God Wants to Save YOU from Yourself!

He made a way through Jesus, The Christ, for mankind to enter into the Kingdom of God (in this life and in the life to come).

God cares about every hair on your head.

He wants to show you all of His benefits.

But the only way that you can clearly see His benefits is when you accept being born again.

Once you are born again, you'll be able to hear Him, understand Him, receive the benefits of His Salvation, participate in Kingdom activity and live forever!

The born again experience is the first door that you must enter to understand the mysteries of God.

SO, ... WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE BORN AGAIN, ANYWAY?

Here is the Bible answer...

John 3 (MSG)

There was a man of the Pharisee sect, Nicodemus, a prominent leader among the Jews. Late one night he visited Jesus and said, “Rabbi, we all know you’re a teacher straight from God. No one could do all the God-pointing, God-revealing acts you do if God weren’t in on it.”

Jesus said, “You’re absolutely right. Take it from me: Unless a person is born from above, it’s not possible to see what I’m pointing to—to God’s kingdom.”

“How can anyone,” said Nicodemus, “be born who has already been born and grown up? You can’t re-enter your mother’s womb and be born again. What are you saying with this ‘born-from-above’ talk?”

Jesus said, “You’re not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creation—the ‘wind-hovering-over-the-water’ creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life—it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom. When you look at a baby, it’s just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takes shape within is formed by something you can’t see and touch—the Spirit—and becomes a living spirit.

“So don’t be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be ‘born from above’—out of this world, so to speak. You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it’s headed next. That’s the way it is with everyone ‘born from above’ by the wind of God, the Spirit of God.”

Nicodemus asked, “What do you mean by this? How does this happen?”

Jesus said, “You’re a respected teacher of Israel and you don’t know these basics? Listen carefully. I’m speaking sober truth to you. I speak only of what I know by experience; I give witness only to what I have seen with my own eyes. There is nothing secondhand here, no hearsay. Yet instead of facing the evidence and accepting it, you procrastinate with questions. If I tell you things that are plain as the hand before your face and you don’t believe me, what use is there in telling you of things you can’t see, the things of God?

“No one has ever gone up into the presence of God except the One who came down from that Presence, the Son of Man. In the same way that Moses lifted the serpent in the desert so people could have something to see and then believe, it is necessary for the Son of Man to be lifted up—and everyone who looks up to him, trusting and expectant, will gain a real life, eternal life.

“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.

“This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Salvation is so simple and yet many will miss it because their mind gets in the way of their heart.

Just believe.

Be like a little child.

Lay down your fear.

Lay down your defenses.

Lay down your pride.

Lay down your sin.

Jesus is waiting to give you LIFE ETERNAL!

HE IS REACHING DOWN TO SAVE YOU FROM YOURSELF!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

John 3:16-21 (KJV)

"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.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

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.

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Deborah Ross Ministries

Deborah G Ross

www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

https://twitter.com/DeborahRoss_DRM

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahrossministries/

#BornAgain #Saved #John3 #Salvation #JustBelieve #KingdomCome #Heaven

Start a Fire... Fan the Flame

... The Power of the Holy Ghost

2 Timothy 1:6-7 (ESV)

"For this reason I remind you to FAN INTO FLAME the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

Have you ever sensed that God's supernatural power seems to be missing in your day-to-day life, while others seem to get all the miracles?

Do you ever feel empty?

Maybe you feel spiritually weak; or, at times, you actually feel defeated.

If you're in need of more LOVE, more POWER and more of GOD'S SUPERNATURAL ANOINTING, it's time for you to start a fire and fan the flame!

The Holy Spirit of God is that Fire! He (the Holy Spirit) will fill you... guide you... sustain you... convict you... comfort you... heal you... teach you and anoint you!

Jesus told Nicademus, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born-again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." This means that without the supernatural born-again experience as described in 2 Corinthians 7:10, one cannot expect to experience; receive the benefits of; participate in; nor, enjoy the fullness of the Kingdom of God in the way that God desires for them.

