that "I AM, THAT I AM" - my paraphrased version.

As Moses obeys the Lord in commanding Pharaoh to let God's people go, things seem to get worse instead of better. Plague after plague, God shows miraculous signs and wonders to give the Egyptian people and the Pharaoh an opportunity to repent of their evil ways. God also uses this time to prepare the Israelites for a journey of faith into the Promised Land. I am sure the Israelites would have much rather received their deliverance without such warfare but God had a long-term plan that was much more beneficial to both them and their captors.

Pharaoh tried long and hard to win the battle. He was so adamant about not surrendering to God's might that he even offered some "easy" ways out for Moses and the children of God. First, he offered to let God's people make their sacrifices and worship in the Egyptian land. While this may sound reasonable at first glance, it was not God's PERFECT WILL. God wanted to set his children FREE so that they could worship freely in a land that was abundantly fruitful. He didn't want them to have regulations on their worship and he surely didn't want them to remain in bondage to the Egyptians. God wanted to take them to a land flowing with milk and honey and had they compromised their determination to win the battle, they would have forfeited the goodness to come of the Promised Land.

Then another time, Pharaoh said he would let them go and worship in the desert, but he said they "couldn't go very far". Again, the Pharaoh was putting a stipulation on God's deliverance. This was not God's PERFECT WILL. God doesn't want his people on a leash. He wants them free! John 8:36 says, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

Later in the Exodus account, we read where Pharaoh agrees to let only the men go, but not the women and children. Pharaoh goes on to twist the words of Moses by saying, "That is all you asked for, anyway." That was a lie! Moses had said from day one, "Let my people go." I think the Pharaoh was trying to make Moses doubt his own intent. Furthermore, he was still pressuring Moses to accept only half of God's will. This was not God's plan; it was not His PERFECT WILL.

Finally, Pharaoh says, "You can all go, but you must leave all of your wealth with me." Here, Pharaoh tries to tempt Moses into accepting poverty as a trade off for God's deliverance. How many times does the devil use this one on us? Satan always wants us in lack, but God wants us in plenty. The Promised Land was a land of plenty. By instructing the Israelites to plunder the wealth of the Egyptians just before they escaped bondage, He was showing them - and us today - that His desire is to bless us. God says we are to be the head and not the tail, the first and not the last, the lender and not the borrower (Deuteronomy 28)!

Once again, IT WAS NOT GOD'S PERFECT WILL for Moses to accept poverty as a trade off for the victory. Anything less that 100% of what God had clearly told Moses earlier in Horeb (the mountain of God) was not to be considered. Thankfully, Moses didn't buy into these bail-outs offered by the Pharaoh. He kept on believing God - for His best!

With this lesson from Exodus chapters 1-13, we should easily see that it is our duty to believe for God's best. But, once we have believed for God's best we should, also, expect resistance. The devil hates for God's children to progress. He hates for us to obtain God's best. Satan does not want us to win and ultimately does not want God to show forth His glory with signs, wonders, and miracles.

I wonder if the devil's ploy could have something to do with so many Christians remaining milk fed, traditional, and religious - thus, never truly believing in the supernatural power of God for their deliverance? Perhaps the devil has helped them create strongholds in their mind that prevent them from believing for a miracle. Unfortunately, choosing to remain a babe in Christ - whether by ignorance or by deliberate stubbornness - can bring consequences of failure in the Christian life.

Friend, everything in life that is worth having will usually cost us something. Receiving God's best may take years or even a lifetime to achieve (take the example of Moses and the Israelites wondering in the wilderness for 40 years trying to get to the Promised Land). Just the same, I am convinced that as we:
*grow in Christ;
*walk in faith;
*speak God's promises;
*stand our ground;
*live in holiness;
*and purge the ways of the world (like the Israelites had to purge the ways of Egypt), we can AND WILL obtain the blessings of the Promised Land - even on earth.

Learning to see our troubles as grasshoppers instead of giants, we can be like Joshua to become The Remnant of God's people who receive complete deliverance. Hallelujah!

(Note: When I write these articles, I am teaching myself just as much as I am teaching you. I must remind myself, daily, that I am more than a conqueror. Our earthly journey requires each of us to hold each other up with the standard of the Lord.)

With Love in Christ,

Deborah Ross
http://www.deborahrossministries.org/

LIVING IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN... FOREVER

2010-06-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

I am headed out to preach and sing in the SC Prisons and thought I'd share my Bible study notes with you before leaving. This post is one that helps us to see that God desires for us to take "responsibility" for our wrong doing, repent, and then worship Him. His desire is for us to be innocent in our conscious so that we will have full confidence in His love toward us.

When we sin against Him, we become ashamed and, consequently, see ourselves as cursed - undeserving of being able to receive anything good from God. Because of our broken relationship with our heavenly Father through sin, our consciouses are seared and we lose all confidence in our faith. On the other hand, it is through the redemptive power of the blood of Jesus that we are made holy, and have no need to be ashamed. We are clothed in robes of righteousness that cover our nakedness. As children of the King, we can come boldly to the throne of grace knowing that whatsoever we ask the Father (in Jesus name), He will do for us.

My encouragement for you today is that you confess your sins, turn from anything that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind as being against God, and that you RECEIVE God's forgiveness. Receive His cleansing power. Receive His blessings.

Here are my Bible study notes for my message this weekend...
___________________________________

The 7 stages of SIN that bring forth death VERSES the 7 principles of redemption that bring forth life...

Deuteronomy 30:19 -

"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:"

PROVERBS 13:13 - "Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded."

Perhaps you've said...

NO ONE EVER TOLD ME THAT BEFORE. OR, MAYBE THEY DID BUT YOU...
1) QUESTIONED THE MEANING OF THE INSTRUCTION
2) ANALYZED THEIR ADVICE
3) DOUBTED THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THEIR INSTRUCTION
4) LUSTED AFTER THAT EXPERIENCE
5) JUSTIFIED YOUR REBELLION
6) HID YOUR SIN
7) BLAMED EVERYONE ELSE FOR YOUR ACTIONS

GOD WANTS US TO...
1) ACKNOWLEDGE OUR WRONG DOING
2) TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR ACTIONS
3) REPENT (CHANGE OUR MIND & ACTIONS)
4) RECEIVE FORGIVENESS
5) READ HIS WORD
6) WORSHIP HIM CONTINUALLY
7) LIVE FOREVER

PROVERBS 13:18 - "Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured."

SIN is conceived and then birthed as we refuse instruction.

PROVERBS 13:20 - "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."

Hang out with the wrong crowd and you'll soon be destroyed. Hang out with godly people and you'll gain wisdom.

GENESIS 2:25 AND 3:1-13 - READ

God's original plan was for us to be:
*Naked & Not Ashamed
*To Have Pure Thoughts
*Innocent
*Live Forever

GENESIS 3:11 - "And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?"

Satan's illegal entrance into the garden of Eden through a talking snake - to thwart God's plan for humanity - proved fatal as Eve was tempted to do what God had told her not to do. She was in the wrong place at the wrong time, looking at things she shouldn't have been looking at. Satan took advantage of her while she was alone, yet, much too close to sin.

God had said... eat from...

TREE OF LIFE = Live Forever - Naked and Unashamed
TREE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD & EVIL = Innocence Lost; Perversion

WHAT WERE SATAN'S TACTICS...

GENESIS 3:1 -
THE LIE - Questioned God's Word
"... Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?"

GENESIS 3:3-4
THE LIE - Analyzed God's Word / Twisted God's Word / Doubted the Significance of God's Instruction...
"The word 'die' doesn't really mean 'death'.???"

GENESIS 3:5
THE LIE - Lusted after this experience. God is keeping something from you.
"He knows that if you eat from 'this' tree, you will see more and know more."

GENESIS 3:6
THE LIE - Justified sin. It's good for food. Pretty to look at. This experience will make you wiser. "I don't see anything wrong with just one little taste. After-all, it is food. God made food to eat... right?"

GENESIS 3:3
God had told Adam and Eve not to eat of... DON'T EVEN TOUCH... the tree of knowledge.

PEER PRESSURE / DEVIL / FLESH
You won't really die. You'll know good from evil - good experience. You'll be wiser... like God... maybe you can even be your own god! Be open minded. Your eyes can be opened to endless possibilities (of sin). It's fun. It's pretty. It feels good. Everybody is doing it.

ONCE THEIR EYES WERE OPEN... they became...
Ashamed - Naked - Hid From God - Tried to Cover Their Sin with Fig Leaves

THEY STILL HEARD THE VOICE OF GOD AFTER THEIR SIN... Genesis 3:8
THE LIE = They HID FROM GOD. They tried to hide their sin.

THEY BECOME AFRAID OF GOD...
*Not God's plan.
*God wants to bless us, not curse us.
*Sin makes us live in fear.
*Sin makes us live in self-condemnation.

GENESIS 3:11-13
THE LIE - Blame Game. Perhaps it is the truth, but it is not repentance.
"It wasn't my fault. They tricked me. I was born this way. No one ever told me."

The Lord wants us to admit, repent, and believe. Not, live in the lie.

VERSES 14-19 Speaks of the CURSE because of SIN. Sin always brings a curse. Only the blood of Jesus can cover our nakedness... our sin. See verse 21.

THE APPLIED BLOOD OF JESUS BREAKS THE POWER OF THE CURSE.

GENESIS 3:22 - GOD DOESN'T WANT US TO LIVE FOREVER... IN A SINFUL STATE. Instead, He wants us to live eternally with him without spot, blemish, or wrinkle... covered in the blood... living in holiness... full of His Word... worshipping Him.

GENESIS 3:24 - The cherubim (SPIRIT) and the flaming sword (WORD) keep the "Tree of Life". We can only have eternal life through the SPIRIT (the born-again experience) and the WORD (the transformation of our minds). - John 3:5

The Lord DOES NOT want us to live eternally as broken creatures, so He guards the Tree of Life for our own good. If we eat from it in our broken state, we would live forever... broken, deformed, and apart from Him. Instead, He makes a way for us to be made whole, first. Through the cross, our conscious is healed from SIN as we acknowledge and confess our wrong doing, turn from our wicked ways, and believe in the power of the cleansing blood of Jesus to wash us clean and make us a new creature. It is through this one and only door that we are eligible to eat from the Tree of Life. Our eyes are, then, opened to understand God's Word, and our spirit's are made new to worship God alone for all eternity.

CHERUBIM - In immediate contact with Jehovah. Spiritual beings who worship God continually. FLAMING SWORD - The bible is the sword. The word of God is sword of the Spirit.

GOD WANTS US TO... (7 principles)
1) ACKNOWLEDGE OUR WRONG DOING
2) TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR ACTIONS
3) REPENT (CHANGE OUR MIND & ACTIONS)
4) RECEIVE FORGIVENESS
5) READ HIS WORD
6) WORSHIP IN CONTINUALLY
7) LIVE FOREVER WITH HIM

PROVERBS 13:13 - "Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded."

Do YOU despise instruction? Or, are YOU aiming to seek the truth; God's truth?

Do YOU know Him? Do YOU love His Word? Are YOU a worshipper?

What will YOU do? Die or Live?

