Biblical Meaning of 2018

2018... EXPECT...

The Year of New Beginnings!

Lamentations 3:22-23 says that it is because of God's great mercies, we are not consumed. God's mercies are new every morning! 

Elohim - our creative, covenant God - is always working to bring us into new beginnings. 

A restart. 

A fresh start.

Our Father wants us to live, and move, and have our being - in His image. An image that is full of faith... full of power... full of integrity... full of abundance... full of love... and full of purpose.

Friend, God's mercies are new every morning. 

In fact, His mercies are not only new each morning, but He also gives restarts to each new week, the beginning of each new month, the change in seasons and even the excitement that only comes around once a year. The Lord has strategically placed restarts on our calendar to remind us of how we are to forget the past and press ahead toward the future - a future that is filled with expectation. A future encompassed by blessings!

In this blog post I have put together some bullet point facts that I pray gives you hope for what is to come in 2018. Grab hold of this mini lesson and claim a LIFE that is free from bondage and a NEW BEGINNING that has resurrection and regeneration power to carry you through the 365 days ahead.

Let 2018 be your year of freedom;

Your year of abundance; 

Your year of restoration;

Your year of favor;

Your year of peace;

Your year of joy!

It all starts with repentance - simply agreeing with God and letting go of those things the Lord has asked you to shake loose from. Allow the Holy Spirit to circumcise your heart (fresh and new) so that you will be found worthy to enter into this new year with confidence; a confidence that is certain of the loving care of Father God, who wants to bless every part of your LIFE. 

He loves you!

Enjoy these notes...

The Number "18"...

18 represents LIFE - The eighth letter in the Hebrew Alphabet, CHET means 8, and the tenth letter--Yud means 10. The number 18 spells the Hebrew word CHAI, which means life.

The primary significance of the Number 18 is LIFE, but since all have sinned and come short of God's glory, the circle of LIFE (as we know it) can take on the form of both blessings and bondage. Hence, Sin/Death are intertwined with LIFE.

The number 18 can also signify the end of bondage. In such cases, bondage is broken in the 18TH year!

Jesus healed a woman who had a spirit of infirmity that crippled her for 18 YEARS!

LUKE 13:11-13 - "... and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for EIGHTEEN YEARS. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, 'Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.' Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God."  

The Israelites were enslaved to Eglon king of Moab for 18 YEARS, but because they CRIED OUT TO THE LORD in REPENTANCE, God sent a deliverer! So then, they had PEACE for 80 YEARS! 

JUDGES 3:12-15 and 30 - "Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and because they did this evil the Lord gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel. Getting the Ammonites and Amalekites to join him, Eglon came and attacked Israel, and they took possession of the City of Palms. The Israelites were subject to Eglon king of Moab for EIGHTEEN YEARS. Again the Israelites cried out to the Lord, and he gave them a deliverer—Ehud, a left-handed man, the son of Gera the Benjamite. ... That day Moab was made subject to Israel, and the land had peace for eighty years.

The Philistines and Ammonites oppressed Israelites for eighteen years, but when the Israelites cried out to the Lord and GOT RID OF THEIR FOREIGN GODS, He saved them AGAIN!

JUDGES 10:6-8 and 10 and 15-16  "Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines. And because the Israelites forsook the Lord and no longer served him, he became angry with them. He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites, who that year shattered and crushed them. For EIGHTEEN YEARS they oppressed all the Israelites on the east side of the Jordan in Gilead, the land of the Amorites... Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord, “We have sinned against you, forsaking our God and serving the Baals.”... But the Israelites said to the Lord, “We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.” Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the Lord. And he could bear Israel’s misery no longer.

The Number "8"...

Eighth Day - Resurrection and Regeneration

MARK 16:9 - “Now when Jesus was risen early the FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven demons.” 

888 Represents Jesus

David was the 8th son of Jesse. He was God’s King for Israel after the disastrous reign of King Saul. David fulfilled God's will by taking care of God's people. He had a heart of grace which translates as New Beginnings after times of sin.

1 SAMUEL 17:12 - “Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem Judah, whose name was Jesse, and who had EIGHT SONS. And the man was old, advanced in years, in the days of Saul.” -
ACTS 13:22 - “And when he had removed him (Saul), he (God) raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.”

There are “8”... “And God Said” steps to creation in Genesis 1 (read Genesis 1 and count them)

The number of Noah’s family that stepped off the ark after the flood was 8. (Noah, his wife, his three sons, his sons wives = 8... this was a new beginning)

Circumcision on the 8TH DAY represents the New Covenant.

LEVITICUS 12:3 - “And in the EIGHTH DAY the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.” 

Be found worthy after being tried by fire and expect the 8th day, year, etc. to be Holy - set apart - as a time of New Beginnings.

LEVITICUS 23:36 - “Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the EIGHTH DAY shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a SOLEMN ASSEMBLY and ye shall do no servile work therein.”

There are 7 days in a week but the 8th day is the brand new beginning to a brand new week of new opportunities and new possibilities!

Are YOU ready for NEW BEGINNINGS?

Remedy: 

REPENT - LET GO OF FOREIGN GOD'S - TRUST GOD FOR HIS BLESSINGS...

because...

2018 is YOUR YEAR!

Psalm 136 (NIV)

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.

4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
5 who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
7 who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
8 the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
9 the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.

10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.
11 and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.
12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.

13 to him who divided the Red Sea[a] asunder
His love endures forever.
14 and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.
15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.

16 to him who led his people through the wilderness;
His love endures forever.

17 to him who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.
18 and killed mighty kings—
His love endures forever.
19 Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.
20 and Og king of Bashan—
His love endures forever.
21 and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.
22 an inheritance to his servant Israel.
His love endures forever.

23 He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
24 and freed us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.
25 He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.

Deborah G Ross

www.DeborahRossMinistries.org

#HappyNewYear #NewBeginnings #Hello2018

God Heals In Spite of Rebellion

Psalms 107:20 KJV

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

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

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

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

Psalm 107:21 KJV

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

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

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

2 Peter 3:9

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jeremiah 29:11

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

Psalm 91:6

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

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

Hebrews 4:16

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

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

John 10:10

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

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

Psalm 107 (NIV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Breaking the Generational Curse

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

BELIEVING FOR GOD'S BEST

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/

Protection and Provision in Hard Times...

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