God has His Kingdom reserved for His children - alone - and while many seek to get into His blessings through an alternate door, there is only one door that leads to salvation. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is that door. Human beings have access to the door handle that brings forth salvation only when they humble themselves and repent of all known sin with a sincere heart of godly sorrow.

2 Corinthians 7:10

"For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation..."

Upon the true conversion experience, one is supernaturally changed from the inside out, as the Holy Spirit of God takes up residence and begins to teach the new believer the ways of the Kingdom. This is the indwelling Holy Spirit of God given to everyone who becomes a born-again child of the King.

Again, the Holy Spirit will:

• fill you
• guide you
• sustain you
• convict you
• comfort you
• teach you 
• anoint you

But... there is more! The Lord of all heavens and earth is a God of continual growth, continual healing, continual blessings and continual revelation. In fact, it will take us all of eternity to even get a glimpse of the magnificent wonder of His unfolding splendor, wisdom, and love for His creation. He tells us in His Word that He wants to take us from glory to glory in our relationship with Him. 

In the character and nature of God, and His never ending glory, the Bible teaches us how to go deeper with the Lord spiritually, physically, emotionally and mentally. One of the ways that the scriptures teach us to go deeper is in that of baptism. In the book of Acts, Jesus (during the time of His appearing after His death, but before His ascension) tells us to be baptized with water and to be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Jesus tells His disciples to "wait" on the promise of the Father and that they would receive the supernatural power needed to effectively share the Kingdom of God with the world.

Acts 1:5

"For John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost..."

Acts 1:8 

"But you shall receive POWER after the Holy Ghost comes upon you... Then, you will be witnesses unto me... Throughout all the earth!"

Upon a careful study of God's Word we find that Jesus actually appeared to over 500 people after His death but before His ascension (1 Corinthians 15:3-6)! Sadly, only 120 of those five-hundred "believers" sought the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room. What happened to the other 380+ people who "saw" such an incredible miracle? They actually saw Christ alive even though they knew He was dead!

This seems to be the same consensus within the church today. Some followers of Christ want more, while the vast majority of believers are satisfied to encounter Him only once - or, at least, only once whereby they relinquish every element of human control. Yet, Jesus gave clear instructions that they were to remain in Jerusalem until they received the promise of POWER.

Jerusalem is called "the city of God" and represents the dwelling place of God. Have you been waiting in the dwelling place of God (the secret place) for more of Him?

Acts 19:2 

"Have YOU received the Holy Ghost since you believed?"

If you are anything like one of the original 120 who were baptized (fully immersed) in the Holy Spirit, you might find yourself being mocked. The religious crowd that heard the 120 praising God in tongues said, "they must be drunk." At best, there will be some (even other Christians) who will think you are a little too radical and maybe even a bit crazy for diving in so deep with God. Anything other than mainstream is going to rub somebody the wrong way. Interestingly, Jesus was known for rubbing many (even the religious leaders of His day) the wrong way.

As I study the book of Acts, I find that there was always some sort of miraculous manifestation whenever new converts were baptized in the Holy Ghost. In fact, Simon (the sorcerer) was so intrigued with this manifestation that he wanted to buy it. He, like so many others, didn't realize that the gift of the Holy Spirit - with all of His power - only comes to those who seek more of Him and then determine to wait with expectation, believing for God to show up! So, what was this manifestation or evidence that that Simon saw when the apostles laid hands on believers to receive the Holy Ghost? 

Acts 8

"And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 10:45-47

"And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 'Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?'”

How does the Holy Ghost manifest Himself in your life today? Are spiritual gifts flowing through your life as described in I Corinthians 12:7–11?

The Lord wants to "set you on fire" for the sake of the Kingdom of God! He wants you to be a witness and "share" your story with everyone in your everyday life of influence. He wants you to be a light in a dark world.

But you simply cannot do this in your own strength. Even if you are a Christ follower, you are admonished by Jesus to be "baptized in the Holy Ghost." You see, the "baptism of the Holy Ghost" is what makes your words more effective. It's a mystery. But it is God's way!