He wants us to LIVE THE ABUNDANT LIFE now and in the life to come! AMEN!

Deuteronomy 30:19 -

"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:"

By: Deborah Ross

http://www.deborahrossministries.org/

Healing a Broken Marriage

OBTAINING THE VICTORY

2010-05-28T10:05:00.000-07:00

QUICK BIBLE STUDY NOTES ON OBTAINING THE VICTORY...

Settle it in Your Heart!
John 14:21He that HATH MY COMMANDMENTS, and KEEPETH THEM, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me SHALL BE LOVED OF MY FATHER, and I WILL LOVE HIM, and (I) WILL MANIFEST MYSELF TO HIM.

Do you want God to MANIFEST Himself to you? I do! He says that if we will "keep His commandments" - He will!

Question: But, how do we keep His commandments?

Answer: By obeying the Holy Spirit!

The Holy Spirit always speaks in accordance with God's Word. If we question the voice that we hear, we should check God's Word to see if the voice we heard testifies of the character of God. We also keep His commandments by BELIEVING HIS WORD.

Question: What is the character of God?
Answer: God is love! He loves YOU and YOUR FAMILY! He wants to manifest Himself to you. He wants to bless you!

According to John 14:21, your part of the agreement (covenant) is that you will...

A) Have His Commandments in your heart

B) Keep His Commandments

C) Love Him - (If you don't keep His Commandments, the Bible says you don't know Him.)

1 John 2:4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Boy, that's some strong words. But it is the truth... because God's word is true. Hallelujah!

MANIFEST: Strong's Concordance: To show one's self, come to view, appear, be manifest to indicate, disclose, declare, make known (emfanidzo = Greek) - Dictionary: To prove; to put beyond doubt or question

I like that! God wants to put your doubts to silence. He wants to tell you some things; disclose some information; make some things known to you; give you an indication of what to do or where to go. He wants to MANIFEST Himself to YOU and reveal the VICTORY!
Your part... KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS and LOVE HIM.

Do you really BELIEVE His Word? I mean, deep down in your heart, when all hell brakes loose and it "appears" His word is not true... do you believe His Word?

If you are holding on for a miracle in any situation, I've got a Word for you: "Like Queen Esther, you need to BELIEVE that you were chosen for the assignment of winning the victory."

You were chosen to win every family member to Christ. (Esther 4:14)

*Commit yourself to be VICTORIOUS

*Commit to SEEKING GOD & His Will

*Commit to NEVER look back (Luke 9:62) Forget about the "what ifs"

*Commit to FORGIVE

____________________________

My new book lists 8 ACTION STEPS that are needed to prepare you for VICTORY.

Get your copy of Healing a Broken Marriage: Love Never Fails.

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Hebrews 11:6

But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

THINGS TO REMEMBER FOR MARRIAGE VICTORY:

a) God wants you and your family WHOLE!

b) Marriage is God's idea. It "is" His Will for you to stay married until "death do you part"

c) Marriage is a PICTURE of our commitment to the Lord... through thick and thin.

d) Someone must go first! Will you be Jesus toward others, even if they don't deserve it?

________________________________

To learn more about How to Obtain the Victory, consider a LIVE message at your next event. I can be booked to speak for your next event through STACY@THEROBINSONAGENCY.COM or by calling 1.800.782.2995.

Honorarium Negotiable.

FOR MORE ABOUT DEBORAH CLICK HERE

http://www.deborahrossministries.org/

Mother in Zion Series - # 2

2010-04-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

PRACTICAL & BIBLICAL ADVICE FOR A HEALTHY MARRIAGE by Deborah Ross

Today's study is based on various Proverbs from God's Word.

After an overwhelming response from the Mother in Zion Series #1, I am eager to share more nuggets of truth that will help wives - both young and old - to cultivate a healthy marriage that will last a lifetime. I believe that Satan's number one target is the family. It is only by being INTENTIONAL about our marriage that we can ever expect to truly weather the storms of life.

Below are 10 points to ponder...

#1 - Money isn't everything! While we all need money to survive - and I certainly do believe that God wants to bless us financially - still, as wives, we should never allow our primary focus to be on our financial status. Too often, I'll see women getting caught up in worldly desires of wanting more, charging more, expecting more... all the while being satisfied - LESS! Remember, even though it IS God's desire to bless you and your family financially, you should never allow money to dictate your happiness. In fact, some of life's most precious moments will actually stem from times of financial hardship in your marriage. When you said, "For richer, for poorer", those words were meant to be a promise kept forever - no matter how difficult the circumstance. Arguments over money have destroyed way too many homes. Don't let it destroy yours!

Proverbs 15:16
"Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith."

#2 - Study your husband! A godly wife has studied her husband's likes and dislikes. She knows how to please him. Remember, Satan is sure to have someone "else" studying your husband at various points throughout your married life. I would not want anyone to know more about my husband's thoughts, desires, habits, likes or dislikes than ME and the only way to be sure of this is to "study" my own husband. Do you know YOUR HUSBAND'S deepest desires?

Proverbs 15:28
"The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things."

#3 - Boob jobs, tummy tucks, face lifts, body sculpting, body piercings, tattoos, make-up, high heels, low cut blouses, micro-mini skirts and so on should not be necessary for your husband to find you attractive. While I don't believe the Lord is against women looking their best, I am certain He would not have us consumed with adjusting our physical appearance in unhealthy or seductive ways. The Word of God is very clear that our inner beauty is much more important than our outward looks. Of course, the "world" says to: lift it, tuck it, change it, flaunt it and shake it. But, God says that true beauty is elegant, graceful, pure, holy and modest. If you are feeling the need to compete with pornographic pictures, television and magazine commercials or even worldly girlfriends who don't know Christ in order to keep your husband's attention, there is something seriously wrong with either your marriage or your self-esteem. Make grooming your inner self (being transformed by God's Word) a top priority. Of course, you should not neglect to keep your outward appearance pretty and well-maintained with good hygiene. But remember, in looking your best for your husband you should NEVER allow the latest "beauty trend" to lure you into compromising your dignity, your health, or your testimony.

Proverbs 11:22
"As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion."

#4 - I asked my husband what he would like to contribute to this article and his response was...

"Tell them, DON'T NAG. Men hate it!"

Are you a nagging wife? If you are, I pray that you will ask God to help you bridle your tongue, IMMEDIATELY! One of the quickest ways to kill a marriage is to be a continuous nag toward your husband. Once he officially TURNS YOU OFF, you will really wonder "why" he never responds to your requests.

Proverbs 21:19
"It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman."

#5 - Ladies, pouting doesn't solve anything. I know, we all like to play charades once in a while, especially when our feelings get hurt. Your man may be clueless about "why" you are upset. He may truly want to make things better, but just doesn't know where to start. This DOES NOT mean that he doesn't care. This simply means that he didn't notice what he did (or, did not do) to offend you. It is always better to discuss your insecurities and offences BEFORE you stew over them. Remember, your husband usually just wants to have fun and be loved. He is a man... and men don't think with their emotions in the same way that women do. So, stop the pouting. It only leads to an argument.

Proverbs 15:17
"Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith."

#6 - Are you in the habit of drinking alcohol or abusing prescription or non-prescription drugs? One sure way to kill a marriage is to drown it, numb it, or escape from it! I wonder just how many homes have been destroyed because of alcohol or drug abuse? You know the routine: a few drinks... next, suspicions and distorted judgements that lead to arguing... then, you call each other hurtful names... eventually, you might even wind up hitting one another. Don't say, "That won't ever happen to us. We can control ourselves. Besides, we only drink (or take these drugs) - sometimes." My friend, I pray that you won't play with fire any longer! The Bible says that we should be drunk with the Holy Ghost and not drunk with wine. The devil always has a counterfeit for everything that God does, and drinking alcohol is Satan's fake "high". He knows there is a real "high" that can only be found in being a born-again, spirit-filled, Child of the King and he doesn't want you to live in that realm. Drinking and taking drugs to relax is bad for your testimony, a careless example toward your children, and it is damaging to your marriage. The best advice is... Don't do it!

Proverbs 23:31-33
"Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things."

#7 - Living on credit is a trick of the devil. While the world tells us that credit is the American way, the Lord says that we should live by faith and pay as we go. Granted, buying a house or maybe even buying a car can require one to rely on using credit in the US. Even so, Americans - as a whole - are buried in loans from credit card companies and banks because of over-spending. There are three main things that couples most often argue about: money, sex, and the children. Don't allow Satan to wedge his way into your marriage by biting into the alluring apple of debt. My husband and I have learned the hard way that there are many things we can live without. We have learned to be happy whether we have a pocket full of money and even if we're flat broke. Strengthen your marriage. Live by faith AND not on credit!

Proverbs 28:22
"He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him."

#8 - Adultery is not an option for anyone who is married... no matter how unhappy you think you are! Media has made the word "adultery" to be a watered down, digestible term referred to as an "affair". There is nothing about adultery that is watered down - nor digestible. God abhors it! Not only will adultery defile your marriage but it also mars the children, hurts relatives, confuses the church, and poisons YOU! Nothing good ever comes out of extra-marital relationships. Don't let your guard down. Flirty gestures and lewd comments can be lethal to your marriage. Adultery is the most painful of all sins in a marriage and, in most cases, it is unrepairable. The voices that you are hearing in your head about how much better your life would be with this other person - verses your spouse -ARE NOT FROM GOD.

TAKE THOSE THOUGHTS CAPTIVE... RUN THE OTHER WAY!

Proverbs 23:27
"For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit."

#9 - Honesty is always the best policy! If you are having trouble with something that your spouse said or did, tell them. The Bible teaches us to speak the truth in a loving way. That means, we should avoid bringing anger, resentment and hostility into our relationship. A good marriage has an open line of communication that isn't afraid of confrontation.

Proverbs 27:5
"Open rebuke is better than secret love."

#10 - Everyone loves gifts! Even your husband. Don't give him gifts because he deserves it or just because it is a special occasion. Give him gifts because you are working toward having a great marriage and you want to show him how much you love him. With men, gift giving can be really easy. Think sporting equipment... to a nice romantic dinner followed by a couples bubble bath! Yes, YOU can even BE THE PACKAGE! Keep your marriage alive by surprising your spouse with gifts throughout the year.

Proverbs 17:8
"A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth."

To read the Mother in Zion Series - # 1... CLICK HERE

http://www.deborahrossministries.org/

WALK IN YOUR DESTINY!

2010-04-13T10:37:00.000-07:00

Our study today comes from Genesis, Chapters 12-21. I hope this speaks to some of you today!

In Genesis 12, verses one and two, God tells Abram to go to a foreign land where He will make Abram a great nation. God said he will bless anyone who blesses Abram, but He will curse anyone who cursed him. I think this was God's way of saying, "Don't worry about the people you encounter in the place where I am sending you, because I will protect you."

When Abram arrived in Canaan, God said, "Unto thy seed will I give this land." But because the Canaanite was already living in this new land, Abram decided to keep traveling. I guess he forgot about God telling him not to worry about "people". Besides, these Canaanites were probably not too excited about Abram moving into town. They certainly did not want him to posses "their land".

Did you notice God said He would give that land to Abram's seed? That sounds like God was telling Abram he would have children! Abram was around 75 years old at this time (vs. 12:4). Pretty far-fetched, huh?