Naysayers, complacent Christians, certain Bible scholars, denominational by-laws and religious leaders throughout history have spent way too much energy fighting against God's supernatural plan. The God of the universe cannot be put into a box. He cannot be fully figured out or defined. That is why He is God. He is beyond our natural intellect or human rationale.

In a day and age when the church needs the supernatural power of God to reach a liberal, legalistic, morally corrupt, spiritually confused, blind and desperate humanity - THE CHURCH NEEDS GOD'S POWER! God's supernatural power, that is. There is no program, no contemporary service, no praise band, no technology driven atmosphere and no sermon that can cut to the heart of a wicked and perverse generation without the power of the Holy Spirit. And... the Holy Spirit doesn't automatically show up just because a worship leader is energetic, the singing is incredible, the orchestra is dynamic, the band is phenomenal, the preacher is good or the congregation is mostly a born-again group. No, the Holy Spirit shows up when there is an anointing - the kind that comes from WAITING on God with a humble heart while EXPECTING Him to move in a powerful way.

Now, when the Holy Ghost shows up, He doesn't usually do things according to our organized agenda. Since God is God... He enjoys revealing Himself in all of His glory to individuals or congregations who will let go and let God. Anyone who studies their Bible for any length of time can easily see that whenever God shows up on the scene supernatural things always happen. These supernatural things can seem odd, uncomfortable and, perhaps, out of order to those who are bent on keeping God in their spiritual box of status quo. But... for those who are desperate for MORE LOVE, MORE POWER and MORE SUPERNATURAL ANOINTING from the King of Kings, the manifestation of God's supernatural disruption is exciting!

So, what about the speaking in tongues? This sounds really spooky to some - maybe even, too supernatural. But, Paul said, "I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all." So, Paul believed in speaking in tongues. He said that tongues would be a way for us to edify ourselves, and friend, we will need all the self-edification we can get when we get into the front lines of battle with God's enemy. When persecution comes, when trials come, when heartache comes, when doubt comes, when spiritual warfare seems unbearable - build yourself up in your most holy faith!

Jude 1:20

"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,"

In an effort to bring understanding concerning why some denominations, preachers, teachers and commentaries use scripture to teach against speaking in tongues while others use scripture to explain the value of this gift, I'd like to share an analogy about traveling in a airplane.

Person #1

Has never flown in an airplane. Maybe they have never felt the need to take an airplane as a means of transportation. Or, maybe they have a fear of flying and so they say things like, "If God wants me to fly, He'll give me wings" or "I can get to where I need to go by staying on the ground." Now, if Person #1 were asked to explain what it is like to fly in an airplane, they could either say, "I don't know, because I've never flown in an airplane before" or they could say things like, "Well, it's unnecessary. I don't believe that I need to fly in an airplane to go overseas; I can just take a boat. People who fly in those things are a little cuckoo. I've been traveling for thirty years and I've never once needed to take an airplane. Ooh, you'd better be careful in that thing! It's the devils way of getting around!" While Person #1 may have some valid points about their reason(s) for choosing not to fly, their explanation is from assumption and not from "experience."

Person #2

Is a frequent flyer. They've been all over the world. To them, flying is a gift from God that they want to take advantage of; and so, they are joyful that they can see and experience His creation from another angle. Flying is costly, but to the frequent flyer it is worth every penny. If you ask Person #2 to explain what it's like to fly in an airplane, they'll speak from their "experience" and not from their excuses, assumptions or practical explanations of how an airplane works. They'll be able to help you visualize flying even before you ever decide to do so yourself. Their description is so vivid and exciting that your curiosity will be awakened!

So, which person above would you want to get information on concerning "what it is like to fly?" Naturally, you would ask Person #2. The same should be true concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit with evidence of tongues (your supernatural prayer language), but for whatever reason many are listening to Person #1. Is it their own fear that brings them to accept the many reasons for not flying (not seeking God's power)?