When Abram "moved" from where God said stay, he ran into trouble… FAMINE. So in an attempt to provide for the needs of his family, he gives his wife (Sarai) to the Pharaoh of Egypt; claiming she is his "sister" so that they can have peace and wealth for a season. It makes no sense, but to Abram it was the only way. Yuk!

Abram was not being obedient to the Lord. He was not living in the "destiny" God had spoken into his heart back in Genesis 12:1. Even so, in compassion God delivered Abram and his wife from the Egyptians. He even gave them cattle, silver and gold as spoils from the Egyptian people. God had a plan for Abram and even Abram's immaturity of how to stand on His Word couldn't stop God's plan from coming to pass.

Chapter 13: When back in Canaan, once again God told Abram to look around because everything he saw was to be the inheritance of both him and his seed. In Chapter 15, verses two and three, Abram questions God for prolonging his ability to have children (seed). God reassures Abram that his seed will surely be as numerous as the stars of the heavens. God reminds Abram that He brought him out of his homeland to bless him in the promised land.

You know the story… Sarai, his wife, becomes impatient and tries to help God. She gave her handmaid, Hagar, to her husband, Abram, so that God's seed promise would come to pass. Even though Sarai and Abram were disobedient in trying to force the Will of God to come to pass "in their time", God still had a plan. Abram and Sarai's immaturity did not stop His plan.

Yet again in Chapter 17, when Abram is ninety-nine years old, God tells him, "I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan…" God even changed Sarai and Abram's names to be called Sarah and Abraham, further reminding them of their position in His eyes. Here again, Abram didn't quite get it. In verses 17 and 18, Abram actually laughed at God saying surely you must be talking about Ishmael. Is he the seed that will inherit the land of Canaan? (Ishmael was the son born out of disobedience.)

Finally, in Chapter 18, God appears as three men (FATHER, SON and HOLY GHOST) before Abraham to tell him that this time next year, they will have a son (Isaac). Now Sarah was very old "she" laughed within herself at God! Still, her doubt didn't stop God from pursuing them. He wanted them to take their rightful position in His plan to bless them.

For some reason Abraham "moved" again. This time he came to a place where he felt he had to lie (again) saying Sarah was his sister. (Well, it wasn't a complete lie. After-all, he and Sarah did have the same father.) Although God had told Abraham time and time and time again that his seed would inherit the land of Canaan, Abraham continued wandering aimlessly; not realizing his position as Sarah's husband and a man chosen to have favor by God. Still, in spite of Abraham's immaturity, God delivered Sarah and Abraham out of the hand of Abimelech. God even gave them favor to receive silver from this experience.

In Chapter 20, verse sixteen, Abimelech goes on to rebuke Sarah and Abraham by saying, "He is a covering to your eyes". In other words, Abraham was a "husband", not a brother! He was the man who God appointed to be an heir to God's promises. Sarah and Abraham needed to stand tall and to "be" who God had called them to be. It seems (up until this point) while they knew God had spoken to them and promised them land and children, they did not fully receive their positional standing of who God called them to be. He had called them to be man and wife in a land where He would send them. Yet, they kept holding onto their past, saying they were brother and sister.

Is there something God has called you to be? You know you have heard the voice of the Lord many times speaking to your heart about the inheritance He has for you; yet, you are immature (afraid, fearful, insecure, or timid) over accepting the position He has appointed just for you. Will you be reproved right now by the Word of the Lord and begin to confidently proclaim the thing He has spoken to your heart?

Yes, even in old age (or at least old to you) God will perform that thing He has promised! So PROCLAIM your position. Stand strong. Believe. And, walk in your destiny!

In Christ,
Deboah Ross
http://www.deborahrossministries.org/

ARE YOU DATING FOR JESUS?

2010-02-21T07:53:00.000-08:00

WITNESSING AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

2 Corinthians 6:14

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"

Have you ever wanted to change the world? I have! In fact, in my teens and early twenties, I really thought that I could convince anyone to change. I thought the power was within me to transform a person from thinking negative to thinking positive... from acting like a loser to acting like a winner... from living as a sinner to living as a saint. If only they would listen to me!

While I do believe that God has gifted me with the ability to influence others, I have also come to realize that I DO NOT have the ability to "change" anyone. Only God can transform a life, and even then, a human being must be willing to be changed by the power of the gospel, in order to receive the free gift of salvation. Indeed, when one becomes a born-again Child of the King, they are made a new person; old things are passed away and, behold, all things become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

While God "is" into changing people (taking them from glory to glory in their everyday life) He never expects us to take on the all-consuming burden of working wretchedly to change someone else. Clearly, we are instructed to spread the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, and with this passion certainly does come a deep desire to see people changed; changed from a life of sin and darkness to a life of freedom. Still, we need to keep our witnessing in perspective.

I believe that as we truly begin to understand how the Kingdom of God operates, we free ourselves from our own exhausting plans of trying to convince others to change; we are freed from the wearisome assignment of being responsible for someone else's actions. Only God can cause someone to desire to choose the best path for their life. We are simply called to be messengers and example setters, leaving the care of other's souls in the hands of an All-Knowing, All-Caring God who is more than able to bring that person to Himself.

Once we understand some basic principles of how His Kingdom operates, where: one person plants the seed (of how awesome a new life in Christ really is); another person waters that seed (by sharing more about the Lord); and, still another person reaps the harvest (they have the privilege of leading them to Christ)... responsibility is then shifted from being "our burden" to being that of a team effort - God's team!

Even so, there still continues to be numerous well-meaning Christians who will, inevitably, get caught in the trap of unhealthy opposite sex relationships, in which, someone is compelled to "date" an individual with the subconscious intent of saving them. Another more familiar term often used to describe this type of behavior might be referred to as a "co-dependant" dating relationship, where one person in the relationship is obsessed with the idea of "changing", or, at least, "influencing the other one to change."

This is never a healthy way to start out a dating relationship with the opposite sex. God never intended for us to be paired up with someone who continually drains us - ultimately, distracting us - from our own personal relationship with Him. He never intended for us to be hindered in our God-given potential, due to dating someone who repeatedly causes us to: run to their rescue, defend, or excuse their behavior... over and over and over... time and time, again.

It is so important for singles to realize how dating someone is actually a preliminary relationship to the marriage vow. Think about it. Eventually, most everyone will end up marrying someone that they are currently dating. Since dating is a progressive step toward marriage, it is imperative that God's Word, God's Will, and God's Voice be considered before going out with anyone of the opposite sex.

Unfortunately - and all to often, Christians will choose to "settle" for a broken love relationship: perhaps out of fear; perhaps because of loneliness; or maybe even, because of an all-out conscious choice to "help God out." The Lord has never instructed us to date and, especially, to marry ministry projects. Instead, He has told us to "wait" on His perfect will.

You see my friend, once married to someone, we are then joined together with them for life. At that point, God's Will is to stay married... even in the course of difficult situations. So, if you choose to date someone who is not in the same boat (so to speak) as you are concerning the things of God, you are only setting yourself up for a potential long life of heartache and pain, as you spend days, months, or even years praying and believing for the salvation of your mate... praying for them to CHANGE! Instead of your marriage taking flight from the day of your wedding vows - as God intends - it will poke along. You will be continually hindered in the things that God has called you to do - both individually and as a couple.

Mark 3:25

"And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand."

On the other hand, when two people who are sold out to Jesus begin to date, their relationship has great potential. It could even turn out to be a match made in heaven! As two people grow to love one another with one common goal of living for Christ in all of their ways, they will have a head start on life, as, together, they aim to reach goals, dream dreams, and build upon the solid foundation of God's Word. There is no limit as to the things that the two of them can accomplish in their life-time.

Divorce is not even an option. Two become one. Children. Grandchildren. Great grand-children. This is God's plan. This is God's best.

Remember, dating someone that you have no intentions of marrying is only wasting valuable time. It's risky - in that, you are taking the chance of falling in love with someone who is not in God's Will for your life.

The Lord does not need for us to date people so that we can lead them to Himself. So be choosy. Train your heart to separate godly compassion and empathy from true vibes of interest before dating. Dating is a preliminary to marriage, so always ask yourself, "Is this someone that I might consider marrying?",, before saying "yes" to that first date.

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Psalm 111:10

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: "

CLICK HERE to read more on Christian dating

Deborah Ross Ministries

Strengthening Families & Encouraging Women

www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

HEALING SCRIPTURES

2010-02-10T05:55:00.000-08:00

Does Jesus Still Heal Today?

HEBREWS 13:8 - Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

MATTHEW 4:23 - And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

MATTHEW 9:35 - And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

LUKE 9:6 - And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

LUKE 9:11 - And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

ACTS 4:22 - For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. (Here Jesus healed a man who was over 40 and had lived with a condition all of his life. See: Acts 3:2 - And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple..... Most people would say, that is God's plan for him... but Jesus healed him!!!!!! I love this passage!)

ACTS 10:38- How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

1 CORINTHIANS 12:9 - To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit.

JEREMIAH 30:17 - For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

JEREMIAH 33:6 - Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.

ACTS 27:34 - Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.

3 JOHN 1:2 - Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

PSALM 30:2 - O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.

PSALM 107:20 - He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

ISAIAH 53:5 - But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

JEREMIAH 17:4 - Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.

MATTHEW 4:24 - And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

MATTHEW 8:8 - The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

MATTHEW 8:13- And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

MATTHEW 8:16 - When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:

MATTHEW 12:15 - But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;

MATTHEW 12:22 - Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.

MATTHEW 14:14 - And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. (Jesus is moved with compassion to heal us. As believers who lay hands on the sick... we are moved with compassion "just like Jesus" to pray healing over them.)

MATTHEW 15:30 - And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them:

MATTHEW 19:2 - And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.

MATTHEW 21:14 - And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.

MARK 1:34 - And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

MARK 3:10 - For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.

MARK 5:23 - And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.

MARK 5:29 - And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

MARK 6:5 - And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. (Here, Jesus could not do many miracles because of their unbelief. To them, he was just Joseph's son, not the son of God. Mark 6:1 - 1And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.)

MARK 6:13 - And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

LUKE 4:40 - Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases (many kinds of diseases) brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

LUKE 5:15 - But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.

LUKE 6:19 - And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all. (These people "sought to touch Jesus". Therefore, they all were healed. They believed!)

LUKE 7:7 - Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. (Great faith. This man knew the Word of God alone would heal.)

LUKE 8:47 - And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. (Doctors couldn't heal her but Jesus could and HE DID.)

LUKE 9:11 - And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing. (Healing is part of the Kingdom of God. That is God's plan.)

LUKE 9:42 - And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.

LUKE 13:14 - And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day. (Religion will never get anyone healed. The teachings of Jesus goes against religion & tradition. Church Denominations can be a form of religious traditions if the denomination and its beliefs are exalted above the Word of God. We must let all of our preconceived - negative- ideas about healing go and surrender to the WORD OF GOD... which is healing. Just Believe!)

LUKE 14:4 - And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go;

LUKE 17:15 - And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, (Be sure to glorify God with a loud voice after you receive your healing!!!)

ACTS 5:16 - There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

ACTS 8:7 - For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

ACTS 14:9 - The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, (This is why I am not at liberty to pray healing over anyone unless they want it and believe in it.)

ACTS 28:8 - And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

ACTS 28:9 - So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:

JAMES 5:16 - Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

1 PETER 2:24 - Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

MARK 1:40 - And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. ( I love this! When the leper said, "Jesus, is it your will?" Jesus answered and said, "YES!")

MATTHEW 13:58 - And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

MATTHEW 17:20 - And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

MARK 6:6 - And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching

"... I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days ..." (Deuteronomy 30:19)

"For by Me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you." (Proverbs 9:11)

"You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess." (Deuteronomy 5:33)

"My son, do not forget My law, but let your heart keep My commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you." (Proverbs 3:1)

"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you." (Exodus 20:12)

GENESIS 6:3 - Then the Lord said, My Spirit shall not forever dwell and strive with man, for he also is flesh; but his days shall yet be 120 years.

PSALM 90:10 - The days of our years are threescore years and ten (70 years); and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

MARK 9:24 - And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

YES! Jesus still heals today!

Deborah Ross
Deborah Ross Ministries
Strengthening Families & Encouraging Women
www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

Mother in Zion Series - #1

2010-01-17T13:24:00.000-08:00

PRACTICAL & BIBLICAL ADVICE FOR A HEALTHY MARRIAGE

The other day I was awakened by a phone call from a new wife and mom who was desperate for help in her marriage. As I began to minister to her, she made a comment to me that struck me as being a significant, yet, deficient need for wives all over the world. Her comment was,...

"No one has ever told me that before!"

That's when I realized the dire need for "spiritual mothers" - like myself - to share personal knowledge that, perhaps, was never offered by natural mothers; either because of their own personal failures, or, because of their lackadaisical approach to mother/daughter discussions. For this reason, I am offering this Mother in Zion Series which is dedicated to bullet point, practical tips that I pray will help wives - both young and old - to cultivate a healthy marriage that will truly make it until "death do us part."

Practical & Biblical Advice for a Healthy Marriage - by Deborah Ross

#1 - Your mate comes before your children. NEVER allow your children to come between you and your spouse. Remember, a healthy marriage makes the children happy because their confidence will be increased when they live in peace knowing that mom and dad love each other, have respect for one another, and express appropriate affection toward each other. Plus, children learn by example. As you and your spouse show forth a selfless, unconditional love that gives high priority to times of privacy, hand holding, hugging, laughter, and respect for one another, your children are learning what a healthy marriage looks like; and, they will more likely aim to have a healthy marriage - like yours - for themselves one day. Children can be very demanding and while we should aim to be great parents, we should never let our marriage suffer from the pressures of parenting.

Song of Solomon 6:3 - "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies."

#2 - Do not get into the habit of sleeping in separate beds. It is not healthy for married couples to sleep separately. So often, I hear of parents sleeping with the children rather than sleeping with each other. In my opinion it is better to make pallets beside of mom and dad's bed occasionally (when children are fussy, afraid, or have a fever) rather than slip into the habit of sleeping in the children's bed -apart from one another.

1 Corinthians 7:5 - "Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency."

#3 - Never go to sleep angry. Husband and wife need to come to a place of peace before going to sleep. This may mean that YOU will need to apologize. You may even have to apologize for something when you feel like you are in the right. The goal is not to win, but rather to have a reasonable discussion over conflicts and then to come to some type of peaceable solution at the end of the discussion. If your mate is not being rational about coming to a peaceable climax, then simply finish with... "I love you."

Ephesians 4:26 - "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:"

#4 - Facebook, email, text, phone conversations, and on the job relationships should never be of intimate nature with the opposite sex. In other words, if you would be embarrassed for your spouse to see it or hear it... don't do it! Also, if you are carrying on a conversation that has any implication of being intimate in nature... run the other way! Many marriages end in divorce because of jealousy or even adultery simply because couples fail to adhere to sound practices concerning relationships with the opposite sex.

Proverbs 6:24 - "To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman."

#5 - You must be INTENTIONAL about your marriage. This means, you must intentionally carve out date nights, time for intimate conversations, times of selfless servant hood and sacrifice. Couples need to hold a high respect for their common goal of making it "until death do us part" with a relationship that is exciting and new... not old and worn out. Be intentional about spending quality TIME with each other. Don't let the busyness of life rob you of the precious moments with your spouse that bring lasting memories of love and laughter.

Proverbs 31:11-12 - "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life."

#6 - Time with your friends (of the same sex) is a good thing in moderation, however, too often I hear of women or men taking "vacations" with their friends - leaving their spouse behind. An occasional church retreat is OK, but an all out "vacation" at the beach, Vegas, the Bahamas, or somewhere else is not a wise idea. My grandmother always taught me, "What is good for the goose is good for the gander." If you reserve the right to go with your friends on a vacation without your spouse, then they should be able to go on one without you. Is that what you really want? I feel that vacation money and vacation time is too precious a commodity to spend away from my family. Plus, many of these "vacations away from your spouse" end up being opportunities to sin. Why throw your marriage out to the wolves. Marriage is a sacred thing and should be treated as something valuable. Let me remind you that no one ever intends to get a divorce. Divorce happens when someone in the marriage is careless in the relationship.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 - "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"

#7 - Watch your mouth! Don't use sarcasm, degrading verbiage, slander, bad body language or negative vocal tones toward your spouse. Be intentional about complementing your spouse - especially in front of others. Get into the habit of encouraging your spouse. Never tear them down. No one has ever been motivated by negativity. If you want to see your spouse be all that they were created to be... encourage them!

Proverbs 18:21 - "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."

# 8 - Pray together... OUT LOUD. There is something about praying together as a married couple that creates a bond like none other. It may feel awkward, at first, but start to initiate bedtime prayer with one another and watch as God causes your marriage to bloom like never before. The saying is true... "A family that prays together, stays together!"

2 Timothy 1:3 - "I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;"

#9 - Sex is a vital part of your relationship as man and wife. Women should meet the need of their husband by responding to them with interest. Men need to meet the needs of their wife by sharing intimate conversation, romantic hand holding and kisses, and foreplay. So often, couples grow bored, tired, or uncaring toward their sexual relationship with each other. This is VERY DANGEROUS. You must be "intentional" about keeping your relationship ALIVE by keeping a healthy God honoring sexual intimacy with one another.

1 Corinthians 7:3-4 - "Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife."

#10 - Space. People need their space. Honor your spouse by making sure that they have times of refreshing by doing something that they like. Perhaps he likes to play golf occasionally or go to an occasional ball game. She may want to spend the day shopping or talking with friends. The key to a happy and healthy marriage is that personal space is reserved as something in moderation. It is not good for anyone in the marriage to spend obsessive amounts of time doing "their own thing." Use wisdom about the amount of time you spend outside of the home, with friends, or on hobbies.

Isaiah 28:12 - "To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing:"

#11 NEVER hit one another! God says that our bodies are the temple of the Lord, so when we hit our mate we are coming against the Lord's temple with violence. God commands us to love one another. In fact, He says to "love your neighbor as yourself." In this case, your spouse is your neighbor... and you would not hit yourself... so you shouldn't hit your spouse, either.

Psalm 11:5 - "The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth."

To read Mother in Zion - #2 CLICK HERE

CAREER VERSES MOTHERHOOD

2010-01-15T17:26:00.000-08:00

LOOKING FOR PEACE

Dear Beautiful Women of God:

I often get letters from readers who have a prayer request, a praise report, and even those who just need some biblical advice. The letter below is from a young mother who is struggling in a decision of career verses motherhood. While it is possible to do both, there is certainly nothing wrong with being a stay-at-home mom either. I pray that her question and my response will minister to many of you who are caught in the balance of what to do...

_________________________________________

Deborah, would you please pray for me. Without getting into a long, drawn out story, I'll just summarize by saying I'm not happy at my job. My heart is at home with my baby. Since he's been born, I've just wanted to be a stay-at-home-mom. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that I'd want to do that after all the education my parents paid for me to have! But, I truly believe now that God did intend for mommies to be at home with their kids. Unfortunately, most people lives are built around two salaries these days. But, I want to be with him so badly right now during the early years of his life. My mother keeps him for me, and that's the next best thing, but I'm unhappy at work (maybe that's what's put the crazy idea in my head about being home with him, I'm not sure). I just need some guidance about what to do, and I know I need prayer. Thank you so much.

_________________________________________

I know EXACTLY how you feel. I had a successful dance studio (3 successful dance studios, in fact) for 20 years - but the last 7 years were so difficult. Although I loved my career, I wish I would have obeyed the Lord sooner and let it go, but I was afraid. I will tell you that once I finally gave it ALL to the Lord (sold my businesses) and trusted Him for our finances, I have not looked back a single day since. It was the best thing I've ever done!

Everyone thought that I was crazy. My mother, especially, because she feared what would happen to our future. I was the bread winner and my husband did not make as much money as I did, nor, was he very good with finances. It was a big leap of faith, but Praise the Lord... one of the most peaceful and God honoring things I have ever done. Now that my children are in 12th grade and 10th grades, I am so glad that I had those years of being a good mother to them. I just wish I would have done it sooner. I even home schooled for 2 years and felt that God was redeeming the time that I had left my babies in child care while working.

Try to think of your life as being in seasons (segments of time). There is the child rearing season and then, God willing, there will be MANY more years after the children are grown that you will be able to focus on your job, your ministry, your hobby, community service or whatever - 100%. Eighteen years of your life (child rearing years) is only a portion of your life span. You can still use your education later down the road AND you can even use it now with PART TIME jobs or projects that the Lord gives you peace about doing. I have learned over the years to follow after PEACE. If you want to be in God's will, FOLLOW PEACE. He will provide for your needs as you keep Him first place in your heart and continue to tithe and give offerings. It is not always easy to have one income, in fact, sometimes it might be really difficult; but, I can tell you, first hand, that it will be the most peaceful, difficult days you could ever experience and... you can count on God to ALWAYS see you through.

I believe that as you step into your role as wife and mom, you actually EMPOWER your husband to be the man that God has called him to be - as head of the household. My husband is wiser, more respected, more confident, and earns more money today because of my willingness to listen to God by stepping down for a season. Did my husband like the idea, at first? Not really. He was immature and afraid - just like me. Still, we came to a place of faith - together - trusting that it was the right thing to do. And since then, we have been so richly blessed!!!

When I think of my fondest childhood memories, I think of my grandmother who didn't work and who was PEACEFULLY there for me as a mentor and role model of Christ.

I will pray for you! I will pray that you will have courage to follow your heart AND I will pray God's blessings on your family as a result of your faith and obedience. I will pray that either your husband gets a promotion and/or that you find a VERY PART TIME job to give you a little money each week for simple extras. You need to ask God for His best and don't waiver in your prayer life just because you think it is too much to ask. There is NOTHING TOO HARD FOR GOD!!! If you don't want a part time job, then ask God to promote your husband!

God is good and He gives good gifts to those who trust and obey Him with a heart of faith, compassion and love. Being a full-time mom is an act of LOVE!