Let me clarify that Person #1 has the right to choose whether he flies in an airplane, or not. Person #1 may actually love to travel, but just prefers to do so on the ground. In fact, flying won't make him a better person if he does, or less of a person if he doesn't. Choosing not to fly will, however, limit his ability to see things from a new viewpoint - far above the clouds!

In 1 Corinthians 14:1, Paul said we should pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts. So many Christians don't desire spiritual gifts. They are satisfied with their intellectual knowledge of God. Satisfied with church as usual. Satisfied with their reputation of high standing in Christian circles. In fact, many have been taught that it is wrong to seek after spiritual gifts because the implication is that God would be disappointed, since they are said to be by-passing Him to get to His gifts. And, quite frankly, many are even apathetic toward a lost a dying world so they have no need of supernatural power and the working of spiritual gifts in their life for the benefit of others. Have you pursued love (God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit )? Have you desired spiritual gifts?

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul speaks of the different spiritual gifts given to believers and how each child of God has a unique anointing for administering wholeness and healing to the body of Christ. In fact, Paul says that God will divide these gifts among obedient believers as He sees fit in any given situation so that He can work miracles, signs and wonders in the behalf of those who are desperate for a touch from the Master. Through these gifts, the Holy Spirit endows wisdom, knowledge, faith, healings, the working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, different kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. The miracle working power of the Holy Ghost brings healing of body, soul and spirit, deliverance, forgiveness, restoration, wisdom, knowledge, understanding and the manifold benefits of your salvation in Christ Jesus!

It is such a tragedy for articles and commentary to go across the Internet that attempt to explain away the fascinating wonderment of a supernatural God. God cannot be contained. He cannot be fully figured out. I am always wary of anyone who claims to have God all figured out; especially when their explanations take away from His incomprehensible power and magnificent glory - rather than magnify His mysterious wonder.

Waiting for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit after you've believed, perhaps after you've been baptized in water and maybe even after you've followed Jesus already for many years (so had the disciples) is certainly a mystery. Why do you need to? Why would you want to? What should you expect? How do you know that you won't get a demon spirit instead of the Holy Spirit? S-T-O-P! God gives good gifts to them that ask (Matthew 7:11)!

Matthew 7:7-11

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give "good things" to those who ask Him!"

If Jesus said to do it, why aren't we doing it?  If Jesus said we would need God's Holy Ghost POWER to impact the world in a life-changing way, why do we continually try to find a short-cut method or a more rational means for connecting to the power source? If Paul said we need to edify ourself by praying in tongues and Jude said that we needed to build ourselves up by praying in the Holy Ghost, why don't we ask, seek and knock for this amazing worship gift that unlocks the door to the complete nine-fold spiritual gifts of 1 Corinthians 12. These gifts of the Holy Spirit are there for equipping the church to express the fullness of God's love to the world.

God will work through a believer in a given situation to demonstrate His supernatural power. Why does He choose this method? That is a mystery. But it is probably because His ways are higher than our ways! Our role is simply to accept His ways and to embrace His heavenly endowment of power through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Nine manifestation gifts are listed in I Corinthians 12:7–11

• Word of wisdom.
• Word of knowledge.
• Faith.
• Gifts of healing.
• Working of miracles.
• Prophecy.
• Discerning of spirits.
• Divers kinds of tongues.
• Interpretation of tongues

The bottom line is this: It is impossible to LIVE a victorious Christian life without the Holy Spirit! It is impossible for the church to express the fullness of God's love without the Holy Spirit. It is impossible to plug into the supernatural power of God without WAITING on the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Don't let religion, politics, sin, ignorance, denominationalism, doubt, people, fear, false teachings, pride or unbelief stop YOU from receiving ALL that God has for you! Once God has STARTED YOUR FIRE through saving your soul, continue to FAN THE FLAMES of the Holy Spirit by seeking, knocking, asking and WAITING with expectation to be Baptized - fully immersed in His presence, His love, His power... His Holy Spirit!

And, if you've already been Baptized in the Holy Spirit, have you been continually stirring up the gift(s) God has given you? Have you been continually re-filling your spiritual tank by reading God's Word, Praying, Worshipping and WAITING on Him with EXPECTATION and ANTICIPATION?