In Christ,
Deborah

Deborah Ross Ministries

Strengthening Families & Encouraging Women

www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

A New Year's Challenge...

2010-01-04T10:21:00.000-08:00

PUTTING HIM FIRST PLACE

John 21:15-17 -

"So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 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. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep."

I - like most of you - have spent the past few weeks reflecting on 2009, while anticipating the future of 2010 with all of life's decisions, plans, twists and turns. Now that I am 47, I feel the need - more than ever - to press into life's most sacred journey; the path that God has specifically ordained for "my" life. I don't want to waste one minute of my days on fleshly goals that lead to perpetual dead ends of momentary bliss; all the while, lacking any real inner peace of knowing that I am doing "exactly" what God has planned for His Kingdom and for my best interest. I want to leave a legacy; I want to hit the mark.

So in my deepest thoughts and prayers, I am sitting quietly, seeking to hear the voice of my Lord to know what direction He desires for me to move in as I begin my expedition into the year... 2010. As I proceed into the new calendar, which rolls ahead - ready or not - my first Sunday of the New Year brings me to a wonderful time of worship at my local church where I diligently sought the Lord's presence: to hear His voice; to sense His direction; to clearly see Him like never before. I love to worship the Lord.

Then it happened! I heard a Rhema Word from the Lord that thrilled my innermost being. As I was listening to our Life Group Teacher on being and ensample and not an example (ensample = being a vessel of Christ who shows forth godly fruit; example = being a billboard of worldliness) and as we were reading some text from John 21:15-17 about Peter being questioned three times by Jesus concerning the depth of his love for Him and subsequently being instructed to "feed the Lord's sheep", I stumbled across a passage that God illuminated to me for such a time as this. I found the answer to my New Year prayer that was so deep within my heart.

As I began (silently) reading ahead to verse 18 which says:

John 21:18-19 -

"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, when thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst wither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, FOLLOW ME."

I wondered, "What does this verse have to do with Peter understanding the importance of loving Jesus with an agape love? What does it have to do with Peter learning to feed the Lord's sheep?" That's when the Lord answered my question and supernaturally revealed to me His direction for my life. He explained to me that it is the immature - or, as the text says "young" - who continually insist on doing things their own way. They forge ahead with their own plans and then hope - and even pray - the Lord will bless it. On the other hand: those who really love the Lord with a deep agape love (a love that stays faithful through thick and thin); those who desire to do His will (feed His sheep); and those who are willing to follow Him; they are referred to as "old" because they are more mature in their understanding of the Kingdom of God. The text reveals that these "older ones" (more mature ones) must "stretch out their hands" to be "carried" by another.

So what the Lord is saying is, "Don't go into 2010 doing fleshly 'good works'. Instead, enter into this New Year with your arms outstretched and your eyes (spiritually speaking) closed. Trust me (Jesus) wholeheartedly to lead you into the perfect destiny designed specifically for you. As you do this, I will use you to 'feed my sheep'." Notice the verse says He will carry you where you "wouldest not." God will carry us through new, unfamiliar, territory where we would not ordinarily adventure to travel as we trust Him. The Lord wants to show us "new things." He wants to break us away from the mundane and give us a life of fresh, new, fate that brings with it joy and abundant peace.

So then, as I am reading verse 19, I am still having trouble understanding the significance of Jesus speaking of Peters death as being glory to God. That's when it hit me. Jesus was not speaking of Peters natural death, but rather, teaching him the importance of "dying to self." It is only after we learn to put to death our personal agenda's, fleshly desires, and carnal works that we can ever expect to glorify God. Once we truly "die to self", we are then positioned to "follow Jesus" the way that He desires to be followed. Just as Peter was exhorted to LOVE DEEPLY, FEED THE SHEEP, DIE TO SELF and FOLLOW JESUS, we too, are to do the same.

That's it! The Lord's instructions for 2010 are LOUD and CLEAR. Putting Christ first is so much more than "saying" this is a New Year's resolution. Yes, putting Christ first requires laying everything else down... EVERYTHING. Once we get to that place in our spiritual journey where we "really" lay it all down, we step into a mature position of "following the Lord" in such a way that the Kingdom of God is revealed in our every step.

So my prayer for 2010 is, "Lord, help me to die to self. Teach me to follow you... and only you. Help me to not be moved by the arm of the flesh or great ideas that are not part of your plans for my life. This year, I want to LOVE DEEPLY, FEED THE SHEEP, DIE TO SELF, and FOLLOW YOU. I want to put You first, not in word, but in deed. May my life be an 'ensample' to a lost world as you lead me through unknown territory and new adventures that bring ultimate peace and purpose to my life on earth. Amen."

Would you join me, by laying down your life and taking up your cross... daily? The Lord is good (Psalm 118:1). He has good things in store for His children (Matthew 7:11 & Luke 11:13). His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30). Hallelujah!

Matthew 16:24 -

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

Deborah Ross

Speaker / Singer / Author / Choreographer

Strengthening Families & Encouraging Women

www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

THE BLESSING OF THE LORD...

2009-12-09T07:57:00.000-08:00

IT MAKETH RICH!

Psalm 41:1-3

"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."

This scripture verse was part of my reading today and I think it is very appropriate for the Christmas season - as well as all year long. REMEMBER, YOU CANNOT OUT GIVE GOD. When you give to the poor, give to the church, and give to missions, the Lord promises that He will take care of your EVERY NEED... super abundantly! His word teaches that it is the "tight hand" or the "stingy soul" that suffers lack.

Proverbs 11:24

"There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth, and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty."

I have witnessed God's principles working in our household as we choose to live generously, trusting God for our every need. The Lord has shown us, time-and-time again that as we allow a continuous flow of our finances, time, and resources to pass through our hands - for His Kingdom purposes - He heals us, delivers us, and provides, not only for our needs, but for most of our wants, as well.

As Christians, our giving should not be a "tithe only" attitude. It should not be a "time only" (in place of the tithe) attitude. We should not have an attitude of being a "resource only" giver. No, our giving should be in TITHES and OFFERINGS. I truly believe that so many people miss out on the abundant provision of God, because of their refusal to give; to give over and above the tithe.

Malachi 3:8-12

"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meet in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground, neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all the nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be called a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts."

You see, keeping the 10% that is God's portion is a curse. You will live much better on 90% of your income than you could ever expect to live off of a 100%. I know it doesn't seem logical, but God's Kingdom defies man's logic. He is a supernatural God and shows His glory when He does things against the grain of what you can see, taste, feel, hear, or rationalize in your human mind. Tithing 10% of your income is not giving to God, rather, it is "trusting" God. He doesn't need your money. He only desires that you live in faith, trusting Him for your every need. He loves you and "wants" to bless you.

Then, there is the offering. Giving an offering to the Lord should not be a haphazard event. Your offering should be out of an act of obedience that responds to the prompting of the Holy Spirit as He leads you to give to a cause, a need, or an organization. God desires to "speak to your heart" about certain Kingdom needs and then He desires that you are obedient to His wooing. Really, I believe that the offering is what moves the hand of God to bless you "super abundantly." What are you in need of? Would you trust God by stepping out in faith to give, believing that as you do, He will pour out a blessing over and above your need?

Beyond our tithes and offerings, I have noticed something else about God's provision principles. God has shown me that our giving should be in "doing the right thing." Our giving should be in "never taking what is not ours." We should seek out those who are less fortunate than us... and bless them... just because! Yes, God desires for us (you and I) to be faucets that are always "turned on." He doesn't want anything to have a hold on his children... and that includes money, time, and resources. He wants His children FREE INDEED, and the only pathway to becoming totally free is in following the instructions given by the designer of the universe. When God says, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over...," you can fully trust in this spiritual law. (Luke 6:38)

Remember, God is not limited by a recession or by the "what ifs" of our economy. He is Lord over ALL and He is our only hope in times of trouble. If not for the blessing of the Lord, we would all surely live in fear. But, PRAISE THE LORD... He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of POWER, and of LOVE, and of a SOUND MIND (2 Timothy 1:7). The Christian Spirit - the generous spirit who lives by FAITH - should not worry about the world's economy. Our Daddy - Abba Father - owns it ALL!!! And, He loves to give good gifts to His children... as they are obedient to His Word.

I pray that this Christmas will find YOU in a spirit of giving... giving to the poor, giving to the church, and giving to missions. May you have a blessed (super abundantly blessed) holiday season, knowing that the Lord is faithful!!! He loves you and He cares about the "details" of your life. Trust Him.

Proverbs 22:9

"He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor."

___________________________________

To read more... click over to the Remnant Women Blog and read the December 9th article entitled Watching God Provide, written by a friend of mine, Andi Raymnd. I think it will really inspire you.

Oh, and if the Lord is speaking to your heart about how you can bless this ministry, click over to Deborah Ross Ministries official web-site to make your donation or to become a partner, now. Thank you for your financial support!

In Christ,

Deborah

Strengthening Families & Encouraging Women

www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

JESUS DIED FOR MUSLIMS, TOO!

2009-11-17T12:04:00.000-08:00

Is the Injeel Corrupt?

I have a deep love for people... people from all cultures... people all around the world...

I am especially fascinated with Middle Eastern women. These women have a strong demeanor that emanates their passion for truth. They are very direct in their conversation and show a sincerity that is unmatched. Their piercing dark eyes make them stunningly beautiful and their accent is intriguing.

God has turned my heart toward these women in leading me to support a ministry called The Crescent Project. The Crescent Project reaches out to those of the Muslim faith with booklets, DVD's, street evangelism, conferences, and more. Their booklets: "Adha in the Injeel" and "Is the Injeel Corrupt?" are great resources for those of the Muslim faith to get solid answers - in their own language - about Jesus and how His life and ministry applies to the Muslim faith. The Crescent Project also provides the Jesus Film - to millions in 16 different languages - so that the life and love of Jesus can be seen in a powerful way. Yes, Jesus died so that everyone could be set free from the bondage of sin. That includes those of the Muslim faith, too!

Well, last spring I received some very pointed emails from a man claiming to be a Muslim. He emailed me numerous copies of pages from the Qur'an to argue his point. In his arguments he compared the teachings of the Qur'an to his misinformed information about the teachings of the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Sensing that his arguments were as much of a question as they were a statement, I responded to one of his emails. Below, I will share with you what I said to him, and point out some of his arguments (which seem to be standard beliefs by most Muslims).

My Letter...

"I read your article because I wanted to have a better understanding of your belief(s).

The obvious differences that I noticed in your Qur'an and the Taurat (Torah or Old Testament) seem to be the flow of the message. Both books contain many similar accounts of the lives of those who trusted God such as Moses, Abraham, Joseph, and so on. It even appears that both books point to Jesus (Isa) as being someone that we should seek to understand. The name Allah and the name Yahweh (One True God) seem to be synonymous in many ways, with language being the argumentative factor that makes them different, at first glance.

On the other hand, those who have read the New Testament (The Injeel), have been able to tie up the loose ends of their faith by seeing for themselves just who Jesus really is; and, by seeking to understand what significance He has in the world today. It is interesting to me how all three Holy Books (Qur'an, Old Testament, Taurat/Torah) prophetically point to the Injeel (The New Testament), but for whatever reasons (reasons that man has conjured up over the course of generations) many Muslim's and Jew's are reluctant to see for themselves just what this extension of the scriptures has to say.

Jesus came to this earth to "reveal the love" that God has for all mankind. Jesus gives "life" to those who believe that He was, indeed, sent from God to redeem humanity from the curse of sin and death.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." - John 3:16.

Jesus is God... wrapped up in flesh. He walked on the earth for a short amount of time so that mankind could see, feel, and experience the Kingdom of Heaven in a tangible way. God loves His creation and He knew that humanity needed to be awakened into understanding the depth of His love. Jesus is the sacrificial lamb (Adha) who paid the price for sin - once and for all. It is through His shed blood that mankind can be restored into a right relationship with God.

HIS ARGUMENT - CHRISTIANS CLAIM GRACE OVER THEIR SIN... YET, KEEP RIGHT ON SINNING...

I had a discussion with a beautiful Muslim woman a few weeks ago about forgiveness of sin and I think I understand your argument about Christians using their salvation as a license to sin. Unfortunately, there are some people who claim to be true Christians - but they are not. I challenge you to read the entire book of 1 John (not from the four Gospels but further into the New Testament). Here you will see that Christians are taught that true repentance means remorse and turning from that behavior.

Christians, like Muslims, come in many forms. No, it's not what God desires, but it is the truth about humanity. People of all faiths tend to conveniently omit anything about repentance from sin, in order to live a lie under the banner of their religion.

It saddens me how "people" have come up with their own version of Christianity through the years; and thus, made it hard for unbelievers to understand the truth of God's love. The root of this confusion is the devil. John 10:10 says, "The thief (the devil) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I (Jesus - Isa) am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

Does your Holy Book offer "life"... and "life more abundantly?" As Christians, we are taught that we can have life more abundantly NOW, and in the life to come (Mark 10:30 and Luke 18:30).

HE ALSO COMMENTED ON THE IDOLATRY OF CHRISTIANS, USING CHRISTMAS AND STATUES OF JESUS AS AN EXAMPLE...

You also mentioned the idolatry of Christmas and the statues of Jesus. I can see your point and , again, I am grieved that "worldly" Christians get so caught up in "things" and "events" that take away from the pure worship of God. I think most western Christians are born into certain traditions that they never question. This, to me, can be compared to someone being raised Muslim and never questioning their Muslim traditions.

I think God is pleased when we talk to Him like a friend (since He knows what we are thinking anyway). He is pleased when we "question" our childhood teachings and come to our own conclusion about who He is and how much He loves us. After all, He created us with a mind and he even said we were made in His image (Genesis 1:26). He wants us to love Him because we have "fallen in love with Him", not because we are made to love Him through traditions.

HE POINTED OUT SIMILARITIES IN THE QUR'AN AND WHAT HE KNEW OF THE BIBLE , CLAIMING THAT SOMEONE IS OBVIOUSLY WRONG...

It seems there are many similarities in our scriptures, and I believe there is a reason for this. Truly, one is right and the other is wrong. Still, the wrong one contains an element of truth so that those who follow it will be blinded to the "real truth". This, we both agree on.

The only difference between me and you is that... once I was lost, but now I am found! I have known the emptiness of living a religious life apart from becoming a born-again believer of Jesus Christ. If being born-again (a supernatural experience in which the Holy Spirit comes to live inside of a person) is wrong... it's the most liberating, powerful, loving, peaceful, joyful, life-giving wrong I've ever experienced. That is why, "I know" that Jesus is the Son of God. He has given me joy, peace, hope, and life.

Have you had this experience?

HE ARGUED THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD AND THAT CHRISTIANS ARE WORSHIPPING THREE GODS (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)...

I used to question the trinity, just as you are taught to question the falsely assumed three God's of the Christian faith. It was really hard for me to understand how God (who is one) can be made manifest in three. Consider this: Your spirit (1) lives inside of your body(2) and your soul (3) - which is your mind, your will, and your emotions - rules and reigns over them all. You are still "one person", but you are made up of three parts. Really, this is something you will need to accept by faith after reading the entire New Testament (Injeel) and coming to the conclusion that Jesus loves you!

Jesus was sent from God, not as a prophet, but as a Savior. He came to "show" us the love of the Father (God). Jesus is God, coming to earth in the flesh, revealing to mankind how much He loves them. That is why He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and made the lame to walk. All of these malady's are a curse from the wages of sin (Satan - or the devil's hellish schemes). Still, even many Christians find it hard to believe that God loves them enough to heal them and so they continue in this life with disease and sickness, or even worse, die prematurely because of their unbelief.

I know this is probably a lot of information for you, but I challenge you to read the entire New Testament just to see if you notice anything different (love, peace, joy, forgiveness, hope) that it offers. I think that Allah is a big enough God to hold his own. Put the words of Muhammad up against the words of Jesus and "test" them. Don't go by what others have told you, but rather read it for yourself. I read your message today because I wanted to know what you believe. Now, would you read for yourself and study what I believe?

HE, AND MOST MUSLIMS, ARE SKEPTICAL ABOUT READING THE INJEEL (New Testament) BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN TAUGHT THAT IT IS CORRUPT...

It does not seem logical to think that the Injeel has been tampered with, but the Qur'an has not? I did see from your text that Isa (Jesus) is taught in the Qur'an. If the Injeel was truly sent from God, then it would be impossible for mankind to corrupt God's Word. God does not need man; man needs God. If the devil can keep someone believing that any part of God's Word is corrupt, then he can keep them from the truth.

HE ALSO QUESTIONED SO MANY VERSIONS OF THE BIBLE AND OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH (DENOMINATIONS)...

I know, there are so many Bible's out there, you're probably wondering which version to get. I don't know where you are from, but I pray that you are able to get your hands on a pure copy of the Holy Bible. "My" favorite is the King James version, but again, depending on where you live, there may be another one that speaks in your language more clearly.

May God (I say Jehovah; you say Allah) richly bless you and may He reveal His love to you in a new and powerful way."

______________________________

Those of you reading this blog who are Muslim, please know that this entry is written with a sincere desire to help us come together to worship the one true God with unity and an appreciation for each others culture. If you are reading this blog and you are a Christian, I pray that the comments here will help you to better understand your Muslim friends so that you can share the truth about Isa (Jesus) with them.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." - John 3:16 ... this message is for everyone... Muslims, too!

In Christ,

Deborah Ross

Strengthening Families and Encouraging Women

www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

To order your Outreach Pack containing the two booklets ('Adha in the Injeel' and 'Is the Injeel Corrupt?') along with a DVD of the Jesus Film in 16 languages, contact The Crescent Project Bookstore or DRM.

SUBMITTING ONE TO ANOTHER

2009-09-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

...Kingdom Keys to a Happy Marriage...

Within the walls of every society lies a mix of ATTITUDES, OPINIONS, and PHILOSOPHIES that stain the souls of stubborn mankind; seeking to maintain peaceful relationships through a warped view of God and human nature. Left unchecked, a worldly demeanor cultivates hard hearts and robotic lifestyles, leaving no room for the Kingdom of God to be revealed.

Have you ever noticed that principles in God's Kingdom function the complete opposite of what culture and society teach? For instance, God says: to give and you will receive; to humble yourself and you will be exalted; to lay your life down and you will live; to submit to one another that you should inherit a blessing!

The term "submission" can be such a foreign concept. Whether viewed as a sign of weakness or as outdated protocol, many Christians will refuse to adopt a lifestyle of "submitting one to another" - especially in marriage. Tragically, all too often our words and our actions don't match up, when it comes to practicing life application skills of God's Kingdom principles.

1 Peter 3:1 says, "...wives, be in subjection to your own husbands." The word subjection actually means: to obey; to submit to one's control; and, to yield to one's admonition or advice. It is a voluntary attitude of "giving in". Are you in the habit of cooperating with the plans, ideas, and advice of your mate? Do you practice submitting?

Perhaps you are thinking, "My husband doesn't deserve my submission. He is too demanding. Besides, he's not even a Christian. I could never give in to his immature ideas." Peter tells us that as we worship God with a servants heart toward our mate, we present the gospel of Jesus Christ by our actions. He goes on to say that God places great value on a meek and quiet spirit. My friend, if the Lord calls something precious, then, we need to heed the importance of practicing Kingdom principles - whether we agree with our circumstances or not. Ladies, you can actually change the mood of your husband simply by making room for him to be the head of the household... even before he realizes his position!

Of course, Peter goes on to say in verse 7, "...husbands, dwell with them (wives) according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife..." Ideally, men and women should submit to each other. There should be a mutual submission, one to another. When couples live according to this principle, the Word of God says that your prayers as a married couple will not be hindered. This is your goal!

The problem that I find in ministering this concept to most married individuals, is that, usually one person "gets it" and the other person does not. So then, the same argument continues between them that she won't submit and he doesn't give her honor. Nothing can ever be accomplished until somebody gives in and - GOES FIRST!

God's ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). While it doesn't make any sense - in our minds - to give in to a situation that seems unfair, the Lord assures us, "...and if you suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye... (1 Peter 3:14)." Jesus himself suffered unjustly so that He might bring us to God (vs. 18), so we, also, should learn to have the same mind set as Christ to the will of God (1 Peter 4:1-2).

I know, some of you are thinking, "Yuk, I will never let anyone run over me! Submitting sounds like I must put up with abuse." Submitting does not mean that someone should be able to take advantage of you. On the contrary, they cannot take advantage of you, because you willingly offer a peaceable solution to every situation. In reality, you have the upper hand, because you have brought about the Kingdom of God in the midst of their rebellion. This is where the Lord steps in, shows up, and does miracles!

I remember the Lord teaching me to submit to my husband years ago. At that time, he was lost, immature, self-centered, and irresponsible. I thought, "God, you must be kidding! How can I submit to my husband when I know he will make a mess of things?" Still, the Lord confirmed in my heart that I was to submit to my husband and that He would be faithful to take care of our family, even when my husband made mistakes or poor choices (vs. 4:19). Did everything go smoothly? No, not at all, but in the long run... we were never ashamed! You see, in order for my husband to rise to his rightful position as head of our household, I had to step out in faith and act according to Kingdom principles before there was any return on my investment.

Today, my husband is the born-again, spirit-filled, leader of our home that I had always hoped for. We now mutually practice submitting one to the other and we see God answering our prayers as a family - on a daily basis. Things that were once considered overwhelming obstacles to us are now merely opportunities for us to call upon the Lord - together - for help.

Remember: "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishith, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:" - 1 Peter 1:7. So while submission may oftentimes seem to be a "trial of your faith", remember this is exactly what pleases God.

Think of it in terms of a little child submitting to their parents. We too, need to submit one to another to bring peace, love, and joy into our homes, as the Kingdom of God takes up residence in our lives.

So get started! Stop fretting over your outward appearance and start grooming the inward parts (1 Peter 3:3-4). For it's the sweet, submissive holiness of a God-fearing woman that has the power to bring a man to his knees in worship to the King of Kings.

Blessings In Christ!

Deborah Ross

Deborah Ross Ministries
Strengthening Families & Encouraging Women
http://www.deborahrossministries.org/

Protection and Provision in Hard Times...