Start a Fire - Pray for the Holy Spirit of God to Baptize you with power from on high to unleash His spiritual gifts in your life.

Fan the Flame - Encourage yourself in the Lord as David did. When adversity strikes, refill yourself with a fresh Baptism as you dive into God's Word, Pray and WAIT on His glory with an obedient heart and a surrendered will.

The Holy Spirit is that fire that gives supernatural anointing for miracles, signs and wonders. The fire of the Holy Spirit will cause demons to flee. The fire of the Holy Spirit will bring about salvation. The fire of the Holy Spirit is the electricity of the Kingdom of God moving around the earth and giving LIFE more abundantly.

If you feel like a defeated Christian today, why don't you pray for a fresh Baptism in the Holy Ghost?

Ask the Lord to raise you up with POWER from on high!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Listen NOW to an audio message (40 minutes) with Deborah Ross...

AUDIO MESSAGE:  START A FIRE... FAN THE FLAME

There is a popular Christian song on the radio by a band named Unspoken called Start a Fire. The words go like this...

This world can be cold and bitter
Feels like we're in the dead of winter
Waiting on something better
But am I really gonna hide forever?

Over and over again
I hear Your voice in my head
Let Your light shine, let Your light shine for all to see

[Chorus:]
Start a fire in my soul
Fan the flame and make it grow
So there’s no doubt or denying
Let it burn so brightly
That everyone around can see
That it’s You, that it’s You that we need
Start a fire in me

You only need a spark to start a whole blaze
It only takes a little faith
Let it start right here in this city
So these old walls will never be the same

Over and over again
I hear Your voice in my head
They need to know
I need to go
Spirit won't You fall on my heart now

[Bridge:]
You are the fire You are the flame
You are the light on the darkest day
We have the hope we bear Your name
We carry the news that You have come to save
Only You can save
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Overflowing With Blessings!!!

The following letter came to me from someone whom I have had aquaintance with since middle school (I am older than she).  Throughout the years, our paths have crossed here and there although we've never really spent time together in the same friendship circle of everyday life.  Beth still calls me Debbie (my childhood nick-name). 

This letter is especially touching as Beth unfolds her journey to the Lord in relation to how my book, this ministry and the weaving our lives together by the masterful work of God has touched her life in a powerful way.  Be blessed as you read!

PS - I love hearing from each of you!  Please let me know if/how this ministry has blessed your life.  Email me through my official website at www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

Love ,
Deborah Ross

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Debbie,


I finished your book (Healing a Broken Marriage) on June26th, Caroline’s 20th birthday.  It has taken me until today to try and find the right words to say to you and still I’m not sure how to express all the things I’ve been feeling.  I have thought about it everyday, meditated on it and prayed constantly.  Although there are many improvements that could be made to our marriage, I feel those things falling into place.  It is all the other blessings I have received from your words that I am most thankful for. I completely trust you and that God has brought me to this point in my life to hear you, hear Him and really BELIEVE.  It’s as if the clouds have opened up and there is a beautiful beam of light and I’m walking it in.  Never alone again!


I have grown up in theMethodist church and alternate Sundays in a Baptist church with my Grandparents.  I always believed in Jesus, I thought I knew Him—I saw so many miracles in my life and have been moved many times by things that happened I knew could only come from God.  I was baptised, went through confirmation as a youth, helped in many ways give back to the church.  We joined the Methodist church here in Marshville before we were married and attended there.  We then moved to Monroe where we were active members, I taught “Godly Play” Sunday school, was on the Children and Youth Councils and was a youth leader.  Many times I have chaperoned and attempted to teach on retreats for our youth.  I have done Clown ministry and some 20 + years in all aspects of vacation Bible School.  I have even portrayed Mary, the Mother of Jesus.  I have never, ever felt worthy of any of this.  I thought someone else would be so much better for the job than me!! What a sinner I am, I have so many faults and I don’t deserve this!  

Since at least the fifth grade I have known of you.  I was honestly curious and truly fascinated by the way you handled and presented yourself.  I couldn’t wait to see what you did next-you have always been strong, beautiful and smart.  I know I have told you this, but Louise Matthews (5th grade teacher) once told my father I reminded her of you and I was astounded.  How could it be? I could only hope to grow as a person  with poise and grace and better myself.  I know God was in the details.  Our lives seem to have been interwoven delicately, here and there throughout the years and I remember pivital times that were revealed to me as your book (Healing a Broken Marriage) unfolded.  I remember glimpses of you as a dancer, as a young mother, business owner, wife, teacher and friend.  There were times I thought back to when Iwanted to ask you questions, but now I know that you were growing and learning in God’s Word and I wasn’t ready to listen or hear-yet. At this point I also have to say in my young life how much I enjoyed having your sister, Crystal, around.  Even then you could see her light, pure and true and all her goodness.  I am so thankful of the days she was around and we just kind of ‘hung out’together.  She has grown into such a kind, beautiful woman full of love and grace. She has such a beautiful family-you both do!


Back to my point-I know I tend to ramble.  I feel like I had done all these things because it was the ‘right thing to do’.  I would get lost in studies and preparation for my task and learn and then repeat the story.  I would pray mechanically, be where I was supposed to be when I was supposed to be there and have the kids front and center.  Not until lately have I felt a true euphoric joy and the Spirit upon me and working through me.  I told my sister on Caroline’s birthday that I was afraid it was going to go away, what if I can’t do the things I have been called for? How will I know the right thing to do? What if? What if? When I finished the end of your book, I was so excited.  I said to Mandy, “What do I do now??”  I wanted to do everything! To be better and working to please God ALL the time, not just when I felt like it or when I needed to get something done.  I feel better, I feel new and I want to feel this way all the time!


For years I have been less than well, having several surgeries and consequently relied on prescriptive painkillers as a crutch for pretty much everything. I didn’t want to face things in my life, I was from a broken home, I was so bad-such a sinner.  I feel like I have prayed and prayed my whole life, asked for forgiveness, waited for something to happen.  I have put so many people I love the most through hell. A year ago in June I stopped taking all that I was dependent on.  I had been hospitalized for pneumonia and was sick of being SICK.  When I finished your book, I prayed the marriage prayer.  I continued reading and thought to myself oh, ok-  I’ve done this before.  Ok, I’ll read it again, it can’t hurt. So I read the sinner’s prayer and I prayed.  Guess what? Something happened Debbie, somethingWONDERFUL!  I am new, I see things with new eyes and an open heart, I can hear Jesus speak to me ALL the time! I am so grateful for my life, for my children, for my family.  I want this ALL the time, forever!


It’s hard sometimes not to be skeptical.  The enemy has kept me down and in the dark (sometimes literally) for so very long.  I can feel the things I used to think I loved,things not good for me, things that kept God from flowing freely though me just falling away.  It reminds me so much of that little precious moments child saying “Please be patient, God isn’t finished with me yet”. I know people have seen a change.  I want to be a good example like you are! I still have so much to learn, so much to do. Presently I am directing vacation Bible school at our church here in Marshville.  It is an especially daunting task as our church is a little down and broken, we seem scattered in the wake of receiving a new pastor and there is much unrest. I know I’m supposed to be here and work as hard as I can.  Even though I have worked a lot with vbs, I’ve never had to direct it and it has been particularly challenging having to get materials together and find resources. You know what though? I have prayed and prayed on it every day and it is coming together!! I know it's going to be amazing and that God won’t let me, US fail at this and teaching His precious Word!!


I love you Debbie, I always have.  You have never been anything but wonderful to me.  I thank God for making you who you are today and speaking to me through you.  You know, this is kind of scary.  It’s just more amazing than anything else. Sometimes I still just can’t believe it’s true.  I am coming to your retreat (Freedom Today Beach Conference) in August.  I can’t wait!! I hope my sisters can come as well.  Oh, and now I have a prayer list.  A REAL one!! Ha! I always said that-“I’llpray for you”-but now I have it on my phone and pray at regular intervals everyday and night.  WOW! It’s just….well you know!!! Bless you and all you are doing. I’ll be in touch!