2009-08-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

THE SECRET PLACE OF THE MOST HIGH

In these uncertain times, I am sure that many of you may feel hopeless. As jobs disappear, homes are lost, families are torn apart, swine flu threatens, and the world schemes in hostility over how to "fix" our problems - life seems to be out of control. Where can you turn to for help? Where does your hope come from?

Psalm 91:1 -

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

I love Psalm 91! I think it contains a powerful word that is especially comforting during these hard times. In fact, some of my favorite "key" words from Psalm 91 are...

DWELLETH *** SECRET PLACE *** MOST HIGH *** SHADOW *** ALMIGHTY *** TRUST *** DELIVER *** TRUTH *** SHALT NOT BE AFRAID *** BECAUSE *** REFUGE *** HABITATION *** NO EVIL *** NO PLAGUE *** ANGELS *** TRAMPLE UNDER FOOT *** KNOWN MY NAME *** HONOUR *** LONG LIFE *** SALVATION

These powerful "key" words really speak to my soul. I am drawn to press in, to search for God's deepest thoughts, as I hold this passage up against the very "real" struggles in life that seem to be so overwhelming, at times. Without supernatural intervention, certain life trials are sure to cause even the most optimistic of minds to fail.

So, as I pondered the first verse of Psalm 91 which says, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty"... I found myself asking, "just where is the 'secret place'?"

Psalm 91:14 -

"Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name."

As I reflect on the lives of so many of the patriarchs mentioned in scripture, I notice they all have several things in common:

· the ability to HEAR GOD'S VOICE
· the FAITH TO TRUST IN GOD'S WORD
· the BOLDNESS TO ACT ACCORDING TO GOD'S INSTRUCTION.

These men and women of God "set their love upon Him". They knew God intimately because they spent each and every breathing moment seeking to understand Him. Their thoughts were continually aimed at worshipping the Lord, not only from within their heart, but also in worshipping Him by their actions. They sought to dwell in the "secret place" with God. They knew His name(s).

Were these Bible hero's perfect? Absolutely not; but they did all possess a sincere desire to please God in all of their ways. They were not afraid to be different. They didn't worry about what the crowd would say. These hero's of the faith lived a life that was so remarkably different than main stream society... even different than the main stream religious people of their day. They pursued an intimate relationship with El Elyon (The God Most High), and could not be satisfied until every word that God had spoken into their heart came to pass.

Psalm 91:2-3 -

"I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence."

The Lord is so pleased with us when we trust Him. He longs to protect us in times of trouble. His will is to deliver us from the snares of life. Imagine Him as a mighty umbrella. As the storms of life beat vehemently upon the windows of our soul, He says, "Run to me." He wants us to run out of the storm, and into His presence... which happens to be a place of shelter; a refuge and a fortress.

Psalm 91:4 -

"He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler."

God's Word is the TRUTH. Disappointing FACTS are only an opportunity to stand on God's Word. No matter what FACTS threaten you today, know that God's TRUTH will always prevail... when you dwell in the "secret place". The Lord does not force His will upon anyone. Even though His will is peaceful and full of His glory, still, He gives each one of us an opportunity to choose any path that may seem right in our own eyes. Oh, how He yearns for each of us to choose His perfect pathway that leads to victory. God has given us the manual for getting to the "secret place" and now He waits with open arms for us to seek Him out. El Yeshuati (the God of my salvation) not only wants us to find Him, but, He also wants us to rest in His presence continually.

Psalm 91:7 -

"A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee."

Do you really trust the Lord? Are you resting in the promises of God's Word; refusing to live in fear? Have you entered into that "secret place"? If so, Psalm 91:7 is a passage that should give you complete peace - no matter what the condition of our economy and no matter what storms may come your way. Even though thousands of hearts may fail because of fear; numerous homes may fall apart in the wake of stress; and multitudes may fall sick with disease; the Lord's Word promises us that those who dwell in His "secret place" will always have supernatural help from El Shaddai (the God who is all-sufficient and more than enough).

Psalm 91:15 -

"He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him."

Perhaps you have not sought to live in the "secret place" of the most High and now you are suffering the consequences of life's storms that have tried to overtake you. The GOOD NEWS is that it is never too late with God! Call upon Him NOW! Seek Him NOW! Abide in His presence NOW! He will deliver you and set you on high when you run to Him - setting your full affection and sincere love upon His every Word.

God will show you His salvation. The richness of His love - which rides upon the wings of TRUTH - will deliver you, keep you, and bless you forevermore. So, seek to dwell in the "secret place" of the most High; for it is there that you will abide under the shadow of the Almighty God.

Child of God, rejoice, because the habitation of the Lord brings peace... and through peace we obtain our victory! Now that's good news...Hallelujah!

Challenge: Read the entire Psalm 91, daily, until you get a revelation about the "secret place" of worship that brings deliverance.

By: Deborah Ross

Deborah Ross Ministries

Strengthening Families & Encouraging Women

www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

Getting Out of Bondage

2009-08-17T07:52:00.000-07:00

Friends of the World

James 4:4

"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."

Whoa! These are pretty strong words. So, what does this mean? Exactly what does it mean to be a friend of this world and why does James say that being a friend of the world makes us an enemy of God? Didn't God create the world for our pleasure? Didn't He give us dominion over all the earth through Adam (Genesis 1:26)? Can we not enjoy the material treasures of this earthly life?

Let's start our study by clarifying what a "friend of the world" really is...

1 John 2:15-16

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."

Here, the Apostle John admonishes Christians to beware of the subtle deception that is prevalent among those in the church. There are some among the fellowship, who claim Christ, but do not show forth the fruit of being a Child of God, and therefore, these impostors are dangerous examples of the Christian faith. John calls those who walk in darkness, while claiming to be Christians, "liars" (1 John 1:6) because they make idolatry, fornication, covetousness, and lewd behavior seem acceptable to those true believers who seek to live a righteous life.

1 Corinthians 5:6 -

"Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?"

We need to remember that it only takes a little sin (a little leaven)to lead us down the dark path of destruction. If we allow the lust of our flesh (our personal desires), the lust of our eyes (those things that are attractive to us), and our selfish pride (a know-it-all attitude) to dictate our behavior, we become guilty of being a "friend of the world", forfeiting God's covenant blessings that are rightfully ours, as Children of the King.

Galatians 5:24 -

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."

In order for the Holy Spirit of God to have full lordship in guiding our day to day affairs, we must practice self-control; we must crucify the flesh. As believers, God has equipped us with His precious Holy Spirit who keeps us from being entangled by the snares of this world - providing we surrender to His leading.

Satan knows this, and so, he is on a relentless mission to tempt mankind with everything this world has to offer. The devil is called the "Prince of this World" and he is a master at making the things of this world glisten in such a way that we will fall prey to his gestures, if we are not privy to his tricks. God's enemy has one thing in the forefront of his mind... to kill, steal, and destroy God's creation (John 10:10). He is constantly trying to lure us into being ruled by our carnal (natural, fleshly) minds - instead of being led by our spirit man, as God intends. Just take one look at television, billboards, magazines, or movies and you will quickly see how advertisements make everything from laxatives to obnoxious reality shows appear to be glamorous.

My friend, we are spiritual beings who live in natural bodies. The Word of God clearly tells us that though we are "in" this world, we are not "of" this world (John 17:16). Instead, our citizenship is in the spiritual realm and, in fact, as born-again believers, our citizenship is in heaven! On earth, we are merely sojourners (strangers or foreigners) put here for a short time to do the will of God. This life is only a vapor compared to God's eternity. Our passage here on earth (as far as scripture reveals) is for the purpose of giving God glory; to fellowship with God; and to "pass the tests" of life that qualify us for heavenly rewards on the day of judgment (James 1:11).

1 Corinthians 6:15 -

"And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

In the Bible, those who trust in the world's riches - the world's ideas and the world's methods - are called infidels. An infidel is someone who trusts in his or her natural senses more than they trust in the Word of the Lord. Really, an infidel is someone who does not exercise their faith; to put it simply, THEY DON'T TRUST GOD. Instead, they live in fear, trying to make things happen on their own accord in an effort to live a blessed life. The writer of Hebrews 11 tells us that, "without faith, it is impossible to please (God)." So, an infidel never pleases God, because he or she is always reacting in response to carnal instincts, instead of abiding and trusting in the Word of the Lord.

Some characteristics of an infidel include the following:
· One who is friends with the world because they fear man's opinion.
· One who is friends of the world because they fear a lack of material possessions.
· One who is friends of the world because they fear the unknown.

Be aware that "fear" can be a subtle unction. A person may not "feel" as though they are in fear, while in reality, it is their inner fears that cause them to doubt God and ultimately follow the world.

In 2 Corinthians 6:17, God tells us to "come out from among them, and be separate." While the inheritance of the Lord is , indeed, that of dominion, as well as, that of enjoying the fruit of the land, it has never been God's intent for us to be bound to the material aspects of the things of this world. Unfortunately, those who strive to be friends with this world are in the company of the vast majority, but God says that we - Christians - are to be separated from that majority. The Lord wants us to be free from the cares of this world in such a way that stress, guilt, and fear cannot torment our mortal bodies. In addition, He says that if we will first seek His Kingdom (His way of doing things), and His righteousness (fully trusting Him), then, all of these "things" that we need and even desire will be given to us (Matthew 6:33).

We need to rest in the fact that the Lord is not trying to withhold earthly pleasures and goods from us. On the contrary, His plan is to bless us with earthly and spiritual blessings, both now, as well as in the life to come (Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30 and 1 Timothy 4:8). It all boils down to us "trusting Him". When we trust Him with our lives, He takes care of us... and let me tell you, He does a much better job than we could ever do for ourselves.

So really, being a "friend of this world" is just another temptation from Satan. He is trying his best to rob each of us from our rightful inheritance by causing us to react with panic, fear, and doubt - instead of living in faith, peace, love and joy. The devil knows that once we get into the trance of idolatry (seeking to get things, instead of seeking to fellowship with God), we become enslaved to his evil authority. Satan's ultimate plan is to annihilate us. He wants to separate us from God in any - and every - way that he can.

The book of James is very short - only five chapters - but, I think it serves as a great place to begin to learn how not to be a friend of this world. I'd like to challenge you to read the book of James, and then, ask the Lord to speak to you about areas of your own life that may need pruning.

Galatians 2:20 -

Whatever it is that pulls at your carnal nature, I pray that you will be admonished to let go of this world's enticements, knowing that God wants to bless you - superabundantly! Remember, crucifying the flesh is something that all Christians must choose to do, daily. There will always be that temptation to follow the crowd, and the only way to overcome these earthly desires is to know God's Word, trust God's love, and abide in God's presence.

Yes, the Lord wants you blessed. He loves you and has great plans for you. Now, trust Him. Walk in the freedom of the spirit and don't worry about any of your needs. As you freely enjoy the provisions of this world that God allows into your life, rejoice, knowing that nothing has a hold on you! Truly, whom the Son sets free... is free indeed (John 8:36)!

Proverbs 10:22 -

"The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it."

In Christ,
Deborah Ross

Deborah Ross Ministries

Strengthening Families & Encouraging Women

http://www.deborahrossministries.org/

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Surrendering to the Lordship of Christ

2009-08-12T07:47:00.000-07:00

SURRENDER IS THE KEY!