Your sister in Christ,
Beth Traywick 

Turning Generational Curses into Generational Blessings

10 Ways of Turning Generational Curses into Generational Blessings and Getting Rid of Strong Holds... once and for all!
- personal teaching notes of Deborah Ross

1)  Must be born again. 

John 3:3 "...Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Jeremiah 31:29-30, "In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge. But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge."

2)  Transform our minds.    

Romans 12:2 - "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, ..."

2 Corinthians 10:5 – Says, “taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ”

3)  Uncover our OWN INIQUITIES and REPENT before we start blaming...

Luke 6:39-42  (also found in Matthew 7:1-5)
"And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"

4)  REALITY CHECK ... Know the Truth   

John 8:32  "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."   

Ezekiel 18:14-20 – You must RECOGNIZE the iniquity in your family tree and determine to do differently.  

Ezekiel 18:30-32 - Turn and LIVE!!!

Recognize it.
Call it what it is. 
Repent of it.
...Repentance – (means “change”, not merely remorse)

5)  GET AWAY... SEPARATE YOURSELF   
(from family traditions; from family mannerisms; from family sins; from family words spoken over you; from negative family expectations; from family patterns - such as: divorce, addictions, poverty, etc.; from all soul ties) - separate yourself from a lineage of sin 

Do not stop loving those family members who are in bondage, just stop all of your participation in their dysfunction.

Genesis 12:1-4
God told Abram (Abraham) to get away from his relatives and He would bless him and his seed (his offspring).

2 Corinthians 6:17  
"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you."

6)  WEAR THE DEVIL OUT!   

Daniel 7:25
"And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time."

Luke 22:31
"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:"

7)  Walk in LOVE.  

1 Corinthians 13:1-8
*Remember - Everything hinges on LOVE

8)  We must appropriate (apply) the Word of God to our lives in order for God's mercy to be activated...

dictionary.com = to take to or for oneself; take possession of.

1 Samuel 15:22
"Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."

2 John 1:3
Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Proverbs 16:6
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

Psalm 25:10
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Psalm 85:10
Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Psalm 86:15
But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

Everyone wants God's mercy, but not everyone wants God's truth. 

You can't have one without the other.

Generational Curses are broken when we live in TRUTH, OBEDIENCE and LOVE.

What INIQUITIES, GENERATIONAL CURSES, STRONG HOLDS do you recognize in YOUR family tree that need to be broken in your life?

9)  PASS THE TEST... APPLY THE BLOOD OF JESUS

Revelation 12:11 - 3 things for overcoming the devil: 
Blood of the Lamb - Word of Your Testimony - Love not Your Life unto the Death 

10)  CAST THE DEMONS OUT - Sometimes certain curses just need to have someone pray deliverance over the individual in order to cast the demon out of that person.

Mark 9:17-27   -  Jesus deals with what is apparently a generational curse (verse 21).  Jesus didn't have the boy confess the sins or iniquities of his ancestors, He just cast out the demons that entered in through the curse.

*More notes from verses Mark 9:28-29 - Sometimes we should go into prayer and fasting before praying deliverance over certain people so that we will have faith needed to cast out certain demons.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jesus already paid the price for YOU to be FREE when He died on the cross!


By FAITH, appropriate (apply) the blood of Jesus to YOUR LIFE and be free, once and for all! 


Walk in your freedom!

Galatians 3:13, "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To Read WHAT IS A GENERATIONAL CURSE - Click Here

TO READ MORE ON BREAKING THE CURSE CLICK HERE


This Study is From the Personal Teaching Notes of Deborah Ross www.DeborahRossMinistries.org
Mother in Zion Series

How to be Born Again

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/

LIVING IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN... FOREVER

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 HIM 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

What does it mean to be born-again?

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,
Deborah

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