Last week, I read a book by Joni Lamb entitled Surrender All (ISBN #978-1-4000-7375-7). While I sometimes find it hard to finish many books, because of the authors failure to draw me in, I must tell you that Surrender All is one that kept me interested from the first page... all the way to the last. The Holy Spirit is so evident throughout each paragraph as Joni shares so many testimonies where, either she, or, some of her closest friends have surrendered EVERYTHING at various crossroads of their lives, only to see God miraculously reveal His unfolding "good plans" - plans that far exceeded their human expectations.

Surrender All actually moved me to tears as I rejoiced with Joni's personal account of each story and how God's love brought each person from either heartache, pain, or indecision to a place of glorious VICTORY! As I read example after example of how each "breakthrough became a reality" - totally changing the course of each life mentioned - I was encouraged to surrender more of my life... even those parts of my life that may seem insignificant.

I really think "surrender" is the key that unlocks the door to the working of God's Word. So many times I've witnessed Christian's who try to manipulate God through crafty prayer and fearful denial, all in an effort to try and force God's will. While I do believe that we should "stand" on God's promises in the face of adversity (Ephesians 6:13), I also believe that our "standing on God's Word" should be done with a pure heart of humility that is willing to accept God's pathway to wholeness - regardless of our preference. (Have you ever noticed that God rarely unfolds things in our time... or in our way?)

Psalm 37:5 -

"Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."

The Lord is good and it is His good pleasure to bless His children (Luke 12:32). Our response to His love should be that of "trust". When we fully trust someone, we have no need to manipulate them; instead, we should rest in their desire to act toward our best interest. God's Word promises us that He will bring those things to pass that we deeply hope for. Not the selfish things of this world, rather: the hidden treasures of our hearts, our destiny, the purpose of our existence, the wholeness of our families, and the salvation of our souls. Every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17), so there is no need to fret over the haunting "what ifs"; those strongholds (thoughts) that try to persuade us to control our situation... instead of relinquishing everything to God.

Learning to surrender requires a "leap of faith"; one that is anchored in the knowledge of God's character. We cannot expect to know God's character unless we are, first, willing to spend time reading His Word. In addition, we must be willing to fellowship with His people by going to church regularly and we must communicate with Him on a daily basis through a prayer life that is more eager to "listen" than it is to "speak".

Time and time again, scripture reveals how God moved when His servants were obedient to His "rhema word" of instruction concerning the dilemma of their moment. I'm talking about a "NOW" word; a word that is specifically for us at our moment of crisis. The Lord does not want us to live on yesterday's word or off of someone else's word; rather, He wants us to follow His leading - step by step - as we walk through unknown doors of "choice". While He does give us a free will to choose any door of life that seems good at the time, He also tells us - in His Word - that He is knocking on the door of life (Revelation 3:20), encouraging us to choose the path of surrender that He has prepared for us. This is the best path. This is the path to victory.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 -

"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them."

One of my favorite scriptures is Deuteronomy 30:19-20. This verse really sums up the Christian journey as God prescribes the pathway to victory according to His perfect will. As we "choose" to follow after peace by "surrendering" our will, to His, the heavens open up, as the natural is overcome by the supernatural. The glorious wonders of the Kingdom of God are made manifest as we stand in awe at the evidence of our breakthrough. As darkness gives way to light and our breakthrough becomes a reality, God's glory is revealed. This is where our tests become our testimonies. This is where our faith becomes substance (Hebrews 11:1).

SURRENDERING ALL is the secret ingredient of the soul that gives FUEL TO OUR FAITH. While "surrendering our will to His" is in direct contrast to our fleshly nature, it is the only sure way to walk in the spirit. We are told that true worshippers must worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). As our spirit surrenders to His, He ushers us into His perfect will; a place of wholeness and victory. While He probably won't allow our breakthroughs to manifest on our timetable, I can assure you that He will not be too late. His timing and His way is always perfect. He is continually standing with open arms, inviting us to leap into His bosom.

What do YOU need to surrender, today? I pray that you will be able to free-fall into the arms of Jesus, as you "truly" trust Him with every aspect of your life. He will not disappoint you. Trust Him, today, with whatever it is that has caused you pain, unforgiveness, hardship, grief, or emptiness. He wants to take that part of your life and exchange it for His victory, His blessings, His comfort, and His wholeness.

Psalm 9:10 - "And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."

May you have a blessed day today knowing that God is for you.

I am praying for you!

In Christ,

Deborah Ross

Deborah Ross Ministries

Strengthening Families & Encouraging Women

www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

I love hearing from you!

Hebrews 11:6 -

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

Marriage or Divorce?

2009-07-23T13:44:00.000-07:00

Dealing with Unfaithfulness

Dear Beautiful Women of God:

I get emails and phone calls all the time from those suffering in marital hardships who are looking for hope in their situation - which seems to be so bleak. The question below is one that I received by email and I'd like to share it with all of you as a Remnant Woman writes the following...

Question:

How do you stand for a marriage when your husband just uses you and cares nothing about you? Especially when you show them unconditional love and they know you are standing so they use that to their advantage. What kind of self respect can you have for yourself to allow yourself to be used like that? Especially when your husband is sleeping with other people and telling them lies about you? Wouldn't God want you to be free to move on and live a new life? My husband isn't sorry for what he has done.

My Reply:

My heart breaks for you. I know, it is very difficult to live day to day with a broken heart that bleeds because of betrayal from their spouse.

I will offer you this one Biblical escape from your torment, but I must also add that this is not necessarily God's best. In Matthew 19 Jesus tells the Pharisees that divorce is permitted in the case of adultery, but, He also adds that divorce is permitted because of the "hardness of our hearts". Even if you divorce your husband, you must still forgive him... I mean truly forgive him. Remember, God sees the heart. While others may not know the bitterness that can be in a person's heart for many years or even a lifetime after divorce, God see it all. It is my conclusion - as one who has overcome marital adversity - that if I must forgive my husband, I'd rather fight for his salvation, aiming to win the whole prize (our marriage, his salvation, and my clean heart) than to face the arduous task of trying to truly forgive after a bitter divorce.

It is my belief that God will use us as vessels of Himself as we stand in the gap for those that are lost and living in darkness. Your husband is obviously lost and living in darkness. While it is very painful to love someone who is unlovable, we are also told that learning to love our enemies is what makes us more like Christ (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27, Luke 6:35).

As in 1 Corinthians 13:8, I believe that "Love Never Fails". As you pray for your husband, speak the truth to your husband (not in a nagging way), live as an example of Christ before your husband's eyes, and forgive your husband, God will soften your husband's heart as you create fertile ground for your miracle. It is not a quick fix. You will need to ask yourself many times over if you can withstand the challenge of this spiritual warfare, knowing that the devil will not back down easily.

As you ask the Holy Spirit for His daily guidance and protection, while placing yourself in the strong hand of God, He will take care of you, guiding you step by step through the process of this dark valley. God is all-knowing and all-powerful. He knows exactly what it will take for your husband to surrender and repent of his sins. God will use you as a vessel of light as you completely surrender to His pathway to wholeness for your family. Most importantly, you'll need to trust that your faith in God's Word will bring forth the promise of a restored marriage with a born-again husband. Many people come to the conclusion that someone will never change and so they give up the fight. I like to say, how long would you believe for the salvation of your child? How long would you commit to being the parent of your child, if they were in rebellion and sinning against you? Is your husband any more disposable than your child?

God does not want any to perish. He wants everyone to become a born-again Child of God. God does not want any marriage to end in divorce. He wants all families to remain whole. Knowing this, you can pray with confidence, knowing that God is on your side. The waiting and the suffering is not fun, but it is what every Christian goes through at some point or another, in some area of their faith.

Romans 5:1-5

When we suffer for righteousness sake, God works out things in our own lives that perhaps we didn't even know needed attention. He molds us and shapes us to be more like Himself as we surrender our will, to His. Though our surrender may be extremely painful for a season, we don't do it as one who has no hope. Instead, we do it knowing that God is faithful and He will not make us ashamed in the end.

We cannot change our husbands, but God can... and He wants to. I want to encourage you to pray the Marriage Prayer, daily. Also, I currently have my audio message of Faith, Forgiveness, Future posted at the bottom of this blog that you can freely listen to for encouragement - right from your computer. My teaching series of Root Digger, Not a Rug Sweeper (available on my web-site) is another valuable tool of encouragement that will help you during this season of pain. Finally, I have a new book titled, Healing a Broken Marriage: Love Never Fails . I highly recommend these resources, as they may prove vital to the outcome of your journey.

Again, you are ultimately the only one who can decide how to handle your situation. Divorce is permitted... but, it is not necessarily the best way. Ask the Lord to show you what to do - day by day - and He will. He loves you AND He loves your husband. He wants each of you born-again and set free from the bondage of sin.

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

______________________

Then, another Remnant Woman writes...

As a "seasoned Christian," I actually pray for God's refining fires however, when they come in by way of infidelity I find that I fail the test every time. When I found out about the last incident, that happened between my husband and my brother's wife, I thought I would lose my mind. I shut down in every area of life and depression took over. I felt like a lousy Christian because I was consumed by grief. I felt like the Lord would never be able to use me again. I had always been committed to my family in spite of the infidelities, however, this one had crossed the family lines. What made matters worse was she had just lost her mother to cancer the same month I found out and had gained all the other family members sympathy in spite of her indiscretion. I was told to just "drop it and forgive and forget." There would be no accountability, how was I to handle that? I was at the end of my rope, I just couldn't take anymore of anything. The pain inside was unbearable, so much so that I began cutting on myself just to relieve it! What kind of Christian cuts herself to relieve pain when she should be turning to Jesus for comfort and healing? The joy of the Lord is supposed to be my strength! I began to doubt my own salvation. Then the tears of remorse began to wash over me as I remembered the day I was saved and baptized with the fire of the Holy Spirit. There was no denying that to be true. Then the guilt of conviction kicked in, that I had abused my own vessel, God's temple, making me feel worse. Oh, would this merry-go-round of emotion, grief, and conviction ever stop? What was I missing in the lesson that I had to endure the pain of infidelity a fifth time? What are you trying to teach me Lord? I prayed, "Lord, please send me a teacher who will make it all make sense. Surround me with your "spirit-filled" people that will gently walk me through this trial so that I can be victorious this time." This is where your book found it's way into my hands and I rejoiced and cried as I read it. I said to myself, "This woman has the answers I seek Lord! She has Your wisdom Lord. Your Word is in her mouth and you have taken her on a similar journey and she has come out victorious!" Truly, Deborah, had it not been for your book, I would still be spinning on the merry-go-round in darkness trying to find the off switch. Thank you for shining your light through my darkness so I could "find" and "hit" the off switch! You gave me clarity where I could only see darkness. Glory be to God and may He bless your ministry ten thousand fold!

_________________________

To God be the Glory for every marriage restored, every broken heart mended, and every tormented mind that receives the peace of God.

In Christ,

Deborah Ross

Deborah Ross Ministries

Strengthening Families and Encouraging Women

http://www.deborahrossministries.org/